Search found 406 matches

by brokendirtdart
Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?
Replies: 92
Views: 10642

Re: Nice home, nice neighborhood, unsavory neighbors – options?

vanuber wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 3:49 pm We have installed security cameras and last weekend I put up a motion-sensing flood light that faces their side door, where guests frequent (the brightest I could find!).
Keep pinching the dog's tail and eventually the dog will nip at you.

You're asking for real problems with the light.
by brokendirtdart
Sun Dec 31, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Claims Reputation
Replies: 51
Views: 5735

Re: USAA Claims Reputation

We've never had a problem but I'd point out we are USAA top tier (retired officer, decades of reasonable claims history, low risk) not lower tier GIC, CIC, Guardian etc. May make a difference. USAA offers different service to officers than enlisted? news to me :annoyed very helpful thread Senior NCOs, WOs, and Os qualify for USAA's 'top tier' of USAA with better rates and the subscriber savings account. On military related social media, you'll often see gripes about USAA's rates. Nine times out of ten it is junior enlisted or mid grade NCOs. *********************************** I've only had one claim with USAA in about 25 years of being a customer. A not at fault auto accident in my 10+ year old truck in 2018 near Fort Polk, LA. Everything...
by brokendirtdart
Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slightly confused on what I owe from furnace maintenance visit and if I was scammed?
Replies: 77
Views: 8537

Re: Slightly confused on what I owe from furnace maintenance visit and if I was scammed?

snackdog wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:41 pm Furnace and AC service is somewhat of a scam. It is unnecessary but pushed by larger service companies largely as a way to gain access to your equipment and find expensive problems to fix.
Oil is a very common form of heat here, and this is absolutely not the case with oil burners. Especially with direct vent systems that will want to soot up the side of your house once things get dirty or wonky.
by brokendirtdart
Fri Nov 03, 2023 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding and buying land
Replies: 11
Views: 1358

Re: Finding and buying land

Most everything here is listed in MLS which populates the various aps. Each of the aps have their pros and cons, but I used Realtor.com and Redfin as they updated more quickly and had more useful overlays which assisted in initial screenings. It was about a three month process before i settled on a lot. I started with having my realtor set up automated screens in my search area. Eventually I grew out of that and simply did my own screens using the aps, found an interesting lot or two, did some initial map research, and then a drive by. If I liked what I saw I asked her to send me what was in MLS on the lot and asked if I could walk it. Buying raw land is a bit less stressful than buying a house, but if you're buying land to build on know th...
by brokendirtdart
Fri Sep 08, 2023 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cute small towns
Replies: 100
Views: 13528

Re: cute small towns

tennisplyr wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2023 7:27 am Newport Rhode Island...cliff walk, mansions, tennis hall of fame.
Newport has been a city since the 1700s.

Has a 25K population and is far from a small town.

It's also crowded as heck with tourists.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Sep 05, 2023 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Funding New Home Construction and Portfolio Review
Replies: 13
Views: 1852

Re: Funding New Home Construction and Portfolio Review

So free bump as my comment will be something you already know. I'm having a house built in northern NH. Your anticipated budget might be a little low, but I'm also having a house built on a handshake deal so there is that. With only $100K towards land + dirtwork + well/septic/foundation I'll assume you're looking at a smaller lot and that is fine. Be sure to anticipate electric being brought in from the street if you're doing buried. Here Eversource will run 300' free until it hits the meter-I left my meter at the street so as to limit their access to my land so I'm paying for the 250' run. Another "hidden" cost will be the final grade and finish dirtwork such as additional topsoil, or final driveway work. I've got the dirtwork gu...
by brokendirtdart
Sat Sep 02, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling Raw Land
Replies: 15
Views: 1929

Re: Selling Raw Land

When I bought land in 2021, the listing broker received 10%.

As with all things, it comes down to the contracts and your local RE laws.
by brokendirtdart
Thu Aug 31, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Curious Amazon Fraud?
Replies: 26
Views: 4241

Re: Curious Amazon Fraud?

pizzy wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:13 pm

How does it taste?
I'll stick to my gin and tonics thank you. :D
by brokendirtdart
Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Curious Amazon Fraud?
Replies: 26
Views: 4241

Re: Curious Amazon Fraud?

