Search found 3768 matches
- Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:13 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
- Replies: 130
- Views: 8767
Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
But do they keep you there trapped like a timeshare presentation? how does a timeshare presentation keep you trapped? are the doors locked from the outside and you are being held hostage? can you not get up and walk out? have they taken the keys to your car so you can't get away? did they take your phone so you can't call the police if you're being held hostage? you see I'm using hyperbole because words matter. You're not really trapped in a timeshare presentation unless you believe that you are. The mind can create limits at times that don't exist in reality. At the Orlando timeshare, the doors were not locked. But, if we didn't stay here there entire time listening to their $%^$%$%^ we would not get free admission tickets to Disney. By t...
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dental crowns
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7512
Re: Dental crowns
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dental crowns
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7512
Re: Dental crowns
My excellent Park Avenue dentist was expensive but not unreasonable (considering the location). An earlier crown was about $1800.00.
His son took over the practice and moved to an even more expensive address and the quote on the crown was $3000-$3500.
Called my cousin in CT. and went to his family dentist of 20+ years and it was $1150. I ended up needing 2 that year when my gold inlay had a fair amount of decay.
Check Check
If I went to a local dentist it would probably have been about $1500-1700 but I didn't have any reconmendations as strong as my cousin's.
His son took over the practice and moved to an even more expensive address and the quote on the crown was $3000-$3500.
Called my cousin in CT. and went to his family dentist of 20+ years and it was $1150. I ended up needing 2 that year when my gold inlay had a fair amount of decay.
Check Check
If I went to a local dentist it would probably have been about $1500-1700 but I didn't have any reconmendations as strong as my cousin's.
- Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
- Replies: 91
- Views: 10092
Re: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
Since I am a renter, my rental insurance went up marginally (so far).
My umbrella is a different story: 2MM; minnimal changges until about 2 years ago, expect next year another large % increase. The reason I was given (no claims), too many lawsuits and expenses of defending. 2022 went down because I sold a rental unit I owned.
622 2024
546 2023
455 2022
493 2021
2020
497 2019
497 2018
421 2017
386 2016
345 2015
345 2014
345 2013
345 2012
345 2011
345 2010
328 2009
My umbrella is a different story: 2MM; minnimal changges until about 2 years ago, expect next year another large % increase. The reason I was given (no claims), too many lawsuits and expenses of defending. 2022 went down because I sold a rental unit I owned.
622 2024
546 2023
455 2022
493 2021
2020
497 2019
497 2018
421 2017
386 2016
345 2015
345 2014
345 2013
345 2012
345 2011
345 2010
328 2009
- Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
- Replies: 107
- Views: 21792
Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Your hardly a late bloomer -- according to the calculator below
if your between 40-45 and have 400k in net worth your in the
82nd percentile (if home equity is excluded) or 72nd percentile
if that includes home equity
https://dqydj.com/net-worth-by-age-calculator/
if your between 40-45 and have 400k in net worth your in the
82nd percentile (if home equity is excluded) or 72nd percentile
if that includes home equity
https://dqydj.com/net-worth-by-age-calculator/
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sound bar
- Replies: 43
- Views: 4131
Re: Sound bar
+1mhalley wrote: ↑Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:50 am I like rtings for av reviews.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source= ... fBnkEghLOt
Although they charge for full reviews (subscription based), they give the most detailed information about quite a number of soundbars (and other audio video computer equipment). Wirecutter, C/R, Amazon, and others don't even come close. With a room that large, if you want deep bass, check their review of Nakamichi and others with soundbars/sub woofers.
As stated above ANYTHING is better than TV sound. But if this room will be your entertainment center - don't skimp on the soundbar.
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
- Replies: 172
- Views: 15695
Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
One of my favorites is only available in NY & NJ and some parts of CT. It is not frozen but made ready to be finished from one of the original students of Lombardi who was one of the earliest if not the first pizzeria in the US (1905). The gentleman is now about 95 and still makes pizza at his oringal location and now has takeaway from Fresh Direct He was the founder of Grimaldi's pizza until he sold it about15 years ago. Not Boglehead pricing: https://www.freshdirect.com/deli_prepared/meals/meals_pizza/sc/meals_pizza_vegetable/p/hmr_pid_3777968 From Whole Foods and Fresh Direct there are two very good pizzas https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/genio-della-pizza-margherita-138-oz-b08gx86c9q (This is from Una Pizza Napoltena which a...
