Search found 1422 matches
- Sun Jul 05, 2020 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Toyota Venza
- Replies: 23
- Views: 4367
Re: Toyota Venza
An update on my original entry above from years ago. While I stand by my specific comments above re: paint, tires, & noisy We liked the car enough and especially the supportive seat that we bought another Venza in 2015 and still have it today. The same type issues mentioned about the 2011 are present in the 2015 however overall we liked the 2011 and the 2015. The tires on both only lasted ~ 35,000 miles. When you replace the tires consider Michelin premier LTX 245/55r19 all season. They are much quieter and are quality imo. We will wait a few years for the kinks to be worked out of the 2020 Venza and likely get another then. I like that assembly is in Japan. Also the basic model was being made for another Country (I forget where) before...
- Fri Mar 24, 2017 5:18 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What inflation rate do you use for your planning?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 12715
Re: What inflation rate do you use for your planning?
Being in the withdrawal phase, as relates to adjusting needed annual income across 30 yrs of retirement I use 4.25%. That is higher than my projected growth rate thus a decreasing balance. We have no need for legacy plans. Some of the 4.25% is attempting to account for decreased purchasing power as well as inflation.
- Fri Mar 24, 2017 5:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is your preferred Weather App?
- Replies: 55
- Views: 6833
- Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which state to move for milder weather
- Replies: 118
- Views: 21300
Re: Which state to move for milder weather
Victoria Canada!
Wish I had realized at an earlier age how wonderful the year round weather is in Victoria.
Winter lows 36-42 F and never ever snows
summer highs 54-68 F.
Wish I had realized at an earlier age how wonderful the year round weather is in Victoria.
Winter lows 36-42 F and never ever snows
summer highs 54-68 F.
- Sat Aug 20, 2016 3:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Western vacation questions
- Replies: 40
- Views: 4074
Re: Western vacation questions
We made this trip last year...a trip of a lifetime and it was beautiful.
Lodging IS expensive your friend is correct. Plan at least $125 - $175 daily for room and likely more. Depending when you are going advance reservations would almost be mandatory if you don't want to spend excessive time looking, especially when on a schedule.
Lodging IS expensive your friend is correct. Plan at least $125 - $175 daily for room and likely more. Depending when you are going advance reservations would almost be mandatory if you don't want to spend excessive time looking, especially when on a schedule.
- Sun Jul 17, 2016 5:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hatchback to match Camry on price/comfort/reliability?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 8902
Re: Hatchback to match Camry on price/comfort/reliability?
my choice two times has been the Toyota Venza. Had an Avalon for 14 yrs and another Venza for 5 yrs. This newest Venza remains perfect as the other was because the seats are above first class just superior. However they have stopped making them so hurry if you want to try the seating but might already be too late. IMO they marketed them incorrectly as a station wagon. But it is a mid size cross over. Anyway other than this no suggestions.
- Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Costco Visa Online Access
- Replies: 30
- Views: 9982
Re: Costo Visa Online Access
set mine up the first morning, 20th, without issue.
I did try to call about another matter and a current recording said call back due to high Costco calling volume...understandable since there were 88 million card holders, if I remember the number correctly but even if not there were many many millions.
I did try to call about another matter and a current recording said call back due to high Costco calling volume...understandable since there were 88 million card holders, if I remember the number correctly but even if not there were many many millions.
- Thu Jun 16, 2016 1:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is $355/yr good for personal umbrella policy?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2655
Re: Is $355/yr good for personal umbrella policy?
If you qualify for USAA might check with them. My excess liability 1M is $120. I added UM (uninsured / under-insured) for another $120. Of course you would need to insure your home and car with them. And when UM is added there are minimums for auto coverage required to qualify for UM umbrella but that is normal for most companies.
- Mon Jun 13, 2016 11:18 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Brooklyn Bedding or Bed in a box anyone?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1725
Re: Brooklyn Bedding or Bed in a box anyone?
