Search found 302 matches

by CorradoJr
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Office 2021 for Home
Replies: 47
Views: 3517

Re: Microsoft Office 2021 for Home

Following this thread as I am looking for a 1-time purchase option as well.

Just checked Costco and they have Home & Student 2021 for $150, plus a $25 Costco gift card, which helps with the sting a bit.
Amazon is currently at $150 (no sale).
by CorradoJr
Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home phone (copper) solution for parents
Replies: 26
Views: 2672

Re: Home phone (copper) solution for parents

Thanks all for the responses so far - very helpful!

I’m going to get them a hardwired Ooma unit (I don’t see a benefit from their WiFi option) and connect their existing Panasonic wireless phone into it. They have a few extra base units scattered around the house.

The Ooma unit is about $80 upfront and taxes are around $8/month in their area. So after a two months it will have paid for itself.

Plus if they need to fax, as someone said, just use a Y-splitter on the same line plugged into their old machine. Looking into tech options as well but I know they will likely have issues doing it via their iPhones.
(The faxes are mostly sheet music and business contracts)
by CorradoJr
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home phone (copper) solution for parents
Replies: 26
Views: 2672

Home phone (copper) solution for parents

I am helping my elderly parents reel-in excessive home phone costs. For the past 40+ years, they have had 2 phone lines at their home, one is a "voice" line and the other is a dedicated fax line, used largely to fax business documents. They are paying about $80/month for these 2 lines. After discussing, they are fine to drop the 2nd line, as the need to fax documents is only very irregular now and figure out a way to send this through other means - however they are both relatively technophobes. They currently have Fios for Internet service and I am checking costs here as well. I began researching services like Ooma for them - does anyone have feedback on this and how well it works? Secondly - what is the easiest way nowadays to se...
by CorradoJr
Wed Jan 24, 2024 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fleet Vehicle - What car should I choose?
Replies: 17
Views: 2311

Re: Fleet Vehicle - What car should I choose?

Mercedes vs Tesla vs. Toyota? This is an apples and oranges comparison.

Mercedes will have the best ride comfort, most comfortable seats, etc.

Tesla will have the best charging network and user experience.

The Toyota will be “meh” appliance-like most other Toyotas, Hondas, and Subarus but will get a lot of folks defending appliance cars.

What is your use case? How many miles driven per year and what part of the country?
Do you need an SUV? Do you have stuff to lug around?
What type of range do you need, etc?
by CorradoJr
Thu Jan 04, 2024 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice caring for new black car?
Replies: 76
Views: 9718

Re: Advice caring for new black car?

I have a 4-year old black BMW and used to really keep up with washing, waxing, and general interior cleaning. With a young son and work, plus winter weather (no garage at my home sadly) I’ve gotten out of my groove and reading this thead with the expert replies is really wanting me to get back to making the car look as nice as possible (even if there are now a few small rock chips and 3 of the 4 wheels have slight curb damage and the linen color leather seats have a few marks from a toddler.) At the time, ceramic and nano stuff seemed to not be readily available at mass-market places like AutoZone and Walmart. I went online to Autopia and got a set of Klasse cleaner and polish (two bottles) and used that a few times but stopped. I have a to...
by CorradoJr
Sat Dec 30, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar set-up for shed?
Replies: 10
Views: 1526

Solar set-up for shed?

I have a shed far away from the house and have been thinking it would be nice to have a basic light bulb/switch inside so I can work or put away tools when it’s dark. A bonus would be to have a way to charge my phone or Bluetooth speaker as well. Has anyone installed a basic solar set-up that could handle this? I am thinking it would require a basic light-switch, outlet, bulb, wiring, etc. which I could get from the local hardware store - then some type of DC to AC solar inverter, battery, controller, solar panel which I could permanently mount to the shed roof, etc. I’ve never done any type of indoor electrical but am handy with other DIY projects, plumbing, working on cars, etc. I figure the capacity I would need would be less 2-3 amps or...
by CorradoJr
Thu Dec 28, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which version of Turbo Tax to order
Replies: 22
Views: 2221

Re: Which version of Turbo Tax to order

Nicolas wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 11:26 pm Deluxe is all you need, no need for Premier.
This needs to be stickied 100x :D
Do not use the online version. Use download or disc version.
If TurboTax thinks your situation is complex, it will prompt you with several upsell opportunities to purchase Premier, audit protection, live agent, etc.
For 95% of people Deluxe should work, despite the scare mongering from TT.
by CorradoJr
Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51769

