Search found 1158 matches

by PoppyA
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't
Replies: 28
Views: 3393

Re: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't

Just call them & tell them your side of the story. Unfortunately this type of thing happens. It shouldn’t take too long to resolve
by PoppyA
Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Replies: 11
Views: 839

Re: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?

Globalviewer58 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:20 pm Recently had whitewashed oak cabinets painted by a pro. One coat primer and two top coats, all tinted to top coat color. Changed hardware annd replaced hinges and it all looks like new cabinets. I was concerned with wear on some doors but the painters did a great job filling, sanding and painting.

Had quotes for replacement oak doors and drawers painted to custom color but chose to paint because cabinet company did not want to install full overlay doors.
Please excuse my ignorance. Are you saying you ended up with whitewashed, or you started with whitewashed?
by PoppyA
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Replies: 11
Views: 839

Re: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?

Has anyone found themselves in the same position & found a solution? Who will be doing the work? The reason I ask is because to paint older cabinet doors in kitchens especially and even in bathrooms, it very labor intensive if you want to do it right and create a paint job that will wear well over time. The reason is that kitchen cabinet doors and bathrooms gets greasy with age and it is really time consuming to degrease them and sand them well enough to get a new coating to stick well. Nearly all the DIY ones I have ever been around start peeling and sloughing paint off in a matter of a few years, mostly because they weren't cleaned well enough during the prep stages. I should say this is also highly dependent on door style. Simple sh...
by PoppyA
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial implications of long jury duty
Replies: 24
Views: 1807

Re: Financial implications of long jury duty

When asked if you have any concerns regarding serving you can bring this up. Keep in mind most people have this concern as well. In my opinion on face value it is a concern that doesn’t warrant dismissal.

A lot depends on the individual Judge & Attorneys trying the case as to whether you will be picked. Also on the kind of trial or Jury.

I’ve never seen them ask for any documentation.
by PoppyA
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?
Replies: 11
Views: 839

Oak kitchen/bath cabinet solutions?

We have light oak, solid wood cabinets in our home. The finish is in bad shape in several area. The doors look dated. Recently we had a water problem that destroyed one of the bathroom cabinets.

Because the cabinets are solid wood I’m looking for a solution to update rather than replace them. Generally we like clean modern design. I have seen a Scandinavia type white wash that might work. I don’t think a complete painting of the cabinets are what we are after as we think that too will look dated quickly.

Additionally we had beautiful quartz counters installed 5 years ago.

Has anyone found themselves in the same position & found a solution?

TIA
by PoppyA
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
Replies: 54
Views: 3978

Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?

I previously lived in the City. I went back twice in 2023. It was fine. NYC is an ever changing City. No need to wait IMHO. What exactly would you wait for anyway? What might happen between now & then? There is so much to do there. You won’t be disappointed.
by PoppyA
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?
Replies: 59
Views: 3779

Re: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?

Ask an attorney to write a letter of inquiry.
by PoppyA
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15097

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

I remember a time when it was common to only have a sellers agent.
by PoppyA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2602

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

If you are not driven by the most thrifty way, then go for the easiest way IMHO
by PoppyA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How best to make up for the failure to file a tax return
Replies: 38
Views: 2636

Re: How best to make up for the failure to file a tax return

File & pay the minimal penalty if applicable.
by PoppyA
Fri Mar 08, 2024 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5231

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

I’m a huge fan of Haflingers even though my big toes went through them within a couple months. The slipper molds you your foot & provides comfortable arch support. I find them warm & comfy.

I also have Minnetonka & find the comfortable, warm, & durable. Fun fact in the dead of winter when the temps were 32 & below (no fear of slush) I often walked to work in my Minnetonka moccasins with only a good heavy sock underneath.
by PoppyA
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mental health or Money: navigating the OMY question
Replies: 48
Views: 4796

Re: Mental health or Money: navigating the OMY question

For $250,000 I’d stay the 10 months. YMMV.
by PoppyA
Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4579

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

This is by far a better way to see Alaska. Cruises are tourist traps IMHO. If it weren’t for your motion sickness issues I’d suggest taking the Alaskan ferry up the coast.
by PoppyA
Thu Feb 29, 2024 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Minnesota
Replies: 43
Views: 3180

Re: Things to do in Minnesota

Another vote for The North Shore of Lake Superior. There is a reason they call it Superior!

If you are lucky, you might catch the Aurora’s (Northern Lights)!
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: early morning Easter Sunday Uber at EWR - any actual experiences?
Replies: 5
Views: 1302

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

Not all drivers are Christian. Should not be a problem for you, though I don’t have actual Easter Morning experience I have the power of observation.
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…
Replies: 10
Views: 968

Re: Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…

TomatoTomahto wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:41 am Years ago, I had a business/store that shipped a lot. I appreciated donations of packing materials.
Exactly! But how do I find places like this?
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12040

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

IMHO if it only cost you $1,500 to get out of it completely it is worth it!
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…
Replies: 10
Views: 968

Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…

I did a search & came up with crickets

I have many large, beautiful sheets of bubble wrap left over from package deliveries. I know I can take them to Publix & recycle them in the plastics bin, but is there another use or place that can use it? I hate to throw out a perfectly good item that cost a fortune in a store.

