Search found 4300 matches

by munemaker
Fri Feb 02, 2024 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pittsburgh, PA - Probate and estate costs
Replies: 12
Views: 1214

Re: Pittsburgh, PA - Probate and estate costs

Non probatable assets are assets that have beneficiaries and therefore bypass the will. Examples are "transfer on death" registrations, IRAs and life insurance (only if they have named beneficiaries). Probating a will in PA is not that difficult. I am in the final stages of a second one. However, I have no experience if the person dies intestate. It can't be that difficult. Lots of stuff online including the PA probate forms. Figure it out and do it yourself. In my experience, the most difficult part is getting the custodian of the asset (mutual funds, life insurance, whatever) to release the funds. With some it is no problem, but others come up with all kinds of stalling tactics. They do not look at the executor as their customer...
by munemaker
Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution
Replies: 141
Views: 18603

Re: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution

Another user here who encountered the same error... I used the HR block chat feature and the representative gave me this workaround: These IRA distributions have been showing up with Code 4 or Code 7 in Box 7. If you follow these instructions using either Code the amount on 1040, Line 4b will appear as taxable. Go to the Income section of HRBS, scroll down to Retirement and Rollovers. Chose 1099R, Click Next Fill in “Tell Us About Your Form 1099R”, Click Next. Fill in, “Tell us about your Form 1099R, Box 1-19, Click Next Is the IRA/Simple box checked, choose “Yes”, Click Next Did you inherit this IRA? Chose Yes, click Next Which Describes your inheritance? To Work Around to get taxable amount, chose, “I inherited From my spouse and NOT tre...
by munemaker
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27750

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

I posted a couple years ago when deciding to buy a Highlander over a 4Runner. Well, here I am...with a Highlander 2 1/2 years later. The Highlander was the right choice for us. We do a lot of on-road driving to visit grand-kids...like a 360 mile visit (each way) to one and 120 miles (each way) to the other that we do once a month. That's in addition to other driving. This make better gas mileage a priority and the difference between the 2 vehicles is significant. Also, the interior comfort and convenience features of the Highlander are very useful and welcome. We live in a high snow area. The SNOW button in the AWD system really helps the grip. It doesn't do anything about stopping though, so you have to be careful not to get a false sense ...
by munemaker
Fri Feb 02, 2024 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Collecting SS on a restricted application - What to do at age 70?
Replies: 19
Views: 2830

Re: Collecting SS on a restricted application - What to do at age 70?

OP here. Just to close this thread out. I applied online in advance to take SS under my earnings record at age 70. A SS rep called me on the phone. I told her my wife wanted to change from her benefit to SPOUSAL. She took care of it all (didn't even talk to my wife). The transition went smoothly. Much easier than I had respected.

Mun
by munemaker
Thu Feb 01, 2024 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution
Replies: 141
Views: 18603

Re: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution

The program (Windows) updated today, but the problem is still not corrected.

Mun
by munemaker
Sun Jan 28, 2024 8:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Floating Rate Funds
Replies: 23
Views: 3208

Re: Floating Rate Funds

FellsGuy wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 12:54 pm FFRHX wow and wow actually sec yield of 9.04% and an expense ratio of .68% on Morningstars website. I cant wait to hear more from people who know something about these.
I own FFRHX and several bond funds. FFRHX does not behave like a bond fund and is not a good substitute for a bond fund.

Mun
by munemaker
Thu Jan 25, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution
Replies: 141
Views: 18603

Re: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution

wasanengineer wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 5:09 pm
These tax software companies (HRB, TT, TS) are going to run out sometime with A.I. nearby.
Could you explain this statement further? I don't understand. Run out? Run out of what? AI nearby?

Thanks
Mun
by munemaker
Thu Jan 25, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 incorrectly reporting taxable IRA distribution
Replies: 141
Views: 18603

Re: H & R Block Software Bug (?)

