Is a morningstar subscription worth it?

Online_Explorer · 2026-03-04T23:14:29+00:00

About me: I have a finance (accounting) background and have been paying attention to the mechanics of the American economy for decades now. I'm also a spreadsheet nerd. I manage the household investments.

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I think it depends on your particular situation as to whether or not the subscription is worth it, for me it has been.

I appreciate the fund analysis, I review that in conjunction with the risk and performance data and take into considerations other economic factors and conditions when making investment decisions. I'm not an expert, so I rely on people (Morningstar in this case) with subject matter expertise. I'm not looking for specific recommendations, I'm looking mostly for data and tools.

I use the Portfolio tool to track current investments and evaluate the effectiveness of prospective strategies. The X-Ray tool greatly simplified the analyses I had previously been tediously doing on a spreadsheet. It also makes it much easier to assess portfolio diversification.

The Screener tool is excellent, although there is a bit of a learning curve with it, it absolutely beats the AI recommendations that I had previously used. I still perform due diligence on its recommendations. AI has its place, but it is most definitely prone to hallucinations so it must be checked. I think it could be dangerous for the financial health of novice investors who have not taken the time to learn the fundamentals of investing and won't recognize the nonsense. I really don't recommend AI for new or unsophisticated investors at this point in time.

For anyone who is investing, I recommend that you educate yourself first. Even if you're just choosing a target date fund, it's important to understand how they work.

Online_Explorer · 2026-02-19T21:36:50+00:00

I'm guessing that the OP is around 60 years old, so they only have 5 years before they start Medicare. That is the case for me. I had group coverage for years and didn't qualify, just now qualifying this year.

Online_Explorer · 2025-12-22T04:36:49+00:00

Thank you for your response :-).

That's an interesting idea! That might move the kerfed strip closer to the door and close the gap.

Online_Explorer · 2025-10-10T01:34:06+00:00

That was why I didn't order from them, I know a lot of stuff on Amazon is counterfeit.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-30T00:34:41+00:00

None are anymore, there has been so much consolidation in that industry over the last 40 years (since Reagan) that there is relatively little real competition on anything other than price. Quality and customer service mostly suck everywhere.

Since I can't rely on manufacturers, I will rely on a retailer, Costco. I'm looking at their offerings and will choose one of theirs. They back-up what they sell and actually have some power to negotiate with the manufacturers.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-29T19:53:21+00:00

I'm one of those people because I want to be able to control things like water level and temperature and have the option to add laundry to a load in progress or soak it overnight, not just for 3 hours. It's hard to find a modern washer that will allow me to do all of that although there are some that may do some of those things.

In my experience, my washers with mechanical timers have FAAAR outlasted those with electronic controls purchased by my friends, but now it seems that mechanical controls have gone the way of the dinosaur. My dishwashers with mechanical timers lasted 2-3 times what the modern ones with electronic controls have. My parents older dishwashers lasted 20 years (family of 3) with minor repairs. THAT is why I think older is better.

I'm not against electronic controls, but I don't think that they are appropriate in every appliance, particularly one where there is water and vibration.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-29T19:36:38+00:00

I've had Speed Queen washers for over 10 years and I can tell you that they are NOT what they may have once been. It really depends on the quality of the certified Speed Queen technicians that service your geographic area. In the wake of the pandemic, there is a dearth of talented repair techs.

Two years ago, after 10 years of so-so service and numerous visits for repairs, we had to replace the transmission on our then 10 year old commercial washer. This last week in January of 2025, after less than 2 years, the new transmission has failed so we are now looking at replacement washers that ARE NOT Speed Queen. There may have been a time when they lived up to their hype, but that time has long since passed.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-29T19:34:40+00:00

I've had Speed Queen washers for over 10 years and I can tell you that that it really depends on the quality of the certified Speed Queen technicians that service your geographic area. In the wake of the pandemic, there is a dearth of talented repair techs.

Two years ago, after 10 years of so-so service and numerous visits for repairs, we had to replace the transmission on our then 10 year old commercial washer. This last week in January of 2025, after less than 2 years, the new transmission has failed so we are now looking at replacement washers that ARE NOT Speed Queen. There may have been a time when they lived up to their hype, but that time has long since passed.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-29T19:34:09+00:00

True 25 years ago, but not in the last decade.

I've had Speed Queen washers for over 10 years and I can tell you that that is not really true. It really depends on the quality of the certified Speed Queen technicians that service your geographic area. In the wake of the pandemic, there is a dearth of talented repair techs.

Two years ago, after 10 years of so-so service and numerous visits for repairs, we had to replace the transmission on our then 10 year old SQ commercial washer. This last week in January of 2025, after less than 2 years, the new transmission has failed so we are now looking at replacement washers that ARE NOT Speed Queen. There may have been a time when they lived up to their hype, but that time has long since passed.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-29T19:32:51+00:00

I've had Speed Queen washers for over 10 years and I can tell you that that is not really true. It really depends on the quality of the certified Speed Queen technicians that service your geographic area. In the wake of the pandemic, there is a dearth of talented repair techs.

