Search found 617 matches

by truenorth418
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6103

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

One person reported on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TravelHacks/comments/17vo1m5/schwab_debit_card_backup/ "An express replacement debit card will cost you $15 and there isn’t a guarantee when it’ll get there especially for international destinations having to clear customs." Yup - customs- this is what happened to me last year - I was in Antigua Guatemala, left my Schwab debit card in the ATM machine. Called Schwab and they immediately issued a new ATM card to be delivered to me at my hotel. I tracked the delivery progress online and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly the new card arrived in Guatemala but unfortunately it got delayed 2 days in customs at Guatemala City airport and did not arrive at the hotel in time. I...
by truenorth418
Sun Feb 25, 2024 12:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
Replies: 168
Views: 18033

Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?

People with Hotmail, yahoo, and aol email addresses were early adopters of email. Maybe a little older demographically now but it’s clear they were smart and recognized the importance of the internet and email and jumped in early, and I respect that.

When I see a gmail address I assume the person is more of a late to the party or go along with the crowd type.
by truenorth418
Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 12896

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

I respect the Taylor method but as I retired young with only the portfolio to sustain me for the first 15-20 years I decided I needed more of a system:

I budget 3% fixed percent of portfolio value every year. After beginning with age 65 I will use RMD table to determine the % (which I guess is a version of 1/N).

The challenge of this is yes the spending can vary considerably every year; I deal with it.
by truenorth418
Sun Dec 31, 2023 3:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you use a separate bank account for international travel? If so, which one?
Replies: 18
Views: 2145

Re: Do you use a separate bank account for international travel? If so, which one?

MtnTravel wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 9:42 pm
rustlers wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2023 9:40 pm Fidelity. The CMA account has atm reimburse you internationally too.
I don't have any Fidelity accounts, so I'd have to open a new one. That's certainly an option, but I'd just as soon open another Schwab checking account if I'm going to have to open a new account.
I use Schwab Bank. But I wanted a back-up atm card so I called Schwab and they said sure I can open up another bank account with them but it had to be tied to its own brokerage account. Rather than opening a second brokerage account with them as I already have one, I decided to open a Fidelity CMA and use that as my back-up.

When you’re overseas you don’t want to have to fuss with a stolen or lost ATM card. Schwab Bank and Fidelity CMA both good options.
by truenorth418
Sun Dec 24, 2023 3:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Christmas Message
Replies: 140
Views: 14250

Re: A Christmas Message

Merry Christmas Taylor and thank you for your service.
by truenorth418
Sun Nov 12, 2023 3:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fidelity Rewards CC WITHOUT a CMA/Brokerage?
Replies: 24
Views: 3137

Re: Fidelity Rewards CC WITHOUT a CMA/Brokerage?

tj wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:50 pm
Fidelity/Elan seems to have a lot of fraud and card replacement issues.
Do you have a source for this? And is it more fraud and replacement than other cards?
by truenorth418
Thu Oct 05, 2023 5:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

OP here. I just logged in successfully! For the first time since Dec 2022. It felt so good to finally see my account again after so many months and stress during the recent filing season. After logging in, I quickly downloaded all of my recent payment activity and transcripts - just in case we lose access again. I also had filed a complaint with systemic advocacy management (SAM). I hope the problem is solved for good. My primary concern heading into the new year will be accessing my IP PIN for 2024 and I really don’t want to have to call in multiple times and wait on hold for hours and then wait weeks to get the code in the mail like I had to this year. It is still a little stressful navigating the ID.me piece of it. Many thanks to those w...
by truenorth418
Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for Tall T-Shirts
Replies: 20
Views: 1906

Re: Looking for Tall T-Shirts

Eddie Bauer website has a decent selection of tall sizes and I buy my tall t-shirts from there.

Also check out American Tall website.
by truenorth418
Sat Aug 26, 2023 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Atlantic THE NEW OLD AGE What a new life stage can teach...
Replies: 40
Views: 3828

Re: The Atlantic THE NEW OLD AGE What a new life stage can teach...

