Search found 310 matches

by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: London hotel - which neighborhood
Replies: 4
Views: 474

Re: London hotel - which neighborhood

You may want to start by using the IHG app and use their map to see which property gives you the best deal with the points you have.

I have Bonvoy and some IHG points, and that is usually how I start to search for hotels for trips.
by BlackcatCA
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
Replies: 42
Views: 5244

Re: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?

mike2026 wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:00 am Thanks. I should have known it was not so simple.

Very pleased then with the fund as a California option. Running the Fidelity Tax Equivalent Yield Calculator, it equates to 7.44% CD and 5.76% on Treasury Bonds for those in the highest tax bracket in California.
Thanks for posting this and the calculations.

I just look up VTEC in the Vanguard page and it shows SEC yield = 2.94, but nothing has posted yet about distribution yield. So the SEC yield is a tad lower than VCADX (3.08). Good enough to try?
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878499

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Hello Platinum Rewards experts, I have a question about the 24 weeks look back period quoted in the transfer bonuses. I currently have Platinum Honors linked to a taxable account. I ACAT out most stock from this acct (for a bonus elsewhere) and have left some cash in the CMA account. I think I can keep PH for a few months with this account even with <100k, based on info shared earlier in this long thread. Question is: can I open a new CMA account and move fresh $$ into it to qualify for a new Merrill bonus? Some on this thread have mentioned it is possible. How would the 24 weeks look back work? Do they count only the new CMA account (no history), or the old CMA account? Or worse, do they count all the other BofA checking accounts linked to...
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Yes, their site does show the pending ACAT. What I was asking is e.g., if the ACAT doesn't land til Tuesday, would I be able to call Monday and apply the bonus code to that CMA and be able to count the ACAT amounts in the 'new money'? Though actually I can't call Monday as I'm on flights all day, so I think I just need to let this one go. I am in a similar situation, except that I have already ACAT stocks out of Merrill, and had put in 50k cash. I was reading in other threads that PH status is only accessed once a year, so I wasn't concerned about having <100k for a couple of months. If I can understand how the 24 weeks look back work (eg the scope of accounts), then maybe there is a way to open a new account and try? Waiting for experts t...
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

I've done a ME bonus once a year for the last three years. You don't have to open a separate account each time but it makes adding the promo code easier since ME re-uses codes. I had a hard time finding a ME rep who was willing to put the promo code at the time onto my existing account last year because they could see my promo history. It took multiple attempts over multiple days to finally get my existing account enrolled. Technically you could do two bonuses per account type each year if you really optimized the process because of the 24 week look back period, but in reality I've never wanted to cut the promo times close enough that I would have to explain any overlap. I did not realize bonus can be repeated. Silly me just left ETFs in M...
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

VictorStarr wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 11:11 pm
bravesfan21 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:41 pm
VictorStarr wrote: Fri Nov 03, 2023 1:50 pm
I do this bonus annually. My Preferred Rewards Anniversary is in November. I open a new account and transfer funds in July, keep funds for three months and transfer out in November. A round trip takes around four months.
Do you typically have your Merrill advisor attach the bonus to your account or just open a new account through a Merrill web offer?
I never had a Merrill advisor. I just opened a new account using a web page with the current Merrill offer.
So what happens to your old Merrill account? Do you transfer out all the $$ when you open the new account to get the new bonus? I am not entirely clear about the sequence relative to your Nov anniversary date.
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Very curious. Can you advise how to do this? I currently have a taxable account and just ACAT out much of it (partial ACAT). Do I need to close this account and open a new taxable account? Do I need to wait after closing? Is there a way to preserve Platinum Honors while switching accounts? They kill your platinum honors around your anniversary. They tell you how long you need to bring assets back to maintain it. Yes I understand the part about once a year qualifying checks. What I’d like to understand is, since I need to transfer back $$ to make the 100k threshold, is there a way to get a new bonus at the same time? The question is whether I need a new account for it, versus just bringing back $$ after a couple of months into the existing ...
by BlackcatCA
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

cak144 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 5:53 pm
Can you only do it once per year? (Otherwise I bet you'd be doing the 'round trip every 4 months :) )

I am trying to figure out if you can transfer multiple accounts (1 taxable, 1 IRA) and collect 2 bonuses at once... @VictorStarr you probably know offhand :)
[/quote]

Yes, you can do 1 taxable and 1 IRA every 12 months. I have done it.
[/quote]

Very curious. Can you advise how to do this? I currently have a taxable account and just ACAT out much of it (partial ACAT). Do I need to close this account and open a new taxable account? Do I need to wait after closing? Is there a way to preserve Platinum Honors while switching accounts?
by BlackcatCA
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy this phone?
Replies: 24
Views: 1877

Re: Should I buy this phone?

