Search found 837 matches

by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window
Replies: 19
Views: 2369

Re: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window

I received statistics from the Thrift Savings Plan in connection with its Mutual Fund Window (MFW) that allows participants to purchase non-TSP mutual funds within their TSP accounts. The MFW is described at this link: https://www.tsp.gov/mutual-fund-window/ I obtained MFW statistics from the program’s inception in June 2022 through December 2023, a total of nineteen months. As of December 31, 2023, there were 4,205 MFW accounts containing any funds. The total dollar value of those 4,205 MFW accounts was $139,731,396.07. Thus, the average MFW account held $33,229.82. I realize it’s not an apples to apples comparison but as of October 31, 2023 (the last date for which I have the TSP’s official statistics), there were 6,951,790 TSP participa...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window
Replies: 19
Views: 2369

Re: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window

I received statistics from the Thrift Savings Plan in connection with its Mutual Fund Window (MFW) that allows participants to purchase non-TSP mutual funds within their TSP accounts. The MFW is described at this link: https://www.tsp.gov/mutual-fund-window/ I obtained MFW statistics from the program’s inception in June 2022 through December 2023, a total of nineteen months. As of December 31, 2023, there were 4,205 MFW accounts containing any funds. The total dollar value of those 4,205 MFW accounts was $139,731,396.07. Thus, the average MFW account held $33,229.82. I realize it’s not an apples to apples comparison but as of October 31, 2023 (the last date for which I have the TSP’s official statistics), there were 6,951,790 TSP participa...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Dec 02, 2023 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Funding college late
Replies: 58
Views: 5796

Re: Funding college late

You could make an arrangement with your kids to live at home (subsidized) after they graduate with the agreement that 80% of their net income go towards their loans. That way, you help them pay down the debt without any other investment than the resources you already provide.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Nov 28, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charlie Munger dies at 99
Replies: 63
Views: 13384

Re: Charlie Munger dies at 99

Thank you Charlie
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Nov 23, 2023 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Money Explained (series) on Netflix
Replies: 21
Views: 4331

Re: Money Explained (series) on Netflix

Money Explained on Netflix. Six 20 minute episodes that talk about Student loans, Gambling, Credit Cards, Retirement and Get Rich Schemes. I made my teenage son watch them all. He was furious about what awaits his generation ... and rightfully so! It's a great way to get our kids and grandkids to learn about the past, present and future of financial affairs. Something which will impact their day-to-day life. There is a free course offered by the University of Illinois via Coursera. It’s either free or free if one pays $49 for Coursera Plus. In any case, I had my college-age daughter take it last year and will probably do so again. Now she’s got $9K in a Roth IRA which she didn’t have last time. https://www.coursera.org/learn/financial-plan...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Oct 12, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 questions in VA
Replies: 17
Views: 1241

Re: 529 questions in VA

There's no scenario I can see that's better than taking the unlimited VA tax deduction and the 5.42% APY.

Asset Management Fee 0%
Administrative Fee 0%
Expense Ratio 0%

VA529
Effective Interest Rate: 5.20% (5.42% APY)
FDIC–Insured Portfolio
Atlantic Union Bank Omnibus Account

https://www.virginia529.com/invest/inve ... c-insured/

https://www.virginia529.com/invest/fees-expenses/
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Synchrony Online Savings Account New Limits
Replies: 16
Views: 5505

Re: Synchrony Online Savings Account New Limits

Just a heads up to anyone using this online savings account, there are now significant restrictions on moving money out of the account that were not present before. I have just over $200,000 in my Synchrony account. I initiated a transfer of $100,000 on Monday, which is the maximum you can transfer daily. I initiated a second transfer of $100,000 today that was automatically cancelled. I called them and they will not allow me to transfer any more money out until the initial transfer is complete, which they say will be 5 days after Monday. They refer me to the account agreement on their web site, which is different from the account agreement I have from when I opened the account, which states "For your security, we may limit the amount...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Oct 11, 2023 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 questions in VA
Replies: 17
Views: 1241

