Search found 687 matches

by gerntz
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tipping shuttle driver ?
Replies: 34
Views: 3965

Re: tipping shuttle driver ?

Uber?
by gerntz
Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Interested in seeing the best of Redwood country
Replies: 23
Views: 2055

Re: Interested in seeing the best of Redwood country

We thought the grove at Armstrong State Park excellent, better than Muir Woods, and not crowded. Still Redwoods NP is much bigger & better imo. It was also fun parking amongst the redwoods going to dinner in Monte Rio.
by gerntz
Mon Feb 19, 2024 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Importing tax info into tax programs. Who does it?
Replies: 67
Views: 5737

Re: Importing tax info into tax programs. Who does it?

I do it for the brokerage that holds my muni bonds that I've purchased in the after-initial issue market where the price was above or below par. There are unique tax reporting issues for those & I don't want to deal with them. Since the broker does, I import.
by gerntz
Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laundry Detergent Pods Suds
Replies: 37
Views: 3555

Re: Laundry Detergent Pods Suds

balofagus wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:28 pm Liquid detergent seems “inefficient”. It is mostly water, being shipped around to be further diluted in the wash.

I have no factual basis for this. It just make me think too hard.
Liquids are much more concentrated than powders such that more loads per volume are achieved. Net, they reduce shipping costs. Powders are often spray dried liquid/slurries that are energy inefficient. I don't know today's water content of liquid detergents. Used to be 50% but I think they are currently well under that. To note, many moons ago I used to be a laundry detergent formulator & process designer.

Suds amount say nothing about cleaning effectiveness. They're just for show.
by gerntz
Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55796

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

Brooks Glycerin running/walking shoes, always last year's model that are marked down to the $99-119 range.
by gerntz
Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time flying to Europe (2024)
Replies: 37
Views: 5436

Re: First time flying to Europe (2024)

It's been a while, but you can take the train from Rome to the port, Civitavecchia, where the cruise ship will be. The port is huge, so either get a taxi (Uber?) from the Civitavecchia station to the ship or perhaps the cruise line has a shuttle. Check their details.

Rome is worth every bit of 4 nights if you have the time, & Barcelona is worth 3 imo. I'd use Rick Steves to get a good-priced intermediate hotel.

Anymore for us, the near-2X price for premium economy is worth it for the leg room to get some reasonable sleep. Going over, I'd skip the dinner & try to get to sleep ASAP due to the time difference.
by gerntz
Fri Jan 05, 2024 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13159

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

My take on a hot upstairs is hotter air in the house rising due to lower density, not insufficient insulation allowing the upstairs air to heat more. I'd combat that with ceiling paddle fans sucking cool lower level air up (reverse direction air movement than typical), displacing the hot air that would circulate down. Should even out pretty well. Used this concept in a non-AC vacation home for a week & it was fine.
by gerntz
Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Freetaxusa vs Turbotax
Replies: 121
Views: 16802

Re: Freetaxusa vs Turbotax

TurboTax Deluxe CD/Download is $34.98 plus tax this year (yesterday). If "cost" is your number one reason to switch, I'd submit your perspective is a bit wacky. The amount of energy that people spend agonizing about spending $35, and posting on forums debating options, is simply amazing. I've been using TurboTax Deluxe for decades. I would NEVER use a website to do my taxes. Yes, I am uploading my federal return via Intuit's servers. That is not the same as storing your return on someone's website. For those that complain about inputting state returns manually, two things: 1) Many states don't even offer this capability (i.e. Michigan for one) 2) I mail my state returns. Costs maybe $1.50. Most years I owe money. Mailing them als...
by gerntz
Fri Jan 05, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 82858

Re: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]

I'm wearing a sock with a hole on a cold day vs. buying a new one. But now I have frostbite on my heel from wearing my Kenn Newports.
by gerntz
Fri Dec 15, 2023 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Costco
Replies: 239
Views: 58380

Re: New to Costco

Haven't read entire thread, but Costco is great for printing paper, paper goods, cleaning products, over-the-counter meds & vits, prescription glasses, hearing aids & appliances/TV. Used their new car discount program once. Seemed better than anything else. Love their fresh bread when there. Buy slabs of salmon. Gas is low also. We belong to a club that uses a good deal of eating utensils that we buy in bulk there. Yes, selections can be limited plus some things like clothes are hit & miss.
by gerntz
Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 50643

2023 TurboTax

Tis the season. Maybe a bit early.

