Search found 476 matches

by aja8888
Fri Feb 20, 2015 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Poll: Largest fraudulent charge to your credit card(s)?
Replies: 49
Views: 6316

Re: Poll: Largest fraudulent charge to your credit card(s)?

When on business in Puerto Rico, somehow my AMEX got compromised and the next day, AMEX called me and asked me if I was in Croatia spending >$18,000 on electronic tools. I said no. AMEX Rep told me that probably a remote scanner picked up the hotel card scan when checking in the night before and a card was manufactured in Croatia overnight. :?
by aja8888
Fri Jan 16, 2015 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Long Do You Keep Tax Records?
Replies: 28
Views: 4789

Re: How Long Do You Keep Tax Records?

johnep wrote: Why keep them a day longer?
So you children can look them over when cleaning out your house after you pass and wonder what you spent all the money on... :D
by aja8888
Sun Nov 30, 2014 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bah Humbug [managing Christmas spending]
Replies: 52
Views: 8066

Re: Bah Humbug [managing Christmas spending]

I give gift cards (except to DW) to our kids and grandkids. Simple online purchase and they show up in the mailbox.

DW goes a little nuts at Christmas and overdoes the gift giving. But we stay within budget, whatever it was. :shock:
by aja8888
Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitbit, Vivofit, or other?
Replies: 55
Views: 5800

Re: Tell me about FitBit - is it worth having?

I'll sell you my flex for $25. I have all the parts in various drawers throughout my home. The little USB thingie that has to be in the computer at all times if you want Bluetooth uploading, the little Battery charging holder adapter thingie that you need to charge the battery in a USB port, the extra wrist band, the actual counter that goes inside the band. And all of this should be gathered about once every 3 or 4 days for synching, charging, analyzing, etc. OTOH I have a free step counter from a work challenge that clips on to anything and lasts like 2,000,000 steps or more and I used it much more than the fitbit. But it makes no bar charts, I need to type the digits into a spreadsheet if I want that. The sleep activity thing was kind o...
by aja8888
Sun Sep 07, 2014 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Texas - Recommendation Where To Live
Replies: 60
Views: 6891

Re: Texas - Recommendation Where To Live

The Woodlands, all the Corvettes are gone and now replaced with BMW's, Audi's, Mercedes Benz's, Bentley's and a Ferrari here and there. 8-)
by aja8888
Sat Jun 14, 2014 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What smartphone plan do you use?- off contract
Replies: 100
Views: 10604

Re: What smartphone plan do you use?- off contract

PagePlus through the PagePlus website.
by aja8888
Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home security systems
Replies: 27
Views: 6688

Re: Home security systems

Does anybody actually have a real life experience where one of these systems and their notifications ended up in burglars being caught in your home or you life saved from an intruder? :confused
by aja8888
Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which used car pricing guide to use? Edmunds, NADA, KBB?
Replies: 21
Views: 14765

Re: Which used car pricing guide to use? Edmunds, NADA, KBB

You can get a new 2014 Jetta Model S sedan, nicely equipped for about $18K. That would be with a 4 cylinder engine and 6 speed auto trans, A/C, PS, PB, PW, DL, etc. Or you could knock a grand off if you buy the manual transmission version.
by aja8888
Sat May 31, 2014 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: penny smart, dollar stupid with cars
Replies: 24
Views: 4620

Re: penny smart, dollar stupid with cars

Keep the truck. :!:
by aja8888
Sat May 24, 2014 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worst "Large purchase" ever?
Replies: 110
Views: 18008

Re: Worst "Large purchase" ever?

