Search found 325 matches

by opus360
Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance: Doctor Covered But Not Facilities
Replies: 0
Views: 932

Health Insurance: Doctor Covered But Not Facilities

Background: - Live in south NJ - Aetna CVS health insurance via marketplace Issue: My kid needs to be seen by a pediatric cardiologist. The recommended doctor was part of Virtua CHOPS in Voorhees, NJ. I called to make an appointment, to which they check and said they are in-network for the Aetna insurance. To be sure, I asked to be connected to their billing/insurance determination department. Billing department said the doctor is in-network but any testing/lab work is not. Reason is the billing is done out of the Philadephia office for the facility/testing. I am just shock that doctor can be covered but not the facility the doctor worked in. So, if I hadn't been on guard, then the testings out have been out of pocket. When I logged into my...
by opus360
Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rollover IRA, Rollover Roth IRA, Designated Roth IRA confusion
Replies: 4
Views: 437

Rollover IRA, Rollover Roth IRA, Designated Roth IRA confusion

If I have a 401k, I can roll it over to a "Rollover IRA". At some point in the future, if I keep the money seperately from "regular" IRA, I can roll funds from "Rollover IRA" into the 401k again. This is how I understand it. Is this right? That same 401k, can I roll a portion of it into a "Rollover Roth IRA"? Is there such a thing as Rollover Roth IRA? Or can I do a conversion from the "Rollover IRA account" into a "Rollover Roth IRA"? Will this "Rollover Roth IRA" be eligible to be rolled into a "Roth 401k" account in the future? I also see this term use: "Designated Roth IRA." Is the Rollover Roth IRA (if there is such a thing) rolled into a "De...
by opus360
Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand
Replies: 13
Views: 1511

Re: ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand

marcopolo wrote: Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:45 am
There is a sliding scale of the percentage of your income you are required to pay. But, unlike income tax brackets, each new percentage that applies to your income level applies to ALL your income, not just the amount above the previous level.
Thank you. I was thinking it has some to do with applying the rates to "ALL your income", but couldn't really understand it. It is far more complex than it seems initially or than it meets the eye.
by opus360
Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand
Replies: 13
Views: 1511

Re: ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand

secondcor521 wrote: Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:24 am It's a not very commonly understood quirk in the way the applicable percentage works.

Essentially, ACA marginal rates do not work like ordinary tax brackets the way you think they do.

For a detailed explanation, read these links:

https://seattlecyclone.com/marginal-tax ... r-the-aca/
https://seattlecyclone.com/aca-premium- ... 1-edition/

Since these blog posts were written, Congress passed another law that gets rid of the 400% FPL cliff, so the graphs aren't accurate above 400% FPL at the moment. But the idea about why you're seeing 18% instead of 8.5% is still accurate.
Very helpful articles.

+1 to your comment that "ACA Marginal rates don't work like tax brackets".
by opus360
Tue Dec 12, 2023 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand
Replies: 13
Views: 1511

ACA Subsidy Cost Calculation - Please help me understand

I am not understanding the ACA subsidy cost calculation. For the simplest assumption: 2024 Income, 1 person 57,000/yr income, subsidy is $409 per month 58,000, subsidy is $394 per month or less by $15 or $180 per year So, the increase in income by $1,000 results in increase cost of $180 or 18%. But, "the Required Individual Contribution to Benchmark Plan Premium for 2024 Coverage Year" per below says at the required contribution is 8.5%. So, I am thinking, the increase in cost (or decrease in subsidy) should be $85/year. I know there is an error in my thinking, but I can't get my arms around it. What am I thinking incorrectly? https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/explaining-health-care-reform-questions-about-health-insura...
by opus360
Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whose is Self Insuring for Long Term Care (LTC)? I'd Like To Hear Your Plan
Replies: 202
Views: 21131

Re: Whose is Self Insuring for Long Term Care (LTC)? I'd Like To Hear Your Plan

This might be for a different topic, but it is related. Has anyone moved to a different country where healthcare cost or nursing home costs are significantly lower? If so, I would be interested to hear your experience.
by opus360
Fri Nov 24, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 3656

Re: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?

