Search found 107 matches

by jcpct
Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings
Replies: 55
Views: 5705

Re: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings

hunoraut wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:24 pm
alfaspider wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 2:06 pm Too bad they beat most of their cars with an ugly stick. I don't care how good they are, I could never live with a car like the iX or M3/4. I have a reasonable tolerance for less than beautiful cars, but those cross the line.
I think their heydays ended in the mid 2010s, arguably 2000s. The E39 a high point and the E92 the book-end.

(Mine was late 2010s but one of the few appealing models left in their lineup)
So true. My 2003 e39 is the best car I’ve ever owned.
by jcpct
Sun Feb 25, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Front License Plate Mount
Replies: 29
Views: 2781

Re: Front License Plate Mount

Count me as one of those unfortunate people that got pulled over for not having a front plate. So now I always run with a plate in front(I use a tow hook type of mount) I don’t want the lack of a front plate to be an excuse for the police to stop me.
by jcpct
Sat Feb 24, 2024 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental crowns
Replies: 61
Views: 8254

Re: Dental crowns

I’m in SW Fl and just had a crown two weeks ago. Cost about $1100.
by jcpct
Mon Jan 22, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Letter on revoking e-delivery
Replies: 22
Views: 2450

Vanguard Delivery Preferences

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

Today I received 3 mailings from Vanguard telling me "Your delivery preferences have been changed to U.S. mail" and they were revoking my consent for e-delivery. I don't recall changing anything (from electronic delivery) and when I went into the Vanguard site the delivery preferences still were all checked for electronic delivery. Do I need to do anything else or just ignore the letters?
Thanks for any guidance on this.
by jcpct
Sat Jan 06, 2024 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?
Replies: 177
Views: 33428

Re: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?

I own many Apple products and have held AAPL for many years because I believe in the product. I would not sell my shares unless I move to a different computer/software platform which I don't see happening.
by jcpct
Mon Dec 04, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3623
Views: 569160

Re: Technically today I am a millionaire!

Congratulations on a wonderful achievement. Sounds like your father and uncle were great mentors too.
by jcpct
Sun Oct 29, 2023 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New pick up truck, many questions
Replies: 40
Views: 4896

Re: New pick up truck, many questions

I'm in the same boat as you. I currently have a 2016 RAM Bighorn which has all the bells and whistles along with a regular cab and 8 ft bed. I would buy another in a heartbeat but I can't. I've looked at other brands and the only other one that can be optioned up is the Ford F150. I spoke to the sales person and it seems possible to order. Time will tell. It sounds like you may also be able to make use of a 250 and get what you're looking for but at a cost. Good luck with your decision and search.
by jcpct
Sun Oct 15, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6947

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

I have a Kindle Paperwhite. I like to read at the beach and find that model is ideal for that. The size is easy to carry on a plane and I like the fact that I can change font size and format. I don't think I would ever go back to reading physical books.
I get almost all my books from the digital library (Libby) and don't mind waiting if one is not available at the moment. I tend to read series (I'm finishing up the Alex Cross series by James Patterson) and use the weekly best sellers list in my local paper to look for prospective books for the future.
by jcpct
Fri Sep 29, 2023 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available
Replies: 123
Views: 18059

Re: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available

I've been paying $8.60 per month for Wellcare. I take 3 prescriptions and have had no issues getting them filled at CVS (on-line). Nice to see they are dropping the price.
by jcpct
Mon Sep 25, 2023 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quicken 2019 and forward
Replies: 1062
Views: 115447

Re: Quicken 2019 and forward

I received the same email and watched the video. Seems like nothing is changing other than the name.
by jcpct
Mon Aug 14, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best and Worst [automotive] Vehicle for Retirement
Replies: 67
Views: 5734

Re: Best and Worst [automotive] Vehicle for Retirement

Best: BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne
Worst: Range Rover
by jcpct
Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Random orbital sander to prep painted drywall?
Replies: 24
Views: 2366

Re: Random orbital sander to prep painted drywall?

