Search found 800 matches

by hlfo718
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wallet App Organizer
Replies: 1
Views: 359

Wallet App Organizer

Hi,

Anyone here use Pass2U or any other iOS wallet app? Just wondering if it is easy to add and maintain store cards.

Thanks
by hlfo718
Tue Dec 12, 2023 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unable to Login To Facebook
Replies: 29
Views: 3309

Re: Unable to Login To Facebook

I encountered the same. No way they are getting my ID as well. Had same request from Instacart account last year. I cancelled the account and now save almost half by shopping at Aldi.
by hlfo718
Sun Dec 03, 2023 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ROKU TV now missing numbers and a question
Replies: 4
Views: 831

Re: ROKU TV now missing numbers and a question

I still have numbers next to the Roku live tv channels. I rarely rely on the numbers. I look for the name of programs under the various categories like news or whatever.
by hlfo718
Sun Nov 19, 2023 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CAVA stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2377

Re: CAVA stock

Should never listen to the talking heads on CNBC. While the food is decent, I stopped going there since there are better options. Also, I rarely see a line for their food while still seeing people line up for Chipotle.
by hlfo718
Tue Oct 31, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Private Equity and Private Debt
Replies: 11
Views: 1899

Re: Private Equity and Private Debt

Don’t invest in these funds even if you have tens of millions. Invest in the companies instead, BX KKR CG ARES APO and others you may find interesting.
by hlfo718
Sun Oct 15, 2023 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which tool will help me calculate tax impact of this investment choice?
Replies: 4
Views: 698

Re: Which tool will help me calculate tax impact of this investment choice?

Why don’t you model this out yourself since you already have the variables needed to do so?
by hlfo718
Sat Sep 30, 2023 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available
Replies: 123
Views: 17949

Re: Medicare Part D Choices for 2024 available

I don’t understand why I just rec’d letter from Humana telling me next year’s monthly premium will be $36 while on Medicare’s site states $0 for the same plan?

I am not taking a chance so will switch to another plan once enrollment begins.
by hlfo718
Mon Sep 25, 2023 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Automatically invest at Fidelity
Replies: 14
Views: 6111

Re: Automatically invest at Fidelity

Raspberry-503 wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2023 2:52 pm wow thanks for pointing out the $50 transaction fee, it's insane!. Not interested in paying for this, IMO it should come for free, but I will simply continue to invest my core account manually every month.
You can dollar cost into non Fido funds for $5, once you have the fund in the portfolio. I do this for a couple of Vanguard funds.
by hlfo718
Sun Sep 24, 2023 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV, Internet, and Phone Bill- Thoughts on Current Price and Suggestions to Lower Bill
Replies: 50
Views: 5467

Re: TV, Internet, and Phone Bill- Thoughts on Current Price and Suggestions to Lower Bill

Spectrum $45/month
Cell using Mint Mobile $15/month 4gigs
TV Max App $8/month Roku channel is free
NFL local games using antenna from Amazon $30

All in less than $100/month

You should shop around since you don’t need to over pay for these services.
by hlfo718
Sun Sep 17, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Harbourvest thru Vanguard?
Replies: 13
Views: 2120

Re: Harbourvest thru Vanguard?

HVPE will trigger PFIC so that could be really painful. Better off investing in the firms like BX, KKR, and others.
by hlfo718
Mon Jul 24, 2023 5:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337553

Re: Moving to Fidelity from Vanguard - Transfer bonus

You have to speak with a regional manager to get a larger bonus. My rep put me in touch with one and I received a retention bonus.
by hlfo718
Mon Jul 10, 2023 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remote security camera monitoring for an eldery relative
Replies: 6
Views: 931

Re: Remote security camera monitoring for an eldery relative

I am in a similar situation. We installed 3 Wyze cams to help monitor an elderly. Have you check the Wyze doorbell? You can subscribe their web monitor service too since is not too expensive. I recommend you put one in the kitchen with clear view of stove in case the stove is left on. You may want to add some sort of water leak alarm as well since that can happen and could be dangerous.
by hlfo718
Thu Mar 23, 2023 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSXX taxable for state and local now
Replies: 353
Views: 59406

Re: VUSXX taxable for state and local now

I switched to GBIL. Is an ETF but since I don’t need the cash no big deal.
by hlfo718
Wed Feb 15, 2023 6:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Private Equity, JF Lehman Partners
Replies: 13
Views: 1839

Re: Private Equity, JF Lehman Partners

Never invested with them but based on size of last fund, they are pretty small. I am assuming you are a QP? You have more options out there like Moonfare. I have a few PE funds and like Senex said, you have to deal with very complicated K1s. Depending on how they structured the fund, you may receive a K1 for each investment. Be prepare to pay thousands to outsource your annual tax filings.