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

As of this morning, Costco’s price has also been changed. $44.99 plus a $10 credit for Federal + State, the same as the Amazon offer. At this point I’d purchase whatever one tickles your fancy. Costco’s price will last for a month, Amazon’s price will likely go up after today or tomorrow. Not the same deal. Amazon gives you a $10. Amazon card with TT purchase. Costco deal is just a $10. Credit for any in product add on like Audit Defense. I guess as long as you were planning on purchasing an in product add on it could work out to be the same deal. For many, the form of the $10 is a wash as we need to file state returns electronically. I'm fairly sure last year with my Costco version of TT, I was able to use the $10 "in product add-on&...
by CorradoJr
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51769

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

As of this morning, Costco’s price has also been changed.

$44.99 plus a $10 credit for Federal + State, the same as the Amazon offer. At this point I’d purchase whatever one tickles your fancy.

Costco’s price will last for a month, Amazon’s price will likely go up after today or tomorrow.
by CorradoJr
Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transferring files from old PC to new
Replies: 5
Views: 682

Transferring files from old PC to new

Mom received a new desktop for Xmas and now I am wanting to help her transfer all of the old files to her new machine. The old desktop is probably 10 years old (I cannot remember the Windows OS but It might be Windows 7). I’ve read a few articles online but they each take a different approach (use a USB stick, use wireless TCP/IP, use a USB cable, buy special “transfer” software, etc.) Can I simply connect a USB (old machine) to USB-C (new machine) cable and transfer the files she needs? Ultimately I’d like to have a folder on the new computer’s desktop named “old computer” and if she needs something can check that folder. The issue is she seems hesitant to use the new machine (even though it’s much faster and has a larger monitor) until al...
by CorradoJr
Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51769

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

There are many threads about the differences between the online version vs the download/disc version.

The download/disc version generally is the one to get.
by CorradoJr
Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51769

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

This is the best deal I found for the download version on Amazon today. No $10 gift card like last year. https://www.amazon.com/TurboTax-Software-Federal-Exclusive-Download/dp/B0CLBV27N2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=L8NVW94JA2GM&keywords=turbo%2Btax%2B2023%2Bpremier&qid=1703589489&sprefix=turbo%2Btax%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840&th=1 Costco is including a $10 in-app credit (good for state-filing fees). Price for Premiere is the same as Amazon today. Price for Deluxe is $1 more than Amazon today. This is correct, however the Costco offer also gives you a $10 credit for in-app purchase. I think I’ll wait a few days to see what Amazon offers, but I don’t think I’ll beat the Costco of...
by CorradoJr
Thu Dec 21, 2023 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% credit card balance transfer
Replies: 9
Views: 943

Re: 0% credit card balance transfer

Thanks for the replies so far. I’ll reiterate there are no fees at all on purchases and/or balance transfers The APR is 0% for 9 months.

I think I’ll find a “partner” credit card to see if I can transfer the balance too in some way.

I wonder if I could transfer the balance to something like a cash management account (Fidelity, etc) that has an actual debit card and see what happens.
by CorradoJr
Thu Dec 21, 2023 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% credit card balance transfer
Replies: 9
Views: 943

0% credit card balance transfer

I have a good line on a local credit union who is offering a 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for 9 months with no fees.

I’d like to take the money and invest it in a money market fund to gain a bit of “free interest”.

The issue is they do not issue blank balance transfer checks and they will only send funds to another credit card.

How can I try to use this offer without a straightforward way to get the funds to Vanguard?
by CorradoJr
Tue Oct 24, 2023 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% APR Credit Card for 15 Months
Replies: 22
Views: 1878

Re: 0% APR Credit Card for 15 Months

exodusNH wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 12:47 pm
CorradoJr wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 12:45 pm Sometimes you can get balance transfer checks if you request them from the CC company - and sometimes they come unsolicited in the mail.
Then, just write a check to the car dealer (assuming the terms/conditions of the 0% offer are the same for purchases and balance transfers).
There is usually a 3-5% for the balance transfer / checks. The era of no-fee, 0% APR balance transfers are in the past.
Yes, the best I've seen lately is a 3% fee on BTs. If rates keep rising, we can consider using arbitrage for the 2-3% or so difference in interest, but right now, it's not worth it unless you have access to huge credit lines.
by CorradoJr
Tue Oct 24, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% APR Credit Card for 15 Months
Replies: 22
Views: 1878

