Search found 596 matches

by zlandar
Tue Mar 15, 2022 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Re: Copper pipe microleaks

House is 17 years old. Noticed a part of the unfinished basement had small areas of water over the several months. I finally looked at the copper pipes and noticed two 10 foot runs of copper pipe having a bead of water where there are areas the copper is discolored teal/turquoise. 4 areas on one pipe, 2 areas in the other pipe. They are all very slow leaks, maybe one drop over a period of 5-10 min. I believe both are cold pipes (touched them and they are cold compared to the adjacent pipe which are warm). Had a plumber come look at it and he wanted to replace both sections with PEX for $900. Seemed high to me and I'm going to get 2 more quotes/opinions. Does this seem like a reasonable price? Would you use PEX or just use copper even thoug...
by zlandar
Tue Mar 15, 2022 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Re: Copper pipe microleaks

it is M grade pipe. somebody went cheap, should upgrade to L. Tim Was going to ask the same thing. Can you read the label or see a color stripe on the pipe? Type M has a red stripe and type L has a blue stripe. M is very thin. I'd want L. If you have type M, you could put in new sections of type L, but you may be having this issue in more places if its a water issue and you have all Type M pipe. If others in your area have this issue, then I'd consider a repipe with some sort of plastic pipe. It is M grade pipe. The developer who built the neighborhood was a cheap $*@(. He put in septic for the whole neighborhood when the surrounding area is on sewer. Three different septic companies I used have all said the septic system installed is garb...
by zlandar
Mon Mar 14, 2022 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Re: Copper pipe microleaks

Two pics of the same pipe showing the issue.

https://imgur.com/a/I7WT3z5

Appreciate the above feedback.
by zlandar
Mon Mar 14, 2022 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Re: Copper pipe microleaks

They are all very slow leaks, maybe one drop over a period of 5-10 min. I believe both are cold pipes (touched them and they are cold compared to the adjacent pipe which are warm). To be clear, the "cold" pipes are dry everywhere except for at specific locations right? This isn't a condensation issue? Are the pipes fully exposed and accessible? Not sure what the cost of copper pipe is these days but if it is all exposed it should be a very quick fix. Cut, deburr, polish, paste, sweat with a female joint. I missed it if you said how old these pipes are? Discoloration doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem and copper pipes should last a very long time. I wiped the copper pipe and waited a couple min. Then I touched the areas o...
by zlandar
Mon Mar 14, 2022 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Re: Copper pipe microleaks

Thats crazy high especially for pex. Since the pipe sections are easy to access, you could go get some shark-bite pex to copper connectors, and some pex, and do the repair yourself for about $100-150. Very easy, watch a couple of utubes. A pro plumber could do the repair you describe using pex in less than 1 hour if they take their time. Never personally heard of micro leaks in the middle of copper pipe. More concerning is getting an exact answer on why this is occurring and if the leaks will happen to the rest of your plumbing system. Yeah that's what bugged me about the price quote. He said it 1-2 hours of work and PEX is inexpensive. Heck even that amount of copper pipe at HD is not expensive despite the current pricing. I paid the same...
by zlandar
Mon Mar 14, 2022 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Copper pipe microleaks
Replies: 51
Views: 5553

Copper pipe microleaks

House is 17 years old. Noticed a part of the unfinished basement had small areas of water over the several months. I finally looked at the copper pipes and noticed two 10 foot runs of copper pipe having a bead of water where there are areas the copper is discolored teal/turquoise. 4 areas on one pipe, 2 areas in the other pipe. They are all very slow leaks, maybe one drop over a period of 5-10 min. I believe both are cold pipes (touched them and they are cold compared to the adjacent pipe which are warm). Had a plumber come look at it and he wanted to replace both sections with PEX for $900. Seemed high to me and I'm going to get 2 more quotes/opinions. Does this seem like a reasonable price? Would you use PEX or just use copper even though...
by zlandar
Sat Feb 19, 2022 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone user - How to blacklist solication calls/txts?
Replies: 14
Views: 1469

Re: iPhone user - How to blacklist solication calls/txts?

retire2022 wrote: Sat Feb 19, 2022 4:23 pm Op

Get Hiya app from App store and it can blacklist the callers along with settings as previously discussed.
I used Hiya for a year on a paid subscription and it didn't help much. It doesn't handle spoofed phone numbers well.

