Search found 4183 matches

by natureexplorer
Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPI-indexed annuities
Replies: 75
Views: 6420

Re: CPI-indexed annuities

Word around here has been that while they were once offered, there aren't any insurers currently offering them. Blueprintincome.com offers SPIA quotes, including options for SPIA's with 1%, 2%, 3%, or CPI annual adjustment, but if you select the CPI option there are no quotes returned. Social Security and/or a government job with a CPI adjusted pension seems the closest thing to a CPI adjusted annuity available. One could build a TIPS portfolio out to some expected lifespan projection, but that's not quite the same as the guarantee of a life annuity. My mother has one from AIG bought in 2007.Just before a near miss of the company facing sudden death. In other words, it was priced too good to be true for a reason. It worked out because AIG ...
by natureexplorer
Wed Jan 18, 2023 1:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPI-indexed annuities
Replies: 75
Views: 6420

CPI-indexed annuities

Are there still any CPI SPIAs? Where can I get a quote? What providers still offer them?
by natureexplorer
Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How can you buy 4-week T-Bills @ Fidelity?
Replies: 5
Views: 769

How can you buy 4-week T-Bills @ Fidelity?

How can you buy new 4-week T-Bills @ Fidelity?

When I go to Fixed Income, it only brings up longer duration treasuries:
Image
by natureexplorer
Thu May 12, 2022 11:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!
Replies: 172
Views: 29430

Re: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!

Is there a rough agenda for the conference? Trying to decide what day & time to fly in & out.
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 11, 2022 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Vanguard Admiral to ETF share conversion worth it?
Replies: 13
Views: 2012

Is Vanguard Admiral to ETF share conversion worth it?

It used to be that Admiral shares for funds like Total Stock Market and Total International have the same ER as their respective ETF shares. This is no longer the case and the gap may continue to widen.

As of today, the ER advantage of select ETFs:
VTI: 0.01%, $10 per year per $100k
VXUS: 0.04%, $40 per year per $100k

Have you converted your Admiral shares to ETF shares for cost-savings reason? What's the potential downside?

Does Vanguard carry over the cost basis data on a per-lot basis?

Assumptions: Taxable account. To be held for many years unless TLH opportunities arise.
by natureexplorer
Tue Mar 29, 2022 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Choosing a Password Manager
Replies: 43
Views: 5010

Re: Choosing a Password Manager

puddingfox wrote: Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:39 pmI use BitWarden and like it. I switched from LastPass after they reduced the functionality of their free license.
Is there a way to export from LastPass and import to BitWarden? I've been meaning to make the switch as well. About $30/year is too much.
by natureexplorer
Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Tax Blog
Replies: 4
Views: 708

Re: Best Tax Blog

livesoft wrote: Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:13 pmThat's the articles, but the forum itself has more recent activity, doesn't it?
Indeed!
by natureexplorer
Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Tax Blog
Replies: 4
Views: 708

Re: Best Tax Blog

livesoft wrote: Mon Nov 23, 2020 7:05 pmMaybe you are thinking of the forum at www.fairmark.com ?
That's the one, thank you! I see it's been inactive since February 2019 :(
by natureexplorer
Mon Nov 23, 2020 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Tax Blog
Replies: 4
Views: 708

Best Tax Blog

What's the best blog out there with tax information? I believe to remember from 10 years ago that there is one that posts only sporadically when there is something to report.
by natureexplorer
Mon Aug 31, 2020 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can W2 remote worker qualify for foreign earned income exclusion?
Replies: 1
Views: 230

Can W2 remote worker qualify for foreign earned income exclusion?

Can a W2 remote worker qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion? This is assuming the employer is actually in the US but the W2 employee is allowed to work from anywhere.
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1095-A mistake (No SLCSP)
Replies: 38
Views: 13748

Re: 1095-A mistake (No SLCSP)

If the advance premium tax credit is $0, the Marketplace automatically (and incorrectly) specifies $0 for the SLCSP premium on the 1095-A form. They have been doing it like that for years and many tax filers don't realize it and are owed money by the IRS without knowing it because they blindly copy the info from the 1095-A form into their tax software.

Meanwhile, manually correcting the SLCSP numbers increases the chance of a time-wasting audit and having to correspond back and forth with the IRS significantly.

