Search found 298 matches

by vbdoug
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111145

Re: So what are you cooking

You got me. I am currently cooking 1/3 of a brisket.
by vbdoug
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2541

DJTWW

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

Please, no politics.
I understand stock DJT has been replaced by DJTWW
I read that DJTWW is not a stock but a warrant that can be exercised in 30 days for a fee of $11.50.
Is this correct? And if so, why was it done this way?
by vbdoug
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111145

Re: So what are you cooking

Currently cooking a Costco brisket in my Walmart crockpot.
by vbdoug
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing 10 year old MacBook Pro: M3 MacBook Pro or M2 MacBook Air
Replies: 52
Views: 5016

Re: Replacing 10 year old MacBook Pro: M3 MacBook Pro or M2 MacBook Air

I have a mid 2014 15 inch MacBook Pro that is still working and working well. It rarely leaves the house. It is still being supported by Apple but I cannot upgrade beyond Big Sur. Costco had a great deal on the 16 inch MacBook Pro M2 about a month ago but it went fast. Anything that I've seen from Walmart comes from third-party sellers and I would run away from that. Although it is scary to purchase anything by Apple on eBay, there are some resellers that offer open box 16 inch MacBooks at substantially lower prices. For example, eBay seller quickshipelectronics has sold thousands of MacBook Pros and they have a feedback of 99.6%. If I do purchase from them I will immediately take the MacBook Pro to Apple and have them check it out. If it's...
by vbdoug
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421991

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

My credit card strategy the last couple of years has been to get a $200 bonus through Wells Fargo, Chase or B of A. Now I am looking for something else. I have been searching for a credit card bonus that would net me about $500 with maybe spending four or 5 thousand in three months. My credit is excellent. I devoted a fair amount of time this morning by checking out Capital One that offers a bonus of 7500 but the cash value of that is only $375. It would be more if I traveled, but I don't. Plus, it has a $95 annual fee.
Any suggestions for a card that would fit my needs?
by vbdoug
Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:01 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43352

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Taylor, thank you for everything.
by vbdoug
Sat Jan 20, 2024 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

"The Offer", currently on Paramount +.
If you love the movie "The Godfather" and if you love movies about making movies, you will love "The Offer".
I do.
by vbdoug
Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Insurance Increases in CA with Amica
Replies: 127
Views: 15181

Re: Auto Insurance Increases in CA with Amica

I have a bundle with Costco Connect in California; home, car and umbrella. A couple of years ago I purchased a 2022 Tesla Model S and have kept my 2001 Honda Accord. My insurance really did not go up very much after that and I was very pleased. I am prepared for the worst after someone else stated: "Connect has received approval for a 24.9% rate increase in California, with a range of 10.2% to 44.3%, effective in January 2024."
I'm just glad that I still have Costco and I'm grandfathered in.
by vbdoug
Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Estimated tax year 2024 All In 1st QTR?
Replies: 37
Views: 4147

Re: Pay Estimated tax year 2024 All In 1st QTR?

This is a helpful post for me. I may take advantage of a credit card bonus and if I pay more to the IRS in the first quarter that will make it more likely.
by vbdoug
Wed Jan 03, 2024 2:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Primer on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card
Replies: 874
Views: 164656

Re: Primer on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card

Great post. I wish I had noticed it a few years ago.
by vbdoug
Thu Dec 28, 2023 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

"The Bookie" on Max helmed by Chuck Lorre is very good.

On YouTube there are hundreds of segments from an old TV show entitled "Breaking The Magician's Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed" that are simply amazing: they actually show the trick and then explain how it was done.
by vbdoug
Tue Dec 19, 2023 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625913

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Yesterday I found some two-year-old goat cheese in my refrigerator. It looked good. I still tossed it
I also found two large jars of peanut butter in a cupboard hat expired in 2018. Tried one. It was great.

Off topic: if you find some old mushrooms in the refrigerator and they seem a little bit oily, toss them.
by vbdoug
Tue Dec 19, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086143

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Elsebet wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 4:20 pm "Barbie" streaming on Hulu. I thought it was interesting for the first half, but it got kind of weird in the second half and I lost interest. Worth one viewing though in my opinion.
Re Barbie, I generally agree. The first 75% of the movie was great and the last quarter weird and dissatisfying.

