Search found 1458 matches

by gvsucavie03
Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421756

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

While the discussion is primarily about how to get the best deal, I'd like to mention a strategy that may not be obvious. (I have one 2% cash back card - that's all I need.) I just started my very first Health savings account . The fund provider issued a debit card for the convenience of minimizing the paperwork. That's nice, but I can do more. In place of the debit card, I will be using my 2% cash back card for all expenses. It's a no-brainer. (The idea was mentioned in this thread in 2016, but it's worth mentioning again.) You can pay for medical expenses tax-free out of your HSA. But she can also let the HSA (which has new contributions each year, if still eligible) grow tax-deferred... or grow "tax-free" if later used for med...
by gvsucavie03
Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421756

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

LadyGeek wrote: Sat Jan 12, 2019 5:22 pm While the discussion is primarily about how to get the best deal, I'd like to mention a strategy that may not be obvious. (I have one 2% cash back card - that's all I need.)

I just started my very first Health savings account. The fund provider issued a debit card for the convenience of minimizing the paperwork. That's nice, but I can do more.

In place of the debit card, I will be using my 2% cash back card for all expenses. It's a no-brainer.

(The idea was mentioned in this thread in 2016, but it's worth mentioning again.)
You can pay for medical expenses tax-free out of your HSA.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Jan 12, 2019 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?
Replies: 12
Views: 3766

Re: VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?

More perspective... I have a current total capital loss in VTI of 162.77 and I'm in the 12% tax bracket. Probably half of my shares I've held less than a year.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Jan 12, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?
Replies: 12
Views: 3766

Re: VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?

I'm not looking to TLH, there isn't much tax I'm liable for, so I'm not concerned about a wash sale. My understanding is that a wash sale simply means I can't claim the capital loss but there's no penalty, correct?

Yes, partial shares under $150 are more convenient. I'm not wealthy by any means, so being fully invested each period is more important to me.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?
Replies: 12
Views: 3766

VTI to VTSAX... taxable event?

I own shares of VTI in my taxable account. If I exchange to VTSAX, is this a taxable event (assuming there are some capital gains)? The reason for the change is the ability to purchase partial shares versus only being able to purchase whole shares of VTI. I don't really care for the ability to trade during the open market, I just started with VTI to invest prior to the $3,000 minimum for VTSAX.

Thanks!
by gvsucavie03
Wed Jan 02, 2019 5:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684275

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Perhaps this is a stupid question... two days in a row futures are down after gains during the trading day. Why does the market start by swimming upstream like this?
by gvsucavie03
Wed Jan 02, 2019 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Earners - What's Your Profession?
Replies: 1217
Views: 223968

Re: High Earners - What's Your Profession?

Teacher :wink:

Sorry, interesting thread nonetheless.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice jeans for work with lowest average cost of ownership
Replies: 107
Views: 10225

Re: Nice jeans for work with lowest average cost of ownership

triceratop wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:06 pm
livesoft wrote: Sat Dec 29, 2018 7:56 pm I stopped following this thread. Did anybody sell their old jeans and use that in the calculation? How about deducting the donation of old jeans to charity on one's tax return?

Make your jeans work for you.
As someone who buys used jeans at Goodwill...Why not do both? Donate your jeans to charity and then buy them the next week for $5.
Goodwill has been good to my wardrobe!
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nice jeans for work with lowest average cost of ownership
Replies: 107
Views: 10225

Re: Nice jeans for work with lowest average cost of ownership

Jeans seem to be one of those consumer products that folks are somehow inclined to grossly overpay for based on some emotional tie to brand or status. I'm currently wearing a $5 Goodwill find that I wear to school on Fridays with my spirit gear. My wife has a knack for bargain hunting, too so my "nice" jeans are usually never more than $20.

I agree with livesoft, cost of ownership should be focused on cars and other big ticket items. Jeans are just a question of how much you are willing to pay for a certain feeling or perception (whether real or not) or wear something decent to pass off and make you feel comfortable.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adult Games / Board Games - Recommendations
Replies: 55
Views: 5488

Re: Adult Games / Board Games - Recommendations

gvsucavie03 wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:26 pm Another vote for Settlers of Catan and Jackbox TV. Cards Against Humanity is also pretty fun.
Specifically Quiplash mixed with alcohol... that's a fun night!
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adult Games / Board Games - Recommendations
Replies: 55
Views: 5488

Re: Adult Games / Board Games - Recommendations

Another vote for Settlers of Catan and Jackbox TV. Cards Against Humanity is also pretty fun.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Dec 09, 2018 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?
Replies: 93
Views: 14328

Re: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?

