Search found 70 matches

by cheapedy
Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55789

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

A few months ago I bought a popcorn maker made out of silicon for around 12 bucks. This thing is fantastic. It's basically a bowl with a lid that you put kernals in and into the microwave. It makes perfect popcorn without salt and oil.......great snack for those of us with high blood pressure.
by cheapedy
Thu Nov 16, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 100% cotton Khakis for men?
Replies: 10
Views: 1895

Re: 100% cotton Khakis for men?

The lower priced Lands End Khakis are not good. Mine basically tore in the crotch area and they also tore above the hem area. My longest lasting were Farrah Slacks 60/40 cotton poly blend which I purchased in Spring of 2000 (I still have 1pair left). My current favorites, though very informal (basically my fall/Winter daily) are Dickies Painters Pants. 100% Cotton, Ton of pockets, Double knees and they get softer with each wash.
by cheapedy
Fri Oct 27, 2023 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Top 200 Finance mobile apps
Replies: 2
Views: 626

Top 200 Finance mobile apps

Was recently browsing the top 200 mobile apps in the category of Finance. I found it very interesting to see the current trends. The big banks, neobanks and P2P payment providers are the top ranked, which is expected. Vanguard is at #193. The largest national credit unions are there, yet two small ones are in the top 200, UFCU (University Federal Credit Union - for students) and U.S. Postal Service FCU (are there that many postal workers?) What I found to be extremely problematic was the amount of cash advance/payday lending and "easy" crypto investing/trading apps. These are all heavily marketed towards young people and the majority of mobile app users are young people. Seeing the millions of downloads I can't help but be concern...
by cheapedy
Wed Oct 25, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Starting a new thread, stop Windows 10 from updating
Replies: 24
Views: 2590

Re: Starting a new thread, stop Windows 10 from updating

As a dedicated linux user I must admit that I still have a PC with Windows 7 that I still use. It is not online and I only use it to print from a circa 2002 OKI laser printer. I was given the printer and all the toner cartridges I could ever need. Old tech, but it still works fine.
by cheapedy
Mon Oct 09, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone here ever deposit an ibond or ee bond at a bank
Replies: 34
Views: 5482

Re: Anyone here ever deposit an ibond or ee bond at a bank

Yes, a few weeks ago at a large bank.
It took the teller a fair amount of time as she had to call over a supervisor to help her. They asked me questions on how I received them. I said I bought them at CHASE bank in 2011, then they arrived in the mail a few weeks later. When the transaction was finished and she handed me my receipts, I smiled at her and said, "Thank you and I'll be back soon......I have twenty more of these at home".
by cheapedy
Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55789

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

My Dad's Craftsman Electric Weedeater

We've been sharing it over the years. He bought it in 2004 at Sears for around $60. Sometime in 2010, the plastic safety guard broke off. I checked Sears Parts Direct and ordered a replacement for $18.00. Aside from that, it lasted until this past May. I ended up buying him a similar one from that era on Ebay "New, Open box".
by cheapedy
Sat Aug 19, 2023 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rooftop Antenna Installation
Replies: 72
Views: 6041

Re: Rooftop Antenna Installation

Relative paid $350 for antenna and installation. He gets 109 channels. L.A. area. Found installer via YELP reviews. In San Francisco there is no middle class, so basically no demand for these services.
by cheapedy
Mon Aug 07, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My computer won't turn off - ideas?
Replies: 76
Views: 7293

Re: My computer won't turn off - ideas?

Linux user here. Back when I used Windows and had problems I would use an Ubuntu CD and boot into a live-cd environment to problem solve. I could then check to see if my problems were software related or hardware related. For example, my flash card reader works in Linux, but not Win10 so, a software issue. To solve, just had to find and install manufacturer driver. DVD drive doesn't burn in Linux and Win 10, then obviously a hardware issue and it needs to be replaced. Another example, if PC randomly shuts down while running Windows and does the same with Linux.
by cheapedy
Mon Jul 31, 2023 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's worth paying more for?
Replies: 269
Views: 32833

Re: What's worth paying more for?

Quality Pillow

Repeated neck pain forced me into splurging on a $75 latex cervical pillow.

So far, so good.
by cheapedy
Fri Feb 17, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walk-in shower floor mat ideas?
Replies: 17
Views: 1774

Re: Walk-in shower floor mat ideas?

