Search found 770 matches

by ejvyas
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55798

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

vnatale wrote: Sat Sep 02, 2023 10:50 pm
ejvyas wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:25 pm
  • Hair trimmer bought 10 yrs ago.
  • Cheap smart watch
Possible to give us details on the exact watch you bought? Thanks!
Very sorry to reply so late. Somehow I did not look at my notifications. I bought Fitvii. There are many smart trackers and watches available. My usage is very rough
by ejvyas
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any reason not to do backdoor Roth IRA?
Replies: 16
Views: 2862

Re: Any reason not to do backdoor Roth IRA?

change in laws ? There was a bill planned to eliminate that and it has pretty good support
by ejvyas
Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 55798

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

  • Hair trimmer bought 10 yrs ago.
  • Cheap smart watch
by ejvyas
Tue Apr 18, 2023 11:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mega Backdoor Roth & Basis Tracking
Replies: 6
Views: 1003

Re: Mega Backdoor Roth & Basis Tracking

Beautifully explained retiredjg :sharebeer
by ejvyas
Fri Apr 14, 2023 1:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two HDHP family plans
Replies: 4
Views: 607

Re: Two HDHP family plans

nalor511 wrote: Fri Apr 14, 2023 1:16 am It seems similar to a rebate on purchase, which wouldn't be taxable, to me. If it were taxable in some way it would be on your W2, I would think. Did you get a tax form? Rebates typically are not taxable
No mention on W2. No tax form from insurance other than 1099-HC
by ejvyas
Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two HDHP family plans
Replies: 4
Views: 607

Re: Two HDHP family plans

Bumping thread to see if anyone has suggestions before I finalize my taxes
by ejvyas
Sat Apr 08, 2023 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel destination : March 2024
Replies: 23
Views: 3060

Re: Travel destination : March 2024

My mom visited Oman this Feb. Her sister lives there. Dec, Jan, Feb are the ideal months. It can get pretty extreme in some days in March.
However, its personal preference if you are used to hot/humid weather.

For them, visa was easy to get and they enjoyed their trip.
by ejvyas
Thu Mar 23, 2023 12:12 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

Good conversation. I am in one of the old accounts and not inviting the Schwab fees yet. I was considering moving to fidelity but my thoughts are.. $24 is like .1% for me, so not a huge hit. I like the lively record keeping for me. I have money deposited into lively but not automatically swept to TD. My thought was to xfer the TD investments to fidelity and keep $50 in lively so I can access both the lively record keeping and the no investment fees. I can also have money sent straight to my brokerage. But at the end of the day, this is a little bit of effort to save just $24 annually. ($480 in 20 years) I'm still considering it as Schwab could raise prices at any moment too. Those that have closed lively due to fees, how are you doing your...
by ejvyas
Thu Jan 26, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉
Replies: 247
Views: 15711

Re: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉

Happy birthday 🎂 Taylor.

Thanks for helping me on my financial journey
by ejvyas
Sat Dec 31, 2022 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Save HSA receipts
Replies: 80
Views: 7320

Re: Save HSA receipts

Just want to mention a trick I used. My health insurer (GEHA) has a webpage listing of all my submitted out-of-pocket expenses for the past 18 months. I downloaded a copy of that. I don't recall if it had the total, but it would be easy to load it into a spreadsheet with no retyping. The expenses were almost always submitted by my health professionals (doctor, dentist, etc.) even if I knew it would be 100% out of pocket. So it took little effort on my part. I also had a shoebox, but I was not going to organize the shoebox unless an IRS auditor asked for the receipts. I just used the GEHA listing to figure out most of my qualified expenses. Also, remember that there are qualified expenses that you might not think of as medical expenses. Goo...
by ejvyas
Sat Dec 31, 2022 12:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two HDHP family plans
Replies: 4
Views: 607

Two HDHP family plans

My daughter is on two HDHP plans - primary husband (AAAA insurance) and secondary mine (BBBB insurance) so claims first hit AAAA and then remaining portion hits BBBB and I need to pay whatever is left after processing BBB has less deductible and OOPM than AAA so we hit a case this year : provider charges $200 After AAAA insurance processing balance left is $20 After BBBB insurance processing balance is $0 BBBB then sends us a check of $50 as a benefit since we maintain two insurance plans for my daughter. I asked BBBB why I get the checks and their explanation is this is the money they would be returned to my employer but the employer has opted to return it to the subscriber. Please help me understand how I should be accounting for this mon...
by ejvyas
Sun Oct 23, 2022 12:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Xfinity Xfi Gateway/Complete or bring your own modem?
Replies: 28
Views: 9592

Re: Xfinity Xfi Gateway/Complete or bring your own modem?

