Vanguard will take a check from your phone for well over 100K. I learned this last year when I finally cashed out all my old 401Ks and rolled the money over into an IRA.
Ironic that "Vanguard" came up. I'm in process of transferring a couple of small Roth IRAs out of Vanguard funds. My current advisor at a large company told me that Vanguard charges to close a fund when they transfer. I am guessing it's $100 per. Do other mutual fund companies charge for an out-going transfer?
I've always disliked Vanguard for the hype about them. And with the recent years decided to simplify by moving out. Everytime I've gotten a letter from them it's been a negative feeling. Got a letter Wednesday about changes to increasing their fees. Years back itw as a letter that all accounts had to be transferred to brokerage accounts. One of the Roths being transferred is not brokerage, LOL. My wife's.
BTW they charge for servicing accounts and they charge if they mail a once a year statement apparently. When the changeover to brokerage occured on my two accounts, the mail option got turned on. Another $25 fee!!! On top of a $20 servicing fee?
With all the talk about credit scores, I decided to check mine, currently 844. For the last year it's been between 830 and 847 out of 850.
Vanguard has very low annual fees. Using a couple of target date funds as an example, Vanguard charges $80 per 100K. The company they are in now, starts with F, charges $660 and $700 per 100K.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
Sometimes they drop, or rise, without much prodding it seems. A few months ago mine dropped about 24 points for some odd reason. I got my monthly notice from my credit union a few days that it had been updated. I just looked and it was back up where it was. I didn't do anything weird.
I rarely look at it so maybe it does that all the time.
That reminds me - I don't know why. When I bought the Legacy last week I wanted to put $5,000 on my credit card just to get the cash back. The sales manager said they didn't want to do it I found out after leaving the F&I office. I said that I would just write another check for the $5,000.
He relented and said they would do it. They didn't want to spend the 3% they would be charged. Heh heh.
I don’t understand how dealerships don’t take more money on credit cards. The 2% ish hit you take is nothing in the grand scheme of doing business. It is a legitimate business expense that goes toward your operating costs. The money is IN YOUR ACCOUNT the next day. No wasting time at the bank depositing checks. I regularly take credit cards for house accounts that are over $10K and I don’t charge my customers extra. I only charge an extra fee when I have to manually key the numbers in.
There is a plumbing supply I do business with in Dunn, NC. Last month I paid him over $21,000 on my American Express. He didn’t charge me an extra fee.
You’re a rare business these days. My mechanic charges 3.9% extra for cards and I’m seeing more businesses do the same. Most gas stations charge a dime more for credit. Fortunately, I pay cash for almost everything.
I’ve had a few negative experiences using cards. Once when I tried to make a several thousand dollar purchase my card kept getting declined. It turned out Mastercard had instituted a new “security” feature without notifying me where they would text an inquiry to you to verify that it was you making the purchase. The only number they had was my land line so I had no idea what was going on until I got home and called them. I know I’m a dinosaur but I’m offended by the assumption that everyone has a smartphone.
If I charge anything over $1,000, I send a message to my card holder, my credit union, that I will be doing it. No problems so far. The most I have charged is $5,000 so I don't know what the limit is.
I did find out that my limit for depositing a check remotely is $100,000. (They only allow $10,000 to be accessed right away). Hopefully I get to try that some day.
Yeah, when I complained to my CC company they said “well you could call us when you plan on making a purchase”.
I told them that if I had to ask permission to buy something they could keep their credit card.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The one that gets me: Restaurants that have an added charge for using credit. (3%, usually). When you see how embedded credit cards are, it's crazy to draw attention to extra charges. Just raise your prices by $0.50. Or, go cash only.
My 30 year old son never has a single dollar on him. Which I think is ridiculous, but is typical for someone that age. The restaurants that cater to old people will soon be out of business.
