Search found 770 matches

by ejvyas
Thu Aug 15, 2013 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop Dead After 2.5 years
Replies: 87
Views: 9556

Re: Laptop Dead After 2.5 years

I am sorry but I lost 2 HP laptops within a month after warranty. Somehow they lowball other brands and stop working immediately after warranty. I dont like their quality and bloated OS so I am back to Dell
by ejvyas
Sun Aug 11, 2013 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Hello, newbie from Boston
Replies: 7
Views: 884

Re: Hello, newbie from Boston

Another boglehead from MA :-)
by ejvyas
Sun Aug 11, 2013 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time for a smart phone
Replies: 38
Views: 4838

Re: Time for a smart phone

Nexus 4 + TMobile + No contract combination works best for me.

I ended up combining with a friend for a family plan with 3 lines so its like $32/person every month. We have convinced 2 more to join us so next month onwards it will be ~24-25/month for each of us

Unlimited minutes + text + Unlimited data (500MB at 4g)

A close second was StraightTalk (non ATT) SIM
by ejvyas
Sat Aug 10, 2013 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Clearing car "Check Engine" light
Replies: 51
Views: 31324

Re: Clearing car "Check Engine" light

For fixing/clearing code that method will work but you wont be able to fool the inspection. You need to drive a few miles and generate some history as described in one of the posts above. I know this since I had check engine light was flipping intermittently when my inspection was due. It was for the O2 sensor which had to be fixed by a mechanic as it is not easily accessible.

I used Autozone to pull the code multiple times just to make sure the repair shop was not taking me for a ride.
by ejvyas
Sat Aug 10, 2013 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: LinkedIn strategy?
Replies: 51
Views: 7299

Re: LinkedIn strategy?

I accept every LinkedIn request. LinkedIn is for building connections, marketing, keeping track of people in your network, learning about new opportunties, etc. All of these things are enhanced by embracing connections, even if they're to people I have never even met. Beyond this, there's virtually no downside to this. LinkedIn is not a place where I post personal details about myself that I would not want anyone to find. It's where I want members of the public to find me should they search for me. I don't need to filter what I say or worry about managing my LinkedIn network because anything I say there I am willing to say in public, and anything that can be learned from LinkedIn about me can likewise easily be learned elsewhere. It's like...
by ejvyas
Sat Aug 10, 2013 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Chromecast Streaming HDMI Media Player
Replies: 75
Views: 11635

Re: Google Chromecast Streaming HDMI Media Player

FoolStreet wrote:I just received notification that my chrome shipped.
:shock:
by ejvyas
Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: EPO versus HDHP - Insurance during pregnancy
Replies: 3
Views: 2133

Re: EPO versus HDHP - Insurance during pregnancy

I will go for plan 3. I have HDHP+HSA during our maternity period this year.
by ejvyas
Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy a new Windows 8 disc to clear Dell's bloat
Replies: 33
Views: 4885

Re: Buy a new Windows 8 disc to clear Dell's bloat

Read this: http://arstechnica.com/information-tech ... -a-new-pc/

I hope its legal since you will end up using your own Windows key. The article talks about Windows 7 but it should be possible to do Windows 8 too
by ejvyas
Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Holy Geico Batman!
Replies: 38
Views: 7872

Re: Holy Geico Batman!

Rushmore wrote:I just went from $1820 for a Honda and BMW to $1175 using GEICO. (Massachusetts generally has expensive car insurance.) Loving the switch to GEICO, wish I had thought to shop at GEICO years ago. I shopped around at many other insurance companies, and GEICO won hands down. --Rushmore
GEICO entered MA somewhere in 2009-10 after they eliminated some price regulation. Happy since then :)
by ejvyas
Wed Jul 24, 2013 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Are You Using for Your Emergency Funds?
Replies: 63
Views: 8156

Re: What Are You Using for Your Emergency Funds?

