Search found 2673 matches

by heartwood
Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop problem
Replies: 12
Views: 1014

Re: Laptop problem

Recently I turned on (activated from sleep mode) my laptop.  All I got was a blank, lighted screen. No keys nor the mouse did anything...nothing worked. Could not reboot, etc.  I called a well known computer tech company and they got me up and running.  The tech suggested that the cause may have been keeping the computer on sleep mode for a long time period. I never heard that before and I was wondering if anybody else has had such an experience.  I frequently have it on sleep mode; never had a problem until now. Had a similar experience a couple of years ago. I googled it (from another laptop). The fix that worked for me was to turn off, remove the battery, reinstall the battery and restart. Worked for me. Your mileage may vary. or try #7...
by heartwood
Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

Re my question of whether anyone has received the Costco Executive Membership 2% rebate, I now see that "The 2% Reward is issued approximately three months prior to the member’s renewal date, in the Renewal Statement, and reflects the Reward earned up until the issue date." So not a calendar year. I also note that what qualifies can vary by where you buy it or how you pay for it, e.g, wine and liquor at the front register qualifies in some states but not others, and generally not at ancillary wine shops that doesn't go through the Costco front register. Costco Travel apparently only qualifies if you pay the amount to Costco, but not if you book through Costco but pay the car rental company directly on your credit card, despite th...
by heartwood
Sun Mar 10, 2024 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 14901

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Only a couple of emergency twenties and a small bowl of pennies on my dresser. I also have some odd amounts of various foreign currencies left over from my working days -- including some pre-Euro currencies. I've only used the ATM twice since the pandemic started in 2020. Just don't have a call for currency that much anymore. Respectfully , I don't know what a penny (or any coin) is anymore. We got back to our condo (which we rent out a lot) to find a bowl of maybe 50 cents in pennies. I left it in the trash room for the cleaners. I won't pay in coins so I don't carry them. Banks won't take coins unless wrapped. I charge everything I can, even at paying a service up-charge to do so. I leave coins if I'm offered them. There have been severa...
by heartwood
Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066315

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

KBR wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:07 pm ...
I feel like I should conclude with "GET OFF MY LAWN YOU KIDS!"
Perfect! I've come to the point that I hesitate to post about current/recent movies, TV shows, or music because I almost never have anything positive to say or finish them.
by heartwood
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066315

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Amazon Prime #4 in the US Upgraded Ana (Camila Mendes) is an ambitious intern dreaming of a career in the art world while trying to impress her demanding boss Claire (Marisa Tomei). When she's upgraded to first class on a work trip, she meets handsome Will (Archie Renaux), who mistakes Ana for her boss– a white lie that sets off a glamorous chain of events, romance and opportunity, until her fib threatens to surface. 386 IMDb 6.1 1 h 45 min 2024 X-RAY HDR UHD R Comedy · Romance Grade? A! Thanks! I almost watched Upgrade (2018), a cyberpunk action film, but it didn't track with what you posted! At your review suggestion I did watch Upgraded last night and made it to the end, the first in many films and shows I've tried. I enjoyed it as an O...
by heartwood
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

I'm currently reading The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes. https://www.amazon.com/Year-Locust-Thriller-Terry-Hayes-ebook/dp/B0CC6BH1Q8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BIU6K6ROCYAL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.83A8SQjOIjSNlM2-tQKwiGVw9PZH489tNyhJZFJBIffT3xl4Hf4Ena0nu0nrwsLu_p-4QAH_gt5K-vXwM3-kmmcuyuJOhMOOcYXveojeuJ30hQpd6hMZ75My8uwdgXEq5IQBxZmvqejl8IVmgzuSE-SEIZIqNd5sLwGUa6StwgBLBg5HtV2VjUHFAnUsCYOOtbRlAA9dBAgv-ORIDDh0rpguz3rMR1rjUdD6APobDaI.S3Hks4XHgOuWVGqOS5H9xb9mpnURXKgFrw-LbYNIOUQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+am+pilgrim+terry+hayes&qid=1709838936&sprefix=i+a%2Caps%2C295&sr=8-4 He's the author of I Am Pilgrim from about 10 yrs ago. I recall how much I enjoyed that one. So much (I recall) that I'll go back and reread it after this one. https://www...
by heartwood
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