I used Mattress Factory, Springfield, Pa two different times. Both times received what I ordered and when they said it would arrive. While they carry many brands mine was Simmons BeautyRest and it was delivered by truck direct from the Simmons factory. The exact same bed sold in national retail store (not bed store) and when on sale it was $600 more not including tax than Mattress Factory which was no tax or delivery charge. Now if I can throw in one other curve ball. I would consider Talalay latex beds. Sources are different and much research is needed to learn different types (100% all natural Talalay vs others) & firmness (ILD) of latex and the process to make it (Dunlop or Talalay)...definitely NOT memory foam. You lay on latex not ...
- Mon May 30, 2016 4:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Growth of Medicare Advantage enrollment
- Replies: 68
- Views: 6270
Re: Growth of Medicare Advantage enrollment
My spouse and I have both been with MA plans for 6 yrs. I find it grueling reviewing each plan each yr to find the best for my circumstances. In my County there are 35 total MA plans which include 15 MA plans that also include drugs. In my County and a few other Counties in FL, there aren't many in the country, some plans actually pay some or all of the Medicare premium to Medicare. And IMO there are as many options to analyze as regular Medicare + Medigap. Last year the plan we have paid 100% of Medicare premium but this yr only half. (yes MA plan actually pays Medicare the $115). This is not "assistance" for the financially challenged just how they do business to attract enrollees. In six years I've changed plans 3 times. One ye...
- Sat May 28, 2016 8:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is there such thing as easy load front load washer/dryer?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 4225
Re: Is there such thing as easy load front load washer/dryer?
I'll never buy a front loader again. Top loader may use more water but so be it. have a look at top load washers "like" they were before. They are still made.
- Fri May 27, 2016 11:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying home next door without agent
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2570
Re: Buying home next door without agent
I didn't read other replies but most important if you are not skilled is to hire an inspector. Not those that do closing for realtors since they only report mandatory issues. Because how many realtors would hire an inspector if they were too picky. So you need to ask questions, learn and hire someone to do an honest inspection as if the inspector were buying the house. It will not be cheap but might save you loads of money. for example how old is the roof? 15 yrs then it only has minimum life remaining. How much is a roof...find out. Anyway you get the idea. I have sold or bought 7 homes in past 10 yrs without an agent. It just takes more work and attention to detail. It is time consuming. probably spent 40 hours learning paperwork and 40 h...
- Mon May 23, 2016 12:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Replacing carpet in house - clean air ducts?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3952
Re: Replacing carpet in house - clean air ducts?
A few A/C companies have the new type of duck cleaning machine that actually rubs the side walls of the ducts correctly and truly sucks out all the loose stuff. But you must research the equipment and then ask your a/c company which type they have. I've been quoted $800 using the new equipment. If you don't have it done but have a large return duct near the a/c handler that could need extra cleaning which you could do if you have a long handle vac. When we bought our 10 yr old house previous owner had a short hair dog. But still that specific return, which is high off the floor about 11 ft. was still very dirty...and the house looked clean. I used a custom vacuum and cleaned that 6 ft long return and all the others as far as I could reach. ...
- Fri May 20, 2016 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Most affordable option for a will
- Replies: 67
- Views: 7545
Re: Most affordable option for a will
As an example I researched and accomplished all paperwork to sell homes without a realtor. Then listed the home with a "flat fee" realtor. Paid the $300 bucks and it was listed in MLS AND realtor.com for a year. All homes I've sold were thru realtor.com not MLS so no buyers realtor so no fees at all other than $300 each time. It took me lots of time to learn paperwork, just like a Will, but have sold 5 homes between 2004 - 2012 this way without a glitch. But you gotta do your homework or pay someone else. Good luck. The downside I've heard of this approach is that you may miss a large number of prospective buyers because all of the realtor's are avoiding your listing (not showing it to their clients) because they want to get paid...
