Search found 819 matches

by rooms222
Mon Feb 19, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TD Bank billpay error
Replies: 14
Views: 1335

Re: TD Bank billpay error

Also, note that TD is the issuer of the Target Red Card. If there was an error, they are on both sides of the transaction.
by rooms222
Mon Jan 15, 2024 2:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Combo car jump starter/air compressor rec
Replies: 25
Views: 2880

Re: Combo car jump starter/air compressor rec

Have had this NOCO with a built in air compressor for over 7 years. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KPU8F2?re ... 5_i_n&th=1

It is still working on the original battery (which is replaceable). It is big and heavy, but it works all the time. I got it when some forum (maybe even this one) mentioned it is the one AAA uses.
by rooms222
Sun Dec 31, 2023 12:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Niagara Falls in May/June
Replies: 40
Views: 4296

Re: Niagara Falls in May/June

The power plant tour at Niagara Falls falls is a lot of fun and the boat ride is a can't miss. Definitely stay on the Canadian side, as everyone has suggested. Quebec City is spectacular! Have fun! Yes, this is amazing, as you go down a long elevator and then walk through the old water outlet tunnel and end up on a viewing platform almost as close to the falls as the boats go. We noticed the American boats were going closer to the falls than the Canadian ones were. You can cross the street and go to the park where you can see the top of the falls. If you have a car, go to Fort Erie. On the lake front road just east of the fort, there are public beach access points with parking where, on the beach, you have a beautiful unobstructed view of ...
by rooms222
Fri Dec 29, 2023 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Erisa Title 1 question
Replies: 5
Views: 809

Re: Erisa Title 1 question

Thank you WholeMilk for you excellent response. I also found this helpful https://www.brightonjones.com/blog/457-plan-differences/#:~:text=These%20plans%2C%20sometimes%20referred%20to,case%20of%20litigation%20or%20bankruptcy. To try to restate the difference, governmental 457 plans are the property of the individual employee right away (i.e. held in trust) all the way through until you take the money out, ideally at retirement. The non-profit 457 plans must be held as an obligation of the entity (the non-profit). If somehow the non-profit went broke, for example through losses, fraud, theft, or lawsuits, the non-profit 457 participants could lose their 457 money to pay obligations of the non-profit, such as creditors, debts, or lawsuits. Th...
by rooms222
Wed Dec 27, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car buyer: Toyota RAV-4 XLE vs Mazda CX-5 Carbon
Replies: 44
Views: 5806

Re: New Car buyer: Toyota RAV-4 XLE vs Mazda CX-5 Carbon

Mazda does not have a touchscreen for CarPlay/AndroidAuto. They have a joystick near the gear shifter and say it's safer. Not in my opinion. I think that has been replaced with touch screen for 2024 models. I don't believe it has. From what I understand Mazda is pretty adamant/possibly stubborn that knob control is safer than a touchscreen. I found the Mazda knob system annoying and hard to use when I drove my wife's Mazda 3 and I wasn't used to it. Now we have 2 Mazda's and I am used to it and find it easy enough to use. I do agree that it is safer than a touchscreen, at least for where Mazda puts the screen on top of the dash. Some would have to lean forward to reach it. If the screen was lower in the console below windshield level, then...
by rooms222
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax filng status when spouses live in different states - Michigan and Texas
Replies: 22
Views: 3217

Re: Tax filng status when spouses live in different states - Michigan and Texas

Note that if you file jointly federally, you must file jointly in Michigan as well. You would not be able to use the MI form above (or fill it out as part year separated), and/or would likely have to pay Michigan tax on your income. From MI 1040 instructions: Who Must File a Joint Return If you are considered married for federal tax purposes, you must file your Michigan return using either the married filing jointly or married filing separately filing status. This applies to all couples who are married under the laws of the State of Michigan or under the laws of another state. If you filed a joint federal income tax return, you must file a joint Michigan income tax return. If you and your spouse filed separate federal returns, you may file ...
by rooms222
Sat Dec 16, 2023 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax filng status when spouses live in different states - Michigan and Texas
Replies: 22
Views: 3217

Re: Tax filng status when spouses live in different states - Michigan and Texas

You will need to read the instructions and file this form 5049 with Michigan taxes. If separate for the entire year, you only fill out part 3.

https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/-/media/ ... 4C8D07BFF2

Note that this form is important to maintain the homestead property tax status in Michigan.

