Search found 102 matches

by hershey102d
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carpet Cleaning: how often and any experience with Stanley Steemer?
Replies: 12
Views: 2146

Re: Carpet Cleaning: how often and any experience with Stanley Steemer?

Used SS for years but was disappointed that they don’t clean the carpet next to the baseboard, the dirt called filtration soil. It needs to be cleaned with solution and agitated in order to loosen the soil. The stain can then be removed with a crevice tool. Acquired my own shampooer for $200 and now do a couple rooms at a time on poor fishing days.
by hershey102d
Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tilcare oral syringes (Not medical question)
Replies: 12
Views: 911

Re: Tilcare oral syringes (Not medical question)

silverlitegs wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:44 am When we had to give medicine for a period of time to children we got these from the pharmacy with prescription. We would pull the plunger out and put all parts through dishwasher
+1

Wonder why these are single use? We have a couple different size syringes which we have used for years for medicating pets. Easy to clean.
by hershey102d
Sun Dec 10, 2023 2:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Exercises for physical balance]
Replies: 43
Views: 5946

Re: [Exercises for physical balance]

Walk backwards.
by hershey102d
Fri Oct 06, 2023 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior Discounts
Replies: 33
Views: 3901

Re: Senior Discounts

Our county provides seniors a 25% reduction in real estate tax, called a “homestead exemption”. You must apply for it.
by hershey102d
Mon Sep 11, 2023 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Site Down?
Replies: 111
Views: 5486

Re: Vanguard Site Down?

Artsdoctor wrote: Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:19 am OK, just discussed with Vanguard this morning.

THERE HAS BEEN A SYSTEM-WIDE FAILURE FOR MANY CLIENTS AND I.T. IS WORKING ON THIS. IT APPARENTLY STARTED 9/7/23 AND IT HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED YET. THERE IS A WORKAROUND THAT APPEARS TO BE WORKING. YOU SHOULD GO TO:

ownyourfuture.vanguard.com/home/login

USE YOUR CURRENT LOG ON INFORMATION AND YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT.
Worked perfectly! Puzzling why other login pages no longer work. Thank you!
by hershey102d
Mon Sep 11, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Site Down?
Replies: 111
Views: 5486

Re: Vanguard Site Down?

Same issue here with desktop all day yesterday. Cleared the cache, cookies, reinstalled browser and tried a new browser. “Sorry, we’re experiencing technical difficulties.” This is almost certainly not you, it is them. I experienced the same issue on Thursday and I'm still not able to log on using my user and password. I spoke with a rep on Thursday and it's definitely their end so I now have an IT ticket. Everyone else on the account can log on but my log on advice is frozen on all browsers, computers, mobile devices--it has nothing to do with the IP address. The account is locked and the rep could not unlock it, and it definitely did not occur because of log on mistakes. They offered to execute any orders I wanted to place on the phone. ...
by hershey102d
Sun Sep 10, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Site Down?
Replies: 111
Views: 5486

Re: Vanguard Site Down?

Same issue here with desktop all day yesterday. Cleared the cache, cookies, reinstalled browser and tried a new browser. “Sorry, we’re experiencing technical difficulties.”
by hershey102d
Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any tips about owning a bunny?
Replies: 106
Views: 8896

Re: Any tips about owning a bunny?

gavinsiu wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 5:35 pm Just picked up the bunny. Set up an enclosure for now. Will let it run around when the bunny is acclaimed. The bunny is bigger than I expected. So far it’s rather calm and friendly, and is willing to sit with the kids. It seem to spend most of its time in the literbox. This may be normal for rabbits.

Image
Expect it to jump up on the carrier. Because rabbits are prey they will be less anxious if they have a covered box or den where they can hide and relax on occasion.
by hershey102d
Mon Sep 04, 2023 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any tips about owning a bunny?
Replies: 106
Views: 8896

Re: Any tips about owning a bunny?

Feed adult rabbits mainly timothy hay to keep their teeth worn down. They are built for cool weather so mine are indoors today as it is 90 degrees in KY. Rabbits are social animals and prefer the company of a second rabbit. Male/female pairings are easiest, then males, then females (dominant).
by hershey102d
Mon Jul 10, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Solved] Car Leaked on Landlord's Driveway
Replies: 22
Views: 3656

Re: Car Leaked on Landlord's Driveway

Your landlord is obviously trying to keep the new driveway in good condition. Since power washing, if done improperly, can damage concrete it would be wise to touch base with the landlord before doing so. No sense compounding a minor issue.
by hershey102d
Tue May 30, 2023 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625603