I'm currently reading The Year of the Locust by Terry Hayes. https://www.amazon.com/Year-Locust-Thriller-Terry-Hayes-ebook/dp/B0CC6BH1Q8/ref=sr_1_4?crid=BIU6K6ROCYAL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.83A8SQjOIjSNlM2-tQKwiGVw9PZH489tNyhJZFJBIffT3xl4Hf4Ena0nu0nrwsLu_p-4QAH_gt5K-vXwM3-kmmcuyuJOhMOOcYXveojeuJ30hQpd6hMZ75My8uwdgXEq5IQBxZmvqejl8IVmgzuSE-SEIZIqNd5sLwGUa6StwgBLBg5HtV2VjUHFAnUsCYOOtbRlAA9dBAgv-ORIDDh0rpguz3rMR1rjUdD6APobDaI.S3Hks4XHgOuWVGqOS5H9xb9mpnURXKgFrw-LbYNIOUQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=i+am+pilgrim+terry+hayes&qid=1709838936&sprefix=i+a%2Caps%2C295&sr=8-4 He's the author of I Am Pilgrim from about 10 yrs ago. I recall how much I enjoyed that one. So much (I recall) that I'll go back and reread it after this one. https://www....
by heartwood
Mon Mar 04, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon One Age Verification for alcohol: all Whole Foods locations?
Replies: 1
Views: 600

Re: Amazon One Age Verification for alcohol: all Whole Foods locations?

I'm a satisfied user of the Amazon One Palm Scan checkout system at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. My palm links me to my Amazon Prime Visa card without a phone number or QR code, and w/o tapping my CC or GooglePay on my phone. It automatically applies my Prime discounts at checkout. I see that there's an option to upload government issued ID that will confirm you're of age to buy alcohol without showing the ID at checkout, only your palm. When I read the Help at https://one.amazon.com/help it only mentions Coors Field and other arenas, and Panera. Surprised that the FAQs are so lacking or out of date. Googling didn't help either. Before I go through the process of adding ID, has anyone bought alcohol at WF or AF using the Palm Scan and not...
by heartwood
Sun Mar 03, 2024 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon One Age Verification for alcohol: all Whole Foods locations?
Replies: 1
Views: 600

Amazon One Age Verification for alcohol: all Whole Foods locations?

I'm a satisfied user of the Amazon One Palm Scan checkout system at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh. My palm links me to my Amazon Prime Visa card without a phone number or QR code, and w/o tapping my CC or GooglePay on my phone. It automatically applies my Prime discounts at checkout. I see that there's an option to upload government issued ID that will confirm you're of age to buy alcohol without showing the ID at checkout, only your palm. When I read the Help at https://one.amazon.com/help it only mentions Coors Field and other arenas, and Panera. Surprised that the FAQs are so lacking or out of date. Googling didn't help either. Before I go through the process of adding ID, has anyone bought alcohol at WF or AF using the Palm Scan and not ...
by heartwood
Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

Re my question of whether anyone has received the Costco Executive Membership 2% rebate, I now see that "The 2% Reward is issued approximately three months prior to the member’s renewal date, in the Renewal Statement, and reflects the Reward earned up until the issue date." So not a calendar year. I also note that what qualifies can vary by where you buy it or how you pay for it, e.g, wine and liquor at the front register qualifies in some states but not others, and generally not at ancillary wine shops that doesn't go through the Costco front register. Costco Travel apparently only qualifies if you pay the amount to Costco, but not if you book through Costco but pay the car rental company directly on your credit card, despite the...
by heartwood
Sat Mar 02, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689741

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Elsbeth on CBS. It's a spin off from the Good Fight or is it the Good Wife?

Tried to like it since the producers, Robert and Michelle King, have done good jobs with the other series. I just find the character too annoying and won't watch another.
by heartwood
Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2021
Replies: 27
Views: 4635

Re: NJ Pension Retiree IRMAA Reimbursment - 2024 UPDATE

PSA and 2024 Update The NJ Medicare IRMAA Part B and IRMAA Part D reimbursement website is open as of today. https://www.benefitsolver.com/benefits/BenefitSolverView click MyChoice Accounts under Submit IRMAA Reimbursements on the upper right. IMO bad page design overall. Must file once for retiree Part B, file again for retiree Part D, again for spouse Part B, and again for spouse Part D. Each time you must attach your SS 2023 benefits letter and your 2023 SSA 1099, and the same for spouse. You need to calculate what Part B (same later for Part D) total amount you're claiming, then enter the start date and end dates that you are claiming, e.g., 01/01/2023 - 12/31/23 by clicking on a calendar. I had a hard time with that on my screen; it ke...
by heartwood
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

My voucher hit the Costco Citi app just before 10 PM on the 29th. So technically I got it "in February" as promised in the January email. No email voucher received yet.

