Search found 229 matches

by mggray17
Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A simplified personal finance program for a PC – Build it, I will come!
Replies: 6
Views: 526

Re: A simplified personal finance program for a PC – Build it, I will come!

I too was a long tine user of Microsoft Money Sunset edition complete with the available workarounds after official support ended. I used until January 2022. What forced me to stop using it, is that there was not a workaround for downloads from Schwab, where I moved some of my accounts at that time.

I tried Quicken for the first time at that time and find that it fills all my needs along with my own spreadsheet.
The subscription comes due each January and I purchase a renewal around Black Friday each year for around $30.
You add the renewal code to your quicken and it extends for a year. I feel it is money well spent.
by mggray17
Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: at what age...?
Replies: 48
Views: 5173

Re: Retirees: at what age...?

I retired at 53 with a pension. I tried to live on my pension only, for as long as I could.
But I purchased a new vehicle last year and financed 3/4 of the price at 0.9%, so my monthly expenses increased by 25%.
This month i gave my self a 50% raise, in relation to my pension income. This equates to 1.4% of my portfolio.
So, at 55 yo, I began drawing down my portfolio, although only a small amount.
I have enough in T-Bills to maintain the current spending until age 59, where the rest of my portfolio can continue to grow until then.
by mggray17
Wed Feb 21, 2024 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Speed Queen still the "King" of washing machines?
Replies: 45
Views: 11566

Re: Is Speed Queen still the "King" of washing machines?

I'm another happy Speed Queen customer. The thing is you need to stick with the TC5 model and not the TR models.
There were problems with the TR models. As others noted the TC5 model is the "Classic" model and has been great for me.
by mggray17
Thu Nov 23, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
Replies: 246
Views: 38128

Re: H&R Block 2023 software offer

Longdog wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:48 am
tj wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:36 am
bsteiner wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 6:54 am
UNCHEEL wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 4:53 am Walmart.com now has the Premium & Business version for $44.99 and Deluxe for $24.97 (+$10 w/ state).
Amazon hasn't changed their prices yet, but presumably will tomorrow or Monday.
Amazon says a deal is coming early tomorrow (Friday) morning.
Where did they say this?
There's a section on the Amazon website where it shows you upcoming deals, though not necessarily the specifics of the deal - just that there will be a deal starting at a certain time for a certain product. They have both the H&R Block and TurboTax products listed for deals tomorrow if you select "Software" in the list of departments.
Now says "Starts at 03:00" say maybe 3 pm today or more likely 3 am tomorrow.
by mggray17
Sun Nov 12, 2023 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Lexus GX Finance or Cash
Replies: 68
Views: 8082

Re: 2023 Lexus GX Finance or Cash

pizzy wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:24 am
mggray17 wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 9:02 am Yes, bought a new truck in July. Had the cash to buy it outright, but they offered 0.9% for 36 months. Put 25% down, financed 75% of the purchase price. The original amount I put away for this purchase is still in 6 month T-bills. It was a no brainer for me.
Why did you decide to put 25% down?
Just a personal decision. Had that amount in my checking account, and retained all of the cash that I already had in the T-bills without cashing them out. I also learned while sitting at the dealer that the deposit helped avoid "gap" insurance.
by mggray17
Sat Nov 11, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Lexus GX Finance or Cash
Replies: 68
Views: 8082

Re: 2023 Lexus GX Finance or Cash

Yes, bought a new truck in July. Had the cash to buy it outright, but they offered 0.9% for 36 months. Put 25% down, financed 75% of the purchase price. The original amount I put away for this purchase is still in 6 month T-bills. It was a no brainer for me.
by mggray17
Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab Financial Consultant: has anyone used them?
Replies: 7
Views: 774

Re: Schwab Financial Consultant: has anyone used them?

I moved my 457 plan to Schwab when retired in early 2022 and dealt with someone at Schwab for a bonus match. It all went very smoothly. All calls, emails and messages were promptly answered. After the required 12 months to wait for another bonus, I moved most of my taxable Vanguard account to Schwab. This amount then entitled me to a dedicated Schwab CFP. The CFP, like the Schwab rep prior, has been very responsive and very helpful. The CFP will leave occasional VM's or emails inquiring if I would like any additional services or portfolio reviews from Schwab, but not overly pushy.
by mggray17
Thu Oct 26, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to start investing in treasuries at schwab?
Replies: 6
Views: 773

Re: How to start investing in treasuries at schwab?

