Search found 665 matches

by shunkman
Thu Nov 23, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
Replies: 246
Views: 38150

H&R Block Tax Software Black Friday Deals

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

I'm hoping to save a dollar or two on this years H&R Block tax software. Are there any black Friday deals available for this this year?
by shunkman
Mon Nov 20, 2023 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gloves for moving thin bezel LED TV
Replies: 21
Views: 2078

Re: Gloves for moving thin bezel LED TV

I didn't realize special gloves were needed for this. I learn so much here.
by shunkman
Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need some advice on storage units
Replies: 21
Views: 2347

Re: Need some advice on storage units

I rented a storage unit once from a "reputable" national company. They raised the rates every few months, not annually. And my stored belongings became mouse infested. Never again.
by shunkman
Wed Sep 20, 2023 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best space saving bike rack?
Replies: 36
Views: 3550

Re: Best space saving bike rack?

I have a hitch mounted bike rack for my car. I mounted a hitch receiver on a wall in my garage and then I insert the rack and load the bikes on to it. It saves space and is a good way to store the rack itself.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR9S9B9B?re ... tails&th=1
by shunkman
Mon Sep 04, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jersey shore or DE beach town for Empty Nesters??
Replies: 70
Views: 7391

Re: Jersey shore or DE beach town for Empty Nesters??

Compared to NJ, DE beach towns seem to have better bike trails and more natural areas if that's important to you.
by shunkman
Mon Jul 10, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aldi supermarket?
Replies: 106
Views: 11168

Re: Aldi supermarket?

Rib-eye steaks!
by shunkman
Mon May 15, 2023 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does Marriage in Pennsylvania Require an Officiant?
Replies: 4
Views: 864

Re: Does Marriage in Pennsylvania Require an Officiant?

Why not just go to the local District Justice? It's quick and easy and no need to bring you own witnesses.
by shunkman
Wed May 03, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy your steak from these days?
Replies: 52
Views: 5680

Re: Where do you buy your steak from these days?

Woodshark wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 8:24 pm After trying all the local grocery stores, we found that that the boneless ribeye steaks from Aldi are by far the best deal. Seriously good steaks. Being in our late 50's and early 60's we realize we shouldn't eat them every day but we do split a single 1lb-ish one about every Sunday.
+1
by shunkman
Sun Apr 30, 2023 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Antivirus do you use and why? (Windows)
Replies: 40
Views: 3455

Re: Which Antivirus do you use and why? (Windows)

Windows Defender. Cancelling Norton AV made me almost as happy as when I cancelled Comcast.
by shunkman
Sat Apr 29, 2023 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Big Bend National Park
Replies: 15
Views: 2238

Re: Big Bend National Park

While visiting Big Bend about 30 some years ago, I remember taking a rowboat across the Rio Grande to Mexico and then riding a burro into a dusty town where I had beer and tacos. This is still one of my fondest memories. I think you can still do this, and I highly recommend it.
by shunkman
Wed Mar 29, 2023 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Speed queen owners- TR5 or TC5? Any issues?
Replies: 13
Views: 3772

Re: Speed queen owners- TR5 or TC5? Any issues?

We have had the TC5 for a couple of years now with zero problems. We would buy it again. It is solid as a rock and it has yet to go off balance.
by shunkman
Sat Mar 18, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hiking and Other activities- Tucson AZ
Replies: 16
Views: 1266

Re: Hiking and Other activities- Tucson AZ

ejm009 wrote: Sat Mar 18, 2023 2:16 pm Picacho Peak State Park and Mount Lemon are popular with hikers.
Climbing to the top of Picacho Peak is one of my most memorable hikes. But it should not be attempted by inexperienced hikers or those that are afraid of heights.
by shunkman
Sat Mar 18, 2023 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake pads worn out after less than 3000 miles, options?
Replies: 22
Views: 2346

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

Sometimes a small stone can get caught in the brake system. Try driving in reverse and see if the sound changes.
by shunkman
Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty
Replies: 31
Views: 3818

Re: Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty

TarHeel2002 wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:29 pm It is a vehicle service agreement. 8 year 125k didn’t seem too bad to me either considering I’m hanging into this car long term. Do I really have until 3 yr 36k to decide? That’s great
Yes, you have 3 years/36k to decide.