8foot7 wrote: Sun Dec 09, 2018 10:45 am
gvsucavie03 wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 7:35 am In the grand scheme of things, $20M is really not a lot. To a middle class individual it seems like a mint.
What a ridiculous statement that unfortunately colors the credibility of anything else said.
It's a huge responsibility, that was my point. $20M is nothing if you squander it in 5 years.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?
Replies: 93
Views: 14328

Re: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?

Pinotage wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 5:53 pm
gvsucavie03 wrote: In the grand scheme of things, $20M is really not a lot.
Your scheme must be a lot grander than mine. Or that of anyone I know. Or anyone they know.
gvsucavie03 wrote: To a middle class individual it seems like a mint.
Oh, got it.
Again, the main point was that it can be $20, $20k or $20M and it can be squandered if not managed very carefully and emotions are put in check.

Let's see how many more people comment on my post as we completely lose sight of the OP.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?
Replies: 93
Views: 14328

Re: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?

Nate79 wrote: Sat Dec 08, 2018 8:13 am Only on BH would someone say $20M is not a lot. It would put someone well into the 99.5+% percentile of net worth in the US.
How many lotto winners squander their winnings in the blink of an eye? $20M can be a blessing or a huge regret.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: options to cover next 10 years before SS
Replies: 49
Views: 4830

Re: options to cover next 10 years before SS

I really don't think it's a great idea to burn 11.5% per year and expect the rest to go perfectly as planned. This is dumber than the Dave Ramsey 8% WR notion. There is no guarantee that any investment will make a real return after 10 years which is the assumption being made here.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?
Replies: 93
Views: 14328

Re: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?

In the grand scheme of things, $20M is really not a lot. To a middle class individual it seems like a mint.

Short term T-Bills and Bonds might create more than enough income now, but do not pose any growth for generational use. The taxman is going to rue the day when this money is inhereted each time, so without growth, this money will continue to decline if not having SOME invested for the future.

Then again, there's no law that says you can't Scrooge it all away and bounce the rental fee for the hearse... I guess it's ultimately up to you and what you intend to use the $ for (please read the Windfall section of the wiki).
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?
Replies: 93
Views: 14328

Re: 20M Inheritance - What is best option for small/no risk on principal?

clockman323 wrote: Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:51 am 20 million is a lot of money to live off of. You could invest a few million very conservatively and use that money for your living expenses. That should last for the rest of your life. The remainder can be invested for growth. That means mostly stocks, which would be a much higher chance of growing faster than inflation, with some short term downside risk.
I'm not sure I could have millions in cash laying around without spending it. This recommendation seems riskier than even stocks.
by gvsucavie03
Sat Dec 08, 2018 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: options to cover next 10 years before SS
Replies: 49
Views: 4830

Re: options to cover next 10 years before SS

Start claiming SS sooner?
by gvsucavie03
Sun Nov 25, 2018 11:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4684275

Re: U.S. stocks in freefall

manuvns wrote: Sun Nov 25, 2018 10:52 am Facebook and Alphabet stocks are great buy at the moment even if they fall few more.
And what if Facebook gets shut down for privacy issues or uncontrolled spreading of false claims or....

But, if it is a small portion of your total financial picture, then it's a fun weekend at the casino where you stand a decent chance of beating the house.
by gvsucavie03
Thu Nov 15, 2018 7:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can someone explain specifically how the "bucket" approach to retirement withdrawals is supposed to work?
Replies: 74
Views: 7301

Re: Can someone explain specifically how the "bucket" approach to retirement withdrawals is supposed to work?

Jane Bryant talks about this in her book "How to make your money last." Yes, it is basically allocating your assets for certain times in retirement... it's not a bad idea. Remember, this is personal finance, so there can be more than one good way to do it and hers is certainly one of them. It was an enjoyable book.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull kids from school for vacations?
Replies: 136
Views: 8614

Re: Pull kids from school for vacations?

