Search found 158 matches

by billw
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poor PenFed Reviews
Replies: 81
Views: 14989

Re: Poor PenFed Reviews

Have had issue with PenFed not updating User Data past 2 years. Sent 2 or more document packages to Omaha with negative results. Finally spoke with CSR that updated online this past week. Shame on PenFed. Will take by business some where else.
by billw
Thu Mar 11, 2021 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: On Demand Hot Water Heater Ratings
Replies: 1
Views: 388

On Demand Hot Water Heater Ratings

Would anyone happen to have a copy of Consumer Reports Ratings for On Demand Hot Water Heaters. If so please Private Message me. Interested in Propane, outside placement. Local Libraries have discontinued Consumer Reports magazines. Thanks.
by billw
Wed Aug 23, 2017 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 10 Dialup Modem
Replies: 3
Views: 692

Windows 10 Dialup Modem

Purchased a new computer with Windows 10, apparently no dialup/phone line modem port. How do I connect using dialup ISP. Live in rural area with no DSL/Wifi reception.
by billw
Sat Jul 22, 2017 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
Replies: 146
Views: 19417

Re: Is Amazon Prime worth it?

1+, equal or better value at other locations.
by billw
Sat Mar 04, 2017 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2005 Chevy Blazer MPG ?
Replies: 7
Views: 1101

Re: 2005 Chevy Blazer MPG ?

Edited:Motor 4300 Vortec 4.3 Liter. AT, Tires 235/75R15, 2 wheel drive, Small Blazer, Axel Ration 4.34, GCWR 6500 Lbs
by billw
Sat Mar 04, 2017 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2005 Chevy Blazer MPG ?
Replies: 7
Views: 1101

2005 Chevy Blazer MPG ?

2005 Blazer 12 MPG. AT/PS/PB/2WD/V-6/ low speed rear end. How much would changing to hi- speed rear end increase MPG and estimated cost parts. Son does the labor.

Edited: Motor:Vortec 4300 4.3 Liter....Tires: 235/75R15
by billw
Thu Jan 26, 2017 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: storm/screen door
Replies: 16
Views: 2187

Re: storm/screen door

Larson good quality door and excellent customer support.
Recommend qualified installer for best results...
by billw
Tue Sep 06, 2016 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aid 101
Replies: 95
Views: 13886

Re: Hearing aid 101

1+ LWalker post re: PHONAX brand.

Veterans if eligible should check with their local VAMC Audiology Dept
by billw
Mon Sep 05, 2016 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: genealogy - starting
Replies: 19
Views: 3104

Re: genealogy - starting

http://www.familysearch.org
ancestry is paying familysearch to copy their inventory of records if I recall correct.
by billw
Sun Aug 28, 2016 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income Tax Prep Software?
Replies: 17
Views: 2052

Re: Income Tax Prep Software?

Suggest you look at the following, used 2015.

No compliant's and very reasonable compared to TT and others.

www.freetaxusa.com
by billw
Fri Aug 14, 2015 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rollover from Mississippi PERS to IRA. Familiar with MS PERS?
Replies: 2
Views: 646

Re: Rollover from Mississippi PERS to IRA. Familiar with MS PERS?

10-12 years ago Rollover from MS PERS to another institution. No issues encountered. Contacted PERS via phone/Fax and process executed promptly.
by billw
Wed Mar 04, 2015 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: storm door replacement
Replies: 18
Views: 11692

Re: storm door replacement

Lowe's Storm door purchased and installed Nov 2014 was a Larson brand.
by billw
Wed Mar 04, 2015 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: storm door replacement
Replies: 18
Views: 11692

Re: storm door replacement

Purchased storm door from Lowe's and had installed November 2014.

Top glass will not remain sealed/in closed position.
by billw
Sun Mar 01, 2015 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbotax 2014: Buyer Beware
Replies: 77
Views: 14924

Re: Turbotax 2014: Buyer Beware

Used TaxAct 2014 Deluxe Fed & State CD. Good product and cost less than TT.

Will be using TaxAct again in 2015....

