Search found 689 matches

by TexasPE
Thu Mar 21, 2024 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4660

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

Connections to DFW are terrible for us. AA only flies this feeder route twice/three times a day from our city, and 'on time' is scored as 71% - (per the AA website up to 14 minutes late is still "on time"). Her connections were always 50 minutes or less.

My wife was commuting weekly via AA to support a sick relative in Florida, but gave up after several missed connections and started making the 90-minute drive to IAH for departure.
by TexasPE
Thu Mar 21, 2024 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap Plan G: Any Reason To Not Shop Soley By Price?
Replies: 23
Views: 1740

Re: Medigap Plan G: Any Reason To Not Shop Soley By Price?

kd2008 wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 3:10 pm Read up on dead pooling. Mutual of Omaha and increasingly other companies formm pools of participants by offering lower initial rate and then raising those later putting the group into a death spiral.

Search other threads on the forum
+1 This happened to me - premiums went from $120 per month (2/19) to $290 per month (11/23).Note that this was recommended to me by a broker. Just signed my wife for the United Healthcare plan - appears to have a much lower rate of increase. I have a medical condition that won't allow other companies to underwrite me.
by TexasPE
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volunteering experiences
Replies: 52
Views: 5647

Re: Volunteering experiences

I was a docent at ... My main interest was in public speaking (I did it for a living and missed it). I still miss speaking in public ... I recommend Toastmasters to you. With your background, you would be an excellent mentor for less-experienced members. Clubs often have a Speakers Bureau-providing presenters to local organizations. One Toastmasters activity I volunteer in is their Gavel Club program. This brings Toastmasters' public speaking and leadership training to institutions. Many inmates are poor communicators - participating in a Gavel Club gives the inmates the ability to express themselves to others, at a job interview, parole hearing, etc. Contact a local Toastmasters club for more details. https://www.toastmasters.org/find-a-c...
by TexasPE
Wed Mar 20, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best sequence to begin a custom home build?
Replies: 6
Views: 611

Re: best sequence to begin a custom home build?

We found a well-respected builder we liked through a local realtor. The builder had a small operation - having 4 'spec'/ custom homes in various stages of completion. This allowed him to keep his crews busy and not lose them to another employer. For our current home, we found one of his floor plans we liked. The home matching the original floor plan was sold but unoccupied for several weeks. He gave us a set of blueprints to mark up and loaned us the keys so we could spend time in it with a tape measure. We modified the floor plan (added 600 sq. ft., a half-bath, gas vs electric kitchen, added 8 ft. depth to back of garage for storage, wider garage door (for my motorcycle), 2 feet to all four bedrooms, a second fireplace, 4 feet to dining r...
by TexasPE
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yearly AC tune up?
Replies: 14
Views: 2140

Re: Yearly AC tune up?

I had a 10 year P&L warranty that required annual 'tune-ups'. I had that too. Part of being on their service plan is also that you get priority when you get have a problem and I have found that to be true. I live in Atlanta where there are a couple of months in the summer when you would not want to be without AC and you would be hard pressed to get A/C service as a new customer when it is 90+ degrees and humid. I mitigate this by having a window A/C unit in storage, purchased from my employer for $50 after they loaned it to an employee for post-hurricane relief (they sold 30+ of these slightly used machines to eliminate storage). I use the unit for post-hurricane cooling (using a gasoline generator) until power is restored but it also ...
by TexasPE
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents building a new house - how should they pay for it?
Replies: 62
Views: 5096

Re: Parents building a new house - how should they pay for it?

Talk to the builder. For our current home, we found one of his floor plans we liked. The home matching the original floor plan was sold but unoccupied for several weeks. He gave us a set of blueprints to mark up and loaned us the keys so we could spend time in it. We modified it (added 600 sq. ft., a half-bath, gas vs electric kitchen, added 8 ft. depth to back of garage for storage, wider garage door, 2 feet to all four bedrooms, 4 feet to dining room. He then built the modified floor plan on one of his lots. He gave us reasonable allowances for floor coverings, wallpaper, cabinetry, paint, hardware, appliances etc. that allowed my wife to choose everything to her liking. We chose a single story floor plan with wide internal/ external door...
by TexasPE
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yearly AC tune up?
Replies: 14
Views: 2140

Re: Yearly AC tune up?

