Search found 2363 matches

by JMacDonald
Wed Jan 24, 2024 4:52 pm
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

There is an article on this in the Washington Post if you can get pass the paywall:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technolo ... rotection/
by JMacDonald
Mon Jan 02, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43303

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

One of the things that amuses me about this thread is complaining about too many tourist as if we are not one of them when traveling. I generally agree with the the comments about Las Vegas, Disney, etc. However, I can see why people go if they enjoy gambling or have children. I think it is helpful to have a reason to go to a destination. For example, I go to Santa Fe every summer for about a week and have been doing so for years. It is a place that has a lot to offer for me though a week is long enough. The one area that have changed for me is camping. It used to be, one could just show up at a campground early in the day and get a campsite. Now, with the internet, you have to plan in advance to get a campsite at most National Parks and ev...
by JMacDonald
Sun Jan 01, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Traveling to Palm Springs -- Recommendations?]
Replies: 20
Views: 1682

Re: [Traveling to Palm Springs -- Recommendations?]

If you enjoy zoos, the Living Desert Zoo is small, but worth it. It is in Palm Desert.
https://www.livingdesert.org
If you go, don't miss the model train display.
by JMacDonald
Sun Jan 01, 2023 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMD Calculator
Replies: 34
Views: 4221

Re: RMD Calculator

Here is a calculator.Don't know if that will help.
https://www.calculator.net/rmd-calculator.html?
by JMacDonald
Sun Dec 11, 2022 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard RMD error
Replies: 15
Views: 2857

Re: Vanguard RMD error

Here is a good website to calculate RMD:

https://www.calculator.net/rmd-calculat ... &x=70&y=17
by JMacDonald
Sun Nov 20, 2022 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: card games software for M1 Mac
Replies: 15
Views: 1376

Re: card games software for M1 Mac

Here is a website that has lots of games for free:

https://cardgames.io/hearts/
by JMacDonald
Sun Oct 30, 2022 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yosemite Nat'l Park questions
Replies: 29
Views: 2636

Re: Yosemite Nat'l Park questions

Some of your questions can be answered on the Yosemite National Park website; https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm Be sure to check if the park has a reservation system in place to enter the park. The park has been doing that to control crowding. I have been to Yosemite many times. It is best to stay inside the park if you can get a reservation and afford it: https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/yosemite-lodging-experience/ The least crowded time probably would be January. However, that time of year you can't drive into the high country because of snow. May would be a good month for the water falls. They slow down later in the year. There are three roads into the park on the west side: 120. 140, and 41. I like 140 as I think it is a prettie...
by JMacDonald
Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: St. George, Utah
Replies: 16
Views: 2032

Re: St. George, Utah

You might consider Cedar Breaks National Monument:

https://www.nps.gov/cebr/index.htm
by JMacDonald
Wed Aug 03, 2022 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Let's play chess
Replies: 987
Views: 97375

Re: Let's play chess

This should interest the chess players here:
The Folger Shakespeare Library has in its collection a few interesting chess sets

https://shakespeareandbeyond.folger.edu ... romo=21301
by JMacDonald
Sat Jul 23, 2022 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I would like a cheap iphone would it be not wise to buy one with a cracked screen on ebay.
Replies: 29
Views: 2571

Re: I would like a cheap iphone would it be not wise to buy one with a cracked screen on ebay.

bmr12 wrote: Sat Jul 23, 2022 3:53 pm I’m personally a big fan of the Refurbished and Clearance section of Apple’s site. You can pick up an effectively new iPhone 11 64 GB right now for $419. It’s bright yellow, but that is easily covered by a case.
I agree. Here is a link:
https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/iphone

or buy a new SE Iphone:
https://www.apple.com/iphone-se/
by JMacDonald
Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spare tire?
Replies: 148
Views: 10302

Re: Spare tire?

JMacDonald wrote: Sun Jul 17, 2022 5:21 pm My 2020 Honda Insight did not come with a spare. There is a well in the trunk that will fit a spare. I refused to buy the Insight until the service department ordered and installed the spare.

On two occasions in the past, I had two tires destroyed. A pump and kit does not do the trick.
There is no way I am driving anywhere without a spare. I'll let AAA change it for me.
I would like to add to my comments above about the space for a spare tire. My Honda Insight not only has a well for the spare but a large trunk. also the back seat fold down to give more space. The battery is under the back seat. It is a decent Hybrid that gets over 50 mpg for me.
by JMacDonald
Mon Jul 18, 2022 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is AAA membership worth it?
Replies: 197
Views: 27168

Re: Is AAA membership worth it?