Eno Deb wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:23 pm
opus360 wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:25 amThe SGOV dividends, are they exempted from state income taxes? I am thinking they are federal government obligations, so it should be exempt from state income taxes.
In 2022 about 92% of the income was from federal government obligations and thus state tax exempt. The 2023 information will be published early next year here:

https://www.ishares.com/us/library/tax
Thank you for pointing out the tax library at ishares. I was trying to find this data but couldn't find it.

I love this forum. For example, in traditional IRA to HSA rollover, forum members pointed out that you can't take tax deduction on the HSA contribution resulting from such a rollover. Little details that matter a lot.
by opus360
Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 3656

Re: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?

Thank you for the reply on whether SGOV dividends are qualified or not.

The SGOV dividends, are they exempted from state income taxes? I am thinking they are federal government obligations, so it should be exempt from state income taxes.
by opus360
Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 3656

SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?

Assuming I have held SGOV for more than 1 year, are the dividends received every month considered qualified dividends or not?

I read somewhere too that says if you have held an ETF for more than 60 days, the dividends are qualified. Is this accurate?

Just doing some year end tax planning here.

Thank you.
by opus360
Thu Nov 02, 2023 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Merrill Edge Account Fees
Replies: 1
Views: 421

Merrill Edge Account Fees

Under Retirement, does anyone know the difference between a "Full Account Transfer", which has a fee of $0.00 and "Closingout Fee", which has a fee of $49.95? Aren't they the same thing? If you transfer out your assets, then there is nothing for them to charge.

Under General Investing, "partial account transfer" and "closeout" has no fee, but "full account transfer" has fees of $49.95. Doesn't it seems weird that the fee structure are different between a retirement account and a non-retirement account?

https://www.merrilledge.com/pricing
by opus360
Sun Oct 29, 2023 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!
Replies: 95
Views: 10026

Re: Car totaled - Need new car suggestions!

Tesla Model 3 is my vote. When you can have a Tesla model 3 rwd for less than the price of Prius or same price as high end trim Corolla / lower end trim Camry, it seems a no brainer to me unless charging is an issue.
by opus360
Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone user thinking of switching to Android... Samsung or Pixel?
Replies: 67
Views: 6366

Re: iPhone user thinking of switching to Android... Samsung or Pixel?

I switch from Samsung phone to iphone 14 last year because someone gave it to me as gift. I tried mini mac M2 for a few months. I have both ipads and Samsung tablets at home. I used windows laptops.

Bottomline: The switch is quite annoying and lots of learning curve. My suggestion is to stay in whatever system you have now. Grass isn't greener on the other side, just different.
by opus360
Tue Sep 12, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7570

Re: Tires - replace or wait?

5/32 at the thickest part of the tire (center groove).
by opus360
Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7570

Re: Tires - replace or wait?

Costco - free balance, not alignment. I wrote incorrectly that they have free alignment.

Tires were rotated a couple of times, during first couple of years, but not after. I am "cheaping" out there.

Age is from tire (very close to age of car too).

No visible sign of any other wear on tire. In fact, garage shop I did oil change and the front brake pads didn't mention the unusual wear. They did say tire is getting lower on thread (5/32 or 6/32).

Okay, I'll get them replace at Costco with Michelin Cross Climate 2.

Thank you to all.
by opus360
Tue Sep 12, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7570

Tires - replace or wait?

My tires are 8 years old and they need to be replace by 10 years old. So, a couple of years left. We don't drive that much. They are OEM tires - Continental ContiProContact. They are currently at 5/32 to 6/32. So, they are still good until 4/32 (I don't wait until the legal limit of 2/32). We need our cars until they drop dead. However, I have a couple of issues. 1) The driver side front tire has excessive wear on the outer side. This will call for an alignment. 2) The car has moderate vibration coming from the front at highway speeds. We did wheel balancing a couple of years ago, which help for sometime. Front brake pads and rotors were replaced last year, that had help initially too. Question: I know I will need an alignment. The question...
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

CAsage wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:07 pm And no, the software will not support not deducting it, there is no question or option on that.
I wonder why these people made such a software that won't let you pick.
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

Thank you to all. I learned a new avenue today. I got some readings to do on IRS publication.
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