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Question about I-bonds
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1244
Re: Question about I-bonds
The I Bonds MATURE in 30 years. You may not redeem for the 1st year. For years 2-5, if you redeem, there is a 3 month interest penalty. Finally after 5 years, you may redeem at any time (without penalty), or hold it until it matures.
- Fri Feb 02, 2024 1:50 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Question about I-bonds
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1244
Re: Question about I-bonds
I Bonds are more like savings bonds then traditional bonds. The interest -both the base rate and the inflation adjustment accrue until you redeem them. Their is a fixed rate - which is the % above the inflation rate that the bond pays (1.3% now). Then you have the inflation rate which is calculated every six months and that become the second part of the interest.
So if inflation for the first 6 months is 1.5 (3% annually keep it simple compounding for how); you would get a 4.3 annual rate divided by 2 for the 6 months. 2.15% for the six months. I am doing with no compounding to make the point easier to understand.
So if inflation for the first 6 months is 1.5 (3% annually keep it simple compounding for how); you would get a 4.3 annual rate divided by 2 for the 6 months. 2.15% for the six months. I am doing with no compounding to make the point easier to understand.
- Thu Feb 01, 2024 9:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Friend's CPA insisting they sign "Consent to Use Xpitax" - help!
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2569
Re: Friend's CPA insisting they sign "Consent to Use Xpitax" - help!
Looks like their an outsourcing service
here is some firms that use them
https://www.wendroffcpa.com/client-cent ... gh-xpitax/
https://www.austintaxcpas.com/post/our- ... ith-xpitax
BBB gives them an A+ for what it's worth
https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/quincy/profil ... 021-535815
here is some firms that use them
https://www.wendroffcpa.com/client-cent ... gh-xpitax/
https://www.austintaxcpas.com/post/our- ... ith-xpitax
BBB gives them an A+ for what it's worth
https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/quincy/profil ... 021-535815
- Sat Jan 27, 2024 11:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Verizon Wireless price increase
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5621
Re: Verizon Wireless price increase
I use Mint Mobile Prepaid $180 per year (with tax, surcharge, whatever about $221 per year).
They provide 5GB per month which is fine for me. Unlimited talk/text plus calls to Canada included.
They just came out with an international roaming plan for $40 for 7 days. It lists the countries that this is
applicable to.
There are occassional slowdowns, but not enough to be of concern. However I do live downtown
Manhattan.
They provide 5GB per month which is fine for me. Unlimited talk/text plus calls to Canada included.
They just came out with an international roaming plan for $40 for 7 days. It lists the countries that this is
applicable to.
There are occassional slowdowns, but not enough to be of concern. However I do live downtown
Manhattan.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
- Replies: 7
- Views: 803
Re: Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
I logged in under Firefox and Ublock shows 10 I am wondering if that is cumulative -- I will double check. Since I use that browser for Vanguard (for a time exclusively) that could be possible. Ublock shows the following: vanguard.com logon.vanguard.com mdl-medallia-digital.vanguard.com personal1.vanguard.com constellation-static.web.vanguard.com corp-pmj.web.vanguard.com web-vitals.web.vanguard.com cookielaw.org cdn.cookielaw.org d1mqvp9ngntjny.cloudfront.net corp-pmj.web.vanguard.com d299zj3g6it160.cloudfront.net mdl-medallia-digital.vanguard.com d29netgb4x6mup.cloudfront.net ccc.vgcontent.info d3480ohge1xe4o.cloudfront.net personal1.vanguard.com d35614irbxz68t.cloudfront.net constellation-static.web.vanguard.com demdex.net dpm.demdex.net...
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
- Replies: 7
- Views: 803
Re: Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
I use DuckDuckgo as my browser for many sites --- they block most trackers and show Vanguard as having thse numbers I showed. I have a copy of it, but no way that I know of to load an image to this site.
- Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
- Replies: 7
- Views: 803
Tracking on Various Popular Sites including Vanguard
My setup blocks trackers and also provides a list of sites and how many trackers were blocked.
