Search found 141 matches

by blmarsha123
Wed Jul 11, 2018 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: free dinner investing seminar
Replies: 396
Views: 46430

Re: free dinner investing seminar

Mulling over another plate licking opportunity. (I mean, Exclusive Dinner Event to learn How to Reduce Your Taxes and Properly Use Your Assets in Retirement). Later this month at one of the local legend steak houses. (The coach maybe still trying to win without the QB?) Main entree choices are 8 oz filet, 12 oz NY strip, roasted chicken and salmon. Also included, house or Caesar, sides and dessert with coffee service. Apart from the psychological stress of dealing with hard sales, this dinner is unappetizing. The beef and chicken are probably OK. The salmon is likely farmed and loaded with drugs. The Caesar salad has this horrible crunchy stuff and lettuce that went all white. The desert is the type of food that all diets agree is harmful ...
by blmarsha123
Mon Jul 09, 2018 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoroughly cleaning grimy tile
Replies: 22
Views: 3275

Re: Thoroughly cleaning grimy tile

bloom2708 wrote: Mon Jul 09, 2018 3:32 pm Get a stack of Magic Eraser cleaners from Costco. They usually sell them in bulk.

They are.....magic.
^^^This REALLY works!

Who knew? I do now (just used them to easily and completely clean a couple of ceramic tiles in the bathroom). It's off to Costco (or Walmart) tomorrow to get a gross of them. And then get rid of all the various chemicals and cleaners that I had been (fruitlessly) using.
by blmarsha123
Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a truck - Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Replies: 98
Views: 10929

Re: Buying a truck - Honda Ridgeline vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

I bought a 2007 Ridgeline during a (for us) very, very snowy winter. Something for my wife and I to get around in a new location, not get stuck, centered, etc. (Should I have gotten a Pilot? ... Maybe.) Anyway, like others have posted here, I liked the AWD, four door adult seating in back, the bed, dual opening tailgate, and hidden cargo trunk. Also, I was not looking for a "truck" per se. The Ridgeline was fine for the little hauling that I did: lawn mower to/from service, mulch and topsoil, house and patio stuff. I would never mistake the Ridgeline for a work truck. I never went off road; maybe to a camp site, that's it.

The situation you described, the acreage, husband driving, and so forth, I vote for the Silverado.
by blmarsha123
Wed Jun 27, 2018 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712782

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Terror by Dan Simmons. Historical fiction based on the 1845 Franklin Expedition to search for the Northwest Passage. Checked out of the local library after watching several episodes of the recent AMC original series of the same name. The series was surprisingly close to the book with one major gotcha. Amazing how prepared and yet ill prepared the Expedition was said to be. Five years of provisions, but terrible conditions aboard the trapped vessels -- the constant cold with clothing and outerwear and even heavy tents unsuited to the conditions while (somewhere) around them, the Esquimaux are in relative comfort in snow houses and caribou tents with (furs and skins) clothing much warmer, lighter and more weatherproof than anything that ...
by blmarsha123
Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CNBC: Social Security buying power has slipped by a third for retirees
Replies: 95
Views: 8691

Re: CNBC: Social Security buying power has slipped by a third for retirees

Not terribly surprising, given the exponential increase in healthcare. I'm not quite sure where the increase, if any, is coming from. A friend just had robotic abdominal surgery and the surgeon got paid $600 by medicare, while the anesthesiologist raked in a whopping $125. I'm paying an appliance repairman more than that total to get a mini-fridge repaired. In any case, if buying power has "slipped" for retirees who are granted cost of living increases, then it's slipped even more for anyone else who doesn't have a contract or law granting them that (read: investors). LOL Medicare will go broke before Social Security! wait until they start having 5k bucks deductibles for Medicare. My current year Medicare supplemental plan has a ...
by blmarsha123
Thu Jun 07, 2018 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: good place to buy window curtains
Replies: 9
Views: 1464

