Search found 7671 matches

by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Health Care Index ETF vs Mutual Fund
Replies: 7
Views: 1336

Re: Health Care Index ETF vs Mutual Fund

My wife currently owns $100,000 + in the Vanguard Health Care fund and we’re considering switching to the Health Care Index as past returns over the last 10 years have been better for the index. What I don’t understand is that you can buy the index for as little as $261/share as an ETF and the minimum buy into the index fund is $100,000. I’ve looked at Vanguard’s comparisons of a fund vs ETF, but they didn’t really answer why anyone would buy the fund rather than the ETF. What is there about the fund that would warrant a $100,000 investment when you can buy it at $261/share? Is there some tax issues here that I’m missing? It was my understanding that Vanguard ETF's were replicas of their funds. In this case the EFT is a passive replicator ...
by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone has/had Aetna DMO dental insurance? Trying to figure out cost of a crown
Replies: 33
Views: 4851

Re: Anyone has/had Aetna DMO dental insurance? Trying to figure out cost of a crown

Porcelain over color matched top quality crowns in this neck of the woods are 2500. Root canals can be $2K, how many roots? Extractions, bone grafts and implants are all extremely expensive and no insurance I know about is a refuge.
by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REIT funds quality?
Replies: 3
Views: 798

Re: REIT funds quality?

I just looked at the top 3 REIT holdings in Vanguard’s index REIT ETF, VNQ and did not like what I saw. Those 3 top held companies have pretty bad numbers for debt, P/E, cash flow, valuation, etc. Would it actually be best to stock pick in the case of REITs? My argument for this is that there appear to be a lot of not so stable REITs out there that are included in market cap indexes, Individual REITs can be screened and are somewhat diversified in themselves, and You can focus on sectors that make sense with in the REIT realm. More work involved, but is this a case where quality trumps quantity? Are there REIT ETFs that screen for quality? REITs and housing in general have been noted (by others, CNBC) to be in a bit of a bubble they find u...
by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Question - did you ever hit the limit?
Replies: 65
Views: 7216

Re: Medicare Question - did you ever hit the limit?

I'm 74 on Plan F, fortunately. Without it I would hit whatever plan limits were in place easily through degenerative arthritis orthopedic surgeries, cancer treatments and a variety of other issues including treatment for wet macular degeneration. Still vertical, over top soil and see good walking 4 miles a day....and that is the purpose of medical treatments and insurance. Being to get what you need without cost concerns. I'd like to reach out and thank all you healthy folks for picking up part of the tab too.
by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental and vision insurance in retirement?
Replies: 48
Views: 5698

Re: Dental and vision insurance in retirement?

I am age 60, retired from military and defense industry. I am paying cash for dental and vision check ups for my spouse and I. I have heard the value of having dental or vision insured may be because of the reduced prices participating providers have agreed to accept for say a crown, filling, etc. Does anyone have any dental and vision insurance they would recommend that is open to retirees? Thank you Parkinglotracer I'll be 74 in December and 10 years retired. I had Dental and Vision coverage from my former employer free until about ten years prior to retirement, then in some cost cutting moves and in exchange for other items they kicked it back to us at their cost. What I found was that between the costs of four cleanings a year, occasio...
by midareff
Thu Aug 26, 2021 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)
Replies: 90
Views: 10437

Re: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)

I mean no ill will towards OP and spouse, and they may very well be wonderful people who are perfect for each other... ...but sometimes, stories like these make me wonder why anybody would want to marry into wealth. I suppose if I was poor, any step up would be an improvement, but for someone able to provide themselves a comfortable existence, this sounds like inheriting a bunch of complexity and family politics, lol. OR, she is trying to determine how serious you really are about her daughter's future by seeing if you will pick up the bill. Being in a multi-cultural family from different parts of the world, I can say from experience that these sorts of "tests" are quite common in a cultural context, and I wouldn't be surprised b...
by midareff
Wed Aug 25, 2021 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)
Replies: 90
Views: 10437

Re: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)

I hope you don't find this response too brusque as it is not intended to be that way. I see a very significant distinction between a significant other (SO) and a legal wife. I assumed they were married, as implied by the term mother-in-law? An SO can be a spouse, and I presumed they were married. I guess the OP can clarify. I thought of that option as opposed to the terminology "my girlfriend's mother", but that glove just didn't seem to fit very well.... to me anyway. $1K a month in life insurance for such a youngster in school, what on earth for? No mention of kids.... Seems like MIL(?) got sold a basket of insurance salesman stuff and is looking to off load some of it seems reasonable. Someone mentioned she may be on the hook ...
by midareff
Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)
Replies: 90
Views: 10437

