Search found 486 matches

by canderson
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69583

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Is there really any reason to NOT use CP if you have money sitting in vusxx as an emergency fund? Since you can hold a MMF like vusxx inside the CP and it allows for quicker transaction features (and can be used if ever needed to pay bills) than a straight brokerage, what’s the downside? What do you mean by quicker transaction features? I am not sure that is true. “How long will it take to move my cash from one account to another? Transfers (including from one Vanguard account to another) generally take 2–3 business days, but they might be quicker at times.” If you sell a MM that is in CP, the cash is available the next day in CP. A little meat to the bone. I did test runs with VMFXX (not VXUSXX) from VMFXX CP to cash CP, VMFXX Brokerage t...
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69583

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Is there really any reason to NOT use CP if you have money sitting in vusxx as an emergency fund? Since you can hold a MMF like vusxx inside the CP and it allows for quicker transaction features (and can be used if ever needed to pay bills) than a straight brokerage, what’s the downside?
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

22twain wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 3:13 pm
canderson wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:52 pm The original transaction for VGHCX was a small buy on 7/24/2020 and the share price was $117.96. A larger buy on 1/16/2003 was done and the share price was $98.40.
Is that really 2020, or should it be 2002?
Sorry, 2002. Posting while on a conference call ...
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

GAAP wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:58 pm
canderson wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:52 pm Update: Vanguard on the phone was fast and helpful - I want to point that out since we've seen a lot of negative posts about their service recently!

The original transaction for VGHCX was a small buy on 7/24/2020 and the share price was $117.96. A larger buy on 1/16/2003 was done and the share price was $98.40.
Reinvested dividend or capital gains? All of that would affect the basis, not just the original purchase unless you use specific ID. Either way, you'll need to know that information eventually.

The good news is that you only need 4 years of information, not 22.
ST and LT reinvested, along with capital gains.
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

Selling in taxable, buying in IRA? You can't just add that money to the IRA -- that is limited to the lesser of earned income (salary, wages, etc.) and the annual IRA contribution limit ($7,000 or $8,000 depending on age). If there is no earned income, then no contribution is allowed. The cost per share in the IRA will only reflect the actual purchases and reinvested dividend transactions made within that IRA. It has no relationship to the transactions made in the taxable account. I would call Vanguard and ask them if they have the cost-basis information -- long shot, but possible. They may be able to give you the initial purchase date and quantity. That would let you figure out the details if there were no other purchases (just reinvestme...
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

Update: Vanguard on the phone was fast and helpful - I want to point that out since we've seen a lot of negative posts about their service recently!

The original transaction for VGHCX was a small buy on 7/24/2000 and the share price was $117.96. A larger buy on 1/16/2003 was done and the share price was $98.40.
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

I have zero access to records and Vanguard's own site seems to not be able to load anything before the brokerage creation in 2020. What, exactly, are you doing on the Vanguard website to attempt to "load" the transaction history? For example, I just tried this, and it gave me transactions way back (early 2000s) for funds that used to be in a mutual fund (old platform) account and were transferred to a brokerage (new platform) account in 2023. (But your mileage may vary.) - log in - Click on the "Activity" tab - Click on the "Create Transaction History Report" tab and then filled in an early date. (I put 01/01/2000 because I couldn't remember when the first purchase was.) And it gave me all transactions since 2...
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Re: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

I am in need to rebalance a family member's portfolio and trying to get a grasp on tax implications these movements will have. Please talk to me like I'm a 7 year old! I need to divest from VGAHX that is with a taxable brokerage account but can't locate cost basis. I do not know when this fund was purchased but likely around its inception in 2002. I have zero access to records and Vanguard's own site seems to not be able to load anything before the brokerage creation in 2020. I want to exchange $25,000 in shares with another fund within an IRA. The holdings are, roughly, $195,000 holding 2,115 shares with a 5.76% lifetime gain (all dividends reinvested since inception so cap gains paid yearly for decades). Vanguard has blanks for this fund...
by canderson
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records
Replies: 13
Views: 789