Also, there may be eligibility for the income tax property credit and home heating credits in Michigan if the household is separate, I believe.
by rooms222
Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorites at Aldi's?
Replies: 36
Views: 6387

Re: Favorites at Aldi's?

MGBMartin wrote: Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:05 pm Two of my favorites are/were their…
Muesli
Carving ham
Haven’t seen either of them in a while.

I think their fruit like oranges and apples are very good
The muesli comes in two or three times a year when they have German week. Stock up then. Was able to purchase some a couple of months ago.
by rooms222
Mon Dec 04, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate
Replies: 34
Views: 3842

Re: Closed loop Mexico cruise with birth certificate

SnowBog wrote: Sun Dec 03, 2023 2:12 pm If you happen to live in a "border" state, check to see if they offer an "enhanced" drivers license (not many states do). My understanding is they are acceptable for border crossings by car and cruise ship (but not air travel) - meaning Canada and Mexico.

But if it were me, I'd be getting my passport ASAP either way.
I agree, but EDLs can be done in less than a week in some states, if you have all the documents. Here are the five states: EDL's are available in the following states:

Michigan
Minnesota
New York
Vermont
Washington

Ohio has passed legislation to have them, but it has not yet been implemented.
by rooms222
Mon Oct 30, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash-only Busineses
Replies: 5
Views: 1127

Re: Cash-only Busineses

Here you go-https://www.unclefed.com/SurviveIRS/MSS ... _final.pdf

The most current IRS audit technique guides are here: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-bu ... uides-atgs

Older ones are out there on the internet, like the restaurant one.
by rooms222
Sun Oct 29, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help - Can Marcus Lock Our Savings Account Willy-nilly?
Replies: 44
Views: 6264

Re: Help - Can Marcus Lock Our Savings Account Willy-nilly?

In 2021, FINRA did post a regulatory notice as to why ACH Pulls to a brokerage account were resulting in increasing fraud. https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/notices/21-14

Interesting that they advise looking into filing Suspicious Activities Reports for those that break the rules (see sentence before footnote 3).
by rooms222
Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Coffee Day question
Replies: 4
Views: 1063

Re: National Coffee Day question

There are a few additional deals at the Krazy Coupon Lady-

https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/mon ... eap-coffee
by rooms222
Thu Sep 28, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?
Replies: 53
Views: 5654

Re: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?

anagram wrote: Thu Sep 28, 2023 1:09 pm
breakaway wrote: Thu Sep 28, 2023 12:34 pm GC holders require a visa to most countries.
This is simply not true. Whether a visa is required to a country is determined purely by the passport the OP holds. It has nothing to do with a GC.
This is not always true, visa-free access can be granted in conjunction with holding a green card (or in some cases a visa to a different high-status county) and a passport.

For example, Canada allows visa free entry to U.S. Green Card holders who also present their passport- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-re ... wful-pr-us
by rooms222
Thu Sep 28, 2023 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?
Replies: 75
Views: 9752

Re: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?

Yes, there is access to deals that are only available on the app....Such as a fry or coffee for a dollar (almost every day in my region) and other deals such as BOGO breakfast sandwiches, nuggets, and sandwiches (which vary from time to time and day to day).

Also, you get points that can be redeemed for free food. If you spend $45 over a period of time you can get a free Fillet O Fish for example. Points expire after about 6 months, I believe.
by rooms222
Thu Sep 28, 2023 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?
Replies: 53
Views: 5654

Re: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?