Re: 529 questions in VA

Just called Fidelity and they say there are no 529 Plans which will offer CDs or US Treasury. They suggested though UTMA account can be an option as I will not be taxed on interest accrued but kids(and since kids won't have income it will be no tax to them as well). Thoughts- Am I missing anything? Basically looking for 3 to 6 years of fixed deposits for kids' education- and UTMA may have benefits if not used for college by chance? VA529 has a 0% expense FDIC fund with a current APY of 5.2% APY. In boredom one day, I looked through state 529 funds using savingforcollege.com (for links). I didn’t find anything better, including the Vanguard plans. You can carry forward the state tax deduction for each account for as long as you like. “Virgi...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Jan 28, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nailed It! (tax refund)
Replies: 54
Views: 5514

Re: Nailed It! (tax refund)

Normchad wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:21 am
dogagility wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 11:20 am Just calculated our 2022 federal income tax... getting a $107 refund. Closest I've come to a bullseye in at least 20 years!
Nice! I made an estimated tax payment this year, and it looks like I came within 0.5% of nailing it! Feels good.
I once got a $17 refund, but that was pure luck.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need a new HYSA
Replies: 48
Views: 6119

Re: Need a new HYSA

rage_phish wrote: Sun Jun 19, 2022 10:33 am Hi, we currently have Synchrony and are not happy with them. The transfer time to get money out is way too long. Nearly a week it seems

And now that interest rates have risen at competitors, it’s worthwhile for us to change (we’re currently at .85%)

Any recommendations on where to switch to?

We want the following:

To maximize the APY
Fast transfers to other banks
Mobile check deposit would be nice
As would a atm card I suppose (though I don’t think we have aver used our synchrony one)
I love Ally. I just setup an account for my daughter last night to save money from her regular checking account. They may not have the absolute highest rates, but what they do they do well.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 28
Views: 4310

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

stupidkid wrote: Sun Jun 19, 2022 9:22 am If true that's good and annoying. Good because I already have a login.gov account and it works ok. Annoying because I just spent half a day setting up an idme account. They're very particular about your identification photos, it was frustrating. The video call was very easy though, the verifying person was very professional and nice.
LOL! I’m glad they’re doing this. Once done, I’ll need to find out how to close out those id.me accounts so they don’t continue to exist with my sensitive data.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Jun 21, 2022 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I be able to afford real estate?
Replies: 45
Views: 4493

Re: Should I be able to afford real estate?

I don’t know where you’re located, but there are many State, Federal, and University administration jobs that pay similarly well, but may have better health benefits, child care, or flexibility regarding your children’s care needs. In other words, get a position where you’re not topped out with better benefits and flexibility, and then worry about a house. Just a thought.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Apr 30, 2022 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should my 83yo mom renew this LTCi policy?
Replies: 66
Views: 5400

Re: Should my 83yo mom renew this LTCi policy?

AnnetteLouisan wrote: Sun Apr 24, 2022 6:36 pm Others can chime in with details but I vote for keeping the policy with no changes at the increased premium.
I agree. Why carry this policy for years and drop it before it’s likely to be used? My mother in law used her policy in the last year of her life, and it paid for her assisted care. As a plus, all the assets it protected were passed on to her children.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Fri Jul 16, 2021 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliability of whole house generators
Replies: 40
Views: 4041

Re: Reliability of whole house generators

I have a Generac 10KW and wish I had a 20 so it could cover AC. If we had an outage deep in the summer, it would be pretty nasty.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Jun 29, 2021 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Antivirus software for the whole family
Replies: 31
Views: 2805

Re: Antivirus software for the whole family

RickBoglehead wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 8:12 pm
sam1838 wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2021 8:07 pm Obviously just my opinion, but...

