Search found 96 matches

by webslinger
Sun Dec 18, 2016 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Tax Software for 2016
Replies: 76
Views: 12530

Re: 12/18/16 Deal - H&R Block 2016 @ Amazon

Just a quick note to say many thanks for taking the time to post and let us all know about the deal of the day. I would have missed it otherwise.

Regards

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Meb Faber Kindle Books - Free!
Replies: 14
Views: 5335

Re: Meb Faber Kindle Books - Free!

Alpenglow & Matjen

Many thanks for the heads up. I picked up all three free kindle books!

We slinger
by webslinger
Fri May 29, 2015 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Made online payment and credit card is compromised
Replies: 12
Views: 2510

Re: Made online payment and credit card is compromised

There are many ways your card may have been compromised.

Check the article by Brian Krebs "How was your credit card stolen".

http://krebsonsecurity.com/2015/01/how- ... rd-stolen/


Good luck,

Webslinger
by webslinger
Fri May 29, 2015 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solved - not able to log into Vanguard using Firefox due to "stale" bookmark
Replies: 1
Views: 1622

Solved - not able to log into Vanguard using Firefox due to "stale" bookmark

If you are like me, you bookmark your favorite web sites. I learned that a specific bookmarked login page can go stale over time (say a few years) and create some unexpected results. Just yesterday, I was not able to log onto my Vanguard account using Firefox. I made it through the userid page, made it through the security question page, but then received an error after entering my password: "Firefox can't find the file file at https://personal.vanguard.com.......... I was able to log in using a MacBook with Safari. Long story short...after looking through multiple user forums and Mozilla.org support forums and trying various fixes to no avail, I ended up talking to web support at Vanguard. (By the way, Vanguard web support was terrifi...
by webslinger
Fri May 22, 2015 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good 3-way LED Bulb?
Replies: 12
Views: 4478

Re: Good 3-way LED Bulb?

I am very impressed and happy with Hyperikon products. They are focussed on the commercial market but do make their products available to consumers. You pay a premium for high quality and reliability.

I installed their flood lights....terrific dynamic range (dimmable), pleasant temperature (think lighting mood), and light weight.

I looked at their web site and do not see a table lamp bulb in the equivalent wattage size you are asking a pout but note that they have a "150 Watt equivalent street light bulb". You will need to contact them to ask whether they are dimmable. Let us know what you find out.


Good luck,

We slinger
by webslinger
Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 557
Views: 57674

Re: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

1852


Webslinger
by webslinger
Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When Funds Insult Their Investors"
Replies: 15
Views: 3456

Re: "When Funds Insult Their Investors"

Or take the $2.6 billion Janus Forty Fund, which also generated a market-lagging return of 8.3%. On Dec. 17, the fund’s S share class paid out $0.76 in short-term capital gains and $13.44 in long-term capital gains. By my estimate, based on Janus’s disclosures and the highest federal tax brackets, a high-income shareholder with $10,000 in a taxable account would have received distributions of about $3,385 and incurred federal tax of about $830. A Janus spokesman said the number could be “a lot lower” depending on circumstances. Someone once said, "...it's not how much you earn, it's how much you keep..." . This article serves as a pedagogic example of how one wins not only because of the low expense ratios associated with Index F...
by webslinger
Wed Dec 24, 2014 1:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the collapse of oil price a "black swan"?
Replies: 133
Views: 19509

Re: Is the collapse of oil price a "black swan"?

Not a Black Swan.

Commodity prices are volatile. Oil has gone though many, many boom and bust cycles.

I found the following article from the New Yorker magazine on target:

"How Low Can Oil Go?" Here's the link: http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/ ... can-oil-go

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Dec 24, 2014 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AT&T Stable Value Fund
Replies: 19
Views: 7774

Re: AT&T Stable Value Fund

You should be aware that Stable Value Funds may place certain restrictions on withdrawals. For example, a SVF may restrict withdrawals during certain events such as layoffs when many employees may in mass request withdrawals or transfers from the SVF. This happened to a work colleague of mine when his company was acquired by another company. His SVF was effectively frozen for a little over 1 year. After the "freeze" period, the person was able to remove his balance and transfer the fund to their new employer. So everything worked out fine but they did have to be patient.