I've locked the Citi card and no longer use it. I don't qualify for direct deposit since I stopped using the Costco Citi Visa awhile ago. My spending patterns no longer warrant having to wait a year to get my next payout (February 2025!). I've switched it all to the 2% Fidelity Visa or Amex everyday for 3% on gas (and groceries.) The extra few dollars aren't worth the wait to me.

Has anyone received the Costco Executive Member bonus payout? I'd like to do one trip to the warehouse rather than two trips.
by heartwood
Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

BogleTaxPro wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:35 pm We got our email a week ago. Check your spam folder?
Yes, not in spam, and nothing at citi online. Our account closes on the 27th or 28th of the month. Nothing on the new statement either.

Citi found me in January with the heads up it was coming.

I'll give it another day and call. Drat!

Been putting off the trip to Costco until the rewards come. Running out of stuff!

Anyone get the Costco Exec Rewards?
by heartwood
Thu Feb 29, 2024 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16437

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

OLD THREAD

Anyone receive either their Costco Citi VISA Reward or Costco Executive Memeberhip Reward?

Citi sent me an email in January saying "You'll receive your credit card reward certificate via email in February."

Today's Feb 29 and no email. My cards are locked, but I can't imagine that would affect receiving the reward.

Anyone get theirs?
by heartwood
Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: early morning Easter Sunday Uber at EWR - any actual experiences?
Replies: 5
Views: 1302

early morning Easter Sunday Uber at EWR - any actual experiences?

I searched here and on the web without finding any information on the availability of Uber or Lyft early (6 AM) on a major holiday (Easter).

We booked a flight arrival months ago not realizing March 31 is Easter Sunday. Our usual private car service is unavailable Easter morning. We've done Uber before w/o any problems on non-holidays.

I'm OK with congestion pricing, but concerned about availability. Uber doesn't allow reserve pickup at the airport.

I'll investigate alternative car services, but hope for some feedback from travelers under similar early major holiday times.
by heartwood
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689741

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Tracker on CBS.

Based on the Jeffery Deaver Colter Shaw character. I've read and enjoyed the several books. I've watched two of the shows.

From Variety: "Stoic and aloof, Colter travels around the country with his Airstream trailer hooked to his pickup truck, tracking down people and objects for a fee."

Watchable. Stars Justin Hartley from This Is Us.
by heartwood
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007884

Re: Fidelity one-stop - backup option for writing checks

You can just ask Fidelity to send you a box of checks, they will. Or you can order checks from a 3rd party if you want to pay for them to get a cute logo or something. For some reason I thought they would only mail printed checks - looking into this. I think you just print out and fill out the checkwriting form, (I think it's located at https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/customer-service/CHECKWRITING.pdf ) or https://scs.fidelity.com/accounts/onlineforms/onlineforms.shtml?formName=CHECKWRITING&blank=Y . Then you scan and upload it. While the form says it arrives in two weeks, it's been taking longer than three weeks recently. It's easier than that. Either call them and ask for checks or do it online. Cas...
by heartwood
Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Just about finished with "Robert Parker's Fallout" by Mike Lupica. Another Jesse Stone mystery set in Paradise, Ma. Nothing heavy about this, pure entertainment. Sometimes one needs to be entertained. Jesse Stone series provides that. Ed Love the Jesse Stone films. Never read the books. How do they compare? I’ve only read his Spenser novels. I was reminded by the What Movie Have you Recently Watched thread that I recently read the new Jesse Stone novel by Mike Lupica. https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Parkers-Fallout-Jesse-Stone-ebook/dp/B09N6QRTSN?ref_=ast_author_dp Lupica is a sportswriter who's apparently been picked by the Robert Parker estate to continue the Stone, Sunny Randall and Spenser characters. I enjoyed the book, it's g...
by heartwood
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066315