Re: 0% APR Credit Card for 15 Months

Sometimes you can get balance transfer checks if you request them from the CC company - and sometimes they come unsolicited in the mail.
Then, just write a check to the car dealer (assuming the terms/conditions of the 0% offer are the same for purchases and balance transfers).
by CorradoJr
Fri Oct 06, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?
Replies: 75
Views: 9773

Re: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?

On the security/privacy subject, does anyone know how the app actually identifies you? Some of the kiosks will read the QR code on the app, but for most kiosks and counter and drive through you just enter a 4 digit number the app gives you. There are millions of McDonald's customers. How can a 4 digit number identify you? For those of you not familiar with the app, the way it works is, say you go to the drive-thru. After taking your order, they tell you that in order to get rewards, you have to enter a 4 digit number that the app gives you (it's different every time, sort of like a one-time password). Again, I don't see how McDonalds can use a 4-digit number to put the rewards on the right account. Somebody educate me! I’m sure the app is ...
by CorradoJr
Fri Sep 29, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?
Replies: 75
Views: 9773

Re: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?

In addition to what others have said, it's possible to link to Apple Pay, currently 5% cash back this quarter with your Discover card.

I sign up for every fast-food app possible, usually you get a free dessert for signing-up the first time, and most places give you a birthday treat on your bitthday. (Feel free to use a dummy birthdate if you are concerned about privacy)

Additionally, I usually have very specific preferences for my food order (no pickles, extra this, light that) and I find my food orders are much much more accurate by using the app (have a family member order while you are driving there) vs. having to relay my specific needs to a human, usually through a crackly drive-through speaker.
by CorradoJr
Wed Aug 09, 2023 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag
Replies: 115
Views: 10896

Re: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag

LambertStrether wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 10:40 pm Are you noticing this with items sold and shipped directly by Amazon, sold by other merchants on Amazon and offering Prime shipping, or sold by other merchants on Amazon and shipping separately?
The issue has happened multiple times with merchants offering Prime shipping. (not directly sold/shipped through Amazon). Perhaps they are trying to be as efficient as possible or reduce their own shipping expenses by not using any type of packaging.
by CorradoJr
Wed Aug 09, 2023 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag
Replies: 115
Views: 10896

Re: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag

Sometimes it’s an option you can toggle during check out. They are trying to be carbon neutral. Yes, upon going back I see that option now, although it is not very clear - I have used this in the past to "hide" items intended as gifts. Packaging: "Shows what's inside. Item often ships in manufacturer container to reduce packaging. To hide what's inside, choose Ship in Amazon packaging at checkout." The issue is they are relying on the manufacturer's "container" which is often very flimsy as "good enough" to be able to stand up to shipping, which it clearly is not. Who is making these decisions? What's next - I order some socks and they just slap the shipping label on the cardboard wrap-around label t...
by CorradoJr
Wed Aug 09, 2023 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag
Replies: 115
Views: 10896

What's going on with Amazon? No shipping box or bag

Has anyone noticed lately that small items from Amazon are being shipped in their own packaging without any type of box or padded envelope? My wife ordered a few clothing items and they all were sent in the laziest way possible - they just slapped a shipping label on the actual bagged item and mailed it. These product bags had a plastic zipper top (like a ziploc bag) and thankfully were still closed. A few days ago I ordered a pillow that was delivered in the original package - ultra thin imported plastic that is almost like cellophane (like what a fortune cookie comes wrapped in)- and again it was shipped like this to me. Unfortunately the bag opened about 10" along a seam of the plastic bag. So I have to either be ok with using a pil...
by CorradoJr
Sat Jul 29, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell Phone Wizards - Question
Replies: 13
Views: 1122

Re: Cell Phone Wizards - Question

I don’t think you can install iOS on that phone model at all. Check this link:

https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/ ... a5df43/ios
by CorradoJr
Fri Jul 28, 2023 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (in a 3-fund portfolio)
Replies: 10
Views: 1850

Re: Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares (in a 3-fund portfolio)

I see you are in NJ. Vanguard NJ LT Tax-Exempt Investor has done even better in the past than Vanguard Long-Term Tax-Exempt.