I had a 10 year P&L warranty that required annual 'tune-ups'. Once it expired, changing filters are it for me. I did purchase starting capacitors that fit my units - they cost $15 each, are relatively easy to replace (screwdriver only, ~10 minutes following a Youtube video), and avoid a $300 service charge. :moneybag :moneybag :moneybag
by TexasPE
Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?
Replies: 43
Views: 4595

Re: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?

My recommendation is to find your company’s Director of Benefits. They probably have a contact with Delta Dental, an account manager type. They are highly motivated to find a resolution as they are dealing directly their decision making customer. This method was by far the most effective method of managing disputed claims. You just won’t win working through the normal process. It’s designed to wear you down and make you give up. In my experience my employer self-insured employee benefits (medical, dental, etc). The 'insurer' just processed the claims - the company actually paid the claim. I appealed several denials over the years (several thousand dollars in total) to the employer's Director of Benefits and the company always agreed with m...
by TexasPE
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Out of Network Dentist - Why That May Be Good News
Replies: 4
Views: 1290

Out of Network Dentist - Why That May Be Good News

More fodder for the 'do I want/ need dental insurance' discussion.

https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/out-o ... k-dentist/
by TexasPE
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund
Replies: 61
Views: 5724

Re: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund

I haven't found a good example of cleaning up the chip before repairing, and I haven't seen professionals doing this. I assume the objective is to drill out the chip and then polish the resulting surface (before filling, obviously), but drilling glass is tricky since you can't press hard, and you have to avoid getting the drill stuck on the side of the chip. I'm not sure how the laminated material in the windshield changes how you'd want to drill, or what kind of bit would work best. Since Bogleheads d-i-y everything, I'm confident someone here will be an expert and have suggestions. My understanding is that chips are no longer drilled out. I've used a repair kit at least six times over the years to repair various vehicles. To start the re...
by TexasPE
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airport vs city car rental
Replies: 5
Views: 759

Re: Airport vs city car rental

Depending on the city and airport there very likely will be a batter chance of getting the vehicle you reserve at the airport. Airport rental locations at major airports have a ton of cars where city locations typically have much fewer vehicles. If you are getting a standard class vehicle this isn’t an issue. As for staffing, airports staffing is typically mapped to flight schedules opposed to traditional 8-5 hours. The rental car company matters too. I find Hertz and Enterprise often are more likely to have what you reserved vs some of the smaller brands (even though they are part of same conglomerate). +1. My experience (Hertz, Enterprise) is that off-airport locations may have you wait before your desired car class is returned by anothe...
by TexasPE
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5435

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

I decided to have an unbiased hearing test to see whether I needed to consider hearing aids. I occasionally use closed captioning on TV, and a hearing-impaired friend sometimes says I am mumbling. I contacted the Audiology department at a nearby university for testing. They made an immediate appointment for me. I was seen and tested by a team of 3: a supervising Audiology program instructor, a 4th year student and a 1st year student. They checked me for hearing loss as a function of frequency, middle ear issues, and speech comprehension (speech to noise) at different ratios. The exam took an hour, and there was no charge. They gave me a copy of the results. I have age-related (70+) high frequency loss, but speech comprehension was excellent...
by TexasPE
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund
Replies: 61
Views: 5724

Re: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund

bikechuck wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:27 am
Is this something that we should just pay out of pocket or is it something that we should submit to our Insurance Co. ?
My insurance (2 vehicles) went up 15% because I had 3 glass claims in 3 years - one of the three was a chip repair. Get the $20 kit and spend 30 minutes doing the repair yourself.
by TexasPE
Tue Feb 13, 2024 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance
Replies: 43
Views: 6172

Re: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance

If you received your coverage through an employer, the company may actually self-insure (self-pay the claims) and have the insurance company process the paperwork for a fee. If this is the case, your HR should have an ombudsman. I made several successful appeals, amounting to thousands of dollars, through the ombudsman for coverage for items the insurance processor initially denied. YMMV.
by TexasPE
Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 4008