Vanguard 3,180 (which kinda blew me away) logon.Vanguard.com
Vanguard 2,925 Dashboard.web.Vanguard.com
Schwab.com 256
PeacockTv.com 971 (not surprising)
WSJ.com 764
Sfgate.com 12,621 (news of San Francisco)
CNBC.com 22,083
There were many others that were less, but this totally was beyond anything I expected
from sites that I visit (CNBC, SFgate.com, Peacocktv.com I expected high numbers)
Vanguard 3,180 (which kinda blew me away) logon.Vanguard.com
Vanguard 2,925 Dashboard.web.Vanguard.com
Schwab.com 256
PeacockTv.com 971 (not surprising)
WSJ.com 764
Sfgate.com 12,621 (news of San Francisco)
CNBC.com 22,083
There were many others that were less, but this totally was beyond anything I expected
from sites that I visit (CNBC, SFgate.com, Peacocktv.com I expected high numbers)
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 5:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: AARP; worth joining?
- Replies: 74
- Views: 10349
Re: AARP; worth joining?
UNHC supplemental insuranceafr wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 2:44 pmBenefits on insurance? What insurance?Rob5TCP wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 1:04 pmI joined, but gave my friend's PO Box as the address (I send a lot of junk mail there. as does he).CardinalRule wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 12:37 pmI don't think anyone has addressed this point. I worry it about it too as I consider joining - has this been a problem for members?
I setup an email address I have strictly for junk mail. Even my phone # was a google number. So, whileI get junk
it usually is not bothersome.
Now that I am 65, the benefits on insurance alone outway the lost cost.
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 1:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: AARP; worth joining?
- Replies: 74
- Views: 10349
Re: AARP; worth joining?
I joined, but gave my friend's PO Box as the address (I send a lot of junk mail there. as does he).CardinalRule wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 12:37 pmI don't think anyone has addressed this point. I worry it about it too as I consider joining - has this been a problem for members?
I setup an email address I have strictly for junk mail. Even my phone # was a google number. So, whileI get junk
it usually is not bothersome.
Now that I am 65, the benefits on insurance alone outway the lost cost.
- Fri Dec 29, 2023 1:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Consider donating to this website
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1770
Re: Consider donating to this website
Need a reminder from time to time (2x a year)
- Sat Dec 09, 2023 8:36 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Where do you buy glasses?
- Replies: 70
- Views: 8283
Re: Where do you buy glasses?
I used to buy at Costco (after paying outrageous prices at eyeglass stores). About 5 years ago I switched to Warby Parker. I bring a friend who has great taste in what works well with me. After trying on 10 pair I bought 2. Price was good (not as cheap as Zenni), but way less than I would have paid at the other eyeglass store. I am sticking with WP. It's relatively close by, great selection and I can try them on before I buy (as opposed to having frames mailed to me).
- Mon Nov 20, 2023 1:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: BMO Alto CD's?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1177
Re: BMO Alto CD's?
They seem to be legit
though the few reviews they received were poor.
https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/bmo-alto.html
though the few reviews they received were poor.
https://www.depositaccounts.com/banks/bmo-alto.html
- Thu Nov 16, 2023 11:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4655
Re: QCD acknowledgment letter
I don't do QCD's yet but I am studying -- a few more years. I am helping someone with the procedure and one charity did not contain the exclamation that no goods or services were exchanged. The IRS has ruled this critical. It is a major food bank in NY and she is holding her donation to $245 to them (it's is for $250 or more). Every other charity she gives to includes that at the bottom of the acknowledgment. If they don't send her an amended receipt - her donations will be limited to them and would apply to any other future charity that doesn't send a proper acknowledgement.
- Sun Nov 12, 2023 12:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you clean/disinfect your phone? How?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1645
Re: Do you clean/disinfect your phone? How?
I read (can not remember where) that is gets super dirty. For a long time I take an alcohol wipe and thoroughly clean the phone (weekly and sometimes twice a week). Obessive compulsive -- maybe. Still I know I've grabbed my phone while in the bathroom and that's not the cleanest of environments.
- Tue Nov 07, 2023 7:59 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: SEP conversion
- Replies: 4
- Views: 511
Re: SEP conversion
I see little or no downside if you pay the taxes from a non IRA account. Only possible caveat, if you live in a state that taxes IRA withdrawals, add that to your calculation.
- Sat Oct 28, 2023 8:59 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Andrews CU Roth IRA CD matured into a regular account. What to do?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 6572
Re: Andrews CU Roth IRA CD matured into a regular account. What to do?
