Search found 672 matches

by Nummerkins
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowering credit limit - and then raising it - will there be a credit check? Its a long story...
Replies: 5
Views: 827

Re: Lowering credit limit - and then raising it - will there be a credit check? Its a long story...

Unfortunately a credit freeze will not help here. It only blocks access to companies that you have no business relationship with. Current customer = credit can be pulled while frozen.
by Nummerkins
Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple Mail & Xfinity Mail Incompatible ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2007

Re: Apple Mail & Xfinity Mail Incompatible ?

IMAP keeps emails on a server so multiple devices can access them. POP3 does not. Once an email is delivered to a device via POP3 it’s stuck there.

Remove your Comcast account from Apple Mail and add it again as an IMAP server. Settings here: https://www.xfinity.com/support/article ... nity-email
by Nummerkins
Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: dumb computer security question
Replies: 50
Views: 4215

Re: dumb computer security question

bb wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:17 pm
eigenperson wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:11 pm However, if the user's computer or software is compromised, then you are right, no security key can protect them.
Thank you. It seems this point if often glossed over. So far the only computer setup that I have
trusted has been live boot linux. It does not seem possible to get to the same level of confidence
that software on a windows pc has not been compromised in some way.
Keep in mind — liveboot Linux is a snapshot in time as to when it was produced. Unless you first update it after starting it is immediately running out of date and missing security patches as the previous responder alluded to.

The best defense is a layered approach. Keep up date as much as humanly possible and be vigilant.
by Nummerkins
Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: dumb computer security question
Replies: 50
Views: 4215

Re: dumb computer security question

What is to prevent user thinking they are logging into a website with userid/password but the hacker is really the one logging into the real site, then hacker requests the 2FA code, user gets the code (since they are expecting it) and then hacker intercepts the code and completes login to the account. Kudos to you for noticing this. Yes, it is very possible and just requires a little more work from an attacker to build a fake but legit looking page. If you are not vigilant then yes, you can input your credentials into a fake page along with a 6 digits code which the attacker can trivially use to log into a real site within 30s. So, as usual, humans are the weakest link in computer security. The only foolproof way so far (as is currently kn...
by Nummerkins
Thu Dec 28, 2023 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amex Credit Limit
Replies: 22
Views: 2231

Re: Amex Credit Limit

After 90 days Amex will approve you for a 3x increase so you should able to hit $6000 then. Just use and pay it off.
by Nummerkins
Sat Oct 28, 2023 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you get a store credit card for a $70 discount off your purchase?
Replies: 37
Views: 3193

Re: Would you get a store credit card for a $70 discount off your purchase?

No, a credit pull is worth much more to me than $70. I’d start at probably $400-$500.
by Nummerkins
Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Freezing
Replies: 11
Views: 1226

Re: Credit Freezing

It’s free by law and has been for almost 5 years.

https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
by Nummerkins
Sun Jul 30, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What happened to BoA preferred deposit yield when interest rates were at zero?
Replies: 5
Views: 607

Re: What happened to BoA preferred deposit yield when interest rates were at zero?

Rates were close to zero during that time — far below any high yield savings account.
by Nummerkins
Fri Jul 21, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any concerns with Fidelity-branded checks and/or Credit Card?
Replies: 25
Views: 2450

Re: Any concerns with Fidelity-branded checks and/or Credit Card?

You are overthinking this — nobody cares. And, you can open an account at Fidelity with $0 and invest with no minimum amount. Literally anybody can get an account.

That being said, every financial institution plasters their name or logo on their cards. What exactly do you do now to combat this?
by Nummerkins
Mon Jun 05, 2023 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Xfinity’s policy in upgrading equipment
Replies: 39
Views: 3105

Re: Xfinity’s policy in upgrading equipment

gavinsiu wrote: Sun Jun 04, 2023 8:00 pm i finally reached Xfinity. They claim that modems that are rented will continue to receive firmware update even if they have end of life. I did check the firmware which shows firmware PC3941_4.12p29s1_PROD_sey, but can't get information of when the router was updated or how old firmware is.
That firmware is from 12/2022 so it looks like you are still getting updates.
by Nummerkins
Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to stop the bank/brokerage advisors from calling us?
Replies: 56
Views: 4345

Re: How to stop the bank/brokerage advisors from calling us?

hoofaman wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 7:05 pm
Nummerkins wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 6:53 pm Just tell them to not call and that you are not interested. I don’t understand never answering — they will never stop calling.
I don't think that works, and why bother when you can just remove the ability for all unknown numbers to ring your phone? If someone not in your contacts needs to reach you, they can send a voicemail or text
It does work if they are legitimate banks and brokerages, especially if you already have accounts with them.
by Nummerkins
Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: $350k from sale of house. Best placement for 6mo-2yrs
Replies: 9
Views: 1256

Re: $350k from sale of house. Best placement for 6mo-2yrs

FDIC coverage is $250,000 and double that if the account has a joint owner.

