Search found 76 matches

by miles2go
Tue Aug 22, 2023 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart Plug Outlets
Replies: 11
Views: 1126

Re: Smart Plug Outlets

Consider the Amazon branded smart plugs. Seamless integration and work well with Alexa. I have at least 5 for a couple years and have added more as needed. You can program them to turn on/off (think for a lamp to go on at sunset and off at bedtime) from within the app (you can do this with any brand but might need different branded apps at least to get them on your network).

They go on sale during Prime day etc so add to your cart and watch the prices as we approach the Prime sale in Oct.
by miles2go
Thu May 25, 2023 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washington DC restaurant (and other) recommendations
Replies: 19
Views: 1499

Re: Washington DC restaurant (and other) recommendations

Was just in DC recently with the family. I highly highly highly recommend Filomena’s. Make sure to leave room for dessert. :D
by miles2go
Sat Feb 18, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax IRS Error - Form 8960
Replies: 19
Views: 4995

Re: TurboTax IRS Error - Form 8960

Anyone with any luck or updates on this? I had mine rejected too
by miles2go
Sun Feb 12, 2023 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Form 8606- can I ignore?
Replies: 20
Views: 2407

Re: Form 8606- can I ignore?

If you answer the questions after 1099-R number entry you’ll get to one that asks if it went into a Roth. Answering “yes” will automatically generate 8606. Then you get to question about basis. I have none so I skip it but it’s as easy as entering the number and it should carry to 8606 as well. If you’re using TurboTax anyway, I’d do this to save far less than what’s at stake here. But I like ensuring I pay the minimum legal tax required. Maybe not worth it to others. Hmmm... I'm using TurboTax, I entered the 1099-R numbers, answered "Yes" to the question about Roth conversion. It didn't generate an 8606 for me. I've been wondering about this form. I have no basis in the IRA. Is that why it didn't generate an 8606 for me? Do I no...
by miles2go
Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kindle eReader Black Friday upgrade deal
Replies: 31
Views: 4000

Re: Kindle eReader Black Friday upgrade deal

Back on sale for President's Day (with a really nice package deal for leather case + power brick) along with 20% upgrade deal. Back on Black Friday, I wasn't able to get the instant 20% trade-in discount + instant credit like some other BH's. They wanted me at that time to mail it in first and customer service wouldn't/couldn't override that.

Today, it allowed me to get the credit + 20% off the new one in advance of mailing it back for trade-in and like I said I got the package deal with case + power supply.

Give it a try if you weren't successful last go around. Good luck!
by miles2go
Sun Jun 12, 2022 6:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16860

Re: You Tube TV

I've had YouTubeTV for several years and on three different connections. Rock solid. Almost never do I get what they call tiling - that's where the screen sort of freezes, but not completely and you get some larger tiles. On cable that happened more than once a week. YouTubeTV maybe like once every 3 months. Better picture than cable, IMO. The recording capability is great. The things which I think could be improved are the guide is somewhat limited, there are no channel numbers and there is no go-back-to-the-last-channel function. The lack of channel numbers isn't so big unless you have someone who has limited eyesight. BTW, I use the Roku boxes on all of the TV's and it is pretty rock solid also. I've got about a year old LG OLED and the...
by miles2go
Wed Jan 26, 2022 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV Upgrade and 4k
Replies: 69
Views: 6572

Re: TV Upgrade and 4k

Google David Katzmeier from CNET. One of the best in the business in reviewing TVs and he stratifies best TVs given your budget, etc. They also give good recommendations on settings once you have the TV for calibration
by miles2go
Sun Jun 27, 2021 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099 or W2 for side gig??
Replies: 6
Views: 758

Re: 1099 or W2 for side gig??

1099 opens you up to business deductions and solo 401k with generally speaking up to 20% employER contribution/deduction
by miles2go
Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any productivity podcast?
Replies: 8
Views: 1113

Re: Any productivity podcast?

