Search found 64 matches

by jghassell
Fri Apr 20, 2018 7:52 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

Update: the next meeting of the Charlotte Bogleheads group will be on Saturday, May 12 at 1 PM.

Panera Bread Myers Park Location
601 Providence Road. 704-374-0581

All are welcome!
by jghassell
Wed Apr 18, 2018 7:34 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

I've just joined Bogleheads and was hoping there may be a Charlotte Chapter. I live in Gastonia. Looks like no activity for a while. Is there a pulse? Rangoon, Rangoon...Come in Rangoon... Cheers, Kevin Spalding Is this still an active chapter? If so, what are meeting dates for 2017? IrishDad, Wondering same thing. Have you heard from anyone else? Gary Foster I'm brand new on here.. I've been reading the Bogleheads book and thus got interested in the forum. I live just south of Charlotte but work in Charlotte. Hopefully there is a chapter here. I'd come to a meeting if my work schedule allows. Willy Ditto. Would be interested in meeting locally. I'd be up for meeting as well in Charlotte. Looks like the originator of this post isn't active...
by jghassell
Mon Dec 14, 2015 9:04 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

As we close out 2015, I'd like to keep an eye toward the future. As I've said before, I think quarterly meetings are a good cadence for our group. I think that without more members there is probably no reason to meet more often, but on the other hand stretching regular meetings to every six months may prevent someone in need of more timely perspective or advice from receiving it from our group.

Here are the meeting dates for our chapter in 2016:

Saturday, March 5, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Saturday, December 3, 2016

I hope to see everyone in March. Have a fantastic holiday season.
by jghassell
Mon Sep 14, 2015 7:32 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

We had a meeting full of new faces on Saturday. Aubrey, Brenda, Bruce, and Gary joined longtime member Jean and me at Panera and we had a good discussion of frugality, Vanguard in general, home building and remodeling, backdoor Roth IRAs, rental property, and West Jefferson, North Carolina as a second home location. Thanks to everyone who came out. Our next meeting will be Saturday, December 5 at 12 PM at the same Panera Bread location. I'll send out a reminder one month beforehand and then the week of the meeting. I hope to see everyone there. Also, in keeping with our current meeting pattern of the first or second Saturday of the last month of each calendar quarter, I'd like to set the following meeting dates for our chapter in 2016: Satu...
by jghassell
Thu Sep 10, 2015 7:43 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

I'm getting responses from several of our regular members that they're unable to make this Saturday. Could I ask that if you are planning to come to the meeting on Saturday that you join our list and say you'll be there?

To subscribe, send an e-mail to cltboglehead-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions. Then just post a message to the list (after you've joined, e-mail cltboglehead@yahoogroups.com) and say I'll be there.
by jghassell
Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:44 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

Final reminder: the Charlotte Boglehead group will be meeting at noon in a couple of days on Saturday, September 12.

Panera Bread Myers Park Location
601 Providence Road. 704-374-0581

I will have a small sign and we will camp toward the front of the restaurant.

Hope to see all of you there.

Jon
by jghassell
Mon Jun 08, 2015 11:33 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

We had a great meeting on Saturday. Members Jean, Todd, Jerry, Brandon, and I met with new member Jeff and had a great discussion about business sales, health and dental plans, revisiting existing 401K plan designs on behalf of one's employer, rolling over funds into Vanguard, and more.

Our next meeting will be Saturday, September 12 at 12 PM at the same Panera Bread location. I will make sure to have a sign saying Boglehead Group so that new folks won't miss us and we will try to sit up front this time for easier locating; unfortunately we had a new face that was unable to find us.

All are welcome. See you soon.

Jon
by jghassell
Fri Jun 05, 2015 8:15 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

final reminder of Sat, June 6 meeting

A final reminder of our meeting tomorrow on Saturday, June 6.

Here are the details for the meeting.

12 pm – whenever
Panera Bread Myers Park Location
I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Jon
by jghassell
Fri May 29, 2015 11:47 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

renue74 wrote:Hi Jon:

I live in Rock Hill and have added myself to the Yahoo group. I won't be able to make the June meeting (we'll be on vacation), but I'll definitely like to attend future events.

