Search found 135 matches
- Thu May 23, 2019 10:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: This rake is the best tool I've bought this week
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5622
Re: This rake is the best tool I've bought this week
I bought The Ultimate Garden Broom from Costco a while ago and love it. Definitely not for heavy duty raking chores but it has a lot of other uses. From the website, "This broom works like a broom but it acts like a rake! The broom is ideal for cleaning decks, walkways, patios, driveways, pathways, ...
- Fri Feb 24, 2017 1:17 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HELOC 2-Year Treasury Index vs. Variable Prime Rate Index
- Replies: 0
- Views: 782
HELOC 2-Year Treasury Index vs. Variable Prime Rate Index
I could use some guidance on which of the HELOC options shown below would be best for me. I applied with my credit union to increase my HELOC limit. I plan to use the HELOC toward the down payment on a multifamily investment home in about 2 years. Once I close, I would refinance and pay back the HEL...
- Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HELP! Multiple mortgage applications?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 974
Re: HELP! Multiple mortgage applications?
I am not ready to officially "lock in" a rate as it seems the longer the lock-period the higher the interest rate. Are you able to determine when the lower rate would kick in? In other words, if you lock in now the lock-period rate would be higher, but if you wait until _____ the lock-period rate w...
- Wed Aug 08, 2012 11:16 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your Best One Line of Wisdom
- Replies: 238
- Views: 20451
Re: Your Best One Line of Wisdom
The best things in life.... aren't things.
- Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My dog has to go to the hospital
- Replies: 39
- Views: 5028
Re: My dog has to go to the hospital
Also, get a second opinion even though it will cost an additional office visit. I had a sick cat and the vet kept trying treatment after treatment. When he suggested removing one of its kidney, I took the cat to a different vet who said the cat had leukemia and removing its kidney would do no good. ...
- Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My dog has to go to the hospital
- Replies: 39
- Views: 5028
Re: My dog has to go to the hospital
I would suggest that you not express "we'll do whatever it takes" to get him/her better, even if you will. You, and probably most others here, know not to do that, but I slip every once in a while and quickly realize I have given them free rein to charge me whatever they want and to perform any unne...
- Thu Jul 19, 2012 2:24 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: For those who prepay their mortgage ...
- Replies: 44
- Views: 4411
Re: For those who prepay their mortgage ...
I think it is serious for the most part until you get to this part of the equation.
If you can't fully fund your ... vacations and luxury items ..., then you bought too expensive a house.
- Sat Jul 14, 2012 2:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Concerns over mortgage lender
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1556
Re: Concerns over mortgage lender
I should add while on this subject, if there is a conflict between the GFE and the TIL, the buyer should contact their lender to find out why there is a difference. The lender would then send out a corrected GFE or TIL, if needed. However, the HUD-1 is the final form of the GFE and the TIL. When a b...
- Sat Jul 14, 2012 12:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Concerns over mortgage lender
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1556
Re: Concerns over mortgage lender
Is a TIL a good faith estimate that is different than a Good Faith Estimate? P.S. the term Truth in Lending is usually used when talking about credit cards, not mortgages. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth_in_Lending_Act It is also known as Regulation Z http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/laws/rules/6...
- Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Concerns over mortgage lender
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1556
Re: Concerns over mortgage lender
Ask your lender for a Truth in Lending Statement which is governed by the Truth in Lending Act, to see how it compares to the other documents. This document is different than the GFE. A truth in lending (TIL) statement contains information regarding the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, th...
- Sat Jun 30, 2012 2:41 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Suggestion for new sub-Forum: Locked Threads
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2347
Re: Suggestion for new sub-Forum: Locked Threads
One of the off-road sites I visit created an "Asbestos Lined Room." No thread gets lock... it just gets dumped into that forum and they let everyone have at it. Somewhat entertaining at times, although I certainly wouldn't suggest it for this site.
- Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:29 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Condo: Just Bought One ... Now Buying Another?! Help, Please
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2191
Re: Condo: Just Bought One ... Now Buying Another?! Help, Pl
If you haven't closed yet, you can back out. However, you will lose your deposit and there is a chance that the seller could sue you for losses, if any, they incurred because of the home being off the market while in escrow with you. You may even have to reimburse the escrow company for the work the...
- Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: email problem personal
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1576
Re: email problem personal
i emailed them askign them to remove /delete them but have received no respons ? If they are like me, they never log into their gmail account or it went into their spam folder. I am not sure if a reverse email lookup site would be helpful. There is usually a monthly charge and I don't know how effe...