I use the state specific Long-Term Tax-Exempt fund in my 2 fund taxable portfolio (50/50 split of Total Stock Market and State Long-Term Tax-Exempt Bond fund).
by CorradoJr
Mon Jun 05, 2023 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike Trailer for 7 & 4 year old - will this work?
Replies: 10
Views: 960

Re: Bike Trailer for 7 & 4 year old - will this work?

We have a similar single bike trailer, a Burley Minnow. My son was fine from about 2.5-5 years of age. He is almost 6 now and leg room is tight. More importantly, his height seems to be slightly above the aluminum framework of the trailer. He seems to be ok for 30 mins or less, but it doesn't look too comfortable to me. Note - the Minnow instructions does note max weight of 1 child is 40 lbs or less (he's about 46 lbs now) and maximum height is 41.25" (he's about 45" now). So clearly he is getting to heavy and tall for the trailer. I suspect your trailer will have similar weight and height maximums. the Allen Sports AS2 manual only states this about the child's height: "The child’s sitting height should be below the upper cro...
by CorradoJr
Thu May 25, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HSA contribution increases for 2024
Replies: 48
Views: 7328

Re: HSA contribution increases for 2024

The fact that you can never get taxed on these earnings is amazing and I am lucky enough to have VTSAX as an option for my HSA Assuming you use it for medical expenses of course. I contribute some to my HSA, but do not fully max it out. I do max out my 401k and IRA. I'm still young and healthy (knock on wood) and unlike 401ks or IRAs that can be withdrawn for any reason, the idea that I'm saving money to be used 40 years down the road for medical expenses seems dubious to me. The fact that I'm supposed to keep receipts to claim these expenses against is a hassle and I'm not saving any receipts for now. Of course a $100 Dr. office visit today might be $300 in 2063 so maybe when I get closer to actually needing to use HSA funds, I'll get tha...
by CorradoJr
Tue May 16, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ETFs never distribute capital gains?
Replies: 16
Views: 2093

Re: ETFs never distribute capital gains?

Thanks all for the replies, especially regarding "Don't believe everything you hear" when people speak in absolutes "ETFs will never have capital gains!" :oops: In my specific case, I am comparing index ETFs to index mutual funds, and specifically VTSAX to VTI. I believe the convenience for me of the auto-investing is what I need to avoid any behavioral biases ("...the market is down now so I'll just skip adding to my accounts this month...") compared to the slightly lower expense ratio and the possibility of less capital gains distributions in VTI. Plus there is the mechanism for me to convert the mutual fund shares to ETF shares down the road if I desire as a non-taxable event. Unless there is some other comp...
by CorradoJr
Mon May 15, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ETFs never distribute capital gains?
Replies: 16
Views: 2093

ETFs never distribute capital gains?

I've been listening to the "Talking Real Money Podcast" and trying to gain some investing knowledge outside of the Boglehead world. The hosts have claimed several times that ETFs never distribute a capital gain (due their unique structure) and this is one advantage to investing in ETFs over a traditional mutual fund. I've taken an opportunity to tax-loss harvest in my taxable portfolio and have a chance to redo things with either mutual funds or ETFs. This portfolio is for long-term growth, and I don't anticipate touching it for 15-20 years. I made the decision to use VTSAX as I have auto-invest set up and it just works for me automatically 2x a month. I realize with ETFs, auto-investing, at least at Vanguard, is not possible. I'v...
by CorradoJr
Sun May 14, 2023 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subaru Solterra or ID.4?
Replies: 19
Views: 2889

Re: Subaru Solterra or ID.4?

bendix wrote: Sat May 13, 2023 7:44 pm VW however is or used to be the biggest car manufacturer in the world and has bet the bloody farm on EVs, for whatever the reason.
VW’s penance after the “diesel-gate scandal” is pushing EVs as much as possible. They also created the Electrify America charging network as part of the settlement.

I vote for the VW - more models will also be coming soon.
by CorradoJr
Fri Apr 21, 2023 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AVUV - difficult to hold
Replies: 185
Views: 18556

Re: AVUV - difficult to hold

I need to do more research, what is special about AVUV vs a Vanguard equivalent small cap fund or ETF?