I currently have a Samsung A53. The camera is very slow to open up and it lags when I take pictures, such that I frequently miss being able to capture the fur kids doing something cute. Stupid, I know. Also, everything is just slow to open -- the browser, apps, everything. (I spend most of my time on WiFi.) I have been in the Samsung ecosystem for awhile, but am not tied to it. I've heard great things about iPhone, but they seem more expensive than Samsung. I was looking at the iPhone 13. But if I were to stay with Samsung, I would consider the S23 FE (which is now up to about $650) or an S24+ (which would run around $1000). Thank you everyone for your input! What is your cell phone carrier? Many of them have “free” phone deals if you sign...
by BlackcatCA
Mon Mar 04, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To buy BND or not now ??
Replies: 63
Views: 8504

Re: To buy BND or not now ??

Would you buy BND NOW in Tax deferred ? We are mostly in CDs with 4 to 5% return with quite some still left in money market in SPAXX (4.99% yield). We are retired, 67 DW is 62, AA is 70/30 Thanks Currently bond fund share prices are low and yields are high. Now is a better time than usual to buy something like Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND), current SEC Yield = 4.53%. Morningstar (10/02/2023), At Long Last, Bonds Once Again Matter . "For the first time in many years, U.S. bonds now merit consideration from total-return investors." What about for those of us who ‘stay the course’ and did not sell in 2022? Should we hold and wait for recovery (7 yrs?), buy more BND, or sell and move $$ to tbills? In tax deferred space.
by BlackcatCA
Fri Mar 01, 2024 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACATS from Merrill Edge issue
Replies: 15
Views: 1896

Re: ACATS from Merrill Edge issue

Cost basis has transferred correctly and appears to match what ME had. What's interesting is that I also transferred some from Fidelity and one of them has a zero cost basis. Going back through old statements, I can see when it went to zero when I sold some. So it appears that Fidelity's cost basis tracking on mutual funds in IRAs is a little funky but since it's an IRA, it's not something I care about. Very glad to see that your transfer was successful. I am also in the midst of a transfer: pull out of ME, partial transfer. The stocks disappeared from ME the next day, but has not appeared yet in the other brokerage, so it is causing some anxiety. Cash management: what are some best practices re: accessing cash quickly? I am holding one of...
by BlackcatCA
Fri Mar 01, 2024 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Merrill Edge Taxable Accounts
Replies: 30
Views: 4402

Re: Merrill Edge Taxable Accounts

TTTXX is a reasonable place to park cash and acts like a money market and interacts with Bank of America accounts and also counts towards premium rewards status, but you need to trade during the trading day to sell shares to cash. The TTTXX fund you have to get your buy/sell order in by 1:45PM ET. I use a slightly different fund, TFDXX that extends the trading time until 5:00PM ET. If you are actively moving cash in/out of these funds, TFDXX may be a little more convenient with the extended deadline. Note, these Black Rock funds don't trade like mutual funds where you can put your order in any time then they will trade at the end of the next business day. Just an FYI. Here is the ME page on these cash management funds: https://olui2.fs.ml....
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Webull 3% Offer]
Replies: 48
Views: 5077

Re: [Webull 3% Offer]

Misenplace wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 3:15 pm EliteZags, I split your post out to its own topic.

Thanks to the member who reported the issue and explained what was wrong.

Moderator Misenplace
Thank you! Really appreciate having this topic standalone.

Is it also possible to pull Webull items from the impossibly large “Definitive… brokerage transfer” thread?
by BlackcatCA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACATS from Merrill Edge issue
Replies: 15
Views: 1896

Re: ACATS from Merrill Edge issue

Thanks OP for posting this. I am about to request a partial transfer from Merrill Edge (the self service one).
Were you able to speak with someone at Merrill about this?

