Search found 2502 matches

by Barefootgirl
Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amtrak Vacations
Replies: 15
Views: 2736

Amtrak Vacations

We're thinking of something different in terms of leisure travel for 2023. We only have experience using the Auto Train and the NE commuter corridor. We'll be travelling to California from New York, round trip, routes are open and so are possible detours.

We'd like to discover the west coast, perhaps also the midwest and southwestern area of the US. We're retired.

We're already familiar with the drawbacks of Amtrak travel, so that's not helpful for the purpose of this post.

I'm interested in hearing from rail fans or perhaps Amtrak fans. Your favorite stops? good places to disembark for a day or two to explore local areas by walking or taxi?

Thanks!
by Barefootgirl
Tue Sep 13, 2022 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Re: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

Starting in 2023, convert to just under the first IRMAA tier (this year MAGI of less than $91,000) which will be in the 22% bracket. Put your entire bond allocation in tax-deferred accounts to slow down growth. Continue on until things change and then re-evaluate. Just revisiting this again to make sure I understand my strategy for 2023. If I understand correctly, since I will turn 63 in July of 2023, I should be careful to keep the total Roth conversion amount under $91K - all sources of income considered, along with the amount of the conversions - altogether less than $91K. (In order to stay under the 22% bracket) and the result of this is to avoid IRMAA surcharges imposed on me when I reach Medicare in 2025 - age 65. Do I have that corr...
by Barefootgirl
Wed Aug 31, 2022 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Re: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

Now I see the point, thank you again.
by Barefootgirl
Wed Aug 31, 2022 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Re: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

Appreciate all the advice in this thread. Thank you all.


Here is my suggestion. For 2022, convert to the top of the 24% bracket (taxable income after deductions =$170k

I get the first part of this, but somehow got lost in "taxable income after deductions" and arriving at $170K.
Would you mind clarifying? thank you.


Also, my birthday is in July.
by Barefootgirl
Tue Aug 30, 2022 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Successor Trustee - how to find
Replies: 1
Views: 399

Successor Trustee - how to find

I understand that wills are written in accordance with the state in which you are a resident. Are trusts written the same? I guess I ask because I believe that banks or trustees can be nationwide organizations? so would it matter to a successor trustee (such as a bank or trustee company?)
by Barefootgirl
Tue Aug 30, 2022 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Re: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

If you share a little more regarding your current status, we can help to provide guidance on what makes sense for you - Filing status (single, head of household, MFJ, etc.) - Current income (pension, dividends, any other income) - Current tax rates - Current account balances (taxable, 401k, tIRA) and any expected future contributions - This will be helpful to know what kind of situation you will be in when RMD's begin. - Expected SS income and timing when you expect to start taking i Thank you, see below: Emergency Funds - yes Debt: none Tax Filing Status: Single Tax Rate: Federal 2022: 12% State of Residence: Florida (for now, planning to move in 2023) Age: 62 Total Portfolio Value: $2M Current retirement assets Taxable $450K 401K (TSP) $...
by Barefootgirl
Tue Aug 30, 2022 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Re: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

If you want/need to do conversions, 2022 is the last year you can do a large conversion without triggering IRMAA. The year you turn 63 is the year that your Medicare payment at 65 is based on.

Thank you for pointing that out since we are headed into the last few months of the year

If you are a single person with a pension, there is a good possibility you are or will be in at least the 22% tax bracket (25% starting in 2026). Does that seem to be true for you? If you are single now, do you think that will change?

I am in the 12% bracket and do not plan to legally remarry.

Where will your money go when you die?

not planning to leave a legacy
by Barefootgirl
Tue Aug 30, 2022 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Developing a Roth Conversion Plan
Replies: 25
Views: 2703

Developing a Roth Conversion Plan

The bulk of my assets are in my 401k (TSP) and a T-IRA. (and a regular brokerage account, but I am not sure whether that is really applicable for this situation). I have had a Roth in place for several years. I retired last year at age 60. I just turned 62. I am still developing my knowledge of Roth conversions and the concepts and details, so please bear with me here. I am currently living from a pension that comprises about 30% of my income needs, and the balance comes from my savings account supplying the rest. At some point I will begin drawing from my retirement accounts and start to claim Soc Security. I have done neither so far. In terms of a plan, it seems it might behoove me to convert more this year and next year, when I turn 63 i...
by Barefootgirl
Wed Aug 24, 2022 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.
Replies: 21
Views: 3173

T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.

I've been using Consumer Cellular (too cool for the over 55 school lol) - but my situation is changing and I'm expecting
to spend a lot more time in Canada & Mexico in the coming year or two.