This is the quote I got for a 2020 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. A Seinna shouldn't be much different. Everything was handled via email and credit card.

Toyota Extra Care, Platinum coverage with $0 deductible: 8 yrs. / 125K - $1505.00
by shunkman
Fri Mar 17, 2023 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty
Replies: 31
Views: 3818

Re: Toyota Extra Care Platinum Warranty

Is it a warranty or a vehicle service agreement? Generally, VSAs do not cover everything that the original warranty covers. And if it is a VSA then you can probably save half the $2895 cost by purchasing it online from a dealer that discounts VSAs. Toyota of Greenfield, MA was one such dealer. And you have until 36,000 miles to decide if you still think you need this.
by shunkman
Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FEHB: Mail Handlers Benefit Plan Standard with Aetna Medicare Advantage
Replies: 21
Views: 3126

Re: FEHB: Mail Handlers Benefit Plan Standard with Aetna Medicare Advantage

OpenMinded1 wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:03 am
Striker wrote: Wed Mar 08, 2023 11:00 am Make that 2025.
https://www.21cpw.com/usps-postal-servi ... s-in-2025/
Thanks. Hadn't heard about that. I'll have to look into it. I wonder what the rationale is. Seems like it would raise rates because group size will be reduced.
Supposedly this will reduce the costs for Postal retirees/employees and the Postal Service as a whole, without a reduction in benefits. I'll believe it when I see it.
by shunkman
Wed Mar 08, 2023 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: noisy bathroom exhaust fan because of ductwork ?
Replies: 11
Views: 1212

Re: noisy bathroom exhaust fan because of ductwork ?

Is the fan blade assembly loose on the shaft? This was the cause of my noisy bathroom fan.
by shunkman
Mon Mar 06, 2023 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How secure is self storage?
Replies: 25
Views: 3221

Re: How secure is self storage?

If you don't mind your stuff becoming mouse infested and you don't mind rent increases every few months, then self-storage is the way to go.
by shunkman
Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Let's talk drones
Replies: 15
Views: 1932

Re: Let's talk drones

It appears that you need a drone with an obstacle avoidance function. Even my cheap DJI Spark has this.
by shunkman
Sat Mar 04, 2023 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lancaster PA trip
Replies: 66
Views: 7208

Re: Lancaster PA trip

White Oak wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 10:53 pm
shunkman wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:54 pm
White Oak wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:16 pm A few ideas:

Sight and Sound Theater

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Hershey Park isn't too far

Shopping at the Rockvale outlets
The Rockvale outlets are in a severe decline.
Okay, it has been a while since I've been there. Are the Tanger Outlets also in decline?
No, the Tanger Outlets seem to be doing much better.
by shunkman
Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lancaster PA trip
Replies: 66
Views: 7208

Re: Lancaster PA trip

White Oak wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:16 pm A few ideas:

Sight and Sound Theater

Shady Maple Smorgasbord

Hershey Park isn't too far

Shopping at the Rockvale outlets
The Rockvale outlets are in a severe decline.
by shunkman
Fri Mar 03, 2023 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lancaster PA trip
Replies: 66
Views: 7208

Re: Lancaster PA trip

* Visit Lititz which is a walkable historic small town with many nice restaurants and shops

* Ephrata Cloister

* Great hiking and biking opportunities along the Susquehanna River

* Visit the "The Amish Farm and House" just down the road from Dutch Wonderland
by shunkman
Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 4900

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

Outdoor cat Outdoor cats kill all kinds of other wildlife too such as birds that help keep insects under control. They also don't live as long (the cat). Around here a Great Horned Owl can easily take a cat. Not to mention cars. We would have like to have an indoor cat. However, she has insistently destroyed screens to provide herself with outdoor access. We relented, and put in a pet door to avoid continued damage. She's 17 and quite healthy despite being outside in an area with hawks and coyotes. However, there aren't rabbits around here because she kills the babies any time they have some. The neighbors are quite pleased with her efforts. In my neighborhood the roaming cats are much more likely to be targets than the rabbits might be.
by shunkman
Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 4900

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

coolasadog wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:43 pm Maybe not possible in a tract house neighborhood, but a well calibrated pellet gun will take care of things.

