Search found 1203 matches

by Grasshopper
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard settlement account
Replies: 3
Views: 769

Re: Vanguard settlement account

I bought a T-Bill on Monday, had a T-Bill redeem on Thursday, balance as expected on Friday morning.
by Grasshopper
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any investors from the 1981 - 1984 time period here???
Replies: 36
Views: 4324

Re: Any investors from the 1981 - 1984 time period here???

What a deep rabbit hole. Married in 1981 combined our savings and bought VG Money Market. Just a year or two latter bought Windsor and Nicholas Fund after Forbes Honor Roll, which we kept for about 10 years.
by Grasshopper
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowstone trip - Advice
Replies: 37
Views: 3745

Re: Yellowstone trip - Advice

Old Faithful Lodge was worth staying at just for the back in time affect.
by Grasshopper
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gettysburg day trip from Washington D.C.
Replies: 29
Views: 2949

Re: Gettysburg day trip from Washington D.C.

If nothing else have lunch or dinner at Dobbin House Tavern

This circa-1860 B&B and tavern is 0.5 miles from downtown Gettysburg and 1.1 miles from Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center.
Rooms have antique decorations and traditional features, as well as private bathrooms and TVs. Suites add sitting rooms, kitchenettes or porches, and some feature 4-poster beds. A 5-bedroom farmhouse includes a gas fireplace, a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Amenities include complimentary cooked breakfast served in a colonial-style tavern (B&B only). There’s also a country store, a bakery and a ballroom.
by Grasshopper
Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks New Orleans in March
Replies: 25
Views: 2307

Re: Two Weeks New Orleans in March

Pat O'Brien's on the 17th of March.
by Grasshopper
Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is anyone else having problems with Vanguard's "RMD Snapshot" calculator?
Replies: 12
Views: 1943

Re: Is anyone else having problems with Vanguard's "RMD Snapshot" calculator?

Dear Grasshopper Thank you for taking the time to contact us. Please accept my apology for the delayed response. Anyone who is reaching the RMD age this year will be automatically enrolled in RMD Calculation-Only Service generally in-or-around the 3rd week of January. If you would like to enroll sooner, please give us a call and a Vanguard representative will be able to assist you with calculating your RMD. You can contact us at 877-662-7447. You can reach us on business days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. You can also contact us via TDD at 800-749-7273 on business days from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. Please leave a message with a phone number where you can be reached, and we'll return your call. We apologize for any inconvenience.
by Grasshopper
Fri Jan 05, 2024 4:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?
Replies: 24
Views: 3915

Re: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?

First year for taking RMD, I have a brokerage acct at VG, shows not calculated on website. But I learned how to multiply numbers 60+ years ago. :beer
by Grasshopper
Sat Dec 23, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises
Replies: 7
Views: 1319

Re: Alaska "Adventure/Expedition" Cruises

10 years ago my wife wanted to take a cruise to Alaska, We are very active travelers, and I thought a cruise may not be for us. Well I have now been on 7 UnCruise Adventure trips. My first was the inside passage cruise. I was really impressed with UCA and went on 6 more trips and was never disappointed. No dress up night no casinos, snorkeling with whale sharks, sea turtles, kayaking, hiking and lots of great food. We went on the Summer solstice, long days, and great weather.

I am trying a Lindblad trip in January to Belize and Guatemala at age 73, so I can report on them also.
by Grasshopper
Mon Dec 11, 2023 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Found rodent droppings on engine, any cause for further concern?
Replies: 26
Views: 4057

Re: Found rodent droppings on engine, any cause for further concern?

Been parking in the same carport for almost 10 years with no prior issues. But yesterday I opened the engine and found droppings on the engine, looked to be either rat or squirrel (probably former). I cleaned it up and moved the car to another spot. Checked today and no more droppings, so I think/hope the rodent moved on. I did a visual inspection and couldn't see any apparent damage to wiring, and car appears to run fine with no warning lights. Can I just write this off as a one time issue and move on? I've heard some scary story of cars suddenly stopping or other issues due to rodent damage in the engine. I'm leaving on a 1000 mile road trip this week so kind of bad timing, but I'm hoping nothing to worry about? Where do you live? If it'...
by Grasshopper
Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Food related travel
Replies: 108
Views: 19707

Re: Food related travel

Iorek wrote: Sun Dec 10, 2023 9:38 am Not exactly what OP was asking but we have started doing food walking tours the first we get to a city. We find it’s a great way to get some orientation to both the physical geography and the food, and the best ones really give some good history and some good food/restaurant recommendations. Learned and ate a lot on a tour of Old San Juan for example.