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Leave The World Behind - a 10/10, and this week's news about Putin putting nukes in space to attack our satellites sent a chill down my spine. Now reading the book. This is a must-see movie. Better than I expected! I thought it was excellent just about from the moment it started. And, was staying that way while watching. Highly suspenseful movie. However, it had a completely unsatisfactory ending. I no inkling it was going to end until it just did. During the movie there were tons of intimations of this and this but they were all left unresolved by the abrupt ending of the movie. My mileage varies from most posts here on the movie. I watched it last December and found it to be a waste of talent and my time. I did google the ending to get a...
by heartwood
Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?
Replies: 44
Views: 3917

Re: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?

As above, I use google wallet on my pixel phone to tap or actually to proximity read my card information. It uses a virtual card number for whichever card I want to use.

But, at Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh stores I just use my left or right palm print to charge to my Chase Amazon Prime Visa card. It's no-contact, but scans my palm. It then connects the correct Amazon Prime account to get my Prime discounts and connect to the additional Chase cash back (5% at WF and AF).

I wish all credit card charges were like that: no card, no watch, no phone number or smart phone, just my palm. Could be another Amazon innovation that will change things.
by heartwood
Thu Feb 15, 2024 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?
Replies: 44
Views: 3917

Re: What's The Latest On Tap, Swipe, Or Insert?

murrays wrote: Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:48 pm For more security, activate ApplePay on your iPhone so your credit card number isn't shared with the merchant and your card stays in your pocket.
Same with Google Wallet on my pixel phone. I always use it at tap locations or at some online sites that can use it. It uses and shows the last several digits of a virtual card number but charges your original card.
by heartwood
Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19919

Re: What is your favorite book?

A Confederacy of Dunces , by John Kennedy Toole I really like this one too. It's enjoyable and hilarious even though the main character is despicable. My wife and I have read it, and I sometimes jokingly tell her, "I fear my valve will be closed forever" after completing some small task for her. :D It is the only book my wife and I have both read. She read it because she saw me laughing so hard throughout the book. “I mingle with my peers or no one, and since I have no peers, I mingle with no one.” I've started Confederacy of Dunces at least twice and maybe three times. First when it won the Pulitzer (1981), then again several or more years later. And perhaps a 3rd time too. I've never finished it! I've always enjoyed the first h...
by heartwood
Wed Feb 14, 2024 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods
Replies: 9
Views: 1627

Re: "known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods

SmileyFace wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 12:42 pm To be clear - you got the Prime discount prices BUT it didn't show up on the receipt clearly?
Yes, got the discount but was only lumped in "total savings" at btm.

I mentioned in my OP "More of a PSA than a real problem except as a waste of my time and now, lack of confidence ."
by heartwood
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods
Replies: 9
Views: 1627

Re: "known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods

I recently downloaded the Whole Foods app, and configured it to register my Amazon Prime Visa card, so now when I check out at Whole Foods I bring up the app to show a QR code which they scan at the cash register. That seems to do the trick, i.e. gets me the extra sale prices as a Prime member at Whole Foods. Then of course, there's the 5% points back on the credit card after the fact. It does seem that they should be able to determine from your credit card that you are a Prime member and give you the discounts, but for now, there seems to be this extra step of scanning the QR code from the app when you check out and before you pay. I used to do the QR code or enter the phone associated with my Prime account. That worked. A couple of month...
by heartwood
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods
Replies: 9
Views: 1627

"known issue" with Amazon Prime Visa at Whole Foods

More of a PSA than a real problem except as a waste of my time and now, lack of confidence . Just shopped at WF using my Amazon Prime Visa using my palm at checkout. My paper receipt shows each of 10 items. It shows price and "sale" prices for three items. What it does not list are the Prime prices for those items as listed in emails I received and in store signage. I had a few minutes and called Amazon Prime. After a few go arounds I was told that it's a "known issue", but that I did in fact get my additional Prime discount in the totals at the end of the receipt, even though there is no breakout or a listing for Prime pricing or discounts. For example, 20 tulip stems are $21.99, but on sale for $18.65. The Prime price ...
by heartwood
Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689741

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

After much, much advertising that Tracker would debut immediately after the Super Bowl, only the teaser trailer was available yesterday on Paramount+. And some episodes later this week on CBS. I guess the OT had CBS in a scramble :D , but what happened at P+?

