Search found 4465 matches

by BrandonBogle
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme

... For method C, it has taken some time for me to unwind my distribution to USD given the distribution agent's $10,000 weekly limit. ... Thanks again for all the wonderful information here! Just an FYI, you can ask PayPal/Venmo for a limit increase of up to 40k per week. I don't need that, but I know others were able to get the limit increased. <snipped> I'm confused about the interest earned on the BTC and ETH that I had in Celsius. I paid taxes on those in prior years. Do I still need to calculate the cost basis of the interest/rewards when calculating the total loss? Yes. You can think of them like a DRIP investment. Each week interest/rewards were paid out to buy more of the same product. So you paid taxes via the 1099-MISC on those r...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 21, 2024 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme

Quick question for those also in the Celsius debacle: if I choose to do the investment loss scenario can I manage this myself with TurboTax? Or do I really need a CPA? My losses are less than 6k. I don't think it'd be any differenct from selling a stock for $3,000 that had a purchase / cost basis of $9,000. Both result in a $6,000 loss which I'm sure TurboTax handles with ease. For my personal case, I decided to go down the capital loss routine. I did a dry run of my 2023 taxes, forcing itemization (w/o this deduction) means I lose out on over $5,000 in deductions plus I have only a small theft loss if you consider the stocks they distributed at their stated value ($20 per share). That leaves how to handle the capital loss: Method A Take m...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Considering Filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme

As a tax efficient Boglehead, that is giving me serious pause. Ignoring this whole situation, my taxes are thousands of dollars (over $10k) in my favor via the standard deduction vs. itemized. So much of the value of the theft loss would be lost simply to switching filing types. Giving up the standard deduction ($27700 this year as a married filer) while itemizing this loss has me thinking too. After I (painstakingly) calculated the combined cost basis of the crypto that I had put into Celsius, I'm realizing my loss will be around $60K. Significant enough to make a difference over the standard deduction however I may get a bigger savings if I wait for a capital gain to take this loss over and may also be less risky IRS Audit wise (at least...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Considering Filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme

You're not alone facing this issue. Everyone who put money in have the same questions I mention this because I too was the victim of fraud. (My case involved a real estate partnership). The people who handled the bankruptcy, liquidation of property and distribution of money also handled the IRS. We received copies of an IRS ruling establishing it was a Ponzi scheme along with the IRS agreeing on the year of discovery. Next step was going to an accountant to refile amended tax returns for year of discovery and the following 2 or 3 years. (I forget which) Have you contacted the people handling the bankruptcy to see if they're doing anything to establish what you all need for filing / amending taxes? Everyone involved needs that same informat...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Considering Filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme

I appreciate you spelling the scenario so articulately. I am in a very similar situation with Celsius. I am following your presented logic, however am confused why the result of your research suggests you should take a capital loss , instead of a theft loss under the Ponzi scheme guidance? The fact that they used customer funds to pay interest seems to suggest Ponzi-like fraud. Are you looking at taking the capital loss just to be safe? If I am understanding correctly, a "theft loss" would allow you to deduct the entire loss from your regular income in 2023, versus a capital loss can only be deducted against capital gains and up to $3000 per year against regular income. Thank you. That was goof on my part and I meant theft loss. ...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Considering Filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme

To me the complicating factor seems to be that you received your payout in the form of a marketable/sellable asset, not in cash. I would want to document that your losses were due to the ponzi scheme and not due to the volatility in the price of the asset. I don't think that's clear from the narrative you've given. I'm not familiar enough with this bankruptcy case to know how the valuation and payouts were determined. This would be much more difficult for many others who has assets that have variable value on paper (no comment on its intrinsic value). However, the asset I held is pegged 1:1 to the USD and never lost its peg in the timeframe between Celsius ceasing withdrawals and I was paid out. So I can easily account for the losses being...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Re: Considering Filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme

Fellow Bogleheads, I am seeking feedback on the mechanics and any tidbits to look into with regards to filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme. Start with the instructions for Form 4684. Search for "Ponzi". Took another look at 4684. Seems "simple" enough. Famous last words, right?!? Since the payout came in 2024, are you sure it's an issue for this year's taxes? In theory you could have gotten everything in February and had no loss. If its actually a 2025 thing, you have more time to figure it out is my point I wish. My understanding (which could be wrong) is that you would use the indictment as the discovery year. Given the timing, I would take the known payout as a deduction against any claimed loss, assuming I pro...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Apple Mail & Xfinity Mail Incompatible ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2007

Re: Apple Mail & Xfinity Mail Incompatible ?

