Search found 1941 matches

by kramer
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6103

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

How does one get a cash advance on a credit card overseas? As far as I know, my credit cards do not have a PIN. So I go into a bank or maybe set up a pin online for my credit card in this situation and then go to an ATM?
by kramer
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Foreign Tax Carryovers in Tax form 1116
Replies: 3
Views: 449

Re: Foreign Tax Carryovers in Tax form 1116

Please help me understand why the Utilized (250 vs 330) and Carryover (498 vs 418) are different for 2022 Because 80 dollars of 2022 foreign carryover was used for 2023. So that increases the utilized from 2022 by 80 and decreases the remaining carryover by 80. It seems quite straightforward and correct. The amount of foreign tax credit you can take can only be as high of a percentage as you pay on your domestic taxes. So you probably had a very low domestic tax rate in 2022. But your domestic tax rate was high enough in 2023 to use all of your foreign tax credit, and part of the carryover, but not high enough to utilize all of the carryover. As a long time retired early retiree in a low tax bracket, I can never use all of my foreign tax c...
by kramer
Sun Feb 04, 2024 2:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: China trip paranoia [visa requirements]
Replies: 68
Views: 6441

Re: China trip paranoia [visa requirements]

It was recently (like maybe a year ago or so) made easier to use a foreign credit card to transfer money to the virtual payment systems (wechat and one other, I think) that most Chinese use. Until recently, this was quite difficult and many tourists said they had problems. That would be something you would want to set up ahead of time, although after you get your visas.
by kramer
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2225

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

RMO87 wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 1:07 pm As for shows that are good and not country-themed, check out SIX and The Haygoods. There is also the dinner show, Dolly Parton's Stampede, that is also excellent and entertaining that even non-country lovers like myself can enjoy.
Ryan
The Haygoods was the show that I saw that I thought was really outstanding. Great entertainment.
by kramer
Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June
Replies: 27
Views: 2225

Re: Things to do in Branson, MO in early June

I went to 2 shows there when I visited a friend who lives there a couple of years ago. I am definitely not a country music fan or even a big music fan. One show was just OK and the other, musically oriented, was simply amazing. Neither was country music but more like folky music or something like that. Anyway, there are shows definitely worth seeing. We also hired a boat and a guide for fishing in a nearby reservoir, if that is your thing. A museum there has the original Beverly Hillbillies series car and some other interesting history of the area.
by kramer
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: International Driving Permit: ever actually needed one?
Replies: 16
Views: 1494

Re: International Driving Permit: ever actually needed one?

You can get the IDP post-dated when you get it to save on doing it exactly every 12 months or so. So at least you can stretch out your renewals. I usually let the old one expire and when I get a new one, I ask them to put the validity date a day or two before the earliest I will need it. I think in the USA at AAA they are only $20 and you do not need to be a member.
by kramer
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for 1 week Colombia Spring Break
Replies: 6
Views: 1103

Re: Advice for 1 week Colombia Spring Break

Yes, the bars will be open after your arrival. For instance, you can go to La 70 which is Carrera 70 near Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. There are other strips of places elsewhere in the city, also. One of the fun things about Cartagena is to take a day trip on one of the tourist boats to beaches and islands outside of the city and you may not be able to do that (and also see and enjoy the Old City) without adding a day there. But you will have just been to the beach in San Andrés. So one thing to watch out for in Medellín and Cartagena is that you have to watch your drinks very carefully. You can't leave your drink at the table and get up and dance. The drugging problem has recently gotten much worse and the US State Department just p...
by kramer
Mon Jan 08, 2024 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Romania and Bulgaria are now in the Schengen
Replies: 10
Views: 2057

Re: Romania and Bulgaria are now in the Schengen

the_wiki wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:27 am There are quite a few places in central America. Like Panama, Costa Rica and Belize.
And I believe the 4 countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua (CA-4 countries) are a joint immigration zone and you can only stay 90 days in the combination of the 4 and must cross to a different country to restart that clock.
by kramer
Sun Jan 07, 2024 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Romania and Bulgaria are now in the Schengen
Replies: 10
Views: 2057

Re: Romania and Bulgaria are now in the Schengen

stan1 wrote: Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:16 pm What are the alternatives? UK (not low cost), Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania?
Croatia joined the Schengen area just over a year ago.
by kramer
Wed Jan 03, 2024 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best Place for HSA Money
Replies: 14
Views: 1981