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

9 yr old auto . . . changed thermostat, hoses & coolant. Simple DIY saved $150 labor.
by hershey102d
Fri May 19, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 14268

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

Speed humps, not bumps. Effective and less objectionable than bumps.
by hershey102d
Mon May 01, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rear Brakes @ 15%
Replies: 34
Views: 3700

Re: Rear Brakes @ 15%

“I couldn’t repair your brakes so I made your horn louder.” - Steven Wright
by hershey102d
Sun Apr 30, 2023 6:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rear Brakes @ 15%
Replies: 34
Views: 3700

Re: Rear Brakes @ 15%

tibbitts wrote: Sat Apr 29, 2023 7:54 pm Ignoring for the moment all the replies telling you that you can replace the rear brakes yourself in three minutes, blindfolded and using nothing but a kitchen knife, $400 is somewhat on the higher end. Maybe normal for a dealer; was the shop a dealer? The price will depends partly on what exactly parts are being replaced.
Personally, I find a butter knifer to be preferable to a steak knife. Less chance of damaging the brake hose.
by hershey102d
Mon Apr 10, 2023 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unable to view or print QCD checks at Vanguard
Replies: 4
Views: 449

Re: Unable to view or print QCD checks at Vanguard

The “workaround” that I use is to have the check mailed to me, make a copy, forward it to the charity along with a letter requesting acknowledgement. I suppose that would make copying the canceled check unnecessary.
by hershey102d
Sat Mar 18, 2023 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?
Replies: 22
Views: 2363

Re: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?

Inspecting pad thickness is not a difficult DIY and even cheap pads will last 2800 miles.
by hershey102d
Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA--HR Block 1099R/QCD Glitch
Replies: 5
Views: 528

Re: PSA--HR Block 1099R/QCD Glitch

Suffice it to say that H&R Block software is not QCD friendly. There are other threads describing the work-around for QCDs from an inherited IRA.
by hershey102d
Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sub-$500 Home Improvement Projects That Increased Quality of Life
Replies: 135
Views: 23324

Re: Sub-$500 Home Improvement Projects That Increased Quality of Life

frost proof spigots, taller toilets, automated pet feeders, main water shutoff relocated from crawl space to first floor closet.
by hershey102d
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor Performing Work in Easement Without Permission
Replies: 32
Views: 3589

Re: Neighbor Performing Work in Easement Without Permission

One way to address #2 and thwart a future adverse possession claim is to draft a written agreement.
by hershey102d
Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-Bond: Can't Deliver Gift
Replies: 13
Views: 1229

Re: I-Bond: Can't Deliver Gift

Delivered a gift today . . . asked for account number only.
by hershey102d
Sat Dec 10, 2022 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time volunteering - suggestions
Replies: 25
Views: 2137

Re: First time volunteering - suggestions

Animal shelters love volunteers. Everything from helping potential adoptees with social skills to more mundane tasks. Be careful, though. You might end up becoming a failed foster parent and adopting.
by hershey102d
Thu Dec 08, 2022 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Faxing personal information
Replies: 19
Views: 1016

Re: Faxing personal information

What are the alternatives?
by hershey102d
Sun Nov 06, 2022 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor's lawn service not adhering to property line
Replies: 108
Views: 13152

Re: Neighbor's lawn service not adhering to property line

While talking with a neighbor about the issue is usually the best approach it is not without hazard. Working in good faith to address my neighbor’s concern that our fence and outbuilding were on her property (two surveys said otherwise) I was disappointed to later learn that she was secretly recording our conversation with a smartphone. While I didn’t say anything to be regretted it did violate my trust. A word to the wise . . . many states are ‘one party’ meaning that so long as one of the parties is aware the other does not need to be.
by hershey102d
Sat Oct 08, 2022 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone still carry cash?
Replies: 75
Views: 4256

Re: Does anyone still carry cash?

Went to a concert in a community theater this week and the artist had a souvenir table. The line backed up because the widget that was supposed to read the credit card of the fellow in front of me froze. I plunked down good old cash and headed to the parking lot. Technology is wonderful only when it works.
by hershey102d
Mon Sep 26, 2022 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! - Did I mess up I-Bonds (Gifts)
Replies: 19
Views: 1881

Re: Help! - Did I mess up I-Bonds (Gifts)

From the Treasury Direct website . . .

