Search found 1610 matches

by obgraham
Tue Mar 26, 2024 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kindle Users--Please help
Replies: 24
Views: 1401

Re: Kindle Users--Please help

I've used those cheesy little $50 Amazon Fires as a kindle for years. I like the size, screen, and occasional $35 price.
I run it all the time on Airplane mode, thus getting zero ads. I buy kindle books via my computer, and take the kindle out of airplane mode only occasionally to download what I bought.
And yes, the Libby library app works fine on the little Fire, for the books I get that way.
by obgraham
Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our State Farm agent retiring
Replies: 32
Views: 2195

Re: Our State Farm agent retiring

After 30 years with him, my SF agent sadly died of Covid. The office sent me to a young guy trying to establish his clientele based on friendly personal service, and I'm very pleased with him.
But as stated, there isn't a lot of need to visit the office. You pay your bills online, and when you have a claim the agent isn't really involved. Sure, they like to have a sit-down and try to upsell you once in a while, but I am a very resistant fellow!
by obgraham
Sat Mar 23, 2024 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???
Replies: 54
Views: 6128

Re: Bought a new Lexus - can't get a second key for 3-5 months???

Look up “Carkeysexpress”. They have some mobile on-the-spot keyfob trucks, often in Costco parking lots, where I got one recently in the Phoenix area.
Good legitimate service, mine was $199.
by obgraham
Thu Mar 21, 2024 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I take and additional QCD after taking RMD
Replies: 13
Views: 878

Re: Can I take and additional QCD after taking RMD

Of course you can do this. RMD is the minimum you have to take out, not the maximum.
I live off my IRA, and sometimes go over the RMD (for travel costs, for example). I still make most all my donations by QCD, over and above the RMD.
There is no connection between the RMD rules and the QCD process.
by obgraham
Tue Mar 19, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sending Copy of Driver License and SS Card by Email Question
Replies: 36
Views: 3743

Re: Sending Copy of Driver License and SS Card by Email Question

Well at least in gmail, you can encrypt your email, require the recipient to provide a passcode, and/or set an expiration date for your email.
I just tried it out, and it does work. Whether the bank would accept that fussing is another matter.
by obgraham
Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska cruise recommendations
Replies: 27
Views: 2354

Re: Alaska cruise recommendations

It depends on what you look for in a cruise. In Alaska everyone sees the same ports, so that's not a factor. In fact, having seen the pros, we often stay on board.

We have been there recently on Oceania and on Regent, and like them both. Very few kids there, and we prefer smaller ships. At Ketchikan there were three mega ships berthed that day, 4-6,000 cruisers each!
by obgraham
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?
Replies: 91
Views: 10122

Re: Anyone else seeing sharp rise in homeowner's policy?

"Manufactured" home in suburban Phoenix area. (Otherwise known as a double wide!):
Last year $536
This year $872

So yes, I'd say there has been a slight rise!
by obgraham
Mon Mar 04, 2024 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?
Replies: 14
Views: 2014

Re: Lost car key - Best replacement options ?

TrustButVerifying wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:39 pm If you are a Costco member, they periodically have Car Keys Express events at their stores. You can see if there is an event in your area by checking out locations on the Costco website: https://www.costco.com/car-keys-express.html
I came across these guys last week in Arizona at Costco. Very impressive service. 15 minutes and done. Half the dealer price. (Subaru)
by obgraham
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New to RMD
Replies: 12
Views: 1921

Re: New to RMD

I’ve no idea why people overthink this issue. I live off my IRA plus SS.
I know what my effective tax rate is, something like 16%. So when I pull some out of Vanguard I simply have them withhold 16%. Works out real close come the following April.
by obgraham
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is anyone using cash for a discount on everyday items?
Replies: 83
Views: 6187

Re: Is anyone using cash for a discount on everyday items?