A month ago I received an unordered package from Amazon: the complete collection of 1950s Gumby TV shows on DVD along with a real Gumby! Now I like Gumby but I didn’t order it. I quizzed my family and nobody ordered it for me. And I had no orders in my account for it. I’ve heard there’s something called a “brushing” scam where someone sends you miscellaneous stuff from Amazon so they can somehow get the “verified purchase” banner on their fake review. Not sure how that works but that’s what I read. Here’s more: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20509-brushing-scam-indicates-a-serious-problem-for-victims This happened to me today. I noticed an incoming Amazon package in USPS's Informed Delivery towards to beginning of the week. I ch...
by brokendirtdart
Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New England Vacation
Replies: 18
Views: 1763

Re: New England Vacation

tman9940 wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 2:59 pm
Mon Sep 20- Stop near Mt. Washington, NH ( would love suggestions on a motel around 100-150 a night)
I've stayed at the Residence Inn in North Conway and a bit out of your way, but the Plymouth Fairfield Inn as well. Both options were clean and convenient. The North Conway option is within easy stumbling distances to restaurants.

Have also stayed at the Hampton Inn in Littleton and it was just OK. The Applebees in the parking lot is mediocre even for an Applebees. Tons of other good food in Littleton-even the 99(New England chain) is good.
by brokendirtdart
Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Tools reminds me - the M18 chainsaw has gone above and beyond what I thought it would do, so far that my friend who has a very nice gas powered saw (30 inch bar) will use the M18 unless he needs the bar size. Yep, the battery powered saws punch above their weight class for dealing with brush. They have their quirks and I wouldn't use them for felling(I have though) as batteries perform a bit different than gas, but I've got no problems with them. Super convenient and you don't need ear pro. I had an Ego cordless saw which I gave to my dad as he's getting a bit too old to be pulling a cord. That and replacement batteries are extremely expensive considering how long they last. It is often cheaper to buy a new tool which comes with a battery ...
by brokendirtdart
Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

With my current day to day life, I'm going to throw in a Husqvarna 550 XP MkII chainsaw. I've been abusing it just about every day trying to thin out the woods around my new house. Starting with just 25' in, but want to eventually get it thinned out 100' in. That's a couple year's work of work though.

Of my two saws, the 572XP(>$1K) being the other, that 550 gets used 90% of the time.
by brokendirtdart
Sat Aug 19, 2023 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

lol, Sig finally got one of their modern guns right with the 365. Hard to believe I can fit 12 rounds in something the size of a G43 which i owned and then sold. Down to just two Sigs now. I think I'm at six Glocks. Due to an interesting living situation, I'm carrying a G20 with a light and hardcast to the restroom every day. The joys of not lining up the end of a rental with the completion of a new house. At least my basement is cozy though. :D I have never owned a gun except for a BB rifle. But I did read a book on the Glock, which was quite an intriguing read. For some reason Massachusetts bans their ownership. They're generally thought of as the most reliable and easy to use semi automatic pistol. Point and shoot concept. Very safe &am...
by brokendirtdart
Sat Aug 19, 2023 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best No Fee Grocery credit card
Replies: 57
Views: 6352

Re: Best No Fee Grocery credit card

radiowave wrote: Thu Aug 17, 2023 2:49 pm Using the AMEX blue cash everyday (no annual fee) and get 3% on groceries plus have the store discount on selected items which adds another 1-2% return.
Their preferred card is the only fee card I kept. It's also my only AMEX, so it keeps me linked to various AMEX benefits.

I only use it for groceries(6%) and gas (3%). I will more than recover the fee-even when I consider my two Chase cards(FF and Amz) occasionally rotate add grocery/gas as a rotating category. The last time I did the math, I was earning more than 3% cash back after the fee.

I'm hours away from all the niche stores mentioned up thread, so having a general grocery card like BCP benefits me.
by brokendirtdart
Fri Aug 18, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with first home inspection!
Replies: 24
Views: 1923

Re: Help with first home inspection!