I see it's available today on Paramount + and will give it a try soon.

Only after watching the trailer did I realize it's based on the Colter Shaw character by Jeffery Deaver. I've read all of those novels.
by heartwood
Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066315

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Mission Impossible:Dead Reckoning on Paramount+

Watchable at best. I had a very hard time following, esp the 1st hour.

Tom has aged, as have we all.
by heartwood
Sun Feb 11, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

vnatale wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:45 pm
billyo44 wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2024 12:58 pm The JFK Assassination Chokeholds by James DiEugenio, Paul Bleau, Matt Crumpton, Andrew IIer, and Mark Adamczyk. :thumbsup
Could not find this book at Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/JFK-Assassinatio ... B0CL5VCFBH

kindle, hardcover and paperback
by heartwood
Sun Feb 11, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
Replies: 145
Views: 12479

Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?

I had posted this at the gluten free thread before I saw this thread. I think the Kirkland is excellent even if you don't need gluten free. For years our go-to frozen GF pizza has been Freschetta. It comes in margarhita, pepperoni or four cheese. https://www.freschetta.com/collections/freschetta-gluten-free The crust is rice starches and tapioca. We prefer the four cheese and add our own sausage. It's gotten pricey, currently $16.50 for one in the stores near our condo, with generally very limited availability. We'd thought we'd tried all the other available brands and in general do not like Cauliflower crusts. While in Costco I saw the Kirkland Supreme Cauliflower pizza. It was 2 for $11.99. No way to go seriously wrong trying it; two for ...
by heartwood
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: going gluten-free
Replies: 55
Views: 4500

Re: going gluten-free

For years our go-to frozen GF pizza has been Freschetta. It comes in margarhita, pepperoni or four cheese. https://www.freschetta.com/collections/freschetta-gluten-free The crust is rice starches and tapioca. We prefer the four cheese and add our own sausage. It's gotten pricey, currently $16.50 for one in the stores near our condo, with generally very limited availability. We'd thought we'd tried all the other available brands and in general do not like Cauliflower crusts. While in Costco I saw the Kirkland Supreme Cauliflower pizza. It was 2 for $11.99. No way to go seriously wrong trying it; two for less than one of the other, and it was available. It's great! Very generous toppings and excellent taste and texture. The only drawback is t...
by heartwood
Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574488

Re: What are you listening to now

He's still got his voice! Billy Joel, Turn the Lights Back On

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hexZ5hwia08


Hope there's more to come.
by heartwood
Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: going gluten-free
Replies: 55
Views: 4500

Re: going gluten-free

Trader Joe's has several decent tasting breads, muffins and frozen foods. https://www.traderjoes.com/home/search?q=gluten+free&global=yes also: Any suggestions for the premium gluten free pasta? Ingredient type doesn't matter... garbanzo beans or corn/rice, etc., but it would also be nice to know of "the best" for each type (garbanzo bean/lentil/etc., vs corn/rice/etc.) We've been using Banza, which is fine, but it would be nice to know if there are now better (texture? flavor? or?) available. The query about rice/corn is for a lower-fiber gluten free pasta. We are dealing with definitely gluten free, and now also a preference for lower fiber. Thanks. RM We find Barilla (corn + rice) to be a great GF pasta. They have spaghetti...
by heartwood
Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:52 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 25636

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

heartwood wrote: Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:49 pm ...

"my HOI is $200k per year"

...

What is HOI? nothing in the wiki nor in a simple google search
Got it!

https://www.wsj.com/articles/lol-slow-d ... _permalink
by heartwood
Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:49 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 25636

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

...

"my HOI is $200k per year"

...