Seeing $73 price for Premier on Amazon. Likely to get much better - or not? Yes, we're members of rental property LLC & thus have K-1's.

Thanks.


[I merged gerntz’s topic into the ongoing discussion. Thanks to the member who reported the duplicate thread - moderator ClaycordJCA.]
by gerntz
Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WeatherTech floor mats
Replies: 50
Views: 5417

Re: WeatherTech floor mats

Are they a frugal thing?
by gerntz
Tue Nov 14, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finding the Financial Adviser Who Knows Taxes
Replies: 56
Views: 6565

Re: Finding the Financial Adviser Who Knows Taxes

neurosphere wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 12:56 pm
gerntz wrote: Sat Jun 24, 2023 10:17 pm It's real work to set the sheet up the first time & to know the various rates & to play what ifs. For us it's clear that it's helpful using munis for fixed income to keep our MAGI down to avoid Medicare premium bumps by MAGI brackets...
But muni income **is** included in the MAGI calculations for IRMAA...?

[Edit. Oops, 5K already mentioned this above].
Never saw this again till now.

Yes, muni income included in MAGA, but at a taxable bond equivalent rate, it's less income.
by gerntz
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera
Replies: 18
Views: 2574

Re: Battery-powered Doorbell Camera

^ Agree on Eufy.
by gerntz
Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE
Replies: 103
Views: 10089

Re: Small to Medium sized cities for FIRE

College towns not far from larger cities in LCOL states are all likely good. Lafayette, IN comes to mind. Also Athens, GA & Clemson, SC, Fayetteville, AR, Columbia, MO, Lawrence, KS.
by gerntz
Sat Oct 21, 2023 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming: YoutubeTV vs Philo
Replies: 40
Views: 3525

Re: Streaming: YoutubeTV vs Philo

the_wiki wrote: Sat Oct 21, 2023 1:48 pm Do you actually watch live TV? Because it pretty much all hits streaming, sometimes the next day.
Yes. It's called sports & news. If those don't interest you, probably don't watch live.
by gerntz
Mon Oct 16, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best? Roomba Tips?
Replies: 117
Views: 14471

Re: Do you "Roomba"? or other robot vacuums? Which is the best?

Have an Eufy 35C. $100 on Amazon. Does fine. Have a mixture of low carpet & hardwood floors. Goes randomly thru the blocked-off area. Have to empty ourselves.
by gerntz
Fri Sep 29, 2023 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One Week In Calgary and Banff
Replies: 31
Views: 2852

Re: One Week In Calgary and Banff

gerntz wrote: Fri Sep 29, 2023 4:06 pm Great trip & agree with comments for the places stated that I've visited.

I'd add to stop at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Park on the way. Very nice history & museum imo.
by gerntz
Fri Sep 29, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One Week In Calgary and Banff
Replies: 31
Views: 2852

Re: One Week In Calgary and Banff

Great trip & agree with the places stated that I've visited.

