Search found 415 matches

by stickman731
Mon Mar 11, 2024 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14914

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

About $500, after SuperStorm Sandy and no power in the area for 11 days - cash was king. Some stores and gas stations had back-up generators, but essential no basic services like the internet. In fact, I had to lend my neighbor a couple of hundred to get stuff for his family.

I will always have cash on hand outside of emergencies to grease the palm of selected individuals - a good example is the guy that came to my home to replace my windshield - he asked if I had any discounts - I said no, he said check the yellow pages - lo and behold I saved $150 and tipped him well.
by stickman731
Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pinot Noir on the lower end?
Replies: 96
Views: 10218

Re: Pinot Noir on the lower end?

I love Barefoot Pinot Noir.
by stickman731
Wed Feb 21, 2024 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House purchase questions
Replies: 22
Views: 2454

Re: House purchase questions

You have a lot of good comments on $$$ for a home, but I would also develop criteria you want Remember this is a starter home and maybe smaller than you want or need. Other than price, developed any criteria on the house your are seeking: Commuting Time (then draw a circle around target area and start checking out the towns) Fixer upper ?? Are you handy? Number or Baths, Bedrooms, Parking etc For me they were as follows: • ⁠No major fix up as I am handy but not skilled enough to do it myself • ⁠Good school district - easier to sell as you will resell it • ⁠No double yellow-line - indicates high traffic area, tougher to resell • ⁠No corner property (too many exposed sides. more maintenance, potential more road noise) • ⁠No sump pump or drain...
by stickman731
Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anticipating a lay off
Replies: 25
Views: 3749

Re: Anticipating a lay off

Review the corporate policy for severance, vacation time, RSUs or other forms of compensation. Although I was not laid off, I took a voluntary severance package (lump sum) and I negotiated staying one until all my vacation time accrued; thus I got another 6 weeks of pay.
by stickman731
Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New clothes washing machine recommendation please
Replies: 16
Views: 1847

Re: New clothes washing machine recommendation please

Asked ad nauseam here in many variations. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7086212&hilit=Washer#p7086212 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7061738&hilit=Washer#p7061738 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=327554&hilit=Washer https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7145089&hilit=Washer#p7145089 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7144481&hilit=Washer#p7144481 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7118810&hilit=Washer#p7118810 You get the idea! :) Thanks for posting the links. Very helpful since my 40 year old MayTag A810 finally died today. I think I got my monies worth. Just hoping the new one lasts as long - https://imgur.com/gallery/PRNKLtt
by stickman731
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Resignation Letter
Replies: 70
Views: 6945

Re: Resignation Letter

I personally would not put the reason for my resignation. Just put the effective date. If they ask, I would elaborate with very specifics why you feel you are under compensated, but remember do not burn bridges as you may run across them in the future. For me, although not identical, I took a voluntary severance package after 30 years. Everyone was surprised I applied as everyone knew I love my job. For 27 years, I worked with fabulous trustworthy people and was well compensated. Compensation was based on return to company (% revenue over plan). He got acquired and experienced 3 years of hell - poor management, no raises, no bonuses as I was considered "highly compensated" under their band structure. When I told them the reason, t...
by stickman731
Wed Jan 17, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 579
Views: 37983

Re: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

Was the final spreadsheet / list ever published?
by stickman731
Thu Jan 11, 2024 4:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?
Replies: 38
Views: 5195

Re: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?

There are a lot of good suggestions for Istanbul. It you are not going with a tour, get a guide. Secondly, if you go the Grand Bazaar - take a picture of the entrance where you entered. There are over 20 entrances and if could be difficult finding it when you are leaving.
by stickman731
Tue Jan 02, 2024 4:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 Hedge Fund contest
Replies: 156
Views: 26779

Re: 2024 Hedge Fund contest

Sticky Wonder Fund

LONG
MVST - Microvast
ABUS - Arbutus Biopharma
LLY - Eli Lily

SHORT
SLDP - Solid Power
QS - Quantumscape
by stickman731
Fri Dec 29, 2023 4:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Old Stock Certificate Found
Replies: 13
Views: 1830

Re: Old Stock Certificate Found

Also check your state's unclaimed property website as the company may have been unable to contact the owner due to lost of address and surrender any dividends, etc to the state.
by stickman731
Wed Dec 13, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 50 year old.just got laid off-Need advise Bogleheads!
Replies: 94
Views: 13375

Re: 50 year old.just got laid off-Need advise Bogleheads!