I am using the H&R Block tax filing software. I made some traditional IRA contributions in 2022. The software wants to deduct those contributions, which I am entitled to deduct them. However, I do NOT want to deduct those contributions, as there is no federal tax benefit to me to deduct those. So, if I deduct the contributions, it can only have downside in the future. Just how to I do that on the H&R Block software? It keeps wanting to deduct those contributions. Your future self will thank you if you do a Roth conversion on this. Recharacterize, not convert! If you convert, you may be taxed on the conversion of those 2022 contributions. On the other hand... if your taxes are really so low that you are not able to deduct that IRA, ...
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

jebmke wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:41 am
pshonore wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:37 am AFAIK non-deductible traditional IRA contributions go on Form 8606. Where did you enter them?
in HRB there is a dialog in Adjustments. You don't enter data directly on the forms.
Is there a dialog that says "don't deduct" or something similar?
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

pshonore wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:37 am AFAIK non-deductible traditional IRA contributions go on Form 8606. Where did you enter them?
H&R Block software just asked a bunch of questions. However, there is no question or area for me to say, I don't want to deduct the contributions. It just assumed I want to deduct them. So, any traditional IRA contribution is made deductible by the software if you're eligible. I don't see a place for me to fill up Form 8606.
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

Re: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

Thanks for all the replies.

The Traditional IRA contributions were made early in 2022. I didn't realized accurately my tax situation until early 2023. So, tax year 2022, I have a mixture of Roth and Traditional IRA contributions.
by opus360
Thu Aug 31, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?
Replies: 27
Views: 1194

H&R Block Software Help - How NOT to deduct Traditional IRA contribution?

I am using the H&R Block tax filing software. I made some traditional IRA contributions in 2022. The software wants to deduct those contributions, which I am entitled to deduct them. However, I do NOT want to deduct those contributions, as there is no federal tax benefit to me to deduct those. So, if I deduct the contributions, it can only have downside in the future. Just how to I do that on the H&R Block software? It keeps wanting to deduct those contributions.
by opus360
Thu Jul 06, 2023 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gifting of Stocks to Minor from a Traditional IRA
Replies: 3
Views: 578

Gifting of Stocks to Minor from a Traditional IRA

My aunt wants to give some appreciated stocks to my minor kids for educational fund. She has this stock in her IRA and in her taxable account. Her preference is to use the stock in her traditional IRA, so that the gift will account towards her required minimum distribution.

Questions:
- Overall question: what is the best way to do?
- I did not think that you can gift someone stocks out of your IRA. She said it can be done. Can you do that? Can she transfer stock XYZ to someone?
- If so, does the gift count towards her RMD?
- What kind of accounts can receive the stocks? 529 can't receive stocks.
- What would be the cost of basis of someone receiving appreciated securities from a traditional IRA?

Thank you.
by opus360
Tue Jun 20, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finance Books For Youngsters
Replies: 6
Views: 544

Re: Finance Books For Youngsters

LateStarter1975 wrote: Tue Jun 20, 2023 9:36 am
The Richest Man in Babylon. It's a simple old classic that will give him the foundation he needs before he reads about stocks and bonds.
+1 for the book above.

Then, "Learn to Earn" by Peter Lynch for stocks. He'll need some books or internet website to learn about interest rates (compounding, discounted, etc) before moving to bonds and taxes.
by opus360
Wed Jun 14, 2023 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

cipriano wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:51 am I didn't realize you had the space for a monitor, since you said you didn't want to get a desktop.
While we have space in the bedroom, there is no space in the family room, where we keep our laptops. I would prefer him to work in the family room rather than in the bedroom, so I can keep an eye on what he is doing or what website he is going.
by opus360
Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

Thank you. Maybe I should be looking at an Apple Mac Mini. Based model is $600, but seems quite powerful based on the reviews I read, Monitor and keyboard will take up some desktop. Pair with a $200 monitor, keyboard, and mouse, I'll have an very powerful (at least compared with laptops) system for under $1,000. Then, maybe I'll find a smaller dedicated travel laptop instead. Budget will have to be increased. Just thinking out loud here.
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

