Search found 850 matches

by Judsen
Sat Sep 26, 2020 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: simple budget app
Replies: 1
Views: 355

simple budget app

For years I used MS Money 2004 Deluxe for tracking my home expenses. However, in an effort to expunge edge (an unwanted browser) from my win-7 desktop I managed to make said desktop unbootable! So, after two decades with MS I decided to go the apple route. I bought a new iMac 27 inch and I like it! Now, I would appreciate a recommendation for a simple home budget management app. I have no need for managing my IRA as I am in the distribution phase and my RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) is set up like all my payments for automatic preapproved transfers. With the MS Money program I liked having the ability to analyze past spending and to easily see when I had made significant purchases. I really liked the MS Money program but was aware tha...
by Judsen
Sat Jul 07, 2018 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carpenter Bees- HELP!
Replies: 17
Views: 2797

Re: Carpenter Bees- HELP!

I had carpenter bees for years and spent a lot of time swatting them with a badminton racket. This year I got rid of them with a very simple and free trick! I stuffed a brown paper bag and hung it up to appear as a hornet's nest. The very next day the bees were gone. Over the next few or several days, a bee would emerge from a hole and fly around a little while and then leave. I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.
by Judsen
Tue May 01, 2018 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Asheville, NC Visit
Replies: 20
Views: 2875

Re: Asheville, NC Visit

Asheville is such a fun place, very artsy! On Broadway there is a JAZZ club "Tressa's". Been there many times.
by Judsen
Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiree Poll: Satisfaction with retirement
Replies: 53
Views: 6972

Re: Retiree Poll: Satisfaction with retirement

Very satisfied
I've been retired 18 years.
Enjoyed working. enjoyed retirement.
Something is bliss.
Ibid on Victoria's post except for #6
I don't travel since the TSA.
Jud
by Judsen
Sat Oct 25, 2014 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you regret buying your home?
Replies: 82
Views: 26088

Re: Do you regret buying your home?

I bought my home in 1979, paid it off in 1996 when I retired. It is a 3 story 3 bath passive solar redwood A-frame. Being a retired facility maintenance manager and a hands on DIY kind of guy, I regard home maintenance/improvements a kind of hobby. I have absolutely no regrets! I paid a premium when I bought it, but after 35 years that has no significance.
by Judsen
Mon May 05, 2014 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Indoor Paint
Replies: 8
Views: 1265

Re: Quality Indoor Paint

user5027 wrote:Had good luck with Home Depot's Behr.
+1
by Judsen
Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transmission rebuilt ($2k) or buy a new car? [Honda Civic]
Replies: 23
Views: 24408

Re: Transmission rebuilt ($2k) or buy a new car? [Honda Civi

Three years ago I had the transmission of my 99 Honda accord rebuilt at a cost of $2575. I was tempted to trade at the time but decided against it. I am now very pleased with the decision to keep my car. $2575/36 mos= $71.52. If you like your Honda you will want to keep it. If you get the "car fever" you will rationalize trading. I almost traded but I'm glad I did not!
Jud
by Judsen
Fri Mar 28, 2014 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?
Replies: 150
Views: 17304

Re: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?

In my view a Boglehead Car is one which gives you good safe mileage per dollar and won't strand or embarrass you.
I paid $16,045 for an 87 mazda 6 and drove it 12 years. then bought a 99 Honda Accord for about $20,000 and to date have driven it 118,500 miles in 15 years. Granted I could have saved money by driving used Ford Pintos but could I have endured the embarrassment?
by Judsen
Sun Aug 04, 2013 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Chromecast Streaming HDMI Media Player
Replies: 75
Views: 11635

Re: Google Chromecast Streaming HDMI Media Player

The good news: I received my ChromeCast and my code for 3 Mos. netflix.
The bad news :: I could not get through setup as my signal is too weak. I have AT&T U-Verse,
The set up program says " Your wifi is off no big deal turn it on" In truth, it is on as I am able to stream audio to my stereo upstairs to my Logitech squeezebox touch!
My download speed is 1.3 Mbps. My router (NVG510) is two floors below my TV.
My options seem either to move my TV downstairs or to try to use the ChromeCast on my A/V receiver one floor up.
Confusion comes easy.
Jud
by Judsen
Sun Aug 04, 2013 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need New Wireless Laptop & Operating System
Replies: 50
Views: 4460

Re: Need New Wireless Laptop & Operating System

Using the data transfer cable (available from Belkin at W'mart) was as easy as Pi.
I found the transition from XP to Win=7 totally painless!
Jud
by Judsen
Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor fire pit? Yea or Nay
Replies: 61
Views: 15683

Re: Outdoor fire pit? Yea or Nay

How can they not enjoy the simple pleasure of doing this....
How could they be so inconsiderate of others to do this....