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

VITA/ TAXAide volunteer through April - 8 hrs/ week
ABET STEM auditor for colleges and universities July-November ~8 hrs. per week +3 day site visit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABET
Literacy volunteer through city library (Adult literacy at local minimum security prison, GED tutoring (Algebra and Geometry))
Gavel Club (Toastmasters for institutions) - 8 hrs/ month at local prisons
https://www.toastmasters.org/membership ... avel-clubs
Church-usher/ teach second grade bible study
Misc opportunities
https://www.setrpc.org/rsvp/
by TexasPE
Sun Feb 11, 2024 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 174
Views: 16225

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

jaqenhghar wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:50 am I recently tried Red Barron's supreme and meat trio pizzas. Was very pleasantly surprised. Stuck in the air fryer for a few minutes and it was quite tasty!
+! (pepperoni and sausage, original crust).
by TexasPE
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43353

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Happy Birthday! You have made a difference!
by TexasPE
Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it make sense for parents to drop Genworth LTC policy?
Replies: 49
Views: 7489

Re: Does it make sense for parents to drop Genworth LTC policy?

Stinky wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 9:32 am
TeenyBitBlue wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 3:36 am Currently, we are feeling inclined to take this opportunity to drop most of the coverage. The rationale is……..
Welcome to the Forum!

I am a Genworth policyholder and was presented with the same opportunity. I am in generally the same position as your parents.

I took the opportunity to “drop most of the coverage” for the same reasons that you enumerate. I believe those to be very sound reasons.

I would support your “inclination”.
+1 My situation and reasoning exactly.
by TexasPE
Thu Jan 04, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13124

Re: Tips on car rental

bluebolt wrote: Wed Dec 20, 2023 1:06 am If you are going to be traveling in an area with electronic tolls, check the policy of the company you are renting from. Some charge $10/day for each day you use their transponder, plus the cost of the tolls.
Useful link to an article regarding rental car tolls

https://blog.autoslash.com/use-your-e-z ... ign=010224
by TexasPE
Sun Dec 31, 2023 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: We want a new holiday dessert
Replies: 53
Views: 6919

Re: We want a new holiday dessert

Miriam2 wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2023 4:12 pm
TexasPE wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:26 pm Give this a look...

https://thesassybarn.com/2021/11/04/app ... casserole/

2 ingredients, 5 minute prep, 30 minutes in the oven. We've taken it to multiple holiday parties - it's always eaten completely, with requests for the recipe. We enjoy the blueberry and apple varieties.
What are "cans of cinnamon rolls?" Do they mean the refrigerated roll of rolls that are not yet baked? And are they are cut while the raw dough is just out of the can roll and unbaked?
Unbaked refrigerated rolls
Cut while the dough is raw
We use Pillsbury brand. One "Grand" can is equal to two regular cans.
by TexasPE
Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: We want a new holiday dessert
Replies: 53
Views: 6919

Re: We want a new holiday dessert

Give this a look...

https://thesassybarn.com/2021/11/04/app ... casserole/

2 ingredients, 5 minute prep, 30 minutes in the oven. We've taken it to multiple holiday parties - it's always eaten completely, with requests for the recipe. We enjoy the blueberry and apple varieties.
by TexasPE
Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?
Replies: 202
Views: 30949

Re: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?

My friend's parents have announced they will leave an unequal distribution because they have been providing support to one child for 25 years already due to her bad decisions. They will give what they have spent on child #1 to child #2 and the balance will be split equally. In this case, the split is equal over time but unequal upon distribution at the end. Both kids know. Child #1 was very resentful initially but since being told has been more self-reliant. Something similar with my parents. Two siblings used them as ATMs for multiple "loans" for ~15 years, loans that were never repaid. My parents left me and a third responsible sibling several thousands dollars each (probably 25% of what they actually gave to the spendthrifts) ...
by TexasPE
Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13124

Re: Tips on car rental

SheReadsHere719 wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 6:11 pm Another vote for Costco. I also recommend plugging the reservation into AutoSlash, which will alert you if there’s a price drop.
+1 for autoslash
https://www.autoslash.com/
It asks you about all potential discounts via affiliation, finds the lowest 'all-in' price, and takes you to priceline.com for the booking. They offer prepaid and pay at pickup options. They will also track your reservations and alert you of price drops.
https://www.autoslash.com/track
and allow you to select the companies they search - I only look at first-tier companies. Joining the car rental company's free renter programs often allows you to skip the counter and go directly to your car group and select your vehicle.
by TexasPE
Thu Dec 07, 2023 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Migrating files to a new computer by cable
Replies: 15
Views: 2062