Re: MIL wants me to take on whole life policy for her 28yo daughter (my SO)

Disclaimer: This post may sound bratty and "rich people problems," but it's still a bunch of money for debt-ridden young me. My MIL has three daughters, who are 25, 28, and 31 years old. She is pretty rich (like "just clears the federal estate tax threshold" rich) due to her family business which has high cash-flow. But she's generally not been smart about managing money. She relies on a "family friend" for financial planning. The guy is not a CFP; he's a ChFC, estate planner, and life insurance broker. He put a bunch of her retirement/brokerage accounts into annuities. He recommended she get whole life policies for her 3 daughters when they were in their 20s so that the premiums would be low. The death payout...
by midareff
Wed Aug 25, 2021 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Password Manager Question
Replies: 64
Views: 7231

Re: Password Manager Question

I'm in the process of looking for a password manager. So far, after some experimentation, I'm leaning towards LastPass. The main feature I'm looking for is a password manager that I can use on a desktop in a more limited fashion. Specifically, I don't want to download the password manager's extension into my browser (Safari or Firefox) but rather, I'd just like to be able to log-in to the password manager's website and copy and paste the stored passwords and generated passwords into the website I'm logging in to. I saw that LastPass allows you to type in a password and username right into the program, save it in the Vault, and then I can use that to copy and paste into the log-in fields for whatever website I'm going to. I don't see that 1...
by midareff
Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: " Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful"
Replies: 60
Views: 7289

Re: " Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful"

" Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful" . This makes sense but how are the others feeling now? . According to CAPE values, and simple price to earnings ratios, the markets are expensive thus people are greedy. Yet according to the 10 year Treasury yields, which are hovering around 1.25%, many are so fearful that they are willing to earn 1.25% on their money guaranteed rather than assume market risk. This would imply extreme fear, at least in my mind. So, how are we to assess the market sentiment? Maybe it is mixed? I know many will say it doesn't. matter and to follow your written plan and maintain your predetermined asset allocation regardless. I agree but can not help but to think a little. As y...
by midareff
Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your feeling after reaching your FI number
Replies: 167
Views: 19700

Re: What was your feeling after reaching your FI number

I am currently in the accumulation phase and haven't reached my FI number (25 x yearly expense) yet. My question is for those who have reached the FI number. 1) How was the feeling like when you hit your FI number? Did you feel more secure, relieved, happy etc? 2) Did you want to accumulate more just to be sure or did you call it quits (Retire Early) after reaching it? 3) Is there someone who changed careers after reaching your FI number to a career that you like more? I felt relieved as I had also accumulated enough banked leave to spend my final year of employment on vacation/sick/holiday leave. I truly liked my job and enjoyed the ability to help other departments within the same municipal government. I say that despite constantly incre...
by midareff
Tue Aug 24, 2021 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you react to management changes in mutual funds?
Replies: 19
Views: 2256

Re: Do you react to management changes in mutual funds?

etfan wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 1:07 am Do fund managers do whatever they want, or do they follow a certain policy or procedure to maintain some kind of continuity?
It is my understanding the funds have stated objectives with guidelines and limitations on where the managers can roam. They are laid out in the fund's Prospectus, which should be required reading when purchasing a new fund so you understand what type of financial instrument you are investing in and how they will be handling your money.
by midareff
Tue Aug 24, 2021 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you react to management changes in mutual funds?
Replies: 19
Views: 2256

Re: Do you react to management changes in mutual funds?

I don't particularly like management changes in actively managed funds. A new manager is by definition, a newbie, and will not be the same as the prior experienced manager. Question 1.. was the previous manager moved for substandard performance or because they were promoted out to bigger and better? ... or out to their own investment company or recruited to or by another firm? I would (quarterly) monitor performance against any appropriate sector or geographic benchmarks (healthcare, IT, S&P, etc.) and carefully contemplate potential tax consequences if in a taxable account. My perspective on actively managed equity funds is that if they don't beat the S&P 500, and almost all don't, why are you bothering? If a bond fund there does s...
by midareff
Tue Aug 24, 2021 5:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Audio receiver or sound bar?
Replies: 61
Views: 6290

Re: New Audio receiver or sound bar?

