Search found 528 matches

by Naismith
Wed Nov 01, 2023 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Big News For Those On FEHB BCBS And Other Plans
Replies: 156
Views: 33246

Re: Big News For Those On FEHB BCBS And Other Plans

I noticed an interesting wrinkle in trying to make a comparison between the coverage offered with my BCBS Basic and the new MPDP program.

I travel a fair bit, and I like to have a few of the low-dose Zaleplon (Sonata) on hand in case I wake up in a strange place and need to get back to sleep.

With the BCBS Basic in 2024, it is still a Tier 1 drug, $10 for 30 pills. But with the MPDP program, it is considered a Tier 2 drug, even though it is a generic--so $45 for that same bottle.

I understood that the new program was condensing to 4 tiers rather than 5, but I had not realized that a generic would be upgraded to Tier 2.
by Naismith
Fri Oct 27, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 54
Views: 8430

Re: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?

I have an older relative who got the letter. She is well into her 90s, not able to take advantage of the gym membership etc., and likely to be confused if anything changes. It took us most of a year to get all her prescriptions renewing at the same time, and not willing to upset that achievement. There is a helpful article in the October AARP bulletin. One note: "Advocates and patients agree that MA plans seem fine as long as you are healthy...beneficiaries who disenroll from MA plans do tend to be sicker." Another issue for her is that part of the push to move FEHB participants to Medicare D is the lower negotiated prices for the "first 10" drugs, but those prices will not be effective until 2026. That's a ways off, so ...
by Naismith
Tue Oct 17, 2023 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Big News For Those On FEHB BCBS And Other Plans
Replies: 156
Views: 33246

Re: Big News For Those On FEHB BCBS And Other Plans

I wondered if this was to allow FEHB to take part in the recently announced Medicare price negotiations for drugs.

When I heard that Medicare would be negotiating for better prices, I remember thinking, "That's nice, but doesn't apply to BCBS..."

Maybe now it will.
by Naismith
Mon Sep 11, 2023 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?
Replies: 80
Views: 9264

Re: Your favorite installed bathroom accessories?

RobLyons wrote: Sun Sep 10, 2023 9:32 pm Since I was thinking it when I read the title, and I didn't see it mentioned in your post... toilet paper :happy
And if a woman will be using it, TWO rolls for toilet paper so that she never runs out!
by Naismith
Sun Sep 03, 2023 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport Photo with White Hair
Replies: 21
Views: 5073

Re: Passport Photo with White Hair

OP reporting back.... I ended up having my husband take some photos against an off-white door (macaroni is the paint name). That provided enough contrast that my hairline was pretty clear. Another interesting thing, though, is that my hairdresser asked if I had stopped or started a new medication, because my hair definitely has more "dark underlights" than it did six months ago. And yes, I did stop one prescription and start another. I would never have thought of that. I mailed my renewal application on 7/20, paid the expedited, and received the new passport today, August 28 (just under 6 weeks). The new passport was sent to me Priority, which is good because we are expecting a hurricane tomorrow, and if it had come another day o...
by Naismith
Mon Aug 28, 2023 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport Photo with White Hair
Replies: 21
Views: 5073

Re: Passport Photo with White Hair

OP reporting back.... One cannot use a headband, because no headgear other than religious head coverings are allowed. I ended up having my husband take some photos against an off-white door (macaroni is the paint name). That provided enough contrast that my hairline was pretty clear. Another interesting thing, though, is that my hairdresser asked if I had stopped or started a new medication, because my hair definitely has more "dark underlights" than it did six months ago. And yes, I did stop one prescription and start another. I would never have thought of that. I mailed my renewal application on 7/20, paid the expedited, and received the new passport today, August 28 (just under 6 weeks). The new passport was sent to me Priority...
by Naismith
Mon Aug 28, 2023 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Travel interests in retirement] retirement spending
Replies: 39
Views: 3307

Re: [Travel interests in retirement] retirement spending

If one is happy not traveling, fine. Whatever you want to do with your time and money. One reason that we like traveling is because it opens our eyes to the panorama of human history. We have visited the ruins of and learned about civilizations going back thousands of years. It is humbling. We often watch videos and read books in advance of the trip so it is a project to do together that outlasts the trip itself. Another reason is that it can be cheaper to travel abroad than to pay for stateside hotels/car rentals. Last fall we were in Albania, which is beautiful and full of castles and other historical sites. We paid $24 a day for the rental car, about $25 a night for a hotel with good breakfast. I also appreciate the opportunity to practi...
by Naismith
Fri Aug 25, 2023 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Employees, Any Advice?
Replies: 80
Views: 7491

Re: Federal Employees, Any Advice?