RedwoodsCA wrote: Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:51 am
truenorth418 wrote: Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:40 am I don’t click on links to that publication. Could someone please summarize?
Why not? The Atlantic is probably the best broad spectrum (politically), intelligent, quality magazine that exists these days.
In the time it took you to type that opinion, you could have summarized the article.
by truenorth418
Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Atlantic THE NEW OLD AGE What a new life stage can teach...
Replies: 40
Views: 3828

Re: The Atlantic THE NEW OLD AGE What a new life stage can teach...

I don’t click on links to that publication. Could someone please summarize?
by truenorth418
Mon Aug 21, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keeping in touch from Europe
Replies: 59
Views: 4219

Re: Keeping in touch from Europe

I use t-mobile and they have a international calling and texting with some of their plans. So you can start there.

But I have also had good experiences using e-sim with an app called aíralo. There are some good YouTube videos that explain how to set it up. Works great for data- internet and texting. I just learned they now have a calling/voice option now which I haven’t used.
by truenorth418
Sun Aug 13, 2023 5:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Europe eSIMs
Replies: 79
Views: 7164

Re: Europe eSIMs

Another vote for Aíralo.
by truenorth418
Thu Aug 03, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual USA/Canadian citizen thinking of moving to Canada to start a family - soliciting feedback!
Replies: 56
Views: 5787

Re: Dual USA/Canadian citizen thinking of moving to Canada to start a family - soliciting feedback!

chinchin wrote: Thu Aug 03, 2023 10:58 am As US citizens, any income you earn in Canada will be subject to US Federal income tax.
Yes but there are significant exclusions. OP should talk to a tax accountant or run some scenarios on their own.

Of course, regardless of the tax due, a US citizen must file a return with the IRS every year. In addition to Revenue Canada. So OP should be mindful of the additional, more complicated tax filings, prep costs, etc.
by truenorth418
Fri Jul 28, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to move? New job, considering Nevada...
Replies: 33
Views: 5524

Re: Where to move? New job, considering Nevada...

OrangeKiwi wrote: Fri Jul 28, 2023 5:46 pm
I know this is a super old post,
Yes this post is from 2017!

But I just read through the entire thread without noticing that.

Does anyone know which location the OP chose? I’m very interested to know.
by truenorth418
Thu Jul 27, 2023 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anti dog bark device
Replies: 57
Views: 5371

Re: anti dog bark device

I can’t believe the most common solution to “please recommend an anti-dog bark device” is “give the dog treats”. I guess this is the world we live in now. Dogs owners are taking advantage all over the place, and if dog free people have a problem with that, well too bad. OP, here is what I would do if I were you: -buy several anti-bark devices on Amazon at the same time and try as many as you’re willing to afford. Maybe one or several of them will work. Maybe a combination. -check out the “Dog Free” forum on reddit. If you search the threads there you will find some specific brands and models. Read through some of the threads and you will feel better. You are not alone. Your problem is a common one. - call your local animal control, your HOA...
by truenorth418
Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anti dog bark device
Replies: 57
Views: 5371

Re: anti dog bark device

Deleted.
by truenorth418
Sun Jul 09, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Now Requiring ID.me again?
Replies: 100
Views: 15416

Re: IRS Now Requiring ID.me again?

Take my advice. Don’t get an IP PIN. I got one. And I also signed up for ID.me as soon as it came out. Because I wanted to be “pro-active”. I regret it. Process worked great for two years and then last year I was suddenly and unexpectedly locked out of accessing anything on my IRS account due to the mysterious “Error 8028”. The IRS apparently has no interest in resolving the 8028 situation so many of us cannot access anything on our accounts including the IP PINs we signed up for in good faith. This means every year at tax time we will have to call the IRS, sit on hold for however long it takes, hoping they will transfer us to someone who will bend the rules and mail us an IP PIN. Otherwise it’s file by paper. I'm confused. Once you begin ...
by truenorth418
Sat Jul 08, 2023 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Now Requiring ID.me again?
Replies: 100
Views: 15416

Re: IRS Now Requiring ID.me again?