HyperCat wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 8:10 am Depends how much you care about sound quality. I've personally never been impressed by a sound bar, and you already have the rest of the speaker setup, so there's theoretically no need to replace everything with likely lower quality soundbar components. If you're happy with the speakers you have, I'd just replace the receiver and carry on.
and while replacing the receiver look for remote compatibility with the TV (branding).
by midareff
Mon Aug 23, 2021 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

Your position on international is clear. Own as much of it as you choose. You do as you do and I'll take care of mine as I do. As I suspected, it was the latter. Is it sarcasm or merely a recapitulation of the situation world weight investors have achieved for the latest extended period. New money has been buying the lower performing asset class and achieving lower performance from it. All "one day or one year" prognostications aside, that is the current reality. You may choose to agree or disagree but the facts are the facts. Respond as you will but I've said all I need to on this subject. New money purchases of US TSM will be saying the same thing as exUS in the future. It’s a mathematical inevitability as the history of mean r...
by midareff
Mon Aug 23, 2021 11:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

Candor wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 10:21 am
peskypesky wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:17 pm
Da5id wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 9:09 pm
peskypesky wrote: Fri Aug 20, 2021 8:59 pm Image

will the cycling continue?
Inconceivable. The US has hit a permanently high plateau.
is that sarcasm? :)
I see a lot of this with the most vocal ex-US proponents. I'm beginning to think it might be a coping mechanism.
Or the inability to cope with thoughts, concepts and ideas that are not their own regardless of the factual evidence. Deny, deny and deny. I did not have a sexual affair with that woman... well, at least not as sexual affair has been explained to me.
by midareff
Mon Aug 23, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

That's very different from your previous recommendations, so you've either changed your opinion or you're being sarcastic and unproductive. Your position on international is clear. Own as much of it as you choose. You do as you do and I'll take care of mine as I do. As I suspected, it was the latter. Is it sarcasm or merely a recapitulation of the situation world weight investors have achieved for the latest extended period. New money has been buying the lower performing asset class and achieving lower performance from it. All "one day or one year" prognostications aside, that is the current reality. You may choose to agree or disagree but the facts are the facts. Respond as you will but I've said all I need to on this subject. N...
by midareff
Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

Triple digit golfer wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 8:23 am
midareff wrote: Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:32 am
Triple digit golfer wrote: Sun Aug 22, 2021 12:12 pm
midareff wrote: Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:47 am
Triple digit golfer wrote: Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:14 am

That's very different from your previous recommendations, so you've either changed your opinion or you're being sarcastic and unproductive.
Your position on international is clear. Own as much of it as you choose. You do as you do and I'll take care of mine as I do.
As I suspected, it was the latter.
Is it sarcasm or merely a recapitulation of the situation world weight investors have achieved for the latest extended period.
It's sarcasm.
Thanks.
by midareff
Mon Aug 23, 2021 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

Today is the first trading day of the year. I have a prediction that the international stock market will outperform the US stock market in 2021. This thread will be revisited on 12/31/2021 to show the genius that I am. Keep in mind that I've been correct before and I will be correct again. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. As of 8/22/2021 VTSAX YTD gain of 17.93% vs VTIAX YTD gain of 6.84% per M*. That's an 11.09% variation. Doesn't look like this is the year. I'd suggest you sell more of your winner to buy more of the under-weight stake. Maybe next year. That's very different from your previous recommendations, so you've either changed your opinion or you're being sarcastic and unproductive. Your position on international is clear...
by midareff
Sun Aug 22, 2021 11:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

Today is the first trading day of the year. I have a prediction that the international stock market will outperform the US stock market in 2021. This thread will be revisited on 12/31/2021 to show the genius that I am. Keep in mind that I've been correct before and I will be correct again. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. As of 8/22/2021 VTSAX YTD gain of 17.93% vs VTIAX YTD gain of 6.84% per M*. That's an 11.09% variation. Doesn't look like this is the year. I'd suggest you sell more of your winner to buy more of the under-weight stake. Maybe next year. That's very different from your previous recommendations, so you've either changed your opinion or you're being sarcastic and unproductive. Your position on international is clear...
by midareff
Sun Aug 22, 2021 10:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021
Replies: 174
Views: 24739

Re: International stocks will outperform US stocks in 2021

InvestorNewb wrote: Mon Jan 04, 2021 7:56 pm Today is the first trading day of the year.