My first wife...
by aja8888
Fri May 02, 2014 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VW TDI Engines
Replies: 48
Views: 16055

Re: VW TDI Engines

I've had many diesel VW's: 2000 Jetta, 2001 Jetta, 2003 Golf, 2005 Passat, and currently a 2006 Jetta MKV. All except the 2006 had well over 200,000 on them when I sold them for a good price. Still driving the 2006 with 147,000 on it and enjoying the performance and 46 MPG, on average. I will not buy a 2009 - up TDI until VW comes up with a long term engineered cure for the Bosch supplied fuel pump. This is even though VW is fixing these failures free gratis like it is now, even those past warranty (unless you are in Canada). I just don't want the bother of the process. I did test drive a Prius last year and thought I was going to have a coronary when I tried to pass a car on the freeway. Where is the torque? You won't catch me or any famil...
by aja8888
Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did you determine your "number" for retirement
Replies: 51
Views: 6262

Re: How did you determine your "number" for retirement

VictoriaF wrote:
Clearly_Irrational wrote:
VictoriaF wrote:The first digit of your zip code multiplied by a million.

Victoria
I'm hosed then, I'll never be able to retire.
Marry someone from Connecticut.

Victoria
I did that once and it didn't work out well, so I moved to California and married someone else. :moneybag
by aja8888
Sat Apr 05, 2014 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GPS with "favor interstates" option?
Replies: 37
Views: 4289

Re: GPS with "favor interstates" option?

If I can't set a way point like a bridge, I look for a town along the route beyond the bridge and set the town as the way point. When the Garmin asks for the address, I put in "10" and for a street I start by typing in "main" and just pick anything that shows on the screen. Once I go over the bridge and get near the town, I eliminate the way point.
by aja8888
Mon Mar 24, 2014 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Fraud
Replies: 41
Views: 5810

Re: IRS Refund Fraud

manwithnoname wrote:
whomever wrote:"According to one article employers may not generate the W-2 until summer."

Wow. Thanks, I just assumed employers/banks uploaded them immediately.

The IRS should pay a nickel per W-2 when the business uploads them ... they'd be uploaded by Jan 3d :-)
IRS cannot process all that info at once. Many IT systems date from the 60s. COBAL

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/government/ir ... stems/3072
The ZDNET article is dated April 12, 2007......you mean this software has not been updated as of this year?
by aja8888
Fri Feb 28, 2014 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cancel Verizon cellular ($100/mo) for PagePlus resllers?
Replies: 60
Views: 6880

Re: Cancel Verizon cellular ($100/mo) for PagePlus resllers?

jackpullo997 wrote:Why would Verizon introduce a middleman into their business model?
Why not just offer $100/mo plans and that's it?
They are only cannibalizing their own sales by letting some 3rd party sell THEIR OWN PRODUCT ...compete with themselves at half the price.
Where is the logic in this??????


Only PagePlus has the answers. Why not lob a call into them?
by aja8888
Mon Feb 10, 2014 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Solo 401k -Vanguard's reason for not accepting IRA rollovers
Replies: 22
Views: 3476

Re: Solo 401k -Vanguard's reason for not accepting IRA rollo

Saving$ wrote:
tfb wrote:Fidelity doesn't offer Roth solo 401k, possibly for the same reason -- keeping track of and providing separate reporting on all of the different income and
contribution types are more trouble than they are worth. They are OK with letting people who want Roth solo 401k go somewhere else.
I'd love to know who DOES offer Roth Solo 401k. Please share.
Vanguard offer a Roth Solo 401K.

https://investor.vanguard.com/what-we-o ... Link=facet
by aja8888
Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A $1000 lesson on how manipulative salespeople can be?
Replies: 107
Views: 22605

Re: A $1000 lesson on how manipulative salespeople can be?

Look at it this way, at least you didn't buy a variable annuity. :shock:
by aja8888
Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads and Fast Food
Replies: 77
Views: 7202

Re: Bogleheads and Fast Food

McDonalds for a "senior black coffee" and a vanilla cone. Costs about $1.50 total. About 200 calories and the best coffee in Texas.
by aja8888
Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: calculating rmd by OCD person
Replies: 7
Views: 1391

Re: calculating rmd by OCD person

I turn 70 1/2 in March. Just add them up and add a few bucks for a safety factor and withdraw that amount this year. All will be good.
by aja8888
Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Auto Renewal
Replies: 7
Views: 4895

Re: Amazon Prime Auto Renewal

Why not just call Amazon and cancel it? :confused
by aja8888
Sat Feb 01, 2014 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD and Solo 401K funding question
Replies: 6
Views: 1021

Re: RMD and Solo 401K funding question

Spirit Rider wrote:
aja8888 wrote:
DSInvestor wrote:
However, RMDs required from other types of retirement plans, such as 401(k) and 457(b) plans have to be taken separately from each of those plan accounts.
Thanks for the info and links.

