Search found 1016 matches
- Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:55 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
- Replies: 107
- Views: 21183
Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
My net worth was around $50K at age 40. I started making very good money a couple of years before the great recession and invested like crazy during the crash and after and was able to retire at 58. I had tremendous luck with the timing.
- Tue Feb 20, 2024 3:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
- Replies: 74
- Views: 4559
Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
I have a large freezer in the basement. It is unplugged and serves as a laundry station. It came with the house. The kitchen has 2 refrigerators, one large and one small one installed in the island. It is good for drinks and the rare main refrigerator spillover.
- Fri Feb 16, 2024 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
- Replies: 5973
- Views: 689669
Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Latest season of True Detective on HBO. My wife likes it, I think it is very bad.
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best dumb thermostat?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2967
Re: Best dumb thermostat?
I just had a Honeywell installed in the upstairs zone, Honeywell Pro Series. It was inexpensive and it should be, it is not very good. The temperature reading skips numbers, and it makes a really loud click when it fires up. The other Honeywell in the house is great. What do you mean by the temperature reading skipping numbers? It'll change from 72 to 74 without going through 73? The click is a design feature. Honeywell FocusPRO thermostats use a relay to switch the HVAC system on and off. This is simpler and more reliable than the MOSFET transistor that Nest uses. A relay just makes a metal-on-metal contact to complete the circuit. There are reports from electrical engineers who have disassembled failed Nests and found failed MOSFETs. The...
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 1:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best dumb thermostat?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2967
Re: Best dumb thermostat?
I just had a Honeywell installed in the upstairs zone, Honeywell Pro Series. It was inexpensive and it should be, it is not very good. The temperature reading skips numbers, and it makes a really loud click when it fires up. The other Honeywell in the house is great.
- Tue Feb 13, 2024 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which Boston suburb to settle?
- Replies: 198
- Views: 18112
Re: Which Boston suburb to settle?
By the way, the storm that was supposed to be our most snow in 2 years has moved to a more southern and off shore direction, and is expected to “blanket” us with 1-3” rather than the 12” the newscasters were breathlessly predicting. I think the weather reports have become a conspiratorial alliance between broadcast TV, the schools who preannounced remote learning, and the grocery stores which were packed yesterday. It’s too bad for me, who wanted to introduce our new 6 month old rescue dog to serious snow. I guess she’ll have to wait until next year. OP, we moved to a rural area near Boston in 2018 from NJ. We wish we had done it much sooner. Definitely the most snow in a long time on the CT shoreline. The dog does love it, me not so much....
- Sat Feb 10, 2024 1:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is it worth the risk to install thermostats myself, or should I pay to have them installed? Homeowners insurance
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3876
Re: Is it worth the risk to install thermostats myself, or should I pay to have them installed? Homeowners insurance
That is a bizarre quote, I would never call them again. It is not real complicated, but for peace of mind you can probably get an electrician for way less. I think mine charges $125 an hour.
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 2:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
- Replies: 129
- Views: 24356
Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Got a motorcycle license and bought a Harley at age 45. Sold it 10 years later. Now when I see a motorcycle I don't regret never having the experience, and also am glad I'm in a car.
- Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:31 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: fidelity 401(k) direct rollover
- Replies: 6
- Views: 594
Re: fidelity 401(k) direct rollover
No, haven't noticed that. I use SMS also.runr wrote: ↑Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:30 pmNice.....Have you noticed when you log into the web app, the 2FA prompt will always ask for you to use phone app, even though you check don't ask to use that method again? As I use the SMS 2FA instead.abner kravitz wrote: ↑Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:24 pm I recently did one online. Happened overnight, no check involved. Was quick and painless.
- Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: fidelity 401(k) direct rollover
- Replies: 6
- Views: 594
Re: fidelity 401(k) direct rollover
I recently did one online. Happened overnight, no check involved. Was quick and painless.