Bill
by billw
Sun Mar 01, 2015 5:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Fund Performance Link
Replies: 2
Views: 611

Vanguard Fund Performance Link

Can someone provide a good link to Vanguard Fund Performance.

My ISP connection is slow and takes forever to log into Vanguard site and search for performance information.

Thanks

Bill
by billw
Sat Feb 28, 2015 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbo Tax Deluxe or Premier... What is going on?
Replies: 7
Views: 1377

Re: Turbo Tax Deluxe or Premier... What is going on?

Livesoft,

How did you manage $20.00, Tax Act Deluxe w/State CD cost me $27+ with postage.

Bill
by billw
Fri Feb 20, 2015 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Forgot to take RMD.. now what?
Replies: 29
Views: 5055

Re: Forgot to take RMD.. now what?

bump. bump.....
by billw
Fri Feb 20, 2015 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Forgot to take RMD.. now what?
Replies: 29
Views: 5055

Re: Forgot to take RMD.. now what?

Received 2014 RMD confirmation statement from Vanguard Nov 2014. Contacted Vanguard Feb 17, 2015 re: income taxes withheld on RMD and informed Vanguard had not disbursed 2014 RMD. Instructed Vanguard to disburse RMD and withhold associated federal taxes.

Was my understanding that distribution would automatically occur after receipt of confirmation from Vanguard Nov 2014.

Using TaxAct software which doesn't allow "RC" entry on dotted line in line 52 of IRS Form 5329 per IRS instructions.

Should I write seperate check to IRS for 50% penalty and request wavier 2014 RMD penalty by letter, or.......??????


Bill
by billw
Tue Nov 18, 2014 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Manufactured mobile home ratings
Replies: 2
Views: 638

Manufactured mobile home ratings

Would anyone happen to have a good link to "manufactured mobile home ratings", or have suggestions reference brand/manufacture quality, pro's and con's...

Located 100 miles north of Gulf Coast.
by billw
Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NFCU 1 year certificate (CD) 5% APY $5k max balance
Replies: 28
Views: 5491

Re: NFCU 1 year certificate (CD) 5% APY $5k max balance

Contacted NFCU via phone, opened membership account and established CD for self/DW in less that 20 minutes, Funds ETF from bank into CD's with today's date. Retired military.
by billw
Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite treatment
Replies: 31
Views: 8438

Re: Termite treatment

Ordered Termidor and treated exterior of 2800sf home and detached stroage garrage 5 years ago...Lots cheaper do it your self if your up to the task. Not impressed with Companies selling services...contracts, reinspect, bait stations...Lots of info on DIY sites.
by billw
Fri Aug 23, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Riding Lawn Mower
Replies: 29
Views: 15261

Re: Riding Lawn Mower

Purchased Toro 42" Time Cutter ZTR from HomeDepot 4+ years ago. Belts have jumped off pully several times, mower deck routinely disengages from retainer bar on rough terrin or running over obstacles. Now lower rim on cutting deck had broken at grass chute exit.
Equiped with Kohler engine which so far has performed satisfatory. Off hand would not purchace another Toro.
by billw
Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Ford Mechanic's on site?
Replies: 3
Views: 1163

Re: Any Ford Mechanic's on site?

Thanks TT.

Located link per your suggestion and printed relevant info for local Mechanic.

Post appears to address AC/heater inoperative fan control switch issue to include automatic blower control (EATC), and blower motor problems.

Thanks for you assistance.

Bill
by billw
Fri Apr 05, 2013 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Ford Mechanic's on site?
Replies: 3
Views: 1163

Any Ford Mechanic's on site?

2004 Ford Crown Victoria. AC/Heater Automatic temperature control. Fan switch located to right of control panel has ceased to operated. Blower (Fan) fails to operate when wheel control turned up or down. Have been told two relay's/fuses under hood inoperative, said to be located to the rear of value cover plate and next to firewall. Have tried Autozone and various service stations unable to diagnose with their analyser. Any suggestion/solutions other than Dealer Service at $500.00.

