Search found 280 matches

by LonePrairie
Sat Nov 25, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is my desktop salvagable?
Replies: 22
Views: 2194

Re: Is my desktop salvagable?

My HP Windows 10 laptop crashed in October. I didn't lose any files because I had backed everything up to Dropbox, so I didn't mind wiping the machine. I reinstalled Windows 10 after searching the web for "HP System Recovery" and finding detailed instructions.

After I reinstalled Windows 10, I went ahead and upgraded to Windows 11. It's working fine now. Good luck.

P.S. As others said, I buy the download version of TurboTax Deluxe. No need for an optical drive.
by LonePrairie
Fri Nov 10, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 54
Views: 8285

Re: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?

I'm a CSRS annuitant. I have Medicare B for which I'm subject to IRMAA. I don't have D. I've had GEHA standard for many years. I also have GEHA High Option Dental. GEHA has sent me several mailings about the new Advantage plan and I have the impression GEHA really wants us to switch to the new Advantage plan. I'm not going to, at least for 2024.
by LonePrairie
Fri Nov 10, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Pushing Me To Take RMD *Now*
Replies: 34
Views: 5269

Re: Vanguard Pushing Me To Take RMD *Now*

Thank you, BolderBoy. I've been ignoring the RMD nudges, planning to make one withdrawal in December, but after seeing your post about using the RMD Service to set up an annual RMD, I did just that, scheduling my withdrawal for December. Now I'm set even if something unexpected happens.
by LonePrairie
Wed Feb 01, 2023 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Error importing Vanguard Brokerage 1099 code:3002 (turbo tax 2022)
Replies: 13
Views: 1304

Re: Error importing Vanguard Brokerage 1099 code:3002 (turbo tax 2022)

Just FYI, I ran across some posts from last year in an Intuit forum about getting an error 3002 when trying to import forms into TurboTax Deluxe from T. Rowe Price. So it looks as if this isn't just a Vanguard error. I glanced at the responses in the Intuit forum and didn't see a solution.

Here's part of the post:
T. Rowe Price Mutual Fund Accounts:
A system error has occurred:
["message":Something unexpected happened and we could not get your documents.
(3002)","code"= "3002","severity"="ERROR"}
by LonePrairie
Wed Jan 25, 2023 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard 2022 consolidated tax form 1099
Replies: 48
Views: 5554

Re: Vanguard 2022 consolidated tax form 1099

I usually file as soon as I have all the 1099s, and I got the last one today, but I've decided to wait until mid-February to allow time for TurboTax updates and any changes to Vanguard's consolidated tax form.
by LonePrairie
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Voice?
Replies: 85
Views: 6381

Re: Google Voice?

I've used Google Voice since it first became available 11 or 12 years ago. I use it for texting because I like being able to text from a web browser on my computer or from either of my cell phones where I have the Google Voice app installed. In the past I've used it as a secondary phone number for financial accounts, but I've stopped doing that because so many organizations won't accept any VOIP phone number.
by LonePrairie
Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How did Vanguard mess up my age (for an RMD)?]
Replies: 22
Views: 1849

Re: How did Vg screw up my age?

Does the IRA Account Summary on page 3 of that confirmation have your correct date of birth? I think everyone's confirmation said "turning 73". Page 3 has our personalized information.
by LonePrairie
Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 51911

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

Thanks for the heads-up. I use TurboTax Deluxe and prefer the download version. I just ordered it.
by LonePrairie
Mon Nov 21, 2022 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preferred Internet Radios?
Replies: 16
Views: 1439

Re: Preferred Internet Radios?

I have a TuneIn premium account. So far, TuneIn has every station I've searched for. I've installed the app on a couple of old cell phones that have wifi but not a carrier plan so I can listen to the radio on the app while I'm working out, brushing my teeth, cooking, or whatever.
https://tunein.com/radio/premium/
by LonePrairie
Sun Oct 30, 2022 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from PNW to Texas [Pacific Northwest]
Replies: 144
Views: 13571

Re: Moving from PNW to Texas [Pacific Northwest]

marseille07, here's what I liked about Austin when I lived there from February 2015 to January 2020:

friendly people
the Butler Trail next to Lady Bird Lake
scenic beauty
lots to do

what I didn't like:
tap water, especially the time it tasted like dead Zebra Mussels
electrical grid warnings on hot summer days
the humidity
traveling on I-35 to visit family in Waco
by LonePrairie
Sun Oct 30, 2022 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from PNW to Texas [Pacific Northwest]
Replies: 144
Views: 13571