The easiest way around this is to always estimate your income when applying for a Marketplace plan in a way that means you get at least a small premium tax credit so that the Marketplace issues a correct 1095-A form.
by natureexplorer
Tue Mar 10, 2020 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?
Replies: 4
Views: 571

Re: Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?

moneyman11 wrote: Tue Mar 10, 2020 2:20 pmWells' online interface doesn't allow you to swap mutual fund shares completely.
However, if you are just selling a portion of one position in a fund (say $5000 of a $50000 position), it will credit your account with cash as soon as you place the sell order, and then allow you to place a "dollar amount" buy order for another fund right away up to that cash amount, with both trades executed at end of day prices.

I've asked them several times to implement an online "swap all of one fund for another" feature, like Schwab and Fidelity have, but they haven't done it yet.
Ok, thanks. That would be better than nothing. Have you tried over the phone?
by natureexplorer
Tue Mar 10, 2020 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?
Replies: 4
Views: 571

Re: Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?

moneyman11 wrote: Tue Mar 10, 2020 11:49 am It is for my accounts at least. Just made a buy of VTIAX yesterday. No fee.
However, I have been a customer there since 2003 so not sure if I'm grandfathered in or what.
Great, thanks! My account is pretty old too.

Is it possible to exchange mutual funds shares though? Like for TLH or rebalancing without risking time out of the market.
by natureexplorer
Tue Mar 10, 2020 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?
Replies: 4
Views: 571

Still Fee-Free to Trade Vanguard Mutual Funds at WellsTrade?

Is it still free to trade Vanguard mutual funds like VTIAX/VTSAX/VIPSX in WellsTrade account linked to a PMA-type package?

I thought that something had changed in recent years when buying mutual fund shares, but can't find anything.
by natureexplorer
Mon Mar 09, 2020 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering opening a Wells Fargo Advisors account for 0.25% discount on mortgage interest rate
Replies: 13
Views: 2856

Re: Considering opening a Wells Fargo Advisors account for 0.25% discount on mortgage interest rate

We have a WellsTrade account where everything is free, but the letterhead on the account documents say "Wells Fargo Advisors" though we have no personal advisor and have no fees ever. That written, our WF accounts have the best trade executions, the best 1099 reporting, the best online web interface, and some other things. Notably better than Vanguard, Fidelity, and slightly better than TDAmeritrade. In particular, with WellsTrade you always have real-time updating of where your money is, where it is going, and where it is coming from. Is it still fee-free to trade Vanguard mutual funds like VTIAX/VTSAX/VIPSX in WellsTrade taxable brokerage or Roth IRA accounts that are linked to a PMA package? I thought they made some changes in...
by natureexplorer
Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81274

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

I have much to thank him and this forum. ♥
by natureexplorer
Thu May 18, 2017 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Google Finance Ticker Symbol to Monitor Oil Price and CPI-U
Replies: 1
Views: 3041

Google Finance Ticker Symbol to Monitor Oil Price and CPI-U

Are the ticker symbols that can be used on Google Drive (Spreadsheets) to follow the price of oil or the CPI-U or similar things?
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2017 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT
Replies: 192
Views: 41192

Re: 2017 BOGLEHEADS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

How about having the conference somewhere else for a change? Or finding a cheaper venue?
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you have an umbrella policy?
Replies: 295
Views: 49126

Re: Do you have an umbrella policy?

Telling people that you have liability insurance increases your chances of getting sued.
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?
Replies: 18
Views: 2377

Re: How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?

The "you experienced domestic violence " exemption is the easiest one to qualify for. All you have to do is claim it, and they will approve it. They are not allowed under the law to ask any further questions. Very interesting! So there won't be any follow-up calls? They just have to approve it basically? I noticed on the form that they state that they may call or send letters asking for more information. So they won't do this for domestic violence? I just googled this some more and found the following interesting analysis: http://www.lacrosseteaparty.com/2015/01/domestic-violence-can-get-exempt-obamacare-mandate/ it creates a perverse incentive to claim spousal abuse to save money In it, it also has the very broad official defini...
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?
Replies: 18
Views: 2377

Re: How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?

RudyS wrote:Once you have the exemption, you report it on your tax return. I would wager that somewhere in the process the IRS takes a look at your income/resources. So even if you have the exemption from the marketplace, you aren't out of the woods yet.
Interesting.
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?
Replies: 18
Views: 2377

How Easy is an Obamacare Tax Penalty Exemption?