Re: Best Place for HSA Money

aerosurfer wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 11:04 am Where else can you move an HSA to? I have a small account at HSAbank and not great funds plus account expenses. Want to move this somewhere else. Have Schwab and Vanguard accounts, but don’t see options to actually move money there. Can I port over to Fidelity with a sub-thousand dollar account?
HSABank has a partnership with Schwab. You can move (almost) all your HSABank funds to a Schwab HSA account through them and it is a full on trading account where you can buy ETFs, etc. You just have to keep enough money in HSABank to continue paying the $2.50 per month in charges.
by kramer
Thu Dec 14, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Food related travel
Replies: 108
Views: 19691

Re: Food related travel

4nursebee wrote: Wed Dec 13, 2023 7:30 am
My understanding of okonomiyaki is that it was born out of financial hardships after WW2, cabbage was plentiful. I recall there being two main styles, batter bottom, then toppings, then batter top, or one where the batter is mixed in with everything (this is the style we have made at home). Toppings and ingredients are variable/seasonal/subject to preferences. I've grated the slimy root vegetable used in them and fried slices of it also. Makes for an interesting company meal.
Yeah, I did this in Hiroshima, which is famous for it. I actually really liked it and it was a great experience just to have them cook it in front of you. But I definitely wouldn't travel somewhere just for it.
by kramer
Tue Dec 12, 2023 12:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Food related travel
Replies: 108
Views: 19691

Re: Food related travel

In Miami I was able to try the following cuisines in just a few days at pretty legit places: Nicaraguan, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Cuban (multiple times), Mexican, El Salvadoran in the Little Havana area. I enjoyed them all except for Puerto Rican, Cuban and Guatemalan were the best. Nicaragua won for best beer (Toña). I was pleasantly surprised with just how good the southern food was in Georgia.
by kramer
Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What income threshold do you keep yourself under in retirement?
Replies: 42
Views: 6031

Re: What income threshold do you keep yourself under in retirement?

I am late 50's, single retiree (for over 15 years now), living abroad so no need for ACA subsidy and no state income taxes. I manage my income up to the top of the 12% bracket every year, doing (mostly) Roth conversions and some 0% capital gain harvesting. I tally up my dividend totals near the end of the year to try to hit but not surpass that number. If I lived in the US and needed US health insurance, I would not be able to do this, the ACA subsidies are worth much more. After over a decade of Roth conversions, I have managed to get my Roth to around 17% of my net worth, and my IRA down to around 21%. One key for tax management is asset location. My IRA is 100% bonds, my Roth is 100% stocks. So if I keep my asset allocation constant, whe...
by kramer
Wed Dec 06, 2023 2:31 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Assets location and FATCA-IGA reporting
Replies: 13
Views: 3442

Re: Assets location and FATCA-IGA reporting

assyadh wrote: Wed Dec 06, 2023 9:48 am

There has not been a case of IRS or US Financial Instituion sharing data with foreign tax authorities (unless super specific and even then I can't find any).
Can you be more specific about what you are saying? If I recall, right in the US-Mexico FATCA treaty (maybe only 1 of 2 I have ever bothered to take a quick look at), it says the US Treasury will share US account data with the Mexican government for Mexican nationals. This includes any 1099 reportable amounts ($10 of interest or more).

As for the OP, I would advise reading the actual text of the FATCA agreement.
by kramer
Fri Nov 10, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Insurance for year-long visit in Spain, over 75 years old
Replies: 24
Views: 2614

Re: Medical Insurance for year-long visit in Spain, over 75 years old

Just a quick note ... wouldn't this stay make you a tax resident of Spain and subject to pay tax to them on worldwide income? Spain has high taxes. I am just mentioning this in case you didn't know about that.
by kramer
Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?
Replies: 19
Views: 2435

Re: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?

An alternative within a taxable account is to own the Schwab TIPs ETF, SCHP. Apparently there is no phantom income issue as there is with individual TIPs in a taxable account, and it maintains a constant duration of around 6.5 years. The expense ratio is just .03%. Instead of phantom income, you get taxed on distributions along the way. Marginally better, I guess? Since I'm still working, I'd rather have TIPS in tax deferred so I can pay the taxes when I'm in a lower bracket. I believe it completely solves the issue. There is no phantom income at all. Everything you are taxed on you can spend, unlike with individual TIPs. Yes, when I was working, I shied away from any bonds in taxable because I was in a high tax bracket. But I believe that...
by kramer
Thu Nov 09, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?
Replies: 19
Views: 2435

Re: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?