Merrill site seems to be quite glitchy. I set up a buy trade last night but wanted to cancel today. The item has an active “Cancel” button but when I pressed it, it kept giving me an error that the trading system was down. It was around 3:30 pm EST, market closing time. 2 hrs later, I logged on and the trade was executed. Fortunately I have the funds… I wouldnt use Merrill but sadly it is the only way to keep BofA Platinum Honors status.
by BlackcatCA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally HYSA to Vanguard VMFXX
Replies: 9
Views: 1322

Re: Ally HYSA to Vanguard VMFXX

Fishing2retire wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:37 pm
I will have to open a Vanguard brokerage account first though correct because I can’t do it with my Roth account?
Yes, if Roth is all you have, you will need to open a regular brokerage account. It maybe easier to do this while you are logged into your Roth account, maybe the application will be pre-populated with your info.
by BlackcatCA
Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally HYSA to Vanguard VMFXX
Replies: 9
Views: 1322

Re: Ally HYSA to Vanguard VMFXX

Fishing2retire wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:35 pm
Yes I have both ally and Vanguard accounts
The easiest way is to start on Vanguard side, add Ally checking or saving account as one of your funding source, Vanguard will then send 2 trial deposits to Ally to verify you own the account. As soon as the Ally account is linked, you can buy VMFXX in Vanguard and used Ally checking/savings as your funding source for purchase.

There is no wait to pull $$ from Ally to buy Vanguard funds. There is however a waiting period of 7-10 days if you want to send $$ to Ally from Vanguard.
by BlackcatCA
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors
Replies: 24
Views: 3124

Re: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors

Nadir wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:40 pm I was thinking the ER for a fund in a Wells Fargo Advisors brokerage would include everything, i.e. front end loads etc... Is this wrong?
ER is what everyone pays who buy the fund, irrespective of which brokerage it is held.

I just read upstream that you have mostly etfs (ETF's: GSLK, IVV, XLK, XLI and XLY). IVV is a S&P 500 etf and has very low ER. You may want to keep this one. An easy website to look these up: etf.com.

Your best bet is to call up a banker at WellsTrade and say you want to move your account over. Hopefully they can do an internal no fee ACAT for you. Then you can unwind the trade and sell the stocks/etf you do not want.
by BlackcatCA
Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors
Replies: 24
Views: 3124

Re: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors

Nadir wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:19 pm
Trying to put together all the information but I'm struggling with expense ratios for funds. Obviously not going to find that on my brokerage statements . Can this be calculated from details in the statement?
I just signed up for WellsTrade and spent the last week learning about platform. There is a Mutual fund screen section under Research, where you can look up details of funds including expense ratios. Importantly, it will also show whether it has fees associated with trading, load or fees etc.
Worse case, you can look up expense ration easily by googling the ticker.
by BlackcatCA
Mon Feb 26, 2024 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?
Replies: 42
Views: 5244

Re: California Tax-Exempt Bond ETF - thoughts?

Has anyone bought VTEC since its launch? I have VCADX but need to hold some cash in platforms other than Vanguard. I cannot find SEC yield for VTEC. Is it because it is too new? Are the monthly dividends tax free?

I am trying to decide whether to buy VTEC, CMF or BOXX. I have been reading the many threads on them but still cannot decide. I am holding the cash to DCA over a few months. What would the wise BH community choose?
by BlackcatCA
Sun Feb 25, 2024 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

EquitiesOrGuitars wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:17 pm I can't speak for SGOV/VTEC, but I hold FRSXX [Fidelity MM 'Treasury Only'] at WellsTrade... if I put in a sell order for that MM fund it is processed end of day and the next business day the proceeds are fully available to invest (e.g. if sell FRSXX on Monday, can buy an ETF with same funds on Tuesday)
Thanks! So MF can be sold and settled in 1 day. I will try this, as long as FRSXX is no fee and load.
by BlackcatCA
Sun Feb 25, 2024 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

What is the better option to hold cash (that I plan to DCA) in WellsTrade: a MM fund, or SGOV/VTEC (the new Vanguard CA muni)? Which one can I access money sooner for DCA? Apparently in WellsTrade, the only source for trading is the Cash account, according to a WellsTrade person I chatted with. This requires me to move cash into WellsTrade Cash account first, before I can do any trading. It takes 3-4 days, even if I chose the “Next day” option. Seems really slow. Has it been the experience of those of you who had used WellsTrade? (This is very inconvenient since Vanguard allows me to trade with external funding at the time when I place the order… I am trying to keep an open mind with the bonus offer, but WT is already not a good experience…)
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 22, 2024 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

