We've had it with Amazon Prime. I've had at least 8 orders rescheduled over the last year, with 2 of them happening in the last 2 weeks, and the latest one today. Ordered yesterday morning (1/23/24) with 1 day Prime delivery, scheduled for today (1/24/24). Received confirming email at 7:30 AM this morning, that my product shipped and to expect delivery by 5 PM today. 12:05 PM, today, Delivery update: Your package is on the way, but running late. Now arriving tomorrow by 10 PM. I hit the track your delivery button. It's coming from the warehouse 50 miles away.
Told the wife, we will not be renewing.
Search found 76 matches
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 1:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another Amazon Prime Stage of Evolution - Delivery
- Replies: 76
- Views: 7672
- Wed Jan 17, 2024 7:58 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 1009114
Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Every few months I receive a voicemail from the local Fidelity office asking me if I want to set up an appointment with a Financial Consultant. I always ignore it. There no way to have them stop calling me unless I call them back? I met with my rep when I first joined Fidelity. Explained that I was a DIY investor, and thanks for your time, but no thanks. He called 6 months later and said it was time for a review. I told him politely, that I didn't want or need his help. Then, I started getting monthly calls from his assistant, wanting to set up an appointment. I ignored those calls. After about a year of me ignoring all the calls, the rep was unassigned from my account, and I no longer get any calls from Fidelity. Ignore him and they'll ev...
- Fri Jan 05, 2024 7:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What browser(s) do you use, and why? Mobile and Desktop
- Replies: 49
- Views: 7946
Re: What browser(s) do you use, and why? Mobile and Desktop
Firefox on my Linux desktop and Firefox on my Samsung tablet and phone.
- Thu Dec 07, 2023 8:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare part d shopping was surprising
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3166
Re: Medicare part d shopping was surprising
The AARP UHC Walgreen Rx plan doubling in price this year has caused us to change over to Wellcare. $0.00 premium for us. I don't take any drugs, and the wife takes one. Her cost will be $36 for the year. We'll save over $114 monthly by switching.
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cheap Passport Photos
- Replies: 93
- Views: 10755
Re: Cheap Passport Photos
We just applied for our first passports. I was wondering where to get a passport photo taken. Since it was an initial passport, we had to go in person to an acceptance center. It turned out, our local library was an acceptance center. I just needed to make sure that we had an appointment so the acceptance officer would be available. I inquired where they suggested to get a passport photo taken. They said they'll do it for free. I did have to pay the acceptance fee of $35, but nothing for the photo.
- Tue Dec 05, 2023 9:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medigap turning 65 AARP UHC or?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2200
Re: Medigap turning 65 AARP UHC or?
I have had UHC Plan F since I retired 8 years ago. My father had it for as long as it was available before that. In his failing health, between weekly ER visits, and hospital stays, we never saw a bill from hospitals or doctors. That's why when I retired I went with the same plan.
- Sun Dec 03, 2023 1:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3781
Re: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate
We're going on a cruise in Feb. We've never had passports. We applied on Nov, 6, and paid for the expedited service. I figured $120 extra is a small percentage of the $4000 cruise. Plus, they're good for 10 years. We received our passports exactly 3 weeks later on Nov 27. This was through our local passport acceptance office, which was our local library. The agent that took our applications said that this is the slow season for passports and that we probably didn't need to expedite them, I felt more comfortable in getting them as fast as I could. There could have been issues like the passport office needing more information.
- Tue Oct 24, 2023 11:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why Isn't A High Deductible H.O. Policy Available?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2292
Re: Why Isn't A High Deductible H.O. Policy Available?
I just got a policy in Fl with State Farm, after Farmers would not renew my existing policy.
The initial quote from State Farm was $2400, with a $1k standard deductible and a 2% hurricane deductible. I asked if we could up the deductible to 5%, which would be a little over $15k for us. Policy was written for $1700.
Never had a claim and live in the middle of the state, so I'm not that concerned about hurricanes.