I have had AAA for decades and will continue to use them. I have been towed twice in Utah and had a tire changed in New Mexico. So AAA has worked for me out of state.
by JMacDonald
Sun Jul 17, 2022 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boat, Kayak or Similar
Replies: 50
Views: 4529

Re: Boat, Kayak or Similar

If storage is a problem, then one of these kayaks could work for you:

https://www.advancedelements.com/inflatable-kayaks/

I have this one: ADVANCEDFRAME® EXPEDITION ELITE: AE1009-XE
by JMacDonald
Sun Jul 17, 2022 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spare tire?
Replies: 148
Views: 10302

Re: Spare tire?

My 2020 Honda Insight did not come with a spare. There is a well in the trunk that will fit a spare. I refused to buy the Insight until the service department ordered and installed the spare.

On two occasions in the past, I had two tires destroyed. A pump and kit does not do the trick.
There is no way I am driving anywhere without a spare. I'll let AAA change it for me.
by JMacDonald
Tue Jun 28, 2022 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Move to California?
Replies: 132
Views: 14698

Re: Move to California?

With all the driving that you will have to do, I think a community near !-80 And I-5 would make sense. For those winter months, a four wheel drive vehicle is a must. I have spent many winters driving I-80 to Donner Pass so I speak from experience.When everyone else is putting on chains, CHP waves you through chain control. If I-80 is completely shut down, you can go back home or see other clients.
by JMacDonald
Tue Jun 28, 2022 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keep 2001 camry or get new car
Replies: 58
Views: 3680

Re: Camry Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and any others?

I have a 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid that I like very much. Here is one view:
https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/insight
One thing, my Insight did not come equipped with a spare tire.
I had the dealer install one before I drove it off the lot.
by JMacDonald
Sun May 22, 2022 8:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has Vanguard Lost Its Way? [White Coat Investor]
Replies: 84
Views: 15237

Re: Has Vanguard Lost Its Way? [White Coat Investor]

There was also a time when TIAA-CREF was an industry leader in innovation. Obviously, those days are long gone. Same thing has happened with Vanguard. Vanguard's role in history is indisputed. However, as things stand now, no rational Boglehead should hold funds with that company. If you want Vanguard ETFs, then buy them in a Fidelity, Schwab, Etrade, etc account. But not Vanguard. What if I want access to all Vanguard mutual funds (including admiral class active funds and closed funds) as well as the ability to purchase them on a pre-arranged automated schedule with no fees? Right. There are some Vanguard funds not available as ETFs and difficult to purchase under the same terms (Admiral) with other firms. If you really want these funds, ...
by JMacDonald
Fri May 13, 2022 7:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651754

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Here is the reason for the market moves:

Image
by JMacDonald
Mon May 02, 2022 9:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why the disdain for managed funds like ARKK that destroy total market funds?
Replies: 1587
Views: 210383

Re: Why the disdain for managed funds like ARKK that destroy total market funds?

I posted that I was -13.98% for the first four months.
That looks good compared to ARKK -48.31% YTD.
https://www.google.com/finance/quote/AR ... window=YTD
I'll stick with the Total Stock Market Fund.
by JMacDonald
Mon May 02, 2022 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: RVing: Observation & Guidance
Replies: 12
Views: 1737

Re: RVing: Observation & Guidance

These days it seems that you need to make reservations for most campground in National Parks and Nation Forest,
The website to do that is Recreation.gov:
https://www.recreation.gov
You also need to check with the websites of the National Parks about any alerts that might impact your stay there.
Gone are the days when I use to just take off and just show up. Now one needs to make reservations far in advance
as the National Parks have become very popular.
by JMacDonald
Sat Apr 30, 2022 8:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651754

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Well, -13.98% for the year after four months, I can't wait to see what the next four months brings.
by JMacDonald
Sun Mar 20, 2022 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066412

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The NY Times recently had an article about My Cousin Vinny. I don't see many movie any more because most of them seem to be video games, but I did see My Cousin Vinny when it came out 30 years ago.

