Search found 77 matches

by BoomerM3
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Audi Q5? Any Problems?
Replies: 40
Views: 6225

Re: Thoughts on Audi Q5? Any Problems?

I've had a Q5 for aout a year with zero problems. BT connection has not been a problem. CarPly is a great feature.I get in the car and my iPhone connects automatically - wirelessly. Charging the phone is not wireless.

I opted not to get the all-around cameras - way to expensive. But it is a feature I miss. Would I buy this car again - YES.
by BoomerM3
Tue Jul 04, 2023 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Land in Florida
Replies: 13
Views: 1941

Re: Land in Florida

Florida is an open records state. That means you can look up property sales for lots or homes in an area. Google 'property appraiser' for the county in question.
by BoomerM3
Sun Jun 25, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella Policy - Uninsured Motorists USAA
Replies: 19
Views: 2943

Re: Umbrella Policy - Uninsured Motorists USAA

Part C of my USAA Auto policy covers me for uninsured motorists. Does you umbrella policy override the auto policy?
by BoomerM3
Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Red Tide in Florida - Cancel Trip or Wait?
Replies: 8
Views: 2137

Re: Red Tide in Florida - Cancel Trip or Wait?

I live about 10 miles from the beaches in question. I do not notice any red tide effects. However, I would not go near to the beach or in the water.

Yes, there are a lot of variables. Your health, your age, fitness, allergies, etc. But is it really worth it? I don't want to ruin you vacation so you need to check it for yourself.

Red tide does not suddenly disappear overnight, Best source of information is the nightly local news.

https://winknews.com/category/top-story/
or
https://nbc-2.com/
by BoomerM3
Sun Mar 05, 2023 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Planning a Casualty Tax Deduction - Good Luck
Replies: 0
Views: 189

Planning a Casualty Tax Deduction - Good Luck

Having gone thru the entire H&R Block interview program, I am still not able to report/deduct my casualty loss. The instructions for LINE 15 of FORM 4584 say to enter the result on LINE 16 of SCHEDULE A. However, that line is protected (grayed out) and I cannot make the entry. I contacted HR Block (twice) asking "Is there a workaround?" This is their response: "It's not listed as a number in the interview everything you enter for the pages that say additional deductions and other deductions, is the entry for schedule A. and viewing the form confirms where the values are entered on the form it self." So, it does not seem possible with the HRBlock program. I am now working with TurboTax. Hopefully, I will have better l...
by BoomerM3
Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water Heater Replacement Costs
Replies: 113
Views: 11525

Re: Water Heater Replacement Costs

Just did mine. 50 gal. $1200 by licensed plumber in Florida
by BoomerM3
Sun Sep 25, 2022 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Account Breached (and what I did about it)
Replies: 122
Views: 23481

Re: Fidelity Account Breached (and what I did about it)

Based on the reported incident, I just changed some of my 'security' features. I had set most of the notifications to use email. No more!

All notifications that could relate to fraud or hacking, are now set to TXT.

Suggest everyone review their settings.
by BoomerM3
Sat Sep 03, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Move to FL - car registration and license questions
Replies: 16
Views: 2038

Re: Move to FL - car registration and license questions

Go to the Florida DMV web site, then the county you will live. Not only will thy tell you what docs you need, you can (and should) make an appointment.

Doc requirement are more cumbersome now with the security requirements.
by BoomerM3
Wed Jun 01, 2022 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What happened to May 30th day of doom for some 3rd party apps?
Replies: 16
Views: 1993

Re: What happened to May 30th day of doom for some 3rd party apps?

My Outlook 2013 (which does not meet the Google email standards) is still working. Maybe the notice was scare tactics to get users to switch email clients.

Or maybe the other shoe has yet to drop. I'm not taking any action - yet.
by BoomerM3
Tue May 17, 2022 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google: Losing access to apps using less secure sign-in technology
Replies: 21
Views: 2347

Re: Google: Losing access to apps using less secure sign-in technology

There are a number of articles on the web related to this issue. I have the same configuration as you and the same issues as you. Here are some of the articles I have found. I HAVE NOT TIED THESE YET.