You did not say the effective date, but if you could wait to the New Year, it may help a little with the tax hit on the severance and the pro-rated RSUs.
by stickman731
Sat Nov 11, 2023 4:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone email problem
Replies: 4
Views: 784

Re: iPhone email problem

I had similar issue and you need to update your e-mail password. On your phone go to Settings, Mail, Accounts and select the account and reset password. Then you also will need update the password on other devices.
by stickman731
Thu Nov 09, 2023 4:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hard to Buy a House
Replies: 90
Views: 8773

Re: Hard to Buy a House

Never thought it was hard to buy a home. It is simple planning and developing criteria Develop criteria for what you want in a home so that you can give your realtor specific instruction as some realtors will try to over sell you. Besides the location and number of bedrooms, baths, - what are other items are must have For me they were as follows: No major fix up as I am handy but not skilled enough to do it myself Good school district - easier to sell as you will resell it No double yellow-line - indicates high traffic area- tougher to resell No corner property No sump pump or drainage issue No HOA First home, $240K put ~30% down, 11.9% rate, I think our combine income was about $70K. upgraded to second home $360K - 8% rate, refinanced to 5...
by stickman731
Thu Nov 09, 2023 4:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: laid-off - tips for interviewing
Replies: 51
Views: 7005

Re: laid-off - tips for interviewing

KlangFool wrote: Fri Nov 03, 2023 11:21 am
stickman731 wrote: Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:36 am On salary side, I would not discuss until you get through the interview process. I would simple state my last job salary. I would also google STAR interview philosophy and questions. Rehearse you answer, be upbeat and positive, and have tangible answers.
But, if the salary range for the job that you interviewed for is 59K to 72K and you are looking for 120K to 150K, why bother agree to the interview?

KlangFool
Practice - the best results come from practice, practice, practice - you do not have to accept the job.
by stickman731
Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: laid-off - tips for interviewing
Replies: 51
Views: 7005

Re: laid-off - tips for interviewing

On salary side, I would not discuss until you get through the interview process. I would simple state my last job salary. I would also google STAR interview philosophy and questions. Rehearse you answer, be upbeat and positive, and have tangible answers.
by stickman731
Thu Sep 07, 2023 4:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying off my mortgage
Replies: 18
Views: 2442

Re: Paying off my mortgage

Mollinska wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2023 6:13 am Great info from everyone- much appreciated!

Stickman731 linked an old post (which I read and appreciated- thanks for that). I did do a search on "Paying off my mortgage early" before I posted my question, but the link Stickman sent me didn't show up (that, or I didn't scroll down far enough).

Anyhoo, thanks again, Bogleheads, for sharing your experiences and next steps!
You are welcome and now one burden is off your mind that for me was priceless. On the search, I always recommend using the Google tools functions on the upper righthand side of the Google search and sort by time as I have found more useful to get the most current postings.
by stickman731
Wed Sep 06, 2023 4:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying off my mortgage
Replies: 18
Views: 2442

Re: Paying off my mortgage

Here is an old post that may help.

viewtopic.php?t=408788
by stickman731
Sun Sep 03, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Gave My Personal Email Address To Manufacturer
Replies: 37
Views: 4017

Re: Amazon Gave My Personal Email Address To Manufacturer

It does not surprise me they removed your review. I had issues a Samsung refrigerator - 3 different refrigerators broke down with 24-78 hours of delivery to my home, I received them from Lowe's.