Years ago my UPS store would take it, but not anymore.

TY!
by PoppyA
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancer Diagnosis Hubby
Replies: 36
Views: 4543

Re: Cancer Diagnosis Hubby

I’ve been in your shoes (sans small child & animals). It is overwhelming but what I’ve learned is: Cancer generally is no different than other diseases & there is a course of treatment for your situation. No need to worry trying to optimize care as long as you have confidence in your oncology team. Personally I feel the same with nutrition. At this time let him eat what he can, & what brings him comfort. I called an Attorney & broke down while explaining our situation….lack of will, Heath care directive, etc. The law firm made it very easy on me. We told them on the phone what we wanted, we showed up & they had everything ready to sign. After all, they are just standard forms on the computer for the most part. My best ti...
by PoppyA
Tue Feb 27, 2024 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swim Mask
Replies: 14
Views: 1834

Re: Swim Mask

In general I like a low profile mask. This means it is on the smaller size & closer to my eyes/face. In my experience it’s best to try them on to get a good fit.
by PoppyA
Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to deal with/spend too much money?
Replies: 91
Views: 8904

Re: How to deal with/spend too much money?

Donations to community causes that spark your interest.

Identify & fund community needs.

Anonymously leaving big tips at restaurants.

Help financially support a young student through their teacher ie: fund the field trip, buy the sports gear, etc. start in grade school & follow them through high school. This can be anonymously or not.
by PoppyA
Thu Feb 22, 2024 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Salary (>$500,000) careers
Replies: 244
Views: 28598

Re: High Salary (>$500,000) careers

I know people who are senior partners at a modern art gallery who take in that kind of $.
by PoppyA
Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Happy Valentine’s Day! What’s your love song?
Replies: 88
Views: 4456

Re: Happy Valentine’s Day! What’s your love song?

Foreigners “I Want to Know What Love is” : https://youtu.be/G7QHJmEi9aM And… Bob Dylan’s “Wedding song” off his best album….Planet Waves. There are so many good songs on this obscure album. love you more than ever, more than time and more than love I love you more than money and more than the stars above Love you more than madness, more than dreams upon the sea I love you more than life itself, you mean that much to me Ever since you walked right in, the circle's been complete I say goodbye to haunted rooms and faces in the street To the courtyard of the jester which is hidden from the sun I love you more than ever and I haven't yet begun You breathed on me and made my life a richer one to live When I was deep in poverty, you taught me how ...
by PoppyA
Thu Feb 15, 2024 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College student considering staying in a hotel to save money.
Replies: 55
Views: 5279

Re: College student considering staying in a hotel to save money.

I know it is metropolitan, but if there is a campground between the two places perhaps buying a used camper & living there might solve the problem.
by PoppyA
Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25552

Re: What inferior good do you love?

White vinegar in place of fabric softener in my clothes washer.

Plastic laundry baskets from the dollar store (mine are over 15 years old!)
by PoppyA
Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19946

Re: What is your favorite book?

climber2020 wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 11:57 am We should place an over/under on how many posts it takes for someone to say "The Bible".

The only fiction book in my permanent collection is The Little Prince. I first read it at age 7 and like to re-read it every few years.
Amen Brother!

The Bible (the history is fascinating!)
The little Prince
by PoppyA
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1672

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for Government The Plan (simlar to TSP)

What were her years of employment? The Civil Service Retirement Service (CSRS) retirement plan was in place prior to 1984. The Federal employees retirement Service (FERS) retirement plan started in 1984. The Thrift Savings plan could be accessed by either CSRS or FERS employees starting in 1984. Prior to 1984 there was no component similar to the TSP. CSRS employees were given the opportunity to convert from CSRS to FERS Gotta do some correction for you... FERS legislation was done in 83-84... it didn't come "online" until 1987 ! The individual, if only 40 now, could NEVER have been in CSRS !! Agree that there was no Thrift plan before then but even the CSRS voluntary contribution program was handled by OPM itself. Those hired in...
by PoppyA
Fri Feb 09, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1672

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for Government The Plan (simlar to TSP)

What were her years of employment?

The Civil Service Retirement Service (CSRS) retirement plan was in place prior to 1984.

The Federal employees retirement Service (FERS) retirement plan started in 1984.

The Thrift Savings plan could be accessed by either CSRS or FERS employees starting in 1984. Prior to 1984 there was no component similar to the TSP.