Work life with Adam Grant. It’s a TED podcast. He’s also got a new book coming out soon I’m looking forward to
by miles2go
Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Items that are worth the money for the quality
Replies: 553
Views: 65386

Re: Items that are worth the money for the quality

Ready3Retire wrote: Sat Oct 17, 2020 6:22 pm Thermapen thermometer. Great for grilling, baking, brewing beer, etc. Well worth the $90 or so.
Big +1. Makes grilling foolproof. Their smoker thermometers are great too
by miles2go
Fri Nov 06, 2020 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA -- Equifax changed the credit unfreeze/thaw process
Replies: 5
Views: 961

Re: PSA -- Equifax changed the credit unfreeze/thaw process

Here’s the link directly to site for logging in to manage your security freeze (and setting up the account):

https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit ... it-freeze/
by miles2go
Fri Nov 06, 2020 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA -- Equifax changed the credit unfreeze/thaw process
Replies: 5
Views: 961

PSA -- Equifax changed the credit unfreeze/thaw process

Went to unfreeze my credit report today with Equifax temporarily. Much to my surprise, Equifax changed how they unfreeze. They no longer require a PIN. Instead, you sign up for an account (yes, it's legit and not a phishing site). They do NOT ask you for your security questions, merely your SS#, phone, and email. They then do a quick 2FA but with the info you just gave them :oops: This is a HUGE security risk in my mind. How are they verifying identify without those questions or the PIN they generated when you set up the freeze? In theory, someone can go in with your demographics and potentially set up a bogus account. Perhaps there's a check in case you give a phone # not associated with your credit file but I can't be sure. So my PSA to a...
by miles2go
Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Itching for AirPod Pro
Replies: 32
Views: 3473

Re: Itching for AirPod Pro

Loved the sound quality and the noise canceling but... when working out they’d immediately slide out of my ear, losing the seal rendering both of these features useless. Returned after a couple weeks. I have had no issues with regular AirPods. Considering different brands (Jabra possibly) but haven’t pulled the trigger yet...
by miles2go
Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage shelves?
Replies: 29
Views: 3142

Re: Garage shelves?

Consider the Gladiator brand system. Not cheap but fairly durable and very scalable. In addition to shelves and various “hooks,” you can buy cabinets that you can mount directly to wall or via the track system.
by miles2go
Fri Aug 28, 2020 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brother printer 'trips' my battery backups
Replies: 47
Views: 6839

Re: Brother printer 'trips' my battery backups

Same issue with a different Laser printer (Dell). Ran a new circuit to printer and no longer an issue. Startup draw can be well over 1000 watts.
by miles2go
Sat Oct 12, 2019 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who has or Plans to Sign up for an IRS IP PIN
Replies: 14
Views: 11367

Re: Who has or Plans to Sign up for an IRS IP PIN

Same thought. However still beats the nightmare scenario of fraudulently filed return. Curious about other’s experiences...
by miles2go
Sun Jun 16, 2019 5:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mosquitos
Replies: 45
Views: 5231

Re: Mosquitos

Been using this for years. Chrysanthemum-based, no pesticide spraying! Very effective 15 mins after turning it on:

https://www.amazon.com/Thermacell-MR-PS ... Caps%2C164
by miles2go
Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Purchase of 2018?
Replies: 265
Views: 28771

Re: Favorite Purchase of 2018?

Chemex coffee maker! Wow what a difference...
by miles2go
Sun Mar 18, 2018 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV and set up recommendations for above fireplace
Replies: 35
Views: 4937

Re: TV and set up recommendations for above fireplace

We had no other options given room setup except to mount the TV over propane fireplace. It’s a brick wall as well so I ended up hiring a mason to do it properly. We used a simple tilt mount to minimize neck strain. The wires are bound to keep them clean and go into a set of built in shelves where all the boxes etc are. Everything looks tidy and aesthetically the setup is good. Issues: heat rising from fireplace. Since it’s propane it has a built in fan that we run when fireplace is on. Also, I bought a heat deflector that slides behind the surround and the brick (no mantle else would have attached to underside of it). Works really well and bottom of sound bar (below TV) stays considerably cooler with deflector than not. My point: consider h...
by miles2go
Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Smartest Financial Moves
Replies: 62
Views: 8931

Re: My Smartest Financial Moves

So when I started working, I thought to myself, "I better learn how the market works so I know what stocks to invest in!" I went to Amazon, searched for a book to help, and on a whim found "The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need" by Andrew Tobias. He introduced me to Vanguard, indexing and the Bogleheads. Via this forum I then found the White Coat Investor. Now I max 403b's, do backdoor Roth's, and have a solo401k. I was talked out of Whole Life before too late. I now spread the word among colleagues.

