Search found 448 matches

by yolli71
Mon Aug 28, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot
Replies: 462
Views: 99002

Re: need403bhelp

Weird, so I am now un-targeted for the account, despite being targeted for it several months ago with popups every time I logged into the Vanguard website. Oh well, weird... There are two services: Cash Plus - direct deposit and bill pay Cash Deposit - FDIC insured settlement fund which I think is open to everyone now and has been promoted on the website. Cash Deposit is now widely available. I see no reason to use this over Federal Money Market Fund as sweep account. There is a secret invite only formula for Cash Plus. We are not in the club. We have less than $5M at Vanguard. Maybe folks who have been given access to Cash Plus (direct deposit and bill pay) can speculate as to why they were chosen to get this access. Over $5M in assets (i...
by yolli71
Tue May 23, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Razor recommendation?
Replies: 54
Views: 4391

Re: Razor recommendation?

Thanks for all the responses. I honestly didn't realize there were this many options! I guess I need to start researching/testing this stuff.
by yolli71
Fri May 19, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Landscaping plants/trees
Replies: 44
Views: 5526

Re: Landscaping plants/trees

I live in the Washington, D.C. area and was in a similar situation 6 or 7 years ago. The landscaper recommended I purchase European Hornbeams. I ended up purchasing 3 "Frans Fontaine" European Hornbeams. These trees are awesome. They require zero maintenance (except the first year when you need to water them...just use gator bags...super easy). They can live in dry or wet settings. They don't attract pests. They can be in full or partial sun. They have a dense, hard bark that doesn't easily crack from winds and storms. The roots grow downward and don't harm anything adjacent to them. Mine are about 20' tall now and are planted in a 3 foot area between my driveway and wood fence...no issues whatsoever. The tree grows mostly upward ...
by yolli71
Fri May 19, 2023 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Razor recommendation?
Replies: 54
Views: 4391

Razor recommendation?

Anyone have any recommendations for manual razors that provide the most bang for your buck?

I'm not necessarily looking for the cheapest razors, but rather something that gives a solid shave with hopefully minimal irritation that won't require me to spend too much. I only shave once or twice per week and I've been using Mach 3 for years, but I'm wondering if there's something better and less expensive that I don't know about?

I'm not interested in electric razors.

TIA for any tips/advice!
by yolli71
Sat Mar 04, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?
Replies: 58
Views: 4443

Re: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?

I grew up behind a lawnmower, but as I approach 50 I'm beginning to reassess whether I shouldn't just pay somebody to take care of the mowing/edging/trimming etc. We live in a subdivision in Houston on a 8000sf lot with lots of beds. I do enjoy some lawn care, just not the 3-4 hours per week. I travel with my job (3-4 days gone per week) and always feel like I don't have enough time on the days off. I would just like more time to do the things I want to do, especially now that the kids are almost gone. Our income level/hourly wage more than dwarfs the cost of lawn care. I recently hired a pool company to take care of the pool, so maybe its just a trend..... My question is has any other Bogleheads reached this conclusion and do you have any...
by yolli71
Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16441

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

$1,005. We use it for restaurants, occasional gas, Costco purchases, and travel. I've been debating if I'm better off getting 3% on all travel, or if I should get a card specifically for travel. I've yet to figure out what's the better option.
by yolli71
Mon Aug 29, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 70s?
Replies: 357
Views: 31203

Re: Favorite music from the 70s?

For those who have Sirius/XM, you need to listen to Yacht Rock Radio. Lots of great, easy listening tunes from the 70s!
by yolli71
Sun Jul 03, 2022 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?
Replies: 10
Views: 1590

Re: Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?

Quick update...I just received $100 vouchers for each of my family members (4 of us) to use within 1 year. I also got 8 free drink coupons to use within a year. Thought that was a pretty nice move on Southwest's part.
by yolli71
Thu Jun 23, 2022 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?
Replies: 10
Views: 1590

Re: Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?

Thanks for the condolences and advice, everyone. So I went ahead and sent a message to SW Airlines via Facebook Messenger explaining the situation. They replied in less than 24 hours apologizing for the inconvenience and saying that I'll be receiving an email within 2 weeks with a travel voucher for both my wife and I. I don't know the amount and I'm not expecting much, but just like "ellvizzle", I thought it was a nice gesture and I'm satisfied with the response/acknowledgement.
by yolli71
Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?
Replies: 10
Views: 1590

Points or vouchers for Southwest flight?

We just came back from a trip to San Diego to attend my father's funeral.