- Sun Jan 28, 2024 1:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refrigerator water filter
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5296
Re: Refrigerator water filter
I just got the alert on a 6 month old Whirlpool. Cheapest OEM part I could find was $50, but I went with it. I am a little worried about the fit with knockoffs, right or wrong.
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco Visa - not worth it?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 4315
Re: Costco Visa - not worth it?
To me the card is OK at best. Rewards being paid once a year is lame. It is nice to only have to use one card when getting Costco gas, but I skip that a lot anyway because of the hassle.
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 6304
Re: Return My New Apple Watch?
I use it as a phone replacement. I would much rather wear a watch than carry a phone.
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Least Expensive way to own Word for Mac
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3381
Re: Least Expensive way to own Word for Mac
I bought 2021 Microsoft Office for Mac download for $60 at the end of 2022 from a company called Catsoft. They are legit. I don't know what they are charging now, but older versions of the software might be reasonable.
- Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Domed skylight and summer heat
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1097
Re: Domed skylight and summer heat
I have 3 skylights in my kitchen in South Carolina. Very weird design choice. We cover them with fabric held up with tension rods. It lowers the temp fairly significantly.
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:35 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
- Replies: 413
- Views: 39164
Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Low tax states certainly can have low levels of service. But look at California, New Jersey, and New York. Some of the highest taxes and some of the worst quality services. So low taxes may correlate with low services, but high taxes do not correlate at all with good quality services. Don’t know about all 3 but lived in NY most of my life and disagree. We have some of the finest education from K-college in the nation. SUNY is one of the most affordable universities in the US, and has a spot for all NYers who want to go to college. We have Medicaid services in excess of nationwide programs, helping many poor, disabled and elderly people. We have a fantastic state park system, with beautiful well maintained parks. I have lived in other state...
- Wed Jan 03, 2024 12:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Chase $15.00 Statement Credit Offer
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2392
Re: Chase $15.00 Statement Credit Offer
I got the $15 and I assumed it was one and done. I just went back and looked at the offer, and the language is a little murky for sure. I bet it is one time, but I might give it a shot if I had something to pay. My other cards dont pay 5% on utilities though.
- Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:07 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
- Replies: 579
- Views: 37903
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 12:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When to buy eventual retirement home?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3503
Re: When to buy eventual retirement home?
I bought my retirement home in a tourist destination a few years before I retired and rented it out. Financially it worked out well. I would suggest that you consider if you really want to live full time in a high turnover rental area though. It can wear on you after a while. In hindsight I would have picked a different location in the area. I have since moved, and rent out the home again (with a property manager).Hubub wrote: ↑Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:48 am In response to questions, thinking retirement is about 10 years away. The place is somewhere I spent a lot of time in my youth so I know it very well. Since it is a popular tourist destination already, weekly vacation rental model was well in place for many, many years prior to AirbNB and others existed.
- Sun Dec 31, 2023 6:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
- Replies: 5249
- Views: 899781
Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
14% for 2023 and 65% five year cumulative is what Fidelity is telling me
- Sat Dec 30, 2023 7:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What was your largest annual expense in 2023?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1643
Re: What was your largest annual expense in 2023?
New car 38K out the door
- Thu Dec 28, 2023 3:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3039
Re: Taxing of social security, should you pay per month or at years end?
I have nothing withheld from pensions or social security, and setup quarterly payments through EFTPS in April when I do my taxes. I use safe harbor rules so I know I have paid enough to avoid penalties. This method can result in an unpleasant April surprise though, as I am soon to find out. I would rather keep the money longer though.