I know two people who work in this specialty.

The fact that you are experiencing work-life balance is interesting. One person found they had to work long hours to keep up with the demands of the job.

That person changed agencies (which I did not catch?) and found that there is a huge difference between agencies. Newer agencies have streamlined procedures, while the more established agencies cling to their inches and inches of manuals.

I know someone who was recently promoted to GS-14. He said there are lots of openings at that level right now, because so many people are retiring.
by Naismith
Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spending Money on Travel
Replies: 65
Views: 8504

Re: Spending Money on Travel

This past March, we flew to Lisbon, and spent a few days there. I enjoyed shopping because there was no need to worry about airline weight limitations of bags, since we were taking a cruise back. The ship stopped in Cadiz, Spain, three of the Canary Islands, Madeira, two of the Azores, Bermuda, a day in Manhattan. We had car rentals on some of the islands, took public transport on others, visiting amazing museums and botanical gardens. And as others have mentioned, no jet lag. Arrived in Miami and rented a car for the drive home. How was the weather in March? To be fair, it was the final week of March, with the cruise leaving Lisbon on April 2. I wore shorts most of the time. It was very pleasant in Lisbon; I suspect that it might get very...
by Naismith
Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spending Money on Travel
Replies: 65
Views: 8504

Re: Spending Money on Travel

We went on a short cruise to try it out. Had a good enough time but we figured out that we are not "cruise people". Cruises tend to be the type of thing that people either love or dislike without a lot of middle ground. If you are tempted by a big expensive cruise, like some Alaska cruises, then if possible it would be good to try taking an inexpensive cruise first to see if you like cruising. I disagree. A short cruise tends to be a party cruise. Whereas an Alaskan or Panama Canal cruise on Holland America, Princess, etc. will have educational lectures about the area being visited, lots of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, bicycling, etc. I have zero interest in short party cruises, I'm not that kind of "cruise person&quo...
by Naismith
Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spending Money on Travel
Replies: 65
Views: 8504

Re: Spending Money on Travel

We went on a short cruise to try it out. Had a good enough time but we figured out that we are not "cruise people". Cruises tend to be the type of thing that people either love or dislike without a lot of middle ground. If you are tempted by a big expensive cruise, like some Alaska cruises, then if possible it would be good to try taking an inexpensive cruise first to see if you like cruising. I disagree. A short cruise tends to be a party cruise. Whereas an Alaskan or Panama Canal cruise on Holland America, Princess, etc. will have educational lectures about the area being visited, lots of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, bicycling, etc. I have zero interest in short party cruises, I'm not that kind of "cruise person&quo...
by Naismith
Thu Jul 20, 2023 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dollars to Euros
Replies: 57
Views: 5404

Re: Dollars to Euros

Claudia Whitten wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:45 am If the exchange rate is decent when I'm in Europe, I stock up on Euros and bring them home for ready cash on the next trip.
I do this too, and so when I heard my daughters were planning a trip to Italy, for Christmas I was able to give them some cash to start the trip.

Then we suddenly decided to go to Portugal in the spring, empty handed ourselves. But we brought some back with us again.
by Naismith
Thu Jul 20, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dollars to Euros
Replies: 57
Views: 5404

Re: Dollars to Euros

Claudia Whitten wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 6:45 am If the exchange rate is decent when I'm in Europe, I stock up on Euros and bring them home for ready cash on the next trip.
I do this too, and so when I heard my daughters were planning a trip to Italy, for Christmas I was able to give them some cash to start the trip.

Then we suddenly decided to go to Portugal in the spring, empty handed ourselves. But we brought some back with us again.
by Naismith
Thu Jul 20, 2023 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dollars to Euros
Replies: 57
Views: 5404

Re: Dollars to Euros

I haven't traveled overseas in 4 years, but have just used an ATM when I get there. I avoid ATMs in airports because I think they charge fees. Check with your bank or credit union to see what the conversion fees are, I believe this is about the cheapest way to convert to a local currency. Check the fees on your credit card too. I believe it's good to have 2 credit cards, one as a backup. Ditto for ATM card. I don't find the big fee problem is airport vs. non-Airport, but rather Euronet vs. a real bank. When we landed in Lisbon a few months ago, my husband thought we should just pay the Euronet fees, but I asked for five minutes. And I found a real bank ATM, with a great exchange rate, once I had turned down the $$ offer TWICE. Schwab ATM c...
by Naismith
Tue Jul 18, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: T-Mobile, Xfinity, AT&T now requiring bank accounts to retain auto-pay discount
Replies: 177
Views: 21576

Re: T-Mobile cancelling credit card payment asking for banking information instead !