Sometimes even cash doesn’t save you from fees. A week ago we were having lunch in a diner near Burlington airport and when we got the bill it included a 2% “kitchen fee” and some sort of fee for eating in a restaurant that came to about $2.50. I’m surprised they didn’t charge a fee for stool rental.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Our cards are pretty good about charging nearly anything. We travel frequently so their AI must be able to know somehow it’s legit. When my wife went to China I called them to notify about some upcoming charges and they said that is no longer necessary.
What can set it off my one card is large back to back purchases from the same place.
For example. That 15K charge I spoke about was two different charges from the same vendor. The first one (10K) went through immediately. The second 5K one set off a fraud alert and I got a text immediately. I had to verify the charge and submit it again.
We use credit cards exclusively including a high annual fee card. We get way more than the annual fee in value out of it so it makes sense, but yes, it’s a bit of a shock each year to pay it.
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
We use credit cards exclusively including a high annual fee card. We get way more than the annual fee in value out of it so it makes sense, but yes, it’s a bit of a shock each year to pay it.
We just don't get enough out of the upper level cards. I have one "fee" card, and it's $95 annually, but that doubles the rebate, and that guarantees an extra $200/yr over the "no-fee" rebate.
Might be of interest @stickguy: — comparing pure gas cars to HEVs — the payback can be pretty quick, too. A Ford Maverick Hybrid, for instance, only costs $500 more than the all-gas EcoBoost version — which admittedly also comes standard with all-wheel-drive, versus the HEV’s front-drive — but saves its owner, according to NRCan, a whopping $957 a year in fuel costs. In other words, it’ll pay back its premium in half a year.
So my sister was having a problem with the right rear tire in her XC40. Had a nail, which she got removed a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday the TPMS sensor went off for the same tire, but it failed spectacularly before she could get it anywhere she could get it looked at. AAA put on the spare and she went immediately to the local Firestone store (she’s got a good relationship with them - they do a lot of the work on moms Sonata). Bought two new tires and had new brake pads out in the rear.
But, here’s the problem. The tires are not the same size as those on the front (55 ratio vs 50). They told her that the front tires will likely need to be replaced in the next 6-8 months.
The XC40 is AWD, so you know where this story is headed…
I explained to her the risks she is taking with the AWD system by having tires of different sizes - and different tread depths.
She will be buying two more tires early next week.
@Michaell All our Mercedeses have different size tires on the front and back. 2 have regular tires and my E400 has RFTs. When I got a flat I had to replace only 2 tires if the tread size varied....both fronts or both rears, but not all 4 tires. At least once they only replace one RFT, because the other tire didn't have too much wear...it was close enough. The GLK and the E400 are AWD, but tires only had to be changed in pairs. I don't know if that is what you are asking but, I am trying to help
Dada, what they mean is you are pre-approved to get the junk mail asking you to apply.
Vanguard will take a check from your phone for well over 100K. I learned this last year when I finally cashed out all my old 401Ks and rolled the money over into an IRA. It felt strange taking a picture of a check that large and sending it off through my phone.
Please tell me it was only one 401k that you cashed out and deposited into an IRA. That is an indirect rollover and your only allowed one in any 12 month period.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@explorerx4 said: @stickguy,
My wife is going ot be doing that with a check soon rolling over to a Vanguard IRA.
I would advise a direct rollover, where the custodian of the old account transfers it directly to the custodian of the new account. Especially if you are moving more than one.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Please tell me it was only one 401k that you cashed out and deposited into an IRA. That is an indirect rollover and your only allowed one in any 12 month period.
I really enjoy learning useful things from people who actually know what they're talking about. Sadly, it's becoming somewhat rare.
@Michaell All our Mercedeses have different size tires on the front and back. 2 have regular tires and my E400 has RFTs. When I got a flat I had to replace only 2 tires if the tread size varied....both fronts or both rears, but not all 4 tires. At least once they only replace one RFT, because the other tire didn't have too much wear...it was close enough. The GLK and the E400 are AWD, but tires only had to be changed in pairs. I don't know if that is what you are asking but, I am trying to help
I’ve never been fortunate enough to own a car with staggered tires. My experience has been with more pedestrian brands, that have the same size tires, front and rear. What I told my sister was what I thought was true.