Someone just recommended this page in another thread for buying treasuries at the online brokerages.

https://thefinancebuff.com/treasury-bil ... arket.html

I use Schwab myself and it is real easy buying treasuries at Schwab, once you go through the process once.
by mggray17
Thu Sep 14, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: State DOT damaged my driveway
Replies: 5
Views: 1455

Re: State DOT damaged my driveway

Is it a State DOT, County DOT or other? Contact the DOT and find out the name and number for the Resident Engineer or Engineer in Charge of the project or the local office in charge. Call them and request that they meet you at your property and discuss the damage that occurred. There may already be provisions in the contract (if contracted work) for such repairs. You won't know until you talk to them.
by mggray17
Wed Aug 23, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is the Vanguard Federal Money Market exempt from NJ state income tax?
Replies: 14
Views: 3091

Re: Is the Vanguard Federal Money Market exempt from NJ state income tax?

Just so you know, this has nothing to do with New Jersey. The fund is either exempt from all state and local taxation, or none of them. So the question is whether dividends from Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund (VMFXX) are exempt from state and local taxation in general. Using the data from right now (i.e. the snapshot of the fund composition as of July 31st, 2023 which is the most recent data): The answer is no, or at least 74.7% of the dividends are not exempt from state and local taxation. This is because 74.7% of the fund is made up of repurchase agreements or US government obligations. The fund states that 25.2% of the fund is from US treasury obligations and thus 25.2% of the dividend would be exempt from state and local taxation. ...
by mggray17
Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is the Vanguard Federal Money Market exempt from NJ state income tax?
Replies: 14
Views: 3091

Re: Is the Vanguard Federal Money Market exempt from NJ state income tax?

For tax year 2022, the federal money market fund had 37.79% of dividends from US obligations.
This percentage of the dividends were NJ exempt. You need to check each year.

https://www.vanguard.com/pdf/USGOIN_2023.pdf
by mggray17
Thu Aug 17, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vested Pension - NJ
Replies: 14
Views: 1608

Re: Vested Pension - NJ

Deuces8855 wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 11:31 am Thank you for the responses! I did email them and surprisingly got a response within a day or two. Yes you can withdraw at anytime according to them.

Only reason I asked is cause even if I retire in 5 years it would still be about 20 (I’m a tier 5 employee) that I could collect a deferred pension. So at that point I was asking if it was worth it to take it it let it ride in my own retirement accounts. For 20 years.

Still idk if this is gonna happen it’s just food for thought. If I can at least make it to 25 years I keep my health benefits I believe.. which are great compared to others
Current law is that when retired, you are entitled to the health benefits that were (are) in effect when you reach 25 years of service.
by mggray17
Wed Aug 16, 2023 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vested Pension - NJ
Replies: 14
Views: 1608

Re: Vested Pension - NJ

From page 26 of the TPAF members handbook, under the heading of Deferred Retirement, which is what your are eligible for after the 10 years and vesting:

At any time before your Deferred Retirement becomes
effective, you may change your mind and apply for a
lump-sum withdrawal of all your pension contributions.
However, once you cancel your Deferred Retirement
and withdraw your contributions, all the rights and privileges of membership in the retirement system end.

https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/pensio ... afbook.pdf
by mggray17
Tue Aug 15, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How bad is Probate really? [New Jersey]
Replies: 16
Views: 2451

Re: How bad is Probate really?

Some states allow you to have a transfer on death deed for the house. I'm not sure if that would be more convenient or less, given that there are 6 heirs. That sounds like a Really Bad Idea. Can you imagine getting six heirs signing off on a property listing? A sale? Much better to have a simple will or trust with an Executor or Successor Trustee, empowered to list and sell the place, and then distribute the cash to the other 5 heirs. It’s generally a bad idea for many other reasons that we’ve discussed many times. To piggyback on this NJ Probate thread, I've been searching and can't find a clear answer to this situation: Husband and wife have recent wills in NJ, husband's will makes the wife beneficiary of husbands estate and wife's will ...
by mggray17
Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How bad is Probate really? [New Jersey]
Replies: 16
Views: 2451

Re: How bad is Probate really?

