Seniors & Friends

Village Square => Bank on the Square => Topic started by: jane on March 30, 2016, 11:37:08 AM

Title: Money Matters
Post by: jane on March 30, 2016, 11:37:08 AM
This is a place to talk about all things financial.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: maryz on March 30, 2016, 02:19:30 PM
mark
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 04, 2016, 07:09:11 PM
Gasoline is now back to $1.97 here in Tucson.  Not long ago, it actually got to $1.29 and was lowest in the nation for a short while.  We do definitely need the taxes on gas to pay for road repairs, etc. but it always hurts the low-paid workers most. 

Hi Jane!  I hope you are having a nice springtime. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on April 04, 2016, 10:57:35 PM
Gas back to $1.99 here...and at $2.15 + in Chicago suburbs over Easter.  They're always way above what everyone else has to pay....but there's no "price fixing," of course!  Yeah, right!
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on April 04, 2016, 11:04:35 PM
Just checking in.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on April 05, 2016, 12:06:12 PM
Hi Jane
How cheap your petrol is compared to the UK.  As for the Isle of Man, dearer than the UK.

Kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: phyllis on April 05, 2016, 04:14:56 PM
Kelly, is your petrol sold in imperial gallons?  The U.S. gallon is smaller so we have to fill up more often.   :)

One imperial gallon is equivalent to approximately 1.2 U.S. liquid gallons.

But, even so, our gas is cheaper than yours, I agree.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on April 05, 2016, 06:45:02 PM
Hi phyllis
Someone pointed the difference between the US and Imperial gallons, but your petrol is dearer by quite a bit.

kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 28, 2016, 05:52:04 PM
We checked our insurance policy and found another company (Farmers Ins.) to be a savings.  This is on our mental "To Do" list and we continue to update every year or so - still saving.

On the other hand, we ordered an electronic device on sale over eBay paying with Pay Pal.  It is not working in the camera area so it will be sent back and we will contact Pay Pal to retrieve our money.  This is a case of our trying to buy something for less and it backfired.  If we had just bought directly from the manufacturer there would be no problem in exchange.  Pay Pal is very good about taking care of these issues so we hope this transaction will be taken care of soon.  It does take time and patience but why should we pay for something that does not perform? 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on April 28, 2016, 07:24:36 PM
We dropped some movie channels from cable and took $55 a month off our bill.  Our telephone will be less, too.  I had fallen for the "no price increase with this rate" deal....and there wasn't.  But they'd lowered the price by $20.00 a month!  I guess you just have to call all these places every 6 months or so and find the current pricing.  Oh, yeah, and they really value "customer loyalty."  Not so much!!!
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on April 28, 2016, 07:54:08 PM
I have always been wary of eBay. Have heard too many stories of "bad" deals.

Please let us know how the return goes.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 29, 2016, 01:29:38 PM
If there are a lot of good remarks on the seller, eBay can have some nice deals - this one has very high marks.

We do not have cable and read our international news on the computer.  Our one treat is that we signed on to Amazon Prime because we still buy in bulk and we like the many mini-series that are on the Amazon Channel.  Really like the feature of stopping the story when company calls. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on April 29, 2016, 02:22:04 PM
So, you have the Fire Stick or whatever it's called plugged into your TV?  That's something we want to investigate more fully this summer. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: phyllis on April 29, 2016, 03:25:01 PM
I watch Amazon Prime on tv, too, Carol.  Just recently my dil told me that I could watch the premium channel Starz through a Amazon Prime subscription so I dropped it from Time Warner and subscribed on Ama. for  little more than 1/2 of what I was paying for it on TWC.  A good deal.

I don't have a stick, Jane, because my tv is a "smart TV" and I can stream my subscription channels such as Amazon, Netflix, Acorn, etc.  Works very well.  But, as to the so-called "smart TV"....I'm not sure just how smart it is sometimes.   ;)

I got stung on Ebay a couple of times.  I bought a large bag of yarn that the seller claimed was from her deceased grandmother and was never used and very clean.  It wasn't!  Stained, dirty, and moth eaten.  Also, I bought a complete set of bamboo knitting needles from another seller and they were poorly made, very rough and snagged the wool and some of them were warped.  I think Ebay is a good site but I'm not very good at picking the reputable sellers, I guess.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on April 30, 2016, 07:01:32 AM
Hi Carol
I find EBay very good.  If you read the feedback on the seller and it is good, then the product will be fine.

I have been with EBay for about 10 years and tbey are good.

Kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on April 30, 2016, 07:07:26 AM
Hi Rammel
I checked my EBay account and from the figures of the purchases, it amounts in my case to about 1.5% over 10 years where purchases have not been satisfactory.

And half of the 1.5% I either got a refund or a replacement.

We can buy from a shop or online and still receive poor service or a purchase which does not meet our expectations or the products or products we buy.

I find that EBay is a good way of shopping.

Kelly



Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on April 30, 2016, 09:07:53 PM
 :(   The cheese stands alone.

I'm also aware that bad stories are presented more than good ones. Usually those with bad experiences are the ones who go back and complain. A good experience just goes un-noted.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on May 01, 2016, 05:50:23 AM
Hi Rammel
Is the 'cheese stands alone a saying'?

I have noted on EBay if a item is good, but if the delivery is two days late they give a negative feedback.

Kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 01, 2016, 04:43:59 PM
Update on our iPod bought over eBay.  PayPal has been notified.  We shall see if this is taken care of in our way or not.  I brought the iPod to the Apple Store and one girl said it wasn't made to take pictures - only selfies.  This sounds so odd and wrong to me - will keep checking on her remarks.  We head for home in Colorado soon - where it is still cold and snowing a bit - and keep searching for an answer and take it to another Apple store.  Remember the old saying about continuing to do the same thing over and over is called insanity??? 

I love Sudoku puzzles.  In a regular store, the printed puzzles sell for $4.95.  Go to the Dollar store (Kelly, you may have some other name for a real discount store) and they sell for $1.  This makes me happy.  I leave these books in the car, or by the chair, and take them to appointments for either Don or myself.  Otherwise, I read free downloaded library books.  Free and easy to delete if they are not interesting. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on May 01, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
Hi Carol
Does the IPod have front and rear cameras?

kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on May 01, 2016, 04:59:23 PM
Hi Carol
We call the Pound shops or similar names

Kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on May 01, 2016, 05:02:54 PM
Hi Carol
This is a link to a site that helps to explain how to use the camera on an IPod.

It is called 'for dummies' and it does not mean anything by the name, I use the site as do a lot of people.  Because Apple and other phone companies are to high tech in there explanation of things.

This site explains things in everyday language.

Hope it helps.

Kelly

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi18YfB47nMAhXM1RQKHTm7DFwQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dummies.com%2Fhow-to%2Fcontent%2Fhow-to-shoot-photos-and-videos-on-an-ipod-touch.html&usg=AFQjCNG64Qb7M51VhP8naWfNyoH82NPJLQ
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 02, 2016, 03:27:50 PM
Kelly:  Nice name for the Pound shop.   :)    The camera on the 5th. generation iPod only takes a picture of my face as I am pointing it to scenery.  In other words, only a self picture.  This will take a long time to sort out the problem with PayPal - if ever.  Thanks for the link. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Kelly on May 02, 2016, 06:57:06 PM
Hi Carol
Does it have two cameras?

kelly
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 04, 2016, 11:03:01 AM
Kelly:  It looks like a black camera lens in the back.  Why would they make an iPod that would only take pictures of ones self?  I really like it for the fact it is easy to download audio books with the wifi on - it downloads audio books from the library in an instant.  Amazing!  Take care - I wish you a pleasant day - when you awake. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 16, 2016, 07:38:20 PM
On the mini iPod we bought over eBay, we were able to return it and the eBay got our money refunded.  Bought another one on eBay and it is working just fine.  However, several months later, we received an email from someone who had bought the same camera and he was unable to get my name off - plus the camera did not work.  In other words, the slippery seller just went ahead and resold the non-working iPod.  There are some people who can't live life straight.