"In all things moderation" like in investing, reality is somewhere between excessive fees and "free lunch" . There is lots of gray between black and white.
To answer the question ¿ How can people hate??? We have issues of dissatisfaction that conger a focus of negative energy.

Enjoy your fire pit. Minimize your smoke.
Jud
by Judsen
Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:57 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Threads locked without explanation
Replies: 35
Views: 5053

Re: Threads locked without explanation

jebmke wrote:I assumed the Mac vs. Dell was a dead-horse lock.
Yeah, You can't beat a dead horse lock.
Jud
by Judsen
Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Looking for videos and books
Replies: 7
Views: 1046

Re: Looking for videos and books

Welcome to the forum "Little Tom".
You will find the Wiki to be a great place to get the information you seek.
After reading a while you may want to post specific questions for clarification.
Jud
by Judsen
Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Got hit with my first computer virus
Replies: 22
Views: 2806

Re: Got hit with my first computer virus

My son got that same virus on his machine last week. I installed Microsoft Security Essentials and then ran a full scan. It had itself in 4 locations. MSE was successful in removing them. I have my fingers crossed in case it is lurking in a restore file since I did not toggle restore.
by Judsen
Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you had to live somewhere beside USA, where would it be?
Replies: 106
Views: 9098

Re: If you had to live somewhere beside USA, where would it

Mid to southern Chile.
When I was a teenager my family lived in Conception, Chile. My dad worked at a steel mill in Talcahuano. I loved the people and the country! I have thought about living in Osorno or Temuco. Several members of my fly-fishing club have traveled to that area and rave about the experience. The lake region draws me with it's tranquil magnetism. I'd go in a heartbeat if I could afford to take my children and grandchildren.
by Judsen
Fri Nov 18, 2011 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Haircut Tip - How much poll
Replies: 39
Views: 4521

Re: Haircut Tip - How much poll

My Ex Brother in law has been doing a fine job for 35 yrs. Bro-N-Law rate $10. no tip.
Note: Once years ago when I was unemployed he would not let me pay for hair cuts.
by Judsen
Tue Nov 08, 2011 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trees - How many and how tall?
Replies: 33
Views: 3264

Re: Trees - How many and how tall?

I just counted 63 but one of them is dead. they are 55 ft +or- 15 ft. In the past decade I removed 15 and a storm removed 3.
I didn't count any under 20 ft tall.
by Judsen
Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Faucets - Looking For Advice
Replies: 28
Views: 3487

Mike, I bought a 3 yr old house in 1979. In the early 90s I replaced the original faucets with Delta faucets which I bought at Lowes. They still look good and work good. Absolutely no problems with them.
I don't recall the price of course but assure you they were a good value or I would not have bought them!
Jud
by Judsen
Mon Sep 26, 2011 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Faucets - Looking For Advice
Replies: 28
Views: 3487

Delta
by Judsen
Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is now a good time to attempt market timing ?
Replies: 44
Views: 6927

lostcowboy wrote:I'd say if the market dips below your average cost, it would be a good time to lower your average cost.
There is no arguing with this logic as long as your where with all holds out.
ie; you don't run out of cash.
Lowering your average cost will pay off if you have the time horizon to wait it out.
Caveat: The market can stay irrational longer than most can stay solvent.
by Judsen
Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worst Case repair scenario for a 2007 Honda Accord?
Replies: 16
Views: 3093

This past April I had the transmission in my 99 Honda Accord rebuilt by AAMCO while on vacation.
The cost was $2675.
I was tempted to trade for a new one at the time but resisted and am now glad I did. I have been very pleased with the performance and reliability of my well maintained Honda Accord.
Jud
by Judsen
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can you touch your toes? (developing physical flexibility)
Replies: 49
Views: 5562

Just checked.
I am 75 and can bend over with legs straight and put my palms on the floor. But then, I can scratch my knees without bending over. (Just kidding)
Lately I've been getting in touch with my inner Neanderthal.
Jud
by Judsen
Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: who is buying stocks today after sobering jobs report?
Replies: 58
Views: 8497

Aptenodytes wrote:None of the above.
Me too.
Since 08 I have done nothing ( I have had to take RMD since I am over 70.5, but rather than sell low I did a transfer in kind from IRA to a taxable account and changed the dividend reinvestment on the transfered shares to deposit to a money market account also in the taxable account.)
So basically I did not buy or sell, just did basically nothing which I am good at.
Note: Considerations in the retirement/drawdown phase differ from those in the accumulation phase.
Jud
by Judsen
Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

Thanks Lady Geek and Sidney.
I looked at Thunderbird but decided to go with g-mail and it imported all my Outlook Express info to a new g-mail account. I'm using Chrome browser.
Meanwhile the replacement video card came in so I now have my old machine back up and running.
Thanks to all responders to this thread.
Jud
by Judsen
Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

linuxuser wrote:
Judsen wrote:I removed the video card and observed two 1000 micro farad capacitors which seem to be bloated.
If the capacitors are reachable and if you have a soldering iron and the inclination, it is possible to repair the video card.