I switched to Robokiller and it works a lot better. Unknown phone numbers have to get past a short verification system (a human being has to give their name and purpose for calling) before my phone rings. Callers on your contact list get through automatically.
by zlandar
Tue Feb 15, 2022 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mattress recommendations?
Replies: 67
Views: 8705

Re: Mattress recommendations?

I like my Costco Kirkland S&F bed.
by zlandar
Sun Jan 16, 2022 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: delete
Replies: 47
Views: 3326

Re: Shower drain leak and warranty

“Home warranty” isn’t going to be around when there is major damage to your home from an unrepaired water leak. These companies have a litany of complaints and will either drag their feet and/or refuse to pay a claim.

If you saw water dripping from your cam lights something is wrong. Pay out of pocket and fix the problem.
by zlandar
Tue Jan 11, 2022 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Defined benefit plan
Replies: 14
Views: 2052

Re: Defined benefit plan

I considered this option for my small business ultimately decided against it. Bogleheads guide to retirement has great explanations and the pros and cons of a variety of retirement/pension options for the small business. As you may be aware with the Cash Balance/DB plan you, as the employer, are responsible for maintaining sufficient funds to meet the projected DB for all employees. If the assets are determined to be insufficient at the end of the year the company, ie you, has to make up the difference. It's a good retirement option for people who are high income and have maxed out their 401k + profit sharing. Cash balance plans are more complicated than 401k plans but there is the ability to tax-defer a lot more income. Unlike a 401k it's...
by zlandar
Tue Dec 28, 2021 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roll cash balance pension into 401k or IRA?
Replies: 3
Views: 349

Re: Roll cash balance pension into 401k or IRA?

It would take an awful 401k plan to get me to reconsider. You didn't mention whether your employer 401k plan is good/ok/bad. If it's the first two no-brainer.
by zlandar
Sun Dec 26, 2021 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Defined benefit plan
Replies: 14
Views: 2052

Re: Defined benefit plan

I considered this option for my small business ultimately decided against it. Bogleheads guide to retirement has great explanations and the pros and cons of a variety of retirement/pension options for the small business. As you may be aware with the Cash Balance/DB plan you, as the employer, are responsible for maintaining sufficient funds to meet the projected DB for all employees. If the assets are determined to be insufficient at the end of the year the company, ie you, has to make up the difference. It's a good retirement option for people who are high income and have maxed out their 401k + profit sharing. Cash balance plans are more complicated than 401k plans but there is the ability to tax-defer a lot more income. Unlike a 401k it's...
by zlandar
Sun Dec 26, 2021 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did I make the right decision to switch to Geico?
Replies: 119
Views: 9046

Re: Did I make the right decision to switch to Geico?

Coverage: Minimum Liability. $1k Collision/Comprehensive deductible. $35/day rental. Am I reading this correctly that you only have minimum liability limits? That’s a terrible idea. Unless you have 0 assets, you could be in a world of financial trouble if you cause a crash. Not worth saving a hundred bucks a year to skimp on coverage. Never in my life I’ve had above minimum liability. What is the need for it? 30/60/25 is plenty. I am a very good defensive driver. That's fine if you don't have any meaningful assets. Now if you had a high six/seven figure brokerage account? You are playing with fire. I have little over $600k. Yeah that's enough money a personal liability lawyer would come after you if you were involved in an auto accident wi...
by zlandar
Sat Dec 25, 2021 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did I make the right decision to switch to Geico?
Replies: 119
Views: 9046

Re: Did I make the right decision to switch to Geico?

Vanguard User wrote: Fri Dec 24, 2021 12:03 pm
NYCaviator wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 9:28 pm
Vanguard User wrote: Thu Dec 23, 2021 2:07 pm Coverage: Minimum Liability.
$1k Collision/Comprehensive deductible.
$35/day rental.
Am I reading this correctly that you only have minimum liability limits? That’s a terrible idea. Unless you have 0 assets, you could be in a world of financial trouble if you cause a crash. Not worth saving a hundred bucks a year to skimp on coverage.
Never in my life I’ve had above minimum liability. What is the need for it?

30/60/25 is plenty. I am a very good defensive driver.
That's fine if you don't have any meaningful assets.

Now if you had a high six/seven figure brokerage account? You are playing with fire.
by zlandar
Thu Dec 16, 2021 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?
Replies: 168
Views: 16134

Re: Looking for the cheapest cell phone plan?