Now that it is clear to me that I have to take RMDs from 401K plans separately from taking an RMD from my IRA, do I have to take an RMD for a 401K plan after I turn 70 1/2 and I am still adding funds to the plan? :confused
Every single piece of information you require is in Alan's reply, including "And of course, because you are more than a 5% owner, your solo K RMDs start at 70.5 even though you are still working."
Thank you, somehow I missed that statement by Alan.
by aja8888
Sat Feb 01, 2014 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD and Solo 401K funding question
Replies: 6
Views: 1021

Re: RMD and Solo 401K funding question

DSInvestor wrote:
However, RMDs required from other types of retirement plans, such as 401(k) and 457(b) plans have to be taken separately from each of those plan accounts.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info and links.

Now that it is clear to me that I have to take RMDs from 401K plans separately from taking an RMD from my IRA, do I have to take an RMD for a 401K plan after I turn 70 1/2 and I am still adding funds to the plan? :confused
by aja8888
Sat Feb 01, 2014 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD and Solo 401K funding question
Replies: 6
Views: 1021

Re: RMD and Solo 401K funding question

1) I assume you also turned 70.5 in 2013. 70.5 determines the first RMD year, not 70. The soloK had no balance on 12/31/12 and therefore has no RMD requirement for 2013. The 12/31/13 balance of 1,000 will be used to determine your 2014 soloK RMD. That RMD must be taken separately from the plan and not included in your IRA RMD calculation. The 2013 IRA RMD distribution must be completed by 4/1/14. 2) No. Not for 2014 either. Your additional contributions in 2014 will add to the 12/31/14 balance which will be used to calculate your 2015 solo K RMD. And of course, because you are more than a 5% owner, your solo K RMDs start at 70.5 even though you are still working. Alan, thanks for the reply. :happy Actually, I turn 70 1/2 next month but don...
by aja8888
Sat Feb 01, 2014 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD and Solo 401K funding question
Replies: 6
Views: 1021

RMD and Solo 401K funding question

I have turned 70 in 2013 and will be taking an RMD in 2014 based on the calculations I make from the ending balances in my IRAs (split between three institutions). In addition, in late 2013, I opened a Solo 401K since I am still working part time and will be receiving payment as a sole proprietor in 2014 and maybe 2015 (if i decide to continue working). At the end of 2013 when I opened the Solo 401k, I funded it initially with $1,000.00 from 2013 earnings. I plan to add to the 2013 contribution amount with funds that will be deposited before April 15th (Max contribution plus catch up). My questions are; 1. Do I include the $1,000.00 I funded the 401K with in my RMD calculation for 2013? 2. Do I include the new funding I plan to make in the ...
by aja8888
Mon Jan 13, 2014 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 11% increase in auto insurance premium
Replies: 25
Views: 4115

Re: 11% increase in auto insurance premium

I had Liberty Mutual These insurance companies are pretty much turds and don't give a rats @$$ if you are a great customer. My advice to the OP, shop the best deal and go with it. Then shop it next year and every year thereafter. You weren't a "great customer" once you had a claim, it seems. From what I hear, there is little interest on the part of insurers in trying to retain long-time customers. So the customers ought to shop around often. A distant relative has had personal auto+home+life insurance, business liability insurance and annuities with the same agent spanning 30+ years. The agent has made a fortune on all the business (especially the multiple annuities). Recently there was a need to discontinue a life insurance poli...
by aja8888
Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 11% increase in auto insurance premium
Replies: 25
Views: 4115

