Search found 1610 matches

by Hexdump
Sun Mar 22, 2015 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traveling WiFi
Replies: 17
Views: 3489

Traveling WiFi

We will be on vacation for about 6 weeks and might not be at a spot that has Wifi access. We have ATT as our provider and I see that they have mobile devices named Velocity, Unite, Unite Pro. They sell for $50.00-150.00 or 0.99 with a 2 year contract. I have also used my IPhone 5 as a tethering device and connected my IPad through it. Our data plan is for 1gb and we rarely exceed it but I expect that we would exceed it if we do a lot of tethering. ATT charges an extra $10.00 per GB so that is kinda cheap. I don't know if the mobile devices provide data to go along with the device. I will need to read about that . So, would the pocket device afford many benefits over tethering ? Would it be faster or other stuff ? What have y'all done when t...
by Hexdump
Sat Mar 21, 2015 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Deluxe
Replies: 20
Views: 3638

Re: TurboTax Deluxe

I too bought the "free" version through Vanguard then was surprised to see that they charge a fee for electronic filing.
I am a bit late in the game with our taxes but I will certainly look elsewhere next year. I hate their games.
by Hexdump
Sat Mar 21, 2015 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whats a good Pistol to buy?
Replies: 112
Views: 18266

Re: Whats a good Pistol to buy?

Nothing fancy. But a good brand. Something to carry in my Motorhome when I travel. Like a 38 or 40 cal. A revolver/ double action/ external hammer.... for example. I know nothing about guns. I am in CA. Any recommendations/ comments. Thanks. Not trying to be a smart a$$. Pistols are semi-automatics, Revolvers are, well, revolvers but are not actually pistols. Just trying to help you if you go to a gun site and ask questions. Some thoughts: first you need to decide what you are going to use it for, then how much you are willing to practice, and third, are you only going to travel in one state (legal stuff), and are you willing to get thoroughly trained in safe use. ... Fletch Just for my benefit, when did they start naming them pistols and ...
by Hexdump
Fri Mar 20, 2015 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another SSA question.
Replies: 5
Views: 1281

Re: Another SSA question.

As an item of information from a reliable source (thank you SS), the divorced wives can also claim widow benefits.
by Hexdump
Wed Mar 18, 2015 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another SSA question.
Replies: 5
Views: 1281

Another SSA question.

I am asking for a friend with this situation. Lets call her wife 2 (W2) She is married to a man (age 62) who is some 20 years older than she. He had been married before and his ex-wife (W1, age 65) is claiming that she can claim SSA benefits because she was married to him for at least 10 years and she had not remarried.. They were married for about 13 years. My readings say that apparently this so. Anyhow, on to my friend W2. Does the fact that W1 can claim SSA, have any effect on the amount my friend (W2) could potentially receive based upon her husbands account ? And to carry the question even further, what if this old fuddy (the husband), had married 3 or 4 times. W3, W4, Wn. Would each be able to claim against his benefits ? It seems to...
by Hexdump
Tue Mar 17, 2015 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution
Replies: 7
Views: 1353

Re: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution

Well, after some more research it looks like I need to do this. My wife is 58 but I am hoping that won't matter.

The $6,500 was sort of a gift from me and I got the $6,500 as a normal distribution from my traditional IRA.
So, what I need to do is convince PenFed that the IRA account in her name should be a normal, share account. She can keep it in her name. The earnings during 2014 will need to be reported as income but I dont think we will incur an early withdrawal penalty.

At least I hope that is possible to do.
by Hexdump
Mon Mar 16, 2015 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution
Replies: 7
Views: 1353

Re: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution

Thank you Epsilon. Color me educated in that I did no know about the limits also applying to a Roth.
As the investment is a 5 year CD, I will need to see what kind of penalty I will incur if I cash it in early.
I really don't want to do that, so maybe PenFed can magically re categorize the account as a normal interest bearing savings CD.
I guess that it is also going to depend on what kinds of penalties the IRS will impose.

Sheesh.
by Hexdump
Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution
Replies: 7
Views: 1353

Re: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution

Yes, she only earned $1800 and I only have Social Security, an annuity, and investment sales.
by Hexdump
Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I made a mistake with an IRA contribution
Replies: 7
Views: 1353

I made a mistake with an IRA contribution

and just realized it while doing our taxes.

During the furor over the PenFed 5 year CD at 3%, I jumped all over it and contributed the IRA max of $6500.
OOPS !!

I had forgotten that my wife would be retiring in 2014 and was limited on how much she could contribute. Yikes !!