The exit form for long-term green card holders mentioned above was very enlightening. Also, the country of citizenship can be important for tax reasons in the other country. There was a poster a few months ago who had regained by application their Philippines citizenship after losing it when getting U.S. Citizenship. This put him in a position of potentially paying taxes on U.S. retirement income (especially non-pension based income such as Roth or 401k earnings) while resident as a retiree in the Philippines as a dual citizen where if he were a U.S. citizen only this would not have been the case, as non-Filipino citizens, even those who lost it from other naturalizations are exempted from taxes on retirement and interest income from outsid...
by rooms222
Thu Sep 28, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BofA App Glitch: Can't pay CCs from external bank
Replies: 10
Views: 1876

Re: BofA App Glitch: Can't pay CCs from external bank

This is a longstanding (15 plus years) issue with BOA if you have your ebill sent to another bank that uses the Checkfree/Fiserv platform (as does BOA) you cannot do a payment through the BOA website, but have to schedule through billpay (or pay by phone, in branch, or mail a check).
by rooms222
Thu Sep 21, 2023 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Low cost cellular phone service plans
Replies: 52
Views: 6756

Re: Low cost cellular phone service plans

I'm on Mint currently as well and my plan expires early Nov, do not plan to renew. I switched my primary number to Google Voice a year ago so don't need a cell number and planning to try a data only plan from MobiMatter which was a tip from someone else on another thread. https://mobimatter.com/travel-esim/3-us-ca-uk-au-nz-35-gb-esim?gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw0lRBq-mVvfmvGjD7CqdqW9KuRVxNkVPMBuCXy0PDBgCeTGcRGOeTsaAgnZEALw_wcB 35GB, 1 year validity, roams on AT&T for $39.99. That works out to $1.14/GB so 5GB for $5.70. Considering that at home i'm mostly on WiFi for voice calls the bandwidth consumed for voice when i'm not home is going to be marginal. This works out at least for me to be the cheapest and best. As a bonus it works ...
by rooms222
Wed Sep 06, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?
Replies: 15
Views: 2985

Re: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?

The statute is here- https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/12/1701j-3

I would say the bogleheads prior discussion was correct over the lawyer as it cites section (d)(5) of the statute which bars due on sale clauses to any relative (undefined term in the statute) based upon death. I think the lawyer may have looked at section (d)(6) which allows for transfers to spouse or children, even without death occurring.
by rooms222
Wed Sep 06, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?
Replies: 15
Views: 2985

Re: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?

In Florida I helped a friends brother file a Lady Bird Deed shortly before passing. The house had a mortgage and the Lady Bird Deed had no impact on the mortgage and did not require them being notified. My friend continued to pay the mortgage after their brothers passing. When the house was sold about a year later the mortgage was paid off at closing. Cheers Thanks! Her place is in Florida, too. I realize I forgot to include that. This might trigger a due on transfer provision in the mortgage. Just because someone else did this without negative consequence doesn’t mean you won’t. Federal law, as noted in the discussion I linked to above, prohibits due on sale clauses being used for ¨a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a bo...
by rooms222
Tue Sep 05, 2023 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?
Replies: 15
Views: 2985

Re: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?

The law that states that mortgages are usually automatically assumable when someone passes away is discussed here: viewtopic.php?t=323131

In the five states where they are allowed, Lady Bird deeds can work. I know a family that successfully used one.