The initial quote from State Farm was $2400, with a $1k standard deductible and a 2% hurricane deductible. I asked if we could up the deductible to 5%, which would be a little over $15k for us. Policy was written for $1700.
Never had a claim and live in the middle of the state, so I'm not that concerned about hurricanes.
- Mon Oct 16, 2023 10:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 31043
Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
I don't want to start a separate thread for this simple question, but what about the time frame for a new passport? I'm 73 and the wife is 69 and we've never been out of the country, so we never applied for passports. Now, all of a sudden we're thinking about joining a group for a cruise in May. Will we have enough time if we apply next week?
- Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1375
Re: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
I would suggest EcoBattery. It comes as a completed drop in kit. Battery, onboard charger, 48v-12v convertor,and new charging port. I converted my 2015 Precedent Club Car 2 years ago, and couldn't be happier. No maintenance, I can get 4 rounds of golf on one charge. 8 Year warranty. Best customer service out there. Here is a link to their website. I went with the 51v-105 AH bundle https://ecobattery.com/s/ We've converted 5 carts at our club with these batteries. I bought mine from a local dealer. The others bought theirs from online dealers, saving a couple hundred on sales taxes. Thanks so much. I am looking at Eco and RoyPow. I probably will go with 50 AH to save a few bucks. Both Eco and RoyPow are excellent batteries. Good luck with y...
- Sat Aug 19, 2023 2:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1375
Re: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
Do not get caught up in purchasing cheap lithium batteries that are used for solar. You want a complete golf cart kit, which includes the new charger for lithium, In my case it was a drop in replacement. Take out the six 8 volt lead acid batteries, wash out all that acid from the battery tray, drop in the 1 new lithium battery pack, use the tie rod that held down the old batteries, and hook it up. Took us about 2 hours to swap out. I did not need to mess with the OBC at all. It's been working flawlessly for over 2 years.
- Sat Aug 19, 2023 2:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
Wow, that's really tough. What then, you have to self-insure ? That's just crazy. I think I'd be tempted to move out of state or into an area of the state where I could at least secure some basic insurance. That would be one way to do it. The other is to replace the roof. Assuming no storm, at some point you have to replace the roof anyway - basic maintenance (although expensive). What if you just replaced the roof yourself and now it is a new roof. Will they insure your home? Up north, it is common at 20 year / 30 year you replace the roof. I understand why it may be shorter here in Florida. That's what most of the insurance companies told me. Replace the roof, and then we'll quote you a policy. Honestly, just replace the roof and you wil...
- Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1375
Re: ISO Club Car golf cart Litium battery.
I would suggest EcoBattery. It comes as a completed drop in kit. Battery, onboard charger, 48v-12v convertor,and new charging port.
I converted my 2015 Precedent Club Car 2 years ago, and couldn't be happier. No maintenance, I can get 4 rounds of golf on one charge.
8 Year warranty. Best customer service out there.
Here is a link to their website. I went with the 51v-105 AH bundle
https://ecobattery.com/s/
We've converted 5 carts at our club with these batteries. I bought mine from a local dealer. The others bought theirs from online dealers, saving a couple hundred on sales taxes.
I converted my 2015 Precedent Club Car 2 years ago, and couldn't be happier. No maintenance, I can get 4 rounds of golf on one charge.
8 Year warranty. Best customer service out there.
Here is a link to their website. I went with the 51v-105 AH bundle
https://ecobattery.com/s/
We've converted 5 carts at our club with these batteries. I bought mine from a local dealer. The others bought theirs from online dealers, saving a couple hundred on sales taxes.
- Fri Aug 11, 2023 4:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag
- Replies: 115
- Views: 10603
Re: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag
Twice this month, I have had problems with delivery. One item was supposed to be delivered the next day. It was delayed again and again. Then finally said delivery today, tracked it, it was on the truck, seemed like it was very near to the house and then nothing. Status reverted to processing, then more delays, finally they admitted they cannot find the package. Refund or reorder??? I did refund. #2 order was also the next day, then delay, delay and delay and then out of the blue, delivered by USPS. In other instances, ordered in the morning and was delivered that afternoon. ??? My renewal is coming up in one month, hard choice. Even local big box stores when you want something, they say they have to order it, will be in a couple of days. ...
