Search found 212 matches

by mainiac
Mon Oct 09, 2023 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "What did you do today that was a good value" ... recently or fondly remembered
Replies: 50
Views: 5238

Re: "What did you do today that was a good value" ...

+1 for Darn Tough socks!

We both wore our Darn Tough socks today while hiking at a free land trust on the beautiful Maine coast!
We brought our own sandwiches from home and had a picnic on the rocks.

Last weekend, I went to the local apple orchard and picked up apples from the ground (aka "drops"). $7 for a bag that is larger than a half bushel bag. The cost of a half bushel bag of apples picked from the tree is $28. I'll get a winter's worth of applesauce and apple baked goods for $21.
by mainiac
Mon May 29, 2023 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best car camping two person tent with dog
Replies: 56
Views: 4309

Re: best car camping two person tent with dog

Yep, get a six person tent.

Our 4 person LL Bean tent is just big enough for two Byer Easy Cots with a very narrow aisle. Now that we have a dog, there isn't enough room in the tent for the dog. Another benefit of the cots, besides a decent night's sleep, is that you can store your clothes/gear under the cots.

Happy camping!
by mainiac
Mon Jun 20, 2022 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best repurposing of a soon-to-be-unused bedroom?
Replies: 69
Views: 6236

Re: best repurposing of a soon-to-be-unused bedroom?

We moved into a new house when our older child was a first year high school student. One bedroom was much larger than the other. The deal was that the older kid got the big bedroom for 4 years, then the kids would switch when the older kid went off to college. The kids switched, the older kid had a room to use during college breaks. Kid #2 went off to college. Kid #1 moved back home after college and lived at home for 3 years (at no charge in the little room, reluctantly!), paid off all the college loans and saved a year's worth of rent payments. Moved out and is doing very well. Kid #2 came home after the dorms closed early due to Covid and moved out 4 months later. Also doing well, but left a fair amount of stuff behind... We now have two...
by mainiac
Fri Apr 29, 2022 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fat Free Milk into Whole
Replies: 46
Views: 5016

Re: Fat Free Milk into Whole

The impetus for my question is that I have a lot of heavy cream powder left over in a jar with a soon best if used by date, and I thought it would be effective to purchase fat free milk and use the powder to transform it into whole milk.
You could try freezing the powder and using it in baked goods sporadically as suggested above.
by mainiac
Fri Apr 29, 2022 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dog breeds
Replies: 150
Views: 12308

Re: Dog breeds

EdNorton wrote: Wed Apr 27, 2022 6:46 pm A standard poodle is my recommendation. Smart as they come, tremendously athletic, non-shedding and hypoallergenic. Get an invisible fence and you'll be set.
Absolutely! Don't bother with a doodle.

Bath and simple haircut every 8-10 weeks. No need for a silly haircut.
by mainiac
Sun Mar 20, 2022 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airbnb vs. Hotel
Replies: 90
Views: 9773

Re: Airbnb vs. Hotel

We have stayed in various AirBnBs and VRBO places and generally, we've not had any issues. I agree, it depends on the location and the size of our group as to whether we stay in a hotel or a vacation rental.

As to the superhosts, we stayed in one place that was fantastic as far as the location and the "unique experience", but it wasn't a 5 star stay. (it could have been if the host made a few changes). The host asked us to give him a 5 star review. Apparently, the AirBnB metrics method requires a certain percentage of reviews to be 5 star to keep the "superuser" status. We didn't leave a review for that rental which seemed a bit disingenuous.
by mainiac
Fri Feb 25, 2022 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chair cushions online: formal dining set
Replies: 7
Views: 649

Re: Chair cushions online: formal dining set

Vermont country store? comfy but not formal.
by mainiac
Mon Jan 10, 2022 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Letting Dog out everyday for lunch... the roundtrip drive is killing me.. ideas?
Replies: 182
Views: 24512

Re: Letting Dog out everyday for lunch... the roundtrip drive is killing me.. ideas?

he sleeps in the office 99% of the time in our auto repair business and sometimes even wakes up when a customer comes into the shop
I had to laugh - this is cute!
by mainiac
Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a new blanket
Replies: 38
Views: 4344

Re: Need a new blanket

In addition to the Hudson Bay blanket, we also have a lovely, soft alpaca wool blanket. It is warmer than one might think based on its weight.