On money matters - the latest news is that Obamacare is being dropped by two major insurance companies in the state of Colorado - here is home to us.  Never fear, the insurance will be picked up by Obama care and the cost will be passed on to everyone.  Our two senators at the time were warned of this outcome but a power play could not be stopped or even discussed.  This state used to discuss ideas back and forth - not anymore. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 16, 2016, 09:20:09 PM
Quote from: Carol on August 16, 2016, 07:38:20 PM
On the mini iPod we bought over eBay, we were able to return it and the eBay got our money refunded.  Bought another one on eBay and it is working just fine.  However, several months later, we received an email from someone who had bought the same camera and he was unable to get my name off - plus the camera did not work.  In other words, the slippery seller just went ahead and resold the non-working iPod.  There are some people who can't live life straight.

On money matters - the latest news is that Obamacare is being dropped by two major insurance companies in the state of Colorado - here is home to us.  Never fear, the insurance will be picked up by Obama care and the cost will be passed on to everyone.  Our two senators at the time were warned of this outcome but a power play could not be stopped or even discussed.  This state used to discuss ideas back and forth - not anymore.
Carol,
Just letting you know you are not here alone  :)    I must be careful in responding lest I offend some. Regarding your first paragraph's "There are some people who can't live life straight." It is my opinion that the number is much higher than anyone would ever suspect :(
About the second paragraph - I believe there is more in store for 2017 - after the new term starts. Seems like "Free" stuff is always welcome.  I know of a couple/few in the area that are playing the game. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: phyllis on August 17, 2016, 08:56:29 AM
I just read in our morning news that Aetna is not offering Affordable Care policies at all for next year in 2017 in North Carolina.  And United Healthcare is cutting 'way back on what they are offering.  Poor things!  They claim they are losing too much money.  Between our fed. law makers and the greedy insurance companies this whole thing is becoming a mess.  Just my humble opinion.   :tickedoff:
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on August 17, 2016, 11:14:07 AM
Yep...while the Congress gets great coverage at our expense...and our state legislaturers pay $20.00 a month for their coverage and we the taxpayers here in Iowa pick up the rest.   Hmmm....one survey asked if I thought that was a ripoff for taxpayers....uh...YES!  Our "representatives" need to live in our world, not their cozy little luxury cocoons, imho.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 17, 2016, 08:16:07 PM
I hesitated before writing the note yesterday.  It is Aetna and United here and they were never ready to carry the load. 

Jane:  When the politicians arrive in Washington (both sides) they must be brainwashed into protecting themselves and their status - that is all I can assume.  Rarely, does anyone stand up for the people.  Some pretend they do and that is all a sham because they are sitting so safe and comfortable bowing to peer pressure. 

Well, our gasoline has stayed rather stable but other costs are rising.  I "feel" for the low-income workers and my dad taught me to always tip generously to those who serve you.  When he died, I drove to all his favorite restaurants, barber, and many little places to tell them he has passed and was surprised that so many knew him and all about his family.  It was a reality check for me to not ever be stingy for good help because they are struggling.

Cooler weather is coming.   :)





Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 17, 2016, 08:18:41 PM
I think I saw a list of the Bene's our Rep's get but I don't recall where. I'd sure love to find it again. So --- if anyone has a good link to this info, please post it.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on January 05, 2017, 02:28:36 PM
I am posting today because there is a warning on letting this subject drop for lack of response. 

Yes, our politicians love to reward themselves with perks and even awards.  Writing  an award to self to save a legacy!

We are in Tucson as snowbirds so the news is different than other areas.  Being a border state - the news last night is that the border was closed for protests on the Mexico side regarding the jump in the price of their gasoline - also big jumps in their food prices.  With gas going up (it is rising here too) everything goes up.  Mexicans are driving over the border for gas and food. 

Kelley:  Snowbird is the name we are given when we drive or fly south during the winter months - anything to escape the wind and snow.  :)
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on January 05, 2017, 04:20:37 PM
"I am posting today because there is a warning on letting this subject drop for lack of response."    I've never seen that, so not sure what would have prompted that here at S&F.

I think "snowbirds" is used for people who go south to AZ or FL.  Here in Texas the Texans insist the term for us is "Winter Texans."   :smitten:

Have any of your smaller banks offered Kasasa accounts...checking and savings to their customers? 

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on January 11, 2017, 09:15:48 PM
Hi Jane!  Where do you winter in Texas?  Our family was transferred  from a town of 500 on a Minnesota lake to Plano, TX (a Dallas suburb) and we lived and worked there, kids went to universities after school, for nine years.  We had relatives drive to the southern area near Padre Island for winters.  Remembering all the beautiful flowers and birds. 

What is a Kasasa account? 





Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on January 11, 2017, 09:23:29 PM
Carol...we rent a condo on the beach at South Padre Island, Tx.  We're about as far south as a person can go and still be in the USA.  We're 22 miles from Brownsville.

Kasasa is a program of checking and savings our local Iowa bank is offering.  It seems to be a program offered by smaller banks, and the interest they're paying is far above what other banks in our area are offering. Our bank requires one use a bank debit card 12 times a month, get e statements, use online banking and have at least one ACH/ ? payment.  We do all of that and so are eligible for the higher interest.

Here's info on it:

https://kasasa.com/



https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=kasasa+banks+list


It seemed too good to be true, but so far, what they've promised is what they've paid us. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on January 12, 2017, 09:00:15 AM
It will be interesting to see if there will be any significant changes in the money/investing world with the change in our Admin.

If investing gets too boring we can always check on the upcoming 2020 political news. They should start covering it soon (my sarcastic remark   :2funny:  )

Looks like "spell check" is not working.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on January 12, 2017, 09:20:39 AM
It sure will be interesting, Rick..and to see if regulations and what ones are repealed. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on January 12, 2017, 03:27:44 PM
Jane:  Thanks for that information.  I just put something into an interest bearing fund - and will keep an eye on it.  I went for the medium risk.  It isn't much but I scrimp and save all the time just to have something to invest.  Would rather buy a new Volvo or something fun -  ;)
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on January 12, 2017, 03:29:42 PM
Carol...that's what we did...my husband bought a new 2016 Volvo this past Sept.   :smitten:

We like the new safety features on the new cars as we get older.

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on January 12, 2017, 03:49:33 PM
Rick:  Well, I cannot ever afford to buy a new Volvo so that idea is out.  Our politics has turned into a feud like the Hatfields and Mc Coys! 

Don once asked one of our European relatives why a pair of shoes (top quality) was 3 X the price of a top quality US shoe. He replied that they work far less hours, have many perks like child care, aged parents care, and on and on.  So, the shoes were over $300 but made the same as a pricey pair here.

Sweden has some nursing home attendants working a 30 hour week with full pay - and they are having to ditch that idea as the cost of hiring extra people for the fill in hours has about bankrupted those businesses.  They good thing they saw was the nursing aides were not as exhausted, were happier and less sick days.  However, the nursing homes could not afford the real expense of hiring so many extra aids.  So - there it is!  What sounds so good just doesn't  always work.  I would hope that there could be a common sense alternative that would help everyone in some ways - with the idea of checking out the real cost and what is truly affordable. 

Oh, Jane!  Love it!  You bet they are super safe & I love the tight turning radius.  Sticking with our Toyota Venza which I call our Edsel because it is no longer being produced.  Enjoy! 



Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: angelface555 on January 12, 2017, 03:52:04 PM
The term snowbird is interesting, especially the term, "Winter Texans." It seems that many in the lower 48 states use it in regards to Florida while we in Alaska tend to associate it with Hawaii. There is a saying that everyone you meet while spending a Hawaiian winter is from Alaska!  8)

As to savings, I'm living on a pension and all those saving I worked at all those years ago.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on January 31, 2017, 04:20:05 PM
Angel:  You duly deserve that pension you worked hard to access.  I hope no one messes with your pension. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on January 31, 2017, 06:54:35 PM
Quite a few companies are selling their pensions to Insurance Companies to leave their retirees with annuities. These are not covered by the Governments Pension guarantee program. Different States do cover them at different "levels", but not to the extent the Gov't program did. There is some effort afoot to put the brakes on this but the wheels turn slow.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on March 03, 2017, 08:55:02 PM
Does anyone using Windows xp use the "One Step Update" feature in Quicken?
    Does it still work for you?  Mine stopped working.