***PSA***

The OP simply asked if it is ok to pull kiddos for vacation. Let's stop the overexaggerations and snide comments about teachers. The question is really simple. It's also not a question about parenting either. It's fine to do the big vacation on occasion, just don't make a habit out of it.

Thank you.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Oct 21, 2018 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull kids from school for vacations?
Replies: 136
Views: 8614

Re: Pull kids from school for vacations?

Education is a concept that is not monopolized by any one body of instructors. Teachers are very adamant that only they can ensure that kids are educated well. Enrichment can only be offered by schools through field trips and summer trips which allow teachers to plan great breaks from standardized teaching. I believe that parents teach essential aspects of life skills. Winter break, Spring break and Summer break are not the only time that parents can vacation. These are their kids that they entrust to the school systems to do their job. The government requires kids to be educated but I think it has gone too far if parents can't take their own children out of school for a reasonable amount of time while teachers provide school work for them...
by gvsucavie03
Sat Oct 20, 2018 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull kids from school for vacations?
Replies: 136
Views: 8614

Re: Pull kids from school for vacations?

Education is a concept that is not monopolized by any one body of instructors. Teachers are very adamant that only they can ensure that kids are educated well. Enrichment can only be offered by schools through field trips and summer trips which allow teachers to plan great breaks from standardized teaching. I believe that parents teach essential aspects of life skills. Winter break, Spring break and Summer break are not the only time that parents can vacation. These are their kids that they entrust to the school systems to do their job. The government requires kids to be educated but I think it has gone too far if parents can't take their own children out of school for a reasonable amount of time while teachers provide school work for them...
by gvsucavie03
Sat Oct 20, 2018 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull kids from school for vacations?
Replies: 136
Views: 8614

Re: Pull kids from school for vacations?

This is tough. Once-in-a-lifetime is one thing. I am a teacher in a college town and the University faculty's kids miss for the college spring break all the time. It is aggravating to see the same families doing it year after year, especially when the kids are younger. My vote is no, but as a parent it is your call on how important it is over school.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Oct 07, 2018 7:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

I think international has done fairly well over the last 20years. Callan periodic table https://www.callan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Callan-PeriodicTbl_KeyInd_2018.pdf 5.22% CAGR over the last 20 years. That's pretty bad... Only a little higher than the US total bond index (4.55%), but with MUCH more volatility. US stock was 7.68%. Cool. But where is the definitive proof that this predicts the next 20 years? Political and economic melt-downs happen and the US is not immune. It doesn't even have to be that extreme. It just takes a few product categories in which the leader is domiciled outside the US. Example: self-driving trucks. Will Tesla and Otto beat Mercedes-Benz in bringing them to market? What will happen to Peterbuilt, Mack, e...
by gvsucavie03
Sun Oct 07, 2018 7:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

visualguy wrote: Sat Oct 06, 2018 10:36 pm
Dottie57 wrote: Sat Oct 06, 2018 8:46 pm I think international has done fairly well over the last 20years.

Callan periodic table

https://www.callan.com/wp-content/uploa ... d_2018.pdf
5.22% CAGR over the last 20 years. That's pretty bad... Only a little higher than the US total bond index (4.55%), but with MUCH more volatility. US stock was 7.68%.
Cool. But where is the definitive proof that this predicts the next 20 years? Political and economic melt-downs happen and the US is not immune.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Sep 30, 2018 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Beginner. Want to get mega-rich. Help with portfolio, tips, etc.
Replies: 87
Views: 11091

Re: Beginner. Want to get mega-rich. Help with portfolio, tips, etc.

To get rich quick:

1) Get a crystal ball so you know the stock market direction for 12 months. Better yet, the direction of the top 15 US stocks.

2) Leverage up to your eyeballs (house, farm, etc.). Buy at those perfect moments.

3) Sell your strategy to an investing magazine (or just keep the secret to yourself).

4) Get multi rich fast, pay the taxman.

5) If that doesn't work, make pro in the NFL, NBA, NHL or other major sport (but don't spend it all) or sell your latest album to a major record label.