Trying to determine cost basis of account without any records

I am in need to rebalance a family member's portfolio and trying to get a grasp on tax implications these movements will have. Please talk to me like I'm a 7 year old! I need to divest from VGAHX that is with a taxable brokerage account but can't locate cost basis. I do not know when this fund was purchased but likely around its inception in 2002. I have zero access to records and Vanguard's own site seems to not be able to load anything before the brokerage creation in 2020. I want to exchange $25,000 in shares with another fund within an IRA. The holdings are, roughly, $195,000 holding 2,115 shares with a 5.76% lifetime gain (all dividends reinvested since inception so cap gains paid yearly for decades). Vanguard has blanks for this fund ...
by canderson
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bavaria Christmas Markets
Replies: 16
Views: 1473

Re: Bavaria Christmas Markets

I just want to say Nuremberg is our least favorite Christmas market in all of Europe. It’s entitled Americans pushing around and vendors hawking over you because so many have theft issues. It’s a beating. A nice scene but it’s wall to wall the worst humans.

Munich has multiple markets that are incredible - my favorite is the medieval market.
by canderson
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)
Replies: 52
Views: 5922

Re: Lexus Hybrid (Sedan or SUV)

Keep in mind the Venza is now discontinued, keep that in mind. No longer being made as the move to the new Crown vehicle.
by canderson
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of Tub to Walk-In Conversion With Dbl Vanity
Replies: 13
Views: 1440

Re: Cost of Tub to Walk-In Conversion With Dbl Vanity

Got three quotes for this exact thing in 2021. Lowest bid was $13,700 from a local tile guy who would sub out the other work. High bid was ~ $19,000.

I live in south central PA so not a VHCOL locale.

I still have my existing setup.
by canderson
Thu Feb 08, 2024 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time for a new roof and it’s the first one I’m replacing - help!
Replies: 20
Views: 2785

Re: Time for a new roof and it’s the first one I’m replacing - help!

This is all tremendous advice - thank you all!

We don’t have an attic - it’s all finished space with maybe a crawl space I’ve never seen as there is a small closed off small door I’ve never opened.

And no permits needed, thankfully .
by canderson
Thu Feb 08, 2024 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time for a new roof and it’s the first one I’m replacing - help!
Replies: 20
Views: 2785

Time for a new roof and it’s the first one I’m replacing - help!

My nearly 20 year old house’s roof is on its last days and this spring I will be replacing it. Problem is, I know nothing about roofing. For context, my house is a 1900 sq ft three-story tall home. Skinny but long. live in Pennsylvania and we get pretty significant winds as I live in a valley by a river downslope from a mountain. I’ve had shingles and facia blown off too many times to count. My house isn’t fancy and I live in a city. Aesthetic doesn’t mater so much to us - it’s a cream-color vinyl siding house with brick front. Spending money on a metal roof isn’t in the cards. Any tips as I start searching for roofers to get 3-4 quotes? Like, what shingles should I look for for best strength and longevity, etc. Or does anyone in south cent...
by canderson
Fri Jan 19, 2024 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Treadmills
Replies: 59
Views: 5590

Re: Treadmills

If it’s for walking only, look into a walking pad. Cheaper, way to move and hide away.

Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BTX ... =UTF8&th=1
by canderson
Sat Jan 13, 2024 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 10160

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

I have a dumb question. I have a traditional side by side in a 2nd floor laundry closet. I’d love to get units that stack or the washtower itself. Is it easy/possible for them to use existing water and dryer gas connection and vent to convert? Or to cap that gas if it’s all electric, which I’d be ok with?

I’d want to do this so I can put vertical shelving next to it. We have no linen closet so would store towels and sheets and all that stuff there.
by canderson
Thu Dec 28, 2023 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 51775

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

Ugh I missed the deal yesterday. $20 more today. Grrrrrrrr.
by canderson
Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 10160

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

Ben the Appliance Guy on YouTube is worth a watch for this.

He says Speed Queens are probably the best but quite expensive.

