Search found 79 matches
- Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I am hitting the Citi AA credit cards pretty hard. Wife and have each opened four in the past 5 months - 2 personal and 2 business each. We will have about 500,000 miles combined. Citi seems to be the last issuer that allows the old style churning, but you have to use the 9 digit mailers in order t...
- Tue Mar 06, 2018 6:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: For the credit card savvy--help me decide how to handle this!
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1410
Re: For the credit card savvy--help me decide how to handle this!
Just a thought: if the expenses you will put on the CSR are Travel/Dining, and you plan to redeem the points on travel, you effectively have a 4.5% return. This would outweigh the 3% balance transfer fee. If you are savvy/flexible enough, you might be able to transfer the points to an airline partn...
- Wed Feb 14, 2018 5:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: [New MA & VT Tax reporting]- 1099-K threshold reduced to $600
- Replies: 105
- Views: 6431
Re: [New MA & VT Tax reporting]- 1099-K threshold reduced to $600
I contacted MA DOR and they responded with this:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/fr ... ty-sellers
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/fr ... ty-sellers
- Tue Feb 06, 2018 4:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: [New MA & VT Tax reporting]- 1099-K threshold reduced to $600
- Replies: 105
- Views: 6431
Re: [New MA & VT Tax reporting]- 1099-K threshold reduced to $600
OK, I think I found the answer. From the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/payments/general-faqs-on-new-payment-card-reporting-requirements I received Form 1099-K. How do I report it on my tax return? Separate reporting of these transactions is not required. However, you should follow the return ins...
- Wed Oct 25, 2017 10:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
It does not have much to do with Uber outside of branding. Redemption options are at the same rate for Uber as for other things.student wrote: ↑Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:51 pmA new card for those who use Uber.
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/uber-cre ... nnual-fee/
- Fri Oct 20, 2017 2:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
^^^
BA, Hyatt, IHG and Ritz are not under 5/24.
BA, Hyatt, IHG and Ritz are not under 5/24.
- Mon Oct 16, 2017 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
$40 savings for opening CC accounts is too low even if you're not collecting travel rewards points. Plenty of cards that could have gotten you $500+ per card are available.Jack FFR1846 wrote: ↑Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:31 pmAmazon cards because it seems that I'm always getting a pop up to save $40 by applying for yet another amazon card (5).
- Sat Oct 07, 2017 8:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Rejected for Chase Ink Business
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1018
Re: Rejected for Chase Ink Business
There's a workaround for that particular card that allows to get it even if you have more than 5 open cards in the last two years. The workaround requires going into a branch and asking business banker (not all branches have them) to submit a paper application on your behalf. The paper app also has ...
- Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Facing a setback
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2391
Re: Facing a setback
New tire price seems reasonable. Regarding pan / work you should do some research and make a more informed decision. For parts, check RockAuto.com and for labor you can call the local dealer and see how many hours they charge for to do the pan replacement. I believe they follow manufacturer's time a...
- Mon Aug 28, 2017 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
VictoriaF, Air Serbia is a partner with Etihad, and you can get one way flights from BEG to JFK for around 45k Etihad pts. Etihad is transfer partner with Citi and AMEX and sometimes have extra 20/25% pt transfer promos. If you play it right, you should be able to get that one way for 35-37k ThankYo...
- Fri Aug 25, 2017 5:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I abandon airline credit cards for cash back?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3440
Re: Should I abandon airline credit cards for cash back?
Really depends on how much effort you want to put in this. 2% cash back is decent, but if you play bank points game right (Citi TY, Chase UR, AMEX MR) you can come out way ahead of 2% return and still retain pretty good flexibility with your rewards. Comparing UA, AA, Delta cards vs 2% card for all ...
- Thu Aug 10, 2017 11:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Struggling with Justifying an Expensive Car Purchase
- Replies: 120
- Views: 8112
Re: Struggling with Justifying an Expensive Car Purchase
Define `expensive car`.
- Wed Aug 09, 2017 12:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: New car vs used car
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1153
Re: New car vs used car
Really depends on the car you're looking to buy. I was recently looking into Subaru Crosstrek and had a gentlemen who has access to car auction data do some research with me. The average price for 2014 Premium trim models with 30-40k miles on them was $16,500 (that's before dealer and auction fees) ...
- Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
50k is the highest offer. The only other offer one would consider was a limited time, somewhat targeted offer of 40k/$2k + 25k/$2k after 1st year. The 2nd year shenanigans turned many people off and there are DPs of Amex offering 15k MR point retention offers which would make the 50k just as good. ...
- Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Just hit 5/24 (I was approved for 70K United MPE this morning), so the whole word of churning is now open to me (although I'm still skeptical about blowing the lid off of 5/24 because I would like to try for the Southwest CP early next year). I am thinking of getting the Barclay Aviator Red card, s...