Luck works in mysterious ways.
by miles2go
Sun May 28, 2017 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rollover a SEP IRA that is preventing backdoor Roth by opening a new solo 401k
Replies: 4
Views: 915

Re: Rollover a SEP IRA that is preventing backdoor Roth by opening a new solo 401k

Yes. Did this with solo 401k through Fidelity years ago and had no issues. Their solo 401k accepts rollover money. Call them and they'll help you through it.

Then you can do the backdoor Roth as long as your IRA balance is $0 by 12/31
by miles2go
Sat Mar 18, 2017 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When does a new computer make sense...
Replies: 27
Views: 3267

Re: When does a new computer make sense...

Jags4186 wrote:If you don't feel like you're missing anything and your computer works fine there is no reason to upgrade.
Agree. If current computer is sluggish, get a new one. You can save some money and buy behind the curve to be more BH like.
by miles2go
Mon Feb 27, 2017 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you clear your inbox?
Replies: 49
Views: 6137

Re: Do you clear your inbox?

If you use Gmail, try Inbox by Google. It's a "shell" made by Google and is great but takes some getting used to. Bundles things together and my two favorite features are you can snooze emails till a future date (like when a delivery should arrive or like a deadline) and set reminders to pop up whenever you wish (i.e. call for appointment).

Web interface and apps for mobile devices.
by miles2go
Sat Dec 24, 2016 8:49 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: My Christmas Gift to You.
Replies: 100
Views: 14488

Re: My Christmas Gift to You.

Thank you Taylor and all of our armed forces for your service and sacrifices.
by miles2go
Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 16 yo, first book on investing
Replies: 28
Views: 3102

Re: 16 yo, first book on investing

I second it. Great book that steers you from exotic investments and schemes and he loves low cost indexing.
by miles2go
Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VoIP 'Oma' vs 'Vonage' phone
Replies: 39
Views: 5112

Re: VoIP 'Oma' vs 'Vonage' phone

Ooma has been fine. Can't beat the price of $3.75 after taxes. We get a fair number of junk calls...not enough to go premium with their junk blocking services however. We just don't pick up if we don't recognize the #.
by miles2go
Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: new Fidelity 401(k) - any good funds available?
Replies: 12
Views: 1818

Re: new Fidelity 401(k) - any good funds available?

Heck, just go simpler with a just the US equity, international equity and the bond fund. 55/25/20? Slide the bond fund percentage up if you're worried and risk averse. Simple!
by miles2go
Sun Nov 27, 2016 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite consumer product?
Replies: 339
Views: 77684

Re: What is your favorite consumer product?

My iPad for sure.
Followed closely by my 55" Panasonic plasma TV. Makes me happy every time I watch TV.
Oh and my Weber Genesis grill [cue "Tim the Tool Man Taylor" grunt]
by miles2go
Mon Nov 14, 2016 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Solo 401k
Replies: 5
Views: 2171

Re: Vanguard Solo 401k

Not sure either and that's a big reason I went with Fidelity.
by miles2go
Sun Nov 13, 2016 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity offer to match IRA contributions
Replies: 14
Views: 4617

Re: Fidelity offer to match IRA contributions

Out of curiosity, anyone doing this Fidelity bonus after a transfer of IRAs?

Here's my situation -- transferred a Roth IRA from Vanguard-->Fidelity and received Fidelity email saying I'm eligible for this bonus on future contributions. However, I don't directly contribute to Roths because ineligible. Instead, use the backdoor conversion from tIRA-->Roth. Would these (ie backdoor Roth) contributions be eligible for the bonus?

Note: This is merely icing on the cake and it wasn't the reason for transfer (simplicity was because 403b through Fidelity and just easier to manage).
by miles2go
Sun Sep 18, 2016 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much is your cell phone bill?
Replies: 341
Views: 45903

Re: How much is your cell phone bill?