He likes the LG WashTower and the GE all in one, and the stainless steel LG front loaders.
by canderson
Fri Dec 08, 2023 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Mesh Router To Buy
Replies: 61
Views: 7117

Re: Which Mesh Router To Buy

I sweat by AMPLIFI and Ubiqui products. My single Alien covers a 3 story 2600’ house by itself. But I want to share when you install the new system - use the exact same name and password as what they are replacing. By doing this all connected devices will reconnect automatically and you don’t have to enter a new router name and password on 20+ devices. It saved a TON of time and frustration. Do you "sweat" by AMPLIFI because you have to keep fixing them? :mrgreen: AMPLIFI Alien is nice but note it does not support VPNs. :sharebeer Swear I mean! I’m jinxing myself but I’ve had it 4 years or so and not once have I had to reset or reconfigure. I get 600mb speeds all over the house using Comcast’s 400gb blast service. And true on the...
by canderson
Fri Dec 08, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Mesh Router To Buy
Replies: 61
Views: 7117

Re: Which Mesh Router To Buy

I sweat by AMPLIFI and Ubiqui products. My single Alien covers a 3 story 2600’ house by itself. But I want to share when you install the new system - use the exact same name and password as what they are replacing. By doing this all connected devices will reconnect automatically and you don’t have to enter a new router name and password on 20+ devices. It saved a TON of time and frustration. Do you "sweat" by AMPLIFI because you have to keep fixing them? :mrgreen: AMPLIFI Alien is nice but note it does not support VPNs. :sharebeer Swear I mean! I’m jinxing myself but I’ve had it 4 years or so and not once have I had to reset or reconfigure. I get 600mb speeds all over the house using Comcast’s 400gb blast service. And true on the...
by canderson
Fri Dec 08, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Mesh Router To Buy
Replies: 61
Views: 7117

Re: Which Mesh Router To Buy

I swear by AMPLIFI and Ubiqui products. My single Alien covers a 3 story 2600’ house by itself.

But I want to share when you install the new system - use the exact same name and password as what they are replacing. By doing this all connected devices will reconnect automatically and you don’t have to enter a new router name and password on 20+ devices. It saved a TON of time and frustration.
by canderson
Sun Nov 12, 2023 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoke Detectors
Replies: 56
Views: 6344

Re: Smoke Detectors

A440 wrote: Sun Nov 12, 2023 6:28 am
canderson wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 7:55 pm
pizzy wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 7:40 pm We have 8 nest protects throughout the house. No issues.
My FAs would malfunction once every few months, often at 4 am.
One of my "God questions" someday will be, "Why do smoke alarm batteries always beep in the middle of the night?"
Ours didn’t beep. They fully sounded. We never got a chirp and replaced batteries every 6 months. I should’ve replaced the garbage alarms earlier.
by canderson
Sat Nov 11, 2023 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoke Detectors
Replies: 56
Views: 6344

Re: Smoke Detectors

pizzy wrote: Sat Nov 11, 2023 7:40 pm We have 8 nest protects throughout the house. No issues.
I replaced 6 First Alerts with Nest 4 months ago and can’t be happier. My FAs would malfunction once every few months, often at 4 am. The Nests daily testing and light notifications literally help us sleep better.
by canderson
Wed Nov 08, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $20K cash in hand, now what?
Replies: 10
Views: 1739

Re: $20K cash in hand, now what?

I’ll be happy to take it off your hands!
by canderson
Thu Oct 26, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I pay more for a plumber to install garbage disposal versus a handyman?
Replies: 93
Views: 10302

Re: Should I pay more for a plumber to install garbage disposal versus a handyman?

Just a note - if you do go the handyman route and the disposal is hooked up to a dishwasher ... ensure they remove the stopper that allows the dishwasher to drain back through the return line!

Years ago I had a handyman install a new one and ... he didn't. The dishwasher then partially flooded out.