How easy is it to qualify for one of the Obamacare tax penalty exemptions? I looked at the list of exemptions and it seems like the hardship definitions include some that you might meet already or that you might be able to meet more cheaply than paying the penalty. Indeed, some of them seem to be too easy to be true. How easy can it actually be done legally and easily? Official list of hardship exemptions: https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/hardship-exemptions/ PDF form to apply for a hardship exemption containing additional details: https://marketplace.cms.gov/applications-and-forms/hardship-exemption.pdf It seems that some of hardship reasons exempt you for three years. Here are some examples that seemed interesting (nu...
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 17, 2017 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Re: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

I'm interested in the outcome of this, please post a follow-up. Thank you Sadly, I fear HueyLD is correct. I did contact the foreign insurer and they are not certified by the US and why would they? It's annoying, because the foreign insurance policy is incomparably better than anything available on the US market. Sorry that it looks like your foreign health insurance is not recognized in US for tax purposes. I am curious. Mindful of privacy, would you expand on why you went this route? Have you used your health insurance while in US, and did it all work satisfactorily? I have seen on expat sites that foreign insurance companies often exclude coverage in the US. I'm grand-fathered into a foreign plan that does cover me in the US. No deducti...
by natureexplorer
Sun Apr 16, 2017 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Re: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

clast wrote:I'm interested in the outcome of this, please post a follow-up. Thank you
Sadly, I fear HueyLD is correct. I did contact the foreign insurer and they are not certified by the US and why would they? It's annoying, because the foreign insurance policy is incomparably better than anything available on the US market.
by natureexplorer
Sun Apr 16, 2017 5:42 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: long-term green card holder seeking advice on expatriation process
Replies: 4
Views: 3555

Re: long-term green card holder seeking advice on expatriation process

Why not become US citizens and never pay the exit tax?

You may also find the following useful: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertwood ... 75c3c0287d
by natureexplorer
Fri Dec 16, 2016 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Re: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

HueyLD wrote:If your foreign insurance company provides at least MEC in accordance with the U.S. law, it will be required to send you and the IRS form a copy of 1095-B.

Without the 1095-B, IRS will know that you do not have any MEC and will assess a penalty known as "individual shared responsibility payment (ISRP)."

In other words, contact your foreign insurance company and hopefully it has been certified by the U.S. Otherwise, get ready to pay an ISRP.
HueyLD, ok,thanks so much!
by natureexplorer
Thu Dec 15, 2016 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Re: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

Ask your foreign insurer if its policy provides minimum essential coverage. Otherwise, you will have to pay a penalty. "Response: We agree that the health care benefits provided by foreign governments or through foreign insurance for legally admitted non-citizens of the United States vary from country to country and may create a barrier to care if health care providers in the United States do not accept payment from such coverage. Therefore, foreign health coverage is not designated as minimum essential coverage in this final rule. However, sponsors of foreign health coverage may apply for their coverage to be recognized as minimum essential coverage in the process outlined in § 156.604 of this final rules." https://www.federalre...
by natureexplorer
Thu Dec 15, 2016 1:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Re: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

kirent wrote:I believe that your foreign insurance must meet the minimum essential coverage guidelines. You can call the healthcare.gov people and see if they can tell you if your insurance qualifies.
Oh this is excellence news, thanks! I will look into that. How does this look like at tax return time? Can I just assume that my plan qualifies and check a box or do the healthcare.gov people have to approve it beforehand? If yes, there there a specific letter, tax form, or certificate they have to issue?
kirent wrote:As to getting around it, will you be out of the US for more than 330 days?
No.
kirent wrote:Do you have some sort of reason why this is being done?
Because it is cheaper and better than the Obamacare plans.
by natureexplorer
Thu Dec 15, 2016 1:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer
Replies: 12
Views: 2877

Obamacare Tax Penalty when insured through a foreign insurer

I have excellent health insurance through a foreign insurer that fully covers me in the US.

Will I have to pay the tax penalty or is there some way around it?
by natureexplorer
Mon Oct 12, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing
Replies: 14
Views: 2786

Re: Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing

Raybo wrote:I'm very interested in sharing a ride back to the airport on Friday.
Happy to offer a ride. My flight is around 6pm.
by natureexplorer
Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:10 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing
Replies: 14
Views: 2786

Re: Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing

ObliviousInvestor wrote:Regarding sharing a ride, what day and approximate time do you arrive at the airport?
Wednesday 10pm
by natureexplorer
Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing
Replies: 14
Views: 2786

Bogleheads Conference 2015 - Ride & Room Sharing

Would anyone like to share a ride from PHL to/from the conference?