Re: good place to buy window curtains

Depends on your tastes and decor: Vermont Country Store (formerly Country Curtains): https://www.vermontcountrystore.com/country-curtains-welcome Smith+Noble: https://www.smithandnoble.com/ JC Penny: https://www.jcpenney.com/g/curtains-drapes/N-1b0lvh6D1noxaa We have used all of these with good results. Another vote for JCP. Nothing fancy, we covered a wall of arched windows pretty much ceiling to floor (six panels of 120" length) with blackout curtains. Changed up just recently to a much lighter color (still blackout), and 104" length. Happy with both sets of curtains. We are still amazed at the (relatively rock bottom) price that we paid for these window treatments, which included a discount (20% ?) for opening up a JCP charge ...
by blmarsha123
Sat May 19, 2018 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor wants to use our land temporarily - let them or not?
Replies: 51
Views: 9678

Re: Neighbor wants to use our land temporarily - let them or not?

As someone else posted, sell the lot. As others have posted, be a good neighbor ... this time . I think that you need to sell or build, or if those are not practical, reclaim your lot as soon as this latest episode is over. Nothing you can or really should do about it now. Odds are this is not the first (or 10th) time that your neighbor has used your lot. Not sure about the local regulations, but maybe you need to be on site several times a year? Maybe you need to fence your lot? You know, show ownership. There was a celebrated case locally a few years ago where the good neighbors were able to legally seize a portion of an absentee owner's lot because for years the good neighbors had accessed the land (to walk dogs, to hike, etc.) and the o...
by blmarsha123
Sun May 06, 2018 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: id.me
Replies: 5
Views: 1242

Re: id.me

I used id.me to set up an account late last year so that I could apply for a veterans ID card. The identification process (scanning and submitting my DD-214 and other information to id.me) was pretty straight forward. There were a few hiccups when using id.me to sign in to the VA system, that have since been resolved. Then the initial information that I submitted to the VA resulted in a rejection notice. I had to submit an appeal, scanning my honorable discharge document and letter, and DD-214, again. Still waiting (almost three months). Not related to id.me, but just info that the system may still have some bugs. As for trust, I've had my credit frozen for a while, so hard to tell what if any impact there. My latest credit report did not c...
by blmarsha123
Fri May 04, 2018 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Replies: 30
Views: 4027

Re: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs

I completely forgot about my cherry tree. Until the sudden freeze that year, we looked forward to homemade sour cherry pie (that is, when we could beat the birds to the ripe cherries).
by blmarsha123
Fri May 04, 2018 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Warning: avoid Windows 10 update 1803
Replies: 147
Views: 24860

Re: Warning: avoid Windows 10 update 1803

Didn't mean to turn the thread into Apple vs Microsoft.

I should have mentioned that after the last big Windows 10 update (Fall 2017), my PC was down sometimes several times a day, and had issues booting because of the display driver. Now I should also mention that my PC is not officially supported by Windows 10 (at least the display driver isn't), but surprisingly, there were no issues during the initial upgrade to Windows 10 and running, updating went flawlessly until that Fall update. Any now again, Spring update, a different set of issues. But at least not yet, no major rebooting or display problems like last time.
by blmarsha123
Fri May 04, 2018 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Replies: 30
Views: 4027

Re: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs

I agree that fruit bearing trees are highly dependent on your region.

In my area, I have had apple, apricot and plum trees. The plum trees produced the best with the least overhead, apricot the worst; apple required a fair amount of maintenance (unless you wanted to pick through a bushel of wormy apples just to get a couple of pints of apple butter). Also, we had a sudden freeze one fall that wiped out all of my plum trees.

Now, I stick with blackberries and raspberries.
by blmarsha123
Fri May 04, 2018 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Warning: avoid Windows 10 update 1803
Replies: 147
Views: 24860

Re: Warning: avoid Windows 10 update 1803

Some of the applets (Mail, Money, Weather) no longer work after the update on my 8 year old HP desktop. Fortunately, Outlook 2016 (and the other Office 2016 apps) are still working. The only other downside that I have noticed so far is increased memory utilization, from roughly 30% on average to now close to 50% (as reported by Task Manager).