We paid for roundtrip direct flights on SW Airlines from Baltimore to San Diego. About a month before the trip, SW changed our flight to have layovers in Nashville on the way out, and in Chicago on the way home.

On the morning of our return trip from San Diego, we noticed that we had a 2nd stop on the way home...first in Chicago and then in Cleveland. We didn't have to get off the plane in Cleveland, but it was still a surprise to us.

Question...is it worth complaining to SW Airlines? Will they give you any sort of travel voucher or extra points? We still had a good trip overall...the layovers just added some inconvenience and a few travel hours each way.
by yolli71
Mon Jun 06, 2022 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?
Replies: 373
Views: 39635

Re: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?

I am also having trouble logging in, though not exactly what/how I see described by others... I have completed the set up of new account, passing through each of the 6 (or so) steps without any problems. However, once this set up is complete, it refuses to recognize my newly established credentials (username and password), so that login fails. I have worked through the help screens, tried clearing history, cache, cookies, etc. Have also rebooted and tried using Edge rather than Chrome (which is what I have always used to access TSP). Nothing works, login fails. There is, however, no message that account is locked. Any suggestions? I can't believe they're going to make me call in to re-establish access. :annoyed Exactly what happened to me....
by yolli71
Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?
Replies: 373
Views: 39635

Re: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?

My wife and I switched over to the new TSP site yesterday and she has received 23 messages from last night until this morning saying that her account information has changed. We logged in this morning to check and make sure everything was okay and it was. I know they have some kinks to work out, but 23 messages? Sheesh...
by yolli71
Wed Jun 01, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?
Replies: 373
Views: 39635

Re: Anyone have any luck with new TSP login?

quietseas wrote: Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:26 pm
user9532 wrote: Wed Jun 01, 2022 12:49 pm Yes, it is a UI disaster. I guess it is also a security disaster.

To setup the new login, it asks you your first name, last name, DOB, last four digits of SSN, and any phone number to send you a code. If another person knows your name, DOB, and last four digits of your SSN, what prevents that person from setting up a logon id in your name?
In my enrollment the final step asked for my legacy TSP 13 digit account number, which admittedly I had to do a little bit of searching to find.
Interesting...I just set mine up and they didn't ask for my old 13 digit account number.
by yolli71
Wed Jun 01, 2022 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Low Carb Tortillas/Buns
Replies: 14
Views: 1550

Re: Best Low Carb Tortillas/Buns

For tortilla wraps, this is our go-to: https://www.amazon.com/Ole-Mexican-Food ... 9466&psc=1

For bread or buns, we go with this: https://www.schmidtoldtyme.com/647-bread/

For both the tortillas and the bread/buns, we usually purchase them at LIDL or Target.
by yolli71
Thu May 19, 2022 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody Have Kids with Speech Disorders?
Replies: 35
Views: 3681

Re: Anybody Have Kids with Speech Disorders?

Also agree re: local school district and the early childhood program. This is what we did w/ our son who just turned 12 (though his issues were a little more extreme). He was diagnosed with auditory processing disorder and potential special ed needs as a toddler, so starting at 3 years old, he would get picked up from his preschool and sent to the local elementary school to work with teachers in a small group setting for 3 hours per day. This was free of charge. Once he went to kindergarten, he was put on an IEP and worked with special ed instructors and with a speech therapist which continues to this day in 6th grade. While I believe all of this was helpful, we knew he needed more so we also had him work with a speech pathologist through o...
by yolli71
Tue May 03, 2022 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wasps and fireplace vent?
Replies: 11
Views: 2657

Re: Wasps and fireplace vent?

Thanks for the good suggestions and for confirming those holes aren't there for a particular reason! I'll try removing the wasps on my own. And yes, I agree regarding the ugly screws...I'll definitely replace those and try to remove the rust stains.
by yolli71
Thu Apr 28, 2022 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wasps and fireplace vent?
Replies: 11
Views: 2657

Wasps and fireplace vent?

I have noticed what I'm guessing are wasps (they definitely do not look like bees) going in and out of this little hole in my outdoor vent for my home gas fireplace (see photo). This is located right off our deck on the 2nd floor of our home. The wasps constantly go in and out of that hole.

My questions are...

1. If I'm mistaken and they aren't wasps, do any other types of bees or flying insects make their homes in this type of location (gas fireplace vent)? I don't want to harm anything that won't harm us.

2. If they are wasps, can I just caulk those 2 open holes in the vent? I wasn't sure if those holes are open for a reason.