Having said that, I do believe that SVF have a place in an investment portfolio but I strongly believe in the principle of diversification.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Dec 24, 2014 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacuum Food Sealers - Love it or gimmick?
Replies: 23
Views: 4533

Re: Vacuum Food Sealers - Love it or gimmick?

We use a vacuum food sealer regularly because it

(1) Eliminates or minimizes freezer burn and
(2) Significantly extends the life of food ( whether refrigerated or frozen)

We find it terrific for packaging and freezing meats we purchase from a high quality butcher into small dinner size portions. Ditto for many varieties of fresh fish like salmon.

Also appeared to work great for extending the life of cheeses.

We also found that having the food sealer and sealer bags stored in an area which makes it readily accessible is important otherwise it becomes a hassle to use.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Sun Aug 24, 2014 8:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why don't utilities get any praise
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

Re: Why don't utilities get any praise

We started our investment portfolio many years ago via DRIP programs offered by utility companies. So we have fond memories of these companies. However, many years ago we were fortunate to discover the simplicity of the Boglehead approach to investing.

In general, as others have already pointed out, utilities are relatively slow growth, highly regulated, and very susceptible to interest rate changes.
by webslinger
Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need some Boglehead advice ...
Replies: 14
Views: 1884

Re: Need some Boglehead advice ...

Mel

Correct! Thanks for that very important addition.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Sun Aug 24, 2014 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need some Boglehead advice ...
Replies: 14
Views: 1884

Re: Need some Boglehead advice ...

I could see one scenario in which you may have both S&P500 and Total Stock Market in the the same taxable account. This could materialize when there is a steep market decline and you would want to tax loss harvest but want to keep you overall asset allocation the same. In such a scenario, you might, for example, sell a sufficient number of shares of S&P500 to lock in a $3000 loss and then immediately purchase the same dollar value of Total stock Market. This could then be used to offset any other capital gains you may have incurred that year. I believe I captured this correctly from other posts I have read on this forum.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Power of Attorney
Replies: 32
Views: 4226

Re: Power of Attorney

In my experience, I found the POA to be of limited use. Financial institutions would not accept them and insisted on having a new one executed on their paper. In addition, there was always a question about the age of the POA. In our specific case, in consultation with an attorney, we found the combination of a living trust, will, health care proxy, medical directive, etc to be the most effective. I acted as the trustee for my mother and was able to readily handle all of her needs in her later years. Once she passed away, this naturally led me to handling her estate. You do however have to keep meticulous financial records and accept the fiduciary responsibilities and obligations that come with bring a trustee. Best of luck Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Aug 21, 2014 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simplisafe Home Security Systems
Replies: 42
Views: 10399

Re: Simplisafe Home Security Systems

Bnes and Kenyan have really covered many of the pros and cons of SimpliSafe system. I'll just add a few more comments. I searched through many security options for my daughter's condo unit and ended up choosing SimpliSafe. I found it very easy to install and set up. Locating the base unit so that it is readily accessible to the owner while not easily spotted by an intruder takes a bit of thought. If you opt for the siren, be careful to locate it in a position where it will not be close to people during system tests - it is VERY loud. Check with your local town for registration requirements, if any. SimpliSafe actually prompts you to check for this and had forms on line for many municipalities. The proof is in a satisfied customer. My daught...
by webslinger
Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Series 7
Replies: 6
Views: 1175

Re: Series 7

My spouse took the Series 7 a number of years ago.

Advice:

Get a good nights sleep (3 hours of exam, followed by 1 hour lunch break , followed by another 3 hours of exam)

Bring extra batteries for your calculator.

My spouse recalls that the first 3 hours were tougher than the last three. My spouse recalls many exam takers not returning for the 2nd half. Culling the crowd?

My spouse says to take your time and work methodically through the questions. My spouse felt there was sufficient time to think logically through the problems. Don't rush.