I was planning to replace the desktop with a new Windows laptop soon. Now starting to rethink Windows and maybe switching to a Macbook.
by blmarsha123
Tue May 01, 2018 2:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Everything You Need to Know on an Index Card
Replies: 33
Views: 5826

Re: Everything You Need to Know on an Index Card

General advise ... There's no such thing as a free lunch. (Plate scrapers aside.)
by blmarsha123
Sat Apr 07, 2018 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of Dental Implant
Replies: 81
Views: 13729

Re: Cost of Dental Implant

Very routine single implant and crown cost me $5700 (last year). No extraction (done years ago) or other complications. Declined anesthesia (took two Darvon instead), which saved me about $500 if I remember correctly. I declined anesthesia as well. I just looked back at my file and it would have been $885 higher if I had taken the anesthesia. After having been through extraction, sinus lift and implant I will say the implant was the easiest of the three and definitely not worthy of anesthesia. The extraction was the worst of the three mostly from all the tugging and yanking, etc. (#3 molar), but still wasn't really painful at all. The sinus lift hurt the most post-op (later on day 1 and part of day 2), but again nothing I would spend that ...
by blmarsha123
Sat Apr 07, 2018 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of Dental Implant
Replies: 81
Views: 13729

Re: Cost of Dental Implant

Very routine single implant and crown cost me $5700 (last year). No extraction (done years ago) or other complications. Declined anesthesia (took two Darvon instead), which saved me about $500 if I remember correctly.
by blmarsha123
Fri Apr 06, 2018 5:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is Megacorp?
Replies: 62
Views: 7185

Re: What is Megacorp?

Texanbybirth wrote: Fri Apr 06, 2018 3:28 pm Thanks OP, I got a good chuckle reading some of the responses.

I always picture "MegaCorp" as either Apple (any poster who is an engineer) or AT&T (any poster who is a non-engineer). I have no idea why! :confused
Huh. Never heard of Bell Labs, I guess.
by blmarsha123
Sat Mar 31, 2018 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HOA vs No-HOA
Replies: 94
Views: 18561

Re: HOA vs No-HOA

westie wrote: Fri Mar 30, 2018 6:30 pm the HOA where I live is great. Board is filled with reasonable people with common sense. Got 2 emails in the last 10 days, they'll be fertilizing between these dates and asking if I prefer brown or black mulch in my flower beds.
+1

Maybe because I live in an HOA community of maybe 20,000 residences (probably 80% SF and the rest multi-family and attached). Just too big to worry about every little thing, within reason.

Also, isn't living in an HOA community a choice?
by blmarsha123
Fri Mar 30, 2018 2:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 900072

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

-1.82

AA 36/61/3

So much for a conservative portfolio, at least this quarter.
by blmarsha123
Tue Mar 06, 2018 7:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Medicare IRMAA
Replies: 21
Views: 3169

Re: Medicare IRMAA

Probably would not hurt to submit an appeal in your case.

Just this year I successfully appealed an IRMAA decision based on circumstances somewhat similar to yours (an outlier year not specifically listed as one of the life changing events), although I did have one wrinkle that may have helped.

I completed both sets of forms and provided supporting documents in a 9x12 envelope and mailed to the local SSA office. I was pleasantly surprised when my appeal was quickly approved.
by blmarsha123
Sat Mar 03, 2018 3:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AAPL, AMZN, or GOOG?
Replies: 95
Views: 12620

Re: AAPL, AMZN, or GOOG?

I wonder if Vanguard Morgan Growth (VMRAX) could be an alternative to the individual stocks? The current top ten (over 28% of the net assets of the fund) includes Alphabet, Amazon and Apple, and also Facebook and Microsoft.
by blmarsha123
Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: free dinner investing seminar
Replies: 396
Views: 46430

Re: free dinner investing seminar

Mulling over another plate licking opportunity. (I mean, Exclusive Dinner Event to learn How to Reduce Your Taxes and Properly Use Your Assets in Retirement). Later this month at one of the local legend steak houses. (The coach maybe still trying to win without the QB?) Main entree choices are 8 oz filet, 12 oz NY strip, roasted chicken and salmon. Also included, house or Caesar, sides and dessert with coffee service. Gosh, no wine? Has anyone received free alcohol at an event? I sort of think they might not want to provide that, as that might be the basis for a later complaint, "they got Grandpa drunk and took advantage!" Yes, at least once, a complementary glass of wine. And if I remember correctly, a cash bar one other time.
by blmarsha123
Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712782