Call_Me_Op wrote: Thu Nov 09, 2023 7:26 am
kramer wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:08 pm An alternative within a taxable account is to own the Schwab TIPs ETF, SCHP. Apparently there is no phantom income issue as there is with individual TIPs in a taxable account, and it maintains a constant duration of around 6.5 years. The expense ratio is just .03%.
How is this different from a TIPS mutual fund?
Besides the fact that one is an ETF and one is a mutual fund, I don't think there is much practical difference. Except that the ETF might be able to operate at a slightly lower overall cost.
by kramer
Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?
Replies: 19
Views: 2435

Re: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?

An alternative within a taxable account is to own the Schwab TIPs ETF, SCHP. Apparently there is no phantom income issue as there is with individual TIPs in a taxable account, and it maintains a constant duration of around 6.5 years. The expense ratio is just .03%. Instead of phantom income, you get taxed on distributions along the way. Marginally better, I guess? Since I'm still working, I'd rather have TIPS in tax deferred so I can pay the taxes when I'm in a lower bracket. I believe it completely solves the issue. There is no phantom income at all. Everything you are taxed on you can spend, unlike with individual TIPs. Yes, when I was working, I shied away from any bonds in taxable because I was in a high tax bracket. But I believe that...
by kramer
Wed Nov 08, 2023 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?
Replies: 19
Views: 2435

Re: Bought TIPS in taxable to join the cool kids. Mistake?

An alternative within a taxable account is to own the Schwab TIPs ETF, SCHP. Apparently there is no phantom income issue as there is with individual TIPs in a taxable account, and it maintains a constant duration of around 6.5 years. The expense ratio is just .03%.
by kramer
Mon Oct 30, 2023 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Science Fiction novels in original Spanish?
Replies: 22
Views: 1861

Re: Science Fiction novels in original Spanish?

I have read a lot of original Spanish books over the past 3 years. Based on your interest and level, I will make a couple of recommendations from books that I read in 2021 and 2022 (in original Spanish, Mexican authors and stories that take place in Mexico with Mexican cultural elements). I went back and looked at the vocabulary of these two books and they are not advanced, so I think they might work. I read them both on my Kindle and I finished them both, so they must have been OK :D You can check out reviews at the links and also on GoodReads. Magical Realism: Memorias del más allá para vivir en el más acá https://www.amazon.com/Memorias-all%C3%A1-para-vivir-Spanish-ebook/dp/B01CLRWA16/ Science Fiction (post-apocalyptic world): La noche e...
by kramer
Sun Oct 29, 2023 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mail in passport renewal
Replies: 80
Views: 11178

Re: Mail in passport renewal

One more tidbit. I had entered my email address for updates on my application status. I never received a single update. So that part of the process is broken. I can confirm this as well. I had seen some posts on Reddit that stated that the email update process was broken. So I have to enter my info each time on the passport status page to see the status. My renewal is in process, but I am not posting details here since it is being sent from a foreign country and through the local American consulate (and so my passport renewal time is probably irrelevant to others). They also don't allow one to renew a passport card and you can't pay for expedited. I am very disappointed with the State Dept in their passport renewal process. These are all n...
by kramer
Sun Oct 29, 2023 5:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein on TIPS, asset allocation, and four deep risks
Replies: 189
Views: 30094

Re: William Bernstein on TIPS, asset allocation, and four deep risks

Call_Me_Op wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 1:58 pm
Rick Ferri wrote: Sun Oct 29, 2023 12:12 pm Because the 0.10% fee was not worth it to him. Bill knows how to buy individual TIPs, and it doesn’t take any longer than buying an ETF. You may be different.
The iShares product does solve the phantom tax issue in a taxable account. That must be worth something to someone.
P.S. Just listened to the episode - fantastic - thanks Rick!
I had no idea. Very useful information!!
by kramer
Sat Oct 21, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Conundrum in talking with bosses prior to home purchase
Replies: 40
Views: 4756

Re: Conundrum in talking with bosses prior to home purchase

When I was a front line tech manager, rounds of layoffs were unpredictable. During the first big round of layoffs, my best friend was going to get laid off (he did not report to me but was in my department). And another friend who did report to me. Since I was in management, I knew the details. We played tennis together every weekend. They almost begged me to tell them their fate, but I couldn't and I didn't. They both got laid off.
by kramer
Mon Oct 16, 2023 12:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SPIA later vs Deferred Income Annuity Now?
Replies: 28
Views: 3246

Re: SPIA later vs Deferred Income Annuity Now?