I've compared Consumer to the T Mobile plans and it looks like it would be advantageous, from a cost perspective, for me to switch from CC to T Mobile now that I will all over North America.

So for you T Mobile users, are you satisfied with the service and features you've been getting? Any comments? any pros or cons with them?
thanks
by Barefootgirl
Wed Aug 24, 2022 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire Sensor on the panel - acting strange
Replies: 14
Views: 1115

Tire Sensor on the panel - acting strange

I drive a Toyota RAV, my set of tires are about 4 years old, have lasted for 25K miles and appear to have good amount of life left in them.

Last week the tire sensor light went on, so I checked the pressure and it was low, so I put air in the tires. The light finally turned off about 20 miles after that. Now this week, it's flashing again and going on and off.

I assume this means either the sensor is now defective/worn out or one of the tires might be leaking.?

Has anyone had this problem before? how did it resolve?
by Barefootgirl
Wed Jul 20, 2022 6:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Redweek/Timeshare Rentals/Owners or Non-Owners?
Replies: 8
Views: 1296

Redweek/Timeshare Rentals/Owners or Non-Owners?

In a Facebook discussion board, a poster mentioned that she much prefers timeshare rentals over hotels and AirBnbs - her reasoning is that timeshare condos offer many more amenities than hotels (a full kitchen being the best amenity) and a much better experience (on average) than AirBnbs at lower or competitive prices. Since many people don't own a timeshare for this, she mentioned RedWeek for non-owners to rent from owners.

She mentioned she also gets better pricing when she needs to rent in addition to what she owns.

I would love to know if others of you have tried this route and what your experience has been?

THANKS
by Barefootgirl
Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts
Replies: 57
Views: 4903

Re: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts

Why would you list accounts in your will when they could be TOD?


Bank accounts will TOD

Brokerage account beneficiary will be the trust.
by Barefootgirl
Tue Jul 19, 2022 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: get out your housing market crystal ball
Replies: 24
Views: 3440

Re: get out your housing market crystal ball

Don't the lower end buyers suffer the most during a period of rising rates (can't buy as much) ? so lower end sellers might be hungrier to take a cash offer. But oops, you may be seeking a house on higher end, so all bets are off I guess.
by Barefootgirl
Mon Jul 18, 2022 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts
Replies: 57
Views: 4903

Re: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts

I had previously mentioned in a separate post that my trust will be beneficiary of my brokerage accounts and we hashed and rehashed the implications of that (mostly tax related, but there are ways to manage that) and the reasons for it, in that separate thread.

I agree that it seems a bit unwwieldy to modify the trust every time an account number changes - nevertheless I did see some samples that took that approach, so I wanted to show the issue to the light of day here. Thanks
by Barefootgirl
Sat Jul 16, 2022 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts
Replies: 57
Views: 4903

Re: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts

those are listed separately - eg.

car

house and household contents


accounts - so the question was about how much detail is appropriate for this line item
by Barefootgirl
Sat Jul 16, 2022 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts
Replies: 57
Views: 4903

Accounts Listed in Wills and Trusts

I've seen sample wills and trusts where bank and brokerage accounts are listed with account number, bank name, etc.

I've also seen some that simply state "the balance of all my bank (or brokerage) accounts is bequeathed to X"

My barely breathing attorney (sorry that's all I can find here in this area) says either way is fine.

Does anyone here have thoughts about whether it matters either way? I'm just thinking about the case where you happen to open a new account and it's not yet listed in an updated document and you croak suddenly.....
by Barefootgirl
Thu Jul 07, 2022 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP Participants/Beneficiary Question
Replies: 3
Views: 463

TSP Participants/Beneficiary Question

Do any of you have any experience with naming a trust as a beneficiary of your TSP account?

Any tips to share?
by Barefootgirl
Wed Jul 06, 2022 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?
Replies: 48
Views: 4478

Re: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?

See through status just means only people may be beneficiaries

So, circling back to the original question/post - a see through trust would not apply in the case of the trust being named as the beneficiary of the 401k account?

I guess the software/templates will guide through that question.
by Barefootgirl
Fri Jun 24, 2022 9:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337252

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

I'd like to open a new IRA account with Fidelity. I can't seem to find any published bonuses for them now.

Is anyone aware of a Fidelity bonus at the moment? Thanks
by Barefootgirl
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?
Replies: 48
Views: 4478

Re: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?

I just wanted to double check, the only issue with naming the trust as a beneficiary of a 401K or Traditional IRA is the tax burdens pursuant to the Secure Act?