One more thing - it really helps if you love investing.

Best part of it for me is that I have a very knowledgable spouse!

Good luck!

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Siding Options
Replies: 14
Views: 2292

Re: Home Siding Options

I agree with all of the previous comments regarding HardiePlank We replaced the cedar siding on our home over 3 years ago and have been very pleased. It still looks like the day it went up. I don't like the look and feel of either vinyl or aluminum siding.

As others have said, it is very important to make certain your installer is experienced.

There have been previous posts on this topic in the past - do a search.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paperless Statements (bank checking acct)
Replies: 64
Views: 5671

Re: Paperless Statements (bank checking acct)

Gort

One advantage to paperless account statements is the time and energy saved in not having to shred old statements.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Sun Mar 30, 2014 8:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: retired at 37?
Replies: 52
Views: 7511

Re: retired at 37?

I'm curious as to whether they factored in the cost of health inurance.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Sat Mar 22, 2014 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: State Farm or Allstate
Replies: 26
Views: 4535

Re: State Farm or Allstate

We use State Farm because: They have a local office which is very convenient for us. The office staff has been very stable, knowledgeable and friendly. We receive periodic reminders to take our drivers education for insurance premium reductions, to bring in our children's transcripts to receive "good student" discounts, suggestions to remove collision coverage on very old but useable vehicles etc. We can't recall them ever trying to sell us products. So a lot of these are convenience reasons, however the main reason we have consistently stayed with them is that the few times we ever needed insurance, they paid and made it easy. About 20 years our region if the northeast went through a severe period of ice damning and damage. Many ...
by webslinger
Thu Dec 19, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: POLL: Do you use your HSA funds to pay for medical expenses?
Replies: 84
Views: 9269

Re: POLL: Do you use your HSA funds to pay for medical expen

Yes, we use our HSA to pay for our qualifying bills and use our year end insurance summary as the receipt for our out of pocket medical expenses. We enjoy the immediate tax advantage (as we are still employed and in a high tax bracket) and carry over "excess funds" into the future.
Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Dec 19, 2013 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Target Credit/Debit Card Hacks - what to do?
Replies: 94
Views: 12630

Re: Target Credit/Debit Card Hacks - what to do?

DG
You should immediately change the PIN on your debit card. This should be a simple on line process. My understanding of the data breach is that account and PIN numbers were compromised for debit cards. Your bank (financial institution) will be ale to tell you whether a change in account number is also warranted (this could be a minor inconvenience if a checking account).
Good luck!
Webslinger
by webslinger
Tue Oct 15, 2013 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best careers for people about to enter college?
Replies: 69
Views: 8401

Re: Best careers for people about to enter college?

just to be a little different..... I think that almost any choice of study in higher education can lead to a satisfying, valuable, and productive career. It is difficult to gauge what course of study a student entering college should pursue based on what is hot or in demand today because those things may be in low demand four years from now. Likewise, it is difficult to anticipate what will be of value in four years by extrapolating or speculating on future needs. Companies move faster, they are more nimble, communications is ubiquitous, competition is global etc My thoughts are that a student should take as many different courses in as many disciplines as possible to get the broadest exposure. The major should be one that gets them the mos...
by webslinger
Tue Oct 15, 2013 6:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Government Shutdown/Default [effect on investments]
Replies: 454
Views: 43449

Re: Anyone Else Scared?

Yes, history does repeat itself. Democracy is very messy.
by webslinger
Thu Sep 05, 2013 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Social Security is not an asset"
Replies: 50
Views: 5642

Re: "Social Security is not an asset"

Re: "Social Security is not an asset" by wbern » Wed Sep 04, 2013 10:43 pm This question gets asked almost every year at the panel. The answer is, as Mr. Merriman implies, it's a matter of definition. If he wants to define an "asset" as something you can buy or sell, well, then, he's right about SS not being an asset. And he does get to the heart of the matter, which is that, although you shouldn't count it as a bond, by his definition, you can still subtract it from your liability stream. Consider someone who has $70 k in annual retirement expenses and $30k of SS per year, and thus $40k of residual annual liability stream. That person can say one of two things: 1) I have $70k of annual retirement needs. In that case, h...
by webslinger
Thu Sep 05, 2013 7:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Social Security is not an asset"
Replies: 50
Views: 5642

