Search found 40 matches

by animal
Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TaxAct 2014 Preview Edition Now Available
Replies: 3
Views: 782

TaxAct 2014 Preview Edition Now Available

For those of you that like to start entering your information early or to check / forecast for year end.

TaxAct 2014 Preview edition is now available online or to download.

http://www.taxact.com/

That is all :happy
by animal
Sat Dec 07, 2013 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Class B Motorhome
Replies: 2
Views: 837

Re: Class B Motorhome

As curmudgeon mentions if you haven't already check out rv.net they have a wealth of knowledge, broken out by classes of RV.

One thread in particular might give you some insight. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fusea ... 305517.cfm

For your question it looks like between 15% - 20% off MSRP, for a new unit.
by animal
Thu Jan 17, 2013 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding/eradicating a "funky" smell from our Prius
Replies: 20
Views: 14318

Re: Finding/eradicating a "funky" smell from our Prius

You may want to give this product a try

http://www.odorgone.com/shop/home/

Autos / Trucks / Vans /RVs / Boats / Campers…
Keep a 4oz OG spray in the glove box
Spray OG throughout entire vehicle including trunk or cargo area
Spray OG and wipe…washable surfaces
Spray OG and let dry…carpets, upholstery and headliner
Be sure to spray OG into H.V.A.C. system at air intake with system running on low.


I am not affialiated nor make any money from recommending this product.
by animal
Fri Mar 11, 2011 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: online course
Replies: 4
Views: 1154

by animal
Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: online course
Replies: 4
Views: 1154

Give these guys a try

http://www.cbtnuggets.com/series?id=296

I used them for a my Microsoft certs.
by animal
Sun Feb 13, 2011 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical deduction for NJ
Replies: 11
Views: 8495

sailor234 wrote:"Insurance premiums, including amounts paid under Social Security for Medicare, can be used as medical deductions."

This is a surprise to me and I worked in NJ for many years. To my recollection, TaxCut never suggested adding the Medicare tax as a state deduction. Perhaps I missed it.

Has anyone here taken this deduction successfully in the past?

Ray
Ray,

FWIW. I've had a CPA look over my return for the last couple of years. I've deducted Medical Insurance Premiums from the State Return, there have been no problems. As for Medicare & SS, I can't comment on that.

However if it was me, I would print the page from the State website and keep it with my records just in case.

Hope this helps.

A.
by animal
Sat Feb 12, 2011 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical deduction for NJ
Replies: 11
Views: 8495

almost there, go straight to the horses mouth... http://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/njit13.shtml Medical Expenses. Certain medical expenses in excess of 2% of your gross income may be deducted. In general, medical expenses allowed for Federal income tax purposes are also allowed for New Jersey purposes. Only medical expenses for yourself, your spouse/civil union partner or domestic partner, and your dependents qualify. These expenses must not be reimbursed by your insurance or similar provider. Some examples of allowable medical expenses are payments for doctor's visits, dental care, hospital care, eye examinations, eyeglasses, medicine, and x-rays or other diagnostic services directed by your physician or dentist. Insurance premiums,...
by animal
Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Machine Washable Men's Dress Slacks
Replies: 41
Views: 15341

I've used the Stafford Washable Wardrobe - Pants & Jacket from J.C. Penney.

They come with a special bag keep the suit from being damaged in the wash, throw in the washer, comes out nice and clean, sometimes an iron may need to be used, if I let them sit overnight. :oops:
by animal
Sun Dec 12, 2010 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Office volume licensing
Replies: 1
Views: 582

Sammy,

You may want to try CDW (www.cdw.com), Global (www.globalcomputer.com)or a local independent Reseller. Also there are usually price point tiers, for the number of licenses you are purchasing.

Hope this helps.
by animal
Wed Jul 28, 2010 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AARP Membership.. is it worth?
Replies: 76
Views: 15139

I don't know if anybody has heard of AMAC, the Alternative to AARP. Google them, I don't want this thread closing due to their political leanings.

Not sure if they are any good, anybody using them ?