I started broadening my investment knowledge outside of the Boglehead philosophiy and the guys on the “Talking Real Money” podcast promote this fund about 20x per episode.

Where did everyone else hear about this find and why has it become so popular in a short amount of time?
by CorradoJr
Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Catalytic converter theft prevention?
Replies: 83
Views: 7153

Re: Catalytic converter theft prevention?

If you notice, you'll see the same brands generally getting these stolen all the time; Toyota/Lexus and Honda. … Why? Couldn’t the explanation be as simple as market share of cars on the road? Possibly, but the issue is there are still manufacturers that have "exposed" catalytic convertors, even after decades of this going on. Large trucks/SUVs aside, why are there never certain brands on this list? (BMW, Mercedes, VW/Audi, Hyundai/Kia, Jeep, etc?) It's probably a combination of market share and manufacturing decisions/engineering/cost. Some cars have the catalytic convertor tucked up close to the firewall/fender behind the wheel. Some Hondas have the catalytic convertor integrated into the exhaust manifold, it is literally inche...
by CorradoJr
Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Catalytic converter theft prevention?
Replies: 83
Views: 7153

Re: Catalytic converter theft prevention?

The big issue here for me is that this is totally preventable issue with proper design of the engine and components. Catalytic convertors should generally be as close to the engine block as possible for best performance. The only reason they cannot be placed close to the engine is due to some type of vehicle design issue (flaw) that prevents this and therefore they have to be added downstream as somewhat of an afterthought. Realistically this might not be possible for a large truck or 18-wheeler but it should be for a passenger car. If you notice, you'll see the same brands generally getting these stolen all the time; Toyota/Lexus and Honda. Look at the companies that make the shields to get an idea of how common it is in Toyota vehicles. W...
by CorradoJr
Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Catalytic converter theft prevention?
Replies: 83
Views: 7153

Re: Catalytic converter theft prevention?

Yes, keep your vehicle low, especially if it is a hybrid with tons of palladium in the cat. https://www.carscoops.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/3f832283-kuhl-prius-2.jpg Does this really help? I thought the bad actors bring a portable car lift with them to the shopping mall. How much would it cost to lower your vehicle, anyway? The cost on lowering springs varies - generally $150 on up. There are also coil-overs, where the amount of lowering is adjustable rather than a set height. With vehicle lowering comes some a lot of cons and some pros: cons: installation cost on each axle (plus an alignment) potential for reduced ride quality (varies depending on lowering amount 10mm, 30mm, 40mm, etc.) and spring brand/quality potential for scraping...
by CorradoJr
Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Citi Double Cash: Logistics
Replies: 14
Views: 1323

Re: Citi Double Cash: Logistics

If you try to pay down the card to $0 before the statement generates, that helps with the payout amount. I try to pay down as much as possible so I get that 2% back as quickly as possible.
by CorradoJr
Wed Mar 01, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 5077

How to keep rabbits off lawn?

I live in a densely packed neighborhood with a very small front and rear lot (about 1000 square feet) of grass. Part of my suburban dream is to have a nice lawn, which I have been trying to slowly improve over the past few years (I am fully aware of a counter movement to embrace weeds, naturally occurring bushes, leave leaves on the ground to decompose, etc.). To this end, I have used various fertilizers, grass seeds, etc. in an effort to improve my lawn's appearance. Last spring I took the final measure and started from scratch - killing the entire lawn, using a rototiller to till about 10-12" down putting in soil amendments and then completely reseeding the entire lawn. It looked great in spring and the early summer last year, howeve...
by CorradoJr
Fri Feb 03, 2023 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kia Theft Issues
Replies: 59
Views: 7323

Re: Kia Theft Issues

JakeyLee wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:50 pm
twh wrote: Thu Dec 29, 2022 11:15 pm The thing about any security upgrade in the car is that the thief doesn't know you have installed that and is going to break into the car anyway, only to find out that they can't drive it off. If you use a Club type steering wheel device, that might be enough, because the potential thief can see that ahead of time.
Hyundai/Kia have been cutting corners in this area for years.
The thing some folks know or don’t want to admit is Kia/Hyundai are still not that far advanced from their economy car roots just a few car cycles ago. While car thefts trends can happen to any brand, they truly cut corners here and the brands should absolutely get all of the negative press for this.
by CorradoJr
Thu Jan 26, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Lease return: how to negotiate down wear/repair costs?
Replies: 29
Views: 2783

Re: Car Lease return: how to negotiate down wear/repair costs?

