Search found 126 matches

by Snapper
Sat Feb 03, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fish at Costco
Replies: 43
Views: 6084

Re: Fish at Costco

We like the frozen raw prawns. They are shelled and cleaned and ready to cook. Available in several sizes.
by Snapper
Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 41943

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

Paid off house, Tesla auto, health benefits of a vegan diet.
by Snapper
Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 41943

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

Paid off house, Tesla auto, health benefits of a vegan diet.
by Snapper
Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thermostat - Ecobee vs. Nest vs. Others?
Replies: 49
Views: 5586

Re: Thermostat - Ecobee vs. Nest vs. Others?

Yes the Ecobee can do this. It does it with the remote sensors, which will target specific areas in the house. For example, you can run the system off a senor by your bed at night to maintain comfort where you are at. During the day you run it off the sensor where you are most often located. It frees you from reliance on one fixed thermostat location. I have them and highly recommend them. I am not really familiar with Nest, but don’t think it uses remote sensors. They are the game changer.
by Snapper
Mon Oct 02, 2023 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?
Replies: 141
Views: 19849

Re: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?

Responding to a couple of posts above. As an owner of a model 3 I find the range as advertised. I also do not agree that Tesla is not willing to admit problems. They issue updates about every three weeks. Often they are bug fixes and are labeled as such.
by Snapper
Sun Oct 01, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?
Replies: 141
Views: 19849

Re: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?

I have a 2022 Model 3 LR. Be aware if you plan on using auto pilot, aka adaptive cruise control, that phantom braking is a major issue. The NTSA is investigating a flood of complaints in the last year. I love. My Tesla, but probably would not buy again until this issue is addressed. I have had many issues with phantom braking and do not understand why Tesla is not correcting the issue.
by Snapper
Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your experience selling a car to a dealer / CarMax / Carvana
Replies: 50
Views: 7176

Re: Your experience selling a car to a dealer / CarMax / Carvana

Sold to Carvana. Could not have been simpler. Truck showed up, driver handed me the check. They provided info before and after sale to make sure I handled my side of transaction and cancelled insurance. I shopped it and found I could get $100 more, but they would mail a check. I liked getting paid. Driver also explained what impacted my price. In my case my mileage was a little high and that affected price. I was very happy with process.
by Snapper
Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hyatt points
Replies: 14
Views: 2550

Re: Hyatt points

Longtime Hyatt loyalist and points user. If you want run of the mill highway hotels you can get them. Since the pandemic I never get upgrades that were once automatic. Post pandemic they are busy. And you often cannot get into more expensive, high demand hotels during high season. Free nights have been devalued by moving hotels that were once tier 4 to tier 5. And if you get a free night it will be on a stairwell with traffic all night long. On the positive side the points are worth way more than other programs.
by Snapper
Wed Jul 19, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: EVs and “real world” range in winter?
Replies: 72
Views: 4993

Re: EVs and “real world” range in winter?

Why are you not considering Tesla if you are concerned about range? Tesla is far ahead of the legacy companies on range. Teslas are great cars and the company is very consumer oriented. I am biased as I own one and am very satisfied. Maybe a suggestion would be to lease one that would give you 3 years to drive a vehicle with best in the market range and see if the others do in fact come out with better range? I warn you that they are addictive. Just start with no grasping dealer to contend with. You just by or lease on line with no other contact. No undercoating pitches, no market adjustments. And no scheduled maintenance to keep up dealer cash flow.
by Snapper
Thu Jul 06, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taxi vs Uber/Lyft for Airport
Replies: 45
Views: 3755

Re: Taxi vs Uber/Lyft for Airport

The experiences are just not comparable. I will not take a cab and deal with dirty beat vehicles and surly drivers. And of course the card reader is always out of order so you need cash. Go Uber or Lyft and do not look back. Cost will be comparable. Experience is not.
by Snapper
Sun Jun 25, 2023 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: California trip including San Simeon and Solvang?
Replies: 31
Views: 2333

Re: California trip including San Simeon and Solvang?