Thanks.
by billw
Sun Dec 02, 2012 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mil. Retirees in VA w/ TRICARE as Sole Insurance
Replies: 4
Views: 884

Re: Mil. Retirees in VA w/ TRICARE as Sole Insurance

Follow up to post, just finished looking at Military.com and 171K being deleted from Tricare Prime are active duty, there families as well as military retirees if not w/i 40 miles of a military base or if a base is closed. I was driving 102 miles to military Tx facility vs civilian provider, then Hurricane Katrina demolished KAFB, retirees were no longer seen, sience then have turned 65 and on TFL, now f/u with VA Med facility for routine preventive service/medications. Promises,promises,..........

Bill
by billw
Sun Dec 02, 2012 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mil. Retirees in VA w/ TRICARE as Sole Insurance
Replies: 4
Views: 884

Re: Mil. Retirees in VA w/ TRICARE as Sole Insurance

Can't address per your location but I've been retired for 30+ years. Used Tricare prime and was very pleased. Would not have major health care precudure performed at local VA Medical Center. Numerous complaints about quality of care/botched procedures/sanitation. Currently on Medicare and f/u with VA outpatient service service for routine preventive medication only. Recieved excellent care at Airforce Medical facilities, if available in your area this would be my option of choice. Understand 171,000 will soon loose Tricare Prime status and be demoted to Tricare Standard if current plan in process is executed.
by billw
Tue Nov 20, 2012 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Farming and Homesteading Thoughts/Advice?
Replies: 27
Views: 2909

Re: Farming and Homesteading Thoughts/Advice?

1. Don't quit your day job.

2. Tried it for years, all outgo vs no income.
by billw
Mon Nov 12, 2012 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricare
Replies: 8
Views: 1640

Re: Tricare

Active duty retired 1981. TRICARE Prime, never a problem with coverage, used Air Force Military Treatment facilities outpatient/inpatient until Hurricane Katrina then outsourced due to damaged treament facilities. Prefer Air Force/Navy providers, never impressed with Army provider while on active duty 20+ years.

Bill
by billw
Sat Nov 10, 2012 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying at Costco with gift cards
Replies: 54
Views: 19754

Re: Paying at Costco with gift cards

At Nashville TN Costco this past week. Told non member could not shop and pay 5% surcharge, nor could they use gift card.

Informed Costco opening store 2013 in New Orleans and Baton Rouge LA.

Bill
by billw
Tue Oct 09, 2012 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Oil company specific credit cards for cheaper gas?
Replies: 13
Views: 1415

Re: Oil company specific credit cards for cheaper gas?

Check out Wal Mart gift cards, 10 cents gallon discount at Murphey Stations, 15 cents with Wal Mart credit card.

Bill W.
by billw
Sat Oct 06, 2012 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Bogleheads THIS cheap?
Replies: 35
Views: 4289

Re: Are Bogleheads THIS cheap?

Frugal yes, cheap no. Have no problem asking for a doggie box/bag to take home. "Waste not, want not".
by billw
Sat Oct 06, 2012 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Aftershock"
Replies: 14
Views: 2069

Re: "Aftershock"

Haven't read it yet, so what's the gist of it another market melt down and everyone in survial mode?
by billw
Fri Sep 28, 2012 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Kindle Fire and Warranty?
Replies: 9
Views: 1478

Re: New Kindle Fire and Warrenty?

Sounds like apple i-pad might be the product of choice.
What's the price difference between an i-pad and kindle fire?

Bill W.
by billw
Fri Sep 28, 2012 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Kindle Fire and Warranty?
Replies: 9
Views: 1478

New Kindle Fire and Warranty?

Daughter proposing to purchase granddaughter new model Kindle Fire with 2 year warranty (Oct 15, 2012 version?). Granddaughter will be turning 11. Any comments, suggestions or recommendations?

Bill W.
by billw
Sat Sep 22, 2012 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Automobile repair: dent on transmission pan
Replies: 14
Views: 8640

Re: Automobile repair: dent on transmission pan

Would not replace, would find a good auto repair person (individual) and have them remove, knock out the dent and replace gasket.
Save yourself some money.
by billw
Fri Sep 21, 2012 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will you get an iPhone 5?
Replies: 108
Views: 9879

Re: Will you get an iPhone 5?