Some states allow you to have a transfer on death deed for the house. I'm not sure if that would be more convenient or less, given that there are 6 heirs. That sounds like a Really Bad Idea. Can you imagine getting six heirs signing off on a property listing? A sale? Much better to have a simple will or trust with an Executor or Successor Trustee, empowered to list and sell the place, and then distribute the cash to the other 5 heirs. It’s generally a bad idea for many other reasons that we’ve discussed many times. To piggyback on this NJ Probate thread, I've been searching and can't find a clear answer to this situation: Husband and wife have recent wills in NJ, husband's will makes the wife beneficiary of husbands estate and wife's will ...
by mggray17
Fri Aug 11, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to evict skunk family living under shed?
Replies: 69
Views: 8045

Re: How to evict skunk family living under shed?

I had this problem also. Built a new deck at ground level. Bottom of deck joists were even with the ground. Groundhogs dug under the deck in the first fall / winter. These are the burrows that skunks like. The skunks moved in the 2nd fall / winter. I tried all of the above methods (except one) for months to no avail. The one that worked was noise. Placed an old boom box on the deck tuned to a local radio station, loud enough to be a nuisance to them, but not the neighbors for about 3 days. The skunks left. I bought some chicken wire to cover the bottom of the outside edges of the deck, brought it out about 2 feet and covered with mulch. No more skunks or ground hogs under the deck. I still see them meandering through the backyard, but they'...
by mggray17
Sun Jun 11, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Passport help!
Replies: 47
Views: 5957

Re: Need Passport help!

Here we are now in June, about 12 days from our trip and still no passport. Any advice appreciated! Passport & Visa Services This company, located near Washington DC, specializes on getting US passports and international visas. They have relationships at all the right offices, and get things accomplished expeditiously, professionally and kindly. Saved my travel plans when I misunderstood a particular visa requirement that changed post-COVID. They carefully explained the process, emailed forms went back and forth, walked my case right into the embassy, walked out with my visa and overnighted it to me. Mission accomplished! They were well worth what fees they charged. I don’t know of they can help you. But a call to their 800 number firs...
by mggray17
Sun Jun 11, 2023 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Passport help!
Replies: 47
Views: 5957

Re: Need Passport help!

For a point of reference, I mailed my passport renewal on March 17th. Normal processing, no rush or expedited processing.
The online tracker showed that it was received March 22, just before the extending the time line on those received March 24 of later.
I received my passport on June 6, right around the 11 week mark and my passport card a few days later.
by mggray17
Thu May 11, 2023 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New struts needed. Should I upgrade?
Replies: 19
Views: 1642

Re: New struts needed. Should I upgrade?

dukeblue219 wrote: Thu May 11, 2023 8:26 am In what way is a Bilstein strut better than whatever Subaru installs at the factory?
Subaru is in the business of building cars and keeping costs low where they can.
Most OEM shocks and / or struts are nowhere near the quality of aftermarket from reputable brands.
by mggray17
Thu May 11, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New struts needed. Should I upgrade?
Replies: 19
Views: 1642

Re: New struts needed. Should I upgrade?

zag00 wrote: Thu May 11, 2023 8:07 am Currently have Bilstein 5100's on my F150, much better than OEM.
+1 I have had Bilstein 5100's on my Silverado for about 12 years.
No regrets at all.
by mggray17
Wed Apr 19, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337578

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

I have about 1.4 million sitting at Etrade. Where can I move to get a nice bonus? Anyone has any experience with CITI? They are offering $3000 for one million but most reviews are not very good. Will Schwab match the $3000 offer from CITI? I had Schwab accounts in the past. Will Fido match the $3000 offer? Thanks Neither Schwab nor Fido will match the Citi offer. Fido will likely offer you about $2500 for $1mil. Schwab will match Etrade (generally, not always). Etrade may offer you a retention bonus not to leave, if you ask. Schwab did in fact match the Citi offer for me. They gave me $2000 for the 500K < 999K tier. That is a nice offer. I think Citi has the best offer right now but I gather from reading doctor of credit that opening an ac...
by mggray17
Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337578

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

nalor511 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:23 pm
hmw wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 4:45 pm I have about 1.4 million sitting at Etrade. Where can I move to get a nice bonus? Anyone has any experience with CITI? They are offering $3000 for one million but most reviews are not very good. Will Schwab match the $3000 offer from CITI? I had Schwab accounts in the past. Will Fido match the $3000 offer? Thanks
Neither Schwab nor Fido will match the Citi offer. Fido will likely offer you about $2500 for $1mil. Schwab will match Etrade (generally, not always). Etrade may offer you a retention bonus not to leave, if you ask.
Schwab did in fact match the Citi offer for me. They gave me $2000 for the 500K < 999K tier.
by mggray17
Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard doesn’t let you buy fractional shares of ETFs?
Replies: 40
Views: 6718

Re: Vanguard doesn’t let you buy fractional shares of ETFs?