I have a Makita model BO5041K that I've been very happy with.
by jcpct
Thu Jun 01, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New SUV Model vs Used Lexus RX350?
Replies: 31
Views: 4513

Re: New SUV Model vs Used Lexus RX350?

I've been looking at the new RX350's as well. The real downside for me is that Lexus moved from their very good 6 cylinder engine to a 4 cylinder. It apparently improved the gas mileage but I'd still prefer the 6.
by jcpct
Sat Apr 29, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?
Replies: 97
Views: 8195

Re: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?

Great question... I've often wondered the same thing. I typically give just the actual workers $10 or $20 cash for lunch depending on what they do and how long it takes. Some of the workers seem shocked when I give them a tip so I suspect not everyone does.
by jcpct
Fri Mar 10, 2023 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?
Replies: 10
Views: 1367

Re: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?

We are on Venice Beach. The red tide has been pretty bad here since Super Bowl weekend however in the last couple of days it is pretty much gone. Can't predict what it will be like in early April but wanted to give you some first hand info for the area. You may want to get the Mote Aquarium report each day to keep an eye on it.
by jcpct
Sat Feb 25, 2023 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal finance software comparison
Replies: 32
Views: 6617

Re: Personal finance software comparison

I'm a very ling time Quicken (for windows) user but I've run a Mac for everything else. Two years ago I decided to try Quicken for Mac.I have to say that it has been a very good product and now I run Quicken for Mac with no regrets.
by jcpct
Thu Feb 09, 2023 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking to purchase a durable queen bed
Replies: 10
Views: 1437

Re: Looking to purchase a durable queen bed

How about checking out your local 2nd hand outlets or on line. I see lots of quality furniture being sold at very reasonable prices.
by jcpct
Mon Jan 09, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grilling Issue - Flavorizer Bars and Heat
Replies: 30
Views: 3131

Re: Grilling Issue - Flavorizer Bars and Heat

I've owned a Weber with the Flavorizer Bars for many years. I've experimented with the "grill hood up and grill hood down". I now always cook with the lid down and over the open flame( no grill plate). My best advice is to buy a good instant read thermometer. I use a Thermo-pen. Cook to 150 or 155 deg and let the burgers rest for about 10 minutes.
by jcpct
Fri Dec 30, 2022 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there any reason to keep the records connected with a house I sold 11 years ago?
Replies: 8
Views: 2719

Re: Is there any reason to keep the records connected with a house I sold 11 years ago?

Probably no reason to keep them other than for your own reference. Maybe just take photos of the documentation and store them digitally. That said I have house records going back 50 years (just in case).
by jcpct
Wed Dec 28, 2022 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much money do I need to retire?
Replies: 13
Views: 2364

Re: How much money do I need to retire?

I believe you would need to do the calculations for how much money you will need over 30 years using time value of money calculations. There are on-line calculations that can do that for you. Also I like to include taxes in both the input and output sides but that's just me.
by jcpct
Mon Dec 19, 2022 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retirement advice requested.
Replies: 19
Views: 3335

Re: Early retirement advice requested.

Run, don't walk, away from those people giving that horrible advice. Take some advice from the very knowledgeable people on this forum.
by jcpct
Sat Dec 17, 2022 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS Application stuck? Is it time to call?
Replies: 26
Views: 3960

Re: SS Application stuck? Is it time to call?

I applied (on-line) several months ago for mine to start in December 2022, with first payment being in January 2023. I just received my letter from them this past week. If I were you I would want to call my local office at this point. My local SS office is very responsive.
by jcpct
Sun Dec 11, 2022 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Device that alerts when someone falls?
Replies: 25
Views: 2090

Re: Device that alerts when someone falls?

