Search found 417 matches

by jasc15
Wed Jun 08, 2022 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric vs Gas Furnace
Replies: 61
Views: 4676

Re: Electric vs Gas Furnace

There are certainly electric heat pumps* which can be comparable in running costs to gas furnaces, depending of course on local gas and electric rates, and climate. Heat pumps become more expensive in colder climates. I did a comparison for my location, and it came out that an electric heat pump would be about 12% more expensive than gas, with electric rates being $0.18/kWh and gas being $1.14/therm.

*Very different from electric resistive heating, which is about 3.5-4x more expensive than a heat pump.
by jasc15
Thu Apr 21, 2022 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors
Replies: 20
Views: 1963

Re: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors

Besides my mention above of "contractor D", who I only spoke to by phone, I had 2 other contractors to the house. Contractor E- seemed a bit more competent than contractors B and C. He was the only one to talk about permits, and mentioned some code requirements like needing an outlet within some distance of the condenser outside. However, after 2 weeks, no quote... Contractor F- very similar to contractor C, in that they were very seat-of-the-pants with duct arrangements and condenser sizing. One of them mentioned that it doesn't matter if my new return register was located at the floor or ceiling, as long as it was pulling air. I didn't agree with that. They stayed a long time and seemed like an honest bunch. Their quote for $500...
by jasc15
Thu Apr 21, 2022 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One Way Car Rental Fees?
Replies: 24
Views: 2737

Re: One Way Car Rental Fees?

I know someone who was visiting the northeast last week, and found it was $200 cheaper to bring his rental from DC to NYC than to return to DC. Not sure if he was speculating about the reason for this, or relaying comments from the rental phone rep, but he mentioned that NYC (specifically LGA airport) was desperate for rental cars. Perhaps just anecdotal, but there might be something to exploit here.
by jasc15
Sun Apr 10, 2022 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Marvin vs. Andersen Windows: The Eternal Struggle
Replies: 64
Views: 119528

Re: Marvin vs. Andersen Windows: The Eternal Struggle

I've done some reading about windows on various forums and on reddit, and in more than one instance it was recommended to seek out local/regional window manufacturers as an alternative to Andersen, Marvin, Pella, etc. Has anyone gone this route? Does anyone know the window business and whether these smaller unknown manufacturers represent a good value, or are just to supply builders with cheap products?
by jasc15
Sat Apr 02, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors
Replies: 20
Views: 1963

Re: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors

Ah did not realize evaporator was brand new. How did you have an unsued evaporator with a dead condensor? There is evidence of central AC at some point in the past in this house. The furnace was replaced several months before we moved in, and that included the evap coil. The old condenser was removed. They probably went the cheapest route possible, since its a ~80% efficient furnace that uses a flue. Almost every house around here with a relatively new furnace has the direct vent ~96% furnace. I can tell you about 3 years ago we had our entire central ac (inside and out) replaced as well as our gas furnace for about 7.5k in NJ. A/c was 2.5 ton and 16 seer, furnace was 96% efficiency. Are you sure your saving money just replacing the conden...
by jasc15
Fri Apr 01, 2022 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors
Replies: 20
Views: 1963

Re: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors

I scheduled two more contractor visits. I asked one about the risk of using an existing evaporator (specifically about coil cleanliness), and he simply said that the tech will evaluate when he sees it.
by jasc15
Fri Apr 01, 2022 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors
Replies: 20
Views: 1963

Re: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors

Also, what would be the extra cost to have them replace the evaporator? That way you can get a TXV, Evap and Condenser that are all matched. If your existing system is old enough it may not even have a TXV at the evap, so at least check with them to see if they are going to include one if there isn't one and you don't replace the evap, it will increase the efficiency of the evaporator. I dont know the extra cost to replace the evap, and none of these contractors even suggested it. My already installed evaporator is new, and was never connected to a system. Contractor A identified it as a carrier (I previously identified it as either carrier or bryant, which I understand are sister brands), and since they install carrier, quoted a matching/...
by jasc15
Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors
Replies: 20
Views: 1963