More info here: https://www.medicaidplanningassistance. ... ird-deeds/

Note that of the five states, TX and maybe WV allow both TOD Deeds and Lady Bird deeds. There are some differences.
by rooms222
Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Landline Requirement By Local Provider
Replies: 13
Views: 1343

Re: Landline Requirement By Local Provider

If Iowa is the state in question, they have not removed or modified their ¨carrier of last resort law¨ Iowa Code § 476.29(5) This section was seriously discussed in 2013, when about half the U.S. states had modified such requirements. Iowa chose not to, and it appears the statute has not been amended since then. As noted in the first article, it is claimed by the smaller phone companies that they are required to charge more for internet without a landline (probably the cost of the landline). https://www.thegazette.com/business/iowa-independent-telephone-companies-facing-technology-shift/ In this government discussion (near the beginning and end of the document where carrier of last resort is discussed), it was noted that Iowa decided not to...
by rooms222
Mon Aug 28, 2023 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for Direction (Burnout/Mid-Life Crisis?)
Replies: 46
Views: 8290

Re: Looking for Direction (Burnout/Mid-Life Crisis?)

LotsaGray wrote: Thu May 25, 2023 11:14 pm I thought 10 pension vesting was stopped decades ago? Iirc max was 3 yr with a cliff and 6 with no cliff.
Governmental entities are allowed to have 10 year vesting.
by rooms222
Tue Aug 22, 2023 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cincinnati to Charlotte
Replies: 28
Views: 2508

Re: Cincinnati to Charlotte

Have to drive What’s the best way? Go through West Virginia or Tennessee? We did not drive in this part of country Pros and Cons please I am already being warned to be careful around Ohio for speeding.Coming from mountain west driving within 5 mph is considered ok for most part but folks tell me those unwritten rules don’t apply in Ohio. Can't speak to the route as I've never done it, but I live in Ohio (northeast part of the state) and consistently drive 6-7 MPH over the speed limit on 70MPH highways (the turnpike and most non-urban interstates) in NEO and Central Ohio and have never received a ticket or been pulled over with a warning. I remember a media analysis in Ohio, where it was indicated that the police gave a majority of speeding...
by rooms222
Sat Aug 19, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?
Replies: 120
Views: 11064

Re: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?

is what is popular in Hawaii and the Philipines. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087X8VV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought a big batch of this 3 years ago from Amazon Great for super on the go traveling, at the time, but, now want to have a better cup in the morning when traveling so thinking of alternatives. https://i.postimg.cc/HW6mN9hN/Screenshot-2023-08-12-at-8-17-44-PM.png huge thanks for the reminder. j :D Yes, and the various permutations of Essensso are available at Waltermart in the Philippines. I would say the Essensso is far superior to the Nescafe version which is somewhat above average. This Vietnamese one is the best quality to price ratio on Amazon, but in my opinion is only slightly better th...
by rooms222
Mon Aug 14, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?
Replies: 120
Views: 11064

Re: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?

[/quote] is what is popular in Hawaii and the Philipines. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087X8VV2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I bought a big batch of this 3 years ago from Amazon Great for super on the go traveling, at the time, but, now want to have a better cup in the morning when traveling so thinking of alternatives. https://i.postimg.cc/HW6mN9hN/Screenshot-2023-08-12-at-8-17-44-PM.png huge thanks for the reminder. j :D [/quote] Yes, and the various permutations of Essensso are available at Waltermart in the Philippines. I would say the Essensso is far superior to the Nescafe version which is somewhat above average. This Vietnamese one is the best quality to price ratio on Amazon, but in my opinion is only s...
by rooms222
Sat Aug 12, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?
Replies: 120
Views: 11064

Re: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?

With regards to the "Nescafe instant" with cream and sugar (commonly called 3 in 1 coffee), this brand is all Arabica and is one of the best I have tasted- https://www.amazon.com/SUPER-ESSENSO-Mi ... B01GBFBGKU

It may not mess with your stomach as much as other brands, from experience. The 2 in 1 (creamer/coffee) is also available on Amazon.