Thanks,

Kevin
Welcome, Kevin! We look forward to meeting you at the following meeting on Saturday, September 12.
by jghassell
Fri May 29, 2015 7:57 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Charlotte Chapter Meeting Saturday, June 6

Hello everyone, just a closer-in reminder of our upcoming meeting one week from tomorrow, on
Saturday, June 6.

I’ll send out a final reminder next Friday for those of us who live a little closer to the calendar’s edge :-)

Here are the details for the meeting.

Saturday, June 6
12 pm – whenever (I believe our previous meetings have been 1.5-2 hours)
Panera Bread Myers Park Location
I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Jon
by jghassell
Sun Mar 01, 2015 9:41 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

Hello, everyone We had a good meeting yesterday. Thank you to everyone who came out. As mentioned, I would like to hold meetings every three months. Unless anyone objects, let’s count yesterday’s meeting as a March meeting. I have identified the following dates for the next three meetings so we can all plan ahead: Saturday, June 6 Saturday, September 12 Saturday, December 5 The Panera Bread location we used yesterday seemed to be agreeable for almost everyone and it is centrally located for any new folks that may become interested in joining us so I propose we continue meeting there unless something comes up. I believe 12-2pm works well for our purposes. I’ll be in touch closer to these dates with reminders and potential agenda items. I loo...
by jghassell
Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:05 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Re: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

Just a final reminder about tomorrow's Bogleheads meet up.

Saturday, February 28
12 pm – whenever (I believe our previous meetings have been 1.5-2 hours)
Panera Bread Myers Park Location
601 Providence Road. 704-374-0581
Link to directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Charlot ... d35.201585

I will be the tall guy wearing a shirt. :D

I hope to see you there.
by jghassell
Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:27 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Saturday, February 28 - 12 pm - Panera Bread, 601 Providence

Here are the details for the meeting.

Saturday, February 28
12 pm – whenever (I believe our previous meetings have been 1.5-2 hours)
Panera Bread Myers Park Location
601 Providence Road. 704-374-0581
Link to directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Charlot ... d35.201585

I tried to choose a centrally located inexpensive place to meet.

I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Jon
by jghassell
Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:23 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter
Replies: 27
Views: 14129

Master Thread for Charlotte, NC Boglehead Chapter

Organizing a master thread here and I will keep it updated with meeting information and notifications. MAILING LIST: I started a mailing and discussion list last year for all interested Bogleheads with a focus on those persons local to Charlotte. Our discussions around meetings happen here. Please subscribe; this is our primary method of communication. Here's information on addresses for the mailing list. Post Message : cltboglehead@yahoogroups.com Subscribe : cltboglehead-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe : cltboglehead-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com List Owner : cltboglehead-owner@yahoogroups.com NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be Saturday, December 5, in Charlotte, at the Panera Bread Myers Park Location - 601 Providence Road. 704-3...
by jghassell
Mon Feb 02, 2015 5:21 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 2425

Re: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM

Timely that you ask - we are organizing our next meetup, to be held either on Saturday, February 28 or Saturday, March 7. The current favorite date for most members is 2/28. If you're interested, please join our mailing list and voice your vote. Just send a message to cltboglehead-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and follow the instructions to get added.
by jghassell
Wed Dec 24, 2014 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling a car privately
Replies: 23
Views: 4422

Re: Selling a car privately

cheese_breath wrote:The only way I would sell a car to a private party is cash or a cashiers check. How (s)he gets the cash is his business... loan, savings, whatever. If it's cashier's check go to the seller's financial institution with him when he gets it to make sure it's not a forgery.
+1
Sold several cars this way, all with either cash I saw being withdrawn or a cashier's check I watched being written, at local financial institutions. This is a critical step to protect yourself. Honest buyers will not have a problem going to their bank with you.
by jghassell
Wed Dec 24, 2014 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dentist Bill from 2011
Replies: 62
Views: 7058

Re: Dentist Bill from 2011

Send the bill back to the dentist office with a note and a check, explaining this is the first bill you received, it is three years after the service was rendered, and you are promptly paying the appropriate amounts of the bill as you would have if you had received it timely. [*]If you had insurance that should have covered this bill or a portion of it, only pay the amount that you would have been responsible for. If they didn't process your insurance claim in a timely fashion, that's their problem. [*]If you did not have insurance, pay the billed amount for your services. In neither case should you pay late fees or interest, so subtract them from your total bill and do not pay them. In your note, tell them you consider this matter closed a...
by jghassell
Tue Dec 16, 2014 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: sizeable negative balaance on credit card--how to access?
Replies: 24
Views: 4135

