Search found 9285 matches

by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

warblah wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:03 pm question, I have a old 401k account(fidelity) which I want to rollover to RH's traditional IRA. But i want to avoid receiving a check from Fidelity. Can I just do this?
1. open a rollover IRA account in fidelity
2. Rollover my old 401k to the Rollover IRA account(Usually only takes a week since it's in house?)
3. Do a transfer from my fidelity Rollover IRA account to RH's traditional IRA account(another week?)

Isn't doing this faster and safer compared to 401k->IRA method? Which requires a check and potentially 5 weeks of waiting time?

If you have a 401k at Fidelity it would make zero sense to do anything other than roll it over to an IRA at Fidelity before you send it somewhere else.
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007867

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

I'm really sorry to ask this because I'm certain that the info is somewhere in this huge thread but even focusing google searches on it I could not find my answer. Is there a use case, with a CMA and linked brokerage account, where one could have their paycheck direct deposited to CMA (I know this is possible) and set the maximum target balance in the cash manager to, say $10k, and it will then transfer any excess above that max target (eg. $10k), to the brokerage? When the CMA first came out I could swear this was the intended use case but it seems everyone wants a CMA with $0 balance and the brokerage as an overdraft instead. Out of curiosity, is this because ATM fees are refunded for CMA and not for a brokerage (unless you're some sort ...
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?
Replies: 51
Views: 8204

Re: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?

We have a citigold account and it's NOT all that beneficial considering you have to tie up enormous amounts of money. They offer $200 in membership reimbursements such as Amazon Prime, rebated Costco membership but if yuou are like us you already have a Costco credit card which offers their 2% annual rebate. This conflicts with the Citigold debit cared card which you "MUST" use to prepay your costco membership. Do you give up your 2% annual rebates or start using the Citigold Visa debit credit card....you can have both! We keep accounts with both Chase and Citi since both are considered by the government to be "too big to fail" which is reassuring over the regional banks. Regional banks on the other hand oofer savings a...
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Full View
Replies: 30
Views: 5498

Re: Fidelity Full View

OhioAndy wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:14 pm I bet that’s true as I never used it until today.
Try this link?

https://digital.fidelity.com/ftgw/digital/emoney/home
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Full View
Replies: 30
Views: 5498

Re: Fidelity Full View

OhioAndy wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:06 pm Hmm...did it take a few days or just work immediately?

It's being reflected in "debt" right now but not in the spending tab.
I don't even have a debt section. Maybe you are in the "new" version of Full View?
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Full View
Replies: 30
Views: 5498

Re: Fidelity Full View

OhioAndy wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:59 pm I'm trying to get Full View set up as an alternative to an expense tracking app I've been using.

In spending, it is only listing my cash management and checking accounts. How do I have it add the credit card accounts I've already added to Full View elsewhere? I put all my transactions on cards that I can.

Also, I do write an occasional check. Can I exclude credit card payments from my spending in my cash management account so they're not double counted?

Any help would be appreciated!
I don't recall having to do anything special to see credit card transactions.
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?
Replies: 51
Views: 8204

Re: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?

I'd say go for it. Citi is a bit of a pain, but once you have assets there, it's great for a set it and forget it type of retirement accounts. There really isn't a downside in getting a checking account. The fee waivers and international fee free withdrawals are a nice perk if you don't already have that with a different bank. The subscription rebates are great and once enrolled work automatically with nothing else needed. Costco is a bit of a pain as they only take visa in store and your Citi debit card is a mastercard, you need to renew online. No one else gives you $200 or $400 of free cash for a fee free brokerage account that you can have invested in vanguard etfs. Would I use Citi as my primary bank, no way. Would I use them as a sec...
by tj
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?
Replies: 51
Views: 8204

Re: Am I crazy thinking of getting Citigold tier?