Can you check the lease paperwork to see what needs to be done?

This seems like a specific situation, I’ve leased several cars before and about 60-90 days prior to the lease expiring I’ve been presented with instructions on how to return the car, including making a pre-inspection (optional) and a range of charges for damages.

BMW goes a step further and mails a “ding-o-meter” (clear plastic circle) that you can take over to the car and measure any scrapes, dings, etc to see if they are larger than “Target” on the tool. Some leases have very specific requirements - again BMW states the tires must be the same as the car was equipped down to the brand and model.
by CorradoJr
Wed Jan 25, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Car seats - Realistic options
Replies: 9
Views: 965

Re: 3 Car seats - Realistic options

If spacing is an issue, you might need to look into narrower car seats like the Clek Foonf or Filo.

Perhaps check “the car seat lady.com” for additional ideas?
by CorradoJr
Sun Jan 15, 2023 12:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone noticing price reductions?
Replies: 55
Views: 5837

Re: Anyone noticing price reductions?

Every time I go to the several grocery stores in my area I am still shocked.

Most of the organic items are way up, even more than regular non-organic items.

Even non-organic items like a 6-pack of Thomas’ English muffins are $5.29.

Amy’s Soups (organic) were $4.39 a can! I’m in my 40s but never thought I’d see $4 cans of soup in my lifetime.

I also just paid $6.39 for a dozen free-range brown eggs.
Any my favorite bread (Dave’s Killer Bread) is now $6.99 for a loaf.

My grocery bill is killing me!
by CorradoJr
Mon Jan 09, 2023 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bosch 500 vs 800 Dishwasher
Replies: 36
Views: 8340

Re: Bosch 500 vs 800 Dishwasher

We are on our second 800 series, the first one lasted about 11 years and we waited almost an entire year for a replacement late last year.

Not all 800s have crystal dry, but it is worth it, plastics come out very dry and if you load it correctly, there is zero water or condensation, no need to prop the door open and frankly this saves me time as I can put the items right back into the cupboards.

Compare the models carefully. In addition to 800 models there are also the “800 plus” and Benchmark models, however some of these are louder than the 800 models. (I think these designations still apply and they seem to have more bells and whistles).

We got the quietest model we could find, SHX878ZD5N at 42 dBA.
by CorradoJr
Wed Jan 04, 2023 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 52300

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

I missed the one-day sale at Amazon as I was on vacation without internet access.

What’s the best deal as of now for TurboTax Deluxe, either download or disc version?

I’m a Costco member and I see they have a similar deal going for the next few weeks.

I hope my vacation didn’t cost me an extra $10!
by CorradoJr
Tue Dec 20, 2022 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 52300

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

Costco web site shows 2022 TurboTax deluxe fed+state at $55, but includes a $10 credit for "in program" expense like stated e-file. Haven't bought it, but just offering info. I received the latest Costco sale flyer in the mail today (sale from 12/28-1/22). They are offering: $11 off Deluxe Federal or Deluxe Federal+State $18 off Premier Federal+State $20 off Home & Business $30 off Business Federal+State is currently $55.99 on their website plus still includes the "$10 credit". So ostensibly it could be 55.99-11= $44.99. I'm assuming the $10 credit would cover the cost of a state filing, although can't confirm this. It's also a strange way to throw in the state filing. Other options for using the credit: * Includes ...
by CorradoJr
Wed Nov 16, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: After-school activities & enrichment for Kindergartener
Replies: 15
Views: 1453

After-school activities & enrichment for Kindergartener

Does anyone have recommendations for an after school enrichment program for a 5 year old? Currently my son participates in an indoor “multi-sport”’program that is managed by my local township. It’s a good chance to run around for an hour and explore a different sport every other week (basketball, handball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, etc). I live in the Mid-Atlantic so indoors is nice this time of year. The program ends in December and we are looking for a new activity for him, I was thinking something indoors and perhaps mentally enriching. Our township does have a chess program, but unfortunately the program is already full to capacity! Does anyone have experience with a local or online coding program or some other enrichment programs (art,...
by CorradoJr
Tue Nov 01, 2022 11:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: news article: young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market
Replies: 49
Views: 6325

Re: news article: young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market

Young people have turned to crypto as their “investment” vehicle of choice.
by CorradoJr
Wed Oct 12, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's going to happen to office buildings?
Replies: 59
Views: 6548

Re: What's going to happen to office buildings?