I personally wouldn't worry until the first of February. There are always tons of updates and bug fixes during January. Yup. I'm not worried. Just curious if anyone else has run across this. Yes, I have been experiencing the same problem. RMDs from the two inherited IRAs we own are not coming up as taxable, when we know they are, of course. And yes, this worked properly in previous years. I did report the problem on their help chat. The person asked me all kinds of questions that had absolutely nothing to do with the problem, saying she had to complete a form in order to escalate it. There is an update coming out tomorrow (01/26/2023) that will hopefully fix this problem. And no, I am not worried about it either. Just curious. Mun
by munemaker
Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring vs Resigning
Replies: 28
Views: 4308

Re: Retiring vs Resigning

I retired about 7 years ago and thought about this same question at the time (Retiring vs Resigning). I was an executive at a privately owned manufacturing company with about 300 employees. The owner was the CEO. I had 17 years of service when I retired. The Employee Handbook stated that 3 months notice should be given before retiring. I wondered why. There was not a defined benefit pension or any other benefit that continued after retirement. So, I wondered, why not just give the customary 2 week notice and ride off into the sunset. The company had been good to me, so I gave my boss (the owner) the requested 3 month notice. He told me I could change my mind up until the day I left (which I didn't). HR asked me if I wanted a luncheon/party ...
by munemaker
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Final Social Security Payment
Replies: 11
Views: 1989

Re: Final Social Security Payment

pshonore wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:29 am Calling or writing to your Congressional Rep or U.S. Senator may help on this. They did a great job for me on an IRS problem recently and on an SS problem several years ago.
Thanks. We will try that. I know getting elected officials involved in resolving issues works at the state level. Never heard of it being done at federal. Worth a shot. In our case, they returned all the materials sent to them. We don't know if it was scanned into their system. They might not even have a record of receiving our claim.

Mun
by munemaker
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Final Social Security Payment
Replies: 11
Views: 1989

Re: Final Social Security Payment

Our story is a bit different. When my Dad died, I (as his rep) proactively authorized his/my joint bank account to return the last payment that had arrived via Direct Deposit after he died. This was a mistake; he was in fact entitled to that last payment, as it pertained to the prior month. My sister and I (as his heirs) each filled out a claim form and each received 1/2 of that last payment that I had mistakenly returned. At tax time, we both received Form SSA-1099 for our respective payouts as heirs. We had to report that amount on our respective 1040s, but as it was a small amount it didn't meet the threshold that would have increased taxable income. Hope this helps someone. How long ago was this? In our case, SS didn't ask for the last...
by munemaker
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Final Social Security Payment
Replies: 11
Views: 1989

Re: Final Social Security Payment

We are having the same problem in trying to obtain the last month's SS payment. SS actually sent the decedent the form. My wife (daughter and executrix) mailed their form and the required original documents in June. SS returned everything to her, including the envelope she used to mail the materials to them. There was no correspondence or documentation of any kind with the returned materials. She eventually followed up with a phone call. They said they would initiate an inquiry in their system, but she never heard anything. I think she is going to resubmit everything again. It makes us nervous sending the original documents through the mail. I never would have expected having trouble making a legitimate claim with SS. I just turned 70. My w...
by munemaker
Wed Nov 22, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

Yes, adding more years of earnings will increase one's own PIA which can in turn increase one's total benefit with spousal included. She already claimed her own benefit. Her PIA is not going to change. Social Security sez: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html Each year, we review the records of all Social Security beneficiaries who have wages reported for the previous year. If your latest year of earnings is one of your highest years, we recalculate your benefit and pay you any increase you are due. The increase is retroactive to January of the year after you earned the money. I stand corrected! My apologies for being wrong. :oops: That said, her total benefit (I believe!) can never exceed 50% of the spouse's P...
by munemaker
Wed Nov 22, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

Yes, adding more years of earnings will increase one's own PIA which can in turn increase one's total benefit with spousal included. She already claimed her own benefit. Her PIA is not going to change. Social Security sez: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html Each year, we review the records of all Social Security beneficiaries who have wages reported for the previous year. If your latest year of earnings is one of your highest years, we recalculate your benefit and pay you any increase you are due. The increase is retroactive to January of the year after you earned the money. I stand corrected! My apologies for being wrong. :oops: That said, her total benefit (I believe!) can never exceed 50% of the spouse's P...
by munemaker
Wed Nov 22, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

mhalley wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:55 pm Her pia could have increased if she continued to work and knocked off some zero years of income.
Yes, it appears that is what happened. Thanks

Mun
by munemaker
Wed Nov 22, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

gregable wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 6:16 pm https://ssa.tools/guides/spousal-benefit-filing-date may be helpful, or you can use your own values in the https://ssa.tools/ calculator. The spousal benefit is composed of two parts: your own benefit and the benefit you earn from your spouse. It is not the case that the latter replaces the former as is commonly misunderstood.