Various easily accessible CDs and savings
by ejvyas
Fri Jul 19, 2013 8:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Sad news - Pat Larimore]
Replies: 225
Views: 26679

Re: [Sad news - Pat Larimore]

Sorry for your loss.
by ejvyas
Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon.com as a selling service
Replies: 17
Views: 2542

Re: Amazon.com as a selling service

In my experience Amazon charges more than Ebay. There are sites that offer comparison for the category of items you want to sell
by ejvyas
Wed May 29, 2013 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uncertain of cost burden from out-of-network surgeon.
Replies: 26
Views: 3724

Re: Uncertain of cost burden from out-of-network surgeon.

Glad it worked out for you. We faced such an issue early in 2013 when the insurance company confirmed all tests and diagnosis would be covered at in-network rates [HDHP]. Without understanding the bills from labs they declined many tests. It was after 5 months of persistent phone calls to doctor billing- lab billing - insurance that I would reduce the bill to $60 and immediately paid it off. Although the amounts were meager as compared to your hospital visit costs, I got a major insurance lesson here. Now I am experienced in codes and billing that I confirm each and every charge by the doctor before paying out. I was shocked to find flawed bills and wrong procedure codes used. I would suggest to double check your EOB and always connect with...
by ejvyas
Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling my medical privacy for $5?
Replies: 18
Views: 3678

Re: Selling my medical privacy for $5?

these days all health care related institutions are getting really paranoid and adding HIPAA and "new law" provisions (or whatever they call it) everywhere.They just want to make sure they have covered HIPAA and these provisions without trying to understand what they mean.

Same with insurance companies like United HealthCare and some large lab networks. I was made to sign documents that basically dont mean anything as their website is showing all the so called protected data :-)
by ejvyas
Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: submitting [an] email [to Vanguard]
Replies: 9
Views: 990

Re: submitting [an] email [to Vanguard]

many times the email system is disabled during the day. I have not found out the reason for this.
by ejvyas
Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CC autopay (debit) vs bank bill pay
Replies: 44
Views: 5749

Re: CC autopay (debit) vs bank bill pay

autopay. I have too many things to worry about. I log in 2 times during the month and verify my transactions
by ejvyas
Tue Apr 23, 2013 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laundry Detergent Issues
Replies: 71
Views: 12302

Re: Laundry Detergent Issues

baking soda does not bleach. I use it all the time when I make my own laundry detergent & softener

Our washing and drying cycle each costs $2 + extra (if more time is needed)
by ejvyas
Tue Apr 23, 2013 1:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are you a boglehead ???
Replies: 60
Views: 6223

Re: Why are you a boglehead ???

Shouldnt this be a poll?
by ejvyas
Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10 K mile service - take it to the dealer?
Replies: 26
Views: 9106

Re: 10 K mile service - take it to the dealer?

I buy full synthetic oil online at a discount (usually for <10$) + high performance oil filter ($10) and take it to the local store (which I trust) + labor ($12) = $ 40 with taxes which takes about 30 mins

If I go to my dealer they charge me around $50 for conventional oil & OEM filter (reviews are not good) and it takes 1-2 hrs

I go by the manufacturer's recommendation for my car & my research. I dont go by the dealer or store recommendation. I change air filters myself since they are simple to do
by ejvyas
Sun Apr 07, 2013 3:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do big banks attract depositors
Replies: 42
Views: 4846

Re: How do big banks attract depositors

tfb wrote: Branches in grocery stores. Branches that close late. Face-to-face service that people still want.
Still looking for such a big bank. All I see is CU and local banks open late
by ejvyas
Fri Apr 05, 2013 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to handle these CPA errors?
Replies: 20
Views: 2338

Re: How to handle these CPA errors?

Whenever I used a CPA I bought a turbotax and made sure the calculations matched. Ultimately after all those years I realized Turbotax and little research is enough for me. Better than the effort it takes to chase the CPA and get them to file before Apr 15.
by ejvyas
Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you take new Gym promo?
Replies: 16
Views: 1677

Re: Would you take new Gym promo?

Saving$ wrote:
protagonist wrote:So after my health insurance rebate (I forget if it is $150 or $200/year), my gym membership is almost free..
Please tell us more. Is this a benefit on most health insurance policies that I have managed to not find out about, or do you have special health insurance?
It depends on the insurance and your employer. Not all plans have this benefits. My last 3 employers had this benefit. Current does not
by ejvyas
Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I really need a Smartphone?
Replies: 433
Views: 46377

Re: Do I really need a Smartphone?