Re: Migrating files to a new computer by cable

Would this cable work?

https://www.amazon.com/GiGimundo-Thunde ... r=8-6&th=1

If a cable solution doesn't exist, consider using Google drive, OneDrive or similar. My PC died several months ago (processor failure) and it was simple to access and import all my data files via OneDrive.
by TexasPE
Tue Dec 05, 2023 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pirate Ship - Save Up to 89%
Replies: 32
Views: 6518

Re: Pirate Ship - Save Up to 89%

Paypal also has a shipping function

https://paypal.shipstation.com/orders

I believe it retained this functionality when PayPal was spun off eBay
by TexasPE
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vent over an oven range
Replies: 56
Views: 6252

Re: Vent over an oven range

michaeljc70 wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:51 pm
GAAP wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:40 pm

If it burns something, this is a safety hazard, and you shouldn't use the appliance until you have venting -- CO is deadly.
.
I had a ventless gas fireplace for 10 years. We're all still alive.
+1 Gas cooktop/ double gas oven for 34 years - these concerns are overblown IMHO.
by TexasPE
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS labels: cover with clear tape or not?
Replies: 32
Views: 4080

Re: USPS labels: cover with clear tape or not?

rjbraun wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:44 pm I regularly cover the mailing label with clear tape and have had no issues for both USPS and FedEx packages (UPS probably, too). (I ship now and then, not operating a mail-order business or anything :wink: )
I've sold thousands of used books over the last 10+ years, always cover the entire label with clear tape, and have never had a problem (USPS, UPS and FEDEX).
by TexasPE
Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal print and use of laptop at work
Replies: 42
Views: 5630

Re: Personal print and use of laptop at work

nalor511 wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:02 pm
IT absolutely has access to your email and network traffic. Absolutely.
+1 - we had a young engineer fired because he was accessing porn at work.
by TexasPE
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does CPU Matter Much?
Replies: 23
Views: 3133

Re: Does CPU Matter Much?

Zoom:

I did notice that when I upgraded my pc from an i5 series 3 processor (2013) to an i5 version 12 (2022) it allowed me to use some Zoom backgrounds that weren't functional on the series 3 PC (blurred background, etc.) - so there may be a few high processor-loading applications which can be impacted.
by TexasPE
Sun Oct 29, 2023 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New pick up truck, many questions
Replies: 40
Views: 4896

Re: New pick up truck, many questions

Consider installing an aftermarket cruise control

https://www.thecruisecontrolstore.com/? ... yAEALw_wcB

and some aftermarket seats...

https://www.suburbanseats.com/
by TexasPE
Sat Oct 14, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When siblings fight over eldercare for in law
Replies: 34
Views: 4193

Re: When siblings fight over eldercare for in law

Recommend you involve a competent eldercare attorney (not a local general practice lawyer). Rules vary from state to state.

https://www.naela.org/

"... can not care for herself diet wise or physically and needs assistance".

A nursing home may be a better option: covered by state Medicaid, would control her diet (healthy meals), bathing, etc. Not everyone in a nursing home is bed-ridden.
by TexasPE
Wed Oct 11, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career/education mentoring/counseling for a young engineer
Replies: 47
Views: 4497

Re: Career/education mentoring/counseling for a young engineer

Here's what worked for me: > Local engineering societies for networking. Some societies also have virtual sessions > Toastmasters https://www.toastmasters.org/ to improve communication and leadership skills and network. In my area 50% of Toastmasters are engineers > Get a copy of this book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Boss-Ahead/dp/0380714698/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2OBDB4RFFEPGR&keywords=how+to+think+like+a+boss&qid=1697042083&s=books&sprefix=how+to+think+like+a+boss%2Cstripbooks%2C126&sr=1-4 and follow its suggestions > Pursue certifications that may make him more marketable: PMP or similar (Project Management), PE (Professional Engineer registration) > Once he gains some experience, use his Toastmasters skills to ma...
by TexasPE
Sat Oct 07, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I give up on college?
Replies: 77
Views: 8733

Re: Should I give up on college?