Yes, adding more years of earnings will increase one's own PIA which can in turn increase one's total benefit with spousal included.
Thank you. This is the answer I was looking for. As I pointed out in my original post (and others have pointed out too), I realize any increase in her spousal would be limited to 50% of my PIA.

Mun
by munemaker
Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

IowaFarmBoy wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 3:30 pm My understanding is that the way the spousal works is that she gets her benefit plus the difference between half of your PIA and her PIA as the spousal benefit. So the portion that is her benefit will be reduced by the 43% since it started early. The spousal portion will not be reduced.

Not sure how clearly I am explained that- maybe someone else can do so more clearly.
Iowa Farm Boy - Thanks for the response. What you say (only her amount is reduced) might be true but it doesn't sound right to me. Regardless, it is not responsive to my questions, which involve whether continuing to work will reduce the penalty for taking her own benefit early.
by munemaker
Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Re: Questions on Spousal Social Security

Tom_T wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 4:21 pm This calculator will tell you the percentage reduction.

https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/spouse.html

Also, if you bring up your own benefit on the ssa.gov site, there's an option to estimate what the spouse's benefit would be based on her claim date.

Basically, the highest amount a spouse can get in total is 50% of the higher earner's PIA (assuming her own benefit isn't better than that.) She claims earlier than her FRA, the 50% amount is reduced.
Thanks for the response.

Yes, I saw and used that calculator. That's not responsive to my question. Go back and read my two questions.

Mun
by munemaker
Tue Nov 21, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on Spousal Social Security
Replies: 17
Views: 1878

Questions on Spousal Social Security

Background: My wife is a substitute teacher and never had a full time career. I was born in 1953 and she was born in 1954. She started drawing SS under her own name in January 2019 (Age 64) but has continued to work (she is 69 now). I turned 66 (FRA) in November 2019 and started drawing spousal SS on her earnings record. Together, to date we have collected roughly $40,000 under her earnings record. I turned 70 this month. I am starting to draw SS on my own record this month (1st payment in December), and she is starting to draw spousal on my record. We realized her spousal cannot exceed half of my PIA and her spousal would be reduced for drawing early. We realized her spousal does not include a benefit for delaying until I am age 70. A calc...
by munemaker
Mon Oct 30, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone still favor Vanguard?
Replies: 359
Views: 48398

Re: Anyone still favor Vanguard?

We had most of our assets at VG for almost 50 years. Even as our assets grew over the years, we noticed a decline in customer service. In the few cases where I needed help or advice, the agent was not knowledgeable and in one case gave incorrect information. Also, I find their constant attempts to solicit business for their financial management arm to be annoying. The website was not the best, but when they made "improvements" with the very large (and sometimes bold) fonts, with all the extra white space, I got annoyed every time I logged on. When I retired (6 years ago), I transferred my 401k to a Traditional IRA at Fidelity. The difference in customer service was noticeable, plus the Fidelity website is much better. Not constant...
by munemaker
Fri Oct 13, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oven heating element replacement - DIY?
Replies: 5
Views: 535

Re: Oven heating element replacement - DIY?

rbd789 wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 9:31 am
fsrph wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 9:21 am Have an electric oven and the lower heating element needs replacement. Looks like a new element is widely available. Is this something a homeowner with just average DIY skills can do themselves?

Francis
Yes, it's easy. I did it about 3 years ago, on a 30-year-old GE oven/range. Ordered the replacement element online for about $25. Took me about 15 minutes, once it arrived.

As the previous poster said, you may want to look on YouTube for video as well.
I did it too. Very easy. You might look for a YouTube video just to see what you are up against.