Re: sizeable negative balaance on credit card--how to access

i don't write checks (or ach debits when possible) for recurring bills with pennies in the amount. i round up to the next dollar. i'v e had 2 credit card companies handle this weirdly. one bank after carrying the small negative balance (less than a dollar) for 3 or so months wrote me a check out of blue for the amount. twice. the other bank, also twice, has made an adjustment to take away my small balance. each time i call them up and "ask for the money they stole from me." the csr knew exactly what i was talking about. this is the rei branded visa from us bank. to answer your question, if i was in your situation i'd just let the credit balance ride and work itself out over the 3 months. if that is unacceptable, just give them a ...
by jghassell
Fri Dec 05, 2014 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with unauthorized (lawyer) bill
Replies: 61
Views: 12073

Re: Dealing with unauthorized (lawyer) bill

I feel like this has been made much too difficult. If you do not want to pay, then simply do not. Send, in an envelope, via US Mail, the following: * a letter saying something to the effect of, you offered a free consultation which is the only time we met with you, would not give us a firm quote, did not respond to us in a timely manner when we asked about quote, and did not acquire from us an agreement to move forward so I am returning your mistaken invoice unpaid--please do not contact me again. * the original bill (make a copy for your records) * the unsigned retainer agreement with the lack of signatures highlighted And then move on with your life. Do not try to be polite, do not try to involve fee arbitrators, do not continue interacti...
by jghassell
Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strategic Default [on a property]
Replies: 42
Views: 6445

Re: Strategic Default

Can anyone speak to how the $4,500 special assessment could be avoided? It seems unlikely a foreclosure would occur before November, and to the extent of my knowledge--which is limited--the HOA might well decide to go after the owner legally if that remains unpaid, regardless of how the condo is disposed.
by jghassell
Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Lost My Account
Replies: 95
Views: 18370

Re: Vanguard Lost My Account

I received a letter from Vanguard in the mail today that said that my online access to my account had been blocked ... Update: I did contact my former employer this morning, and, NO, they have not changed custodians for their 401((k) management. So, that is not the problem. I did find my Vanguard PIN and managed through my ID and PIN to get an account balance as of last night, which is at least gratifying to know that the account exists.[...] I am confused now (and probably so are you). First you get a letter that told you that your online access had been blocked ... then you find out that neither your account nor you exist in Vanguard's servers (or so you are told) ... then you find your account login information and are able to see your ...
by jghassell
Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:21 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte Bogleheads - Master Thread
Replies: 1
Views: 641

Re: Charlotte Bogleheads - Master Thread

We're also looking to have a meeting on Saturday, August 9. Details and logistics will be worked out on the mailing list!
by jghassell
Mon Jul 14, 2014 11:20 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte Bogleheads - Master Thread
Replies: 1
Views: 641

Charlotte Bogleheads - Master Thread

Hello everyone,
Apologies for the long absence in organizing this group! It has been a hectic year for our family and unfortunately I did not get a round tuit; they seem to be in short supply.

Yahoo Group: I have started a Yahoo Group for us which will allow mailing list-style discussion. I have sent invitations to everyone that is mentioned here. If you are interested in joining, you may send an e-mail here: cltboglehead-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Hope everyone is having a great summer!
by jghassell
Fri Mar 28, 2014 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for Good Free Win 7 File Manager
Replies: 7
Views: 1246

Re: Looking for Good Free Win 7 File Manager

Treesize is good for this
by jghassell
Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible
Replies: 73
Views: 7027

Re: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible

Also a somewhat off topic but still somewhat relevant comment about the divorce: begin with the mindset that every single time you talk to your lawyer, it's going to cost you $100. Even a simple e-mail or a short phone call--$100. I even got dinged for "filing" charges. It really puts into perspective what you fight for, when you drain your gains at such a rate fighting for them. Food for though. Good luck.
by jghassell
Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible
Replies: 73
Views: 7027