Avatar: I saw the first one in 2009 and thought it was awesome. I saw it again last week and confirmed my earlier opinion.
I then saw Avatar 2 with too high expectations and found it somewhat disappointing. Good, but nothing new and exciting.
by vbdoug
Mon Dec 18, 2023 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest phone service in US. Pre-paid?
Replies: 49
Views: 7274

Re: Cheapest phone service in US. Pre-paid?

I use freedom pop/red pocket for a secondary iPhone. It's buggy but free.
by vbdoug
Mon Dec 18, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
Replies: 152
Views: 18242

Re: please help me get started with TV streaming

I cut the cord about six months ago and went with YouTube and Roku. It was definitely a learning process. There were some fantastic deals on Black Friday and I added Hulu, Peacock and Max. All extremely inexpensive but with commercials that so far I have not been too bad. Now I enjoy what I have as much as I enjoyed cable. And saving about $130 a month.
by vbdoug
Mon Dec 18, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Bored in Retirement ??
Replies: 131
Views: 30351

Re: Anyone Bored in Retirement ??

Since I'm reading this............
by vbdoug
Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
Replies: 141
Views: 26750

Re: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?

90% of my investment in equities are Vanguard index funds. The 10% that are not have all done very well.
Tesla.
Berkshire Hathaway.
PPA Invesco Aerospace and Defense ETF. One of my few non-Vanguard funds.
Luck and timing help.
A lot.
by vbdoug
Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy glasses?
Replies: 70
Views: 8296

Re: Where do you buy glasses?

Another vote for Costco. Great quality and prices, and the return policy is fantastic. After recent cataract surgery I bought two pair of prescription glasses. After a few months I found that they were not necessary. I got a full refund. Costco forever!
by vbdoug
Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WSJ Cyber Week Sale is here, $2/month for 1 year of digital WSJ
Replies: 17
Views: 2929

Re: WSJ Cyber Week Sale is here, $2/month for 1 year of digital WSJ

The digital deal is good only until 30 November.
by vbdoug
Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?
Replies: 279
Views: 57654

Re: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?

Wow! An answer from the founding father himself! Thank you so much!
by vbdoug
Tue Nov 21, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?
Replies: 279
Views: 57654

Re: What's changed in the last 10 years Bogleheads?

The "founding fathers" of Bogleheads.org largely emigrated from another web site that I used to visit and may now be defunct. We no longer talk about that. Do any old timers remember the name of that website?
by vbdoug
Tue Nov 21, 2023 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wall Street Journal subscription or free
Replies: 15
Views: 3359

Re: Wall Street Journal subscription or free

So where does this stand now?
Is it possible to get the total daily digital edition of the Wall Street Journal online through the local library?
by vbdoug
Fri Nov 03, 2023 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?
Replies: 97
Views: 14402

Re: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?

"Do you find that are worth subscribing to and paying for - for content related to personal finance/investing or health information?"

Somewhat off topic, but
WSJ if I get a really low rate
Prime movies and Netflix shared with girlfriend
Youtube TV. Because I want local news.

And most recently and the primary reason for this post:
Walmart +
I purchased this yesterday for $49. It is normally $98 but half off until 8 Nov.
It includes free shipping and reduced delivery from Walmart and also Paramount + Essential.
Paramount can cost about $60 a year.
by vbdoug
Sat Oct 21, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

I enjoy "Welcome to Wrexham".
by vbdoug
Wed Sep 20, 2023 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Shaver Recommendations (2022)
Replies: 39
Views: 5398

Re: Electric Shaver Recommendations (2022)

I purchased the Braun series 9 from Costco a month ago and paid $200. I believe earlier it came with a $50 discount. It's a very good shaver, although I thought the instructions were quite poor. They use a picture book montage which I thought was somewhat nonsensical. I spent some time on YouTube and that was very helpful.
by vbdoug
Tue Sep 19, 2023 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Crock Pot Corner!
Replies: 92
Views: 9387

Re: Crock Pot Corner!

At age 73 I had never had a crock pot or an air fryer. I purchased a $35 Walmart Crockpot and have enjoyed pot roast, chuck steak and briskets from Costco. Pork may be next.
I went to YouTube to learn about how to use a slow cooker and disregarded all of their advice as unnecessary. I add a little water to the pot and slow cook for 5 hours or so and I have a lot of very good food.
by vbdoug
Wed Sep 13, 2023 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental Plan options/coverage for Medicare Part (A + B + D) ?
Replies: 54
Views: 4372

Re: Dental Plan options/coverage for Medicare Part (A + B + D) ?