For everyone else that doesn't have any of the above, we earn money and invest at regular intervals. Some toy with stocks and day trading, but most of us here don't want to lose our shirt.
by gvsucavie03
Sun Sep 30, 2018 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College Student Performance Issues
Replies: 83
Views: 5859

Re: College Student Performance Issues

I'm a college prof. Your DD sounds just like about 50% of college students most anywhere. Most of these students end up figuring it out on their own and graduate just fine. The adjustment takes some time. Some have a rocky freshmen year and then do fine after that. She might not be doing all that badly. Don't worry. In all likelihood she will be ok, and graduate with a solid degree. Let her figure it out for herself, and just be there to be supportive. +1. I was this type of student. Figured it out, graduated, got a job and a masters. As a parent that is supporting college financially, you have the right to draw a line in the sand, too. How much $ do you flush down the toilet while kiddo figures out life? My parents cut me off on loans... ...
by gvsucavie03
Fri Sep 28, 2018 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your single most expensive mistake?
Replies: 341
Views: 43674

Re: What is your single most expensive mistake?

Dropped $700 on a grad school deposit and went to a different school. Broke a rental agreement and lost a $650 security deposit. Wife paid over $1,500 for a class she doesn't plan to use for a career. Several student loans were lifestyle and other expenses and not school.

Fairly low-key, but most of this was when I made around $50,000 or less.
by gvsucavie03
Wed Sep 26, 2018 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Acoustic Pianos
Replies: 42
Views: 2969

Re: Acoustic Pianos

Elsebet wrote: Wed Sep 26, 2018 3:15 pm I see pianos and pool tables being given away all the time on Craigslist. I would get a used one first and if the interest remains after a year or so upgrade to a nicer model at that point.
+1
by gvsucavie03
Tue Sep 25, 2018 5:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Acoustic Pianos
Replies: 42
Views: 2969

Re: Acoustic Pianos

I agree with others who have said to go pick up a free piano. We have a nice upright that only took back pain and Advil to move. Works great. If you have disposable funds, Yamaha is the best bang for your buck, but seriously, why waste (word chosen aptly) your money on something that will have zero monetary value later on and there is a strong chance the kiddos will not play beyond a few years anyway?
by gvsucavie03
Sat Sep 22, 2018 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sports fan trying to cut cable
Replies: 11
Views: 1593

Re: Sports fan trying to cut cable

YouTube TV is local only plus many cable networks including NBC SN, ESPN and many others. It may or may not be what you are looking for. We like it, but network TV is local channels only. I also have a livestream app on my Amazon Fire stick. It requires a mouse app interface on the Fire Stick remote. Generally, it is a pain, but I was able to watch the Packers and Vikings last week when it was blocked in central MI. Cord cutting is not without some hassle. We pay 64.99 for Spectrum, 35 for YouTube TV, 10.99 for Netflix and 7.99 for HuluPlus. 119 total. After the Spectrum 12 month period ends, it ends up pretty close to cable, maybe a little less. A bonus is the library option in YouTube TV and the added benefit of Netflix and Hulu original ...
by gvsucavie03
Thu Sep 20, 2018 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another mortgage repayment thread..
Replies: 30
Views: 2841

Re: Another mortgage repayment thread..

Pay it off. If you don't like that, you can always take out a new mortgage. I know, I know... the OP's interest rate is lower than they currently are now....

There is no guarantee future dollars (inflation) will go beyond the interest rate. The asset appreciates regardless of having borrowed or paid it off. In 15 years, it'll still (hopefully) be worth more. Holding a mortgage as a hedge to me isn't a very compelling argument.

You can always invest what you were sending out in payments, too.