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Ike and McCarthy: Dwight Eisenhower's Secret Campaign Against Joseph McCarthy by David A. Nichols Picked it up because I was interested in a different reading about the issue of whether or not Ike threw Marshall under the bus. Written by a self described authority on Eisenhower, there was a lot that I expected to find but maybe even more that I didn't. I was still left with a couple of questions, but got a much better understanding of the issues, the times, and the dangers - even to an overwhelmingly popular hero and internationally respected leader. I was amazed at some of the quotes and policy positions from a Republican president. For example, "Waging Peace" was a phrase that he often used and backed up in an early speech that...
by blmarsha123
Fri Mar 02, 2018 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: free dinner investing seminar
Replies: 396
Views: 46430

Re: free dinner investing seminar

Mulling over another plate licking opportunity. (I mean, Exclusive Dinner Event to learn How to Reduce Your Taxes and Properly Use Your Assets in Retirement). Later this month at one of the local legend steak houses. (The coach maybe still trying to win without the QB?) Main entree choices are 8 oz filet, 12 oz NY strip, roasted chicken and salmon. Also included, house or Caesar, sides and dessert with coffee service. Gosh, no wine?

Anyway, all the comments re. being disingenuous, poor use of time, no free lunch, etc. are giving me pause. Naaaa. Besides, I haven't dined there since 5280 week a couple of years ago.
by blmarsha123
Thu Feb 08, 2018 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: free dinner investing seminar
Replies: 396
Views: 46430

Re: free dinner investing seminar

KlingKlang wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2018 5:10 pm Be prepared to get a cheap, overcooked chicken dinner followed by at least a hundred follow up phone calls.
Au contraire.

My first seminar was at one of the top steak houses in the city, and dinner included a very nice selection of wines. Another at an Italian restaurant that we happen to enjoy, and got to take untouched leftovers home for dinner later in the week.

Shameless or frugal? You decide.
by blmarsha123
Tue Jan 30, 2018 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712782

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Hue 1968 by Mark Bowden. Subtitle: A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam

Checked out yesterday and finished Part One: The Infiltration and Part Two: The Fall of Hue. A couple of things that never cease to amaze me: The almost complete surprise of the offensive and compared to the Americans, how prepared, well trained and well led the North was.

My interest other than the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the attacks, on the 31st, my brother was in Saigon on R&R and as he told me later, armed with only a penknife and scared sh*tless. Fortunately, he came home physically unscathed. My turn at bat was still three years in the future almost to the day. And our training, leadership and methods never improved.
by blmarsha123
Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Working in the real world
Replies: 118
Views: 13208

Re: Working in the real world

To the OP ... I know that you probably know this but maybe worth repeating ... My suggestion is to cherry pick Bogleheads like you would most other things. Spend less time (regularly) reading Personal Investing and Person Finance and do most of your reading in PCI and Theory, which I find educational, fascinating and entertaining. Try not to compare yourself to others; use the hints and tips that make sense in your situation. And always remember that there are many more genuinely helpful, sharing people here than not. But I do understand where you are coming from. Sometimes I feel like screaming when I see another one of those "We have two government COLA pensions and 2.6M after tax in 60/40, change our sponges once a year and spend $2...
by blmarsha123
Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indestructible winter gloves
Replies: 11
Views: 2075

Re: Indestructible winter gloves

How about snowboarding gloves or mittens? I bought a pair of Head snowboard mittens at Costco a few years back (less than $20 if I remember correctly). They have a nylon / microfiber interior fitted glove attached to a waterproof outer shell. The shell has wrist straps that tighten and a zipper pouch on top. The palm of the shell has a leather-like material for a better grip.

I don't use them for sledding or skiing (any more) but for shoveling snow; they have held up pretty well.
by blmarsha123
Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you adjust side mirrors in a car?
Replies: 61
Views: 6511

Re: How do you adjust side mirrors in a car?

Like you, knightrider, I adjust to the blind spots. And although I never have to turn my head to make lane changes, by habit, I still do, although not in the exaggerated way that I once did (and learned to do when beginning to drive). I forget where I first learned of this technique, but I remember the first time that I tested it, I was amazed at never losing sight of a vehicle in the next lane (no blind spot). I was a convert.