Help evaluating HVAC quotes and contractors

We are soliciting contractors to install an AC condenser unit (the outdoor portion) to work with the existing evaporator unit (the indoor portion) that was installed in the ductwork before we purchased the house. We also need some additional ductwork added to the basement. I have received 3 quotes from 3 contractors as follows: Contractor A- A relatively large regional operation that also does plumbing, electrical, etc. The rep was very professional (collared shirt under a windbreaker, clipboard, etc.), and conveyed a sense that they had very competent technicians as compared to most smaller operations. His spiel was convincing without being high pressure. We had some light banter about me being an engineer asking too many questions, but as...
by jasc15
Mon Dec 20, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5833
Views: 591124

Re: What are you listening to now

I've been making my way through a playlist on Spotify based on the periodic Facebook/Twitter posts by the drummer Mike Portnoy where he posts his favorite 20 or 25 albums each year since 1967. https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/mpyearinmusic?refid=52&_rdr https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KOjgzoToh4TUw4tBiCLb9?si=o61IkPPxQ4K-UfM5f2UJeQ&utm_source=copy-link He's currently up to 1992. I'm finally listening to all the bands I've heard about since I was a teenager but only ever scratched the surface on: Deep Purple, Derek and the Dominos, Cream, Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Black Sabbath, Rainbow/Dio, Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull, Elton John... And that's just the 70s. I'm also digging into all the 80s metal bands, and it's grea...
by jasc15
Thu Nov 18, 2021 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missed out on 401k contributions for 2021. Mega backdoor Roth to make it up in 2022?
Replies: 2
Views: 740

Re: Missed out on 401k contributions for 2021. Mega backdoor Roth to make it up in 2022?

Thanks for the reply and thanks for suggesting the HSA, since I still have space in there for this year. And I can add to it outside of payroll deductions. I will also increase next year's HSA to the max. It still leaves me short, but I would have to do less mega backdoor roth. I suppose HSA contributions outside of payroll would complicate matters at tax time.
by jasc15
Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Missed out on 401k contributions for 2021. Mega backdoor Roth to make it up in 2022?
Replies: 2
Views: 740

Missed out on 401k contributions for 2021. Mega backdoor Roth to make it up in 2022?

I was a bonehead this year, and "forgot" to contribute to my 401k. I stopped contributions late 2020 to avoid over-contributing, and never resumed in January 2021. I will contribute the maximum allowable percentage of my salary for the remaining few pay periods of 2021, but will end far short of the annual max. My employer 401k plan allows for "Pre-tax", "Roth Basic", and "After-tax" contributions. For 2022 I plan on maxing the pre-tax contribution (as well as our Roth IRA's), and contributing enough after-tax to make up for the 2021 shortfall. I will then do a mega backdoor Roth conversion on these after-tax contributions, (I think I understand correctly that the 2022 $20,500 limit is a combination o...
by jasc15
Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WWV Radio
Replies: 73
Views: 7770

Re: WWV Radio

I just came across this on another forum. Perhaps it's relavent to the OP.

https://www.weather.gov/nwr/outages
by jasc15
Wed May 26, 2021 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone from NJ/NY what do you think about 59k for 900 [square foot] basement renovation
Replies: 12
Views: 1816

Re: Anyone from NJ/NY what do you think about 59k for 900 [square foot] basement renovation

It's rare that I have something to contribute to this site, so I hope this is useful. We are in bergen county, and remodeled our basement about 2 years ago. The scope of work was quite different from what you were proposing, since we did demo and electrical ourselves, and there was no plumbing involved. The footprint of the basement is about 900 square feet, but we only refinished about 650 of that. We received 3 quotes to do the following*: 2x4 Frame walls replace 2 windows install 3 hollow core doors and one sliding door, including hardware Frame and add doors for water/gas meter and for electrical panel Mold resistant 1/2" drywall for walls and ceiling spackle, prime and paint all baseboard, window and door trim install 7' of kitche...
by jasc15
Mon Aug 03, 2020 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me find the flaw here (Hypothetical: Old car replacement cost v new car repair cost)
Replies: 4
Views: 520