I can chime in that I noticed this change in behavior a LONG time ago. In particular, I noticed it when moving a message to a spam folder stopped doing it on the comcast server. It was definitely before I got my current iPhone 14 and it may have been before my prior iPhone 11. Prior to this change, not only did marking as spam work as desired, deleting a message on my iPhone deleted it on the server after a set period of time. Even as I look on my settings right now, that is set for one week. However, that hasn’t been the case since I saw old emails when I switched phones. We have/had multiple email accounts, so I could be remembering doing it multiple times because of each account, but they were all part of the same upgrade cycle; or maybe...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Feb 13, 2024 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme
Replies: 22
Views: 4964

Debating Theft Loss vs. Capital Loss due to a Ponzi scheme

Fellow Bogleheads, I am seeking feedback on the mechanics and any tidbits to look into with regards to filing Theft Losses due to a Ponzi scheme. I searched the forum and everything I found fell into two categories: (1) that is bankruptcy and bankruptcy losses are handled via X, and (2) that is a romance scam (or some such variation) and there is no tax strategies to help with any recovery. I will say that everything I write here is from my own personal research on the matter, not spouting some YouTube video or Reddit thread. As such, I would appreciate any feedback on anything I missed or disagreements (or even agreements) with anything I'm saying. Of course, You Are Not My Lawyer and I won't treat anything said as such. Preface: This actu...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No way to stop estimated tax penalties from accruing if you pay after January?
Replies: 31
Views: 3488

Re: No way to stop estimated tax penalties from accruing if you pay after January?

A fourth quarter penalty is waived if both paid and filed by 1/31. Since it's now February, I assume you have not filed yet so that waiver is out. Are you trying to enter this as a payment with return or as an estimated payment? I did my own playing and I encountered the same issue if you enter it as a payment with your return. But it will let you show an estimated payment made on 1/22/24. Are you checking any of the 2210 Part II reasons? If not, the IRS asks that you not file 2210 and let them calculate the penalty. TT will ask if you want to pay the penalty with your return or let the IRS bill you. If you select let the IRS bill you, then TT should not include 2210. The IRS knows when you made payments and will calculate it correctly. Th...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help needed: Question regarding upcoming 2023 estimated taxes situation
Replies: 26
Views: 2583

Re: Help needed: Question regarding upcoming 2023 estimated taxes situation

You'd get the amounts from paystubs but you do not need to send proof. For purposes of using actual date of withholding, withholding 1/1-4/15 is Q1, 4/16-6/15 is Q2, 6/16-9/15 is Q3, and 9/16-12/31 is Q4. Any excess in an early quarter carries forward to the next quarter. Any thoughts on if this is the pay period dates or the check date? If I got a paycheck on 4/21 that was for the pay period ending on 4/14, would that be Q1 because of the pay period or Q2 because of the date its paid to me? Check date so Q2. The pay period is of no relevance for date of withholding. It's no different for determining the year income is taxable: a check dated 1/5/2024 for a pay period ending 1/29/2023 is 2024 income. Thanks. Ironically, my 12/27 pay stub ha...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Feb 10, 2024 4:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help needed: Question regarding upcoming 2023 estimated taxes situation
Replies: 26
Views: 2583

Re: Help needed: Question regarding upcoming 2023 estimated taxes situation

lstone19 wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 11:17 am You'd get the amounts from paystubs but you do not need to send proof. For purposes of using actual date of withholding, withholding 1/1-4/15 is Q1, 4/16-6/15 is Q2, 6/16-9/15 is Q3, and 9/16-12/31 is Q4. Any excess in an early quarter carries forward to the next quarter.
Any thoughts on if this is the pay period dates or the check date? If I got a paycheck on 4/21 that was for the pay period ending on 4/14, would that be Q1 because of the pay period or Q2 because of the date its paid to me?
by BrandonBogle
Sat Feb 10, 2024 3:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No way to stop estimated tax penalties from accruing if you pay after January?
Replies: 31
Views: 3488

Re: No way to stop estimated tax penalties from accruing if you pay after January?

