Search found 262 matches

by RMO87
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do?? [Vanguard warning about closing account for calling too frequently]
Replies: 74
Views: 6806

Re: What to do??

go2 wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:49 am I received the letter by U.S. mail and it was send from p. o. box 3010 Monroe, WI 53566

Please tell me how and where I can post on customer service questions on the forum.

Thank you for your help.
An old post here regarding this Monroe, WI, address.

viewtopic.php?t=310526
by RMO87
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me out of buying a Nissan Armada!
Replies: 29
Views: 1937

Re: Talk me out of buying a Nissan Armada!

Hearing 14 MPG in the city would be enough to talk me out of it!
by RMO87
Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Dumb Phone
Replies: 20
Views: 2275

Re: Best Dumb Phone

However, you have to consider how much longer a 3G flip phone will be viable. If using Verizon, I have read that it won’t work after the Verizon 5G Network upgrade. Then, if you change carriers, you are no longer able to perform software upgrades on the Extreme.
by RMO87
Fri Feb 02, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Everyone's Info Really on the Dark Web?
Replies: 25
Views: 3358

Re: Is Everyone's Info Really on the Dark Web?

Another safe practice that I've read about (and practice myself) is to not disclose your true birthdate on websites, if it can be avoided (such as on Facebook, online companies that you purchase from, etc.). A lot of times they ask for it, but it is oftentimes optional or you can use an 'incorrect' date. Of course, I'm not saying to do this with the IRS and the like. But birthdate is a big piece of data that scammers use and need to steal your identity.
by RMO87
Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2224

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

From what you described--without a doubt--check out Dogwood Canyon Nature Park! https://dogwoodcanyon.org/ Dogwood Canyon is about 30 minutes south of Branson. Just a beautiful setting to take photographs of nature, complete with waterfalls! Lots of paved trails, perfect for walking, biking (they rent them), even horseback riding. I definitely recommend taking their open-air tram tour to see the wildlife section of the park, complete with bison and elk. It's also neat that while you are walking or biking, you actually cross the border into Arkansas (there is a marker on the trail). I have plenty of pictures of the park I've taken myself if you're interested! As for shows that are good and not country-themed, check out SIX and The Haygoods. ...
by RMO87
Fri Jan 12, 2024 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 80 Year Old Parents living with us !! Tax Implications
Replies: 6
Views: 1106

Re: 80 Year Old Parents living with us !! Tax Implications

A Qualifying Relative can't have a gross income of more than $4,700 in 2023 or more than $5,050 for 2024. Social Security doesn't count toward the income limit. Also, you must have provided more than half of their total support for the year. But I'm fairly certain you can't claim them if they file their own joint return.
by RMO87
Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best book to convince someone investing isn't gambling
Replies: 102
Views: 107719

Re: Best book to convince someone investing isn't gambling

Florida Orange wrote: Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:42 pm A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel.
I loved "A Random Walk." Some very good insight and details about how the market operates. You'll never look at tulips the same!
by RMO87
Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 100% Equities for 30 years?
Replies: 102
Views: 13710

Re: 100% Equities for 30 years?

First of all, welcome to the land of Bogleheads! Personally, I could not go more than 80/20. A little in bonds helps during those inevitable bear markets to smooth out the bumps in the road, without sacrificing too much in total long-term returns. I believe even Jack Bogle recommended a minimum of 20% bonds.

Happy Holidays!
Ryan
by RMO87
Wed Dec 06, 2023 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Geico Auto - Premium up again
Replies: 31
Views: 4194

Re: Geico Auto - Premium up again

I had GEICO for four years before an increase motivated me to shop around. Check out Progressive; I am saving $60 for my six-month renewal simply by paying in full. I am also using their Snapshot device for another $46 in savings.
by RMO87
Thu Nov 30, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: house cats [Two cats playing - How to minimize injury during play?]
Replies: 29
Views: 2099

Re: house cats

PLEASE DO NOT DE-CLAW YOUR CAT! This borders on animal abuse--it is like amputating a human's fingers down to the first knuckle.