GABXX is better as its 100% state tax free. VSUXX was 80%. Where are you transfering from? GABXX was not available for purchase directly at WF but I was able to transfer in from Etrade. Both GABXX and VSUXX have almost same yield. WF allows purchase of Fidelity Institutional MM funds and you don't need the 1m+ investment. FRSXX yield is slightly lower than GABXX and also 100% treasury. Thanks for the new info! Never heard of GABXX, have just been buying Treasury at Vanguard for simplicity, and VSUXX (which I thought is 100% state tax free… not so?) I plan to transfer from 3 places: a bunch of cash from HY saving and maturing tbills, VSUXX at Vanguard, and ETFs from Fidelity (just to park). Need to decide what to put the cash to work, while...
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

This is my experience as well in all respects. The Wells Trade internet website interface works well for self directed trading, and it is useful to be able to easily transfer funds to the investment accounts from regular bank accounts. I've also found that the customer service via a telephone call to Wells Trade is very good. Wells Trade also gives you access to Vanguard Money Market funds, as well as ETF's, so you can access VMRXX and VMSXX and other Vanguard money market funds. Those are better money market funds than either Schwab or Fidelity offer, in my opinion. Thanks for these votes of confidence. Do you know if the Brokerage Cash account earn any interest? Also, do you know if I can directly connect this Brokerage Cash account with...
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

Happy to see this standalone topic on Wellstrade. Is there an easy way to buy Treasury via auction using this platform? By easy I mean not involving calling a WellsTrade banker. I searched “buy tbill Wellstrade” in the forum but found nothing on this. I don't think there is an easy way. I was enrolled in the offer too and got the bonus. I kept the funds in GABXX(transferred in). I'm ready to exit - its a horrible platform for trading. Thanks for this. I use VSUXX but this does not seem to be no fee trade. Is GABXX also state tax free like VSUXX? Looks like only 2 Vanguard MM funds are no fee and no load. I just sign up so haven’t used the platform yet, reserving judgement. It can’t be worse than TastyTrade which is truly horrendous.
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question
Replies: 31
Views: 3320

Re: Wells Fargo WellsTrade brokerage account access question

Happy to see this standalone topic on Wellstrade.

Is there an easy way to buy Treasury via auction using this platform? By easy I mean not involving calling a WellsTrade banker.
I searched “buy tbill Wellstrade” in the forum but found nothing on this.
I have been buying Treasury bills using Vanguard, but need to use WellsTrade because of a bonus offer. Thanks in advance!
by BlackcatCA
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Thanks for posting. Great to have another chance since I missed the Oct round. Is there any language about reimbursing ACAT fees from other brokerages? Looks like cash transfer from bank accounts get 2% back. What about cash sitting in brokerage that are ACAT over? Would that get 2% or 3%? I received an email from Webull today with the following offer. Thank you for being a part of Webull! Enjoy commission-free trading on a wide range of assets, advanced charting tools, and real-time market data! Webull is revolutionizing the way individuals approach investing! Check out this limited-time offer! Earn 2% cashback on deposits and 3% cashback from ACAT transfers made to your Margin Account between 2/21/2024 12:00 AM ET – 3/15/2024 11:59 PM ET!...
by BlackcatCA
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

LadyGeek wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 2:04 pm I merged EliteZags' thread into the ongoing discussion.

(Thanks to the member who reported the post and provided a link to this thread.)
I wish this one can be a standalone topic like the Robinhood one, because it is impossible to read or find anything in this thread, it is so big and topics are mixed together. Thanks for considering.
by BlackcatCA
Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is happening with the SEC Yield for TIPS funds?
Replies: 15
Views: 1461

Re: What is happening with the SEC Yiled for TIPS funds?