I think they want (are forcing) me to upgrade to the most recent version, but they don't indicate it supports Win XP.

And it seems their price continually goes up, with few new, usable, features.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on March 04, 2017, 01:43:50 PM
I don't use XP, so can't help you, but I agree with Q trying to get you to upgrade every year and each new one is more complex (for me, anyway) to figure out. 

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on March 04, 2017, 06:26:56 PM
Quote from: jane on March 04, 2017, 01:43:50 PM
I don't use XP, so can't help you, but I agree with Q trying to get you to upgrade every year and each new one is more complex (for me, anyway) to figure out. 
jane
Thanks Jane.
I'm reviewing the possibility of dumping Quicken. Certain Brokerages have available info or accounting available that might do just as well.  Recent Government Regs put more of the burden for reporting and accounting on the Brokerage.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on March 04, 2017, 08:27:31 PM
I just use it for our checking account...to keep track of donations, medical expenses that are out-of-pocket, etc. for income tax. 

Our bank is local and small, so here are no "downloads" possible.  I don't use Quicken for investments....keep a spreadsheet as I get quarterly reports, etc.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 30, 2017, 05:19:26 PM
Good Day all, I am just checking in after spending weeks of not feeling well.  Our insurance covers ER visits out-of-state so I had to use the ER (7hour wait) in Arizona.  All is well, I confirmed with my doctor's office when we drove home last week.  Happy as a clam!

We use Quicken daily and check each morning in case there would be an unexpected expense.  It is just a matter of routine and keeps us informed. 

Jane:  Not using "downloads" is probably safer than what we take for granted.  There are too many sneaky people looking for an easy dollar. 

It is rather annoying when a program you have been using for years is suddenly obsolete.  Newer isn't always better even when the brilliant ones say the new way is so much better.  If I "like it", why can't I keep it? 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on May 01, 2017, 12:24:06 AM
I was using the download feature to get monthly Brokerage info. That made it easier to enter into Quicken. They force you to upgrade every three years even if there is no improvement.  Twice during my last three years the download capacity just stopped - not announced. Probably a Win-XP thing, but they gave no notification.  NOW, they are flooding me with pop-ups and email that unless I upgrade my downloading (and other on-line services) will be interrupted. They stopped a while back, so I wonder who they are trying to convince.  The upgrade supposedly provides new services but I see them as "fluff" items, of little to no value to me. 

Off my soapbox

Carol - Hope you are completely over your "not feeling well".  Don't you just love the term "EMERGENCY ROOM".  A seven hour wait could be enough time in an emergency to allow bad things to happen  ??? . But that seems to be a fairly universal situation. Too many people using it in place of a doctor's visit, and for non-emergency reasons.

Again - off  the soapbox.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 02, 2017, 02:40:13 PM
Rammel:  You can be on a soapbox anytime - it is always interesting.  Thank you for your concern - all is well.

Last year, one son had a snowmobile accident and had to be driven out by his brother, then miles to a little clinic then ambulance to Denver - 7 hours we waited for him to arrive.  He was the only person in the crowded ER who had insurance.  Not kidding.  Police all over - and we witnessed a fight on the grounds just outside.  A teenage mother from not the USA - was driving without a license, baby and toddler without secure belts - and head trauma on the children.  The nurse said they see it all the time.  I used to volunteer to stay overnight at one of the major hospitals here and we did see a part of society that many people do not ever experience.   Loved the volunteer work - but I just can't miss my sleep like that anymore. 

I will say that if one stays in the ER waiting room long enough, you can begin to experience pain you never felt until the hours go on and on. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on July 19, 2017, 09:39:06 PM
We have been with one car for a few years but found that our lifestyle needs us (ME) to have my own vehicle.  We found a 2009 Prius with only 38,000 miles on it driven by an old lady.  True!  Her son had the car after she passed and she never went on a freeway.  This car gets 51 mpg going uphill (mountain driving).  It was just checked and the mechanic says everything is perfect - so, we are feeling good about this one.  It may be the one for a drive from CO to Minn in September - the back is quite roomy too.  That is all I want to say - we are being teased for this one. 

There is a population boom in the Denver area and much of it comes from the legalization of marijuana.  Traffic is many times what it was about two years ago.  Houses sell over the asking price and there are bidding wars.  It is so hard on the ordinary commuter - now takes extra 45 minutes each way for us to go to Fort Collins.  So - I don't know your feelings about the vote for legalizing marijuana but do check out how children's safety, car crashes are causing huge increases in insurance.  Not many think of "unintended consequences".  Oh, not to mention the increase in homelessness and crime.  --- I am not against the use and study of drugs to ease pain and control epilepsy. This has caused an increase in emergency services as children and pets get into the baked goods - and a few head-on crashes.  some would say - that is minimal and people have the right to feel good.  It is a debate that will never end.   

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on July 19, 2017, 11:10:23 PM
Isn't a Prius an electric car?  Obviously I haven't kept up on which car does what, and why.  But if it is electric, what is the status of the batteries (assuming they have them)?

As far as legalizing drugs ----- if nothing else, think gateway.  This type of a comment usually leads to an argument but it is my opinion..  I've known a couple/few.  Look at certain States where "medical marijuana" is legal  --- There is a notably high number of sick people there.  More sick people than ever before.

Kick my soapbox

Anyway, ------ good luck with the car.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on July 19, 2017, 11:18:28 PM
As long as this is the "Money Matters" discussion (do we mean money matters, or is it matters of money),

On a whim a long time ago I picked up some shares of (symbol) OLED. It was PANL when it started. They were into development of LEDs (different colors and sources) and the like used in phone screens and a bunch of other things.  They were sluggish (like dead in the water) for a while but it has now taken off.  It's nice to pick a winner once in a while.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on July 20, 2017, 09:51:54 AM
Carol...it sounds as if you got a good used Prius.  Our niece bought one from a friend and it had a little less than 100,000 miles on it but was assured these go for several hundred thousand miles....unfortunately, the battery has gone and that's in the $4,000 range.  So...she'll try to sell it for parts to someone. 

Rick:  re: As long as this is the "Money Matters" discussion (do we mean money matters, or is it matters of money)   I think it's both.  It sounds as if you did find a "winner." 

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on July 22, 2017, 12:32:56 PM
Jane:  What a shame that the battery didn't last longer for your niece.  Our checking on the battery shows that it may go to 200,000 miles and the price is about $1,000.  That is a huge chunk of money to be sure.  Still, this is so maneuverable that it reminds us of our old Volvo (which we sold in Texas because the A/C was terrible at that time) - now, that issue has been corrected.

I just figured out that I have been cleaning, cooking, doing laundry since the age of 8.  That has to be part of Money Matters.

Two of my cousins talk about their money a lot and it shouldn't define one's life.  My dad and mom grew up poor and made a really good living from starting their own business.  They always gave generously to church and to waitresses especially.  We had renters in our house for many years and lived off that rent.  What I want to say is that there are so many people out there with low incomes - for their good works, they deserve a very good tip whenever serving or assisting us.  My two money talking cousins are so cheap in tipping  - their mother never tipped unless she sat at a white tablecloth.  Isn't that sad?  I appreciate the message in this forum and want to thank you, Jane for taking over this interesting spot. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on July 22, 2017, 02:28:15 PM
Carol...we tip, too, and as generously as we can,  to wait staff when the service is at least adequate.  I play bridge with one woman, whose family has a VERY large farm, and she tips our waitress nothing.  The waitress is working 2-3 jobs, a single Mom, and is a great server.  I want to shake Donna, when she tucks her change into her very expensive handbag.   :tickedoff:  She's suffering from what appears to be early signs of dementia, so maybe she just doesn't think of it.

