Search found 1231 matches

by Freefun
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help Finding a Hobby
Replies: 76
Views: 6394

Re: Need Help Finding a Hobby

Join club(s) on Meetup.com

You'll be exposed to tons of hobbies and interests. You can try a bunch and see what sticks.
by Freefun
Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What got you out of poverty?
Replies: 111
Views: 13090

Re: What got you out of poverty?

Luck (mostly)
by Freefun
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5436

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

Got mine at Costco. I wanted to get them at my Dr's office but they were many 1000's more - I realize I would get superior advice, tuning and hearing aids themselves. The problem I had was their office and another one I checked only offered 30 days return policy. I read everywhere that it takes months - could be up to 4 - for the brain to adjust. So I went with Cost which, after my insurance, cost about $700.

Well - so far I don't care for them but I'm only 3 weeks with them so time will tell.'

I do have tinnitus but even the Dr's said sometimes HA's help and sometimes not. I don't know why they only give 30 days to return them especially at $5K and up.
by Freefun
Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice sought on replacing my Condenser
Replies: 3
Views: 506

Advice sought on replacing my Condenser

I could use some advice on buying a new condenser - any tips would be most appreciated. My compressor broke so I want to replace my entire 2 stage 5 ton non-communicating unit. Original condenser and entire coil and furnace unit is from 2014. While I know it's best to replace everything at the same time I believe the coil is working OK and I may have this house for perhap another one or two. Of course they can test the coil for leaks when they install the new condenser. I obtained some quotes from sales folks... prices vary quite a bit. Somewhat felt like buying a used car in that some people wanted me to decide quickly, presumably for special discounts lol. I like the first quote the best. The estimator was the most professional. Some othe...
by Freefun
Wed Feb 07, 2024 1:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Virtual Credit Cards : Yes/No?
Replies: 11
Views: 1765

Re: Virtual Credit Cards : Yes/No?

I also use Citi virtual card nunbers. I've stayed away from Plaid having heard too many bad things...

https://www.fastcompany.com/90715125/cl ... settlement
by Freefun
Thu Feb 01, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of moving to Denver
Replies: 59
Views: 6763

Re: Thinking of moving to Denver

I don't think I've seen Longmont mentioned... I'm also looking to move to CO and was looking at Arvada but I also like Longmont due to:
- proximity to Boulder (probably same as Arvada)
- closer to RMNP
- better high speed internet (apparently NextLight is fastest in the nation)

I also like the town in general as I've stayed there numerous times (as well as Arvada).

I love to hike and just be outdoors.

Any input would be appreciated- thanks!
by Freefun
Sat Jan 27, 2024 4:53 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

We had another great turnout today in our Houston chapter meetup. Some new members joined and it's exciting to have a growing group! Thanks to everyone for contributing to the discussion.

The next Houston chapter meetup is on March 16 1-4:30 at Oak Forest Neighborhood Library. If you want to attend please send me a PM (or if you're in our GroupMe group please RSVP there).

Thanks.
by Freefun
Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:42 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

We start at 2 today. Sorry for the confusion.
by Freefun
Sat Jan 27, 2024 1:42 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

We start at 2 today. Sorry for the confusion.
by Freefun
Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best cloud storage service
Replies: 11
Views: 1370

Re: Best cloud storage service

I use Google to back up my photos. It will not remove photos even if I deleted them from my Apple device.
by Freefun
Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house
Replies: 15
Views: 1478

Re: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house

If the seller didn't accept the offer, then there's no contract. Often there's some negotiation after one side sends a proposed contract to the other. If the seller accepted the offere then there's a contract. You would have to look at the contract to see what it says. Often it limits the seller's remedy to the down payment, though $8,000 sounds like a low amount for a down payment. Often there are contingencies. In a rising market, notwithstanding what the contract may say, a seller might be happy to let a buyer back out, so the seller can sell it to someone else at a higher price. In a falling market, a seller might not. During the 2008-09 crash, there were cases where sellers insisted on the full amount of the down payment in exchange f...
by Freefun
Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house
Replies: 15
Views: 1478