And, I wasn’t asking any questions- just passing along the gist of my conversation with my sister earlier today.
@Michaell All our Mercedeses have different size tires on the front and back. 2 have regular tires and my E400 has RFTs. When I got a flat I had to replace only 2 tires if the tread size varied....both fronts or both rears, but not all 4 tires. At least once they only replace one RFT, because the other tire didn't have too much wear...it was close enough. The GLK and the E400 are AWD, but tires only had to be changed in pairs. I don't know if that is what you are asking but, I am trying to help
I’ve never been fortunate enough to own a car with staggered tires. My experience has been with more pedestrian brands, that have the same size tires, front and rear. What I told my sister was what I thought was true.
And, I wasn’t asking any questions- just passing along the gist of my conversation with my sister earlier today.
I guess if I had a real spare I'd need 2 in each car.......a spare for the front and one for the back. The C250 has a donut, and the E400 doesn't have a spare, I forget what the GLK has but I would guess a donut.
@Michaell said:
So my sister was having a problem with the right rear tire in her XC40. Had a nail, which she got removed a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday the TPMS sensor went off for the same tire, but it failed spectacularly before she could get it anywhere she could get it looked at. AAA put on the spare and she went immediately to the local Firestone store (she’s got a good relationship with them - they do a lot of the work on moms Sonata). Bought two new tires and had new brake pads out in the rear.
But, here’s the problem. The tires are not the same size as those on the front (55 ratio vs 50). They told her that the front tires will likely need to be replaced in the next 6-8 months.
The XC40 is AWD, so you know where this story is headed…
I explained to her the risks she is taking with the AWD system by having tires of different sizes - and different tread depths.
She will be buying two more tires early next week.
@driver100 said:
I guess if I had a real spare I'd need 2 in each car.......a spare for the front and one for the back. The C250 has a donut, no backup camera,and the E400 doesn't have a spare, I forget what the GLK has but I would guess a donut.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
On the C43 the tire issue is essentially moot since the torque split is fixed at 31% front and 69% rear. Where you get into trouble is a car with a variable torque split; a different tire diameter front-to rear can wear out the TC clutches in a hurry.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
So my sister was having a problem with the right rear tire in her XC40. Had a nail, which she got removed a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday the TPMS sensor went off for the same tire, but it failed spectacularly before she could get it anywhere she could get it looked at. AAA put on the spare and she went immediately to the local Firestone store (she’s got a good relationship with them - they do a lot of the work on moms Sonata). Bought two new tires and had new brake pads out in the rear.
But, here’s the problem. The tires are not the same size as those on the front (55 ratio vs 50). They told her that the front tires will likely need to be replaced in the next 6-8 months.
The XC40 is AWD, so you know where this story is headed…
I explained to her the risks she is taking with the AWD system by having tires of different sizes - and different tread depths.
She will be buying two more tires early next week.
So which is the correct ratio from the factory?
Hmmm. Just looked it up on Discount Tire, and here's what they said:
235/50-19 235/55-18 245/40-21 245/45-20
I guess I'll have to ask my sister to look at the sidewalls to tell me which wheel diameter she has.
@nyccarguy I am getting used to not having a backup camera....it maintains my skill to be able to backup without help. But sometimes I forget I don't have the warning buzzer as I get close, and if I forget I don't have a warning buzzer, my warning buzzer is going to be the sound of metal on metal.
I kept hoping @driver100 would come up with a suitable backup camera setup. I would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young enough he can do what it takes.
I kept hoping @driver100 would come up with a suitable backup camera setup. I would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young enough he can do what it takes.