I've been wearing "Shower Shoes" (sandals, not flip-flops) in the shower for years. I couldn't slip if I wanted to with those on in the shower or on the tile. Yet, I've slipped on the bath mat as it has shifted forward as I stepped on it while getting out of the shower many times. So I think every possible risk needs to be considered.
by cheapedy
Wed Feb 15, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Rav 4 purchase
Replies: 16
Views: 1894

Re: Toyota Rav 4 purchase

I too suggested a Corolla as they are lower priced, but I think after so many years of safe and practical Ford Taurus and Corollas, he wants something different. Something less boring, and I understand why, in his youth he drove a 1964 Ford Mustang from the late 60's to late 70's. Then a 1974 Ford Maverick up until the late 80's.
by cheapedy
Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Rav 4 purchase
Replies: 16
Views: 1894

Toyota Rav 4 purchase

My father is in his mid 70's and is interested in purchasing a certified pre-owned Toyota Rav 4 from 2019 onward. He can afford it and plans on paying cash for it.

He currently drives a 2012 Toyota Corolla that has accrued a lot of mileage over the years. Since retiring, his use is primarily running errands around town and the occasional 120 mile roundtrip to vist family a few times a month.

I'm not a car guy, so I'd be grateful for any advice on this matter and any tips or tricks he should know about in advance of this purchase.
by cheapedy
Tue Feb 14, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Do People Like Linux?
Replies: 254
Views: 18799

Re: Why Do People Like Linux?

FREE! FREE! FREE! That's why I began using Linux. Back in 2009, my sister received a Pentium 4 desktop from work as they had upgraded to laptops and had no use for them. It did not have a hard drive, so no operating system. I was initially going to purchase Windows XP for it, but was freaked out by the high price. I searched online for free operating systems and eventually discovered UBUNTU 8.10 which looked to be user friendly and they shipped the install CD for FREE! After a week or so the install CD arrived. I took the desktop to Fry's electronics and bought a new hard disk for it. Came home, hooked everything up and booted from the CD. Within 15 minutes I had a fully functional "NEW" desktop PC. That was a breakthrough moment ...
by cheapedy
Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Linux Desktop today how is it as a daily driver?
Replies: 145
Views: 11671

Re: Linux Desktop today how is it as a daily driver?

Here's my current setup which includes using a Live-USB with Linux:

Bought a Lenovo Tiny Desktop unit on EBAY, refurbished with no RAM or Hard Disk
Added my preferred RAM
Did not install a Hard Disk or SSD
I then created a Linux Live-USB (currently OpenSuse "Leap" XFCE as it boots and runs the fastest for me after trying many)
Turn on the PC, press a few keys and I'm up and running within 45 seconds from the Live-USB.

With this setup I boot into a clean desktop environment free of issues every time. Important financial matters are only done on this PC. If I need to save a file or document, I insert a flash drive or memory card and save to that. When I shut it down, no sensitive information remains.
by cheapedy
Thu Jan 26, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggestions for a new online Checking Account
Replies: 7
Views: 904

Suggestions for a new online Checking Account

Over the last few years I have completely transitioned all my banking activities to online and would like your suggestions for a new online checking account. My current bank website meets my needs, but it has become annoying to use after their recent re-design and it's time for a change.

Features I'm looking for:

Simple, easy to use website
Two-Factor Authentication
Mobile Check Deposit ( The only time I would use the APP )
Online Bill Pay ( ACH instead of mailed checks )
Transfer money to/from my other bank/credit union for free
No monthly minimum required in account

Not Interested in:

Physical Checks / Debit card
Sign-Up Bonuses
APY / Earning Interest
ATM access
Branches
by cheapedy
Sat Jun 11, 2022 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Free Online Games
Replies: 46
Views: 4561

Re: Favorite Free Online Games

THE DARK MOD This is a great game that is free, open source, community developed, challenging and visually stunning. You play the role of a thief in the 1600's and the goal is to stealthily navigate your way into various buildings, museums, churches, banks, catacombs etc. to "collect" your treasures while avoiding armed guards and other difficult obstacles. Even though the premise of thievery is wrong, the game emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking. So it's a better alternative than other violent games. For example, in one mission, you find yourself locked in a courtyard next to a castle. How do you get out? How do you get into the castle? Well, you take old wooden crates that are lying around, stack them like a stairca...
by cheapedy
Mon Mar 21, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066412

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Lost In Paris (2016)

Watched it last night while channel surfing. Such a delight and very funny! Pays homage to the old silent film era of Charlie Chaplin. About a woman trying to find her elderly aunt who wanders off in Paris and both encounter hilarious situations throughout.