Help me find the flaw here (Hypothetical: Old car replacement cost v new car repair cost)

We are expecting a tropical storm tomorrow here in NJ, so we put away outdoor furniture and cleared out the garage to put one of our two cars inside. As I grabbed my keys, it occurred to me that for a given amount of damage, the 14 year old car would likely be totaled by the insurance company, whereas the 4 year old car would get repaired. The repair cost for the newer car, to me, is simply the deductible; far less than the difference between replacement cost of the older car and its book value. Knowing most of the service history of a 14 year old, 130,000 mile car has value to me, and me alone. I would be very reluctant to buy a car of the same age/mileage/value with unknown history. This led me to the odd conclusion that I should protect ...
by jasc15
Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone study math, physics or science for fun?
Replies: 54
Views: 5485

Re: Anyone study math, physics or science for fun?

Reading about physics and learning enough mathematics to solve physics problems are quite different animals. If you want to really learn the material, I'd pick up college level text books and start there. Solving problems at the end of sections or chapters is more important than reading the main body. I usually try to solve problems first and then turn to the main body of the chapter. Solving problems is a lot of pain, but no pain, no gain. Physics and math are not for the faint-hearted. This is the key to these subjects. You can't simply learn by reading. I've always had ambitions of going beyond the math and physics I learned as an engineering student, and remaining a lifelong student, but I haven't solved many problems since I was requi...
by jasc15
Thu May 21, 2020 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "With summer camps canceled, IRS relaxes rules on flexible spending accounts"
Replies: 5
Views: 1150

Re: "With summer camps canceled, IRS relaxes rules on flexible spending accounts"

I have a dependent care FSA, the type where funds are not available until I have contributed to the account. Fortunately, although my son's daycare is closed for the foreseeable future, our 2020 daycare payments have thus far exceeded 2020 FSA contributions. In a few more pay periods, contributions will exceed daycare spending. Assuming my employer allows changes, I plan to stop contributions, and use up those contributions to date. I feel the risk of losing further unusable contributions is greater than the lost tax benefit of suspending contributions.
by jasc15
Tue Nov 26, 2019 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should The Dentist See Me On Every Visit?
Replies: 64
Views: 4817

Re: Should The Dentist See Me On Every Visit?

My dentist may be the exception. After moving to a new state and going several years without seeing a dentist, I got a recommendation from a co-worker. This dentist has always done all exams, cleanings, x-rays, and fillings himself. He had an assistant, but I'm not sure what he used her for, since she normally didn't do anything but show me into the room and put the bib on. One time she assisted with fillings.
by jasc15
Sun Sep 15, 2019 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Altice Mobile
Replies: 14
Views: 2906

Re: Altice Mobile

I've been meaning to post about this. The lifetime thing is as long as you are an optimum/altice customer. If not, I believe it's $30/mo, which is still pretty dang cheap.

I've been hesitant anyway, since I have no loyalty to optimum and will likely switch to another internet provider soon.
by jasc15
Tue Aug 20, 2019 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fisher Investment solicitation
Replies: 27
Views: 3669

Re: Fisher Investment solicitation

I received a large white envelope from them today, and wasn't surprised to see multiple relevant threads on this forum. I did open the envelope, however, because I wanted to get an idea where they might have gotten my name and address. I was surprised to see mention of a particular financial milestone which was not too far off the mark. Fidelity is the only institution where I have any investments so it must be them, but I don't know why they would sell information (including ball park account balances ( to competitors.
by jasc15
Thu Jun 27, 2019 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any way to at least indirectly invest in SpaceX or Blue Origin?
Replies: 8
Views: 1391

Invest in their suppliers? They try to be vertically integrated, but don't do everything in house.
by jasc15
Fri Mar 29, 2019 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should basements be insulated from the outside or inside? New construction
Replies: 17
Views: 3302