I’m not familiar with the ID pin process. I don’t have one. I believe if you applied online you retrieve online? The IRS does mail them once a year but I’m not sure if everyone gets a paper notice or not. Take my advice. Don’t get an IP PIN. I got one. And I also signed up for ID.me as soon as it came out. Because I wanted to be “pro-active”. I regret it. Process worked great for two years and then last year I was suddenly and unexpectedly locked out of accessing anything on my IRS account due to the mysterious “Error 8028”. The IRS apparently has no interest in resolving the 8028 situation so many of us cannot access anything on our accounts including the IP PINs we signed up for in good faith. This means every year at tax time we will ha...
by truenorth418
Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA Subsidies vs Roth Conversions
Replies: 81
Views: 10228

Re: ACA Subsidies vs Roth Conversions

jackrabbit14 wrote: Thu Jul 06, 2023 1:13 pm
Pretty much convinced that (as you note) it's best for me to wait until I get on Medicare (and by then my sons will be out of college and on their own healthcare plans).
I understand why it makes sense to put off Roth conversions until Medicare time in order to maximize ACA subsidies and minimize taxes.

But wouldn’t Roth conversions during Medicare increase the risk of high IRMAA penalties? (Essentially an extra tax or surtax on the conversion?)
by truenorth418
Fri Jun 23, 2023 12:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bob Brinker's newsletter Market Timer is shutting down
Replies: 191
Views: 53098

Re: Bob Brinker's newsletter Market Timer is shutting down

I haven’t thought of Bob Brinker for many years. But from the mid-90s to the early 10s he was one of the most important influences of my life. I listened to his show every weekend, or the podcast versions posted afterwards, for many years. I also subscribed to the newsletter for a while. His “Land of Critical Mass” concept was one of the most important inspirations for me to live below my means, save a considerable portion of my earnings, so I could retire young. He turned me onto iBonds way before they were popular, when an individual could buy $60k worth per year, and I did that and today inflation is raging but my ibond allocation is substantial and that’s thanks to Bob Brinker. Bob’s retirement withdrawal strategy was simple. 4% fixed p...
by truenorth418
Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

A short update to bump this thread, for others that are impacted. This week, I talked again to the taxpayer advocate, and contrary to truenorth418's impression, I got the feel it doesn't look like this will be moving with any speed or priority. ....... If anyone else comes across the thread and wants to help unstick the Error 8028, opening a ticket with the taxpayer advocate is probably the best way to get some visibility to the problem. Yes apparently the impression I took away from the Taxpayer Advocate was too optimistic. As for me, I still do not have access to my IRS online account, after almost six months. At least I was able to obtain an IP PIN by mail and electronically file my tax return. A few weeks later, instead of my refund, I...
by truenorth418
Fri Jun 09, 2023 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Second House Awesome or Crazy?
Replies: 38
Views: 4297

Re: Second House Awesome or Crazy?

I’ve never understood this fetish some have for owning multiple properties. If you like spending time in the country, rent a place there whenever you feel like it, or stay in a nice lodge or B&B whenever you want. You can do this and enjoy the country with no more trouble and obligation than making a reservation online and paying the bill. Meanwhile, you don’t have to worry about furnishing, maintaining, paying property taxes and other expenses on a second home you’ll only use part of the time. Most people I know who own a second place, a cottage, a pier a terre etc agonize over selling it and then after they finally do sell it they never go back to that place again even for a short visit and they are so relieved not to have the albatro...
by truenorth418
Thu Jun 01, 2023 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!
Replies: 123
Views: 12925

Re: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!