- Fri Jun 16, 2017 12:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Hyatt Certificate for Chase Hyatt Card
- Replies: 5
- Views: 893
Re: Hyatt Certificate for Chase Hyatt Card
SO and I are interested in getting the Chase Hyatt card and using it for a 4 night stay at one of the Ziva or ZIlara resorts. Has anyone used this there before? When I go check out the resorts it says using points are not an option so hoping this doesn't preclude the use of certificates. No first h...
- Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
It's not like the card issuers and gift card companies aren't aware of this "hobby". Surely, it's part of the calculated business case - the business case where we're a small population compared to their primary, more desirable customers. Was just thinking about this a couple of days ago. There are...
- Fri Jun 09, 2017 7:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Chase hotel credit cards / IHG Anniversary Free Night
- Replies: 38
- Views: 6024
Re: Chase hotel credit cards / IHG Anniversary Free Night
IHG is a very nice card to keep around for a $49/yr hotel stay and Platinum Elite status, but when it comes to spending $ on it there's no value in doing that unless you're booking a IHG property AND getting a bonus of some sort. Without the bonus I'd prefer 3x Citi or Chase pts per dollar over 5x I...
- Tue May 30, 2017 9:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Hi, Do you guys cancel Chase credit after sometime to get the new one as I believe Chase gives credit of $50K combined for all the credit cards. I have Chase Freedom, Chase United Mileage plus, Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sappire Preferred. I had Chase Southwest but cancelled 3 years back. Now...
- Wed May 17, 2017 10:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1999 Honda Accord 175,000 miles CEL Code P1456
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1858
Re: 1999 Honda Accord 175,000 miles CEL Code P1456
my 2000 Accord with 205k miles recently developed a similar issue. My mechanic told me it's not a safety problem and since the car is over 15 yrs old MA does not require emission inspection. I just re-set the sensors, got the car inspected and it passed. Probably time to get a new car anyways...
- Mon May 08, 2017 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Guys - I need some advice on how to most efficiently accumulate airline/hotel points for a trip later this year. I currently have Chase Sapphire Preferred and Barclays Arrival +. Both of which I have already spent the initial spend bonus points. What is next? All the links I have found on Reddit sh...
- Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
https://www.penfed.org/platinum-rewards-visa-signature/
Nice sign up bonus and 'no-AF' generally don't happen often.
Nice sign up bonus and 'no-AF' generally don't happen often.
- Sun Apr 23, 2017 3:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Helping adult children
- Replies: 80
- Views: 10421
Re: Helping adult children
Far from being in your situation, but I'd be perfectly fine if my parents decided to help my brother out financially and support my nephews / nieces (assuming brother is not a deadbeat).
- Sun Apr 23, 2017 12:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Any regrets living a frugal life for high income/high networth individuals?
- Replies: 170
- Views: 23705
Re: Any regrets living a frugal life for high income/high networth individuals?
My parents were frugal and always bought the cheapest item regardless of quality. My wife's parents were frugal and always bought the least expensive high quality item. My wife's parents did much better financially but that was only one factor. However, it is a much better way to live. It is no fun...
- Fri Apr 21, 2017 11:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career advice in IT
- Replies: 99
- Views: 8999
Re: Career advice in IT
Unemployment story from and IT worker in Silcon Valley http://www.vox.com/first-person/2016/12/19/13956666/unemployment-men-prime-working-age I feel bad for the guy, but from what I read in the article I didn't get a sense that he has a technical skill set that would qualify one as an 'IT worker'. ...
- Fri Apr 21, 2017 9:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career advice in IT
- Replies: 99
- Views: 8999
Re: Career advice in IT
I feel bad for the guy, but from what I read in the article I didn't get a sense that he has a technical skill set that would qualify one as an 'IT worker'.rgs92 wrote:Unemployment story from and IT worker in Silcon Valley
http://www.vox.com/first-person/2016/12 ... orking-age
- Fri Apr 07, 2017 11:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should I drop Chase Sapphire Preferred (have Reserve and Freedom)
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1431
Re: Should I drop Chase Sapphire Preferred (have Reserve and Freedom)
+ another vote for Freedom Unlimited.
- Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
They don't care about 5/24 or other rules because once you exhaust all of your bonus opportunities, you're done. This is the game changer...once you've run through all the major bank cards, you are done churning for bonuses - left with only waiting for new cards w/bonuses or watching for special pr...
- Tue Feb 21, 2017 11:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
American Express Delta - Just a warning. The card claims that you cannot get the miles bonus if you've ever had the card before . . . apparently they mean it, as I just spent $3,000 and they said I won't be getting the miles. I guess it's my fault, but I'm sharing as other people have had luck with...