I recently has success buying fractional shares at Vanguard. I'm preparing to move my taxable brokerage account to Schwab and wanted to reduce my settlement account holdings as this money, I believe, will follow my ETF shares to Schwab at a later date. I was fine with buying whole shares of one of my ETF's to reduce my settlement fund to less than $50, but was able to buy the ETF in dollars. I waited for the March dividends to be paid to the settlement fund and I had for example 3,250.57 in my settlement fund and bought $3250.00 worth of my ETF. Now my 57 cents can follow whenever, it gets there with no concern.
by mggray17
Sun Mar 26, 2023 8:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337578

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

For another point of reference, I contacted Schwab about matching bonuses for moving 500K+ from my Vanguard taxable brokerage to Schwab. I moved my 457(b) and 457(b) Roth to Schwab from Prudential (500K < 999K level) last January after I retired and received $1800 bonus I believe. I waited 1 year, to move the Vanguard account and request a new bonus. First, I tried to get them match the WF deal for $2500 and they said no go due to some regulations with the checking account (not sure, didn't push it). I then emailed them the link for the Citi offer ($2000 for 500K+). They got back to me in a few hours with this bonus approved. Thanks for the info. Is the Citi offer the one that required a wealth advisor (with aum fees I assume), and they st...
by mggray17
Fri Mar 24, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337578

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

For another point of reference, I contacted Schwab about matching bonuses for moving 500K+ from my Vanguard taxable brokerage to Schwab.
I moved my 457(b) and 457(b) Roth to Schwab from Prudential (500K < 999K level) last January after I retired and received $1800 bonus I believe.
I waited 1 year, to move the Vanguard account and request a new bonus. First, I tried to get them match the WF deal for $2500 and they said no go due to some regulations with the checking account (not sure, didn't push it). I then emailed them the link for the Citi offer ($2000 for 500K+). They got back to me in a few hours with this bonus approved.
by mggray17
Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Shared Responsibility Payments
Replies: 0
Views: 193

NJ Shared Responsibility Payments

Hoping that someone familiar with NJ Taxes can provide help here. A friend who was out of the workforce prior to Jan 2022, started a new job in NJ in January 2022. This job had a 90 day waiting period for healthcare for an "Applicable Large Employer", thus the 1095-C has 4980H Safe Harbor Code of 2D for Jan, Feb and March of 2022. Code 2D is: Employee in a section 4980H(b) Limited Non-Assessment Period. Employee in a waiting period, initial measurement period, initial administrative period, or other limited non-assessment period. This 1095-C shows full coverage for April through Aug. They worked in this job until mid August, and then left for a better opportunity. They gave notice, and when the agreed upon date came, left job 1 an...
by mggray17
Mon Feb 13, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2710

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

I've used several different bike computers over the years... Cateye, a few Garmin's and now use the Wahoo Element Bolt.
I use it to track current speed, max speed, distance, cadence and heart rate.
I use it with a Scosche rhythm+ heart rate monitor and Garmin speed and cadence sensors.
I much prefer the Wahoo over the last Garmin I used. I would just say it is more customizable for the data fields you want to display.
by mggray17
Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Safe investments in lieu of extra mortgage payments
Replies: 46
Views: 4453

Re: Safe investments in lieu of extra mortgage payments

I just bought the 6 mos T-bill at this weeks auction through my Schwab account.
It is paying 4.865%. :)
by mggray17
Thu Dec 22, 2022 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of Phone Landline, but I want to keep the Number
Replies: 35
Views: 6852

Re: Getting rid of Phone Landline, but I want to keep the Number

I ported my landline to Callcentric (VOIP) a long time ago.
I no longer use the VOIP service and wanted to port my number to google voice, but you can't port directly to google voice from a VOIP.
After unsuccessfully trying to port to a cell carrier (I believe Redpocket) then to GV, I gave up for a while.