We will be in Spain for a month, including a week in Barcelona, which has been called the "pickpocket capital of the world". I was almost pickpocketed on the Barcelona metro last weekend. I was foolishly not paying attention and had my wallet in my back pocket and I felt a little tug in that spot and I spun around and the guy was looking around all nonchalant, very smooth. He was a young guy with tattoos and beard and working with a similar looking second guy and a young woman. I moved my wallet into my front pocket and kept it there the remainder of my stay. I knew better and it was a close call but a good reminder for me not to take things for granted. My mistake was forgetting about the risk of pickpocketing and being negligen...
by truenorth418
Thu Jun 01, 2023 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!
Replies: 123
Views: 12925

Re: Defense against the dark arts - Pickpockets!

watchnerd wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 12:52 am
A. L. Breguet wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 12:14 am No passport (original, no copies!) = no admission to the Alhambra and a few other sites.

I need to find out which ones for sure, but I know the Alhambra is one of them (We are visiting on two different dates--one a night tour.)

Otherwise, I think a photocopy and/or image on a phone should suffice. An old post on TripAdvisor stated that police do sweeps for illegal immigrants and you may be asked to show documents (or at least copies).
I've been to the Alhambra twice and I definitely didn't have to present a passport.

As long as I had a ticket, they didn't care.
I was there 2 weeks ago and was required to show my passport multiple times throughout the complex.
by truenorth418
Wed May 31, 2023 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IRS forcing new Login
Replies: 74
Views: 14604

Re: IRS forcing new Login

Those of you who still have access to your IRS accounts should consider themselves very fortunate. As noted on another thread many of us lost access to our accounts several months ago with no warning and no explanation. The IRS is aware of the problem but it doesn’t seem to be a priority for them to fix it. It happened to me after several months of using the ID.me login with no problem, so it doesn’t appear that is the reason, but after dealing with this fiasco for the past tax season and anticipating the same every year for the rest of my life, my advice to all here is: don’t sign up for ID.me, don’t sign up for IP PIN, don’t be proactive in any way when it comes to the IRS. Only do what you must and only do that when you are absolutely fo...
by truenorth418
Mon May 29, 2023 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Last day at Miami after cruise, where to park luggage?
Replies: 21
Views: 2045

Re: Last day at Miami after cruise, where to park luggage?

Just book the ship’s city tour excursion that drops you at the airport. Your luggage will be safely stored in the hold of the bus while you enjoy the tour.

If your flight departs hours after the tour ends and you have a lot of airport time, buy day passes to your airline’s airport lounge. It will be nice and quiet in there and you can relax with their snacks and refreshments until your departure.
by truenorth418
Sat May 27, 2023 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can get Taiwanese dual citizenship--am considering it for free healthcare, would you strongly consider it?
Replies: 40
Views: 4339

Re: Can get Taiwanese dual citizenship--am considering it for free healthcare, would you strongly consider it?

I think you should do it. You are fortunate to have this option. You never know what the future holds and there may come a time when the Taiwanese citizenship becomes very useful to you.

One piece of pushback: Nowhere on Earth is healthcare “free”. The doctors are not working for charity and the hospitals are not operated from donations. I assume the Taiwanese system works like all the other “free” systems that is it is paid for through taxes. Maybe this will will someday come out of your taxes if you ever reside there and pay into their system. In the meantime, this is other people’s money and you should never lose sight of that.
by truenorth418
Thu May 25, 2023 6:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS withdrawal from my bank account failed
Replies: 25
Views: 3529

Re: IRS withdrawal from my bank account failed

Bogle-007 wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 11:29 pm I just received a letter from the IRS. They want me to pay a $97 penalty for "dishonored check or other form of payment."

All of this to avoid a $97 penalty on a mistake that was your fault? I could see fighting it if it cost you a lot of money. Is $97 a lot of money to you? You’ve already said this was your fault.
by truenorth418
Sat May 20, 2023 2:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS withdrawal from my bank account failed
Replies: 25
Views: 3529

Re: IRS withdrawal from my bank account failed

I think you should just pay the fine. You basically bounced a check. It was your fault. Accept responsibility, pay the small fine, be grateful the penalty wasn’t worse, and move on.
by truenorth418
Fri May 19, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best options for calling/data plan for European travel
Replies: 23
Views: 1955

Re: Best options for calling/data plan for European travel

Plenty of e-sim apps that will connect you to local data providers in Spain and all over the world. I have been using the Airalo app on my iPhone 12 and it works very well. Just download the app before you leave and buy the e-sim card for whatever country you need. There are YouTube videos that show how to do it if you need extra guidance.