I think a Deferred Income Annuity for X years in the future is clearly superior to an SPIA in theory. People who buy them have less information about their health X years in the future and thus the purchasing cohort is more normal than the healthier SPIA buyers who will be better informed when they buy X years in the future (and so the SPIA buyers will live longer on average -- the insurance company knows this and should price accordingly). Also, deferred annuities tend to match your liabilities better (more money later when you need it more). The issue I have seen is that Deferred Income Annuities do not seem to be as competitively priced as SPIA's. Probably because the market is much smaller than the SPIA market and they are somewhat more...
by kramer
Sun Oct 15, 2023 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6831

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

Kramer I now read most of my books in Spanish, and most of the translated titles simply are not available in paper or not easily accessible. I bought and read the Spanish translation of Andy Weir’s The Martian. I don’t think the translator did a good job. The original version in English is slangy and colloquial with many inside jokes on popular culture topics like Star Trek. I found the Spanish translation stiff and formal. I have little experience reading books in Spanish. Perhaps that is the accepted style for Spanish writing? I want to try more Spanish books. Hi Dual, I don't really have a authoritative answer to your question but I think the answer is that that is not normal. I went back through my reading list over the past year, and ...
by kramer
Sun Oct 15, 2023 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6831

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

The free samples is a killer feature of Kindle. There is simply nothing better than being able to check out a sample of a book in the comfort of your home. The book I started a few days ago, it was really 50/50 whether I would like it, but it is great so far so I made the purchase. The paper books that I (still) get are ones with lots of charts or that are more for reference. I travel a lot so a Kindle can't be beat for that in terms of weight and portability, full stop. At night, I often read in a non-fully-lit room and Kindle is perfect with soft background lighting. I now read most of my books in Spanish, and most of the translated titles simply are not available in paper or not easily accessible. Another killer feature is the foreign di...
by kramer
Mon Oct 09, 2023 8:55 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Retired Dutchie considering moving to Thailand
Replies: 14
Views: 4498

Re: Retired Dutchie considering moving to Thailand

The Thai-tax-resident foreign income tax overhaul is clear as mud at the moment and was only recently announced. If that is important to you, you may want to wait for clarification which will have to come soon. And also to study the particular international tax treaty that would apply in your situation. Some say it is aimed at a particular upper class Thai tax avoidance mechanism and others say that it is broader than that. The Thai authorities seemed to simultaneously raise the prices on some of their Elite Residency Visas that give you residency for several years (like 5 to 20) and those visas "maybe" give you an out to this international taxation, according to some financial advisers. (The Elite visas are different from the ret...
by kramer
Mon Oct 09, 2023 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does a 71 year old need his birth certificate?
Replies: 43
Views: 4279

Re: Does a 71 year old need his birth certificate?

It seems to be pretty easy to replace, hardly ever needed, and not worthy of renting a safety deposit box just for this purpose. After not having had a legit birth certificate for decades (nor needed one), I went through the process about 3 months ago, all online (about $60). And I do not even live in the US, although I did get it sent to a US address The only issue is that in some states (maybe all?) you may have to get a notarized statement saying you are who you say you are, which might have been difficult for me. The online site I used (California) took me through the process and at the end it just said that that will not be required (thankfully), they could apparently tell enough from my application that I was who I said I was. I recei...
by kramer
Fri Oct 06, 2023 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?
Replies: 75
Views: 9426

Re: Any benefits for downloading McDonald's Phone App?