In its prime markets, they now have 100% Columbia Arabica and 100% Brazil Arabica, but having tasted them, they are only slightly different than the red bag linked above. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore now have other high quality brands of 3 in 1 that are not readily available in the U.S.
by rooms222
Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicaid benefits and SSI/SSDI eligibility
Replies: 44
Views: 3422

Re: Medicaid benefits and SSI/SSDI eligibility

I would look at points 5, 8 and 9 of the summary here as to why Medicaid could be important. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/10-things-to-know-about-medicaid/ In short, it can act as a gap filler to cover services not covered by your insurance, it can allow access to treatments and programs not normally available through insurance and/or better integrated into a care model by combining services covered by insurance with those not covered by insurance, and it can be a backup should your family's situation and/or your insurance coverage change in ways that make it difficult to have coverage to pay the services needed. This is not a waste, it is a recognition that for children with complex care needs to have a wide continuum of servic...
by rooms222
Sun Jul 30, 2023 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28749

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Of stuff that hasn't been mentioned, a Philips super-automatic coffee maker.
by rooms222
Sun Jul 30, 2023 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: eBay Watchers Strategy
Replies: 18
Views: 1526

Re: eBay Watchers Strategy

I put a lot of stuff on my watch list that I am seriously interested in buying, but am still contemplating the purchase and/or shopping around. Ebay has become less of a go-to place with the higher fees and shipping costs, that have been put on the seller. Thus, as ebay's market dominance has gone down, I will also use google and especially google shopping to see whether there are other places with a better deal. Yesterday, I was buying items that resellers get out of bulk lots from pharmacy pallets (non-medical items with a high markup that are sold at places like CVS). I ended up buying one at Mercari, and one on ebay, where the seller had made a lot that cherry-picked the better items to make a lot. I paid more per-item on ebay, but they...
by rooms222
Fri Jul 28, 2023 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Advice on Buying a Mini Van
Replies: 71
Views: 8136

Re: Your Advice on Buying a Mini Van

I'm a fan of our Chrysler Pacifica. It has a fantastic ride, a proven engine and it will hold a 4x8 sheet of plywood with the hatch down. Most minivans cannot. +1 for Chrysler Pacifica (never thought I would own a Chrysler!) Plus the 2nd and 3rd row seats stow in the floor - no removing (you don't realize how nice this is until you had two vans that you had to remove them, then store them in your garage, then lift them back in, etc). Good to know! As far as you know are all the Pacifica years offering the 2nd and 3rd row seats that stow in the floor? Thanks. The Pacifica is no longer in production due to low demand. I’m ne might draw an inference from that. I don´t believe this is accurate at all. Motorbiscuit had an unsourced article on J...
by rooms222
Fri Jul 28, 2023 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to dispose of old car?
Replies: 25
Views: 2949

Re: Best way to dispose of old car?

Just jumping in to add that for my non-running (and perhaps barely running) car, peddle.com was easy and gave a higher valuation than local scrap lots that were willing to come and pick up the car. I got $420 for a non-running car (with title) where other locals were offering about $200. They want to know if it is running, if the catalytic converter is present, and if you have the title for their valuation.

They were extremely easy to work with, and I would use them again, if needed.
by rooms222
Thu Jul 27, 2023 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling car online - buyer asking for VIN as question #1
Replies: 39
Views: 7532

Re: Selling car online - buyer asking for VIN as question #1

The car I am looking for, I would want the VIN right away because I would likely only want the cars produced in the Japanese factory and not the Mexican factory due to quality control differences.
by rooms222
Fri Jul 21, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Primerica - coworker trying to recruit and sell. Am I missing something about the company?
Replies: 35
Views: 4564

Re: Primerica - coworker trying to recruit and sell. Am I missing something about the company?

I did go through the state licensing process with them as a close friend wanted me to do it, and I was trying to be supportive. They did refund my licensing fees as they stated they would do.

What I learned about life insurance in the class was that every bell and whistle added to a straight term policy (one that goes up in premium each year) adds costs and profit opportunities for the insurance company, but that buying such things as level term may be worth it due to the financial planning needs of the individual. Also, competition for common products such as 20-year level term may keep some of these tendencies in check.
by rooms222
Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco vs Ollie's?
Replies: 15
Views: 1575

Re: Costco vs Ollie's?

