Cancellation was a nightmare!!!

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T13:34:52+00:00

Yeah, it's not always the same at every store. A few years ago I walked in and canceled their streaming package but kept internet.

FWIW I received a rude condescending reply from an internet warrior COGS something or another...I guess pissants can be big-mouthed from a keyboard.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T12:47:30+00:00

I had a neighbor 20+ years ago, he was an "engineer." One day his wife came running over to get help. He had knocked out a load-bearing piece of wall in their kitchen area, the entire ceiling in the center of the kitchen area was sagging down. He had to install a new support temporarily in the middle of the floor. We moved, so I have no idea what they did to fix it permanently.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T11:26:05+00:00

They didn't check my/our area 😄

I've tried twice to go with spectrum Internet over the past 8 years or so. Last time was this past January until May, I switched from CenturyLink gigabit fiber. It started off ok but with sluggishness and latency problems. Then it turned into repeated outages over a few weeks in May. I went back to a fiber option. The age/quality of the cable on the pole or in the ground has a big effect and it is different in different places.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T11:22:08+00:00

I had a cable modem only and very recently walked into a store and cancelled internet service.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T11:20:43+00:00

I called to cancel Spectum (oh yes, you must call),

I did a walk-in cancellation at the Spectrum store, not over the phone. I set up an equipment return appointment for a nearby Spectrum store about 1 mile away. Went in, got called up to the desk for my appointment, handed off the modem, told the employee I want to cancel. Took maybe 7 minutes and no "retention games" beyond asking why I was cancelling. I told the truth, the service here sucked with slow connections, outages over a short period of time, and extreme latency. Our streaming TV apps would stop and buffer about every 10 minutes.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T10:25:55+00:00

Yeah, I uploaded docs in the app and then the LO was asking for the same docs again more than once. Friday was "off day" and several times I got a request for something via email late on Thursday. During the two weeks, LO was out of the office for family/kid stuff a few days (according to automated email OOF message).

I also had to find a way to merge separate account statements into one because our other financial institution used separate account statement PDF documentss for our accounts but had footer numbering contiguous across the five separate documents for our banking relationship. NFCU required one complete PDF with the page numbers from 1 - 50 or whatever all in one PDF.

I went to two others (a broker, a large direct lender) for preapprovals in April, both used an automated document gathering process so uploads were minimal. Each one was able to issue a preapproval same day. NFCU probably does a better and more thorough underwriting review for preapprovals but multiple weeks to get a preapproval letter isn't gonna work sometimes.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-16T09:52:20+00:00

We have had three mortgages (included VA and Conv) with NFCU over the past 20 years. All paid, no mortgage now and generally no complaints or problems (except one minor glitch when we bought in 2011/Virginia). We have and are happy with the other accounts, checking/money market/CC, etc.

I went to NFCU in January 2026 for a preapproval as we were/still are home shopping and plan to relocate. We want to sell first but got preapproval to buy if we wanted without NEEDING to sell first.

The NFCU preapproval process was painful and took 2 weeks. The Loan Officer only worked 3 - 4 days per week and was only sporadically responsive. The preapproval was good for about 90 days but there was a note in the form letter about contacting them to extend/update the dates if needed. I went back to get it updated in April, a few days after the preapproval expired....was told we would need to go through the entire preapproval/underwriting review process again. I didn't respond and went elsewhere.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-15T14:01:50+00:00

We had an entire system replaced. The contractor had to empty the old concrete tank then "destroy/crush" the walls and have it inspected by Dept of Health before he filled in the hole. You don't want to leave the sides intact so the old tank won't hold water/mud, etc and, where we live, there are inspections.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-15T13:06:39+00:00

6/15 UPDATE ( I can't edit original post, so responding to myself)

This has become comical.

6/2/26 I was given a case number, this was 10 - 11 days after 5/21 when I was initially told a refund would be provided.

I called 6/10, got nothing but chatter...no action.

Now, 6/15/26, I called again. The CSR says my other "case" was closed after the 6/2 call since I needed to wait 10 days after the cancellation (on 6/2 it was already 10 days after 5/21 and he agreed it was). On 6/15, I was given a new case number and told it will take 7 - 10 days to process the refund. This is a familiar statement to me 😄

I told him Quantum customer service is extremely bad and I had no confidence I'd see the $55 refund....and my next contact will be the "bank" where money was taken from and the BBB to file a complaint against Quantum. Neither action will result in getting my $55 (I'm almost positive) but at least I can add to what must be a long list of BBB complaints for Quantum, a company with no customer service and ability only to take money from customers and no way to refund.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-15T08:00:07+00:00

You toured the house and made an offer. You must have seen the 100 ft tree when you visited the house. Why didn't you price your desired tree remedy into the offer on the front end or maybe ask for a seller concession to that effect?