I think the place to look into business opportunities or investing are the companies that benefit from all of the change when a building is unused or repurposed. I don’t necessarily think the real estate itself is the focus area, but construction companies, painting, moving companies, realtors, etc. I have a parallel idea always in my head on a similar theme - there is a building near me in a terrible location that is always a restaurant of some sort. Every 1-2 years the restaurant closes and re-opens as something else (formerly a McDonalds, then Thai, Indian, Pizza shop). I don’t think it’s the same owners, the cuisines are “different” enough (it could be) but I wish I could see the business opportunity in “forecasting” when the business w...
by CorradoJr
Mon Oct 10, 2022 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 8 months wait for a new car!
Replies: 53
Views: 7327

Re: 8 months wait for a new car!

Waiting for a car or submitting an order is very common in Europe and other parts around the world. It seems to be a very American thing to buy a car on a lot and take something home immediately. I have enjoyed specc’ing my previous cars exactly to my liking (color, wheels, interior trim, engine type, options, etc) and have enjoyed the wait. The end result is something you truly enjoy using instead of just “good enough.” But I understand cars are very personal for everyone. I used to sell cars when I was younger and I had more than one customer just tell me “I’ll take any car on the lot as long as it’s [insert color] and under [insert price]. It always amazes me that someone could be that blasé about a purchase that they’d use every day for...
by CorradoJr
Fri Oct 07, 2022 5:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Spice set/spice rack
Replies: 22
Views: 1463

Re: New Spice set/spice rack

Thank you all for the suggestions! I will look into several options and see what works best for my family.

I also like the idea of growing your own, something I’ve done before and should probably be doing again.
by CorradoJr
Sun Oct 02, 2022 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Spice set/spice rack
Replies: 22
Views: 1463

New Spice set/spice rack

Does anyone have suggestions on a reasonably-priced refills for a spice set? In my kitchen, I have small refillable glass jars with a wire bail that closes the lids. I like this vs. a plastic bottle and they all fit into a spice rack in my cabinets. Most of my spices are 7-10 years old and while I have used the common spices (and refilled) many times, others I’m afraid are probably “expired.” I use cinnamon, oregano, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, cumin, and basil the most in my cooking. I’m not some super-foodie type, so I use McCormick or Trader Joe’s or other similar priced spices. I figured it might be easier and cheaper to find a pre-filled set and refill my own jars. I could by everything a la carte, but it seems most jars of spices a...
by CorradoJr
Wed Sep 28, 2022 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to store photos?
Replies: 30
Views: 2632

Re: Where to store photos?

Thanks all for the ideas so far.

I’m fairly technology inclined and have experimented with a NAS device before, however not with iPhones and photos.

This is a rather basic questions but how would I move a photo or folder of photos to the NAS device without a laptop or a USB cable? Perhaps I am mistaken but unlike a Windows machine, I don’t think I can control-c and paste over to a new folder on the NAS.
by CorradoJr
Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to store photos?
Replies: 30
Views: 2632

Where to store photos?

For the past 10 years or so, I’ve moved away from laptops/desktop computer to having only an iPhone as my source of connectivity to the internet. I have a young child now and find myself taking lots of photos lately, as well as requesting “digital” files when we visit Santa, the Easter Bunny, school photos, etc. What I am experiencing is that I have no solid method of storing these photos long term, unless I rely on some type of cloud service. (I think even then, files are compressed somewhat unless you upgrade.). I do have Google photos and the free 15GB storage is almost full. A second issue is my work issued laptop prevents any USB stick for security reasons and also prevents logging into to Gmail or Google Photos. So feasibly I don’t ha...
by CorradoJr
Sun Aug 21, 2022 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Odor Eliminator for Rental Property
Replies: 33
Views: 3808

Re: Odor Eliminator for Rental Property

runner3081 wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 3:41 pm Ozone machine, but be careful and follow the directions.
I agree on an ozone machine. I used to work at a hotel and this is what they used when someone “accidentally smoked” in a non-smoking room.