The most clear and concise solution is this one (which I plan to use):
https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/multi ... look-2013/

Some others are:
Enable Modern Authentication for Office ... devices –
Modern Authentication configuration req ... osoft Docs
Less secure apps & your Google Account ... count Help
by BoomerM3
Wed Apr 13, 2022 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Short-term CD vs. Zero Coupon US Treasury
Replies: 48
Views: 7835

Re: Short-term CD vs. Zero Coupon US Treasury

Kevin M. wrote:
Look at the depth of book. You almost certainly will find an offering with a low minimum qty. At Fidelity and Vanguard, the yields for smaller quantities are usually a bit lower, but Schwab usually gives the best yields to minimum quantity 1.

Kevin
I'm looking at 1 year Treasuries at Fidelity. All of them have minimum quantity purchases of 250 or more - way beyond me. Looking at the Depth of Book is not helpful. I don't see small quantities available for purchase.

Am I misunderstanding the data or there something else I should be doing?

Thanks.
by BoomerM3
Wed Apr 13, 2022 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling a $32,000 car
Replies: 42
Views: 4472

Re: Selling a $32,000 car

I had good luck with CarMax. All online, fast response, and best of all, no dealing with questionable buyers. At least get you friend to get a quote.
by BoomerM3
Tue Apr 05, 2022 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Rejection
Replies: 7
Views: 1384

IRS Rejection

My electronic filing of 1040 was just rejected by the IRS. The message (paraphrased) was that my spouses AGI from 2021 did not match my current submission. Couple of problems with that. We filed jointly in 2021 and always have. I did not amend my 2021 return and there was nothing strange about it.

Further, there is no place in the HRBlock form to enter a spouse’s AGI, so I couldn’t add zero AGI. HRBlock, in a long phone conversation said this was an IRS error and I have to file on paper.

Anyone have this error? Is there any way to correct the issue – short of paper filing?
by BoomerM3
Thu Mar 17, 2022 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google One Storage - Gmail Space Not Dropping After Moving + Deleting Files to Local .pst File [solved]
Replies: 14
Views: 874

Re: Google One Storage - Gmail Space Not Dropping After Moving + Deleting Files to Local .pst File

You need to 'compress' the Outlook data file. If you are running Outlook 2013, here are the steps.

File -> Account Settings -> Data files -> Personal Folder ->
Settings -> Compact Now -> OK Exit all the way out.

I assume newer versions have similar menus.
by BoomerM3
Sun Feb 20, 2022 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for a couple of "security ink rollers" [Found!]
Replies: 38
Views: 3189

Re: Looking for a couple of "security ink rollers"

I found this one to be easy to use and effective. Plus it comes with three ink refills.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F2 ... UTF8&psc=1
by BoomerM3
Sat Feb 05, 2022 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Annual Allocation
Replies: 13
Views: 3970

USAA Annual Allocation

I just received a letter from USAA titled “Annual Allocation Statement.” It says (in part), the Board of Directors has approved an allocation to your account. The attachment shows the 2021 (yes 2021) allocations – Senior Bonus and SSA Distribution. Both these amounts are for 2021.

My question is: Why am I getting a review of last year’s data instead of the Senior Bonus amount for 2022?

Anyone else seen this? Have a different interpretation?
by BoomerM3
Sat Jan 29, 2022 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity transfer cash bonus question
Replies: 23
Views: 2880

Re: Fidelity transfer cash bonus question

I was told the bonus only applies to xfers over $1,000,000
by BoomerM3
Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deceased and Survivor Benefits for Vet and Govt
Replies: 16
Views: 1375

Re: Deceased and Survivor Benefits for Vet and Govt

It is important (urgent) that you report a retirees death immediately. The gov't will collect any 'overpayment. The web site:
https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/su ... ree-death/
has very complete instructions as well as other contact points.
by BoomerM3
Sun Nov 21, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Concerned about a possible future with Dementia/Alzheimer’s
Replies: 53
Views: 7083

Re: Concerned about a possible future with Dementia/Alzheimer’s

What to Do When I Get Stupid: A Radically Safe Approach to a Difficult Financial Era
by Lewis Mandell | Aug 6, 2013