Pyramid44 wrote: Tue Jul 11, 2023 5:01 pm T-Mobile is the latest in a series of places where I used to have automatic charges paid up and are now charging fees.
Yup, more places than I can count. Auto Owners Insurance did it this year.
by Naismith
Sun Jul 02, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport Photo with White Hair
Replies: 21
Views: 5073

Re: Passport Photo with White Hair

And the news story from the UK states that when the person submitted the problem passport photo, it was approved by people if the software rejected it. She apparently did get the passport, as have others who did the same. Yes, she finally did, but the initial rejection causes a delay lag. Here in the USA, it is taking between 3-4 months to get a passport. Even with the expedited, it isn't that much less. And a rejected photo can add significantly to the time required. Get a photo from a place that doesn't do extra coloring. I never heard of that before, but we just go to CVS. and they don't offer any "special services" such as "hair coloring". Ah, that's exactly why I was posting here, to see if anyone can recommend a p...
by Naismith
Sun Jul 02, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Passport Photo with White Hair
Replies: 21
Views: 5073

Passport Photo with White Hair

I need to renew my passport in the next few weeks, and hoping for a better outcome than the last photo. About 9.5 years ago, I went to a place that advertises professional passport photos. But they use a white background, and in order to conform with the requirements for a distinct hair line, they turned my hair yellow! I was under a time crunch, and just sent them in. Through the years people have commented, "Oh you let your hair go natural..." Um, no, I never colored it. I find that I am not alone in this conundrum: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/woman-85-told-cannot-new-26793092 [Unnecessary comment removed by admin LadyGeek] When we lived in Southeast Asia, a red background was used. Some Caribbean countries allow a light blue...
by Naismith
Mon Jun 19, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anybody know much about the medical coding business?
Replies: 13
Views: 2028

Re: anybody know much about the medical coding business?

Is she a good test-taker? This is crucial. My daughter has an alphabet soup of credentials at this point, but she has friends from her initial program at the community college who could never pass the first test. Not sure if they got discouraged and chose not to try again or what, but it is a regular part of life. And there are required Continuing Education credits as well to keep certification. If a future employer pays for those, it can be a real plus since those costs are not taxed to the employee. One nice things is that the credentials are all nationwide, not merely for a state. So it is much easier to move across state lines than with many other licensures. Yes, it is definitely work from home. But the hours may not be entirely flexib...
by Naismith
Thu Jun 01, 2023 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare B premium reimbursement
Replies: 1
Views: 449

Medicare B premium reimbursement

It's that time of year. We've paid out more in Medicare premiums than is reimbursed by our secondary insurance (retiree insurance from a former employer). Applying for the refund is a lot easier than it used to be. Years ago we had to have a separate login at a site different from our usual BCBS webpage. Now it is just a click from the usual place. Every time we do this, my husband complains that it should be automatic, not something that we have to do. He figures that the companies offering this benefit can keep a lot of money if folks don't have the technical ability and mental savvy to file. I have never seen figures on what percentage of members goes through the filing process. I can say that the first time we did, I wondered if an olde...
by Naismith
Sun May 28, 2023 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry Interview Challenge
Replies: 106
Views: 16235

Re: Global Entry Interview Challenge

adamthesmythe wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:17 pm
TravelGeek wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 2:34 pm Got a trip abroad planned? Try this:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-trav ... nt-arrival
This has been the only realistic option for a while.

I did it. Wife did it. It works.
Definitely worth trying, but did NOT work for me when I came back through Dulles in Oct 2022. They said they weren't doing them. Admittedly it was on a Saturday, during a time when both flu and Covid were causing staffing shortages in many service industries.

We drove 4 hours to Ft. Pierce, which is a much smaller airport than more convenient locales.
by Naismith
Fri May 26, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)
Replies: 26
Views: 3552

Re: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)

Well, I finally got approval.

