Search found 1257 matches

by htdrag11
Thu Aug 17, 2023 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!
Replies: 377
Views: 84463

Re: Who's up for pickleball? Zero-zero-two. Game On!

I started playing when Covid hit us in 2020. In the past, we played with temperature above 40 degree, unless it's sunny and warm with no wind. We also have a senior center in town where we could play indoor but there are usually long lines so it doesn't pay (actually it's free for residents). It's easier to find discount for indoor courts as low as $10/2 hours/person. I considered myself an average player, or 3.0. I have tennis (in my younger days) background and still active playing table tennis to improve my reflex during fire fight, As for paddles, I had look into Vatic Pro due to its price advantage. However, I've 3 expensive paddles already, unless I sell one. My preference would be control, spin and then power. I would highly recommen...
by htdrag11
Tue Dec 06, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard DAF and QCD contribution
Replies: 3
Views: 339

Re: Vanguard DAF and QCD contribution

To Alan S,
Too bad, no adulteration.

To sport,
No worry. I have crossed the divide.

Thanks.
by htdrag11
Tue Dec 06, 2022 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard DAF and QCD contribution
Replies: 3
Views: 339

Vanguard DAF and QCD contribution

I'm age 70 1/2 this year, so I should qualify to make contribution via a QCD, but not old enough for RMD. Several years ago, I established a DAF in Vanguard. Is there a way within Vanguard to fund my DAF from my IRA (also in Vanguard) via QCD vehicle, or they are distinct entities for donations?
TIA.
by htdrag11
Sat Nov 26, 2022 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Average monthly Internet + TV bill
Replies: 100
Views: 9880

Re: Average monthly Internet + TV bill

In NJ here:

Optimum/Altice $57/month :oops:
YTTV $65
Total $122

NFL Sunday Ticket $300/season

NFLX - $0
Prime - $0
Disney + $0
Apple TV + $0 :mrgreen:
by htdrag11
Fri Nov 25, 2022 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Theragun, Hyperice, or similar?
Replies: 23
Views: 2741

Re: Theragun, Hyperice, or similar?

2pedals wrote: Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:42 pm I have a Comfier mini massage gun and a Mebak 3. Both serve their purpose very well. The minigun is much easier to hold when working on yourself and for smaller muscles. The Mebak 3 is a very good all-purpose massage gun. I purchased both from Amazon.
I decided to get the Mebak 3 as well from Amazon today, just in case I need to return. Previously I had the Theragun Elite which I returned since I can't justify paying for something that I probably would not use as frequent, hopefully.

Thanks.
by htdrag11
Thu Nov 24, 2022 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV vs Hulu (+'s and -'s)
Replies: 21
Views: 2817

Re: YouTube TV vs Hulu (+'s and -'s)

No. Here is a summary and comparison with other NFL packages. I did not opt for it since it does not carry out-of-market games, like the more expensive NFL Sunday Ticket. There is NO CASTING allowed.

Enjoy.

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/new ... d3znkm5yj3

BTW, this has not been an exciting NFL season. Might want to just go for the Red Zone next year.
by htdrag11
Wed Nov 23, 2022 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV vs Hulu (+'s and -'s)
Replies: 21
Views: 2817

Re: YouTube TV vs Hulu (+'s and -'s)

How do you get Sunday ticket without direct TV , unless in market without NFL team. We have both Hulu and YouTube TV. (Hulu basic as part of bundle for free). Love YouTube TV. Hulu ackward. YouTube so easy to navigate and travels well. I'm in NY and signed up NFL Sunday Ticket w/o DirecTV, not cheap. Streaming quality is OK for sports, nothing to brag about. I've been using YTTV for about 4 years now. Love the feature where I could fast forward sports programs without commercials. As for Sling, it might be the cheapest but pq is like 720p, not 1080i or 1080p. Both my TVs and 1 projector are 4k, so pq is important to me. Hulu does not carry much interesting programs, IMO. Do not care for shows like The Handmaids Tale. I have Prime so consid...
by htdrag11
Mon Nov 21, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [New] Pickleball [Series -] Red Alert!
Replies: 6
Views: 1091

Re: Pickleball Red Alert!

I agreed that it's a very dumb show, insulting to both the audience and the sports (been playing during the middle of Covid).

PLEASE don't watch. ESPN sometimes have professional PB matches featuring top players with real prize money.