Best of luck
by hlfo718
Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instacart account frozen
Replies: 7
Views: 690

Re: Instacart account frozen

That doesn't sound right. Do you have a different machine you can use to access www.instacart.com? Don't click on links, you need to either search instacart on Google or type in the URL accurately.
[/quote]

Yes, tried different browsers and machines. The rep thought I was a Shopper. Maybe someone used my address or other credentials to get a job with them. I also emailed them Friday but no response yet.
by hlfo718
Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instacart account frozen
Replies: 7
Views: 690

Re: Instacart account frozen

Yes, can’t login and they directed me to site asking me to upload my license and cc. I would rather cancel the membership.
by hlfo718
Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Instacart account frozen
Replies: 7
Views: 690

Instacart account frozen

Hi,

Just curious if this happened to anyone else here. Have been using Instacart for almost 3 years and when I placed a small order on Friday night I received an email stating my account has been frozen and need to send a copy of my license and credit card to unfreeze.

This sounds suspicious to me and I will not send them copies of requested docs. I called their customer service number but was routed to overseas office and the rep was clueless. I will contact them again this week.

Anyone else dealt with same before and what happen?

Thanks
by hlfo718
Mon Dec 26, 2022 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using multiple password managers at same time
Replies: 8
Views: 960

Using multiple password managers at same time

It maybe a stupid idea but would it make sense to keep half of a password with one manager and the other half with another so even if one is hacked no harm is done? For example if my bank password is abc123 I can keep abc with lastpass and 123 with 1password. The cost of two managers is immaterial compared to the potential heartburn.
by hlfo718
Tue Sep 27, 2022 5:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Private equity: does anyone know these management companies suggested by a Robo-advisor using index funds?
Replies: 21
Views: 2771

Re: Private equity: does anyone know these management companies suggested by a Robo-advisor using index funds?

HG has good historical returns but cannot tell you about future. One important note is the K-1 filings you must handle each year. Unless you are investing a few hundred grand or more, not worth the headache. There are platforms like Moonfare, Yieldstreet, Equityzen, and few others if you are still interested.
by hlfo718
Mon Sep 26, 2022 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard S**kz
Replies: 6
Views: 1651

Vanguard S**kz

I HATE Vanguard!!! I tried to login my account this weekend only to find that they have "updated" the Yubikey function. In order to login, I need to receive a code via cell, which they reverted back to my discarded cell number. So I have no way to access my account so I called the 877 number. The wait time was 50 minutes. After going through the usual security questions the rep told me she is asking for permission to disable the old cell so I can login. After waiting for 10 minutes, she came back and told it can't be done. I now need to MAIL in a notarized form. I asked her is there no other way to disable the 2FA and she said no. Since I didn't believe the answer, I called again and another 50 minute of wait time. This time the r...
by hlfo718
Sun Mar 13, 2022 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Short Term Consultant Legal Structure
Replies: 2
Views: 296

Short Term Consultant Legal Structure

Hi,

My former employer wants to hire me as a part time consultant, may only last 2 months or 1 year. Should I setup a SMLLC just for this or can I word the agreement to have them waive all liabilities?

Thank you
by hlfo718
Fri Jul 02, 2021 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't Use Apple Trade in
Replies: 8
Views: 1608

Don't Use Apple Trade in

I just sent in my old iPad to Apple trade in via Phobio. They email me they adjusted the trade in value and when I checked the pics they took, it was not my iPad, not even sure is an iPad. They show buttons that my ipad doesn't have and they said the product "bend".

I googled Phobio and saw a ton of complaints and they seemed to have used this method of finding defects on others as well.

I requested my ipad back but I doubt I will receive my actual ipad at this point.
by hlfo718
Sat Jan 16, 2021 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I co-sign mom’s mortgage?
Replies: 28
Views: 3003

Re: Should I co-sign mom’s mortgage?

You need to find out the coop's requirements. Ask the mgmt company or the broker for the full application.

Most coops won't accept co-signers since they want the borrowers to be the people living there.

Be aware coops look back 6-12 months of bank statements in case you want to lend her the money.

Good luck
by hlfo718
Thu Jan 16, 2020 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roku Express+ or Roku Streaming Stick+ for a Non-Tech Cord Cutter?
Replies: 20
Views: 1892

Re: Roku Express+ or Roku Streaming Stick+ for a Non-Tech Cord Cutter?