As for scratching posts, this is THE best. I have had one for over three years with two cats. It is very sturdy, and lasts a long time. I can tell it will last another three years with ease.

https://www.amazon.com/SmartCat-3832-Ul ... 34233?th=1
by RMO87
Wed Nov 29, 2023 11:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charlie Munger dies at 99
Replies: 63
Views: 13244

Re: Charlie Munger dies at 99

Less than five weeks short of his 100th birthday, which was New Year's Day. RIP.
by RMO87
Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: credit card & score
Replies: 9
Views: 651

Re: credit card & score

I would make a small purchase on it once a year. Especially because you've had it a long time--average age of accounts is a factor in calculating a credit score. Depending on the size of the credit line to your overall credit line, it could also cause a potentially significant increase to your credit utilization (another factor the credit bureaus use in arriving at your credit score).
by RMO87
Thu Oct 26, 2023 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I pay more for a plumber to install garbage disposal versus a handyman?
Replies: 93
Views: 10075

Re: Should I pay more for a plumber to install garbage disposal versus a handyman?

I used YouTube and found some good videos there to guide me along and do it easily and free!
by RMO87
Wed Oct 11, 2023 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended rechargeable batteries?
Replies: 29
Views: 3084

Re: Recommended rechargeable batteries?

I know you tried Eneloop, but were they Eneloop Pro? If not, I suggest giving them a try.
by RMO87
Sat Oct 07, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior Discounts
Replies: 33
Views: 3851

Re: Senior Discounts

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:11 pm Dunkin discounts everything. IHOP has an "over 50" menu. Most theatres have senior tickets. Hampton Inn has an AARP discount. Some amusement parks have senior discounts. Wendys will give you a free coffee. Simply asking everywhere if they have a senior discount gets it for you if they do. Ages are all over the map, mostly 50 or 60.
IHOP is over 55.

https://www.ihop.com/en/menu/55and-menu

You piqued my interest, as I turned 50 this year, but alas, I have to wait five more years.
by RMO87
Tue Sep 12, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires - replace or wait?
Replies: 115
Views: 7570

Re: Tires - replace or wait?

I've always read not to go beyond six years with tires. Funny you mention $850--that was the exact amount I paid for my Michelins yesterday at Costco (free installation, 5-year road hazard warranty, and a $50 rebate until 9/24)! And yes, it is rotations and balancing that are free at Costco, not alignments.
by RMO87
Tue Sep 05, 2023 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any tips about owning a bunny?
Replies: 106
Views: 8778

Re: Any tips about owning a bunny?

Tip #1 - make sure the members living with said bunny are not allergic to bunny. I had a flop-eared rabbit when I was 9 or 10, and both my dad and I were highly allergic. I don't have any allergies to cats or dogs.
by RMO87
Tue Aug 29, 2023 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Hyundai the value sweet spot?
Replies: 164
Views: 23241

Re: Is Hyundai the value sweet spot?

protagonist wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 2:04 pm I think Hyundai is the sweet spot.
I had been driving Hondas since the 1980s.
I bought an Elantra new in 2017 and a Tucson new in 2022.
It seemed to me that Hyundai offered a lot more for the money than Honda or Toyota.
So far, I have been happy with my decision.
Same here. Loving our '18 Elantra and '20 Santa Fe. And our old '07 Santa Fe that is now driven by our daughter, just keeps on going at 235K miles.
by RMO87
Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans
Replies: 43
Views: 3427

Re: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans

I've recently visited for the first time and really enjoyed the Jackson Square area. The St. Louis Cathedral in not to be missed; very beautiful, especially the inside! We took an evening guided tour that met at the Cathedral. It was a walking tour (approx. $20-25 per person). Learned about and saw a lot of interesting historical houses (achitecture going back to the 1700's, if I recall)/hotels/bars, some that were haunted. One that really stood out was the LaLaurie House. We had an awesome tour guide; found it on TripAdvisor. We also enjoyed taking the street car to City Park, a very nice place to take a walk and relax. Oh, we also found it fairly interesting to see the old cemeteries as we walked around town. Be forewarned, you smell mari...
by RMO87
Sat Aug 12, 2023 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WeatherTech floor mats
Replies: 50
Views: 5417

Re: WeatherTech floor mats

Check out Tux Mat. I researched mats when we purchased our '20 Santa Fe. Tux Mats provide the best coverage by far. They definitely help in snowy, colder climates. Heck, they would also be good if you track in a lot of sand from a beach, too! Very easy to install and remove to be cleaned with all-purpose cleaner and a brush and hose.
by RMO87
Thu Aug 10, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui Visit - Planning Considerations
Replies: 120
Views: 18100

Re: Maui Visit - Planning Considerations

So sad to see some of these before and after photos. I spent part of my honeymoon in Lahaina, and stayed in Ka'anapali on vacation in 2003.