PG-13 due to a few scenes.
by cheapedy
Fri Jul 09, 2021 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best spray for ants in house
Replies: 36
Views: 4635

Re: Best spray for ants in house

There's a safe and natural option that you can make yourself called Eco Enzyme. I saw so many fantastic claims online that I had to try it out. Basically take orange peels, brown sugar, water, then place inside a 2-liter plastic soda bottle and let ferment for 3 months. You can find the exact ratios and instructions online. I've been surprised that it really does work in preventing bugs. It must be due to the concentrated orange oil in the peels, because it's basically just a mild vinegar with the same PH of lemon juice. I wipe counters with it full strength whenever I see a line of ants. I mop the garage with it diluted and have not seen as many bugs in my home as I have in previous years. On many occasions after mopping I see water bugs c...
by cheapedy
Mon Jun 28, 2021 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: shower mold on white tile/ caulk / fiberglass - what gets rid of it?
Replies: 31
Views: 3182

Re: shower mold on white tile/ caulk / fiberglass - what gets rid of it?

Hydrogen Peroxide 3%. The basic cheap stuff from the pharmacy type stores. Put it in a sprayer, spray problem areas. No fumes, safest option.

If it can be scrubbed, then Borax powder can be used with a sponge to clean it.

Please do not mix the two.
by cheapedy
Fri Jun 04, 2021 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What exactly is the selling point of "pre-paid" cellular/mobile plans?
Replies: 118
Views: 12251

Re: What exactly is the selling point of "pre-paid" cellular/mobile plans?

I set up my parents with pre-paid cell phones and cancelled their landline service years ago. Mom uses smart phone over wifi to call her friends and relatives using free apps. Dad has flip phone for basic calls/emergency with 900 minutes, costs them $60 a year each.
by cheapedy
Fri Mar 05, 2021 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slight Sewer Gas smell coming from bathroom - Problem solved -maybe!
Replies: 25
Views: 4210

Re: Slight Sewer Gas smell coming from bathroom

A note about wax rings. I recommend avoiding those which have rubber attached on the bottom. Instead, just double up two of the plain old standard wax rings when installing your toilets. This bit of information was given to me by my dad's friend who's worked as a flooring installer for over 30 years. He says the wax separates from the rubber part as it hardens during cooler temps, thus allowing leaks and odors to get through.
by cheapedy
Mon Feb 08, 2021 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unclaimed Property/Escheated Funds
Replies: 5
Views: 1774

Re: Unclaimed Property/Escheated Funds

I found $20.00 from Affinion Group Inc, have no clue about them.

Then $5.23 from over payed newspaper subscription.

Finally a lot of small credits from Credit cards that were cancelled, none more than .17 cents

Will the state send me a check or the individual company?
by cheapedy
Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Preparing for 2021 Garden - Seed Suppliers
Replies: 19
Views: 1815

Re: Preparing for 2021 Garden - Seed Suppliers

Sand Hill Preservation Center and Nativeseeds dot org are great if you would like to try heirloom and native varieties. Sand Hill is mail order only, download the catalog on their site and print order page, send with check or money order.

Native varieties are great. This past summer I planted Tepary Bean, which is considered one of the world's most drought-resistant crops. I sowed them in mid-summer before an expected heavy rain. I was amazed that they came up in about 6 days, and they withstood 100 plus temperatures in poor sandy soil. I did give them a good soak every two weeks or so and reaped a huge bounty of seed for planting this upcoming year.
by cheapedy
Tue Jan 05, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recovery Rebate Credit for Adult Dependents
Replies: 5
Views: 385

Re: Recovery Rebate Credit for Adult Dependents

So if my aunt does her taxes for the 2020 tax year and reports $0 income, while her sister and husband do their taxes and DO NOT claim her as a dependent, then will she receive a check for $600?
by cheapedy
Mon Jan 04, 2021 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recovery Rebate Credit for Adult Dependents
Replies: 5
Views: 385

Recovery Rebate Credit for Adult Dependents

My aunt Carol is a single 58 year old early retiree (not by choice) who owns her own home. Her sister and her husband live with her and pay the mortgage, property taxes and all utilities. They claim her as a dependent every year on their taxes. Carol did not receive a $1,200 stimulus check last spring because of it. She wants to know if there is a way for her to receive the current $600 payment. I'm aware of the recovery rebate credit, but is that only available for those who owe taxes as a credit?
by cheapedy
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who is your favorite fiction author and what is your favorite book of theirs?
Replies: 284
Views: 30287

Re: Who is your favorite fiction author and what is your favorite book of theirs?