So, to avoid whatever penalties there are, my idea was to recharacterize (or whatever the verb is), it into a Roth.
Is that the best way ? If not, do I have many other options ?

thanks a ton.
by Hexdump
Sat Mar 14, 2015 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724164

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

I got notice of this author through my Goodreads account, which I discovered based upon a recommendation here. The book is a Kindle version, free from Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Gauguin-Connection-Book-Genevieve-Lenard-ebook/dp/B008X3NCRE/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1426336946&sr=1-7&keywords=estelle+ryan+genevieve+lenard The main character is a fascinating person with autism. Here is part of the blurb Genevieve Lenard is suffering from a special strain of autism and virtually lives with daily influxes of the disease. The author paints a sympathetic portrait of a highly intelligent yet beautiful young woman's predicament and the way she works on herself to rise above her social demeanor. I highly recommend th...
by Hexdump
Sat Mar 14, 2015 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Asus computer to buy?
Replies: 24
Views: 3630

Re: Which Asus computer to buy?

Interesting discussion as I am also shopping for a new desktop. For my benefit, would your recommendations change if I were going to run Linux rather than Windows ? thanks for the sidetrack I run a dual boot Linux Mint/Windows 7 on my home PC. For most of the time I'm using Linux. The only reason I even have Windows any more is if I come across program that I need to use that will only run properly on Windows. If you really want to go the Linux route I'd recommend skipping the brand name Dell, HP etc stuff. Instead you could just buy the parts and build one yourself. It's not that difficult if you're willing to put the effort in. Linux, as you may already know, is open source and free. Do you know what linux distro you want to use? Yes, it...
by Hexdump
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Asus computer to buy?
Replies: 24
Views: 3630

Re: Which Asus computer to buy?

Interesting discussion as I am also shopping for a new desktop.
For my benefit, would your recommendations change if I were going to run Linux rather than Windows ?

thanks for the sidetrack
by Hexdump
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX
Replies: 18
Views: 4387

Re: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX

Re the expiration date of the RXes. I had asked the Dr. to write 2 scripts which she did. Both were dated the same date-written (3/10/2015), but they have different earliest fill dates of 3/24/2015 and 4/23/2015. The 3/24/2015 Rx is the one I will try and have my friend pick up. The 4/23/2015 I will carry with me and maybe present to the pharmacist in Calif. who said that he could fill it if he had it in-hand and if it passed a plethora of restrictions. If it turns out that he is full of stuff (which I expect will be the case), I will need to cut short the visit and beat it back to Texas. As another aside of frustration, when I was talking to the Pharmacist, call him Danny, he also told me that only the manager/pharmacist could special-orde...
by Hexdump
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare - already covered but turning 65 ?
Replies: 11
Views: 1733

Re: Medicare - already covered but turning 65 ?

It is usually not necessary to sign up for Part B if your (your spouse's) employer has more than 20 employees. Premium for Part B is currently at $104.90 per month (higher for higher income families) There is NO penalty for late enrollment into Part B if you are covered with current employment as you will get Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after you (or your spouse) retires. Disclosure: I am a Certified Volunteer Medicare Counselor from NJ This is what I encountered but in order to avoid the penalty, you need to be able to prove that you were enrolled/covered by an approved plan. The SSA will not take your word for it. Your wife's employer's HR department has the ability (usually) to issue the proper document. I would expect that you woul...
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare - already covered but turning 65 ?
Replies: 11
Views: 1733

Re: Medicare - already covered but turning 65 ?

I can't remember exactly why I did it but I did both A&B at 65.
My circumstances were that I was retired but covered under my wifes policy. I actually started using part B at about age 70.
There were some considerations that made it important to enroll in B at 65 even though I didn't use it. I seem to remember that had I not of enrolled, I would have had to pay a penalty when I eventually did enroll.

Another biggie was that I needed to get a letter from my wifes employer stating that their plan was in compliance with Medicare guidelines. That was a real struggle as she had changed jobs twice as well as healthcare insurance as well, twice.