TexasPE wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:06 am
Impulsebuyking wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:34 pm Background:

Over the past 11 years I have collected 35.5 credits at my quarter schedule community college.

I feel I am missing out on the perks of having a degree and won't be able to tell my future kids I have a degree. I feel like I should have a degree because......everyone else in my family has a degree.
AGAIN - If your goal is just to have a degree (any degree), have a talk with the registrar office at your community college. With 35+ credits, a general studies or similar 2-year degree should be doable with another course or two (part-time). Alternately, some on-line schools give credit toward a degree.
Have you pursued this?
by TexasPE
Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I give up on college?
Replies: 77
Views: 8733

Re: Should I give up on college?

Impulsebuyking wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2023 8:34 pm Background:

Over the past 11 years I have collected 35.5 credits at my quarter schedule community college.

I feel I am missing out on the perks of having a degree and won't be able to tell my future kids I have a degree. I feel like I should have a degree because......everyone else in my family has a degree.
If your goal is just to have a degree (any degree), have a talk with the registrar office at your community college. With 35+ credits, a general studies or similar 2-year degree should be doable with another course or two (part-time). Alternately, some on-line schools give credit toward a degree.
by TexasPE
Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.
Replies: 35
Views: 3644

Re: Need help with replacing noisy AC unit in new house.

illumination wrote: Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:40 pm As far as a compressor blanket, they do help, but it's not a drastic difference imo. I would say maybe a 20% reduction in sound?

Most of the noise was the single second startup sound, after that, it was relatively quiet. Like a floor fan on the highest setting.
Maybe a soft start kit???

https://www.amazon.com/EasyStart-Commer ... word=noise
by TexasPE
Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free Unbiased Hearing Test
Replies: 3
Views: 631

Free Unbiased Hearing Test

I decided to have an unbiased hearing test to see whether I needed to consider hearing aids. I occasionally use closed captioning on TV, and a hearing-impaired friend sometimes says I am mumbling. I contacted the Audiology department at a nearby university for testing. They made an immediate appointment for me. I was seen and tested by a team of 3: a supervising Audiology program instructor, a 4th year student and a 1st year student. They checked me for hearing loss as a function of frequency, middle ear issues, and speech comprehension (speech to noise) at different ratios. The exam took an hour, and there was no charge. They gave me a copy of the results. I have age-related (70+) high frequency loss, but speech comprehension was excellent...
by TexasPE
Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental Insurance
Replies: 37
Views: 4722

Re: Dental Insurance

So, my parents are in their 70's - I think on Medicare and dont have dental insurance, haven't been to the dentist, and apparently need multiple root canals, and are now looking for dental insurance. I have no idea where to even start looking for this and would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you! Edited because they are on Medicare but not on Medicaid. I'm trying to find out if they are in Medicare Advantage A little off topic, but to me finding the 'right' dentist is key. I look for an established individual practice: Dentist is 50+ in age, owns his office building, with Fridays off. Why? The dentist isn't carrying a mid-6-figure student loan balance, has plenty of experience, no upsell, and is doing well (hence the 4 day week). BTW - ...
by TexasPE
Mon Sep 04, 2023 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone know why a printer would keep disconnecting from Wifi?
Replies: 63
Views: 4317

Re: Anyone know why a printer would keep disconnecting from Wifi?

jebmke wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 12:34 pm

almost always good to update the firmware.
Be careful with this - some manufacturers (notably HP) use firmware updates to prevent the use of non OEM cartridges. If the printer has been on the market for 12 months or more, I don't allow automatic firmware updates.
by TexasPE
Tue Aug 29, 2023 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Advantage Plan / Dr. Ordered Test "Denied"
Replies: 102
Views: 9493

Re: Medicare Advantage Plan / Dr. Ordered Test "Denied"