Mun
by munemaker
Tue Sep 12, 2023 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Everything to Fidelity
Replies: 112
Views: 14754

Re: Everything to Fidelity

I've got two thirds of my investments at Vanguard and the other third at Fidelity, and I'm planning to transfer everything to Fidelity. I use Fidelity Cash Management, have had good customer service experiences, and feel better about Fidelity security systems (such as Money Transfer Lockdown and their two-factor ID through the mobile app). I'm also retired now and think it will be easier for my wife to have everything in one place when they pull the sheet over my face. Has anyone had a negative (or positive) experience doing this or does anyone recommend against it? I was in the same position...had two thirds of our assets at Vangaurd, except for my 401k which I had previously transferred from ML to Fideilty. I had a couple small DRIPS at ...
by munemaker
Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Update from OP

I called the cable company this morning and cancelled our TV service. I had been a customer of this company since 1979. As someone predicted, they offered us a $30/month discount for a year, which I declined. The agent asked me why I was cancelling. I was open with him and we had some discussion. I told him the product and service were fine. The problem is the price. I told him their business model is not working anymore. He said it depends on the needs of a particular household. OK...whatever.

And as someone said previously, they are not going to stop charging me until I return the equipment, which I intend to do today. I should have done this years ago. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

OP here.

A number of people recommended YouTubeTV. I just signed up for the free trial. Like I said previously, we currently have Firesticks on 4 of our TVs. Using the Firestick, YouTubeTV is indeed very much like our Cable TV, and all the channels we want are there. At this point, I have only had it on one TV for an hour or so. I think we will likely go this way and cancel our Cable TV, keeping only the internet.

The Cable TV part of our bill (including equipment rental) is $156.47 + tax. YouTubeTV will take this to $72.99 + tax after the initial promo. We will loose the $8.00/mo. bundling discount. The savings will be around 900/year savings. Pretty significant.

Thanks to everyone who responded.

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

We subscribe to cable TV ($216/year) and rent a DVR (cable descrambler built in) from the cable company. We pay $150/year for this recorder. The box went bad and the cable company is planning to replace it with some different internet-based device and charge us $191.40/month. This seems like a lot of money to rent a DVR equivalent. I am wondering if there are any other convenient solutions. I realize we would need to rent a HD descramber from the cable company to use a 3rd party recorder, if such a thing is even available. Just to be clear, I am asking about using a DVR type device with cable TV. I am not asking about over-the-air TV or streaming services. Thanks Mun Did you mean $216/year or $216/month? Per year - that seems like a great ...
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Looks like our internet alone (without the TV discount) would be around $85 + 6% tax. The internet service is fast and solid, so I am ok with that. YouTube sounds promising. I'll check it out. Hopefully that will work for us. You might check for alternative internet providers. Most areas have competing providers for internet. Switching internet would likely get you a new customer sign-up window of 1-2 years. The nice thing about a streaming package like YouTube TV is you can cancel anytime. You can use it on the road traveling. At least do the free trial and see how it works. You can have multiple profiles and you can customize the guide to only include the channels each of you want and the channel order. We really don't have any other goo...
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Maybe time to look at YouTube TV. Drop down to internet only from your provider. Buy a Fire TV Stick Max or Apple TV or ROKU for each TV. Nearly every show is already recorded. You just add pointers to your list of things you want to watch. You would save money each month and have a better experience. My near 80 year old parents made the switch to streaming cable without much issue. We have Fire sticks on 4 of our TVs. Works great for me. My wife likes to watch these ongoing dramas on the 3 major network...shows like Chicago Med, Fire and Police, FBI, FBI international, etc. plus the local news. Our home is in a valley and am skeptical of whether a roof antenna would bring in these channels; an indoor antenna will not. Seems like an expens...
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Luckywon wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:35 am OP I think there's an excellent chance if you call the cable company and say you are canceling you will get the device for free, or a reduction in your monthly rate. That sounds like a lot for cable although I suppose it depends on what services you are getting.
If one makes a play like this, better be willing to back it up. We just may be doing this. It is expensive. Our provider is a small cable company.

