Search found 306 matches

by Tattarrattat
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax alternatives?
Replies: 23
Views: 2508

Re: TurboTax alternatives?

Big fan of TaxHawk (aka FreeTaxUSA).
by Tattarrattat
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital Bill - Negotiation strategies?
Replies: 136
Views: 8586

Re: Hospital Bill - Negotiation strategies?

1850 is cheap for an ER visit. A minor ER trip around here for something like a fever is easily a 4-5K bill.
by Tattarrattat
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
Replies: 54
Views: 4716

Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?

NYC has been back from an experience POV for some time yet. But there are differences. - A dearth of office worker support businesses. Local delis, coffee shops, dry cleaners. Office occupancy has hovered around 50-60 percent for quite some time. - Dinner time has shifted earlier. Feels like 6pm has become the new 8pm. Many restaurants close earlier than they used to. Though this feels like it's slowly adjusting back. - I've felt a lower sense of safety on the streets of Manhattan, certainly more so around midtown than pre-pandemic. Partly due to less people on the streets, partly due to the pandemic itself. Nothing like the 80s, 90s, so I wouldn't classify it as dangerous. Just not as carefree as it was. I took or granted how safe I felt ...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?
Replies: 52
Views: 4187

Re: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?

Not sure I've heard of any evidence a laptop environment is more secure than a smartphone environment. Everyone I know who's been hacked or phished was through a laptop. Anyway, I do everything over the phone, banks, investments, 401K. With typical recommended security measures. Feel like I can detect and question suspicious activity much more quickly through the smartphone medium.
by Tattarrattat
Tue Mar 12, 2024 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your primary credit card?
Replies: 117
Views: 10619

Re: What's your primary credit card?

Fidelity 2% for us. Good unlimited cash back without having to make a hobby out of it. No foreign transaction fee. Have found Elan customer service to be excellent.
by Tattarrattat
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?
Replies: 60
Views: 5037

Re: Longtime iPhone user looking at Pixel - what to know?

Been using Pixel phones for maybe 10 years. Excellent phones, excellent battery life, great camera, totally reliable, no overheating or any other problems. More flexibility and options compared to closed system. Everything works smooth and fast. No complaints.
by Tattarrattat
Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DIRECT PAY to IRS from bank account: Issues? Cautions?
Replies: 35
Views: 3285

Re: DIRECT PAY to IRS from bank account: Issues? Cautions?

Have used EFTPS for years. Works great. No issues. Can always go back to check on or prove your payment history. I get in with a login.gov account. Can also use id.me
by Tattarrattat
Sun Feb 18, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I be happy paying msrp for a subaru 2024?
Replies: 33
Views: 3617

Re: Should I be happy paying msrp for a subaru 2024?

Just bought a Crosstrek for about 1500 under MSRP
by Tattarrattat
Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 SSA/1099 Withholding?
Replies: 19
Views: 2988

Re: H&R Block 2023 SSA/1099 Withholding?

Used HR Block a couple of years. Had problems every year, errors, poor support, clunky user interface. Switched to TaxHawk (aka FreeTaxUsa). So much better, clean, easy to use, handles complex situations. Would never go back to HRB.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone connect vanguard brokerage account to Fidelity?
Replies: 5
Views: 695

Re: Does anyone connect vanguard brokerage account to Fidelity?

I transfer back and forth between them all the time. As previous posters said, Fidelity has routing numbers. You can add Fidelity to Vanguard as an external bank. Then you can do transfers. The other alternative is to open a Cash Plus account at Vanguard, which has routing numbers. Then you can add that to Fidelity.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 6853

Re: New Retirement

I've used RPM and New Retirement. RPM is a really dense spreadsheet slog. Easy to make a mistake with it. But it's very powerful. New Retirement is much much easier to use. Clear web based interface. Enter in the data and very quickly you can have useful charts and tables and projections. Like any calculator, it's useful to look at its assumptions and vary them to see the effects. But all in all, a great tool for someone who might be intimidated by a spreadsheet. Also used MaxiFi. Like New Retirement better. Also, don't use the 14 day free trial then cancel, then sign up again in a year or two. That's bogus. Somebody worked hard to make a valuable product. Pay up and support the good work with a few bucks.
by Tattarrattat
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Of You Gents Using A Henson Razor?
Replies: 8
Views: 945

Re: Any Of You Gents Using A Henson Razor?