@imidazol97 I kind of gave up looking when nothing seemed suitable....maybe they developed something new by now. You could probably have a system wired into the Cruze, you can't do it in a Mercedes, too much chance of screwing up the wiring apparently. One that might be worth checking sends the camera image from the rear to an app on your phone.....so to get out of a tricky spot I guess you set your phone up on the instrument panel when you need it. I only had a phone - phone up until lately but I could do that now. I also find it hard to look around SUVs, vans, or trucks parked beside me. If at all possible I prefer to back into a space, but hard to do with lots of groceries etc. Maybe sedans should have optional periscopes. btw...I am 77, so not sure about who is older.
I kept hoping @driver100 would come up with a suitable backup camera setup. I would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young enough he can do what it takes.
@imidazol97 I kind of gave up looking when nothing seemed suitable....maybe they developed something new by now. You could probably have a system wired into the Cruze, you can't do it in a Mercedes, too much chance of screwing up the wiring apparently. One that might be worth checking sends the camera image from the rear to an app on your phone.....so to get out of a tricky spot I guess you set your phone up on the instrument panel when you need it. I only had a phone - phone up until lately but I could do that now. I also find it hard to look around SUVs, vans, or trucks parked beside me. If at all possible I prefer to back into a space, but hard to do with lots of groceries etc. Maybe sedans should have optional periscopes. btw...I am 77, so not sure about who is older.
———————————————— You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I kept hoping @driver100 would come up with a suitable backup camera setup. I would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young enough he can do what it takes.
@imidazol97 I kind of gave up looking when nothing seemed suitable....maybe they developed something new by now. You could probably have a system wired into the Cruze, you can't do it in a Mercedes, too much chance of screwing up the wiring apparently. One that might be worth checking sends the camera image from the rear to an app on your phone.....so to get out of a tricky spot I guess you set your phone up on the instrument panel when you need it. I only had a phone - phone up until lately but I could do that now. I also find it hard to look around SUVs, vans, or trucks parked beside me. If at all possible I prefer to back into a space, but hard to do with lots of groceries etc. Maybe sedans should have optional periscopes. btw...I am 77, so not sure about who is older.
———————————————— You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
Thanks, calling me a kid made my day. I remember the day for the very first time when some young punk called me "Sir", that really upset me, made me feel so old.
I kept hoping @driver100 would come up with a suitable backup camera setup. I would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young enough he can do what it takes.
@imidazol97 I kind of gave up looking when nothing seemed suitable....maybe they developed something new by now. You could probably have a system wired into the Cruze, you can't do it in a Mercedes, too much chance of screwing up the wiring apparently. One that might be worth checking sends the camera image from the rear to an app on your phone.....so to get out of a tricky spot I guess you set your phone up on the instrument panel when you need it. I only had a phone - phone up until lately but I could do that now. I also find it hard to look around SUVs, vans, or trucks parked beside me. If at all possible I prefer to back into a space, but hard to do with lots of groceries etc. Maybe sedans should have optional periscopes. btw...I am 77, so not sure about who is older.
———————————————— You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
Thanks, calling me a kid made my day. I remember the day for the very first time when some young punk called me "Sir", that really upset me, made me feel so old.
————————————————- It’s all in how well you weather the years. I guess that’s why the younger generation calls me “dude”.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
———————————————— You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
Thanks, calling me a kid made my day. I remember the day for the very first time when some young punk called me "Sir", that really upset me, made me feel so old.
Many years ago I noticed that attractive middle aged women started smiling at me and being friendly entering or leaving via doors like at the post office. Then I realized it was because I reminded them of their father because I had entered another age cycle.
I can call @driver100 a "kid" as well. May good health follow you.
As for @jmonroe, I don't know your age, so I'll put you in "kid" along with driver100.
And on the lighter side, does anyone else remember the first time they were "carded" for age to be able order a beer? I do. I was so happy to pull out my license showing I was 21. Oh, the mileposts of life.
I'm old enough (maybe this was a NY thing) that it was 18 when I turned 18, and the age went up to 19 and 21 the year (or next) when I turned that age.
———————————————— You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
Thanks, calling me a kid made my day. I remember the day for the very first time when some young punk called me "Sir", that really upset me, made me feel so old.