An Apple Watch 8 can be programmed to instantly alert you and medical emergency personel in the case of a fall. That would be an option provided she has internet service or with a cellular version of the watch. It's pretty sensitive and she could use it for other applications. My own mother had a stroke and fell. She laid on the floor for hours until she could crawl to a phone.
by jcpct
Fri Nov 25, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 52301

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

Last year I bought TT Deluxe Federal + State (Software Download) on 12/29/2021 on Amazon for $39.99 with the $10 Amazon gift card, for a total of $31.97. That's the deal I'll look for this year. I've always done my returns on paper, but since 2019 Federal 1040 took forever to process, I went to e-file for my 2020 Federal taxes and used Federal Freefile Fillable Forms. For 2021, I wanted to try TT to see how it handled tax-exempt interest and some other things. It was my first time using TT, and altogether it was a smooth experience. Once I had everything set up in TT, it was easier to just e-file through that, even though I also did mock-ups on paper and on Federal Freefile Fillable. I figured I would just use it for my State return too, s...
by jcpct
Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]
Replies: 394
Views: 52301

Re: TurboTax 2022 [purchase discount thread]

Last year on November 26th I bought the Premier Federal ad state version for $63.77. This year the reduced(Black Friday) price for the same is $72.99. I'm not sure if the price will be reduced further but this year I'm going to wait and see.
by jcpct
Sat Nov 19, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideal Laptop for a Senior that loves surfing the web/reading the news?
Replies: 44
Views: 3989

Re: Ideal Laptop for a Senior that loves surfing the web/reading the news?

Since she is already into the Apple operating system I'd suggest either an Apple MacBook Air or iPad. She can get a bigger screen by moving up to a MacBook Pro but that's probably more computer than she needs.
by jcpct
Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Educating Myself on Medicare
Replies: 23
Views: 2256

Re: Educating Myself on Medicare

I'm also in CT and went on medicare several years ago. As others have mentioned there are many sources of information including this forum. When I applied the biggest decision was to go the traditional medicare route or medicare advantage. I went the traditional medicare with a supplement but several of my friends use the advantage plans. Be cautious of "medicare advisors". Also you should look into and understand if you will be affected by IRMMA. Right now that alone doubles my medicare costs. Don't let anyone tell you medicare is cheap, it isn't.
by jcpct
Wed Nov 16, 2022 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card
Replies: 184
Views: 12409

Re: Merchants adding surcharges to pay with a credit card

My local tax collector charges, I believe 3%, to use a credit card for payment. Too bad because my tax payment is one of my years biggest expenses.
by jcpct
Wed Nov 02, 2022 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VWIUX swap for tax loss harvesting
Replies: 20
Views: 2120

Re: VWIUX swap for tax loss harvesting

rkhusky wrote: Wed Nov 02, 2022 7:51 am
ilovemydog wrote: Tue Nov 01, 2022 3:56 pm I've got a pretty sizable unrealized loss ($180K) in VWIUX in my taxable account I'd like to harvest. Any recommendations on what I should swap to?

Scott
If you want to easily get back into VWIUX, you could park the money in VMSXX and then after 30 days, move back into VWIUX.
This is exactly what I do.
by jcpct
Wed Nov 02, 2022 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dedicated Financial Computer vs Switching to MacBook Pro
Replies: 28
Views: 2381

Re: Dedicated Financial Computer vs Switching to MacBook Pro

For many I ran a dedicated windows machine for all my financial business including Quicken and TurboTax. I used a MacBook Pro for everything else. A few years ago I decided to merge everything into my Mac. It's made life so much easier and I've never had an issue. Installed Quicken and TurboTax for Mac and each are fine although somewhat different than the windows versions.
by jcpct
Thu Oct 27, 2022 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A question for those taking RMDs from an all in one fund
Replies: 26
Views: 3142

Re: A question for those taking RMDs from an all in one fund

friar1610, thanks for asking this question and thanks all for the answers. I've had the same question for some time as my 401K which I converted to IRA is 100% invested in the VG Life Strategy Growth Fund. RMA's are still a few years away for me. The question and answers have helped me gain some insight.
by jcpct
Mon Oct 24, 2022 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Replies: 481
Views: 44412

Re: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

"It might also be worthwhile spending some time learning about IRMAA. If your income exceeds a certain threshold, you will have to pay IRMAA on both Part B and D. If you are receiving a Social Security, this will be deducted from your benefits. I am not sure who sends you the bill if you are not on SS."