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/maui-w ... index.html
by RMO87
Wed Jul 26, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Lying about outperformance?
Replies: 27
Views: 3930

Re: Lying about outperformance?

When I first got into investing about 10 years ago, I discovered Motley Fool (not surprising given how hard they are to avoid when Googling investing). I didn’t know about index investing - at the time, I had a 401k in a target date fund so I was inadvertently doing it, luckily, but I wasn’t paying attention. I thought I’d look for a few stocks to put some money in. Motley Fool was talking up a company called Westport Fuel Systems. There was an article called something like “Is Westport the Perfect Stock?” So I figured, why not? The stock reached its high in 2012. Within a few months, I’d lost 1/3 of my investment, within a few years, the stock had dropped below $100 and now it’s at $9. Luckily, I was too poor to have put much in it and I ...
by RMO87
Tue Jul 11, 2023 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: T-Mobile, Xfinity, AT&T now requiring bank accounts to retain auto-pay discount
Replies: 177
Views: 21402

Re: T-Mobile cancelling credit card payment asking for banking information instead !

My family has T-Mobile, but I hadn't heard about any discounts going away. Might it not apply to me yet? I don't see anything referencing it on my latest bill.

Thanks,
Ryan
by RMO87
Tue Jun 27, 2023 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a home with ZERO CREDIT SCORE? [How quickly can an 800+ credit score be achieved?]
Replies: 59
Views: 5051

Re: Buying a home with ZERO CREDIT SCORE? [How quickly can an 800+ credit score be achieved?]

Register at creditkarma.com and receive your free credit score. It is a reputable company and the score provided is quite accurate. This will at least tell you where you stand currently.
by RMO87
Sun Jun 11, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which car should I buy? I'm thinking Toyota Corolla?
Replies: 100
Views: 9288

Re: Which car should I buy? I'm thinking Toyota Corolla?

Consider the Hyundai Elantra. I purchased one back in 2018, my first new car in 23 years. The Corolla was my second choice. Love my Elantra; found it a better value with more features. Definite pluses for me were that it was NOT a CVT transmission, nor a turbo engine.
by RMO87
Sun May 28, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best books on financial market history?
Replies: 25
Views: 1945

Re: Best books on financial market history?

I thoroughly enjoyed learning the historical lessons in A Random Walk Down Wall Street!
by RMO87
Wed May 17, 2023 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swimming Pool maintenance
Replies: 35
Views: 3051

Re: Swimming Pool maintenance

Used to have a pool for 7 years. Poolforum.com is an awesome resource. The Taylor K2006 test kit contains everything you need to keep your levels in check.
by RMO87
Fri May 05, 2023 2:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337143

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

I just opened an account at eTrade and transferred money in under the BONUS23. Do you think they will match this? It's not clear what you're asking so who is "they" and what is bonus23 as I don't recall that one. Sorry! My question is: once etrade applies a promotion to the account and new monies are transferred in, would they match/change the promotion within a certain period of time? The BONUS23 was $2,500 for $1m. This new promotion is a lot better. BONUS23 and REWARD23 — likely to require 6-month retention of funds; Where as, the higher bonus offer - requires 12 months retention of funds. Just saying .. It appears the higher E-Trade bonus is only for current customers, enticing them to add to their accounts.
by RMO87
Mon Apr 24, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College student first W4 - questions on withholdings exemption, filing requirement, AOTC
Replies: 12
Views: 680

Re: College student first W4 - questions on withholdings exemption, filing requirement, AOTC

With a college-student daughter myself, though just at a community college under scholarship (so no AOTC stuff yet), I wanted to share a couple points.

The threshold requirement may be $12,950, but that is only for W-2 income. My daughter did DoorDash in 2022, and you are considered self-employed, receiving a 1099-NEC. As such, she was required to file federally, as it was greater than $400 (after deducting for mileage).