Last October we made appointments for May 24, 2023 (more than 7 months out) at a place four hours away.

We showed up for the interview, and fortunately I had made a list of the additional countries that we had visited in the 15 months since original application.

The next afternoon I got a call from the officer, who said that my drivers license (which I handed to him during the interview) was expired. No, I had renewed it, which he apparently had not noticed. I read off the new expiration date.

An hour later, I got the notice of approval. Which is good because I have to go back to Europe in less than a month to help a family member to move.
by Naismith
Thu May 11, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any must haves for travelling to Europe?
Replies: 126
Views: 10514

Re: Any must haves for travelling to Europe?

Understand credit card fees (international charges) and alert the credit cards to the travel (so the credit card company won’t suspect fraud) Many cards charge around 3% "foreign transaction fee." Some cards, mostly premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve or Amex Platinum, do not, but there are also some no-annual fee cards like the US Bank Altitude Go that do not charge such a fee. It may be worth applying for such a card if they don't have one already. Regardless, they need to watch out for "dynamic currency conversion" (DCC) - this is where the customer is offered a choice to be billed in local currency or USD, with the latter always resulting in a much worse exchange rate than if the credit card did ...
by Naismith
Sat Apr 29, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing Aids online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3026

Re: Hearing Aids online?

I wanted to follow up on what we ended up doing. We contacted a company called Zip Hearing

https://www.ziphearing.com/

They put us in touch with an audiologist in a neighboring town, in a direction that we often go anyway, about half the distance of the nearest Costco.

They gave great service, filed our insurance (although we had to pay upfront first), and we ended up getting the preferred brand at a $1,500 savings. There was a 45-day trial, and we were happy with the audiologist.

Nice to have options nowadays.
by Naismith
Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?
Replies: 10
Views: 1387

Re: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?

hachiko wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:01 pm Or, you know, skip a single trip to Starbucks once a year, and forget about worrying about the penalty.
Yup, I know I am being overly dollar pinching. Also, I had the use of the $10 until the minute that I had to turn it over to the government, which I much prefer to pre-paying. My goal is no penalty, no refund--and this came pretty close.
by Naismith
Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?
Replies: 10
Views: 1387

Re: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?

nalor511 wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:56 pm You could also switch from funds with quarterly divs to funds with annual divs in Q4 (fidelity zero funds)
Thanks, good point.
by Naismith
Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?
Replies: 10
Views: 1387

Re: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?

neurosphere wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:00 pm Maybe that's the problem? You likely need to figure your effective tax rate for THIS year, or otherwise pay via withholding and "equal" quartely payments at least as much as the tax due the previous year.
I think you are correct, but the challenge is that I never know my consulting income as it varies and just depends on what folks need and what I am available to do. But I could indeed balance that by doing less in Roth conversions, and since we have an extra year to do Roth conversions before RMD, that seems more possible.
by Naismith
Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?
Replies: 10
Views: 1387

IRS Underpayment Penalty for "Lumpy" Income?

I understand that federal income taxes require a pay-as-you-go approach, and I have immediately paid taxes whenever we got income from sources that do not have tax withholding: Intermittent consulting fees, quarterly dividends on taxable investments, interest on redeemed savings bonds (some are hitting 30 years ; I do them all once that year), and Roth conversions in November when we know what the other income for the year will be. I thought that I had been paying taxes on this money for each of the (weird IRS) "quarters," so I was surprised to file our 2022 taxes and realize that even with the Form 2210 and Schedule AI, that I still had an underpayment penalty of $10. Okay, y'all can stop laughing now. On the one hand, this small...
by Naismith
Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing Aids online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3026

Re: Hearing Aids online?

Sounds like the OP is like most of us in wanting low cost at a high level of convenience. Nothing wrong with that but the fact is that COSTCO has been stated to be ruled out. That also rules out what is probably the lowest cost option for the same quality aids and services, so the question becomes whether to accept the drive time or spend some of it researching what may be a somewhat lower cost option than the current one. Accept the drive time? How about the cost of gas (non-trivial where I live), wear-and-tear on the car, and membership fee? We have been buying our glasses frames online for years, with great satisfaction. Recent changes are allowing online sales of hearing aids now, so it will be interesting to see how that dynamic will ...
by Naismith
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing Aids online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3026

Re: Hearing Aids online?