- Fri Jun 22, 2012 2:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My Good Faith Estimate for Refi
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1746
Apparently Provident has a rate discount code available. http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/788032/?start=14800. However, Provident has a $1,000 origination fee so I am not sure if that cancels out the discount in the larger picture. I would try provident. They have great rates, and you can use...
- Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The need to pay for online data backups?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3531
Re: The need to pay for online data backups?
I have investigated cloud computing for my lawfirm. Google has no idea (as yet) how to deal with the e-mail needs of a lawfirm which include maintaining protections for confidentiality of our client's information; access to years of past communications; ability to implement both e-mail retention an...
- Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Outdoor fire pit? Yea or Nay
- Replies: 62
- Views: 14433
Re: Outdoor fire pit? Yea or Nay
I have a fire pit in my yard. The first time I used it, a neighbor called the fire department because they saw the smoke and thought there was a fire. It was somewhat embarrassing when the fire department showed up in front of my house with sirens blaring. The firemen suggested that if I use the fir...
- Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another reason why you should never reuse passwords...
- Replies: 249
- Views: 56646
Re: Another reason why you should never reuse passwords...
Is it still a problem reusing a password if each account has a differnt user name? I realize usernames are not for security, but I always thought the two go together. I formerly worked for a real estate company. I was able to see what properties the user viewed, how long and at what time of the day...
- Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:42 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Another reason why you should never reuse passwords...
- Replies: 249
- Views: 56646
Re: Another reason why you should never reuse passwords...
My favorite password generator: GRC's | Password Haystacks: How Well Hidden is Your Needle? Just pick a pattern that you can remember, the rest will fall into place. The point is that the length of the password matters more than the randomness, within reason. Don't make it easy to guess, as there ...
- Sun Jun 03, 2012 6:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Negotiating with a contractor
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2096
Re: Negotiating with a contractor
I believe most people are now aware of yelp and business people are realizing the importance of a good review. Recently, just name dropping (yelp) has made a big difference in my getting good prices and quality work. If a contractor is under the impression that you may be inclinded to review them on...
- Sat Jun 02, 2012 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pre-Qualification for real estate loan
- Replies: 6
- Views: 873
Re: Pre-Qualification for real estate loan
It is a very reasonable request for any realtor (commercial or residential) to first be sure you are pre-qualified because it costs them time and money to show properties. There are a lot of looky-loos out there that waste a realtor's time when they could be focusing on people that do qualify. Do th...
- Thu May 31, 2012 4:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how many bogleheads drive jeep wranglers?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3927
Re: how many bogleheads drive jeep wranglers?
I loved my 1985 CJ7 Jeep Renegade 5 spd. I bought it new and sold it at 200,000 miles. Unreliable, bad gas mileage, noisy, uncomfortable, no trunk or storage area to speak of, stiff bumpy ride, limited on number of people you can fit, tough to drive in high wind areas (high center of gravity). Not a...
- Thu May 31, 2012 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Neighbor's house is for sale that I like
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2901
Re: Neighbor's house is for sale that I like
If you don't have a Realtor I would call the listing agent of the neighbors and ask them to inspect your house and do a CMA (comparative market analysis) for your home. This should tell you what similar homes are selling for but it is the agent that can tell you if the market is moving up or down s...
- Mon May 28, 2012 9:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My Samsung Plasma TV quits after 13 months.
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3806
Re: My Samsung Plasma TV quits after 13 months.
Samsung fixed my out of warranty tv and I did not have proof that I purchased it. I believe they go by the date it was manufactured and then add a reasonable time in which it would have been sold and, therefore, didn't need the receipt. Be prepared to give them the model number and serial number whe...
- Sat May 26, 2012 1:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I do free oil change every six months?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6074
Re: Should I do free oil change every six months?
If an inspection is included with your oil change, the time and cost to drive to the appointment may be worth it, especially as your vehicles ages. However, be sure to get a second opinion elsewhere to be sure the work is needed and the price is fair.
ETA: Trying to be more Chaz-like.
ETA: Trying to be more Chaz-like.

- Mon May 21, 2012 7:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When you get a cryptic collection agency call
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1860
Re: When you get a cryptic collection agency call
The 800 number is totally automated and I can't get a person, but by entering the claim number it said that I owe them like $80. Paul Uh oh. The calls may increase since they now know they have a "live one" to harass, whereas if you didn't call back and enter the claim number you would not have bee...