That said, I recently got blasted by the instructor of an AARP safe driving course for suggesting this technique. The instructor said that "you ALWAYS need to turn your head and look around" and "there is ALWAYS a blind spot."
by blmarsha123
Mon Jan 15, 2018 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: the blockchain effect
Replies: 5
Views: 1091

Re: the blockchain effect

samsoes wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 9:56 am Reminds me of the good 'ol days in the late '90s when just ".com" or "online" added to a company name would cause its share price to skyrocket.

As someone used to sing on an old television show, "Those were the days!"
I remember a Dilbert strip from that era, Wally with a ponytail. The venture capitalists threw money at him.
by blmarsha123
Tue Jan 09, 2018 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New mattress
Replies: 101
Views: 23306

Re: New mattress

Here is what the warranty actually says. Were you told this by a customer service person? In the what is covered section of the warranty: Normal wear requires that a purchaser’s mattress be continuously supported by a matching, solid foundation, base, or frame substantial enough to support the mattress and occupant(s). In the what is not covered section: Damage from using an improper bed frame, foundation, platform bed, or adjustable base. How they decide what is improper is not defined but it doesn't say it has to be a new support. If you are using an old saggy box spring or something like that its probably no good but my bed is just wood slats that the mattress sits on, no way for that to really go bad over time. https://support.leesa.co...
by blmarsha123
Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowball offer on a home
Replies: 82
Views: 9740

Re: Lowball offer on a home

In a way it sounds like you really want the house. But you don't want to pay market value. You want a bargain. So it needs work. Almost all resales need work.

I would not lowball, but maybe split the difference (say, 50k). But quickly. If it went on the market in November, it is not surprising that it is still on the market, even in a desirable neighborhood in a hot market. But as someone up thread mentioned, Spring is coming.
by blmarsha123
Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New mattress
Replies: 101
Views: 23306

Re: New mattress

UpperNwGuy wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2018 2:09 pm
f35phixer wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2018 10:01 am https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best- ... uy-online/

i use these guys for alot of purchases,

Heres a question, can you keep your old boxspring from your mattress from 15+ years ago and just replace the top?
You can, but if my memory is correct, Wirecutter recommends you get a new foundation.
When I was recently looking at a Leesa, I was told that not using a new foundation (or a flat board, platform) would void the warranty.
by blmarsha123
Tue Jan 02, 2018 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712782

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

^^ (Just finished Deep Freeze ... freakin' Flowers!)

High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic by Glenn Frankel

Interesting book, with all the background on the writers, directors and artists. A lot about Gary Cooper; what a career. Oh, and John Wayne is quoted as saying that High Noon was the most un-American film ever made.
by blmarsha123
Sun Dec 31, 2017 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ever drink Chartreuse?
Replies: 16
Views: 2254

Re: Ever drink Chartreuse?

Ah, yes. Green Chartreuse and pineapple juice. Another blast from the past.
by blmarsha123
Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: residential gas furnace/air conditioner recommendations
Replies: 15
Views: 1804

Re: residential gas furnace/air conditioner recommendations

I had a Goodman unit put in then figured out the installer, after giving a price, is going to put in the cheapest thing he can find. Checked Google and a lot of people were casting dispersion on the brand. Then I talked to a couple of HVAC guys and they both said there's nothing wrong with Goodman - they both had Goodman at their house! Then I started noticing the HVAC guys on youtube were installing as many Goodman's as any other brand. I figure that's a pretty unbiased opinion because they could have easily sold me something more expensive. Another Goodman install here. The furnace seems really solid, no complaints and would not hesitate to recommend or buy again. Not sure about the AC unit. The condenser is a little noisy. One time, the...
by blmarsha123
Sun Dec 31, 2017 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top load washing machine
Replies: 11
Views: 1715

Re: Top load washing machine

About six months ago I replaced my (second) front loader with an LG WT7600HWA top loader. We feel that the clothes are cleaner and without a doubt, smell better (and the laundry room definitely smells better). Will never get a stinkin' front loader again.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 30, 2017 8:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 900072

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Up 12.01% (401k), according to Fidelity as of 12/29/17. That's 44% stock, 52% bond, 4% other distributed across Total Bond, International Stock, and Wellington.