Perhaps it's the year for the battery on the Prius that makes the difference.  Cathy was quoted $4,000 by the Prius dealer she took it to for repair, but hers was a 2009.

It's been my experience that people who are essentially bragging about the money they have, or the great job they have, or whatever are usually "All hat and no cattle" as Dan Rather used to say.  They THINK they have more than anyone else, when in reality, if the truth were known, they're probably the least wealthy, having the great job, having been a "world traveler," etc.  Those who truly "have it," don't need to brag to try and impress others.

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on July 24, 2017, 07:31:49 PM
 I lived in Texas for nine years so I am familiar with that big hat message.  The other one I use is "you dance with the one who brung you".  Staying true to friends and family.  As for your friend having dementia issues, may very best to all the family and friends.  It is such a terrible end of life.  Tell the family to check if she is depressed as that elaborates the disease.  Hugs to all.

Ours is a 2009 car.  We shall see....   
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on July 24, 2017, 07:53:31 PM
Yours has far fewer miles on it, so you should be fine.

The sad part about my bridge friend is her older sister had dementia and there may have been others in the family.  She's very active...they go dancing once a week, she plays bridge and other card games with other groups, etc.  She's not bad yet....forgets which card game she's playing at times, but she still drives, etc.

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 15, 2017, 09:52:50 AM
Finished my walking and it sure is cooler at this time of day.  Nice!

I always check Swedish news - and an interesting article is that a group over there has proposed business pay 70% of average income to new and young workers (their attempt at income equality).  At the same time, they are short over 7,000 teachers, short of actual school buildings, and the list goes on because of their acceptance of immigration. 

Jane:  I feel sorry for your friend, her family and all her friends.  At the end, my mother suffered Alzheimer's Disease.  She was in Minnesota and I had to quit a nice job to drive/fly back to care for her many times.  My biggest regret is that the doctors would not help with her depression in the beginning and that just made the disease triumph faster.  In my opinion, and that is now more accepted.  My doctor knows that I am terrified of the disease and she is just great - always grilling me with questions. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on August 15, 2017, 09:59:00 AM
It is a terrifying thing, Carol, especially for the Family.  One of the Nurses in the Alzheimer's Unit here at our local nursing home told an acquaintance that her husband, a patient there and former dentist here in town, was in such a good mood that day.  She said he told her, "What a wonderful day...I'm 24 and just got out of the Navy." 

It's surely something we all want to escape.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 15, 2017, 10:23:22 AM
Jane:  A fast reply this morning.  You are in my prayers. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 15, 2017, 06:48:48 PM
Quote from: Carol on August 15, 2017, 09:52:50 AM
Finished my walking and it sure is cooler at this time of day.  Nice!
I always check Swedish news - and an interesting article is that a group over there has proposed business pay 70% of average income to new and young workers (their attempt at income equality).  At the same time, they are short over 7,000 teachers, short of actual school buildings, and the list goes on because of their acceptance of immigration. 
 

Where do you get the Swedish News?  Is it in English?
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 16, 2017, 02:10:18 PM
Hello Rammel:  There is an APP called Radio Sweden.  Of course, I was brought up to not believe everything in the news but it is interesting to me because of my many relatives in the country.  Some work for the state education and some have their own businesses and so forth. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: SCFSue on September 06, 2017, 11:38:31 AM
Carol, have you also seen an app for Norway?  My late husband's grandmother had emigrated to Wisconsin when she was a teen, met and married my father-in-law's father. I know that she was originally from Bergan or another small town near Bergen.

SCFSue
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on September 11, 2017, 01:37:18 PM
SCFSue:  I shall look for the Norway app.  Thanks for that reminder.  We have been to Bergen and Oslo - loved the scenery and so much more.  3 grandparents from Sweden and one family is close to the Norway border. 

We just returned from Minnesota.  Our relatives with any lake property are being hammered with taxes on places they have had for years.  There is no tax on clothing. 

Hurricanes and fires are going to up our insurance so be prepared for that issue.  We drove through a heavy fog of smoke in both South Dakota and Wyoming on the way home and it is affecting even the Denver area air quality.  It has to be so daunting to lose homes, jobs, and everything from the hurricanes. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: SCFSue on September 14, 2017, 11:39:11 AM
Carol,  I haven't been able to travel by myself for more than a year due to a fall from a ladder and over-protective sons.  However, I've been looking at Vantage and Viking trips along the coast of Norway and hope to convince the "boys" that Mom could probably manage a trip in 2018.  I'd like to contact my late father-in-law's Bergen relatives before the trip.  So will dig into old papers my mother-in-law left me when she died.  Her husband preceded her in death.  My father-in-law's mother emigrated to Wisconsin sometime in the 1900's.

As for the Hurricane, it hit pretty hard here in Auburn, AL, at least at my home.  It blew a tree down from my neighbor's yard which fell on my roof and caused $2500 worth of damage--and I had to pay cash to the men who cut the tree down!  Double yuck!  I called my insurance company and all their adjustors are still in Florida--so it will be a while before I can be re-imbursed.

I guess that old saying, "It never rains but it often pours" is correct!

Sue
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on September 14, 2017, 03:03:10 PM
SCFSue:  So sorry about the cost and stress of your tree damage - I don't know what a good price would be for cutting down a big tree but that is a large amount.  Last year, we took the Vantage cruise in France and it was perfect for 10 days.  Lots of free trips.  However, that trip is no longer available as they cannot afford to travel in France with the rules of working only 5 days in a row plus hours, etc. rules.  It was a perfect trip with a crew of people who genuinely liked to work together plus a personable captain.  Can't brag enough about that service and we do not pay for big cabins on top floors.  We slept next to the crew's door.  Quiet and such great service.  I think you could go alone (wish I could join you) and feel perfectly safe since you know how to travel.  Having relatives in Bergen is icing on the cake!





Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on September 23, 2017, 04:18:40 PM
There hasn't been a lot of news on Puerto Rico but I met a woman yesterday (stranger to me) who is from PR.  She has lots of family there and no communication but just enough to know that an 89 year old grandfather needed evacuation.  Good Lord!  What an on-going tragedy.  The country is bankrupt, just about everything under water and a dam was failing this week.  (USA) has to step in and help these people - it will be interesting to see just what can be done without money disappearing.

Rammel:  Did you find that APP on Sweden?  It isn't perfect but what news cast is truthful?   
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on September 23, 2017, 10:26:46 PM
Quote from: Carol on September 23, 2017, 04:18:40 PM
........
Rammel:  Did you find that APP on Sweden?  It isn't perfect but what news cast is truthful?   

Found this web site, but haven't checked much.  Too many irons in the fire.  :-[

http://sverigesradio.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=2054&grupp=20817
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on October 02, 2017, 05:31:37 PM
We just received letters informing us that our most favorite health insurance company has been bought out by Humana.  Here is the rub....  we will lose a lot of coverage and it will be more expensive.  I am so mad I could spit...

OK - I will get over this for sure.  On a day when our country weeps with sadness over a mass murder I have nothing to complain about.  Sometimes, money doesn't always matter.   
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on October 03, 2017, 11:10:56 AM
I have a call in for the patient advocate at my doctor's office re: the change in insurance plan.  If they will accept a Medicare Supplement then I can stay on and still be covered in other areas - Arizona for instance.  The plan they are advising is not available out of area. 



Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on October 04, 2017, 04:54:10 PM
Carol....We've never been turned down for medical care whether in Iowa, Montana, Alabama, FL,or Texas. We have regular Medicare and the AARP Supplement F.  Yes, it costs a lot more than an Advantage plan where you have a network to deal with, but we have been able to go anywhere, including the Univ. of Iowa Cornea Center without referrals and a lot of paperwork.  We also, of course, have to have a Part D prescription drug plan. 

Advantage Plans are OK for those in one area who like the doctors in those networks.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on October 05, 2017, 12:59:35 PM
Jane:  thank you for your input.  It sounds like you have made a good choice. 