Finally my accounts are in savings accounts. I spoke with Vanguard yesterday and all the forms were filled out electronically. They used docusign and the forms should be going to Andrews Monday or Tuesday. I only have one small CD (non IRA) still remaining. I will only use local CU/Banks, and Ally with the balance at Vanguard.
I keep a few %'s at Schwab just as a backup.
But many many many HOURS of grief and wrong moves taught me a lesson. Safety and convenience more than outweighs a fraction of a percent extra.
I keep a few %'s at Schwab just as a backup.
But many many many HOURS of grief and wrong moves taught me a lesson. Safety and convenience more than outweighs a fraction of a percent extra.
- Sun Oct 22, 2023 7:52 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Andrews CU Roth IRA CD matured into a regular account. What to do?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 6572
Re: Andrews CU Roth IRA CD matured into a regular account. What to do?
I had the same problem only worse. They closed out my IRA CD and put it into regular savings. I already used up my transfer so that was not an option. I spoke to 6-7 different people and got horrible advice (make the deposit to my IRA - NOPE). Some were worse suggestions. Finally I spoke with a customer service rep that saw the gravity of the situation and reverse it correctly (must be done within 30 days and she knew that). Send me a PM and I will forward you here name. She is sharp and knows her "stuff".
I gave the correct instructions - they just didn't follow them.
I gave the correct instructions - they just didn't follow them.
- Sun Oct 15, 2023 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3767
Re: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
As usual, thank you for the unbiased tips !!! Going to Best Buy early next week.
- Sun Oct 15, 2023 1:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3767
Re: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
Looks like Roku Ultra seems to be the best bet - it runs on Ethernet (which I prefer to wireless) and the remote finder (which I like). Is there any other searson to buy a different model ?
- Sun Oct 15, 2023 1:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3767
Roku for new LG C2 OLED TV
I just recently purchased the LG C2 TV (on sale of course). Love the picture quality, but really dislike the Web 4.0 operating system (even after updating). I am thinking of adding Roku to this set. Has anyone, with the LG C2 (or similar recent LG OLED) switched to Roku and what did they like / dislike.
- Sun Oct 08, 2023 8:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Synthroid Pricing Mystery
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4902
Re: Synthroid Pricing Mystery
After I meet my deductible, (Humana) I pay $36 per 90 day for Synthroid.
I think Costco's price before I had the insurance was in the area of $95 per 3 month.
I think Costco's price before I had the insurance was in the area of $95 per 3 month.
- Sun Oct 01, 2023 7:47 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Stay with Citi or move to new bank
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1791
Re: Stay with Citi or move to new bank
If you want to go with Chase -- the savings rate is horrible like Citi, but 6 month CD rates are 5%
if you have 100k or more. Ally gives 4.4% on all balances for their savings and other banks or credit unions
have more favorable rates. Additionally, Vanguard has brokered CD's that also pay a much higher rate than Chase or Citi.
https://www.chase.com/personal/savings/bank-cd#rates
if you have 100k or more. Ally gives 4.4% on all balances for their savings and other banks or credit unions
have more favorable rates. Additionally, Vanguard has brokered CD's that also pay a much higher rate than Chase or Citi.
https://www.chase.com/personal/savings/bank-cd#rates
- Thu Sep 28, 2023 11:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My Elderly Parents Can't Resist Answering the Phone
- Replies: 127
- Views: 39160
Re: My Elderly Parents Can't Resist Answering the Phone
My main line gets a ton of scam calls -- 5 to as much as 25 (YES) in a day. I've had it forever but most friends call on my cell. I had Nomorobo but it blocked less than half and almost none of the fairly local calls. I signed up with Jolly Rodger Telephone company a couple of years ago and whitelisted all #'s that might call me. I then blacklisted all area codes (took about an hour and half). Since then, less than a couple of dozen calls in total have gone through. All calls go to a bot that I setup and I check at the end of each day in case it was a real call. Takes about 5 minutes to run through them (most are obvious 5 seconds into the call recording). One day I came back late and had 40+ recordings waiting to review them. Since they al...