I ran into a similar problem. I missed the 1/15 deadline and made my IRS account shows my payment on 1/22. However, my understanding of the instructions is that a 4th Qtr penalty is waived if paid by 1/31. I use TurboTax for taxes and if I fill out their questionnaire/form 2210, it requests the date the payment was made or will be made if before 4/15. Great, punch in 1/22/2024 and it calculates a $0 penalty. However, TurboTax (desktop on Mac if it matters) then puts in red that the date given cannot be before today's date even though I did make the payment before today. If I remove the date, now a penalty actually shows up. My math shows the penalty is being calculated as if payment was on 4/15. How does one get around this inconsistency? I...
by BrandonBogle
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track
Replies: 44
Views: 7544

Re: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track

gotoparks wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:16 am I remember you from the mega refinance thread from 2/3 years ago. Good to see things working out for you.
Thank you! Yeah, it is surreal seeing how the last 10 years have unfolded and how much life has changed. I couldn't have done it without the Bogleheads!
by BrandonBogle
Thu Jan 18, 2024 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track
Replies: 44
Views: 7544

Re: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track

And just like that, another four years have gone by. Time to reflect and see how my kept true to the Boglehead ideals through Covid. It is crazy rereading my posts and seeing how things have changed and how far things have come. The big thing this go around is planning for upcoming changes. I'm getting married in early 2025. We are similar in views on finances and just had a prenup drawn up (about to have my other half engage their own lawyer for a review of it), but I'm always open to any other good advice. Emergency funds: Yes, 12 months Debt: - Auto, 1.99%, would take 3.5% of assets to pay off. 100% of this was used buy T-Bills in taxable instead of paying cash, given the rate spread. - Mortgage, 2.125% (13 years remaining), would take 1...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 645

Re: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax

I've used TT for more than 20 years and often find their follow-up questions confusing. And they don't provide any helpful hints that might shed light on what they are driving at. So as markcoop suggested, you sometimes need to know in advance what the result should be. I do like he does and watch the numbers at the top of the screen. If the numbers change, I determine if that makes sense. So if you add an income source, the tax liability should go up (or refund goes down). If you add a deduction, the tax liability should go down (or refund goes up). And the big one: if you do a backdoor Roth, the conversion should not be taxable so the number should not change (or should go back to the original number when you complete the process). There...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 15, 2023 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 645

Re: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax

I actually did try to use the Forms view to answer this. However, the only entry I could find that mentioned RMDs was on the 1099-R, which TT's Form View differs than the hardcopy I had in my hand from Vanguard. The form view presented the following for RMDs: If this is a distribution from a traditional IRA or qualified retirement plan, and if this is a Required Minimum Distrubution (RMD) (See Help), Entire gross is RMD or the amount of gross distbn that is the RMD . __________ Knowing the answer is to answer in part makes it clear here what should be picked, but this is the first time we are filling out RMDs and the fact that an RMD is required didn't change the amount withdrawn yearly. We've withdrawn $2k from the the Traditional IRA ever...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 645

Re: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax

Thank you retiredjg! I was surprised it was easier to find info if you have an inherited IRA, QCDs, split payments, etc. vs. this straightforward case. Guess we will need to check with the provider's each year moving forward to get what the RMD amount would have been. Easy enough.
:sharebeer
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 15, 2023 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 645