I have had "Dental Benefits Max" using Aetna dental access for quite some time. I think it's OK, and would appreciate any feedback on it.
by vbdoug
Thu Aug 03, 2023 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning, where would it be?
Replies: 140
Views: 16303

Re: If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow morning, where would it be?

Next to Milla Sofia
An illusion upon an [AI] illusion.
by vbdoug
Fri Jul 28, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest Per Minute Cell Phone Plan
Replies: 39
Views: 4479

Re: Cheapest Per Minute Cell Phone Plan

I went with red rocket. 100 minutes of phone minutes and 100 texts and some data. So far all free. The first chip would not work but the second one did. And so far all good.
by vbdoug
Tue Jul 11, 2023 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest Per Minute Cell Phone Plan
Replies: 39
Views: 4479

Re: Cheapest Per Minute Cell Phone Plan

I have the same questions as the OP and Red Rocket looks pretty good to me for my unlocked iPhone SE. Does anyone out there have an even better deal or is that it?
by vbdoug
Fri Jul 07, 2023 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Economics of Buying an EV without a Home Fast Charging Option
Replies: 123
Views: 10807

Re: Economics of Buying an EV without a Home Fast Charging Option

I have a Tesla and I cannot charge at home. Charging is crucial for everyone. Level two chargers will give you maybe 15 miles per hour. Some Tesla supercharger areas are very busy. Other companies have fast chargers and for those you will need an adapter that costs about $250. Sadly, non-Tesla superchargers are frequently unavailable for a variety of reasons. Good luck.
by vbdoug
Fri Jul 07, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Re watching "Black Mirror" on Netflix...
The shows have always been hit or miss, but at least some of the hits were very creative.
I've seen five shows from series 6 and I'm not going to watch anymore. I thought they were generally poorly done, somewhat too woke, and had a political agenda.
by vbdoug
Mon Jun 12, 2023 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625913

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I have never had a slow cooker. Sometime ago I purchased a Crockpot from Walmart. With delivery, it cost me about $33. Great for briskets and pot roast. I love it.
by vbdoug
Mon Jun 12, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

jjunk wrote: Sun Jun 11, 2023 6:24 pm We just finished FUBAR on Netflix starring Arnold Schwarenegger. It was way funnier than we thought it would be, plenty of action and it doesnt take itself too seriously. Worth watching if you like action/comedy type stuff.
[ quote formatted by admin LadyGeek]

Plus 1

If you are an Arnold fan it is a must see. It is just what you would expect.
by vbdoug
Tue May 23, 2023 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

"The Girl From Nowhere" on Netflix. It is a mystery thriller somewhat supernatural anthology from Thailand. It is very unique and definitely not for everyone. I have seen the first two episodes and love it. Strongly recommended.
Edited on 26May.
The first two episodes were impressive; the third and fourth, not so much.
by vbdoug
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best stand up comedy
Replies: 95
Views: 7363

Re: best stand up comedy

by vbdoug
Sun Apr 30, 2023 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Tire Warranty - Who Has Used Theirs?
Replies: 17
Views: 3007

Re: Costco Tire Warranty - Who Has Used Theirs?

Shortly after purchasing tires from Costco I got a nail in the sidewall. They charge me a grand total of one dollar and gave me a new tire. I was both surprised and impressed.
by vbdoug
Sun Apr 16, 2023 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: So what are you cooking
Replies: 972
Views: 111145

Re: So what are you cooking

At 73, I purchased my first Crockpot, a slow cooker. Awesome device. I now love chuck steak and brisket.
by vbdoug
Tue Apr 11, 2023 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me decide when to go EV
Replies: 145
Views: 12814

Re: Help me decide when to go EV

If you cannot fuel your car {even with free charging}, what good is it?

If you can charge at home and do a lot of driving {but never more than 200 miles a day}, I would recommend an electric car.
If you can charge at home and often take road trips, I would only recommend Tesla.
If you cannot charge at home or at work, do not get an electric car.