Thank you all for the great replies. I got to go to the Apple store and have a look at their laptop offerings.
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

Since you have an iPad, and you want minimal cost and weight, would an apple keyboard that attaches to your iPad, and maybe a Bluetooth mouse work? The last that I looked, they were about $150. I don't know how well this would do for video editing, and you might need supplemental storage ,so this may not work. I actually bought a keyboard, very light weight and cheap ($15 and 6 oz). Works well. I don't use that for video editing. My desire for a laptop is I used a software that runs on laptop/desktop only, not tablet. I can do without this software, just takes me longer to do things. So, I have been thinking of just forgoing the laptop for travel. On the other hand, I am thinking that my kid could use a faster laptop for video editing.
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

We have both ipad and Samsung tablets. Some LG laptops come with AMD Ryzen chips. I am hesitant to go with Apple MacBook, as most of our electronics here are windows/adroid based. Also, Apple stuff are more expensive. What software are you using for editing video? From what I understand, aside from the fact that Final Cut Pro is an industry standard, most other video editing software is available on macs, and Apple Silicon is fast and energy efficient for processing video. If your employer or clients have certain software needs that a Mac won't work for, I guess Apple is a no-go. But as others have suggested, MacBook Airs are great machines, and while at the high end of your budget, I think totally worth it. It is actually my kid that uses...
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Sienna XLE - fair price in this market?
Replies: 14
Views: 2235

Re: 2023 Sienna XLE - fair price in this market?

I say it is a fair price. The way I look at document fees, and any dealer add on is as part of the price. I don't really care if the document fee is $1000 then I get a discount of $1000 or no document fee and no discount.
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Re: Laptop for travel and video editing

We have both ipad and Samsung tablets.

Some LG laptops come with AMD Ryzen chips.

I am hesitant to go with Apple MacBook, as most of our electronics here are windows/adroid based. Also, Apple stuff are more expensive.
by opus360
Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop for travel and video editing
Replies: 26
Views: 1297

Laptop for travel and video editing

Hello My current laptop is a couple of years old, 15.6" with number pad and 1900x1080, weighing 4.5 lbs with charger. It has touchscreen but I rarely use it. It is not a 2 in 1. Three things I wish are: - lighter for use when travelling - 16:10 format - faster when editing videos. I am thinking of getting some LG laptops since they are light and have great customer satisfaction according to Consumer Reports. Samsung seems to have great laptops too. I'll be using it for travel and for home video editing. Some facts are: - 2 in 1 in LG don't have a graphics card, at least not the Costco ones. - 14" LG with 1920x1200 screen weighs only 2.2lb (laptop only) and $800 at Costco, but it doesn't have graphics card. - 13.3 Samsung Book 2 36...
by opus360
Sun Apr 30, 2023 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?
Replies: 7
Views: 812

Re: Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?

Thank you all.

I will go for 3 nights in Amboise then. If I had still room to change, I would have gone with 4 nights in Amboise for a more relaxing pace and additional leisure things to do like biking as someone suggested. The accommodations after Amboise are set already and would be a big task to re-schedule everything.

I will be splitting the Chateau trip to one a day. There is also an Amboise Market on Day 2 (Sunday).
by opus360
Sun Apr 30, 2023 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?
Replies: 7
Views: 812

Loire Valley, France: Longer Drive or change Hotel?

This summer, wife, 2 kids (ages 10 and 7) and I will be heading to France. Which is the better itinerary? Choice A involves change of hotel, but less driving than Choice B. A. 1 night in Orleans, 2 nights in Amboise. Total driving 2:45 hours Day 1: London to Paris, Paris to Orleans via train. Pick up car in Orleans and drive to nearby hotel. Overnight Orleans area. Day 2: Orleans to Chateau of Chambord to Amboise. Overnight Amboise for 2 nights. Day 3: Amboise to Chateau of Chenonceau, tour town of Amboise. Day 4: Drive out of Amboise in morning B. 3 nights in Amboise. Total driving 3:30 hours Day 1: London to Paris, Paris to Orleans via train. Pick up car in Orleans and drive to Amboise. Overnight Amboise for 3 nights. Day 2: Amboise to Ch...
by opus360
Sun Mar 19, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler
Replies: 72
Views: 7272