Entering/Answering RMD Question in Turbotax

I did a search and found some scenarios people have discussed, but I haven't found the answer to our simple scenario. Let's say a person ONLY has a Traditional IRA with no non-deductible contributions. Let's also say the RMD for 2022 is $500. If a distribution of $2,000 was taken, which one of these do you choose in TurboTax? All of this distribution was an RMD Part of this distribution was an RMD None of this distribution was an RMD Since the distribution was more than the RMD, do I put "part" and specify $500 as the part for the RMD or do I put "all" since this distribution fully satisfied all RMDs? Once you complete the individual 1099-Rs and go through the interview, it eventually asks about RMDs again with the follo...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Apr 11, 2023 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878880

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

stilllurking wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 7:00 am
dukeblue219 wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:58 am
FedGuy wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:28 am
moneywise3 wrote: Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:17 am Can we change the category midway through the billing cycle? I had chosen online shopping, but my expenses are higher on travel
You can change once per month, even in the middle of the month.
It's not retroactive though, is it?
It is not. Just the day of switch onwards to the end of the month will count towards your newly selected category.
I just want to add that it’s not just the day, but even the time. A few years back I had a home repair done and I was on the Online Shopping and switched to Home Improvement. The online shopping I did in the morning got the 5.25% and so did the home improvement in the evening. There was about 6 hours between the purchases, if that matters.
by BrandonBogle
Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Freedom Card Upgrade
Replies: 59
Views: 8078

Re: Chase Freedom Card Upgrade

I still have two Chase Freedom Visas and a Chase Freedom Flex MC. That one was originally a Freedom and they wanted to switch it to an Unlimited, but I had them do Flex instead for the dining points. These cards are all around 20 years old now and all 3 got new cards since 2021.
by BrandonBogle
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878880

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Lyrrad wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:23 pm
Marseille07 wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:21 pm
I'm not following. I thought PD is Preferred Deposit, what's maturing in this context?
It looks like there is confusion between the ongoing discussions about needing to call to sign up for Preferred Deposit and needing to call in to purchase Treasury Bills at auction.
Yes, my apologies. I got mixed up with the Treasuries discussion and the PD discussion. For PD, it is indeed just a one-and-done call.
by BrandonBogle
Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878880

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

First order needs to be via a phone call. Cut off shows 5pm EST but have not withdrawn any money from PD. I initially had thoughts of doing something similar but gave up after a few interactions with ME customer service. No way to contact them other than over phone call that had hour+ wait’s almost all the time. Many agents had no clue on the topics. For regular cash management, this is not worth the hassle if I run into issues or even need clarifications. Wait, you call them once, order 100K+ in PD and call it a day right? Your balance falling below 100K thereafter wouldn't cause issues? While the initial call wait time being 1 hour+ certainly is bad, it is palatable if it is a one-time deal. ME doesn’t offer auto-roll. You’ll have to cal...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSXX as an Alternative to Bank Savings Account
Replies: 95
Views: 23218

Re: VUSXX as an Alternative to Bank Savings Account

retiringwhen wrote: Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:58 pm
anon_investor wrote: Thu Feb 23, 2023 3:55 pm This is interesting since FSIXX the institutional version of the Fidelity Treasury only money market fund was 100% in 2022.
Interesting, that is proof that the two funds aren't just different share classes of the same fund I suppose (I haven't looked into them at that detail.)


My guess is that retail version has more flows.
Is FRSXX another institutional version of FSIXX? FRSXX has a $10MM minimum initial investment while FSIXX has a $1MM initial. FRSXX is available at WellsTrade at any dollar amount and both seem to have 0% in repos.
by BrandonBogle
Tue Feb 21, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

