Search found 238 matches

by wilshuer
Tue Nov 01, 2022 5:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart plug to reboot router?
Replies: 29
Views: 7022

Re: Smart plug to reboot router?

About this item Monitors Internet Connectivity and Cycles Power Outlet when Broadband (DSL, cable, satellite, FiOS, etc) Connection is Lost Automatically Restart Remote Equipment such as Modems, Routers, PCs or Security Cameras when they Crash, Freeze or Lock-Up Connects to your LAN via 2.4G WiFi or 10/100 Ethernet Schedule Multiple Automatic Power Cycles (e.g. ON at 6 AM, OFF at 9 PM) Free Monitor & Control App for iPhone / iPad / Android Phones & Tablets or use Cloud & Web Interfaces https://www.amazon.com/ezOutlet5-Internet-WiFi-Reboot-Switch/dp/B0861NX6H2/ref=pd_bxgy_sccl_1/145-9075329-1717003?pd_rd_w=pITVq&content-id=amzn1.sym.7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_rd_p=7757a8b5-874e-4a67-9d85-54ed32f01737&pf_r...
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 17, 2022 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: American Express and Disney+ bundle
Replies: 16
Views: 2462

Re: American Express and Disney+ bundle

I just happened to see it in Sept. Changed the Amex over to pay for it, and going on the second month getting the $7 credit. Pretty good deal for no effort/cost.
by wilshuer
Tue Jul 26, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Leaving for a week: shut off main water supply?
Replies: 174
Views: 19683

Re: Leaving for a week: shut off main water supply?

Installed a water softener about 6 months ago. It is smart and connected through an app, alerts if it detects flow for over 20 mins - this can be customized. Also has the ability to turn off all water through the app, great features for an incremental cost of the softener.
by wilshuer
Thu Jun 30, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism
Replies: 33
Views: 3066

Re: Colorado Springs - 1 day tourism

White water rafting is going to be a bit of a drive 1-2 hrs.

Garden of the Gods is nice, can wander around in Manitou Springs. Gold Camp road is a nice drive up to Cripple Creek if you're looking for old west town, has casinos but maintains the old west feel. Lots of mines nearby. Cripple Creek and Victor railway is an attraction there.
by wilshuer
Mon May 09, 2022 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to reach gutters over 20ft high
Replies: 55
Views: 5018

Re: Need to reach gutters over 20ft high

If you have a pressure washer, there are fittings to clean out the gutters - nozzles 180 degrees apart and hooked to git into the gutter. Works quite well, although prepare to get wet. At 20' up, you'll need an appropriate extension too. Total investment would probably be ~$200 if you have the pressure washer. If not, may make sense to hire out.
by wilshuer
Wed Mar 02, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to wipe an SSD drive
Replies: 29
Views: 2153

Re: How to wipe an SSD drive

newbie003 wrote: Wed Mar 02, 2022 12:36 pm To further clarify, I need to 'wipe' the drive as I need to send the computer back to Amazon.

I'm not sure who makes the drive (is there somewhere I can find this w/o opening up and physically looking)?

This is the computer in question; https://support.hp.com/rs-en/document/c07927242
An HP computer should have something built into BIOS.

https://support.hp.com/hr-en/document/c06204100
by wilshuer
Tue Mar 01, 2022 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much of an increase are Bogleheads seeing for their homeowners insurance renewal?
Replies: 74
Views: 8608

Re: How much of an increase are Bogleheads seeing for their homeowners insurance renewal?

Increase of 64% YoY - no claims or anything else from my side to drive the increase. Around Houston area so perhaps last year freeze effects.