- Wed Sep 20, 2023 5:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: CDs callable v. non-callable
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3553
Re: CDs callable v. non-callable
jeffyscott wrote: ↑Wed Sep 20, 2023 3:57 pmIt's there, go to "advanced search" and you can choose to see only non-callable.
- Wed Sep 20, 2023 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: CDs callable v. non-callable
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3553
Re: CDs callable v. non-callable
Callable CD's MAY give you a slightly higher yield in return for giving up the CD's if rates should fall (of course if rates go up they will not be called). When I've looked at Vanguard brokered CD's the top 2 or 3 are frequently callable. I pass over those and wish there was a button to exclude them. (If there is I haven't found them).
- Fri Sep 15, 2023 9:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Credit Unions Stray Far From Their Mission
- Replies: 80
- Views: 8519
Re: Credit Unions Stray Far From Their Mission
I had a local credit union (Melrose) which I later learned was VERY concentrated with the taxi industry. They provided funding of Taxi Medallions (as well as other member loans). Well, when Uber came and I saw that Medallion prices were dropping, I closed my account. Within a year they were under supervision and later they closed. I am a little more cautious. I know it is NCUA insured. Still, I prefer not to rely on whom they decide to take over their deposits.
- Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Liquidating Coin Collection
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2792
Re: Liquidating Coin Collection
If any of the silver coins (or gold if any) are truly rare; you might try Sotheby's.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/departments ... and-medals
I don't know if Stacks is as well known for auctions, but certainly for coins.
https://stacksbowers.com/
https://www.sothebys.com/en/departments ... and-medals
I don't know if Stacks is as well known for auctions, but certainly for coins.
https://stacksbowers.com/
- Fri Aug 04, 2023 8:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Restaurant suggestions nyc financial district
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3376
Re: Restaurant suggestions nyc financial district
Three of my favorite pizzerias in that district
1. Kestes (formerly on Bleeker Street)
Rated by an Italian food magazine as one of the best in the world.
2. Lombardis - there is a question whether Lombardi's was the first pizzeria; it is the oldest
(the great grandson is a partial owner today)
https://www.yelp.com/biz/lombardis-pizza-new-york-4
3. Di Fara -- I've been to the Brooklyn original many times and this one is always solid
and long waits. I've not been to the downtown branch. Unfortunately the owner (Mr. DeMarco) passed
away last year - prior to that he has made every pizza in Brooklyn since 1964.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/di-fara-pizza-new-york-2
1. Kestes (formerly on Bleeker Street)
Rated by an Italian food magazine as one of the best in the world.
2. Lombardis - there is a question whether Lombardi's was the first pizzeria; it is the oldest
(the great grandson is a partial owner today)
https://www.yelp.com/biz/lombardis-pizza-new-york-4
3. Di Fara -- I've been to the Brooklyn original many times and this one is always solid
and long waits. I've not been to the downtown branch. Unfortunately the owner (Mr. DeMarco) passed
away last year - prior to that he has made every pizza in Brooklyn since 1964.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/di-fara-pizza-new-york-2
- Sun Jul 30, 2023 1:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What to do after reading an article like this [predicting market crash]
- Replies: 80
- Views: 7693
Re: What to do after reading an article like this [predicting market crash]
Another well known stock market "predictor" 2013-his book predicting the crash https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rich-dads-prophecy-robert-t-kiyosaki/1112224070 2015 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/robert-kiyosaki-biggest-stock-market-crash-history-coming-sean-zubick-6021360341454196736 https://blog.ceo.ca/2015/06/29/robert-kiyosaki-biggest-stock-market-crash-in-history-coming-in-2016/ 2016 https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/21/09/23113052/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-predicts-giant-stock-market-crash-in-october-says 2017 https://www.marketwatch.com/story/rich-dads-kiyosaki-hasnt-given-up-on-his-dismal-market-prediction-2017-02-28 2021 https://news.yahoo.com/biggest-crash-world-history-personal-163852108.htm...
- Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mechanics of QCD [Qualified Charitable Distribution]
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2468
Re: Mechanics of QCD [Qualified Charitable Distribution]
You can w/d from any IRA (except SEP if you are still contributing). You don't want to withdraw from the Roth either.
I set this up for a good friend. When she makes an IRA withdrawal - one of the options is send me a check payable to a charity.
I set this up for a good friend. When she makes an IRA withdrawal - one of the options is send me a check payable to a charity.