If you think a $50k MSRP car that is worth $10k at the end of 10 years costs the same as a $50k MSRP car that is worth $25k at the end of 10 years, there’s really nothing more for me to say. If you understand that one of those cars costs significantly more than the other, and you go into the purchase eyes wide open, then great, cost is only one factor after all and oftentimes not the most important factor. I just did search on CarMax for all 2013 model year used cars. I didn't find a single one under $10k. If you are really giving away 10 year old cars with no thought of residual value, fine, no argument from me. Personally, I think $10k is still real money. To be clear, I am NOT saying the costs are the same between both cars. I am saying...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Feb 21, 2023 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

total Depreciation = purchase price - sale or scrap value ( aka Residual Value) Depreciation pa (straight line) = total depreciation/ useful life of asset So what Cletus is saying is that any buyer of a car pays depreciation. In actual fact more like declining balance (front loaded, with a long back end) than straight line, if we were being realistic. Say halving of value every 5 years. You are saying you bank on a residual value of 0. If you own a $50k car for 10 years, with residual value of 0, you still pay depreciation of $5k a year (on a straight line basis). That would be true of any depreciating asset. If you own it for 20 years, it is $2500 pa -- however your maintenance costs will be significant, offsetting that lower depreciation...
by BrandonBogle
Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

:wink: While I agree that for many, depreciation plays a major role and should be part of the equation, I can say it isn’t for me. My S is 10 years old now and the cost to sell it now never played a role in my decision to buy it. Meanwhile, leasing is not for those who own cars a long time. Our 3 is five years old now and we have no intention of getting rid of it. In fact, every car in our family has been with us 7-10 on average, except for a stint with a VW EOS - we couldn’t get rid of that car fast enough! * Caveat that before we became a (three) Tesla family, we had Toyota and Lexuses for decades and were always happy with them. Depreciation is not a choice. You incur the cost whether you acknowledge it or not. That being said, the depr...
by BrandonBogle
Mon Feb 20, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

Huh. As a (non-Tesla) EV driver for the last 9 years, I have to say that the EVs and the DCFC network are improving by leaps and bounds. I've driven my Bolt 800 miles on roadtrips over the last 10 days with no incidents whatsoever. Depreciation is an important factor in computing car cost. While historically car depreciation was relatively predictable, I would argue given the current _disruption_ of the car market, which will last at least the next 10 years, making predictions is folly. Same for telling yourself that the value of your used EV today will predict what it will be worth tomorrow or next month. I would add that the same factor applies to used ICE cars. But ICE car owners are still in denial about that. Risk is building. What do...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 08, 2023 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year
Replies: 83
Views: 12808

Re: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year

The answer here may be to select the HDHP that your employer offers but not opt to contribute to the employer provided HSA, but instead fund your own HSA at Fidelity with no fees and then just get the tax deduction at the end of the year when you do your tax return. The downside of this approach is when you contribute to an employer HSA plan via payroll deduction you won't pay FICA tax on those wages used to fund the account if it is part of the company 125 cafeteria plan. So lets say you fund $7500/yr that's a (7.5%) $570 reduction in tax liability less your annual account fees you would be ahead by using the company plan. Fidelity mention it in the HSA link below. https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-an-hsa What I...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Feb 08, 2023 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally offers 1% cash bonus on new deposits - up to $500 bonus
Replies: 337
Views: 49439

Re: Ally offers 1% cash bonus on new deposits - up to $500 bonus

Checked earlier this morning and didn’t see it, but checked this evening and it’s there. I had pulled out my funds on 1/17 since I needed them elsewhere, so I’m glad no follow up was needed. I had zero doubt it would be paid, but I braced in case I had to follow up on it.
by BrandonBogle
Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58308

Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit

tj wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:48 pm
BrandonBogle wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:29 pm
Ron Ronnerson wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:10 pm
A440 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:08 pm Did you take advantage of the 10% offer? How long did it take the bonus to post to your account?
Yes. The transfer posted on 1/30 and the $30 bonus posted on 2/1 (at the end of the day).
I can confirm the Bloom 10% bonus worked for my 11/30 transfer paid on 12/1 and 1/30 transfer paid on 2/1. So on top of the account opening bonus ($25 for $50 deposit I believe), I got another $60 in the span of 60 days. There are also a few other small bonuses that hit, but those required clicking through more than just depositing money.