Have you thought about Amazon Fire stick? I had Roku sticks for years and the remote always stops working after a few months. I finally switched to Fire stick and like it much more than Roku.
by hlfo718
Thu Dec 12, 2019 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is $300 about right for att & xfinity
Replies: 17
Views: 1817

Re: Is $300 about right for att & xfinity

NYC, 1 mobile thru Mint with 3GBs a month $15, 1 mobile from work, free. Fios internet $55 with taxes and fees. Sling tv $30 with tax. CBS $6 a month for half a year. Netflix and Hulu shared with relative, $5 a month. Total monthly roughly $110.
by hlfo718
Fri Oct 11, 2019 8:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Deleted]
Replies: 16
Views: 2284

Re: Private Equity ownership proposition

How are you able to buy into the fund for 100k? If you are going through the investment club, are they then going to issue each member a k1? That can be costly depending how you split the cost. Blackstone and Goldman have similar funds and is interesting since they take minority stakes of large pe shops so your cash flow should be quite large in a short time and cushion the j curve. I would personally invest if 100k is less than 10 percent of your net worth. K1 can be a pain though. Good luck.
by hlfo718
Mon Sep 16, 2019 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: House centipedes in an apartment
Replies: 20
Views: 3403

Re: House centipedes in an apartment

If you spray bug spray on them all their legs fall off. Pretty nasty sight.
by hlfo718
Mon Jul 29, 2019 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New York City Teachers’ Retirement System TDA - Put it all in the 7% Fixed Return Fund?
Replies: 45
Views: 7408

Re: New York City Teachers’ Retirement System TDA - Put it all in the 7% Fixed Return Fund?

I don't know how the UFT's TDA works but if the guaranteed amount is indeed 7% net of all fees and expenses I would put 100% of my investment in the plan. I am also assuming they can be sold or redeemed with no fees/expenses after a short lock up period.
by hlfo718
Thu Jul 25, 2019 10:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Financial Retirement (NYC area) - Looking for Resources
Replies: 3
Views: 643

Re: NYC Financial Presentation - Looking for Resources

Try Fidelity. We had them come in for a few hours to go over the 401k and retirement benefits. Not sure you need to be a client first but you can call them since you can be a potential customer.
by hlfo718
Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life Insurance and Medicaid Eligibility (New York)
Replies: 8
Views: 686

Re: Life Insurance and Medicaid Eligibility (New York)

Your friend is disqualified due to high asset value. Your friend has to spend down the asset to be eligible for medicaid again. Given how expensive health insurance is in NY, he should be able to qualify again in less than a year.

Is better he take a few hours and sit down with an rep at his local SSA office to iron this out.
by hlfo718
Tue Feb 26, 2019 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alternative to VUSXX
Replies: 31
Views: 7499

Re: Alternative to VUSXX

The volume is way too light for me. Don't want to pay a large spread for anything, especially a cash like investment.
by hlfo718
Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alternative to VUSXX
Replies: 31
Views: 7499

Re: Alternative to VUSXX

You probably want to compare them to the SEC yield, which is 2.34% for Vang vs 2.21% for BIL. There is also GBIL at 2.30% and SHV at 2.32%. I have SHV with Fidelity and Schwab since their own money funds are not that competitive or requires a much higher minimum.
by hlfo718
Tue Jan 15, 2019 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 403b Changes
Replies: 191
Views: 36417

Re: Vanguard 403b Changes

I got the same error message when I tried to run the transaction history. We never rec'd the email from Vanguard regarding the transferring of the share class. Will try running again this weekend. Thanks for sharing the news.
by hlfo718
Mon Dec 03, 2018 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Target gift cards 10% off today only
Replies: 11
Views: 1792

Re: Target gift cards 10% off today only

Anyone else has issue with Target sending over the giftcard code via text? Placed order over 24 hours ago and still waiting. Waiting on the line now to see what the heck happened.
by hlfo718
Sun Dec 02, 2018 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Not receiving text from Target for their ecard
Replies: 0
Views: 392

Not receiving text from Target for their ecard

Not sure if others here has the same issue. I ordered the Target gift card with the 10% discount for today only. Rec'd email the text was sent hours ago but still nothing coming through.

Did others here encountered the same issue with them?
by hlfo718
Fri Nov 09, 2018 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Get Rid of Chubb/Reduce Cost of Homeowners Insurance
Replies: 15
Views: 3834

Re: Help Me Get Rid of Chubb/Reduce Cost of Homeowners Insurance

I had Chubb for 1 year with no claims and they wanted to jack up my premium by over 25%. I switched to AIG for about 40% of Chubb's cost (pre price hike) and with a higher liability coverage. You should give AIG a call just to have an estimate.
by hlfo718
Tue Sep 18, 2018 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spectrum Cable TV Charges
Replies: 19
Views: 2695

Re: Spectrum Cable TV Charges

Have you noticed since Chartered took over, their TV app goes down almost everyday? I use their app on Roku to save money for an extra cable box. Before the merger the app rarely went down. Once the merger went through an error message comes up every day, right as we are ready to watch TV.

I called and the rep admitted they knew about the bug but haven't done anything to fix it.

Thought about switching to FIOS since is in my hood but they eliminated their FIOS app and their costs are higher than spectrum.