Verizon
3 smartphone lines
Unlimited voice and text
10 GB shared
$140 including taxes
by miles2go
Wed Sep 07, 2016 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I upgrade my 6 year old plasma TV?
Replies: 81
Views: 26483

Re: Should I upgrade my 6 year old plasma TV?

If you *want* bigger, go for it! Going from Panasonic plasma to LCD/LED might be a let down though. Go for LG OLED. Latest models just hit Amazon. CNET David Katzmeier gave them great reviews and said best picture he's seen. Go big or go home if you really want a new TV and can splurge.

Still loving my 3 year old 55" plasma (upgraded from 2009 42" even though I didn't "need" it and never looked back).
by miles2go
Tue Aug 16, 2016 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cordless battery powered yard tools?
Replies: 21
Views: 6524

Re: Cordless battery powered yard tools?

I have Ryobi 40 volt tools. String trimmer, hedge trimmer, chainsaw, pole pruner and pole hedge trimmer. Two batteries for the tools. Love them except need to empty out the bar oil from saws before storing as they leak. Apparently this is an issue with many saws anyway. That said, I highly recommend Ryobi 40 volt line.
by miles2go
Mon Aug 15, 2016 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: vacation ideas - October
Replies: 42
Views: 5887

Re: vacation ideas - October

Agree with above poster re New England. If that's too far, try the finger lakes in NY. Plenty of wineries too. May I suggest Ithaca, NY? Cornell and surrounding area are beautiful.
by miles2go
Sun Jul 10, 2016 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Tires - Anyone ever frustrated?
Replies: 86
Views: 39093

Re: Costco Tires - Anyone ever frustrated?

Similar experience as OP. We also belong to BJs where they do take appointments for tire work including rotations. Although half the time I get it done with oil changes as part of a local dealer's coupon.
by miles2go
Sun Jul 03, 2016 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your credit card APR?
Replies: 40
Views: 3962

Re: What is your credit card APR?

midareff wrote:-2% and -6%.
:sharebeer
by miles2go
Sun Jun 19, 2016 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPad and air print
Replies: 15
Views: 3352

Re: iPad and air print

Oops posting specs would have helped as you imply...
HP laserjet p1109w
iPad Air 2 and iPhone 6s
by miles2go
Sun Jun 19, 2016 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPad and air print
Replies: 15
Views: 3352

Re: iPad and air print

Sorry for re opening old thread but have a question and found this sort of relevant post.

For those that use AirPrint, do you find that printing anything with graphics (i.e. Coupon for a restaurant) takes a long time to print from the moment you click "print" to the document actually printing? Seems instant with plain text but takes several minutes with graphics. Yes, I understand larger documents may take longer...but are others noting such a time lag like I'm seeing? Like 5 mins, no exaggeration.

I have great wifi signals near the printer and iDevice and have done plenty of network troubleshooting so I'm fairly confident it's not that.
by miles2go
Sun Jun 19, 2016 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity solo 401k profit sharing contributions
Replies: 33
Views: 6339

Re: Fidelity solo 401k profit sharing contributions

The form isn't specific as you note. Seems like many solo 401k things work this way.

I note it in memo of check next to Fido account number -- i.e. "2015 contribution". Figures it shows intent for record keeping and I make a copy of form with check on it to be extra clear.
by miles2go
Sun Jun 19, 2016 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Fidelity Visa: How to Log In?
Replies: 17
Views: 6070

Re: New Fidelity Visa: How to Log In?

It's through Elan's site:

https://www.myaccountaccess.com/onlineCard/login.do

If you don't want to click through using my link (can't blame anyone these days for not trusting posted link although notice it's https), Google for Elan credit card and you'll arrive there.

Poorly designed site FWIW but allows more access than through Fidelity's site for this card. You actually link there via Fido site when trying to do certain actions. The iPhone app is pretty basic and no Touch ID yet. Works OK with Mint FYI.
by miles2go
Wed Jun 15, 2016 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 21
Views: 3207

Re: Great fiction for the summer and beyond

Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer is among the better books I've read. Harlan Coben writes good books as well.
by miles2go
Sat May 07, 2016 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how much cash do you carry in your wallet?
Replies: 152
Views: 31237

Re: how much cash do you carry in your wallet?

