Search found 875 matches

by Grandpaboys
Wed Mar 11, 2015 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

Re: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service (India)

confused
In hindsight you are right on.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Mar 10, 2015 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

Re: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service (India)

The second user name added was "test'. It was added by Dell tech service (India) as I stated earlier I noticed and called tech to find out what it was and they told me not to worry about. My computer worked just fine before they removed "test". Afterwards I could not do a thing on the computer. The hard drive had to be formatted and 8.1 installed. They had no right to hijack my computer which is what they did. I will add that "test" was not on my computer when received from the factory. It was only on the computer after Dell tech service (India) worked on it and I questioned it at that time. It was protected by a password so they were the only ones who could remove it.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

Re: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service (India)

We did not look at the logs in that there was no activity in my financial sites except mine. After Dell support (India) got thru and the computer was dead we had no recourse except to reformat and reinstall.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Mar 10, 2015 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

Re: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service (India)

Dell tech service (India) did not tell me when they did this. When I called the next day last summer the tech service (India) blew it off as not anything to worry about. They never explained what was done. My son tried every way there is to delete the second user and could not because he needed a password to get in and do it and the only one having that password was the tech service (India). The second user was password protected.
My computer was hijacked by Dell tech service (India). When the second user was deleted by Dell tech service (India) I got my computer back unable to get either browser IE or Chrome to be able to activate the internet. You all sound like Dell tech service did nothing wrong, think again.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Mar 10, 2015 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service
Replies: 39
Views: 5782

BEWARE-Dell Computer Tech Service

Purchased new laptop from Dell. Used Dell tech service and about 10 months later discovered a second user on my computer. Could not be deleted because we did not have the password to do so. This second user had more administrative powers than I. Contacted Dell Tech service (India) and requested this user be removed. They did along will half of my operating system for os 8.1 . I then had to format the hard drive and recover 8.1 to my computer. I lost many files because of improper backup. I guess the second user was not a bad guy because all my financials have not been touched. But I sure could have been taken to the cleaners and had a major lawsuit against Dell. When removing the second user which had attached to my operating system was whe...
by Grandpaboys
Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Phillip Morris International PM
Replies: 5
Views: 671

Phillip Morris International PM

I have owned this stock for 15 years. It has been one of the best investments I ever made. Currently I have $31,000 in long term capital gains and dividends are $2000/year. Being in the 15% tax bracket my taxes would be -0- if I sell. Going forward I am a little uneasy about future growth for this company. Your thoughts on what you would do, thank,s.
by Grandpaboys
Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Homeowner Gift
Replies: 31
Views: 3697

Re: New Homeowner Gift

Garage door opener
Door mats for all outside doors
New Barbecue grill gas
Power washer
Leaf blower
Lawn furniture
by Grandpaboys
Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with municipal bonds
Replies: 4
Views: 866

Re: Help with municipal bonds

Intermediate Tax Free is where I am putting maturing CD's. Intermediate TE is now paying a distribution yield at about 3% . CD's today do not yield anything close to that. For a shorter duration I am currently using Short Term Investment Grade. I am in the 15% tax bracket and have very heavy long term capital gains which I am slowly selling in order to get zero taxes on my capital gains while I am in the 15% bracket. Both are excellent funds.
by Grandpaboys
Sat Feb 21, 2015 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Giving guests free WiFI @ short-term rental = get sued?
Replies: 32
Views: 6796

Re: Giving guests free WiFI @ short-term rental = get sued?

Being a consumer and having a choice of properties I would rent the property with free wi/fi.
by Grandpaboys
Fri Feb 20, 2015 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House painting contractors
Replies: 12
Views: 1888

Re: House painting contractors

I have somewhat the same problem, however I am dealing with high price quotes and then negotiating down from there. Then you run into the contractor cutting corners to improve his profit and you wind up with a poor job . I live on a island of 600 homes and work on these homes are bid 50% higher than in the adjoining city. The city people will not pay there prices and the contractors know it. We have to be very careful who we deal with.
by Grandpaboys
Wed Feb 18, 2015 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any success stories negotiating with AT&T
Replies: 13
Views: 3993

Re: Any success stories negotiating with AT&T

I had DSL with AT&T for over 10 years with only .68MPLS download speed. Started at $14.99/month and kept increasing to $28.99/month. Would not give any discounts. So went wi/fi for $16.66/month with no data restriction and guaranteed 5mpls download speed. AT&T is now all over me to get me back. I told them when a new service came on board I was gone. I am now looking into phone coverage to replace AT&T.
by Grandpaboys
Wed Feb 18, 2015 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Total Stock Market Index Fund
Replies: 4
Views: 1085