The other thing about PB is injuries. Just like any sports, one needs to warm up before playing, especially the 55+ crowd.
by htdrag11
Sun Nov 07, 2021 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Blind-sided by long-term financial advisor
Replies: 85
Views: 11657

Re: Blind-sided by long-term financial advisor

Paying $3k a year for a 7-figure portfolio is a bargain indeed. My wife pays 0.75% AUM for her equity portfolio (after negotiated down from 1%), while her fixed income is at 0.5%.
She felt comfortable with that arrangement while I run everything through Vanguard myself. Mine is at 3x hers.

If you are interested in DIY, you may consider reading this book, Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. Just Google him in this forum.

https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money ... 423&sr=8-3

It's a short book. I told my wife to just read the Introduction section. She go it.

GL.
by htdrag11
Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712855

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

It's been a long time since I read a book of fiction.

After the Expanse series on Prime was over, I'm reading Books 6, 7 and 8 to hold me over till end of this year (hopefully) for Season 6 and Book 9, the last one, in 2021.

Like all sci-fi series, technology might change, but not human nature. Lessons learned became lessons forgotten. All dictators like to live forever.
by htdrag11
Sun Feb 28, 2021 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ebay - items you've sold
Replies: 42
Views: 3563

Re: Ebay - items you've sold

Used to be in retail arbitrage early in my career when eBay was the place to be for online shopping. After a while, it just got too exhausting. With the eBay, PayPal fees and sometimes unpredictable shipping costs, it just wasn't worth it. You have to have 40% margin to make any meaningful profit. Same here. The only good thing about eBay is the selling turnaround time. It is much faster than Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. However, with the buyers now holding all the cards, it does not make sense to sell anything expensive, like over $500. eBay and PayPal are taking the wind out of individual sellers. I did notice that prices have all went up, partially due to the pandemic. There are just less bargains out there than 3-5 years ago. F...
by htdrag11
Tue Feb 09, 2021 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?
Replies: 16
Views: 1494

Re: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?

rolandtorres wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:15 pm Your 1st generation Pixel is the only one that allows for unlimited full-resolution photo storage on Google Photos. The 4a 5g (and other Pixels 2-5) only stores compressed images without it counting to your storage cap. You may want to keep it around as a wifi-only camera if you care about these things.
Thanks. One of the reasons my wife wants the 4a 5G is the camera; she'll keep the phone then.
Will go with Amazon, with some of the troubles about Google Store horror stories.
by htdrag11
Mon Feb 08, 2021 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?
Replies: 16
Views: 1494

Re: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?

Traveller wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:27 am I just purchased this phone for my wife and she loves it.

I purchased from local Best Buy, but they can ship it to you as well. Not sure if you can do a cell phone purchase as a curb side pickup or not.
Ahem. I did not think of curb side pick up; just hate to go in the store. Thanks.
by htdrag11
Mon Feb 08, 2021 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?
Replies: 16
Views: 1494

Buying a Pixel 4a 5G - Amazon or Google store?

Wife's hand-me-down Pixel (1st Generation 2016) is not charging much, so it's ready for upgrade. I checked the Google Store, it's worth only $25 trade-in, so it has little value. It will be donated.
Do not want to venture out to BB, so the options are either Amazon or Google Store, same price at $499 4a 5G with 128GB memory .
We're sponging off our daughter's ATT plan, so there will be no activation discount.
Besides Amazon or Google, is there any other suggestions? There is no rush to get it either.
Wife also wants a new phone, not refurbished.
TIA.
by htdrag11
Sat Jan 16, 2021 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options after being scammed on Ebay from buyer return scam
Replies: 51
Views: 7519

Re: Options after being scammed on Ebay from buyer return scam

I had two problems with eBay in the last 20 years, one with a seller (North of the border and would sue me for putting negative feedback on part of an item not working; sellers were kings then) and one with a buyer (falsely claimed item not working which I donated upon returning).

After reading this thread, I'll definitely try not to sell anything valuable anymore. It's not worth the hassle or the fees. Last item was $950 which I barely breakeven with the shipping, selling and PayPal fees.

This year, I did find several bargained price vintage electronics from different charity organizations and reputable sellers.