Good luck
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX
Replies: 18
Views: 4387

Re: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX

I think the order it in state and have it picked up and mailed by a friend seems like the best solution. Similar to Dolphins, I have had similar experiences with pharmacists (sobs), to the point we almost came to blows. My blood pressure still rises as I think of it. They seem to have their own little turf and want to protect it. Also, I will research being able to prepay a Fedex envelope and see if I can leave it with the pharmacy. Thanks again The pharmacists are often under really, REALLY strict review of how they handle these substances, and I'm sure an actual pharmacist can chime in (if it isn't against Forum rules, as this is relevant to member needs, actions), and I don't even play one anywhere... But STRONGLY suggest you not ask th...
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX
Replies: 18
Views: 4387

Re: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX

I think the order it in state and have it picked up and mailed by a friend seems like the best solution. Similar to Dolphins, I have had similar experiences with pharmacists (sobs), to the point we almost came to blows. My blood pressure still rises as I think of it. They seem to have their own little turf and want to protect it.

Also, I will research being able to prepay a Fedex envelope and see if I can leave it with the pharmacy.

Thanks again
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 12, 2015 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone have experience with filling an RX
Replies: 18
Views: 4387

Does anyone have experience with filling an RX

Out of state ? It's not quite as simple as suggested. I live in HoustonTX and will be going to Calif. for a period of about 2 months and I take a medication that I think is categorized as Schedule 2. It is a pain reliever, Morphine extended release. My prescribing Dr. said that Calif. would not fill it and I have been trying to find out from a reliable source. I called two pharmacies in Calif., both of which belong to the same parent company as the original RX provider and they have an on-line record of all my meds. To further clarify, it's Kroger who owns Ralphs, Bakers, etc. I talked to the 2 pharmacy managers and one said he could fill it and the other said no. That in fact it was illegal. So, who do I talk to next so that I can get the ...
by Hexdump
Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selecting a Medigap Policy with 28 Choices
Replies: 42
Views: 6140

Re: Selecting a Medigap Policy with 28 Choices

None of the above protects one from incompetence and screwing up the files. What about denying a claim based on a false allegation that the insurance has lapsed because the premium has not been paid when it has? What about being able to competently set up automated bill paying to ensure that payments are made and competently handling renewal and/or coverage changes without deleting the policy instead of changing it? What about pretending that a claim was never filed or that it was already paid when it wasn't? What about sending a reimbursement to the wrong address or direct depositing to the wrong account? What about claiming the account doesn't exist because someone has transposed two digits at data entry and won't own up to or take the e...
by Hexdump
Sun Mar 08, 2015 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowering Taxable Income
Replies: 18
Views: 2914

Re: Lowering Taxable Income

What we have done and still do is invest in something that manages Low Income Properties. I am not associated with them other than being a happy investor. The company that I invest through is Boston Capital. https://investorcenter.bostoncapital.com/static_pages/login_page.html For your investment you will get tax credits which are better than deductions. You have to be in one of the funds for about 4 years before your credits become significant. As an example, I just got one of our K-1s for 2014 and it has a tax credit of $485.86 for a $5,000.00 investment. We started with that particular fund in 2008 and so far it has yielded $4,774.00 in tax credits. Eventually the fund stops throwing off credits or the properties might be sold though non...
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good Expensive Dental Plans
Replies: 12
Views: 1708

Re: Good Expensive Dental Plans

Not a recommendation but maybe helpful information.

We have a Cobra plan from my wifes work and it costs us about $85.00/month. I think it is with Aetna and it pays full for routine cleaning, exams, etc.
It has an annual maximum for major stuff like implants. I am having one done now and had one done last year. The total cost was about $5,000.00 and the plan pays $1,500 max per year and I think per tooth.
by Hexdump
Thu Mar 05, 2015 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What percentage of your total net worth is your home?
Replies: 62
Views: 12279

Re: What percentage of your total net worth is your home?

Z9yajAg wrote:So many people in these forums say that their goal is to pay off the mortgage and live debt-free. I'd rather keep the mortgage and have the money to pay it off saved in the bank or invested.
+1

Hear, hear
by Hexdump
Tue Mar 03, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much did you have saved up for retirement at age 30?
Replies: 173
Views: 27995

Re: How much did you have saved up for retirement at age 30?

00000, nil. nada.

I didn't start saving for retirement until I was 40. I made up for lost time though. :D
by Hexdump
Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda fit vs VW GTI
Replies: 54
Views: 20836

Re: Honda fit vs VW GTI

I too was considering those vehicles as well as a Mazda 3. They make a hatchback which I insist on. It gets better mileage than the GTI and is a lot more fun and better appointed than the FIT. I test drove the FIT and it felt cheap.

Give the Mazda 3 a try.
by Hexdump
Sat Feb 28, 2015 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is a generator worth it?
Replies: 122
Views: 30237

Re: Is a generator worth it?