Visible runs on VZN however it is deprioritized more than Xfinity. If you are in an area congested with VZN users you will get very slow data speeds. I notice a few areas where my speed drops (Costco). At home and >90% of the areas I have no issues. It's $25/month included taxes/fees. It's easy to join a group of party pay to get the $25/month there is a huge party pay on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Visible/comments/opf379/no_partypay_posts_here_please_go_to/ Everyone in a party pay is responsible for their own monthly bill and you can leave whenever. Only you can access your Visible account it's not like a family plan where there is one user who can manage all the other user accounts. A major drawback of Visible is they only have cust...
by zlandar
Mon Dec 13, 2021 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice on plan and leaving financial planner
Replies: 44
Views: 4738

Re: Advice on plan and leaving financial planner

How did you calculate the FA outperforming a 3 fund portfolio? Just eyeballing that mish-mash of funds I don’t see it.
by zlandar
Sat Dec 11, 2021 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fragility of Ultra Thin Flat Screens
Replies: 43
Views: 5287

Re: Fragility of Ultra Thin Flat Screens

If you move in the future you might want to consider leaving older TVs unless the buyer doesn't want them. I have a wall-mounted 54" plasma in a rarely used guest room that weighs almost 100 lb that I'm going to leave.

Those are relatively new and expensive displays. I have the 77" LG and it would be a PITA to remove the stand and try to put the screen back into the original box for a move. Don't move anytime soon lol.
by zlandar
Tue Nov 30, 2021 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfortable mattress recommendations?
Replies: 45
Views: 4301

Re: Comfortable mattress recommendations?

I like the Costco Kirkland S&F mattress.
by zlandar
Mon Nov 01, 2021 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Vanguard so bad?
Replies: 402
Views: 46919

Re: Is Vanguard so bad?

VG transactions is broken for me this morning. I can’t buy any ETFs. This is the day after they rolled out the “new” VG app. Love it when IT breaks an app/program/site that is working just fine for an update no one asked for or wanted.
by zlandar
Fri Oct 08, 2021 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Michelin Roadside Assistance, 3 Years with New Tires
Replies: 19
Views: 2481

Re: Michelin Roadside Assistance, 3 Years with New Tires

Interesting I had no idea Michelin offered this with the purchase of their tires. Spouse recently bought a set from Discount Tire and Michelin offers the same 3 year roadside assistance:

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/mich ... omise-plan

Going to put that phone number in the glove compartment.
by zlandar
Thu Oct 07, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Should I ditch] Google Chrome[?]
Replies: 77
Views: 7808

Re: Are Bogleheads ditching Google Chrome

I use Safari on my iPad and iPhone. On PCs it's Chrome with uBlock Origin and Lastpass.
by zlandar
Thu Oct 07, 2021 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Endurance" extended car warranty
Replies: 8
Views: 667

Re: "Endurance" extended car warranty

Extended warranty not from the manufacturer = trash.
by zlandar
Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Switching to a pre paid cell phone plan question
Replies: 40
Views: 5905

Re: Switching to a pre paid cell phone plan question

We are on AT&T post paid. I wanted to switch to prepaid so I went to An AT&T store and they told me I was not eligible for the prepaid deals and we could not keep our numbers. We did not switch. There are two things that make me weary of prepaid and not pursue further. One, you do not get roaming so your prepaid service could potentially be worse. Two, you get prioritized lower than post paid. I don't know if it matters to you but some prepaids do not support visual voice mail. Whoever talked to you at the ATT store is wrong. Why in the world would you not be able to keep your cell phone number? You can port your number to any pre or post paid carrier. Can a cell phone carrier screw up the porting of the phone number? Yes but it's ...
by zlandar
Tue Sep 21, 2021 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking leaving GEICO.Looking for recommendations
Replies: 8
Views: 1220

Re: Thinking leaving GEICO.Looking for recommendations

I have Amica. They have a good rep for service and not trying to weasel out of paying.
by zlandar
Fri Sep 10, 2021 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2013 BMW X3, repair at 90,000
Replies: 68
Views: 8362

Re: 2013 BMW X3, repair at 90,000

I fail to understand why people even buy such vehicles that cost 2000 to diagnose a problem and 9000 to repair. Does an x5 ( or any other Audi or merc or porche car or suv ) really give the driver that much joy that a Subaru outback or a Mazda 6 does not ? Or is it all just to impress the neighbors and relatives ? I had a BMW 530. Extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Leather seats way better than my current Acura RDX. It was also an unreliable piece of junk despite having all service done at the dealer. Died at the intersection one day and quoted some outrageous repair bill. Never again. How did you dispose the car , did you got any money ? My dad wanted it so I gave it to him. Broke down on him a couple months later lol.
by zlandar
Sat Sep 04, 2021 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2013 BMW X3, repair at 90,000
Replies: 68
Views: 8362