I periodically have to help my parents with their laptops. Maybe 80% of the time it has to do with this adware called Norton that they pay for serving them ads and causing issues. They refuse to stop paying for it or get rid of it.

I just use Windows Security because... that's all you actually need. It's not 2005.
Once you stop providing PC support to your parents, life is more relaxing...
This. For one, she thinks she knows all. For the other, keep the upgrades going and LastPass working (vs the 5 page Microsoft Word file).
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Jun 24, 2021 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mortgage sold
Replies: 26
Views: 3064

Re: Mortgage sold

Never. Navy Federal owns and services its jumbo mortgages.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Jun 19, 2021 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dad wants Wife to live in house left to me and sister after he passes
Replies: 179
Views: 24455

Re: Dad wants Wife to live in house left to me and sister after he passes

It would seem to be a lot easier for everyone if the house is sold upon Dad's demise and the estate pays for an apartment for his wife as long as she is alive. That way what she does with her son does not affect you in any way. The estate would also be relived of taxes and maintenance for the house. I agree with this 1000%. Besides, when your Dad passes, he’s not going to have a stake in this. It will be a decision of his heirs. If your mother’s “needs” are vaguely codified then who is to say that they cannot also include funding that could be redirected to your step brother. Put the house and assets in an irrevocable trust that becomes yours and your sister’s upon your mother’s death. Prior to then, your mother would receive fixed payouts...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Jun 17, 2021 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 11 [Upgrade from Win 10 to Win 11?]
Replies: 321
Views: 31416

Re: Windows 11

It's really just a naming convention thing. The reality is that the current version of Windows 10 (21H1) is already quite different from the one that came out in 2015, because Microsoft has been providing major updates every 6 to 12 months. So whether they call the next major update Windows 11, or 10, or something else, doesn't really matter all that much. It will just be the next major update. Most hardware and software will continue to work just like before. I just update continuously and I have never had an issue. I clean install every 2-3 years. Upgrading hardware (laptops and desktops), repasting, cleaning fans, zeroing the hard drives, firmware upgrades if needed, installing 21H1, test installs to confirm drivers, and then the final ...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Jun 06, 2021 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are Credit Locks More Secure Than Freezes Now?
Replies: 33
Views: 3713

Re: Are Credit Locks More Secure Than Freezes Now?

A credit lock is a marketing product intended to make money for credit bureaus. A lock is what they say it is, and that could change.

A credit freeze is a legislative requirement that is now free and prevents companies from accessing your credit file for the purpose of obtaining credit for a purchase, credit line, etc.

If you like giving away money, locks are fine. But freezes are for me and I’ve had them in place for all bureaus for 15 years. I can lift them easily whenever I need to.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Jun 05, 2021 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lenovo laptop ? Should I get a new one ?
Replies: 29
Views: 2676

Re: Lenovo laptop ? Should I get a new one ?

You may just be able to replace the Wi-Fi board in the laptop with a newer one. The connection for the board and antennas is easy to manage. I once replaced a bad Wi-Fi board in a MacBook and it was easy.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat May 29, 2021 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer Files - the cloud, paper, or external drive?
Replies: 39
Views: 6490

Re: Computer Files - the cloud, paper, or external drive?

I use (and really like) Microsoft OneDrive’s Personal Vault which stays closed when not in use, and requires MFA to open. This is convenient for moderately important files.

I backup important files to offline sources encrypted with Bitlocker keys, if needed. Not all data needs to be encrypted, and encryption can be a double-edged sword if you don’t exercise careful key management. Don’t use online syncing storage as if it is a backup. You must make backups of your data periodically.

For archives like photos/videos, multiple hard drives in different locations ensure that you won’t lose anything in the event of a fire, break-in, etc. I keep these powered off and disconnected.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat May 29, 2021 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password Manager Needed for Apple Mac, IPad, Iphone Users?
Replies: 57
Views: 6472

Re: Password Manager Needed for Apple Mac, IPad, Iphone Users?