If you are not receiving SS, Medicare will bill you directly for both Medical and any IRMAA payments due.
by jcpct
Thu Oct 20, 2022 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bonds in taxable - best option?
Replies: 12
Views: 2085

Re: Bonds in taxable - best option?

Morningstar ran an article today on the most efficient bond funds for taxable portfolios. Here they are:
Fidelity Intermediate Municipal Income FLTMX
Fidelity Municipal Income FHIGX
Fidelity Tax-Free Bond FTABX
T. Rowe Price Summit Municipal Income PRINX
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Income PRTAX
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt VWIUX

I use VWIUX.

Best Regards
by jcpct
Mon Oct 17, 2022 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Gym / Peloton? - Ditch Gym Membership
Replies: 44
Views: 3979

Re: Home Gym / Peloton? - Ditch Gym Membership

For me, personally, there is no substitute for the gym. I have about the same drive time as you and even though I'm now retired I continue to go to my gym 4 days a week at 6:30am. It's part workout and part social and I think working out at home would just be too boring.
by jcpct
Sun Oct 09, 2022 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dream Car Porsche - Should I buy it ?
Replies: 388
Views: 46470

Re: Dream Car Porsche - Should I buy it ?

Yes but get the "S" version rather than the base model.
by jcpct
Fri Aug 19, 2022 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Speedy Social Security Processing!
Replies: 34
Views: 5678

Re: Speedy Social Security Processing!

Another thanks for posting. I just received a letter from SSA telling me to apply. I will be turning 70 in December and plan to use your example as a guide for when I apply.
by jcpct
Tue Jul 19, 2022 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor Sheds
Replies: 31
Views: 3350

Re: Outdoor Sheds

My best advise...figure out what size shed you think you need and then double that size.
by jcpct
Wed Mar 23, 2022 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plumbing Fixtures - Mid to high end brands
Replies: 32
Views: 4741

Re: Plumbing Fixtures - Mid to high end brands

When I did a bathroom remodel a few years ago my designer friend recommended Brizo Fixtures for the sink and shower. I've been very happy with the quality and looks. I believe Brizo is owned by the same company that manufactures Delta faucets. I also got a Toto toilet. I would never scrimp on fixtures.
by jcpct
Thu Mar 17, 2022 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax not including rental property depreciation
Replies: 7
Views: 884

Re: TurboTax not including rental property depreciation

Glad to hear you got that straightened out. I use Turbotax Primer for Mac and it works great with my rental property.
by jcpct
Mon Feb 21, 2022 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA Appeals
Replies: 27
Views: 2276

Re: IRMAA Appeals

I have to think this is very common. I did it when I retired a few years back. I went to my local SS office and it was done in less then 30 minutes. Some time later I received my new, lower assessment in the mail.
by jcpct
Sat Feb 19, 2022 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it legal for neighbor's snow service to dump snow on my property?
Replies: 22
Views: 5305

Re: Is it legal for neighbor's snow service to dump snow on my property?

Generally it's against the law to push snow across a public road as it creates a safety issue. I know that is the case in my home town.
by jcpct
Tue Feb 15, 2022 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Make me a tax prep Boglehead
Replies: 11
Views: 1570

Re: Make me a tax prep Boglehead

I've been using Turbotax for years with no issues even with rental property. I buy the Premier version just because I don't want to worry about which version to use and the price difference between that and the Deluxe version is very small compared to the amount of tax I pay.
by jcpct
Tue Feb 08, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?
Replies: 51
Views: 7804

Re: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?