I live where neighbors are further apart. They seem to get the picture after a few kills. Once or twice each spring usually delivers the message.
This could be a violation of State game laws.
by shunkman
Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 4900

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

bwalling wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:13 am Outdoor cat
Outdoor cats kill all kinds of other wildlife too such as birds that help keep insects under control.
by shunkman
Wed Mar 01, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to keep rabbits off lawn?
Replies: 61
Views: 4900

Re: How to keep rabbits off lawn?

Other than wild birds, rabbits are one of the few wild animals that I don't mind hanging out in my yard. They are entertaining to watch especially when they are chasing other rabbits around. And they might actually help you control the clover in your yard.
by shunkman
Tue Feb 28, 2023 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aid loss insurance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1064

Re: Hearing aid loss insurance?

I believe that if you purchase your HAs at Costco they would be insured against loss or damage for two years at no additional cost
by shunkman
Mon Feb 13, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2710

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

I'm a casual rider and the metrics I'm interested in are current speed, ride duration, and average speed on current ride. I just use one of the simple Cat Eye bike computers on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cat+eye+bike+computer&crid=3UR02UFZRW0UH&sprefix=cat+eye+bike+computer%2Caps%2C140&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 I generally don't spend over over $40 on one and they usually last 3 - 5 years. The best known IOS bike app is Strava. It has limited free features and I generally object to monthly fees. My DW's cell phone interferes with her wireless Cat Eye bike computer. She has to keep her phone a couple of feet away from her Cat Eye. This is something to keep in mind if one intends to mount their phone on their bike's handlebar. I do...
by shunkman
Sun Feb 12, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2710

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

After my first season last year I was recommended to get a bike computer. Here’s one that is a potential: Help me decide on this product: Limited-time deal: Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT V1 GPS Cycling/Bike Computer https://a.co/d/1F6Zz4Q I still don’t really get how this will help me? Let’s me know my power? Helps me how on those dredded hills? I want to bike at least as much this year given the holiday pounds I’ve gained :(. Hopefully aim for imperial century after my first metric hundred last year. So, advice on biking computers please? Now, I also am interested in an Apple Watch to pair with my iPhone 13 Pro max. Can the watch, or another watch, not also help with bike computer stuff? Note: I’ve been waiting for a while for Apple to get blood pres...
by shunkman
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parking minivan on driveway
Replies: 72
Views: 5947

Re: Parking minivan on driveway

Cars can often rust MORE (in climates such as MA) when stored nightly in a warm garage.
by shunkman
Sun Feb 05, 2023 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safe / Safe Box Recommendations?
Replies: 27
Views: 3037

Re: Safe / Safe Box Recommendations?

TLC1957 wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:37 pm
shunkman wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:12 pm My lawyer told me to never put ANYTHING in a safe deposit box.
Do you mean in a bank or your home? Where did they suggest you store important documents?
He said don't use BANK safe deposit boxes. He suggested using a fire-resistant lock box at home. And his law office securely stores notarized copies of my Will, POA, etc. My other important documents can be reproduced without too much effort. Also, if one dies, valuables stored in safe deposit boxes are subject to State laws pertaining to probate, inheritance taxation, etc.
by shunkman
Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safe / Safe Box Recommendations?
Replies: 27
Views: 3037

Re: Safe / Safe Box Recommendations?

My lawyer told me to never put ANYTHING in a safe deposit box.
by shunkman
Fri Feb 03, 2023 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Curious H&R Block warning
Replies: 16
Views: 2475

Re: Curious H&R Block warning

Did you try using PA's online application for state tax filing? It is free and has worked well for me.
by shunkman
Fri Feb 03, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?
Replies: 88
Views: 5674

Re: Fly or Drive from NJ to NC?

For work, I traveled often between PA and Greensboro NC. My employer allowed me to fly at their cost or drive a company car. Mostly I chose to drive due to the hassles and delays of flying. And a few times I took my bicycle along for afterwork recreation.
by shunkman
Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought house- locate path of sump pump drain
Replies: 4
Views: 762

Re: Bought house- locate path of sump pump drain

A professional quality pipe camera will include a transmitter locator.
by shunkman
Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cutting Installed Bathroom Tile
Replies: 10
Views: 991

Re: Cutting Installed Bathroom Tile

Can you access it easier from the back?
by shunkman
Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Problems with AVAS on hybrid vehicles?
Replies: 19
Views: 3747

Re: Problems with AVAS on hybrid vehicles?