A state return (Missouri) was not required to be filed, as her income was less than the Federal standard deduction.
by RMO87
Tue Apr 18, 2023 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337143

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Hello, new to the transfer bonus scene and had a quick question. I have $105K in VBILX (VG Intermediate-Term Bond Index) with Vanguard brokerage. Would this be an easy transfer to another brokerage, or would it be best to put this into an ETF first?

Thanks a bunch!
Ryan
by RMO87
Wed Apr 12, 2023 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop Purchase - Costco vs HP Direct
Replies: 35
Views: 4005

Re: Laptop Purchase - Costco vs HP Direct

Many Costco reviews of the model mention poor battery life.
by RMO87
Tue Apr 11, 2023 10:05 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Ok, which of you did this? [license plate]
Replies: 80
Views: 14145

Re: Ok, which of you did this?

Kookaburra wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 9:49 pm I wonder if DMV would let me get vanity plates with my favorite muni fund: VWSUX
As long as it's not a Volkswagen! :D
by RMO87
Sat Apr 08, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Ok, which of you did this? [license plate]
Replies: 80
Views: 14145

Re: Ok, which of you did this?

That's awesome! Is that a Missouri plate? It's difficult to clearly zoom in.
by RMO87
Tue Mar 28, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car under 15k with high mpg
Replies: 70
Views: 7692

Re: Car under 15k with high mpg

Love my 2018 Hyundai Elantra getting mid-30s MPG!
by RMO87
Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Kia models still a good buy?
Replies: 33
Views: 4431

Re: Are Kia models still a good buy?

quantAndHold wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:35 am Pre 2022 Kias and Hyundais had a security flaw in their push button start that made them easy to steal. 2023 models don’t have that problem.
Do you have a link? I don't think that is correct. If you are referring to the vehicles without an engine immobilizer, then the push button start models are the ones you want, as they DO have an immobilizer.
by RMO87
Mon Mar 06, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars - [What have you previously owned?]
Replies: 59
Views: 5687

Re: Cars - [What have you previously owned?]

quantAndHold wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:52 pm I’ve only had five cars in 36 years. I’m feeling a little left out right now.
Right there with you! Four cars in 34 years. A '78 Chevy, an '87 Nissan, a '95 Saturn, and currently an '18 Hyundai.
by RMO87
Tue Feb 07, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High interest checking and savings in one place
Replies: 17
Views: 1496

Re: High interest checking and savings in one place

wriley4409 wrote: Tue Feb 07, 2023 3:06 pm I haven't used them, but there is always https://redneck.bank/
Gotta love that fly on the page! Looks so real.
by RMO87
Fri Feb 03, 2023 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used RAV4, CR-V, or Santa Fe?
Replies: 41
Views: 3471

Re: Used RAV4, CR-V, or Santa Fe?

shavenyak wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 9:43 am Thanks for your helpful replies. The Santa Fe is an hour away and we have been trying to find a mechanic with good reviews who will inspect it today. The Honda and Toyota are both almost an hour away in different directions (we live in a small town). Purely anecdotal, but my local mechanic is happy with his 230k Hyundai Sonata. Of course, an excellent CARFAX report isn’t the same as having a mechanic/owner. He also likes Toyotas because, ha, he “can find parts under any sewer grate.”
I feel Hyundais in the last 15 years are on par with the others. All three of the cars in our family are bought-new Hyundais. The oldest, a 2007 Santa Fe, is going strong at 220K miles. I would have no qualms considering a meticulous 2011 Santa Fe.
by RMO87
Wed Feb 01, 2023 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dashboard magnet mount for cell phone?
Replies: 10
Views: 714

Re: Dashboard magnet mount for cell phone?