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by yolli71
Mon Apr 25, 2022 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: All Inclusive Caribbean Resort With Kids
Replies: 25
Views: 4182

Re: All Inclusive Caribbean Resort With Kids

We just came back from Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and had a blast. The kids loved it and the food was very good for an all-inclusive. My kids are 12 and 10.
by yolli71
Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spirit airlines
Replies: 49
Views: 5435

Re: Spirit airlines

I've flown Spirit a few times and they are usually my last choice. The first time I flew with them 4 or 5 years ago, there was bad weather on my trip home and the customer service was terrible. We waited in the Spirit line for hours at the airport to find other flights and they were of little help. After spending about 12 hours in the airport, the best I could do was get Spirit to give me a refund for my flight back and I ended up renting a car in the Orlando airport and drove home to Washington, D.C. I also booked Spirit for a spring break trip to FL for March 2020. We cancelled our trip due to covid suddenly appearing in the U.S. They obviously would not refund my ticket. They instead gave a credit for 5 months (which they then extended a...
by yolli71
Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Citibank Costco Card won't raise my limit above $5K?!
Replies: 39
Views: 7112

Re: Citibank Costco Card won't raise my limit above $5K?!

My Citi Costco card has a limit of $11,300. Not sure why or how they decided on that limit. I've had the card ever since Costco switched over from AMEX. I use it for Costco purchases, restaurants, and travel, and I pay it off every month.
by yolli71
Mon Jan 31, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Question...
Replies: 15
Views: 1851

Re: HVAC Question...

Thanks for the advice and for some of the good reading material. Yeah, I think I'm going to keep things as-is. I'm hesitant to use high MERV filters as he suggested for the exact reasons some of you stated. I also agree that it feels colder when the fan runs all the time right now in the winter. I left the fan on for hours the other day and felt the air when it wasn't on heat and it was chilly!
by yolli71
Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Question...
Replies: 15
Views: 1851

HVAC Question...

I have one of those annual contracts where the heating/cooling company comes and inspects our heating/cooling unit once a year. The guy just left my home after checking out our two gas furnaces. He recommended a few things that I found curious: 1) Always run the HVAC fan 24x7 as it keeps the temperature more even and the house cleaner of dust. Since I also have a whole house humidifier in the downstairs furnace, keeping the air flowing will help bring moisture to the top floor since I have a large return at the top of the stairs. 2) Use a FPR 10 (MERV 13) air filter. It cleans the best and it does the best job keeping dust from entering the unit which can shorten its lifespan. 3) Because we had so much dust in our systems he said, he also r...
by yolli71
Wed Jan 26, 2022 12:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️
Replies: 264
Views: 19415

Re: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️

Happy Birthday, Taylor! Appreciate all your advice and wisdom over the years.
by yolli71
Wed Dec 08, 2021 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men’s Metal Wallets
Replies: 25
Views: 2959

Re: Men’s Metal Wallets

mhalley wrote: Wed Dec 08, 2021 6:31 pm I’ve used one for several years and like it a lot. Being a boglehead I went for the $20 or so ridge knockoffs. For those that have the actual ridge, is it really $65 better?
Not sure if it's $65 better, but I do really like my Ridge quite a bit. I've never tried another brand. I've had my Ridge for 2 or 3 years now.
by yolli71
Thu Jun 24, 2021 8:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "What's Wrong w/ VTSAX?"
Replies: 22
Views: 3163

"What's Wrong w/ VTSAX?"

Sorry if this has already been discussed but I couldn't find anything on it when I did a search in this forum. Someone named Dan Huffman has written some interesting blogs about VTSAX.

See the link: https://www.keepinvestingsimplestupid.c ... ax-part-1/

Any thoughts/comments?
by yolli71
Sat Mar 06, 2021 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite All Inclusive Beach Resort
Replies: 23
Views: 3697

Re: Favorite All Inclusive Beach Resort

We took our kids to Barcelo Bavaro Palace in Punta Cana a few years ago and we all had a great time.
by yolli71
Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think I really screwed this one up... [Mutual fund exchange and capital gains]
Replies: 8
Views: 1085

Re: I think I really screwed this one up... [Mutual fund exchange and capital gains]

Thanks everyone. I didn't even think about the capital gains on the $8,500 moving forward. I actually feel much better about this now. Lesson learned but not quite as bad as I originally thought...thank you!
by yolli71
Wed Feb 10, 2021 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think I really screwed this one up... [Mutual fund exchange and capital gains]
Replies: 8
Views: 1085

I think I really screwed this one up... [Mutual fund exchange and capital gains]