Re: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house

Certainly, I would make sure the offer has contingency clauses to get out of offer based on an inspection BUT...I would be more concerned about things you won't be able to put into the offer as contingencies that might impact your decision when you are out there. (not that these necessarily apply, but just thinking of things) Is there highway noise you didn't expect? Neighborhood isn't what you expected? Layout of the house doesn't flow the way you like it now that you get to walk through it? Did the pictures and videos over inflate expectations? etc. if it was me and I was set on that area, I would take a trip out and tour with the RE agent on available properties YMMV ETA - re-reading the OP, I guess you could write language that would l...
by Freefun
Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house
Replies: 15
Views: 1478

Re: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house

Where I live, HOAs are extremely common. The “buying offer” we typically sign here has language in there that requires the sellers to supply the HOA CCRs to the buyer. Then the buyer has 3 days after receipt to “back out”. It usually takes a while for sellers to,provide the CCRs. In some cases, I didn’t get them until closing. So that’s another potential loop hole if you will. But these things are pretty slimy in my opinion. Don’t make an offer on a house you haven’t seen. Sure if the inspections finds $50K in work that needs to be done, that’s one thing. But don’t go into it looking for a way to get out of it. I know this is the advice that the realtor gave them. Sounds like scummy advice. Yes, there is HOA and it is one of the contingenc...
by Freefun
Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question regarding backing out of offer on a house
Replies: 15
Views: 1478

Question regarding backing out of offer on a house

I found a home I would like to purchase based on photos and videos only (I'm in TX and home is in CO). The realtor told me I can make an offer and then after flying there and seeing it in person, if I don't like it I can back out. I asked for more details and don;t fully understand them- but I think this would be based on "my inspection"... if I liked it we would go ahead with a real inspection (licensed etc.)

Can anything go wrong here? I worry about scenarios where I don't want to continue to purchase but I'm stuck or would lose my earnest deposit of $8K.

Thanks.
by Freefun
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?
Replies: 94
Views: 15654

Re: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?

I don't think Schwab is better or worse than Fido or VG - I use all 3.

Have you used Schwab's portfolio checkup feature and report? That along with the positions page (and download capability) provides almost everything I need.
by Freefun
Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:35 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

The next Houston chapter meetup is on January 27 1-4:30 at Oak Forest Neighborhood Library. If you want to attend please join the GroupMe group linked below so you can RSVP there.

Agenda to be determined by those planning to attend. We use the GroupMe group and related docs to brainstorm and upvote topics.

Anyone interested in the Houston chapter are welcome to join using the link:

https://groupme.com/join_group/93193798/ER8gvpxA
by Freefun
Mon Dec 11, 2023 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does Aggressive Roth Conversion Make Sense?
Replies: 134
Views: 15970

Re: Does Aggressive Roth Conversion Make Sense?

Re the comment “ Using traditional IRA dollars to pay large medical costs, like assisted living with help for ADLs, can lead to large medical income tax deductions. So, it's as if the money is coming out of the IRA tax free.”

I was not aware of this - can someone please provide a link to how I can learn more about this? Thanks!
by Freefun
Sun Dec 03, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax treatment of Schwab cash bonus award
Replies: 15
Views: 2032

Re: Tax treatment of Schwab cash bonus award

They paid my bonus into an IRA and told me that nothing gets sent to the IRS related to that
by Freefun
Wed Nov 15, 2023 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you utilize AI (artificial intelligence)?
Replies: 126
Views: 12982

Re: How do you utilize AI (artificial intelligence)?

I’ve been using midjourney for some AI art. I like the results, but it tends to be slow. I’m going to try Civitai which is supposed to be much better.
by Freefun
Mon Nov 06, 2023 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: More than 200,00 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
Replies: 24
Views: 4715

Re: More than 200,00 AmEx Membership Rewards Points

I normally use mine on Singapore airlines because I like to travel to Asia in bus class.
by Freefun
Sat Nov 04, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422030

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Amex is, above all else, a marketing machine. Unlike other systems, Membership Rewards points have terrible value for less knowledgeable card holders. While Chase and Citi will give you an easy 1 cent per point as straight cash, Amex offers terrible redemptions like 0.6 cents as a statement credit or 0.7 cents for hotels booked through their portal or 0.8 cents spending points with Amazon. The Youtubers will then say that they have the Schwab platinum for 1.1x back and then happily have a referral link for you to use. The issue that I have with Amex cards is that it is a coupon book and to use all of the credits, or at least many of them, require you to spend differently from what you ordinarily do. Before you got the Amex Gold card, did y...
by Freefun
Wed Oct 25, 2023 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio
Replies: 649
Views: 113143