Recommend Muhle R89. Just right. Also the Muhle STF brush.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Feb 01, 2024 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash offer on home needing proof of funds
Replies: 40
Views: 3692

Re: Cash offer on home needing proof of funds

I had this situation. Transferred enough funds into the Vanguard Settlement Fund to equal the purchase price, then printed out a statement of the Settlement Fund's balance only, not including any other funds, with account number redacted. Worked fine.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jan 28, 2024 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?
Replies: 58
Views: 4788

Re: Are there any reliable refrigirators with water dispenser on door?

Have had multiple fridges over the years, different brands, all developed leaks with door ice/water. Next fridge I buy will not have that feature. Can get a separate ice maker appliance if there is a big need.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jan 28, 2024 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Update: Can a Retired 60 yo MD, MBA Start a Law Career?
Replies: 285
Views: 23417

Re: Update: Can a Retired 60 yo MD, MBA Start a Law Career?

The only thing more common than a 60-year-old burnt out M.D. is a 60 year-old-burnt out lawyer. Law as a respite or escape from medical career burnout is misguided. Need to go back to square one and address the burnout.
by Tattarrattat
Mon Nov 13, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Vanguard the ethical choice, or am I living in the past?
Replies: 241
Views: 19198

Re: Is Vanguard the ethical choice, or am I living in the past?

I know but what are the funds doing with all these profits? They go to lowering fund expenses. The funds charge expenses which flow up to the Vanguard management company. If there is excess revenue, then the profits flow back to the fund to reduce expenses. If revenues and expenses match, then there is no profit. Since Vanguard has no outside owners to get profits, there is no incentive for funds to over-charge on expenses because it just comes right back to the fund. So when you say "all these profits" there just isn't that much. Where does all the VPAS revenue go? It goes to cover VPAS expenses. If there is any excess, then the profit would go to Vanguard, with it flowing back to the funds as already discussed. I have never see...
by Tattarrattat
Mon Nov 13, 2023 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire
Replies: 648
Views: 63018

Re: Help Annette Keep Working and Not Retire

In this country, medical bills have driven many many people into "poor" status.
by Tattarrattat
Mon Nov 13, 2023 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29745

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

[thread moved to Personal Consumer Issues - moderator prudent] In a few short years, it will be time for Medicare for me. I see the infomercials for Medicare Advantage Plans - they throw in dental, gym membership, vision, drugs, an extra $1,000 to use on whatever medical items you want like hearing aids, etc. etc.. It sure looks enticing versus the standard Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D and then another Medicare Gap policy that you have buy on your own and it doesn't cover some items like dental. Lots of moving pieces for Standard Medicare with apparently less benefits vs. the easy Medicare Advantage plan with lots of stuff. There are even Medicare Advantage plan "counselors" to steer me to the "best" Medicare Advanta...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Nov 12, 2023 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29745

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

[thread moved to Personal Consumer Issues - moderator prudent] In a few short years, it will be time for Medicare for me. I see the infomercials for Medicare Advantage Plans - they throw in dental, gym membership, vision, drugs, an extra $1,000 to use on whatever medical items you want like hearing aids, etc. etc.. It sure looks enticing versus the standard Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D and then another Medicare Gap policy that you have buy on your own and it doesn't cover some items like dental. Lots of moving pieces for Standard Medicare with apparently less benefits vs. the easy Medicare Advantage plan with lots of stuff. There are even Medicare Advantage plan "counselors" to steer me to the "best" Medicare Advanta...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Nov 12, 2023 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Brews?

Since I got into specialty coffee in 2017, a roaster that has been my go-to ever since is S&W Craft Roasting. The roast is always perfect and the beans are high quality, and, you won't find a better price from any other specialty roaster. Just my 2 cents. Besides that I enjoy light roasted, washed process, Central American coffees the most these days, especially Guatemalan. Ethiopian's are fun to drink as well, they just sometimes get too overpowering for me to have every day. Go to method of brewing is either in my Moccamaster drip or Hario v60 if I'm just brewing a single cup. Cheers :sharebeer On the basis of this recommendation, I ordered a few coffees from S&W. They were great and very reasonably priced for an artisan roaster....
by Tattarrattat
Sun Nov 12, 2023 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks?

jayjayc wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 4:05 pm
Sandtrap wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 5:57 am
Kona coffee direct from Koa Plantation on the Big Island of Hawaii: Peaberry Beans.
(bought direct from various reliable plantations but prices for peaberry have gone ballistic and seem just too overpriced, flavor and presence of "peaberry" kona coffee beans is unique and very nice.
I lol'ed when I read over your list of coffee beans. They're mostly affordable, grocery store beans and then BAM you also tried several types of Peaberry Kona beans, some of the most expensive beans in the market. :D
If you like the peaberry Kona, you can try other peaberry coffees. I've had personal experience with peaberry coffees from Africa that were terrific, and not remotely as expensive as Kona.
by Tattarrattat
Wed Nov 01, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Brews?