Might be worthwhile initially to get the bonus, but ongoing there seems little incremental benefit to each tier. I am planning to keep $30k to attain the lower tier, but mainly just to have some accessible assets for bills, held away from my main brokerage acct. Citi self-invest platform is really bare bones. Individual, no joint nor trust accts. Limited open end funds. No mmkt sweep, just low rate bank savings. But as a place to park some savings at a secondary custodian, I am willing to try it out. As far as service, I find excellent service for banking at branches, lousy service on the phone. No idea yet for brokerage. Hi im also interested in opening a brokerage account with Citi cause I try to consolidate my finances. I have some ques...
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

...They claim to be [SIPC] so I'll look over [SIPC] to see if they are... (I think Robinhood is a Bad Thing, but...) ...with regard to SIPC, Robinhood is big enough and conspicuous enough and has been around long enough that it is inconceivable that they would be lying about it and would not have been caught. When they fibbed about their "savings accounts" and "checking accounts" being "insured by the SIPC" they were caught within less than two days, I think the financial news was quoting the SIPC chair as saying they weren't on the very next day. But it's easy enough to check. SIPC List of Members All registered brokers or dealers are SIPC members by law, with some exceptions. ... ROBINHOOD FINANCIAL LLC LAKE...
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

billaster wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:12 pm
darrens wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:43 pm Wasn't it the first to offer free trades? I signed up early on with some "fun money" and bought and sold individual stocks when I had the time simply because the trades were free and I think everyone else was $5. I think all the trades now that are free are because of Robinhood.
Don't forget that Robinhood's offer of free trades was all a lie. They advertised zero commissions on the front end but then secretly collected bribes for order flow on the back end to cheat their customers, lying to them about it all.

Robinhood paid millions in fines to the SEC for their lying and cheating.
All I know is they paid me $9000 to hold stuff that I already owned and no other broker was willing to do that.
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

Because Vanguard/Schwab/Fidelity will not pay you a 3% bonus on unlimited IRA/Roth transferred balance (promo ends 4/30/2024) Is this for new clients only or existing clients as well? Is it limited to just cash transfer or in-kind asset transfers as well? For example, if I want to transfer my Roth and Simple IRA to Robin Hood, do I have to liquidate my holdings to transfer cash? 3% is 3%. NahMean. Transfer in-kind, no time out of market https://robinhood.com/us/en/about/retirement/ No mention of in-kind transfer on the site. It seems to allude to this being a cash transfer. How would they know how much to match if it stock transfer? Closing price on date of transfer initiation or date of arrival. Very vague offer that seem to be cash only....
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

patrick wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:53 pm
tj wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:34 pm
veggivet wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:29 pm
Riprap wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:14 pm I equate Robinhood to a used car lot with lots of balloons, shiny streamers, and the ever so ubiquitous floppy inflatable tube men. It attracts a certain demographic.
Agreed, except the difference with this used car dealer is that they're giving you thousands of dollars if you park your car there for 5 years.😉
And what demographic might that be?
Hmmm, what kind of people both (1) have a fair amount of money and (2) have little reason to worry about the PFOF complaints? Sounds like bogleheads to me. Those who don't believe in frequent trading shouldn't care that much if their execution prices are 0.05% worse.
I would agree! Not sure what that has to do withthe used car lot with balloons and inflatable man though.
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

Josh5000 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:17 pm
nalor511 wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:06 pm Because Vanguard/Schwab/Fidelity will not pay you a 3% bonus on unlimited IRA/Roth transferred balance (promo ends 4/30/2024)
Is this for new clients only or existing clients as well? Is it limited to just cash transfer or in-kind asset transfers as well? For example, if I want to transfer my Roth and Simple IRA to Robin Hood, do I have to liquidate my holdings to transfer cash?

3% is 3%. NahMean.
You certainly wouldn't need to liquidate your holdings to cash. Don't know if Self Employed plans would be eligible.

viewtopic.php?t=410277
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

veggivet wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:29 pm
Riprap wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:14 pm I equate Robinhood to a used car lot with lots of balloons, shiny streamers, and the ever so ubiquitous floppy inflatable tube men. It attracts a certain demographic.
Agreed, except the difference with this used car dealer is that they're giving you thousands of dollars if you park your car there for 5 years.😉
And what demographic might that be?
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 754
Views: 141179

Re: Intuit's Mint App Shutting Down...Replacement Recommendations?