I thought it was a funny movie then so I got a copy of it on DVD, and it is still funny. What I didn't know was the controversy surrounding Marisa Tomei winning the Best Supporting Actress. I find that amusing now because who remembers the other actresses compared to Mona Lisa Vito on the witness stand with her automobile knowledge,
by JMacDonald
Fri Mar 18, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which hybrid: Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, or Hyundai Tucson
Replies: 13
Views: 2165

Re: Which hybrid: Honda CRV, Toyota Rav 4, or Hyundai Tuscon

I have a 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid that has about 20K miles on it. I like it very much. You might want to add it to your list:
https://www.edmunds.com/honda/insight/
by JMacDonald
Fri Mar 04, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Zion NP with kid
Replies: 59
Views: 5974

Re: Zion NP with kid

Before you book for Zion, read this alert:
https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/ ... l-park.htm
by JMacDonald
Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help me think through my next car purchase
Replies: 47
Views: 5653

Re: Please help me think through my next car purchase

Since you mentioned Honda Civic. you might consider the Hondas Insight. It is like the Civic. I have the 2020 Insight and am pleased with it:
https://www.edmunds.com/honda/insight/
by JMacDonald
Mon Feb 14, 2022 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to retire?
Replies: 168
Views: 24101

Re: Where to retire?

The only place I have ever consider moving to is Santa Fe, NM. However, I am staying put, but I take a yearly trip there in the summer. In summer? 110 degrees F? (Serious question - I just think "desert" but I realise it is somewhat elevated). Google tells me 30C avg for July (high 80s F) but I am sure that conceals a big range (it should be a lot cooler at night, distinguishing it from eastern North America). Where do you live in summer that this is better. Somewhere more humid? Hi Valuethinker, According to this website, Santa Fe has an average high of 86 degrees in July: https://www.usclimatedata.com/climate/santa-fe/new-mexico/united-states/usnm0292 However, that is average. It can get hotter. I go to Santa Fe in August for a...
by JMacDonald
Mon Feb 14, 2022 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to retire?
Replies: 168
Views: 24101

Re: Where to retire?

The only place I have ever consider moving to is Santa Fe, NM. However, I am staying put, but I take a yearly trip there in the summer.
by JMacDonald
Mon Jan 24, 2022 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Viewing Giant Sequoia Trees
Replies: 37
Views: 3342

Re: Viewing Giant Sequoia Trees

Sequoia National Park would be the easiest way to view the Giant Sequoias. Traveling into SNP take Hwy 180 as it is easier to drive. Hwy 198 is a bit of an adventure. Driving on mountain road be sure to control your speed on downhill curves.

Due to the fire this past year the General Sherman area may be closed. Check the SNP website for information on that:
https://www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

You will want to stay overnight in the park. Be sure to make reservations well in advance as lodging fills up:
https://www.visitsequoia.com/lodging.aspx
by JMacDonald
Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell S&P500 indexes and wait out the selloff?
Replies: 134
Views: 15523

Re: Sell S&P500 indexes and wait out the selloff?

If you are spooked by the recent downturn, maybe you should reassess your risk tolerance.
Here is a link that may help you do that:
https://www.kevinoninvesting.com/2010/0 ... rance.html
by JMacDonald
Thu Dec 16, 2021 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody buy a Prius 2022 lately? Looking for advice.
Replies: 48
Views: 7000

Re: Anybody buy a Prius 2022 lately? Looking for advice.

I have a Honda Insight Hybrid that I like very much. You might take a look at one.
by JMacDonald
Mon Dec 06, 2021 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So now you're dead -- how does your executor find all your accounts & bills?
Replies: 184
Views: 41487

Re: So now you're dead -- how does your executor find all your accounts & bills?

I haven't read what other people are doing, but here is what I have done:
I use to write down all the different bills and auto pay plus other info.
However, stuff kept changing, and I would need to rewrite the info.
Now, I keep everything on my MacBook Air in the Notes App, so if there is a change
I can update it immediately. I also have a trust. No Picasso here.
by JMacDonald
Fri Nov 19, 2021 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??
Replies: 226
Views: 19268

Re: Seen new Dune Movie? Your opinion??

I don't see many movies. However, I became interested in "Dune" when I read about in there the NY Times in a column by Paul Krugman. He ia a fan of the book and enjoyed the movie so much he went to it twice. Also Rotten Tomatoes has it as over 80% for both critics and audience. I want at least 80% before I will consider going to the theater to see a movie. My verdict: I enjoyed the movie. I read the book before going and that helped. I will see Past two if it ever comes out.
by JMacDonald
Tue Oct 12, 2021 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does a condo ever make more sense than a house?
Replies: 81
Views: 9399

Re: Does a condo ever make more sense than a house?