Total Stock Market Index Fund

TSM is 15% of my portfolio. The NAV has more than doubled and is up some $30 a share providing long term capital gains. Being in the federal tax bracket of 15% my federal tax would be -0-. Would you let it ride or sell 1/3 of the shares. Assets would be added to Intermediate Tax Free Fund. I am 87 so maybe it's time. Maybe a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Feb 16, 2015 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Exempt Investing
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Re: Tax Exempt Investing

David, thanks, and yes I have always paid the tax on 85% of my SS. I could invest more in Tax exempt funds but did not want to run afoul of having to much invested in tax exempt in case the IRS had some rules for taxing I did not know about. I guess I could put all my investments in tax exempt, which would increase what I can take in long term capital gains, not exceeding the 15% limit. If later I have no long term capital gains then my federal tax would be 15% on 85% of SS plus my pension income. The Intermediate Term Tax Free is a good fit for me as it is currently paying a 3% distribution yield which helps to cover expenses.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Exempt Investing
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Re: Tax Exempt Investing

David, having hard time understanding your post, can you explain further.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Feb 16, 2015 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Exempt Investing
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Tax Exempt Investing

My taxable account is 100%. I have no non taxable accounts. If I invest all funds in tax exempt funds do I pay no federal tax accept for social security and pensions which I have or does IRS have something else to catch me on?
by Grandpaboys
Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Intermediate term tax-exempt bond fund
Replies: 14
Views: 2874

Re: Intermediate term tax-exempt bond fund

I am 100% taxable, only had IRA's the last 2 of my working years, yep I am 87. I am 85% bonds with 50% in Intermediate TE and 50% in Intermediate Investment Grade. The TE has a 3% distribution yield which is hard to beat and it keeps me in the 15% tax bracket so I can get -0- tax on my long term capital gains. Investment Grade also is 3% distribution yield. In today's market 3% is hard to beat at least that is what I have found. Siting on a large amount of long term capital gains I develop this plan 4 years ago and it has worked well.
by Grandpaboys
Sun Jan 25, 2015 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Flagship Service Experience
Replies: 12
Views: 3010

Re: Vanguard Flagship Service Experience

I have had three or four flagship reps the best being the one I have now. Seems to have more knowledge and is willing to listen to my tax strategies on my current portfolio as it pertains to long term capital gains. He will bounce back questions that are reverent making the exchange beneficial. It has only been recent we have had these conversations as I have always done my investing and tax strategies on my own. Previous flagship reps had no interest. My basic use of my flagship rep is to understand something better, otherwise I do everything online by myself.
by Grandpaboys
Fri Jan 23, 2015 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit Turbo Tax Refund
Replies: 23
Views: 3204

Re: Intuit Turbo Tax Refund

Someone used the word "sinister" I think this sums it up to a tee. I don't believe for second they do not know what they are doing. They are just not getting by with it. Wish they would report total customers on an annual basis.
by Grandpaboys
Fri Jan 23, 2015 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit Turbo Tax Refund
Replies: 23
Views: 3204

Re: Intuit Turbo Tax Refund

How stupid does TT think there customers are. Every year we have been going these shenanigans by TT. They make calculated risks with there shenanigans and when they start losing customers they come with the apologies and refunds. In my opinion it is a crappy way to do business and TT has now gotten a bad reputation. Instead TT should improve there software and services annually in order to increase there customer base. For the cause I would look at upper management and make some serious changes at the top. Good product by a third rate company.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Jan 15, 2015 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard and Turbo Tax
Replies: 6
Views: 1719

Re: Vanguard and Turbo Tax

Locked out I don't think so. I have been back and forth and have download more than once. Keep trying I am sure it will work for you.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Jan 15, 2015 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard and Turbo Tax
Replies: 6
Views: 1719

Re: Vanguard and Turbo Tax

I had signed up for TT ONLINE @ $9.99. I have cancelled and now have DOWNLOAD PREMEIR for free being Flagship with Vanguard. A little hassle at TT site but after several re-tries the DOWNAD PREMIER was completed.
by Grandpaboys
Sat Jan 10, 2015 11:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)
Replies: 20
Views: 5556

Re: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)

SORRY, phone to Vanguard on 1/8/15. All dates January. I need to go to bed
by Grandpaboys
Sat Jan 10, 2015 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)
Replies: 20
Views: 5556

Re: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)