Currently I drink my coffee within 4 to 5 days of roasting and store it in a glass jar with a lid that has a one-way valve and a hand pump to pull out the air. Previously when I store-bought beans, I would keep about a week or two of whole beans in an air removing coffee canister on the counter and the rest of the bag would be stored in the freezer, sealed. Does storing coffee beans in the freezer make a difference in freshness? Does it change the beans? j🌺 We've had threads which talked about the "is freezing okay" thing. The short answer is definitely. The longer answer is that I looked this up a few years ago -- you can google various blogs and articles -- and have concluded there is no better way to store beans which won't be...
by Tattarrattat
Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Brews?

Avalable at Amazon.com San Francisco Bay whole bean "Moka Java" arabica beans. 1 What is the "Moka" and "Java"? 2 Are coffee beans sprayed or coated or soaked with various taste ingredients to make these flavors? 3 Or is it a result of the blend of beans? https://i.postimg.cc/pTnr1G7q/Screen-Shot-2023-11-01-at-7-54-59-AM.png https://i.postimg.cc/3JZR6DS5/Screen-Shot-2023-11-01-at-7-54-41-AM.png https://i.postimg.cc/wjcP6ptn/Screen-Shot-2023-11-01-at-8-00-38-AM.png I know nothing about coffee beans. thanks! j :D Mocha refers to Yemen and Java refers to Indonesia. Historically it's just the name of a blend of coffee beans from those two places. Sometimes the term used a little more loosely these days, but still ...
by Tattarrattat
Tue Oct 31, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Brews?

Would some of you post how you store your coffee after you open the bag? Freeze? Fridge? Shelf? :confused Currently I drink my coffee within 4 to 5 days of roasting and store it in a glass jar with a lid that has a one-way valve and a hand pump to pull out the air. Previously when I store-bought beans, I would keep about a week or two of whole beans in an air removing coffee canister on the counter and the rest of the bag would be stored in the freezer, sealed. Does storing coffee beans in the freezer make a difference in freshness? Does it change the beans? j🌺 We've had threads which talked about the "is freezing okay" thing. The short answer is definitely. The longer answer is that I looked this up a few years ago -- you can go...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Oct 29, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand and type and source?

i would think that a high volume seller would have fresher stock rotate through?? j🌺 No. The roast date should be on the bag of coffee beans, usually on the bottom. I wouldn't buy coffee beans more than two weeks past the roast date, although my Counter Culture coffee subscription usually arrives 2 to 3 days after the roast date. This is the best time to drink the coffee. Using freshly roasted beans makes all the difference in the world. This is probably even more important than brand. Wow. I didn't know this. I'll check my "roast dates" from now on. Huge thanks! j :D Coffee you buy from a big retailer, supermarket or megawebsite will pretty much never have a "roast date" on it. Because they don't want you to know how o...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Oct 29, 2023 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand and type and source?

Of one is concerned about freshness and flavor of coffee, it's best not to order from internet shopping megasites. You can order from a small batch artisan coffee roaster directly and the coffee is often roasted to order and shipped to you immediately so by the time it reaches you it's less than a week old, post roasting. That same coffee from that same maker purchased through the internet megasite was likely sitting on a shelf in the megasite warehouse for months or years. Big difference in flavor. Found that with AMZ. Old beans. i would think that a high volume seller would have fresher stock rotate through?? j🌺 No. The roast date should be on the bag of coffee beans, usually on the bottom. I wouldn't buy coffee beans more than two weeks...
by Tattarrattat
Sat Oct 28, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your ****Coffee Bean*** discoveries and preferences: Brand-type-source? Grinds? Brews? Presses? Drips? Perks? Pour overs
Replies: 272
Views: 27238

Re: Your Coffee Bean discoveries and preferences: Brand and type and source?