Do your contingencies allow you to walk away after an inspection like that, because the mysterious oil maybe there/maybe not there would have me running. i have no desire to deal with remediation for that in any state, but especially not one like NJ who is known for layered regulations.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Aug 15, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Hickok 45 3 Fund Portfolio
Replies: 14
Views: 2034

Re: Hickok 45 3 Fund Portfolio

One of my goals is to build out my range like his and spend hours banging steel. Have about 3-400 yards to play with depending on how i lay it out.

Of course running water and moving out of my basement is a more pressing concern. :happy
by brokendirtdart
Wed Aug 09, 2023 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of my wallet?
Replies: 101
Views: 10827

Re: I am almost there

On my iPhone: legal driver's license in state-issued app While it is great to have the option in a pinch because everyone has forgotten/misplaced their wallet at least once, I am quite reluctant to hand a cop/store employee/whomever my phone to drop or do whatever with. I carry versions of these cheap front pocket wallets. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GAJ8KMK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1 Usually get them for about $5 each. In it are my two IDs, two medical/insurance IDs, 3 credit cards(general spend, grocery, and restaurant/rotating category), an ATM card, and $100 in mixed bills. There are a few cash only businesses near me that I visit from time to time. It lives in my truck while I'm at home, and ...
by brokendirtdart
Fri Aug 04, 2023 6:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

- bundle of Milwaukee tools - iPhone - commercial weed eater w/handlebars (back saver!) - Glock 19 (everyday carry pistol) Fellow G19 edc’er ❤️ Gen3? Optic or irons? I carry a Gen5 MOS with irons OWB in the winter. Sig P365 with a 12 round mag in the summer. I've somehow ended up with three G19s :confused Gen4, Gen5, Gen5MOS. Nice piece! Lose the sig bro. :twisted: One cannot have too many Glocks lol, Sig finally got one of their modern guns right with the 365. Hard to believe I can fit 12 rounds in something the size of a G43 which i owned and then sold. Down to just two Sigs now. I think I'm at six Glocks. Due to an interesting living situation, I'm carrying a G20 with a light and hardcast to the restroom every day. The joys of not linin...
by brokendirtdart
Thu Aug 03, 2023 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

There’s a handful: Glock19, paddle board, nice steel cookware, water filtration, red light therapy, nice pickleball paddle Interested in more details regarding your water filtration, including why you chose to install one. Thanks! We got a full house water filter system from SpringWell on sale. Installed myself. Amazing… Thanks. I am assuming that it is NOT this? https://www.springwellwater.com/product/dual-systems/water-filter-salt-free-softener/?msclkid=da8235b1a2b1176d64e75179ecd34103 Your filter needs will be determined by what is wrong with your water. Highly recommend a test by a company not affiliated with filter installs--no sales push after the test. The last place I rented had a Whirlpool WHKF-DWHV which we used with simple 20 mi...
by brokendirtdart
Thu Aug 03, 2023 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28752

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

TinyHouse wrote: Mon Jul 31, 2023 10:55 pm
MillennialFinance19 wrote: Sun Jul 30, 2023 5:52 am - bundle of Milwaukee tools
- iPhone
- commercial weed eater w/handlebars (back saver!)
- Glock 19 (everyday carry pistol)
Fellow G19 edc’er ❤️

Gen3? Optic or irons?
I carry a Gen5 MOS with irons OWB in the winter.

Sig P365 with a 12 round mag in the summer.

I've somehow ended up with three G19s :confused Gen4, Gen5, Gen5MOS.
by brokendirtdart
Wed Aug 02, 2023 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: From SF Rowhome to Condo before the first kid - consideration, caution, risk, rationality
Replies: 12
Views: 1316

Re: From SF Rowhome to Condo before the first kid - consideration, caution, risk, rationality

leeks wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 12:18 pm You can sell the current place and rent something like the condo until the right place to buy turns up.

With a monthly condo fee, the OP would essentially be renting that as well.

IMO OP should consider renting an apartment. They can run rent to own numbers, but also may consider the convenience of renting vs owning.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Aug 01, 2023 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Architectural plans and Framing plan?
Replies: 10
Views: 990

Re: Architectural plans and Framing plan?

theplayer11 wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 6:36 am Northeast..quoted $500-700 sq ft. This is insane, but not from just 1 builder. Small coastal town.
I grew up on Cape Cod.