Re: 2013 BMW X3, repair at 90,000

skor99 wrote: Fri Sep 03, 2021 8:46 pm I fail to understand why people even buy such vehicles that cost 2000 to diagnose a problem and 9000 to repair. Does an x5 ( or any other Audi or merc or porche car or suv ) really give the driver that much joy that a Subaru outback or a Mazda 6 does not ? Or is it all just to impress the neighbors and relatives ?
I had a BMW 530. Extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Leather seats way better than my current Acura RDX.

It was also an unreliable piece of junk despite having all service done at the dealer. Died at the intersection one day and quoted some outrageous repair bill. Never again.
by zlandar
Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal
Replies: 152
Views: 29036

Re: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal

It depends how you value your time. If you stopped doing all the things you listed what would you do instead?
by zlandar
Fri Aug 27, 2021 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Switching to a pre paid cell phone plan question
Replies: 40
Views: 5905

Re: Switching to a pre paid cell phone plan question

I'm on ATT prepaid with 3 lines. Sounds like you are thinking about the 8 GB $300 upfront plan. I have only done the month-by-month plans. Insist on a SIM card so it's easy for you to swap phones. The eSIM management is awful and you will have to go into the store for something as simple as giving your old phone to a child. Having the ability to go into an ATT store is a good thing IMO if you have a problem that can't be fixed online. For example if your cell phone number port is messed up. It's the one thing that stopped me from switching to Visible which is VZN's prepaid service. Before you port your number make sure you know the correct PIN for each phone number. ATT prepaid has a separate website from ATT. It's extremely basic but you c...
by zlandar
Tue Aug 24, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remove Piano from Basement?
Replies: 33
Views: 4426

Re: Remove Piano from Basement?

I knew it. My wife INSISTED we accept the old upright piano that was in her house as a kid. "Oh the kids will practice and play on it!"

It just sits in my finished basement collecting dust.
by zlandar
Tue Aug 24, 2021 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Audio receiver or sound bar?
Replies: 61
Views: 6406

Re: New Audio receiver or sound bar?

I have a Yamaha AVR with Polk front/center/sub and two rear wireless Yamaha speakers. Also have a Sono Beam/sub/two rear wireless speakers.

I prefer the simplicity of the Sonos setup.
by zlandar
Sun Aug 22, 2021 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any recommendations for non-glyphosate weed killers?
Replies: 9
Views: 1086

Re: Any recommendations for non-glyphosate weed killers?

I use Dismiss to deal with my nutsedge and kyllinga. Does a great job with those two particular weeds. It also works on types of weeds in my lawn with varying effectiveness. You can google it online but the price has gone up quite a bit since I bought it over a year ago. It comes in a concentrate so you need to mix it in a tank sprayer.

I also pay a preemergent/fertilizer service as I can't do as a good of a job as they do controlling poa annua.
by zlandar
Sun Aug 15, 2021 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ego lawn mower troubleshooting
Replies: 8
Views: 6632

Re: Ego lawn mower troubleshooting

I know this doesnt directly answer your question, but I had similar happen with Ego blower this spring. It was only 3 months old and just stopped working. contacted Ego directly and they sent out a brand new one, no questions asked. All this to say, I was pleased with Ego customer service so I'd give them a try......or youtube Thanks, it looks like the mower is actually under a 5 year warranty (I thought 3) and I somehow managed to keep my receipt. I also have a 2 year extended warranty via Citi so I should be more than covered. Will call tomorrow when EGO’s office opens. Try this: https://www.reddit.com/r/lawnmowers/comments/mpo73f/ego_mower_brand_new_motor_running_blades_not/ "Apparently EGO hasn't updated their manuals, and the sol...
by zlandar
Sat Aug 14, 2021 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Electrical Outlets to Purchase
Replies: 56
Views: 6225

Re: Best Electrical Outlets to Purchase

I've replaced outlets and it's not difficult to do. Key safety device is a voltage tester pen you can buy at any hardware store. $20 for a Klein tools tester. Turn it on and put it next to the outlet. It will beep if the outlet has power. That way you always know the correct breaker has been turned off.