I'd add to stop at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Park on the way. Very nice history & museum imo.
by gerntz
Thu Aug 24, 2023 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of buying a Tesla Model 3
Replies: 963
Views: 103299

Re: Talk me out of buying a Tesla Model 3

I'd only buy it if you think it's cool and its economics and performance fit you. Everything else is opinion in my opinion.
by gerntz
Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28456

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Our new Datsun B210 in 1974 was $1750, so half was $875.
by gerntz
Mon Aug 21, 2023 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keeping in touch from Europe
Replies: 59
Views: 4219

Re: Keeping in touch from Europe

I've just used our T-Mobile phone & paid something like 10-25 cents a minute the few times I've used it & not on wifi. Otherwise text for free.
by gerntz
Sat Jul 29, 2023 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strasbourg ideas
Replies: 22
Views: 1842

Re: Strasbourg ideas

Might visit Baden-Baden with its baths and outdoor concerts. Pretty with parks to boot. Would need a car. Black Forest nearby also.
by gerntz
Thu Jul 27, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Legal issue
Replies: 5
Views: 1173

Legal issue

DDIL's mother recently died. She was near destitute as she had been nearly her adult life. That speaks wonders as to how great our DDIL has turned out as a person & in her career. She's also given us wonderful grandchildren.

The deceased lived in an old house trailer and owned it, value of literally $2500-5000. She rented the lot it sits on. She also owned an old clunker car that is sitting on the lot.

Question is how should DIL deal with the trailer and car - if she should do anything. DDIL doesn't have to take possession, right? She doesn't have to file probate, right (There is no known will), & then sell/dispose of the stuff, right? Just leave it since it's not hers more than anyone else's?

Thoughts?
by gerntz
Mon Jul 24, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going to Canada, do I need cash?
Replies: 76
Views: 7247

Re: Going to Canada, do I need cash?

If you're going to Waterson, I'd go another 40-50 miles to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump NP. I found it and the museum fascinating.
by gerntz
Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buying Mazdas? They are on the car lots
Replies: 153
Views: 21568

Re: Anyone buying Mazdas? They are on the car lots

Good friend with a long-time Toyota salesman. He says they have no inventory & people have to pre-order & wait. Also, being in Midwest, they get no hybrids as Toyota sends them all to states with the toughest emission rules.

I've had a CX-30 Turbo since they first came out over two years ago. It's OK, not great. No significant issues. Just sorta quirky. Didn't want to spend a ton since I don't drive that many miles. Much prefer DW's CR-V.
by gerntz
Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 7-day trip to the Rockies. Suggestions?
Replies: 33
Views: 3520

Re: 7-day trip to the Rockies. Suggestions?

Day 6: Vail

Take a day trip to Vail, a renowned mountain resort town.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or exploring the town's charming village.
Consider taking a scenic gondola ride to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Vail is a great ski resort & a fake town - which is fine for a ski trip.

If want to see a real town with skiing I'd reco Breckenridge or Steamboat Springs.
by gerntz
Sun Jun 25, 2023 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beartooth pass drive
Replies: 8
Views: 1148

Re: Beartooth pass drive

Read yesterday it was closed due to a snowstorm.
by gerntz
Sat Jun 24, 2023 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finding the Financial Adviser Who Knows Taxes
Replies: 56
Views: 6565

Re: Finding the Financial Adviser Who Knows Taxes

I don't think anyone can know the details of your income & thus taxes better than you if you have more than a few income variables unless you want to incur 10's of $K's of fees. Net, I put together a detailed Excel Sheet with each of our sources of income and tax rate on each such as regular income, cap gains, munis (You obviously need to know/learn these.). I add them up and I calculate the tax rate & total for each variety at the income level they come to. Then I vary the income from various items and adjust them as I can, such as total dividends, IRA withdrawal amount, QCD's amount, to see their effect on tax rate and total taxes. That lets me know where I can try to save on taxes in the future by changing investment profile. It'...
by gerntz
Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225838

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

I had a Great Horned Owl in a tree in my yard for a couple hours today. Just stayed there in one spot looking all around while a few Ravens tried to bomb him and get him out of there. The finches were pretty freaked out too. First time I've seen one for so long, especially during the day. So interesting how they blink, often just one eye at a time. :beer Just seeing this. About the same time as your sighting, heard a bang on our front storm door. Opened door & there sitting on porch to right was a GHO. Amazed. Beautiful. He scooted further to right away from me. Assumed he was stunned as he didn't try to fly. Went back in & came out again about 1/2 hour later & he was gone. Wow! They are amazing birds. I'm glad he/she was ok. I...
by gerntz
Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowstone + Glacier in 2024
Replies: 20
Views: 2043

Re: Yellowstone + Glacier in 2024

Unless you've been before, vs. Rocky Moutain NP & Black Hills, I'd do some combination of the UT NP's: Zion/Bryce/Arches/Canyonlands/Capitol Reef. All of UT south of I-70 ought to be a NP imo.
by gerntz
Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beartooth pass drive
Replies: 8
Views: 1148

Re: Beartooth pass drive

Agree that the drive is fantastic.