Snowbirding into a “manufactured home community” (=“trailer park”), I usually need to get some work done when I get here. Most of the service guys prefer cash. So I bring along a couple of thou in 100s.
I’m sure they all pay their taxes.
by obgraham
Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard 1099 Consolidated very different from 1099-DIV
Replies: 21
Views: 3987

Re: Vanguard 1099 Consolidated very different from 1099-DIV

I had the same issues, as we had to transfer to their brokerage platform in mid 2023.
It took me a lot of thinking to sort out these two sets of 1099’s, even though Vanguard sent out a cryptic letter stating that I needed to watch for the second form (the consolidated one).
I finally finished the return accounting for all the correct amounts, entering everything manually (we file with e-file dot com, which offers fewer handholdings than the major e-file platforms.

Agreed. PITA created solely by Vanguard changing a simple process into a complex one.
by obgraham
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time owing federal taxes
Replies: 45
Views: 4459

Re: First time owing federal taxes

Everyone worries about the "penalties". They really aren't much of anything. We have owed most years, and occasionally pay maybe $75 in penalty.

If OP is within $800 of being even with the IRS, I'd say that's a job well done. File the return, let them take their money on April 15, and call it good.
by obgraham
Tue Feb 13, 2024 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decaf K Cups
Replies: 31
Views: 2590

Re: Decaf K Cups

We like McCafe decaf K-cups -- ordered from Amazon a lot cheaper than in the stores.
And then Tim Horton's regular K-cups, ordered from Costco online -- same reasoning.

Don't really care if the coffee snobs find it beneath them.
by obgraham
Sat Jan 20, 2024 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feb. 7 Update -- Brand new Subaru needs new transmission
Replies: 173
Views: 16499

Re: Brand new Subaru needs new transmission

tibbitts wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 6:04 pm
The OP had a factory-assembled car, and things almost never go back together a second time as well as the first. I think the odds of something being correct the first time assembly is completed are better than the second and subsequent times, as evidenced by how often we've all found leftover tools or disconnected cables/hoses after having work done on our cars - by a pro, or maybe by ourselves. I have some issues with my car now and I really like the car, so I wouldn't mind spending money on it for repairs if I was as confident they'd be correct as they'd be with a new car.
Well in my case that wasn't true. The factory tranny was either defective or installed wrong, but the replacement has run fine for 6+ years.
by obgraham
Fri Jan 19, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feb. 7 Update -- Brand new Subaru needs new transmission
Replies: 173
Views: 16499

Re: Brand new Subaru needs new transmission

My 2017 Forester did a similar thing. Transmission crapped out at 650 miles stranding me in an unsavory parking lot. Towed it to the dealer.
They fiddled with it for a week or so before deciding that yes, the CVT was faulty and had to replace it. There were no "remanufactured"ones, it was all new parts.
They gave me a loaner while it was in the shop, did the replacement, and it has been flawless since then.

It was inconvenient, but they stepped up and fixed it. As they are doing with OP's. Just move on and drive the car.
by obgraham
Wed Jan 17, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Easy Meal?
Replies: 127
Views: 14508

Re: Favorite Easy Meal?

Made it for 50 years. We call it "Glop":

1lb ground beef
1 onion rough chopped
Brown that stuff up. Salt and pepper as you like

Add a can of mushroom slices
A big and a small can of tomato sauce
A can of corn
1.5 tsp chili powder

Cook it till you're ready to eat, maybe 20 minutes.

Serve it up with Texas toast, reefer rolls, or canned biscuits.
by obgraham
Thu Jan 11, 2024 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022
Replies: 34
Views: 4805

Re: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022

Poor guy. OP wants to do something simple, and everyone here offers a far more complex way for him to accomplish it, because "that's the way I did it". Meanwhile claiming that what he wants just "won't work".
Oh well.
by obgraham
Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022
Replies: 34
Views: 4805

Re: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022

the_wiki wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 3:00 pm
obgraham wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 11:28 am He wants to play his collection of cds in his car. Nothing wrong with that.

The least hassle solution for OP is to simply get a computer “optical disc drive”, connect via USB as an external source, and play the discs.