On a Toyota Rav4 hybrid, just apply the accelerator pedal to activate the internal combustion engine and the pedestrian backup warning will remain silent.
by shunkman
Mon Jan 23, 2023 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FERS - I've Left The Gov't (Not Retired)
Replies: 40
Views: 5469

Re: FERS - I've Left The Gov't (Not Retired)

You might have better luck calling OPM for help with these issues.
by shunkman
Fri Jan 20, 2023 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GAF Timberline HDZ vs CERTAINTEED Landmark
Replies: 2
Views: 476

Re: GAF Timberline HDZ vs CERTAINTEED Landmark

Our HOA's standard replacement shingle is the GAF Timberline HDZ. We have had no complaints from any homeowners. Look for a contractor with GAF's "MASTER ELITE" status.
by shunkman
Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: is this minor water damage?
Replies: 20
Views: 1745

Re: is this minor water damage?

I have seen pet urine stains that look like this. Do the stains have an odor?
by shunkman
Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: insurance claim for burst water heater?
Replies: 16
Views: 1485

Re: insurance claim for burst water heater?

Do you still need a raised platform for the water heater? I believe that modern gas water heaters are no longer required to be raised off of the garage floor. Maybe this would reduce the replacement cost?
by shunkman
Sun Jan 15, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?
Replies: 12
Views: 1575

Re: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?

If they are using the US Mail and it seems to be a fraud, then report this to the USPS Postal Inspectors (law enforcement arm of the Postal Service). Mail fraud is a serious federal offense.
by shunkman
Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blinds for road noise reduction.
Replies: 22
Views: 2409

Re: Blinds for road noise reduction.

MtnTravel wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:49 am
shunkman wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:49 am We have a regional airport a couple of miles away from our home and our bedroom faces the airport. We use cellular shades and heavy room darkening curtains. This helps some. Using a sound machine is what we found helps the most.
Do you have the single or double cell? We have single-cell cellular shades throughout the house, except for this one high window in the master, and don't seem to have a noise problem (other than the regular city noises) anywhere else. The double cell shades are nearly twice the cost. I'm willing to pay if it makes a noticeable difference.
Our blinds are only single cell with a foil interior.
by shunkman
Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blinds for road noise reduction.
Replies: 22
Views: 2409

Re: Blinds for road noise reduction.

We have a regional airport a couple of miles away from our home and our bedroom faces the airport. We use cellular shades and heavy room darkening curtains. This helps some. Using a sound machine is what we found helps the most.
by shunkman
Sat Jan 14, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS Optical Character Readers; USPS Address Protocols
Replies: 12
Views: 1360

Re: USPS Optical Character Readers; USPS Address Protocols

Today, the USPS OCR technology can read just about any font and even most handwriting. The preferred address should go on the line right above the city/state/zipcode.
by shunkman
Sun Jan 08, 2023 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Depot Gift Card problem..
Replies: 23
Views: 4703

Re: Home Depot Gift Card problem..

I was once gifted a gift card for a restaurant that I never would have visited otherwise. We ordered a big expensive meal and when it came time to pay I was told the gift card had a zero balance. I never told the elderly person that gave me the card.
by shunkman
Thu Jan 05, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hiring help to fix roof leaking
Replies: 21
Views: 1797

Re: hiring help to fix roof leaking

AQ wrote: Wed Jan 04, 2023 6:35 pm
shunkman wrote: Wed Jan 04, 2023 4:05 pm Sometimes a "roof leak" is just a leaking rubber boot around a vent pipe. I had one fail after about 15 years.
The leak comes out of an air vent. So I wonder if something is similar here? I climbed up to the attic, but there are a lot of insulation materials there, and I couldn't see the floor clearly. I am concerned either falling down on a weak spot, or accidentally step on an electric line, so I haven't located the exact leaking spot yet.
Another issue that I have experienced with plumbing roof vents is that during construction, the plumber failed to glue the PVC roof vent piping in a couple of places allowing water to leak out of the pipe joints during heavy rains.
by shunkman
Wed Jan 04, 2023 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hiring help to fix roof leaking
Replies: 21
Views: 1797

Re: hiring help to fix roof leaking

Sometimes a "roof leak" is just a leaking rubber boot around a vent pipe. I had one fail after about 15 years.