Re: Should basements be insulated from the outside or inside? New construction

Insulating the exterior not only provides a moisture barrier, but keeps the concrete as part of the interior thermal envelope, preventing humid interior air from condensing on the interior surfaces of the concrete. I did a lot of reading on the Building Science Corporation's website prior to renovating my basement. I applied XPS foam to the inside since it was already built, but I think I would insist on foam on the exterior and under the slab if I were to build new. https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/information-sheets/basement-insulation This aligns with my thinking, but with a couple of caveats: 1) There is some risk of pests with exterior rigid foam, specifically ants and termites, so management of this issue is important 2) The...
by jasc15
Mon Mar 25, 2019 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should basements be insulated from the outside or inside? New construction
Replies: 17
Views: 3302

Re: Should basements be insulated from the outside or inside? New construction

Insulating the exterior not only provides a moisture barrier, but keeps the concrete as part of the interior thermal envelope, preventing humid interior air from condensing on the interior surfaces of the concrete. I did a lot of reading on the Building Science Corporation's website prior to renovating my basement. I applied XPS foam to the inside since it was already built, but I think I would insist on foam on the exterior and under the slab if I were to build new.

https://www.buildingscience.com/documen ... insulation
by jasc15
Tue Mar 19, 2019 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions
Replies: 72
Views: 9016

Re: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions

My 2007 V50, purchased 5 years ago with 65k miles has had $4,200 in maintenance/repairs in that time, and now has 118k miles. None of that has been unreasonable, in my opinion; mostly wear items and oil changes. In that cost is every oil change and windshield wiper, but much of it was DIY. ... ... This is a Ford-era Volvo, so not representative of what the OP might be looking at, but it's another data point for a higher mileage Volvo. I am curious if most people consider that low maintence for only 60k miles? It isn't exactly high but it is more than I have done on 160k+ accords, caviliers, and caravans. Add in labor(guessing 1.4-2x part cost) and your looking at almost 2k/year. Well, that was done between 65k and 118k. Even so, some might...
by jasc15
Mon Mar 18, 2019 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions
Replies: 72
Views: 9016

Re: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions

Bummer. The V50 is pretty limited on cargo space, but I've managed to fit quite a bit in there. 10' pipes, rolling tool chests, etc. Usually later models manage to be bigger than their predecessors. I think the V60 wheelbase is bigger, which is weird.
by jasc15
Mon Mar 18, 2019 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions
Replies: 72
Views: 9016

Re: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions

InvisibleAerobar wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2019 2:22 pmThe V50 might not have been a looker, but it sure is a lot more practical than the V60
I've heard that about the V50, but I like its styling. Also, what don't you like about the V60? I'm thinking of replacing this with a V60 when the time comes, but I'd have to think more about it. Don't want a turbo, for example.
by jasc15
Mon Mar 18, 2019 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions
Replies: 72
Views: 9016

Re: Calling Volvo and Audi owners! Reliabilty questions

My 2007 V50, purchased 5 years ago with 65k miles has had $4,200 in maintenance/repairs in that time, and now has 118k miles. None of that has been unreasonable, in my opinion; mostly wear items and oil changes. In that cost is every oil change and windshield wiper, but much of it was DIY.

Tires
brake rotors and pads
spark plugs
front wheel bearings
battery
front suspension/control arms
sunroof drain repaired
front and rear struts and mounts replaced
repaired CV axles
replaced fuel pressure sensor
replaced one engine mount
replaced radiator hoses (leaking coolant)
and a bunch of other smaller items.

This is a Ford-era Volvo, so not representative of what the OP might be looking at, but it's another data point for a higher mileage Volvo.
by jasc15
Thu Mar 14, 2019 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is my *entire* life financed when I have a mortgage?
Replies: 84
Views: 7487

Re: Is my *entire* life financed when I have a mortgage?