I'm still a few years before I can join.
by animal
Sat May 01, 2010 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the best concert you ever witnessed?
Replies: 434
Views: 39791

Hard to narrow it down to one.

The Police, Final Concert - Madison Square Gardens August 2008

Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert - Wembley Stadium April 1992
by animal
Tue Apr 13, 2010 12:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TheStreet.com - Vanguard Outperforms Index Mutual Funds
Replies: 3
Views: 1362

TheStreet.com - Vanguard Outperforms Index Mutual Funds

Sorry if this has been already posted.. full story from yahaoo finance http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Vanguard-Outperforms-Index-tsmf-3979841721.html?x=0&.v=1 Here are the first couple of paragraphs. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Mutual-fund investors, fed up with big losses during the stock-market downturn, have been dumping their actively managed funds and shifting to index funds. The move to indexing is especially pronounced at Vanguard Group, which built its business model on index mutual funds. During the past 12 months, assets have poured into Vanguard index funds. Inflows have totaled $11.2 billion for Vanguard Total Stock Market Index and $2.1 billion for Vanguard Total International Stock Index, according to Morningstar. At the same t...
by animal
Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Divorce Insurance
Replies: 124
Views: 16501

VictoriaF wrote:If you suggested to Heather to select anybody but Bachelor-C you would be pulling her leg.

Victoria
Which One??

Bad Animal :D
by animal
Thu Dec 17, 2009 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any musicians?
Replies: 44
Views: 7589

I guess buy my screenname & avatar you can guess what I played :D

Drums about 15 years ago, had a couple of bands I played in for fun, while in the service.

Played a couple of gigs with each. First band we mainly did Blues Brothers songs and ended with Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here.

Second band we did Oasis, Radiohead, REM, songs mixed in with a little Lou Reed & Otis Redding's Sittin' On The Dock of The Bay.

Had to sell the kit when moving overseas. :(

Still hoping to pick the sticks back up once I get financial things worked out. Want to go more with the Electronic Drum kit (Roland, Yamaha etc), so that I can play until all hours without disturbing anyone.
by animal
Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop Battery replacement
Replies: 8
Views: 1763

Re: Laptop Battery replacement

Toons wrote:I need to replace the battery in my Acer laptop.Acer is asking 149.00 for the replacement which seems like a lot to pay.
Anyone know of a good site online that sells notebook batteries (generic)or OEM for better prices(just trying to save a dollar here and a dollar there)
:dollar

Thanks :peace
Try these folks, I needed a dell power adapter,shipped correct part and on time.

http://www.portablecomponents.com/acer-c621/
by animal
Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogleheads mentioned in this MSN Money Article
Replies: 5
Views: 1333

Bogleheads mentioned in this MSN Money Article

Sorry if this has already been posted http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SmartSpending/blog/page.aspx?post=1346775&_blg=1,1346775 Below ixs posted the most pertinent piece of the article 401k millionaire For most people, investing in a 401k, IRA or other retirement account is the easiest, least costly and most effective way to build wealth in the stock market. Whether the retirement account is a traditional tax-deferred account or a Roth account, the tax advantages help boost overall returns. In addition, most plans run by major brokerage firms or mutual fund companies offer educational tools to help you become a smarter investor. To make the most of your 401k, IRA, or other retirement account, here are some tips: Start early. As you ...
by animal
Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: overuse of "like"
Replies: 109
Views: 13776

Like,

You know,

Seriously,

Whatever,

These are on my list of words that should be charged.
by animal
Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your help required on this Portfolio
Replies: 8
Views: 2119

Re: Your help required on this Portfolio

A couple of questions: What more could you tell us about Morley Stable Value Fund (75) (MSF75) (N/A) Any info on expenses, or holdings? tarnation here is some additional info on the Morley fund from our online fund sheet. Morley Capital Stable Value Advisor (75) Morningstar: Category Stable Value The Morley Stable Value Fund seeks to earn a high level of return, consistent with, and providing for, preservation of capital, high credit quality, liquidity to pay plan benefits and reasonable tracking of interest rates. The Fund consists of a diversified portfolio of high-quality stable value investment contracts issued by life insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions. Characteristics Asset Class ........................... C...
by animal
Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PDF Software Recommendations?
Replies: 10
Views: 2575