I ended up buying from https://www.jabraenhance.com/. You can do an online hearing test or go to an audiologist and pay to have one done. I did the test online and I couldn't be happier. My hearing is much better than my previous hearing aids, and these cost thousands of $$ less. I bought the top model and it has all the features you could ask for. Support is online through email and video sessions and has been excellent. The people handling support are doctors of audiology with impressive backgrounds. You have 100 days to try and can return for a full refund. If you decide to buy, look online for coupons because you can save several hundred. Thanks for sharing your experience with a successful online purchase. Apologies, that I was not cl...
by Naismith
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing Aids online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3026

Re: Hearing Aids online?

bradinsky wrote: Mon Feb 13, 2023 7:44 pm ....you will probably need a follow up visit or two to get them adjusted properly. Tough to do via mail.
The adjustments aren't done by mail with this kind of system. They are done through the internet/video,
by Naismith
Mon Feb 13, 2023 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing Aids online?
Replies: 33
Views: 3026

Hearing Aids online?

First, I should say that we live hours away from the nearest Costco, which I have read is a Boglehead favorite.

My husband has used hearing aids for a decade or so, but the current audiologist is quoting a very high price for the option that he prefers.

He is looking at https://discountdailyhearing.com/

which has the desired model at a much lower price. Apparently adjustments are done remotely, and a recent hearing test is required, which we do have.

Has anyone used this service? Or other online vendors? Any pros or cons?

This is a fairly new kind of business, so hard to have much of a track record, but any insights most welcome.
by Naismith
Sat Jan 14, 2023 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are cheapest cruises worth it? $11/night?
Replies: 71
Views: 9998

Re: Are cheapest cruises worth it? $11/night?

My friends who use the ship casino get offers of free cruises frequently, but that's not my thing. I actually agree with the folks who say they don't want to be on a mega-cruiser. We like ships with ~2,000 pax, because it is not an overwhelming amount of people but there are enough activities. There are several Norwegian ships that fit the bill, two Princess, and all the Holland America ships except the three largest Most recently, we took a 7-day cruise that started the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and it was the perfect calming antidote to the hubub of family Thanksgiving that we hosted (n=17). It was on Holland America, for $269 per person, with a total of $400 in onboard credit, with covered the gratuities, an occasional soda, some formal...
by Naismith
Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get a human on the phone (international health insurance)
Replies: 7
Views: 623

Re: International Health Insurance: how to get useful info?

It would be helpful to know what country you will be moving to.

Some countries with universal coverage extend that access to legal residents upon arrival. So no need to purchase coverage before moving.

We had international coverage from a previous employer when we moved abroad (to Indonesia).
by Naismith
Thu Dec 08, 2022 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fed dental plans in 2020: keeping, dropping or switching?
Replies: 33
Views: 4345

Re: Fed dental plans in 2020: keeping, dropping or switching?

sixtoeight wrote: Thu Dec 08, 2022 9:55 am I need to do a tooth extraction and dental implant for next year due to a root canal infection. Not urgent but would need to be done sooner than later. I am getting estimates of around $6,000 for everything as it's considered major procedure. Which Fed dental plan would be suitable for such procedures?
I noticed that Humana PPO (the high plan) has some implant benefit listed, but it's not something on my radar right now.

My dentist participates in the Humana PPO but not the lower plan, although they are listed there--you really gotta check.

Good luck.
by Naismith
Sat Oct 29, 2022 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Puerto Rico Family Vacation in February
Replies: 25
Views: 5235

Re: Puerto Rico Family Vacation in February

wilked wrote: Fri Oct 28, 2022 12:43 pm Make sure you do the overnight to vieques (frankly I would do the whole trip there but do a min one night). Plan your trip where it’s a new moon (ie dark outside) and do a bioluminescent kayak trip - it’s amazing
I would have agreed with those recommendations a few months ago, but wasn't that side of the island hammered by a recent hurricane? Definitely need to check to see what is still open, what is not.