- Fri May 20, 2016 12:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Most affordable option for a will
- Replies: 67
- Views: 7545
Re: Most affordable option for a will
Plenty of Will making software that will comply with your State laws. Then go to the State web site and find a "basic" will format that most states will post online. after doing this I Reviewed my existing Will Maker will and decided they were equal so no need to change anything. Just be thorough in your research or don't do it. As an example I researched and accomplished all paperwork to sell homes without a realtor. Then listed the home with a "flat fee" realtor. Paid the $300 bucks and it was listed in MLS AND realtor.com for a year. All homes I've sold were thru realtor.com not MLS so no buyers realtor so no fees at all other than $300 each time. It took me lots of time to learn paperwork, just like a Will, but have ...
- Wed May 18, 2016 5:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Planning to purchase Term life policy, do I need to get in shape?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2241
Re: Planning to purchase Term life policy, do I need to get in shape?
If you drink everyday, even one drink a day, then don't drink at all for at least two weeks. Maybe longer I'm not sure.
- Sun May 15, 2016 1:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trying to understand Soc Security spousal benefits
- Replies: 3
- Views: 626
- Fri Apr 29, 2016 6:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How do you stop robo-calls/unwanted calls?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 11895
Re: How do you stop robo-calls/unwanted calls?
I bought "CPR callblocker". 5000 preprogrammed robo #'s and 1500 you can insert with the push of a button. Also prevents no # shown plus other features. No, preprogrammed #'s do not update but manufacturer says they are looking into it. UK designed product.
I have used my Panasonic but it only restricted 30 #'s but it allowed one ring before disconnecting. The ph will not ring at all using CPR callblocker. Check out reviews, not cheap but I'm very happy with results.
I have used my Panasonic but it only restricted 30 #'s but it allowed one ring before disconnecting. The ph will not ring at all using CPR callblocker. Check out reviews, not cheap but I'm very happy with results.
- Sat Apr 16, 2016 6:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of medication - Costco versus Walgreens
- Replies: 31
- Views: 15304
Re: Cost of medication - Costco versus Walgreens
Just ask your doctor for a written prescription even if it has already been sent to your local pharmacy. I've called back after leaving doctors office when finding costs lower than where I initially told them to send it. I call the original place saying I don't want to fill the prescription. Quite routine. Drive back and pick up paper prescription at doctors office. Many times I find meds less expensive than my insurance at https://www.blinkhealth.com/. Recently filled with Blink for $14 where my insurance was $42 for EXACTLY the same drug! 1. You must pay the price on-line at BlinkHealth. 2. Carry prescription to local CVS / Walgreens or other approved locations. They verify the cost by phone immediately with Blink verifying prescription h...
- Sat Apr 16, 2016 5:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Security features of a good front door
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4159
Re: Security features of a good front door
a good crowbar will pop open almost any door regardless of security efforts.
- Sun Mar 06, 2016 2:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare Part D
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4067
Re: Medicare Part D
Also when drugs are needed be sure to check Blink.com. No registration required to check their prices. They don't have all drugs nor are all less expensive than your plan but still worth checking. One specific drug in my plan is $42 co-pay but Blink is $19. So always worth checking. I had no issues with my first purchase.
correction: blinkhealth.com
correction: blinkhealth.com
- Tue Feb 16, 2016 8:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone living in a retirement/55+ community?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 8357
Re: Anyone living in a retirement/55+ community?
We have lived in five different 55+ communities. One aspect you must feel comfortable with going in...virtually all 55+ build homes are very close together. If that bothers you then make the lot size first priority. Of course a cul-de-sac will help. Buying into community when it is new will keep the group aging just as yourselves. You won't be younger but when the community is new you might be older than the average if now mid 60’s. You can look at the original 3 Del Webb communities outside Phoenix in Surprise. Sun City (1960's), Sun City West (1980's) and Sun City Grand (completed 2004 with 9600 homes). I mention these not necessarily to live in but to see how the age of the community impacts age of residents. "Active" communiti...
- Thu Dec 24, 2015 6:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Probably A Dumb Question [Put tennis shoes in dryer?]
- Replies: 35
- Views: 7146
Re: Probably A Dumb Question
dried tennis shoes in dryer for many many years. Never an issue. remove the strings or at least tie them and be sure to take out the inserts. Works great. Always New Balance. Can't speak for other brands.