I have an idea of what I have to do now and I will lose my doctor (she is  a top doc in the state and we have been meeting for ten years).  She has been so practical - but staying with her would mean that I wouldn't be covered in any place out of state. 

My concern is that many of the patients will not know of the restrictions on the new insurance plan that the doctor's office is recommending. 
 

 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on October 05, 2017, 01:24:47 PM
That's too bad, Carol.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on November 21, 2017, 07:02:48 PM
I am so irked that I wanted to come in here an send out a warning.  In chatting with the new insurance, they were pushing me to drop my prescription plan.  Don said I should not drop it because the newer plan would be much more costly.  Good to have his expertise -

My advice is for all of us to seek out qualified and practical people for these decisions.  Will be so happy when everything is over. 

Have a good and safe Thanksgiving.   
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 21, 2017, 07:26:59 PM
Insurance people and Brokers --------- Remember, they are all sales people.   :(
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 21, 2017, 07:35:25 PM
Remembered this post from back in July.
OLED is now at $186.50 and I'm up about 970%.  This thing has been going wild lately. Thanks in part to Apple, who must be using OLED's patents. (This one offsets all the bummers I've had).

Quote from: RAMMEL on July 19, 2017, 11:18:28 PM
As long as this is the "Money Matters" discussion (do we mean money matters, or is it matters of money),

On a whim a long time ago I picked up some shares of (symbol) OLED. It was PANL when it started. They were into development of LEDs (different colors and sources) and the like used in phone screens and a bunch of other things.  They were sluggish (like dead in the water) for a while but it has now taken off.  It's nice to pick a winner once in a while.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on November 22, 2017, 07:12:07 PM
Congratulations to Rammel! You have a winner and deserve kudos for your investigation. 

Happy Thanksgiving all. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 22, 2017, 08:02:16 PM
Thank You ---

This was a long shot gamble.  Some of my other ventures didn't do as well - with a couple of them just "vanishing".  I thank the powers that be for the ability to do these things.

Got a $20.00 check today for some class action that I must have been part of  :thumbup:
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on December 15, 2017, 04:58:33 PM
Here are just a couple of old money quotes. 

Too many people spend money they earned..to buy things they don't want..to impress people that they don't like. --Will Rogers

A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart. --Jonathan Swift

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. --Epictetus

Money often costs too much. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Everyday is a bank account, and time is our currency. No one is rich, no one is poor, we've got 24 hours each. --Christopher Rice

Wishing everyone good health, fine companions, and good sleeping every night. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on December 15, 2017, 08:49:18 PM
Some good light stuff ------- Thanks
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on January 11, 2018, 01:01:13 PM
It's a wonderful world, ------------- right?

Seems the more "they" try to fix things the worse it gets.  My only doctor fear is that he will retire.

To keep this on the level ------- Happy Investing.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Shirley on January 15, 2018, 12:38:22 PM
Carol, when we first got off of "company" insurance Cas was 58 so chose Humana, that lasted until he turned 62 & went with Medicare & we needed to get something different for me... Instead, Humana informed us that they were not going to carry insurance for older people so we had to shop (like you)... and after all the dust settled, we chose Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas that didn't come with the eye glass coverage, not sure about prescriptions since Cas did have the VA & I don't take pills.  A few years later Humana came back with a new offer, not as good & we didn't trust being dumped another time.  So far BC/BS has covered every penny of expense for Cas' surgeries & my valve & 3 bypasses.  Don't know how that is were you are, but I think I read in a newsletter (I'm the worst about details) that BC/BS covers all over the US.  I don't need a referral and allowed to pick any Dr that agrees to take me on (that's a challenge).  I enjoyed the quips, especially Will Rogers.  Carol.

I have no idea how this compares with other states but my neighbor & best friend (same age bracket) use the same coverage & both are wiser than I am so I don't check anyone else.  My DIL's mother moved here from FL with Humana coverage & my understanding is they handle everything, including the Medicare part.....  as you said, money isn't everything & I couldn't tell you exactly what goes out of my checking account for Medicare & BC/BS, but I have only paid for one prescription for hi-dose D... and an antibiotic last year.... nary another penny for X-rays or office visits in emergencies.  I do have the best of the best as a family Dr.  If it mattered I could find out what is taken out for Medicare & the BC/BS every month, but expect different states might be different?

By the way, I did come in to see what advice anyone has for CDs right now.  I had 2 roll over the first week of Jan & it is sitting in a Money Market account drawing next to nothing until I can decide if I want to trust online at 2.5% for 5 years with Goldman Sachs.  I can't believe the LOW rates but not willing to risk at this stage.  I am considering staggering in hopes of increase later this year.... and at 83 a little uneasy at locking up such a big chunk for 5 years.  I did ask about the penalty for if I die or need nursing care... & need to take interest or all....  Thank goodness the main CD is good through 2019 & better than offered right now.  Nobody local has anything worth tying up so far.  Advice welcome~  please!
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on January 15, 2018, 04:46:45 PM
I think it’s the same story everywhere....banks and credit unions, etc. not paying much on CDs.  In our area of Iowa, a bank or credit union will sometimes offer a “special” for less than 5 yrs, and we’ve put some $$ in those. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Mary Ann on January 15, 2018, 05:27:58 PM
I have some CDs with Ally bank, which is an online bank.  My CDs are for one year at 1.05% (my estimate because I did not check) and my local banks pay more like .5%.  You might look them up online to get their present rates. 

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on January 15, 2018, 05:49:07 PM
lest some are not aware of this  ----
           https://www.bankrate.com/

A while back my son told me to take a look at Synchrony
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Shirley on January 15, 2018, 09:11:51 PM
Thanks for that link, Rick..... I bookmarked it.  Nice to hear your son mentioned Synchrony, it runs right up with Goldman Sachs but I had never heard of it before.  Cas was not uneasy about buying online (or by phone/online), but when I handled the CDs we lived in the KC area with plenty of banks & savings & loans to actually go in & talk to.... and CDs were running 8% & more and they were willing to go for a little extra % if you were investing more.  We started lumping some of the CDs together & were careful to make sure all was covered by FDIC by adding the 3 kids as "pay on death". 

Mary Ann, when I first started checking CD rates in Dec (getting ready for the drop from a couple years ago).... the best I could find was Ally but I didn't know anything about it, either.  Been checking how they are rated & hope rates will go up but guess I will bite the bullet & start buying. Before Christmas a local bank offered 2% on a 5 year CD but it would have cost me about $900 to get the money from the CDs one week early.  I wasn't willing to do that.   

Before Cas died Meritrust (used to be Boeing Credit Union) had the best CD rates of all, local offices so easy to do business with.  Not sure why their rates tumbled & so did their star rating.  We had a scare when the company Cas retired from went bankrupt... had a big chunk in "unsecured securities".... we got it all back after several years, without interest.  Sure stopped us from wanting to take chances again.

Thanks for the advice/suggestions, will have to take care of business tomorrow. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 12, 2018, 02:07:14 PM
Yesterday, we shopped at COSTCO and I used my Visa card.  Only a few hours later, we had a message that someone had stolen our number and tried to buy $1,200  at COSTCO.  I don't know if it was the same store -  It could be my fault that someone was able to glance and copy my number- otherwise, the card sits securely in a protected zip case that is not able to be copied. 

We are sending for two new cards.  Such a hassle -

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on April 12, 2018, 03:26:31 PM
Carol....sounds like an "inside" job, to me.  For it to happen that quickly...somebody got more than a glance at it, would be my guess.  To have a new card made with all your numbers, exp. date, etc., they'd have had to almost be on top of you, and I doubt that was even close to happening.

When ours was compromised several times, it was finally traced to a processing center for one of our golf courses.  "Stuff" was bought on ours in Bombay, India, $400 worth of fast food in a week in Hollywood, and $342 at a Charlotte Russe in Biloxi, MS.  We were here in Iowa at the time of all of those and using the card here.  It was all written off, of course, and the bank here had to suck it up.