Wondering to what extent it is desirable to have a Smartphone capable of 4G or 4G LTE? Are apps noticeably slower on 3G? I currently have a Verizon 3G Mobile Hotspot that I use with my laptop and would love to have 4G for the laptop, but don't know if Smartphone apps generally require the greater speed. In particular, how does turn-by-turn Smartphone navigation work with 3G? How about Pandora? Send/Receive photos? I'm guessing that video sucks with 3G, but I wouldn't be doing that anyway. The reason I ask is that you can save $$ with prepaid Smartphone services like Boost Mobile and StraightTalk - about half the cost of contract Smartphone service with the major carriers. However, Boost (which uses Sprint) doesn't have very good 4G coverag...
by ejvyas
Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Type Of Wallet?
Replies: 90
Views: 19633

Re: What Type Of Wallet Do You Prefer?

DAK wrote:Yes, I use a clip like that cyberbob pic above, they probably cost less than a dollar. I took one off some paper stack that landed on my desk. I have a pretty small one, they come in different sizes.

Regarding coins: I try to pay with most everything from a credit card. If I get coins back I put them in my jacket pocket or pant pocket. I rarely have coins and I don't like coins.
Need it for parking & tolls. Its hard to get around in Boston without coins. Although quite a few accept CC now
by ejvyas
Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Type Of Wallet?
Replies: 90
Views: 19633

Re: What Type Of Wallet Do You Prefer?

CyberBob wrote:Image
What about coins?
by ejvyas
Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone use iPad or iPhone for auto navigation system?
Replies: 77
Views: 8654

Re: Anyone use iPad or iPod for auto navigation system?

Google Maps on Android and waze on iPhone have been our primary GPS since last 1 year. May be that is also the reason for GPS units selling around $100 (those that were selling at $300+)

Only issue you might face is what if someone calls when the GPS is on and in some phones nav+internet will result in rate of discharging being greater than rate of charging
by ejvyas
Fri Mar 08, 2013 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Samsung Galaxy S 4
Replies: 16
Views: 5724

Re: Samsung Galaxy S 4

I wouldn't speculate before the launch. There are already so many rumors going on. Samsung has now gotten "Applitis" wherein they wont reveal anything before the release. Too bad I cant wait without any confirm news.
by ejvyas
Wed Mar 06, 2013 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Samsung Galaxy S 4
Replies: 16
Views: 5724

Re: Samsung Galaxy S 4

Jerilynn wrote:According to the good folks at ATT the S4 will be available for purchase on Thurs. I've got one ordered for pick-up.
How where is it on the website?
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Yearly Portfolio Review
Replies: 3
Views: 1030

Re: Yearly Portfolio Review

Any other suggestions?

Need to make some more money before I can load up on the taxable account. I had to use Extended Market because I did TLH on ex-US last year.
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car servicing at dealership or local mechanic??
Replies: 39
Views: 3824

Re: Car servicing at dealership or local mechanic??

for the first 2 years I went to the dealer. But I always ended spending well over $100 for a simple oil change.Great coffee, WiFi, TV, food (sometimes) but I found their recommendations very vague and not according to the manual. Distance 20 miles one way So I tried a couple of local guys and I was pretty happy with them. If I get the synthetic oil and high performance filter they get the job done for a mere $12. I can buy any parts including tires outside and give it to them for replacement. I spend the savings on extra services. Distance 2 miles In short, I do my own research, get the best performance part for my car which is usually the same price as what a dealer charges for OEM part and then use local mechanic's labor to fit it in my c...
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rabbit TV
Replies: 5
Views: 1050

Re: Rabbit TV

Norris wrote:Thanks, All, for the feedback and link. Think I'll save my money :happy

Norris
Better advice is to invest it wisely :-)
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 20, 2013 7:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A different approach to asset allocation
Replies: 1539
Views: 858408