Yes... a Medicare Supplemental "G or N Plan" (or similar) would be an option at a significantly Higher Cost and with none of the benefits (Vision, Dental, OTC reimbursement etc) without adding Supplemental Gap policies to cover what the basic A & B do not. My current Premium costs with the Advantage Plan are currently "Zero". A comparable G Plan with all the needed supplemental policies added on would cost me an extra $250-300/mth. I have been happy with the Advantage Plan to date... but the "Denied" coverage of Doctor Ordered procedure is a BIG problem. IMHO you "get what you pay for". Insurance to me is for catastrophic events - not to get my teeth cleaned. IF you can afford traditional Medicar...
by TexasPE
Tue Aug 08, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The HVAC sales guy is on his way over...
Replies: 107
Views: 10427

Re: The HVAC sales guy is on his way over...

mw1739 wrote: Mon Aug 07, 2023 5:50 pm ...wait an unknown time for a new coil under warranty which was backordered across the country. I rolled the dice on the warranty part (along with a window ac) and now they’re scheduled to install the warranty part tomorrow...
+1
Same scenario for me 5 years ago- amazing what you can do for a few weeks with a window AC, which I already had on hand (hurricane country).
by TexasPE
Mon Aug 07, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The HVAC sales guy is on his way over...
Replies: 107
Views: 10427

Re: The HVAC sales guy is on his way over...

... you could rent window AC(s) to give you time to decide. In my area these run ~$40/ week installed for a 12000 BTU unit from a Rent a Center..
by TexasPE
Wed Jul 19, 2023 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes
Replies: 44
Views: 4391

Re: Help me compare HVAC replacement quotes

Watty wrote: Wed Jul 19, 2023 4:31 pm What are the warranties that come with the different bids?

The last time I got bids one company stood out because it came with a 10 year parts and labor warranty if I used their annual service plan. It was also at a good price so I selected it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+1. My home has two systems. On my last system replacement I had a 10 year P&L warranty that covered almost $10K in repairs (3 evap coil replacements for each system-[faulty design], a compressor, air handler and control board).
by TexasPE
Thu Jun 29, 2023 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
Replies: 58
Views: 5647

Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?

eigenperson wrote: Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:04 am
Also, why wouldn't you have the maximum possible limit? It's so easy for a car to cause $1M in damage. The only good answers I can come up with are "I can't afford it" and "$1M is nothing to me anyway," neither of which applies to the archetypal Boglehead.
+1

A friend's elderly father didn't hear a fire engine siren -and went through an intersection - it was a ladder truck - totaled. Replacement cost was $650,000., not counting injuries to the firemen.

I try not to be "penny-wise and pound-foolish".
by TexasPE
Wed Jun 28, 2023 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
Replies: 58
Views: 5647

Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?

Almost all posts say of course it's worth it, but no one has provided a real case where it was of benefit to someone who has also collision and good medical insurance. My agent suggested to drop ours. Wife hit by driver with state mandated minimum insurance, totaled her 6 month-old car. His insurer wrote her a check for the face value of their policy (less than the value of her car, nothing toward medical) and washed their hands of it. Our insurer made her a mid-five figure settlement for scarring and future medical issues (severe concussion, in hospital for two weeks) via her underinsured/ uninsured coverage. Also, any medical claim that involves an accident is a hassle to pursue. Insurers don't want to pay for something that may be cover...
by TexasPE
Wed Jun 28, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
Replies: 58
Views: 5647

Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?

Almost all posts say of course it's worth it, but no one has provided a real case where it was of benefit to someone who has also collision and good medical insurance. My agent suggested to drop ours. Wife hit by driver with state mandated minimum insurance, totaled her 6 month-old car. His insurer wrote her a check for the face value of their policy (less than the value of her car, nothing toward medical) and washed their hands of it. Our insurer made her a mid-five figure settlement for scarring and future medical issues (severe concussion, in hospital for two weeks) via her underinsured/ uninsured coverage. Also, any medical claim that involves an accident is a hassle to pursue. Insurers don't want to pay for something that may be cover...
by TexasPE
Sat Jun 24, 2023 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dental night guard
Replies: 29
Views: 2103

Re: dental night guard

ForTheLongHaul wrote: Sat Jun 24, 2023 5:56 pm I have mine because I grind my teeth at night. I paid >$400 after a couple weeks of trying a sports mouthguard from Dick’s.

The expensive one is worth every penny to treat my condition. It’s not something to skimp on.
I get mine through my dentist - $150 including making the impression (no insurance). They last 3-4 years.