Re: "Social Security is not an asset"

Re: "Social Security is not an asset" by SSSS » Thu Sep 05, 2013 5:57 am This thread makes me wonder, are there reverse annuities where you receive a lump sum for promising to sign over your social security for the rest of your life? If not, why not? SSSS Posts: 1836 Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Top From the SSA web site https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.NSF/lnx/0202410001 GN 02410.001 Assignment of Benefits A. Background Section 207 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C 407) states: “The right of any person to any future payment under this title shall not be transferable or assignable, at law or in equity, and none of the monies paid or payable or rights existing under this title shall be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or ...
by webslinger
Mon Aug 19, 2013 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sometimes Safer NOT to Carry Homeowners Insurance (!?)
Replies: 59
Views: 8256

Re: Sometimes Safer NOT to Carry Homeowners Insurance (!?)

Freebeer,

Your calculation was based on the positive corner case. You may want to consider the other corner case where several bad things coincide to cause you financial harm.

Say that in Year 1, the equities market plunges by 30%. You have a conservative 50/50 allocation. Your investments are now down to $1.7M ($2M less 15%). Your house is destroyed. You take out $200K to rebuild. That leaves you with $1.5M for the next 29 years. Chances are your plan is now broken.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Mon Jul 15, 2013 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garlic anyone?
Replies: 51
Views: 7493

Re: Garlic anyone?

Have any garlic lovers out there tried Garlic Scapes? We love them for their delicate yet intense garlic flavor. We usually are able to get them from local farms from mid June through mid July.

A second question for Bogleheads is how can you avoid purchasing "bitter" tasting garlic at the supermarket? We tend purchase garlic bulbs which appear white and fresh. Is this the right approach?

Webslinger

ps. Never bothered by a vampire due to mom's love of garlic in her cooking.
by webslinger
Thu Jul 11, 2013 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dehumidifier question
Replies: 17
Views: 3210

Re: Dehumidifier question

I second the recommendation of SantaFe dehumidifiers.

Based on another thread on dehumidifiers on this forum, I replaced 3 (30 pint) dehumidifiers with a single SantaFe Classic in my basement. The unit is designed to work at lower temperatures than the typical dehumidifiers you find in the big box stores. The unit has a large intake with replaceable filters - so that it moves a lot of air. One benefit of a larger unit is that it will probably spend less time in "defrost" mode and more time on removing air moisture thus saving energy.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Jun 05, 2013 1:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New York City Local Chapter established
Replies: 294
Views: 164841

Re: New York City Local Chapter established

Any updates on the NYC meeting date?

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Jun 05, 2013 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?
Replies: 150
Views: 17499

Re: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?

The Webslinger simplified and diversified "3 car portfolio":

(1) commuter, excellent gas mileage car, with low cost of ownership
(2) SUV with 4 wheel drive for snow, carrying loads, seating capacity for family trips etc
(3) all fun and excitement convertible

My specific choices:

(1) Toyota Corolla
(2) Toyota RAV4
(3) BMW 128

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for wireless speakers
Replies: 9
Views: 1905

Re: Recommendations for wireless speakers

Update on my quest.

I ended up purchasing the Sonos system based on suggestions from this forum and then reading several on line forums and reviews as well as listening to speakers at at retailer.

I purchased a Playbar and stand alone Sonos 3.

The Playbar was very easy to set up and does essentially everything we wanted: plays our music, plays Internet radio stations (we get very poor over the air reception), plays TV sound, and plays sound from DVDs on our MAC.

The Sonos 3 is used in multiple rooms and on our deck.

The only drawback is that the system is on the expensive side but we pulled the trigger when Sonos offered a free bridge with the purchase of a Sonos 3.

Thanks Bogleheads!