Maybe more on topic but if you head to New England you can get great fried seafood at a clam shack and if you are lucky some of the country’s best ice cream for dessert.
Another fan of walking food tours, especially in Europe. Athens Greece and Naples Italy, are notable.
by Grasshopper
Sun Dec 10, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy glasses?
Replies: 70
Views: 8182

Re: Where do you buy glasses?

I won't buy glasses from Costco because of the required coating. I just bought from Zenni, only time will tell. I went cheap with bifocals with the line, sunglasses only for driving. Received in 7 days, no ear adjustment necessary pay attention to sizing.
by Grasshopper
Tue Dec 05, 2023 4:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate
Replies: 34
Views: 3781

Re: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate

I live 30 miles from Mexico in Arizona. I have a passport but have walked across the border many times on a Real ID DL many times.
by Grasshopper
Sat Dec 02, 2023 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used car sold as new car
Replies: 74
Views: 6857

Re: Used car sold as new car

I think someone needed a nice car for the night and returned it, Like the big screen TV returned after the Super Bowl, or the prom dress returned the next day. Sorry no help for your friend.
by Grasshopper
Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Flagship Tier still active?
Replies: 71
Views: 10827

Re: Vanguard Flagship Tier still active?

What no more free coffee cups.
by Grasshopper
Sun Nov 12, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: waiting to pay CC bill to earn interest?
Replies: 71
Views: 6807

Re: waiting to pay CC bill to earn interest?

Remember Vanguards Advantage account, paid all my bills autopay on the due date. Now I use CapOne for checking but keep my stash in Performance savings 4.3% and transfer to checking twice a month 1st and 15th.
by Grasshopper
Tue Oct 10, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does a 71 year old need his birth certificate?
Replies: 43
Views: 4279

Re: Does a 71 year old need his birth certificate?

I only had a hospital certificate for 29 years without a problem. I did get a certified birth certificate before I was married at 30. My wife to be insisted. :oops:
by Grasshopper
Thu Sep 21, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 San Francisco, 1 day stay
Replies: 78
Views: 8202

Re: 2023 San Francisco, 1 day stay

keith6014 wrote: Sat Sep 02, 2023 3:46 pm Thanks everyone for the advice and suggestions. I didn't book a car in SF instead we relied on Uber. We had an amazing time.
I love happy ending. David
by Grasshopper
Sat Sep 02, 2023 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225887

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

I was taking a native grass course in Portal AZ at the Southwest Research Station a branch of The Museum of Natural History. On a field study walk we had an Elegant Trogon in Cave Creek Canyon.

Back at my home on the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains, I am still entertaining 3 male and 3 female Lucifer Hummingbirds at my feeders. They will head back to Mexico soon.
by Grasshopper
Wed Aug 16, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Athens Hotels for one night
Replies: 11
Views: 1242

Re: Athens Hotels for one night

cableguy wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 8:32 am Electra Palace Athens. You'll love it. Fantastic views of Acropolis. Great "free" breakfast in a rooftop dining room with glass walls....views of Acropolis. Walk to shops, restaurants.....Acropolis. 40 euro ride to airport via taxi.
I would recommend Electra Palace Athens also, we stayed there in May. As cableguy said.
by Grasshopper
Tue Aug 15, 2023 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans
Replies: 43
Views: 3430

Re: 3 Day Trip - New Orleans

Take the trolley to the garden district, there is a stop at Commander's Palace. Get a muffuletta at the Central Grocery.
by Grasshopper
Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car dealer upset with me for completing the "Seller" form on the vehicle title
Replies: 57
Views: 6369

Re: Car dealer upset with me for completing the "Seller" form on the vehicle title

In Arizona when I sell/trade a vehicle I go to azdot.gov and fill out Sold Notice-Submit notice. After that I am off the hook.
by Grasshopper
Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chip and Pin when in Europe [Greece and Italy specifically, Europe in general]
Replies: 65
Views: 6481

Re: Chip and Pin when in Europe [Greece and Italy specifically, Europe in general]

Was in Athens in June first restaurant I used my Citi Costco card 3% dining, signature required. Second restaurant I used my Barclaycard, no pin no signature required, both purchases over 50 euro. My CapOne debit card never worked, but my Wells Fargo debit card did. Everyone had travel notifications, but CapOne said not required.
by Grasshopper
Tue Jul 25, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: one treasury bill matures same day as new issue settles
Replies: 7
Views: 1092