I was not happy.
by canderson
Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Passkey all that secure if you can still login using the password
Replies: 24
Views: 4771

Re: Are Passkey all that secure if you can still login using the password

techbud wrote: Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:44 pm Hmm that’s odd. I’ve gone through this exact use case, and for me, the browser displays a QR code that I scan with my phone to log in using the passkey.
Bizarre! I tried in both Chrome and Edge and got the same popup.
by canderson
Tue Oct 24, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are Passkey all that secure if you can still login using the password
Replies: 24
Views: 4771

Re: Are Passkey all that secure if you can still login using the password

I decided to set up a Passkey for my Google account last night. Was set to do and I have the key saved into my password manager on my phone. I logged out of Google and logged back in and it required facial authentication. Cool! Well then today at work I went to sign in to Google and can’t use the Passkey. My work PC does not have Bluetooth capabilities and that’s required for Passkeys. I did the “log in other way” and chose Passkey but then got a “you must sign in to Google.com” message. No QE close to scan, nada. I ended up using my password like normal and never got asked for the Passkey. So, what’s the actual point of this if you don’t need it? If you can use the password on any computer - it serves zero purpose to me. Why add a Passkey ...
by canderson
Thu Aug 24, 2023 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoke detector that only makes noise when there is real danger.
Replies: 83
Views: 5149

Re: Smoke detector that only makes noise when there is real danger.

Google Nest Protect.

Last week we had a 6 year old First Alert fail. I had to three the breaker to get it to stop.

The Nests do daily checks on battery (even hardwired ones like us) and send a message to your phone if low. They also spesk if there is an issue. I just installed 5 last Friday.
by canderson
Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scotland / London…where to stay?
Replies: 70
Views: 4775

Re: Scotland / London…where to stay?

Jut recently got back from London and had another great stay at the Stafford Hotel in Mayfair. Highly recommend. Honestly we find Uber to be terrible in London and not much cheaper than black cabs. And Uber cancels tons and they seem to often have no idea where they’re driving. You’re going to Europe for 10 days - imo trying to save $50-100 her or there by withholding conveniences is a bad idea. We are going to London next week (seven days) and staying at the Washington Hotel in Mayfair. Curious how you got to your hotel from the airport - we have been thinking about using Uber but are now leaning toward taking the Tube from Heathrow to the Green Park station, which seems to be near our hotel. We book a private car with Blackberry. The Tub...
by canderson
Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scotland / London…where to stay?
Replies: 70
Views: 4775

Re: Scotland / London…where to stay?

Jut recently got back from London and had another great stay at the Stafford Hotel in Mayfair. Highly recommend.

Honestly we find Uber to be terrible in London and not much cheaper than black cabs. And Uber cancels tons and they seem to often have no idea where they’re driving.

You’re going to Europe for 10 days - imo trying to save $50-100 her or there by withholding conveniences is a bad idea.
by canderson
Mon Aug 14, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
Replies: 203
Views: 31261

Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?

Discovered tonight my passport expired in May (I thought it was of 2024 grrrrr). Competed and completed renewal form, will get AAA pic tomorrow and mail via priority. Paying for expedited service as we have a trip to London on October. I’m not convinced I’ll get it on time. I’ll update!
by canderson
Sun Aug 13, 2023 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is RAV4 Prime really available?
Replies: 37
Views: 7792

Re: Is RAV4 Prime really available?

Toyota has the worst inventory of any manufacturer now - and it’s on purpose and won’t get better. Why churn out cars to sell below MSRP?

Wait time for a Prime Rav4 is sill close to a year for those who order.
by canderson
Sun Aug 06, 2023 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting rid of my wallet?
Replies: 101
Views: 10827

Re: Getting rid of my wallet?

Just a world of caution: be careful using the phone wallets.

If your phone is lost or stolen it’s an even bigger nightmare. Especially when traveling on vacations where phone thefts are now a major issue in any city.
by canderson
Thu Jul 13, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IAD vs BWI when driving from PA
Replies: 20
Views: 1256

Re: IAD vs BWI when driving from PA

Where in PA? We're near Harrisburg and use both but BWI is much, much quicker in/out.

For BWI we use Airport Fast Park and from door to lot it's 1:15 or so.

Getting back 695 can be a bear but better than 270 IMIO.
by canderson
Tue Jul 11, 2023 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chip and Pin when in Europe [Greece and Italy specifically, Europe in general]
Replies: 65
Views: 6636

Re: Chip and Pin when in Europe

mbres60 wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 2:45 pm
stilllurking wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 1:04 pm Just got back last week from Greece. Tap and pay all over the place. No pin needed.
Great news!