Free if you subscribe to 'Kindle Unlimited'
by BoomerM3
Sun Nov 21, 2021 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No wires, No BT external TV speaker
Replies: 17
Views: 1907

No wires, No BT external TV speaker

<t>Got a new Samsung TV, but I’m having trouble hearing it (my bad). I turn up the volume to compensate – my DW says too loud. The obvious solution is a small Bluetooth speaker near my chair. However, it seem that turning off the TV disconnects the BT and it must be reconnected each time. That involves going thru a series of menus. That is not an acceptable solution. Additionally, BT seems to cause lip sync issues.<br/> <br/> Possible solution is an HDMI cable from the TV to an external speaker – placed near my chair. That would work well, however the aesthetics of the 15 foot cable are not acceptable to my DW. <br/> <br/> Finally, there are many soundbars that could be placed under the TV – no wires. However, I am not sure that would be be...
by BoomerM3
Sun Nov 07, 2021 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High end shower system purchase
Replies: 46
Views: 6087

Re: High end shower system purchase

Thanks to everyone for their input. We are looking at Build.com / Ferguson as a supplier. I think we will 'bury' the valves, etc for appearance sake. We are also looking at 24" X 48" tiles for the walls.

I love the BH site. You guys are GREAT. Thanks!
by BoomerM3
Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High end shower system purchase
Replies: 46
Views: 6087

High end shower system purchase

We’re at the start of a master bathroom renovation – total gut job. The big change will be elimination of the tub and conversion to a large walk-in shower. I’m really set on an ‘upscale’ rain head shower and a hand held wand shower. This is my splurge in the renovation! I have looked at lots of web sites, from Amazon, Home Depot, to Build.com. I see lots of options and prices range from $150 to over $1,000 (including valves). Lots of no name brands that seem to be on the cheaper end. Some well-known brands go up to the thousands. I have been told (rumors) to avoid big box fixtures as they only have plastic guts and will fail shortly. I am concerned about putting hardware inside a wall if the item is likely to fail. Can you recommend a high-...
by BoomerM3
Wed Oct 27, 2021 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Secure PDF merging
Replies: 13
Views: 1400

Re: Secure PDF merging

PDFSam is a free download. It runs on a Windows PC. It does: merge, split, extract. That allows you most things you would need. I've used it for years and I'm happy with it.
by BoomerM3
Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shirt with multi pockets
Replies: 7
Views: 842

Re: Shirt with multi pockets

Columbia brand.
by BoomerM3
Mon Oct 25, 2021 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)
Replies: 57
Views: 7011

Re: Useful items for seniors (80+ years)

small, powerful flashlight.
by BoomerM3
Fri Oct 22, 2021 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My mother has Tricare for Life, but was persuaded to sign up for a Medicare Adv Plan... should I urge her to withdraw?
Replies: 23
Views: 3560

Re: My mother has Tricare for Life, but was persuaded to sign up for a Medicare Adv Plan... should I urge her to withdra

I have been with Tricare For Life for 20 years and I never regret not going with another plan. I choose my own doctor; don't need referrals; and don't see any medical bills. When visiting a medical facility, I feel sorry for people shelling out large copays - I have no copays.

Part of the TFL benefit is the prescription drug plan. Most of my meds are $10.00 for 90 day supply (with a few exceptions).

It's not necessarily about the money - it's a lot less hassle! You should point out to your mother that her husband served and earned this benefit. It is not something that should be ignored without considerable thought.
by BoomerM3
Tue Sep 07, 2021 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: mechanics of MYGA purchase and maturity in IRA
Replies: 11
Views: 1692

Re: mechanics of MYGA purchase and maturity in IRA

I found Blueprint very responsive to my questions. Give them a call!
by BoomerM3
Tue Aug 31, 2021 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for a records template
Replies: 4
Views: 641

Looking for a records template

I want a place (electronic) to record personal and financial information. Things like: account numbers, license numbers, bank names, etc. I don't want to record all the information about a document (I have already secured that info digitally).