I always buy my own modem. Its a little expensive but works out well in the long run. Haven't had any issues with setup. I am using Xfinity on and off since the last ~20 yrs.

I have only streaming (no OTA) and I WFH + kid is a heavy video stream/gamer. We have never hit the monthly limit.
by ejvyas
Sun Oct 23, 2022 12:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for 48 hours in old Jan Juan (December)
Replies: 2
Views: 417

Re: Recommendations for 48 hours in old Jan Juan (December)

Lots of history at Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro. We stayed outside the city but parked street side and walked the whole of Old San Juan. Its a lot of walk especially tough if its hot and sunny (we visited in December just prior to covid). Most folks understand english so you wont need spanish. We had awesome local food at a couple of places. If I can find he names, I will post later

Have fun!!
by ejvyas
Tue Oct 18, 2022 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Will Google pay with Discover card work at Costco?
Replies: 35
Views: 4821

Re: Will Google pay with Discover card work at Costco?

Not in store. I always use Google Pay and tried using a card that was not Visa, didnt work
by ejvyas
Sun Oct 09, 2022 11:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parking around Philadelphia Chinatown
Replies: 13
Views: 1216

Re: Parking around Philadelphia Chinatown

I visited in August. Parked at Broad & Vine Street Garage. It was $20 for the 24 hrs, probably the cheapest around (other than time restricted street parking).

Chinatown had lots of crowd up to 9-10pm and we felt very safe walking around. However, there are parts that are deserted with very little lights. We did see lots of homeless as the previous folks point out.
by ejvyas
Tue Sep 06, 2022 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stupid HSA question....
Replies: 13
Views: 1486

Re: Stupid HSA question....

I don't know how you can do that without convincing your employer benefits/payroll. You can give them feedback about Optum. I also feel the "fees on invested funds" is something the employer picks up usually and is not doing that.

I had Optum in the past and could use their Vanguard funds and work with the limitation. Back in those days the cash amount had to be close to 5k.
by ejvyas
Tue Aug 16, 2022 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mega Backdoor Roth eliminated in the “Inflation Reduction Act”?
Replies: 12
Views: 4030

Re: Mega Backdoor Roth eliminated in the “Inflation Reduction Act”?

an_asker wrote: Tue Aug 16, 2022 3:06 pm I am not as good at reading long passages as I used to be. That said, let me re-ask/rephrase OP's question:

- as things stand, is the backdoor Roth IRA eliminated? [simple yes/no question, lol]

This is 100% actionable to me(us), as we are yet to contribute to an IRA for 2022, Roth or otherwise.

Thanks!!
This is a scaled down version of last year's BBB bill and does not eliminate it.
by ejvyas
Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Condo special assessments
Replies: 14
Views: 2023

Re: Condo special assessments

I also want to thank all other repliers for helping me sort it out. This 10k is lying in my bank account for next phase of rebalancing/investments and the overwhelming majority says I should just pay it off so thats what I plan to do :D
by ejvyas
Mon Apr 18, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Condo special assessments
Replies: 14
Views: 2023

Re: Condo special assessments

I m not well versed to research all these as the units go within 1 day of showing so it's impossible get all this information unless you are in the inner circle or have some friends or family living there. How would you approach the research? It depends on state law, but the owners have to turn over the by-laws, house rules, and a annual report. The annual report will what the current reserves are and how much are being contributed each year. There should also be a reserve study which shows when and how much capital spending will be. e.g. The 20 year roof is 10 years old and you will need $X dollars to replace. Ideally it should be done by a independent engineer and be less than 10 years old. While there are no guarantees in life this shou...
by ejvyas
Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Condo special assessments
Replies: 14
Views: 2023