Shopped to another company and ended up with a 10% increase.
by wilshuer
Wed Feb 09, 2022 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cautionary tale on using PayPal checkout
Replies: 5
Views: 2568

Cautionary tale on using PayPal checkout

Recently learned the hard way that you seem to lose buyer protections with PayPal Checkout. I have noticed it popping up on many large retailers as an option to pay, as well on many smaller sites. I figured it was safer than having my credit card number on many sites, only linked through PayPal, and have been using it quite a bit over the past year. My wife purchased a small item on a small vendor website, which turned out to be a scam. I disputed through Chase, the card linked to my PayPal account (a CSR card) figuring rather simple. Seems PayPal won't let you dispute if you initiate a dispute through your bank, and then Chase got feedback from PayPal that the item had a tracking number (which was fake), so they determined the charge was v...
by wilshuer
Sun Jan 23, 2022 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel recommendations for England?
Replies: 46
Views: 5162

Re: Travel recommendations for England?

blackburnian wrote: Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:49 am Thanks! Cornwall is a good suggestion. We've also thought of the Wessex Downs (+ Bath) or the North York Moors (+ York). Day trips from London is a thought, but we'd rather stay in one other locality for a few days. Will probably not go to Scotland on this trip. Any other suggestions welcome!
If you have to choose one or the other, I would recommend York over Bath. Spent time in both for work. Likely a bit more to do/see in York. If you’re able to, taking the walk around the old wall is interesting and a lot to see on the route.

York also has the National train museum which was interesting to see.
by wilshuer
Mon Nov 01, 2021 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic
Replies: 572
Views: 76528

Re: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic

stan1 wrote: Sun Oct 31, 2021 10:01 pm Cholula hot sauce (all varieties) gone for over a month, with other brands now scarce too.
They must have shipped it all to my local Costco. They had a full pallet of double pack bottles yesterday.
by wilshuer
Wed Oct 27, 2021 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What To Do With Father's House? Anyone Familiar with OpenDoor.com?
Replies: 10
Views: 1653

Re: What To Do With Father's House? Anyone Familiar with OpenDoor.com?

It's easy to get no-pressure offers from them and Offerpad. Due to timing we went this route when sold our last home. Offerpad was by far the highest, and we ended up with cash in hand from them that was just about what they sold our house for ~100d after our close minus the 6%. Felt we came out pretty good. It's a datapoint and offer you can get with little effort.
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 25, 2021 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase vs. Citi: anyone have experience?
Replies: 45
Views: 3559

Re: Chase vs. Citi: anyone have experience?

Been with Chase via Bank One for a few decades. Overall no real issues - checking, savings, investment, CCs, Auto Loans and Mortgages through the years. In my area many more ATMs and branches than Citi. Hardly have to deal with a person, but the few times have been better than average for a mega bank. Website and App are both pretty good. One that stood out for me was when I was trying to get a replacement title for a car I had paid off, I needed a lien release letter from Chase. Called their auto loan number, told them I had paid a car off 5-6 years ago and needed a release letter, going in to the call with low expectations. After a few questions and proving who I was, they had it pulled up and said a letter would be sent out. Got it 3-4 d...
by wilshuer
Tue Aug 10, 2021 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "No Soliciting Sign" For House?
Replies: 30
Views: 3266

Re: "No Soliciting Sign" For House?

Found the best thing that worked for us. When our twin boys were born, we put a laminated sign on the door that said "Babies sleeping, please do not disturb - dogs will bark if you ring doorbell. If emergency text xxx-xxx-xxxx."

Seems nobody wanted to wake up a sleeping baby. Only people who texted were food delivery, etc. Worked so well we kept the sign up for almost 8 years until we moved.
by wilshuer
Wed Jul 28, 2021 11:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Newest card on the market by M1 - upto 10% Cash Back
Replies: 32
Views: 9031

Re: Newest card on the market by M1 - upto 10% Cash Back

atdharris wrote: Wed Jul 28, 2021 10:54 am What does up to 10% entail? So it can be less? Obviously getting 10% back on every Amazon purchase or Apple purchase sounds too good to be true.
This was what I could find.

"Today, M1 Finance announced the details of a new rewards credit card that replaces points to spend with stocks to hold.