Of one is concerned about freshness and flavor of coffee, it's best not to order from internet shopping megasites. You can order from a small batch artisan coffee roaster directly and the coffee is often roasted to order and shipped to you immediately so by the time it reaches you it's less than a week old, post roasting. That same coffee from that same maker purchased through the internet megasite was likely sitting on a shelf in the megasite warehouse for months or years. Big difference in flavor.
by Tattarrattat
Fri Oct 20, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Least acidic coffee beans
Replies: 86
Views: 8715

Re: Least acidic coffee beans

Would be interesting to know if OP or others with the issues have a problem when they drink decaf. If not, then the caffeine would be the issue and can then target lower caffeine roasts, or maybe half caf / half decaf sort of thing
by Tattarrattat
Thu Oct 19, 2023 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Least acidic coffee beans
Replies: 86
Views: 8715

Re: Least acidic coffee beans

Not sure I understand. The predicate of this discussion seems to be that the acidity of the coffee is an issue. Coffee pH is about 5.0. Gastric secretions are already much more.acidic, 2.0. Not sure how the coffee acidity is relevant.
by Tattarrattat
Sat Aug 12, 2023 2:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OOFOS Footwear: Pros and Cons
Replies: 13
Views: 5084

Re: OOFOS Footwear: Pros and Cons

Got a pair for indoor wear for plantar fasciitis, like many others. They're ok, but not any better than the cheap squishy generic slides I picked up somewhere that were a fraction of the price. Probably like the generic ones better.
by Tattarrattat
Tue Jun 27, 2023 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Management vs 3 etfs
Replies: 87
Views: 6030

Re: Fidelity Management vs 3 etfs

We have Fidelity Freedom Index funds in regular retail IRAs. Not institutional. It's freely available.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jun 25, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Wire Transfer for Home Purchase
Replies: 27
Views: 4395

Re: Vanguard Wire Transfer for Home Purchase

Perhaps people are responding to the fact that they will warn you that wiring fraud exists out there and that you should double and triple confirm the wiring directions from a trusted source. Once the wire is out, it can't be retrieved if there was an error or a fraudulent wiring instructions. But this holds true for whatever institution does the wiring, a brokerage or a bank. Warning you about fraud is just a fiscally responsible thing to do. I would hope Chase or whatever bank would do the same. Anyway, you should not have any reservations about using them to wire money.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jun 25, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Wire Transfer for Home Purchase
Replies: 27
Views: 4395

Re: Vanguard Wire Transfer for Home Purchase

I literally just did this. Bought a house by wiring direct from Vanguard. Called in the morning, verbally confirmed all the wiring instructions, and that was it. The money showed up an hour or two later. They were happy to do it and they do it all the time. Not sure where people get the idea that you have to transfer to a bank first, or that Vanguard isn't comfortable with the process. Not remotely true.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Mar 12, 2023 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best tax software?
Replies: 35
Views: 4541

Re: Best tax software?

Struggled with the HR Block software this year, download deluxe version. Very hard to figure out how to enter things, opaque instructions, did not do a good job with K-1, antiquated ugly user interface. At one point I called with question about the K-1 issues, spent an hour on the phone with them, they escalated, got a call back a week later where we sorted it out. While I was waiting for them to call back I figured I'd try something else, so entered my data into TaxHawk (same software as FreeTaxUSA, alternate branding). Big difference. Clean, clear, modern interface, easy to enter things, easy to find things. handled K-1 effortlessly. Much better layout, the helps were more clearly written. Better in every way. Filed with them for Federal ...
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jul 24, 2022 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does a cheap road bike really exist?
Replies: 244
Views: 24752

Re: Does a cheap road bike really exist?

Also agree with Shimano SPD format for clipless, as you can walk in the shoe when not riding. Don't know if someone else mentioned this, but there are two different SPD shoe cleats, one easier to unclip from than the other. The easy to-clip-out of cleat is for smooth riding, the more grippy cleat is for rough mountain bike riding, to avoid inadvertently unclipping during technical riding. This is the small metal part that screws to the shoe bottom. Strongly recommend using the easier "road" cleat, as it's much easier to get out of, particularly helpful if you're new to clipless.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Jul 24, 2022 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does a cheap road bike really exist?
Replies: 244
Views: 24752

Re: Does a cheap road bike really exist?

forgeblast wrote: Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:18 pm I bought an older cannondale. I love it the only problem for me is it has a triple. I hate the triple crankset. I am now going to spend more money to make it a double. But the bike takes off, it was a 2004-5 model that was in a local bike shop for years and I got a great deal on it. Once things calm down check the local shops or facebook marketplace if you know your size.
A lot of people around us are doing gravel bikes, fat tire bikes for the rails to trails.

I have a Cannondale with a triple. Much prefer the triple to a double. Can stay in the front middle ring 90% of the time.
by Tattarrattat
Wed Jul 13, 2022 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone have a problem with Fidelity?
Replies: 101
Views: 10815

Re: Does anyone have a problem with Fidelity?

Have accounts at Vang and Fido. Fido has never cold called to sell me on an advisory service. Vang has called two or three times over the last couple of years to encourage signing up for PAS.
by Tattarrattat
Wed Jul 13, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is AAA membership worth it?
Replies: 197
Views: 27426

Re: Is AAA membership worth it?