Many years ago I noticed that attractive middle aged women started smiling at me and being friendly entering or leaving via doors like at the post office. Then I realized it was because I reminded them of their father because I had entered another age cycle.
I can call @driver100 a "kid" as well. May good health follow you.
As for @jmonroe, I don't know your age, so I'll put you in "kid" along with driver100.
And on the lighter side, does anyone else remember the first time they were "carded" for age to be able order a beer? I do. I was so happy to pull out my license showing I was 21. Oh, the mileposts of life.
@imidazol97 .....is that what the 97 stands for. If it does you've been 97 for decades.
The drinking age in Ontario was 21 when I was a teenager. So we would drive 50 miles to Niagara Falls N.Y. or Buffalo where the drinking age in N.Y. State was 18 (Stick - you are right!). Then we'd drive home chewing lots of Juicy Fruit Gum and eating bananas...that killed the smell. But, if I knew what I knew now I wouldn't have done that...it was really stupid, I have to be grateful to still be around. They didn't know hos dangerous it was then, and teen brains aren't developed.
Can’t really figure why there would be a backup cam specific to a trailer. Anyway, I ordered one last night. It is a wireless deal so I don’t have to connect the monitor to the camera. Just wire the cam to a backup light (although I’ll prob use a taillight so it is on all the time while driving) and plug the monitor into the lighter.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On the way home from Mothers Day lunch I was able to take the C43 on an alternate route home. It was a very winding road with some significant changes in elevation. The C43 is a bit bigger than I prefer but setting everything to Sport+ sharpened up the response enough to keep things quick and entertaining. I pushed it a bit harder than usual but my wife never once looked up from her Kindle- even though the exhaust was drowning out the radio on acceleration and popping on the overrun.
I ended the day watching the IMSA race at Laguna Seca- where my friend Will Turner notched his team’s 577th start for BMW- and Robby Foley drove the Turner M4 to 2nd in GTD (behind the Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
On the way home from Mothers Day lunch I was able to take the C43 on an alternate route home. It was a very winding road with some significant changes in elevation. The C43 is a bit bigger than I prefer but setting everything to Sport+ sharpened up the response enough to keep things quick and entertaining. I pushed it a bit harder than usual but my wife never once looked up from her Kindle- even though the exhaust was drowning out the radio on acceleration and popping on the overrun.
I ended the day watching the IMSA race at Laguna Seca- where my friend Will Turner notched his team’s 577th start for BMW- and Robby Foley drove the Turner M4 to 2nd in GTD (behind the Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG).
I highly recommend visiting Laguna Seca in person if you get the chance. I went with a friend when I was much younger and saw, I think, the IMSA Porsche 962's race there. The elevation change has to be seen to be believed. I suspect it's a lot like Augusta National - the pictures on TV just don't do it justice.
I highly recommend visiting Laguna Seca in person if you get the chance. I went with a friend when I was much younger and saw, I think, the IMSA Porsche 962's race there. The elevation change has to be seen to be believed. I suspect it's a lot like Augusta National - the pictures on TV just don't do it justice.
Yes, the track drops about 180 feet beginning at the corkscrew. After I retire I plan to drive a lot of interesting tracks, and Laguna Seca is at the top of my list. I did spend a day lapping Sonoma Raceway (AKA: Sears Point or Infineon Raceway) in a friends E30 M3. It was glorious.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Turning down that Platinum card for $695/yr is really hard.. lol
Just dumped my AMEX Platinum Card for that very reason. Used to be before I retired, I used it to enter the Delta Sky Lounge at least 4 times/mo (which they've since cut back on). I used TSA and Clear, which AMEX paid for. I used their "hotel benefit" when I went on vacation. None of those things mean anything to me, anymore.
When I called and told them to cancel the card, they went into "hard sell".
"But, Mr GG you have been an AMEX 'member' since (whatever the date was...decades)". Like that mattered.
Nothing like raising your annual fees and cutting back on your services to get me to "re-up". LOL!