We have used LastPass since 2012 and have had a family plan since they first offered it.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed May 26, 2021 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit freeze and auto insurance
Replies: 5
Views: 789

Re: Credit freeze and auto insurance

As most posters on this board know, many automobile insurance companies use your credit score in determining premiums. (Unless a particular state precludes the practice). So, how can you get a credit freeze and not have it negatively impact your premium? It’s very difficult to know when the insurer will pull your credit (when it occasionally updates the underwriting), so it’s darn near impossible to simply lift the freeze temporarily. Existing business relationships which required a credit hard pull (such as credit cards) are not affected by freezes. Those companies can continue to do soft pulls to monitor your credit. Most states allow insurers to do soft pulls to monitor your credit as well. Regarding new applications (cell phone plan in...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun May 23, 2021 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quartz countertop brands
Replies: 43
Views: 5548

Re: Quartz countertop brands

AWCM wrote: Sun May 23, 2021 6:13 am We plan on visiting yards to pick the slabs we need if we can find them. Also the fabricator we are working with will let us view the slabs when they get them before they cut. We received a Silestone 4"x4"x3/16" thick sample they sent to us and it's very hard, kind of like porcelain. Will play with it while we search for slabs.
We went to a warehouse (I forget the company) in NVA and picked out our quartz counter top when our house was being built. We’re glad we did. We love it.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun May 23, 2021 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MacBook Pro replacement
Replies: 93
Views: 10241

Re: MacBook Pro replacement

I am the proud owner of a mid 2012 MacBook Pro that was a gift to myself when I changed careers. It's the best computer I've ever owned. Over the years I've done upgrades to keep it operating optimally including upgrading to a 500GB SSD and maxed the memory (16 GB). (~$250 total cost) Is a new MacBook Air a reasonable replacement for my MacBook Pro, which is used mostly for web surfing, picture/data transfer (need USB port(s)) and backup from my iPhone, and music? I'm tempted by chrome books and other less expensive windows machines but not sure I want to leave the apple ecosystem. I enjoy the design/interface/keyboard feel of apple products and how flawlessly they operate. Cons - 1) The biggest con is I spilled something on the trackpad a...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Fri May 14, 2021 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High-back executive/computer chair
Replies: 30
Views: 5305

Re: High-back executive/computer chair

I purchased three of these. https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/330812/Serta-iComfort-i5000-Big-And-Tall/ Very comfortable. It’s not nearly as expensive as the X-Chair and other high end models. It will last forever as a home office chair with regular use. It has lumbar support. For a full-time work chair, I would invest in an adjustable ergonomic chair that provides full back and neck support. I have a Bodybilt chair. A few years ago, I had a pain in my leg and put in an accommodation request for an ergonomic chair. This is the one chair that they offered, although I got to select the options. Our cost was not as high as this one, more like $1,000. https://www.247ergo.com/product/bodybilt-j3504-big-tall-xl-chair/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIypeyh...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat May 08, 2021 2:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend patio "zero gravity" chair?
Replies: 10
Views: 1545

Re: Recommend patio "zero gravity" chair?

This:

Lafuma LFM3120-6893 Futura Air Comfort Folding Recliner, Coral Blue

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BHSL64N

And this (if you want to take it anywhere)

TravelChair Lizard Sack, Lounge Chair Carrying Case, Take Your Chaise with You, Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A76XZO
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Apr 04, 2021 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laser Printer: Buy a New One?
Replies: 54
Views: 5479

Re: Laser Printer: Buy a New One?