- Sun Jul 23, 2023 7:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Use of a VPN
- Replies: 105
- Views: 16979
Re: Use of a VPN
I use it for privacy not security. FIOS doesn't need to know every single website I got to.
- Fri Jul 21, 2023 3:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Online Data Harvesting
- Replies: 45
- Views: 2050
Re: Online Data Harvesting
For privacy, I use 3 browsers all under VPN. My most personal I use the relatively new DuckDuckgo privacy. For certain instances of security I use the Tor Browser and for general browsing I use Firefox. I don't use google (except occassionaly maps), I never use Chrome, and I do have a Android phone, I disable much of it's capability with restrictions.
My infrequently use WiFi (tons of college students live in my building) and disable bluetooth unless needed (keyboard/mouse are wired). I just ordered an LG C2 and will carefully setup for maximum privacy/security (an oxymoron perhaps).
My infrequently use WiFi (tons of college students live in my building) and disable bluetooth unless needed (keyboard/mouse are wired). I just ordered an LG C2 and will carefully setup for maximum privacy/security (an oxymoron perhaps).
- Thu Jul 20, 2023 8:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Easier Way for QCD's
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1825
Re: Easier Way for QCD's
Another great idea -- I should have thought of this one.delamer wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 5:43 pmShe still could contribute to each one every other year at double the amount, and half her workload.Rob5TCP wrote: ↑Wed Jul 19, 2023 3:39 pm While she writes LOTS of checks, they are not small -- none are less than $100 and most are over $250. Her largest are in the 1,000's. She maxes close to the QCD limit each year. She is savy about reviewing and selecting charities, but not so savy about the best way(s) to fund them. So, I brought up the QCD when she was doing it with non IRA funds.
One idea I had was to contact the different charities and just get a # of pre addressed envelopes from each. She puts stamps on them when she does use the few that she has. I will look at ways to speed it up.
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 3:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Easier Way for QCD's
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1825
Re: Easier Way for QCD's
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 3:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Easier Way for QCD's
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1825
Re: Easier Way for QCD's
While she writes LOTS of checks, they are not small -- none are less than $100 and most are over $250. Her largest are in the 1,000's. She maxes close to the QCD limit each year. She is savy about reviewing and selecting charities, but not so savy about the best way(s) to fund them. So, I brought up the QCD when she was doing it with non IRA funds.
One idea I had was to contact the different charities and just get a # of pre addressed envelopes from each. She puts stamps on them when she does use the few that she has. I will look at ways to speed it up.
One idea I had was to contact the different charities and just get a # of pre addressed envelopes from each. She puts stamps on them when she does use the few that she has. I will look at ways to speed it up.
- Wed Jul 19, 2023 2:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Easier Way for QCD's
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1825
Easier Way for QCD's
I've help a friend with her QCD's (she does a ton of them each year - both large and small).
I got her into Vanguard years ago and is quite pleased. I asked a similar question about a
year ago --
Does anyone know if Schwab or Fidelity or someone else has an easier way for QCD's.
She does it in batches of 10-20 and mails our the checks as received.
The ideal would be a firm that has a list of say 2500 of the largest charities and you could
do a click and it would pay to the charity.
The next best would be you select the charity and Schway, Fidelity, et al mails out the check for you.
MY gut tells me the answer is no, but no harm in trying again.
I got her into Vanguard years ago and is quite pleased. I asked a similar question about a
year ago --
Does anyone know if Schwab or Fidelity or someone else has an easier way for QCD's.
She does it in batches of 10-20 and mails our the checks as received.
The ideal would be a firm that has a list of say 2500 of the largest charities and you could
do a click and it would pay to the charity.
The next best would be you select the charity and Schway, Fidelity, et al mails out the check for you.
MY gut tells me the answer is no, but no harm in trying again.
- Sun Jul 16, 2023 2:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Sharonview FCU 64 month CD - 4%
- Replies: 109
- Views: 19777
Re: Sharonview FCU 64 month CD - 4%
A couple of years earlier I did the Andrew FCU at 3% for 7 years. When it came due this year
I had to go through hoops to get it transferred to Vanguard. They set it to automatically renew.
Since it was an IRA, their new rate for the 7y IRA CD is .3%
Pretty low IMHO.
I have 4 CD's there.