Re: one treasury bill matures same day as new issue settles

On Sundays I place my 6 month Treasury order on Vanguard, with dollars for a Treasury that matues on Thursday, and my buy order settles on Thursday. So yes.
by Grasshopper
Sun Jul 23, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long wait at Hyundai dealership for service (resolved)
Replies: 27
Views: 2736

Re: Long wait at Hyundai dealership for service (resolved)

I own a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, It takes me two weeks to get an appointment, and I have to call. Why you asked it's because you can only schedule an appointment 8-5, except I know they start service at 7. So I am first in and usually done before most customers start showing up. Oh and the 7 am slots fill up fast.
by Grasshopper
Mon Jun 26, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: International Long Haul Flight - Premium Economy?
Replies: 61
Views: 6273

Re: International Long Haul Flight - Premium Economy?

+ Reserved overhead, and preferred boarding.
by Grasshopper
Mon Jun 05, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IRS forcing new Login
Replies: 74
Views: 14604

Re: IRS forcing new Login

I use my yubikey for login.gov, I like having 2fa that can't be spoofed.
by Grasshopper
Sat May 27, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: State Farm Stops Writing New Homeowners' Insurance Policies in Calif
Replies: 166
Views: 16831

Re: State Farm Stops Writing New Homeowners' Iinsuarnce Policies in Calif

Arizona resident here I just had a nonrenewal from my HO, saying my home is in a fire prone area. My agent could only find one company that would insure us. The good news is my new policy is $100 a year cheaper with the same level of protection.
by Grasshopper
Sun Mar 05, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Greece trip March
Replies: 16
Views: 1682

Re: Greece trip March

I am going to Athens in May. I bought tickets for a walking food tour for half a day, even before tickets for the Acropolis. :D Other food tours I have done like Napolis, was guided and included history and great food. Gave me a better sense of the layout of the city.

Ciao.
by Grasshopper
Thu Feb 16, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099s must be attached?
Replies: 11
Views: 1607

Re: 1099s must be attached?

Arizona requires a copy of 1099-R for snail mail state tax filing.
by Grasshopper
Sun Jan 22, 2023 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luggage looks bad after one use
Replies: 39
Views: 2901

Re: Luggage looks bad after one use

On a safari a couple of years ago, you were only allowed a soft bag for the puddle jumpers that were used. A couple of recommendations were to get my bag wrapped, I did worked great.
by Grasshopper
Sat Dec 24, 2022 5:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to cancel VG RMD service
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Re: How to cancel VG RMD service

Just like you I turn 72 in 2023. I also signed up for RMD service at Vanguard. But I chose to have Vanguard do the calculation and not the withdrawal. Maybe to could change your service to calculate only.
by Grasshopper
Wed Dec 21, 2022 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else have [Google Voice] as 2FA for Ally Bank stop working?
Replies: 56
Views: 6546

Re: Anyone else have [Google Voice] as 2FA for Ally Bank stop working?

After a couple of years Chase finally started accepting SMS from GV just this past month. Chase had always sent a call 2FA but, wouldn't text on GV
by Grasshopper
Thu Dec 08, 2022 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco hearing aid test
Replies: 32
Views: 5115

Re: Costco hearing aid test

I have had Costco hearing aids for 8 years. I repeat the hearing test every 2 years.

At one test I was told my hearing was getting worst and a ENT was recommended to rule out physical damage.

My ENT did a test and a physical exam. test results were the same as Costco.

Rinse and repeat 2 years later and the ENT and Costco had the same results. Costco does a great free test, YMMV.
by Grasshopper
Wed Nov 16, 2022 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Propane tank: When to replace nearly empty tank?
Replies: 43
Views: 3544

Re: Propane tank: When to replace nearly empty tank?

I used this before I started filling from my 350 gal tank at home

Https://www.amazon.com/GASPRO-Indicator ... 7854&psc=1
by Grasshopper
Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Weird to communicate directly with seller during escrow?
Replies: 37
Views: 3972

Re: Weird to communicate directly with seller during escrow?