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Jun 05, 2013 12:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Free book: "Retiring Sooner"
Replies: 16
Views: 3747

Re: Free book: "Retiring Sooner"

"Retiring Sooner" is a terrific book for someone like me who is still in the accumulation phase but wants some line of sight to the distribution phase in retirement.
Also a thanks to Mike who posted very clear instructions on his "Oblivious Investor" web site for those like me that purchased the original edition on how to download the updated 2013 version.
Dilemma for the day: I have actually started to enjoy the convenience of electronic versions of magazines and books, but how do we get authors to autograph digital versions of their books at Bogleheads12 ????

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed May 22, 2013 8:14 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: reloaded [Forum and wiki were offline]
Replies: 74
Views: 11923

Re: reloaded

Several months ago, the Bogleheads site went down for a period of time. I missed it and also came to realize and appreciate that running and maintaining this site is not free. Posts by several members suggested that it was time to "pony up" and make a donation. I did. I'd like to suggest that others who value the content and unique structure of this forum also consider making a donation http://www.bogleheads.org/support.htm .

Webslinger
by webslinger
Sun May 12, 2013 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Facebook Phishing Attempt
Replies: 9
Views: 974

Re: Facebook Phishing Attempt

Gkaplan,
It's unfortunate that so many scams exist on the Internet. Recently we recieved an email supposedly from UPS stating they were not able to deliver a parcel asking us to click on an attachment. In our case, we were indeed waiting for a parcel. For 30 secomds it seemed that it could be legimate but calm and logic prevailed when we realized that UPS always either leaves the parcel at the door or a note if a signature is required.
Thank you for the reminder to be vigilant.
Just delete the email and forget about it.
Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your top companies for customer service?
Replies: 76
Views: 7165

Re: What are your top companies for customer service?

I just wanted to put in a plug for local, privately owned businesses. Whenever possible and practical, we buy from a local establishment be it the hardware store, electrical supply shop, garden center, frame shop, book store, etc I have found many local businesses go out the way to provide excellent service and customer satisfaction. Case in point is our local hardware store. We purchased a Weber propane grill from them several years age. Surprisingly, they were several dollars cheaper than the big box store, delivered and set up for free. Several years later when I needed a replacement cover, they simply went to,the aisle and picked out the right size for me - no hassle, no searching - they knew what I bought and what I needed. Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrading Cookware?
Replies: 48
Views: 8962

Re: Upgrading Cookware?

We purchased Viking cookware. The pots and pans are really high quality, heavy, and expensive. We have been very pleased.

For omelettes and other such things, we use a well seasoned cast iron skillet.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Apr 17, 2013 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiating Real Estate Commission
Replies: 21
Views: 2234

Re: Negotiating Real Estate Commission

Re: Negotiating Real Estate Commission by bertilak » Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:26 pm One interesting thing I learned form my agent about how to deal with offers: Never make a counter offer! Once you do that you can no longer accept any other offers until your counter offer is accepted or declined. You are at the mercy of that potential buyer. Instead, reject the offer but suggest a price that would be considered more favorably if the buyer made another offer. Seemed like a clever thing to do. I felt like a real estate genius when I got my first offer. Actually my second offer. The first one was such a low-ball offer we simply rejected it. Buyer was looking for a steal. There is a theory that the common man knows what he wants, and deserves to get...
by webslinger
Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Living in a "shoebox"
Replies: 36
Views: 5271

Re: Living in a "shoebox"

For those Bogleheads in the New York metro area or those planning to visit, you may want to see the exhibit called "Making Room " at the Museum of the City of New York http://www.mcny.org/. It is quite an enlightening exhibit displaying some of the most innovative and creative concepts for living in small spaces by architects and designers. One highlight, is a life-size, wall through 300 sq foot apartment.