I had a 10 year old DVD player that I rescued by replacing a failed capacitor. I bought the capacitor on eBay.
Thanks Linuxuser, I would be inclined to do that except that the card has 4 of those capacitors and I have ordered a rebuilt card for $40. It is not here yet but my new machine is so that is where I am typing from.

The new machine doesn't have Outlook Express so I'm not sure what e-mail to choose .
by Judsen
Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

Thanks Sidney and Bru
I have some non internet usage (Hobbies & writing) planned for the old machine, plus I have some old programs that seem to like XP.
I bookmarked the link you gave me Bru.
I'll just use the new machine for the internet.
Jud
by Judsen
Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

Thanks Sidney! I am connected to an AT&T comb0 DSL Modum/router so I guess I am good to go.?
Just in case I used IMGburn to make a file copy on CD of my M$ Money back-up file.
I expect this old machine to be usable once I get and install the rebuilt video card. Actually it is now usable as I type but.....
Now where was I?
Well
Thanks again for your helpful responses.
Jud
by Judsen
Sat Aug 27, 2011 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

"Of course, I'm sure he has a current backup so there should be no concern about losing data. "

I appreciate your confidence Sidney but my back-up is on my IDE HD via Acronis. Not smart I know!

Obviously I can still function on this machine even with intermittent interruptions. I was able to order a rebuilt video card ($40).
I may try replacing the capacitors on the old card just to see how I deal with that. (There are 4 of them in all) [1000 micro farad 5V].
Thanks Bru, for the link to the Win 7 Info site!
Newegg estimates delivery by Tuesday for the new machine. (Dell Vostro)

Sidney, What is the "switch" of which you spoke?¿
Jud
by Judsen
Sat Aug 27, 2011 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

I powered down and used my rainbow vacuum to suck and blow to remove all the residual dust and such. I removed the video card and observed two 1000 micro farad capacitors which seem to be bloated. One of them had a residue such as you would see on a battery terminal. Clearly a failed capacitor. I had already downloaded the latest driver for the NVIDIA Fx 5200 video card. when I tried to re boot I got an error msg that said " The driver is stuck in an infinite loop indicating a problem with the device itself" Call your admin.!! That would be me so, I called myself! I booted up in safe mode and restored to a time two weeks ago (8/15). So here I am with a faulty video card waiting for the arrival of a new system but I at least now kn...
by Judsen
Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

Thanks for the responses. Tomorrow I'll clean out any dust accumulation and inspect the v-card & motherboard to see if I can detect any evidence of over heating. My new machine will be here by mid week at the latest so hopefully I can transfer all my info then and also plug the new monitor up to this one. I can replace both the power supply and the video card if I can find a compatible one for this old machine. I ran Belark advisor and it rated the hard drive as "healthy". When I called up task manager it blinked like it was vigorously protesting. Lady Geek, there was no activity on the hard drive that correlated with the blinking. If the power supply is dying it is not the original as it was replaced 3 yrs ago. Thanks again f...
by Judsen
Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Question -Brief
Replies: 34
Views: 4273

Computer Question -Brief

My Dell Dimension 4600 "has been" a real good and reliable desktop since 04. Just lately my screen will go black briefly then back to normal. The frequency of the "black-outs" has increased and is directly related to activity.
That is it rarely happens when idle but when loading a page it is off-on-off-on . It also happens when I am doing something not internet related. Solitaire for example so it is not browser or ISP related. I suspect the video card.
Have any of you dealt with a similar issue. I am ordering a new computer but would like to salvage some use out of this one. Any experience based ideas?
Jud
by Judsen
Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What would it take to make the penny disappear?
Replies: 86
Views: 9470

The penny will disappear in the same way that the token disappeared.
It was abrupt and painless. There were containers in commercial areas and we tossed our near worthless tokens into them.
The token had a hole in the center like a washer and roofers were using them instead of washers. With the loss of tokens the market produced roofing nails with big heads that didn't need washers or tokens.
The elimination of the penny is long overdue IMO.
Jud
by Judsen
Fri Aug 19, 2011 10:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I've read these 4 books. Is that enough?
Replies: 36
Views: 5406