What I want is a simple (?) spreadsheet-like document that would provide quick and easy access to the data. I did find a very complete spreadsheet, but it was more than 50 pages!

What can you suggest?
by BoomerM3
Mon Jul 19, 2021 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: higher toilet
Replies: 48
Views: 4825

Re: higher toilet

Everyone recommended the Toto Drake toilet. And it works very well.
BUT, the flushing sound is horrendous - be aware.
by BoomerM3
Mon Jul 12, 2021 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painting Air Registers/Griles
Replies: 12
Views: 1098

Re: Painting Air Registers/Griles

It worked for me. Spray painted white and they look new.
by BoomerM3
Tue Jun 29, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kindle -- not sure, but maybe books are not loading properly?
Replies: 6
Views: 733

Re: Kindle -- not sure, but maybe books are not loading properly?

Perhaps an easier way to get the books in a single step. After you have purchased the book, the next screen will say “Thanks…”

Look several lines down and you see “Want to start reading…”

Directly below is a drop-down box with a down arrow (the box says Harry’s Kindle Cloud Reader). Click the down arrow and you should see “My Kindle”. Click on that and then click on the button to the right that says “Deliver.” The book will then be delivered properly.
by BoomerM3
Fri Jun 04, 2021 10:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where to use Morningstar Style Box
Replies: 6
Views: 672

Re: Where to use Morningstar Style Box

"Fidelity and TDAmeritrade have Morningstar portfolio* X-ray tool as does TRowePrice."

Where on Fidelity would I find this tool? Searches on X-ray or Morningstar come up empty.

Which menu options to get there?
by BoomerM3
Thu May 20, 2021 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Easy Photo Correction software
Replies: 15
Views: 1302

Re: Easy Photo Correction software

Try Irfanview. Free. Google it.
by BoomerM3
Mon Apr 19, 2021 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help with windows [Microsoft Windows]
Replies: 9
Views: 843

Re: Please help with windows [Microsoft Windows]

If you have not done so recently, re-start all you devices (PC, modem, and router). This means a full power off and startup.
by BoomerM3
Tue Apr 06, 2021 2:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on HOA Board Membership?
Replies: 31
Views: 3508

Re: Thoughts on HOA Board Membership?

I would urge you not to serve on the Board. Seems like you should/could make a difference. The odds are you won't. You will get embroiled it trivial things. I served on our Board (100 homes) for 4 years as Treasurer.

If you want to get involved, try doing it from the outside. The best thing for you as a newbie is to attend Board meetings (and other meetings like ARB, compliance, etc.) as a homeowner. That way you can get a feel for what's happening and perhaps provide input.

If a couple of years, you may feel that Board membership is warranted.

Peter
by BoomerM3
Fri Feb 19, 2021 5:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Compute interest on a value changing investment
Replies: 4
Views: 366

Compute interest on a value changing investment

Suppose I bought a stock for $100 and it paid an annual dividend of $5.00. That means I’m getting interest at 5%.

What if that stock increased in value to $200 and the dividend remained at $5.00. Is my true interest rate still 5% (because my original investment was $100)? Or is my interest rate now 2.5% ($5.00 on $200)?

Is there a right or wrong answer to this situation?
by BoomerM3
Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity "FidSafe" Free online storage of documents - is this safe?
Replies: 63
Views: 18734

Re: Fidelity "FidSafe" Free online - Need improvement

I’m re-activating this thread since it gets reviewed from time to time. The thread started in 2016. I have been using FidSafe since 2017. Fidsafe has been my repository for most important financial documents. I have tested its use with my dependents and have seen it work. I am comfortable with the security – but I’m no expert in security. My reason for this post is to surface what I consider a shortcoming and seek advice from the community. Over the years, I have opened and closed bank accounts, CDs, credit cards, and other financial transactions. Ideally, each change would have updated FidSafe. But, my bad… that didn’t happen. Now I have a number of entries in FidSafe that are outdated and a number of documents that don’t exist in the repo...
by BoomerM3
Tue Feb 09, 2021 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cross Country Move IL to FL - Hiring American Van Lines- Need supplemental insurance for full replacement value of goods
Replies: 12
Views: 1182

Re: Should I Purchase 3rd Party Ins Policy for Cross Country Move?