As for voice capability, keep your US t-mobile service while you are away and use that to make free voice calls over any wifi network in the world.

If you won’t have wifi then t-mobile charges extra $5 for their international day pass - unlimited calls, text, data from anywhere for $5/day.
by truenorth418
Sat May 13, 2023 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

A short update to bump this thread, for others that are impacted. This week, I talked again to the taxpayer advocate, and contrary to truenorth418's impression, I got the feel it doesn't look like this will be moving with any speed or priority. ....... If anyone else comes across the thread and wants to help unstick the Error 8028, opening a ticket with the taxpayer advocate is probably the best way to get some visibility to the problem. Yes apparently the impression I took away from the Taxpayer Advocate was too optimistic. As for me, I still do not have access to my IRS online account, after almost six months. At least I was able to obtain an IP PIN by mail and electronically file my tax return. A few weeks later, instead of my refund, I...
by truenorth418
Thu Apr 13, 2023 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?
Replies: 171
Views: 25535

Re: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?

Nomad is my plan. I am retired and have been living nomadically for almost 6 years. It has been a great experience. I started out staying a month or two at a time in airbnbs or vrbos, but more recently I divide my time between hotels and cruise ships. I move seasonally, more or less, to follow the weather I like. With modern technology it is easier than ever. Before covid I thought I would soon settle down in one place but since that difficult period I became more excited than ever to keep traveling. I try to keep things as simple as possible, in personal finance and all areas of my life. I’ve met some terrific people from all over the world. Similarly, I’ve spent time in some fantastic places, and places I return to repeatedly that almost...
by truenorth418
Thu Apr 13, 2023 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Move loser bond ETFs to CDs/Treasuries?
Replies: 27
Views: 2137

Re: Move loser bond ETFs to CDs/Treasuries?

Thanks hudson--I think I got sidetracked about bonds when that's really what my question was... I agree the damage has been done for a while... Really I'm debating changing my strategy from investing in AGG (down significantly in value) to investing in something that is extremely unlikely to go down in value--Treasuries (upon maturity) or CDs (also upon maturity). Of course, since I'll be holding these funds for several decades longer, it's very hard to predict what's going to happen long from now--CDs and Treasury yields could go way below what AGG yields are, and since AGG is "self healing" as bonds in it mature, it should hopefully go back up in value (unless interest rates go up again, etc). So--to take the loss and alter my ...
by truenorth418
Thu Apr 13, 2023 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Move loser bond ETFs to CDs/Treasuries?
Replies: 27
Views: 2137

Re: Move loser bond ETFs to CDs/Treasuries?

Thanks hudson--I think I got sidetracked about bonds when that's really what my question was... I agree the damage has been done for a while... Really I'm debating changing my strategy from investing in AGG (down significantly in value) to investing in something that is extremely unlikely to go down in value--Treasuries (upon maturity) or CDs (also upon maturity). Of course, since I'll be holding these funds for several decades longer, it's very hard to predict what's going to happen long from now--CDs and Treasury yields could go way below what AGG yields are, and since AGG is "self healing" as bonds in it mature, it should hopefully go back up in value (unless interest rates go up again, etc). So--to take the loss and alter my ...
by truenorth418
Tue Apr 11, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Notice Lost in USPS Mail
Replies: 12
Views: 1823

Re: IRS Notice Lost in USPS Mail

I seem to recall getting some confirmation in the mail after creating my ID.me account last year. But can you be sure that’s what this notice was about?

After experiencing so many snafus with my own IRS account and reading about others’ issues here, I think you should call them and make sure everything is ok with you account. Better safe than sorry.
by truenorth418
Tue Apr 11, 2023 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?
Replies: 171
Views: 25535

Re: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?