I've often thought of debt in those terms. "Every dollar you spend not paying off debt is borrowed." I guess mathematically true, but like someone else said above, there is more to life than math.
by jasc15
Mon Feb 25, 2019 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ESPP at tax time
Replies: 8
Views: 1158

Re: ESPP at tax time

My ESPP discount is taxed in the year I buy, and the gains (losses) above (below) the market price at purchase time are taxed in the year I sell them. If they are held longer than a year, those gains are taxed at the capital gains rate, however I always sell mine as soon as eligible, and they are taxed as ordinary income.
by jasc15
Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ever heard of dentists sedating toddlers to fill baby teeth cavities?
Replies: 28
Views: 3441

Re: Ever heard of dentists sedating toddlers to fill baby teeth cavities?

I was one such patient. I was probably 4 or 5, and it was pretty traumatic. I got nitrous oxide gas, which apparently wasn't totally effective. I was also strapped at the wrists and ankles. Apparently I needed a root canal, and got a silver capped tooth, which I may have actually kept somewhere after it fell out.
by jasc15
Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 year old tires installed (Sam's club). Should I do anything about this?
Replies: 104
Views: 13205

Re: 3 year old tires installed (Sam's club). Should I do anything about this?

White Coat Investor wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:40 pmBut this idea that anything that isn't maximally safe is unsafe is a quick recipe to anxiety and overconsumption/overspending.
Very concise observation. Thanks for putting it so plainly.
by jasc15
Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 1st year with a rental property - hitting singles
Replies: 37
Views: 4873

Re: 1st year with a rental property - hitting singles

2. Know your renter. We interviewed over 20 prospective renters and knew we were getting someone who would not give us problems. I am suspect about this lesson. Where I live that would probably run up against some anti-discriminatory rental laws. Where I live I have to take the first qualified applicant. I rented a floor in an owner-occupied house, and suspected discrimination when the landlord milked the rest of our lease term (we had to leave early), being unable to find a suitable tenant out of ~20 interviewed. They magically found a tenant about 2 weeks before our term ended. Based on prior conversations with the landlord, I had good reason to suspect discrimination. I read that this is allowed for owner-occupied, single-family propert...
by jasc15
Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: End of an era - Boeing 727
Replies: 35
Views: 3256

Re: End of an era - Boeing 727

catdude wrote: Tue Jan 15, 2019 7:28 pm The 747 was also recently retired, wasn't it? Another classic Boeing jet. But the 737 keeps chugging along, it'll still be around decades from now.
It was retired by US based airlines. The last flight was last year by United out of SFO, I believe. I just booked a flight on British airways JFK to LHR, and managed to get a 747 for the outbound. We are going with my 3 year old, and I think it would be great for him to have flown on a 747. Fortunately, I didn't have to pay extra to get a 747, since it was available for the same price as other flights.
by jasc15
Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 11 days in Europe...Budget and logistical advice please
Replies: 90
Views: 6724

Re: 11 days in Europe...Budget and logistical advice please

That's a long enough time for an overnight or two outside Paris/France. Switzerland should be doable, and in my opinion, worth visiting. Try Bern. There should be easy train access between the 2 cities, though I'm not sure how long it would be. Eiffel tower, Louvre, Arc de Triumphe could possibly be done in a single day, unless you like to spend hours in museums. The other sites you mention could probably be a day trip each, without needing an overnight (except Normandy, maybe?).

I'm sure there are lots of folks here who could give endless advice on Paris and vicinity.
by jasc15
Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wife spends too much money on housewares / decorating stuff.
Replies: 39
Views: 3108

Re: Wife spends too much money on housewares / decorating stuff.