- Thu Jul 20, 2023 8:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Removed
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5596
Re: asking for a layoff?
If you are a valued employee, be prepared for a denial of requesting a layoff or severance package. I worked for a MegaCorp that I figured was going to last forever. Actually, they still do, but in the area I was at they were slowly closing all their locations. I was instrumental as part of those closings. As I was close to retirement age and liked the package they were offering, I kept requesting that they lay me off on the next round as we closed that location. 5 locations later, and as we were moving everyone to the last location, and I was sure I was going to finally be let go, and get the package,...they fired everyone except me...I told them, hire the last guy you fired because I'm outta here. I guess I left on my own terms, unfortuna...
- Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
Why are you still in FL ? Being self-insured is a big risk to take. From your user name, it looks like you are retired and can probably therefore move to some other location relatively easily. So what’s the reason of taking such a big risk ? Moved to Florida from Wisconsin in 2001 to the Tampa area, 14 years shy of retirement age. I'm a very avid golfer (6 days a week), which you can't get in Wisconsin year round. Retired in 2015, and moved to a great golf retirement community the same year, near Orlando (NOT the Villages). Love Florida, love the community, love the golf course, where else would I want to move? It's all about the insurance issue facing Florida. The news tonight had a piece on how Citizens needs to move 1 million policies t...
- Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
Wow, that's really tough. What then, you have to self-insure ? That's just crazy. I think I'd be tempted to move out of state or into an area of the state where I could at least secure some basic insurance. That would be one way to do it. The other is to replace the roof. Assuming no storm, at some point you have to replace the roof anyway - basic maintenance (although expensive). What if you just replaced the roof yourself and now it is a new roof. Will they insure your home? Up north, it is common at 20 year / 30 year you replace the roof. I understand why it may be shorter here in Florida. That's what most of the insurance companies told me. Replace the roof, and then we'll quote you a policy. Honestly, just replace the roof and you wil...
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 1:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
I'm in the middle of this right now. Farmers has sent me a non-renewal notice for my home insurance. Reason: Exposure Management. I know the real reason is that my roof will be 18 years old this year. Ok, I understand it, they don't want to pay for a roof. I called a roofing contractor out and they inspected the roof. They said it looks like a 10 year old roof, but because of the age of the roof, no one wants to insure me. I need a new insurer by October. Called my broker who handles my auto insurance. Only one they could quote was Citizens. I told her I'll shop around first. I filled out one of those "Find the cheapest insurance in your state" forms on line. I think my phone was ringing before I even hit the submit button. Kin I...
- Mon Jul 17, 2023 2:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
Not sure it was the age of your roof. I have Farmers Homeowner's, just renewed, and my roof was 22 years old when I first insured with them a couple of years ago. My shingles are architectural shingles but they told me when I first insured with them the type didn't matter. I live on the Tampa side of Tampa Bay, high and dry. My old insurance agent told me it was easier to be renewed than to start new with a company. Before Farmers issued my policy I had a wind mitigation report and a four point inspection, all green lighted. She was right, so far I have renewed twice even with my 20+ year old roof. Broken Man 1999 The brokers I've talked to all said they can't quote a policy based on the age of my roof. Most of us in our community are goin...
- Sat Jul 15, 2023 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Florida insurance options
- Replies: 123
- Views: 15728
Re: Florida insurance options
I'm in the middle of this right now. Farmers has sent me a non-renewal notice for my home insurance. Reason: Exposure Management. I know the real reason is that my roof will be 18 years old this year. Ok, I understand it, they don't want to pay for a roof. I called a roofing contractor out and they inspected the roof. They said it looks like a 10 year old roof, but because of the age of the roof, no one wants to insure me. I need a new insurer by October. Called my broker who handles my auto insurance. Only one they could quote was Citizens. I told her I'll shop around first. I filled out one of those "Find the cheapest insurance in your state" forms on line. I think my phone was ringing before I even hit the submit button. Kin In...