I moved to empower from mint recently. I was using mint mainly for net worth and investment tracking. I am finding empower to be comparable. It seems to be better in showing the performance and AA of investments. Only downside is that I got a call from Empower next day, where the rep tried to sign me up for a free consultation. Do these calls continue? Is there any way to opt out? I never took their calls. I sent them two emails back in 2015. I never received another call or sales email. Second email: I don't know why I was assigned an advisor. As mentioned in my e-mail below I am only using PersonalCapital as an aggregate investment tracker. I have already received a phone call, please make a note for no additional calls. Thank you. First...
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 366
Views: 34401

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:30 am
CRC_Volunteer wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:40 pm I would like to go back to a time when Flagship status meant something...
Why not go forward in time and aim for Flagship Select?
Too rich for my blood.
by tj
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 366
Views: 34401

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

CRC_Volunteer wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:40 pm I would like to go back to a time when Flagship status meant something...
Too much inflation as well as their own growth, and they didn't want to increase the minimum required to qualify for flagship
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

What are the reward tiers?
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

westminster wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:26 pm
WELLS FARGO - $2,500 on $250K deposit into their Premier. Seems too good to be true, as you could open and move into a MM fund so it doesn’t dip below the 250K and then collect the bonus. Fine print notes that an eligible investment account is “investments available through our affiliate Wells Fargo Advisors,” which I believe will be high-fee Managed account, and self-directed nor their robo would be eligible. I have a checking account and Autograph CC with Wells currently.
I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use the self directed WellsTrade. Many in the comments section here did:

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/wells-fa ... sh-assets/
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonuses from Brokerages tax implications
Replies: 19
Views: 1187

Re: Bonuses from Brokerages tax implications

LotteryTicketLoser wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:40 pm Hi BMAC thanks for the response...
Bmac wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:29 pm I received a bonus for moving my Roth from Vanguard to Schwab last year. I received no tax documents. I also received a bonus for moving our brokerage account. That showed up as taxable interest on our consolidated statement.
Just to be clear....you received the bonus IN the Roth account????

I mean this sounds awesome....I'm just trying to wrap my head around it and given all the IRS rules around retirement accounts I just want to make sure I don't end up fined or something.

Can any CPA's explain this?
There's nothing really to explain. It's considered growth inside your IRA. It will be taxed when distributed based on the tax law of the type of account you have.
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 5887

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

Back in the day fidelity was a big bonus generator and I got thousands from them over the years and most major custodians have had bonus programs either in the past or currently so I think you're off target. "back in the day" is not now. Fidelity no longer has to do that because they now have a superior product to RH and many others, it is not even close. What does ancient history have to do with today ? I think you're off target. And Vanguard does not do it today, and AFAIK never did have to buy business. Fidelity does offer bonuses just not publicly for example a contact email I received recently from them said: P.S. We have cash rewards for bringing assets into Fidelity. Simply reply to this email and I will send our reward ti...
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Increasing TSP Fund Expense Ratios
Replies: 174
Views: 19818

Re: Increasing TSP Fund Expense Ratios

I haven't posted on this topic in a while. Here are the TSP's net administrative expenses for the past few years: 2016 = 3.8 basis points 2017 = 3.3 basis points 2018 = 4.0 basis points 2019 = 4.2 basis points 2020 = 4.9 basis points 2021 = 4.3 basis points 2022 = 5.8 basis points 2023 = 4.8 basis points Fidelity's FSKAX (total US stock market index fund) expense ratio is 0.015 percent. Schwab's SWTSX (total US stock market index fund) expense ratio is 0.03 percent. Vanguard's VTI (total US stock market index fund) expense ratio is 0.03 percent. If I've done the math correctly, the expenses paid on a $1 million TSP account would be $480 per year. The expenses paid on a $1 million FSKAX account would be $150 per year. The expenses paid on a...
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2023 software offer
Replies: 246
Views: 38114

Re: H&R Block 2023 software offer

biscayne wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:53 am
cartwheelbacon wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:08 pm

I think both TT and Block are doing the bare minimum to maintain their desktop software - basically just updates for tax law changes. The market is something like 10:1 or more for the online vs desktop product. Upsells seem to be easier with the online versions. It wouldn't shock me if they eventually eliminated the desktop software.
You are probably right. Any take on the privacy issues related to online product? I assume that they have to store your personal information and tax information somewhere at their servers, but do they then COMPLETELY delete it after you file?
I would assume that if you file electronically using desktop software, that it gets routed through the same servers.
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

placeholder wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:07 am
tj wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:00 am True. The new broker might sell stock to cover it if they don't want to reimburse it.
That's why you make sure they'll cover before transfer.
Sometimes they say they will but are incompetent and do it anyway (*cough* Merrill). They eventually reimbursed me, but not until after selling a random share of stock.
by tj
Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

nalor511 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 12:00 am
tj wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:58 pm
runr wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:53 pm In the future if I ACATS out of RH, I take it if I don't have $100 in cash in each of my taxable, tIRA, and rIRA, they will auto sell a share in each account to pay there transfer fee?
That would be ill advised as you'd have a taxable distribution.
This is not what happens they'll just transfer the negative cash balance