For those who use/used Apple Pay, I could set it up. I did read somewhere online where it said the daily limit is 50 Euros. Sounds low considering one dinner could cost that much. Is that correct info? Is it 50 Euros per card you have on Apple Pay or just total for using Apple Pay?
I spend $1.800 using Apple Pay in London on one purchase last summer. You’re good.
by canderson
Fri Jul 07, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me find a table for a pellet grill!
Replies: 4
Views: 508

Re: Help me find a table for a pellet grill!

Are you sure it can't be on plastic top? My air fryer sits on my plastic laminate countertop and causes no damage cooking at 500 degrees. Same with the toaster oven and electric skillet that sit on a basic Lifetime folding table outside my camper. Designing a cooking device to be portable and then requiring it to be on a steel or concrete base doesn't make much sense. That said, most plastic tables that small probably won't have a high weight rating. Have you checked the manufacturer website? I know Weber makes a rolling cart for their portable grills - also with a plastic top. Check restaurant supply stores. Something like this might work for you. https://www.webstaurantstore.com/luxor-wscc-2-2-shelf-collapsible-wire-utility-cart/445WSCC2...
by canderson
Fri Jul 07, 2023 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me find a table for a pellet grill!
Replies: 4
Views: 508

Re: Help me find a table for a pellet grill!

I don't really understand the dimensions of this table, foldable versus not seems there are lots of tables in this category on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Nice-Folding-Adjustable-Portable-Lightweight/dp/B09NL64FSF/ref=asc_df_B09NL8T6QW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=647322330194&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11755679948619345816&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1014257&hvtargid=pla-1952434454769&gclid=CjwKCAjwzJmlBhBBEiwAEJyLu3OxQWDwdfNx6XXYW0u8EprslDxX80I-SMvsC34SeR9bpSF-0nXGdBoC_FsQAvD_BwE&th=1 Apologies if I was unclear. I saw that table but there are reports it's not too sturdy and for a pellet grill I need it to be that. The width can be anywhere bet...
by canderson
Thu Jul 06, 2023 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me find a table for a pellet grill!
Replies: 4
Views: 508

Help me find a table for a pellet grill!

I am in need of a (preferably collapsible) table to place a “portable” pellet grill. The space requires a pretty specific size and I can’t find anything! For size, this is the requirement:

Width: 26-30”
Depth: 20-22”

It has to be able to safely hold ~70 lbs. (I have fo7nd a few but their way before that threshold)
Since a grill will sit on it, it can’t be plastic or rubber.

I’d love it to have a second shelf to place stuff while smoking meats. Bonus points for hooks (or magnetic to place hook holders).

Thank you - I’m usually very good at finding things but no luck here.
by canderson
Mon Jul 03, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio
Replies: 649
Views: 113138

Re: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio

Today was my day. Took less than 2 minutes online - actually the agent immediately offered the $5/12 plan. Just say cancel, give the info to the auto assistant, and then the agent will offer. If they aren't a good offer, say no and you'll get more. If not, cancel and wait 5 minutes and resubscribe.

I probably qualify for the $99/3 years but we'll be buying a new car soon and it likely won't actually transfer. Plus I probably won't use the service in 2 years with a new car and Spotify, etc. easier to use.

Easy peasy.
by canderson
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16209

Re: Tesla Model Y

:twisted:
dsmclone wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:40 pm
canderson wrote: Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:35 pm I think anyone thinking about a Tesla who does road trips needs to do a long test drive. I think the seats are the most uncomfortable of any modern car I’ve set in in the last few decades.
It really must depend on the driver. I find them very comfortable. I'm 6'2 250 male.
Very true - seat comfort is a YMMV thing. But I do know some agree they’re very rigid so I think it’s prudent for everyone to try to get seat time. :)
by canderson
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me
Replies: 146
Views: 12890

Re: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me

A Toyota smart key can start the vehicle with a dead battery. I’ve done it.

You hold the fob directly up to the start button and it works. It had a net field-type sensor that works even with a feds battery.
by canderson
Sun Jul 02, 2023 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model Y
Replies: 133
Views: 16209

Re: Tesla Model Y

I think anyone thinking about a Tesla who does road trips needs to do a long test drive. I think the seats are the most uncomfortable of any modern car I’ve set in in the last few decades.
by canderson
Sat Jul 01, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pittsburgh in July, what to eat and do?
Replies: 44
Views: 4667

Re: Pittsburgh in July, what to eat and do?