Re: Condo special assessments

Nate79 wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 8:56 am Have you maxed your ibonds for the year?
Yes, we started iBonds this year :sharebeer
by ejvyas
Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Condo special assessments
Replies: 14
Views: 2023

Re: Condo special assessments

I might have a slightly different view of this kind of problem......What were the "major upgrades" that were done for the condo? Normally, getting a special assessment approved by a group of condo owners is like pulling teeth. It only happens when, for example, the roof is leaking, or some other deferred maintenance has finally gotten so bad that the condo might fall down. Many condos have inadequate reserves because the owners don't want to pay enough in maintenance fees to actually maintain the property. And, when condos are built, the developer intentionally low balls the maintenance fees to help sell the units. Has your condo ever had a reserve study completed to determine if your condo has adequate reserves? In WA, these are...
by ejvyas
Sun Apr 17, 2022 1:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Condo special assessments
Replies: 14
Views: 2023

Condo special assessments

My HOA did some major upgrades and hence we have special assessments/improvements. They gave us an option to pay our share in lump sum or monthly with 3.5% interest (30 yr). Our share is close to 10k and I am leaning towards paying it off in a lump sum. We are doing well with our current investment plan 401k + AA + emergency fund + 529 + HSA + maintenance. This 10k comes from savings over the last yr which was supposed to go into maintenance/remaining in investments.

I am looking for a little guidance as to what others would have done. Also a little puzzled at how our condo will be valued when selling and compared to others who may/may not have paid off the special assessments/improvements.
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 23, 2022 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard changes I have noticed recently [Thinking to move to Fidelity]
Replies: 72
Views: 9586

Re: Vanguard changes I have noticed recently [Thinking to move to Fidelity]

I echo the sentiments for different reasons :
1. Wait times
2. Time taken to execute my transaction after providing all details.
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How on earth do you mentally ever get over losing $120,000 in stupid trading decisions?
Replies: 118
Views: 14196

Re: How on earth do you mentally ever get over losing $120,000 in stupid trading decisions?

I lost ~$1k about 15 yrs back. It was my first job and my first investment in some stocks. I took the hit and that led to Bogleheads discovery. I maintain a lazy portfolio since then and no longer invest in any stocks except for RSU or ESPP which I consider as play money. A lot of my friends have the itch to invest in stocks - I just smirk and educate them on bogleheads and tell them there is no free lunch. Never been happier - thanks to all who helped and replied to my annoying questions
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 16, 2022 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

I think your employer needs to amend your W-2; but check with the IRS! I also think as long as you inform your HR dept. by March 1, 2021 your good. But again check with the IRS! It seems odd that your HR department wouldn’t implement an instruction on how much to contribute for the year. I've worked at a bunch of different companies and have switched jobs during the middle of the year multiple times. I've never seen a way to automatically deal with 401K overcontributions when I've switch jobs except to manage it myself. Employers typically only have a couple of options: enroll or not and withhold x% of a paycheck if enrolled. When I've changed jobs, I've noted how much I already contributed with the first employer and I know exactly how mu...
by ejvyas
Wed Feb 16, 2022 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

I think your employer needs to amend your W-2; but check with the IRS! I also think as long as you inform your HR dept. by March 1, 2021 your good. But again check with the IRS! It seems odd that your HR department wouldn’t implement an instruction on how much to contribute for the year. I've worked at a bunch of different companies and have switched jobs during the middle of the year multiple times. I've never seen a way to automatically deal with 401K overcontributions when I've switch jobs except to manage it myself. Employers typically only have a couple of options: enroll or not and withhold x% of a paycheck if enrolled. When I've changed jobs, I've noted how much I already contributed with the first employer and I know exactly how mu...
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 15, 2022 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