- Tue Feb 24, 2015 6:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Arguments for and against FSBO for house?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2142
Re: Arguments for and against FSBO for house?
You can save 50% of the costs yet get the benefits of listing in MLS, realtor.com, etc by listing with a flat fee realtor. A few states do not allow this but many do.
I've sold 3 homes using this method and every time the buyer found me thru realtor.com so I saved almost 100%. I paid $299 for one yr listing with flat fee realtor...just google that with your city/state to find them. with ___% to the buyers agent (you aren't paying the listing agent a % just the flat fee.
Because you are in the MLS & realtor.com you will sell much much fast than FSBO.
I've sold 3 homes using this method and every time the buyer found me thru realtor.com so I saved almost 100%. I paid $299 for one yr listing with flat fee realtor...just google that with your city/state to find them. with ___% to the buyers agent (you aren't paying the listing agent a % just the flat fee.
Because you are in the MLS & realtor.com you will sell much much fast than FSBO.
- Wed Feb 18, 2015 10:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Turbo Tax(TT) question - 1099 MISC
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1098
Re: Turbo Tax(TT) question - 1099 MISC
I've already used TT delux and it included 1099-misc form but I can't tell you the specifics of your situation.
- Thu Feb 12, 2015 6:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Time to finally purchase nice bedding - thoughts?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 6137
Re: Time to finally purchase nice bedding - thoughts?
You should absolutely read about and try to lay on 100% natural (not blended) talalay (not dunlop) processed latex (from rubber trees). The firmness is rated by ILD numbers. generally 3-4 firmness ratings. It took me about 6 months to find a dealer in our state and we traveled 140 miles round trip to lay on the bed. Much of this product is processed by Latex International in Connecticut. Bed manufacturers buy it from them to make their beds. Depending if you get solid latex or just the top 6 inches or so determines the price. A solid 12" latex might be about $2200-2600. But one of just the top 6" could be more reasonable at maybe $1500. Don't be confused about memory foam...it is not this product...but a much better and one does n...
- Mon Feb 02, 2015 8:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Replacing a reliable Toyota
- Replies: 43
- Views: 14354
Re: Replacing a reliable Toyota
might look at Toyota Venza all wheel drive.
- Sun Dec 28, 2014 8:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Home Ownership in Retirement
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3713
Re: Home Ownership in Retirement
This link will help you compare more types of expenses by state than those you mentioned. Should provide a clearer picture
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state
http://www.retirementliving.com/taxes-by-state
- Fri Dec 05, 2014 5:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare signup
- Replies: 42
- Views: 5249
Re: Medicare signup
If you decide to evaluate MA plans IMO it is best done thru Medicare.gov web site. by entering your zip code you can review exactly what plans are available in your County not the State. MA plans are designed by County not State.
- Wed Nov 19, 2014 2:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: GDX +20% since Nov 5th lows
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2250
Re: GDX +20% since Nov 5th lows
monitor this for 2-4 years
PVG
PVG
- Sat Nov 08, 2014 3:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My DISH tv bill just keeps going up and up
- Replies: 50
- Views: 21892
Re: My DISH tv bill just keeps going up and up
all that and others sound great but yours doesn't provide network sports, horse racing, tennis, golf, etc in rural areas. Additionally if living outside metro areas all those fancy methods to get TV just don't work at all.WolfpackFan wrote:Drop the whole package. Get a netflix subscription, a Chromecast or Roku, and an OTA HDTV antenna. Profit $152 - $8.99 netflix subscription per month = $1,716.12 savings per year. That's a typical extra mortgage payment, my friend.
AND when the SOLE internet provider charges for usage streaming isn't free + slow max available, 10mg, internet.
- Thu Nov 06, 2014 9:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare Advantage to Regular Medicare
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2363
Re: Medicare Advantage to Regular Medicare
No she can't drop during the year only at renewal time...there are some exception but just because one wants to isn't one of them.