How about 3M Dual Lock fasteners?
by RMO87
Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida Tolls
Replies: 21
Views: 2265

Re: Florida Tolls

The E-PASS Uni is my recommendation. It is good in 19 states, mostly in the eastern U.S. It is only $14.95 on Amazon. They have a handy phone app, as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Prepaid-Portable ... 114&sr=8-1
by RMO87
Fri Jan 13, 2023 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Push Mower - which carburetor?
Replies: 8
Views: 939

Re: Push Mower - which carburetor?

tev9876 wrote: Fri Jan 13, 2023 11:14 am Give this stuff a try for under $10 before you start taking things apart.
https://blasterproducts.com/product/sma ... e-tune-up/
Thanks for the recommendation. Hopefully safe to try, but I am finding some excellent reviews on the product. And Menard's currently has on sale for $5.49!
by RMO87
Fri Jan 13, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Push Mower - which carburetor?
Replies: 8
Views: 939

Push Mower - which carburetor?

I have a Craftsman push mower (Briggs engine 6.25 OHV, Model 247.377000). It was experiencing some surging while running late in the season last year. I have already replaced the air filter last fall. I'm thinking the carburetor could be dirty and in need of cleaning/replacing. I have experience with another mower a few years ago, where I decided to simply replace the carburetor--thank you YouTube!

I was curious whether anyone knew which specific model number of carburetor this mower took. I was having trouble researching online.

Thanks!
Ryan
by RMO87
Mon Nov 21, 2022 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Settlement Fund
Replies: 5
Views: 1166

Re: Vanguard Settlement Fund

I am definitely on the Brokerage platform. I have previously made successful contributions this year. It just seems like there are additional screens to click through when making a contribution on the new platform. Strange that it would allow me to have a successful trade before having it be funded! I did the 'Contribute to IRA' step that someone above mentioned, and it appears to have worked--thanks a bunch!
by RMO87
Mon Nov 21, 2022 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Settlement Fund
Replies: 5
Views: 1166

Vanguard Settlement Fund

Hello,

I am a longtime VG mutual fund client, but just recently converted to the new brokerage platform.

I recently (10/31) made a tIRA contribution, but I must not have done something quite right. Although my account shows that I made the contribution, the money was never pulled from my checking account.

This morning, I received an email from VG that I must pay for a recent trade. My question is how do I initiate an electronic funds transfer to my settlement fund? I don't see the settlement fund listed (only the mutual funds in which I'm invested) when I choose "Transact."

Could someone please offer some guidance to a brokerage newbie?

Thanks!
Ryan
by RMO87
Wed Nov 16, 2022 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Empower Retirement Plan
Replies: 16
Views: 2786

Re: Empower Retirement Plan

Based in Colorado, Empower is the second-largest retirement plan provider in the U.S. My company, which used to be with Prudential, switched to Empower earlier this year. I have access to some index funds, but it all depends on the funds your company chooses to have available to you. I am happy with them.

Ryan
by RMO87
Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sneaky Bull market?
Replies: 51
Views: 8118

Re: Sneaky Bull market?

Jimsad wrote: Wed Oct 26, 2022 6:08 am All of a sudden DOW is up 10% in October!!
Are we already in a bull market ?
Time to plough in extra contributions to take advantage?
You mean 'plow,' right? Or are you British? :)
by RMO87
Fri Oct 14, 2022 1:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2022 Bogleheads Conference Reports
Replies: 102
Views: 14461

Re: Slides from Bogleheads Conference 2022

Looks like an informative presentation! One question re: the higher earner delaying to file. We are 49 and 47. My wife is currently the higher earner, but she had no earnings for 12 years while she was a stay-at-home mom. By 'higher earner,' is it average earnings from say age 21 to 65, or is it current annual earnings?
by RMO87
Tue Oct 04, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG Brokerage account
Replies: 2
Views: 568

Re: VG Brokerage account

Never mind. Got it figured out!
by RMO87
Tue Oct 04, 2022 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG Brokerage account
Replies: 2
Views: 568

VG Brokerage account

I recently (two months ago) converted from the VG mutual fund platform to the VG brokerage platform.

In the last several days, I have rolled over an IRA to Vanguard. The funds ($33K) are in the Federal Money Market (Settlement Fund). How do I go about transferring the funds from this settlement fund to my TSM and bond fund that are in the same rollover account?

In the Holdings section, it shows the $33K as both "Funds available to trade" and "Funds available to withdraw."

However, when I choose 'Transfer Money' or 'Transact,' the Where's the Money Coming From? shows a $0 balance in my Federal MM (Settlement fund).

Any idea what may be going on?
Ryan