When we were there in May 2022, it was astonishing how much damage from Maria had not been repaired.
by Naismith
Fri Oct 07, 2022 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)
Replies: 26
Views: 3552

Re: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)

Currently in Europe and just got the Conditional Approval today (application Feb 22). We enter the US via an airport that offers Interview Upon Arrival,with a 3-hour layover. Following up.... We arrived back in the US at Dulles, which is clearly listed as an Interview Upon Arrival Site. I asked the first official that I saw where the Interview Upon Arrival could be found. They said that we would have to go through the usual passport line, and that person would direct us. We went through the process and asked, and he said that we were not eligible because we were not terminating in Washington (had a 3-hour layover before flying to our home city). I was stunned, because nowhere is that listed as a requirement. He said I would need to make an...
by Naismith
Tue Sep 27, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)
Replies: 26
Views: 3552

Re: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)

Currently in Europe and just got the Conditional Approval today (application Feb 22). We enter the US via an airport that offers Interview Upon Arrival,with a 3-hour layover.
by Naismith
Tue Sep 20, 2022 12:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel Insurance Medical Only
Replies: 12
Views: 1572

Re: Travel Insurance Medical Only

There is medical insurance and evacuation insurance. Many heath insurance covers medical expenses when travelling outside of the US. Coverage is through reimbursement, a disadvantage. Since my plan covers medical expenses abroad, that left the medical evacuation piece. Geoblue will evacuate you to the nearest medical facility - which for OP case is in Greece. We chose Medjet who will evacuate you to the hospital of your choice. One condition is that you have to bel hospitalized. An extra benefit is that coverage applies when you are 150 miles or more from home. Thanks, this is an important clarification. I wanted to point this out, you made it more clearly. I have health insurance that is good abroad, but the evaluation piece is critical. ...
by Naismith
Fri Sep 02, 2022 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Europe Trip 2023 Summer
Replies: 63
Views: 5806

Re: Europe Trip 2023 Summer

I tend to agree with others that this is a lot of moving around, and perhaps not as much stopping to smell the roses, garlic, etc.

I see you have hotel plans most places, but in Prague with kids I highly recommend

https://www.pragueresidences.com/en/3-E ... partments/

We had a 2-bedroom, it was right in Old Town, near to 2 grocery stores. With a full kitchen, we could feed the napper quickly and have a leisurely luncheon, planning the afternoon activities, and letting the kids read or whatever. Having that mid-day break, the little people were more ready to go and do for a second shift.

Also, I would want 2 days at the end of the trip to do laundry, recover, etc. before returning to the office.
by Naismith
Fri Sep 02, 2022 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How to Quit My Job]
Replies: 50
Views: 5524

Re: How to Quit

Colorado14 wrote: Fri Sep 02, 2022 3:14 pm Also check your Employee Handbook for any rules regarding giving notice. Handbooks for most organizations will address this topic.
This. I worked in academic research, and at my level was required to give 30 days notice. As a practical matter, some of our granting agencies required at least that much time for changes in "key personnel" on the grant, so following that lead time was much appreciated.
by Naismith
Fri Sep 02, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons
Replies: 41
Views: 5198

Re: Cruise Line Preferences and Comparisons

I haven't cruised post-Covid, so will have to see....we had a cruise booked for this past January, which was cancelled. We like HAL not just for the Lincoln Center Stage, but the other music offerings--BB Kings, etc. To be fair, our last group of LCS musicians had been together for many months; they admitted their current performances were better than when their contract began. HAL also has some great itineraries to interesting places, whereas Royal Caribbean seems to have put their emphasis on making the ship the destination, with more of a high-intensity resort feel. Of course, I personally also love HAL because they have so many Indonesian workers and I have the opportunity to practice the language. One morning when walking around the de...
by Naismith
Wed Aug 31, 2022 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Empty nesters who don't downsize - why?
Replies: 78
Views: 6152

Re: Empty nesters who don't downsize - why?

We had four bedrooms, five children. (1) During Covid, we bought a used Nordictrack elliptical machine, which is used about every day. So that is the exercise room. It also has a Murphy Bed that can be pulled down after the elliptical is flipped up. (2) We have a guest room. (3) One issue that I have not seen discussed yet is having to move stuff out of your office into your home once employment is terminated. At his former employer, my husband's office was huge. He has a good-sized insect collection that is part of his life work, so we had to order a special cabinet for that. His home office also has many bookshelves, a spot for a dissecting microscope, etc. (4) We have a bedroom. Long ago we moved our dining table into one end of the fami...
by Naismith
Sat Aug 27, 2022 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: furniture shopping - is La-z-boy higher quality than others?
Replies: 23
Views: 11756

Re: furniture shopping - is La-z-boy higher quality than others?

One important thing that La-Z-boy offers is sizing. They have a smaller-sized recliner that makes a huge difference for my back issues.