Re: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible

7 million becomes 3.5 million after taxes. Start thinking 3.5 million total. You might be pleasantly surprised, but in the end, the tax man is going to get close to half. Assume $125,000 college cost per kid (25k per year x 5 years) x 3 kids = $375,000 for education You're left with $3,125,000 to then split with your husband. Assuming you're splitting it down the middle, you're at $1,562,500 for yourself. Not too bad. 3% of that per year is about $47,000. If you take half a million out of the pot to buy your house with cash, you're down to $31,875. People with incomes at 47k generally are sound in buying houses that cost $140k or so. You have more leeway here given your asset base, but were you to get a mortgage for liquidity purposes, you ...
by jghassell
Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible
Replies: 73
Views: 7027

Re: Wanting to know if this financial situation is feasible

Parents have 7 million windfall, and not being willing to pay for kids private college expensive seems cheap. Current student budget for one of the most expensive private schools, which happens to be close to NEOH, is Carnegie Mellon, is $62K. The others are close. Total nominal cost per twin starting in 2017 would be $308K assuming 4% tuition inflation growth per year. For current child in college, you already know this year's budget, just multiply this year's budget by 3.25 and you'll get the cost for the last 3 years, again assuming 4% tuition inflation. If the current child is in a private school comparable to Carnegie Mellon, the remaining cost is 201.5K. You can discount that be a little depending on what kind of after-tax return you...
by jghassell
Wed Jan 29, 2014 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free advisory assistance for startups in North Carolina?
Replies: 33
Views: 3307

Re: Free advisory assistance for startups in North Carolina?

Tidalwave - I run an LLC created and located in North Carolina. Feel free to ping me with any specific questions.
by jghassell
Mon Dec 16, 2013 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accident, not my fault, will my rate go up?
Replies: 17
Views: 3358

Re: Accident, not my fault, will my rate go up?

You will probably have to pay your $500 deductible now to get your repairs started, but the other insurance company will eventually make your insurance company whole and they will refund your deductible (Google "subrogation"). So you may end up fronting the money but it shouldn't end up as a permanent loss for you.
by jghassell
Wed Oct 23, 2013 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone ever filed an un/under-insured motorist claim?
Replies: 20
Views: 2167

Re: Anyone ever filed an un/under-insured motorist claim?

Received about $8,000 worth of value after an undocumented immigrant was joyriding on an icy interstate and fishtailed into me. Guy gave the cops the name of a dead guy and some other guy's insurance information. Wouldn't go without this insurance--there are better ways to save some bucks than to cut this.
by jghassell
Tue Sep 10, 2013 1:37 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday, September 14 1pm
Replies: 0
Views: 477

Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday, September 14 1pm

Hello everyone Sorry for the delay here in confirming the next date! We’ll be meeting this coming Saturday, September 14, at 1 PM . Let’s try meeting at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery 215 Southside Dr. Charlotte, NC 28217 Please join us! The weather will is supposed to be great, with highs in the mid-70s, and we can enjoy a nice time outside in the Biergarten. http://www.oldemeckbrew.com/Brauhaus/biergarten.php We’ll just have a general discussion this time around—please bring questions if you have them! For our next meeting in December -- thanks to member Jerry’s suggestion – I am going to see about having a representative from Vanguard’s Charlotte office come speak to us as a group. I didn’t have time to try to arrange that for this meeting, bu...
by jghassell
Fri Aug 30, 2013 11:13 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 2425

Re: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM

Hello everyone, I've just sent out a request to see what dates in September work for everyone for our next Charlotte chapter meetup. If you are interested in joining us, please e-mail me at jhassell@gmail.com or send me a PM on this forum and I will send you the e-mail as well. We would welcome your presence.

Jon
by jghassell
Thu Aug 22, 2013 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?
Replies: 91
Views: 13324

Re: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?

Just like you are working them? Actually, customers tend to be the biggest liars. I don't consider asking for prices and then getting the lowest price to be "working" anyone. That's being honest. Aggressive, sure, but also honest. I do, however, consider not talking anything until I come sit in someone's office for potentially hours to be working someone, yes. This dealer guy doesn't care about his colleagues around town (a lie) and doesn't need to know who I am (another lie) nor talk on the phone (yet another lie) in order to provide a price quote on a product he is selling. Just as he is free to set the terms on which he does business, I am free to set the terms on which I will do business. And going to the dealership to be giv...
by jghassell
Tue Aug 20, 2013 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?
Replies: 91
Views: 13324

Re: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?