I eat out at least 30x per month, over 95% walkable or bikeable (I don't own a vehicle). It gives me way more variety than I can prepare on my own, never repeating at the same place within a week. Although costs count, saving money on food is not a primary objective for me. I have not been to a McDonald's in quite a while, the app seems interesting. Thanks for all the info.
by kramer
Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Roth Conversion & Down Markets
Replies: 46
Views: 4771

Re: Roth Conversion & Down Markets

It can be beneficial to move appreciated assets in a down market. In March, 2020, when the market tanked, I was able to sell a (formerly) highly appreciated stock ETF in taxable and buy the same amount inside my Roth IRA. So I could keep the exact same overall asset allocation. And the tax cost in my taxable account was low. I can't remember, but I think I did much of that year's Roth conversion at that moment just to take advantage of that opportunity as my Roth is normally almost 100% stock ETFs.
by kramer
Thu Sep 28, 2023 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?
Replies: 53
Views: 5570

Re: Reasons not to be a US citizen (stay as GC holder forever)?

While the issue of not being able to open a bank account abroad as a US citizen is real (post-FATCA), I don't think it is as much of an issue in most countries nowadays. Maybe most have just accepted the post-FATCA reality. Although most of the countries I am familiar with are US allies. If you have a specific destination country or countries in mind, maybe research the details of opening a bank account as a US citizen in those countries. Having said all that, I think you are a US person whether you are a US citizen or US resident, so this may be a (small) con for both situations. Same issue if you settle in the EU and you can't own either ETFs or Europe's equivalent without paying higher taxes.
by kramer
Wed Sep 27, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eva and China airlines - Taiwan airlines
Replies: 33
Views: 4340

Re: Eva and China airlines - Taiwan airlines

Be careful to enter all your names on your passport, crammed together into a first name field if necessary. Ie. the middle name is necessary even if there is no field for it. For a while some of the discount Asian airlines were charging by the character to add names later. Here are some examples on the China airlines website: https://www.china-airlines.com/us/en/booking/book-flights/traveler-name.html Yes, I am religious about that now. I was denied boarding for a short Mexico to USA flight last year due to not having my middle name on there (web site ticketing only asks for name, not full name). As were several other passengers, including Mexicans. The airline just flew the plane with our seats empty, and we all got no compensation or reb...
by kramer
Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirement dreams and reality
Replies: 107
Views: 24560

Re: Retirement dreams and reality

Big picture: I retired at age 41 in the mid 2000's so I am in my late 50's. With more perspective now, I am amazed at how much I have changed throughout my life. In so many ways, I have been very different at ages 20, 30, 40, 50, and soon 60 (I thought for sure I wouldn't change much between ages 50 and 60, but it has happened again!). So you need to think about that and add flexibility before you retire. And realize that what you want now may really change in the future. This isn't just financial, however one aspect of that is that you don't want to lock yourself into a quite frugal retirement, for instance. And luckily I have had almost zero health issues, but I know that this is another change that comes with aging. So, for the first tim...
by kramer
Thu Sep 21, 2023 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to get a signature guarantee
Replies: 18
Views: 2662

Re: Where to get a signature guarantee

There have been a lot of posts about this in the past. Perhaps try searching for the term "medallion" in the forum search field since the term used is often Medallion Signature Guarantee. Some people seem to have been able to avoid getting the signature guarantee done, even though it seemed to be technically required.
by kramer
Thu Sep 21, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taking a Lyft / Uber ride to a neighboring state?
Replies: 44
Views: 4461

Re: Taking a Lyft / Uber ride to a neighboring state?

knowledge wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2023 2:18 pm Is there a bus?
A couple of years ago, when I was traveling through the US South, I took the Greyhound from Atlanta to Savannah, a daytime trip of about the same distance as the OP's trip from Nashville to Atlanta. I paid $57.
by kramer
Tue Sep 05, 2023 11:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TD Ameritrade to Schwab
Replies: 161
Views: 13594

Re: TD Ameritrade to Schwab transition - how was it for you?

My HSA was transferred to Schwab from TDAmeritradeRetirement. I am a longtime Schwab client. I logged in today for the first time since the transfer, and everything seems in order. Smooth transfer. I am happy to have one less account.
by kramer
Sun Sep 03, 2023 11:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with Aeromexico to South America?
Replies: 20
Views: 1580

Re: Experience with Aeromexico to South America?