A recently read another suggestion and it was what worked for me:

Port your landline to GoogleFi. Then port to Google Voice. The transfer from GoogleFi to Google Voice is free and seamless.
If you have a cell with a spare eSIM slot, you can have googleFi set up in a few minutes.
by mggray17
Tue Aug 02, 2022 3:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
Replies: 693
Views: 104199

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

G-Force wrote: Mon Jul 18, 2022 7:07 am
tj wrote: Sun Jul 17, 2022 10:46 am You were unsuccessful at requesting fee waiver?
Correct. I was told the requirement is 1 million and not $250k as previously reported. As I don't have 1 million they did not give me the waiver.
I moved about $700K to Schwab in the beginning of the year and when I asked about the Vanguard fund waiver, I was also told the threshold is 1Mil.
I wasn't that concerned about holding Vanguard mutual funds, so I didn't press further.
I did receive an $1800 bonus for rolling a $500K+ IRA to them. Then weren't willing to offer a bonus for the other $200K I moved.
by mggray17
Mon May 16, 2022 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066557

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Run Lola Run The online synopsis doesn’t do this film justice: In this visually and conceptually impressive film, two-bit Berlin criminal Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) delivers some smuggled loot for his boss, Ronnie (Heino Ferch), but accidentally leaves the 100,000 mark payment in a subway car. Given 20 minutes to come up with the money, he calls his girlfriend, Lola (Franka Potente), who sprints through the streets of the city to try to beg the money out of her bank manager father (Herbert Knaup) and get to Manni before he does something desperate. This is one of my favorite films. I just got a new TV (83” Sony A90J) and thought I’d give it a shot even though the screen hasn’t been broken in yet. Available on Showtime but also on BRAVIA CORE...
by mggray17
Fri Apr 29, 2022 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Surge protector/power strip
Replies: 13
Views: 1550

Re: Surge protector/power strip

newbie003 wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 4:23 pm I just bought these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092J8LPWR
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WQS9V2G

The very first thing I noticed is how 'not sturdy' they seem. They are very lightweight and just don't seem sturdy/trustworthy.

I bought they because the reviews are great (and there are thousands of them, so I figure it's hard to take that many).

Are these types of devices just not necessarily heavy/sturdy feeling, and I shouldn't worry about it? Or should I stick with a brand name like Belkin, APC...?

Thanks.
I'd pass just based on their lack of ability to properly translate their informational specs to English. See "Surge Protection" "TVS" in their product information.
by mggray17
Wed Apr 20, 2022 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: - PANIC- Forgot to report 1099-B on the Federal tax return - Please help
Replies: 58
Views: 4748

Re: - PANIC- Forgot to report 1099-B on the Federal tax return - Please help

I'm going from memory but I received a notice one year that I made a mistake and my taxable income should have been higher, on the order of $5 - $45, I really don't remember but I would have owed an additional $3 or $13, I really don't remember the numbers, but their message was don't send anything in, it was informational and they wouldn't collect under a certain amount.
by mggray17
Sun Apr 10, 2022 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

There is no such thing as a 53A breaker. I assume they want you to use a 60-amp breaker. I'm not going to second-guess the mfr and run a 53-amp load on a 50-amp circuit. You assume incorrect. If you want the LG and want peace of mind, go ahead and email them and you will have it in writing. Or look at the LG installation manual for the 53 amp inductions cooktop, and see where it states to you a power cord rated for 40 amp or above. That's right, it's page 16 of the manual for the LSE4617ST. For ranges up to a nameplate rating of 16.5kW (nominally 68A at 240V), they allow the use of a 40A connection. Above 16.5kW and up to 22.5kW, 50A connection is required/allowed. The LSE4617ST is 12.8kW so 40A connection is allowed. Technically that's th...
by mggray17
Thu Apr 07, 2022 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

Well, it pays to read the fine print. Keep in mind that I have a 50-amp circuit for my kitchen range. In my web browsing at Best Buy I saw two different models of LG induction range. Being a curious fellow I had to find out the difference between the two models. LG LSE4617ST has a current draw of 53 amps. This is a no-go for my 50-amp circuit. Yeah maybe I could get away with it if I didn't run all the burners and oven at once and not trip the breaker, but I like to play it really safe so I had ruled out this model. Then I looked at the other LG model: LG LSE4616ST: current draw 48.3 amps. This fits well within my 50-amp limitation, so now this LG model is "in". Joy of joys, it has knobs :D The Bosch was a strong contender but I ...
by mggray17
Thu Apr 07, 2022 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

chris319 wrote: Wed Apr 06, 2022 8:07 pm
I don't recall exactly. I just spent an awful a lot of time on my lap top, reading every bit of information I could find on each selection.
Well you got a good unit.