No other issues? thanks
by Barefootgirl
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?
Replies: 48
Views: 4478

Re: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?


Obviously, if you have reasons for naming the trust as beneficiary that outweigh the extreme tax burden (protection from a spendthrift heir), then maybe it makes sense. I don't know what your circumstances are and nor am I asking that you share them. I am only pointing out that if you do this, you are giving away a lot in taxes potentially. Consider if there is another option, like leaving other assets for the trust, doing Roth conversions of the IRA's that you plan to leave in the trust


This pretty much sums up my situation in a nutshell. Reviewing Roth options currently.

Thank you, sometimes it helps to frame the issue crystallized all in one statement.
by Barefootgirl
Tue Jun 21, 2022 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?
Replies: 48
Views: 4478

Re: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?

Does it throw a fly into the ointment to insert this additional information?

The beneficiaries of my trust are my grandchildren. Right now, they are minors....with luck, by the time they would inherit the assets of the trust, they would be adults...and the trust is scheduled not to pay out until that they are in their 20s/30s, but for advanced educational expenses.
by Barefootgirl
Tue Jun 21, 2022 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?
Replies: 48
Views: 4478

Naming A Trust as the Beneficiary of a 401K/IRA?

Have any of you named your trust as the beneficiary of your 401K or IRA as part of your estate plan? Any potential issues or problems with it that you are aware of, with doing this?

I realize that it's something called a "wasting asset" - but I'm thinking that after I pass, the trust holds what the trust holds, it is what it is....

Hopefully it goes without saying that I wouldn't be considering this if I had better options...there are personal considerations involved.
by Barefootgirl
Sun Jun 19, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multi-Purpose Device?
Replies: 10
Views: 1117

Multi-Purpose Device?

I've only ever used an iPhone, a Kindle and a Macbook Air.... I'll be mobile again soon and looking to save space/weight in the luggage. Maybe I can combine the Kindle and Macbook into one device to accomplish this. The only "sophisticated" thing I do on the Macbook is once a year, I use it to load software for tax prep.
I primarily use it because I am married to a keyboard - don't like touch pads.

I use the these two ( MBA & Kindle) primarily to read websites, send email, use social media and read periodicals and online newspapers. I do not play games online or use any software beyond what is embedded already/

Would a Chromebook do this more efficiently? I am not wedded to Apple, I just like ease of use.

Thanks
by Barefootgirl
Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Berkey Replacement Filters - knock offs
Replies: 0
Views: 280

Berkey Replacement Filters - knock offs

I've noticed replacement filters for the Berkeys are now being sold under other brand names, less $ of course.

I'm not sure how sophisticated the filter design is - seems like some kind of compressed material.

Can anyone comment as to whether the other brands may be less effective than the Berkey brand in filtering ?
by Barefootgirl
Tue May 31, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suddenly unable to upload files on Macbook via Safari
Replies: 3
Views: 332

Re: Suddenly unable to upload files on Macbook via Safari

I may have panicked early. I rebooted and now it's working fine.

I was startled because this had never happened to me before in my decades of using a computer - and it was happening on every website I tried to do an upload (several) - although I was able to isolate the problem to Safari.

I have not made any changes or upgrades in recent history.

This is something of a mystery for me.

Thank you for those who jumped in to help me try to troubleshoot this oddity.
by Barefootgirl
Tue May 31, 2022 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suddenly unable to upload files on Macbook via Safari
Replies: 3
Views: 332

Suddenly unable to upload files on Macbook via Safari

I can upload/attach files in Chrome, but not Safari - and this just happened suddenly today.

I wasn't able to get a constructive answer from Apple Support, outside of reloading the OS, which I am loathe to go through initially.

Has anyone experienced this and did you find a solution? THANKS
by Barefootgirl
Fri Apr 15, 2022 9:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized
Replies: 260
Views: 39431

Re: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized

There are people out there who purchased $1,000 or $2,500 in I Bonds every year since they were announced in 1998.

Imagine how those investors feel today.


I've been buying since 2002, 20 years. Some years, $1K, some years, $30K....the most recent decade - $10K.