Same, except I received the $30 in both January and February as my $300 deposits were made in December and January.
Nice! Sounds like Fidelity processed them based on earning month vs. paid month. :)
by BrandonBogle
Thu Feb 02, 2023 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58308

Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit

Ron Ronnerson wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 11:10 pm
A440 wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 12:08 pm Did you take advantage of the 10% offer? How long did it take the bonus to post to your account?
Yes. The transfer posted on 1/30 and the $30 bonus posted on 2/1 (at the end of the day).
I can confirm the Bloom 10% bonus worked for my 11/30 transfer paid on 12/1 and 1/30 transfer paid on 2/1. So on top of the account opening bonus ($25 for $50 deposit I believe), I got another $60 in the span of 60 days. There are also a few other small bonuses that hit, but those required clicking through more than just depositing money.
by BrandonBogle
Tue Jan 31, 2023 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Purchasing a new car - is the VIN available?
Replies: 20
Views: 1675

Re: Purchasing a new car - is the VIN available?

Broken Man 1999 wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 5:25 pm I would think many if not most dealers have internet sales people. Pop an email to all the dealers of your desired vehicle make and specific options you want and it will be game on. I would suggest you use a throw-away email address.

Broken Man 1999
I can't emphasize how good this tidbit it. Dealers will hound you with emails and sell your email address to ad lists in a heartbeat. Use an email you can turn off (or just stop looking at) once you are done with your purchase. This same advice applies to mortgage brokers too.
by BrandonBogle
Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

Aquaman has brought up many good points to this thread and I concur that many was over comparing apples to oranges in #s, such as conveniently omitting taxes and such on electricity or delivery charges or onerous connection fees. I'm lucky I pay a flat $14 connection fee and low tax on electricity, but not everyone is as lucky. I say this as I prepare to pick up my third Tesla in the family. I'm not opposed to other vehicles, but for what I want and like, Tesla still ended up the best choice for me. I did want to add that while depreciation is important, it has never played a role in me deciding what car to buy, just when. I typically go 8 years before a replacement and my 2013 Model S is being swapped with a 2023 Model Y. However, deprecia...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 27, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

Took delivery of my MYP last night. By far the easiest transaction, and all indications are that it’s the best vehicle that I have ever owned :). First, time EV driver, long-time hybrid & convention gas owner. I understand all sides of the argument to buy EV or not, and for me, EV is the only way to go from here. Yes, more expensive up front, but it’s like a prepaid maintenance & fuel plan as there is very little maintenance cost. The savings will be reaped later, if you are worried about that (and who isn’t on this site). Worth every upfront penny in my mid. I love my 3, not buying gas, and not having most of the maintenance. However, be forewarned: you're probably going to buy tires more frequently. Very heavy car on performance ...
by BrandonBogle
Sun Jan 22, 2023 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus
Replies: 137
Views: 14464

Re: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus

I will not comment on financial risk as others have. I will comment on the risk of buying/leasing a Tesla. Tesla that is actively fighting right to repair, has a battery that will die at "some point"(probably sooner than most believe), and can not be repaired by my mechanic, probably best to avoid unless you have money to burn. While that is true, as an anecdotal counterpoint, let me say that my 2013 has 120k miles on it, is on its original battery with 250 out of 265 miles originally on a full charge (so 94% of original capacity), and when it needed tires I went to Discount Tire instead of Tesla. I'd love to offer other feedback of repairs, but I've had so few. I will say that recently I had the air suspension in the front repla...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

I blame Hertz on a recent trip in December for the 2023 Model Y, as they had a Y sitting in the "full size" section of the lot and their app happily let me sign it out for my trip. Put 1,200 miles on that thing and came back with the itch. If OP wanted to optimize the cost and effort of trying out a Tesla, seems like a trip that would have needed a car rental is a great way to experience most of how it would be like. Main thing missing is most likely the trip is not close to the apartment, so that specific point of getting a free "fill up" every night is probably not as comparable, but at least Hertz rental seems to include the Mobile Connector kit with J1772 adapter. Depending on the type of trip, there might be more m...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!
Replies: 272
Views: 26667

Re: Dipping my toes in EV? Tesla 3/Y Questions!