Re:

nisiprius wrote:Market Timer, I think you should consider making a pilgrimage to Gloucester, Massachusetts, and visit the Babson Boulder Trail. Pay homage to pioneering financial statistician Roger Babson. Bow slightly as you reach each boulder, and, when you reach this one, burn some scripophily in his memory:

Image
I live in MA so this goes on my summer things to do!
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 20, 2013 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Technological alternatives to do not call list
Replies: 16
Views: 2423

Re: Technological alternatives to do not call list

Somehow I never receive any such calls on my cell phone. Except for recruiters but that is because I have my profile active. May be its because you use a land line?
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Republic Wireless Carrier
Replies: 11
Views: 1371

Re: Republic Wireless Carrier

+1 I am curious also,always searching out lower cost providers that provide good service,I see Sprint is carrier if not in wi-fi hotspot. Their coverage map leaves a lot to be desired.Currently I am using Straight Talk and have been for quite a few years.Good price but 19.00 caught my eye this am :happy I see that Straight Talk has a good price but I have a couple of questions: - From what I've read, most people like it but there is some heavy complaints as well - wonder how much of that are people who work for the cell companies trying to dissuade people from using service. - How Straight Talk's coverage zone is - and are there more dropped calls - Ignoring the fact they slow down "internet" use (I'll focus on calls and texting ...
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 20, 2013 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Republic Wireless Carrier
Replies: 11
Views: 1371

Re: Republic Wireless Carrier

I follow Walt : http://allthingsd.com/20130219/for-19-a ... ome-flaws/

For Republic Wireless customers:
I have WiFi only at home. I cant connect to office WiFi and use their network for data/voice since they block some services. Is it okay if we stop WiFi in such areas and rely on cellular network?

Unlimited data is at what speed? 3G or 2G
by ejvyas
Mon Feb 18, 2013 1:24 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Malware warning
Replies: 7
Views: 1783

Re: Malware warning

I just searched the malware database used by Google and got nothing for this site: http://www.stopbadware.org/clearinghouse/search/?url=bogleheads.org http://www.stopbadware.org/clearinghouse/search/?url=www.bogleheads.org As you said, it may have been a link provided by an individual user. While the URL and Img tags are allowed, this is always a risk one takes in any forum. Don't go blindly clicking links posted by other users (including mine, although I swear they're legit :) ) would be the take-away lesson here. Edit: Oh yeah, and use plugins like NoScript, AdBlock, Ghostery, BetterPrivacy, etc to help protect you against any embedded content to external sites that might be a potential source of infection. It was not a link. It was a li...
by ejvyas
Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:58 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Malware warning
Replies: 7
Views: 1783

Re: Malware warning

ok now I know. Dacrons might be hosting malware and a post has linked to dacrons : http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... st=1617621
by ejvyas
Mon Feb 18, 2013 12:55 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Malware warning
Replies: 7
Views: 1783

Malware warning

I am receiving the following message on Chrome when I browse certain posts on Bogleheads. This happened to my website and I used Google Webmaster Tools to detect and remove the SQL injection.

Danger: Malware Ahead!
Google Chrome has blocked access to this page on http://www.bogleheads.org.
Content from http: // www .thedacrons . com, a known malware distributor, has been inserted into this web page. Visiting this page now is very likely to infect your computer with malware.
Malware is malicious software that causes things like identity theft, financial loss, and permanent file deletion. Learn more

[Link broken by admin LadyGeek]
by ejvyas
Sun Feb 17, 2013 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Yearly Portfolio Review
Replies: 3
Views: 1030

Yearly Portfolio Review

I want to get a review for how I am doing right now. I modeled my portfolio on the core-four. We both max out our 401ks (17.5k + 17.5k), HSA(6450) and Roth IRAs(5.5k+5.5k). % might be slightly off since I have rounded them. Emergency funds = 6 months of expenses (separate from AA below & in savings account ) Debt: None Tax Filing Status: Married filing Jointly Tax Rate: 25 % Federal 5.3% State MA Age: 30 Desired Asset allocation: (70 stocks/ 30 bonds) Intl allocation: 21 % of stocks Current portfolio about low 6 fig Current Retirement Assets Taxable (Vanguard) VTSAX (Vanguard Total Stock Mkt Idx Adm) (0.07) 14.5% VTIAX (Vanguard Total Intl Stock Index Admiral) 5.5% Roth IRA (Vanguard) His VGSLX (Vanguard REIT Index Adm) (0.1) 6% Her VTI...
by ejvyas
Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VOIP App
Replies: 9
Views: 2260