The 100% cotton blankets from Lands End are nice.

I love the Company store products too!

Can you tell I love blankets?
by mainiac
Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Maine
Replies: 87
Views: 10863

Re: Things to do in Maine

Cabot Cove is absolutely lovely but it is the murder capital of the world by a large margin.
You are dating yourself! Jessica Fletcher hasn't been around in a while!

Maine is busy in the summer. Mid Sept is a good time, mosquitos are mostly gone, coastal waters are warmer (never very warm though), crowds are dwindling.

Ogunquit beach is beautiful. Popham beach is beautiful, but pay attention to the tide. Acadia National Park is beautiful.
Just a random rocky piece of coast is beautiful.
Kayak on a pond.
Hike some trails.
Visit some of the Maine breweries.
Wander through some antique stores.

What aspects of Maine interest you?
by mainiac
Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone Have a Bosch Dishwasher Installed?
Replies: 48
Views: 5457

Re: Anyone Have a Bosch Dishwasher Installed?

we have already purchased through Home Depot so have to work with them
Might be time to ask for a refund...
by mainiac
Sun Jan 09, 2022 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a new blanket
Replies: 38
Views: 4344

Re: Need a new blanket

Hudson Bay blanket - a very, very warm wool blanket.

Expensive, but you only need to buy one once.

[https://www.thebay.com/product/hbc-stri ... 19439.html]
by mainiac
Sun Oct 03, 2021 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?
Replies: 593
Views: 84128

Re: Return to Work - How is your company dealing with it?

Our return to work date has been pushed back a few times. A new date has not yet been determined.

My group wants to stay home. Grumbling about having to bring equipment like second monitors back and forth when the hybrid return is implemented.
by mainiac
Sat Oct 02, 2021 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Economics / Accounting track at a non-Ivy / "non-prestige" school outcomes
Replies: 86
Views: 6995

Re: Economics / Accounting track at a non-Ivy / "non-prestige" school outcomes

I'm currently listening to episode 035 on the Bogleheads on Investing podcast. Applicable to this thread.
by mainiac
Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Contactor and cash and ethics
Replies: 29
Views: 2383

Contactor and cash and ethics

Hi all, there is another thread about contractors wanting to be paid in cash and the general consensus was not to do it because the dollar amount was pretty substantial.

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=294144

I was offered a 5% discount today if I paid with actual cash (not check) for a small job (less than $5K) because the contractor doesn't trust the government. This is the second time that I've been offered a discount for cash.

I know it is none of my business and I would not be breaking any laws (of which I am aware) if I paid in cash, but is it ethical?

I pay taxes on all of W2 income. Shouldn't the contractor?

Actionable: report to state revenue agency?
by mainiac
Mon Aug 09, 2021 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disposing of inherited linens and china?
Replies: 96
Views: 10877

Re: Disposing of inherited linens and china?

If you don't want to open an etsy shop, you could mail the linens to me and I'll pay postage :) I'll pay postage too! I recently hosted a picnic for my office staff at a local park (after working remotely for months and months). I brought linen tablecloths for the picnic tables rather than buying plastic disposable tablecloths. Several folks noticed and commented that it was nice to have something other than plastic. About 10-12 years ago, I went to a moving sale. The lady was moving out-of-state in a few days. She had a full set Lenox china - a very classic pattern. I had $30 in my pocket and I was ashamed to offer that small amount. She asked me to promise that I would use it, I did and have for many years. Dinner just seems more special...
by mainiac
Tue Jul 27, 2021 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Board games
Replies: 65
Views: 6785

Re: Board games

Another vote for Cribbage, which is more fun than it has any right to be
Ha!

Now that we are empty nesters, we play lots of cribbage, rummy, triple Yatzee, Phase 10.

Mancala, Othello (I almost always win), Pente (my husband almost always wins).