Thank you for sharing. I understand your pain.
by htdrag11
Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sony TV Advice - Consumer Issue
Replies: 14
Views: 1694

Re: Sony TV Advice - Consumer Issue

My brother-in-law bought the same model from BB last holiday. Returned the first two due to hardware and software problems. The 3rd one was excellent.
Yes, Sony is no longer what it used to be.
I'm happy with my lowly TCL 6-series from 2019. For $400, the only down side is the viewing angle.
GL.
by htdrag11
Tue Nov 03, 2020 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690049

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

Cruise wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2020 10:05 pm First time looking at this thread. Thanks for the suggestions!

I searched to see whether anyone mentioned "Tehran," and could not find a cite.

Tehran is on Apple TV+, and is developed by some of the group that did Fauda. It is an Israeli series about a Mossad agent operating in Tehran. Very interesting. Highly recommend.
Yes. I enjoyed it despite some mid-season romance that seemed to drag on a bit. Overall, it kind of stretched on imagination and the ending was kind of abrupt. I also like the opening music theme, reminding me of Mission Impossible.
by htdrag11
Fri Oct 30, 2020 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 or Subaru Forrester
Replies: 48
Views: 4953

Re: Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 or Subaru Forrester

Rav4 does not deploy CVT and Forester has the best traction in rain and snow. Don't think any of them have folding mirrors at this price range.

Other than that, they are all about the same to me.
by htdrag11
Fri Oct 30, 2020 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Recliner
Replies: 27
Views: 3829

Re: Buying a Recliner

Toons wrote: Fri Oct 30, 2020 4:45 pm
Bigfish wrote: Fri Oct 16, 2020 12:37 pm DW and I are shopping for two reclining chairs for our TV room. We saw a leather one at Sam's Club that looked nice and was comfortable and cost around $400. Are there any favorites that you would recommend?
Ironic you should mentioned Sams
Bought one of these
So comfortable
Went back and got one for
The better half
We REALLY enjoy them. :happy :happy

https://www.samsclub.com/p/members-mark ... product_11
Wow! Top-grain too, nice price.
Our Ekornes are about 25 years old. The used ones on eBay are all too far away; shipping would be a killer. New ones are about $2,500 and up with options. Considering inflation, that is a bargain.
by htdrag11
Wed Oct 07, 2020 9:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wi-Fi TV - complexity and savings
Replies: 65
Views: 6516

Re: Wi-Fi TV - complexity and savings

We just downsized but downstairs is longer and wider than our old house, so we added a Google Point extender to supplement our Google Nest/Router. The only cable we have is the one connected to the modem where the router hangs off.
Of course it would be better via direct Ethernet connection but wi-fi is more than adequate with an extender. We have a plethora of choices to stream, YouTube TV (YTTV), Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Disney+, Sunday Football Ticket. Usually I find quality wise, I prefer using the major network's apps over YTTV, YMMV.
In my case, there is no savings but I found it difficult to hand over more money to abet our cable company with abysmal service. In my neighborhood, cable is a monopoly.
by htdrag11
Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allan Roth on SPIA in low interest environment
Replies: 4
Views: 825

Allan Roth on SPIA in low interest environment

In case you missed this one. Seems like Allan now has a more positive view on SPIA as an alternative in a low yield market.

https://obliviousinvestor.com/6-fixed-i ... vironment/
by htdrag11
Sat Sep 19, 2020 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Service Contracts & Annual Service
Replies: 56
Views: 5094

Re: HVAC Service Contracts & Annual Service

I've been a home owner for about 40 years and never knew anything about HVAC until the virus. Since you opened up the furnace, might want to consider adding a UV light. So I bought a Honeywell UV light with an air sensor and had that installed (under 20 minutes) with a round drill bit to cut 2 holes (about 2" for the lamp and 1" for the sensor) at the bottom of the furnace. Lamp sits on top of the air pushing toward the house, to kill of germs. Some people also add another UV light ($180 without sensor) in the evaporator coil area (A-coil, due to the shape - I've been reading) to reduce condensation/mold build up. The Honeywell UV light was like under $100 before the pandemic but now it's $280. Bottom line, my allergies is better ...
by htdrag11
Tue Sep 15, 2020 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: selling house advice
Replies: 27
Views: 3656

Re: selling house advice

We've just gone thru buying and selling our home this year. It took us about 18 months for the prep since we were in this old house for 30 years. As a few had already said, depersonalize and de-clutter as much as you can. In our case we downsized so we gave quite a bit of furniture away. Only left the essentials. Our new home could use furniture but cannot shop due to the virus. Since you're in a hot market, you might not need an agent. In my area, commission ranges from 4- 6%; all are full service agents. We did fixed up the house a bit at a cost of about $10k, painting ($5k) and minor repairs. As for the inspection report, I found it not effective for the money ($750 here), so do not bother with paying for one (unless you're buying). Lawy...
by htdrag11
Wed Sep 02, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

RetiredAL,
Understood. Yes, heat got trapped in the house with blackout drapes.
It's amazing adding couple of table top fans did helping moving air around.

