mikkopel

This must have changed just recently. I went there earlier this week, and noticed this. At my last visit, I had to sign, though...

Happy New Year too! I'm just glad 2009 is over. Although I like to think that things are never so bad that they couldn't be worse, it was a pretty sucky year...

I'm using Quicken 2008, but how is 2010? Worth upgrading? I've found that the 2008 version is a bit sluggish, at least compared to the previous versions... Is that any better or worse in 2010 version?

A Carfax on any used car that you are considering would be a great investment. Sure. Actually, I got that with this particular car. I even had my mechanic check the car out. But things do happen. That you can count on.

I was in the same boat just recently... First I had a coil spring break, so I had to have both and the struts replaced. Then an engine mount. Of course, less than two months later, the whole engine gave up the ghost. It had to be replaced. Of course, I had several unexpected expenses this year already, so it came at a really bad time. By the time the engine broke down, I was seriously wondering if I should keep the car or get it fixed. I decided to get it fixed. First of all, the car was paid off. Second, sure it sucks to put down $2700 on a new engine, but if I had spent the same amount of money on another car, it would be a gamble. Sure, I could get lucky and get a car that will last a long time still. But possibly I would get a clunker, that might need the same amount of work, or even more. Or I could get a new (or slightly used) car, and be tied to a car payment for the next three-four years, since there was no way I could pay cash for a car. At least I know in my car, that most of the front end is in good condition. The engine has half the miles the car has. It's still a gamble, the transmission could go next... But if I get three, four years out of it, without any major work, I would say it's worth it. And past that is all gravy. What's the car you ask? 2003 Focus, 90000 miles. Way too young to have the engine break down, though. Focuses have generally a good reputation, so that was a disappointment.

Does anybody know any more details? Because earlier this year something odd happened with my Amex - all the passwords were changed, and the card was used for purchases online. The odd thing was that not only the online password was changed, but also the phone-in password. I simply could not figure out how they could have had access to both. A keylogger/virus on a computer could explain the online password, but the phone password. This could definitely explain the whole thing.

what were your scores You know what, I wouldn't know. Last time I got my score was right before getting a mortgage, and that was almost two years ago. I'd suspect they're in the high 700s.

I had a bit of a bout of unexpected expenses recently, so I was looking to do some balance transfers. And I got the US Bank Visa with 0% BT rate AND $0 BT fee just last week... $15000 CL, which is nice. No instant approval, though.

Whoops, certified mail.

Thanks. I typed up this little letter to send to them. Comments? I wanted to keep it very simple, short, and to the point. Although, it is a bit redundant, because they've already received two copies of the death certificate... I haven't seen the credit reports yet, so I don't know if they're officially claiming that the card was under my m-i-l's name. That's why I didn't start disputing anything. The immediate goal would be for the collection calls to stop. In reference to acct #: The account owner, <name>, passed away on <date>. Please find attached a copy of the death certificate. Please cease and desist any and all collection activities. Sincerely, <typed name> Sent via registered mail, #

Thanks for the help, especially the Chuck Schumer story should help my m-i-l feel more at ease, since they're in New York also. There is basically no estate, there's no assets, even house or car or anything like that. And right in the beginning we sent death certificates or copies to all the creditors, so they have one already. I'm curious to actually seeing this, but I heard yesterday that they went as far as claiming that the account was not in his name to begin with, and have changed the owner to my m-i-l. Anyway, I think I'll still recommend them they don't talk with them on the phone. It's just not worth the aggravation.

My father-in-law passed away a few months ago. He left behind some credit cards bills, but no assets. All the creditors were notified about it, and the accounts were closed. The problem is that my mother-in-law keeps on getting calls about the accounts, asking her to pony-up the money. I told them not to answer any calls, and not to talk with them on the phone. If they want to say something, they can put it in writing. The callers identify themselves as HSBC, but I keep wondering if HSBC would actually send the account to collection, and maybe even eventually to a JDB. What usually happens with the accounts where the owner is deceased? Are they treated just like any other delinquent accounts, or not? I was just curious if the harassment is done by HSBC proper, or some lackey of theirs... Too bad I don't have any HSBC accounts myself. If I had, I would feel so good about calling them and canceling them now.

Sorry for your loss. I know how it is. My father-in-law passed away earlier this year from complications from his cancer surgery. He had none of those things.

Ah, ok. That clears it up, then. Thanks.

Actually, I have the title, but there's a lien on it. But I just remembered that I haven't received any kind of lien release or anything. It's been a couple of months already. Maybe I'll have to give them a call tomorrow...