For a group of four, we like the card game Pitch and and also the card game Wizard, which is basically Spades, with the addition of Wizards and Jesters to complicate the bidding. Another suggestion for Rummikub, which is the the game of rummy using tiles and players have the ability to use/change sets and runs already played.

Parks and Ticket to Ride sound fun, but pricier than I would normally pay for a game.
by mainiac
Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you know Cape Cod? October visit suggestions solicited!
Replies: 40
Views: 4487

Re: Do you know Boston and Portland, Maine? Fun to drive? Or just take bus or train? Other travel suggestions?

Concord bus to and from Logan airport and Portland ME is easy and convenient as the bus picks up and drops off at the terminal. The bus is clean and has only ever been about half full each time I've used the bus. The Amtrack DownEaster train is also nice, but you have to have transportation from the airport to the train station. I'd walk in Boston and just use Uber in Portland depending on your plans. There are lots of good restaurants in Portland. This issue of DownEast magazine focuses on Portland. https://downeast.com/issues/april-2021/ If you only have a few days, I'd stay in and around Portland and not drive all over the state. However, if you decide to rent a car and like the ocean, the beach in Ogunquit is beautiful and the beach at ...
by mainiac
Fri Jul 16, 2021 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kids Summer Job - Employer incompetent & taking advantage
Replies: 67
Views: 7779

Re: Kids Summer Job - Employer incompetent & taking advantage

Since he’s only planning on being there a few more weeks, I would advise kid to report it the day after he quits. It may take some time, but he will probably be made whole. And the next kid who works there won’t have to put up with this. In the meantime, he and the others should keep good records. Hours worked, tips, etc. I agree with the above. I would recommend that the son report the business to the state's Department of Labor. I would think the department would have a Wage and Hour division for these types of wage theft. A restaurant in Oregon was just fined for similar abuses. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20210716 When my kids were minors and working in the retail industry, they told me that co-workers (also minors) we...
by mainiac
Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pedestal fans
Replies: 3
Views: 720

Re: Pedestal fans

We bought a Rowenta fan 2 years ago for about $100. I thought that was a ridiculous price, but I can sleep with the fan on now. :D
by mainiac
Tue May 11, 2021 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving with 2 cats
Replies: 59
Views: 5594

Re: Moving with 2 cats

Make sure the cats are in crates every single time a door is opened (car door, hotel room door). A cat can move really fast when they want to do so.
by mainiac
Thu May 06, 2021 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice needed on teenager's job hunt
Replies: 30
Views: 2766

Re: Advice needed on teenager's job hunt

Back office work such as data entry? We are having trouble filling positions for accounts payable work.
by mainiac
Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip insurance for beach vacation?
Replies: 13
Views: 1090

Re: Trip insurance for beach vacation?

regularguy455 wrote: Sun Apr 11, 2021 5:26 pm Chase Sapphire Preferred card has trip cancellation insurance. If you have one, look into the details.
We had a trip to Ireland planned for March 2020.
The insurance offered by this credit card was not applicable when we canceled due to pandemic.
Delta eventually refunded the plane tickets in full, but HomeAway did not give any refund for the deposit paid for the flat.
by mainiac
Wed Mar 17, 2021 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?
Replies: 461
Views: 69269

Re: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?

Our standard poodle puppy - 14 years ago, who went over the rainbow bridge a month ago.
by mainiac
Sun Mar 14, 2021 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PUA in New York
Replies: 1
Views: 367

Re: PUA in New York

The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program as been extended to Sept 6 as a result of the American Rescue Plan Act.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-con ... E56CBF5517


SEC. 9011. Extension of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

(a) In general.—Section 2102(c) of the CARES Act (15 U.S.C. 9021(c)) is amended—

(1) in paragraph (1)—

(A) by striking “paragraphs (2) and (3)” and inserting “paragraph (2)”; and

(B) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking “March 14, 2021” and inserting “September 6, 2021”; and
by mainiac
Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone see an inheritance not go as planned? I would like to hear stories from others of what can go wrong.
Replies: 510
Views: 78599

Re: Has anyone see an inheritance not go as planned? I would like to hear stories from others of what can go wrong.