Also if her plan provides drug coverage as well then consideration of a drug plan at additional cost might be needed since drug coverage is not part of basic Medicare coverage. Also need to consider another coverage that pays all that Medicare doesn't pay since they only pay 80% along with other higher costs than a MAP.
Also if her plan provides drug coverage as well then consideration of a drug plan at additional cost might be needed since drug coverage is not part of basic Medicare coverage. Also need to consider another coverage that pays all that Medicare doesn't pay since they only pay 80% along with other higher costs than a MAP.
- Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Home phone [service provider]
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1692
Re: Home phone
What about 'Magic Jack'? I used MJ for about 5 years along side my hard wire ph. Several years ago connected MJ to router, ported primary hard wire number to MJ, closed hard wire. No regrets MJ works fine thru router. Router / cable modem connected to battery back-up that will run it for days if power is out so no phone loss without power. If you make lots of calls to rural areas be careful as some ph companies do not allow completion of calls using MJ. We don't have that issue. Some years ago I made calls to a MJ restricted area. Notified MJ and they wrote letter to phone company of that area and ph company opened the area to MJ. They didn't have to open their area but did. MJ notified me via email of success. MJ had a notice they would p...
- Sat Oct 18, 2014 12:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Deleted
- Replies: 151
- Views: 19950
Re: "I've had it" at work - how often
happened once upon return from two week vacation after 17 yrs...even before returning to work. Had planned to work another 8-10 years was 57 at the time. I quit, I retired (was tired), couldn't deal with 80-90 hr weeks. Retail mgmt...low level Director, multi-locations. Last week of notice VP had me remain on payroll for future needs. Luckily for me 11 years later I've built back to 50% of salary doing online consulting work....without the hours and responsibility.
- Thu Oct 16, 2014 11:19 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can I put 52000 a year in my 403b (401k whatever)
- Replies: 27
- Views: 4417
Re: Can I put 52000 a year in my 403b (401k whatever)
This IRS data seems to say you can but.... as others have said the devil is in the details. http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Retirement-Topics---403%28b%29-Contribution-Limits Retirement Topics - 403(b) Contribution Limits Generally, contributions to an employee’s 403(b) account are limited to the lesser of: • the limit on annual additions, or • the elective deferral limit Limit on annual additions The limit on annual additions (the combination of all employer contributions and employee elective deferrals to all 403(b) accounts) generally is the lesser of: • o $51,000 for 2013 ($52,000 for 2014), or o 100% of includible compensation for the employee's most recent year of service. Generally, includible compensat...
- Sat Oct 11, 2014 4:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Calculating RMDs
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2829
Re: Calculating RMDs
"Vanguard computes it for me" works if all investments are with V. However some need to calculate the RMD from various retirement sources and pay from one source. Vanguard will not do that for you. Or will they? I'm only 6 months away from needing to know.
- Mon Oct 06, 2014 11:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kitchen Cabinetry Lines
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3671
Re: Kitchen Cabinetry Lines
Kraftmade. In past 15 yrs I've remodeled two kitchens. Both times used KraftMade. Sold at both Lowes and Homedepot.
Very satisfied with product, packaging, delivery and quality. Depending on size of order KraftMade deliveries direct from factory to your home on their trucks.
Needed minor parts replaced during installation and received immediate delivery. They coordinated pre & post delivery.
http://www.kraftmaid.com/
Very satisfied with product, packaging, delivery and quality. Depending on size of order KraftMade deliveries direct from factory to your home on their trucks.
Needed minor parts replaced during installation and received immediate delivery. They coordinated pre & post delivery.
http://www.kraftmaid.com/
- Tue Aug 26, 2014 6:00 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Which online broker suites my needs best?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1244
Re: Which online broker suites my needs best?
Welcome to the forum. Bogleheads typically go by the principle that we would rather own the entire stock market, or at least a large chunk of it, than simply a few stocks. This increases your diversification, thereby reducing risk that bad times in a given sector/industry will ruin your portfolio. This approach is the exact opposite of a get rich quick scheme. It advocates holding on to indexes for the long haul and buying products with extremely low expense ratios. To be frank, this is probably one of the worst places to ask you. Question, although a few 'bogleheads' do still dabble in stocks here and there with their "play money' 5% of their portfolio. Good luck I would like to add among many other factors, as above, "rebalanci...