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 8:01 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
- Replies: 282
- Views: 50628
Re: TurboTax 2023 offer
Excellent, thanks. That is what I suspected but was not suresycamore wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:55 amDeluxe is sufficient for what you want. No need for Premier. I've been using Deluxe for years, and it's handled stock sales, dividends, interest, etc. just fine.abner kravitz wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:43 am I am going to buy it today at Costco online. Can anyone confirm that the Deluxe version will import/handle stock sales as long as you are using the download product? I am a little confused on that. Intuit pushes pretty hard on the Premier and not sure if necessary for me. Thanks
- Wed Dec 27, 2023 7:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
- Replies: 282
- Views: 50628
Re: TurboTax 2023 offer
I am going to buy it today at Costco online. Can anyone confirm that the Deluxe version will import/handle stock sales as long as you are using the download product? I am a little confused on that. Intuit pushes pretty hard on the Premier and not sure if necessary for me. Thanks
- Tue Dec 26, 2023 2:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How often do you redeem your credit card cash rewards?
- Replies: 102
- Views: 12425
Re: How often do you redeem your credit card cash rewards?
Mine comes in on either the 2nd or 3rd of every month to my Fido account, before I have even paid the bill. Averages about $100 a month.
- Mon Dec 25, 2023 12:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to I (safely) heat a cold bedroom?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5695
Re: How to I (safely) heat a cold bedroom?
I use a window insulation kit in one bedroom that has a large bay window. It helps, and is cheap. I am also cheap, my house won't see 66 or 67 degrees anywhere until next April.
- Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:13 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Am I the only investor allocating more towards Bonds in 2024?
- Replies: 149
- Views: 30546
Re: Am I the only investor allocating more towards Bonds in 2024?
I am going to keep my fixed income percentage the same, but have been slowly rolling out of a large money market fund allocation and into bonds over the past 6 months. It is kind of tough giving up the 5.2% that my MMF is paying, but my cloudy crystal ball says it is time.
- Tue Dec 12, 2023 10:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heating oil; fix or cap?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3110
Re: Heating oil; fix or cap?
The way I understand the plans, but it may vary from oil company to oil company, you locked in a price for the season. How oil prices fluctuate has no bearing on what you pay. Locking in can be great if prices go up but can be bad if prices drop. We have been in a declining crude price environment for weeks and from what I gather on the financial networks, prices seem to be in this upper 60 to lower 70 dollar range and are not expected to go back into the 80-90+ range. If OPEC decided to cut and shrink oil output I'm not sure it would matter for a while because there is a glut of oil and with Iran selling oil I doubt that inventories will drop anytime soon. I filled my tank at what was the low for $3.37 9/10 about 5 weeks ago and prices ro...
- Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heating oil; fix or cap?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3110
Re: Heating oil; fix or cap?
Floating right now is about $3.65 at the cheapest (from small local companies), the big companies with service plans are around $3.80 if a pre-buy (I would buy my approx. annual usage of 1,000 gallons, or maybe half that, not sure), $3.80 capped (plus .25/gallon) or $4.30 floating (yikes!). Hi all. Follow-question to my original post. I ended up going with the capped plan at $3.80 as it wasn't terribly above the cheapest in my area (from https://www.cashheatingoil.com/), and was well below their own floating price of $4.30. Soon after (mid-September), I received a fill up at $3.80. However, fast forward to today, where https://www.cashheatingoil.com/ is as low as $3.09 (i.e. .56 lower than it was in September) but I'm still being charged $...
- Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How much are you down\up from the top set in 2021?
- Replies: 79
- Views: 11946
Re: How much are you down\up from the top set in 2021?
Portfolio is 2.1% under all-time high. Have had some large expenses like a car so not unhappy. Not adding funds anymore.
- Sat Dec 09, 2023 12:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4884
Re: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?
Perks are minimal in my view. You are probably better off calling customer service than hoping your rep calls you back or is even still with the company. You may or may not get free Turbo Tax, but being PCG does not guarantee it. You get a separate phone number, but the skeptic in me thinks they all route to the same place.
- Mon Nov 27, 2023 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Surface Pro 9 or a Macbook Air M2 Laptop?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3637
Re: Surface Pro 9 or a Macbook Air M2 Laptop?