Don't know how much time you have and whether you've been, but the Buffalo Bill Museum of the West in Cody is worth a day out of your way imo. Check it out.
by gerntz
Wed Jun 21, 2023 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hand-held high pressure shower heads
Replies: 8
Views: 686

Re: Hand-held high pressure shower heads

tev9876 wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2023 2:20 pm I believe shower heads fall under similar regulations as toilets relating to gallons per minute/flush restrictions. Shower heads are typically easy to defeat the pressure regulator. There is probably a small water saver in the hose assembly - often just a piece of plastic with tiny holes in it. Remove that (or drill a large hole) and you get full pressure. There may be more than one.

Don't recall which brand I have but I am pretty sure it came from Costco. I think there were two regulators - one in the hose and one in the wand that I removed. There is also a twist collar that can regulate the pressure if you do want to lower it.
Thanks.
by gerntz
Wed Jun 21, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hand-held high pressure shower heads
Replies: 8
Views: 686

Hand-held high pressure shower heads

DW has frequent back pain and for relief, loves to target her back with hot water from the highest pressure setting of our Moen multi-spray hand-held. She can adjust the height & direction of the spray on the pole to which it is attached to match her immediate need. We've had it since the bathroom was modeled 6-8 years ago.

She'd like a higher-pressure nozzle/head. I've searched for "high pressure" shower heads, but there's no clear definition as to what that means. I bought a Delta, hooked it up, & it wasn't as strong as the Moen.

Net, what nozzle/head would one recommend to achieve higher pressure? I don't think a garden hose nozzle is an option.

Thanks.
by gerntz
Mon Jun 19, 2023 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16021

Re: Tesla Model Y

Not in market, but is the Y the model where the rear window that is more horizontal than vertical? If so, how do you keep it clear in rain as I've not seen a wiper blade on the rear. Thanks.
by gerntz
Sun Jun 18, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225838

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

JAZZISCOOL wrote: Tue May 23, 2023 4:20 pm I had a Great Horned Owl in a tree in my yard for a couple hours today. Just stayed there in one spot looking all around while a few Ravens tried to bomb him and get him out of there. The finches were pretty freaked out too. First time I've seen one for so long, especially during the day. So interesting how they blink, often just one eye at a time.

:beer
Just seeing this. About the same time as your sighting, heard a bang on our front storm door. Opened door & there sitting on porch to right was a GHO. Amazed. Beautiful. He scooted further to right away from me. Assumed he was stunned as he didn't try to fly. Went back in & came out again about 1/2 hour later & he was gone.
by gerntz
Wed Jun 07, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printers in 2023?
Replies: 60
Views: 4621

Re: Printers in 2023?

Recently bought an Epson 3850 with ink tanks. Everything fine ex solid print areas have unprinted lines in them now & then.
by gerntz
Wed Jun 07, 2023 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?
Replies: 52
Views: 8821

Re: Will I be disappointed with counterdepth refrigerator?

I love our counter-depth LG. I enjoy opening both doors and feeling like you're inside the fridge. Minimizes searching for deeply stored items since shelves aren't as deep. We added fridge space by also having an under-the-counter beverage fridge alongside the LG.
by gerntz
Wed May 10, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?
Replies: 206
Views: 18173

Re: Do you tip at Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts?