What is HOI? nothing in the wiki nor in a simple google search
by heartwood
Sun Feb 04, 2024 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard's website - [helping an] older individual investor
Replies: 16
Views: 1531

Re: Vanguard's website - [helping an] older individual investor

Edited for clarity ... Side comment Vanguard's user interface used to be very simple, which I liked. In recent years, it turned confusing. I found it not intuitive. ... [Title edited also, for clarity. Moderator Pops1860] I've probably been using the Vanguard interface for 30-40 years. It was fine and intuitive. A while ago (couple of years?) it changed. I used to be able to click on a holding and see all the transactions. Now I have a crib sheet to use if I want to see a year's worth of transactions and find the check image from a month ago. I have more than one, but most recently "as of 1/22/24 click: all accts activity transaction history acct details (1/2 way down) select holding 1 yr => look for check link to see check image"...
by heartwood
Fri Feb 02, 2024 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

CWhea1775 wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 12:29 pm My sister told me about the "Peter Ash" series by Nick Petrie. If you like Lee Child you will probably fine these very good. These books are a treat. Well written and each is fairly unique.
+1 agreed. start at the beginning, but the latest (#8) comes out 2/6/24

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Lift-Peter ... 210&sr=8-1
by heartwood
Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1413270

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

DW and I just got an annual rewards summary email for our Amazon Prime Visa cards. Each is several hundred dollars for partial 2023. No annual fee, we each got several hundred ($250?? each) in sign-up bonuses. We only use it for Amazon or Whole Foods where each gives 5% back in addition to in store WF discounts.

We use Amex Everyday for all other grocery shopping (3% rewards).

We use the Amazon Prime at WF, and Amazon, for the 5%, but it's also so convenient now that WF has a palm print checkout. No other sign-in or entry, just either palm and it chooses the right card and other information. WF is not necessarily our grocery of first choice, but it's very local.
by heartwood
Wed Jan 31, 2024 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?
Replies: 39
Views: 3690

Re: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?

Be sure to turn off your ad blocker for the site and refresh before you try to login and check the box "remember this device". If you don't, the content blocker may block remember the device. Some site may require to turn off Strict mode. Other issues I have encountered in the past: If you use google voice, some places have problem sending the text to the google voice number. Often it arrives minutes later. If your clock is off TOTP won't work. It's important to sync your computer up to the correct time. I find TOTP is the most trouble-free mostly because you can setup your password manager to either auto populate or you can just paste. Before you complain that this is a security fail, Know that this is a trade-off. My elderly mo...
by heartwood
Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?
Replies: 39
Views: 3690

Re: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?

could my problem be connected to using a VPN? As I understand it a VPN masks my IP address.
by heartwood
Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?
Replies: 39
Views: 3690

2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?

Many sites (not only financial) seem to recently have upped their logons to require 2FA every time I logon. Fidelity is particularly noticeable to me. It requires it each time, tries to make me go through the fido app on my phone (usually across the room), or needs another key stroke to choose another method. Today I approved it in the app, but was then immediately logged off the fido site on my chromebook and had to go through it again. I'm seeing the same escalation at Chase, BOA, Optum Rx, Aetna and many, many others. Some of the sites are set to my wife's phone number so I then need access to her phone. Some won't let me tap "enter" after selecting method to receive code, but rather make me click on the link for method, then f...
by heartwood
Mon Jan 29, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066315

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Any thoughts on "Maestro" ? I can't seem to persuade myself to bother to get even a free trial of "Netflix" just to watch this. If anyone thinks it's worth that, let me know. Thanks. IMO, not worth it. The movie seemed more about getting Bradley Cooper an Oscar nomination than telling a story about Bernstein. Its well acted but we found it boring in the end and resulted in us not wanting to know more about the true story (which is a rarity). If you search this thread for Maestro you'll get other opinions, including mine: Maestro on Netflix. Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein. Reviews disagree, esp about Cooper, but I thought overall well acted with good scenery. IMO, a very poor story, centering on the relationship bet...
by heartwood
Sat Jan 27, 2024 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 165349

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

Today's my wedding anniversary. Up pops an email with the name of a relatively close friend, with a link, and the message "you might not remember her".

Thinking it might be related, I clicked, went to a "can't open it" page. Sent a note back to my "friend", only then noticing it was a mid-East, Tunisia, extension in the email. Obviously her name was hacked.

I washed my chromebook and am restoring so much.