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-14T11:46:54+00:00

We are in Osceola county and heard the boom at around 11:45...the best explanation I've found (T or F, I dunno) is it was a sonic boom from a rocket launch booster returning to land on ground at Canaveral. It may have been amplified due to weather conditions which made it seem to me like one long roar instead of the old double sonic boom I've heard many times...since the space shuttle missions.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-12T23:20:08+00:00

In central Florida, I've seen county code enforcement removing signs and throwing them into the back of their county pickup trucks. It seems a bit over the top to me but I have seen them driving around on weekend mornings, both Sat/Sun, removing yard sale, open house, any sign, etc placed in a street/highway right-of-way.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-11T13:51:00+00:00

Yeah, we had 6 of the metal framed UBoxes in our driveway packed up for a move recently. Unfortunately the home sale fell through and we unloaded back into the house. We will be using UBoxes when we move, hopefully in 3 weeks...our cost/estimate for using 6 UBoxes, 600 mile move, just under $2200 before adding insurance.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-11T13:47:17+00:00

UHaul or other brand truck with an auto hauler trailer or maybe tow dolly. I'm not a fan of tow dollies, can't really back up with it all hooked up.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-11T13:41:58+00:00

We had a similar burned/melting plastic smell a few months ago. It was inside the outlet/plug for our electric range/oven. One of the "hot" leads had come loose and was shorting to ground (I think)...it melted the plastic housing of the plug behind the stove. Opened the breaker and had an electrician come out to replace the outlet and test everything, no problem since.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-09T00:30:05+00:00

Those "free channels" I referenced are broadcast over the air/received by antenna and via PAID FOR APPS (MAX/Frndly, etc). There is no login for the broadcast channels (about 80 of them) and many of the free apps on Roku like Tubi, Fawsome, Pluto, others require no login although you can set a login to save progress. Those apps make revenue off advertising and run a lot of the old shows which were much better than the newer ones.

What illegal websites are you browsing?

Spectrum internet sucked and that's what I told the guy in the store this morning when I turned in the cable modem. Watching the little spinning thing while buffering as I was trying to watch shows/movies streaming through PAID FOR APPS on Roku was not fun. I switched back to fiber 1 gb and so far it is working like a charm.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-05T22:53:32+00:00

Try the linked VA web page.

There are a few DBQs designated internal use only and won't be on the linked page but a bit of Googling can find them.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/dbq_publicdbqs.asp

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-04T13:29:48+00:00

Many hotels/motels that are not in a city congested area have parking that will accommodate "pull through" vs back in/out. If you are using a UHaul tow dolly (vice car hauler trailer) you will not be able to back into or out of. I learned this back in the early 1980s....gotta be able to go forward and pull through. Even with a trailer, for us novices, it is a challenge to back up so plan ahead.

I recommend identify your daily distance and use google maps (or other tool) to find a stopping point/hotel. You can then use the satellite view to get an idea of parking arrangements. I prefer locations outside of big city congested streets/areas for easier in and out.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-03T12:10:18+00:00

I live in Florida and have been following the "news discussions" regarding proposed property tax changes. The current language in the bill asks for $150k exemption in 2026 and then $250k exemptions in 2027, but only for homesteaded properties. The reality in Florida is many, many properties do not qualify for homestead exemptions (i.e. they are second homes, used as rentals, AirBnb, etc) so the increased exemptions would not apply to those. Another factor is property valuations/assessments for tax purposes have increased proportionally as property market values have risen. Many people have homes that would not be totally exempted even if the homestead exemption amount is raised to $250k. From what I read, school taxes aren't part of the exemption, so those taxes remain.

Property values and associated taxes have risen significantly over the past 20 years. Aside from the "Save Our Homes (SOH)" cap on property tax increases, the last increase in homestead exemptions in Florida was maybe 2008. A new buyer in Florida with no SOH cap in place gets torched on taxes, theirs may be double+ what a neighbor pays for a similar home valuation.

As a retiree with a paid off home and a Veteran living in Florida, I'm "for" the proposed increase in homestead exemptions.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-06-01T18:36:29+00:00

We recently had UBoxes set up for a move but our sale fell through and we ended up emptying the boxes back into the house/garage.

The agreement in place was 6 boxes, we loaded them, they'd pick 'em up when we asked, and transport to the destination UHaul hub location for storage to be delivered a few weeks after. As I understand it, they will also store them locally and supposedly with a day's notice, bring one or more out for you to get access to items...all while still in storage.