$30-45. Never more than $50 unless for specific cash only purpose and can't remember doing that in ages. Used to take more on vacation but found I never used it in lieu of plastic. My parents meanwhile carry $100s...
by miles2go
Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soapbox (car safety features)
Replies: 240
Views: 33998

Re: Soapbox (car safety features)

While I have not driven with most of these safety features, I don't like the directions things are headed. I find blind spot warning to be distracting, which is the exact opposite of its intent. I think the majority of these things will lead to more inattentive drivers because people will be relying 100% on the car to think and possibly react for them. Case in point: Lane departure warning is always on. We enjoy taking in the sights as we drive and have worried that going off the road would be how we died. Not so any more with this gently beeping warning. I must be a bad driver cause it sure goes off a lot. I hope I'm proven wrong and these features do prevent accidents. But from my experience (although not in the auto industry), the best ...
by miles2go
Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Replies: 77
Views: 12358

Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load

Bought an LG HE top loader in Sept from Lowes. Very happy so far especially with the capacity. They price matched another store which allowed me to get 5% back with lowes card. Don't forget to check for utility company rebates after you buy... Got another $50 back. Process was simple and paid me via PayPal within 24 hrs!
by miles2go
Tue Jan 05, 2016 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amazon.com Store Card
Replies: 68
Views: 23209

Re: Re:

BusySnevl wrote:
Actually, that policy says only that you can't get an Amazon Prime Store card in your own name if you are only Prime by virtue of being a family member of someone who is Prime. It doesn't address the original question of whether a spouse can use the card for their purchases. Since my wife is making most of the Amazon purchases with my card, I feel somewhat confident that I know the answer to that question. :happy

Thanks, I appreciate (and very much understand :sharebeer) your response
by miles2go
Mon Jan 04, 2016 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amazon.com Store Card
Replies: 68
Views: 23209

Re: Amazon.com Store Card

denovo wrote:Keep in mind you only get 5 percent if you are the primary accountholder on the Prime Account. Secondary members are not eligible.
Was trying to find this in their terms section but didn't find anything. Where do you see that detailed? I'm primary and wife is household prime member... So her purchases wouldn't be 5%, just mine even if we shared a card?
by miles2go
Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soundbar
Replies: 19
Views: 3095

Re: Soundbar

+1 for Vizio 5.1. Bought from Costco when it first came out and still very happy with the sound and features. My only complaint from mine several years ago is too few ports -- cable box & TV both use toslink cables (blu-ray uses digital coax) so I had to buy a splitter off Amazon so I could get 5.1 from Amazon/Netflix from TV and any shows on DVR. Many TVs do not pass through 5.1 sound from other sources. The newer versions (either 2014 or 15) now have more ports I believe and are various sizes.
by miles2go
Fri Dec 25, 2015 9:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle Purist
Replies: 43
Views: 5298

Re: John Bogle Purist

Aggressive three fund portfolio (2/3 US 1/3 intl 10% bonds) plus 10% REITs tilt because that's what a thread suggested when I first discovered you guys. No regrets and sticking with the program. Rebalance once a year when doing Roths.
by miles2go
Mon Nov 23, 2015 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best TV to buy
Replies: 96
Views: 13971

Re: Best TV to buy

goodlifer wrote:
adamthesmythe wrote:
I have an old Panasonic 55" plasma. I think it is going on 12 years old now. I'm going to cry when it gives up. It is shockingly heavy and throws off a lot of heat, but we still get compliments on the picture.
:sharebeer

Agreed! Picked up one before discontinued. Night and day vs LCD/LED!
by miles2go
Sun Nov 22, 2015 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best TV to buy
Replies: 96
Views: 13971

Re: Best TV to buy

Value in TVs nowadays seems to be with Vizio. Check out CNET's David Katzmeier who tends to be a good reviewer on all things TV.

For pure picture quality, especially with Panasonic out of plasma business :annoyed , and if money is no object, LG OLED series currently wins the crown.