The market has changed a bit since I left.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Aug 01, 2023 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Architectural plans and Framing plan?
Replies: 10
Views: 990

Re: Architectural plans and Framing plan?

Maybe ask your builder (if you have already chosen one) and your town permitting office what they need. In rural Maine we only needed a building permit and plumbing inspection. Much will be specific to your location. I drew our electrical plan myself, which worked fine for us. We also worked with a designer rather than a full fledged architect. +1 Everything is highly variable from town to town and state to state. The builder knows what is going on it that area if you have one. Most builders worth their salt are booked a couple+ years out. The main point of contact for bureaucratic stuff will be the town clerk in most north east towns-they'll point folks in the right direction-call Bob. Having a house built in NW New Hampshire. Only permit...
by brokendirtdart
Mon Jul 31, 2023 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Evaluating property for purchase: high seasonal water table
Replies: 18
Views: 1712

Re: Evaluating property for purchase: high seasonal water table

You're going to end up spending a lot more on permits, and surveys, and testing, and inspections than you have any idea you will. There's a reason it's a deal. I do agree that it is cheap for a reason. Permitting is highly location dependent. Where I'm building, there are only two required permits and those are codified in state law. Driveway permit- free & handwaived by the town road agent-"put in a 15" pipe and you're good" and septic-approved by the state. No zoning, no inspections, nothing else. OP, the water table is something to be aware of, but that language wouldn't concern me. It's mostly standard septic plan language. The SHWT on mine is 20". I would have to evaluate the lot as a whole though. This is a fu...
by brokendirtdart
Sun Jul 30, 2023 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chasing the Northern Lights: Alaska
Replies: 14
Views: 1722

Re: Chasing the Northern Lights: Alaska

I've seen them in a training area just SW of Delta Junction there. September timeframe. The only pic I have is unimpressive due to a truck driving in and an illumination round drifting through.

In reality, you should be able to find plenty of places in northern/interior AK without light pollution so you can see them while they're out.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Jul 11, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Property Manager needs copy of SS card
Replies: 19
Views: 2830

Re: Property Manager needs copy of SS card

LongMoney wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 3:43 pm She contended that they need a SS card photo for identity verification.
The SS card is not proof of identity. They have your name, number, and you've passed their background checks. They know you're who you say you are.

This property manager either doesn't know what he/she is doing, or it is a company with unnecessary policies that you probably don't want to rent from.

I play very fast and loose with my SSN as it has been exposed hundreds of times and even china has a copy. I would not entertain this request. I wouldn't be surprised if it is illegal in some states.
by brokendirtdart
Mon Jul 10, 2023 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shooting ranges in New England
Replies: 11
Views: 1530

Re: Shooting ranges in New England

Coming from the UK, you're likely not bringing firearms but heed the above warnings about Massachusetts. You'll spend time in jail if you bring a firearm there. As already mentioned, most of the real ranges here are private clubs so the shooting scene is kind of lame compared to elsewhere. I mostly just shoot on my own land nowadays. Rental places I know of in NH: *The above mentioned range in Belmont. Belmont Firearms and Range. I've only been in to browse, but found their prices too high. Their range rates seemed reasonable. *Manchester Firing Line-you can't rent if solo. I have only been in there to buy a pistol. *White Birch Armory--They advertise a significant rental collection, but are way too far south for me to go. These are unfortu...
by brokendirtdart
Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Workbench with drawers.
Replies: 24
Views: 1529

Re: Workbench with drawers.

IMO, it's going to depend on your use.

I don't think the store bought roller benches will stand up to use.

If you're going to be beating on it, you might be better off building your own and then choosing a separate roller chest for storage.

2x4 basics make decent leg kits and Home Depot/Lowes will cut your plywood to size. I doubled up on the top layer so it is a good 1.5" of plywood and also put some stall mat from Tractor Supply on mine.

If you're not going to be beating on it, IMO just pick anything and go.
by brokendirtdart
Mon Jul 03, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Final Retirement Location
Replies: 87
Views: 8786

Re: Final Retirement Location

jebmke wrote: Mon Jul 03, 2023 6:51 am

quality of life
health care access

A problem with deciding where to retire while young is a person's views on what QOL is to them may change.