Side note: the Museum of the City of New York is one of the many gems the city has to offer.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fuel oil bill of 2K in 2012
Replies: 43
Views: 3208

Re: Fuel oil bill of 2K in 2012

This heating season we paid a low of $3.26 a gallon to a high of $3.89 a gallon for home heating oil. The oil company does not provide us service. Instead we contract that out to a small company which services HVAC systems for about $200 which includes the yearly furnace cleaning, nozzle replacement and filter change. I will say that I have started timing the market in that I put on CNBC in mornings to see where oil and home heating oil prices are. On dips, I order larger quantities. On highs, I order the minimum. I never have done this before but a 63 cent spread over a couple of weeks amounts to real money when you order 500 gallons. I recall that home hearing oil was always priced significantly below gasoline and price movements were rel...
by webslinger
Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online
Replies: 15
Views: 2398

Re: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online

By the way, the "use tax" applies not only to products and services purchased over the Internet where no sales tax was collected but also products and services that were purchased out of state for use in state. From instructions IT-201: Line 59 – Sales or use tax Report your sales or use tax liability on this line. You owe sales or compensating use tax if you: • purchasedanitemorservicesubjecttotaxthatisdelivered to you in New York State without payment of New York State and local tax to the seller; or • purchased an item or service outside New York State that is subject to tax in New York State (and you were a resident of New York State at the time of purchase) with subsequent use in New York State. Note: You may be entitled to a...
by webslinger
Fri Mar 29, 2013 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where/How to sell stamp collection
Replies: 21
Views: 3752

Re: Where/How to sell stamp collection

One suggestion is that you look for a stamp show taking place in your general area. At the show, you can take your small collection around to several dealers and have them take a look. A response from 3 individual dealers will give you a sense of what you have. One other approach is to look to see if there is a local stamp club that meets in your area. Collectors will be very happy to look through your collection and point out what, if any, value it has.

To locate stamp shows and club meetings, try the web site of the American Philatelic Society: stamps.org

Good luck


Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Mar 28, 2013 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?
Replies: 112
Views: 14661

Re: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?

To the original poster:

You may want to consider registering for and attending Bogleheads 12 http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 0&t=111986

We certainly wish that it had been around when we were in our 30s.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online
Replies: 15
Views: 2398

Re: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online

Look up the tax rate for your specific county. Chances are it is in the range of 8%. For your case, if you only purchased $129 worth of goods (without paying tax), you would be better off claiming $10 (rather than $40) on Line 59.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Mar 28, 2013 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online
Replies: 15
Views: 2398

Re: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online

When Amazon sells/ships to NY State, it collects sales tax. If it is offered/shipped by another retailer via the Amazon site, they may or may not collect sales tax. From the NYS IT-201 instructions: If your federal adjusted gross income (line 19) is: up to $15,000 Enter on line 59: $8 $15,001 - $30,000 Enter on line 59: $16 $30,001 - 50,000 Enter on line 59: $27 $50,001- 75,000 Enter on line 59: $40 $75,001 - 100,000 Enter on line 59: $53 $100,001 - 150,000 Enter on line 59: $70 $150,001 - 200,000 Enter on line 59: $87 $200,001 and greater Enter on line 59: .044% (.00044) of income, or $250, whichever amount is smaller Webslinger
by webslinger
Thu Mar 28, 2013 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online
Replies: 15
Views: 2398

Re: NY State Use Tax for Good Purchased Online

Icedtea,

Amazon conveniently collects NY state tax for orders that ship to NY state. So nothing to report there.

So you can do one of 2 things:

(1) report taxes due on internet orders where no NY state tax was collected.

(2) choose the "safe harbor" position whereby NY State conveniently applies a % of your income

The details are in the reference that sscritic gave you.

Webslinger
by webslinger
Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling House - Multiple Offers
Replies: 9
Views: 1900

Re: Selling House - Multiple Offers

We have sold several homes. In one case we had two offers. The higher offer was contingent on the sale of their home and the usual home inspection. The other offer was lower but had only a contingency on the home inspection. Guess which we accepted? Correct, the lower offer which on had the usual contingency of a home inspection.

My spouse's point of view was why in the world would we want to immerse ourselves in other people's problems? Unfortunately, you will have no idea of when or if the buyers with a home sale contingency will sell their home. As another poster pointed out, they may not sell their home and you will be stuck.

Forget the offer contingent on home sale.


Webslinger