“Savings bonds purchased as gifts aren't included in your annual limit. Also, the purchase amount of electronic savings bonds you transfer, deliver as gifts, or de-link to another TreasuryDirect account holder is applied to the receiver's annual purchase limit in the year the transaction occurs, and not to your own limit.”
by hershey102d
Sat Sep 24, 2022 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: One Year Treasury Bill
Replies: 22
Views: 3866

Re: One Year Treasury Bill

exoilman wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 11:58 am
Bagels wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 11:06 am
FreddieFIRE wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 1:39 pm
Bagels wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 11:24 am Pros: provided a meteor doesn’t hit the earth, you’ll get your money back.
Cons: inflation.
How big is the meteor?
😂 Think big.
Ultimately, scientists estimate that an asteroid would have to be about 96 km (60 miles) wide to completely and utterly wipe out life on our planet. :shock:
No worry. The Fed anticipates a soft landing.
by hershey102d
Tue Sep 13, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: July 2022 CPI
Replies: 15
Views: 2143

Re: July 2022 CPI

vested1 wrote: Tue Sep 13, 2022 12:23 pm
Iorek wrote: Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:31 am
vested1 wrote: Tue Sep 13, 2022 7:40 am August 2022 CPI-W for SS COLA and federal workers just announced at 8.6%.

https://www.moaa.org/content/take-actio ... %20268.421.
Just noting federal workers pay is not linked to CPI
https://www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute/cola/
Retirees, not workers.
by hershey102d
Fri Sep 09, 2022 1:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bonds worth it as emergency fund?
Replies: 17
Views: 2142

Re: I bonds worth it as emergency fund?

Just keep in mind that you cannot access the funds for one year.
by hershey102d
Mon Aug 29, 2022 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 70s?
Replies: 357
Views: 32185

Re: Favorite music from the 70s?

runninginvestor wrote: Sat Aug 27, 2022 9:47 am Gordon Lightfoot kicked it off pretty well in '70 with "If You Could Read My Mind". Also, "Sundown" ('74) & "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" ('76) are usually in my oldie's playlists.
+1

also, ‘Carefree Highway’ (74) & ‘Beautiful’ (72).
by hershey102d
Fri Aug 19, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone battery life
Replies: 27
Views: 2496

Re: iPhone battery life

Can’t speak to the newest models but if you are a DIYer most batteries come with the needed tool kit. iPhone 6s was $25.
by hershey102d
Thu Aug 11, 2022 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boat Ramp Construction
Replies: 21
Views: 1890

Re: Boat Ramp Construction

Shallow grooving to increase friction is desirable in late summer when algae/moss clings to the ramp or on a frosty morning. Ramps tend to stay wet so creating a surface with some friction especially benefits 2WD vehicles.
by hershey102d
Thu Aug 11, 2022 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA and RMDs
Replies: 12
Views: 1216

Re: Inherited IRA and RMDs

Unsure if this applies to OP but DW recently inherited an IRA in which the deceased (93) was taking RMDs but had not yet taken one for 2022. That obligation becomes ours.
by hershey102d
Sat Jul 09, 2022 3:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fico8 scores
Replies: 30
Views: 2613

Re: Fico8 scores

yog wrote: Fri Jul 08, 2022 11:13 pm Here's Credit Karma's description on what impacts Fico 8 scores:
https://www.creditkarma.com/advice/i/what-fico-score-8

Among other things, it appears the utilization factor on a given card's credit limit can have a short-term negative impact on the score if it is over 30%.
+1.

Purchased a new HVAC last month with a Chase card (for points) and it significantly reduced the credit limit. 800+ score dropped 100 points, from excellent rating to “fair”. Assuming that paying the balance in full this month will reverse the short term negative impact.
by hershey102d
Mon Jul 04, 2022 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?
Replies: 217
Views: 25808

Re: What Do You Pay for an Oil Change?

Stupendous wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2017 8:22 am I do it myself so whatever the cost of Mobil 1 is at Walmart and a good oil filter from wherever. I installed a fumoto valve on my truck and car so it's easy. Paid $85 for 10 qts of Mobil 1 and a Mobil 1 oil filter for my truck.
Have a fumoto on my truck also . . . makes DIY easy. My spouse, however, drove over one of those free standing parking curbs you see in large parking lots. No more fumoto valve. 😕 At least she made it home.
by hershey102d
Fri Apr 22, 2022 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it financially bad to live entire life in first house purchased?
Replies: 124
Views: 14968

Re: Is it financially bad to live entire life in first house purchased?

Apathizer wrote,

[/quote]
. . . so if I make it to 80 I plan to commit suicide short after.
[/quote]

which perhaps should be offered as a footnote when offering investment opinions.
by hershey102d
Fri Apr 08, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on a side swipe
Replies: 33
Views: 2693

Re: Suggestions on lawyer to send demand letter out of state

. . . and why won’t your insurance company get involved?
by hershey102d
Sat Mar 26, 2022 5:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239708

Re: Another Tax Refund I-bond Purchase Question

I read the sentences separately. If a refund . . . you may request bonds up to $5K. Bonds may also be purchased directly in your TD account.
by hershey102d
Mon Mar 07, 2022 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skydiving, have you ever been?
Replies: 83
Views: 5450

Re: Skydiving, have you ever been?