You have a great income and financial situation. No matter what, you'll be fine.
by gvsucavie03
Tue Sep 11, 2018 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

I've made $4,650 in bank bonuses between last year and this year. This is from just opening checking and savings accounts and doesn't include credit card bonuses or brokerage bonuses (both of which are generally more lucrative). I keep a spreadsheet with information about when to open/close accounts, initiate transfers, etc. If you're organized and follow the requirements stipulated in the fine print, you earn a reward for your efforts. It pays a decent hourly wage for your trouble/hassle. Decide if it's worth it to you. I've steered clear of Citi Bank. Read the posts on Doctor of Credit (someone put a link to that site earlier in this thread). Citi is apparently difficult to deal with and quite a few people have been disappointed in their...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 10, 2018 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

Jags4186 wrote: Mon Sep 10, 2018 8:05 pm
uberdoc wrote: Mon Sep 10, 2018 7:56 pm Is that for real?
Yes... you can do your own research if you’d like. The IRS has stated all credit card rewards are considered rebates not income.
+1
by gvsucavie03
Thu Sep 06, 2018 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

We have $10,000 sitting in an online savings account , earning 1.85%. This is our starter emergency fund. Citi has an offer where if you open a new checking account and keep $5000 of new money in for 60 days, they will give you $200. I was thinking of doing that for both my wife and I. That would give us a quick $400 for minimal work. We'd then put the $10,400 back into the original savings account, in addition to whatever we contribute to that account within the next 2 months. Assuming we keep it in for 60 days and pull it out, that's effectively a 24% APY. I would actually consider doing this with Wells Fargo and other banks who offer these bonuses. Is there any downside to this, whatsoever? Also, do you have to report any earnings under...
by gvsucavie03
Tue Sep 04, 2018 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

I almost exclusively apply for credit cards WITH fees. The bonuses tend to be much better. Instead of $200 cash back for a card with no fee, you might be able to earn $1000 in travel if you get a card with a $95 annual fee. A year later, you can close the account or downgrade the card to one without a fee. That way, you only end up paying the annual fee once. My wife and I have each opened 5 credit cards over the past three years. That works out to less than 2 new cards a year per person. Our credit scores are in good shape and we've been able to travel for virtually no cost. We've earned close to a million points (worth about $15k in travel) over the past three years for very little effort. We've done trips to Disneyland, Las Vegas, and M...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 7:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

zonto wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 7:10 pm
columbia wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 1:32 pm From the BH wiki:

Image

Perhaps that should be updated?

Either way, there wasn’t a marked difference in risk/return for holding anywhere from 20 to 50% international. It’s reasonable to assume that holding anywhere in that range for the future will continue to be less of a factor than might be argued in this thread.
Data updated through July 2017 here: https://nationwidefinancial.com/media/p ... 2224AO.pdf
10.2% return for 40% exposure versus 10.4% for 0% with way more risk. I think I'll lower risk for a few basis points.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

Earl Lemongrab wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 6:46 pm I prefer brokerage bonuses because I really don't keep a lot of cash around and what I do I want in my checking so I don't have to worry about having enough to cover draws. Also some brokerage bonuses you can get in Roth, which is always nice.

As always, more information: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=196884
I'm a teacher and I don't have a ton of $ to get the full benefit of brokerage bonuses.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

uberdoc wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:31 pm My cutoff for credit card bonus:
$200 for no annual fee
$500 for annual fee with first year waived
I am not at the level of paying annual fee to grt bonus yet. I don’t do checking accounts bonuses but readily do high yield savings bonus.
I just signed up for the BOA Premier Rewards... $500 bonus with a $95 AF not waived. Essentially, a $405 bonus. To me it was the highest bonus versus relatively low AF.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

I'm happy to pay more taxes because it means I made more money. Not all report it either...

This is a fun, lucrative hobby. I wouldnt let $10,000 sit making 1%...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

flamesabers wrote: Sun Sep 02, 2018 5:20 pm I prefer credit card bonuses over bank account bonuses. The former aren't taxable, doesn't require a deposit to make and get back, and unless you're going after cards with annual fees, you don't have to worry about getting hit with account fees. If you're going to open an account with Wells Fargo, why not get the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card? You'll get a $200 cashback bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of opening the account.
Checking bonuses typically don't involve spending requirements.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

JGoneRiding wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 12:56 pm
nalor511 wrote: Sat Sep 01, 2018 6:27 pm I don't know about your specific offer, but these seem to usually require direct deposit, which (in addition to the taxes things) is too much trouble for my taste
And or can be impossible! My husband and I have no way to do it at all. I have debated having $1.50 of my.moms ss check but that never seemed worth the hassle. Chase particularly would not accept ach transfer only direct deposit
Read Doctor of Credit. Many/most banks can accept certain ACH transfers as satisfying the DD requirement. Readers post "data points" and William and Chuck do their best to keep the database up to date.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