I draw the line at working on the breaker box itself. I'm going to pay an electrician if I wanted to install a new outlet or upgrade an existing one to a higher voltage.
by zlandar
Wed Aug 04, 2021 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why is pc so slow
Replies: 86
Views: 6682

Re: Why is pc so slow

If you are running a backup program like Carbonite and have a slow internet connection it will affect all the devices in your home that require internet access when it's trying to backup to the cloud. What is your upstream speed? Unless you have fiber most internet connections have a much slower upstream speed then downstream. You can check the speed of your connection by googling "internet speedtest". I use the Ookla website.

A simple test would be if your PC is slow opening a browser try opening a website on your smartphone. If the smartphone is having the same issues then the issue may be related to your internet connection.
by zlandar
Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find a GP who aligns with my philosophy/needs?
Replies: 28
Views: 4301

Re: How to find a GP who aligns with my philosophy/needs?

RetiredAL wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:20 pm
Mr. Rumples wrote: Mon Aug 02, 2021 7:31 pm I believe one thing to look for is a naturopathic physician. They are medical doctors who have the designation ND instead of MD.
Or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) Doctor.
DO is similar to a MD. Maybe decades ago DOs practiced medicine differently but today DOs frequently attend the same resident training programs as MDs.

As for the OP: you can always find someone who will do what you want.
by zlandar
Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Xfinity iPhone SE free
Replies: 15
Views: 1832

Re: Xfinity iPhone SE free

cork wrote: Fri Jul 30, 2021 3:36 pm
CWRadio wrote: Fri Jul 30, 2021 2:57 pm Anyone have experience with Xfinity and have used this promotion? Thanks Paul
I haven't used the promotion, but I did purchase the iPhone SE through Xfinity. Month to month plan.
The interesting thing is, the phone is $15 a month, $16 and some change after tax/fees, but they take $20 a month off my cable bill for using Xfinity Mobile.
The Verizon coverage is good in my area.
The only issue I have is the battery doesn't last near as long as it does on any other iPhone I've used.
SE is known to have worse battery life than other iPhones. It has a significantly smaller battery that other iPhones.

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/iphone-s ... or-letdown
by zlandar
Sat Jul 31, 2021 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home security - what do you do? Wyze Security System?
Replies: 33
Views: 3735

Re: Home security - what do you do? Wyze Security System?

Mount a security cam at each of your entryways. Mount it high enough so someone can't walk by and grab the cam. My cams are visible from the street. Do the cams deter the crooks? Hope so. I use Blue Iris which requires being comfortable setting it up on a PC and running ethernet to IP cams.

I don't think monitored alarm systems are that useful by themselves. There are alot of false alarms so the police may take awhile to respond. If an alarm goes off how do you know what triggered it without video?
by zlandar
Thu Jul 29, 2021 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any literature on the financial benefits of staying fit/healthy?
Replies: 47
Views: 4023

Re: Any literature on the financial benefits of staying fit/healthy?

Money is just a tool do be able to do the things you want in life.

If your health is so poor that you can't do anything with your money than what is the point?

Eat less and slowly get your weight under control. Walk around the neighborhood for physical activity.
by zlandar
Thu Jul 29, 2021 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: which brand auto battery
Replies: 88
Views: 10485

Re: which brand auto battery

adventure wrote: Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:57 pm I bought a Diehard Platinum 4 year replacement battery at Advance Auto recently. They installed it in just a few minutes. Nice thing with Advance Auto is the 4 year warranty is full replacement, not that pro-rated game many places do after a year or two.
Looks like a 3 year warranty now:

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/die ... 10310829-P

Was curious as most batteries will last 3 years but getting additional life beyond that is highly variable.
by zlandar
Tue Jul 27, 2021 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does a company 401k need a financial planner?
Replies: 38
Views: 3821

Re: Does a company 401k need a financial planner?

Thanks for the replies. The company in the end is the fiduciary. The FA doesn't control payroll, how much, or when 401k contributions are made. If there is a lawsuit I don't see the FA holding the bag even if he/she was at fault. After all who hired the FA? I did. The FA does not do discrimination testing. This was done by Ascensus before the group adopted a cash balance plan and is now performed by an actuary at Kravitz. When the 401k was moved to Vanguard with Ascensus as the TPA I worked with a financial adviser at Ascensus in determining the vesting rules, criteria to join the plan, fund lineup, and QDIA to be ERISA-compliant. We rely on Kravitz and Ascensus to keep us compliant. Yes they are not fiduciaries but neither is a FA even if...
by zlandar
Tue Jul 27, 2021 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hard Wired smoke alarms. Recommendations.
Replies: 71
Views: 8847

Re: Hard Wired smoke alarms. Recommendations.