Likewise health care needs. A person in their 30s may have never needed any specialty medical care. That likely changes as we age.

Concur on creating a generic list of criteria though. It is pretty much exactly what I did before picking my retirement state and then retirement town.
by brokendirtdart
Sun Jul 02, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity has removed the ability to see number of shares
Replies: 73
Views: 8784

Re: Fidelity has removed the ability to see number of shares

Just viewed my taxable fido account via the iPad app.

Shares were readily available under "positions".
by brokendirtdart
Thu Jun 29, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying new iPhone: Verizon vs. Apple store
Replies: 40
Views: 11831

Re: Buying new iPhone: Verizon vs. Apple store

Anecdotal. Every time I buy from a B&M Apple Store I walk out with a fully functioning iPhone. Similar with when I buy from Apple's online store. I bought a 12 Pro Max from a Verizon store as I had a $300 coupon. It was here is your phone, it is active , transfer the data, and send your old one to Apple or somewhere I forgot where. This was in the middle of covid reactions and the store was being a pain to deal with. I get home, transfer the data, and the phone is not active. Now I have to drive 15 minutes to get into Verizon cell coverage with my two non functioning iPhones and my functioning Google Fi phone and call Verizon customer service. Fifteen minutes of hold time, a bunch of reading random numbers off the phone, and it is final...
by brokendirtdart
Wed Jun 28, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
Replies: 58
Views: 5646

Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?

You ever drive in New Hampshire?

No liability insurance is required for the majority here. No seatbelts either.

I still carry UIM insurance.
by brokendirtdart
Wed Jun 28, 2023 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Summer Heat Escape US Destinations?
Replies: 48
Views: 4325

Re: Summer Heat Escape US Destinations?

Currently in New Hampshire. Northern New England is hot during the day, very humid, and buggy. The bugs are ridiculous this year for some reason as well. I think I killed 10 mosquitos just blinking my eyes the other day. :annoyed It is more palatable on the coast though. I know hot is relative, but I spent much of my adult life living in North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas so I know heat. I'll often sweat more while working outside here than I did in LA. The Lakes Region of NH gets horribly overcrowded in the summer, but there are off the beaten path areas which are nice. I loved my years in Alaska, but interior AK can get hot. One summer near Anchorage, we only saw two days which were above 70. Tons of stuff to do within an hour's drive o...
by brokendirtdart
Mon Jun 19, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to easily transfer money from Vanguard to checking?
Replies: 37
Views: 4508

Re: How to easily transfer money from Vanguard to checking?

https://i.postimg.cc/tRdSqQrV/1.jpg Hit the three dots and select send me the money(or whatever the appropriate option is). I've been doing this once or twice a month for the last couple years as I've been building a house out of my taxable account. If I submit the transfer in the morning of a business day, it is always in my bank account that evening. That is interesting -- and a bit unexpected. I would have thought that they would need to liquidate shares of a fund (even a MM fund) before the cash would be available. To clarify, this is for money that is already in the settlement fund. If you're selling a fund, you have the option of putting sending the proceeds to your bank account or into the settlement fund. I personally choose the se...
by brokendirtdart
Mon Jun 19, 2023 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to easily transfer money from Vanguard to checking?
Replies: 37
Views: 4508

Re: How to easily transfer money from Vanguard to checking?

Image

Hit the three dots and select send me the money(or whatever the appropriate option is).

I've been doing this once or twice a month for the last couple years as I've been building a house out of my taxable account.

If I submit the transfer in the morning of a business day, it is always in my bank account that evening.
by brokendirtdart
Sat Jun 10, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best East coast beach town to live in
Replies: 93
Views: 12237

Re: Best East coast beach town to live in

Chatham, Orleans, or Eastham, MA. Realize you will have to go 'off Cape' for any specialty health care.
Westerly, RI area is OK too.
by brokendirtdart
Mon May 15, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement Window Alternatives? Just New Storms?
Replies: 15
Views: 1912

Re: Replacement Window Alternatives? Just New Storms?

investor5000 wrote: Sun May 14, 2023 3:10 pm

We are in the Northeast US,
For localish options Paradigm Windows is based out of Portland.