- Mon May 21, 2012 3:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I Run my car to its grave?
- Replies: 48
- Views: 5004
Re: Should I Run my car to its grave?
Ha ha! Once upon a time, if I were the OP asking the same question and only one person out of 100 suggested I buy a new car, incur the new payments and sell the old perfectly working vehicle,I would take the advice to buy the new car. Maybe OP is hoping the same thing? 

- Thu May 17, 2012 6:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mental Math to think about while running
- Replies: 42
- Views: 4690
Re: Mental Math to think about while running
Maybe you can nail down a definitive answer to this question. My answer would have been April 6, 2021.
http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... st=1393682Was wondering when Nisiprius will hit 100,000 posts?
- Thu May 17, 2012 6:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I be worried about mold?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3166
Re: Should I be worried about mold?
There was another BH post that I can't find right now, but someone suggested a mold detector and provided some links to Amazon. I believe this is one of the devices that was suggested. http://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-MMD4E-Digital-Moisture/dp/B00275F5O2/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1337296402&sr=...
- Tue May 15, 2012 7:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I cancel this refinance?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2846
Re: Should I cancel this refinance?
I thought there were serious problems with the appraisal, but let it go because I was told in writing (email) by the lending company agent that "Value came in at 450k, lower than original estimate however, you will receive same pricing." … the original terms are not being met, and I was told in wri...
- Sat May 12, 2012 1:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: buy from amazon or only fulfilled by amazon?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 18255
Re: buy from amazon or only fulfilled by amazon?
Selling at Amazon.com > Returns, Refunds, & Cancellations: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?ie=UTF8&nodeId=1161246#return Amazon Marketplace sellers are required to accept returns even if the merchandise was exactly as described. If you refuse to accept the return of an item that ...
- Fri May 11, 2012 11:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: PenFed balance transfer deal on credit cards
- Replies: 3
- Views: 902
Re: PenFed balance transfer deal on credit cards
Here is a link to ongoing current listings and discussions of the "Best Balance Transfer Cards." http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/902958/?start=1160 I have see a few posts lately where people are paying high interest rates, so your post could be a relief to some with high interest debt who ca...
- Fri May 11, 2012 7:42 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Saving and organizing favorite posts/threads
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1771
Re: Saving and organizing favorite posts/threads
This prior thread might be helpul to you. http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... =3&t=83068
- Thu May 10, 2012 4:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GPS replacement
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2646
Re: GPS replacement
If money is not a consideration and you are due for an upgraded radio, the Kenwood DNX9980HD is the way to go. Drool! I have an older model and the Garmin GPS is outstanding. However, the system is a Double-DIN (4" opening required). Oh, and it costs over $1k. :| http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DNX9...
- Sun Apr 29, 2012 8:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Newport Beach CA restaurant rec
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2142
Re: Newport Beach CA restaurant rec
MidnightX, wow, the Beachcomber at Crystal Cove looks amazing! When I put in the date and # in our party on OpenTable, it said they are full for the next 8 weeks for 2.5 hours on either side of the time I wanted reservations. So, no luck there for dinner, but I'm hoping to walk in for breakfast one...
- Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Newport Beach CA restaurant rec
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2142
Re: Newport Beach CA restaurant rec
Here is a link to opentable for Newport Beach. You can check out the diners' reviews and read the restaurant descriptions to see which restaurants suit your purpose. http://www.opentable.com/ca/newport-beach-restaurants It looks like the Beachcomber is pretty popular. "The Beachcomber at Crystal Cov...
- Sun Apr 22, 2012 12:08 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: portfolio rebalancing--HELP!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 760
Re: portfolio rebalancing--HELP!
Like a wash sale? http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=717895hoppy08520 wrote:One thought, if you make any charitable donations or tithe, it could be advantageous for you to do this with some of your stocks.
- Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Your Dumbest Financial Move
- Replies: 166
- Views: 18563
Re: Your Dumbest Financial Move
I ran across liquidation.com that is an auction site that handles returns, shelf pulls, salvage and new items from Macy's, Costco, Walmart, Best Buy, Sam's Club, Autozone, etc. At first I would look at a manifest of a particular lot and would see one or two things that I would normally buy and, for ...
- Wed Mar 21, 2012 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I have a sprinkler system installed?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 10860
Re: Should I have a sprinkler system installed?
Artificial grass was the best solution for me for my back yard. I have 10,000 square feet of property and live at the end of a cul-de-sac with a small front yard. The rest of the property was either dirt (mud) or troublesome grass. I bought the artificial grass from Costco and installed it myself. I...
- Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
- Replies: 3372
- Views: 1508683
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
I have just about finished reading From Sea to Shining Sea by James Alexander Thom. It is an epic 896 page novel that includes the Lewis & Clark expedition, the Revolutionary War, and the many other historical milestones that shaped our Western civilization. It was rated 4.16 out of 5 from 453 ratin...
- Mon Mar 05, 2012 5:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why Don't All Employers Offer Good Boglehead 401K Options?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 1986
Re: Why Don't All Employers Offer Good Boglehead 401K Option
My firm's 401k benefit options and defined contributions plan were changed at the beginning of 2012. And trust me, they have become very cost conscious in the last few years. Maybe they are striving to become more competitive in recruiting personnel? Or, maybe it's because we have some Bogleheads at...
- Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Ethical Question: Arthritis and Looking for Work
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2582
Re: Arthritis and Looking for Work
Now you got me interested. I might contact the local unemployment office about what an employer can ask and job applicant should offer regarding health issues. The Americans with Disabilities Act addresses part of this question. Here is a short quote from the Act, although you may want to read the ...
- Fri Mar 02, 2012 6:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Ethical Question: Arthritis and Looking for Work
- Replies: 30
- Views: 2582
Re: Arthritis and Looking for Work
... your doctor should be able to tell you about the progression of your disease and that would help answer the questions you have about your work future. So... If I get an interview tomorrow should I tell them my doctor says I have X number of good productive years left to work before I'll have to...
- Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I refinance my mortgage?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2465
Re: Should I refinance my mortgage?
And here's why I don't want to go with PenFed: http://www.yelp.com/biz/pentagon-federal-credit-union-alexandria-4#hrid:AE5uyYedUr6YnYgI8AzG6g Of the many thousands of transactions PedFed does, with 5 bad reviews on yelp (1 mortgage, 2 auto loan, 1 credit card, and 1 equity loan), and 6 good reviews...
- Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I refinance my mortgage?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2465
Re: Should I refinance my mortgage?
Did you ask for a Good Faith Estimate (which is a written document)? If you did and they refused, move on to another company that will. Whatever they verbally spew at you will be meaningless unless it is in writing. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_faith_estimate A good faith estimate, referred to ...
- Fri Feb 03, 2012 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Turning wealth into health
- Replies: 101
- Views: 9767
Re: Turning wealth into health
Get a dog... one who needs lots of exercise. On those days when you just don't feel like walking or hiking, your pup will not give you an option once you look into those big pleading eyes that say, please, please, let's go somewhere fun or I'll make your life miserable by giving you guilt for disapp...
- Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I refinance my mortgage?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2465
Re: Should I refinance my mortgage?
What is the current value of your home? How is your credit score compared to two years ago? You may want to start off by getting a quote for the refinance (but not lock in) and ask for a good faith estimate. You would want to choose a company that does not charge an application fee to get the quote....
- Mon Jan 23, 2012 11:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Popcorn/acoustic ceiling - removal help
- Replies: 12
- Views: 10670
Re: Popcorn/acoustic ceiling - removal help
I removed the popcorn ceiling from four rooms in my house. I took a sample to my nearest asbestos testing lab and had it tested for a nominal fee of maybe $40(?). To take the sample, squirt a small area with water and scrape off a small section. Your description of it looking like oatmeal after appl...
- Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pregnant with first baby, best book?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3251
Re: Pregnant with first baby, best book?
What ever book(s) you choose, be sure to read them before the baby comes. Funny thing is, after they arrive there seems to be more pressing things to do. 

- Sun Jan 15, 2012 6:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco & Bogleheads' Information Helpful
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5949
Re: Costco & Bogleheads' Information Helpful
Agreed, freezer cooking is not for everyone. I just mentioned it in response to a prior post in this thread that I should have quoted when I brought the subject up. Costco etc are too much groceries for the two of us. We need at least 1/3rd the size otherwise there is risk of expiry or storage space...
- Sun Jan 15, 2012 3:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco & Bogleheads' Information Helpful
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5949
Re: Costco & Bogleheads' Information Helpful
Really? Freezer cooking? I just don't see how throwing food is the freezer is a frugal notion. owingll http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/06/23/easy-ways-to-make-freezer-meals-frugal-and-good/ http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-homemaking/organizing-your-own-freezer-meal-swap/ http://www.beautifulf...