It was a guess on Vanguard's part and mine. Maintaining storage is the only difference between ONLINE and DOWNLOADED
by Grandpaboys
Sat Jan 10, 2015 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)
Replies: 20
Views: 5556

Re: TurboTax Premier now free (for some)

I contacted Flagship by phone Thursday 9/8 . Premier online will be $9.99 until 9/9 and then is going up, not known by how much. Premier download will be free for flagship with no change anticipated. Looks like a charge by TT for storage for online.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Oct 27, 2014 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traditional Medicare vs Medicare Advantage
Replies: 30
Views: 4756

Re: Traditional Medicare vs Medicare Advantage

When I got cancer 20 years ago I wanted to go to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Thank goodness I had Original Medicare and a Med-gap plan so I could go anywhere of my choosing. The advantage plans would not cover M.D. Anderson. My case was very serious and went to M.D. Anderson for 17 years. When I need medical help I want to go to the best and not be dictated by a insurance company where I have to go.
by Grandpaboys
Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I Sue? [couch damaged in garage of rental]
Replies: 39
Views: 4608

Re: Should I Sue?

I agree with small claims court.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D plan ?
Replies: 28
Views: 3581

Re: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D pl

I called back United American Insurance and was told this time that Walmart was a Preferred Pharmacy and pricing was the same as CVS. Guess it depends on who you talk too. I agree there Web Site is not much good. So I am looking elsewhere.
by Grandpaboys
Tue Oct 21, 2014 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard "glitch"
Replies: 3
Views: 1232

Re: Vanguard "glitch"

Same happen to me. Called Vanguard and they put me thru the customize page bit but it did no good.
Agreed to try in the morning and every thing is OK now.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D plan ?
Replies: 28
Views: 3581

Re: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D pl

For my drugs and living in Texas Humana Walmart is always in 4 or 5 position. They are by far not the cheapest.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fraud charges on CC again...
Replies: 14
Views: 2352

Re: Fraud charges on CC again...

My Chase Freedom Card changed from master card to visa with new account number and a chip. It was not up for renewal. My Chase Amazon visa card has had no changes.
by Grandpaboys
Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D plan ?
Replies: 28
Views: 3581

Re: Meaning of Important note included in Medicare part D pl

I just learned yesterday on a call to United American that Medicare.gov lists Walmart as a preferred pharmacy when it is not. CVS is the preferred pharmacy and has the lowest prices. In my case CVS is 25 miles away where as Walmart is 2.5 miles. They said Medicare is to correct this error but did not know when. Ran into errors last year with Medicare.gov and here we go again. Bad enough having to do this every year and then on top having to deal with errors by Medicare.gov. Plan D is nothing but an extortion from seniors.
by Grandpaboys
Wed Oct 15, 2014 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital One chip card!
Replies: 20
Views: 2857

Re: Capital One chip card!

Chase issued me a new chip card and Walmart has the new receiver to handle it. Been using it for over a month.
by Grandpaboys
Sat Oct 11, 2014 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap polcies - selecting for first time
Replies: 22
Views: 2827

Re: Medigap polcies - selecting for first time

I am 86 years old and have had United Teachers Associates since I was 65. Have plan A and now pay $155 per month. I have had cancer, radiation all the stuff you talk about. The only restriction that United Teachers has is Medicare must pay the 80% and then they automatically pay the other 20%. In my 21 years with them I have not had one single problem.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Laptop, need help
Replies: 33
Views: 3719

Re: New Laptop, need help

I purchased a new Dell Laptop with 8.1 with help from my son for specs. The one year warranty is fantastic, just call the 800 number, talk to a tech in India and they fix all your problems. You will have problems with the 8.1 OS it is Microsoft biggest error of the century. I would try and wait for Microsoft 9 if you can. I had XP for seven years and wished I still had it. But learned one thing, I will always buy from Dell because of there Tech Service.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Sep 08, 2014 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Plan D
Replies: 6
Views: 1157

Re: Medicare Plan D

Plan D is the worst thing to hit seniors get ready to pay thru the nose for the exorbitant prices from the
Drug companies. Problem is there is no way around it.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Sep 08, 2014 1:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Philip Morris International and asset allocation
Replies: 8
Views: 1268

Re: Philip Morris International and asset allocation

I started out owning MO back in the early 1990. What a great ride it has been. Still own MO and PM and I am not selling. Have great faith in both stocks and love the dividends.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Sep 04, 2014 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Market at a all time high ( Sept 2014) , time to cash out?
Replies: 49
Views: 6436