Their 'premium' line(8 series) ticked a lot of the boxes I was looking at for a new build in northern NH. Grid between glass, tilt in for cleaning, half screens which slide up, and LowE.
by brokendirtdart
Wed May 10, 2023 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE Bond
Replies: 5
Views: 730

Re: EE Bond

You'll get an email from Treasury Direct that your bond has matured and the proceeds have been used to purchase a "Zero Percent Certificate of Indebtedness". My emails always come between the 1st and the 3rd of the month.

You then log in to TD and withdraw the money. They will not direct deposit it unless you request.
by brokendirtdart
Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: E-books and e-book readers (apps)
Replies: 53
Views: 4529

Re: E-books and e-book readers (apps)

alexbogle wrote: Wed Apr 19, 2023 6:39 am I would recommend an e-ink device such as a Kindle. When traveling you don't want to waste your phone battery. Kindle has amazing battery. Kindle also works great outdoors in direct sunlight which you probablywant to wnjoy while on vacation. Kindle is small; will barely take up any space. Kindle can read books borrowed through libby.
I like to spend as much time as possible lounging around outside. Being able to use it outside in the sun is the sole reason I have a Kindle Paperwhite. It has absolutely no glare problems and is easy to hold/read with one hand.

Inside, the Kindle app on my iPad is preferred. I only use the iPhone app if I am stuck in a waiting room or something.
by brokendirtdart
Sun Apr 09, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling House and Putting Furniture in Storage
Replies: 12
Views: 1191

Re: Selling House and Putting Furniture in Storage

If you're looking for retirement property nearby, why move twice when you only have to move once?

I understand if you're looking on the other side of the country.

Concur with the start getting rid of excess now. It is fun to see space opening up where you used to have 'clutter'.

On the retirement property search, have you considered raw land and then building? It is more expensive than buying existing stock, but you get the house you want. I'm doing this now. It has quite a few different considerations as opposed to buying a house, but it's fun.
by brokendirtdart
Sat Apr 01, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Translating legal description of property
Replies: 27
Views: 10269

Re: Translating legal description of property

This is old, but the issue has come up again. If I need this legal description translated: 1) Can I do this myself? I live in a pretty big county and don't know what kind of online resources are available. I doubt I can..but worth asking. 2) If not, what kind of professional would be able to do this? 3) Is there software that might do this? To recap, this is a legal description of part of a property. Essentially, the common areas of a town home development. I am posting more of the description with the subdivisions/county blocked out for privacy reasons: THE WEST 20.60 FEET OF THE EAST 65.0 FEET OF THE NORTH 272.25 FEET, TOGETHER WITH THAT PART OF THE EAST 44.40 FEET OF THE SOUTH 8.52 FEET OF THE NORTH 81.55 FEET (AS MEASURED ON THE EAST L...
by brokendirtdart
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?
Replies: 22
Views: 2373

Re: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?

Does the noise stop when you apply the brakes? If yes, then that is an indicator of a worn pad. Pop the wheels off and take a look. It's a 10 minute DIY to visually check it out. Add some time if you want to pull the calipers off. Unless the pad had a complete failure such as the backing plate separating from the friction material, your pads are probably fine. I had that happen to a set of pads, but it was after 80K miles. Plenty of material left-it just separated. It could be any number of things, pins rusting so the pads don't slide, leaks in the brake lines, master cylinder issues(vacuum booster or electric?), stuck pistons, rust on the rotors which will get scrubbed off with driving, complete malfunction of the pads, or you drive like y...
by brokendirtdart
Fri Mar 17, 2023 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long should I plan for it to take for money to go from Vanguard fund to my checking account?
Replies: 38
Views: 11137

Re: How long should I plan for it to take for money to go from Vanguard fund to my checking account?

Leesbro63 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 8:18 am
MrJedi wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:48 am
Leesbro63 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:41 am FWIW, I have been pleasantly surprised to find that Fidelity ACH transfers show up in my checking account ON THE SAME DAY. I usually do my stuff in the morning, so I'm not sure if this is still the case for transfers initiated later in the day. But Fidelity has been recently consistently transferring money from my Fido account to my bank account ON THE SAME DAY. (If they can do it, it makes me wonder why Vanguard and the others can't/won't/don't).
Vanguard does the same thing.
That's not been my experience.