We, like you, are retired and live in CT. Currently we are in Florida for 3 months on the west coast. Beautiful here (on the water) but not like CT. We are renting this year and plan to do the same next year. Unless you live in an area for some time you just don't get to really understand the culture and the nuances. Like others have said I would really recommend you rent for some time before buying and if you do decide to buy do your due diligence carefully. There are people here buying property sight unseen and paying huge amounts of money. House prices in desirable areas have risen dramatically in the last year or so. If you are planning on keeping your CT property and buying in FL there is no way you will save money just because FL has ...
by jcpct
Mon Jan 10, 2022 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: snow birding advice, please
Replies: 35
Views: 3562

Re: snow birding advice, please

We are from CT and retired a few years ago. Last year(our first) we spent 1 month in Florida renting a Condo. This year we are spending 3 months again renting a condo near the beach. We have a primary residence (single family home) back in CT. It's beautiful here and with renting we don't need to worry about the condo when we leave. Just lock the front door and go home. The home in CT is fine, locked up with the heat on low. If possible rent, no need to purchase a 2nd home. It's the best of both worlds.
by jcpct
Sun Dec 05, 2021 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing bathroom sink faucets
Replies: 27
Views: 3857

Re: Replacing bathroom sink faucets

I would never buy cheap faucets from a big box store. I remodeled my bathroom several years ago and my designer suggested a brand called Brizo. They are outstanding, have a great feel and have worked like they should for the years I have had them. Not cheap but so worth it. Replacing faucets is not rocket science and there a many YouTube videos that will show you how.
by jcpct
Mon Jul 05, 2021 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recently started fishing, surf casting. Any tips?
Replies: 18
Views: 1894

Re: Recently started fishing, surf casting. Any tips?

In Connecticut the Dept of Environmental Protection (DEEP) publishes lots of info on fishing within the state and along the coast. MA might have a similar program run by the state.
by jcpct
Sun Jun 20, 2021 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to best experience the Florida Keys?
Replies: 34
Views: 3914

Re: How to best experience the Florida Keys?

We did something like you are planning a few years ago. Flew into Miami and drove. We stayed in Marathon for a week renting a private home. Did one day trip to Key West but the rest of the time spent around Marathon. You mentioned you like boating...you will be in heaven because it seams everything is about boating and fishing in that area. One thing to check is if you are planning on renting a boat I believe you need a captains license or something like that to take a boat out on your own. Beaches are not the Florida style beaches I am used to. Mostly small and rocky but maybe there are some larger beaches we just didn't find. We did stop at Everglades Park on the way back to Miami and that was a nice and interesting stop. I think if I eve...
by jcpct
Sun May 30, 2021 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remote meat thermometer
Replies: 24
Views: 3662

Re: Remote meat thermometer

I also have the Thermoworks Smoke unit for my smoker. Love the ability to monitor the temps from inside my home and other products I have bought from them perform perfectly.
by jcpct
Wed May 19, 2021 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Cash Position Recommendations
Replies: 4
Views: 899

Re: Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Cash Position Recommendations

My thanks to each of you for sharing your financial wisdom. I will take your input into consideration as I move foreward.
by jcpct
Tue May 18, 2021 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Cash Position Recommendations
Replies: 4
Views: 899

Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Cash Position Recommendations

I recently moved my 401K assets to a Vanguard IRA and intend to invest most of it (approx 2M) into VG LifeStrategy Growth (VASGX). I won't need to take any out until I need to take RMD's in about 5 years. I'd like to hear the opinion of others if I should have some small amount (~5.0%) in "cash" and if so what would be a good option. My thinking is that position would give me around one more year of cushion before I need to take my first RMD in the event that the market declines some. I did have some of my 401K in an Income Fund paying a little over 3%. I know I won't get that now and wonder if I should just put all the $$$'s into VASGX.