I have bought several cars using a combination of the various techniques described in this thread and not once has a dealer refused to talk numbers with me over e-mail. Sometimes it isn't in the first exchange of mails, but it always happens. Anyone who doesn't want to play that game should just be scratched off your list. He's clearly trying to work you and he doesn't give a s&$% about his "colleagues around town." Never trust these guys, ever. Never.
by jghassell
Sun Jun 16, 2013 9:31 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 2425

Re: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM

Hello all,
We had a great chat yesterday at the first (or re-inaugural) Charlotte Bogleheads chapter meeting. Thanks to the four others who attended.

We agreed in principle to have quarterly meetups, so it looks like the next logical time to convene is in September. I will send out a mail to all who expressed interest initially in this meeting.

Thanks again, and we welcome everyone as well.

Jon
by jghassell
Wed Jun 12, 2013 12:40 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 2425

Re: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM

I wanted to remind all that we have our first meeting this Saturday, June 15, at 12 Noon. PLEASE RSVP TO THIS MEETING--SEE DETAILS BELOW. The tentative venue for this meeting is Harper's Restaurant Pineville 11059 Carolina Place Parkway Pineville, NC 28134 (Located at Carolina Place Mall) 704.541.5255 I will confirm to everyone Friday evening that this is the venue based on our headcount from the RSVPs. Can I ask that you take a moment and please RSVP? I've set up a site to do so at http://clt-boglehead.eventbrite.com. Just register the number of people you are bringing on that site. This will allow me to make sure Harper's has enough space. There is no cost. Also, despite what that page will say, no ticket is necessary--this is only for me...
by jghassell
Tue May 14, 2013 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fiancee Got Into Med School: Should I Rent or Sell My Condo?
Replies: 35
Views: 4525

Re: Fiancee Got Into Med School: Should I Rent or Sell My Co

Just to echo some of the sentiments here: be very careful using your money to pay for her education, especially if you aren't yet married. Things look a lot different before school than after and that's not really money you'll ever recover if things go south. It's not a romantic thought, but then again life is sometimes very unromantic.
by jghassell
Fri May 10, 2013 12:28 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 2425

Charlotte, NC Chapter Meeting Saturday 6/15/2013 12 PM

Dear Charlotte area Bogleheads: I am pleased to announce the group has voted on the time for our next meeting. We'll meet at 12 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2013 . I'll announce the venue once it's been secured-- check back here . For this first meeting, we'll have an informal conversation around investing and personal finance--bring questions and topics for group chatting! There are several new folks who have expressed interest in joining the group so I was hoping to get everyone together for a casual discussion for this "first" meeting. At the meetup, I'd like to set up a more formal agenda (perhaps a speaker, a book club/review, or further specific topics for discussion) for the next meeting, and we can also decide the time and pla...
by jghassell
Tue May 07, 2013 10:07 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New Charlotte NC Local Chapter Coordinator
Replies: 6
Views: 1347

Re: New Charlotte NC Local Chapter Coordinator

Hello everyone, I've just sent a mail to all of the existing group members (according to the records I was given) as well as those who have recently expressed interest in joining. I'll post the relevant portion here. Given it is now May, I wanted to start the process of setting up our next meeting. I think the logical first step is to agree on dates that work for everyone. I suspect weekend meetings are easier for everyone, so let me propose a set of dates and we’ll take a group vote to see which date is most attractive for the most members. How about selecting from the following first set of dates: • Saturday morning, May 18 • Sunday afternoon, May 19 • Saturday morning, May 25 • Sunday afternoon, May 26 • Saturday morning, June 15 • Sunda...
by jghassell
Wed Apr 17, 2013 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax payment to state is lost in the mail?
Replies: 17
Views: 4621

Re: tax payment to state is lost in the mail?