About 2 months ago I noticed that Vanguard consolidated 2 of my identical mutual funds in my taxable account (VTSAX). I had 2 because one VTSAX fund was mine and one was for my son. I had been putting money into that fund for him ever since he was a toddler (whenever he gets cash from relatives for Christmas, his birthday, etc.). His account was under my name and SS # and I had just planned on passing his money over to him when he's older. [In case anyone is wondering, we already have a pre-paid 529 that's paid in full. We also didn't feel like doing an UTMA.] When I saw this change at Vanguard, I was concerned I wouldn't be able to keep track of things easily, so I decided to "exchange" his VTSAX shares for VFIAX shares since the...
by yolli71
Tue Jan 26, 2021 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 80+ inch TV
Replies: 58
Views: 6096

Re: 80+ inch TV

I feel size of the tv makes more of an impact and brings more enjoyment (for me) than the latest picture technology. I have an 86" LG 4k LED I bought from Costco around 3 years ago and I still love it. This tv replaced a 70" Sharp regular HDTV that I moved to my bedroom to replace an old 37" tv. Even though it's an older HDTV, the 70" tv in the bedroom is awesome. My wife, who didn't originally want to do this, absolutely loves watching tv in bed now.

I'd go with this one if I were you: https://www.costco.com/lg-86%22-class-- ... 76674.html
by yolli71
Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Catch-up Roth Question...
Replies: 4
Views: 312

Re: Catch-up Roth Question...

Thank you!
by yolli71
Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Catch-up Roth Question...
Replies: 4
Views: 312

Catch-up Roth Question...

Simple question but I didn't see the answer online anywhere. I'm turning 50 in May. Can I make my backdoor roth catch-up contribution in January (when I normally do my roth contributions) or do I need to wait until May to make the additional 1k contribution?
by yolli71
Mon Dec 21, 2020 3:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard consolidating my holdings?
Replies: 11
Views: 1387

Re: Vanguard consolidating my holdings?

Kenkat wrote: Mon Dec 21, 2020 1:53 pm You could just put your son’s money in a different fund such as Index 500.
Yes, thank you! I like to keep it really simple and this definitely seems like the best/easiest approach for me.
by yolli71
Mon Dec 21, 2020 1:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard consolidating my holdings?
Replies: 11
Views: 1387

Re: Vanguard consolidating my holdings?

Yes, all under my SS #. I thought it was easiest when I set it up to have it under my name and I'd pay whatever taxes on the gains (I also did it for college financial aid purposes).

I just spoke with Vanguard and the guy told me this happened due to the website upgrade to the brokerage account. He didn't think I could do much aside from just tracking the total number of shares belonging to my son.
by yolli71
Mon Dec 21, 2020 1:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard consolidating my holdings?
Replies: 11
Views: 1387

Vanguard consolidating my holdings?

So I'm guessing this is old news as I haven't checked this website in a while and also haven't logged into my Vanguard account, but I just noticed that they consolidated separate mutual fund holdings in my taxable account and this presents a problem for me. In other words, I used to have 2 total stock market (VTSAX) accounts in my taxable account. One belonged to my wife and I, and the other was one I opened up for my son when he was a toddler. Over the past 10 years or so, whenever he got money for any reason (birthday, Christmas, random contributions I made, etc.), I'd put the money into that holding. However, in checking the account today, I see that Vanguard has combined his VTSAX with mine! :oops: I just called Vanguard to discuss this...
by yolli71
Sat Nov 28, 2020 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Re: Help...we're getting a dog!

Hi All - we finally got our Goldendoodle pup yesterday! Some of you asked for photos so here they are. The first one was from the breeder last week and the second one is from our family room last night.

It was a 5 hour drive bringing "Ellie" home yesterday afternoon, but she was great...vomited twice but no other accidents or problems. Of course she dropped a hot, creamy steamer on one of our rugs within 5 minutes of getting home :oops: , but I know that comes w/ the territory as we start to train her. We still have no idea what we're doing, but it's been pretty fun so far! :D

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by yolli71
Mon Nov 02, 2020 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066736

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

"Swallow", which was this year's highest grossing film for one week in April, though it earned less than $3000 that week (due to the pandemic shutdowns). It's a rather gross psychological thriller, but in a mostly thoughtful way. Your tolerance for disgust and discomfort has to be high to keep watching, so I can't recommend it. All of the main, and most of the secondary characters are unlikable, though they all exhibit some redeeming qualities. The story makes sense, eventually. It's entertaining afterwards to think the plot through from the viewpoint of the individuals, their families, and society at large. Your review got me intrigued, so I just watched the trailer. I think I'm going to have to check this out...definitely looks...
by yolli71
Thu Oct 29, 2020 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Re: Help...we're getting a dog!