I'd be shocked if that actually worked. The car USB drive would have to have drivers and a CD-audio implementation to access the data.

A portable CD player (discman) with a 3.5mm aux cord is guaranteed to work.
Be careful not to be grounded when you are shocked.

When I changed from a usb dvd drive to a Blu-ray drive on my computers, the old one was relegated to the RV. It’s worked just fine for music cds, plugged in via the rig’s Aux input. No drivers or adapters needed.
by obgraham
Wed Jan 10, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022
Replies: 34
Views: 4805

Re: CD Player for Honda CRV 2022

He wants to play his collection of cds in his car. Nothing wrong with that.

The least hassle solution for OP is to simply get a computer “optical disc drive”, connect via USB as an external source, and play the discs.

And for those mocking the continued use of cds, well, some of us have esoteric music interests, not readily available on streaming sources.
by obgraham
Sat Jan 06, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do my own taxes?
Replies: 27
Views: 3110

Re: Do my own taxes?

Being married to a tax practicing CPA was very handy for most of our years. But when she developed some early cognitive decline I had to take it over.
We have used “e file dot com” for a few years and I find it very straightforward, simple, and inexpensive. Their phone support is also good if there are any snags.

For a relatively simple return there is no reason these days to pay an accountant to file your taxes.
by obgraham
Sat Jan 06, 2024 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First time flying to Europe (2024)
Replies: 37
Views: 5570

Re: First time flying to Europe (2024)

To answer another of OP’s issues: IMHO there are still good reasons to use a travel agent for a cruise and the flights thereto: A good TA can have better access to the cruise line to fix little issues that crop up (name spellings, cabin choice, etc) while you are stuck in the cruise line’s phone limbo. A TA may find better flight arrangements, especially if you have certain requirements (connection times, and avoiding certain airports like CDG are some of ours) and occasionally a better price. If there is a snafu during the flight, I call the TA, not the airline’s phone mess. They can sort things quicker. In any case, check every detail of the arrangements yourself, check the seating on seatguru and aerolopa, and download the airline’s phon...
by obgraham
Tue Dec 05, 2023 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retire in 50s what do you do
Replies: 64
Views: 12223

Re: retire in 50s what do you do

Retired just before 55. Now 23 years ago. What I did: Traveled to over 60 countries. Read anything I chose to, rather than stuff dealing with my work life. Made some 15 overseas medical mission trips. Some simple, some complex, all rewarding. Refined my private pilot skills, including instrument rating. Pursued my interests in classical music, including numerous Euro tours. Ran the house, cooked the meals —( DW still working.) Maintained the landscaping, moved to 2 new homes. Reinvigorated my faith life. Been plenty busy! But now, at 78, things slow down. It is the inevitability of life, whether we like it or not, and pointless to deny it. I support anyone retiring from the rat race when they still have the vigor and health to really enjoy ...
by obgraham
Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small tool chest on wheels
Replies: 30
Views: 2877

Re: Small tool chest on wheels

I like my old Sears Craftsman 5 drawer rolling chest. Doubt they are around any more — maybe at Ace Hardware.
Harbor Fright has some too, much lower quality, but might do what you seek, at a lower price.
by obgraham
Mon Nov 20, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quicken on Two Computers
Replies: 14
Views: 1645

Re: Quicken on Two Computers

May not do what OP seeks, but you certainly can load Quicken on two computers, and put the data file on, say, a jump drive. Then swap it out.
by obgraham
Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip the dealer valet that picks up your car to have it serviced?
Replies: 35
Views: 5388

Re: Do you tip the dealer valet that picks up your car to have it serviced?

I agree with others, that I am essentially "all tipped out.

However, for me this is an exception. When my dealerships offered valet service in picking up and dropping off (either me or the vehicle, same diff), it seemed like this task always fell to the lowest level employee, often a teenager. Even at Mercedes. I'm sure they were not well paid, so if they looked presentable and were civil, sure, $5 from me.

No worries, though because that service has disappeared. My local dealer will lend me a bicycle!