Do this. Read the entire Wiki of this forum. Then read the books by the participating authors. Use Google site search to find informative discussions of the topics you become interested in.
Post your experiences, with a focus on what you are learning or have learned.
I have especially enjoyed and learned from the books by Bill Bernstein.
by Judsen
Fri Aug 12, 2011 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Name your top favorite tv shows
Replies: 188
Views: 33503

I like National Geographic shows about cave men.
They put me it touch with my inner Neanderthal.
by Judsen
Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Wider Crisis of Globalization?
Replies: 28
Views: 3809

-2
Jud
by Judsen
Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to train a puppy
Replies: 31
Views: 3500

As a puppy my dog was very trainable. (American Eskimo Spitz)
When he was about two, (dog teen age). he decided he was supposed to water the plants. I decided, NO you are not marking my territory.
After going outside he would come inside and proceed to mark the plants.
Now and for the last 10 years he lives outside full time all seasons.
He does tricks but watering my plants is not one of them. He is trainable but headstrong. Now he will come to the door and come in only if invited.
I don't let him stay in long enough to feel "at home" because I know what he will do. So I guess he has trained me.
by Judsen
Sun Aug 07, 2011 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anybody remember slide rules?
Replies: 54
Views: 5397

I haven't seen my slide-rule in decades (Post log log duplex decitrig) but it must be around here somewhere. I know it is still worth keeping!
by Judsen
Sun Aug 07, 2011 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ten Thousand Stocks down 10% ??
Replies: 11
Views: 1779

Bananas are never worth zero.
by Judsen
Wed Aug 03, 2011 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please Explain the 1930's depression
Replies: 40
Views: 6262

Re: What caused the Great Depression???

SP-diceman wrote:
Judsen wrote:DEBT!
GREED!
YEP, DEBT AS A RESULT OF GREED

Thank you D Man
by Judsen
Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please Explain the 1930's depression
Replies: 40
Views: 6262

What caused the Great Depression???

DEBT!
by Judsen
Wed Aug 03, 2011 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are the biggest criticisms about the Boglehead way?
Replies: 243
Views: 31256

Think about this. If you gamble in a casino you can be a big winner. The Boglehead will say "Don't bet on it, because you probably won't be."
On the other hand, if you own shares of the casino you will probably do better than the average "customer".
A main criticism is that Bogleheads settle for mediocrity.
If you live on hope that you will be a winner then mediocrity looks bland.
If in hindsight you discover you were not one of the few winners then you will wish you had achieved mediocrity and you will appreciate the power of compounding.
by Judsen
Fri Jul 29, 2011 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Such a thing as saving too much?
Replies: 46
Views: 7608

Chinese proverb> "Enjoy yourself-It's later than you think"
Jud (age 75)
by Judsen
Wed Jul 27, 2011 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which chain restaurants do Bogleheads enjoy?
Replies: 124
Views: 22694

Chili's, Longhorn Steak House, Logan's, Olive Garden, Macaroni Grill
by Judsen
Wed Jul 27, 2011 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We may as well start the thread --Staying the Course
Replies: 64
Views: 7402

Like I said back in 08, "If you are going to panic, panic early."
I'm thinking I have doing nothing down to an art form.
Been retired 15 yrs. Taking RMD via transfer-in-kind from IRA to a taxable account with dividends going to cash in taxable account.
Easy does it.
Jud
by Judsen
Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you fear death?
Replies: 89
Views: 8939

I don't fear death but I dread it. Sort of like an elaborate root canal. Not something one wants to dwell on.
For the mind time is non linear. The moment of death may seem an eternity.
by Judsen
Fri Jul 22, 2011 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tour watchers? Biking fans?
Replies: 57
Views: 9177

I would love to see a comparison of Frank and Andy's records by Bob, Paul & Phil.
by Judsen
Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tour watchers? Biking fans?
Replies: 57
Views: 9177

After watching the Tour De Crashes yesterday I conclude that such biking is more dangerous than Nascar driving.
by Judsen
Mon Jul 11, 2011 7:38 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Who is your favorite Boglehead?
Replies: 103
Views: 15144

Forgive me but I am my favorite Boglehead.
by Judsen
Sun Jul 03, 2011 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: advertising by Rick Ferri
Replies: 91
Views: 11749

This seems like a good opportunity to express my appreciation to all of our authors and other excellent contributors who have helped so many of us.
Thank You All!!