Rants Archives - Page 2 of 18

Why Block Ad Blockers?

March 14, 2019July 5, 2017 by Money Beagle

I browse with Google Chrome. On my laptop and desktop computers, I always install ad blocking software. I’d install it on my mobile version if I could do so without having to root the device. It always amuses me when I come across a site that will block ad blockers. The site refuses entry when it detects that you are running ad blocking software. Instead of loading the requested content, you get a page refusing you entry until you disable to ad blocking software. Or disable it for their site, anyway.

The Case For Blocking Ad Blockers

Many sites exist only by selling advertising. I get that. Without placing ads that generate revenues, the site couldn’t exist. So the case for ad blockers is easy: More revenue. Without revenue, the site wouldn’t exist, so it makes sense to maximize ad value, right?

It’s not that simple.

Airline Nightmare: You Can Be Right But Still Be Completely Wrong

March 20, 2019May 8, 2017 by Money Beagle

The airline industry has really been under fire. My 7-year old commented that the recent misstep has been the “fifth bad story” that he’s seen recently. This latest airline nightmare had Delta kick a family off their flight because they wouldn’t give up the seat their infant was using.

Here’s the thing: They were actually right. But then they turned into being completely wrong.

Where Delta Was Right

Delta had overbooked a flight, which seems to be the source of so many problems. In looking things over, they found that one ticketed passenger wasn’t on the plane. As it turns out, they had booked another ticket on another flight and already left.

Avoid Walmart Site To Store Around The Holidays

March 21, 2019January 9, 2017 by Money Beagle

Amazon has pretty much set the bar for online shopping, especially if you’re a Prime member. Click, order, and a couple of days later, you have a box with your items. It works great. So great that other retailers have had no choice but to offer online ordering. Walmart Site to Store is one such offering, where you can order from the retail giant and pick up at a nearby store.

You’d think that a company the size of Walmart, one of the biggest in the world, would have this process down. However, as our recent experience shows, thinking this is kind of, well, wrong.

Christmas Gift: New Bikes For The Kids

Both of our kids learned to ride bikes without training wheels this last summer. Our youngest, age 5, actually caught on first, which then pushed our oldest, age 7, to get it down. Our daughter was riding a bike that we bought secondhand, and she loved it, but by the end of summer it was apparent that she was too small. This wasn’t a big deal as we only paid $15 for the bike (and we can probably turn around and sell it for that).

Terrible Costco Coupons Equals No Costco Trips This Month

March 21, 2019December 21, 2016 by Money Beagle

December, it seems, is the holy grail of food months. Buying food, groceries, etc. What better month to count on than December, right? So, if that’s the case, it’s really amazing that Costco is trying to shoot themselves in the foot with a terrible coupon insert. The Costco Coupons book that we eagerly look forward to was a total dud..

As a result, we haven’t gone to Costco. Those two things go hand in hand, as it turns out.

Our Costco Coupons Habits

We have been Costco members since before we got married. That means it’s been over ten years now. Wow, does time ever fly!

During that time, Costco has always sent out a monthly coupon book. For three weeks out of every month, members can enjoy savings on a handful of items. It’s always been a good mix of general merchandise, electronics, and food. Until this month. This month, Costco pretty much eliminated the food category.

Calling BS On Excessive Resort Fees

March 21, 2019December 12, 2016 by Money Beagle

I have no problem with resort fees. They’re pretty standard in most hotels that offer amenities these days. So, it makes sense that a hotel with a giant water park would charge resort fees for your stay. Still, after a recent booking, I still walked away mad.

I wasn’t upset that they charged for a resort fee. But a couple of things in particular got to me. So, I decided to call them out on it on social media.

Resort Fees At Our Favorite Water Park

We’ve stayed at a nearby water park for several years. We love it. The kids have a great time. They run around all day and never get bored. We join them and have fun playing with them and relaxing.

I May Never Buy A GE Appliance Again

March 21, 2019October 24, 2016 by Money Beagle

For years, I’ve followed the trials and tribulations of the front loading washing machine issues surrounding mold and mildew. Why? Because the GE front loading washer that we have has been plagued with these issues since we bought it in 2007.

At the time, I thought it was great. The community where we moved had some of the highest water rates in the area, so it was a HUGE win to save money on the water bill with the new type of machine that used significantly less water.

The honeymoon quickly wore off.

Moldy Gasket

When we first got our machine, we did what any sensible person would do and closed the door when it wasn’t in use. Sound, reasonable, right? Well, we quickly found out that was a bad idea when the rubber gasket around the door started getting covered in mildew.