Re: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio

I was informed that my membership was due for renewal at the current rate of $25 a month. I used their chat feature and asked for pest promotion. They told me I can have the same rate I had before which was $6/mo ($7.75 total) so I took it.
by Freefun
Tue Oct 24, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422030

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

My amex plat is great. In addition to perks mentioned above it pays for my audible and Clear memberships.
Add the $200 airline fee reimbursement (I purchase airline gift card every Jan) and it more than pays for the fee.
It helps I have the Schwab version so I get a fee discount but I would have the card anyway.
by Freefun
Sat Oct 21, 2023 4:17 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

We had a terrific turnout and discussion today in our Houston chapter meetup. Thanks to all that participated.

The next Houston chapter meetup is on December 9 1-4:30 at Oak Forest Neighborhood Library. If you want to attend please join the GroupMe group linked below so you can RSVP there.

Agenda to be determined by those planning to attend. We use the GroupMe group and related docs to brainstorm and upvote topics.

Anyone interested in the Houston chapter are welcome to join using the link:

https://groupme.com/join_group/93193798/ER8gvpxA
by Freefun
Fri Oct 20, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rx sunglasses?
Replies: 52
Views: 5724

Re: Rx sunglasses?

+2 Costco

Their Kirkland brand has some aviator frames that I like with my RX
by Freefun
Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whole Foods' Palm Scanning Technology: Are you all in?
Replies: 44
Views: 4510

Re: Whole Foods' Palm Scanning Technology: Are you all in?

I like using Apple Pay with my watch. How would using my palm be any faster ?
by Freefun
Fri Sep 15, 2023 11:34 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

The next Houston chapter meetup is on October 21 1-4:30 at Oak Forest Neighborhood Library. If you want to attend please let me know as we have limited space (please don't just show up). Those that RSVP'd in GroupMe need not respond here again. If we exceed the max room size I can see if a larger venue is available. Agenda thus far (subject to attendee input) 1. LTC, self ensuring, elder care 2. 529's 3. Asset allocation, pre/post retirement, impact of changing interest rates 4. Roth conversion strategies We have a GroupMe group solely for the purpose of coordinating meetups (dates, locations and discussion topics). Anyone interested in Houston chapter are welcome to join (we used to do this with email but the dist list and long emails were...
by Freefun
Sun Sep 10, 2023 8:45 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

Houston folks- We have a GroupMe group solely for the purpose of coordinating meetups (dates, locations and discussion topics). Anyone interested in Houston chapter are welcome to join (we used to do this with email but the dist list and long emails were hard to follow and maintain). Click here to join: https://groupme.com/join_group/93193798/ER8gvpxA After joining please scroll up in the conversation a bit to see recent discussions and poll of upcoming dates, related logistics etc. We are looking at dates for our next meet- afternoon of October 21 or 28. You can choose or propose anything in the groupMe chat. Those planning to attend can then determine discussion topics. Given Houston's size it's challenging to agree on the ideal location ...
by Freefun
Fri Sep 01, 2023 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to pay for a new vehicle with cash?
Replies: 80
Views: 7298

Re: How to pay for a new vehicle with cash?

I bought a car at a dealer for around 35k and wrote a personal check. They didn't seem to care one bit.
by Freefun
Tue Aug 29, 2023 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Movies - Name Five
Replies: 277
Views: 24222

Re: Favorite Movies - Name Five

Groundhog Day
the man who knew too little
gloomy Sunday
pulp fiction
the remains of the day
by Freefun
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7772
Views: 1352289

Re: Schwab vs Fido for transfer bonus

I transferred my money to Schwab for their transfer bonus. I was also able to obtain a waiver, so I would not get charged fees when buying vanguard funds.
by Freefun
Thu Jul 27, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

blue_rh wrote: Tue Jul 04, 2023 10:14 pm I’m interested as well. I’m in the clear lake / Kemah area
PM sent
by Freefun
Thu Jul 27, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

tugboat tim wrote: Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:57 pm in oak forest garden oaks area == interested in next meeting...
PM sent
by Freefun
Thu Jul 27, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

Slantedtree wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2023 7:16 am
Freefun wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 3:13 pm
ThisTimeItsDifferent wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 9:42 am I'm interested. NW area.
PM sent.
I am interested in the local meetings. SW area.
PM sent
by Freefun
Sat May 13, 2023 4:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hot air balloon rides in TURKEY.
Replies: 20
Views: 2074

Re: Hot air balloon rides in TURKEY.