Thank you Op for posting this question! I am just reading about TIPS fund since I just bought into a “inflation protection” option for the first time in my 401k plan (at Vanguard). The position is sitting at negative and I am wondering if I made a mistake and should have bought BND instead. What you have quoted: does it mean that if I hold this fund for 6.5 years, I would get 2% real return? Note that Vanguard reports real yields on its TIPS funds, which are more meaningful; this is the yield to maturity above inflation for all the TIPS in the fund. OK, if see the difference. If I check Vanguard's VIPSX (intermediate fund) https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vipsx#portfolio-composition it shows duration 6....
by BlackcatCA
Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 3652

Re: SGOV Dividends - qualified or not?

brew wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:57 am
Eno Deb wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:23 pm
opus360 wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:25 amThe SGOV dividends, are they exempted from state income taxes? I am thinking they are federal government obligations, so it should be exempt from state income taxes.
This is the direct link to the 2023 information. It's "2023 U.S. Government Source Income Information" from the Tax Documents link provided by Eno Deb above. 96.45% for SGOV.

https://www.ishares.com/us/literature/t ... tamped.pdf
Thanks for this info. Sorry for being dense: does it mean SGOV dividends are 96.45% state tax exempt, or 100%? I am in CA and first year owning SGOV. Thanks.
by BlackcatCA
Mon Jan 22, 2024 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best tours for China?
Replies: 122
Views: 10828

Re: Best tours for China?

BTW: I started looking at hotels to stay at in the Beijing area and read on one of the forums someone suggesting to stay near a subway stop. I've grown very dependent on Google Maps for figuring stuff like this out but obviously it's a huge limitation with China. So, for those of you who have planned out your accommodations, how exactly did you do it particularly when looking for hotels near a subway/metro stop? Is there a special term for subway/metro station on Google Maps where I can get the exact stop? I found a picture of the subway map online but finding the *actual* stop on a map is another story.... Search for hotels around Tiananmen Square: 2 subway stations, East and West. We stayed at Beijing Raffles hotel a couple of times: it’...
by BlackcatCA
Sat Jan 20, 2024 10:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

I agree the Webull app is awful, but I'm able to do everything I need (view balance, view statements, buy/sell ETFs, transfer money to/from bank) via the web at: https://app.webull.com/account It's not going to win any design awards and is a bit goofy, but it's far less goofy than the app. How does Robinhood compare to WeBull interface? Here is my pros/con comparison Robinhood: bonus = 1% of transfer amount, keep account for 2 yrs - pro: $75 fees reimburse, cost basis transfer “OK”, US-based. User interface? Bonus deposit soon after transfer? - con: need to keep acct for 2 years, cannot fall below initial transfer amount (?) WeBull: bonus = 1.5% of transfer amount over 2 yrs - pro: $100 fees reimburse. Option to just take 0.8% after 1 y - ...
by BlackcatCA
Sat Jan 20, 2024 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878499

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

FrugalProfessor wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 12:50 am
BlackcatCA wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:54 pm
anon_investor wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:29 pm
BlackcatCA wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:28 pm Sorry if this was asked before…

Does anyone know if having PR status means I can ACAT out shares from Merrill without fees? Is ACAT fees one of the perks of PR?
I thought there was only a fee if you transfer out the entire account and/or close the account.
Really? Has anyone done a partial ACAT from Merrill? I want to transfer 50% of stock out and keep 100k to maintain the PR.
I've done partial ACAT out of Merrill with no fees. Worked fine.

I don't like keeping more money than is necessary there.
Thank you anon investor and FrugalProfessor. Good to know for sure.
by BlackcatCA
Sat Jan 20, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BOXX ETF: Help Me Understand
Replies: 40
Views: 6131

Re: BOXX ETF: Help Me Understand

calvin111 wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:10 am I have my current cash in Fidelity SPAXX, but that is producing dividend which my understanding is that it will be taxed at my regular income rate (which I am in VHCOL and high tax bracket). So I am considering moving to BOXX so I can get LTCG for a portion + if I dont sell it then I do not have to pay any taxes.

So is the recommendation to move your cash to BOXX to save on taxes and still get almost similar or higher yield ?
I have the same question.

I am looking for an ETF equivalent for cash with minimal tax. I read that SGOV might be it (state tax exempt) but SGOV price looks cyclical. Does BOXX serve the same purpose with more stable pricing?
by BlackcatCA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

1) How’s the WeBull platform? Is it better or worse than TastyTrade, b/c I find TastyTrade’s platform horrid. I also hate Tastytrade. But I *really* hate WeBull. You can't do anything on the web, everything needs to be done on their app. There is a desktop app for Windows and Mac which will need to be updated from time-to-time. The app seems like it's made for day traders. Very technical. Lots of animated charts that are updated up-to-the-minute. Many of the numbers bounce around constantly unless you look after hours. It's really hard for me to figure out how to do basic things, like buy and sell shares. I agree the Webull app is awful, but I'm able to do everything I need (view balance, view statements, buy/sell ETFs, transfer money to/f...
by BlackcatCA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878499