In the year + that you've had it, how do you like it?
I like it. I don't cook a lot, but I use the induction cook top a few times a week and have had no issues.
Easy to control the temp and easy to clean up. I've used the oven about a dozen times with no issues.
by mggray17
Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

chris319 wrote: Wed Apr 06, 2022 7:39 pm
I researched each extensively based on reliability and ease of repair among other criteria and ended up with:

GE Induction Range
Since you were researching induction ranges, where did you get your reliability data for them? I have been going by the fine reliability data from Yale Appliance:

https://blog.yaleappliance.com/most-rel ... -ranges#GE

Remember, smaller numbers are better when looking at the above-linked data. If you have a GE Profile, it has a rating of 3.5% which is among the best.
I don't recall exactly. I just spent an awful a lot of time on my lap top, reading every bit of information I could find on each selection.
Yes it is a GE Profile PHS930SLSS.
by mggray17
Wed Apr 06, 2022 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

I remodeled my house a year and a half ago and needed the range, dishwasher and washer / dryer.
I researched each extensively based on reliability and ease of repair among other criteria and ended up with:

Bosch Dishwasher
Speedqueen Washer and Dryer, and
GE Induction Range

Yes, the GE Profile and Cafe induction ranges were the same unit with different trim (controls, knobs, handles, etc).
While GE does not have the best reputation in appliances in general, their ranges seem to get very good ratings.
My appliance store was trying to sell me a GE dishwasher with the Range, I kindly refused and bought the GE Range and Bosch Dishwasher.
by mggray17
Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range
Replies: 123
Views: 9786

Re: Help Me Choose a New Electric Range

I bought the previous version of this (mine doesn't have air fry):

https://www.geappliances.com/appliance/ ... PHS930YPFS

The bonus was that the "rebate" was an 11 piece induction cook set.
Have been using it for about 18 months and I do like the induction cooktop.
by mggray17
Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stay the Course? I'm ready to Bail on Vanguard
Replies: 111
Views: 19946

Re: Stay the Course? I'm ready to Bail on Vanguard

Another point of reference - I called this morning to convert mutual funds to ETF's.

I was transferred twice, first told 20 minute wait and actual wait was less than 2 minutes.
Second transfer was told a 2 minute wait and was accurate.
Was read the script for my transaction and completed the call in less than 12 minutes.
Pretty good for a Monday morning. :)
I've only called Vanguard 3 or 4 times in the last 10 years and always had a good CS experience.
by mggray17
Tue Mar 29, 2022 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best laptop for under $800
Replies: 39
Views: 3787

Re: best laptop for under $800

This is a good list for getting the current best bang for the buck in each price range:

https://laptopsdeals.net/our-general-us ... uide-list/
by mggray17
Thu Mar 17, 2022 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4635

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021

From NJ P&B:

Letters have been mailed for plan year 2021 income related (IRMAA) Medicare reimbursements. Eligible retirees should watch for their letter to arrive from mynjbenefitshub and follow the revised procedures to return the required documentation and forms to mynjbenefitshub for reimbursement. The deadline for document submittal has been extended to May 1, 2022. Retirees should not send documents to the NJDPB; however, any documents that have already been received will be forwarded to mynjbenefitshub for processing.
by mggray17
Wed Mar 16, 2022 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab call, too good to be true?
Replies: 26
Views: 4306

Re: Schwab call, too good to be true?