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Maybe time to look at YouTube TV. Drop down to internet only from your provider. Buy a Fire TV Stick Max or Apple TV or ROKU for each TV. Nearly every show is already recorded. You just add pointers to your list of things you want to watch. You would save money each month and have a better experience. My near 80 year old parents made the switch to streaming cable without much issue. We have Fire sticks on 4 of our TVs. Works great for me. My wife likes to watch these ongoing dramas on the 3 major network...shows like Chicago Med, Fire and Police, FBI, FBI international, etc. plus the local news. Our home is in a valley and am skeptical of whether a roof antenna would bring in these channels; an indoor antenna will not. Seems like an expens...
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Gradient Descent wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:42 am First, consider whether you even need to rent a cable box.

Ask your spouse to visit https://www.suppose.tv/tv and choose the channels she watches.

Then, compare the prices of the services to what you are paying for cable TV.

These services typically offer better technology and unlimited DVR than what is built into traditional cable boxes (which won’t be around for much longer).
We will check it out.

Thanks
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

Glockenspiel wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:36 am VCRs will record cable TV.
Without access to the GUIDE, this would be too inconvenient for my wife.

CJH
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

The standard HD cable box they provide has both coax and HDMI outputs. I assume the coax output would be the "standard RF channel# tunable format" you refer to. The internet based device the cable company plans to install (unless I stop them) as a replacement is listed as a combination of "EXP Stream ($9.95/mo.) and "EXP Cloud DVR50 ($6.00/mo.) on my next billing. I don't know any more specifics of what these things are, but apparently both are needed. This is really for my wife so it has to be convenient to use and integrated with the TV scheduling guide. Mun I googled 'EXP Cloud DVR50' and found this: https://armstrongonewire.com/EXP/Index The 'box' is connected to your HDMI port on the TV and then you have to use you...
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: Vanguard legacy fee !!!???!!!

naples09 wrote: Mon Sep 04, 2023 7:16 pm
prk wrote: Mon Sep 04, 2023 6:42 pm what is this?

i just saw a pop up when I logged on
Moved all VG to FIDO last week to avoid the Sept charge. Done with them.
Us too!
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Changing credit card numbers? Stopping subscription garbage!
Replies: 52
Views: 3214

Re: Changing credit card numbers? Stopping subscription garbage!

My limited experience: My wife (used to) sign up for these teaser magazine subscriptions which would renew at full price. I happened to have a Mastercard cash card (or gift card, whatever they call them) and used it for two of these. When the subscriptions came due, they billed her. She wrote "Cancel" on the bill and mailed them back. Never heard from them again. These magazine companies would make it difficult to figure out how to cancel. It is a scam of sorts. Magazines are pretty much dead now. I don't know if this teaser rate scam still goes on.

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

mrmass wrote: Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:19 am OP, a Tivo and an HDHomerun Prime are the only other devices that can connect and record cable tv. (aside from the cable company issued box)

Both use a cablecard to "descramble" the signal from the cable tv provider.
I will look into them. Thanks
Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Re: Recording Cable TV

The standard HD cable box they provide has both coax and HDMI outputs. I assume the coax output would be the "standard RF channel# tunable format" you refer to.

The internet based device the cable company plans to install (unless I stop them) as a replacement is listed as a combination of "EXP Stream ($9.95/mo.) and "EXP Cloud DVR50 ($6.00/mo.) on my next billing. I don't know any more specifics of what these things are, but apparently both are needed.

This is really for my wife so it has to be convenient to use and integrated with the TV scheduling guide.

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Sep 08, 2023 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recording Cable TV
Replies: 38
Views: 2064

Recording Cable TV

We subscribe to cable TV ($216/year) and rent a DVR (cable descrambler built in) from the cable company. We pay $150/year for this recorder. The box went bad and the cable company is planning to replace it with some different internet-based device and charge us $191.40/month. This seems like a lot of money to rent a DVR equivalent. I am wondering if there are any other convenient solutions. I realize we would need to rent a HD descramber from the cable company to use a 3rd party recorder, if such a thing is even available.