I wrote a detail review, honest and not in violation of their policy, and posted to both Samsung and Lowe's sites. I also diagnose the problem was related their monitoring App. The reviews were removed from both about a week later without explanation - it taught me never to believe the reviews on vendor or merchant sites. A Google search turned up numerous complaints on this model. Hindsight is 20/20.
by stickman731
Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Easy Meal?
Replies: 127
Views: 14348

Re: Favorite Easy Meal?

Spicy Garlic Shrimp with Udon Noodles (typically about 15 minutes from start to finish)

Olive Oil, garlic and tabasco - sautéed shrimp 3-5 minutes, add chicken broth, microwave udon noodles (90 secs) and place in bowl with shrimp and broth.
by stickman731
Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy tires?
Replies: 70
Views: 5816

Re: Where do you buy tires?

Since I drive a lot on long trips to Midwest and down to Florida, I get Firestone Tires as if I have any issues they handle it. Learned my lesson ten years ago.
by stickman731
Sun Aug 13, 2023 4:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJM Insurance
Replies: 6
Views: 1235

Re: NJM Insurance

Highly recommend, have auto, home and umbrella with NJM for over 20 years. My rates have stayed low - no major increase.

After Superstorm Sandy, I had my only claim processed in 2 weeks while my neighbors with other providers waited for more than a year and another took over 3 years having finally gotten the NJ State Insurance Department involved.

I also had a niece car get flooded in a flash flood and was settled in a week.
by stickman731
Fri Aug 11, 2023 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Company acquired
Replies: 18
Views: 1899

Re: Company acquired

Ten years ago, I was in a similar situation having worked 27 years under private ownership and then the family sold to a F500 company. The first six months, nothing changed with by salary or bonus package as they wanted to retain employees that grew the business. In year two, they aligned the bonus program to their corporate program (of course, it was not a good as everyone was treated the same regardless of performance - it was based on company performance). I was considered "highly compensated" and did not receive a raise and my bonus was 50% less than I previously received (as the old program was performance based - % revenue over plan and you earn % of your salary, maxing out at 50% of your salary). Year three, they offered Vo...
by stickman731
Mon Jul 31, 2023 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying new car - finance with dealer then pay off?
Replies: 67
Views: 12318

Re: Buying new car - finance with dealer then pay off?

I did just that this February. Purchased 2022 Ford Explorer got $3500 below MSRP. Dealer financed vehicle through Bank of America. Fours days later had BOA account setup via my phone app and paid in full. Got title about 2 weeks later. In NJ, they cannot charge you for early loan repayment; however, in some states I understand they can - so read the fine print and ask questions.
by stickman731
Fri Jul 21, 2023 5:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Removed
Replies: 49
Views: 5588

Re: asking for a layoff?

I was in the same position over eight years ago but I was 54. I loved my job and colleagues, but the new upper management team was destroying the business. I applied and was accepted for the voluntary severance package. I negotiated with them to finish the year out to maximize by severance, bonus and accrued vacation. I decide to retire but worked consulting about 4 days per month and after Covid stopped. It was the best decision in my life, both financially and mental health - wise.

I can tell there will be more layoffs and each subsequent package will be less as my former work colleagues have found out.
by stickman731
Tue Jul 18, 2023 4:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying Off Mortgage Early - Any Additional Considerations?
Replies: 22
Views: 3000

Re: Paying Off Mortgage Early - Any Additional Considerations?

Apart from receiving the property title, are there any other important considerations or steps I should be aware of? If your property tax and insurance were part of your mortgage payment - you might want to make note of when the bills were paid and mark those dates on your calendar. You might also want to make note of the payment ammounts. You will be responsible for paying those bills once you no longer have a mortgage. if you cannot easily "cash flow" these bills you might want to figure out how much you should be "saving to spend" each month so that you can cover those bills when they arrive. If you keep track of the due dates (on your calendar) you'll have some warning to watch for the bills. +1 - This as you do not...
by stickman731
Tue Jul 11, 2023 4:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?
Replies: 338
Views: 29785

Re: If retired early, what do you tell people you do?

Simple - Retired, living the good life.