I'm not sure any advice typically given here would help you, since this is an issue between you and your spouse, not really a financial one. It seems you are saying that you can retire and sustain this level of spending, but it just bothers you that much of it is, in your view, unecessary.
by jasc15
Wed Dec 19, 2018 2:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Behavioral Finance for normal people
Replies: 6
Views: 1448

Re: Behavioral Finance for normal people

Emotions complement reason more often than they interfere with it, and the interaction between emotions and reason is mostly beneficial, often critically so. Emotions prevent us from being lost in thought when it is time to act
This point is especially applicable to me.
by jasc15
Tue Dec 18, 2018 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity free Turbotax [2016 - 2021]
Replies: 1053
Views: 148090

Re: Fidelity free Turbotax

I'm not sure if I am private client or not (though if I were, I would probably know it), since I got a call a few years ago from someone who told me to call them directly with any questions, etc. I mostly blew it off since I don't have any use for it. That said, I don't have assets near the thresholds mentioned here for that status and I am getting the $20 off turbotax, not free. I also see a $30 off promo for taxact.
by jasc15
Fri Nov 30, 2018 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marriott Starwood Security breach - 500 million guests
Replies: 26
Views: 4192

Re: Marriott Starwood Security breach - 500 million guests

alfaspider wrote: Fri Nov 30, 2018 10:29 am At this point, I pretty much assume everyone who has ever provided personal information to any large company has had their data stolen. If someone wants your personal info, It's out there on the darkweb for whomever cares to buy it.
+1 I subscribe to the "big sky theory" of data security at this point. I do also have my credit reports frozen.
by jasc15
Wed Nov 07, 2018 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FreeTaxUSA.com now has 2018 Return available.
Replies: 36
Views: 6592

Re: FreeTaxUSA.com now has 2018 Return available.

OAG wrote: Wed Nov 07, 2018 9:17 amDon't know how FTUSA makes any money - they haven't from me.
Can anyone offer something here? I'm skeptical of free services, and even more so given the volume of personal and financial data involved with a tax return. In fact, I can't think of anything more invasive regarding personal information than a tax return.

I've used taxact the past 2 years and have opted for the downloaded rather than web version. Perhaps a false sense of security given that their servers are used to file anyway, so having the software running on my pc is probably not any more secure.
by jasc15
Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Phone phishing scam: "Spoofing" your bank's phone number.
Replies: 1
Views: 645

Phone phishing scam: "Spoofing" your bank's phone number.

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/10/voice-phishing-scams-are-getting-more-clever/ Haughey banks at a small Portland credit union, and last week he got a call on his mobile phone from an 800-number that matched the number his credit union uses. Actually, he got three calls from the same number in rapid succession. He ignored the first two, letting them both go to voicemail. But he picked up on the third call, thinking it must be something urgent and important. After all, his credit union had rarely ever called him. Haughey said he was greeted by a female voice who explained that the credit union had blocked two phony-looking charges in Ohio made to his debit/ATM card. She proceeded to then read him the last four digits of the card that was c...
by jasc15
Sat Sep 29, 2018 10:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sears, a 125 year old company is now a penny stock.
Replies: 127
Views: 19134

Re: Sears, a 125 year old company is now a penny stock.

sjwoo wrote: Sat Sep 29, 2018 8:38 am I just recently heard a story about Sears houses on the 99% Invisible podcast:

https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/ ... -the-mail/

They even sold houses at one point! How crazy is that. And now the company is almost ready to be a memory.
I've known for some time that Sears sold houses by catalog, but I learned a lot from this podcast. It was especially interesting to me because my wife and I nearly bought a Vallonia last year that we loved, but didn't have the time or resources to give it the work it needed.
by jasc15
Thu Sep 27, 2018 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good flip flops
Replies: 46
Views: 4827

Re: Good flip flops

FIBoston wrote: Thu Sep 27, 2018 7:53 am Rainbow

https://www.rainbowsandals.com/
Another vote for Rainbow. They are flat when you buy them, but mold very well to your feet after use. I got my first pair from the factory in San Clemente, CA and still have them, and got a second pair 13 years later. Apparently they are made in China now, but after about 4 or 5 years they seem to be the same quality.
by jasc15
Thu Sep 27, 2018 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Am I the only one...[using multiple accounts]
Replies: 27
Views: 2484

Re: Am I the only one...