Re: 11% increase in auto insurance premium

I had Liberty Mutual for nearly 40 years with multiple houses and cars insured over that time. Even had a letter from the President of the company praising my longevity. A few years ago, we had our old, blind dog slip out and he bit a kid and caused a $940.00 claim on our homeowners policy. A few weeks later, Liberty Mutual sent me a letter cancelling my homeowner's policy for the dog incident. Went to my agent, who I knew for 25 years, and he could not help get the policy restated. Since I could not get my policy restated, I cancelled five auto policies and a policy on a rental home with them and went elsewhere. These insurance companies are pretty much turds and don't give a rats @$$ if you are a great customer. My advice to the OP, shop ...
by aja8888
Sun Jan 05, 2014 7:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRA Required minimum distribution question
Replies: 31
Views: 3852

Re: IRA Required minimum distribution question

I would suppose if you have more than one IRA and need to pull an RMD, one could calculate it from both accounts, add them together, get the total, and just pull out $25.00 more to cover rounding.
by aja8888
Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tired [of Corporate Life]
Replies: 57
Views: 9260

Re: Tired [of Corporate Life]

One more quick question. Do you think it worth paying off home mortgage? Currently 20 years left of 30 year mortgage at 5% with $330k left to pay (just checked). Still not paying down a lot of principal. I've always thought of the tax advantage of keeping the payments going is really to my benefit. Currently, also the market is performing quite well - I think it likely that I can beat the 'return' provided by the mortgage payment (with tax deduction) through my investment portfolio (60/40). Could be quite liberating though I tend to think that maybe better off just putting extra payments towards mortgage rather than paying off. I know this doesn't sound like much, but why not pay an extra principal payment each month? It will reduce the re...
by aja8888
Mon Dec 30, 2013 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?
Replies: 64
Views: 21775

Re: Preemptive water heater replacement: worth it?

Sunny Sarkar wrote:Thanks for the feedback. That narrows my choice to a GE from Home Depot ($419 for 50-gallon 9-yr warranty, $1100 installed). Is that a safe enough option? Or should I keep looking (where else do I look?)
If you are going to have a plumber put one in, go for a Bradford-White, one of the best out there and only sold to licensed installers. I also believe these are U.S. made.

http://www.bradfordwhite.com/
by aja8888
Mon Dec 16, 2013 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2013 TurboTax: Which Product? New Rules?
Replies: 302
Views: 50355

Re: 2013 TurboTax: Which Product? New Rules?

Another fly in the ointment....seeing I have a business (sole proprietor) and use Schedule C for business deductions, when I compare ALL the TT products from Deluxe to Business, all include schedule C/EZ (and no distinct C schedule). TT says that C/EZ is not for businesses that have no more than $5,000 in business deductions. So, which version can handle businesses that have more than $5K in Schedule C deduction (which most businesses have these days)? Apparently none?

Or do I need to look at another tax product? (Who has suggestions?)
by aja8888
Sun Dec 15, 2013 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2013 TurboTax: Which Product? New Rules?
Replies: 302
Views: 50355

Re: 2013 TurboTax: Which Product? New Rules?

Can someone verify or give me an answer as to which version of TT handles Solo 401k contributions? I have an e-mail into TT but no answer as of yet. I have used the CD version of TT for years but this is my first year with a Solo 401K need.

Thanks,

Tony
by aja8888
Wed Nov 27, 2013 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6108

Re: I might buy this car from car max

tc101 wrote:I think I am going to wait on buying the Merc Marquis at Car Max. First I'll see what I can find from a local seller.

Somebody mentioned the possible problem of getting parts for a car like the Merc Marquis which is no longer being made. Is this a potential problem? Have there been problems in the past getting parts for cars that were out of production?
No problem. Parts will be available for these cars for many years as they made so many of them. Heck, China makes aftermarket parts for lots of out of production cars. My SIL can readily get parts for his 1985 Chevy pick up truck right from Autozone.
by aja8888
Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6108

Re: I might buy this car from car max

Those cars were the last of the long wheelbase, rear wheel drive cars made in this country at an affordable price. Many had the 4.6 liter V8 and smooth auto transmission. Great cars and lasted a long time if maintained properly. Very smooth highway ride with a ton of room inside and a trunk that could hold an entire funeral procession.
by aja8888
Sun Nov 24, 2013 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I might buy this car from car max
Replies: 37
Views: 6108

Re: I might buy this car from car max

abuss368 wrote:We had a Mercury Cougar once. Nothing but problems. Worse car we had. Scared to buy a Ford again!
They stopped making Cougars 12 years ago (2002). Have all the 20+ million Ford/Mercury/Lincoln cars sold in the U.S, since then been lemons? :confused
by aja8888
Fri Nov 01, 2013 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are BG Car Products useful ?
Replies: 27
Views: 9573

Re: Are BG Car Products useful ?