On a separate issue, I tried the ecobee 3 by adding 2 sensors to each of the two rooms. The rooms get cooler at the expense of working the sole AC unit very hard. Consequently downstairs gets cooler too. It's just plain physics. ecobee has a good idea, but we need minions to manually move the registers or dampers, or both.

Further, there is a feature that I could run the ecobee 3 at nn number of minutes manually to get the air flowing. That might help to get to address your point.
by htdrag11
Wed Sep 02, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

FrankLUSMC wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:59 pm 15 years is really old technology for the times. The new variable speed heat pumps and air handlers are like magic coupled with smart thermostats.
I have Lennox, but any high end (not Goodman stuff) is going to make a huge difference in your comfort and energy usage.
We missed out little "old house" which we upgrade about 10 years ago to include 2 Lennox and 2 furnaces with wider duct in the basement. It was money well spent. May need to revisit this next year.
by htdrag11
Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

Illumination, You're spot on, like a frugal Bogleheads. :happy I just read the ecobee 3 lite thread here (mine is a regular ecobee 3 with 3 minions/sensors) but will give it a try since it's a no cost solution, inherited from the previous owner who did not used upstairs or the 3 sensors. Adding attic fan and couple of ceiling fans upstairs would work for now. Down the road, I could see replacing the AC with a 2-stage higher SEER model than keep investing money into this old unit. I don't know how big the hole was but he added 2 pounds of R22 (the previous tech added 1 pound about 3 weeks ago but never bothered with the leak or opening up the condenser). He used some some kind of spray (could be just water like testing for tire leak) and mir...
by htdrag11
Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

OK. It has been yet another learning experience. Ever since we moved in from July, we've had 4 different contractors came in. The latest 2 are rather revealing. The next several points relating to an individual HVAC service guy. 1. Of the first 3, including my service guy from previous home, nobody bother to fixed the leak until last night. He is another referral from one of my long time buddy of 30 plus years. He fixed the leak and put in 2 pounds of R22 freon (so far I had put in 3 from 2 different people). He is also the first one in the last 30 plus years who actually used soap and water to clean out the condenser!!! 3. He suggested to test it out the next couple of weeks during warmer weather prior spending more money. That was refresh...
by htdrag11
Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

ReiredAL,
Thanks for the suggestion, but let me provide more details.
1. There is no thermostat upstairs.
2. Tall windows are poorly insulated (we've just put up 7 pair of blackout drapes from Costco).
3. Upstairs is facing south and southwest all afternoon.
4. There is no attic fan.
5. Downstairs' family room has a 30 degree vaulted ceiling where all the hot air goes up to the 2 bedrooms.
6. There is not a single ceiling fan in the entire house to circulate air.
Had 3 different contractors came in since. See message below.
by htdrag11
Mon Aug 31, 2020 11:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard seems to have web online sign on problem
Replies: 145
Views: 10089

Re: Vanguard seems to have web online sign on problem

Trying to place my order around 11:55. When I try to hit "continue" to submit the order, the button just kind of fade out into grade. On hold with Vanguard for 27 minutes now. Gave up.
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

illumination and suemarkp, Current 15-year old tempest AC is a 5-ton unit. A 4-ton was proposed with the communicating controller. We moved in here about 6 weeks ago, during the hottest part of the summer. I was told most houses are warm in the winter upstairs since some folks actually sleep there during the winter, leaving the MBR empty downstairs which is colder; plenty of tall windows downstairs but do not have a name (can't find it, but not name brand either). Ductwork can be accessed via the attic, so there is no problem of adding electric dampers when adding a thermostat upstairs. There is no problem maintaining 75 downstairs, but did not try to set it to 73 (nor tested this one). Hope that clear up a bit. BTW, we will add an attic fa...
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066653