Nomad is my plan. I am retired and have been living nomadically for almost 6 years. It has been a great experience. I started out staying a month or two at a time in airbnbs or vrbos, but more recently I divide my time between hotels and cruise ships. I move seasonally, more or less, to follow the weather I like. With modern technology it is easier than ever. Before covid I thought I would soon settle down in one place but since that difficult period I became more excited than ever to keep traveling. I try to keep things as simple as possible, in personal finance and all areas of my life. I’ve met some terrific people from all over the world. Similarly, I’ve spent time in some fantastic places, and places I return to repeatedly that almost...
by truenorth418
Tue Apr 11, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?
Replies: 171
Views: 25535

Re: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?

HomerJ wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 12:35 am
truenorth418 wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 9:34 pm lots of dog waste on streets and sidewalks - there is no worse place in the world for dog waste in public spaces than the USA, where I have even seen dogs defecate and urinate in supermarkets, restaurants, hotel rooms.
No you haven't.
You’re right. The dog urine was already there when I checked into the hotel room.
by truenorth418
Mon Apr 10, 2023 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?
Replies: 171
Views: 25535

Re: Your favorite country to possibly retire to?

USA! We experienced the following in other countries: - no public restrooms - no or poor air conditioning - no or limited hdtv (really bad cable - we missed a lot of our shows) - lots of dog waste on streets and sidewalks - unfriendly people - overpriced and nasty food/drink Nothing wrong with retiring in the USA but I can’t help but disagree with your reasons. It all depends on the specific country or city but most of these reasons don’t make sense to me. And I’ve travelled to over 100 countries. - no public restrooms - in my experience major US cities have a major lack of public restrooms. Thank God there are so many Starbucks and McDonalds but even they are beginning to lock their restrooms now. Many foreign cities have easily accessibl...
by truenorth418
Tue Apr 04, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Living in 55+ Communities?
Replies: 120
Views: 18614

Re: Living in 55+ Communities?

I live part-time in a neighborhood / hoa that is partially an over 55 community in Florida (the houses aren’t, the condo’s are age restricted). I grew up in an over 55 community when I was 15 to 18 years old near here. Children of residents had to be 15. I liked it. BUT the average age was closer to well over 55 maybe closer to 75 in both neighborhoods from my unscientific observation. Where we live now has two of our 5 physically nearest neighbors being shut ins with caregivers visiting daily. From what I see most people don’t retire at age 50 or even 60 like we did. I would visit the pool or walk the common areas to make sure the age group community is what you are expecting. Nothing against anyone as we all get older - just don’t expect...
by truenorth418
Mon Apr 03, 2023 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

Just a short update, on 15 March, I filed a complaint with the "Systemic Advocacy Management" department of the IRS, since their website looks like the right place for this: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/home/systemic-advocacy-management-system-sams/ They mention: Know of a tax problem that affects more than one taxpayer? You can help the Taxpayer Advocate Service tackle the “big-picture” problems in the IRS or the tax law by reporting them to us. These systemic issues: Always affect multiple taxpayers; Don’t apply to just one taxpayer (but if you personally have an unresolved IRS problem, TAS may be able to help); Involve IRS systems, policies, and procedures; Involve protecting taxpayer rights, reducing burden, ensuring ...
by truenorth418
Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

Just a short update, on 15 March, I filed a complaint with the "Systemic Advocacy Management" department of the IRS, since their website looks like the right place for this: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/home/systemic-advocacy-management-system-sams/ They mention: Know of a tax problem that affects more than one taxpayer? You can help the Taxpayer Advocate Service tackle the “big-picture” problems in the IRS or the tax law by reporting them to us. These systemic issues: Always affect multiple taxpayers; Don’t apply to just one taxpayer (but if you personally have an unresolved IRS problem, TAS may be able to help); Involve IRS systems, policies, and procedures; Involve protecting taxpayer rights, reducing burden, ensuring ...
by truenorth418
Tue Mar 21, 2023 4:22 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Vanguard closing accounts? [sudden closure with a Non-US address]
Replies: 21
Views: 4075

Re: Vanguard closing accounts? [sudden closure with a Non-US address]

snackdog wrote: Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:21 am Just keep a US address and no issues. Can be a friend, forwarding service, whatever.
Sure, but what happens when your “friend” moves while you are overseas, and you have to scramble for a new strategy?