It's called the M1 Owner's Rewards Card, and it comes with some eye-popping bonus payouts: 10% cash back on your Netflix subscription, 5% back on Delta Air Lines purchases, 5% back at Starbucks, and 2.5% at Amazon and Target. Other names with bonus incentives include Spotify, Nike, Doordash, and AMC."
by wilshuer
Wed Jun 23, 2021 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Customer Reviews
Replies: 32
Views: 2669

Re: Customer Reviews

Similar experience. I usually look at the lower ones to get a better feel on what to expect. I had given a fairly honest review on a product, and noted the packaging was poor causing the item to be cosmetically damaged but functionality was ok. Dropped a star because of that and because I commented on packaging Amazon refused my review, note this was product packaging not Amazon’s shipping packaging.
by wilshuer
Mon Jun 14, 2021 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Locast Streaming Service?
Replies: 21
Views: 1896

Re: Locast Streaming Service?

I've used it for seems almost 2 years, on Rokus. I can get most of the same though OTA antenna, but I like the ease of pulling it up on the Roku, and having the TV Guide - worth the $5/mo in my opinion. Picture quality and sound is excellent.

The one challenging part I have found is that sometimes where my ISP puts me based on IP address, Locast thinks I'm outside of the service area for my metro-area based on IP data. Happens maybe 2-3 times per year. A simple email to Locast support has it fixed within the hour. This is an issue specific to Roku and the IP handling of the ISP.
by wilshuer
Fri Feb 26, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tiling a Shower
Replies: 44
Views: 4487

Re: Tiling a Shower

I would say if you haven't done tile before, a shower is a risky place to start as it needs to be water-tight and sloped or else you'll have significant problems down the road. Adding in a bench, the thresholds and sealing around doors will add even more complexity.
by wilshuer
Wed Feb 03, 2021 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance, Doordash & a Delivery Driver
Replies: 10
Views: 2229

Re: Car Insurance, Doordash & a Delivery Driver

The insurance companies are adverse to risk, and this adds a risk they don't want to take. Also a murky area between when/what is actually covered.

My wife does some DoorDash now and again, usually when her real job is slow. We initially inquired through Progressive who we had insurance with, and it was an astronomical increase. Ended up changing companies (SafeCo), lowered rate overall, and the food delivery (no passengers) endorsement was something like +$50/6m period.

At best it is a breakeven and that has slowed her down. There are also tricks to seeing what the better orders are - the 19 mile one way delivery for a $3.21 order is a waste of time.
by wilshuer
Sun Jan 03, 2021 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to negotiate sale at Carmax?
Replies: 32
Views: 5420

Re: how to negotiate sale at Carmax?

Try Give me the VIN, they’ll beat Carmax and others.

Painless, they come to your house with a check and pick it up. I’ve used them twice.
by wilshuer
Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice for building a 100% fossil-fuel stock free portfolio
Replies: 95
Views: 5034

Re: Need advice for building a 100% fossil-fuel stock free portfolio

Rather than shunning them, it might be good to research how some of the large companies are investing into alternatives. A true transition will require a shift of the traditional fossil fuel companies as well.

Equnior, Shell, BP, Engie are all shifting investment into alternatives and have net-zero timeline goals. Also, much of what these companies do is enabled by tech from Microsoft, Amazon and Google.
by wilshuer
Sun Oct 25, 2020 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

Please bear with me as this was our first refinance. We closed with LenderFi on 9/21 for a no-cost refinance. At the beginning of our paperwork with them, they estimated our mortgage balance at 400K although it was really 399K. By the time we closed, we’d paid another mortgage payment so the balance was 397K. At closing, the paperwork said the balance would be no more than 400K. We waited to see what the balance would be when we could log in to our servicer’s online account, loan was sold to AmeriHome, and we logged in to find the balance at 400K. Is there something I could be overlooking about why the balance wouldn’t be 397K? I sent an email to LenderFi and haven’t heard back; I’m planning to call on Monday but wanted to make sure it’s n...
by wilshuer
Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

Eurookat wrote: Tue Oct 20, 2020 11:42 am I closed on the 14th of Oct, how long does it take for the payoff to go through?
For me it was exactly at end of business day 3 days post-close. I received an email that morning stating it was being funded that day.
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 12, 2020 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Lego experts out there?
Replies: 30
Views: 3973

Re: Any Lego experts out there?