Another story:

Grandparent was reasonably wealthy (part owner of a regional telephone company).
Grandparent died in the 1970s.
Kid #1 who lived out-of-state got all the cash and stocks and investments.
Kid #2 who lived locally got a life estate to the house and land.
House and land given to just two of the several grandchildren.
The two grandchildren have yet to divide up the inherited house and land - still shared because they can't decide on an "equitable" split.
It will be a mess for the grandchildren's kids.
by mainiac
Sun Mar 07, 2021 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Consumer Math Question
Replies: 32
Views: 2622

Re: Consumer Math Question

Kywildcat wrote: Sun Mar 07, 2021 10:28 am I would think that she she could have gotten 2 $200 gift cards for $300.

1. First $200 gift card costs $200 (full price)
2. Second $200 gift card is 50% off so a cost of $100

Total cost: $300
Total Value: $400
This would also be my interpretation.
by mainiac
Sun Mar 07, 2021 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Estate (Home) clean-out after my parents passing - tips and best practices?
Replies: 56
Views: 10411

Re: Estate (Home) clean-out after my parents passing - tips and best practices?

We found lots of stuff when cleaning out the house which had parent stuff and grandparent stuff which was mostly untouched. I found a lock of my father's hair from when he was a baby. I took one thing to the state museum that I thought they might be interested in (1920s beaded dress) and after conversation, a curator came to the house and we gave the museum several things, some of which ended up in an exhibit and others that they wanted for their collections. The historical society got some papers. The theater group got some costumes. We found some art work that I had never seen before, sold it for a few thousand dollars. Luckily, the money was in banking institutions and not hidden in socks! Habitat for Humanity would be a good place for h...
by mainiac
Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: moving 1000 miles...options?
Replies: 30
Views: 2228

Re: moving 1000 miles...options?

A relative moved from Maine to Denver a year or so ago.

We packed everything up, loaded a 26' Uhaul ourselves and drove for 4 days straight. Since my usual driving is a small sedan, a 26' truck was a big change. Tight corners and small parking lots were awful. Gas was $100 each time we filled up.

We hired movers through Uhaul to unload in Denver, they also reassembled the beds. That was so nice!

If you can afford it, hire movers.
by mainiac
Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Traditionalists on here? (in terms of their home interior)
Replies: 32
Views: 4036

Re: Any Traditionalists on here? (in terms of their home interior)

Painting over old woodwork with white paint should be a criminal offense
Yes!

Our home (as well as the home I grew up in) has crown molding and built-in cabinets. It has character.
Most of the furniture is inherited and well-loved. Comfy and cozy!

That being said, we have too much "stuff".
by mainiac
Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts or suggestions: upgrading from Honda Fit for DW's comfort on long road trips...
Replies: 40
Views: 3003

Re: Thoughts or suggestions: upgrading from Honda Fit for DW's comfort on long road trips...

We have a Honda Fit and the idea of riding in it for 800 miles sounds excruciating to me! How about a nice sedan like a Camry or an Accord?
by mainiac
Sat Feb 20, 2021 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring to Vermont/New Hampshire area
Replies: 91
Views: 10232

Re: Retiring to Vermont/New Hampshire area

Brunswick, Maine
by mainiac
Tue Feb 09, 2021 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your staple healthy meals?
Replies: 122
Views: 12293

Re: What are your staple healthy meals?

PBJ is one of the true great inventions in human history, right up there with the wheel and matches (but only if you use chunky PB).
yes! I also like creamy peanut butter!

Homemade pizza is a staple for us - various toppings.
by mainiac
Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washing machine decision/feedback - GE GFW850SSNWW vs. LG WM4000HWA
Replies: 30
Views: 7425

Re: Washing machine decision/feedback - GE GFW850SSNWW vs. LG WM4000HWA

We bought a LG laundry pair about 7 years ago, when the front loaders were coming out.

The units are used 6 days a week, and we have had one service call. A roller for the dryer drum was getting noisy so we had them all replaced. We have never been plagued by any odor problem, that seemed to be an issue at one time for some front loaders.
We bought a LG laundry pair 13 years ago. We have had the rollers replaced in the dryer and just yesterday we replaced the water inlet valve (ourselves!) in the washer. No other problems. We do keep the washer door open though when not in use.