How many hard-wired smoke alarms do you need to replace? If it's a half-dozen or more I would suggest getting a pack from Lowe's:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/First-Alert-6- ... or/3031840

6 for $75 is hard to beat. If you swap out all your smoke alarms at the same time you can also change the battery backups at the same time to minimize the low battery chirps.
by zlandar
Fri Jul 02, 2021 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Trade Cannot Be Complete Errors?
Replies: 25
Views: 7260

Re: Vanguard Trade Cannot Be Complete Errors?

What is the amount under "total credits and debits"? That is the amount I can use to buy ETFs in my VG account. I initiated a back transfer through the VG app this morning and the full amount was available for buying ETFs in a hour. Using the VG app or VG website is the best way IMO. 'Total Credit and Debits' is equal to the bank transfer amount I had initiated yesterday. When I go to make the purchase under the 'Funds Available for Trade' it equals the bank transfer amount I had initiated. I just got off the phone with Vanguard and they said that basically there is a holding period of 8-10 days but you're able to use up to $25K of it + something else that comes into play to get the total limit amount until all the funds are remo...
by zlandar
Fri Jul 02, 2021 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Trade Cannot Be Complete Errors?
Replies: 25
Views: 7260

Re: Vanguard Trade Cannot Be Complete Errors?

What is the amount under "total credits and debits"? That is the amount I can use to buy ETFs in my VG account.

I initiated a back transfer through the VG app this morning and the full amount was available for buying ETFs in a hour. Using the VG app or VG website is the best way IMO.
by zlandar
Thu Jul 01, 2021 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you send your kids to a high school rated 3 of 10?
Replies: 91
Views: 8823

Re: Would you send your kids to a high school rated 3 of 10?

A key is why is it a "3?" Is that based on academics or more on an overall evaluation including things such as school safety? Who assigned the "3?" Can you get the demographics and evaluation parameters? Tim Its a 3 according to greatschools.org. Rating is compiled of these component ratings: student progress - 2 college readiness - 3 equity - 3 Demographics are 75% Hispanic, 20% white, and 80% are students from low-income families. I don't think they rate for school safety. If education is important to you I don't see why you would send your kids to a school that is scoring a 2-3 for student progress and college readiness. The teachers will be focused on just the basics and even if your kids excel they may be unprepare...
by zlandar
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choice of Auto Loans (60mo vs 72mo)
Replies: 30
Views: 2646

Re: Choice of Auto Loans (60mo vs 72mo)

The "get cheap loan and invest the amount" only works if you invest the amount borrowed. Most people end up spending the money on lifestyle.
by zlandar
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you send your kids to a high school rated 3 of 10?
Replies: 91
Views: 8823

Re: Would you send your kids to a high school rated 3 of 10?

A key is why is it a "3?" Is that based on academics or more on an overall evaluation including things such as school safety? Who assigned the "3?" Can you get the demographics and evaluation parameters? Tim Its a 3 according to greatschools.org. Rating is compiled of these component ratings: student progress - 2 college readiness - 3 equity - 3 Demographics are 75% Hispanic, 20% white, and 80% are students from low-income families. I don't think they rate for school safety. If education is important to you I don't see why you would send your kids to a school that is scoring a 2-3 for student progress and college readiness. The teachers will be focused on just the basics and even if your kids excel they may be unprepare...
by zlandar
Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
Replies: 28
Views: 2378

Re: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?

imsomeguy wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:49 am i have monitors/docking station already

look at the specs here, any reason not to buy this computer? not gaming, maybe watch netflix but this should give me more than I need no?
https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkCent ... BtfSection
Hardware specs are good. Only major quibble is the lack of a HDMI port which you often see with "business" PCs. If your monitors support DP you are good. If you wanted to connect the PC to a regular TV you are going to have a problem.
by zlandar
Wed Jun 30, 2021 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?
Replies: 28
Views: 2378

Re: Buying a Refurbished mini-PC - Does This Make Sense?

Need the specs:

CPU- no celeron. i3/5/7 but also need the specific model as there are 10+ generations of them. Newer AMD chips are fine but need the specific model.
RAM- at least 4 GB, preferably 8 GB or more
storage- SSD or hard drive. You want SSD, preferably more than 256GB.

Does this include a monitor or you have one already?