Re: VOIP App

Skype (you need to purchase a SkypeOut plan)
Vonage (max 3000 months)
Talkatone (combined with GV)
GrooveIP (combined with GV, App is not free)

Google Voice is free only from a PC isnt it? You can still use it for SMS from phone.

Remember you will need a WiFi connection that allows VOIP.
by ejvyas
Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unexpected lawyer fees [Immigration Attorney]
Replies: 39
Views: 3455

Re: Good news!

StormShadow, an e-mail is fine... No threats. Just a plain vanilla, factual, and short letter to the effect the bill appears to be in error, and why. Avoid accusatorial language. Maybe it was a simple mistake (although I doubt that). Anyway, allow the attorney a graceful exit ("oops, my (fill in the blank) sent this erroneously. Disregard."). As others have suggested, politely inquire and note the apparent error first... Screw-ups happen, at both ends. Make sure it's not more than that before getting too upset. Give them a chance to make it right before escalating. So I did what you all recommended and sent an email. (Actually, I first consulted my corporate attorney cousin, who reviewed the documents, said exactly what you guys ...
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 13, 2013 12:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My HSA just got a lot better!
Replies: 24
Views: 7670

Re: My HSA just got a lot better!

Got an email about the new funds :beer
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 06, 2013 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Our cable bill is over $200 !!!
Replies: 89
Views: 14399

Re: Our cable bill is over $200 !!!

comcast Internet + TV (just basic 10 channels) = $35
ad free TV series/movies from public library = free
wife and I have ATT cell phones = $50 x 2
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 05, 2013 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Accident Question
Replies: 18
Views: 2454

Re: Car Accident Question

snyder66 wrote:So far, The other insurance company has been much more helpful than ours. They offered to get her a rental car. They also said they were at fault. So far, I am not at all please with our insurance company.
Exactly what happened to me 4 yrs back. I convinced the other ins company for a rental car whereas my insurance company did not help me with anything. I dealt with the other company throughout to get my car repaired. First thing after I got back my car I changed my insurance.

In my case the police had ticketed the other car for failing to halt at a stop sign and I had witness too
by ejvyas
Thu Jan 31, 2013 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Can I Tell If My Dentist is Good One?
Replies: 133
Views: 22425

Re: How Can I Tell If My Dentist is Good One?

Why in the world did I read this thread :oops: I did not learn how to evaluate a dentist but it sure does make me nervous as I have an appointment coming up :annoyed
by ejvyas
Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto insurance (in this study, Geico consistently lowest cos
Replies: 32
Views: 5024

Re: Auto insurance (in this study, Geico consistently lowest

Geico has quoted very aggressively since entering MA; better quotes than other well established insurance companies here.
by ejvyas
Wed Jan 23, 2013 11:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody here go all-Linux for personal computing?
Replies: 117
Views: 11674

Re: Anybody here go all-Linux for personal computing?

My old PC is a '90s-vintage Dell P2, 64MB ram, 20/10GB partitioned IDE HDs (primary/data backup), Win98SE, dialup connection, DVD burner. It does not support USB stick memories. It has been rock-solid since new and SpinRite keeps the 15+ yo HDs in good condition. You can order Linux install DVDs, but the 64MB ram may be the biggest problem. Even the Raspberry Pi is shipping with four times that much. There's a browser named Opera that should work with Taxact, but I can't find any place on their web site that says if it will run on Windows 98. That's an old machine you've got there. 64MB is the problem. For that vintage PC, look at Puppy Linux. I have it running on a Thinkpad 600E laptop (288MB RAM = 256MB + 32MB)which I haven't used in a y...