I have a prediction that the international stock market will outperform the US stock market in 2021.

This thread will be revisited on 12/31/2021 to show the genius that I am.

Keep in mind that I've been correct before and I will be correct again.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day. As of 8/22/2021 VTSAX YTD gain of 17.93% vs VTIAX YTD gain of 6.84% per M*. That's an 11.09% variation. Doesn't look like this is the year. I'd suggest you sell more of your winner to buy more of the under-weight stake. Maybe next year.
by midareff
Sun Aug 22, 2021 7:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Withdrawal Rate Calculation
Replies: 10
Views: 1817

Re: Withdrawal Rate Calculation

LivingTheDream wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:34 am quick (hopefully) question...

should I consider income generated from my portfolio (interest/dividends/rental income) as part of my withdrawal rate? i understand that i can choose to re-invest, and if not, I'm basically withdrawing these funds. But i'm curious what the convention is?

thanks
all funds withdrawn from a portfolio are included in the WR. Funds that are reinvested are not withdrawn.
by midareff
Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What online storage do you subscribe to for storing photos?
Replies: 14
Views: 1330

Re: What online storage do you subscribe to for storing photos?

srt7 wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 1:12 pm Smugmug. I have been using it for 15+ years now and highly recommend it.
About the same here www.martindareff.com
by midareff
Sun Aug 15, 2021 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

smitcat wrote: Sat Aug 14, 2021 3:53 pm
midareff wrote: Sat Aug 14, 2021 3:03 pm
smitcat wrote: Sat Aug 14, 2021 1:07 pm
midareff wrote: Sat Aug 14, 2021 7:59 am
mpnret wrote: Fri Aug 13, 2021 6:50 pm
Post back when the honeymoon ends and it will.
and what if it doesn't? If you don't like yours as much as it seems why don't you go buy another brand?
Good advice - thats exactly what we did with our Samsung.
and how is that working out for you? All issues resolved?
Yes - we have had few real issues with our other brands.
That's great news... what brand and model did you buy?
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

Those ratings don’t include reliability. We already had it replaced under warranty. Now that it’s out of warranty, we’re on our own. I’ve learned how to modify my own fridge to fix several design flaws that caused it to continually ice up. I shouldn’t need to be doing mods to my freaking fridge to make it work. Samsung French door fridges are notorious for this. and I though "notorious" was for only for use describing Connor McGregor. We have had ours about three weeks now..... set at recommended 37 fridge and deli drawer, 0 freezer. I'm going to guess I didn't get the only one that works right so sorry your luck of the draw wasn't OK. If one day something in the fridge freezes I'll bump the app to 38..... was that not a good fix...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

Those ratings don’t include reliability. We already had it replaced under warranty. Now that it’s out of warranty, we’re on our own. I’ve learned how to modify my own fridge to fix several design flaws that caused it to continually ice up. I shouldn’t need to be doing mods to my freaking fridge to make it work. Samsung French door fridges are notorious for this. and I though "notorious" was for only for use describing Connor McGregor. We have had ours about three weeks now..... set at recommended 37 fridge and deli drawer, 0 freezer. I'm going to guess I didn't get the only one that works right so sorry your luck of the draw wasn't OK. If one day something in the fridge freezes I'll bump the app to 38..... was that not a good fix...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

Samsung French door style refrigerator ice makers are a known technical issue. They freeze and clog. We got the extended warranty and had the ice maker assembly replaced three times in as many years. Best extended warranty ever. I’m going to cash in on it until Samsung buys their faulty fridge back. Last one we’ll own, never again. Yep, we had the Samsung fridge up at the mountain cabin fail last year, ~10 years after purchase...sealed system failure. Samsung fridges back then had a 5-year compressor warranty & online I found plenty of owners complaining it failed not long out-of-warranty. IMHO, unacceptably soon considering I've got fridges that are 20+ years old & still running just fine. Never another Samsung appliance for us. T...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Techniques for coping with non-essential or luxury spending
Replies: 41
Views: 4867