I tried to go the Numbers route and just couldn't do it. I thought it was powerfully bad. Could have been the user, I don't know.kenai wrote: ↑Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:04 amYou don’t even have to use Excel for your needs. Apple’s own spreadsheet app, Numbers, will serve you just fine. It’s the only spreadsheet app I use to track my investments and finances.
I’m not a power user and I’ve used Apple’s own free office suite for over a decade with no issues.
- Mon Nov 20, 2023 2:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Frostless hose cock rebuild/replace
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1413
Re: Frostless hose cock rebuild/replace
I just had a new one put in, $300. My plumber is a generally a little on the high side though. Does nice work so I stay with him.Watty wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2023 2:34 pmIt is time to hire a plumber to do it right then.
The quote you got for the gas valve replacement was a scam so I would ignore it.
I would assume that this would cost just about the minimum plumbers fee plus the parts to you should be able to get a reasonable cost(couple of hundred dollars??) to have it done right. You can likely call around and get rough quotes over the phone.
- Sat Nov 18, 2023 4:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Real world experiences with Fidelity Rewards Card?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 5102
Re: Real world experiences with Fidelity Rewards Card?
I have never had any problems with customer servce, fraud, or disputes. The rewards hit my account like clockwork. I will say that the physical card is not the best. I occasionally need to pull out another card when it doesn't work; mostly happens at Walmart but sometimes other places.
- Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does Anybody Remember The Midnight Special?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3245
- Sat Nov 18, 2023 10:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does Anybody Remember The Midnight Special?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3245
Re: Does Anybody Remember The Midnight Special?
Thanks, there were some great artists on that show, and the the lack of lip-syncing is wonderful and pretty rare for its timeKagord wrote: ↑Sat Nov 18, 2023 9:12 am The 70s, right before the TV stations played the National Anthem and shut down and Wolfman Jack was a thing, there was this gem, The Midnight Special. A time capsule of varied music from the era, most performances are not lip synced.
It's being re-released on YouTube a day at a time, not sure if this is actionable, but this is special...I'm sure there's quite a few on here who would enjoy selections from their genre immensely, so here you go....
https://www.youtube.com/@themidnightspe ... how/videos
- Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity vs Vanguard Total Bond Fund
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1802
Re: Fidelity vs Vanguard Total Bond Fund
I just bought some bonds and couldn't decide between the two, so I split the purchase. It was the ETF versions though. Fidelity is active management, which some say is good for fixed income. The yield and performance has been better with the Fido stuff, but that could change.
- Wed Nov 15, 2023 7:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
- Replies: 271
- Views: 29292
Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
So are you saying that the folks who have posted in this thread that they like their MA plans are naive, uniformed, or both? Really? Replying to this post to ensure you see it. My brother-in-law is with AT&T and he is deciding whether to stick with his existing UHC plan G along with his wife that starts Medicare in January or move to the AT&T UHC Advantage plan which is a going into effect. They live in the Orlando FL area which UHC holds a big footprint. The numbers certainly look good. He has specifically asked me for my feedback. Knowing that you were in the insurance business, have extensive knowledge and insight, and that you have an MA policy I would appreciate your informed opinion on the following. 1) Impact of Prior Author...
- Sun Nov 12, 2023 9:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buying a new car with cash
- Replies: 56
- Views: 6588
Re: Buying a new car with cash
I recently bought a new car. They would only take a bank check, they said it was a new and firm policy. No difference in price for financing, it was MSRP or no deal. RAV4 Hybrid.
- Fri Nov 10, 2023 2:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
- Replies: 334
- Views: 29196
Re: How much everyone spending on Groceries/Household items ?
Average about $1400 a month, 2 adults. Includes anything bought at Costco/Walmart
- Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: "Winter" Questions - How you do keep your house / car warm?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 7039
Re: "Winter" Questions - How you do keep your house / car warm?
