Search found 1422 matches

by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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 ...
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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. ...
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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 ...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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
by soaring
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

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.
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.

AND when the SOLE internet provider charges for usage streaming isn't free + slow max available, 10mg, internet.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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/
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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
by soaring
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...
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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

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.
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.
by soaring
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.....
by soaring
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.
by soaring
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.
:thumbsup

We haven't worn shoes inside for 30+ years. Who would want the street garbage from the bottom of their shoes inside their home.
by soaring
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.