- Tue Aug 19, 2014 3:23 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your biggest "Missed Money" event that still kills you?
- Replies: 102
- Views: 14109
Re: Your biggest "Missed Money" event that still kills you?
Is there one opportunity that you had to make a tidy sum of money that you somehow managed to mess up and it still kills you years later? I realize that investing in individual stocks is not consistent with the Boglehead philosophy, but I still maintain a small amount of money in a trading account that I use as play money. So what's the one trade I made that I still bang my head over? This one: - bought 760 shares of Western Refining in 2010 for $5 a share - no dividend payout at that time - sold all shares less than a year later for $7 a share Not bad right? Look it up today...trading for over $40 a share with over $1 per share yearly dividend. Awesome. :annoyed small potatoes 2000 shares AMT in 2003 @ ~ $1.50 sold at a double $3.00. Toda...
- Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
- Replies: 123
- Views: 17973
Re: Telephone Calls! Help! [Telemarketing phone calls]
We are on the Do Not Call List but we get calls from companies, plus survey co.s, politicians, etc. all day. We don't answer unless someone identifies themselves. The phone is no longer our own; it belongs to any company that wants to sell something. Please! How do we stop it ???!!! We ALWAYS answer the phone even tho we know it is a telemarketer BECAUSE 80% or more will remove you from their calling list, at least that is our experience, IF you talk to them like another human being. Now I'm not talking about the USA wide "this is ____about your credit card" or a FEW other foreign calls. We have had the same number for 8 years and during the past two years I would estimate we get about 2-4 call monthly. Of course that doesn't cou...
- Fri Aug 08, 2014 5:02 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The Worst Investment You Can Make: Buying a Home
- Replies: 135
- Views: 26603
Re: The Worst Investment You Can Make: Buying a Home
If the angle is owning a home is a bad investment then so be it regardless if accurate for multitudes of reasons. I own because it is NOT an investment but HOW I want to live. My property my privacy my way.
Good luck to all those that need an "investment" reason to own a home.
Good luck to all those that need an "investment" reason to own a home.
- Tue Jul 29, 2014 4:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New HVAC system
- Replies: 29
- Views: 5083
Re: New HVAC system
14 seer sounds low. Evaluate the costs of moving up 1-2-3 steps. and two stage vs single stage. Then calculate that difference in cost with likely savings.
We installed two stage 17.5 seer and couldn't be happier with lower monthly bills, etc.
We installed two stage 17.5 seer and couldn't be happier with lower monthly bills, etc.
- Wed Jul 23, 2014 3:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Used Recreational Bicycles for New Riders
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4211
Re: Best Used Recreational Bicycles for New Riders
One suggestion. Look at bikes that allow you to sit upright not leaning over the handle bars.
The link shows a women's bike but you can also find a pic of mens bikes. This type bike allows you to sit upright. We are so happy we went this way and sit upright.
This brand had the old type internal hub driven 3 or 7 speeds as well as what you see in the pics. I don't know if they still have internal hub drive but we prefer that type.
http://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie/original-7d
The link shows a women's bike but you can also find a pic of mens bikes. This type bike allows you to sit upright. We are so happy we went this way and sit upright.
This brand had the old type internal hub driven 3 or 7 speeds as well as what you see in the pics. I don't know if they still have internal hub drive but we prefer that type.
http://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie/original-7d
- Fri Jun 27, 2014 8:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fed up with ATT
- Replies: 66
- Views: 9074
Re: Fed up with ATT
I've been using magicJack for 4-5 yrs. Finally decided to drop my land line. Ported my land line ph # to mj for a $20 fee and $10 yearly to keep my # and the fee for mj service of course. Switched my DSL internet several months before the change to cable. So now my phone bill is $10 yrly for the ported line. BUT if you make lots of long distance calls first be sure those places you call the most will go thru on mj. Some locations around the US do not allow mj access. However if you notify mj when a call is not permitted they will request that area open access to mj callers and mj will notify you within several months of the results. This happened to me. MJ was able to get access within 30 days and my long distance calls to that area began w...