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

anon_investor wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 10:29 pm
BlackcatCA wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:28 pm Sorry if this was asked before…

Does anyone know if having PR status means I can ACAT out shares from Merrill without fees? Is ACAT fees one of the perks of PR?
I thought there was only a fee if you transfer out the entire account and/or close the account.
Really? Has anyone done a partial ACAT from Merrill? I want to transfer 50% of stock out and keep 100k to maintain the PR.
by BlackcatCA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7041
Views: 878499

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

Sorry if this was asked before…

Does anyone know if having PR status means I can ACAT out shares from Merrill without fees? Is ACAT fees one of the perks of PR?
by BlackcatCA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110106

Re: 3% IRA transfer bonus at Robinhood: Worth it?

Would appreciate if anyone has insights: 1)Does Robinhood reimburse for IRA transfers? 2) If I have Fidelity funds in the IRA, I will need to change them to ETFs before moving? Or is it better to liquidate and re-buy at Robinhood. 3) Can I roll multiple IRAs into a single Robinhood account and get 3% for the total? For 1, yes, they will reimburse any transfer fees up to $75, but it may require some bugging. Also, the reimbursement doesn't show up on your account history for some reason, but only on your monthly statement. For 2, you should probably sell at Fidelity and re-buy there and just transfer the ETFs. One issue is that IRAs can't have negative cash balances, so it is unclear if they will liquidate whole shares to pay for the transf...
by BlackcatCA
Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1459
Views: 110106

Re: 3% IRA transfer bonus at Robinhood: Worth it?

Would appreciate if anyone has insights:

1)Does Robinhood reimburse for IRA transfers?
2) If I have Fidelity funds in the IRA, I will need to change them to ETFs before moving? Or is it better to liquidate and re-buy at Robinhood.
3) Can I roll multiple IRAs into a single Robinhood account and get 3% for the total?
by BlackcatCA
Mon Jan 15, 2024 8:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

This topic is so long, very hard to find things! Has anyone moved on the WeBull 1.5% transfer offer? Any datapoint on successfully getting a WeBull bonus? I am still on the fence and want more reassurance from this community… Got an email from we bull offering 1.5% bonus on a transfer up to $30k Basically you get 0.8% on Dec 31st 2024 and then another 0.7% on Dec 31st 2025 Long story short you have to keep your cash at Webull for 2 years to get the whole bonus, but it appears you can break free after 1 year and just get 0.8% which is still pretty good. Does this work on IRAs? Also, is the limit of what they give you $30,000 (ie can transfer up to $2 million) or is are they trying to only go for $30,000 accounts? I'd assume the former but un...
by BlackcatCA
Wed Jan 10, 2024 4:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Those who are familiar with Webull: i see this language in the fine print. Does it mean it is the only bonus one can do, ever? Is this language in other previous offers? “Limitation. Each Eligible Participant may earn a maximum of one Transfer Bonus and one Transfer Fee Reimbursement. No Eligible Participant is entitled to earn Offer Rewards in respect of more than one Webull Account.” If you've contacted WeBull regarding this, I would be curious to know what their answer was. I got this answer back, but I am not sure I believe it? “ The transfer reimbursement can only be claimed one time. For the future promotion, if you receive the promotion message you can still participate in our new promotion.” Maybe someone else can ask too… differen...
by BlackcatCA
Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?
Replies: 38
Views: 5194

Re: 9-10 days in Turkey - where would you spend it?

OP, thanks so much for posting! We are thinking about a similar trip this year (spring but more likely fall/winter). I will be watching this post with interest. First visit.
I am currently thinking about booking a small group tour (12 days max), so we dont’t end up staying in Istanbul the whole time. One of these tours has a iternary as follows: 4 days Istanbul, 1 Safranbolu, 3 Cappadocia, 1 Sagalassos, 3 Fethiye. Are these all interesting places? Would appreciate comment and feedback from members who know Turkey.
by BlackcatCA
Wed Jan 03, 2024 12:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