Yes, I moved assets to Schwab about a year ago and more recently moved my 457 to an IRA at Schwab.
Both times I received phone calls and follow-up emails.
All were centered around if I needed any help from them and to let them know If needed any assistance.
I explained my situation fully, that I'm self directed and there was no pressure to go in any other direction.
by mggray17
Mon Mar 14, 2022 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4635

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021

Did you see this:

3.2.22 The NJDPB has partnered this year with mynjbenefitshub to administer the income related (IRMAA) Medicare reimbursements. Eligible retirees should watch for the mailing from mynjbenefitshub and follow the revised procedures for reimbursement. Do not send your IRMAA Medicare reimbursement documents to the NJDPB.

https://www.nj.gov/treasury/
by mggray17
Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)
Replies: 12
Views: 1055

Re: Another Vanguard Website Issue - Exchanging Funds

RCL wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:39 pm Now go back and change title of your thread, since it was your problem and not a Vanguard issue
On it. Done.
by mggray17
Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)
Replies: 12
Views: 1055

Re: Another Vanguard Website Issue - Exchanging Funds

rkhusky wrote: Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:16 pm Vanguard has never allowed multiple funds -> multiple funds. You can do single -> multiple or multiple -> single. Vanguard will convert either of the latter into multiple single -> single transactions.
Okay. My mistake. I must have used the one to multiple before.

From the FAQ: Yes, in order to make rebalancing easier you may exchange from one fund to one fund, one fund to many funds, or many funds to one fund.

I must have been looking at the one fund to many funds part of the faq.
Now I know. That's why this forum is great, if something isn't working right, you'll get concurrence that there is a problem or get corrected for your mistake. Thanks to everyone that replied.
by mggray17
Thu Mar 03, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)
Replies: 12
Views: 1055

Re: Another Vanguard Website Issue - Exchanging Funds

I appreciate everyone's response to do 2 transactions, that is essential what I am doing now. Sell Fund A and B, tomorrow after settlement buy Fund C and D. Not sure how that could have been accomplished today. The funds I sold were about 33:67 ratio, what I intend to buy will be a 10:90 ratio. So it was not a 1:1 buy sell ratio for each fund. Not posting to complain explicitly, but like others to share my experience if someone has the same issue. Initial balance Fund A: $100 Fund B: $70 Desired final balance: Fund C: $90 Fund D: $80 Orders: 1. Exchange $90 of Fund A for Fund C 2. Exchange $10 of Fund A and All of Fund B for Fund D Done. Yeah that would of worked.:) I was too concentrated on getting the check boxes and percentage to work o...
by mggray17
Thu Mar 03, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)
Replies: 12
Views: 1055

Re: Another Vanguard Website Issue - Exchanging Funds

I have the following funds in my taxable vanguard account: Vanguard Large Cap Vanguard FTSE, ex US.... Vanguard Int. Term Treasury Index Vanguard NJ LT Tax Exempt Bond Fund As I retired from the State of NJ in September and my pension is not taxable in NJ until I recover my pension contributions paid to NJ; I figure my marginal tax rate for NJ will be 1.4% for TY 22 and 23 and my combined cost basis for Int Term Treasury Index and NJ LT Tax Exempt Bond Fund would be at a slight loss (1 - 2K), I figured it would be a good time to divest myself of those funds and reallocate my bond funds to my TIRA. I went to my Vanguard Brokerage page and clicked exchange funds, selected all shares of both funds I wanted to sell, click continue to where is ...
by mggray17
Thu Mar 03, 2022 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)
Replies: 12
Views: 1055

Vanguard Website - Exchanging Funds (Solved User Error)

I have the following funds in my taxable vanguard account: Vanguard Large Cap Vanguard FTSE, ex US.... Vanguard Int. Term Treasury Index Vanguard NJ LT Tax Exempt Bond Fund As I retired from the State of NJ in September and my pension is not taxable in NJ until I recover my pension contributions paid to NJ; I figure my marginal tax rate for NJ will be 1.4% for TY 22 and 23 and my combined cost basis for Int Term Treasury Index and NJ LT Tax Exempt Bond Fund would be at a slight loss (1 - 2K), I figured it would be a good time to divest myself of those funds and reallocate my bond funds to my TIRA. I went to my Vanguard Brokerage page and clicked exchange funds, selected all shares of both funds I wanted to sell, click continue to where is m...
by mggray17
Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ariens vs. Simplicity (Snowblower and Zero Turn)
Replies: 7
Views: 1802

Re: Ariens vs. Simplicity (Snowblower and Zero Turn)

I bought an Ariens Deluxe 28 SHO snowblower about 4 years ago and have no complaints.
The autoturn on the Ariens works great compared to a Craftsman which is the only other snowblower I've used.

I also mow with a JD lawn tractor, so I can't help with the ZT mowers.