The W-2 should not be corrected and most employers know that. The reason is that tax programs will automatically add to your wage income any amount in excess of your allowed deferral limit. Therefore, revising the W-2 to increase Box 1 or reduce Box 12 d would result in double taxation. All of this is not clearly explained in the 1099R Inst. As a result of the usual correction, what you will eventually receive next January is: 1) A P coded 1099R showing the amount of the excess deferral that was returned. If the excess was already included in your wages in 2021, you IGNORE this 1099R, even though Box 2a will probably show the amount as taxable. 2) Another 1099R coded 8 for the return of earnings and any earnings will be taxable in 2022. Co...
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

imyeti2 wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:09 am I'm in a similar situation. What happens to the employer match in such cases?
They returned employer match to the employer, returned the contribution + earnings to me. I am not even sure how there were earnings as Dec/Jan was a negative period
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 15, 2022 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

I think your employer needs to amend your W-2; but check with the IRS! I also think as long as you inform your HR dept. by March 1, 2021 your good. But again check with the IRS! It seems odd that your HR department wouldn’t implement an instruction on how much to contribute for the year. Yes, I did inform the payroll but they seemed to ignore my request to amend the W-2. I'm actually shocked they did not allow me to limit my 401k esp since they sell HR/payroll systems :annoyed Did they actually tell you that they would not be correcting the W-2? Or are you just referring to the lack of an accurate initial W-2? I can easily see all the W-2s being issued based on Dec. 31 data. Then, after they are all out, situations like yours are addressed...
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 15, 2022 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

Thanks retiredjg. You are right - The over-contribution was already withdrawn in Jan 2022 (perhaps would have been better to not touch it) so currently my focus is how to represent this in taxes with no penalty and incorrect W-2. I will go through the links and comment
by ejvyas
Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

Re: 401k overcontribution

tetractys wrote: Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:12 am I think your employer needs to amend your W-2; but check with the IRS! I also think as long as you inform your HR dept. by March 1, 2021 your good. But again check with the IRS!

It seems odd that your HR department wouldn’t implement an instruction on how much to contribute for the year.
Yes, I did inform the payroll but they seemed to ignore my request to amend the W-2.

I'm actually shocked they did not allow me to limit my 401k esp since they sell HR/payroll systems :annoyed
by ejvyas
Sun Feb 13, 2022 12:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k overcontribution
Replies: 22
Views: 2177

401k overcontribution

I have gone through previous threads on this topic but I guess I need an easier layman explanation for this. I had a job change in 2021 which resulted in working for two employers in 2021. I had already contributed to the previous employer 401k. When I joined my current employer, I asked them multiple times where I could note my previous contributions but they said there was no such option in their payroll system. I was going to turn off my contributions before the last paycheck of 2021 but this wonderful employer ended up giving me a surprise bonus check and which triggered another 401k contribution effectively taking me over the max for the yr by about 1k. I requested withdrawal of excess and they sent me a check + gains check (Jan 2022)....
by ejvyas
Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:22 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️
Replies: 264
Views: 19407

Re: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️

Thank you sir for all that you have done. Your wisdom and shared knowledge has helped me lead a simple, stress free life
by ejvyas
Tue Jan 18, 2022 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free in-home Covid test Kits
Replies: 360
Views: 41954

Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

I feel sorry for the mail carriers. Wonder how the government will know how prevalent covid still is if everyone tests privately at home. Our city statistics already show an asterisk that those who test at home are not included in the stats. I guess that in a month or two, we will have no official cases any more, since we're all testing at home. This could end up being detrimental for public health. They are shifting to a model of self-reporting and self-care unless its an emergency. In short, the case numbers might become irrelevant if people stop reporting their cases. It would definitely relieve some pressure off schools, nurses and test centers. People will hopefully test more and quarantine if required. I had to wait 7 days to get a t...
by ejvyas
Mon Jan 10, 2022 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual medical visit - insurance (rant warning)
Replies: 82
Views: 8965

Re: Annual medical visit - insurance (rant warning)

I have never been charged extra for a physical. I ask lots of probing questions and my insurance company wants me to ask those questions and say those are covered. Yeah - I know the doctor very well but I dont always see the doctor (mostly the nurse). I do realize that some of my friends have been charged for physicals. If I was going to get charged, I would just use the online doctor/physical services from my insurance company. They can order tests and do a virtual visit or go to something like a minuteclinic or Urgent care who do physical/wellness checks. Right. If you go to a physician for the first time and ask a non preventative question and they bill your for the visit it's time to find a new physician or possibly new practice. We al...
by ejvyas
Mon Jan 10, 2022 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Maine
Replies: 87
Views: 10863

Re: Things to do in Maine

SuperSaver wrote: Mon Jan 10, 2022 8:44 am Planning a trip this summer AFTER July 4th.