EV charging for non-Teslas is difficult due to limited availability and inoperative machines. Until non-Teslas are allowed to use Tesla's supercharger network, expect a lot of frustration and exasperation.
by vbdoug
Tue Apr 11, 2023 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )
Replies: 12
Views: 3643

Re: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )

vbdoug wrote: ↑Mon Apr 10, 2023 3:10 am This from Costco last month: California members: The Costco Insurance Agency is currently not offering new auto or home insurance policies in CA. I have an 2M umbrella for my condo and Tesla. I will be grandfathered in, but I expect my rate to skyrocket. Allstate, the third-largest homeowners insurer in California, has already stopped writing new homeowners insurance policies statewide. The homeowners insurance market in California is in trouble. It's not as bad as Florida or Louisiana, but it's not healthy. American Family CONNECT filed a 25% rate increase for auto insurance, but it might not be approved before your next renewal. --------------------------- That was very prescient. Today I received m...
by vbdoug
Sun Apr 09, 2023 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )
Replies: 12
Views: 3643

Re: Costco Auto Insurance ( and umbrella insurance in general )

This from Costco last month:

California members: The Costco Insurance Agency is currently not offering new auto or home insurance policies in CA.

I have an 2M umbrella for my condo and Tesla. I will be grandfathered in, but I expect my rate to skyrocket.
by vbdoug
Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4535
Views: 625913

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

My girlfriend now cuts my hair and is actually pretty good at it.
by vbdoug
Wed Mar 22, 2023 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5993
Views: 699825

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

"Sherlock", my favorite Netflix show of all time, is currently available on Prime. It is not available on Netflix.

"Extraordinary Attorney Woo" from South Korea is on Netflix.
It is excellent.

Kudos forever to "The Big Bang". On reruns everywhere.

I am both amused and entertained by shows with mildly autistic characters.
by vbdoug
Sat Nov 26, 2022 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone using the Fidelity Rewards Visa card?
Replies: 58
Views: 11548

Re: Anyone using the Fidelity Rewards Visa card?

I have had this card for many years. It never leaves the house, so it is unlikely to be compromised. I use it primarily for auto payments and eBay. My experience with the card has been excellent.
by vbdoug
Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 35391

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

I received the debit card last week. I assumed it was a scam and almost trashed it. I do not like debit cards and spent more than an hour using their procedures to get a check; I did what they said but ended up only activating the card. I believe the people behind this are trying to exhort people to use the debit card. My refund was $350 and I used all of it to prepay my cable bill for a few months. I am hopeful that all is resolved. I would say while they call this a tax refund it is more income redistribution. I am surprised most will receive it after the November election. And I am not surprised that in the coming year there will be a large deficit and taxes may again be raised.
by vbdoug
Wed Oct 26, 2022 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086143

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

"The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" starring Nicolas Cage on Starz.
Cage has been one of my least favorite actors for the last twenty plus years but I found this movie to be original, creative and fun.
Strongly recommended.
by vbdoug
Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Grace Class Action
Replies: 1
Views: 673

Grace Class Action

I received an email from Grace Class Action advising me that I would receive money due to a court decision with Apple. It amounted to me receiving two checks for $3 and $34. To make an extremely long and frustrating story short, be advised that their system does not work with Safari or Firefox. They have a terrible system and the whole thing is probably not worth your time.
by vbdoug
Wed Jul 27, 2022 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HM Bradley - is it safe - FDIC response
Replies: 473
Views: 62200

Re: HM Bradley - is it safe - FDIC response

My plan is to purchase either a 6 month or a 1 year term.
by vbdoug
Wed Jul 27, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HM Bradley - is it safe - FDIC response
Replies: 473
Views: 62200

Re: HM Bradley - is it safe - FDIC response

After evaluating this thread I am convinced T bills are a wiser investment than HM Bradley. I pulled out 90k yesterday and it all ready shows up in my Chase account [and from there on to Vanguard]. HM Bradley served me well.
by vbdoug
Thu Jul 21, 2022 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying treasury at Vanguard
Replies: 9
Views: 1314

Re: Buying treasury at Vanguard

I have never had this problem until last week. I called Vanguard support and they suggested I use Firefox instead of Safari, my primary browser. That did not work. The agent said that Vanguard has been having this problem for six months and I should use another browser.