I do not really have much to add to most of the commentary above since it is mostly behavioral sort of stuff. I would recommend researching vets carefully. Compare prices, ask how emergency calls work, etc. We have had a vet where you could not leave for $500 no matter what. Always tests, prescriptions, prescription food, etc. To be fair, this wasnt a horrid recommendation for this dog, but what they did not consider or mention was that a fairly inactive senior did not likely need expensive testing and meds for a heart murmur, could use OTC glucosamine for a joint issue as a first step instead of an expensive prescription, could try some purina pro plan sensitive skin & stomach instead of expensive prescription allergy food, and comple...
by yolli71
Thu Oct 29, 2020 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Re: Help...we're getting a dog!

Thanks to everyone for all the excellent advice! Question...do I need to wait a certain amount of time before I do group training or let the puppy play around other dogs? In other words, does the puppy need a certain number of shots/vaccines before it's safe to be around other pets?
by yolli71
Wed Oct 28, 2020 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Re: Help...we're getting a dog!

Thanks for the great advice everyone...I'll be sure to check out some of the web links and the books! To answer some questions out there... 1. There's no going back now. We placed a $500 deposit, signed the contract, and are ready the pick up the puppy the weekend after Thanksgiving when she's 8 weeks old. 2. We know we'll be doing most of the work as far as potty/house training and taking her out on walks, etc. The kids will definitely play a role in helping, but we don't expect them to just handle everything. 3. We have hardwood or tile nearly in our entire home. Only our basement has carpet, but we're not down there too often. 4. My wife didn't want a large dog, so the Goldendoodle we're getting is a "mini" expected to be in t...
by yolli71
Wed Oct 28, 2020 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Re: Help...we're getting a dog!

Thanks for the great advice everyone...I'll be sure to check out some of the web links and the books! To answer some questions out there... 1. There's no going back now. We placed a $500 deposit, signed the contract, and are ready the pick up the puppy the weekend after Thanksgiving when she's 8 weeks old. 2. We know we'll be doing most of the work as far as potty/house training and taking her out on walks, etc. The kids will definitely play a role in helping, but we don't expect them to just handle everything. 3. We have hardwood or tile nearly in our entire home. Only our basement has carpet, but we're not down there too often. 4. My wife didn't want a large dog, so the Goldendoodle we're getting is a "mini" expected to be in th...
by yolli71
Tue Oct 27, 2020 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help...we're getting a dog!
Replies: 157
Views: 12093

Help...we're getting a dog!

So after years of pleading, we finally caved in to our daughter's request and decided to get a Goldendoodle. We found a reputable breeder and got on a waitlist and was just informed a puppy will be ready on Thanksgiving Day. [*Please note...I'm hoping this doesn't become a discussion that I should've adopted. I tried going that route first by contacting several shelters and signing up for IDOG Rescue, but after several months nothing panned out as it's not easy finding a small, young, low shed, healthy dog, where I also must meet all these specific requirements by the rescue.] My wife and I are both in our 40s and this will be my first dog ever, and will be my wife's first dog since she was a teen. The reason we never got a dog before is b/...
by yolli71
Mon Oct 05, 2020 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thanks to Bogleheads [got a good deal on auto insurance]
Replies: 7
Views: 1141

Re: Thanks to Bogleheads [got a good deal on auto insurance]

I want to thank those Bogleheads who have said that it is a good idea to shop around for auto insurance. I ended up with a policy that I am happy with written by Progressive for $430 for 6 months for 2 cars. My renewal insurance for my old insurance was $1994 for six months. On the new policy I dropped uninsured coverage and added collision and comprehensive. [Title edited for clarity by moderator oldcomputerguy] I've been thinking about doing this myself as I've had USAA for many years without really paying attention to my premiums (except noticing that they've been increasing). What do people recommend if I have everything through USAA (homeowner's, auto, umbrella, personal property, etc.)? Am I better off shopping each individually or a...
by yolli71
Thu Sep 17, 2020 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: mods please delete
Replies: 25
Views: 3308

Re: Too Many Monthly Digital Subscriptions - Time for Apple One?

