Recent content by marvholly

I live in IL. I don't think you need to physically visit the box, just paying the annual rental counts. I know because my Mom passed in 2004 and I don't think my Dad ever had occassion to go to the box and he passed on in 2013.

I got a slightly different version on 3/11. They were calling from Best Buy since I had 'bought my computer there.' I had not. Next time I might try the this call is recorded....response or I might ask which computer & when did I buy it at BB. Clues it is a scam loud, much talking in the...

Late DH was disabled by the time our DD1 got married in 2003. We figgured we could afford $5000. By the time DD2 got married in 2005 DH had passed away. I gave her the same $5000 + 10% for inflation. We also paid for the rehersal dinner for DD1. Inlaws paid for DD2. Both got $1000 checks...

I don’t know how much or what type credit you are trying to get. However, I have been unemployed and/or retired for 4 years. I just applied for & got (in the last 2 weeks) a new credit card w/immediate approval for a 5k line. I would think an auto loan or mortgage might be more difficult...

$30/week for me. Covers ALL my personal expenses: clothes, gasoline, haircuts, mani/pedi.......... I do take an additional monthly amount for entertainment/eating out of $25. NOTE: I am retired so those $$ coffees, lunches out w/co-workers, drinks after work are things of the past (then...

Depends on how tightly you define frugality. There is a blogger (donna Freedman) I follow (and have met with) whose definition is along the lines of: I save everywhere I can to SPEND on what is important to me. This is very much like your approach Alex. I want to do a lot of extended trip...

I have been retired 2 years. So far I have been able to pay ALL my bills, save $100/month for some nice travel every 2-3 years and generally save 10% more for when the xyz breaks down on an annual income of 30k.

Thanks everyone. i wanted to be prepared when I meet w/the mutual fund people. Previous advice given was at least partly incorrect giving rise to current complications.

I have inherited IRAs from both my late parents. Since I received inaccurate info from the mutual fund company after my Mom passed away I want to get advice on how to handle before I meet with them. Do I need to take distributions immediately (am 68 this year)? How many years can I spread the...

To me this seems like when Walgreens stopped selling alcoholic beverages a number of years ago. It has come back into the stores in the last couple years. I think this may last a few years BUT you have the loss of sales = lower profits=lower dividends resulting in shareholder dissatisfaction...

personally, I tend to shop the perimeter of stores - produce, meat/fish, dairy and maybe bakery. I seldom drink soda: water, coffee & white wine are my choices. My 'lunch meat' choices tend to be mostly sliced turkey w/ham or roast beef sometimes. Yep, I DO eat a junk food meal (corn beef...

I have been around a LONG time and vividly remember when a great uncle was diagnosed w/heart disease. NOTE: this is 50-55 years ago. He was told: drop butter for margerine NO eggs No shrimp, crab, lobster ALL of these things have changed. Now butter is better because of notransfats. Eggs...

I am only a year older than Sec. Clinton and I sure would NOT want the constant on the go stress of her job. On several different sites I have suggested that perhaps her next title shoul be Grandma. That could, with some think tank or University position keep her REAL busy.

Personally, I think we ALL should go back to writing checks. It will cost both the merchant & the banks MUCH more to process those. Also, complain to store management about all the increased time waiting in line to check out. Maybe even walk OUT of the store w/o buying anything & complaining...

I just had to make this decision since I go on Medicare in June. I elected to go w/the Medicare Advantage plan my current Dr & hospital take because: I will not need a Part D (Rx) plan-its included I already have an HMO type plan so I am familiar w/the 'rules' It is a plan from a company I...