For financial accounts, a “forwarding address” needs to be a legal domicile, cannot be a PO Box.

There are services that can provide these, and there have been many posts about this issue so search away.
by truenorth418
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel Door Alarms (was: Locks?)
Replies: 39
Views: 4242

Re: Hotel Door Locks?

bampf wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:28 pm
truenorth418 wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:35 pm I travel a great deal and mostly stay in hotels.

If the safety and security of a place were so bad that even the various, multiple locks provided on the hotel doors were not enough to protect me, I would not travel to such a place.
The door secondary locks are mostly for show. You can defeat the chain, flap or bar generally with the do not disturb card. Youtube has dozens of videos.

I wouldn't stay in a hotel where I felt like I needed more than those. I agree with you except for the notion that the secondary locks are any good.
That makes sense. And also the hotel security and lobby personnel also play a factor no? And elevators that only allow room key access?

So much more than just the door lock to consider.
by truenorth418
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to quickly declutter and organize the house
Replies: 127
Views: 12797

Re: Best way to quickly declutter and organize the house

Get a packet of sticky notes. Walk around your home and place a sticky note on every item - furniture, small appliances, clothes, shoes, etc - for every item that you have not used for the past year.

Then call Goodwill Industries or the Salvation Army and have them come and take every one of those items you haven’t used. Don’t make any exceptions.

In other words, if you haven’t used an item for a year, donate it so that other less privileged people can use it.
by truenorth418
Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel Door Alarms (was: Locks?)
Replies: 39
Views: 4242

Re: Hotel Door Locks?

I travel a great deal and mostly stay in hotels.

If the safety and security of a place were so bad that even the various, multiple locks provided on the hotel doors were not enough to protect me, I would not travel to such a place.
by truenorth418
Sun Feb 19, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ID.me [Identify verification site]
Replies: 363
Views: 41899

Re: ID.me [Identify verification site]

Beyond the privacy concerns, I'm also worried about the 8028 Error when logging in, which from my research/googling seems to only happen to people using ID.me and seems to have no real cause or solution beyond randomly waiting for it to work again. Since I need a PIN every year for tax filing, that's just a headache I don't need. Then again, maybe this is just something to happens to newer accounts/logins, and we'd have the same issue even with login.gov. What makes you think the Error 8028 only happens with ID.me logins? I’ve been getting blocked from my IRS account by Error 8028 since December, and it happens whether I log in using ID.me or the legacy login method (still available even after ID.me conversion). Also, I converted to ID.me ...
by truenorth418
Wed Feb 08, 2023 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028
Replies: 47
Views: 21342

Re: IRS Online Account - Mysterious Error Message 8028

I tried calling the 800-908-4490 number and asking for a replacement PIN by mail. Unfortunately, the agent said that the IRS can only send a replacement PIN by mail if my PIN was originally issued by mail. Otherwise, I must obtain the PIN online or file a return via mail without the PIN. OP here. You may want to try calling that 800-908-4490 number again. The agent I reached at that number 2 weeks ago said she would send out an IP PIN by mail, and sure enough I received it today. I have never received a PIN by mail before, I always obtained my PINs from my IRS online account, so I didn’t think I was eligible to get one by mail this time, but of course this year I have not been able to access my online account at all because of the Error 80...
by truenorth418
Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone fly Emirates lately?
Replies: 19
Views: 2213

Re: Anyone fly Emirates lately?

End of last year I flew Emirates Cape Town to Dubai and later Dubai to SE Asia.

So these were both 9 hour flights. My first time on Emirates, and I flew coach.

Combined, it was a great experience. The TV/video selection was best I’ve ever had on a flight. The food service - dinners/breakfasts - were fine. The time flew by. The ambience on each reflected a little bit the type of passenger - the Dubai leg was adults and quiet, the SE Asia a little noisier with more kids.

But all in all a good experience and I look forward to riding them again.