I live in a condo. I would buy a house in your situation. If you can afford the house, you can deal with all the issues that come with a house.
by JMacDonald
Mon Oct 11, 2021 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need new phone- no clue
Replies: 50
Views: 4122

Re: Need new phone- no clue

You can save some money with a refurbished iPhone:

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/iphone
by JMacDonald
Fri Sep 24, 2021 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio
Replies: 649
Views: 112396

Re: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio

SiriusXM, a while back, move a channel that I liked to another channel. The radio in my truck can't get that new channel. I wrote to the SiriusXM CEO about this change. No response. After a while, when I decided they weren't going to fix the issue, I canceled my subscription. Now, I don't have to deal with trying to get the best deal on SiriusXM. They send me deals in the mail that just go in the trash.
by JMacDonald
Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grand Canyon
Replies: 39
Views: 4828

Re: Grand Canyon

How about the San Juan Goosenecks instead of Horseshoe Bend?

https://geology.utah.gov/map-pub/survey ... uan-river/

A bit remote, but I stopped there years ago when I was going from Durango to Brice Canyon National Park.
by JMacDonald
Mon Aug 02, 2021 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grand Canyon
Replies: 39
Views: 4828

Re: Grand Canyon

What kind of shape are you and your son in? If in pretty good shape, you can hike to bottom and back in one day. Have plenty of water. You can also drive over to the Havasupai reservation less crowded hike down and back. (Sorry, this is closed for COVID). Being on the South Rim during season is going to be packed with people. Lake Powell might be an option to rent a boat for a day but I would call in advance. Hiking to the river and back is asking for trouble in the middle of summer. The GC has the largest number of EMT on staff of any NP for that reason. Hiking down an hour or so on the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge will be enough for a day hike in the summer. See this link on day hikes in the GC: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...
by JMacDonald
Fri Jul 23, 2021 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.
Replies: 53
Views: 8496

Re: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.

PackersFan12 wrote: Fri Jul 23, 2021 6:05 pm
Part of me wants to move to Hawaii (it's my dream to live there someday), though I've heard how hard it is to find jobs there, especially for those who are not natives.
You have heard it is hard to get a job there. That may be true, but why not give it a try. Then find out for sure.
by JMacDonald
Sat Jul 03, 2021 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to kayaking - What is a good life vest?
Replies: 17
Views: 1912

Re: New to kayaking - What is a good life vest?

When I bought a new PFD from NRS, I put it on and tried it out in a pool to see how it fit. I then was able to tighten it up so I didn't sink into the jacket. You want it to keep you afloat comfortably if the need ever arises
by JMacDonald
Sat Jun 19, 2021 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Movies - Name Five
Replies: 277
Views: 23913

Re: Favorite Movies - Name Five

The films of Akira Kurosawa
Especially "Ikiru"
by JMacDonald
Mon Feb 15, 2021 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from Bay Area to LA Area - Best Value?
Replies: 114
Views: 11303

Re: Moving from Bay Area to LA Area - Best Value?

cbr shadow wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 11:48 am Lots of folks in this thread have suggested San Diego and nearby areas like Poway. I'll definitely need to look into those areas. I started a search previously but decided it was too hot in the summer for our liking - I gess I was misinformed!
I have friends that live in the Poway area. I have visited them often, but I don't remember it been very hot. This chart shows it can get hot, but the average in the summer is in the 80's:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poway,_California#Climate
I live about a mile from the beach in SoCal, and it can get very hot.
by JMacDonald
Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from Bay Area to LA Area - Best Value?
Replies: 114
Views: 11303

Re: Moving from Bay Area to LA Area - Best Value?

I have friends who live in the 92128 area code of San Diego. It is a nice area. I know nothing about the schools, but you should be able to find a home that meets your needs there.
by JMacDonald
Sun Feb 14, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Park Lovers & Travel Options
Replies: 28
Views: 2783

Re: National Park Lovers & Travel Options

Here is the information page on Camping in Glacier:
https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/camping.htm
by JMacDonald
Sun Feb 14, 2021 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Park Lovers & Travel Options
Replies: 28
Views: 2783

Re: National Park Lovers & Travel Options

MJS wrote: Mon Feb 08, 2021 11:25 am Driving a RV in SF is very challenging.
I have to laugh at that as just driving in SF is challenging, never mind trying to park. I stay outside the city now and take Bart in.
by JMacDonald
Sun Feb 14, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Park Lovers & Travel Options
Replies: 28
Views: 2783

Re: National Park Lovers & Travel Options

One of the big problems in trying to go to one of these popular parks is getting a reservation whether you want to camp on stay in one of the lodges. You need to find out when you can make a reservation which is usually about a year in advance. The lodges and campgrounds fill up quickly.
by JMacDonald
Mon Jan 04, 2021 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down
Replies: 124
Views: 14630

Re: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down

I suppose that service varies by region; but here is car culture Southern California, I have always had good service. The last time I used AAA was when I ran over a beer bottle parking and destroyed my tire. AAA was there in a half hour and put the spare on, and I had Costco get me a new tire without cost.