Re: Market at a all time high ( Sept 2014) , time to cash ou

In the 15% bracket the taxes would be zero. Money from stock sale would go into current bond funds paying 2-3 %. No loss of income if fact may make a little more income. If anything the large capital gain is eating a hole in my pocket.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Market at a all time high ( Sept 2014) , time to cash out?
Replies: 49
Views: 6436

Re: Market at a all time high ( Sept 2014) , time to cash ou

When I look at my Total Market Index Fund it is up 250%. I have been thinking if I should sell half. What are others doing, I am sure I am not alone?
by Grandpaboys
Tue Aug 26, 2014 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio advice for Mom at 86 years
Replies: 23
Views: 2938

Re: Portfolio advice for Mom at 86 years

Well, I am 86 also and have all my assets at Vanguard. The ER's would make me change in a minute. My AA is 85/15 Bonds/Stocks. Being in the 15% tax bracket i am taking advantage every year of paying -0- % federal tax on capital gains. Having as much in stocks as she does and the the great stock market we have had, I would think she has accumulated some pretty good long term capital gains. You can figure how much in capital gains to take being sure not to put her in the 25% bracket where she would have to pay tax. This is a great advantage if you are in the 15% bracket. Even if she stays where she is I would reduce the risk of her AA and reduce the percentage in stocks. You can figure the premium she is paying in fee's and let her decide if ...
by Grandpaboys
Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Intermediate Gov. Bond INDEX Fund VSIGX
Replies: 1
Views: 599

Intermediate Gov. Bond INDEX Fund VSIGX

For my emergency money I have been using a Money Market account at a Credit Union paying 1% interest. They have now cut the rate too .6%. I have a hard time accepting this rate and have been examining other choices. Intermediate Gov. Bond Index might be a reasonable replacement with the SEC yield @ 1.6%. I generate savings every month in my Prime Money Market which I would transfer to this fund. Does anyone have any downside too doing this?
by Grandpaboys
Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debit VS Credit Cards Security
Replies: 19
Views: 2571

Re: Debit VS Credit Cards Security

Wal-Mart in Texas has Chip and Signature.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debit VS Credit Cards Security
Replies: 19
Views: 2571

Debit VS Credit Cards Security

My local bank has advised that on there Debit/Credit card they will now only accept as a Debit Card with the use of your Pin number. This was done they said for better security. I always thought the Credit Card provided better security for the consumer.
Have received a new Credit Card from Chase Bank with a Embedded Chip. In my opinion this is the most secure for the Consumer and the Bank. What do you all think ?
by Grandpaboys
Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are hospitals allowed to do this? [Costs quoted vs. actual]
Replies: 98
Views: 10569

Re: Are hospitals allowed to do this?

It is normal to have bills from hospital, lab and doctor. Maybe you misunderstood and assumed your soft quote covered all three. You will have to decide on what basis your where quoted. However hospitals are negotiable and it would be worth a try to give them your side and see what you can reap.
by Grandpaboys
Thu Jul 10, 2014 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with Snapfon?
Replies: 3
Views: 977

Re: Experience with Snapfon?

Trac Fone I think is cheaper and very easy to use. Take a look at it. It is an excellent emergency phone.
by Grandpaboys
Mon Jul 07, 2014 2:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: LT Capital Gains
Replies: 4
Views: 878

Re: LT Capital Gains

If you are in the 15% tax bracket sell enough to keep you in that bracket each year and pay zero taxes.
by Grandpaboys
Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor's Fireworks
Replies: 50
Views: 15223

Re: Neighbor's Fireworks

Next time it happens call 911. It's happened to me with bottle rockets and caught my roof on fire. We have an ordnance against all fireworks. At the time I had a wood shingled roof. It solved my problem.
by Grandpaboys
Wed May 28, 2014 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need laptop advice. Lenovo IdeaPad S210 59387503?
Replies: 10
Views: 1164

Re: Need laptop advice. Lenovo IdeaPad S210 59387503?

Just bought Dell laptop with 8.1. If it wasn't for Dell's tech support service the computer would have been put back in the box and sent back for a full refund. I spent 9.5 hours with 9 techs from India with just a 1-800 phone call and all my problems were resolved and then some. I do not know this computer tech stuff. I just want it to work properly when I turn it on. After 7 years of using XP Microsoft really blew it with 8.1. Buy from Dell you will not be sorry.
by Grandpaboys
Wed May 28, 2014 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, Lowes
Replies: 43
Views: 40371

Re: New water heater needed - local plumber or Home Depot, L

My best advice is buy only a Rheem and only a Rheem. I paid my local handyman $100 and he picked up water heater at the local plumbing house with his truck and installed it.