Hastibe wrote: So, I wouldn't sweat it--it's so rare for the Post Office to lose a piece of mail
I would not quote this as a universal truth. In this area, the junk mail is the only reliable delivery we receive, with checks, bills, and other documents frequently delayed and mutilated.
by jghassell
Mon Apr 01, 2013 2:30 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New Charlotte NC Local Chapter Coordinator
Replies: 6
Views: 1347

Re: New Charlotte Local Chapter Coordinator

Thanks, Mel. I'll look to set something up with the current members within the next 30-60 days. To anyone else in the Charlotte area, please reach out!
by jghassell
Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quicken Deluxe 2013 Free with TurboTax Purchase at Amazon
Replies: 15
Views: 4976

Re: Quicken Deluxe 2013 Free with TurboTax Purchase at Amazo

Just did this. I had to buy TurboTax Deluxe and then complete the download. Then I got an e-mail saying that a promo credit was applied to my account. I then went to buy Quicken Deluxe and the discount was applied at checkout. Worked like a charm--just a little confusing to get started.
by jghassell
Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?
Replies: 64
Views: 7065

Re: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?

My advice: never put up with any of this from the dealer. If you're paying cash, make it clear there will be no credit check. Freeze your reports. Write the dealer a check. If the dealer balks, walk away and find another dealer. (In almost all cases, there is another dealer that will take your check.) If you feel up against a wall, you're buying an exotic car and this is the only one, etc., then write the dealer a check and tell the dealer to hold onto the car until the check clears, at which time you'll come pick it up with a printed copy of your cleared check in hand. If you aren't being financed, the dealer has no business checking your credit. We all need to be more resistant to these "drive by" credit checks. Perhaps I am far...
by jghassell
Mon Dec 17, 2012 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?
Replies: 64
Views: 7065

Re: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?

retiredjg wrote:
jghassell wrote:
Jerilynn wrote: Can they get a credit report on you without a SS#?
Yes
jghassell, maybe you can provide more info?
Most interfaces with credit providers allow you to retrieve credit profiles from the three major bureaus without a full SSN. Often a name and address is enough for a match.

I worked in a business in the past that checked credit for rentals. All the time we had people refusing to provide their SSN, but when I called in the information, the report and score were retrieved with no problem at all (including the SSN that we didn't have at the time of the inquiry) using just a name and address.
by jghassell
Sun Dec 16, 2012 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?
Replies: 64
Views: 7065

Re: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?

Jerilynn wrote:
Grasshopper wrote:If a dealer asks to see your drivers license for a test drive, they are pulling a report.
Can they get a credit report on you without a SS#?
Yes
by jghassell
Sat Dec 15, 2012 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?
Replies: 64
Views: 7065

Re: Buying a new car without having dealer do credit check?

If you put a freeze on your report with all three bureaus, no one can check it without you lifting the freeze. This is a great way to prevent "drive by" inquiries like this. You can lift the freeze once you have bought the car so that you can get the mortgage.
by jghassell
Fri Nov 23, 2012 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America and ATM problem
Replies: 33
Views: 4420

Re: Bank of America and ATM problem

If it were me, I would say you've done your part. They will discover the error eventually. You have tried to rectify it but the bottom line is that this is mot your problem; they are making it most inconvenient to fix. Just wait, don't spend the money, and let them work it out.
by jghassell
Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for SSD drive replacement for a 2010 laptop
Replies: 20
Views: 1924

Re: Advice for SSD drive replacement for a 2010 laptop

mike143 wrote:180GB Intel 330 Series Maple Crest 2.5" SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive SSD (SSDSC2CT180A3K5) $100 + Free Shipping

This is the lower end version of the Intel 520. I would recommend for those that are price sensitive.
Agree 100% with this recommendation. Intel SSDs are the only way to go. Too many other drives fail with no warning.

This is absolutely the best bang for the buck you can get in upgrading your machine, assuming you have 1GB or more of RAM already. Plus, it makes the machine more resilient as you no longer have any moving parts aside from the fan. Drops or other impacts have a significantly less chance of corrupting your data, unlike a normal spinning-platter drive.
by jghassell
Mon Sep 24, 2012 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 1.Instrument rentals 2.Credit freeze
Replies: 14
Views: 2204

Re: 1.Instrument rentals 2.Credit freeze

I used to work at the place you mention. It was over 15 years ago but even then we had more than a few people who didn't want to give an SSN and in every case, when we called in the application for approval, HQ was able to find and populate the SSN themselves.