Just to be clear, I am asking about using a DVR type device with cable TV. I am not asking about over-the-air TV or streaming services.

Thanks
Mun
by munemaker
Thu Aug 24, 2023 5:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

Cah wrote: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:41 pm ... I'm pretty sure it would be even more work to switch to another company. And I have always felt there is some safety in how incredibly large the deposits are in Vanguard...
You might be surprised.

Mun
by munemaker
Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

We did the exact same thing for the same $3,500 bonus (the bonus had nothing to do with our decision though). If you don’t start buying Fidelity funds or use their paid advisory services, then I believe VG will be the winner and Fidelity the loser. I don't understand your point. I was not using paid advisory services from Vanguard and have not intention of using them at Fidelity. Yes, I will use Fidelity index funds going forward. Why would I invest in Vanguard Index funds at Fidelity? Does it really matter if a Total Market Index Fund is from Vanguard or Fidelity? So how is VG a winner and Fidelity a loser? I am not understanding your point. If one moves to Fidelity and continues to hold VG assets, VG gets all the ER and bears no cost to ...
by munemaker
Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

We initially went with Vanguard for their low fees and good (at the time) customer service. We had 5 mutual funds that would have resulted in $125 annual fee. We had been with Vanguard for over 40 years and really hated to make this move, but it was necessary. Pretty obvious they don't care about my business. Fidelity welcomed us with open arms. So in order to avoid switching to the Vanguard brokerage platform you instead switched to the Fidelity brokerage platform? That's correct. As you know, VG sent an email saying that to avoid the $25/fund annual fee ($125 in my case), we would have to switch to a brokerage account (VG clients with over $5 million are exempt from the fee, so those seem to be the clients they value). That brokerage acc...
by munemaker
Thu Aug 24, 2023 6:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

prd1982 wrote: Wed Aug 23, 2023 11:03 am
munemaker wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 10:16 pm We did the exact same thing for the same $3,500 bonus (the bonus had nothing to do with our decision though).
If you don’t start buying Fidelity funds or use their paid advisory services, then I believe VG will be the winner and Fidelity the loser.
I don't understand your point.

I was not using paid advisory services from Vanguard and have not intention of using them at Fidelity.

Yes, I will use Fidelity index funds going forward. Why would I invest in Vanguard Index funds at Fidelity? Does it really matter if a Total Market Index Fund is from Vanguard or Fidelity? So how is VG a winner and Fidelity a loser? I am not understanding your point.
by munemaker
Tue Aug 22, 2023 10:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

SpaceCowboy wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 10:13 pm Well this silly $25 fee pushed me over the edge.
Fidelity offered me $3500 to transfer the assets to them, so that”s what I’ll be doing. Think it was a really dumb business decision by Vanguard given that so many of their customers are tight was BHs
We did the exact same thing for the same $3,500 bonus (the bonus had nothing to do with our decision though). We initially went with Vanguard for their low fees and good (at the time) customer service. We had 5 mutual funds that would have resulted in $125 annual fee. We had been with Vanguard for over 40 years and really hated to make this move, but it was necessary. Pretty obvious they don't care about my business. Fidelity welcomed us with open arms.

Mun
by munemaker
Tue Aug 15, 2023 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car insurance with teens through the roof!
Replies: 65
Views: 8806

Re: Car insurance with teens through the roof!

LeftCoastIV wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 1:38 pm
SimonJester wrote: Thu Aug 10, 2023 1:22 pm I'm guessing that total car accident is probably the teens fault? And if so that is likely causing your premiums to sky rocket.

All you can do at this point is shop around.
Yes, single car accident. Kid at fault. Thankfully nobody else involved or injured. The total increase in premium after the accident was $1,790. Some of that is inflation, the majority is likely the accident.
How long will it take the premium increase to pay for the totalled car? You can see where the company is coming from. My kids are all grown up now, but in their teen years, they each totalled a car or two.
by munemaker
Tue Aug 15, 2023 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whole Life Insurance for 8 yr old?
Replies: 25
Views: 2204

Re: Whole Life Insurance for 8 yr old?