Jean Shepherd of A Christmas Story fame. I absolutely love his collection of hilarious short stories in Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories: And Other Disasters

This book focuses more on the teenaged "Ralphie Parker" and his awkwardness, as he deals with high-school crushes, dating, and in the final chapter, his junior prom. It's lighthearted and full of 1940's-1950's nostalgia that even I, as an 80's kid can appreciate.
by cheapedy
Mon Jul 06, 2020 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Based on neighborhood fireworks how is your local economy doing?
Replies: 55
Views: 4947

Re: Based on neighborhood fireworks how is your local economy doing?

My tinnitus was aggravated by a loud explosion next door as I watered my summer squash. It was 8:30am! Thought I was safe.
by cheapedy
Tue Apr 14, 2020 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why not buy mobile homes instead of overpriced traditional homes?
Replies: 106
Views: 29563

Re: Why not buy mobile homes instead of overpriced traditional homes?

A friend of mine considered putting a moblie home on his 1 acre property to rent out. Went to the county to get informed. Legally he could, BUT, first, he needed to install an engineered septic tank that start at 20,000 dollars, then he needed fire dept access, soil testing for that access, hydrant access to the unit, then additional soil testing for the foundation, as well as all the many specifications for the foundation. He was completely overwhelmed and quickly bailed on that idea.
by cheapedy
Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Teaching teens about stock market, mutual funds etc
Replies: 22
Views: 1927

Re: Teaching teens about stock market, mutual funds etc

Years ago on youtube I came across some great beginner financial videos from a user named thewaytobuildwealth
He is a young guy and explains everything from inflation to portfolios in a manner that is easy to understand for those inexperienced. He also talks extensively on Vanguard funds, so that's a plus.

https://www.youtube.com/user/thewaytobuildwealth/videos
by cheapedy
Mon Jul 29, 2019 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for home gym (limited space)
Replies: 78
Views: 9573

Re: Recommendation for home gym (limited space)

I got into amazing shape a few years back. All I did was buy a resistance band kit and attached two old door hinges with lag bolts in my bedroom closet for the straps. One at standing bent arm height, the other one at sitting on floor bent arm height. Used the top one for chest press, tricep press, used bottom for lat rows and bicep curls. Did shoulder work by placing straps under feet. Did these workouts quick and finished with wall-sits or air squats for legs. My workouts were done after waking, two to three times per week, quick and intense, keeping heart rate up throughout. After a few weeks I got really lean and could faintly see a six pack. Unfortunately, a shoulder impingement issue caused by sleeping on my side forced me to quit. Si...
by cheapedy
Fri Apr 26, 2019 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load
Replies: 77
Views: 12240

Re: New Washer - Frontload or HE Top Load

Had the same issue with my Parents last year. Their 2004 Whirlpool top loader apparently would not drain. I told them to let me find a good replacement. Read all the reviews on all the big box stores, yet could not find a consensus on any machine. Not one except for Speedqueen , and it was too expensive. Best option was to call local repairman. Problem was a loose wire. Cost $175 total.
by cheapedy
Fri Apr 26, 2019 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet fees
Replies: 16
Views: 1921

Re: Internet fees

Once 5g data technology becomes widespread, all these companies will have to lower their prices in order to survive. I went from $19.99 Dial Up to $22.83 DSL to $44.95 Cable (100mb, making it cheaper per mb). Check out the following site to see your low cost options:

www.cheapinternet.com

Mainly offers for those who are low income.
by cheapedy
Tue Sep 25, 2018 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube Home workout vidoes
Replies: 33
Views: 3268

Re: YouTube Home workout vidoes

Since turning 38 a few years back, I've been unable to stay healthy and it forced me to make drastic changes in my workouts. A mild hernia, shoulder impingement/snapping, and sore knees and ankles led me to the work of Bill DeSimone. His youtube channells, Bill DeSimone and Optimal Exercise as well as his talks/books have helped me greatly. They focus on correctly performing exercises that are joint friendly so as to prevent injuries while working out. As many here have said, the key to weight loss is diet more than anything. I looked great when I was doing high intensity workouts several times a week, but after injury and months of recovery time, the belly and man boobs returned. For those of you with shoulder issues I highly recommend the...
by cheapedy
Sun Aug 26, 2018 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Best Mood Boosting Books (not self-help)
Replies: 29
Views: 3068

Re: Your Best Mood Boosting Books (not self-help)

Check out Jean Shepherd books, he is known for "A Christmas Story"

His books are compilations of short stories about growing up/kid/teenager in the 1940's. Later books are about his time in college and the army.