It feels like ballast to me, in a good way.
by Barefootgirl
Wed Apr 13, 2022 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized
Replies: 260
Views: 39431

Re: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized

For taxes filed this week - and refunds diverted to the paper I Bonds, anyone have recent experience in terms of knowing how long it typically takes, from date of filing, for the paper bonds to be issued and transmitted? ( I realize pandemic times may differ than non-pandemic times)
by Barefootgirl
Mon Apr 11, 2022 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block software and Foreign Tax Credit
Replies: 6
Views: 610

H&R Block software and Foreign Tax Credit

While using the H&R Block software, it kicks up a message that because I paid over $300 in foreign taxes in 2021, I am eligible for a credit. Great - but trying to answer the questions just takes me round and round in circles. I paid foreign taxes via Vanguard Total International Fund.....I was able to finally get the software to accept that the income was passive, but it seems to insist on needing to know how much for each country. I haven't been able to find any way to communicate that this was via a mutual fund - many countries outside the US, not broken down. It keeps trying to force me to reply by country. There is an option for "various" - but again, no way to communicate for the fund as a whole, not individual countries...
by Barefootgirl
Wed Mar 23, 2022 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eyeglasses/Sunglasses leash/retainer - well made?
Replies: 2
Views: 323

Eyeglasses/Sunglasses leash/retainer - well made?

I wear some expensive sunglasses that have wide frames to block rays on the sides.

It's become a challenge to find well made leashes or retainers. The ones I have purchased online recently have quickly broken.

Does anyone have a brand to recommend? THANK YOU
by Barefootgirl
Wed Mar 23, 2022 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Return Policy
Replies: 30
Views: 2653

Re: Amazon Return Policy


You do realize that the 21 day policy isn't something new



I do realize that the 21 day statement has only started appearing recently AND I realize my experience over the past decade has been much better than this.
by Barefootgirl
Wed Mar 23, 2022 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Security - Hotmail
Replies: 18
Views: 3287

Microsoft Security - Hotmail

I have an old hotmail account from many years ago - I rarely use it anymore but every once in awhile I need to access it to retrieve some old information. Since the beginning of the year, I have been receiving the following message, sometimes daily: We received your request for a single-use code to use with your Microsoft account. Your single-use code is: XXXXXX If you didn't request this code, you can safely ignore this email. Someone else might have typed your email address by mistake. Thanks, The Microsoft account team I have reset my password on the account many times, especially recently. I looked up the Microsoft forums and many others are reporting the same issue and Microsoft basically blows it off as no big deal. Appears it's some ...
by Barefootgirl
Wed Mar 23, 2022 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Return Policy
Replies: 30
Views: 2653

Amazon Return Policy

I returned two items to Amazon on March 8th. Amazon acknowledges receiving them on March 11. I asked why they haven't refunded me yet - they said they need more time to find my items - even though they acknowledge receiving them. They've asked me to wait until April 4 (!!) before taking further action. They're a huge huge wealthy corporation basically asking me, a solo consumer, to extend them a "loan" - meanwhile my credit card payment due date has not changed. I'd hate to file a claim with the bank. I tried escalating at Amazon - got the same answer. Anyone else run across this? I went back and notice they have added a new note to their website, indicating that returns may take up to 21 days.... when I first joined Prime, they i...
by Barefootgirl
Sat Mar 19, 2022 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Crushed ice for cocktails?
Replies: 12
Views: 1297

Crushed ice for cocktails?

Not mini cubes, not shaved ice - crushed ice.

We're renting now and the fridge does not provide crushed ice.

We love to make Moscow Mules and Margaritas, etc.

Our blender doesn't make crushed ice.

Do you have a machine or other tool to recommend?
by Barefootgirl
Thu Feb 10, 2022 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tradeline selling - is this a real thing??
Replies: 26
Views: 3570

Re: Tradeline selling - is this a real thing??

Is tradeline selling still active?
by Barefootgirl
Wed Feb 02, 2022 10:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337252

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Today is the expiration of my 90th day holding period for the Tastyworks $500 bonus.

I am ready to move the money out, but still keep the account. I don't see any account minimums or maintenance fees on the fee list.

If anyone has recently done similar, would you mind sharing any details of your experience? THANKS
by Barefootgirl
Sun Dec 19, 2021 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617098

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Created a living trust for the purpose of buying more i bond this morning. I will get it notarized on Monday. It's free in townhall.

The notarization is free I assume - was there a cost involved in setting up the trust? thanks
by Barefootgirl
Sat Dec 18, 2021 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 55+ Communities, Lot Rent Question
Replies: 1
Views: 666

55+ Communities, Lot Rent Question

My two sisters have been looking at snowbird homes in Florida in 55+ communities. Since they will only be there a few months/year they are looking at well kept mobile & manufactured home communities.

There are some communities that are held as an owner coop/resident owned, but most are owned by a landlord/company and the residents pay lot rent.