Coming up on my third year in retirement, and was very pleased with this year's results.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 30, 2017 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Keeping a checkbook register
Replies: 135
Views: 15214

Re: Keeping a checkbook register

Good Listener wrote: Thu Dec 28, 2017 3:18 pm Added after numerous comments:
Thank you all for your comments. It seems that most are comfortable not keeping a register and most in that group use an alternate like Quicken or Mint. Im not interested in those. Without these, would you still not keep a register?
When I used other tools for tracking (spreadsheet, database, MYM and the like), I still kept a register. After I gave that up (except for my simple budget spreadsheet), I still keep a register. Admittedly, I write fewer checks these days, but I still (also) enter the automated bill pay stuff in the register.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 30, 2017 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: We bought a house in June, and the ac & furnace system do not work. What should we do?
Replies: 49
Views: 6893

Re: We bought a house in June, and the ac & furnace system do not work. What should we do?

jfn111 wrote: Sat Dec 30, 2017 3:35 pm The Inspection of course is only as good as the Inspector.
Exactly!

Inspector of my current home was worthless. Spent more time telling me what he couldn't inspect than actual inspecting. Big glossy report full of nothing. Complete waste of time and money. Contrast with inspection of prior home, done by someone knowledgeable, helpful and thorough. Miles apart.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 30, 2017 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Economics of a new Puppy
Replies: 113
Views: 11152

Re: The Economics of a new Puppy

I won't judge anyone from getting a puppy for a breeder (not a puppy mill). Not sure why there is so much animosity toward getting a puppy vs. a rescue dog. They can both be good dogs. I've had some issues with children and rescue dogs so I will probably be getting a puppy from a reputable breeder next time. I understand. We were told that our rescue was given up because of issues with small children. Not sure why a family with small children would pick a terrier (rather than, say, a basset hound), but there you go. Anyway, we were always vigilant, especially with our youngest grandchild who sometimes would get in her face or want to pick her up. We trained that out of our grandchild quickly. Never had any issues. But you are right, you ne...
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 30, 2017 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Economics of a new Puppy
Replies: 113
Views: 11152

Re: The Economics of a new Puppy

I am probably on the higher end of the puppy econ scale from most other Bogleheads, wrt food and treats, toys, vet, grooming and so on. But I have no regrets. Some comments ... Rescue puppy. We adopted a 1 - 2 year old from the Rocky Mountain Westy Rescue with absolutely no issues. I didn't find the questionnaire intrusive or overbearing. There were a couple few visits. That was it. A minimal fee, which also included the chip. Not sure she is 100% Westy, but close enough for us and a pure joy. We passed on one older dog with some health issues. Crate training. Best thing we ever did, without even trying. Maybe the prior owners did all the training? Anyway, gives all of us some space. It's her sanctuary (always covered and loaded with clean,...
by blmarsha123
Wed Dec 20, 2017 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expenses, cash flow in retirement
Replies: 20
Views: 3620

Re: Expenses, cash flow in retirement

I think you might consider a two-step process. There are over-55 communities in which there are properties which are condo or otherwise have exterior maintenance . My Winter home is located in this kind of community. They have over 100 clubs, a golf course, pickle ball, tennis, pools, and many, many social opportunities. The cost of living can be lower than your existing home, even with the condo fee and HOA fees. Many folks have golf carts for a second car. There are 2500 dwellings here. Over the last 5 years half have changed hands, as the original owners have become too old to stay on their own. Some have moved on to CCRC, some to live with children, some to assisted living. People come here at retirement, and then some move on in high ...
by blmarsha123
Sun Dec 17, 2017 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expenses, cash flow in retirement
Replies: 20
Views: 3620