However, our local appliance repair guy won't touch the LG or Bosch appliances.
by mainiac
Mon Jan 04, 2021 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ISP email account vs Gmail
Replies: 28
Views: 2880

ISP email account vs Gmail

We've been using the email account provided by our local internet service provider and we only accessed email from our home computer. We are now switching to a national ISP because the internet speeds need to be faster for working from home.

I feel uneasy about using Gmail for banking and credit cards.

Is my worry unfounded? Should I pay for a separate, more secure email account such as Proton which would be limited to financial accounts? Overkill?

We do use a password vault and the passwords are stronger than something like: "password5"! Is that sufficient?

Thoughts? Thanks
by mainiac
Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bogleheadish black friday deals to look out for?
Replies: 105
Views: 21253

Re: Any bogleheadish black friday deals to look out for?

I also purchased some rare beer that dropped yesterday, Bourbon County Stout.
My husband also bought some - he loves it!

Also, to the poster above about the apple gift card - thanks for the info!
by mainiac
Tue Sep 22, 2020 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to cash an estate check when there is no estate?
Replies: 18
Views: 16201

Re: How to cash an estate check when there is no estate?

Perhaps a conversation with the probate office would be a good place to start.
by mainiac
Sat Aug 08, 2020 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is going on with LL Bean's business model???
Replies: 23
Views: 7020

Re: What is going on with LL Bean's business model???

The lifetime guarantee was seriously abused. People would bring in stuff that they purchased at yard sales and expect a refund. People would use a product for 10 years, obviously well loved, and expect a refund because they were no longer satisfied even though they used it regularly for 10 years.

I agree the quality can be a bit hit or miss, but when it is a hit, it's great!

My understanding is that the company decided to discontinue the frequent sales, then COVID hit. The Freeport Maine store closed for weeks. It never closed for more than a day (due to funerals) in the past.
by mainiac
Thu Jul 30, 2020 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota RAV4 Gas vs Hybrid?
Replies: 91
Views: 9751

Re: Toyota RAV4 Gas vs Hybrid?

We bought a 2020 hybrid Rav4 XLE at the end of Dec and have 7,777 miles on it already (while working from home!). We got 48 mpg on our trip last weekend with an average of 43 mpg regularly. We did get a notice about the gas tank, but since 10 gallons last a while, it hasn't really had an negative effect on us.

The seats are not as comfortable as the seats were in our Sienna, but OK. Probably should have bought the leather seats as the upholstery has a odd feel and isn't that easy to clean.
by mainiac
Mon Jul 27, 2020 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adding minor as an authorized credit card user
Replies: 31
Views: 2518

Re: Adding minor as an authorized credit card user

We added my kids when the older started driving (Main reason was for them to be able to run errands to get groceries, take-out dinner, etc. for us and put it on the "House-Account"). It certainly did give them excellent credit
We did this as well. Worked great! "While you are out, would you pick up x for me?" Very handy. Neither kid took advantage and charged stuff that wasn't authorized. Both young adults now have excellent credit ratings. No problems renting apartments.
by mainiac
Sat Jul 11, 2020 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?
Replies: 32
Views: 4346

Re: New roof needed - Consider METAL ROOF?

There are lots of metal roofs in Maine.

We had one on our former home that was original to the house, so by the time we sold the house, the roof was 50+ years old. We never had any issues with the roof, but we did have it painted a few years (some rust) before we moved.

When snow comes off a metal roof, there best not be anyone standing under it.

I loved listening to the rain on the roof.

However, a firefighter I know hates metal roofs as the firefighters can't get to a fire in the attic.

When we got quotes for a new roof for the house where we currently reside, the price was about 50% more than shingles (about 10 years ago!).
by mainiac
Fri May 29, 2020 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Airline refusing to issue refunds
Replies: 174
Views: 21209

Re: Airline refusing to issue refunds

We bought five tickets on Delta in December for a trip to Ireland in late March.
We canceled the trip, Delta gave us trip credits.
I figured that was all we would get.
Imagine my surprise tonight when I logged into my credit card account and saw credits from Delta, posted 2 days ago!
I did not contact Delta other than the original cancellation.
I received no communication recently.
We only received credit for 4 tickets, not 5, but I will call to find out the status of ticket #5.
I am still very surprised!
by mainiac
Sat May 09, 2020 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rocks or Mulch?
Replies: 37
Views: 3114

Re: Rocks or Mulch?