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 13, 2018, 06:26:25 PM
Jane:  We check our bills daily and that is why the message was caught early.  Still, we sure try to be careful and I am sure you and others here are aware of the necessity to guard our information. 

This has nothing to do with Money - but I am ticked at a telecommunication company that sends me voice mails before 6 AM on the cell phone.  It has two addresses (when I searched on google) and one is in Colorado and the other in Nogales, Arizona. Fast talking and hard to understand the voice mail.  I suppose that in the end it really is about money and they want me to sign on to something. 

Our real estate investments are looking fine at this point. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 21, 2018, 09:32:36 AM
Update on my post about losing my doctor. I had been told everything was alright with my different medical insurance - it would be honored.  I went in for a blood test prior to my actual check-up.  A very determined young woman (new) told me that it would not be honored.  So, I asked Don what should I do - and he told me to go back to the desk and ask to speak to my primary care doctor as she did promise to keep me on.  I did.  4 days later, the phone rang with the news I could still see my favorite doctor.  Cannot tell you how relieved I was with that news.  Sometimes, the right thing happens. 

I wish everyone would do their research and have their problems solved. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on May 21, 2018, 01:07:32 PM
Glad that worked out for you, Carol. 

We've never had to fight that insurance battle with a whole range of doctors and facilities, thank heavens. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on May 21, 2018, 08:27:09 PM
My son has problems with the group (local) he is a member of.  No one seems to know which doctors are members.  Some are members when you start but down the road they say he is not a member of the group.  Other times he's told a doc is a member but when you file they say he's not a member doc.  Often things get corrected but it'd a big hassle to get results.  He's run into a situation where only selected doctors of a group practice are covered.  I think the object is to get you to give up.

The group I belong to, which is selected by my old employer, sends out glossy flyers and booklets. Also "offers" an "in home" interview with a licensed practitioner to help me determine if I'm getting correct services from my medical provider.  If I didn't trust my doctor I wouldn't be going to him.  I think the money spent on these "extra services" would be better spent on medical services.

:tickedoff:  :idiot2: --- kick my soapbox.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: angelface555 on May 21, 2018, 10:02:43 PM
These type of programs are illegal in Alaska. You do not have to pick a particular doctor or have a primary doctor or specialist for every little problem. Also, there is no hard and fast 15-minute rule for office visits. Insurance companies try to get around this by offering special offers if you use one of their preferred doctors but that is up to you. It is not obligatory.

On the minus side, Alaskan doctors and dentists are the highest paid in the country. And if you are on Medicare or heaven forbid, some type of low income, (Drs. capp the number of Medicare patients they take as they only receive 71 cents on the dollar); you are out of luck. And will spend thousands at the emergency rooms that legally cannot turn you away. I believe low income has vouchers? Also, Alaskan Natives, Indians, Eskimo, and Aleuts get free medical care through a government program.

I have Medicare, Denali Care, and AARP and while I do not have the waiting time that seems to go with primary doctors and other insurance BS, I still have high prices.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: angelface555 on May 21, 2018, 10:08:13 PM
If you are having repeated insurances issues, you might want to see a lawyer if you have either Etna or Allstate. These two companies have been routinely and repeatedly fined and censured by the federal government. They are especially bad for older seniors.

https://www.publicintegrity.org/2014/05/05/14710/keeping-eye-insurance-companies-refuse-pay-claims

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on May 23, 2018, 03:49:03 PM
Tomorrow is my annual physical with my doctor. She will only continue the annual physical so I must find another doctor in my insurance plan.  The office she works with has opted to change to a plan that does not insure anyone stepping over the state line.  She is keeping a handful of patients only - so happy that I have known and chatted with her over the years. 

Health care is very expensive - there are more than a few hospitals in this country which have been subsidized for decades.  One hospital on the Texas border has never broken even - because poorest of the poor women walk over the border to have good care and they have never even seen medical care in Mexico.  That is only one example - someone has to keep the hospital going.  I certainly do not blame the poorest of the poor. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on June 29, 2018, 10:32:07 AM
Update:  I did have a free and final yearly exam with my favorite doctor.  She wants to meet for coffee -

After reading ratings of doctors on the new insurance plan, I found a nearby younger doctor who is tied into the University system (that is great news) and was told that there was one opening for one patient - me.  Such a load lifted.  She asked the right questions and I am impressed once again. Further, being in this system gives me a greater list of specialists. 



Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 14, 2018, 12:58:24 PM
One DIL is a teacher and she buys school supplies for many of her children every year.  Our son and her just expect to do this yearly.  Several organizations and large churches buy new backpacks and fill them with the expected supplies. 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on August 14, 2018, 05:46:09 PM
Teachers have done this for years....I did it for 30+ yrs, worked days without pay, and had “vacationsl..i.e.  summer, Christmas. Thanksgiving, Easter, national holidays....all without pay.  People who don’t have teachers in their families don’t know and don’t believe it, but it’s true.  I’ve not not added the hours spent at home making lesson plans, and grading tests and homework, etc.

Jane, . Now getting off her soapbox.

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 14, 2018, 06:41:22 PM
Quote from: jane on August 14, 2018, 05:46:09 PM
Teachers have done this for years....I did it for 30+ yrs, worked days without pay, and had “vacationsl..i.e.  summer, Christmas. Thanksgiving, Easter, national holidays....all without pay.  People who don’t have teachers in their families don’t know and don’t believe it, but it’s true.  Investors not added the hours spent at home making lesson plans, and grading tests and homework, etc.

Jane, . Now getting off her soapbox.
I think much of what you mention bears on where you are talking about. 
I had a teacher get up and walk out of a parent/teacher meeting because of the time. I took time off from work for the meeting (requested by the teacher).
I commend those that truly are there to teach.  But around bigger cities things are a bit different.

Off my soap box too  ???
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 20, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
You are very fortunate if you have a few great teachers in your school experience.  I was reprimanded three times in a row for daydreaming and boy, did I ever shape up - Business Law 9th. grade.  My teacher knew I could do better than space out and he pushed me to answer the questions. 

Do you notice that COSTCO will deliver items free in two days - if tally is over $35.  You must be a member.  You need to sign for the delivery and order before noon for deliver in two days.  I have not signed on yet.  We do go to COSTCO about every two months and it is jammed with carts and people.  It could help people who must live somewhat close to a store. 

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 20, 2018, 10:29:40 PM
Quote from: Carol on August 20, 2018, 03:38:57 PM
.........
Do you notice that COSTCO will deliver items free in two days - if tally is over $35.  You must be a member.  You need to sign for the delivery and order before noon for deliver in two days.  I have not signed on yet.  We do go to COSTCO about every two months and it is jammed with carts and people.  It could help people who must live somewhat close to a store.

I had a Costco membership but the local store is more of a zoo than I can appreciate.  I let it expire.  I have a Sam's membership but haven't used it lately. Other stores are now competing with Amazon with free shipping, and two day shipping.  Walmart has gotten on the bandwagon. Kohls, Target, Macy's - all getting in on it.  No membership required.
Surprisingly, Amazon is making shopping there a nightmare with their multiple "special" services. (Prime, Fresh, Pantry). The items you might want may now be in separate "programs", so you no longer place one order but must order from different "programs" - with separate memberships and shipping.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Cottoncandy on August 21, 2018, 08:04:32 PM
Amazon always been my favorite shopping place......BUT...there was an fraud attempt on my account....so kinda scary now..even though changed password..of course...but Amazon did catch and prevent it...how does one create a strong password?
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on August 21, 2018, 08:21:58 PM
Quote from: Cottoncandy on August 21, 2018, 08:04:32 PM
Amazon always been my favorite shopping place......BUT...there was an fraud attempt on my account....so kinda scary now..even though changed password..of course...but Amazon did catch and prevent it...how does one create a strong password?
Take a look at  -  https://passwordsgenerator.net/
There are other similar sites, and some software (like Norton AntiVirus & others) offer password creation.  They may be hard to remember but that's what makes them tough to crack. Write it down and keep in a safe place.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Cottoncandy on August 22, 2018, 09:30:26 AM
Thank you for that information...going to try and have a more secure password and change it more often....CC
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on August 24, 2018, 11:28:14 AM
I was just given an AMAZON gift card and have been trying to find something to buy online.  It is not going well with the search - women's items and they show men's shoes, all kinds of odd things. 