Any updates? Flying into PWM, and spending 3 nights in Acadia/Bar Harbor.
All of the above suggestions are pretty good. Maine is beautiful. We have been there 7-8 times. Did you decide what places you want to visit ?
by ejvyas
Sat Jan 08, 2022 2:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual medical visit - insurance (rant warning)
Replies: 82
Views: 8965

Re: Annual medical visit - insurance (rant warning)

I have never been charged extra for a physical. I ask lots of probing questions and my insurance company wants me to ask those questions and say those are covered. Yeah - I know the doctor very well but I dont always see the doctor (mostly the nurse).

I do realize that some of my friends have been charged for physicals.

If I was going to get charged, I would just use the online doctor/physical services from my insurance company. They can order tests and do a virtual visit or go to something like a minuteclinic or Urgent care who do physical/wellness checks.
by ejvyas
Fri Dec 24, 2021 12:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mobile check investment -- not working (3 days)
Replies: 27
Views: 5987

Re: Mobile check investment -- not working (3 days)

Anyone else having issues with mobile deposit? I deposited a rollover check to my roth as usual last night (or so I thought). Today there was no record of the deposit. I got a generic email from Vanguard saying they were missing information and that needed to call them. After sitting on hold an hour they tell me the check was blurry and I need to deposit it again. I've been trying ever since and just keep getting an error "oops something went wrong. Try again" I've tried from Android app and freshly loaded iPhone app. Same error. Oh wow! They have not yet fixed this ! What a shame. I have the same exact experience as you but I am 100% sure that in my first deposit, the photo was very clear and NOT missing any information. Once th...
by ejvyas
Fri Dec 17, 2021 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mega Backdoor Roth EoY Timing
Replies: 20
Views: 2628

Re: Mega Backdoor Roth EoY Timing

Quick update: I paused my after-tax contributions indefinitely, starting with the EOY contribution. I plan to restart it at some point next year, assuming nothing fundamental changes. I requested the rollover to my Etrade Roth two days ago, and... my Etrade account ALREADY got the funds. I've heard doing after-tax rollovers was a headache for some, but this ended up being super easy, fast, and painfree. I think part of it is that Empower already had a partnership with Etrade, so all I had to do was provide my account number and I was golden. Props to them for making it easy. Unfortunately, still a $50 fee for the withdraw, but nothing I can do about that. Empower unfortunately wont send the check to Vanguard directly and want me to feel th...
by ejvyas
Wed Dec 15, 2021 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why bother with backdoor roth IRA when mega backdoor is available?
Replies: 11
Views: 2559

Re: Why bother with backdoor roth IRA when mega backdoor is available?

I only just realized that I have access to the MBR at my megacorp :oops: I'm planning to take full advantage of this for the next few years while my income is high. I already did a regular backdoor roth ira contribution in Jan. I'm hoping once I start doing these rollovers from the 401k it will get easier but right now I am still quite confused on the mechanics of the MBR. From what I have gathered from my 401k plan they will only send checks. One for the after tax amount which must be payable to me and another check for the gains made payable FBO me with account number of my tIRA at Vanguard. Confused by the best way to get all of this into the roth since I don't have some of the easier ways I've read about. It is definitely less straight...
by ejvyas
Tue Dec 14, 2021 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand Backdoor and Mega backdoor Roth IRA
Replies: 37
Views: 3584