Did not anticipate how loud the wind would be. Two years out from hip replacements and my tandem jumper executed a perfect touchdown. Go for it.
by hershey102d
Thu Mar 03, 2022 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Liability question about re-roofing my house
Replies: 21
Views: 2062

Re: Liability question about re-roofing my house

j9j wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 5:59 pm As a side note. I would not a hire a two year old roofing company.
. . . so how do they become a three year old roofing company?
by hershey102d
Mon Feb 21, 2022 6:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What it means for married couple to 'share' finances
Replies: 164
Views: 14504

Re: What it means for married couple to 'share' finances

What is mine is hers and what is hers is hers. :oops:
by hershey102d
Wed Feb 09, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Harness vs stair ramp to help old dog on outside stairs
Replies: 15
Views: 896

Re: Harness vs stair ramp to help old dog on outside stairs

A life vest which has a handle is an excellent way to take some weight off the dog’s hips. I use one to assist my fishing buddy, a 15 year old border collie, up steep boat dock ramps. In the past I built a carpeted ramp with protective side rails to enable an aging lab to use the back deck. Rimadyl is an excellent med for arthritic dogs.
by hershey102d
Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boat House Encroachment. What recourse?
Replies: 29
Views: 3595

Re: Boat House Encroachment. What recourse?

snackdog wrote: Tue Jan 25, 2022 8:17 pm If the margin of the lake is not arrow straight but concave toward the water at any point then at some point extensions of property boundaries on land extended into the lake will overlap. What then?
Which is why the OP will likely find that he does not own the public water. As an avid angler I would not hesitate to ease my boat up to his dock and skip a lure underneath. Just sayin’.
by hershey102d
Tue Jan 25, 2022 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boat House Encroachment. What recourse?
Replies: 29
Views: 3595

Re: Boat House Encroachment. What recourse?

How far out into the public lake do you have water rights consistent with your frontage?
by hershey102d
Mon Jan 03, 2022 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bucket list ideas?
Replies: 77
Views: 7822

Re: bucket list ideas?

Bicycle with your dog in a pull behind cart along the Ohio Erie Canal Towpath.
by hershey102d
Sat Jan 01, 2022 4:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car pulling to left after alignment
Replies: 27
Views: 2364

Re: Car pulling to left after alignment

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Fri Dec 31, 2021 6:36 pm Assuming you only hit front wheel on that medium.
apparently, the ‘tired’ psychic never saw it coming.
by hershey102d
Wed Dec 22, 2021 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three-season Sunroom Cost
Replies: 9
Views: 2754

Re: Three-season Sunroom Cost

Re #2 . . . FWIW a few years ago I included Champion while obtaining quotes for a four season sunroom. When informed that their quote was much higher than competitors Champion dropped their quote by $9K.
by hershey102d
Thu Dec 09, 2021 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rollover IRA vs Traditional IRA
Replies: 11
Views: 1248

Re: Rollover IRA vs Traditional IRA

Rollover is a titling thing to a regular IRA. At one time, many 401K's required roll-in to come from a proven 401K source, hence the rollover in the title. Today, most only want affidavit (self) certification that the roll-in does not contain any after-tax $. In some states, bankruptcy laws consider a rollover to be from protected retirement monies and not subject to bankruptcy. For your use, its an IRA, plain and simple. Go for the re-use. It could really depend upon whether OP's state is one where there are extra protections for "Roll-over IRAs" vs. other IRAs. I'd double check that before risking losing some possibly important future protections. "One never knows..." RM Will probably file this under ‘Now why did I do...
by hershey102d
Mon Nov 29, 2021 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD & letter of acknowledgment from charity
Replies: 8
Views: 943

Re: QCD & letter of acknowledgment from charity

Swansea wrote: Mon Nov 29, 2021 5:38 am Some charities are good about providing letters, some not.
That is one reason I set up a Donor Advised Fund.
Can a QCD be made to a DAF?
by hershey102d
Sun Nov 14, 2021 9:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much SAFE money do you have on hand, and where do you keep it?
Replies: 35
Views: 3250

Re: How much SAFE money do you have on hand, and where do you keep it?

In the event that you are casing everyone there is a mason jar with $63 in it buried next the forsythia in the back yard. You may want to bring a pork chop for the doberman.