One other note - Fig and Ash for that weekend just canceled our reservation as they’re closing for the day.

The Black Music Festival is downtown Thursday 7/13 to Saturday 7/15 and closing quite a few roads. Places are closing since staff can’t get there. Heads up.

Going to be very, very, very crowded that weekend. We’ve decided to stay out in the south side burbs and avoid any attraction around the downtown/north shore corridor.
by canderson
Wed Jun 28, 2023 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pittsburgh in July, what to eat and do?
Replies: 44
Views: 4667

Re: Pittsburgh in July, what to eat and do?

You are the reason hotels that weekend are obscene! Ha! We have to be there that Saturday and downtown hotels are CRAZY overpriced compared to normal. I had to look up what event was happening and 25k are coming in for it. Best of luck in your competition!

I second the Fig and Ash recommendation. Others restaurant recs:

Meat & Potatoes, 951 Liberty Avenue
Sienna Mercato, 942 Penn Avenue
Eleven (my personal favorite), 1150 Smallman Street
Waffles, 456 Fifth Ave
Pamela’s Diner for bfast, 60 21 Street
by canderson
Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UPS Store and Access Points
Replies: 26
Views: 2374

Re: UPS Store and Access Points

dukeblue219 wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:14 pm
PNWpilot wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 6:35 pm
bob60014 wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 4:50 pm Fwiw, the access points are paid per package (at least they were) for their minimum handling. Granted not much, but they are compensated.
How do Access Points get paid? Is it included in the shipping that I pay for with UPS, or am I supposed to pay upon pick-up at the Access Point?

This is not clearly communicated on the UPS website.
It's a little unclear from your "transcript" but if the owner seemed to be shaking you down for "$5-$10" you should definitely make sure your report gets back to UPS. That's absurd behavior.
100%. He agreed to the device and is now backing away and sharing down customers. Very bad look for UPS which they won’t tolerate.
by canderson
Sun Jun 25, 2023 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UPS Store and Access Points
Replies: 26
Views: 2374

Re: UPS Store and Access Points

Sounds like an Access Point - prob a Mailbox Etc or something - and they’re not making money so being a PITA. We only ship to authorized UPS Stores. Some UPS Stores have lockers like Amazon, too, we have used.
by canderson
Fri May 19, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Transition to Brokerage Issue
Replies: 12
Views: 1268

Re: Vanguard Transition to Brokerage Issue

I don’t see this as a lack of privacy/security info. It sounds like a data glitch - your SIL has no access just necessary her name suddenly shows up on the site. Hopefully they can easily retract the data hiccup.

That does remind though my wife got a postcard asking her to transfer. We did this last February and have had the 1099 brokerage tax statements since. Unsure why they are saying she needs to convert still.
by canderson
Sun May 07, 2023 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn to Mulch Conversion
Replies: 18
Views: 2572

Re: Lawn to Mulch Conversion

Instead of mulch, I would recommend a ground cover like clover. Chokes weeds which mulch will succumb to after a year or two.

No maintenance. Native.
by canderson
Sun Apr 02, 2023 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blanket disintegrated in washing machine - next steps?
Replies: 11
Views: 2286

Re: Blanket disintegrated in washing machine - next steps?

Thanks for that link - removed and no remnants. It is draining fine so I assume not very much got into the drain. The towels were on bottom and caught a ton of the stuff thankfully.

But I should start exploring brands for replacements. Ugh! Speed Queen used to be great but my local appliance shop quit carrying them as they became more junky a few years back due to changes.
by canderson
Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blanket disintegrated in washing machine - next steps?
Replies: 11
Views: 2286

Re: Blanket disintegrated in washing machine - next steps?

No filter on this Whirlpool without removing the pump itself from what I can tell from the manual and YouTube. First cycle went we,l - drained without issue and only a very few tiny blue remnants. I’ll run 1-2 more times today or tomorrow then feel safe.

Thank you, all!