All hilarious!

Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories is my favorite.
by cheapedy
Wed Jun 20, 2018 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Storing Sustenance for Disasters
Replies: 28
Views: 2984

Re: Storing Sustenance for Disasters

DONUTS!!!
I remember hearing an expert on this subject a couple years ago. He said your basic flour, sugar and oil, are the best things to keep for emergencies. Dirt cheap, easy to store in bulk, easy to prepare, high calorie. Seriously, he mentioned that you could even feed the whole neighborhood very quickly and cheaply with very little fuel. His other expert tip was filling up every possible container with water at the onset of an emergency, ie, bathtubs, sinks, even garbage bags in dresser drawers!
by cheapedy
Sat Nov 04, 2017 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing a Covered CA health plan?
Replies: 4
Views: 822

Re: Help choosing a Covered CA health plan?

MAGI is the adjusted gross income plus any amounts excluded from taxation by section 911 (the exclusion from gross income for citizens or residents living abroad), any tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year, and any portion of the taxpayer's social security benefits that are excluded from gross income.

So this means that my aunt does qualify. What she and I are still confused about is the premium tax credit. Does she pay the $586 monthly premium, then get a tax credit at the end of the year? Or is it credited at time of payment , and just pays the discounted premium of $1.
by cheapedy
Sat Nov 04, 2017 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help choosing a Covered CA health plan?
Replies: 4
Views: 822

Help choosing a Covered CA health plan?

My aunt recently asked me to help her sign up for a Covered CA health plan now that enrollment has started. I have a basic understanding of it and would appreciate some advice to help her find the best option. She is a year away from Medicare, (63, turns 64 late Jan) a little overweight, but healthy... no chronic conditions, non-smoker, not on any medications. Household is two people, herself and her husband (70, on Medicare). Combined income is around $25,000 from Social Security and CD interest. 2016 AGI was $1,065 (don't understand this). The bronze plans appear to be the most affordable options, many at $1 per month after deductions. But I don't fully understand how these deductions work or apply in her case. My aunt does not mind payin...
by cheapedy
Tue Sep 12, 2017 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Freeze affects SSA online account
Replies: 22
Views: 10243

Credit Freeze affects SSA online account

Helpfull information for all those that have frozen their credit. I froze my credit with the five agencies over the last few days due to the Equifax breach. The last step was to create my online Social Security Association account, but I was denied. The web page instructed me to call a number and speak with an agent in order to resolve this. I was told by the agent that in order to process the online application, it has to go through..... EQUIFAX! I told her I had just recently frozen all my accounts. She informed me that I need to visit my local SSA office and verify my identity. Once verified, they will provide me with information to establish my online account. So make sure to do this first, then freeze your accounts. On the bright side,...
by cheapedy
Sun Sep 10, 2017 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who actually buys lottery scratch offs?
Replies: 43
Views: 4779

Re: Who actually buys lottery scratch offs?

Have never purchased a ticket of any kind. Although, I frequently enter local tv and radio contests. If I can't win the local contests with much favorable odds....... how the heck would I ever win the powerball!
by cheapedy
Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Updates on the status of Linux
Replies: 129
Views: 17791

Re: Updates on the status of Linux

I've been a linux user for about 10 years. It all started when my sister was given a Pentium four from her work. They upgraded the systems and gave away all the old PCs. The hard drives were wiped, so I had to figure a way to put an OS on it. My research came upon something called linux, specifically the ubuntu versions. I was able to revive it and was amazed at how fast and user friendly it was. I now use a two computer setup. One is a windows 7 setup, controlled by speech recognition only (comfy padded reclining chair, adjustable monitor, mainly for browsing and youtube, using tablets was giving me neck strain). My second PC is an AMD from 2011 running the newest version of Lubuntu, set up as a standing desk. I use this one for online ban...
by cheapedy
Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stand Up Desk
Replies: 29
Views: 4851

Re: Stand Up Desk

I've been using a makeshift one for 3 years now here at my home office. I suggest experimenting with placements to find ideal heights for monitor, keyboard and mouse before anything. My body type is ape-like (long arms, short legs, ample torso) so finding a comfortable and ergonomic sitting position was very difficult leading me to try a standing desk. My desk is basically an old 30"x45" dining room table on top of an old dresser fastened with drywall screws. I found my ideal heights by using scraps of 1/2" and 1/4" plywood underneath keyboard and mouse , dictionary/books and scraps to get monitor heights. Week after week trying new adjustments. Each change brought out new aches and pains (neck, wrist, elbows,forearms an...
by cheapedy
Tue Jan 24, 2017 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066412