I don't tip at McDonald's either.
by gerntz
Mon May 08, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16021

Re: Tesla Model Y

Teslas have a lot of alternatives and were the first to successfully do a lot of things. To me, the fact that I can go onto a website, click what I want, click my credit card in and when ready, have the car show up at my house is worth paying more for. Note that Nissan and Ford SAY they have this but when I went through their processes, the result is "Here is your local dealer who will contact you to purchase your new vehicle". No thanks. On the financial side is where things have fallen apart for me in particular. But I live in a very high priced electric market, paying 45.5 cents a kWh. I also have some bargain gas stations selling for $2.89 a gallon. Pair this with my perfectly fine, 4 year old, 35 mpg Subaru that I bought new...
by gerntz
Sun Apr 30, 2023 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?
Replies: 7
Views: 812

Re: Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?

I think changing hotels will cost you more time & headache than an extra 45 minutes driving. Plus you see more countryside. Good choices of area.
by gerntz
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 5-day London Trip Itinerary
Replies: 41
Views: 3230

Re: 5-day London Trip Itinerary

We're in our late twenties. I enjoy history and she enjoys art and gardens, so any recommendations relating to those subjects would be great!
The expected are expected because they're from good to excellent.

Art:
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern

History:
- Brit Museum
- Westminster Abbey
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Tower of London

Buck Palace & changing of guard a big nothing for me.

Harrod's could be worth a walk thru.

Don't know how great the gardens are, but Hyde Park pretty.

I'd take a train day trip out to Windsor Castle. Interior items are amazing. Used to be able to visit the kings & queens burial sites under the chapel.

Pick a play of an evening.
by gerntz
Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home printer recommendation
Replies: 26
Views: 3881

Re: Home printer recommendation

My HP 6700 color ink ports clogged.

Planning on getting Epson ecotank 3850. Most every bell & whistle ex fax. Seems sturdier than Brothers inkvestment mfc-j4335dw. Like not replacing ink constantly. On sale @ $349 from $399.
by gerntz
Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite forum
Replies: 44
Views: 3810

Re: Favorite forum

Rivals sports forum is my fav. Stop by here now & then.
by gerntz
Tue Mar 21, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Barron's Advisor Rankings
Replies: 2
Views: 423

Barron's Advisor Rankings

New one in WSJ today. Says ranking includes how much revenue they generate for their firm - more being better for their ranking.

How is that good for clients over generating revenue for them? I say run from them as faster as you can.
by gerntz
Sat Mar 04, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you go for walks?
Replies: 175
Views: 17256

Re: Do you go for walks?

Walk 4 miles EOD & work out 45 minutes the alternate days which includes a 30 minutes mix of stationary bike & walking. I miss 1-2 day/mo. Nearing 75.
by gerntz
Sun Jan 29, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Southwest USA Trip Should I do?
Replies: 27
Views: 2765

Re: Which Southwest USA Trip Should I do?

No offense folks, but don't see how anyone considers CO & UT as SW. West, yes.
by gerntz
Sat Jan 28, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: January Gas Bill - Wowza
Replies: 77
Views: 9181

Re: January Gas Bill - Wowza

Our Duke Energy bill for December usage was 70 cents/hcf for the gas itself and the delivery charge to our home was 52.5 cents for a $1.23 total/hcf total charge/hcf. Since we don't cook with NG, at least we don't have to worry about the harmful chemicals that process could produce per Consumer Reports.
by gerntz
Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much are you helping your kids through college?
Replies: 144
Views: 16638

Re: How much are you helping your kids through college?

We're happy to be giving so we give. There's going to be some left over in the end anyway.
by gerntz
Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43305

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

- Gatlinburg & Branson
- Outer Banks - drive & drive & then nothing there.
- Ireland & most of Germany are boring. Brussels is underwhelming. Once on the Greece mainland to see the ancient ruins is enough.
- Anymore, most any US major city. Overrun with garbage of multiple kinds & don't feel safe. Used to love NYC & SF.
- As for overcrowded tourist spots, I just don't go June thru mid-Sept. I'll take chilly & plenty of room.