Re: Moving from PNW to Texas [Pacific Northwest]

If being near family and friends is your main reason for considering moving to Texas, I recommend choosing a location as close to them as possible because driving a couple of hours on I-35 is not fun.
by LonePrairie
Sat Oct 29, 2022 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from PNW to Texas [Pacific Northwest]
Replies: 144
Views: 13571

Re: Moving from PNW to Texas

Before you move, investigate the current state of the Texas electrical grid and decide whether you trust it to keep you and your home safe.

https://www.weather.gov/hgx/2021ValentineStorm

https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/ ... ckout-grid
by LonePrairie
Sat Oct 15, 2022 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Increasing Number of FEHB "Advantage" Plans
Replies: 22
Views: 2171

Re: Increasing Number of FEHB "Advantage" Plans

I read in the September 2022 NARFE magazine about the new Medicare Advantage plans for federal annuitants. I'm planning to get the Consumers' Checkbook Guide when it comes out next month so I can see whether one of these would work for me. I'm single and subject to IRMAA.
by LonePrairie
Sat Oct 08, 2022 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure
Replies: 60
Views: 5978

Re: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure

Thank you for the update. I'm glad your family member can help.
by LonePrairie
Mon Oct 03, 2022 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure
Replies: 60
Views: 5978

Re: Arranging transportation for a medical procedure

In my experience, when you check in for your procedure, you have to give them the name and phone number of your driver. A nurse will call the person to confirm that they will come and pick you up. Otherwise, they'll cancel the procedure and send you away. I assume this is to avoid liability if you leave on your own and have a mishap.
by LonePrairie
Sat Oct 01, 2022 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for comfortable shoes to do a lot of walking
Replies: 76
Views: 7255

Re: Looking for comfortable shoes to do a lot of walking

I like to alternate shoes for my morning walk so my feet don't get accustomed to a particular shoe. These shoes are in rotation right now:
Hoka One One Clifton 8 - neutral stability, balanced cushioning
Altra Lone Peak - zero drop, nice wide toe box
Brooks Glycerin 19 - neutral support, cushioned
by LonePrairie
Tue Aug 23, 2022 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital one, Not notified of balance - hit to credit
Replies: 13
Views: 1541

Re: Capital one, Not notified of balance - hit to credit

I keep a close eye on my credit cards and have alerts set, but for each card my Google Calendar sends me an email reminder to check for the statement a couple of days after the billing cycle closes.
by LonePrairie
Wed Aug 03, 2022 8:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds
Replies: 90
Views: 10459

Re: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds

You're right. According to the email from 2019, it's not one person but "a team of professionals with the expertise to quickly and effectively address your needs." Oh well.
by LonePrairie
Wed Aug 03, 2022 7:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds
Replies: 90
Views: 10459

Re: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds

I really hate the new page that replaced the list of funds.
I'm Flagship but I do everything myself online and don't need help, so I've never contacted my rep. I will login to Vanguard tomorrow and send a message to my rep complaining about the new design.
by LonePrairie
Sun Jul 31, 2022 12:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds
Replies: 90
Views: 10459

Re: Vanguard Website Changes-no Select Mutual Funds

I hate the new website too. The old works well for me and I'll hate to see it disappear.
by LonePrairie
Mon Feb 28, 2022 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Readers that Last! Any Suggestions?
Replies: 21
Views: 2188

Re: Readers that Last! Any Suggestions?

A.J. Morgan optical quality readers are the best made inexpensive readers I've found. They're available in the usual strengths beginning with 1.00.

https://www.ajmorganeyewear.com/collect ... ady-frames
by LonePrairie
Sat Feb 19, 2022 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: WHEN do you prefer to file your taxes?
Replies: 141
Views: 14253

Re: WHEN do you prefer to file your taxes?

I withhold enough during the year to avoid an underwithholding penalty (safe harbor rule). I file after I have all the forms, usually in mid-February, because I want to avoid the identity theft that has happened to friends. This year I filed on February 12.
by LonePrairie
Mon Jan 24, 2022 3:47 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️
Replies: 264
Views: 19397

Re: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️

Happy Birthday, Mr. Larimore! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge all these years.
by LonePrairie
Tue Aug 03, 2021 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Vanguard Trade/Order Page Bug
Replies: 13
Views: 1665

Re: New Vanguard Trade/Order Page Bug

I did the same thing as bubbly: Placed a buy order this morning for a Vanguard mutual fund in Vanguard's new UI, then a couple of minutes later placed another buy order for a different Vanguard mutual fund in the "full experience." I received an email notice of transaction submission that mentioned the second order but not the first. Both orders appear in my Account Activity - Order Status. They're both for my taxable brokerage account. I do this every month and generally receive an email notification that mentions both orders.
by LonePrairie
Mon Mar 09, 2020 12:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.
Replies: 540
Views: 66852

Re: The Calm Post - Stay the course thread.