No I phone, no IPAD, no IPOD, no lap top, no apple product, no GPS, no cell phone.

Still on land line and doing fine.

Bill W
by billw
Fri Sep 21, 2012 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Enlisted in Military, How to Start?] 18 years old.
Replies: 15
Views: 1666

Re: [Enlisted in Military, How to Start?] 18 years old.

Second all recommendations as above. In addition would suggest.
Get as much education as you can while in service, check with your Military Education Center re: End of Course Test, CLEP, and take classes while on active duty.

Bill W.
by billw
Fri Aug 17, 2012 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Progressive Insurance
Replies: 6
Views: 1305

Progressive Insurance

Progressive Insurance on the defence for attempting to "weasel out" of paying claim per published news reports.

Sad state of affairs when your insurer will take the defence side in Court rather than pay a valid claim.

Let the consumer beware!
by billw
Fri Aug 10, 2012 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Radiant Barrier in attic?
Replies: 27
Views: 8452

Re: DIY Radiant Barrier in attic?

Interesting.

What is it?

Where and how applied?

How is it different from regular attic insulation?
by billw
Wed Aug 08, 2012 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: computer security and how to protect yourself
Replies: 4
Views: 2089

Re: computer security and how to protect yourself

Okay, so what/who are the better email providers?

gmail
yahoo
hotmail
other

Bill
by billw
Sun Aug 05, 2012 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Tire Question
Replies: 30
Views: 4175

Re: Auto Tire Question

"Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Found out over the course of years not to skimp on tires.
Much rather pay now than be stranded.
by billw
Sat Aug 04, 2012 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance - Statefarm / Amica
Replies: 46
Views: 16310

Re: Insurance - Statefarm / Amica

Statefarm cheaper than Amica for home/auto in my area.
Got quote a couple months ago, didn't respond to Amica.
Have recieved a three followup inquires from Amica.

Bill W.
by billw
Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scanner setting properties?
Replies: 7
Views: 962

Re: Scanner setting properties?

Thanks for the link to Answers.com, excellent site.

Have noted site for future reference.

billw
by billw
Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scanner setting properties?
Replies: 7
Views: 962

Re: Scanner setting properties?

So what is the end product, or difference, in a scanned picture or document???

billw
by billw
Wed Jul 25, 2012 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scanner setting properties?
Replies: 7
Views: 962

Scanner setting properties?

When scanning documents/pictures what's the difference in scanner settings, bmp. vs jpg. ?

Is setting related to, uploading, content quality, transmission....etc?

Thanks
billw
by billw
Sat Jul 21, 2012 9:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NOMINATE JACK BOGLE FOR PRESIDENT'S MEDAL OF FREEDOM
Replies: 10
Views: 2536

Re: Nominate Jack Bogle for the President's Medal of Freedom

1+

Couldn't happen soon enough!

Bill W.
by billw
Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pentagon Federal Credit Union Which Credit Card?
Replies: 6
Views: 1301

Pentagon Federal Credit Union Which Credit Card?

Joined Pentagon Federal Credit Union. Now considering credit card selection.

Which one would be best in my situation? Currently with USAA, pay off monthly, normal monthly charge $500>$2000. Ralely make a major purchase.

Should I transfer $1000.00 balance to Pen Fed from USAA. Use USAA only for monthly credit card, no other service.

Which would be the best reward card with PenFed ?
by billw
Mon Jun 25, 2012 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skunk Removal
Replies: 29
Views: 38295

Re: Skunk Removal

Tractor Supply Store if available in your area has special sales on live traps, something like $25.00 for two traps. I'd buy the traps and remove them myself.

Would also check with County Agent, local State Extension office an see what they suggest.
by billw
Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying eyeglasses online?
Replies: 39
Views: 9342

Re: Buying eyeglasses online?

If your are a veteran check with your local VA Medical Center Optical Service. Need a Eye Glass prescription. Rx bifocal, glass lens, quality frames, case and shipping less than $40.00. Other options available. Extreamly pleased with glasses/frames. Service was prompt.