- Fri Jun 30, 2023 6:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: State Farm auto vs. everybody else
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7315
Re: State Farm auto vs. everybody else
Shopping Home and Auto with State Farm right now since I'm losing my Farmers home insurance this year.
Home quote sounds reasonable but their auto quote is almost double what I'm paying now with Auto-Owners for the exact same coverage.
Home quote sounds reasonable but their auto quote is almost double what I'm paying now with Auto-Owners for the exact same coverage.
- Tue May 23, 2023 7:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 6973
Re: How Much Do You Spend on Lawn Maintenance Services?
In Florida:
$60/month - mowing, trimming, blowing - local guy
$390/year - fertilizing, weed, and bug control - professional company
$1,110/year total
Plus every other year around $100 to have (2) 20' tall palm trees trimmed and every third or forth year around $750 to have (2) 40' oak trees pruned.
$60/month - mowing, trimming, blowing - local guy
$390/year - fertilizing, weed, and bug control - professional company
$1,110/year total
Plus every other year around $100 to have (2) 20' tall palm trees trimmed and every third or forth year around $750 to have (2) 40' oak trees pruned.
- Wed May 17, 2023 3:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Personal Finance Management with S/O
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1519
Re: Personal Finance Management with S/O
S/O and I have been together 32 years now and from day one this is how we handle the finances. Joint 'House' checking, saving, and credit card Her 'Personal' checking, savings, and credit cards My 'Personal' checking, savings, and credit cards Every month each of us puts in $XXXX from our personal account to the House account The House account pays all the bills (mortgage, utilities, groceries, entertainment like dining/theater, etc) I take care of all the bills, but she has full access to the bank account, which she can view at any time. We review the numbers yearly and adjust what we need to, up or down. If we decide that there is extra money in the House checking account, we decide how much to move to the House savings account. The House...
- Sat May 06, 2023 1:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity credit card limit discussion
- Replies: 24
- Views: 4802
Re: Fidelity credit card limit discussion
US Bank is $25k limit and they keep asking me if I want to raise it. I don't need to charge that much for anything.
I do have a 820 credit score.
I do have a 820 credit score.
- Thu May 04, 2023 10:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: In Hindsight, did you retire at the right time?
- Replies: 109
- Views: 12909
Re: In Hindsight, did you retire at the right time?
I retired 8 years ago this month, at my full retirement age of 65.
We moved into a golf retirement community with a beautiful house on the golf course. I play golf 6 days a week.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
We moved into a golf retirement community with a beautiful house on the golf course. I play golf 6 days a week.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
- Wed May 03, 2023 1:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Smart Sprinkler Timers - Orbit B-Hyve Smart Sprinkler? Paying for "turn on"?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1954
Re: Smart Sprinkler Timers - Orbit B-Hyve Smart Sprinkler? Paying for "turn on"?
I installed the B-Hyve about 2 years ago, and it's great. Especially when I want to adjust the sprinkler heads. I can go to the area I want to adjust, and from my phone turn that zone on, adjust, and then turn the zone off.
Maybe it's the area we're in but for the last 8 years we've had our backflow testing done for $25 per year. They contact me the month the certification is due to the county, let me know they will test it on X date, and I don't have to be home, leave a bill on the door, and file the paperwork with the county.
Maybe it's the area we're in but for the last 8 years we've had our backflow testing done for $25 per year. They contact me the month the certification is due to the county, let me know they will test it on X date, and I don't have to be home, leave a bill on the door, and file the paperwork with the county.
- Thu Apr 20, 2023 4:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Gated community - too much hassle?
- Replies: 68
- Views: 8516
Re: Gated community - too much hassle?
I've lived in my current gated community for the last 8 years. Manned 24/7, along with a residents lane using license plate recognition for automatic access. As far as easy access, if you have family that lives nearby and visits often, add their license plate to your guests list, and they can use the residents lane as they enter the community. UPS, FedEx, USPS, Fire, Ambulance, the guard has the gate up as they come up the access road. I like it. Before moving here, I lived in a gated community in Tampa for 15 years. Large wrought iron gates that would open if you had the remote. Otherwise you needed to use the call box that had all the residents names listed. You called the resident, and they were able to open the gate from their phone. Al...
- Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What's your favorite reasonably priced gin?
- Replies: 157
- Views: 17693
Re: What's your favorite reasonably priced gin?
Tanqueray for my filthy Tanquerary on the rocks, and Burnett's for my evening gin and tonics.
- Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Jury Duty and $1,500 Fine
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3183
Re: Jury Duty and $1,500 Fine
I received a jury summons last year to appear, which happened to be on a date that I was going to be out of town. The summons had an online link that I could use to request a postponement. I used it and was pleasantly surprised as I looked at the reasons for postponement or excusal from jury duty. I used the: I am 70 years old or older and request to be excused this date only or request permanent exemption from jury duty. I chose the permanent exemption, hit the submit button and expected that someone would review it and let me know, but instead, the next page appeared and said I was granted permanent exemption from jury duty. I assume that they don't want a bunch of older people requesting recesses during the trial for bathroom breaks. :wi...
- Wed Mar 01, 2023 3:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are appliance sets worth it?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1561
Re: Are appliance sets worth it?
Well, there is one more update to this story.
After seeing the post Washer/Dryer - HD or Costco, I realized I hadn't checked Costco. We are members, but the nearest Costco to us is over 35 miles away, so we really don't go there on a normal basis. So, after reading that post, I checked the Costco site. Ended up with the next model up washer and same dryer for $168 less than the Best Buy order.
Called Best Buy, and canceled the order.
Thanks for reminding me of Costco.
After seeing the post Washer/Dryer - HD or Costco, I realized I hadn't checked Costco. We are members, but the nearest Costco to us is over 35 miles away, so we really don't go there on a normal basis. So, after reading that post, I checked the Costco site. Ended up with the next model up washer and same dryer for $168 less than the Best Buy order.
Called Best Buy, and canceled the order.
Thanks for reminding me of Costco.
- Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are appliance sets worth it?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1561
Re: Are appliance sets worth it?
Thanks for all the advice. To finalize this tale, the wife and I discussed it, and decided that the only appliance that was broken, was the dryer, and that maybe instead of rushing into purchasing all new appliances right now, we should sit back and do some research. But, we did need a new dryer, and the washer has been making some really strange sounds.She was also not fond of running to the local laundromat 18 miles away. So off we trudged to Lowes and HD. Both had the model of washer/dryer we were looking for, however neither one of them could deliver within 3-4 weeks. We also checked Best Buy. They also had the same set, and could deliver and install by March 2. The sale prices were somewhat identical, with Best Buy having a $100 discou...
- Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:05 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are appliance sets worth it?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1561
Re: Are appliance sets worth it?
Thanks for all the input.
Gas dryer, so while it may be easy to fix, I really don't trust myself with fixing something that could blow up.
I'm 73 and retired. I'm hoping that this may be the last set of appliances that we'll need in my lifetime.
Gas dryer, so while it may be easy to fix, I really don't trust myself with fixing something that could blow up.
I'm 73 and retired. I'm hoping that this may be the last set of appliances that we'll need in my lifetime.
- Tue Feb 28, 2023 8:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are appliance sets worth it?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1561
Are appliance sets worth it?
Our appliances in the kitchen and laundry room are starting to show their wear. All are original Whirlpool appliances installed in the house when built in 2005. 2 weeks ago, closing the microwave door, a chunk of the lower outside of the door fell to the floor. All the seals in the refrigerator are old and crumbling, and the ice maker is not working. I've already replaced the ice maker 3 times. Yesterday, I came home and the wife said the clothes dryer has stopped working. So, long story, short, I'm thinking it's time to replace the appliances. Is purchasing a complete set worth it, as opposed to buying individual pieces that may be on sale? I guess if I just price the individual pieces and add them together, and compare them to the set pri...