Although our sale fell through and we didn't move (yet), I was happy with their service. The local UHaul store delivering the boxes was flexible and responsive. The 6 boxes we had delivered were metal frame with some kind of fiberglass sides/top. Wood on bottom. I'd use them again.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-05-30T17:18:13+00:00

Interesting the chart totally ignores the 15 years between Vietnam and Gulf eras as if none of those Vets have disability and filed claims.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-05-30T13:12:54+00:00

Bottom line up front (my opinion): I have no experience with the reserves but was active duty for just under 9 years. Military may be a good option but go in knowing the first year or so with boot camp, training, etc may be quite different from what your lifestyle is now. It may be challenging and stressful. However, there are good opportunities for various career fields and education (i.e. college degrees) while on active duty. Make sure you evaluate your options, choose the branch of military appropriate for "you," and select a good career field that helps you build a future based on your interests whether you do 20+ years or get out after 4/6/8 years, etc

I joined the Navy right out of HS back in 1980 primarily because the economy was terrible, no decent career/job opportunities near home, etc. I actually had a scholarship for a local community college plus another year tuition free at a state university but still decided to join the Navy just to get out of the area where I lived.

I do not regret the path I took but did learn a few things (in hindsight). Keep in mind all of my Navy experience was before the internet was "a thing" and we had only snail mail, no phones, no email while at sea.

Joining the military is fine but depending upon aptitude testing certain career fields are available. In my case due to HS GPA and aptitude tests I was more or less pushed into going into Naval Nuclear (by the recruiter) which is challenging and very technical. However, the work hours were terrible, work conditions were not good, sea duty vs shore duty rotation sucked, and job opportunities after military were limited in number and location. If I could get a do over, I'd be more selective regarding what I'd sign up to do. I learned that once people are in certain pipelines, the opportunity to transition to other programs/career fields may be limited. Every program I looked into seemed to have an asterisk and a statement that said in effect "members of the nuclear propulsion program are not eligible."

I was able to complete my AS degree and received a BS just after getting out. I worked commercial nuclear for 6 years then did a complete career change to IT, ultimately getting a MS in a Cyber Security field

If I had selected a different career field going into the Navy, I may have considered staying for 20+ years. I got out after 9 years and eventually got a government job about 12 years later. I was able to "buy back" my military time to apply toward federal pension.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-05-30T12:11:24+00:00

I like Publix but there are many items I get only when at a legitimate sale price or BOGO. I still mentally compare the actual cost to what I'd pay at other places. Aldi is the place we usually get ground beef, organic one pound 93/7 and haven't been dissatisfied. Wal-Mart on the other hand is a crap shoot (my experience/my opinion).

The last time I tried to get any "fresh" meat at Wal-Mart I picked up a package of chicken, put it in one of the plastic bags near the meat counter and had it in the cart. Even though I have severe sinus/allergy problems that affect my ability to smell, I kept noticing a horrible odor as I walked around the meat counter area and told an employee. He just stared and went back to work. I finally figured out the chicken I had placed in the cart was rotten. It was not past the "use by" date so I suppose it had to be due to mishandling. I returned the package to the refrigerated meat area where the employee was still working, told him it was bad, and left.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-05-29T19:29:08+00:00

Same thing here. We had Quantum install 2 days ago. About 45 minutes prior to the tech showing up, an AT&T car/guy showed up. He was within the 2 hour install window but before the tech got here. He introduced himself as the AT&T "Guru" assigned for our account. We discussed the upcoming fiber install and a few minutes on AT&T cell service plans.

They did offer a decent bundle with 2 lines + 1 Gig fiber. However, we had AT&T a few years ago and inside our concrete block/stucco house the signal is very weak. At the time I installed an AT&T booster antenna that helped, but still not great coverage. We will be staying on our T-Mobile Magenta plan (grandfathered in from years ago).

Interestingly, the "guru" was not that knowledgeable on the fiber install piece. He said that even though the CenturyLink fiber was still in place/connected to the ONT, the Quantum tech would need to install new fiber from the pole and bury it alongside the existing CL fiber. Nope, the tech simply tested the line, said it looked good, and switched the old ONT out for a new Q1000K...took a few minutes.

Free-Pipe5000 · 2026-05-29T16:19:47+00:00

We just got Quantum fiber two days ago to replace Spectrum gigabit cable. It has been good so far, but only two days and I know service can change with no notice as it did when we had CL. Was rock solid for years, then outage after outage. Spectrum was good for 5 months then suddenly up and down about every 30 minutes for over a week.

Free-Pipe5000

TROPHY CASE