@graphicguy Wow, that's a lot of people! We ate in the bar about 3 weeks ago. First time in two years.. Because, you know, it's so far from my house.. lol.
My two favorite dishes are the Ronaldo and the San Luci.
Turning down that Platinum card for $695/yr is really hard.. lol
Just dumped my AMEX Platinum Card for that very reason. Used to be before I retired, I used it to enter the Delta Sky Lounge at least 4 times/mo (which they've since cut back on). I used TSA and Clear, which AMEX paid for. I used their "hotel benefit" when I went on vacation. None of those things mean anything to me, anymore.
When I called and told them to cancel the card, they went into "hard sell".
"But, Mr GG you have been an AMEX 'member' since (whatever the date was...decades)". Like that mattered.
Nothing like raising your annual fees and cutting back on your services to get me to "re-up". LOL!
These high fee cards quickly lose their shine in years two, three or four and that's the whole idea - lure you in with some loss leaders and get thousands from you later. I generally stay away from any of those "pay to play" benefits, as you may end up spending more money than you otherwise would because you want to get that discount (otherwise you "lose"). I get 75% boost to my free cash back card from BoA (based on my customer status), which becomes 5.75% cash back on online purchases (like Amazon or online big stores), 3.5% on warehouse clubs (Costco) and 1.75% on "other" stuff. I use my free Costco Citi visa for gas (4%), restaurants (3%) and travel (3%), get the cash once a year from them, which I don't even have to spend at Costco. I have one fee card, Amex Blue Cash Preferred, $95 to get 6% on supermarkets and 3% on my tolls and they have sometimes extra discounts on some other things. Overall that $95 pays off but not by much, actually, if I consider that I could get over 3.5% back from my BoA card on groceries (i.e. 2.5% is net that needs to pay for the $95), bust subject to some quarterly limits that is combined with that high only cash back. Overall, my annual total tally of is probably $500-$750 of net cash to my accounts after backing the Amex fee - sometimes more if I splurge on travel or purchase some high-ticket item, like a big appliance. And I don't carry a balance. Ever. That's good enough for me and I don't want to change my spending habits in chase for some perks at price of these huge fees. I could not care less about lounges, TSA (too little travel), or supposed status you get with these cards, I know I'd qualify with my credit and income, but I pass. Things may change, but I'm good for now.
Turning down that Platinum card for $695/yr is really hard.. lol
Just dumped my AMEX Platinum Card for that very reason. Used to be before I retired, I used it to enter the Delta Sky Lounge at least 4 times/mo (which they've since cut back on). I used TSA and Clear, which AMEX paid for. I used their "hotel benefit" when I went on vacation. None of those things mean anything to me, anymore.
When I called and told them to cancel the card, they went into "hard sell".
"But, Mr GG you have been an AMEX 'member' since (whatever the date was...decades)". Like that mattered.
Nothing like raising your annual fees and cutting back on your services to get me to "re-up". LOL!
I had an AMEX Delta Skymiles Platinum Card for a few years. The biggest perk it got me was a "companion certificate." in return for the $295 annual fee. The companion certificates had an expiration date, but they pushed them back during and after COVID as well as keeping my different status accumulated. Problem is I could never use the companion certificates. I downgraded to the AMEX Delta Skymiles Gold card with a $95 fee that gives me a $99 Delta Certificate. I've accumulated a few of those and haven't had a chance to use them either...
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
I've always disliked Vanguard for the hype about them. And with the recent years decided to simplify by moving out. Everytime I've gotten a letter from them it's been a negative feeling. Got a letter Wednesday about changes to increasing their fees. Years back itw as a letter that all accounts had to be transferred to brokerage accounts. One of the Roths being transferred is not brokerage, LOL. My wife's.
BTW they charge for servicing accounts and they charge if they mail a once a year statement apparently. When the changeover to brokerage occured on my two accounts, the mail option got turned on. Another $25 fee!!! On top of a $20 servicing fee?