I guess I'm going to be the contrarian here. First, this below is a great idea and I'd highly recommend starting here: Some rental car companies (Hertz?)rent both Model Ys and Model 3s. You might check on this in your local area and drive one for a week if possible. You can probably get by with 120 vac charging, with a full charge at the nearby supercharger once every couple of weeks or so depending on your daily driving distance. However, if you are adamant about purchasing the cheapest Model 3, then I'd suggest looking at the used market. Model 3s have been around for about 5 years now and you can get much cheaper than new, particularly now that Covid highs have come down and Tesla lowered the new price, putting pressure on the used marke...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 20, 2023 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year
Replies: 83
Views: 12808

Re: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year

I am also in the process of transferring my HSA from Lively to Fidelity. My shares transferred and I was not charged any kind of liquidation fee ... but my partial shares *did not* transfer, and Lively still shows those partial shares in my TD account. I guess I am out those partial shares, as I cannot log in to my TD account anymore. It's under $5, so I'm not really concerned about losing that money, but just a heads-up to anyone else attempting to transfer partial shares -- you should definitely sell the partial portion before initiating the transfer. Typically in any ACATS transfer, partial shares (other than in mutual funds) don’t transfer and are subsequently liquidated by the old broker and the cash sent. You will probably get the ne...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally offers 1% cash bonus on new deposits - up to $500 bonus
Replies: 337
Views: 49439

Re: Ally offers 1% cash bonus on new deposits - up to $500 bonus

Have to pull all but 50 cents soon to buy the I bond on schedule. Excited for my pittance of $15 off the bonus to arrive soon! (Had no real money to take advantage of it at the time.) Got this in an email from them "And we're always on the lookout for opportunities to help you repeat that success. Our recent 1% cash bonus that you took advantage of (nice work, btw...) is just the latest example. But we're not stopping there." They then share some good CD rates, the 13 month 4.6 percent is pretty solid! I agree that 4.6% for 13 months is pretty attractive. I actually moved some cash back to Ally to partake. Just keep in mind that Treasuries are paying about the same rate. Not FDIC-insured, but more liquid. Likely a balance of the ...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Jan 20, 2023 12:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878880

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Good catch! If you find some, might want to see if you can update the wiki (or share and ask a wiki editor to add them). Done . The T. Rowe Price 3-fund choices are the best choices as far as I can tell using the Merrill Edge fund screener for no-load no-transaction fee funds. Seems to me, the T. Rowe Price funds are going to cost a lot more. Let's say you have $1M in total stock market. VTSAX: 0.04% x $1,000,000 = $400/year POMIX: 0.20% x $1,000,000 = $2000/year Even if you're retired and paying $20 to sell the VTSAX every 3 months for income, that's only $80/yr. Personally, if one wanted to invest every last cent and use automatic withdrawals at Merrill Edge, I would use ETFs to hold the majority of my portfolio and then the Schwab NTF m...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus
Replies: 137
Views: 14464

Re: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus

so 2.5MM and also ~250K in passive income? sure why not if your other expenses aren't out of control and this passive income is going to continue It is around $150K. But it would just be a major expense for me all at one time paying $180K for a couple cars. I've never spent $120K on a car before. I will research into less expensive cars because there are many that are fantastic. Any particular reason why you specifically were looking at Tesla Model X Performance Plaid? If you really want a performance model Tesla SUV, you could also look at the Y, which would be half the price of the X. Without knowing the details around why two cars suddenly is desired, it’s hard to advise. As a one-time expense, you can afford it. But if you live in a HC...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Jan 17, 2023 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878880

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Keep in mind if using the gift card would impact any travel insurance protections. It may not, but best to check. I use my gift cards for the simple weekend trips to avoid complications if I need to use the insurance for something major.
by BrandonBogle
Mon Jan 16, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

toomanysidehustles wrote: Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:21 am If you are into Doug Demuro on YT, he just released a "Here's Why Tesla Car Values Have Dropped So Fast" video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT-9_As6qq4
For reference to others, Doug is saying there are 4 main reasons for Tesla used car price drops. This is NOT in order of importance, just how often it’s mentioned.
  • Elon’s behavior or political stance
  • Raising interest rates and its direct impact on a large portion (per Doug’s thoughts) of Tesla buyers.
  • No more waitlist for a new model, which was propping up used prices
  • More competition from others. The Superchargers remain Tesla’s competitive advantage, but other manufacturers are close enough on other aspects like tech and range to give people more choices.
by BrandonBogle
Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

I recently had my first non-“customary” cost on my S. In October I replaced both front door speakers because I listen to music too loud. After labor doing it at Tesla, it was $160 each.