Re: Techniques for coping with non-essential or luxury spending

I work my ass off so that I don’t have to worry about these things. I bet you did the same. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. This was always the plan. Amen..... and you will want to wear that watch on the month long cruise in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas in a Penthouse Veranda or Suite going for near $30K for the month. While you are at it get a $7.99 black plastic Casio to wear ashore so you can come back with your hand still on your arm. I still enjoy wearing my old "terrorist" watch: https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-consumer-electronics-hall-of-fame-casio-f91w-wristwatch I had that watch at one time.... only one I could afford after a divorce. I took it in the sauna and in the pool after. The sauna would turn the whole face...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a 1950s Co-op: Several questions
Replies: 81
Views: 7803

Re: Buying a 1950s Co-op: Several questions

The recent meeting notes will also be available for three days, unless I manage to get them for a longer period as a contingency of my offer. The Fountains story is scary, and so is the Champlain Towers in Florida. I hope these are rare exceptions. Thanks! Victoria Champlain Towers sorry to say is a catastrophic event that could have easily been averted. They needed roughly $16.5M to fix what they knew about and probably a few $M more to fix what they were going to find when they started the project. Apparently they knew there were very serious issues as far back as 2008 and kept kicking the can down the road. Issues should have been resolved then. It is not an easy task for a BOD to asses a special assessment averaging over $120K per apar...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Techniques for coping with non-essential or luxury spending
Replies: 41
Views: 4867

Re: Techniques for coping with non-essential or luxury spending

Normchad wrote: Thu Aug 12, 2021 3:09 pm I work my ass off so that I don’t have to worry about these things.

I bet you did the same. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. This was always the plan.
Amen..... and you will want to wear that watch on the month long cruise in the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas in a Penthouse Veranda or Suite going for near $30K for the month. While you are at it get a $7.99 black plastic Casio to wear ashore so you can come back with your hand still on your arm.
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

We have one of the “corrected newer models.” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The only difference is that the ice freezes solid in a different location, and we’re not eligible to be part of the class action lawsuit. This is the worst appliance we’ve ever owned, and I regret buying it every single day. OP, just buy a new fridge. A different brand. There is no fix. Set on 37 degrees by cell app for the top and deli drawer. 0 for the freezer. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/refrigerators/samsung You might want to check the ratings. Seems they are very high. Those ratings don’t include reliability. We already had it replaced under warranty. Now that it’s out of warranty, we’re on our own. I’ve learned how to modify my own fridge to fix several design flaws ...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

We have one of the “corrected newer models.” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The only difference is that the ice freezes solid in a different location, and we’re not eligible to be part of the class action lawsuit. This is the worst appliance we’ve ever owned, and I regret buying it every single day. OP, just buy a new fridge. A different brand. There is no fix. Set on 37 degrees by cell app for the top and deli drawer. 0 for the freezer. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/refrigerators/samsung You might want to check the ratings. Seems they are very high. Those ratings don’t include reliability. We already had it replaced under warranty. Now that it’s out of warranty, we’re on our own. I’ve learned how to modify my own fridge to fix several design flaws ...
by midareff
Sat Aug 14, 2021 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transferring Money from Japan to US
Replies: 6
Views: 979

Re: Transferring Money from Japan to US

We send money to Thailand on occasion. Cheapest way we have found is by a Wise (formerly Transferwise) account. We have them pull the money from the account we want to use and then send it direct to the bank account we want in Thailand. Last I looked it was under .7% and they get a higher exchange rate than published..
by midareff
Fri Aug 13, 2021 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

We bought and now have a new Samsung French 3 Door refrigerator which we like lots. We also understand those problems you cited did exist and have been corrected in newer models. We have one of the “corrected newer models.” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The only difference is that the ice freezes solid in a different location, and we’re not eligible to be part of the class action lawsuit. This is the worst appliance we’ve ever owned, and I regret buying it every single day. OP, just buy a new fridge. A different brand. There is no fix. Set on 37 degrees by cell app for the top and deli drawer. 0 for the freezer. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/refrigerators/samsung You might want to check the ratings. Seems they are very high. Those ratings don’t inc...
by midareff
Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

We bought and now have a new Samsung French 3 Door refrigerator which we like lots. We also understand those problems you cited did exist and have been corrected in newer models. We have one of the “corrected newer models.” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The only difference is that the ice freezes solid in a different location, and we’re not eligible to be part of the class action lawsuit. This is the worst appliance we’ve ever owned, and I regret buying it every single day. OP, just buy a new fridge. A different brand. There is no fix. Set on 37 degrees by cell app for the top and deli drawer. 0 for the freezer. https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/refrigerators/samsung You might want to check the ratings. Seems they are very high. Frankly, our Bosch wash...
by midareff
Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cereal (and other things) Shortage?
Replies: 68
Views: 11705

Re: Cereal (and other things) Shortage?