I had to go through hoops to get it transferred to Vanguard. They set it to automatically renew.
Since it was an IRA, their new rate for the 7y IRA CD is .3%
Pretty low IMHO.
I have 4 CD's there.
- Mon Jul 10, 2023 6:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Possible Vanguard Account Breach
- Replies: 106
- Views: 15309
Re: Possible Vanguard Account Breach
I just went to the Vanguard site and the maximum password is still 20 characters. How did you get to more than 20 characters ?Call_Me_Op wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 2:57 pm I log into my Vanguard account perhaps once a month to make sure all is OK. When I logged in today, I noticed that the "last login" was 2 days ago, just after midnight. I am never up at that time and definitely have not logged-in for at least several weeks. I immediately changed my password and strengthened it further, although it was already 13 characters and I have 2 FA. (The new password is over 20 characters.) There are no pending orders or other signs of tampering. Should I be concerned about this? I plan to contact Vanguard, but they are not open on weekends.
- Tue Jul 04, 2023 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Drop Malwarebytes?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5439
Re: Drop Malwarebytes?
I frequently work on client files so I am most paranoid about anything coming on to my computer. Before I put them on the main computer i run the files through test in a sandbox to see if anything causes an issue.
For my security I use Norton 360 as my main and Malwarebytes premium as my secondary. It has found things 360 missed (though quite rare). I also do a weekly scan with WD though that has never turned anything up.
For the small dollar amounts, I prefer safe to sorry.
For my security I use Norton 360 as my main and Malwarebytes premium as my secondary. It has found things 360 missed (though quite rare). I also do a weekly scan with WD though that has never turned anything up.
For the small dollar amounts, I prefer safe to sorry.
- Sun Jul 02, 2023 7:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is this move to NYC worth it?
- Replies: 109
- Views: 9438
Re: Is this move to NYC worth it?
Thank you guys for the discussion! After thinking about it, I am deciding to make the move. Feel like I have a bunch of cool parents in this thread :happy I think selling my car will be the way to go and will help a lot financially. For those that were asking, I'm a Software Engineer in a big tech company. All the best to you. Take a look at the Tudor City apartment complex. It's really nice to see the Chrysler Building or the 59th Street Bridge and East River from an apartment window. Residents have their own little park as well, right next to 42nd Street. Remember: if you get sick of Manhattan or Brooklyn but want to keep your job, you can move to Westchester. As you now know, the people on this board sneer at Yonkers. Well, if it's not ...
- Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)
- Replies: 94
- Views: 6117
Re: What periodicals do you subscribe to? Cost? Print or digital? (2023)
NY Times digital -- $50 per year
WSJ and Barrons digital - $72 per year
National Review Magazine - about $50 this year
Consumer Reports - $29
ProPublica -- donation fordigital
Wirecutter - on the fence about paying for it
WSJ and Barrons digital - $72 per year
National Review Magazine - about $50 this year
Consumer Reports - $29
ProPublica -- donation fordigital
Wirecutter - on the fence about paying for it
- Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What are the odds of this fund closing?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 656
Re: What are the odds of this fund closing?
It's been around 3 years and has 250M in assets. With a .25 exp ratio that means it is
"earning" about 600k per year. Add to this daily volume of 5k shares. I would guess
(and it's just a guess) if numbers don't increase, they might fold this into another
Ishares ETF. These assets levels are just to small.
"earning" about 600k per year. Add to this daily volume of 5k shares. I would guess
(and it's just a guess) if numbers don't increase, they might fold this into another
Ishares ETF. These assets levels are just to small.
- Thu Jun 08, 2023 12:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Air quality issues
- Replies: 35
- Views: 3260
Re: Air quality issues
Like millions of others, the AQI hit an all time high of something like 468 in my zip-code. I have a large Coway for the main room and the smaller for the bedroom. Yesterday morning, for the first time, they were running on medium when I woke up and went to high by mid day. I kept them on high and the room seemed fine. When I took it off manual and put in auto mode it dropped to speed 1 (with light indicating room was good but not great). The HEPA filters work great for smoke. The small carbon pre-filter might help with some smells but is not adequate for any time of heavy chemical pollution. Linking the Coway to my droid has proven to be a nightmare, so I don't have accurate numbers on what my indoor AQI is. But, from the 2 minutes I was o...