Got an email from we bull offering 1.5% bonus on a transfer up to $30k Basically you get 0.8% on Dec 31st 2024 and then another 0.7% on Dec 31st 2025 Long story short you have to keep your cash at Webull for 2 years to get the whole bonus, but it appears you can break free after 1 year and just get 0.8% which is still pretty good. Interesting. Is it an in-kind transfer, or cash only (at 5%)? Can one transfer Tbills from Vanguard to WeBull? Seems to be a better deal than M1? Would appreciate others to confirm. Thanks! Either of bonus seems decent ones: WeBull is nearly 2-years to get 1.5% bonus; no IRAs M1 allows pooling (Brokerage and/or IRAs) - and can get bonus within 9 months. M1 got a few quirks - with its investing pie model (so, don’...
by BlackcatCA
Tue Jan 02, 2024 5:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

EnjoyIt wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:26 pm Got an email from we bull offering 1.5% bonus on a transfer up to $30k
Basically you get 0.8% on Dec 31st 2024
and then another 0.7% on Dec 31st 2025

Long story short you have to keep your cash at Webull for 2 years to get the whole bonus, but it appears you can break free after 1 year and just get 0.8% which is still pretty good.
Interesting. Is it an in-kind transfer, or cash only (at 5%)? Can one transfer Tbills from Vanguard to WeBull?
Seems to be a better deal than M1? Would appreciate others to confirm. Thanks!
by BlackcatCA
Fri Nov 17, 2023 11:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337157

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

need403bhelp wrote: Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:29 pm Webull data point: transferred from Merrill Edge completed 10/18. Transferred to cash account later moved to margin. Had cost basis re sent from Merrill Edge. Finally today shows correctly in Apex (apparently has to be manually entered if resent, initially entered incorrectly).

Now time to work on DW’s transfer who still has $0 cost basis showing.
WeBull question: I initiated a transfer from Public to Webull on Oct 30 for the bonus. But something happened at Public and transfer didn’t happen. Now the bonus deadline has passed.
If I close out the account now, will I be eligible for another round of bonus?
by BlackcatCA
Fri Sep 22, 2023 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread
Replies: 2224
Views: 286928

Re: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread

bog007 wrote: Thu Sep 21, 2023 10:57 am Canvas went up on rates

https://canvasannuity.com/
Good rate. Is Canvas still B+ rating, or have they improved?

I have a 3-yr MYGA from 2022 that was about 4.5%. Is it worth it to break that and buy a 5-y one at Canvas?
by BlackcatCA
Sat Apr 15, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread
Replies: 2224
Views: 286928

Re: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread

suginami wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 12:29 pm Quick update. The application for the Canvas annuity (Puritan Life) submitted by Blueprint was sent on Monday, and the check was mailed from Vanguard to Canvas that Friday. That was fast. 5 days total.
I cannot find Canvas products in Blueprintincome.com. I thought the only option to buy Canvas is at their own website… is this a wrong assumption? How can I buy Canvas products within Blueprint?
by BlackcatCA
Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread
Replies: 2224
Views: 286928

Re: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread

With 5-7 yrs Treasury and CD rate in decline, I am reconsidering the Canvas 5 or 7 product at 6.2% again, for about 100k. Is it worth the risk? Below are some of the considerations and I’d appreciate some wise opinions from this group.
Pro:
> 1% higher than Treasury, brokered CD, or bank CDs
CD rates are unlikely to hit 6% any time soon, may go lower if recession happens.
MYGA rates maybe trending lower too??

Con:
AM Best B++ only
California so only 80% insurance coverage.

Am I missing any risks?

Thank you all in advance.
by BlackcatCA
Sat Mar 11, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Brokerage for elder MIL?
Replies: 10
Views: 826

Re: Brokerage for elder MIL?

I would expect Fidelity would have physical branches in Pheonix area, so she can use the Fidelity CMA as her bank. They also have fairly good phone support, at least for brokerage. I have no experience with CMA phone support but perhaps others can comment.
by BlackcatCA
Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BOA delays into Fidelity
Replies: 18
Views: 1195

Re: BOA delays into Fidelity

Fidelity should allow trading immediate when pulling $ in from banks, because settlement is 2 days later. You may want to confirm?
I know Vanguard allows trading right away when you pull in money, so 2nd option is switch to Vanguard.
3 rd option is to open an interest bearing checking account. A few are paying nice interest… there are several threads about them.
by BlackcatCA
Thu Feb 09, 2023 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking to purchase a durable queen bed
Replies: 10
Views: 1421

Re: Looking to purchase a durable queen bed

Check out Floydhome.com, the platform bed looks nice.