So sucking it up for now.
by hlfo718
Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nest vs Arlo (or other) security camera & system
Replies: 16
Views: 2248

Re: Nest vs Arlo (or other) security camera & system

I just purchase a second Wyze camera. The first one was the basic one which doesn't move for $25. The new one can move up/down/left/right and only cost $37 on amazon. No way I am going back to the other expensive cameras that have the same or less features.
by hlfo718
Mon Jul 16, 2018 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Amazon Prime Day]
Replies: 194
Views: 18712

Re: Amazon Prime Day 2018

Roku stick is on sale for $34.99 to match Amazon's price. I have used both and prefer Roku.
by hlfo718
Tue Jun 19, 2018 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Shorting Amazon
Replies: 44
Views: 6018

Re: Shorting Amazon

Even if you want to short amazon, you won't be able to borrow the shares from the typical brokerage firms like schwab, fidelity, etrade. [OT comment removed by moderator prudent]
by hlfo718
Tue Mar 27, 2018 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max-funding an Index Universal Life policy to the IRS limit??
Replies: 108
Views: 12294

Re: Max-funding an Index Universal Life policy to the IRS limit??

How about you just give this "friend" $100 and tell him never to talk to you about investing again and use this forum as your adviser? This way you can save tens of thousands in fees and commissions while earning a higher return.
by hlfo718
Fri Mar 23, 2018 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture Protection Plan worth it?
Replies: 18
Views: 16142

Re: Furniture Protection Plan worth it?

We purchased an expensive sectional from Macy's last year and the sales rep kept pushing the warranty. I told him I will research and get back to him in a day. Went home and google the company and it was as expected, stories of the company refusing to replace or repair furniture even though is under guarantee time frame. So we skipped the insurance and save a few hundred. I think there is only 1 or 2 large companies that specialize in this area. Should read the online comment before you spend the cash.
by hlfo718
Tue Mar 13, 2018 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heads up: Moto G5 Plus 32 Unlocked phone at Costco $179
Replies: 34
Views: 6779

Re: Heads up: Moto G5 Plus 32 Unlocked phone at Costco $179

After seeing the post here last week, I ordered 1 for my spouse. Is a really nice phone and pretty light. I have an iphone but if I were to buy a new one, I would get this Moto instead of iphone. To me nothing special about the iphone except is multiple times more expensive than a moto phone. And I do like android better.
by hlfo718
Thu Feb 15, 2018 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net Worth - How am I doing?
Replies: 14
Views: 4272

Re: Net Worth - How am I doing?

I think it depends on your income and expenses as well. If your income is $50k and expense of $30k, then is pretty good. But if your income is $1mm and expense of $990k, then not so good.
by hlfo718
Mon Feb 12, 2018 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: L.L. Bean, Citing Abuse, Tightens Its Generous Policy on Returns
Replies: 41
Views: 6291

Re: L.L. Bean, Citing Abuse, Tightens Its Generous Policy on Returns

I purchased LL Bean jackets because of the generous policy. I have a jacket that is over 15 years old that is still in really good condition but we had issues with their more recent winter jackets. My spouse's jacket was bleeding the down fills so we returned and the 2nd one was the same but 3rd time was the charm.

One of my jacket turned from grey to orange on the shoulder area for no apparent reason. Had to get another one but they were outside the 1 year purchase date. I would have been really upset if I was stuck with a discolored jacket or where the fillings were coming out.
by hlfo718
Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Ally online savings now at 2.20%]
Replies: 285
Views: 58033

Re: Ally online savings now at 1.45%

3 Month TBills are over 1.5% and state/local tax free. That's a great substitute for money funds and high yield savings.
by hlfo718
Mon Jan 08, 2018 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 for Summer Camp
Replies: 4
Views: 2112

529 for Summer Camp

Hi,

Does anyone know if I can pay for my nephew's summer camp using 529 plan? He is 5 YO and looking to send him to a near by private school for upcoming summer break.

Thank you
by hlfo718
Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Silly Q: How do you link your brokerage acct to Ally?
Replies: 2
Views: 464

Silly Q: How do you link your brokerage acct to Ally?

I have linked various checking accts to Vanguard and Fidelity but how do you link Ally's Online Savings to the brokerage firms? How do you locate the routing number for the online savings acct?

Thank you all
by hlfo718
Tue Dec 05, 2017 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]
Replies: 270
Views: 34434

Re: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]

Hi Mcraepat9,

Which form is for 2018 NYS estimated payment? I see only 2017 forms on the website.

Thanks
by hlfo718
Tue Nov 28, 2017 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Net Benefits: Specifying catch-up contributions
Replies: 8
Views: 1408

Re: Fidelity Net Benefits: Specifying catch-up contributions

I don't believe is a Fidelity issue but employer requirement. My wife's employer also requires the 2 separate breakdown by each year end for next year's withholding. They use Vanguard for the 403b program.