You can also fly to San Luis Obispo. Skip the long drive from Santa Barbara and go out to Cambria. Morro Bay and SLO are charming towns worth a visit. You could also start in Monterey, which also has an airport. As others have said, I would totally skip Solvang. It is a manufactured tourist attraction. I have done all of this many times and would focus on SLO north to Monterey Peninsula. Going into Santa Barbara just adds a couple of hour drive unless you want to spend time in Santa Barbara.
by Snapper
Sat Apr 15, 2023 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Select an "Induction" Stovetop
Replies: 67
Views: 6456

Re: How to Select an "Induction" Stovetop

I have had two now. They are great to cook on and clean up. My first was a GE Profile. Worked great when it worked. Many problems. I finally gave up and bought a Bosch. It has been flawless. Other than layout of the burners, they all do the same thing. I used Best Buy for the Bosch. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of service and would recommend them.
by Snapper
Mon Apr 03, 2023 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Delaying My Car Delivery
Replies: 23
Views: 3766

Re: Tesla Delaying My Car Delivery

My experience was they kept moving the date out, and then the car was ready for pickup several months before the predicted date. Knowing the available date was the worst of the process. Relax. When it comes you will love it. They are really amazing cars and Tesla is very customer oriented.
by Snapper
Sun Apr 02, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen appliance questions
Replies: 20
Views: 2528

Re: Kitchen appliance questions

I have bought several appliances recently from Best Buy. The experience has been excellent. Good pricing and availability of product, very quick delivery and installation. I recommend them. We have Bosh and Kitchen Aide. Happy with both. Have a Bosch induction stove. I recommended a vent if you do not have a hood. We went with a whirlpool vent as it was cheapest. There is no brand marked on it so no one knows. It works well and is easy to clean.
by Snapper
Sun Apr 02, 2023 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cordless leaf blower under $200
Replies: 37
Views: 2610

Re: Cordless leaf blower under $200

+EGO. Amazing power and blower time. You will throw out the corded version you needed for more power and long tasks. They also have a variety of other tools to leverage use of the big battery.
by Snapper
Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )
Replies: 12
Views: 3612

Re: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )

I have home, auto and umbrella with Costco. I have not had loss experience, but rates are very low. The only wrinkle I found was a limit on umbrella. I believe $2 million was the highest they would go. You don’t know how satisfied you are until you have a loss!
by Snapper
Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paris dinner cruise recommendations?
Replies: 11
Views: 999

Re: Paris dinner cruise recommendations?

I have done dinner cruise on Bateaux Mouches. Throughly enjoyed it. Food was passable, waitress very fun, boat great and scenery amazing. I recommend doing it. The best dinning experience is not the point.
by Snapper
Mon Mar 06, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to buy a car when there are none
Replies: 42
Views: 6359

Re: How to buy a car when there are none

Buy a Tesla. There is no scamming dealer with market adjustments, worthless upgrades and other games. The price is the same for everyone! It is amazing to be freed from those leeches.
by Snapper
Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6608

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

Buy the M3 long range. It is crazy fast anyway. But if you need the extra second you just pay a fee, currently $2,000, and they update you to a performance version. The only difference between that long range and the performance is software settings. You upgrade in the phone app. You of course need the dual motor version.
by Snapper
Thu Jan 19, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus
Replies: 137
Views: 14464

Re: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus

I have both. Get a hybrid Lexus for longer trips. But I warn you that once you have the Tesla anything else will seem antiquated. And not dealing with a car dealer is a game changer. No third party that adds no value extracting profit from you. Ignore the self appointed experts that know nothing about Teslas but are very sure they are unreliable, etc.
by Snapper
Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla owners: 240V outlet or Tesla wall connector?
Replies: 17
Views: 3614

Re: Tesla owners: 240V outlet or Tesla wall connector?