I feel similar with the kid who checks my tire pressure at places like Discount Tire, offering free tire checks. They always appreciate being handed a couple of bucks.
by obgraham
Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29729

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

Tom_T wrote: Thu Nov 16, 2023 6:40 am
Words like 'plenty' aren't meaningful. Fact: according to the CMS, less than two percent of physicians opted out of Medicare. The rate is slightly higher in Alaska (3.1%), Colorado (2.3%), Wyoming (2.3%), Idaho (2.1%), and the District of Columbia (2.0%). And, it's already been pointed out that psychatrists and pediatricians make up a large percentage of the opt-outs.
"Opting out of Medicare" and "Not accepting Medicare assignment" are 2 different things.
by obgraham
Wed Nov 15, 2023 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rechargeable 9v batteries (usb-C)?
Replies: 11
Views: 1526

Re: Rechargeable 9v batteries (usb-C)?

For me, the usage and ease of swapping are the critical issues when considering rechargeable. So I agree with the advice below about smoke detectors and emergency flashlights.
But I use rechargeables in my portable digital recorder, as I can swap a set out in 10 seconds. And it is not a critical use. I also use them in wireless headphones, and yes, in clocks.
I've found the Eneloop brand will hold their charge over many months of inactivity.
by obgraham
Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9712

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

having to "endure" time on a cruise ship
I can't imagine that. We are some 24 cruises in over the years (plenty of folks with oodles more) and never felt we had to "endure". Even if something turns out to be less than advertised, there is something else to do, and the professional personal service always means a lot to us -- in fact we like Sea Days most of all.

Heck we even survived the old Windjammer line, where Heineken and Fornakin seemed to be the primary attraction!
by obgraham
Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.
Replies: 107
Views: 9712

Re: Best Alaska Cruise (other lst time cruises?), quiet, private, ADA compliant, suite a must.

As is so often the case, my views diverge from many others here. In the last year we have done a trans-Atlantic on Seabourn, and Alaska on Oceania round trip out of Seattle. Mrs O is mobility limited, though not in a chair. She managed very well on these smaller ships. There were also several cruisers on mobility scooters, and all found they preferred the smaller ships, less crowded venues, and somewhat more personalized service. I can’t imagine fighting through 3-5000 passengers to get my breakfast buffet. Interestingly, at the one-time superdooper buffet, both lines assigned a crew member to accompany those with mobility issues, hold their plates, and get them to their seats. Well appreciated. Off-ship activity in Alaska is a different ma...
by obgraham
Sun Nov 12, 2023 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car with cash
Replies: 56
Views: 6701

Re: Buying a new car with cash

surfinagin wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 5:07 pm Several posters report paying for their new car with a personal check.
Did you drive your new car home that day (before the check cleared)?
Sure. Bought last 2 cars with personal checks, left my trade with them and drove home with the new car, all same day.
As the closer guy said, “it’s not like we don’t know where you live if the check is no good”.
I think his name was Vinnie.
by obgraham
Tue Nov 07, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cross country drive in a 10 year old vehicle, thoughts?
Replies: 87
Views: 8671

Re: cross country drive in a 10 year old vehicle, thoughts?

Good heavens, folks obsess about stuff!
Over the years I have made such trips in everything from an Opel Kadett through a diesel pusher motor home.
Just the routine maintenance that any mechanic or even a quiklube can do, will suffice.
There are dealers, service shops, and mechanics everywhere, in case stuff happens.

The big debates will be the music, and the snacks.
by obgraham
Tue Oct 24, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?
Replies: 55
Views: 6603

Re: Need to buy a car: Outback or CRV?