EagertoLearnMore wrote: Mon Oct 12, 2020 2:44 pm If you are going to keep working with your grandchild on LEGO perhaps you would like to buy this handy LEGO brick separator. Our family only found out about it later after much effort separating models, but it is a real helper and inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Classic-Bri ... B0076VIZBW

LEGO offer wonderful learning experiences and the importance of patience when working with the more detailed models.

Enjoy all the time with your grandchild.
Most of the larger sets come with one.

We probably have a few dozen of the separators.
by wilshuer
Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying during the pandemic
Replies: 94
Views: 7553

Re: Flying during the pandemic

Flew about a month ago on United, was a bit odd with airport being fairly slow in middle of the day. Planes were full, not an empty seat. Seems they had taken care to clean, handed wipes for us to clean. Never really felt unsafe. Thought it was funny that we were told to social distance standing in line to board, but then were spending the next 4 hours a few inches away from the same people. Boarding and de-boarding seemed much more organized, few rows at a time. Did not seem to take any longer. Food in the airports was a challenge, most places closed. Those that were open had long lines. A good point I saw raised was that if flying was unsafe, then there would be large numbers of flight attendants and pilots being reported as sick, which d...
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 05, 2020 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

ossipago wrote: Mon Oct 05, 2020 12:49 pm RE: Question on prepaids - SOLVED.

Can someone explain how the mobile notary process works? How long does it take? Does it typically take place outdoors if you have an outdoor space available, or indoors only?
They should be able to meet you wherever you'd like - and given COVID I'm sure they'll follow whatever precautions you'd like. Show your ID, they verify who are you, sign into their log book. And then you go through and sign all the forms. Took maybe 30-40 mins at most. Very simple.
by wilshuer
Thu Oct 01, 2020 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil drain pan?
Replies: 25
Views: 2115

Re: Oil drain pan?

I have one almost identical to the one your article lists as best overall. May even be the exact same one.

It is probably the best one I've used. Keeps the used oil contained for a few changes, just have to wipe out the catch area after each change.

When it gets near full, I bring it to local auto parts store for drop off as I'm buying oil for the next change.
by wilshuer
Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

For those who have already closed, how soon after receiving the pre-closing CD were you contacted to schedule closing? I received and signed my pre-closing CD on Tuesday (9/15), but have had no communication with the settlement firm or LF since then. I've seen several posts about not receiving final CDs and/or closing packet until the night before or even hours before closing, but right now I'm trying to figure out when to expect initial contact and when to hit the panic button if I still haven't heard from anyone. A few hours ago I emailed the contact listed on my preliminary CD, but no response yet. I was given the CD on 4-Sep Friday with a planned closing to be on 9-Sep and was told it was scheduled and I would hear from the notary. Tit...
by wilshuer
Thu Sep 17, 2020 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

Closed on Fri, prior mortgage was funded and closed yesterday. Final stretch took a bit longer, but they honored rate lock almost two weeks after it expired which was nice. Prior to loan funding yesterday, they asked me about inquiries on my credit report - which was rate shopping in July. I know they couldn't have pulled a new report as all are frozen. Perhaps they tried, and then just took the inquiries from the report they pulled back in July.