We had a situation where our agent told our buyers that it was OK to move our settlement date. Except it wasn't,

I knew the buyer had a store close by and so i spoke face to face with him. He was just as upset with the agent as we were, but kept the closing going.
by Grasshopper
Mon Oct 31, 2022 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 6 month delay in dentist appointment
Replies: 39
Views: 4564

Re: 6 month delay in dentist appointment

I make my appointments 1 year in advance, I get 4 cleanings a year. Last week I had my June 2023 appointment moved back 2 weeks. I have used the same hygienist for 12 years now.
by Grasshopper
Sat Oct 29, 2022 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone buy a much bigger house than they need?
Replies: 133
Views: 14116

Re: Anyone buy a much bigger house than they need?

With 7 corporate moves in 11 years we have always bought bigger homes than the 2 of us needed. We bought for resale, and found it easier to sell a larger home. Plus there were were always buyouts to fall back on.
by Grasshopper
Thu Oct 27, 2022 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Payment For Biopsy Second Opinion
Replies: 7
Views: 1007

Re: Medicare Payment For Biopsy Second Opinion

I had a second opinion on a prostate biopsy read by Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The Medicare code was....88321 - Surgical pathology consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhere.....

Medicare paid 80% of the second opinion and my medigap paid the balance.
by Grasshopper
Wed Oct 26, 2022 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dentist Cleaning Prices
Replies: 77
Views: 9700

Re: Dentist Cleaning Prices

My dentist has a one year plan. $250 LCOL
2 cleanings,
all x-rays,
all exams,
10% off any dental work
and if I go on the right day a periodontist exam included.

I have 2 additional cleanings a year so I am charged $75 for each.
by Grasshopper
Fri Oct 14, 2022 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Group Travel - Alternatives to Road Scholar?
Replies: 17
Views: 3603

Re: Group Travel - Alternatives to Road Scholar?

For a more active group we like Country Walkers international and domestic. Small groups and great guides. While in Italy we were scheduled to take a boat out to Capri. It was windy and no boats were going out that day, but flexible guides made different plans for another day, no problem.
by Grasshopper
Fri Oct 07, 2022 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planning first trip to Italy for next year
Replies: 29
Views: 2879

Re: Planning first trip to Italy for next year

One of the first things that we do in a new city is a walking food tour. For the price of a sit down lunch, plenty of fun and eats, and a guide to show you around. Taste your way through Rome's street food scene on this gourmet walking tour. Sample a variety of street foods, such as zucchini flowers, suppli, pastries, and pizza, while taking in the impressive scenery of historic Rome all around you. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Rome and for foodies who want to learn more about Roman cuisine. Street food tasting tour in Rome Sample some of the Eternal City's favorite street food staples Try suppli, pizza, pastries, and seasonal produce Do some sightseeing in Rome as you walk from tasting to tasting Read more about Rome Stree...
by Grasshopper
Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did switch to brokerage change something?
Replies: 29
Views: 1986

Re: Did switch to brokerage change something?

Reinvestment date is before payable date, check to make sure your dividend disbursement is correct.
by Grasshopper
Fri Sep 30, 2022 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the best pizza in a chain store?
Replies: 110
Views: 9929

Re: Which is the best pizza in a chain store?

Costco really liked the veggie pie, but plain cheese is pretty good. Ms G and I are sub 24 BMI and we can eat a whole pie on the 3 hour trip back home from our nearest Costco after shopping. :happy
by Grasshopper
Sat Sep 24, 2022 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: a more leisurely travel experience
Replies: 24
Views: 3959

Re: a more leisurely travel experience

We found found this to be a problem in Africa with day walks and night game drives. At our last camp we finally said no, stayed and watched the critters from our porch and drank cold beers. Turned out to be some of the best quality time we had.

Also agree with UnCruise Adventures, we like active travel, but there is always time to just enjoy being on board and chilling.
by Grasshopper
Sat Sep 17, 2022 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping for a 10-day guided tour in Peru
Replies: 18
Views: 2315

Re: Tipping for a 10-day guided tour in Peru

If you tip in cash US$ get some newer crisp bills from the bank. No dog eared, torn, dirty bills. I had a guide in Africa ask me to exchange a $10 bill that his bank wouldn't accept because someone had written a phone number on it. I took it and spent it in the states, and made his life a little better.
by Grasshopper
Mon Sep 05, 2022 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the BEST adventure vacation you’ve taken?
Replies: 90
Views: 10070

Re: What is the BEST adventure vacation you’ve taken?

Two favorite adventure companies. Active cruises UnCruise Adventures, Galapagos, Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica/Panama, Alaska. Hawaii.

For walking/hiking, Country Walkers, Zambia walking safari Bushcamp Company, Amalfi Coast, San Francisco to Pt. Reyes, Bryce/Zion Canyons.