Re: Vacation ideas with under 2 toddler

OP if you're considering Hyatt HURRY UP AND BOOK! They are jacking up all inclusive rates on 3/28. Like a big increase. Ziva Cancun & Cap Cana going from 25k/nt up to 40k! Ziva Rose Hall from 25k to 30k. RE Ziva Rose Hall: AMAZING beach for kids. Sheltered by jetties so it's basically a large natural ~4' deep kiddie pool. Also flights cheap to Montego Bay lately. My rec is go there. Don't underestimate how much of a benefit that ocean beach dynamic is, can greatly contribute to your relaxation with the relative safety and predictability of the space with calm waters. +1 Get moving on Hyatt. Personally, I have been to Hyatt Ziva Cancun, with two young kids. We enjoyed it a lot. Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen was also great, but the pool w...
by opus360
Thu Mar 02, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS audit 2020 - How to Respond
Replies: 12
Views: 2367

Re: IRS audit 2020 - How to Respond

Thanks for all the responses. I got more info from my relative as follows: Got transcript online: all items in transcript are exactly the same as tax return filed, except for the "increase in tax" as mentioned (which is labeled differently as "additional tax assessed"). No other info in website. The irs letter received CP21B is not an "audit" exactly, but an additional tax was assessed without explanation (which is lost if not responded to). No payroll tax deferral applied (per cowdogman). Thanks, Laketrout! Both old (from many years ago) and new SS cards have the same number, not starting with 9. It is a SS#, not a ITIN. Interest earned on the refund was included in the reduced refund received, but not in the ...
by opus360
Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS audit 2020 - How to Respond
Replies: 12
Views: 2367

IRS audit 2020 - How to Respond

I am posting this for a relative starting the next paragraph below. Thank you. I received my income tax refund, but for a lower amount. I then received a one-page IRS CP21B notice, showing my refund due was reduced by an "Increase in tax". There is no further explanation. What should I do: disagree by writing a simple letter back saying "please explain the increase in tax", or appeal maybe by filing Form 12203? Or do both? Per instructions in the notice, I called the 800#. The IRS rep has no other info, noted my call to disagree, and advised me to: review my tax return, read on CP21B and appeals on the irs website. I don't know if the following information has anything to do with the "increase in tax". Earlier,...
by opus360
Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key? [iPhone security discussion]
Replies: 138
Views: 9180

Re: Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key?

Doctor Rhythm wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:55 pm Use biometrics instead of passcode when possible, and look over your shoulder before using a passcode in public.
There was an article the Wall Street Journal today. What you wrote is one of their suggestions.

Other suggestions are what others wrote - set auto screen lock to the lowest time possible.
by opus360
Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Sienna hybrid or Grand Highlander hybrid
Replies: 26
Views: 5453

Re: Toyota Sienna hybrid or Grand Highlander hybrid

Sienna is the practical choice while Grand Highlander is the style/image pick. Both are good cars. As far as reliability, anything that is new (first year redesign or completely new) is likely less reliable.
by opus360
Fri Feb 24, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mini vs. SUV with Teens
Replies: 17
Views: 1552

Re: Mini vs. SUV with Teens

Just go with what wife wants. Grand Highlander or new Pilot will be good choices. Pack light.
by opus360
Fri Feb 24, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key? [iPhone security discussion]
Replies: 138
Views: 9180

Can you lock an iphone with hardware security key? [iPhone security discussion]

Can you lock an iphone with IOS 16.3 with hardware security key?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213154

I was reading the above article. It seems to me that a security key only locks the icloud access, not the phone itself. I am hoping that the iphone itself can be lock down with a hardware key, just like a computer can be lock with (https://www.yubico.com/products/computer-login-tools/).