When looking back at the LD paperwork from the end of Aug, they had the funding date as 16Sep, so looked like they were right on with their timeline from a few weeks ago.
by wilshuer
Wed Sep 09, 2020 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My LenderFi refinance is going well
Replies: 1849
Views: 215635

Re: My LenderFi refinance is going well

Mine expired on 8/27, scheduled to be closing this afternoon. They are honoring the the rate even though the lock has long since passed.
by wilshuer
Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a (mortgage) lender do this? [prepayment question]
Replies: 10
Views: 2533

Re: Can a (mortgage) lender do this?

My mortgage is currently serviced by Mr Cooper. Refinancing right now so don't know where I end up.

You are able to apply payment to principal, but they also have the 'partial-payment'. As other's noted, they just don't apply the payment until your partial payments total the monthly payment - i.e. it doesn't reduce your principal by making partial payments.

I have autopay set up for the full payment, with an additional amount toward the principal. If I'm interpreting your question correctly, you are concerned you won't be able to do this - don't worry, you are able to.
by wilshuer
Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1277379

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Thanks to many from this thread, after shopping around the past week or so and somewhat frustrated in seeing about all I could get from the various ones listed here was 3.0%/30y with ~$500-$1000 closing costs. And a no response from LenderFi with primary address.

Took one last try at LenderFi with a different email address on Friday paid off, got a reply last night from the second email address query, and just locked in at 2.625%/30y with about $300 cost.
by wilshuer
Tue Jul 21, 2020 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car
Replies: 101
Views: 6852

Re: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car

Probably less focus on the type of car, more on keeping them busy.

Tablets with ability to stream what they typically watch - one for each so no fighting, kids earphones that fit over ears, a power converter or something to ensure they keep charged while being used.

Plenty of snacks you can hand them. Perhaps some type of tray for the snacks. Color books or other simple drawing items if they like to do that.

Not sure how yours typically travel, but we have taken mine on a similar drive 2x per year to visit family since they were really little. And they do not sleep a bit in the car. During the entire drive you hardly know they’re there - keeping them entertained with something is the key.
by wilshuer
Tue Apr 28, 2020 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you explain no COVID19 Stimulus Payment?
Replies: 89
Views: 8585

Re: How do you explain no COVID19 Stimulus Payment?

I can speak to this. I was talking with a buddy and while asking me if I'd gotten a check he showed me a partial screenshot of his bank account ledger that included the covid check deposit. Now he may have done this because we both are in many ways philosophically against the idea of helicopter money and skeptical of its efficacy, and so it was ironic that he was the recipient of some money. But I think he did it because the line item below the COVID check, a debit, was for a popular porn site and there was just something amusing about those two line items together on the statement (and yes, the statement was cropped to not show balances, he/we have more class than that!). In any case, my immediate response was "we don't qualify"...
by wilshuer
Mon Apr 13, 2020 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hand Truck Tire Replacement
Replies: 19
Views: 1212

Re: Hand Truck Tire Replacement

Hard to tell the size in the picture, but looks very similar to some I replaced on a garden cart. Same hub design.

The cheapest replacement I found was at Harbor Freight - entire tire already assembled. It was cheaper than a replacement tube, and a lot less hassle.
by wilshuer
Tue Dec 17, 2019 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Safer" places for Spanish immersion experience?
Replies: 84
Views: 9254

Re: "Safer" places for Spanish immersion experience?

I didn’t see it anywhere, surprised Puerto Rico wasn’t mentioned.
by wilshuer
Thu Dec 05, 2019 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Declining Customer Service AT&T
Replies: 24
Views: 1850

Re: Declining Customer Service AT&T

Actually have to compliment customer service from them lately - however it was through the online chat, I always use that option for most companies if available, not only do you get documentation of the chat, also seems to be less of a wait in general. My case was with being charged a $/m rate for international calls while on wifi and using the international roaming. A sort of gray area which I hadn't been charged for before. Apparently being on the hotel wifi, and having wifi calling activated, ran up around $30 of international long distance charges. Once I saw this on my bill, I complained through the chat, explained how I travel internationally almost every other month and this was the first time seeing this charge. The rep apologized, ...
by wilshuer
Thu Dec 05, 2019 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Found hidden safe, should we crack?
Replies: 353
Views: 108536

Re: Found hidden safe, should we crack?