They then ask me how - worked hard, saved and spent within my means.
by stickman731
Tue May 23, 2023 4:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ChatGPT [Investment opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence field]
Replies: 110
Views: 9756

Re: ChatGPT [Investment opportunities in the Artificial Intelligence field]

In my opinion, the companies with the largest datasets will prevail - GOOG=BIDU > APPL> AMZN=BABA > MSFT=META but there will also be industry specific players (like healthcare , possibly UNH or defense maybe PLTR, travel = BKNG, retail (specifically grocery) - any large chains with loyalty programs (they know a lot about you and your preference) or TSLA has more driving data, particularly for autonomous driving.

I would also not rule out Bloomberg as they have immense financial data and how companies interrelate. I suspect they are already using it and being private do not publicize it.
by stickman731
Fri May 19, 2023 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Premium Italian Dried Pasta $$$
Replies: 59
Views: 8974

Re: Premium Italian Dried Pasta $$$

I know this is at least a year old, but I am fortunate to live in NJ with access to numerous Italian specialty stores. I never skimp on food as it is the fuel for your brain and body. Outside the specialty Italian stores, I find Trader Joe's has a number of good quality pastas.
by stickman731
Thu May 18, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage final payment
Replies: 41
Views: 6747

Re: Mortgage final payment

I would just mail them a check so that your don't get out of their normal process. Congratulations on paying it off. :sharebeer A few general things to do. 1) Stop any automatic payments. 2) Once it is paid off contact your insurance company to have the lender taken off the home insurance policy. You may want to get quotes for a higher deductible to see if that is worthwhile. 3) A month or two later check with your county to make sure that the mortage lien was actually taken off the property. Do this even though you will get paperwork saying it was done. The reason is that once in a blue moon there will be a glitch that will be much easier to fix now. In my county you can see the liens online so you might what to look at that now, and then...
by stickman731
Thu May 18, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swimming Pool maintenance
Replies: 35
Views: 3052

Re: Swimming Pool maintenance

In NJ, I have had a in-ground pool for 16 years. I now use only test strips and check for Chlorine level and pH. When I first got the pool, I did liquid and strip testings every week; I also brought samples to my local pool place that installed the pool. Every time I went to the pool center, they wanted me to buy sometimes for pool and the whole first year was a battle (thought I made a big mistake). I finally stopped buying stuff and just maintain Chlorine and pH level - crystal clear pool no issues for the last 15 years. My best investment was my Dolphin robot. I throw it every Thursday night. I have never vacuumed the pool - the vacuum stuff is in its original boxes. After weekend of heavy usage, I shock the pool typically Monday night.
by stickman731
Fri May 12, 2023 4:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage final payment
Replies: 41
Views: 6747

Re: Mortgage final payment

I would just mail them a check so that your don't get out of their normal process. Congratulations on paying it off. :sharebeer A few general things to do. 1) Stop any automatic payments. 2) Once it is paid off contact your insurance company to have the lender taken off the home insurance policy. You may want to get quotes for a higher deductible to see if that is worthwhile. 3) A month or two later check with your county to make sure that the mortage lien was actually taken off the property. Do this even though you will get paperwork saying it was done. The reason is that once in a blue moon there will be a glitch that will be much easier to fix now. In my county you can see the liens online so you might what to look at that now, and then...
by stickman731
Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you been in your current house?
Replies: 148
Views: 12404

Re: How long have you been in your current house?

A440 wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:01 am
stickman731 wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 4:25 am
If you haven't done so already, read about NJ's retirement income exclusion https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/njit7.shtml
It may help take the sting of our high property tax and high car insurance a little less painful once you've reached 62.
Being close to the mountains, the shore (beach), several major cities and great healthcare and schools (currently #1 in the US) does have its advantages.
Retired early 8 1/2 years ago, living the good life. Seen too many friends move south only to regret it - FL - too hot, NC/SC - taxes low, but get hit in many other ways (surprised by car registration, water bills, road paving bills, etc) and travel back to NJ to see family.
by stickman731
Mon Apr 10, 2023 4:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you been in your current house?
Replies: 148
Views: 12404

Re: How long have you been in your current house?