I do like Costco for their easy return policy.  It can be a madhouse - the parking lot is totally full too.  Still, I usually like their products and being miserly cheap - buy some products in bulk.  Of course, you must have the storage. 

Cotton Candy:  So frustrating to have to change the password. Someone said there should be numbers - at least they told me at my new medical insurance that numbers were required.   I have a sheet of different passwords and so irked by getting to that idea that "we" have to make the change. 

I do hope everyone is breathing fresh air.  Here, in Colorado, we have been experiencing one of the worst air pollution times.  It does look better this week.  My brother in  Washington is a volunteer fireman and they had to leave a hose and drive out fast.  These are dangerous times for fires.  Imagine the cost of fighting fires and all the extra costs that go with it.  Stay safe everyone.  /b]
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on October 24, 2018, 10:11:32 PM
The Market today --

       :(    :'(    :(
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on December 19, 2018, 08:06:50 PM
More / still        :'(
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on December 19, 2018, 08:32:35 PM
Yep...guess that big tax cut isn't working out so good for the 98% of us who aren't billionaires.  😡
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on December 19, 2018, 09:32:58 PM
I think we'll have to wait till April 15 to find out the results of that.

Keep an eye on the Fed and it's rate increases.  I think to crash the market.  Be alert - Be observant.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on December 19, 2018, 10:16:34 PM
Being on track for the worst Dec. since 1931 (and the depression) sounds dire enough to me.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: phyllis on December 20, 2018, 08:36:22 AM
I've reached the point that I don't even check my portfolio now.  It just depresses me and I can't do anything about it anyway.   In fact, I'm beginning to feel that way about all of the news.  I don't understand the Fed. Reserve raising int. rate again when it seems everything is so precarious.  It seems like they are poking another hole in a boat that is already sinking.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on December 20, 2018, 09:21:13 PM
I don't look either...for the same reasons you give.

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 07, 2019, 07:46:00 PM
It's been a while since the last post(s). Is everyone still down?
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on November 08, 2019, 09:12:59 AM
Investments seem to be doing ok.  Since my husband's death, I've decided to consolidate some scattered investments .... Edward Jones...who switched me to an "advisor" in Missouri when I wanted one here locally...but I guess my account wasn't big enough...and Muriel Jones...who suddenly assigned me an "adviser" with a name I can't pronounce...and who suddenly took an interest when they got the papers to make me the sole owner and to transfer the assets out.  So, I'm going with these investments with a local woman who is a CPA and a rep. for Voya. 

Some of you might recall my "battle" with MFS Fund to get my money...and who wanted all sorts of $$ to "help" me get through their 22 pages of paperwork, to get a "Medallion signature," to get my original "stock certificate," etc.  The total they wanted was in the $200+ range.  My agent here got through all of that and I finally got my check.  Farewell, MFS Fund!
 :coolsmiley:  :idiot2:

My last fight has been with Social Security.  Woman who called me wanted our marriage certificate and Ray's DD214.  I explained he had no benefits from his Navy reserve service and I had a discharge paper and attached papers...nope...needed DD214. That was in Sept.  That was the earliest telephone interview time they had.  DD214 has been requested...it can take 90 days...but I stopped in the SS office 45 miles away last Friday...and gee...funniest thing...I showed another woman the marriage certificate, she made a copy, I said still don't have the DD214...and she said. "Oh, you don't need that..."she" can get that...and I showed her the discharge certificate I had...she made a copy...and said all was ok. AND, on Wed. the money I was due appeared in my checking account...the death benefit and money difference between his SS and mine for the last 3 months.   I was angry.  I didn't need the money to eat or pay my bills...but there are women who may need that...and some "bimbo" is throwing up unnecessary roadblocks.  AACCKKK.

jane
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 08, 2019, 08:23:05 PM
Jane - I read with interest ----

For some reason the DD214 is Bible to the powers that be. To everyone - Be sure to have the DD214 - everyone will want to see it.  Also reminded my son about MFS. He's much into controlling his own investments. We both have some dealings with Fidelity and are satisfied with their performance. They have helped on a couple of occasions with jockeying 401/IRA type accounts.
As far as the Social Security organization goes I think a lot depends on the local Office you deal with and the attitude of those employees. Some good. some not so much.

I'm sure many of us realize what a pain it is to try to straighten out finances after a family event. Not usually a pleasant chore.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on November 09, 2019, 09:46:12 AM
No, and I took care of all the financial stuff all our married life...46 years. I simply can't imagine what the non-financial partner does when the one who does all that stuff goes first.  My dear husband would have been lost.  He became worried about money in the last weeks of his illness, when we were making weekly chemo visits, oxygen tanks were being delivered weekly, I bought a chair lift and walkers and a transport chair with our funds, and he worried we'd run out of money because of his illness.  We didn't...thanks to Medicare and our supplement.  Without those two, things would have been ...well...very, very tight.

The sad part is, that even with all the legal stuff in place...joint with survivorship, etc. some companies make it VERY difficult...MFS Fund...and others make it very easy...Vanguard.  I don't know how people get what's theirs without knowing the "ropes" and standing their ground.


jane




 
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: MSG on November 24, 2019, 09:45:44 PM
Hello, Rammel!
I see that about a year ago, two people remarked that they were reluctant to check their portfolios. A cranky but clever and fun author I like, Nassim Taleb, says that barring some crisis when you have to sell something, adding up your money is something you should do only once a year -- more often than not it will be a gain over the past year, making you happy, and if it isn't, at least you've spared yourself the grief of multiple monthly downturns. Of course, if at any time the market crashes, you'll know without checking that your stocks have suffered, and if there's a spike in inflation or some sharp change in Fed policy, your bonds will have suffered. In any event, there isn't a lot you can do about anything and unless you are unusually clever or lucky, what you are frightened into doing is likely to make things worse.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on November 24, 2019, 10:01:31 PM
MSG --- Welcome to S&F, and to this particular discussion. We used to have many posters here but as time passes, and we do too, the number of posts have shrunk. Don't hesitate to jump in here and liven things up.
Investing wise I have mixed feelings as to how I have done this year. I guess tax time will tell the tale. I do keep at least a monthly eye on my status. Within a month I see a tax loss sale to cover a holding I want to dump.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on November 25, 2019, 11:07:50 AM
Welcome, MSG!

As Rick (Rammel) says, please come share your opinions/wisdom, etc. with us often. 

I do agree with your advice about checking too often.  Most...99%, I guess, is out of our individual control, once you're happy with your own "mix" and your risk tolerance. 