I don't remember that their couches offer different sizes, but if you are getting a sofa/chair set and one of you is under 5'8", the small-sized chair may offer superior comfort.
by Naismith
Fri Aug 26, 2022 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.
Replies: 21
Views: 3189

Re: T-Mobile Magenta Plans, etc.

I am happy at t-mobile. Old geezer (over 55 plan), $70 two lines. And free Netflix (1 screen). In June 2021, we were traveling and I saw a TV ad mentioning free Netflix at that price. So I called and asked if existing customers could get that Netflix benefit. They agreed that my plan qualified and it was added. In the Balkans, some countries have hired T-Mobile to create their internet infrastructure, and we get very fast coverage there:) And as others have said, it is so wonderful to have the instant coverage wherever we go. Last fall I got welcomed to Albania when still on the Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid, but it was great to have the coverage on either shore. I also had a customer service rep tell me that they have extended the number ...
by Naismith
Mon Aug 22, 2022 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)
Replies: 26
Views: 3552

Re: Global Entry Delay (March 2022)

Update on my Global Entry application: We leave soon, and I am still waiting for conditional approval. Until "recently" (according to the phone call I made today at the 6-month mark), they would escalate if you called at 6 months. Now that has shifted to 8 months, which does not help me, as I will be back in the USA by then.

when we come back, I have a 3-hour layover at Dulles and was hoping to do Application Upon Arrival when we returned, which would have been convenient since it is 2 hours to the nearest interview site.

The only bright spot is that conditional approval is good for 2 years, so at least my travel partner and I can have our interviews together and expiration in sync for the future.
by Naismith
Mon Jul 25, 2022 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?
Replies: 66
Views: 6502

Re: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?

I went to Norway a few years ago for a week and used my credit card for absolutely every purchase... I never held a kroner in my hand the entire trip. I use USAA and called before I departed the US to ensure USAA wouldn't charge me any weird fees and they did not... so I'd suggest calling your credit card company to make sure there aren't any additional fees added for using your credit card outside of the US. A foreign transaction fee for credit or debit transactions isn't "weird," it is pretty standard in the banking industry. (Some Amex cards have it, USAA charges it for debit withdrawals.) That info should be clear on a bank's website, a call is not really necessary. If you are in one of the countries where cash is necessary (...
by Naismith
Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?
Replies: 66
Views: 6502

Re: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?

windaar wrote: Mon Jul 25, 2022 8:55 am Carrying cash in Europe not a good idea. I found in years living and traveling there that your person is generally safer than in a US city but that your possessions are less safe. More pick pockets, purse snatchings, theft from hotels, etc. I just use my credit cards and get some pocket change with my ATM card. You can always check with your companies ahead of time to make sure that they will work over there. Bon voyage!
Europe is a big place and this varies from place to place. Yes, you can use a card to buy a hot dog in Iceland or London...but I have found that in rural Italy, Greece, and in most Balkan countries, it is a cash economy and even a hotel will not take a card.
by Naismith
Wed Jul 20, 2022 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheriting a Home with Brothers
Replies: 77
Views: 9141

Re: Inheriting a Home with Brothers

How was your brother compensated for taking care of your mother?

Would this be a way to provide that consideration?
by Naismith
Wed Jul 20, 2022 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it expensive to probate a will in Florida?
Replies: 10
Views: 1172

Re: Is it expensive to probate a will in Florida?

A lot of Floridians can bypass probate, though.

Florida is one of the 17 or so states that offer a "Ladybird" deed, a document that passes real estate to designated people without going through probate.

And if most of your money is accounts with beneficiaries designated, those funds also bypass probate.

So those of us of us with modest means, with only a single paid-off home and retirement accounts--our heirs will likely not need to deal with the probate process itself.

They will still need a lawyer, but the lawyer's time will be far, far less.
by Naismith
Sat Jul 16, 2022 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nashville Trip in Fall - Looking for High End Restaurants
Replies: 27
Views: 2519

Re: Nashville Trip in Fall - Looking for High End Restaurants

I have heard that Husk is exquisite, but could not get a reservation for my last trip there, so maybe next time.

We were blown away at the breadth of various ethnic foods available. One of the most amazing was

https://www.edessarestauranttn.net/

They brought our party of six back into a private room, and we ordered the Kabob Festival. It was incredible, and so professionally served. My brother had served in Iraq around Mosul, and first got a taste for Kurdish food there. But this was so much better. flavorful, not overly spicy hot.