- Mon Jul 08, 2019 10:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DIY Home Security like Ring and SimpliSafe vs paid services like ADT and Rampart. What do you advise for and/or against?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 5562
Re: DIY Home Security like Ring and SimpliSafe vs paid services like ADT and Rampart. What do you advise for and/or agai
I've never seen the need to use any type of security system and felt the advertising for them played on ones fears. I have nothing of real value in the home, if I'm away there is nothing I could do regarding a breakin or fire and I dont care who is ringing the doorbell and I have insurance should something occur. FWIW I'm in the NW burbs of Chicago. Just my $.02. Monitoring can immediately alert 911 on a fire if you're not there. Not completely insignificant. I an alarm system deters a break in, or the siren goes off and scares off an active break in attempt, there is a psychological benefit, admittedly hard to put a price tag on to that. The sense of violation if you've been a victim as I have, about 25 years ago, is very real. Maybe more...
- Wed Jul 03, 2019 1:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone pay to install transfer switch recently? Does quote seem reasonable?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 21686
Re: Anyone pay to install transfer switch recently? Does quote seem reasonable?
I've had 2 transfer switches installed. Same 10 circuit manual transfer switch. The first one, since the load center box was surface mounted in the garage, I just installed myself. No issues, and was fairly straight forward. The second transfer switch I had installed last year, when we bought the new house. The load center was a flush mount in the wall, and I wasn't exactly certain on how to get the wiring from the flush mount transfer switch, to the surface mount load center. I called 3 electrical contractors, and explained what I needed. 2 of them weren't interested. They were only interested if I wanted to but the transfer switch hardware, and have them install it at a cost of over $1000. The third contractor came out, looked the job ove...
- Fri Jun 14, 2019 1:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 1009114
Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop
One other question before I go the Fidelity one stop shop. Does Fidelity allow autopay accounts? What I'm talking about is, in this specific case, my Medicare AARP-UHC Medigap insurance. They give a $5 discount with autopay, which allows them to pull their payment from my account monthly. I'm not sure of the actual inner workings on how they set that up, all I know is that I filled out, and signed a form, that gave them my account numbers at my bank, and they automatically pull the funds for the monthly premium. I guess I can always keep just a cheap checking account at a B&M, and use that for the autopay bills.
- Thu Jun 13, 2019 6:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 1009114
Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop
You can do everything you want with just a brokerage account. The main benefit of a CMA is ATM fee reimbursements. If you have enough assets at Fidelity to qualify for private client status, you get ATM reimbursements in a regular brokerage account. You can do everything you want with just a CMA. The main benefit of a brokerage account is availability of higher-yielding core funds (the fund or account that cash sweeps in and out of). You can get the higher yields by manually transferring cash from the core account/fund to the higher yielding money market fund. Debits will automatically be pulled from the higher-yielding MM fund. You don't really need both. You could even use your existing brokerage account, keeping in mind the ATM fee reim...
- Wed Jun 12, 2019 4:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How high of a Hurricane Deductible in FL? And is all Flood Insurance created the same?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 2869
Re: How high of a Hurricane Deductible in FL? And is all Flood Insurance created the same?
19 year resident of Florida, 15 in the Tampa area, and 4 in the current area, which is about 20 miles due west of Orlando. I'm not sure you want to hear this, but we've been with ASI (Progressive) since the beginning. Actually, I wasn't aware of the Progressive buyout of ASI until a year or so ago, when the new policy was renewed, and I saw the ASI division of Progressive on the policy. We've never had issues with them, but then again, I've never had to file a claim. The only points I wanted to make were that in Tampa, we had sinkhole coverage. It started out with what I would call a fairly reasonable premium, but by the time we sold the house and moved, I believe the premium had almost quadrupled. We stayed with ASI when we bought our hous...