From my POV, it's like a bad car dealership.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
For the last year it's been between 830 and 847 out of 850.
Vanguard has very low annual fees. Using a couple of target date funds as an example, Vanguard charges $80 per 100K. The company they are in now, starts with F, charges $660 and $700 per 100K.
I did find out that my limit for depositing a check remotely is $100,000. (They only allow $10,000 to be accessed right away). Hopefully I get to try that some day.
Yeah, when I complained to my CC company they said “well you could call us when you plan on making a purchase”.
I told them that if I had to ask permission to buy something they could keep their credit card.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Our cards are pretty good about charging nearly anything. We travel frequently so their AI must be able to know somehow it’s legit. When my wife went to China I called them to notify about some upcoming charges and they said that is no longer necessary.
What can set it off my one card is large back to back purchases from the same place.
For example. That 15K charge I spoke about was two different charges from the same vendor. The first one (10K) went through immediately. The second 5K one set off a fraud alert and I got a text immediately. I had to verify the charge and submit it again.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
We use credit cards exclusively including a high annual fee card. We get way more than the annual fee in value out of it so it makes sense, but yes, it’s a bit of a shock each year to pay it.
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— comparing pure gas cars to HEVs — the payback can be pretty quick, too. A Ford Maverick Hybrid, for instance, only costs $500 more than the all-gas EcoBoost version — which admittedly also comes standard with all-wheel-drive, versus the HEV’s front-drive — but saves its owner, according to NRCan, a whopping $957 a year in fuel costs. In other words, it’ll pay back its premium in half a year.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So my sister was having a problem with the right rear tire in her XC40. Had a nail, which she got removed a couple of weeks ago.
Yesterday the TPMS sensor went off for the same tire, but it failed spectacularly before she could get it anywhere she could get it looked at. AAA put on the spare and she went immediately to the local Firestone store (she’s got a good relationship with them - they do a lot of the work on moms Sonata). Bought two new tires and had new brake pads out in the rear.
But, here’s the problem. The tires are not the same size as those on the front (55 ratio vs 50). They told her that the front tires will likely need to be replaced in the next 6-8 months.
The XC40 is AWD, so you know where this story is headed…
I explained to her the risks she is taking with the AWD system by having tires of different sizes - and different tread depths.
She will be buying two more tires early next week.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
All our Mercedeses have different size tires on the front and back. 2 have regular tires and my E400 has RFTs. When I got a flat I had to replace only 2 tires if the tread size varied....both fronts or both rears, but not all 4 tires.
At least once they only replace one RFT, because the other tire didn't have too much wear...it was close enough.
The GLK and the E400 are AWD, but tires only had to be changed in pairs.
I don't know if that is what you are asking but, I am trying to help
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Please tell me it was only one 401k that you cashed out and deposited into an IRA. That is an indirect rollover and your only allowed one in any 12 month period.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I would advise a direct rollover, where the custodian of the old account transfers it directly to the custodian of the new account. Especially if you are moving more than one.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
And, I wasn’t asking any questions- just passing along the gist of my conversation with my sister earlier today.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
So which is the correct ratio from the factory?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
So which is the correct ratio from the factory?
Hmmm. Just looked it up on Discount Tire, and here's what they said:
235/50-19
235/55-18
245/40-21
245/45-20
I guess I'll have to ask my sister to look at the sidewalls to tell me which wheel diameter she has.
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
I am getting used to not having a backup camera....it maintains my skill to be able to backup without help.
But sometimes I forget I don't have the warning buzzer as I get close, and if I forget I don't have a warning buzzer, my warning buzzer is going to be the sound of metal on metal.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
would then emulate his on my 2015 Cruze.
I really get nervous backing out of some spots because of all the huge, hunking
vehicles that block the view when they park next to me. But @driver100 is young
enough he can do what it takes.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I need a backup cam for the Sierre. It is impossible to hook up a trailer without getting out and checking my location every couple of feet.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
One that might be worth checking sends the camera image from the rear to an app on your phone.....so to get out of a tricky spot I guess you set your phone up on the instrument panel when you need it.