For my dual zone in the winter, I set the downstairs at the desired temperature and the upstairs two degrees cooler. This generally keeps both floors at the desired temperature due to the heat rising, and the upstairs zone generally stays closed.
- Sat Oct 21, 2023 11:38 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fall Colors (2023) in New England
- Replies: 30
- Views: 6205
Re: Fall Colors (2023) in New England
Central CT is still all green although I did notice some Shagbark Hickorys are mostly yellow. I do think there was quite a drop of Hickory nuts this year and don't know if that's a factor or not. Oaks, Maples and Poplars still green. (Ash are all dead). I don't know what is going on with the nuts falling out of the trees this year (CT shoreline). My yard is absolutely covered, and I seriously have been wearing head protection when I mow the lawn. I have to think a direct hit to the head might hurt. More on topic, it is still really green here also. We have tons of acorns as well which spurred me on to find out why and the interwebs report It's a mast year for oaks. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/10/04/acorn-mast-year/ https:/...
- Sat Oct 21, 2023 11:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refrigerators. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
- Replies: 115
- Views: 13985
Re: Refrigerators. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
I just bought a new refrigerator from a trusted local appliance store. They told me that most refrigerators last 5-7 years now regardless of how much you spend. Given that, I bought the cheapest one with the appropriate size and desired color. Still cost $2K.SquawkIdent wrote: ↑Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:09 pm All brands have issues. Nowadays, if you can get 5-7 years out of one without major repairs consider yourself very lucky.
Many causes of this, including being made to be Energy Star certified. Gone are the days of appliances lasting 10 years plus.
Good luck.
It is much easier to find good deals if you want stainless vs. white.
- Thu Oct 12, 2023 4:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fall Colors (2023) in New England
- Replies: 30
- Views: 6205
Re: Fall Colors (2023) in New England
I don't know what is going on with the nuts falling out of the trees this year (CT shoreline). My yard is absolutely covered, and I seriously have been wearing head protection when I mow the lawn. I have to think a direct hit to the head might hurt. More on topic, it is still really green here also.
- Tue Oct 10, 2023 5:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
- Replies: 109
- Views: 12510
Re: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
I needed a new Waterpik and waited until today, it was 50% off list and 33% lower than yesterday.
- Sat Sep 30, 2023 1:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car insurance
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1895
Re: Car insurance
I use an agent, let them do the legwork. I change insurers frequently. While you probably get the best info in your case, my experience is that some of the best car insurance options may not be presented by an independent broker. The list of non-brokered insurers will vary by state. Example: GEICO (there are others). I had a similar experience when I visited a broker to evaluate SS Medigap policies. The broker came to the same conclusion regarding the type of policy, and then presented 2-3 recommended options. However, the broker could not sell the policy I eventually chose. You are right, the independent brokers don't sell some of the big names like Geico. I sometimes get a quote from them as well when I am going through my agent, just as...
- Sat Sep 30, 2023 12:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Staunton, VA
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2928
Re: Staunton, VA
This is my go-to restaurant in Staunton. It is right across the street from the hotel I stay at, 24 South (used to be called the Stonewall Jackson). Extensive menu, good food and service.
Not sure it is open for lunch though.
- Sat Sep 23, 2023 12:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Car insurance
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1895
Re: Car insurance
I use an agent, let them do the legwork. I change insurers frequently.
- Sat Sep 23, 2023 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Airport parking in Philly
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1062
Re: Airport parking in Philly
I haven't flown out of Philly in close to 10 years, but when I used to I always just went to the economy lot past the terminals. I never had any problems there, shuttle pickup was pretty good. Don't know if things have changed though
- Tue Sep 19, 2023 1:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity Cash Mgmt Account
- Replies: 29
- Views: 5956
Re: Fidelity Cash Mgmt Account
None that I can see for that purpose. If you are not planning to use the funds for spending, any benefits of the CMA are moot.