Search found 40 matches
- Sun Feb 28, 2021 7:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Solar...what am I missing?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 7028
Re: Solar...what am I missing?
We're on a town utility, which changes net metering. Out town is scheduled to vote on Electric Aggragation. Would you be willing to elaborate on what changed vis a vis net metering? I asked and supposedly SMART and SREC credits don’t change; I have not heard that net metering changes. Our utility i...
- Sun Feb 28, 2021 4:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Solar...what am I missing?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 7028
Re: Solar...what am I missing?
My wife and I are considering adding solar to our home in MA. Due to our house's location, we would need panels on the front, which isn't our favorite, but we are coming around on the cost savings and environmental impact. We have been in this home (our "forever" home) 3 years, redid the ...
- Sun Feb 14, 2021 1:14 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fidelity retirement planner accurate ?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 6360
Re: Fidelity retirement planner accurate ?
Thanks for sharing about this tool....it's quite good!
- Fri Feb 05, 2021 9:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mask filters?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 1861
Re: Mask filters?
Amazon has US-made (Kimberly Clark) N95 masks in stock at a decent price ($58 for 50). They're the 'duck' style. We ordered some last week and they came this week. They fit OK and are comfortable. We had been using just cloth masks, but it felt like it might be good to have some better masks around....
- Wed Jan 27, 2021 12:14 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vaccum recommendation?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 2707
Re: Vaccum recommendation?
One more rec for a Miele canister vac. I've had a Red Star since 1997 and it just keeps going.
- Sun Aug 02, 2020 6:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: VW owners: what online forum do you use?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 566
- Thu Jun 04, 2020 3:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: HVAC - Furnace/AC -> Mini Split Ductless in the Mid Atlantic?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 869
Re: HVAC - Furnace/AC -> Mini Split Ductless in the Mid Atlantic?
How many indoor units would you have? Do you have the ability to run the refrigerant and drain lines through somewhere concealed, or will they be covered with surface-mount channel on the outside of the house? I think it is a no-brainer to switch to mini-splits assuming the system is designed prope...
- Tue Apr 14, 2020 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How long for executive to get up to speed?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3157
Re: How long for executive to get up to speed?
A friend suggested this when I made a change:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1422188612/
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded
It's a good read.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1422188612/
The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded
It's a good read.
- Fri Feb 28, 2020 11:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boiler cracked - heating alternatives?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1212
Re: Boiler cracked - heating alternatives?
We moved from a warm-weather climate to the Boston area ('South Shore'). I'm a complete novice related to heating systems. The oil boiler cracked, needs to be replaced, and I'm getting estimates for $8k~$10k for a replacement. The tank is in good shape. What are the alternatives? Any contractor rec...
- Sat Feb 08, 2020 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Whole House Humidifier Question
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1153
Re: Whole House Humidifier Question
Another vote for the Aprilaire steam humidifiers. We've had one since 2012 and it's been great. They're ideal when you don't have to run the heat much, since the steam humidifier can create humidity on demand. The only down side is they need a lot of electricity to run, so you might notice it on you...
- Thu Jan 23, 2020 6:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: FANG - Salary expectation for Sr Engineer
- Replies: 17
- Views: 3805
Re: FANG - Salary expectation for Sr Engineer
Blind ( https://www.teamblind.com/ ) can also give good guidance on comp.
- Mon Jan 13, 2020 3:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone bought a Volvo with Swedish pickup/shipment to US option?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1320
Re: Anyone bought a Volvo with Swedish pickup/shipment to US option?
It's a program with a great reputation. Only snag is that it can take a while for the car to get to you from Europe. If you don't need it delivered on a tight schedule, it's a great program! I'd like to do it at some point.
- Wed Dec 18, 2019 5:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Washer / Dryer recommendation [stackable units]
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1305
Re: Washer / Dryer recommendation [stackable units]
Miele. Buy the best. Costs more than you want to spend. Too bad. Actually not more than the OP wanted to spend! Miele has a new low-end model of the W1 washer and T1 Heat Pump Dryer with the same reliability and cleaning, but with less fancy features (like wifi). We bought the pair over the summer ...
- Mon Nov 25, 2019 1:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vacuum recommendations
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5231
Re: Vacuum recommendations
I've had a Miele Red Star since the 90s. It just keeps working. Miele is different in that they make nearly everything (all the parts) themselves, in one factory in Germany. They build for a long lifespan (typically 20-30 years), while other manufacturers target a much shorter lifespan. Their stuff ...