240 volt Tesla charger in the garage. 110 is just too slow unless you do not drive the car, and then what is the point? I have a Model 3 LR. You will love it. Most amazing car I have owned.
by Snapper
Fri Jun 10, 2022 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rabbit Task for Handyman?
Replies: 15
Views: 1286

Re: Rabbit Task for Handyman?

Be aware that task rabbit does not provide insurance. That makes it a no go for me. What could go wrong with uninsured people in your home?
by Snapper
Wed Feb 09, 2022 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33092

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

Citizen Eco Drive diver watch for daily. I am retired and always have my phone handy but still like to wear a watch.
by Snapper
Sat Feb 05, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is the Eiffel tower worth a visit?
Replies: 79
Views: 8151

Re: Is the Eiffel tower worth a visit?

Well worth it. Take a skip the line tour. Takes all waiting out. I used Fat Tire. Book on line, meet at their office and walk to Eiffel tour. In addition to no wait tour, the guide warned us about pick pockets and scammers that hang out to prey on tourists. Scammers yelled and flipped him off, but no problems with our group. Have a glass of Champagne at the top from the little bar. Magic.
by Snapper
Sun Dec 26, 2021 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retitling Vanguard accounts in name of trust?
Replies: 13
Views: 3337

Re: Retitling Vanguard accounts in name of trust?

I just went through this. Two page form and summary of the trust does it. Just make sure all of the questions are answered on the form. Took a couple of weeks to complete. The do not retitle. They open a new brokerage account in the trust name. The old account will be there, with a zero balance. Be sure to check your elections in the new account as the old elections do not carry over. For example, dividends may be reinvested in the fund rather than paid to your settlement fund. Good luck.
by Snapper
Sun Jun 27, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y Ride + Quality
Replies: 207
Views: 28850

Re: Tesla Model Y Ride + Quality

The ride of both model 3 and Y is bone jarring. Very harsh. That does not seem to bother Tesla fans who like the great handling and acceleration are not put off by it. But if a comfortable ride is your thing you will not be happy. I think it is one reason that they are good short haul commuters, where you have the advantage of home charging and the ride is ok for the short time you are in the car.
by Snapper
Sun Jun 13, 2021 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where is your Solo 401k?
Replies: 9
Views: 995

Re: Where is your Solo 401k?

Fidelity for many years. Very happy. I don’t find mailing a check once a year a tremendous burden.
by Snapper
Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When does it make sense to lease a car?
Replies: 65
Views: 8016

Re: When does it make sense to lease a car?

As a 74 year old retiree with plenty of money leasing is attractive. I will have the latest tech and not have to deal with out of warranty repairs. At this point in my life I have no interest in ringing the last nickel from from a car. Did that for many years but no need to now. Yes I could do it cheaper. But that is not important to me now. To everything there is a season.
by Snapper
Sun Jan 17, 2021 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best leaf vacuum?
Replies: 10
Views: 1133

Re: Best leaf vacuum?

Toro as others have mentioned. Added benefit is the leaves vacuumed up are ground up very fine so you use very little can space compared to picking up the leaves and bagging them or placing in a can.
by Snapper
Mon Nov 25, 2019 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fabric protectors
Replies: 1
Views: 259

Re: Fabric protectors

Yes there are concerns. See the Environmental Working Group website for information on these chemicals.
by Snapper
Wed Oct 09, 2019 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Downdraft ventilation system
Replies: 11
Views: 1449

Re: Downdraft ventilation system

We replaced a stove with a downdraft. Overhead was not a reasonable option. So we went with a pop up system that is recessed behind the stovetop. We went with whirlpool. It used the venting in place for the original downdraft. It works way better than the old down draft. Cost was about $1,000 installed last year. One of the best kitchen improvements we have made.
by Snapper
Fri Oct 04, 2019 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pest Exterminator DIY
Replies: 27
Views: 3343

Re: Pest Exterminator DIY

We use an exterminator every two months. Very little price increase over the years. We live in an area surrounded by woodland, so many crawling creatures. In addition to cleaning off all spiderwebs under the eaves, they spray. If we have a problem, they come same day for no additional charge. We have recently had both ant invasions and carpenter bee invasions. Well worth it to us. We have tried both large nationals and local companies. Local is best for continuity of employees and picking people you don’t mind in and around your house.
by Snapper
Fri Aug 02, 2019 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insane to buy a sports car?
Replies: 249
Views: 21938

Re: Insane to buy a sports car?