Ollies is like the Big Lots of 20 or 30 years ago where there is the treasure hunt aspect of finding closeout items that you may never see again. Their stock fluctuates with time on what is a good purchase for you. Sometimes you go there and don´t find anything good, and other times they have great deals. At various times, I have found great prices on Dockers, Gold Toe socks, underwear, jackets, Proctor and Gamble products, small appliances, comforters, high quality Philips and GE light bulbs, and food products. It really does come and go what is there. Also, their loyalty club gives out discount certificates that are good on single items and entire purchases. They periodically send out such certificates as well to members, such as 15% off ...
by rooms222
Fri Jul 14, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Michigan Vacation Ideas (driving from Chicago to Mackinac Island)
Replies: 51
Views: 4500

Re: Michigan Vacation Ideas (driving from Chicago to Mackinac Island)

I would drive up through Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I have always found those areas to be more interesting than Michigan's Lower Peninsula. You could drive up one way and back the other way. I think we’ll take you up on this for our drive back from St Ignace to O’Hare. Any suggestions for stopping points halfway(ish) between St Ignace and Green Bay? Bonus points for somewhere cool for the kids — we’d be fine with a place where they could take a dip in a lake, river, pond, or even a pool. The mystery spot And https://www.uptravel.com/things-to-do/attractions/kitch-iti-kipi/ The mystery spot does charm many. For Swimming, we have found the state maintained beach here our favorite place to swim. https://wagwalking.com/lifestyle...
by rooms222
Wed Jul 12, 2023 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Day Price Observations
Replies: 49
Views: 7189

Re: Amazon Prime Day Price Observations

The two things that were good deals this year seemed to be the Philips superautomatic coffee makers (the 2200 new and the 3200 in the Amazon warehouse with the extra 20% off for prime day) and the single use coupon that lets you get 50% one consumable item from a long list of items.
by rooms222
Mon Jul 03, 2023 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Crazy Dairy Post COVID question
Replies: 10
Views: 1730

Re: Crazy Dairy Post COVID question

More and more half and half is ultra pasteurized, which can affect flavor and texture to some.
by rooms222
Mon Jun 19, 2023 8:44 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Mastercard ATM transaction limit [Cambodia]
Replies: 5
Views: 1237

Re: Mastercard ATM transaction limit [Cambodia]

It is not Mastercard policy, but it is likely either credit union policy and/or the vendor they use to do their card services.

One option is to use Moneygram to send cash to yourself. It costs $4.99 to send $400 to yourself for cash pickup from a debit card, and can be initiated online.
by rooms222
Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSN for Authorized User to Add to Credit Card
Replies: 9
Views: 1068

Re: SSN for Authorized User to Add to Credit Card

There are some threads on flyertalk that state that Amex will allow this if you talk to customer service and provide copies of documents such as a passport.
by rooms222
Sat Jun 10, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Condo HOA Requirements
Replies: 13
Views: 1926

Re: Condo HOA Requirements

In my state, condo associations with more than $20,000 of revenue must vote each year whether or not to have an internal audit. For a small association with barely that amount of dues each year, spending $1-2 thousand dollars to do an audit is not seen as a worthwhile expense. If you wanted to pay for such an audit, you could likely get access to the books to do so as an owner.
by rooms222
Mon Jun 05, 2023 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ADP Offered No OHIO IT-4 Form
Replies: 3
Views: 392

Re: ADP Offered No OHIO IT-4 Form

From the Ohio form, there appears to be no applicable exemption if you expect to earn more than $300 from the employer.



https://case.edu/financialaid/sites/cas ... cket_0.pdf
by rooms222
Sun Jun 04, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small business LLC in Texas for access to PPOs in early retirement
Replies: 20
Views: 1265

Re: Small business LLC in Texas for access to PPOs in early retirement

In my part of the country, what you are looking for can sometimes be accomplished through plans sold by a professional association or a chamber of commerce. I saw this one for part of TX.