Give these a try

Cutepdf - www.cutepdf.com

nitropdf - www.nitropdf.com

We tried these at our firm and they worked well. We had to get Adobe Acrobat in the end due to one our line of business applications only had add ins for Adobe.
by animal
Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your help required on this Portfolio
Replies: 8
Views: 2119

Re: Your help required on this Portfolio

Default User BR wrote:
animal wrote:Current portfolio: Mid 70K

Total of All Accounts Together (not each account individually) equals 100%
You didn't tell us what the percentage of each account is. That's important for determining positioning.

IIf the 401(k) is much larger than the others, then something different would need to be done. Flesh out that information for the best answers.


Brian
Brian, thanks for the response.

Sorry I should have put them in from the get go.

I've added the % of the accounts, His Roth 9.82%, Her Roth 13.05% & his 401k 77.03%.

So looks like I still need to figure out what to do 401k wise.
by animal
Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your help required on this Portfolio
Replies: 8
Views: 2119

Your help required on this Portfolio

Please pick this apart and give me your sugggestions. Thanks in advance for your comments. Emergency funds = 3-6 months of expenses, not part of Asset Allocation Debt: Credit Cards are payed off every month. Car Loan #1 less than $4000 left to pay at 5.29% 10 months left on loan, looking to double up payments to payoff sooner. Car Loan #2 less than $10,000 left at 0%, 48 months left on loan. Tax Filing Status: Married filing Jointly Tax Rate: 25% Federal, 6.1% State NJ Age: Him 38, Her 37 Desired Asset allocation: 62 / 38, currently 75 / 25 Intl allocation: 15-20% of stocks Current portfolio: Mid 70K His Roth at Vanguard (9.82%) 2.70% Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX) 3.06% Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX) 4.06% Inflation-Pr...
by animal
Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Biographies of music legends that died before their time...
Replies: 36
Views: 5319

Here are another couple to add to the list.

Freddie Mercury

Michael Hutchence INXS
by animal
Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pre-tax health insurance deductions
Replies: 17
Views: 4083

I know for me it's called a Premium Conversion Plan in our Cafeteria 125.

Helps a lot when you have PPO health insurance :D
by animal
Fri Oct 09, 2009 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Being a good Dad to your daughter....
Replies: 52
Views: 7847

I heard an interview with Meg Meeker the other week, she was talking in reference to her new book..

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know

Maybe something to check out.

She also has one for sons..

Boys Should Be Boys: 7 Secrets to Raising Healthy Sons

Hope this helps.
by animal
Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best American Rock Bands...
Replies: 140
Views: 20511

[quote="Tall Grass]
Actually, The Traveling Wilburys should be mentioned...short-lived, but what a great debut album and remarkable group talent.[/quote]

Not an american band , Jeff Lynne formerly ELO was from Birmingham England. :D
by animal
Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Movie Quote You Use
Replies: 157
Views: 28008

Alex Frakt wrote:
animal wrote:In our house when we are hungry... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AP89GFNOZ8

and after having said food... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AP89GFNOZ8
Thanks for the catch, the after having said should have been this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q4NBaeQQys
by animal
Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:47 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Why this forum WILL BE successful
Replies: 207
Views: 104497

As a noob, I just wanted to add my thanks to all.

I have learned a lot since joining and will continue to do so.