- Wed Jun 12, 2019 3:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 1009114
Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Ok, I'm slightly (or greatly) confused. I have my individual brokerage account along with my IRA with Fidelity. What I want to do is move all my banking over to Fidelity as well. So, I open another brokerage account, and direct my SS and other direct deposits to that account in SPAXX. That will be the only cash in that brokerage account. Now, if I hit the Manage Cash tab, it allows me to order checks, a debit card, etc. So if I do that from that screen, it automatically becomes a CMA account, or just a brokerage account with CMA functionality? Do I need to specifically open a CMA account in addition to the brokerage account. I understand what I've previously read was that I need to open both a brokerage and CMA account, and tie the OD prote...
- Wed Jun 05, 2019 6:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Buying Burial Plot in advance
- Replies: 53
- Views: 5491
Re: Buying Burial Plot in advance
Back in 1920, when my Grandfather died, my Grandmother decided it was smart to purchase 8 burial plots, so the family would be together. Needless to say, 4 of those plots have been used, and talking to the family, no one else wants to be buried there. So 4 plots will go unused. One of these days, I may talk to the cemetery and see if there is a way of selling those plots. As others have said, family could end up all over the country, and cremation is the way most people are going now.
- Sat Jun 01, 2019 6:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Just Got a Call From Fidelity
- Replies: 55
- Views: 9912
Re: Just Got a Call From Fidelity
Same here. Right after I moved everything over to Fidelity, I started getting calls. They wanted to set up a meeting to go over my account. I explained that I was just trying to simplify, and didn't need any assistance. They were pretty adamant over the next few weeks, so I figured I go meet with them, after all it's their time. Actually, it was a very informative meeting. They didn't try to push anything after I explained that all I wanted to do is index. The rep asked if there was anything I didn't understand that he could help explain. We went over my retirement plans. He suggested the indexes that they thought I should invest in. He gave me his card and said I could call, or email him, anytime and ask questions. Actually, it was a pleas...
- Tue May 14, 2019 9:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash - Throw it all on the table!!!
- Replies: 282
- Views: 58239
Re: Cash - Throw it all on the table!!!
Interesting topic. I never really looked at all the cash I have lying around.
2 checking accounts with ~5k each - no interest, I use these to pay my monthly bills
2 B&M savings accounts with 15k each @ .02%
1 insurance settlement account with 15k @ 3%, I never draw on this
50k in Fido SPAXX brokerage acct
10k in Fido SPAXX tIRA acct
I keep $200 in my wallet at all times
I have $1200 cash in my desk drawer, just in case
I'd say around $115k in cash available
2 checking accounts with ~5k each - no interest, I use these to pay my monthly bills
2 B&M savings accounts with 15k each @ .02%
1 insurance settlement account with 15k @ 3%, I never draw on this
50k in Fido SPAXX brokerage acct
10k in Fido SPAXX tIRA acct
I keep $200 in my wallet at all times
I have $1200 cash in my desk drawer, just in case
I'd say around $115k in cash available
- Tue May 07, 2019 6:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Whole House Surge Protection
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3102
Re: Whole House Surge Protection
Our power company offers whole house surge protection. They lease it to us. $5 a month. They install it for free. It's an addon to the electrical meter. They pop off the electrical meter, plug this surge protection unit in it's place, and plug the meter back on top of it. Then they handed me a big box of new assorted surge protection devices for the TV, computers, appliances, pretty much everything is covered. If anything goes wrong with the unit, or it wears out, it's replaced. Ok, so I'm paying $60 a year, but I view it like insurance.
- Fri Apr 05, 2019 10:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Probate Question Re Credit Cards
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3037
Re: Probate Question Re Credit Cards
I have a telephone conference call today scheduled with the attorney as she has not responded to my emails in 5 days. Let's see what happens now. I may need to request my 100% upfront payment returned and start over again. Wow! Don't get me started. You may be using the same attorney I had for my late fathers estate. He passed in Dec, 2009. I retained the attorney a couple of weeks later in Jan, 2010. In June, 2016, he finally filed the Petition to Discharge me as the PR. I can't tell you how many calls, letters, emails were sent back and forth, and nothing happened. This is for an estate that was slightly less than $100k. No personal property to dispose of, all just various cash accounts that had no POD/TOD or beneficiaries assigned. It w...