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Watched The Salesman from Iran on Prime. The title was a tribute to the play Death of a Salesman which our lead actor was playing the role of Willy Loman set in current day. I always find it fascinating to watch how other people's culture and religion affect the storyline, and exploring the relationship between men and women in a man's world. The ending was well written, worthy of 2 hours.
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

1rl9DS5gl2,
Brilliant. The thermostat is downstairs. Are you suggesting moving it upstairs? However, if I set it upstairs at 77, downstairs could be 72. The 2nd proposal would be adding a 2nd thermostat upstairs which I assume would require adding a damper or two to the current ductwork while reusing the current 5-ton?
You could see that I'm quite clueless. BTW, a new system could outlive me. :(
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

I guess there are trade offs with your option 3, but I am thinking about doing something similar, adding a mini split to our house with a central heat pump system. Mini splits are supposed to be more efficient (no duct losses), and you'd have two independent systems, which would give you some breathing room if one of the systems needs repairs. Yes. I did not know about the communicating solution, so it would be interesting to see what the other contractors would come up with. Out of curiosity, mini splits are more common in the Far East (don't know much about European buildings) but I always think central air is not efficient and wasteful. I only saw one mini split in my community thus far after 6 weeks.The communicating controller seems t...
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

Thanks for the suggestion. For a clutz like me, this maybe even a lower cost solution.

https://www.amazon.com/Glentronics-Inc- ... EFAD71032F
by htdrag11
Sat Aug 29, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
Replies: 19
Views: 2530

HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split

Just moved into a 15-year old 2-story house with one zone/one thermostat and a 5-ton AC condenser (Tempest) supporting 2,500 sq ft. This hot summer, after adding a pound of old freon, downstairs is fine at 77F but upstairs is more like 82. The furnace, also 15 year old, is upstairs as well. House has no basement. So far, I heard about the subject line, 2-stage communicating vs. non-communicating. I also heard about adding a mini-split with 2 zones for the 2 bedrooms upstairs. Price ranges from $6k to $12k, depending on the option. I'm in a HCOL area. 1. Replace my 15-year old AC and furnace with a higher seer 4-ton unit, and add a communicator as well as 2 thermostats (my ecobee has to go - won't work with Rudd AC-communicator). 2. Replace ...
by htdrag11
Wed Aug 26, 2020 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spectrum raises prices once again
Replies: 18
Views: 2589

Re: Spectrum raises prices once again

Don't mean to sidetrack your topic but I've been stuck with Altice-Optimum since the dawn of cable. There is no other choice and they know it. My monthly internet charge is about $64 while my neighbor pays the "normal" $80. after calling them more than once. Thank goodness there is no $10 for self installation.

YTTV just raised my prices from $49.99 to $64.99. When I joined couple of years ago. It was $35. They are all oligopolies or monopolies. Despite the increase, I would not give additional business to Optimum. After Altice took over, it got worse if you could imagine.

I'm aware of Locast but not sure if it's in HD or 1080i, or 480p transmission.
by htdrag11
Tue Aug 25, 2020 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wealth Management groups -- why used if don't make financial sense
Replies: 24
Views: 2099

Re: Wealth Management groups -- why used if don't make financial sense

Not sure if the stats are accurate when I googled the number of members here. How does 90,000 sound? I'm in the home theater forum, but probably 95% of the people in our country do not own a projector, yet there are over 1 million members there. So how many people do you think need help from a CFA/CFP/FP, etc.?

Guess most people just hire a "professional". If anything, they could help us avoid stupid mistakes like pull all the money out in a down market but jumping back in while the market is peaking.

DW just think that I'm cheap. She knows better since she has 2 FPs. :oops:
by htdrag11
Mon Aug 24, 2020 6:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24235

Re: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post

Oops. Fake eBay seller. It's amazing what people would do to scam on even low cost items.
by htdrag11
Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24235

Re: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post

I'm delighted with the blog from 2018, so decided to splurge after I just spent $3.74 plus tax to buy this from eBay: 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans. :mrgreen:

His new book can be had for $4.99 plus tax there as well which I bought for our child as a gift. One day I would not be around to manage her portfolio which is outperforming the Nasdaq composite this year. It's time to rebalance.
by htdrag11
Sat Jul 18, 2020 6:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RILA - Registered Indexed-Linked Annuity - siren call?
Replies: 14
Views: 1520

RILA - Registered Indexed-Linked Annuity - siren call?