It has been same day for me at Vanguard for 18 transactions going back to October 2021.
by brokendirtdart
Fri Mar 17, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long should I plan for it to take for money to go from Vanguard fund to my checking account?
Replies: 38
Views: 11137

Re: How long should I plan for it to take for money to go from Vanguard fund to my checking account?

I've been using funds from Vanguard to build a house.

It hits my bank account the evening I submit the transfer funds order.

Example and let's assume day 1 is Monday a business day:

Day 1: Submit sell order it executes at close of business that day
Day 2 AM: See money available to withdraw(usually around 8AM) and submit transfer order
Day 2 PM: Usually around 8PM, get a text from my bank that a deposit has been made and see the money in my account.

It has been the same way for the last year +.
by brokendirtdart
Sun Mar 12, 2023 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars - [What have you previously owned?]
Replies: 59
Views: 5738

Re: Cars - [What have you previously owned?]

Boring here as well.

1. 79 Chevy C10. Straight 6 250, 4 on floor.
2. 86 Dodge W100. 318
3. 93 Dodge W250. Cummins
4. 79 Lancia Beta. Broke something in the engine. Junked it.
5. 86 Fiat Duna 60. I think it was 86.
6. 01 Dodge W250. Cummins. I think it was 01.
7. 08 Toyota Tacoma. 4.0
8. 21 Ram 1500. 5.7-has the best gas mileage of any of my trucks.
by brokendirtdart
Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Temporary Bedding?
Replies: 23
Views: 1989

Re: Best Temporary Bedding?

I've used all sorts of stuff from air mattresses, folding litters, cots, and just sleeping on the floor as I moved every couple of years for the last 30 years.

Get a cot. Easy to set up, lighter than an air mattress, is elevated almost like a bed so you can get in and out of it easier, is elevated so it is harder for bugs like roaches to crawl on your face in the middle of the night(that was a charming way to wake up), can be used as a seat, and is rigid so it is nice for the back after a long day of working on the house.
by brokendirtdart
Sat Mar 04, 2023 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood Burning Fireplace Insert
Replies: 44
Views: 4046

Re: Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

guitarguy wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:08 am

Also - any guidance as far as a shelter for it? I've seen many houses in the neighborhood with firewood piles stacked against the garage...however our house configuration won't tend to that as the fireplace couldn't be farther from the garage. The nice thing is we have an outside walk out door right in the room with the fireplace in it!
Bunches of plans here, but I would recommend mapping out their materials lists vs going by what they note there: https://gardenplansfree.com/category/sh ... hed-plans/

I'm probably going to do similar to their six cord shed but put it up on piers instead of having it rest on the ground.
by brokendirtdart
Fri Mar 03, 2023 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood Burning Fireplace Insert
Replies: 44
Views: 4046

Re: Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

warning...random disorganized thoughts from an opinionated person. I heat solely with wood in central NH. Burning between two to three cords yearly for a 1K sq ft rental house. Having a 1400 sq ft house built in northern NH and already have five cords stacked there waiting for the upcoming winter. I would seal off the fire place and have a free standing wood stove installed. Not an insert. Your installer can run a stainless chimney pipe though your existing chimney if your current chimney is not up to snuff. The free standing stove will put more heat into the house and not require a blower like an insert. The free standing stove is also generally easier to maintain. You cannot cook on a vast majority of inserts and you also can't put a stea...
by brokendirtdart
Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to block neighbor's new construction in California
Replies: 51
Views: 6456

Re: How to block neighbor's new construction in California

wrendan wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:08 pm Could you imagine the headache if you had to get neighbor approval to any changes to your property?
Or if I even had to tell my neighbor. Which I would as I get along with them.

My no zoning, no permitting, no inspecting little corner of northern New England continues to be ideal for me.
by brokendirtdart
Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to block neighbor's new construction in California
Replies: 51
Views: 6456

Re: How to block neighbor's new construction in California

My personal opinion is if my name is not on the deed, I have no say in how my neighbor uses his property. That is between him and the town.

I would consider a tall fence.