Re: Help me understand Backdoor and Mega backdoor Roth IRA

Of the $90k in my after tax account, I have roughly $33k in earnings so my tax payment would be about $11k. I guess that tax payment isn’t too bad. I've not tried this, but look into rolling the earnings into traditional IRA and then pre-tax 401k to keep them pre-tax. Would help if your plan can separate distributions, so you don't have to deal with the 20% withholding complication. I don't understand the Dec. 31 deadline if you're not able to do it all this year. It should be possible to combine it with next year contributions and do it all next year, no? Does anyone know if there would be a major difference? (assume market is flat; growth or correction would have some modest change in earnings or losses) Alternatively, any earnings may b...
by ejvyas
Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mega Backdoor Roth EoY Timing
Replies: 20
Views: 2628

Re: Mega Backdoor Roth EoY Timing

Based on what you're told us, you should definitely initiate a rollover mid-month, and then another one on the last day of the year. Like you, my 401k provider is also Empower Retirement and IRA with eTrade. I just did a rollover this week. Empower has agreement with eTrade and can electronically transfer the funds. I initiated the process via the Empower Retirement app early morning 12/1. The distribution date on the Empower end reflects 12/1, but the transaction was dated 12/2 on the eTrade end. It was really simple and fast for me. YYMV if your plan requires additional approval steps as each 401k plan may be different. Should've mentioned this before, but unfortunately I believe there's a $50 fee for each rollover. If this fee didn't ex...
by ejvyas
Sun Dec 06, 2020 1:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Commuting after COVID
Replies: 133
Views: 10531

Re: Commuting after COVID

7eight9 wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 3:11 pm I suspect that companies that realize WFH works will be quick to embrace it --- with significantly cheaper labor from overseas. If one isn't needed in the office then they probably aren't even needed in the same time zone. People should be careful what they wish for.
For some jobs and skill set, yes - and for the better. However, remember that it also opens up more opportunities for people out here. Companies in other countries also want to expand out here and have coverage in US.
by ejvyas
Sun May 10, 2020 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you doing for haircuts due to coronavirus shutdown?
Replies: 258
Views: 27206

Re: What are you doing for haircuts due to coronavirus shutdown?

spouse is expert. Save on haircuts since last 10 yrs!
by ejvyas
Fri Feb 14, 2020 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet and basic tv options?
Replies: 44
Views: 4087

Re: Internet and basic tv options?

The only bummer with Youtube TV is that it gets your location and you can only view channels from that location. I travel a lot and miss the local stuff since the browser/app gets the new location I've only been on YTTV for two months and haven't traveled out of state in that time, so I cannot independently confirm. But my understanding per reading their documentation is that live TV will indeed be tied to the location you are at. But recordings are based on your home region as configured in your profile. As long as that location is confirmed by activity every (90?) days, those recordings will work and will be viewable from anywhere. Since I do everything I can to avoid watching anything live, if the above is accurate I'm all good. You are...
by ejvyas
Tue Feb 11, 2020 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet and basic tv options?
Replies: 44
Views: 4087

Re: Internet and basic tv options?

I use Verizon Internet only 100mbps $40/month and Youtube TV (since I get only 2-3 OTA channels with the best of antennas) and amazon prime. I have always done internet only plan with OTA antenna at most other places I used to live.

The only bummer with Youtube TV is that it gets your location and you can only view channels from that location. I travel a lot and miss the local stuff since the browser/app gets the new location
by ejvyas
Sat Mar 09, 2019 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preventive Care and Annual Physical 100% Covered but Charged?
Replies: 62
Views: 5297

Re: Preventive Care and Annual Physical 100% Covered but Charged?

In the hindsight if you only wanted vaccines you should have gone to something like minute clinic.

Only one wellness visit is covered per year. Also, if you have some issue Eg. Low platelets or vit d, some blood work may be coded as diagnostic and you may get a bill for it (even if it's screening) . It totally depends on the billing person at the doctor's office. They shouldn't have called you in for a second visit to go over results. It's usually done online or through phone for free.
by ejvyas
Thu Jan 03, 2019 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 - limits and contribution
Replies: 15
Views: 2007

Re: 529 - limits and contribution

Thanks! I got your point about the annual gift tax exclusion and medicaid (we dont plan to use). I will try to find how to get the state deduction for 529 with the rollover