Put it in no penalty CDs if you want to lock something in or money market funds for higher yield.
by Nummerkins
Tue May 30, 2023 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to stop the bank/brokerage advisors from calling us?
Replies: 56
Views: 4345

Re: How to stop the bank/brokerage advisors from calling us?

Just tell them to not call and that you are not interested. I don’t understand never answering — they will never stop calling.
by Nummerkins
Wed May 24, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Email questions
Replies: 27
Views: 2218

Re: Email questions

I don't get it either. It's obvious to me that it's the way people use their email, not the email service that leads to success/failure. Yup. I’ve had gmail for decades and get very little spam. I just checked and I have 7 junk mails in the past month. Hundreds of companies have my email as a username— I just manage it. Don’t give out your email to anyone if you can help it. Software download? Gets a fake email. Registration forms for anything? Blank email if allowed. Sweepstakes/contests? Nope. Opt out of any and all offers for further contact. The second you get email from a new business you purchased from, unsubscribe. Being in IT I sometimes I see people’s mailboxes at work — Carnival cruise newsletters, golfing junk, coupons from any ...
by Nummerkins
Mon May 15, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity security update (yubikey)
Replies: 36
Views: 8403

Re: Fidelity security update (yubikey)

Cruise wrote: Mon May 15, 2023 2:39 am Any reason that the VIP authenticator is substandard compared to other options mentioned?
It's proprietary for no reason and makes you use a separate app from everything else. TOTP and FIDO exist as standards. I have dozens of sites that all use TOTP or some other standard in one app -- why can't Fidelity (they will be changing this)?
by Nummerkins
Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Dark Mode in Forum?
Replies: 23
Views: 6268

Re: Dark Mode in Forum?

This has been requested many times. It will not be added.

Use the Dark Reader browser extension (I'm using it now). Now any site can have a dark mode.

Image
by Nummerkins
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)
Replies: 44
Views: 4578

Re: anonymous cash thru mail? (or other method)

Just buy a USPS money order. Or any other brand money order. They are like cash.
by Nummerkins
Sat Mar 25, 2023 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 3-fund portfolio without the Intl fund?
Replies: 28
Views: 3253

Re: 3-fund portfolio without the Intl fund?

It’s the age old debate. There is no right answer. I had a 3 fund portfolio once and concluded the same thing. So, I was down to a 2 fund portfolio. Then I thought, what do I need bonds for? I’m relatively young. So, I’m now down to total us stock market and some individual picks I’ve heald for years. My wife is 100% in a target date fund in her 401k. Pretty boring really.
by Nummerkins
Sun Mar 19, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Huntington bank bonus?
Replies: 26
Views: 3012

Re: Huntington bank bonus?

Glad you got your bonus. I think I’ve done Huntington bonuses 4-5x. For future posters, downgrade your account once the bonus posts and always push/pull funds using an external bank. Then there are no transfer limits on Huntington’s side to worry about.
by Nummerkins
Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BOA Savings Account
Replies: 62
Views: 5920

Re: BOA Savings Account

Preferred Deposit. FDIC insured. You should be able to use it yourself online once it’s set up.

https://www.ml.com/solutions/preferred-deposit.html

See rates here.

https://olui2.fs.ml.com/Publish/Content ... eSheet.pdf
by Nummerkins
Sun Mar 12, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase $900 Checking + Savings Bonus
Replies: 127
Views: 22000

Re: Chase $900 Checking + Savings Bonus

Nice bonus. I unfroze credit and then opened up one each for my wife and myself. Linked accounts to my outside bank and pushed in the $15,000 each that way. Never use Chase itself to push/pull. Set my wife’s DD to put a small amount into each of our accounts (can do online with her employer without bothering HR) and got the $300 each a few days later. Now just waiting on savings bonus before I pull it out and leave the minimum $1500 in checking for 3 more months. Took probably 20-30 minutes to do all that online.

This has got to be the 6th or 7th bonus each for us from Chase. I’ve seen the bankers screen with our graveyard of closed accounts. It doesn’t pay to be a permanent customer at this time!
by Nummerkins
Sat Jan 21, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Misleading web user interface on Ally, other options?
Replies: 1
Views: 404

Re: Misleading web user interface on Ally, other options?

It’s just a website error, it’s not “misleading”. You can chat with them to change it or try other browsers/clearing your cache.
by Nummerkins
Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Disadvantages of Using SGOV as a savings account
Replies: 64
Views: 13461

Re: Disadvantages of Using SGOV as a savings account

Plenty of FDIC-insured savings that top 4% without messing with an ETF. Have you checked?