True. The new broker might sell stock to cover it if they don't want to reimburse it.
by tj
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

runr wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:53 pm In the future if I ACATS out of RH, I take it if I don't have $100 in cash in each of my taxable, tIRA, and rIRA, they will auto sell a share in each account to pay there transfer fee?
That would be ill advised as you'd have a taxable distribution.
by tj
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

livelovelaugh00 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:16 pm Meanwhile, HOOD is climbing higher.
Do you own HOOD in your Robinhood account? :-P
by tj
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

placeholder wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:00 pm
StevieG72 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:58 pm Maybe they hope Gold members will fail to have funds available and cancel their Gold account, forfeiting bonus?
More like hoping the opposite and people will leave their subscriptions run longer than needed.
Are you kidding? The other option would be much more more lucrative for them.
by tj
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 5973
Views: 1007867

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

I'm slowly moving more of my bill pay over to Fidelity, and started using a second brokerage account like a traditional checking. This process made me realize I was making too many "hops" or transfers with my money. For investments, are folks doing direct paycheck deposits into brokerage, or doing transfers from other accounts (Fidelity or outside)? I am doing the same. I am moving all my auto-pays from Chase to Fidelity. Tired of shifting money back and forth. When MM paid .1% is wasn't really important. Now that it is around 5%, it is more important. I am giving it a few months to make sure I don't forget any bills and then will close my Chase account. I will also close my Schwab taxable as they don't auto sweep to a decent MM....
by tj
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax preparation for Expat
Replies: 3
Views: 346

Re: Tax preparation for Expat

NorthSouth wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:21 pm [Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc]

Hi Everyone,

My daughter is a dual US/ Australian citizen living in Australia. She has been filing her US taxes via a IRS free online service to date. However, she now has AGI over the $73,000 maximum AGI to use such a service. She has a very simple income: wages from a large company, dividends and interest under $1,000. Can anyone recommend a low-cost way to file? Online/ paper?

Thank you.

NS
The max is $79,000, not $73,000. Is she above $79,000 ? If above 79k, could use free fillable forms on the linked site..

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do ... s-for-free
by tj
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

doughmeetsoil wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:12 pm
rustlers wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:01 pm
Leesbro63 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:02 am I've had the card for about 5 years. I always just convert my rewards points to a cash credit to the card. If I buy airline tickets through their portal, will it really be net cheaper than just buying through the airlines (Southwest or Delta) portals?
If you have PR, then apply it to the statement as credit immediately, don't use portal.

If PRE, then yes the portal seems to show same price as buying direct (no Southwest), so you 25% CB uplift doing so.
What is PRE
https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-ca ... redit-card
by tj
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

For those that held the Blackrock MM Funds in the Merrill account, USGO percentages are out for 2023. . TTTXX was at 94.07% and TFFXX was at 98.65%. It looks like the URL is the same as last year, so it might be a good idea to save a copy with your tax records since I'm not sure where the 2022 information can be accessed anymore. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but my (out of state) accountant thinks, even after reviewing the above link, that the Treasury portion of TTTXX is exempt from state taxes only in New York and California. Is that the case? If not, where can I find evidence that it's tax exempt elsewhere? I'm currently living in Washington, DC, and couldn't find anything online about whether Treasuries (or funds with earnings att...
by tj
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

KiwiBobs wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:57 pm Any one bother getting ME to reimburse the transfer fee?
I called them and they said to send proof from Schwab.
I sent a screenshot of my Schwab account via the send document feature in my ME account. Not sure where that will go though...
I am not going to bother commuting 30 mins each way to a local office to get it take care of. Not worth my time.
I've had fees reimbursed when transferring to Merrill. (Also when I transferred to Schwab)
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
Replies: 693
Views: 104188

Re: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A

Received an email about this:

https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/7-th ... settlement

What does this mean for us? Will it make it easier to sell mutual fund and buy ETF and vise versa?
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?
Replies: 43
Views: 4403

Re: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?