I think it's worth it for a once in a lifetime experience.
by Freefun
Tue May 09, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you use cash?
Replies: 218
Views: 12631

Re: Do you use cash?

I don’t remember the last time I used cash, or even wrote a check.
by Freefun
Tue May 09, 2023 3:13 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

ThisTimeItsDifferent wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 9:42 am I'm interested. NW area.
PM sent.
by Freefun
Tue May 09, 2023 3:12 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

avasarpk wrote: Tue May 09, 2023 8:46 am Hello, I am new to the Bogleheads forum. I am interested to join the meet as well. I live in Sugarland Area.
Welcome to the forum !

Sent you a PM.
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BRK Dumps billions in stocks, buys Treasuries
Replies: 162
Views: 18185

Re: BRK Dumps billions in stocks, buys Treasuries

He's constantly creating new side hustles (LLCs) as workarounds to circumvent the TD 10k I-bond limit.
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BRK Dumps billions in stocks, buys Treasuries
Replies: 162
Views: 18185

Re: BRK Dumps billions in stocks, buys Treasuries

Lawrence of Suburbia wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 2:24 pm Warren's never been a member here, has he? :mrgreen:

I've been eyeing VFISX, myself ...
He’s a lurker lol. Still trying to figure out how to stay the course.
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX Plat - 150,000 points
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: AMEX Plat - 150,000 points

Hmmm…. Lots of positive thoughts about this card it seems. But for one to maybe two family vacations a year does it pay off? I never travel for work. Supposedly you can use points for money to invest at Schwab also, at a higher rate than otherwise. But the Schwab card doesn’t seem to have this bonus offer. I find using Amex for customer service much easier than anyone else. I just called them to dispute a charge with an airline and it took me less than a minute and everything was done. I have much more difficulty with Chase (painful) and Citibank (painful x 1000). Other Amex services not usually mentioned are things like global concierge. I've used them to book reservations at restaurants that would not take requests from me, but did from ...
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

Allan wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 2:50 pm Inner Looper (Memorial Park area) interested, would love to get notification other than just seeing it on the forum.
PM sent.
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX Plat - 150,000 points
Replies: 23
Views: 3655

Re: AMEX Plat - 150,000 points

I love this card and find the fee more than covered by the benefits. I usually use points for Singapore airlines.
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724166

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

wbarabas wrote: Tue May 24, 2022 5:31 pm Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. Really good read about how our attention span has decreased over the years from electronics, to food, sleep, pollution. I enjoyed this!
Very good book and easy read!

I think the kindle version is on sale for $3

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093G ... UTF8&psc=1
by Freefun
Sun May 07, 2023 2:04 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 58605

Re: Houston Chapter

We may have our next Houston meet up later this month (20 or 21). Happy to have others in the area join either the meet up and/or our group convo to discuss dates, topics etc. Drop me a pm if interested !
by Freefun
Sat May 06, 2023 9:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab - settlement account pays close to nothing heads up
Replies: 48
Views: 11181

Re: Schwab - settlement account pays close to nothing

Doc wrote: Fri May 05, 2023 3:04 pm
TomatoTomahto wrote: Fri May 05, 2023 2:56 pm I keep very little in the settlement fund. Not a problem for me.
Ditto.
Ditto Ditto.
by Freefun
Sat May 06, 2023 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: <Money Management - Travel to France>
Replies: 38
Views: 2734

Re: <Money Management - Travel to France>

You can get rid of foreign cash before coming home by going to a Starbucks and putting it on a Starbucks gift card which you can use anywhere
by Freefun
Sat May 06, 2023 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: prepaid debit cards for phone bills
Replies: 87
Views: 7392

Re: prepaid debit cards for phone bills

If you don’t mind I’m very interested to know why you wouldn’t simply use a credit card or a debit card tied to a checking or savings account. Cheers 1) The autopay discount with credit card no longer work for this carrier starting in May. 2) I do not trust debit card tied to my account. My checking account has too much money to be exposed. 3) I may have to setup another account just for this bill if all else failed. KlangFool I can't help specifically with prepaid debit cards however I do have threat mitigation strategies for my own auto pay scenarios. I use a variety of checking accounts at different banks. I call these "buffer" accounts because they are not tied to my main brokerage accounts and if something goes wrong I wont ...