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/high-int ... gs-to-get/
by Nummerkins
Fri Jan 13, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: eBay Best Offer from Seller's Perspective
Replies: 15
Views: 1679

Re: eBay Best Offer from Seller's Perspective

Just set the minimum offer to $30 and be done with it. If it sells it sells otherwise it sits.
by Nummerkins
Sat Dec 31, 2022 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to sell gift cards?
Replies: 10
Views: 1383

Re: Where to sell gift cards?

To answer your question, cardcash.com and raise.com are the main players. Others have folded.
by Nummerkins
Sat Dec 31, 2022 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Urgent help - SanDisk SSD Plus Hard Drive Failure
Replies: 68
Views: 5585

Re: Urgent help - SanDisk SSD Plus Hard Drive Failure

You should contact Drive Savers. They are experts in this field. If recovery is possible prepare for a bill of hundreds and possibly into the thousands — how valuable is the data is for your daughter to decide.

https://drivesaversdatarecovery.com/

Otherwise Google SSD data recovery and read reviews. I know OnTrack was also good in the past. https://www.ontrack.com/en-us
by Nummerkins
Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell me how authenticator apps work and why I should use one
Replies: 7
Views: 1037

Re: Tell me how authenticator apps work and why I should use one

SMS 2fa is a terrible option and a low effort solution by financial institutions, just one step above sending codes via email. They do it because the cost of it plus fraud is still cheaper than dealing with customer issues caused by proper 2fa. Phones numbers can be hijacked in a SIM swap, cloned and fraudulently ported out. These are real issues that happen to people every day.

Authenticator apps are much better although still not foolproof. They work by taking a “seed” or secret that only your device and the institution knows and generating a unique code from it. As long as you are the only two places who know the secret it can be assumed that the code is unique and can be used as a 2nd factor for authentication.
by Nummerkins
Sun Dec 18, 2022 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878609

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

nalor511 wrote: Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:45 pm
Nummerkins wrote: Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:44 pm
nalor511 wrote: Fri Dec 16, 2022 1:55 pm I think the question is, has anyone successfully gotten the bonus twice, once in an IRA, and once in a CMA?
I’ve gotten bonuses at least 3 times. A mix of IRA, Roth IRA and CMA.
Thank you! Did you do them concurrently, or during different promotional periods (offer codes?)
A combination. Once it was all 3, other times no CMA or Roth.
by Nummerkins
Sun Dec 18, 2022 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: E*Trade as a one stop shop
Replies: 98
Views: 11987

Re: E*Trade as a one stop shop

manlymatt83 wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 10:24 am E*Trade has eliminated all commissions on mutual funds:

https://www.barrons.com/advisor/article ... 1670941336
Yup, go here -- https://www.etrade.wallst.com/Research/ ... MutualFund -- scroll to the bottom under Fund Name and put in Vanguard. 132 mutual funds, no fee (including 11 money market funds). Excellent option for those fleeing Vanguard.
by Nummerkins
Fri Dec 16, 2022 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58307

Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit

Deposited on 11/25 and received bonus 12/15.
by Nummerkins
Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878609

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

nalor511 wrote: Fri Dec 16, 2022 1:55 pm I think the question is, has anyone successfully gotten the bonus twice, once in an IRA, and once in a CMA?
I’ve gotten bonuses at least 3 times. A mix of IRA, Roth IRA and CMA.
by Nummerkins
Sun Nov 27, 2022 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Infected by Ransomware
Replies: 16
Views: 3695

Re: Infected by Ransomware

If it is a QNAP please see here for info: https://www.qnap.com/static/landing/202 ... /response/
by Nummerkins
Sun Sep 25, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ACH Transfers
Replies: 12
Views: 1719

Re: ACH Transfers

Those amounts are the tiniest of peanuts. The ACH network processed $55.8 trillion across billions of transactions in 2019.

Don't sorry about it. ACH is not cash.
by Nummerkins
Tue Sep 06, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Microsoft Money
Replies: 21
Views: 4073

Re: Microsoft Money

FYI, Microsoft removed the Sunset Money download over a year ago. It can still be downloaded from the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.

https://web.archive.org/web/20140320163 ... x?id=20738

See also here on archive.org: https://archive.org/details/MSMoneySunset
by Nummerkins
Thu Aug 18, 2022 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878609

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

I recently received my 3rd cash bonus from ME. For now I've left the required funds there in VTI to get those juicy CC rewards. I may transfer them back out so I get another bonus in a year (or see if they will pay so I don't move). You keep your Preferred Rewards status for 15 months I think when the balance dips.
by Nummerkins
Thu Aug 18, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Short Term Savings for Borrowed $100k?
Replies: 25
Views: 1511

Re: Short Term Savings for Borrowed $100k?