Ideally, avoid Mexico City. A few days ago, the main Mexico City airport (AICM) unilaterally announced a reduction in maximum hourly operations (flights) from 52 to 43, and that was after a similar reduction last October. The airlines and the IATA are up publicly in arms about it and were not consulted. Add on top of that, Mexico has been dinged to FAA category 2 for over 2 years now, and no one knows when they will emerge. So when in that category, no Mexican airlines can add flights to the US and also they also cannot add any new airplanes they have bought to US routes, it is a disaster. I usually have gone through Miami (and once through Atlanta). Also, it's less out of your way than Mexico City, Houston, etc. Almost all of South America...
by kramer
Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable device for watching Netflix?
Replies: 99
Views: 7014

Re: Portable device for watching Netflix?

Doctor Rhythm wrote: Wed Aug 23, 2023 1:01 pm
flamesabers wrote: Wed Aug 23, 2023 12:48 pm Hello,

I'm looking to buy for a device to watch Netflix on when I'm away from home for official travel. Biggest considerations are nothing too big or bulky (I'll already be carrying a work laptop in my backpack) and something economical in terms of price.
Why not use this? Unless employer has a strict “No Squid Game on corporate device” policy.
And Netflix runs well in your browser, no need to install anything on the computer.
by kramer
Wed Aug 23, 2023 1:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan trip, June 2024
Replies: 60
Views: 4764

Re: Japan trip, June 2024

If you plan on using the Shinkansen (bullet trains) look at buying a JR RailPass. Although the prices are going up dramatically at the end of this year, if you use JR trains a lot it can save you lots of money on travel. (Shinkansen trains are not cheap...) I was there about 15 days. But by starting my trip in Kyoto and ending it in Tokyo, I bought a 1 week unlimited JR Rail Pass and did all my big travel during the middle of that time during the 7 day period that the JR ticket was valid. From Kyoto we took day trips to Nara and Hiroshima/Miyajima (really long day from Kyoto) and travel to Hakone on the way to Tokyo (stayed in a Ryokan, I will never forget the Open Air museum and taking the train into the hills). I found myself wishing we ...
by kramer
Fri Aug 18, 2023 1:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Israel Travel Questions
Replies: 55
Views: 5395

Re: Israel Travel Questions

I visited Israel in 2016 as a US passport holder and they don't stamp your passport. I overnighted in Istanbul on the way to Tel Aviv. When I left Israel a couple of weeks later, I was intensely questioned about that (not taken to a back room but stopped in line and spent a full 5 minutes intensely questioning me, I was flying back to Istanbul). I really enjoyed my one day tour from Jerusalem to the West Bank, one of my best travel memories ever. I used Abraham Tours and I just now checked and they are still offering it. We had a Palestinian tour guide who met us after we crossed the border to the West Bank. My 3 day 2 night tour to Jordan out of Jerusalem was also an all-time travel highlight. Yad Vashem museum in Jerusalem was very memora...
by kramer
Tue Aug 15, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are the minimum lot sizes on Treasuries so high today?
Replies: 62
Views: 8689

Re: Why are the minimum lot sizes on Treasuries so high today?

I was looking on the secondary market for TIPs today at Vanguard, I just happened to pull up all maturities available from about 5 years to 15 years. All were 100K minimum (21 offerings). Spreads between buying and selling were small. 100K minimum is quite high.
by kramer
Mon Aug 14, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any reason NOT to convert paper savings bonds?
Replies: 30
Views: 2838

Re: Any reason NOT to convert paper savings bonds?

I think the main reason people don't convert is that your Treasury Direct account is not protected against fraud. If funds are stolen, it's on you. Whereas your paper bonds are fully protected against theft. Also, it seems a large percentage of Treasury Direct user accounts are locked out from time to time and it can be difficult to regain access. And sometimes a Medallion guarantee can be required to fix things or to change bank accounts (the requirements seem to vary). For some people, getting a Medallion Signature guarantee is almost impossible. Anyway, for these reasons, I decided to wait until a couple years before maturity before sending them into Treasury Direct. I have a single year's batch of I-bonds, and once I cash them in, I wou...
by kramer
Sun Aug 13, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 12hr layover in Singapore. Where to stay & what to do?
Replies: 16
Views: 1839

Re: 12hr layover in Singapore. Where to stay & what to do?

Just a reminder that if you are booked through to India on a single itinerary, you won't be getting your checked bags in Singapore. So bring what you will need for that layover and hotel in your carry-ons. Enjoy!
by kramer
Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SIM cards for British travelers coming to East Coast
Replies: 18
Views: 1521

Re: SIM cards for British travelers coming to East Coast

Yeah, agree with others on here, I am all e-sim for travel now. On my last trip to Asia, I had an Airalo e-sim that worked in all of east and southeast Asia for $13 for a month. Activated it shortly after landing while taxiing into Incheon Airport. Worked fine in 3 countries during my travels.