Burning bush is invasive - it will cross that fence very quickly.

Combo of vinca and a variety of day lillies?
by mainiac
Thu May 07, 2020 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - College Internship
Replies: 5
Views: 636

Re: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance - College Internship

If he has an offer letter for the internship, it is worth applying.

The new federal UI programs have changed all the usual UI rules.
by mainiac
Thu May 07, 2020 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Someone filled out a UI form for my Mom..
Replies: 9
Views: 1698

Re: Someone filled out a UI form for my Mom..

PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) is a new federal UI program for the self-employed and part-time employees that would normally not be eligible for unemployment.

She may also be eligible for the additional $600 per week - a separate new federal UI program.

The UI computer system should determine which program that your mom is eligible for and pay accordingly.
by mainiac
Thu Feb 13, 2020 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone cords / cables
Replies: 51
Views: 4908

Re: Iphone cords / cables

I wrapped the end of the cord with Sugru. I'm still on my original cord (at least 5 years old), even though I upgraded the phone.

https://sugru.com/tech-gadget/how-to-re ... rger-cable
by mainiac
Mon Feb 10, 2020 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture etc. for fresh/future college grads
Replies: 11
Views: 760

Re: Furniture etc. for fresh/future college grads

Ask the kids. Some are more frugal than others. I provided several items for my older child's apartment. She bought wine glasses and a couch! I am storing (at no cost) several pieces (wing back chair, drop leaf table, end tables, etc) for my younger child's first apartment. I helped furnish one of her friend's apartment already as well. I bought the drop leaf table at an auction for $10. It's brown, but it is solid wood rather than particle board. She can paint it any color she likes and I won't care if it gets passed on to another friend. Great idea from an earlier poster to store a box of kitchen stuff. It can cost a fair amount of money to outfit an apartment. I'd rather have the kids contribute to their retirement plan and travel than s...
by mainiac
Wed Jan 08, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FSA period of coverage
Replies: 1
Views: 212

FSA period of coverage

My daughter switched jobs mid year and contributed to a flexible spending account (FSA) with the new employer. The company allows the 3 month carryover of $500, but the company switched to a new vendor as of Jan 1 to administer the plan. As a result, the 3 month carryover isn't available for 2020 expenses after all. If she started the contributing to the plan as of July 1, are any expenses incurred prior to July 1 eligible for reimbursement? Per the IRS: "Generally, distributions from a health FSA must be paid only to reimburse you for qualified medical expenses you incurred during the period of coverage." I think the period of coverage could be defined as the calendar year which would be applicable to the tax year, but the defini...
by mainiac
Wed Sep 25, 2019 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasonable Accommodation Requests?
Replies: 47
Views: 4588

Re: Reasonable Accommodation Requests?

As far as fluorescent lights go, we allow to have some of the bulbs removed from the fixture. If the fixture allows for 4 bulbs, then we remove 1 or 2 (or don't replace burned out bulbs) in certain areas of the cubicle farm. It helps a bit. Changing to LED bulbs helps a bit too. They seem to flicker less.
by mainiac
Mon Jul 22, 2019 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New house... need to buy fridge and washer & dryer
Replies: 44
Views: 4835

Re: New house... need to buy fridge and washer & dryer

We have an LG front load washer and dryer that are 11 years old. No issues until recently when the rollers in the dryer decided to stop rolling.
Local repair person doesn't fix LG appliances because he says it is impossible to get parts.
He recommends Maytag, Whirlpool, Amana or KitchenAid. He also said Speed Queen if you want to spend money.

The furniture store has a repair dept that sent someone to fix the dryer. Rollers are now rolling. When I asked that repair person, he said anything but Samsung.

Happy shopping. Please keep the cats happy!