Over the years, I have moved nearly 20 times. Maybe once, I had no damage. One move, the operator opened the van and my refrigerator fell to the ground.

Absolutely, get total coverage, replacement value. Check with your homeowners insurance and see if they will issue a rider. Better to have the company located at your destination. Look in the Florida city.
by BoomerM3
Mon Feb 08, 2021 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Live Oak Bank 1099 INT
Replies: 9
Views: 1152

Re: Live Oak Bank 1099 INT

No downloads available. I received mine USPS about 1/29/2021.

I've always had good service using their 800 number.
by BoomerM3
Mon Jan 18, 2021 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft Office - scanning?
Replies: 15
Views: 1803

Re: Microsoft Office - scanning?

+1 for NAPS2. Works with my Epson flat bed.
by BoomerM3
Fri Jan 08, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wife needs hearing aids, cost concerns
Replies: 51
Views: 5191

Re: Wife needs hearing aids, cost concerns

Check Costco.
by BoomerM3
Thu Dec 31, 2020 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Has Anybody Used Fidelity's Symantec VIP 2-Factor Authentication?
Replies: 69
Views: 11514

Re: Has Anybody Used Fidelity's Symantec VIP 2-Factor Authentication?

Comments about VIP versus 2FA continue to indicate that the Symantec process is more secure. Perhaps someone can explain why.

It seems that people fear that their phone (using SMS) will be stolen or hacked – therefore it is a risk. However, if your phone is stolen the Symantec runs just fine and will generate the appropriate code. So, why the need to add an extra app to your phone?

What makes VIP more secure?
by BoomerM3
Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a house with flood risk?
Replies: 54
Views: 8598

Re: Buying a house with flood risk?

I live near the Gulf in Florida, on a canal. Floodfactor rates my location as 7/10. Haven't had a flood in the 20 years I've been here - including several hurricanes.

So, if you live near water, floods are possible, regardless of the rating. I would not be living here if I did not have flood insurance. All the homes in my area also have flood insurance. It's part of our homeownership expense.

Find out if you can get flood insurance and what it will cost. Possible that you couldn't get a mortgage without flood insurance - ask!
by BoomerM3
Tue Dec 08, 2020 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Fixed Annuities vs US Bond Index ?
Replies: 4
Views: 505

Re: Fidelity Fixed Annuities vs US Bond Index ?

I'm not seeing those rates. Shortest timeframe listed is 3 years at 1.30%. I'm in Florida.
by BoomerM3
Sat Nov 21, 2020 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to track non-supported/obsolete tech devices?
Replies: 9
Views: 985

Re: How to track non-supported/obsolete tech devices?

Many systems will update themselves if you give permission and configure the system to do so. Check the settings on each device. It's a one-time effort.
by BoomerM3
Sat Nov 21, 2020 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar Pool Heating
Replies: 26
Views: 1626

Re: Solar Pool Heating

I think your expectations are to high. I live in SW Florida and have had solar for 20 years. We have a 'perfect' roof location - due south and adequate roof space to accommodate 7 panels. 1) How well does the heating work? Is the pool swim-able in January? NOT. Our season ends in mid-December depending on the weather. To use the pool later than that, we need a additional heat source. 2) Maintenance required? I've been looking at the system layouts and they seem pretty simple. No maintenance required - or possible. We had a 12 year warranty. That is important! 3) Cost. Is what I'm hearing consistent with what you know/spent? Can't compare because our installation is so old. But, a heat pump or gas heater requires expensive installations,
by BoomerM3
Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication
Replies: 83
Views: 10774

Re: Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication

Microsoft is addressing the wrong crowd. I do not decide what type of 2FA I use. That is setup by the bank or financial institution. I have to follow the authentication method they provide.

This is not a user based decision. I will ignore the MS concerns.
by BoomerM3
Fri Nov 06, 2020 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wall Street Journal $4 per month
Replies: 27
Views: 4745

Re: Wall Street Journal $4 per month

I'm seeing $1.00 per month as the cheapest.