- Mon Jun 16, 2014 8:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Do You Eat For Snacks? [for exercise-induced hunger]
- Replies: 129
- Views: 14084
Re: What Do You Eat For Snacks?
"Premier Protein drink"
30g protein, 1g sugar, 1g saturated fat
this drink is carried at Costco & Sam's club. It is in a box of 24. each 11 oz drink is in a cardboard type container not glass or plastic. It is in the area where the pharmacy is located NOT where drinks are kept.
"KIND" plus bars (Publix, Walmart, other grocery)
10g protein, 7g sugar, non GMO, gluten free, low glycemic, low sodium.
30g protein, 1g sugar, 1g saturated fat
this drink is carried at Costco & Sam's club. It is in a box of 24. each 11 oz drink is in a cardboard type container not glass or plastic. It is in the area where the pharmacy is located NOT where drinks are kept.
"KIND" plus bars (Publix, Walmart, other grocery)
10g protein, 7g sugar, non GMO, gluten free, low glycemic, low sodium.
- Mon Jun 16, 2014 8:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [can you] shop at Costco [without a membership?]
- Replies: 68
- Views: 12358
Re: Shopping at Costco
Costco will refund the unused portion of your membership. So I suspect one month is the minimum so your cost would be about 1/12 of the $55 membership to shop there once.Random Poster wrote:I don't really recommend doing this, but Costco will refund your membership, in full (I believe), for any reason and at any time prior to its expiration. So if you get a membership and then determine that you won't use it very often, the refund option is there.
- Sun Jun 15, 2014 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Email service alternatives to MSN hotmail and Gmail?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3391
Re: Email service alternatives to MSN hotmail and Gmail?
I want to migrate from MSN to Mozilla Thurnderbird but I worry that I will lose my email archives. Victoria I recently installed Thunderbird and their program moved all my free msn email (outlook.com) to Thunderbird except email addresses...probably something I did wrong to not get addresses. Used Yahoo for years but don't like their recent change to threaded conversations (email) so set up free msn (outlook.com). Now msn email has changed to threaded conversations like Yahoo so set up thunderbird and kept msn email address. All works fine. Free Outlook.com email still exists 'cause I'm using msn free email address. A few odd things...as an example...from within TB email drag an email to the hold folder...but when you look it isn't there.....
- Sat Jun 14, 2014 2:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Geico? No, thank you...
- Replies: 49
- Views: 13976
Re: Geico? No, thank you...
Geico never did any bait and switch with us and everything was above board but after a few years I found USAA was about 25% less expensive for more coverage.
- Thu Jun 12, 2014 12:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommendations on Carpet Cleaning
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1920
Re: Recommendations on Carpet Cleaning
GerryL wrote:I opt for not wearing shoes in my house ... and long, long time between cleanings.
We haven't worn shoes inside for 30+ years. Who would want the street garbage from the bottom of their shoes inside their home.
- Tue May 13, 2014 1:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Telephone sales illegal?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2225
Re: Telephone sales illegal?
the carpet cleaning sounds like a local business. If so most do not subscribe to the do not call list.
We receive about 2-4 unwanted calls a month. Like you we have been on the dnc list for years with the same ph number.
When I hear a caller selling something that sounds local I ALWAYS pick up and immediately request to be removed from their ph list. It has worked 99% of the time, I think because I am not rude. My brother in law is always rude and seems none ever remove him.
We receive about 2-4 unwanted calls a month. Like you we have been on the dnc list for years with the same ph number.
When I hear a caller selling something that sounds local I ALWAYS pick up and immediately request to be removed from their ph list. It has worked 99% of the time, I think because I am not rude. My brother in law is always rude and seems none ever remove him.