https://www.grandprairiechamber.org/Nor ... ooperative
by rooms222
Mon May 29, 2023 12:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme refurbished vs new
Replies: 36
Views: 2486

Re: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme refurbished vs new

Rakuten is doing 12% cash back for the next day or so.... https://www.rakuten.com/lenovo.com
by rooms222
Sun May 28, 2023 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme refurbished vs new
Replies: 36
Views: 2486

Re: Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme refurbished vs new

If you are purchasing from Lenovo yourself, I found it worthwhile to use the triple dip strategy to purchase mine. I watched the price for what I wanted or a pre-built configuration I could live with, and then waited for a good deal, as the coupon is a necessity for personal purchases. I also made sure to sign in and get certified ahead of time for the senior discount(55+) as Lenovo uses ID.me for all of its various discounts such as students or first responders. Then, I also signed up for Rakuten which offers cash back on the purchase, and waited until they offered 8 or 10 percent cash back. I also found a $100 off $500 offer from American Express for using the American Express card after loading the offer at American Express. This resulte...
by rooms222
Sat May 13, 2023 11:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring Overseas/Out-of-State and Escaping Californian Income Taxes?
Replies: 209
Views: 14450

Re: Retiring Overseas/Out-of-State and Escaping Californian Income Taxes?

If your HMO is with Calpers Kaiser, you might actually be able to use your coverage in the DC area. Check the Mid-Atlantic dropdown here: https://mybenefits.kaiserpermanente.org ... nformation

If you really set up domicile around DC and were there a majority of the days of the year, and not in CA much, and changed your cars to your new home, your kids also accessing your CALPERS coverage in CA might be mitigated, if you could show you were using your coverage only with Kaiser in DC area for your care.
by rooms222
Fri May 05, 2023 2:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: bad financial decision help (housing related)
Replies: 91
Views: 12780

Re: bad financial decision help (housing related)

It appears you live in a non-recourse state where you could walk away with just the hit to your credit if you can't sell it- https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/the- ... Washington.

There can be tax implications on any mortgage amount forgiven if you are not insolvent, so you may want to just keep lowering the price until it sells.
by rooms222
Sat Apr 29, 2023 11:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why can't I apply for Global Entry?
Replies: 2
Views: 940

Re: Why can't I apply for Global Entry?

I think you may have (or be able to get) Global Entry through you passport since you have SENTRI. From https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/frequently-asked-questions#:~:text=Must%20I%20obtain%20a%20Global,coming%20into%20the%20United%20States. As a current NEXUS or SENTRI member, how can I use Global Entry kiosks? All current NEXUS members, and U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents who are SENTRI members, are eligible to use Global Entry kiosks once they provide fingerprints and document information to CBP. If CBP already has your fingerprints and document information on file, you can use Global Entry kiosks without further action and at no additional cost. If you are a Mexican national in SENTRI, y...
by rooms222
Thu Apr 27, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Michigan Tax Changes signed by Governor
Replies: 11
Views: 3212

Re: Michigan Tax Changes signed by Governor

More information on the changes:

It looks like the phase-in until 2026 will be messy, with more guidance to follow.

https://www.freep.com/story/money/perso ... 064295007/
by rooms222
Sun Mar 26, 2023 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Understanding Turo Liability Coverage
Replies: 8
Views: 1028

Re: Understanding Turo Liability Coverage

I think this may be related to the quirk in California law that lets rental companies rent cars with no liability insurance. This is unusual, and, if you don´t have liability insurance on your own car or a non-owner liability insurance policy, you might need to buy the liability insurance on a rental car as credit cards provide collision damage waiver coverage, but not liability. https://blog.autoslash.com/renting-a-car-in-california-watch-out-for-this-insurance-gotcha/ Turo does not want to or cannot sell liability beyond state minimums for some reason. In looking up something about this, I found bonzah.com, which appears to sell supplemental liability for individual car rentals. In trying renting in CA, it allowed both state minimum and s...