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

TomatoTomahto wrote:If memory serves, Jean Shepherd's radio show was the only non-music show that I listened to on my transistor radio.
I'm in my late 30's and listen to his archived shows on my ipad.
by cheapedy
Mon Jan 23, 2017 11:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066412

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Found some hidden gems on youtube. These are a few Jean Shepherd (Author, Humorist, most known for A Christmas Story) Tv movies that aired on PBS in the 70's and 80's: The Phantom of the Open Hearth The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss There is also a "sequel" to A Christmas Story called: It Runs in the Family (1990's film, starring Charles Grodin) For those not familiar with the work of Jean Shepherd, these films are various stories adapted from his books, they all center around his quirky childhood/teen years in the 1930's/40's, as well as all the eccentric residents of his hometown. I laughed more watching the first two than any ot...
by cheapedy
Mon Dec 26, 2016 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get rid of your belly........
Replies: 82
Views: 14640

Re: How to get rid of your belly........

The easiest thing anyone can do to lose a little bit of weight is to not DRINK calories. Just replace your coffee, beer, sodas, and iced teas with water. Eat your normal every day diet and you will probably end up losing weight in a few weeks without any effort (unless you have issues with alcohol and caffeine). If you do the math you'll see that those insignificant calories do add up over time. Another good rule that I have followed over the years is to always eat breakfast as soon as I wake up. It can be anything from oatmeal to whole grain cereal to eggs and toast, to leftover spaghetti. It's a good habit to shift from late night eating to early morning eating. I used to skip breakfast, then gorge myself at lunch because I was starving b...
by cheapedy
Thu Dec 08, 2016 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Call Forwarding Service?
Replies: 2
Views: 402

Call Forwarding Service?

I'm looking for a call forwarding service similar to google voice. I want a new phone number that I can forward to either home, cell, or work. Having broken and misplaced my phones in the past, I don't prefer to carry expensive phones. I simply want to have a reliable number for all my important stuff that will ring any phone I have at the moment. Not a fan of google, so I prefer a pay service. Tried a local company called Telzio the past month, but they gave me a re-used number and got a ton of spam calls that used up my credits. Anveo seems to be recommended a lot, but I can't find many reviews on it. Grasshopper seems to be most popular, though Anveo provides the pricing I desire. Are there any Anveo users here? What service do many of y...
by cheapedy
Sun Jan 31, 2016 2:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your favorite Financial Quote or Metaphor??
Replies: 179
Views: 21421

Re: What is your favorite Financial Quote or Metaphor??

“When a man with money meets a man with experience, the man with experience leaves with money and the man with money leaves with experience.”
Anonymous
by cheapedy
Fri Jan 15, 2016 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for obtaining first credit card and good credit as fast as possible?
Replies: 14
Views: 1066

Re: Advice for obtaining first credit card and good credit as fast as possible?

I applied for my first card in my late 20's. It was a Cap one with a $300 limit, 29 percent APR, and $30 annual fee. Made small purchases and paid them off. Nine months later I applied for a B of A card and was approved for $2,000. Four years later my credit score grew to 760 range and has not dropped.
by cheapedy
Sat Jan 02, 2016 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much credit limit is too much?
Replies: 15
Views: 3314

Re: How much credit limit is too much?

Within 4.5 years of initially establishing credit, Amex gave me $15,000 CL on a new Blue Cash. I was so freaked out, thought it was just 5,000, upon second look, WOW! I then immediately placed it in an "undisclosed location" and has been used only a handful of times since.
by cheapedy
Thu Nov 19, 2015 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First smartphone recommendations
Replies: 28
Views: 4844

Re: First smartphone recommendations

I jumped on this deal as soon as it came out:

http://www.hsn.com/products/lg-ultimate ... ne/7848060

Just the minutes alone are worth the price of the phone. Tracfone is great, I've been with them since my first flip phone back in 08'.
by cheapedy
Fri Nov 06, 2015 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to start investing with nothing
Replies: 24
Views: 3180

Re: How to start investing with nothing

Just to clarify, is the Vanguard Target Retirement Fund an IRA, or merely a supplement to your 401k and IRA as there are no limits to how much you can contribute?