This thread has intrigued me from the start, waiting to see what’s inside.

Taking the picture and looking up the potential model, I noticed some of their floor safes that have the same looking door indicate a false floor. Perhaps a word of caution if you only stick a camera inside.
by wilshuer
Wed Nov 20, 2019 5:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS informed delivery for multiple addresses
Replies: 17
Views: 10334

Re: USPS informed delivery for multiple addresses

My experience with Informed Delivery was well worth it. I had letters that could clearly been seen to be checks from Healthcare Bluebook. Didn’t know I was going to get them as we seem to get them randomly based on our health benefits. The checks seemed to have disappeared, after not showing up for a few weeks, I called Healthcare Bluebook, explained the situation, and they blocked they old checks and reissued new ones. About a week later got two new ones, total $50. No clue what happened to the originals, lost or stolen - in the scanned image could clearly see ‘pay to the order of’ in the address window. Regardlesss, if not for informed delivery I would have never known and would have been out the $50.
by wilshuer
Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Was I ripped off at the car dealership?
Replies: 73
Views: 9091

Re: Was I ripped off at the car dealership?

Helo80 wrote: Sat Nov 09, 2019 6:25 am
RickBoglehead wrote: Fri Nov 08, 2019 10:33 pm Backseat forum auto repair experts, coupled with not being there, yields....
Far more to the point and humorous than I could have been...

my favorite was listening to somebody here explaining why their 2+ Ton Suburban with 180k+ miles still had good shocks because the annual state safety inspection covered checking the shocks if you looked at the DOT website....
If you’re talking about me, thank your for your advice about how to keep my Suburban running safely. I’m quite adept at car repairs, and because my Suburban has 180k+ miles it isn’t unsafe.
by wilshuer
Sat Nov 09, 2019 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seller's agent not letting us use a buyer's agent
Replies: 122
Views: 13846

Re: Seller's agent not letting us use a buyer's agent

Procuring cause means that the agent who "performed the tasks that led you to buy would be the agent who ‘earned’ the commission,” Read more about Procuring cause here: www.realtor.com/advice/buy/if-i-first-saw-a-house-with-one-realtor-can-i-buy-it-with-another2.amp/ This is why I generally avoid going to open houses. If you decide to go to one without your buyers agent, I would bring the agent’s business card and explicitly state you are working with someone. This is well established and you won’t have any recourse. Your buyers agent should have warned you and given you instructions. Seems pretty clear in that article it talks about having a contract for representation, even then says difficult to enforce. In case of an open house, v...
by wilshuer
Sat Nov 02, 2019 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 151273

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

2008 Suburban just about to break 190k. Will be driving cross country for Thanksgiving so expect 200k by the end of the year.

No major maintenance done, mostly consumables - belts, brakes, filters, O2, oil sending unit...and all DIY.
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 28, 2019 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wi-Fi Calling on AT&T
Replies: 17
Views: 1771

Re: Wi-Fi Calling on AT&T

I have to have it on for calls inside my house, I don't see any particular downside on leaving it on all the time - with one exception. When traveling abroad, which I do often for work, I use the international day pass. I don't know if they changed it recently, but if you make a call with wifi calling on, then you are charged a per minute rate for phone calls. Learned the hard way when I had about $20 of charges for phone calls. To ATT credit, they waived the charges.

Now as soon as I leave I turn the wifi calling off, then any phone calls are included within the day pass charges.

Annoying, but I suspect it is to do with how the wifi calls land on the network.
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 28, 2019 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Universal Orlando for 4 days
Replies: 27
Views: 1885

Re: Universal Orlando for 4 days

Being a holiday weekend, it is well worth it. You pretty much walk up to most of the rides. You also get extended access to the park - I think an hour or so early.