Would anyone like to share a room?
by natureexplorer
Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Traditional IRA Contribution
Replies: 5
Views: 1080

Re: 2014 Traditional IRA Contribution

JDDS wrote:Re: #4, if you move the IRA into a Solo 401(k), how are you going to convert to Roth? Are you planning to do that within the solo 401(k)?
I was thinking from Solo 401k to Roth IRA. Is that possible?
by natureexplorer
Thu Apr 02, 2015 11:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Traditional IRA Contribution
Replies: 5
Views: 1080

Re: 2014 Traditional IRA Contribution

Thanks!

Any thoughts or comments on the other points?
by natureexplorer
Thu Apr 02, 2015 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Traditional IRA Contribution
Replies: 5
Views: 1080

2014 Traditional IRA Contribution

I'm considering making a deductible (tradional) IRA contribution of $5,500.00 for 2014. 1. Do I understand correctly, that I can still do this through April 15, 2015? 2. How long will it take for Fidelity to provide me with the necessary tax forms so that I can file my 2014 tax return correctly? 3. Can I make a rollover to a Roth IRA that is taxed in the 2015 tax year? My marginal tax bracket is 25% for 2014 but will likely be 15% for 2015. 4. Alternatively to Point 3, I might first rollover the IRA to a Solo 401k in order to have one account fewer. I would then Roth-convert an amount where I'm still in the 15% tax bracket. 5. Having said that, I may also look at more years down the road and consider whether to wait until I'm in the 10% tax...
by natureexplorer
Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k
Replies: 5
Views: 1095

Re: Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k

Yeah, opening a new and "proper" IRA at Fidelity should be no problem at all. I will just do that to avoid any possible problems.

Is the rest of what I describe sensible? To immediately rollover to a Solo 401k? Can this be done online at Fidelity?
by natureexplorer
Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k
Replies: 5
Views: 1095

Re: Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k

JDDS wrote:Have you confirmed you're eligible to deduct the entire 2014 IRA contribution on your 2014 taxes?
Yes.
by natureexplorer
Wed Apr 01, 2015 2:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k
Replies: 5
Views: 1095

Deductible IRA Contribution and Rollover to Solo 401k

Can I make a 2014 $5.5k Deductible IRA contribution and immediately roll it over a Solo 401k?

I'm thinking of doing this at Fidelity where I already have a Solo 401k. I currently have a "Rollover IRA" at Fidelity with a zero balance. Can I use this "Rollover IRA" account for the deductible contribution or do I need to open a new "normal" IRA account?

There are two reason, why I would rollover to a Solo 401k:

1. Simplicity - so as to keep the funds in just one account. I currently have no IRA balances. (My wife does have an IRA balance. Is that relevant?)

2. I'd like to preserve the ability to do future Backdoor Roth IRA contributions.
by natureexplorer
Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody using dash cameras?
Replies: 30
Views: 7907

Re: Dashboard Cameras

batpot wrote:I've been considering one, but haven't bit yet; have read good things about the GW1 you referenced...might finally be persuaded to take the plunge.

As to the question of why...I think you answered that already w/ the video.
Seems from that video that the cyclist was in the wrong, and the video should serve as good evidence for the driver in the lawsuit, w/out which he may be in serious trouble.
Yeah, exactly, the law suit went nowhere thanks to the video.

By the way, the video was not taken with the G1W.
by natureexplorer
Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody using dash cameras?
Replies: 30
Views: 7907

Dashboard Cameras

[Thread merged, see below. --admin LadyGeek]

Does any driver with a dashboard camera? If yes, why?

Is there specific device you would recommend and why?

On Amazon the G1W seems to be recommended.