Do it at your age. When you get older you may not be able to get in and out. When younger I had a 911 and a Fiat 124 Spyder. I loved them both but the Fiat was in the shop more than on the road. 911 was trouble free. I would go with Boxter. You could also go Miata and get the fun and reliability at a fraction of the cost. Good luck and I know you will enjoy a sports car.
by Snapper
Sat May 11, 2019 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dale Carnegie training
Replies: 23
Views: 3314

Re: Dale Carnegie training

I took it many years ago. To me it is like a full service broker. Very valuable for the trainers. Save your money and time.
by Snapper
Tue Apr 23, 2019 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Use of airport skycap experience
Replies: 16
Views: 1915

Re: Use of airport skycap experience

I always use them when available. Avoids long lines when checking bags inside. They are usually much more friendly and helpful than regular gate agents because they will get immediate feedback on their work. I give them $2 per checked bag. You do not have to wait for people who have a crisis with their tickets. I find it more helpful now that airlines want you to go to a very confusing terminal and print your own baggage tags, then are abusive when the terminal does not work. And yes, I check bags. At this stage of my life I do not need to win an award for getting two weeks clothes into a tiny bag. I do not consider it a test of my manhood.
by Snapper
Mon Apr 22, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best pillow under $50?
Replies: 33
Views: 3592

Re: Best pillow under $50?

Target never go flat pillow. $10, replace every 6 months.
by Snapper
Mon Apr 08, 2019 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solution for a thick wallet
Replies: 58
Views: 10617

Re: Solution for a thick wallet

I went to a very thin wallet about 10 years ago. I keep it in my front pocket with my DL and about 5 cards. I also use Apple Pay for some that are not critical if a merchant does not accept it. First thing you must do is realize the need to drastically cut back on items carried. I have three levels. Items in my wallet. Items I will only need in the car, such as AAA, library card and small dollar gift cards like Starbucks. The rest stay home unless I have a need. I usually use larger gift cards on line. So that gets down to membership cards for places I go infrequently and out of rotation credit cards.
Good luck. It is liberating and far less to worry about if you are separated from your wallet.
by Snapper
Sat Apr 06, 2019 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eye glasses - cheaper alternates
Replies: 45
Views: 4696

Re: Eye glasses - cheaper alternates

+ Costco.
by Snapper
Sun Mar 31, 2019 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do others dislike Vanguard's new website as much as me?
Replies: 205
Views: 30214

Re: Vanguard - Will they ever upgrade their site?

Yeah move to Fidelity. You will get those all important hot stock tips an movers of the day. I do have money there but for a Boglehead the website is godawful.
by Snapper
Fri Mar 29, 2019 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Button Down Shirts / Travel Pants / Light Jacket? Other Tips from experienced Boglehead world travelers?
Replies: 179
Views: 19595

Re: Button Down Shirts / Travel Pants / Light Jacket? Other Tips from experienced Boglehead world travelers?