While the folks with the high end Lexus's and MBZ's, etc. are sitting in the service (aka, "sales department") lounge sipping Starbucks and feeling good about the special additives that are being introduced into your fuel tank and engine, be aware that you may be setting yourself up for voiding any warranty you have left on your engine and driveline in the event of a failure down the road. VW, Audi and MBZ (and others) will void your warranty if they find out you put an additive in your fuel in extreme circumstances. This is particularly true with their diesel cars. And there are hundreds of additives that are sold to the driving public claiming all sorts of good things, none of which are found listed in your cars owner's manual o...
by aja8888
Thu Oct 31, 2013 11:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are BG Car Products useful ?
Replies: 27
Views: 9573

Re: Are BG Car Products useful ?

Some guidelines from an engineer in the oil business who services big industrial equipment: Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Why do you think they gave you one? DO NOT let a dealer sell you "service" you don't need or is not in the manual. He wants to "service" your wallet (power steering fluid changes, brake fluid changes (maybe OK after 100K miles), special injector cleaning additives (that one always gets me thinking since gasoline is great solvent by itself). Snake oil treatments/products are just that. (this includes waxes, sealants, special fuel treatment, exotic oils, anything that costs a ton and will Guarantee results) Find a good independent shop to service your car if you don't want to p...
by aja8888
Tue Oct 22, 2013 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car rental - how to minimize all those fees?
Replies: 47
Views: 7676

Re: Car rental - how to minimize all those fees?

I rent 20+ cars per year all over the U.S. (and outside of it occasionally). I have been a business traveler since 1982. The best thing to do is join the club(s) of the rental car companies. That is free to do and gets you their "card" and a profile. I have many of them but usually use National Emerald Club, although I have others. Foe a long time, I used Dollar but they are not in a lot of locations I go to. Set up a profile on their site(s) and when you get set to rent, do a trial run on each club you are a member of. Sometimes you can get a larger car for the price of a smaller one with no up charge. Enterprise is a inexpensive company also. One thing that is good is that the price you get is the one you pay. You can set defaul...
by aja8888
Sun Oct 20, 2013 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Picking an insurance co for Medigap policies
Replies: 34
Views: 6588

Re: Picking an insurance co for Medigap policies

My doctor's billing service mis-applied $20 to my annual Medicare deductible February of this year. My medigap insurer paid the $20 then realized it was coded wrong. The medigap insurer cut off processing any of my claims until I fixed the problem. I got it fixed by September with no help from Medicare, my insurer or my doctor. This system is criminal.
by aja8888
Fri Oct 18, 2013 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit card information continues to be stolen
Replies: 39
Views: 5372

Re: Credit card information continues to be stolen

My PenFed card got scammed for $1650 this summer while on vacation. Probably a waiter card theft.

My AMEX got ripped for $18,000 while I was on business in San Juan, PR. Those charges were on the second day of my trip and were at a retailer in Croatia. Top that beauty1 :shock:

I guess in the last 10 years of business travel my cards have been compromised a dozen times (ripped off by hotel check in staff, waiters, unknown sources).
by aja8888
Sun Oct 13, 2013 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip Cancellation Ins.
Replies: 18
Views: 1873

Re: Trip Cancellation Ins.

I have tipped the cruise staff more that the cost of the insurance on the cruises we have been on. I probably lost more on the blackjack tables too, and spent more in port in a gift shop. Buy the insurance as its a small cost in relation to the rest. And having a medical emergency at an older age on a boat is not fun. When we were younger, the only medical stuff we worried about was getting a hangover on the ship (or my wife conceiving).
by aja8888
Sun Oct 06, 2013 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Wax
Replies: 42
Views: 5309

Re: Car Wax

pkcrafter wrote:
radchad3 wrote:Meguiar's NXT. Does a really nice job!
+1.