I had a big score today... the local grocery chain (Publix) had London Broil Roast Beef, Boar's Head Tavern Ham and Hebrew National Salami all in stock. They were out for a few weeks. Now we can hang out inside and see what/when Delta peaks and declines. Our PCP had 5 Covid teleconferences yesterday and 4 by 1 PM today and advised us to stay in as much as possible. Roast beef was out at my local store last week. Maybe it's in stock this week. That's the only thing I noticed that wasn't available. To the OP, I haven't seen Cracklin' Oat Bran in a while at any store around me. I like that cereal too. Wife likes that from time to time as well... and some other grain products. She waits for BOGOs and then gets a few that last her quite awhile.
by midareff
Fri Aug 13, 2021 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

Our house was recently purchased with newish (3 year old) Samsung kitchen appliances (much to our chagrin). We were aware of the refrigerator issues (ice maker and fan freezing) and began to experience them upon occupying the home. A local repair company said it was an “easy fix” to replace a few upgraded parts and the refrigerator “would be like new”. An $800 repair seemed better than a $3500+ new unit. So, we opted to have it repaired/upgraded. 6-weeks later, the fan began to freeze again…. :oops: The repair company stated their work was only guaranteed for 30-days. They are now backpedaling and state that these models often need frequent repairs. Heck, if I would have known that, I’d have avoided the repair and bought a new unit instead...
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hidden Inflation [in product prices]
Replies: 64
Views: 7293

Re: Hidden Inflation [in product prices]

Same thing for coffee... used to be 12 oz ground bag. Now it contains 9 oz of coffee and 3 oz of air.
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Valuables Insurance (Jewelry, watches, etc)
Replies: 4
Views: 521

Re: Valuables Insurance (Jewelry, watches, etc)

At one point I had >$100K in valuable and had the same concerns. The stuff that only came out a time or two a year went into a Bank Vault, the rest I covered by having a safe built in. While that may not be a feasible safeguard in a single family home it was a good solution in a guarded gated condo with cameras in all the halls and elevators and tight restricted access.
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cereal (and other things) Shortage?
Replies: 68
Views: 11705

Re: Cereal (and other things) Shortage?

I had a big score today... the local grocery chain (Publix) had London Broil Roast Beef, Boar's Head Tavern Ham and Hebrew National Salami all in stock. They were out for a few weeks. Now we can hang out inside and see what/when Delta peaks and declines. Our PCP had 5 Covid teleconferences yesterday and 4 by 1 PM today and advised us to stay in as much as possible.
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refrigerator Repair Fail
Replies: 49
Views: 4780

Re: Refrigerator Repair Fail

Our house was recently purchased with newish (3 year old) Samsung kitchen appliances (much to our chagrin). We were aware of the refrigerator issues (ice maker and fan freezing) and began to experience them upon occupying the home. A local repair company said it was an “easy fix” to replace a few upgraded parts and the refrigerator “would be like new”. An $800 repair seemed better than a $3500+ new unit. So, we opted to have it repaired/upgraded. 6-weeks later, the fan began to freeze again…. :oops: The repair company stated their work was only guaranteed for 30-days. They are now backpedaling and state that these models often need frequent repairs. Heck, if I would have known that, I’d have avoided the repair and bought a new unit instead...
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Letter from Escheat Mail Management - Scam or Real?
Replies: 3
Views: 4794

Re: Letter from Escheat Mail Management - Scam or Real?

Just tell them to mail you a check and if anything looks funny don't deposit it. I've seen phishing scams lately where they send you a check for $1750 hoping you will deposit it, and then they clear out your bank account once they have the numbers. OTOH, Google sent me $2.15 for a class action suit a couple of days ago but that was through PayPal. Maybe just have them pay PayPal.
by midareff
Wed Aug 11, 2021 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do You Budget Pre/During Retirement?
Replies: 98
Views: 7897

Re: Do You Budget Pre/During Retirement?