We have had both a CRV and an Outback. Both are good cars, and mine spent very little time at dealers.
Now we are in Foresters. Less snappy than either of the two mentioned, but the seating, in/out, and visibility is a lot better. When you get old, these become the deciding factors!
by obgraham
Fri Oct 20, 2023 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery
Replies: 33
Views: 4722

Re: Multifocal lenses after cataract surgery

As a physician, though not in ophthalmology, I concur with one of the prior poster’s consulting optometrists: Keep it Simple.
I’ve been quite pleased with my standard monofocal implants, going on 6 years.
The majority (not all) of my doctor friends have made the same choice. Including my own ophthalmologist!
by obgraham
Wed Oct 18, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Michelin Defenders on a 2011 Toyota Highlander?
Replies: 16
Views: 2234

Re: New Michelin Defenders on a 2011 Toyota Highlander?

I think the Defenders are great tires, though yes, spendy. My Forester was transformed by replacing the Yokos with Defenders: quieter, grippier, and steadier.
by obgraham
Fri Oct 13, 2023 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Upgrade for my Elderly Parents - Your Advice Appreciated
Replies: 59
Views: 5270

Re: Computer Upgrade for my Elderly Parents - Your Advice Appreciated

On the issue of switching to Mac….
It depends on the person’s abilities.
We switched a couple of years back. I much prefer the simpler techno life working with the Macs. But Mrs obg, in the early stages of cognitive decline, has not been able to adapt. There are different ways of doing things, and old habits can be hard to change.
I recommend staying in the PC world.
by obgraham
Thu Oct 12, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volunteering experiences
Replies: 52
Views: 5642

Re: Volunteering experiences

I did medical volunteer work with mission groups for a number of years after retiring.
I went into it thinking it was a way to utilize my skills to help the less fortunate. And it was. I enjoyed it.
But in every case, I encountered people who were involved for completely different reasons, and brought their own baggage along.
I soon learned to just keep quiet, do what I went for, and ignore the dramatics surrounding me.
by obgraham
Wed Oct 04, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Winterizing irrigation system, DIY or pay someone?
Replies: 29
Views: 2970

Re: Winterizing irrigation system, DIY or pay someone?

Used to have the Boy Scouts around doing my neighborhoods. Let’s just say, I prefer to just give them some cash to skip mine!
Now I live in a neighborhood of old geezers, most of whom blow their own systems — it isn’t that difficult.
Me, I pay a guy to do mine, sort of as a retainer to come out and fix breakdowns, which inevitably happen.
by obgraham
Tue Oct 03, 2023 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feather Pillows
Replies: 16
Views: 1697

Re: Feather Pillows

I too have been on a search for a feather pillow. I liked the cheap (under $12) one from Walmart, but lately they are unavailable.

I found one at Amazon nearly as good. $40 for two. Search for this:

“ Eastwarmth Goose Feather Down Pillow, 100% Cotton Cover Bed Pillow Set of 2 Stripe White Queen (Pack of 2)”
by obgraham
Tue Oct 03, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raven scanner
Replies: 6
Views: 3041

Re: Raven scanner

Hypersion wrote: Mon Oct 02, 2023 3:37 pm What special thing does the Raven scanner do vs just an all-in-one print or a portable scanner like a Brother ADS-1250W?
It just met my needs. I save just about every paper I see, by scanning to pdf. It sat on my desk, I pass by with something, put it in the slot, hit two buttons on the scanner screen, and it is saved to their online site (about to go defunct!). Duplex, color/gray/b&w, multipage, etc all with minimal fuss. Editable at the scanner. No need to be at my computer.

I'm sure there are other devices just as useful, but this one was handy and reliable.
by obgraham
Sun Oct 01, 2023 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raven scanner
Replies: 6
Views: 3041

Re: Raven scanner

OP again. Yes, there are some workarounds that will at least keep the machine scanning. My concern was that everything might depend on the company keeping an internet presence, but it will indeed scan direct.
Thanks for the heads up.
by obgraham
Sat Sep 30, 2023 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raven scanner
Replies: 6
Views: 3041

Raven scanner

Anyone else have one of these Raven document scanners?
Mine has worked easily and reliably for what I need.
The system scans to a proprietary cloud service, from which I download the scans.
Sadly, they appear to be going out of business.