You also may want to try Marshall Allen. He wrote the "Never Pay The First Bill" book. Not sure if his strategies would work for dental, but might as well give it a shot if all other efforts are unsuccessful.

https://www.marshallallen.com/


Based on the email I got this morning, he uses paid reader subscriptions to hire negotiation advocates.


https://open.substack.com/pub/marshalla ... dium=email
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Lastrun wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:14 pm
tj wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:11 pm Interesting. On the PR, I have 1508 points. Mine says 2500 points is minimum to redeem on that card.

I don't have any charges yet on my PR this statement period, but I'm surprised that it would include the pending points in your total available points.
Yes, this is a difference between the PR and the PRE---redeem at any time and no minimum. Whether this is a valuable benefit....
I wouldn't think it's worth the extra $400.

In the end, if you can utilize the $300 travel credits and $150 lifestyle credit, PRE gives you unlimited Priority Pass for $100, as well as 4 extra people you can give PP to without making them AU's. And all of those people, I believe can bring 2 guests with them.
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

stilllurking wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:59 pm
tj wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:48 pm Interesting. I've never been called by BofA.

But I only keep ~$100k in Merrill Edge. I'm assuming you have significantly more?
I only have around $100k now but for a few years it was significantly more. Bulk of it was moved in January 2024. I moved much of it to Fidelity as I like their trading interface better.
Perhaps they are calling to ask if they did anything to cause you to move most of your assets somewhere else!
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

That's weird, as it absolutely shows pending points on mine. First, I have PRE and Platinum Honors OK, let's do a test, so when I login and go to the PRE account, under account summary I see this: Rewards Total Points: 1,328 Points Go to Rewards View/Redeem Note, my statement just closed and I redeemed all my points (I do not use auto-redemption). So I am 4 days into my new monthly cycle. When I click View/Redeem (which is an active link) it takes me to the redemption page: In the middle of that page I see: Total Available Points 1,328 [with two options] Redeem Points Transfer Points I then click and it gives me Travel, Cash, Gift Card or Full-service Concierge as options I click Cash-Redeem It asks me to chose my redemption option-I selec...
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Interesting. I've never been called by BofA.

But I only keep ~$100k in Merrill Edge. I'm assuming you have significantly more?
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Lastrun wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:34 am
tj wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:21 am I don't know that, but I would have to guess that if it's not showing up while it's pending, it would be after the purchase posts. I'm pretty sure that it doesn't wait for the monthly statement. The points will show as pending in the rewards section.
At least based on my experience, the points show up and may be redeemed immediately, and you do not need to wait until the end of the statement cycle. I don't keep a lot in my BofA checking, and sometimes need to Zelle someone, so I will redeem mid-cycle to top off the account.
That's weird, as it absolutely shows pending points on mine.
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Does anyone know if the "You’re earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases" under the credit card rewards tab should update to reflect the preferred rewards bonus, or does it always say that and you just get the preferred rewards bonus on top of that? It always says that. You would need to go to a transaction on the rewards page to see what each one earns. E.G.: BASE: ABCDEFG CAFE -$0.25 CATEGORY BONUS: for dining purchase - $0.51 RELATIONSHIP BONUS: Preferred Rewards - 75% Bonus - $0.57 Great, thanks! Do you know when those show up? After the transaction is final? After a statement posts? My first transaction is still pending. I don't know that, but I would have to guess that if it's not showing up while it's pending, it ...
by tj
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878543

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

terran wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:04 am
Does anyone know if the "You’re earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases" under the credit card rewards tab should update to reflect the preferred rewards bonus, or does it always say that and you just get the preferred rewards bonus on top of that?
It always says that.

You would need to go to a transaction on the rewards page to see what each one earns.

E.G.:

BASE: ABCDEFG CAFE -$0.25
CATEGORY BONUS: for dining purchase - $0.51
RELATIONSHIP BONUS: Preferred Rewards - 75% Bonus - $0.57
by tj
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337210

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

calwatch wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:38 pm Streetheat is back, a 1.25% bonus at $100k, not including the $159 annual fee for them to do some AI mumbo jumbo on your money (which you can decline, although that doesn’t stop you from paying the fee):

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/streetbe ... age-bonus/

One year hold time on a small broker is not great though. And other brokers won’t use them as a competitive match because they are so new and untested.
Yeah, I'm passing on that.
by tj
Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?
Replies: 305
Views: 49285

Re: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?