During Sandy, I borrowed a generator from a friend two hours away. Good thing I drove to get it, because I could also buy gas there. Around here, most of the gas stations were out or did not have power to pump gas, and the rest had long lines. Even a small generator went through a lot of gas during five days, and I was mainly powering only the refrigerator and furnace. It was the only time in thirty-five years that I really had a use for a generator. Do we buy a new one every ten years to have one when we need it once every thirty-five years? I think what we will see instead over the next few years is a movement to go off grid, mainly with solar power and batteries (thank you, Elon Musk). It is already happening in Hawaii, where electric r...
by Hexdump
Sat Feb 28, 2015 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Re: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

My understanding is that TIPS and Ibonds are used for capital preservation and inflation protection, while annuities are insurance against excess longevity. With limited funds, you're going to have to compromise and optimize one or the other. You're going to have to use some assumption about survival age and if you exceed it, you may run out of funds no matter what. Where are the funds coming from? Annuities generally require a lump sum payment. I would probably take my chances and put some of the annuity stream or the lump sum cash into a balanced fund and I'd expect the return to beat inflation in most cases in the long run. I agree that the lump sum into a balanced fund would mostly beat inflation long term yet I would prefer the guaran...
by Hexdump
Thu Feb 26, 2015 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Re: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

Have you also considered buying I-Bonds since they are tied to inflation? You could each do $10k/year (double that with 2 very simple trusts) for a few years to build up to whatever you choose, then withdraw each year. Nothing exact here, but it is inflation adjusted every 6 months. Thank you for another good idea. I like IBonds a lot and building a sorta ladder of them makes sense. Another consideration that I prefer about annuities is that they are essentially on auto-pilot. DW doesn't want to and refuses to do any, reading/learning about where the $$$ comes from. Additionally she tends to be reactive. Whenever one of her compatriots are talking about "now is the time" to buy (stocks, bonds, S&P500, etc), she corners me and...
by Hexdump
Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Re: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

These are interesting ideas. When we were shopping for an SPIA last year, the difference between an inflation indexed and a non-inflation-indexed annuity were significant. I don't remember the exact numbers but we bought the non-indexed. There were other % increase options that we took a hard look at before saying no. 1%, 2%, 3%, etc. So, here we are today, trying to provide for the future inflation. Rather than tie the increase to an inflation index of some kind, I would be perfectly happy to get a guaranteed inflation adjustment of say 2%-3%. I like the idea of an annuity in that the payments are for lifetime and pretty much guaranteed. Investing in an equity/bond vehicle has some risk so I was trying to come up with something more like a...
by Hexdump
Wed Feb 25, 2015 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Re: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

ResearchMed wrote:One suggestion is to have a ladder of small deferred annuities, one to kick in every couple/three/etc., years.

Those are much less expensive than SPIA's, due to mortality credits, especially the further out they go.

Then every few years, you'd get your own "inflation adjustment" that would continue for life.

RM
This is quite a good idea RM and sounds like what I am looking for.
by Hexdump
Wed Feb 25, 2015 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Re: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

Tamales wrote:If I understand your proposal, since it is a fixed $540 amount, it wouldn't be compounded. So if inflation is 3% every year, that would only be an inflation compensation for 1 year, and would begin to lag behind going forward.
Yes, I see what you mean about the compounding and it seems that maybe the idea of periodic delayed annuities might be able to help.
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 24, 2015 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a way to provide for inflation ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3014

Is there a way to provide for inflation ?

This is probably a dumb idea/question but here goes anyway.
I am 75 DW is 58.
We have a Joint Life annuity which provides about $1,500/month but it does not allow for inflation.
Would it be possible to fund another annuity to provide for the missing inflation component ?
My no doubt, screwed up math, says that the $1,500/month ($18,000/year), if it were to track say 3% inflation, should increase to ($18,000 x 1.03) for next year/etc. So, $540.00 would cover the inflation.
If I were to fund another annuity which provided the $540.00 annually, would it somewhat provide for the missing inflation provision of the original annuity ?

If not and it probably doesn't, what would I need to do ?

thanks
by Hexdump
Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on replacing tires?
Replies: 72
Views: 19834

Re: Thoughts on replacing tires?

I am about to replace 4 tires on the wifes car and was wondering that, if I decided to change the 4 from Michelin to Pirelli, what do I do about the spare which is a Michelin.

I am checking prices on Tirerack and like what I have been reading about Pirelli.