I buy Brother when buying for others. I buy HP when I buy for me. The one I recommend is this one. I have an earlier version of this product line from 2014 and it’s going strong. I love the scan to network, the free outgoing fax feature, and the printing is very clear. The configuration options are full featured. I buy the high capacity toner carts because they are competitive on a per page cost and they last forever. HP periodically updates the firmware and application software, and it’s great to see the ongoing support 7 years later. HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw Wireless Laser Printer with One-Year, Next-Business Day, Onsite Warranty, Works with Alexa (W1A80A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RQB5WJW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Mar 31, 2021 11:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Figured out how to make google voice never expire
Replies: 25
Views: 13324

Re: Figured out how to make google voice never expire

I, and my family, all have Google Voice and never use it for calling or texting. We have it associated with our cell phones for incoming calls/texts. Our Google accounts are actively used and we have several paid subscription. I don’t know if that revenue stream is the reason it’s never been cancelled.

I just started using my Google Voice number for my external email signature block. Might as well put the vendors on one number.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Mon Mar 22, 2021 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: RESOLVED: Should I contact Credit Card to stop payment on an order I placed yesterday - big ticket item...
Replies: 30
Views: 4200

Re: Should I contact Credit Card to stop payment on an order I placed yesterday - big ticket item...

If all else fails, you could monitor the shipment and when it arrives,, let UPS or FedEx (hopefully it’s not USPS) know you’re refusing the delivery. Then wait for your refund. Document the shipping history.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Mar 10, 2021 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Listing Realtor asking me to have mortgage lenders call her directly.
Replies: 85
Views: 9986

Re: Listing Realtor asking me to have mortgage lenders call her directly.

My understanding is that you’ll have issues if you see a house with the listing agent and later get your own buyer’s agent. I obtained a buyer’s agent first, and I’m glad I did.

I would never use a listing agent (representing the seller) to do anything for me (the buyer).
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Mar 10, 2021 12:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Daughter taking a Job in DC - where to live?
Replies: 111
Views: 9965

Re: Daughter taking a Job in DC - where to live?

I live in Falls Church City, and like it. Though I think I would rather have a place in the Tenleytown or Cleveland Park area. Perhaps after my daughter finished college.

I love walking from downtown to there, walking past the National Cathedral. Now if I want to walk home, I have to walk west across the bridges into the sun, and then get on the Metro.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Feb 25, 2021 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mark’s Financial Computer Security Methods
Replies: 24
Views: 5527

Re: Mark’s Financial Computer Security Methods

Nice List

I prefer LastPass Premium Family and LastPass Authenticator I use the integration on my iOS devices, but not desktop browsers.

I don’t favor paying bills with single credit card. I spread them out to avoid signals points of failure and to generate activity.

I’m not too worried about PayPal accessing my checking, because the account in question is my “blow money” (on what’re I want, and there is usually very little in it).

MFA using native authenticator apps is best. Okta, Duo, Micrsoft, Adobe, etc.

Great list.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Feb 23, 2021 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Records for paying rent with 529
Replies: 3
Views: 618

Re: Records for paying rent with 529

The student (I don’t know if that’s you) could open up a checking account for paying educational expenses. My daughter has a (free) checking account (not one she uses for other purposes) that receives distributions from the 529 account and the University debits that account. I keep the statements showing the transfers in that year’s tax records. There is no commingling of funds. When I do a 529 distribution from T Rowe Price, they have a certification that the account is owned by the beneficiary. If you’re paying an apartments complex (or landlord), use the bank’s free billpay with payments to the rental company as payee, their address, account # if any, and purpose (rent). Keep the bank statements as PDFs in your tax file, and the rental s...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Score / Credit Cards - College Freshman
Replies: 16
Views: 1290

Re: Credit Score / Credit Cards - College Freshman

My daughter (19, Freshman), has credit cards from Navy Federal, USAA, and Chase (Freedom Unlimited). She also has a small Federal student loan (to put some skin in the game), which is reporting against her credit. She doesn’t use these cards, but we cycle some bills through all of them to generate usage (automatically paid off). I monitor them for fraud.

A year before she applied for them (at 18), I added her as an authorized user to three of my oldest credit cards. Six months after her apps, I removed her.