- Fidelity is notorious for closing accounts without any warning and giving very vague, opaque directions to regain access: https://www.reddit.com/r/fidelityinvestments/search/?q=account%20closed&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw= - Fidelity does charge 1% fee on ATM international withdrawals despite many claiming to the contrary. I asked a Fidelity employee directly and was told this, and Fidelity employee's themselves have reported the 1% charge for international ATM withdrawals is true: https://www.reddit.com/r/fidelityinvestments/comments/1201kvc/for_atm_transactions_i_understand_that_any_atm/ - Fidelity's debit card is unavailable during certain hours at the night. Very weird quirk, Schwab doesn't have this problem: https://www.reddit.com...
by tj
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?
Replies: 43
Views: 4403

Re: How could I have known dental claim would be denied?

Even if they had covered the claim, isn't there a max the dental coverage will pay per year/per individual? The dental plan we have through work pays for routine maintenance and I guess gives discounts on procedures like crowns and fillings, but it will only cover up to $1,500 per person per year I intentionally purchased the Enhanced plan, which maxes out at $35,000. It sounds like you have the GEBA plan - which is not actually through your employer, but for which you are are eligible for as a federal employee. So contact GEBA! They have people who will deal with Delta Dental for you. Send them an email and explain what happened, they are usually super quick to respond and they will help you appeal. You lose nothing by seeing what they ca...
by tj
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking of moving to Edward Jones
Replies: 147
Views: 15893

Re: Thinking of moving to Edward Jones

Well I recently decided I want a monthly "paycheck" sent from Schwab to my checking account. As mentioned all my funds are in VBIAX with Schwab and I was informed that it is not possible to set up an automatic sale of shares with subsequent transfer. At the rates that settlement accounts are paying, why not sell 6 months worth of VBIAX and do automatic transfers from your settlement account each month. I do something similar because we are living on retirement funds as we defer my social security benefit. Twice a year I distribute 6 months from my tIRA to taxable brokerage account and then do an automated monthly transfer to my checking account. My spouse was much more comfortable with a monthly “paycheck” in retirement. [edit] I...
by tj
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Sapphire or Private Client Banking?
Replies: 24
Views: 6060

Re: Chase Sapphire or Private Client Banking?

CPC is a traditional checking account with a great mobile app and online experience. Fee structure is similar to Schwab Checking (plus free wires) and Fidelity CMA. It pays laughable interest. For me CPC/Sapphire checking does not make sense in today's high-interest environment but your needs may be different. I am in the process of collecting a $2K bonus but will close the CPC account afterwards. You can start with CPC, make $2,000 - $3,000 in bonuses and later downgrade to a Sapphire checking that has almost identical features without a personal banker and annoying financial salesperson. You may in parallel collect a $700 bonus for funding a JPM self-directed account. Another option is to have a Chase Platinum Business account with $50K ...
by tj
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 54
Views: 8285

Re: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?

I fell for the GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan. So far it has not been as expected. Most local gyms do not honor. Ads listed most of them. My wife had surgery and they now are not paying for it. So other items have not tried but beginning to question. My understanding is that Medicare Advantage plans are required to pay for anything Original Medicare would cover if it is medically necessary according to Medicare guidelines. If not, perhaps Original Medicare + "regular" GEHA would not have covered it either? Did the provider get pre-authorization or approval or pre-certification for the procedure ahead of time? Maybe the insurance needs proof from the provider it was medically necessary? Please update your post as you find out anythi...
by tj
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110120

Re: Robinhood 3% IRA Match

Right. It is a contingent, deferred liability for RH. They credit your account now, but you can't get the money in hand. It is like free play at a casino; maybe RH will have to pay it out, maybe not. That's not an reasonable analogy at all as you do get the bonus in your account upfront and it isn't a question of whether they pay it out or not as they would have to extract it from the account which if people followed the terms could and likely would lead to finra complaints and perhaps lawsuits. It would also be impossible for them to enact exit fees equal to everyone's bonus as everyone's bonus is different and will rise or fall differently over the next five years. True. But if you look under the "Gold" tab, you can see exactly...
by tj
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 54
Views: 8285

Re: Anyone considering the new GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan?

dfhensley wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:00 pm I fell for the GEHA Medicare Advantage Plan. So far it has not been as expected. Most local gyms do not honor. Ads listed most of them. My wife had surgery and they now are not paying for it. So other items have not tried but beginning to question.
Have you appealed the surgery? I assume you will be enrolling in the normal plan next year?