I only had a phone - phone up until lately but I could do that now.
I also find it hard to look around SUVs, vans, or trucks parked beside me. If at all possible I prefer to back into a space, but hard to do with lots of groceries etc.
Maybe sedans should have optional periscopes.
btw...I am 77, so not sure about who is older.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
You still a kid. When I was 77 I didn’t have your problems.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I remember the day for the very first time when some young punk called me "Sir", that really upset me, made me feel so old.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
It’s all in how well you weather the years. I guess that’s why the younger generation calls me “dude”.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Punk kids.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can call @driver100 a "kid" as well. May good health follow you.
As for @jmonroe, I don't know your age, so I'll put you in "kid" along with driver100.
And on the lighter side, does anyone else remember the first time they were "carded" for age to be able order a beer? I do. I was so happy to pull out my license showing I was 21. Oh, the mileposts of life.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Yikes, 68? I think I was still playing softball at that age.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I was happy to survive my heart stress test last week.
I can call @driver100 a "kid" as well. May good health follow you.
As for @jmonroe, I don't know your age, so I'll put you in "kid" along with driver100.
And on the lighter side, does anyone else remember the first time they were "carded" for age to be able order a beer? I do. I was so happy to pull out my license showing I was 21. Oh, the mileposts of life.
@imidazol97 .....is that what the 97 stands for. If it does you've been 97 for decades.
The drinking age in Ontario was 21 when I was a teenager. So we would drive 50 miles to Niagara Falls N.Y. or Buffalo where the drinking age in N.Y. State was 18 (Stick - you are right!).
Then we'd drive home chewing lots of Juicy Fruit Gum and eating bananas...that killed the smell.
But, if I knew what I knew now I wouldn't have done that...it was really stupid, I have to be grateful to still be around. They didn't know hos dangerous it was then, and teen brains aren't developed.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I’m wondering if it had the correct tire size and they put on the wrong size or if it had the wrong size and they put on the correct size
Can’t really figure why there would be a backup cam specific to a trailer. Anyway, I ordered one last night. It is a wireless deal so I don’t have to connect the monitor to the camera. Just wire the cam to a backup light (although I’ll prob use a taillight so it is on all the time while driving) and plug the monitor into the lighter.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
On the way home from Mothers Day lunch I was able to take the C43 on an alternate route home. It was a very winding road with some significant changes in elevation. The C43 is a bit bigger than I prefer but setting everything to Sport+ sharpened up the response enough to keep things quick and entertaining. I pushed it a bit harder than usual but my wife never once looked up from her Kindle- even though the exhaust was drowning out the radio on acceleration and popping on the overrun.
I ended the day watching the IMSA race at Laguna Seca- where my friend Will Turner notched his team’s 577th start for BMW- and Robby Foley drove the Turner M4 to 2nd in GTD (behind the Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG).
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
When I called and told them to cancel the card, they went into "hard sell".
"But, Mr GG you have been an AMEX 'member' since (whatever the date was...decades)". Like that mattered.
Nothing like raising your annual fees and cutting back on your services to get me to "re-up". LOL!
BTW....just made reservations for my B-Day next month at https://pompilios.com
Planning on 22 of us going.
My two favorite dishes are the Ronaldo and the San Luci.
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Now that I have the invite, all I need are the directions.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
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2018 430i Gran Coupe
I had an AMEX Delta Skymiles Platinum Card for a few years. The biggest perk it got me was a "companion certificate." in return for the $295 annual fee. The companion certificates had an expiration date, but they pushed them back during and after COVID as well as keeping my different status accumulated. Problem is I could never use the companion certificates. I downgraded to the AMEX Delta Skymiles Gold card with a $95 fee that gives me a $99 Delta Certificate. I've accumulated a few of those and haven't had a chance to use them either...
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
So he did. I’ll see y’all there next month.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)