Thanks
by Hexdump
Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: On line product reviews vs Consumers Reports
Replies: 37
Views: 8741

Re: On line product reviews vs Consumers Reports

Ged wrote:I look at both. Additional information is not a bad thing.
I am a recent subscriber to the magazine and was surprised and disappointed to find out that I do not have an automatic subscription to the online version.
It will cost more, of course.
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large Age Gap with Spouse/Partner
Replies: 63
Views: 22253

Re: Large Age Gap with Spouse/Partner

Is his reluctance to have children really a financial issue, or is it about other things? I don't want to scare you unnecessarily, but my husband and I went to a wonderful pre-marriage counselor who told us that there are only 4 real deal breakers in a relationship: 1) abuse 2) refusing to admit or deal with an addiction, mental health issue, etc. 3) a major sexual secret, like one partner in a heterosexual couple is secretly gay a la Jim McGreevey 4) disagreement on whether or not to have children Everything else can be worked through — age differences, religious differences, frugal vs. spendthrift, etc. But when you disagree on whether or not to have a family, there is absolutely no room for compromise. You either have kids or you don't....
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospice vs Long Term Care
Replies: 13
Views: 1890

Hospice vs Long Term Care

I am asking for my cousin who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, 6 months to live. Quite a strong lady and she is perfectly fine with it.
She qualifies for hospice care according to hers and my readings of Medicare however she has paid in about $45,000 into a LTC policy.

Does she have any recourse to being able to get some of that back ?

Thanks
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preparing for 2 months incommunicado
Replies: 144
Views: 14002

Re: Preparing for 2 months incommunicado

I admire you Victoria and am jealous.
Is it possible/permitted to bicycle this instead of walking it ?

Have fun
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086231

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Dave55 wrote:I also watched the new Harry Bosch TV series on Amazon Prime - Enjoyed it Very Much

Dave
++2 I loved it and am resisting watching all the episodes straight through. The lead, Titus Welliver, does a heck of a job and his facial expressions tell a story all on their own.
Highly recommended and I hope they have multiple seasons which I will gladly pay for.
I read everything Michael Connelly wrote.
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086231

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Tony_L wrote:Saw "The Imitation Game" today. Very, very interesting. I highly recommend it for all ages beyond 10 or 12.
+1 and ditto

Very much enjoyed it.
by Hexdump
Sun Feb 15, 2015 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

Re: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

Please let us know how the pressure washer and the scrubber worked out. I think the scrubber needs an adapter for attachment to the washer wand, did it come with that? The pressure washer works just fine, perfectly adequate for our needs. 1 complaint that there is not that I can see, a way to lock it on in that my hand tires after extended squeezing. Switching to the left hand solves that. Another is it has a high pitched whine/whistle. More so than I had expected. I got used to it though in the beginning it became irritating. Other than that, no complaints. The turbo head works great. The unit is rock steady and the cords and hoses are easy to arrange/manage. It was simple to assemble As the the rotary washer, I am returning it. It does n...
by Hexdump
Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pick Out My New TV For Me
Replies: 30
Views: 7917

Re: Pick Out My New TV For Me

tainted-meat wrote:I have a smart TV. I would not pay extra for the 'smart' features, I do not think it is worth it. I actually connect my 'smart' tv to my laptop when I want to watch something.

Also, I would wait and get a 4K TV.
I would humbly disagree with this. The smart tv is worth it and I would stay away from 4K until, if ever, there is content available. Our friends bought a samsung 4K and regret it in that there is nothing to watch and unlikely to be much available soon.

We have a 60" samsung Smart TV and love it.
if you are an Amazon Prime member there are tons of content, some free, some not. Besides Amazon, there are a lot of free content available.
by Hexdump
Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

Re: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

Further info. The Mrs was adamant in that it had to be electric. For some odd reason she really likes using it and when I told her about what needed to be done if it were gas, ie gas, plugs, more maintenance, she put her foot down. I tend to agree with her. I had gone the rental route last year and the unit was a POS, so much so that I returned it for another one. The 2nd kept stopping after a difficult start. I got this one from Home Depot after hours of research. Yes the PSI and GPM are a lower than others I had seen, but I really like the 4 wheels sorta and the 3 year warranty. Plus the Home Depot is really good if I want to return it if I don't like it. Upon further reading I also got a floor scrubber as it seems like I might be able to...
by Hexdump
Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

Re: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

dbCooperAir wrote:As others have noted Gas power is really nice and fast. I don't recall the model I have but I do know it has a Honda motor on it. It came from Home Depot about 8+ years ago and its around 3,500psi.

It works great and to be honest I would not want to go any smaller.