For calls, all my people use WhatsApp and so we use that app for talking to one another. But I also use Skype out (I have a long term Skype phone number) and use that for phone calls to businesses, etc.

Also, more countries (not in North America but almost everywhere else) are requiring sim registration hassles (passport, photo, other information). E-sims avoid these issues since they are data only.
by kramer
Fri Aug 11, 2023 12:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?
Replies: 120
Views: 10862

Re: Portable travel hotel room coffee making ideas?

I am a veteran traveler and have used one of these medium sized filter baskets for years, they give the equivalent of French Press coffee: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I68NCS/ you place coffee in it, place it inside the cup you will drink from, and then pour hot water in there. Remove the basket at the 4 minute mark. I tried one with just a net instead of a solid metal basket, so that it would compress better in my backpack, but the coffee result was not good (the coffee was not immersed enough). But for shorter trips I am leaning more toward something like Starbucks instant. I travel super light, and I don't even like carrying an extra tiny item like the filter basket above for short trips. I also own one of those compressible cup...
by kramer
Mon Jul 31, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Singapore MRT: what's the easiest way to pay for multiple travelers' fares?
Replies: 8
Views: 2842

Re: Singapore MRT: what's the easiest way to pay for multiple travelers' fares?

And you can also get a full refund for the cards when you leave. There is a booth for that at an MRT stop close to the airport (walkable through corridors, so basically part of the airport). It was the same place I bought the cards when I arrived (mid-2022). And I think I used cash, but I can't remember for sure. You use the same cards for the bus, also, which we used to get to the zoo. I don't understand what you mean by using one credit card or Apple wallet per trip.
by kramer
Thu Jul 27, 2023 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?
Replies: 97
Views: 14257

Re: Subscriptions Worth Paying For?

NY Times
WSJ
El País
Netflix
A couple of Patraeon podcast subscriptions for extra materials
Spotify
Express VPN
Skype number plus unlimited USA calling
Costco
Google backup services (200 GB)

Two that I will probably add in the future:
YouTube Premium (to get ad free YouTube -- plugin already keeps it ad free on my laptop)
Chat GPT
by kramer
Wed Jul 26, 2023 11:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri: Asset Location Doesn't Matter
Replies: 50
Views: 8734

Re: Rick Ferri: Asset Location Doesn't Matter

I put higher expected return items in my Roth IRA (almost 100% stock ETFs) and lower expected return items in my traditional IRA (almost 100% CDs, treasuries, bond funds). I probably won't even start to touch the IRA (outside of Roth conversions) for at least 15 years and the Roth for at least 20 years. This has big consequences in the long run (let's say, 3.5% real expected return in Roth, 1% real expected return in IRA). Asset location makes a big difference in my taxation situation long term. It is not just a minor issue. Why would you want a vehicle that can grow tax-deferred for 15 years to have only a 1% real return potential? (A real question, not a challenge to the strategy). In my Roth at Vanguard I keep Vanguard Balanced Index Fu...
by kramer
Wed Jul 26, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri: Asset Location Doesn't Matter
Replies: 50
Views: 8734

Re: Rick Ferri: Asset Location Doesn't Matter

I put higher expected return items in my Roth IRA (almost 100% stock ETFs) and lower expected return items in my traditional IRA (almost 100% CDs, treasuries, bond funds). I probably won't even start to touch the IRA (outside of Roth conversions) for at least 15 years and the Roth for at least 20 years. This has big consequences in the long run (let's say, 3.5% real expected return in Roth, 1% real expected return in IRA). Asset location makes a big difference in my taxation situation long term. It is not just a minor issue.
by kramer
Tue Jul 25, 2023 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going to Canada, do I need cash?
Replies: 76
Views: 7247

Re: Going to Canada, do I need cash?

Canadian border officials have access to your complete US criminal record in real time. Many Americans are denied entry due to past drunk driving offenses (whether they will be driving in Canada or not), decades old drug possession convictions, even for previous arrests in the USA with no conviction, etc. Just something to be aware of:

https://www.temporaryresidentpermitcana ... record.php