- Fri Nov 22, 2019 2:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gas furnace with heat pump - most cost efficient?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1246
Re: Gas furnace with heat pump - most cost efficient?
- Fri Nov 22, 2019 2:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gas furnace with heat pump - most cost efficient?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 1246
Re: Gas furnace with heat pump - most cost efficient?
If you know your fuel costs and your Heat Pump's COP at 17F and 47F, this spreadsheet can show you where the economic balance point is:
http://www.rses.org/asset.aspx?AssetId=2091
If you can't figure it out, you can post the COP and fuel cost data and I can do it....
http://www.rses.org/asset.aspx?AssetId=2091
If you can't figure it out, you can post the COP and fuel cost data and I can do it....
- Sat Nov 16, 2019 11:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone switch from oil to propane?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 1764
Re: Anyone switch from oil to propane?
Propane is usually the most expensive way to heat. What are your electric rates? You might find the cheapest solution to be a heat pump, either ground-source or air-source. We have natural gas, and just installed heat pumps from Mitsubishi to replace our failing AC units. We kept our natural gas boi...
- Wed Oct 30, 2019 9:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Goodbye Sheet Music, hello tablet
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1220
- Tue Aug 27, 2019 1:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: iPad air- purchase from Apple store of Costco?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 3253
Re: iPad air- purchase from Apple store of Costco?
Apple's refurbs can be a real steal. Often they are just customer returns. I bought a ipad pro refurb a year ago and it was immaculate. All refurbished iPad models come with a new battery, new outer shell, are backed by a one-year warranty, have free delivery and returns, and also include: Full func...
- Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cloud Backup solutions for 2019?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1505
Re: Cloud Backup solutions for 2019?
2nd for Backblaze. We use it on 3 devices. I've needed to do partial restores and it worked well.
- Wed Aug 07, 2019 11:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gas Boiler - which brands? Cost?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 629
Re: Gas Boiler - which brands? Cost?
https://heatinghelp.com/ and https://hvac-talk.com/vbb/ are good resources as well
- Wed Aug 07, 2019 11:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gas Boiler - which brands? Cost?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 629
Re: Gas Boiler - which brands? Cost?
We converted from Oil to gas with our gas utility. It's been good. Is your utility providing any subsidized equipment? Ours (National Grid) did. Ideally you would get a new load calculation done. Many contractors will just look at your existing equipment and then just put in the same size. That's ba...
- Wed Jul 24, 2019 10:05 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oil to natural gas conversion anyone?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 2547
Re: Oil to natural gas conversion anyone?
We are in MA and converted from Oil to Natural gas 7 years ago when we bought our house. We're really happy we did it as natural gas is nearly the cheapest way to heat a house. Heat pumps can be cheaper, though. We're now looking at refreshing our AC since one of the two is leaking refrigerant. As p...
- Tue Jun 18, 2019 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of mini split installation? [Ductless Air Conditioning/ Heat]
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4072
Re: Cost of mini split installation?
Now I guess it comes down to whether we want to use Samsung or Mitsubishi. People keep saying Mitsubishi is the best, but I can't find the objective evidence to back that up. The Samsung mini splits look a bit more modern. I think the Mitsubishi has a slightly longer warranty (10 vs 12 years). Dan:...
- Wed Jun 12, 2019 7:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of mini split installation? [Ductless Air Conditioning/ Heat]
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4072
Re: Cost of mini split installation?
Also, https://hvac-talk.com is a good resource, though you can't talk about pricing there.
- Wed Jun 12, 2019 7:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of mini split installation? [Ductless Air Conditioning/ Heat]
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4072
Re: Cost of mini split installation?
Hi Dan: We're sort of in the same boat as one of our AC units is leaking (at the air handler coil) and we're looking at replacing both the 1st floor and 2nd floor system. We've got quotes for Mitsubishi, and have a friend that works for them that suggested we talk to NETR in Andover ( https://www.ne...
- Wed Jun 05, 2019 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Massachusetts Auto Insurance "Safety Insurance"
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1092
Re: Massachusetts Auto Insurance "Safety Insurance"
Are you sure the Geico quote is for a full year? They often quote 6-month prices. And as you're seeing, the MA insurance market is weird. It's highly regulated, so many of the 'big' players don't write policies here. We're with Safety for our RV/Race car hauler. Never had a claim, so can't comment o...
- Thu Apr 11, 2019 8:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Contact lens solution
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1482
Re: Contact lens solution
Back when I used to wear 2 week lenses, my doctor was a huge proponent of the hydrogen peroxide/catalyst system. He said that studies showed that it was much more effective than the older systems. I tended to only get 10-11 days out of a set of 2 week lenses before they became uncomfortable. I ran t...