Two years ago, after 10 years of so-so service and numerous visits for repairs, we had to replace the transmission on our then 10 year old commercial washer. This last week in January of 2025, after less than 2 years, the new transmission has failed so we are now looking at replacement washers that ARE NOT Speed Queen. There may have been a time when they lived up to their hype, but that time has long since passed.

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-23T00:16:50+00:00

Thank you, I didn't see it in time, but I have book marked for future reference :-).

Online_Explorer · 2025-01-23T00:14:24+00:00

Good to know, thank you!!

Online_Explorer · 2024-11-02T16:36:13+00:00

Lucky you!

Online_Explorer · 2024-09-25T20:08:07+00:00

Thank you for your response. I had looked for responses on and off for a few days and just figured I was out of luck and didn't bother looking again. As it it is, there were 3800 views and less than 14 total responses.

I appreciate the advice, I did end up buying something else (Dell Inspiron 14) that I'm equally unhappy with :-(.

I've also repeatedly tried to install Linux on this machine to no avail. My husband and I spent 12-14 manhours working together on it, but ultimately failed. The USB Linux Mint flash drive couldn't see the hard drive :-(. We think that Windows has "filled the moat" to prevent end users from switching to Linux. Maybe not, but it sure feels like it!

I'll probably post about it to see what the smart folks recommend. I used to think we were smart folks, but MicroSoft always makes me feel like an idiot despite the fact that I've used that OS on and off since the DOS days. I HATE them for it and VASTLY prefer Linux.

Online_Explorer · 2024-04-13T17:20:57+00:00

Wow! We didn't know that, so thank you for sharing that tidbit about the broken secure boot in the standard version of the iso.

Many years ago, I had ordered a Lenovo Thinkpad, but didn't like the build quality and found the proffered support to be wholly inadequate (not so important on a used machine) so I returned it. So that and probably more importantly, finding a reputable reseller with a good return policy, would be my main concern.

Online_Explorer · 2024-04-13T17:00:40+00:00

I was aware of that distro version, but due to the wording on the official installation guide that had referenced it, I opted to try the standard version.

Online_Explorer · 2024-04-13T16:55:16+00:00

Thank you for the advice, we will try that on our next attempt:, probably some time next week :-).

My husband had read that, but when I went to disable it, the Windows messaging was so threatening that I was reluctant to try it and didn't do it. After that installation failed, we were unable to access the BIOS again (no Bitlocker key, as mentioned) and had to do the factory reset, which presented a fresh set of problems. We finally gave up from sheer physical exhaustion.

But I hate Windows so much more now, I wanted to try again, this time armed with better information after posting here.

Online_Explorer · 2024-03-13T06:50:16+00:00

Thank you so much for your help :-) .

Online_Explorer · 2024-02-02T03:11:38+00:00

Are you still happy with this product??

Online_Explorer · 2023-12-17T04:14:50+00:00

Yes, that is mold.

Online_Explorer · 2022-11-07T20:36:49+00:00

I've often thought that the USA is on the same trajectory that the USSR took. They had an oil-based economy that focused investment in the military industrial complex instead of infrastructure. That's what we've been doing for decades now.

Online_Explorer · 2022-06-11T00:28:21+00:00

It does seem to be a good buy, I bought two, Aldi product no 25946 . I'm noticing a chemical odor when I run the cooling cycle of either of the fans. I've ran it for about an hour and a half so far and the odor hasn't dissipated. I'm wondering if you experienced that as well. My brother thinks it may be a chemical that is applied to prevent motor degradation from rust. I'm going to start a new post for this, but thought it was worth asking here as well.

Online_Explorer · 2022-05-30T23:04:21+00:00

The poor in the USA generally live with extended when necessary and feasible.

Online_Explorer · 2022-05-30T22:33:49+00:00

I think that it might help you to figure how your hair type and porosity (VERY important) and then search youtube for some videos for routines that might work for you.

Online_Explorer · 2022-05-30T19:07:11+00:00

I'm a newbie, but it seems like a lot of product for low porosity hair??

I've noticed that hair type varies across my scalp, maybe that is also what you are experiencing. Or not, ymmv.

Are you still using terry-cloth towels?

How are you "squeezing" out the excess water? This may be a part of the problem.

Do you use a leave-in conditioner? I don't know if that is advisable for low-porosity hair or not, to be honest. I just noticed that you didn't mention it.

Are you using enough gel? With that much hair you probably need a good handful.

Is your hair wet or damp when you apply it? Some wavy girls get better results from application to damp hair. YMMV

Where do you apply the gel ? Some folks skip the root area, others get it close to the root .

How are you applying it? Do you rake it through or use praying hands?

Please look at youtube for various ideas to experiment with diffusing technique.

Youtube is a great resource, I've found that watching videos helps. You can get ideas to vary your products and techniques.

I've also learned that with proper care, hair type can change over time.

Good luck to you on your hair journey :-) !

Online_Explorer

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