Beyond that, I’ve bought two sets of tires in 90k miles, the $15 air filter from Tesla each year, and windshield wipers 3x.

In all fairness, my prior vehicle, a Toyota 4Runner, had very little in regular costs other than oil changes. In 9 years of owning that car, it had 3 notable repairs that cost, grand total, under $5k.
by BrandonBogle
Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

Tesla has some unhappy customers due to this price drop. One guy had a January delivery date and was called and told he could get the car in December. He takes delivery and then the price drops 12k! I would not be happy either. Yes that is frustrating but he would have paid same price if he had taken delivery in January. Price is locked in when you order. OTOH if he would have been eligible for tax credit, he would have missed out by taking delivery in January rather than December. A lot of people tried to delay delivery because of this. If you haven't taken delivery, and in the meantime Tesla has dropped the price, would they not give you the new price? Worst case, you cancel the order and lose the order fee, which is still much less than...
by BrandonBogle
Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

If you want a Tesla, sure. But there are better EVs on the market now and there will be even more in a year. I personally wouldn’t (and didn’t) buy one when I bought an EV. Agreed that there are better EVs than Tesla. But the question for me is, $45k Model Y or $62k Lyriq? Wouldn’t the current Boglehead-approved EV be a base model Chevy Bolt? Bolt is not a very good car IMO at least. I am a Tesla owner already, buying my 3rd with this price drop, but I think the Bolt can be a very good car. It all depends on what you want it for and what a car is for you. If its a transportation appliance to get from A to B, the Bolt is a great option. You even can road trip it, even if it isn't as convenient as a Tesla for that. Those who have longer comm...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

Of course, the biggest thing with an EV is the battery deterioration. So the longevity comparisons of an EV vs ICE isn't very straightforward. I think expecting 10 years out of them is probably similar life expectancy. But of course there are plenty of well made ICE vehicles that easily last much longer depending on miles. There are Teslas with more than 500k miles on them and no meaningful battery degradation. Lots of very old Priuses with their original batteries. My Tesla Model S is now 10 years old with 112k miles on it. I get 252 miles out of the original 265 miles at a full charge. I'm not concerned about battery longevity when it comes to a Tesla. And if anyone is curious, I did nothing special for my car to "care" for the...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

We will not qualify based on previous years AGI, says needs to be less than 300K, and for 2023 it will likely stay same or above, which is sort of a bummer because in my view you need above 300k AGI to consider a $55K sedan (model Y 5 seater). It is ridiculously low AGI given inflation and salaries have gone up in HCOL areas where EVs are popular. Just another thoughtless policy, but I won't get in there. We are definitely interested in an EV and not sure of buying other higher priced OR lower end EVS such as Bolt/Leaf, Tesla Y is just about perfect for us as a second/third car. Our last plug-in hybrid cost nearly next to nothing (sub 20k bought new) with a lot of discounts thrown in at that time, and a total winner. We can afford a Y with...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Jan 14, 2023 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 13906

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now How is Tesla now for getting parts and repairs when they need them or after a fender bender? I do not own one and I have not followed them but early on I recall hearing that this was a big problem. If getting parts and repairs when they are 10+ year old will be a problem that might make it hard to consider them to be a "good deal". Not quite what you asked, but an anecdote along those lines. My then-9 year old S has air suspension that had developed a leak on the two front wheels. This is to be expected given the age of the car (it happens to all air suspension cars, regardless of make, eventually). At the time, we thought it was just the passenger side and it took Tesla about 45 ...