Re: Expenses, cash flow in retirement

So, you now have some surplus cash flow. These CCRC places want to get you in before you really need their services. That way, you make money for them from the gitgo. So, the question is when you join......and between now and then you could save a few bucks more and be in a position to pay for any surprises after you join. If your health and spouse's health are good, don't be in a rush to join. That's my plan, to save as much as I can between now and then. As for a rush to join, there are two motivators: I am really looking forward to downsizing (for example, this year, I was still running the mower and watering into December!); and the social aspects of the CCRC are appealing to us. The CCRC near me here, has a much smaller assisted livin...
by blmarsha123
Sun Dec 17, 2017 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expenses, cash flow in retirement
Replies: 20
Views: 3620

Re: Expenses, cash flow in retirement

Typically these CCRC places have three phase occupancy. When you are healthy(often called Independent Living), when you need assistance, and nursing home level. Does the monthly cost increase as you move into needing assistance with dressing, eating etc? Same question with nursing home care? When my in-laws were in an assisted living facility, the cost of their care was based on the exact services they needed. For example, it cost more for them to pass your medications to you each day. We spend the Winter is So. Ariz and there are some very nice CCRC places here. However, I am suspicious of any operation in which you have to go to a meeting with them in order to get the financial info on their costs etc. Yes, there are additional costs for...
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car - Always use parking brake ?
Replies: 72
Views: 9328

Re: New Car - Always use parking brake ?

Gort wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2017 1:12 pm In the old days I would pull up on the parking brake handle a little to slow the car down if I was going a bit too fast and if I noticed a police car behind me and I didn't want him to see my brake lights come on. This wouldn't work with those parking brakes that have a pedal you have to push all the way down to release it - that could be ugly and sure to attract attention!
Slow down? In the old days, I used the parking brake handle in my manual 5-speed Toyota for pulling J-turns at speed. Now that was fun!

Seriously, though, an interesting thread. I rarely use the parking brake, but I may have to rethink now. Both vehicles have the electronic version.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?
Replies: 190
Views: 19268

Re: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?

hoops777 wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:48 pm
runner3081 wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2017 5:57 pm Family of 3, $83.33 each.

$250 total. We never eat out
So you eat for less than $3 a day each.That is a good lesson for people who think they are saving money by eating at McDonalds and the like.It takes some time and planning to eat a decent diet for less than 3 bucks a day.
But wouldn't you have to grow (or pick) and can? And if you are not doing that, I don't think it's possible to have a diet that also includes fresh fruit and produce at $3 a day.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance Out of Network question
Replies: 37
Views: 3465

Re: Health Insurance Out of Network question

Maybe others have knowledge or views - but with such insurance plans (except for the captive HMOs) isn;t it very unusual that there is no provision whatsoever for out of network providers? The other part of research is to determine who, how and why this pathologist was used? Not unusual -- that is exactly the point of an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), there is no out of network coverage. If you go out of the EPO network, you are on the hook for all costs. At least, that is my understanding. Yes, it is an EPO and there is not out of network coverage. Just to clarify, I did not GO out of network, as you imply. I was TAKEN out of network, apparently by the in-network surgeon who sent the lab results to this out of network pathologist....
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance Out of Network question
Replies: 37
Views: 3465

Re: Health Insurance Out of Network question

dm200 wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2017 5:30 pm Maybe others have knowledge or views - but with such insurance plans (except for the captive HMOs) isn;t it very unusual that there is no provision whatsoever for out of network providers?

The other part of research is to determine who, how and why this pathologist was used?
Not unusual -- that is exactly the point of an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), there is no out of network coverage. If you go out of the EPO network, you are on the hook for all costs. At least, that is my understanding.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?
Replies: 190
Views: 19268

Re: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?

Budget is $250 per person. Another $100 a month per person dining out.

Edit to add ... Another $100 a month per person for the Beauty category and $250 per month (total) for Household (i.e., cleaning supplies, paper products, etc.). And well, our Westie ... I guess that's another $100 a month.
by blmarsha123
Sat Dec 16, 2017 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712782

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Grant by Ron Chernow

Another excellent biography by the author of Washington and Alexander Hamilton. Briefly (well, at least for this epic) covers his early days with the bulk of the book dedicated to the War years (about 400 pages) and after the war through the Presidency (another 300 pages). The final part of the book (less than 100 pages) covers the post-Presidency years and the toil of finishing his memoirs.