I'm calmly planning to rebalance my traditional IRA today by moving some money from total bonds to total stock.
by LonePrairie
Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35415

Re: H&R Block Deluxe software

I paid $26.99 for the Deluxe Federal Only version last year. When I got an email this morning offering the Deluxe version for $19.95 I jumped right on it.
by LonePrairie
Wed Aug 21, 2019 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Bogleheads plan to utilize Independent Living facilities?
Replies: 108
Views: 14018

Re: Do Bogleheads plan to utilize Independent Living facilities?

I subscribe to the My Life Site newsletter. The blog has a lot of free information on CCRCs, but you need to be a premium user to see pricing.
https://www.mylifesite.net/

I don't think I'm suited for any senior living situation. I'm a widowed introverted retired computer geek who did her best to avoid social occasions at the office. I like having a very few close friends; I wouldn't want to be nudged into socializing. But I keep researching and if the right place turned up, I would go for it because it's the sensible thing to do.
by LonePrairie
Fri Aug 09, 2019 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Breakfast Menu After Retirement
Replies: 73
Views: 12012

Re: Breakfast Menu After Retirement

I still have coffee and oatmeal first thing.

After I walked to work every morning I'd get coffee and a cranberry muffin in the cafeteria. I miss those muffins now that I'm retired.
by LonePrairie
Fri Aug 09, 2019 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Critique my exercise routine because it's not working for me
Replies: 160
Views: 13668

Re: Critique my exercise routine because it's not working for me

In addition to what you're doing, work bits of exercise into your daily routine: walk whenever possible - if you take public transit, get off the bus a few blocks before your stop. If you drive, don't park right next to your office. Take a short walk at lunchtime. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take longer walks on the weekend. Every bit counts.
by LonePrairie
Tue Aug 06, 2019 6:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Personal Flagship Representaive Going Away
Replies: 132
Views: 18318

Re: Personal Flagship Representaive Going Away

I received the same email this morning. I prefer to find the answer myself and if not, to get an answer in email, so I don't mind not having a dedicated rep.
by LonePrairie
Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Not getting 5% reward cash back on my Amazon prime credit card
Replies: 24
Views: 6961

Re: Not getting 5% reward cash back on my Amazon prime credit card

https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer ... =201895340

Your points balance is as of your last billing cycle. To see details, you'll need to login to Chase.
by LonePrairie
Fri Jul 26, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS - Informed delivery - complain on missing items?
Replies: 71
Views: 25161

Re: USPS - Informed delivery - complain on missing items?

I've had Informed Delivery since it was first offered. I live in a large apartment building and get little mail, so I like not having to check my mailbox every day. There's only been one scanned item addressed to me that didn't show up. I moved here in January. The woman who lived in this apartment before me got a lot of mail and apparently had a lot of debts. Almost every day, the Informed Delivery email shows an overdue bill or something addressed to her from what looks like a collection agency. For example, today there was one for her from CreditAssociates in Dallas. Happily, these items almost never appear in my actual mailbox. I assume the Postal Service forwards them to her new address. I hope so - there was one last week about her do...
by LonePrairie
Fri Jun 14, 2019 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mailers for Medicare, AARP, etc to a younger person
Replies: 20
Views: 2458

Re: Mailers for Medicare, AARP, etc to a younger person

I'm an AARP member, but I don't want to receive mailings from them. I opted out of their mailings several years ago using the form at the link below. Although I've moved since opting out, the opt-out form is still in effect.

https://www.aarp.org/forms/privacy-opt-out-form-new/
by LonePrairie
Fri Mar 01, 2019 1:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts
Replies: 645
Views: 92559

Re: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts]

Last fall I became dissatisfied with my old interest-bearing checking account at Wells that requires a $7,500 balance to avoid fees. I seriously considered Vanguard Advantage, but realized I'd still need a local bank account for cashier's checks, ATM withdrawals, and paper check deposit. (I'm not near a PNC branch.) I opened a new checking account at Wells that requires only $500/month direct deposits to avoid fees, no minimum balance. It took a couple of months to move my automated withdrawals and deposits to the new account and just this week I brought the balance on the old account to zero and closed it. I'm going to keep a cushion in my Vanguard money market account and move money between that and the new checking account when necessary...
by LonePrairie
Thu Jan 17, 2019 1:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81249

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

Thank you so much, Mr. Bogle. I'm grateful to you.
by LonePrairie
Sat Nov 24, 2018 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What financial information do you share with your family and relatives?
Replies: 112
Views: 12158

Re: What financial information do you share with your family and relatives?