Here is an example of a video with an accident involving a car and a bicyclist.
Warning: the footage is disturbing.
YouTube Video
The bicyclist sued the driver.
by natureexplorer
Thu Nov 20, 2014 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Europe off-season (late Jan), 11 days, $3K budget
Replies: 19
Views: 3135

Re: Europe off-season (late Jan), 11 days, $3K budget

With a budget of $270 a day in late January, you can pretty much go anywhere in Europe. I'd recommend considering:

Alps (maybe stay a few nights in a ski resort like Zermatt but don't ski)
Berlin
Zurich
by natureexplorer
Wed Oct 29, 2014 7:43 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 57832

Re: Houston Chapter

Lol. How about another meeting?
by natureexplorer
Sat Jun 28, 2014 9:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Being Done" Saving: White Coat Investor blog post
Replies: 47
Views: 11169

Re: "Being Done" Saving: White Coat Investor blog post

One issue with declaring yourself “done” saving for retirement and now spending more money is that you and your family will get used to a more extravagant lifestyle, which to maintain, means you’ll need to save more money. $2 Million might be plenty of money given your current lifestyle, but if you then start spending $300K a year, you’re going to have a tough time transitioning to the $80K a year, plus Social Security, that you’ll get in retirement from a $2 Million portfolio. And that is a big issue in my opinion and a flaw in the plan. Sure, we might all spend a little more in our last few years before retirement, when we consider ourselves already ready to retire and we are just building a little financial cushion. Maybe you will go on...
by natureexplorer
Mon Jun 09, 2014 5:51 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 57832

Re: Houston Chapter

takingcharge wrote:Any interest in having a Houston meeting?
I'd be game.
by natureexplorer
Sat Apr 19, 2014 4:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I-Bond Rate for May 1, 2014?
Replies: 4
Views: 1507

Re: I-Bond Rate for May 1, 2014?

sscritic wrote:There is a thread for that, the one with the title Speculation on I Bond fixed rate for May 1st. There was even a request for someone to use a calculator to figure out the new variable rate.

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 0#p2034000

Read the following post to the one linked above.
Thanks! It looks like HueyLD provided the answer, and it is 1.83% for the inflation component, which will be nice. And it sounds like there is no upward pressure on the fixed rate.
by natureexplorer
Sat Apr 19, 2014 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I-Bond Rate for May 1, 2014?
Replies: 4
Views: 1507

I-Bond Rate for May 1, 2014?

Has anyone calculated what the inflation component on new I-Bonds will be starting May, 2014?

Any estimates of whether the fixed rate will go up?
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Tax Return Review (Second Look)
Replies: 2
Views: 1285

Re: Free Tax Return Review (Second Look)

pshonore wrote:
natureexplorer wrote:I heard about the H&R Block Second Look - a free review of your current or tax returns. Has anyone used that service?

I've been preparing my tax return using TurboTax, but I wouldn't mind a "second look", particularly due to various foreign assets and taxes and business income and expenses. I'm wondering whether it's a waste of time. I would just go and do it, but it requires printing all the forms and documents, so it is a little bit of an effort.
I don't think its a waste of time but I seriously doubt any tax preparer (HRB or otherwise) would have the time to do "a second look" this week.
I'm not in rush. Has anyone used their free Second Look service?
by natureexplorer
Mon Apr 14, 2014 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Tax Return Review (Second Look)
Replies: 2
Views: 1285

Free Tax Return Review (Second Look)

I heard about the H&R Block Second Look - a free review of your current or tax returns. Has anyone used that service?

I've been preparing my tax return using TurboTax, but I wouldn't mind a "second look", particularly due to various foreign assets and taxes and business income and expenses. I'm wondering whether it's a waste of time. I would just go and do it, but it requires printing all the forms and documents, so it is a little bit of an effort.
by natureexplorer
Mon Mar 31, 2014 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Time and benefits vs. money.
Replies: 21
Views: 2601

Re: Time and benefits vs. money.

anonforthis wrote:However, 15K pay cut is a lot to swallow.
Do you actually spend all your money currently?

FWIW, I've seen people take much bigger paycuts for less stressful jobs and they have no regrets - at least so they tell me.
by natureexplorer
Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving Credit Score by Timing Credit Card Payments
Replies: 17
Views: 2405

Engineering your credit score

You should read this post, it's an extraordinarily informative breakdown of how the FICO is calculated: http://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/1zkr5s/fico_scoring_101_behind_the_numbers/ This is indeed quite specific. I quote below the section on credit utlization and highlighted some parts. Your amounts owed is 30% of your FICO score. This category is somewhat complex, and it generates a lot of confusion when discussed. Also called credit utilization, this includes the following sub-factors (among other things), in varying amounts: The total amount of credit available vs. the total amount of balances on revolving accounts. The amount of credit available on individual revolving accounts vs. the individual balances. The original l...