Put it in a savings account. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/high-int ... gs-to-get/

I just opened an account at NASB. Rates will continue to climb and soon you'll be over the 2.75% rate of your loan, minus taxes.
OR
Do 4 week auto-rolling treasuries at a place like Fidelity. Lower rates but those will rise as well.
by Nummerkins
Sun Aug 14, 2022 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Bank Debit Card Fraud Alert
Replies: 45
Views: 9223

Re: Ally Bank Debit Card Fraud Alert

investor4life wrote: Sat Aug 13, 2022 10:26 pm Thanks for the heads-up. I just locked my Ally debit card. But I can't find info there on DWs debit card in order to lock it as well (we have a joint account). Does she need to create a separate log-in before her card can be locked?
Yes
by Nummerkins
Sun Aug 07, 2022 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet Connectivity: Rural America
Replies: 17
Views: 1386

Re: Internet Connectivity: Rural America

Starlink is what you need. Have you tested coverage from all 3 carriers? Verizon, ATT and Tmobile?
by Nummerkins
Sat Jul 23, 2022 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: +1 for Discover Online Privacy Protection
Replies: 7
Views: 1312

Re: +1 for Discover Online Privacy Protection

I tried it out but got zero hits as I have already removed my info. Of the list of companies, most are actually owned by 1 company.
by Nummerkins
Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:08 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: What investment vehicle to protect emergency fund from inflation?
Replies: 13
Views: 2837

Re: What investment vehicle to protect emergency fund from inflation?

The only thing you can do to break even with inflation is Ibonds (1000 threads on them). Other than that, at least do something like out it in an online savings account to earn close to 2% (still losing purchasing power). I would not do nothing.
by Nummerkins
Mon Jul 18, 2022 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard and Fast Identity Online (FIDO)
Replies: 2
Views: 642

Re: Vanguard and Fast Identity Online (FIDO)

They already support Fido U2F so I'm not sure what you are looking for.

https://investor.vanguard.com/security-center
by Nummerkins
Fri Jul 15, 2022 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone else at Fidelity Being Prodded into a Separately Managed Account
Replies: 143
Views: 14459

Re: Fidelity called and recommended I sell all my mutual funds and go into an SMA

Garbage. Just ignore them. They want to get your funds under management and siphon it off at a certain percentage. Also, they want to buy individual stocks which can leave you with a huge mess. Basically, taking the efficiently of a mutual fund/ETF, inserting themselves into the process and undoing it all. You don't need them.
by Nummerkins
Wed Jul 13, 2022 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multifactor Authentication: Which method is more secure?
Replies: 16
Views: 1482

Re: Multifactor Authentication: Which method is more secure?

Neither -- they are the same. In both cases the problem arises when your phone number is stolen. The thief can then receive your texts and phonecalls. FYI, SMS codes typically expire after X minutes.
by Nummerkins
Thu Jul 07, 2022 10:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: in shock over loss of money in 403(b)
Replies: 131
Views: 16867

Re: in shock over loss of money in 403(b)

Think long-term. At 58 you a bit closer to retirement than I am but if it is truly shocking to you maybe you don't have the right AA.

I and many others on this forum have "lost" much more and don't blink an eye. That's how the market works. It doesn't always go up but if you zoom out then over time is does and has. That's why we invest in it.

Keep putting money in and ignore the NOW. You are setting yourself up for the future and right now everything is on sale.
by Nummerkins
Wed Jul 06, 2022 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Likely Move From Edward Jones to Vanguard
Replies: 54
Views: 7496

Re: Likely Move From Edward Jones to Vanguard

I helped a family member escape EJ to Vanguard. This was a few years ago before the support went down the toilet at Vanguard.

The process went smoothly. EJ was instructed to sell all funds and leave only cash. Then on the Vanguard side we initiated a complete transfer. EJ hit them for a pile of fees on the way out but then we were rid of them.
by Nummerkins
Wed Jul 06, 2022 4:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Faith Based Funds- Ava Maria Funds, etc
Replies: 99
Views: 7671

Re: Faith Based Funds- Ava Maria Funds, etc

No direct experience but I have looked at them before. They have high expense ratios and trail their benchmarks -- no thanks. As with ESG funds, I'd just rather direct excess dollars where I feel they can make a direct impact.
by Nummerkins
Wed Jul 06, 2022 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I switch from Verizon Wireless to AT&T?
Replies: 35
Views: 2410

Re: Should I switch from Verizon Wireless to AT&T?

Depends on your area. I switched all the business lines where I work from Verizon to AT&T. I now have twice as many lines for the same amount. Verizon would not budge on price.

It's been a year. AT&T's service has steadily increased. They shut down their 3G network and have gradually bringing all those frequencies over for 4G/5G use. As a result my coverage keeps getting better.

My wife is on Verizon so I always have a comparison. We have equal coverage just about everywhere, with AT&T starting to win in certain places.

Again, this is entirely location-dependent. What's not was the cost savings.

Customer service is garbage with both carriers BTW.