I see that Apple is now offering a new digital bundle called "Apple One" for all of their digital subscriptions. This prompted me to take a look at all the current monthly subscriptions I have. Here is what I currently pay every month: YouTube TV - $65 Netflix - $13 Apple Music (family plan) - $15 Apple iCloud 200GB - $3 New York Times - $15 Yoga Studio app - $70/year ($6/month) TOTAL = $117 YouTube TV is great to have, so that one is staying, but all the other services ($52 worth) look like they can be replaced by the the new Apple One bundle. There is a Premier tier for $30/month, which includes: Apple Music Apple TV+ Apple Arcade Apple iCloud 2TB Apple News+ Apple Fitness+ Seems like this might be a good switch to make, plus I...
by yolli71
Tue Sep 08, 2020 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent care FSA - get money back?
Replies: 4
Views: 758

Re: Dependent care FSA - get money back?

GTBuzz wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2020 3:40 pm Do you have any close friends or family nearby for which you can pay to watch your kid(s) on a temporary basis? We paid my Mother-in-Law to watch our child 3 days a week while mom and I both worked, which qualified for DCFSA reimbursement.
This. We were thinking about doing something like this too as I didn't see too many other options based on my research. Perhaps something will change later this year that allows for more flexibility? I'd imagine a lot of people are in the same boat as us.
by yolli71
Sun Sep 06, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690091

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

hoops777 wrote: Sun Sep 06, 2020 1:55 pm
abuss368 wrote: Sat Sep 05, 2020 10:46 pm “Narcos Mexico” on Netflix. Really good and enjoying it.
Watched this last month.Excellent.
Phenomenal show. I even like it better than the original Narcos (Columbia).
by yolli71
Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690091

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

The Last Narc on Amazon Prime Video. Whoa...really intense and disturbing! It's a documentary that consists of four 45 minute episodes that dive into the murder of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena. Highly recommend...it had me thinking about it well after it ended.
by yolli71
Mon Aug 10, 2020 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Changing the name of Vanguard Accounts
Replies: 14
Views: 9846

Re: Changing the name of Vanguard Accounts

davies.mike wrote: Fri May 27, 2016 1:36 pm Hi folks. This was driving me crazy as well but I found a pretty simple way of fixing it so I figured I would registered to tell people about it.

If you use Chrome you can install a word replacer extension. I used this one.

Once you install it you create a new rule. On the left you paste the account name/number that Vanguard shows on your accounts page and on the right you put what you want it to be called.

For example, I replaced my account number "12334567" with "Emergency *567" and it seems to work fine.

Hope this helps anybody else!
It worked for me too...thank you!
by yolli71
Thu Aug 06, 2020 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: trex or redwood for large deck replacement
Replies: 19
Views: 2249

Re: trex or redwood for large deck replacement

thanks for all the responses I should have used a more generic term such as composite instead of Trex. If we go with a composite the next question would be which brand. I will be doing more research it is a big decision for us We just replaced our deck boards with Fiberon Horizon Ipe in early June. It's a composite similar to Trex but I read great reviews (didn't see issues with mold/mildew) and I thought it was reasonably priced (and we went with the higher end of the 3 main Fiberon options). Granted it's only be been 2 months, but there's been no maintenance so far. We have lots of flowers and plants on our deck and when the flowers drop, they normally would stain our old wood deck if the flowers weren't removed immediately. With our cur...
by yolli71
Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066736

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

JAZZISCOOL wrote: Sat Aug 01, 2020 10:13 am
travelspot wrote: Fri Jul 31, 2020 10:18 pm “Tread” on Netflix. 90 minute documentary about a man dealing with his perceived enemies in a small Colorado town. I won’t say any more for those who don’t know the story yet. Well done.
Thanks for posting this. I'm watching it now. I remember this happening as it dominated local news at the time. The backstories of the main "character" and others in this mountain town are interesting.
I just finished watching this about 30 minutes ago. Good documentary. For some reason I don't remember this story at all, but it's a sad story.
by yolli71
Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690091

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Snowfall on Hulu (it's an FX show). I'm in the middle of Season 2 and think this show is excellent! It takes place in the early 80s and is about the start of the crack cocaine epidemic in LA. It's directed by John Singleton and has that Boyz n the Hood kind of feel too it. Also, I just finished Zero Zero Zero on Amazon Prime and thought that show was extremely well done...another show about the drug trade but it comes from 3 different viewpoints that are all linked together (Mexicans, Americans, Italians). The cinematography is beautiful. Thanks for the recommend on ZZZ... Just started first 2 episodes and it is a very good series, if you like cartel plotlines. Yeah it really is a great show...it seemed to kind of fall under the radar for ...