Does anyone know if these lease contracts *typically* provide any language about the percentage increase that can be imposed each year,? for example, in other situations, I have seen similar tied to the Consumer Price Index as an example.
by Barefootgirl
Mon Dec 13, 2021 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using Tax Refund for I Bonds/Tax Prep Software
Replies: 7
Views: 1046

Re: Using Tax Refund for I Bonds/Tax Prep Software

Here is the reply I received from Tax Hawk, a scant 10 or so weeks ago on this topic: Support 09/22/2021 1:32 PM Hello, Thank you for contacting Customer Support . Unfortunately our software does not support the filing of form 8888 with your tax return. I am sorry about that. If you wish to take your refund via government bonds, you will need to file your return with another service or print the return you prepare on our site and mail it to the IRS with the form 8888 attached. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Regards and well wishes, X So basically you can prepare your return with them, but filing is on your own if you do the 8888. Unless in a scant 10 weeks, things have changed. Part of the appeal to me to using the...
by Barefootgirl
Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using Tax Refund for I Bonds/Tax Prep Software
Replies: 7
Views: 1046

Using Tax Refund for I Bonds/Tax Prep Software

I learned when preparing 2020 taxes using Tax Hawk, that the software did not support being able to direct a refund to the purchase of I Bonds.

Does anyone know which tax packages do offer this option? (preferably anything other than Turbo Tax, if possible)

Thanks
by Barefootgirl
Thu Dec 09, 2021 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Assets Protected vis a vis Umbrella Policy
Replies: 21
Views: 1478

Assets Protected vis a vis Umbrella Policy

I am trying to decide how much coverage to purchase for an umbrella policy.

Which categories of assets are typically protected in a lawsuit? Is my 401k balance usually protected? a pension?

Any other categories? thank you.
by Barefootgirl
Mon Dec 06, 2021 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA planning
Replies: 10
Views: 940

HSA planning

I've retired this year and I'm glad to learn I can continue to contribute to my HSA, even without earned income.

So, the end goal is allow the account to continue to grow, (owing to market conditions of course.)?

Do you just keep holding onto medical & dental records/receipts and begin to withdraw at some point?

What are your withdrawal considerations?
by Barefootgirl
Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic
Replies: 572
Views: 75925

Re: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic

I understand there may be reasonable explanations - but it's just that I'm a middle aged person and I have never seen this - in any part of the US, at any time of year - ever in my entire life.

Not that it's a big deal, just worth noting IMO.
by Barefootgirl
Sun Dec 05, 2021 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic
Replies: 572
Views: 75925

Re: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic

Stopped into a major grocery chain this afternoon.

Completely out of half & half and any kind of cream.

Fresh chicken section of the meat aisle was completely decimated.

I didn't check the paper goods aisle. I was afraid to.
by Barefootgirl
Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida in the summer [thinking about moving there]
Replies: 132
Views: 18856

Re: Florida in the summer

Before coming here to live for a year, I tended to doubt that the summers here could be worse than other parts of the US where I have lived.

They are worse, but from my perspective, this is not solely due to heat and humidity. The summer was worse for me because it started so early (end of April) and ended just a couple weeks ago (roughly mid October)...and the angle and intensity of the sun made all the difference...The sun is just much more intense here than other parts of the US where I have spent summers...often, it felt as if it were pounding me into the ground...so I definitely get why people leave for those months.
by Barefootgirl
Sat Nov 06, 2021 5:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacuum or Compressed Storage?
Replies: 13
Views: 951

Re: Vacuum or Compressed Storage?

I'm not sure why you'd use a vacuum at a hotel.

The ones I have seen come with little hand pumps - it appears you would throw those in your bag.
by Barefootgirl
Fri Nov 05, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
Replies: 693
Views: 104188

Re: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A

For those who use Schwab for banking, do you find it easy to get cash & deposit checks at most ATMs?
by Barefootgirl
Fri Nov 05, 2021 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kabbage checking offering 1.1% on deposits.
Replies: 46
Views: 8354

Re: Kabbage checking offering 1.1% on deposits.

I received an email invite from Amex to apply, so I did and I'm waiting on the bonus. I have a couple business credit cards with Amex, so I guess that's why I received the email, maybe, maybe not.

I'd like to park a bunch of cash here, can't see a good reason NOT to, given the other options.

Has anyone had a problem yet?
by Barefootgirl
Fri Nov 05, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacuum or Compressed Storage?
Replies: 13
Views: 951

Vacuum or Compressed Storage?

I've never tried those vacuum or compressed systems for long term storage. Any recommendations?

What items might they be ideal for - other than clothing? Thank you.