I'm from North Dakota. My relatives don't ask personal questions.

My late husband's brother did ask nosy questions. We figured he wanted to borrow money, so we gave vague answers.
by LonePrairie
Fri Nov 23, 2018 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The psychology of withdrawing from your portfolio
Replies: 58
Views: 7495

Re: The psychology of withdrawing from your portfolio

My mother lived to be well over a hundred. In the last several years of her life, she often asked me, "Have I run out of money?" I assured her truthfully that she had plenty of savings bonds left. I like seeing my portfolio grow almost every year. When I think of withdrawing, I remember my mom's fear of running out of money. (Because they lived through the Depression, she and Dad bought Series E savings bonds instead of investing in the stock market.) I'm a widow whose estate will go to charity, so I don't have to worry about leaving enough for heirs. Monte Carlo simulations tell me I'm in little danger of running out of money in the next 30 years. I realize I'm lucky to have this "problem" of having to force myself to w...
by LonePrairie
Tue Nov 20, 2018 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Current Retirees: Do you touch your principal?
Replies: 79
Views: 10100

Re: Current Retirees: Do you touch your principal?

I retired 11 years ago. So far a pension and Social Security have covered my routine expenses. Except for a large dental expense, I've reinvested my RMDs. After working and living below my means for so long while I saved as much as possible, I'm thinking of loosening up and spending more in 2019.
by LonePrairie
Wed Oct 10, 2018 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard website problems [Transactions won't go through, 500 error...]
Replies: 106
Views: 9568

Re: Vanguard website problems [Transactions won't go through, etc.]

This is a network connectivity issue according to Vanguard's twitter account.

"Due to a network connectivity issue, some clients are having difficulty accessing Vanguard via the web or phone. We’re working as quickly as we can to restore full access and will provide updates as they become available. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."

https://twitter.com/Vanguard_Group/with_replies?lang=en
by LonePrairie
Fri Sep 21, 2018 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thank you from a widow
Replies: 24
Views: 5581

Re: Thank you from a widow

I'm sorry for your loss. (I'm a widow too.) I'm glad this forum has helped you.
by LonePrairie
Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare and FEHB
Replies: 16
Views: 2745

Re: Medicare and FEHB

Before I went on Medicare, I was seeing a doctor about a knee problem. Her practice accepted GEHA, which was my primary insurance at the time. After Medicare became primary and GEHA became secondary, I tried to make an appointment and was unable to because "we don't accept Medicare." It could be that the office person was misinformed and that I could have continued as a patient. I don't know. I hadn't been that happy with the doctor anyway, so I didn't make an effort to continue seeing her.

Because of that experience, I always check medicare.gov to make sure a new physician accepts Medicare before I call for an appointment.
by LonePrairie
Sun Apr 20, 2014 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare and FEHB
Replies: 16
Views: 2745

Re: Medicare and FEHB

I kept my same FEHB health plan (GEHA) and pay the same premium as always. I enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare became my primary payer, so the medical provider bills Medicare, which pays its portion and automatically sends the bill to GEHA, which pays the remainder. Paying two premiums seemed expensive at first, but it has turned out to be worth it for me, as I have no paperwork and no copays, even for outpatient procedures such as cataract surgery. I do sometimes have difficulty finding a provider who accepts Medicare.

If I can answer any other questions, feel free to send me a direct message.
by LonePrairie
Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:20 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Taylor's 90th Birthday
Replies: 272
Views: 42922

Re: TAYLOR'S UPCOMING 90th BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday, Taylor. Thank you so much for being one of the founders of the Diehards!
by LonePrairie
Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a low cost cell phone plan, limited minutes?
Replies: 66
Views: 7904

Re: Is there a low cost cell phone plan, limited minutes?

I neglected to mention in my post about PagePlus that I use and highly recommend Kitty Wireless.

http://www.kittywireless.com/