There is nothing wrong with not binning your non-investment savings, but I find it useful to do so. I like to know there is a minimum amount available for each purpose, and I know at a glance how much we should spend on a vacation without impacting other purposes.
by jasc15
Thu Sep 20, 2018 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Android podcast app that remembers where you are in podcast?
Replies: 15
Views: 1095

Re: Android podcast app that remembers where you are in podcast?

I've only ever used Podcast Addict, and have not found anything lacking for my use, including resuming where I left off.
by jasc15
Tue Sep 18, 2018 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone hire an interior designer?
Replies: 39
Views: 4794

Re: Anyone hire an interior designer?

This is a good thread. My wife and I have considered this sort of service, but figured if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it :D We have an awkward shaped and small living room, and it's mostly filled with furniture we had when we moved and it's a very poor use of space. Other than seeing individual items that we either like or dislike, it's hard to create a whole picture of the room. I've noticed that, although I do have some design preferences, almost any style can appeal to me if done well, which makes me think a designer could be beneficial. We came across a flat fee online design service (I think it's linked above in another post) that would be something like $200 per room, which I feel is reasonable. With their furniture/dec...
by jasc15
Fri Sep 14, 2018 2:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Full View transition to eMoney
Replies: 161
Views: 42589

Re: Fidelity Full View transition to eMoney

After not being able to link my Capital One 360 accounts, I was finally able to today. Previously I would just get a blank white page after selecting that bank, now a separate window comes up to validate access (check your pop-up blockers).
by jasc15
Fri Aug 17, 2018 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to sell Google Play credit?
Replies: 4
Views: 706

Re: Where to sell Google Play credit?

You bought a Costco TV, yes? I did the same and figured the $75 Google play card as a discount thinking I could sell it. You can sell Google play cards, but this promotion applies credit to your account by verifying your purchase with a receipt, not just including a card with purchase. I was unable to find a way to convert credits to cash. You can't even buy a Google gift card with the credits (that loophole would be too easy). I eventually purchased some music, since I use Google music for my personal library already. Also, you can get digital subscriptions to many popular publications with might be about the same cost as subscribing directly, though you access the content via Google's app, not the provider's. If you already subscribe to s...
by jasc15
Thu May 24, 2018 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Affordable luxury ladies watch?
Replies: 21
Views: 2075

Re: Affordable luxury ladies watch?

PNWAbroad wrote: Thu May 24, 2018 9:34 am Have to disagree here. I recently purchased an inexpensive (~$300) Seiko dive watch with a high-quality automatic movement. The particular model I purchased, the SKX007, has something of a cult following among watch aficionados for being one of the best values around (see here for an illustrative review). It looks good, has a pleasing weight to it and keeps time as well as its more celebrated Swiss cousins.
I also like those Seiko dive watches, but they are all 42mm or larger and 13mm thick, and I prefer smaller for my wrist. I have a Torgoen with these dimensions and it is too large. There was one (the SNZF29 I think) that was 40mm, but no longer available.
by jasc15
Thu May 24, 2018 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Affordable luxury ladies watch?
Replies: 21
Views: 2075

Re: Affordable luxury ladies watch?

My wife has a nice citizen eco drive that was in the $300 range. It's about 4 years old and still looks great with daily use.
by jasc15
Fri Apr 20, 2018 2:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Freakonomics Podcast on Indexing with Jack Bogle Interview
Replies: 2
Views: 1109

Re: Freakonomics Podcast on Indexing with Jack Bogle Interview

I also heard recently. This podcast is excellent at distilling concepts and presenting them in a very clear manner. Also Scaramucci arguing against the fiduciary rule in part because "you'll would lose 60 to 70,000 financial services jobs as a direct result of that rule. It’s a jobs killer." is nothing more than the broken window fallacy.
by jasc15
Fri Apr 06, 2018 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car was totaled, next steps?
Replies: 18
Views: 1893

Re: Car was totaled, next steps?

I had a similar situation a few years ago, and came to the realization that to replace the totalled car with a comparable car would cost me several thousand dollars. I felt like I'd been had by someone, but couldn't figure out who. I'll be interested to see what others think.