Overall it made for a more relaxing holiday - rode most everything we wanted by early afternoon, some twice. To be honest by the evening we were done with the park and went back to the hotel for a relaxing dinner. Then went back to the park for a few hours until close.

We went last year and stayed at the Royal Pacific. Took the ferry to the park, was very convenient.
by wilshuer
Mon Oct 28, 2019 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is drive up storage worth the cost?
Replies: 16
Views: 1823

Re: Is drive up storage worth the cost?

Given you said you're in Houston, you might consider flooding. With a drive up you'll be on the first floor, potential to get flooded.

I'm in Houston area as well. With recent rain from Imelda, a storage place I had stuff in during a recent move earlier in the year was flooded - most of the first floor units. I had emptied my stuff out of there a few months ago, so not affected, but many others were. Just another consideration.
by wilshuer
Wed Oct 09, 2019 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: lastpass noob question
Replies: 40
Views: 4348

Re: lastpass noob question

With lastpass, another level of security is to use a secondary device along with the master password, such as a yubikey. Then you can also set the country level security so it only works in the US. A few more added steps to minimize intrusion efforts.
by wilshuer
Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying in the US after losing ID
Replies: 18
Views: 3045

Re: Flying in the US after losing ID

I did this a few years ago in Denver, when leaving the rental lot and showed my license, put it into the car door pocket. When I went back to airport for departure, realized I had done that when pulling my wallet out at security. Not having time to get it from rental car, I told the story to the TSA agent. Showed a credit card, club card with picture, and employee ID with picture. Got the “special treatment”, full pat down, wipe tests, hand search bag, etc. Took about 5 mins.
by wilshuer
Wed Sep 04, 2019 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ability to Stream NFL Games (Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays)
Replies: 38
Views: 5132

Re: Ability to Stream NFL Games (Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays)

Do you have family within the broadcast area?

My solution was to purchase an AirTV, set up in my parent's house with a simple antenna. I can then watch through the Sling app on Roku at home in different state, or even on iphone or ipad while I'm traveling.

Has worked well for 2 years, haven't had to touch it. The downside is no pause, etc - however I believe the newer units now have a DVR. Total cost at the time for me was ~$110.
by wilshuer
Mon Aug 26, 2019 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Started mulch project and now have huge piles of excess dirt!
Replies: 25
Views: 2813

Re: Started mulch project and now have huge piles of excess dirt!

You’d be surprised, someone may want the dirt too. I see it posted a lot around here. People are always looking for fill material. Coming from front of a house gives a much higher probability of it being clean too - another challenge with fill material, being sure it isn’t from a toxic dump.
by wilshuer
Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need Creative Solutions for Billing Expenses to Renter
Replies: 27
Views: 2883

Re: Need Creative Solutions for Billing Expenses to Renter

StillLearning1977 wrote: Thu Aug 15, 2019 1:15 pm I like this idea. Contract says $350 flat rate for all bills cable, internet, electric, gas, water, trash and lawn maintenance. And temperature year round must stay between 70-74 degrees. Also disclose house has a Nest which I can monitor temperature settings.

This is by far the easiest, and dovetails with most important renting any property - - vetting of tenants.
Maybe it's just me, but if I was looking to rent a place and the contract stipulated the temperature range - and narrow at that - I would probably run. Would make me wonder what else I would be surprised with.
by wilshuer
Thu Aug 15, 2019 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Houston
Replies: 39
Views: 4906

Re: Moving to Houston

Note sure of your budget, etc - which could significantly direct your choices.

You may look into the Rice Village - University area - just south of US59/I69. The schools tend to be good around there, and not far from the Montrose area, where you may have a harder time finding a better school.

I work in the city, but we live on the outskirts so can't particularly comment on apartments or schools in the downtown area.

A few resources to look at...

https://texasschoolguide.org/houston/

I also see a lot of discussions here...

http://www.city-data.com/forum/houston/