I'm amazed how much we really use it. Every homeowner needs an air compressor and a power washer :wink:
Pray tell what do you use the air compressor for ? The only thing that I can imagine is for an assortment of power tools, of which I have none.
by Hexdump
Fri Feb 13, 2015 5:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

Re: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

rgarling wrote:
lthenderson wrote:
Kosmo wrote:Yep. Less than 2000 psi won't cut it for cleaning concrete and stone unless you get the nozzle right up close and go very slowly.
I'm in the market too. What would you recommend for psi rating to clean concrete effectively without spending all day? I also want to use it to clean deck, house and cars.
A flow rate of about 3 gallons per minute at 3000 psi generally does a decent job. Also, you will need a good set of nozzles. The adjustable wands that come with most lower price machines don't work very well.
Are you suggesting that the nozzle models are preferrable to the adjustable wand models ? The reason I ask is that there seem to be both options available in the models I am looking at.
by Hexdump
Thu Feb 12, 2015 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

Re: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

We really do want an electric. We just finished borrowing a neighbors 1500PSI electric and though it took quite some time, we have lots of time available, so that is not an issue. His, and I forget the brand, leaked a lot and was a struggle to move around but got the job done.

That's cool to know about Northern Tool as there is a retail facility quite close to my house.

thanks to all who commented.
by Hexdump
Wed Feb 11, 2015 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.
Replies: 26
Views: 9910

I need a recommendation for a pressure washer.

Electric, 1600-2000 PSI, <$200.00
I will use it primarily to clean the concrete driveway, patio, etc.

The reviews I have been reading say the AR383 from Amazon is a good device however there were 2 readings that I noted that would bother me.
http://www.amazon.com/AR-AR383-Electric ... B002Z8E52Y
The hose seems to be stiff and troublesome, leading to the washer tipping over.
The length of gun and wand is reported to be short in that a 5'8" male would have to bend to get the tip close to the patio. That would cause my back grief.

Does anyone have a recommendation or can put to rest, my concerns about the AR383 ?

thanks
by Hexdump
Sun Feb 08, 2015 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worth Upgrading to LED Lighting?
Replies: 70
Views: 12099

Re: Worth Upgrading to LED Lighting?

Along with the idea of replacing the bulbs, what does it mean/warn against when I read on the proposed socket, "60W Max" ?
If I were to put a 100W in there, would it explode ? :confused
by Hexdump
Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both?
Replies: 14
Views: 2510

Re: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both

pshonore wrote:I believe all Medicare premiums are qualified medical expenses for purposes of itemized deductions; but not necessarily for HSA reimbursement.
Hence my confusion. Unfortunately, I think you and Jared are correct and I was confused. The definition of qualified medical expenses is different for HSA vs itemization.
by Hexdump
Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Root Barriers ?
Replies: 4
Views: 975

Re: Root Barriers ?

ralph124cf wrote:Seems reasonable to me, but I would question if 14" is enough. Are these installed in a trench, or just pounded in?

Ralph
Yeah, that seemed to be too short and the next quote I got was for 24". It worked out to $33.14 per foot.
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 03, 2015 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both?
Replies: 14
Views: 2510

Re: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both

Hex, Sure you can always choose to itemize provided that you have enough to itemize. However, the instructions from the IRS seem clear to me. Could you share what you have read from sources both from the IRS and from non-official sources that provide a contrary view to the official IRS instructions in both pub 969 and form 8889? I first asked the question if Medicare premiums Part B were by definition a "Qualified Medical Expense". This is what I read from IRS pub 502, 2014 and I think that it says yes. ============================ Medicare A If you are covered under social security (or if you are a government employee who paid Medicare tax), you are enrolled in Medicare A. The payroll tax paid for Medicare A is not a medical exp...
by Hexdump
Tue Feb 03, 2015 5:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both?
Replies: 14
Views: 2510

Re: Married with HDHP, spouse not eligible, use HSA for both

Well, that's very interesting. Along those same lines could I pay for my Medicare premiums from my wifes HSA ? Here is what IRS Pub 969 says: You cannot treat insurance premiums as qualified medical expenses unless the premiums are for: 1. Long-term care insurance. 2. Health care continuation coverage (such as coverage under COBRA). 3. Health care coverage while receiving unemployment compensation under federal or state law. 4. Medicare and other health care coverage if you were 65 or older (other than premiums for a Medicare supplemental policy, such as Medigap). The premiums for long-term care insurance (item (1)) that you can treat as qualified medical expenses are subject to limits based on age and are adjusted annually. See Limit on l...