- Tue Mar 26, 2019 6:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Those of You Having Medigap Plan F More than 5 Years
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5020
Re: Those of You Having Medigap Plan F More than 5 Years
Florida here. AARP/United Healthcare Plan F
2015 - $171.25
2016 - $173.47
2017 - $173.47
2018 - $182.07
2019 - $182.16
Maybe it's all the old people here that keeps the rates from rising drastically.
2015 - $171.25
2016 - $173.47
2017 - $173.47
2018 - $182.07
2019 - $182.16
Maybe it's all the old people here that keeps the rates from rising drastically.
- Tue Mar 19, 2019 11:29 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What's Your Opinion on Nest Thermostats
- Replies: 62
- Views: 8052
Re: What's Your Opinion on Nest Thermostats
I had a non-wifi capable Honeywell programmable thermostat that was very reasonably priced for a number of years. My HVAC went out, and I had to have it replaced. The dealer asked if I wanted a new programmable one, and of course, they would charge me for it. I told him to just use the old one. Long story, short, I get a survey from the company's home office asking about my installation, etc, and also asking how I like my new Nest thermostat... I responded that I didn't get one. The next day the salesman called and told me that there was a promo for a 'free' Nest thermostat with the installation of a new HVAC system that he conveniently forgot to mention. He had a technician there within a couple of hours to install it. I wouldn't buy one, ...
- Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Home/Condo Insurance in Florida Recommendation
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1754
Re: Home/Condo Insurance in Florida Recommendation
We've had American Strategic Insurance since 2004. Recently, they were purchased by Progressive, but still doing business as ASI. They are based out of St. Petersburg, FL.
- Thu Mar 07, 2019 4:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Recent Death of Father and Looking At Life Insurance Payout Options
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2472
Re: Recent Death of Father and Looking At Life Insurance Payout Options
One thing you may want to check on the lump sum payout.
When my Dad passed away in 2009, I was the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. The ins. co. gave me all the payout options and I chose the lump sum. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they sent me a checkbook with the instructions that I could write any amount of checks, but the minimum check I could write was for $250, all the way up to the maximum of the death benefit. What I didn't realize until I got all the paperwork from the ins. co. was that any money in the account would earn 3% APY. Needless to say, I haven't written a check against that account yet, and happily watch the balance grow monthly. This, during a time when interest rates were lucky to hit 1%.
When my Dad passed away in 2009, I was the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. The ins. co. gave me all the payout options and I chose the lump sum. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they sent me a checkbook with the instructions that I could write any amount of checks, but the minimum check I could write was for $250, all the way up to the maximum of the death benefit. What I didn't realize until I got all the paperwork from the ins. co. was that any money in the account would earn 3% APY. Needless to say, I haven't written a check against that account yet, and happily watch the balance grow monthly. This, during a time when interest rates were lucky to hit 1%.
- Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Progressive Homeowner's Insurance?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1581
Re: Progressive Homeowner's Insurance?
We've had ASI since 2004. We couldn't be happier. I was a little hesitant when I saw that Progressive bought them. I've always had issues with Progressive, but so far, it doesn't appear that they have done anything to screw up my ASI relationship.
- Wed Mar 06, 2019 1:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Calculating cost basis of Express Scripts in Cigna merger
- Replies: 55
- Views: 23982
Re: Calculating cost basis of Express Scripts in Cigna merger
per the 8937 says I can pay taxes on with a cost basis of zero, or the total proceeds (cash received + CI FMV shares received [) minus] ESRX cost basis I don't have a conclusion for you, but I see the following: You said that your ESRX basis for the April 2015 lot was $82.08/share. The total proceeds received in December 2018 was around $93 per ESRX share surrendered (i.e., $48.75 + 0.2434 Cigna share), so you want to treat this lot using the second formula (because $93 - $82.08 < $48.75). Adding up the two quoted lines for the April 2015 lot, they claim that you should recognize income of $10.798 per ESRX share surrendered. That would seem to value the 0.2434 Cigna share at $44.128 (= $82.08 + $10.798 - $48.75), i.e., a Cigna price of $18...