I don't know about your specific offer, but these seem to usually require direct deposit, which (in addition to the taxes things) is too much trouble for my taste And or can be impossible! My husband and I have no way to do it at all. I have debated having $1.50 of my.moms ss check but that never seemed worth the hassle. Chase particularly would not accept ach transfer only direct deposit We've opened maybe a dozen Chase checking and savings accounts over the years and received a bonus each time by doing an ACH push from another bank. Transfers from some banks don't work but they do from others. Take a look at this: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/knowledge-base/list-methods-banks-count-direct-deposits/#Chase All the best, Ron My real quest...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi
Replies: 57
Views: 10928

Re: $200 cash bonus offer from Citi

My wife and I are at $4,700 so far this year in bank bonuses and probably another $2,000 in cc bonuses.

Chase is ridiculously easy. Easy $300 each about every 9 months. Capital One showered us in about $1,100 last year. CO is/was once per lifetime.

Doctor of Credit is the foremost authority and an excellent database. Hustler Money Blog is ok - good list to start with.

Never done Citi. I've heard it is a pain and it takes a very long time.

Elements Financial is also good - $200 easy bonus plus you can apply for the $300 cc. One per household is enforced.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

Beensabu wrote: Mon Sep 03, 2018 4:25 pm - You have acknowledged 100% US as a bet (and I realize that's not your allocation). Does it follow that any deviation from world cap is a bet?
Any investment is a gamble. The severity is the discussion at hand. There are no guarantees, only theory based on what has happened in the past. I think the goal is to hedge one's bets as best as possible and come up with the most "sound" and "near-guarantee" that everything will happen according to plan.
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

US only investors don’t care what others do. Global cap investors argue that everyone *should* invest as they do. I don't know about that. This was said way back on page 9 of this thread: 9 pages in. I have to ask. Has a single person changed their position having read or participated in this thread? I remember reading that and thinking, "I hope not." This thread is full of information and pointers. It is likely most helpful to those US-based investors who have not yet made a decision as to their ex-US allocation or have not fully realized a rationale to back up their arbitrarily chosen allocation. I'd like to think that those folks will latch on to a particular argument put forth here, or have certain data strike a chord with th...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

Lastly, past performance is no indicator of future. Maybe the US will reign forever. There is a chance it will not and no one knows for certain. The other countries whose markets collapsed weren't some dinky 3rd world countries. They were major players on the world stage. If past performance is not even an indicator of the future, then asset allocation would be irrelevant, and we could let the chimps throw the darts. As you say, there IS a chance that the US market will collapse. But please don't confuse possibility with probability. Because if you believe that possibility = probability, then you might want to take a snow shovel with you when visiting Miami. Snow shovel diversification... I like it. You just never know :wink: We don't need...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

Lastly, past performance is no indicator of future. Maybe the US will reign forever. There is a chance it will not and no one knows for certain. The other countries whose markets collapsed weren't some dinky 3rd world countries. They were major players on the world stage. If past performance is not even an indicator of the future, then asset allocation would be irrelevant, and we could let the chimps throw the darts. As you say, there IS a chance that the US market will collapse. But please don't confuse possibility with probability. Because if you believe that possibility = probability, then you might want to take a snow shovel with you when visiting Miami. Snow shovel diversification... I like it. You just never know :wink: We don't need...
by gvsucavie03
Mon Sep 03, 2018 9:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143031

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

Emerging theme in this thread (and a sentiment, which wasn’t particularly noticeable on BH even a year ago): US only investors don’t care what others do. Global cap investors argue that everyone *should* invest as they do. I can think of a number of seemingly unnecessary investment choices (crypto currencies, gold, tilting towards REITS), but can’t imagine having a strong opinion on what other people *should* invest in. To each her/his own.... Spoiler: I have 25% international Columbia.... have you ever back-tested your portfolio with 0% international and then compared to your actual results ? If so, what were the results of the back-test and comparison ? Sure. And one can deduce all kinds of things from doing that. 25% is the Goldilocks p...