Based on a thread I started asking for advice on my situation, many made mention of our expenses being high. We are taking a deep dive and realize 1) we don't have a budget and 2) wonder how many people on this site use a budget? Specifically: Did you budget Pre retirement/ Yes, specifically directed at savings into three categories of accounts. Deferred compensation, taxable and Roth. Was in detail with projected asset growth and such and was in place about ten years prior to retirement. Once all required savings goals were met I was free to use any excess to travel or buy toys. Do you budget during retirement? It isn't a budget per se.... but rather a mechanism to track monthly expenses and what accounts are responsible for paying them. ...
by midareff
Sun Aug 08, 2021 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Excel vs. (Apple) Numbers
Replies: 26
Views: 2862

Re: Excel vs. (Apple) Numbers

JohnFiscal wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 10:49 pm
40 Years' Gatherin's wrote: Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:54 pm I still do all my financial record keeping on Excel 2002. I have no intention of upgrading if I can help it 8-)
I'm with you. Except I'm using Excel 2007.

I do have and use Office 365 but prefer the simpler interface of 2007
I'm with you as well. Except I'm using Excel 2010 which I picked up for $9.95 or so on disc back then on a promo. Bought 2019 as a built in for my new laptop at the end of last year. Have too many subscriptions already for music and various other software's.
by midareff
Sun Aug 08, 2021 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why is there REALLY a labor shortage?
Replies: 3
Views: 1077

Re: Why is there REALLY a labor shortage?

My 2 cents would be a mismatch from benefits of being unemployed in this time period added to the costs of going back to work vs. the amount of money to be earned by the jobs that are open. Remember, many don't need to pay their rent or mortgage and can't be evicted. It's not ethical but that really only counts to ethical people. If someone wants to work they can, it's that simple. If someone wants to receive benefits and not pay the rent, they can do that too, easily. We seem to be in the age of screw the landlord.
by midareff
Tue Aug 03, 2021 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: lowest cost approach to get CPAP
Replies: 16
Views: 1985

Re: lowest cost approach to get CPAP

I'm on my second CPAP machine. Pulminary specialist sent me to a sleep study and then sent the results to the people they use to supply the machines/masks etc., to their patients. Medicare covered all of it, both times.
by midareff
Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grand Canyon
Replies: 39
Views: 4828

Re: Grand Canyon

While my wife and daughter do one if those 'girls trips' to Punta Cana, my 17 year old son and I are flying to Phoenix. We are staying one night in Scottsdale for a desert ATV tour, then driving up to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Staying at The Yavapai Lodge for 3 more nights. Anyone been to this area of the canyon? ideas for tours? appreciate any info...Thanks BL Stayed there at one time. Try https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/tours-activities/ Also, the second hotel to the west of El Tovar has a dining room named the Arizona Room. They don't take reservations, or didn't when I was there. Time your arrival a bit before sunset and watch the Canyon colors change as the lights go down. I think you may still have to stay in El Tovar to u...
by midareff
Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Depot appliance installation
Replies: 23
Views: 2946

Re: Home Depot appliance installation

Our over-the-range microwave oven bit the dust. We have been using a countertop one. I am not the least bit handy and I am looking at buying one online from HomeDepot.com and having them install it. Has anyone done something similar and can explain the process? Just had a refrigerator installed in the kitchen (third floor condo) from Best Buy. Priced Home Depot, Lowes, and Brands Mart in our area. Brands Mart had the lowest price on a "for members" deal by nearly $700 so we walked into Best Buy and told them to price match, deliver, install and haul away the old. Put it on my Best Buy card and got another $120 in coupons and bought my wife a gimbal with it for her video cell shoots. They were in at 8:30 AM and gone by 9:15 AM. Co...
by midareff
Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Depot appliance installation
Replies: 23
Views: 2946

Re: Home Depot appliance installation

Our over-the-range microwave oven bit the dust. We have been using a countertop one. I am not the least bit handy and I am looking at buying one online from HomeDepot.com and having them install it. Has anyone done something similar and can explain the process? Just had a refrigerator installed in the kitchen (third floor condo) from Best Buy. Priced Home Depot, Lowes, and Brands Mart in our area. Brands Mart had the lowest price on a "for members" deal by nearly $700 so we walked into Best Buy and told them to price match, deliver, install and haul away the old. Put it on my Best Buy card and got another $120 in coupons and bought my wife a gimbal with it for her video cell shoots. They were in at 8:30 AM and gone by 9:15 AM. Co...