Great site and great people. Keep up the good work.
by animal
Sun Aug 30, 2009 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering an Apple Mac laptop - what about security?
Replies: 41
Views: 6044

From a Network World article.. Many still live with the myth that Mac OS X doesn't have any security issues while Windows does. That myth ignores the facts. For example, Apple just released 18 security patches (the smallest collection of patches this year) for Mac OS X on August 5th. Many try to argue that not all the fixes are for Mac OS X, but rather for other software that might be included with it. To compare apples-to-apples (pun intended) you have to stack up the software each vendor ships with their products, not selective parts of it. While it is true that Windows is still a much larger security target because of it's market share, it isn't true that the Mac doesn't have plenty of security issues of its own. http://www.networkworld....
by animal
Sat Aug 29, 2009 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where Have You Gone, Bell Labs?
Replies: 78
Views: 10399

You just made a common mistake, which is really a fault of a marketing ploy. Bell Labs has never been a company; it has always been a Research and Development (R&D) organization with a great name due to some earth-shattering discoveries and Noble Prize winners. For years Bell Labs was providing R&D for AT&T including its manufacturing parts that used to be Western Electric. AT&T was a regulated monopoly with a limit on the profit it could make from its services. As revenues were relatively high, the excess money (after allowable profit and operating expenses) were channeled into research. In the early 1980's AT&T went through a divestiture splitting into (1) an unregulated AT&T (long distance services and equipment ...
by animal
Fri Aug 28, 2009 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Movie Quote You Use
Replies: 157
Views: 28008

In our house when we are hungry... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AP89GFNOZ8

and after having said food... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AP89GFNOZ8
by animal
Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bourbon or scotch?
Replies: 89
Views: 14511

As George Thorogood would say...

1 bourbon, 1 scotch, 1 beer. :lol:
by animal
Fri Aug 21, 2009 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best American Rock Bands...
Replies: 140
Views: 20511

Bounca wrote:If by a strike of chance the band members of Toto were to find this thread, they would most certainly be shocked and thankful to be among Americas finest rockers.

And on that note, forget Africa this is them in their prime....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xsw-uQ5C7zo

As a disclosure, my older brothers had all their tapes including Hydra which if I recall this song was off of. Yeah, we made dad proud. :roll:
This is why Toto's on my list. (for all you drummers out there.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwFdExvCxM4
by animal
Thu Aug 20, 2009 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best American Rock Bands...
Replies: 140
Views: 20511

1. Heart
2. Steve Miller Band
3. Bon Jovi
4. Van Halen
5. Toto
6. REO Speedwagon
7. The Hooters
8. Blondie
9. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
10. The Blues Brothers 8)
by animal
Tue Aug 11, 2009 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Learning to play guitar
Replies: 54
Views: 9649

If your just beginning, give this guy a shot. (I am no way affiliated, nor obtain a fee)

http://www.justinguitar.com/en/BC-000-B ... Course.php
by animal
Tue Aug 11, 2009 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What dead rock stars did you see before they died?
Replies: 102
Views: 13701

Freddie Mercury with Queen, Knebworth Park August 1986, the last concert.

Stuart Adamson from Big Country.
by animal
Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about dropping broadband/phone service
Replies: 37
Views: 5999

jegallup wrote: Some corporate IT people, perhaps being excessively cautious as they sometimes are, advise employees never to use Wi-Fi at the airport or Starbucks.
I'm one of those corporate IT types and resemble that remark.

You may want to check out a video on YT called Wireless Hacking Demo - Mike Foster

Then tell me your not paranoid! :D
by animal
Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Virtual Credit Cards
Replies: 9
Views: 2568

Bank of America still has "Shopsafe" a hold over from our original MBNA credit card account.

We type in how much credit & for how long and it creates a cc number with that credit limit and with the specified expiration date. Works like a charm. 8)
by animal
Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 161046

Like many others here, I haven't seen a professional barber in 11 years. Wahl clippers do the trick.

Receive amazon gift cards for responding to online surveys. Bought the last 4 books for free.

Brown bag breakfast & lunch, make my morning coffee at home instead of going to DD.

Sams club to buy in certain items in bulk.
by animal
Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are YOU Currently Reading? PART II
Replies: 1043
Views: 311978

Bogleheads Guide to Investing, 8)
by animal
Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Salary raises - what are you seeing?
Replies: 84
Views: 13748

Hi this is my first post on the boards.

Looking at all these posts, I feel very fortunate that I recieved a 6% COL increase this year. However I thoroughly expect a Health Insurance premium increase later in the year will wipe most of that out. We'll see.