Solution? Or just a heavy paperweight now?
by obgraham
Sun Sep 24, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Revised] Delta Skymiles Program
Replies: 32
Views: 4654

Re: [Revised] Delta Skymiles Program

I too don’t understand this obsession with the “lounges”. Sure, a recent business class flight to Europe gave me access. Big deal. Crowded and dirty place, with a free coffee and stale bun. For this, I paid an outrageous fare.
But clearly, the airlines are not courting travelers taking as few trips as me.
So be it.
by obgraham
Thu Sep 21, 2023 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oceania Beverage packages
Replies: 7
Views: 2595

Re: Oceania Beverage packages

On our recent Oceania Alaska we had the “select” package. Could choose any wine listed on the “by the glass” page. It was fine for us, as we have modest tastes, but most of them were in the 10 to 15 dollar per bottle range if bought at home. I used up my onboard credits for a few fancy bottles in the specialty restaurants.
by obgraham
Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trying to send 2015 macbook air to canada as a gift.
Replies: 19
Views: 1424

Re: Trying to send 2015 macbook air to canada as a gift.

Considering that FedEx charged me $72 to send my passport application (6 sheets of paper) from the US to Ottawa, I’m not surprised at their rate. They don’t like individual customers.
by obgraham
Wed Sep 20, 2023 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Shaver Recommendations (2022)
Replies: 39
Views: 5398

Re: Electric Shaver Recommendations (2022)

Obviously a lot of different personal opinions on this, for which I've nothing to add. And with all the old-age crap growing out of my facial skin these days, changing to a blade would likely require blood transfusions.

However, I will add that as a long term Norelco user, I have found that the cheapies (say $50) work every bit as well as the fancy (>$200) types. In fact the fancy one I got as a gift is worse than the old cheapo sitting in the drawer.
by obgraham
Tue Sep 19, 2023 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expecting Twins-Advice?
Replies: 41
Views: 5184

Re: Expecting Twins-Advice?

Our twin daughters are about to turn 46, so it was a long time ago. I agree with most of the other advice here. Organized life as you might have known it will come to an end. Adaptation and adjustment will be the order of the day. At the time, my wife was a stay-at-home mom, which we still think was the best. What saved her sanity was a local organization then known as the "Mothers of Twins Club" (now of course, "Mothers of Multiples"). This offered lots of opportunities for socializing, either with or without the children, with other families who understood the chaos and offered ongoing helpful tips. If there is such a group, I encourage you and your family to join. As for college planning, I've no advice: I had three i...
by obgraham
Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7771

Re: Tires - replace or wait?

pshonore wrote: Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:40 am That does sound high for a Forester. My Ford Expedition uses Michelin Defender LTX M/S 275/65R18's and a set of those was $1018 out the door at BJs last year.
Defender LTX 225/60R17's. With the Full Discount Tire road warranty (which I like) -- $968 plus tax. So be it.
by obgraham
Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mail in passport renewal
Replies: 80
Views: 11301

Re: Mail in passport renewal

Not relevant to this thread, obviously, but I just got a Canada passport, by mail from USA. They claim 20 business day service, beyond shipping time.
They got mine paperwork Aug 1, and sent it out Aug 21.
Not too shabby.
(Don’t ask what it cost to FedEx the papers to them!)
by obgraham
Tue Sep 12, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7771

Re: Tires - replace or wait?

I’m with everyone else. Replace them.
I too don’t put a lot of miles on the car now. My Forester has only 25 k at 7 years. This month I replaced the OE Yokohamas for Michelins. Ouch, $1000 all in. But peace of mind and a whole lot better ride are worth it.
by obgraham
Mon Sep 11, 2023 1:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medical Records, saving them
Replies: 37
Views: 3603

Re: Medical Records, saving them

Imaging files (MRI, CT, etc) are quite large. That's why you get a disc when you request a copy of the actual scan.
The files are in a specific format, usually one called Dicom. In my cases I needed a reader utility to see the images, but free versions are readily available both for PC and Mac. They work very well.