Why my concern? Let us say while using your phone, someone grabs it and run away. Now the phone isn't lock because I am using it. Now, they can access everything on the phone. I was hoping that a phone won't work without a NFC enable hardware key nearby.
by opus360
Fri Jan 06, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smartwatches for seniors to Detect Falls
Replies: 93
Views: 10055

Re: Smartwatches for seniors to Detect Falls

UPDATE: I recently bought a new "Apple Watch Series 8, Stainless Steel Case". (specifically for the fall detection and emergency features). I also bought the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max. (because it "plays very well" with the Apple Series 8 Watch. (Note: I did not get the Apple Watch Ultra because the extra features weren't important to me, price was not a concern). To All and Sandtrap: This is what end up happening. My mother got an iphone SE (the current generation) and watch (2nd generation - current one) 40mm with cellular. Watch and phone have same number. She wished she got the bigger one SE 44mm, as the words such as weather on the screen are a bit too small for her to read. No problem with the SE phone. Screen was ...
by opus360
Wed Dec 14, 2022 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can same dollar of earned income count twice for Roth 401(k) and Roth contribution?
Replies: 22
Views: 1309

Re: Can same dollar of earned income count twice for Roth 401(k) and Roth contribution?

diy60 wrote: Wed Dec 14, 2022 11:31 am Yes, it is legal double dipping, clearly allowed by the IRS. There are multiple threads on this very topic, though they are hard to search for.
viewtopic.php?t=368239

viewtopic.php?t=338664
by opus360
Wed Dec 14, 2022 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Do You Do Cars?
Replies: 153
Views: 15990

Re: How Do You Do Cars?

I sell my car when frequent repair cost are getting too high. But, I am not sure if this is ideal from a financial view. I read somewhere that better to buy an 8 to 11 year old car, then sell somewhere between 15 and 18 year-old. Sell the car while there is still value but you have used it enough is the idea. Any thoughts on this?
by opus360
Wed Dec 14, 2022 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Airline Credit Card
Replies: 18
Views: 2080

Re: Best Airline Credit Card

Better to get transferrable points, points that can be transferred to various airlines and hotels. This way, you're not lack on to a particular airline or hotel. The most well known once are:

Amex - membership rewards
Chase - ultimate rewards
Capital One - not sure what they are called
Citi - thank you points
by opus360
Fri Dec 02, 2022 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Signing up Father for ACA in NJ
Replies: 33
Views: 2585

Re: Help Signing up Father for ACA in NJ

Best way is to call getcoverednj, and talked to someone. It is easy to call.

My guess is lack of subsidy has something to do with eligibility. There is a question that says something like "do you have insurance or eligible for insurance". Your answer should be "no" to get subsidy. The way they word the question is very confusing. Calling them up and going over the application should clarify it.
by opus360
Mon Nov 28, 2022 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Check refrigerated items on a 30 hour intl airplane trip?
Replies: 53
Views: 6000

Re: Check refrigerated items on a 30 hour intl airplane trip?

For just 30 hours, any of these coolers will do. The most important factor in cold retention is the amount of ice/ice pack relative to content. You're not going hiking, so durability isn't important. I would just pick based on size needs, price and to some extend, the insulation value. Yeti one is overkill. I would bring ziplocks types bag in case there is long delay, and you need to add/replace ice. Ice is easy to get at any restaurant.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/c ... d=#compare
by opus360
Thu Nov 24, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone 14 Pro vs Samsung S22 Ultra
Replies: 4
Views: 739

Re: Iphone 14 Pro vs Samsung S22 Ultra

NewbieBogle007 wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 9:10 pm Just curious - how do you know of the iphone 14 pro being supported until 2029? Is this stated somewhere or are you assuming? Thanks.
I read somewhere that it will be supported until 2029, not official statement from Apple but from tech article, which I can't find now. The article below says they believe it will be supported until 2028.

https://www.xda-developers.com/apple-ip ... e-updates/
by opus360
Wed Nov 23, 2022 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Samsung 10.5" Galaxy Tab A8 vs iPad mini 6
Replies: 20
Views: 1846

Re: Samsung 10.5" Galaxy Tab A8 vs iPad mini 6

At home, we have Samsung Tab A7 10.?, the smaller Samsung tablet, the Samsung Tab S7+, Apple Ipad 9th gen (2021). My take: the A series from Samsung are good in the beginning, but they get slow over time. Get the ipad base model, 10 inch + one for $269. Best value.

If you want Samsung tablets, go with the "S" series, as they are much faster.