[2020 thread bumped in 2023 --admin LadyGeek]

I'm always cynical of yet another hot annuity product. Is this one any good? What are the traps underneath the veneer? TIA.

https://apple.news/ACVbDgZu6R5Cd4flkTa66Uw
by htdrag11
Tue Jul 14, 2020 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tree trimming estimate.
Replies: 39
Views: 2662

Re: Tree trimming estimate.

Considering that you're in a HCL area, that seems reasonable for 9 trees.

In mine, we paid a $1,000 to to cut down a whole tree about 25' high, not including the stump.
by htdrag11
Sun Jul 12, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simplisafe - keep or upgrade
Replies: 6
Views: 785

Re: Simplisafe - keep or upgrade

dillius wrote: Sun Jul 12, 2020 1:00 pm Another note if it matters for you: The Ring motion sensors have done a lot better at differentiating between human and cat for us than the v1 Simplisafe ones ever did.
Good to know. We do not turn the motion alarm on when the cat is visiting anyway. Cats hate alarms. With a 2-story home of 2,500 sq ft, do I need one or two motion sensors?
by htdrag11
Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simplisafe - keep or upgrade
Replies: 6
Views: 785

Re: Simplisafe - keep or upgrade

Flyer24 wrote: Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:49 pm I don't see why you couldn't just take all the equipment with you. It is easy to reinstall.
Don't want to leave the mark where the door/window and motion sensors were. They are $150 new in my set up.

dillius,
I did not look at Ring's setup and cost. It would be $240 for me and looks like a monthly fee of $10 vs. $20 with SimpliSafe. Thanks.
by htdrag11
Sun Jul 12, 2020 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simplisafe - keep or upgrade
Replies: 6
Views: 785

Simplisafe - keep or upgrade

I've my SimpliSafe since 2015. Now that we'll be moving in July, is there any advantage of getting the new gear or should I keep my old control unit and key fobs?

I estimate the new one would cost me about $300 while getting new door/window sensors and motion sensors will set me back $150. TIA.
by htdrag11
Sat Jun 27, 2020 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a house - survey necessary?
Replies: 32
Views: 3319

Re: Buying a house - survey necessary?

It's just the cost of moving in a litigious society like ours. The $725 is considered my CYA fee. Thank you all.
by htdrag11
Fri Jun 26, 2020 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a house - survey necessary?
Replies: 32
Views: 3319

Re: Buying a house - survey necessary?

BobTexas wrote: Fri Jun 26, 2020 11:00 am Not sure if this was mentioned, but the seller may have one from when they bought the house. I would be tempted to not get one for a standard lot in a subdivision
That was the case with my buyer which we've a copy of. Their lawyer asked if one existed.

Bottom line, I just approve to have the survey done for $725; the 4 corner markers are an extra $350 which I did not.
by htdrag11
Fri Jun 26, 2020 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a house - survey necessary?
Replies: 32
Views: 3319

Re: Buying a house - survey necessary?

No fence is allowed in this community. However, my broker advised me to do so, so is my lawyer, though it's a cash deal.
Arggggh!
by htdrag11
Fri Jun 26, 2020 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a house - survey necessary?
Replies: 32
Views: 3319

Buying a house - survey necessary?

Dumb question.
In the process of buying into an existing home of 15 years old in a 55+ community with a lot size of about 1/10 of an acre (rectangular shape). It's $725, separate from the title insurance.
What am I paying for, piece of mind?
by htdrag11
Thu Jun 25, 2020 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Interviewing buyers realtor; confused
Replies: 38
Views: 4544

Re: Interviewing buyers realtor; confused

This is very challenging process. My wife and I are waffling. Now we are wondering if we should just scrap the building a custom home plan because we can’t really compete with the big boys and buy the 2 million dollar spec we were originally thinking about. I am quite anxious about buying the spec home. On the one hand, I would like to buy it before someone gets to it first. On the other hand, I’d rather wait and let the builder do what he’s planning. I don’t want to have to deal with allowances for cabinets, flooring, shelving. I would hope the builder hasn’t skimped on his budget making his buyer pay for the fancy upgrades. Additionally waiting also has the downside of us being able to personalize the home as well we would like... Decisi...