Really depends on where you are going. If to a large to medium European city I would not wear nylon. I want to blend in and look stylish. I wear Brooks Brothers no iron shirts and chinos in darker colors with Mephisto shoes as the are great to walk in and look dressed up or down. If I am going to the Caribbean I am very dressed down. I think you should blend in as much as possible. Full on travel gear will not do that and screams pick my pockets please.
by Snapper
Mon Mar 25, 2019 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice men's jeans
Replies: 52
Views: 16927

Re: Nice men's jeans

I typically spend up to $200 for a pair. If you do not need a brand name label try Amazon Basic house brand. I am 6 ft, 180 and wear the slim fit. They come in a number of colors. Did I mention they are $24 dollars? I am amazed at the quality. They are a nice quality fairly heavy denim. I now have 3 pair. I can’t imagine how they can do it for the price. They also come in all sizes so you will not need to alter the leg length. 32 length is perfect for me.
by Snapper
Tue Mar 05, 2019 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody have a vehicle with ventilated driver's seat?
Replies: 25
Views: 1918

Re: Anybody have a vehicle with ventilated driver's seat?

Lexus here with heat and ac in seats. Wonderful feature.
by Snapper
Mon Mar 04, 2019 8:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts
Replies: 645
Views: 92548

Re: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts

We are seeing two things at Vanguard. Cutting low useage program in Advantage, while pushing PAS to generate revenue. I wonder if Fidelity no fee funds are having an effect. When Vanguard was much cheaper it was easier to eat the other companies lunch. Fidelity may have hit on how to attack Vanguard. Cut fees on the bread and butter Vanguard offerings and attempt to starve them out. If index fund fees go to zero it is a problem for Vanguards business model. Hard to cut costs as they seem to lag on tech and customer service. Tough to raise revenue with no cost index funds and ETFs. If you just want index funds it will be hard to justify Vanguard for a new customer looking at competitors with CMA accounts and responsive customer service. Yes,...
by Snapper
Sat Mar 02, 2019 9:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts
Replies: 645
Views: 92548

Re: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts

My Flagship rep called with a two pronged attack. Advantage is dead and I should sign up for PAS. I told him this seemed to be going a cross purposes as Vanguard was eliminating the possibility of being a one stop solution, then pitching PAS as a one stop solution. That idea seemed to surprise him.

I did get the clear impression there would be no new Advantage account. Considering how often I hear from him about PAS maybe they will offer one for PAS clients only!
by Snapper
Thu Feb 28, 2019 10:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts
Replies: 645
Views: 92548

Re: Discontinuing VanguardAdvantage Accounts

Apparently they do not see the need to offer full service. I want a simple solution for DW in the event of my demise. I was planning to close out my Fidelity accounts but will now think again. The Advantage Account was not the best as you had the ATM fees to contend with, but it worked. Decent index funds are available in many places these days. Fidelity seems to be going in the opposite direction as Vanguard.
by Snapper
Tue Feb 26, 2019 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?
Replies: 29
Views: 5138

Re: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?

I gave up and filed paper. I was overpaid but program wanted me to write a statement as to why I should not be penalized. Ridiculous. Did I mention the customer service was awful. On line for an hour with a person who obviously had no idea what I was talking about or what a tax form was but repeatedly assured me she would assist me with my problem. I was actually surprised I could get someone on the phone, but there was no need to bother.
by Snapper
Tue Feb 26, 2019 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?
Replies: 29
Views: 5138

Re: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?

The issue is not just that it generates a 2210, but the form is incorrect and cannot be corrected or deleted. Because of the issues IRS keeps rejecting the return. I cannot correct it or delete it for electronic filing. Last time I tried to file the program said I had no further issues and could file. It almost instantly kicked back as rejected. Customer service is useless. I can always file by mail but that is really crappy.
by Snapper
Tue Feb 26, 2019 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone Keep a Second Fridge in Garage?
Replies: 56
Views: 6780

Re: Anyone Keep a Second Fridge in Garage?

Yes. I know it is an energy waster but we use the extra freezer space and store drinks of all kinds. It really comes in handy around the holidays when extra storage is needed. When it dies I will probably look for a new more efficient model to replace it. It was our kitchen fridge for about 5 years until repeated ice maker issues led to a replacement. It is huge but fairly efficient.