Paul
+2 Great stuff, easy to use, lasts pretty long. :wink:
by aja8888
Fri Oct 04, 2013 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dropped homeowners insurance--smart ?
Replies: 37
Views: 3600

Re: Dropped homeowners insurance--smart ?

One benefit of not having the insurance is you don't have the hassle of filing a claim and dealing with the insurance company. That alone is worth a lot since they try all kinds of tactics to beat you down.
by aja8888
Tue Oct 01, 2013 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Divorce question [home equity loan]
Replies: 22
Views: 2208

Re: Divorce question [home equity loan]

How did he get his name off the mortgage loan? The lender would have had to refinance the loan in her name alone and would have had to run the qualification steps (her income, credit worthiness, outstanding debts, etc). And for him to try to get new loan against the property, the lender (new lender) would have to process an application and would see the first note outstanding. An appraisal of the property would have to be done, etc. There is not enough info here.
by aja8888
Tue Oct 01, 2013 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Moving to] Palm Springs Area CA
Replies: 34
Views: 4040

Re: Palm Springs Area CA

My SIL has a very nice home in Palm Springs. She bought it about 8 years ago in a private, gated community for about $600k. Now its worth maybe half of that so there are some good deals to be had. About 1/3 the houses are for sale in her development. We stayed there for a week last summer and I thought south Texas was hot. Wow!

Everything is expensive there (compared to Texas). MY SIL stays with her daughter in the summers in San Jose. It's just too hot for her in Palm Springs. Her house is for sale.
by aja8888
Mon Sep 30, 2013 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: F150 Fair Price
Replies: 12
Views: 2033

Re: F150 Fair Price

I'll bet if you don't need 4 wheel drive, you can knock off a good chuck of change. Is this an off road work truck? Here in the oilfield we need 4 wheel drive due to muddy conditions and mostly unpaved roads. Other than that, I see no practical need for that feature.
by aja8888
Mon Sep 30, 2013 3:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What goes around comes around or isn't life grand
Replies: 4
Views: 1436

Re: What goes around comes around or isn't life grand

I grew up in the Naugatuck Valley in Connecticut where most New England watch and clock manufacturing took place from the late 1700's on up. I worked in the brass and copper industry in a plant that was built in the late 1800's. This area was considered "The Brass Center of the World" at one time. I was back there last year and all the old factories are closed and in their places are shopping malls and scads of Duncan Donut shops. :wink:

The textile manufacturing was long gone from Connecticut before I was a young boy in the 1950's.

There may be a renaissance coming in manufacturing, but it won't be in New England.
by aja8888
Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What goes around comes around or isn't life grand
Replies: 4
Views: 1436

Re: What goes around comes around or isn't life grand

With all those new jobs showing up after decades of offshore labor making those goods, how does a manufacturer expect to see people falling at his doorstep to do that low end labor?

[OT comments removed by admin LadyGeek]
by aja8888
Mon Sep 23, 2013 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father left my Mother Suddenly, Need advice
Replies: 64
Views: 13150

Re: Father left my Mother Suddenly, Need advice

We had a similar thing happen to a friend of my wife. Her husband was out of work and then found a lob in another city a few hundred miles away. He moved there temporarily (apartment) and then they agreed to sell the house so she could move where he was. Once the house was sold, he called her and said "I don't want you to come here", essentially stranding her. She immediately filed for divorce and had him served with the action. Within a few weeks, he decided to reunite with her and she moved to where his job is. Strange things can happen with this stuff, so be prepared.
by aja8888
Sun Sep 22, 2013 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Father left my Mother Suddenly, Need advice
Replies: 64
Views: 13150

Re: Father left my Mother Suddenly, Need advice

Make sure the lawyer you use is very experienced with family law and CHECK REFERENCES. Nothing worse than a bad lawyer. :oops: You only have one shot at this.