Honk
Urgent.ly

Competitive service-call apps. Like Uber/Lyft for auto service calls. You pay for services if and when you use them, instead of upfront. Plenty of reviews out there to read.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Jul 07, 2022 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Shoutout to the Alliant Visa Signature
Replies: 21
Views: 4219

Re: Shoutout to the Alliant Visa Signature

Chase United Explorer Mileage Plus is 95$ and also has primary car rental coverage. Good choice if you live near a United Hub.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Jun 30, 2022 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First credit card for 18 year old
Replies: 18
Views: 1305

Re: First credit card for 18 year old

Took our DD to local bank at that age and talked to the banker, with whom I had a pre-existing relationship, and they approved a regular credit card with a fairly low credit limit, don't exactly remember the number. No bonus or anything. 1.5% rewards card. The pre-existing relationship made it go smoothly. Once they had the card and handled it responsibly, they were on their own.
by Tattarrattat
Fri Jun 24, 2022 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heart rate monitor recommendation for HR workouts
Replies: 28
Views: 2460

Re: Heart rate monitor recommendation for HR workouts

Runner and biker. Use Garmin, like it. While chest strap is the "gold standard" for monitoring, wrist monitoring these days is also very good and certainly adequate for the purposes of most amateur fitness pursuits. Personally, don't like chest strap feeling and would never use one. If you want deep details about heart rate monitors, can look up blog by DCRainmaker.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Employer moving 401(k) from [Schwab to Voya]
Replies: 38
Views: 2409

Re: Employer moving 401(k) from [Schwab to Voya]

We had a very similar situation, also with a switch to Voya. In the end we picked an SP500 fund that had an expense ratio of 0.24% (not great but the best option) and just put 100% in that and chose to balance the international and bond holdings in other accounts that had much lower ERs.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Should vteb etf be a long term holding in taxable?…
Replies: 8
Views: 1459

Re: Should vteb etf be a long term holding in taxable?…

You can hold VTEB forever, as long as you're in a tax bracket high enough to merit it, generally higher than 24% or so. Good, solid, easy way to hold munis. All of my taxable bonds are in it. MUB good also.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Jun 16, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal finance book recommendations?
Replies: 26
Views: 2156

Re: Personal finance book recommendations?

Personal Finance for Dummies.
Accessible, reasonable advice, covers the major topics. Also agree with Making the Most of your Money for a more in depth di ve.
by Tattarrattat
Mon Jun 06, 2022 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: my Fidelity account: an unknown linked bank?
Replies: 19
Views: 4072

Re: my Fidelity account: an unknown linked bank?

UMB is Fidelity's partner bank. All my CMA activity goes through them. Totally normal to see them on your statents and transfers.
by Tattarrattat
Tue May 31, 2022 12:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1514
Views: 169544

Re: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread

Just another experiential data point, I called Vanguard today to convert MF shares to ETF and the call was answered in about 30 seconds and the whole task was done in less than 3 minutes. This is the first time I've called them in about 15 years. I do everything online. The other call 15 years ago was for transferring a bunch of work-based retirement accounts into an IRA, which they also handled well. My experience, for what it's worth. I'm guessing my needs are too simple to challenge their customer service abilities, based on reading other people's experiences here.
by Tattarrattat
Thu Sep 16, 2021 10:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is anyone tempted by value investing right now?
Replies: 125
Views: 15733

Re: Is anyone tempted by value investing right now?

I'm a fan of the Rip Van Winkle investing philosophy. I only buy things that I would be comfortable holding if I fell asleep for 25 years. Total Stock and SP500 fit that bill. Can throw some Total Intl in there, too.
by Tattarrattat
Wed Sep 15, 2021 8:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is COMPLETE retirement overrated?
Replies: 121
Views: 13680

Re: Is COMPLETE retirement overrated?

I know people who own Subway franchises (and other food franchises) and who own gas stations. They work incredibly hard. The concept that either of these are do-nothing jobs you can coast through in retirement is so detached from reality, it's hard to know where to begin.
by Tattarrattat
Sun Sep 12, 2021 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subaru Forester burning engine oil
Replies: 44
Views: 7267

Re: Subaru Forester burning engine oil

Have had 5 Subarus in the family in 20 years. Never had an oil leak or any oil or any other engine issue. Very little by way of repairs outside of routine maintenance. 1 or 2 little things. Had a Forester, a Legacy, a Crosstrek and 2 Imprezas.