20 years and 8 days - purchased at the right time before prices went crazy. We called it the rainbow house because every room was a bright different color from robin egg blue to our purple haze room (it took 5 coats of paint and primer to cover it).

Mortgage paid off 8 1/2 years ago - thank you Bogleheads for all the great advice that you posted over the years. Renovated two bathrooms about 10 years ago and re-did kitchen a year and half ago during Covid.

Love NJ and will probably die here.
by stickman731
Sat Apr 08, 2023 5:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sirius XM
Replies: 12
Views: 1346

Re: Sirius XM

I recently purchased a new car. Initially I got a renewal letter for free 6 months then 12 months at $22/month.

With about two weeks left on my free subscription, I got a letter offering $5/month.

In the past, I would cancel my subscription by calling 888 number about a week or two before its end, and they would renew me at $7/month.
by stickman731
Mon Jan 02, 2023 5:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2023 Hedge Fund contest
Replies: 199
Views: 27249

Re: 2023 Hedge Fund contest

Sticky Wonder Fund

Long:
MVST
ABUS
FOLD

Short:
QS
SLDP
IONQ
by stickman731
Wed Nov 16, 2022 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to stop comparison / fomo
Replies: 105
Views: 10503

Re: How to stop comparison / fomo

Triple digit golfer wrote: Sat Nov 12, 2022 5:43 pm Be patient. It sounds like he'll be broke in no time.
I hope OP gives us an update when his house is in foreclosure :D
by stickman731
Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Great Smokey Mountains questions
Replies: 29
Views: 3764

Re: Great Smokey Mountains questions

May is a nice time of the GSMNP. I graduated from UTENN and my two favorites activities are as follows:

Spring WIldfllower Pilgrimmage - https://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org

The Fire Flies Event - https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/par ... r-2022.htm
(You will need to check the dates for 2023 but it is usually early June - just spectacular in my opionion)

My favorite spot is the Cades Cove area and Gregory Bald.

Good Luck and enjoy as it is truly a special place.
by stickman731
Tue Oct 04, 2022 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windshield Replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2505

Re: Windshield Replacement

This sounds like insurance pricing. I would also check in the Yellow Pages (yes, the physical yellow pages) to see if there are any discount coupons. About four years ago, I have them come to my house to replace a cracked windshield on my 2010 Ford Edge. The technician asked me if I had any discounts and I said no. He told me to check the Yellow Pages - lo and behold saved $150. I tipped him well.
by stickman731
Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days
Replies: 129
Views: 8364

Re: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days

Which Samsung model do you have? Are you able to completely bypass the monitoring app, so it's no longer a potential point of failure? I've had very positive experience with Samsung phones, TVs, soundbars, and microwaves, but they are very different tech than fridges. I have a 30 cu. ft. 3-Door Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator without the Beverage Center. I downloaded and started the App three times, the refrigerator would shut down within 24-48 hours which led me to believe there was some type of conflict with it. I explained to Samsung support and they stated this has been completely tested. When the second repair tech came for frig #2, he stated it would not surprise him as he has seen similar situations where Samsung models jus...
by stickman731
Sat Sep 10, 2022 4:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days
Replies: 129
Views: 8364

Re: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days

AVOID AVOID AVOID Samsung at all cost. Re-did my kitchen last January, I am currently on my third Samsung refrigerator. The first one stopped working three days (spoiling all the food) - I battled both Samsung and Lowes. The second one arrived two weeks later (yes, two weeks later) due to tight inventory issues. It died within 24 hours - I believed it was related to the monitoring App shutting the system down but Samsung did not want to listen. The third one shutdown once like three months later but I caught it. Unplugged and it reset itself and never use/delete the App. After battling Lowes and Samsung, Lowes gave me a 5-year protection plan on all my Samsung appliances, but no reimbursement for the spoil food. We wanted the same finish o...
by stickman731
Mon Aug 01, 2022 4:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Should I Be Looking For In New Kitchen Cabinets?
Replies: 56
Views: 6367

Re: What Should I Be Looking For In New Kitchen Cabinets?