She in no way needs a credit card right now. This is to build a credit history which she will need when she’s applying for jobs, possibly clearances, and loans.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Feb 21, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: microsoft hotmail vs SMS for 2FA
Replies: 17
Views: 1189

Re: microsoft hotmail vs SMS for 2FA

I use LastPass Authenticator for Google, Turbotax, and countless other services. It backs up my multifactor configurations to my encrypted LastPass Vault (I’ve paid for this service since 2012). I also use Microsoft Authenticator (paid subscription), Adobe Authenticator (paid subscription), as well as Octa and Duo where applicable (enterprise and other centrally managed purposes). I don’t trust Google or Facebook very much given their business models. SMS MFA is only for services I’m not overly concerned about. All of my financial services have some form of MFA. I would never use email MFA unless it was the only option, or it was for a site I didn’t want to reveal my cell phone number. I have used my Google Voice number as an SMS MFA option...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Feb 17, 2021 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Changes to LastPass free
Replies: 215
Views: 20254

Re: Changes to LastPass free

runner3081 wrote: Tue Feb 16, 2021 9:23 am Interesting. This is how it used to be and then they offered mobile for free.

I think you can still use a phone browser to lookup passwords. Clunky, but works in a pinch.
Yep. This is how they use to run things. Frankly, if you’re using LastPass for important things, why not get a family subscription and extend this service to 6 people you love? It also opens the door for family sharing. I’ve had a paid LastPass subscription since 2012 and jumped on the Family subscription the second it became available.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Feb 16, 2021 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I received an offer for an Apple Card. Please tell about your Apple Card experience.
Replies: 11
Views: 1696

Re: I received an offer for an Apple Card. Please tell about your Apple Card experience.

It’s a credit card. It gets me 3% off Apple hardware, software, and services. I’ve used it elsewhere. I have used the interest free split payments to pay for some AirPods over time. I think Apple also offers 6% cash back for some holidays. This is going to continue to evolve. It’s not bad, but it’s not great.

Our iPhone 14s (or 15s) will likely be paid for using this card.

My 2% cash back (on everything) Citi Double Cash has a higher limit ($50K) and lower APR at 6.74% vs $40K and 10.99% for the Apple Card. I’ve never carried the physical card—ever.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Tue Feb 16, 2021 2:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer monitor
Replies: 40
Views: 3852

Re: Computer monitor

I recently replaced my 38” ultra sharp monitors with two full height 43” 4K screens. I have them in a V configuration so each faces me straight on. These are for productivity, not for photo editing or gaming. Buy during the major sales.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/de ... ccessories
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sun Feb 14, 2021 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: home security camera
Replies: 75
Views: 8934

Re: home security camera

I have 3 Nest IQ Outdoor Cams with a 4th on the shelf that I want to install in a tricky location. I loved when they switched to $12/month for all cams. I paid about $350 for mine and I believe they will be refreshed soon. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-nest-cam-iq-outdoor-security-camera-white/6080400.p?skuId=6080400 I have three indoor cams (bought as a 3-pack) that I have enabled, but not transmitting, that I can put in-place indoors when I go on trips. I don’t run cameras indoors otherwise. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-nest-cam-indoor-security-cameras-3-pack-black/4682804.p?skuId=4682804 This mount is awesome. I can position the cameras wherever I want, when I want. The cameras are little pucks that pop off the Nest mount an...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Mon Jan 25, 2021 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting Rid of TV
Replies: 28
Views: 3238

Re: Getting Rid of TV

We got rid of Verizon FIOS TV and two TiVo DVRs and switched to Google TV via a Family Plan. Now 6 of us (separate profiles) can watch TV on any device we want. I like it because I can DVR as many recurring shows (like news) that I want, so I can watch them without commercials. This provides live TV and also sports. The recorded shows are retained for 9 months.

So I can watch live or recorded TV on my cell phone, on the subway, on my web browser, or on my Apple TV.