I'm still in the process of consolidating some scattered investments into one and getting an IRA rolled over to be used to balance the taxable portion of the account.  It's been interesting to see how the various investments are suddenly so interested in my "welfare" when they're contacted to switch the money out and into another holding.  Suddenly, they all have "advisers" ...many with names I can't pronounce...who suddenly want to advise me about what I should do...basically...leave the money where it is.   :coolsmiley:

I have decided to look at that as a positive...that they want to make sure the "old lady" isn't being manipulated by whomever.  I guess that's a very good thing, given some tales I've heard of people who are falling for all the phone scams...the "imprisoned grandchild"...send money.  One local woman has fallen for that TWICE! 

jane

Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: maryz on November 25, 2019, 12:28:42 PM
jane, John handled all our investment stuff and I knew nothing about it.  After he died, I got all the investments from various things gathered and put with an Ameriprise financial advisor.  Several of my widowed friends from swimming had their portfolios with her and were very happy.  I had no hesitation about setting up an account with her office.  I pay her an annual fee and then I have two in-person meetings a year with her and another adviser to go over various investments.  Plus I get a monthly statement.  Over the four years I have been with the office, I have been receiving an amount deposited in my checking account each month, and withdrawn larger amounts for various unusual expenses, and the account now has more money in it than it did originally.  I am VERY happy with their care (and I do feel it's very personal).  Also my widowed daughter is planning to move her assets to the office after the first of the year. Just my experience - since it's been a very good one.
Title: Jane
Post by: RAMMEL on November 25, 2019, 12:52:27 PM
I got a call last week about my Grandson.  Seems he got a bit tipsy in town and got arrested  :'(   I played with this for a bit till the caller got mad and hung up.  Seems the fact that I don't have a Grandson didn't fit the situation  :2funny:
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Mary Ann on November 25, 2019, 01:00:47 PM
My sister-in-law bit on the phone call about her grandson (she does have a grandson) being stranded in Chicago and needed $1800.  She withdrew the money from the bank, then went to a local supermarket to send the money.  The clerk convinced her that the call was bogus so she did not send the money.  Afterward, she got to thinking about several things that should have tipped her off.  She put the money back in the bank.  I just hope that I don't get so absent-minded that I would fall for one of those calls. 

One thing I did years ago was get Caller ID and if I don't recognize the number or name, I don't answer the phone.  It costs me $10 a month and is well worth the money. 

Mary Ann
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: SCFSue on February 24, 2020, 10:32:47 AM
Good morning, Every Buddy!  I've had a busy weekend.  One of my long-time Navy wife girl-friends and her significant other were traveling near me and called and have spent the weekend with me.  I was so glad to see Colleen and Matt and enjoyed having them here.  Colleen's first husband died about the same time that my hubby did.  We've been friends since our early Navy days together.

Rammel, I had that same call telling me my grandson was in jail and I panicked--almost gave the caller the money, but when I went to my bank to write a check, my banker told me that he was pretty sure it was not true and to just ignore it.  He also suggested I call the local police office--and they immediately sent out a patrol man to tell me that my grandson was OK and at home in Louisiana.  I was so relieved to get that information and called my son's family in Louisiana to talk to Alex. 

So Lesson learned.  I hope others who've received this type of call have ignored it and/or checked with their bank about this type of call.  The men calling me told me they were lawyers who could get my grandson out of jail! 

It's so alarming to receive such a call--and I'll never believe it if it happens again. So beware, and be cautious!

Sue
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on February 28, 2020, 12:13:20 PM
I wish they could find all these scammers...and, I know, most are outside the USA, but I still wish they'd find them and put them to work.  There must be "boilerroom" setups for these people to make multiple calls and to receive the money they're sent.  It must be very profitable, given how many there are.

The ones I get most are the IRS coming to lock me up, the "medicare advocate" who tells me my Medicare will be cut off if I don't order this "brace for my pain," and the "your social security number has been compromised/used in illegal trafficking, etc." as if it were a credit card.  I've finally turned my phone ringer off to stop those and the endless political calls.  People who want to talk to me can leave a message.  :knuppel2:



Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: JaneS on February 28, 2020, 12:33:04 PM
The ones I've been getting recently begin with "Hello! This is you electric supply company calling with an apology."  It seems they've overcharged me on my last bill and they need my information to send me a refund.  The last one was immediately after I talked to the electric co. about renewing my automatic payment for my bill which is divided into equal monthly payments.  I was hardly off the phone with them when the call came through.  I almost laughed out loud before hanging up on them.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: MSG on February 29, 2020, 04:41:41 AM
The ones where a real live crook talks to you are I suppose the most convincing. Or I should say, the only ones that don't immediately sound unconvincing. Even criminal enterprises have to pay their workers -- having a real person talk to you costs them something. So almost always what I get are calls where the speaker is a robotic artificial voice, the kind of voice used to read online texts for visually impaired people. It is difficult to imagine a legitimate business or a government agency using these robots. So even when the robot's pitch is well crafted (most aren't and many make telltale mistakes in English idiom), I discount its authenticity immediately. What the crooks are doing with the robot is to try to frighten you into calling a number, which is answered by a real live crook. The robot is a screening mechanism, used to cheaply weed out all but the most naive of prospective victims. Once and only once I actually called the number. I told the IRS imposter that in fact, I did not owe any back taxes. The imposter assumed an indignant tone, and said "F**k you!" -- as if he were the injured party. One of the weirdest things about life on this planet is the way predators actually get angry, sincerely aggrieved it would seem, at prospective victims who don't cooperate.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: JeanneP on April 04, 2020, 02:58:28 PM
Not been in the market since I lost money in,was it 2008. Wonder if now would be time to buy a few just to watch and play with. I would not go big. Just a few for fun.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: MSG on April 04, 2020, 03:15:01 PM
I believe people lost more money buying at what they thought were cheap prices after the '29 crash than people lost during the immediate crash. In other words, we should never assume we know that the market has hit bottom.
What I did when I started investing was to buy mutual fund shares in the minimal amount -- a few thousand dollars back then -- and every month add a few hundred dollars. If you buy over a long period of time you won't have to kick yourself for making the mistake of going in heavily at a time you learn later was a relative high point.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on April 04, 2020, 06:51:05 PM
I'm just watching at this time and glad I didn't put all my chips in one basket.  Market holdings have sure taken a hit lately.
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on April 06, 2020, 12:17:34 PM
But, I remind myself, that is isn't a financial crisis as it was in 2008 and the economy, I believe will come back.     
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: Carol on April 08, 2020, 06:15:31 PM
I have been too busy for someone my age... ::)

For health sake, I shop online groceries and set up the Pick-Up time.  It is so nice to open the trunk for the delivery person, check the order and I usually say substitutes are fine.  They even sign the OK because they have my credit card number stored.  Amazon just delivered office stuff & no signing required.  I sprayed the box with a disinfected solution.  They told us one person has the virus at work.  Here, in our community, there is an elderly gentleman who has the virus. 

It is good to get back on money matters.  I hope everyone stays safe and healthy.   
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on February 24, 2022, 10:00:45 AM
So here it is two years since the last post and I am still getting calls about my naughty grandson - of which I have none. The scammers never quit.
Also today war breaks out again - and the Stock Market dives 700 points. I got to thinking about why it dropped and realizes that I am not going to buy another thing till the war stops. I refuse to brush my teeth any more and that will ruin Colgate. ---- I just don't understand how it all works  :(
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: jane on February 25, 2022, 11:30:46 AM
Rick...I've given up a long time ago trying to figure out how it all works...and I can't do anything about it.  You, at least, have decided to take action... :2funny:

I can't control the stock market, so I just don't look when it's taking a pounding. 

I'm not buying much except groceries and heat and a bit of gasoline.  I'm content to stay here in my house and enjoy my gas stove and recliner and be warm and my belly full.  I don't need any more clothes...I don't go anywhere but the grocery and I'm so bundled up now they can't see my clothes, anyway. 

Stay safe and healthy,

jane




Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on September 19, 2022, 09:42:26 AM
Looks like another down day at the Casino. Dow Down 6000 so far this year.  Beating up my IRA pretty bad  :( 

********
Now a turnaround, and up/
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: phyllis on September 19, 2022, 02:04:12 PM
I hope it is turning around, Rick, and continues to climb back up instead of this constant up and down.  I just checked last week's totals and really cringed at how much the value of my portfolios have gone down.  If this keeps up I will be back down to the original investment....well, at least that would reduce any capital gains taxes when my kids decide to sell everything after I am gone.   ???
Title: Re: Money Matters
Post by: RAMMEL on September 19, 2022, 02:20:41 PM
Phyllis,  The taxable Tax level, or exemption is pretty high now. So Your estate would likely be under it with no Estate Tax (Unless it's something like 5 Mil)(Unless they lower it).  Your kids will get it at the "Stepped Up" value - the price on the date of death.  So, you want it to be high, not low.
But in this world we live in nothing is promised  :(
Have to go out now or I'd ramble more.