Seems I should look at actual addresses when I get an email? So disappointing and wasted time. So far no suggestion of virus or malware. Fingers crossed!
by heartwood
Thu Jan 25, 2024 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574488

Re: What are you listening to now

All good suggestions. Thank you for listing them. I try many of your suggestions. I listen to a lot of my same songs from ago, but it just occurred to me that it seems new music is so seldom mentioned here. Respectfully, what music from the last couple of years do you listen to? A quick search suggests not even taylor swift has been mentioned here since once in late 2023. Seldom mentions of P!nk or Brandie Carlile. How about 2 dollar shoes by Rosie Thomas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqUNtHb2m2o I can recall hearing Norah Jones when Come Away With Me came out and being blown away. Who fits that talent in recent years? What recent music is on your favorites list(s)? No offense meant, just looking for something recent, beyond spotify's cur...
by heartwood
Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Visa - not worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 4315

Re: Costco Visa - not worth it?

I believe the bold portion's days are numbered. Costco is rolling out first as a test in limited locations, with plans to rollout nationwide, to scan the membership cards barcode and compare the photo of the holder with the person carrying it. Costco Visa does not have that barcode, it will be reduced to a payment method only. Apparently to cutdown on "membership sharing" My Costco Visa card has both a barcode and my membership photo on it, for what it's worth. It was issued in 2021. Agreed. Not sure what lakpr is referencing. My Costco Visa also has my picture, barcode and membership number. I don't even carry my regular membership card. costco is also pushing use of their app. DW forgot her membership card (costco visa), went t...
by heartwood
Wed Jan 24, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Currently reading two books (due to a Libby updating problem that didn't let me continue on one until I had a wifi signal (would not allow a hotspot from my phone to my tablet)). So I went to another book previously downloaded. The Running Grave, A Cormoran Strike Novel, by Robert Galbraith (J K Rowling pen name). It's the 7th in the series and almost a thousand pages long. I've read and finished the previous novels and tried the TV series. This one is very well reviewed, but so far it's a slog for me. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Goodreads describes it : "Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders ..." It's a repeat #1 entry on NYT fiction best sellers; the author is also #2 on that list last week. I gr...
by heartwood
Wed Jan 24, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712550

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Finished "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson. Fascinating life; Musk is certainly a unique person - for good and bad. I was quite surprised how objective Isaacson was telling Musk's story overall, but he clearly had a politically-driven opinion when it came to Musk's venture into Twitter. How would you describe that opinion? I don't remember noticing it. IMO when it came to Twitter, Isaacson went from simply telling a story to interjecting some opinion - not a ton, but definitely noticeable. Any more would get my post deleted. I listened to the audio book back in October. I stopped at Ch 61; I didn't want to continue. I'd recommend reading the ebook/hard copy so you can skim more easily! I do not like Isaacson's writing in this book. ...
by heartwood
Tue Jan 23, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Visa - not worth it?
Replies: 30
Views: 4315

Re: Costco Visa - not worth it?

I posted back on 12/12/23: "heartwood wrote: ↑Tue Dec 12, 2023 8:31 am My Costco Citi Visa card closes for the month and year on 12/27/23. As I read the fine print, any charges by that date qualify for the 2023 4%/3%/2%/1% categories. I'll expect a voucher from Citi in late February that I have to cash at a Costco warehouse. Not happy with the trip to the warehouse to get my money, but OK so far. But any charges after 12/27/23 can't be redeemed until the following year, Feb 2025. A quick look at my spending on gas and travel suggests I'll put the Costco Visa in the drawer for most of 2024 and use my everyday AMEX for gas at 3% and my Fidelity Visa for everything else at 2%. The AMEX also gives me 3% on groceries that Costco doesn't. I ...
by heartwood
Mon Jan 22, 2024 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [2023 Treasury Direct 1099-INT now available, how to print]
Replies: 58
Views: 6948

2023 1099-INT now available from Treasury Direct

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] 2023 TD 1099-INT's are available, at least for US Savings Bonds. I just downloaded/printed my 2023 1099-INT from Treasury Direct for US Savings Bond interest accrued/paid in 2023. The site setup is a little different, but worked for me with some glitches. You now need a one time passcode (OTP) each time you log on. OK, no big problem. The on screen keyboard is gone. I followed my crib sheet from past years, logged on and got to the tax information. I first printed the page for the individual bonds interest. Then clicked on look at 1099. It went to a bad link and I was out. Logged in again, new OTP, this time the 1099 link worked, downloaded the 1099 and clicked, at the top, account information so ...
by heartwood
Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689741

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

S23 e1 of Law and Order on broadcast TV (recorded). Freedom of Expression. New season, a new detective, many of the same faces. Up to the minute with the story line.