I start my day with Bloomberg news on Alexa. Free
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Jan 20, 2021 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Causes Burnout at Work?
Replies: 124
Views: 12382

Re: What Causes Burnout at Work?

So many things can cause burnout. Keep a long view of your career arc that is independent of any one job. How you develop, how long you stay, where you go—that is your responsibility. Nobody else is going to manage it. So when burnout occurs, if the reasons cannot be resolved (e.g., boss, customers, commute, work/life, fulfillment, etc), then work on lining up your next job. Just be sure you don’t confuse personal issues with work issues. I see people that are stressed out for non-work reasons.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2FA: Is Google Voice really a good second form of Authentication?
Replies: 25
Views: 6336

Re: 2FA: Is Google Voice really a good second form of Authentication?

I use my GV # as an additional factor for some services. I run the app on my phone with messages to email. I have MFA in-place to access my Google Account, with backed up one-time authentication codes.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Sat Jan 16, 2021 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password manager
Replies: 95
Views: 11990

Re: Password manager

I’ve been using LastPass since 2012 with zero issues. I have a family plan for my family, and I’ve got them using it religiously now as well. I also have them using the LastPass Authenticator which is backed up to their vault.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Dec 31, 2020 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cord cutting 2020 - Youtube TV
Replies: 151
Views: 17613

Re: Cord cutting 2020 - Youtube TV

We switched over to YouTube TV and we love it. I have three of the dongles to setup—we’ve been using Apple TV.

I’m surprised Apple hasn’t been able to build in a similar service.
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Dec 31, 2020 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of bike and where to get it - 2021 edition
Replies: 61
Views: 6828

Re: What kind of bike and where to get it - 2021 edition

Are we at the point where bikes have lidar warning and auto slowing and stopping?

Do any have gyroscopes to add in stability?
by Dan-in-Virginia
Wed Nov 11, 2020 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Purchase Sanity Check
Replies: 92
Views: 7978

Re: House Purchase Sanity Check

I would ask for a price reduction to $400K. If not, there are plenty of small single family homes You didn’t say if you lived in Falls Church City or not (as I do) which has a terrific school system, but higher property tax. Many people refer to Greater Falls Church (Fairfax and Arlington) as “Falls Church.” Falls Church City is zip 22046. https://ggwash.org/view/43792/where-is-falls-church-exactly https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/virginia/falls-church-city Renting is also an option, and one that shouldn’t be dismissed. I remember child care costs. Man... My next door neighbor is a renter and the owner lives a few doors down on my street. I do recommend the area, but consider the crime heat map. There are parts of Falls Ch...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Fri Nov 06, 2020 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Billpay
Replies: 28
Views: 2695

Re: Billpay

... Again, this autopay is for a USAA credit card. ... BA supports billpay from external checking accounts (your USAA checking account) and also supports ebills. If USAA also supports sending ebills, BA can pay it automatically on the due date using your USAA checking account as a source. You may have to maintain a minimum balance in the BA checking account to avoid a fee. This is very helpful. I spoke with USAA today and they said that they’re working to put the autopay capability back into effect and that the issue only affects their credit card customers. To put this in perspective—they took it out of service in May, and it’s November. That is something. Since there is a resolution on the horizon, I’ll use my temporary fix of using Navy...
by Dan-in-Virginia
Thu Nov 05, 2020 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Billpay
Replies: 28
Views: 2695

Re: Billpay

If you can't switch banks, why not open an account at a credit union that has a decent billpay system? Set up regular transfers to cover your usual cash flow. I use Fidelity billpay on their web site but only for payees that I can't set up for automatic payment through Paypal (preferred*) or a credit card. I use Quicken and download transactions but don't use their Billpay service. I used to use billpay managed by my bank (at the time0 through Quicken. I don't recommend it. There are multiple layers involved. When they get out of sync, it's a mess. Better to use a bank with a robust bill pay service on their web site, preferably free. *I like Paypal because I can change my preferred credit card (I churn cards) in a single location and it a...