CSRS employees were given the opportunity to convert from CSRS to FERS
by PoppyA
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Produce Preservers
Replies: 5
Views: 404

Re: Produce Preservers

I use one & highly recommended it to our kids. It makes my produce last much longer.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005W ... UTF8&psc=1

Recently I’ve been wondering about the refill. Can I use the product preservers I receive in meds & other products & just slip those into the blue apple container?
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 07, 2024 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4525
Views: 617524

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I made a grocery purchase for $19.17 then double stacked coupons & ended up paying $8.17!
by PoppyA
Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: going gluten-free
Replies: 55
Views: 4502

Re: going gluten-free

Anything without a label: roasted veg, meat, fish, fruit, salads with vinegar & oil

Also: Cado ice cream
by PoppyA
Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant suggestions nyc financial district
Replies: 26
Views: 3321

Re: Restaurant suggestions nyc financial district

Financial district? Fraunces Tavern. Nothing fancy but good food. George Washington bade farewell to his troops here before heading South. https://frauncestavern.com/

A few blocks away, near the Oculas is Eataly. It has a Very, Very large selection of Italian foods & dishes. The place itself is amazing but more of a lunch “feel” to it. https://www.eataly.com/us_en/stores/nyc-downtown

In the West Village is Jacks Wife Frieda. A great innovative menu. Usually mobbed with people. https://jackswifefreda.com/
by PoppyA
Mon Feb 05, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 6829

Re: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

Fitted sheet & 2 twin duvet covers. Skip the top sheet.

This gives each of you the option of adding more bedding as needed (colder nights) & makes the bed super simple to make.

In Europe where duvets come from they do not use a top sheet. They either use the duvet alone or with a down filler. Take the filler out & wash the cover.
by PoppyA
Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Not admitted to Hospital/under observation & leaving
Replies: 3
Views: 806

Medicare Not admitted to Hospital/under observation & leaving

Recently a friend went to the hospital for a procedure. It was postponed over the weekend & the friend admitted under observation. I understand that Medicare declined payments for the stay. I knew this would happen.

I’ve also been told if you leave the hospital against Dr’s orders your insurance can deny payment.

But say you have Medicare & private insurance & you leave to return later for the procedure. Are you in a trick bag?

Do hospital’s place patients in this trick bag as a money maker or am I missing something here?
by PoppyA
Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iOS 17.3 feature: stolen device protection
Replies: 5
Views: 1295

Re: New iOS 17.3 feature: stolen device protection

Do you have to have facial recognition turned on to find this feature? It is not showing up on my phone….no “stolen device protection “
by PoppyA
Mon Jan 29, 2024 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FERS Retirement...Have done everything right (I think) and still nervous..
Replies: 56
Views: 9645

Re: FERS Retirement...Have done everything right (I think) and still nervous..

Congratulations & thanks for the photo! Love it! Be safe.

mrc wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:16 am
Kevlar wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 8:19 pm FOLLOWUP:

I pulled the plug December 30th...

Well done! Congratulations. My wife's FERS retirement illustrated to us that it isn't an event, it's a process.
Well said!
by PoppyA
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does EZ Pass work in Florida?
Replies: 10
Views: 4226

Re: Does EZ Pass work in Florida?

No advantage
by PoppyA
Sun Jan 21, 2024 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10422

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

vanuber wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:44 am I wanted to post this on it's own... Read this is you still think the police, local government, or community watch can help us:

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/201 ... ome_l.html
Call Grady Judd. Seriously it is often a situation where the “locals” either allow this stuff, or they don’t.
by PoppyA
Sun Jan 21, 2024 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shatter my Van Life Dreams
Replies: 65
Views: 8429

Re: Shatter my Van Life Dreams

Here is another resource: podcast Van life with Tom Green. He bought a van from a company in South Dakota that also rents them.
by PoppyA
Sat Jan 20, 2024 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10422

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

Maybe the DEA could make a case & seize the home?

The locals can’t declare it a nuisance?
by PoppyA
Sat Jan 20, 2024 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Contesting a will
Replies: 41
Views: 5209

Re: Contesting a will

Did any of the cousins have contact/involvement with the decedent?

What state of mind was the decedent in prior to death?
by PoppyA
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you love outdoors/hiking, what do you do in the winter?
Replies: 62
Views: 5774

Re: If you love outdoors/hiking, what do you do in the winter?

There’s nothing like the solitude of cross country skiing!
by PoppyA
Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hunting the elusive endocrinologist
Replies: 37
Views: 4006

Re: Hunting the elusive endocrinologist

Urgent care? Oh & find a new PCP.

Make an appointment in a small Iowa town?
by PoppyA
Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hunting the elusive endocrinologist
Replies: 37
Views: 4006

Re: Hunting the elusive endocrinologist

Can you get an appointment in a big city near you?
by PoppyA
Mon Jan 15, 2024 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9% cash discount (no check)
Replies: 71
Views: 8211

Re: 9% cash discount (no check)

popoki wrote: Sun Jan 14, 2024 5:50 pm
PoppyA wrote: Sun Jan 14, 2024 4:57 pm Last I checked cash is legal tender for all debt. What else would we use it for…?
Federal statutes do not require a seller to accept cash as a form of legal tender for payment of goods or services that were rendered.
True, but that has no application here.
by PoppyA
Sun Jan 14, 2024 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9% cash discount (no check)
Replies: 71
Views: 8211

Re: 9% cash discount (no check)

Last I checked cash is legal tender for all debt. What else would we use it for…?