- Mon Mar 25, 2019 10:51 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Etrade rollovers and etrade ETFs
- Replies: 11
- Views: 680
Re: Etrade rollovers and etrade ETFs
Etrade can be set for dividend reinvestment on ETFs.
- Thu Mar 07, 2019 11:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are Password Managers Really Necessary?
- Replies: 200
- Views: 18147
Re: Are Password Managers Really Necessary?
The only secure way is to store passwords is in your head. Period. And the way you do it with multiple sites is by creating a unique phrase for each site with what is called a “cipher”. A single code word only you know. That code is your core to which you build your unique password by adding someth...
- Mon Mar 04, 2019 10:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Global Entry Application turnaround times?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 4800
Re: Global Entry Application turnaround times?
I was conditionally approved in less than a week. I've got an interview scheduled for 2 weeks out.
- Sat Mar 02, 2019 10:47 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: question regarding bank cd deals
- Replies: 10
- Views: 962
Re: question regarding bank cd deals
Penfed allows you to specify what happens at the end of the term when you set up the CD. Interest can be paid into the CD or another account as well.
- Mon Feb 11, 2019 10:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: kicking MS managed account (401k) to the curb, do I keep any stocks?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 435
Re: kicking MS managed account (401k) to the curb, do I keep any stocks?
Thanks for the tips and guidance!
- Mon Feb 11, 2019 7:44 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
- Replies: 2820
- Views: 447211
Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Recent offer from Etrade (better than what's on the web site) You are now enrolled in the TF60D_2500CFC_IRA promotion. Here is how it works: Deposit or Transfer Receive $1MM $2,500 60 Days of commission free trades $500K - $999,999 $1,500 60 Days of commission free trades $250K - $499,999 $1,000 60 ...
- Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:30 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: kicking MS managed account (401k) to the curb, do I keep any stocks?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 435
kicking MS managed account (401k) to the curb, do I keep any stocks?
Emergency funds: all set Debt: $90k mortgage on $750k house with less than 5 years to go Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate: 33% Federal, 5.1% State (in 2017 tax year). 24% in 2018 tax year. State of Residence: MA Age: 50 Desired Asset allocation: 80% stocks / 20% bonds Desired Inte...
- Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: starting HDHP and HSA mid-year
- Replies: 11
- Views: 977
Re: starting HDHP and HSA mid-year
We get health care through my spouse right now. She has a comprehensive plan through her current employer, but will be starting a new job later this year (Sept? Oct?). At that time, we plan to switch to an HDHP so that we will qualify for an HSA. Will we be able to contribute the full amount to the...
- Thu Feb 07, 2019 1:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: HSA to Fidelity, now where to park the funds?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3297
Re: HSA to Fidelity, now where to park the funds?
Check the mega Fidelity HSA thread.
I think people have avoided the $25 fee by writing a check from HSAbank to Fidelity, and then closing the HSAbank account.
I think people have avoided the $25 fee by writing a check from HSAbank to Fidelity, and then closing the HSAbank account.
- Thu Feb 07, 2019 12:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Competitor to Ally? intrx.net offering 2.91%
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2170
Re: Competitor to Ally? intrx.net offering 2.91%
[Post removed by admin LadyGeek] No. I've been a long-time anonymous reader and finally got around to making an account to contribute, and eventually ask for some advice on 401k consolidations when I get some time to put together a well-formatted post (according to https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/A...
- Wed Feb 06, 2019 6:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Competitor to Ally? intrx.net offering 2.91%
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2170
Competitor to Ally? intrx.net offering 2.91%
Just saw this on facebook....
https://www.intrx.net/
They claim they'll be offering 2.91-2.95% savings accounts.
I searched and haven't seen a mention here before. They're in beta/soft launch mode and taking names for a waitlist.
https://www.intrx.net/
They claim they'll be offering 2.91-2.95% savings accounts.
I searched and haven't seen a mention here before. They're in beta/soft launch mode and taking names for a waitlist.
- Sat Feb 02, 2019 12:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Would a heat pump or gas furnace help?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1759
Re: Would a heat pump or gas furnace help?
We've got 2 zones of hydro-air fed by a high-efficiency condensing boiler. Our fan coils (made by Heat Controller) have a freeze protection mode where they will call for heat when the fan coil is less than 42degF. One is in an un-conditioned attic and we've never had an issue. Perhaps your HVAC guy ...