.. multiple delays and aggravation really stressed me out. There can be a lot of stress in home remodels. It's fun when you first think of doing it and can be great when it's done. But the middle can be very tough indeed! Thing go wrong - often innocently & unexpectedly. Everything ends up costing more. It's a big deal. (Thinking about this thread, I got remembering some of the issues/problems we had to deal with and work around in 2016. Maybe it's a first-world problem but it was a lot of stress. Unexpected things, like needing to get the building department involved for our very simple remodel was just one roadblock. A key cabinet came in the wrong size. Things like that. It was worth it but it was no glossy-magazine picnic making it...
by stickman731
Sun Jul 31, 2022 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Should I Be Looking For In New Kitchen Cabinets?
Replies: 56
Views: 6367

Re: What Should I Be Looking For In New Kitchen Cabinets?

Avoid the big box stores. I had nothing but nightmares with Lowe's. I saved $700 but multiple delays and aggravation really stressed me out. I normally shop locally, but I thought the saving was worth it. Big mistake. With any brand search Google for complaints "brand name +complaint". Secondly, I would avoid Samsung appliances, refrigerator broken twice and microwave once already. Due to all the issues, Lowes gave me a five year protection plan for free after I contact the CEO - I have had to battle Samsung for all the food spoilage. If you have a corner carousel unit make sure the largest pots and pans fit into it and it rotates correctly. Big design mistake, just fortunate that I have a lot of cabinet space. Also comparison sho...
by stickman731
Tue Jul 19, 2022 4:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heat pump in New England
Replies: 172
Views: 15743

Re: Heat pump in New England

This topic is covered a number of times over the years - here is one post with a lot of comments.

viewtopic.php?t=363815
by stickman731
Sun Jul 17, 2022 4:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mail Problems
Replies: 70
Views: 6672

Re: Mail Problems

Most of my bills are paid automatically except I have a few that have a "convenience fee" added that I refuse to pay; thus I mail checks.

With my mailed checks, I have had a problem when I just dropped them in a standard mailbox. My mail carrier told me they were very short-handed and could explain it. Now, I go directly to the post office and drop them inside and have not had an issue.
by stickman731
Thu Jul 14, 2022 5:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hummingbird feeder issues
Replies: 9
Views: 1122

Re: Hummingbird feeder issues

I do not have earwigs, but I do have ants. I typically empty and clean my feeders once of week thorough with hot water. As I am cleaning, I spray insect repellant on the hook, then place the feeders back in place. This helps but does not stop it as rain and / or dew I believe are washing the repellant away. My biggest problem is that two of my older feeders broke this year and the hummingbird do not like my new feeders as much; thus, I have less traffic.
by stickman731
Wed Jul 06, 2022 4:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple Watches/Amazon Prime Day
Replies: 8
Views: 1385

Re: Apple Watches/Amazon Prime Day

This gets asked a couple of times per year -

viewtopic.php?t=360725
by stickman731
Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HVAC Issue: Upstairs is significantly warmer. Will a 2-stage A/C make this worse?
Replies: 65
Views: 6874

Re: HVAC Issue: Upstairs is significantly warmer. Will a 2-stage A/C make this worse?

Had similar problem in my 2300 sq. ft. front to back split level in NJ. Installed an attic fan to control temperature in attic, installed ceiling fan in bedrooms; then closed all but one of the downstairs vents in the summer as cold air settles in the downstair family area. Problem solved. Temperature set at 72'F.

In winter open the downstair vents.

PS: I have a 15 x25' bonus room that I added a Fijutsu Heat Pump that was never tied into main system. If you do change / upgrade your system remember to check with your local utility to see if they have any rebate deals particularly on energy efficient models.
by stickman731
Mon May 09, 2022 4:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Landscapers on Saturday
Replies: 3
Views: 974

Re: Landscapers on Saturday

I varies but I just call my guy and instructed them I would like the lawn done on Wednesday or Thursday as my family likes to use the pool and backyard on the weekend. It is not rocket science. I however cannot control my neighbors.