As others have said, buying life insurance for kids is a bad idea. My dad was in the insurance business. You got that idea of insurability form the salesman, because that's part of their pitch. Currently, my wife is executrix of an estate. In the decedent's home, we found a policy issued in 1929. We had some proof of payments, some in the 1950s. The insurance company has changed hands twice, and the current holder is having trouble locating the records. I am imagining some woman in a dimly lit basement full of cardboard boxes. I really have no idea. The estate did get paid on another one of these child policies (from a different insurer) that was 90 years old. I think the amount was $9,000 or so. Just an interesting side note. The policyhol...
by munemaker
Fri Jun 23, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remodeling Bathroom: where can we shower?
Replies: 39
Views: 2696

Re: Remodeling Bathroom: where can we shower?

Some truck stops offer showers eg the Luvs chain in our area

Mun
by munemaker
Fri Jun 09, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investments you wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole
Replies: 242
Views: 26570

Re: Investments you wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole

Why not Tesla stock?

OK, I personally don't do individual stocks, and would especially stay away from high beta stocks. But that's me. And I do not have an appetite for an electric car at this time. Maybe someday.

I am wondering why several have commented about avoiding Tesla stock. They seem to have the best charging network that the government has badgered them into sharing with others. They are far ahead of the traditional US car manufacturers. The company is run by an amazing man who is the Thomas Edison or George Westinghouse of our time. The stock is in the S&P500 which gives it credibility.

So why have several people singled out Tesla stock as something they wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole? Just curious.
by munemaker
Thu Jun 08, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Collecting SS on a restricted application - What to do at age 70?
Replies: 19
Views: 2830

Re: Collecting SS on a restricted application - What to do at age 70?

Carl53 wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 1:50 pm
munemaker wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:16 am So what is the answer? I have this situation coming up later this year.

Mun
I ended up calling SSA and got a scheduled call back two months later. The well versed SSA rep, acknowledged that some of the online application inquiries were ambiguous. Took my application for own benefits switching from restricted spousal benefits as well as my spouse's application to switch from own benefits to spousal benefits. Be sure to tell them you want the maximum benefit and no retroactive benefits (unless you do).
You got a scheduled call back TWO MONTHS LATER? Do you mean it took them 2 months to respond to your call?
by munemaker
Thu Jun 08, 2023 10:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215554

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual accounts [June 2023 update]

... I just called VG to check on the date the fee will be charged. I was told September. I told them I would probably just move my accounts. No push back. They don't really care about losing the business. Apparently account below $5M are not significant to their business. September is good timing for me. We are transferring estate assets (VG) for a deceased relative into our VG account, and also I have time to check on transfer bonuses at Fidelity. Mun I still have a Vanguard account for 529 accounts, but only a token amount of money in my investment account. I found that other brokerages besides Fidelity have better bonuses. Schwab and ETrade are the usual ones. As part of your transferring your accounts to Fidelity, remember to: - review...
by munemaker
Thu Jun 08, 2023 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why no Vanguard 2% cash back Visa card?
Replies: 123
Views: 43428

Re: Why no Vanguard 2% cash back Visa card?

Cubs Fan wrote: Thu Jun 08, 2023 1:47 pm ...Dave Ramsay stated on a YouTube video that bank bonuses are insignificant...
I am guessing we get around $2,500 to $3,000 per year, TAX FREE in credit card bonuses of various types. It is significant to us. We use it to buy a few toys that we would not normally spend money on. I am retired and enjoy the scheming.

I did do a bunch of bonuses for opening bank accounts a few years ago. It seemed like more of a hassle than the credit cards, plus I had to pay income tax on the bank account bonuses.

Mun
by munemaker
Thu Jun 08, 2023 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why no Vanguard 2% cash back Visa card?
Replies: 123
Views: 43428

Re: Why no Vanguard 2% cash back Visa card?

MtnTravel wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2023 8:23 pm I can't imagine a Vanguard credit card. Card lost or stolen? You can only call M-F from 8-5 and expect to wait on hold for an hour. And then you'll need a medallion signature on a paper form that you have to fax in. 8-)
If there is one, it would probably be a Vanguard branded card administered by a credit card company, not by Vanguard itself.

Mun