- Mon Feb 13, 2017 10:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
DiMAn0684 and the people running Chicago seminars open enough cards to compensate for the loss of the CSR bonus. In my case it's less clear, it depends what other cards will be available between now the end of my 24/5 exile. Victoria Appreciate being put in the same category as the folks running th...
- Mon Feb 13, 2017 5:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
I don't qualify for a CSR due to the 24/5 rule and my earliest eligibility will be about a year from now. Until then I will not be opening new cards. The CSR 100K in-branch bonus is ending in March and going down to 50K. Maybe it will return in the future, maybe not. For about 6 months at one point...
- Mon Feb 13, 2017 10:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Just received the 50,000 bonus miles from spending $4k in the first three months on Chase Sapphire Preferred. For someone who is relatively young and does not travel that often, I am having a difficult time deciding what to do with the bonus. Do I take the bank account credit or save the bonus (whi...
- Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
FYI: A year ago I got a Chase IHG card because I was planning to attend a conference taking place at an IHG hotel. However, my travel plans have changed, and I will not be staying at that hotel. Several days before the anniversary, I've cancelled the card to avoid paying the annual fee of $45. I im...
- Fri Feb 10, 2017 10:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
FYI: A year ago I got a Chase IHG card because I was planning to attend a conference taking place at an IHG hotel. However, my travel plans have changed, and I will not be staying at that hotel. Several days before the anniversary, I've cancelled the card to avoid paying the annual fee of $45. I im...
- Mon Dec 26, 2016 2:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fenway Park
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2524
Re: Fenway Park
Is Airbnb on option? You might be able to find something around a $100 along one of the green lines.
- Fri Nov 25, 2016 6:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Which Credit card for a large one-time expense?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 6735
Re: Which Credit card for a large one-time expense?
That would mean that the dealer pays $500-$1000 in card processing fees and if they'd let you do that you're most likely overpaying for the car.davidsorensen32 wrote:Anyone bought a car priced $35,000+ on credit card ? Specifically the CSP or CSR ? Does anyone see any issues ?
- Sun Oct 09, 2016 12:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Crossing the line (becoming a miser)
- Replies: 71
- Views: 10845
Re: Crossing the line (becoming a miser)
That was pretty funnytludwig23 wrote:When Mr. Money Mustache tells you to "live a little", you need help.

- Fri Sep 23, 2016 8:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Avoiding cards for now that have had higher sign up bonuses in the past (this is why I haven't gotten the Starwood Preferred Guest Card yet) SPG is switching to 2 free nights (and will probably go away in the next year or two), so the current 25k pts offer might be the best you'll get out of it. ...
- Sat Jun 18, 2016 3:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 2544
- Views: 477894
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
2) bonuses create psychological bias towards more spending. Victoria This is why I like MS. If I need to spend X dollars to get a bonus I MS that amount within the first few days of getting the card. This way I am never thinking about having to spend money to meet the bonus. I still use most of the...
- Mon May 30, 2016 10:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much can you make from the credit card / bank account game?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6015
Re: How much can you make from the credit card / bank account game?
CC bonuses are getting harder and harder to get in comparison with 2013-2015, but there're still lots of good offers out there, esp if you're new to this and like or need to travel. Chase Ink 70k UR pt offer, two SW cards that can get you a CP pretty quickly, Citi Plat 60k AA offer, upcoming Chase 7...
- Sat Mar 26, 2016 7:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3508
Re: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?
That would have been a really attractive offer if it was public. Last time it was sort of accessible to everyone was ~7 month ago, most of the time an RSVP code is needed.Pdxnative wrote: Amex platinum 100k MRs is attractive for many people.
- Sat Mar 26, 2016 7:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3508
Re: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?
As an aside I searched this site for "credit card bonus." The latest thread I found that mentions specific cards/offers ended in December. Will anyone point me in the right direction for worthwhile offers? I find that the best offers are travel-related. How about chase sapphire preferred with 50k U...
- Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Getting Rid of Cable???
- Replies: 179
- Views: 28332
Re: Getting Rid of Cable???
I have an odd philosophy. I'm frugal with pretty much everything accept whats under the roof. If we want cable, we get it. If we want to take long showers (city water) we take long showers. We sacrifice in other areas so that we can live comfortably when home. Staying home saves you money, if you h...
- Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Getting Rid of Cable???
- Replies: 179
- Views: 28332
Re: Getting Rid of Cable???
I'm not really seeing the savings. We pay about $145/month inclusive of fees and taxes to AT&T for a whole house DVR with 3 boxes and DSL internet, which is probably about 6 MBPS down. If I "cut the cord", I would need significantly faster internet speeds from Time Warner for a cable modem to get r...
- Sun Dec 06, 2015 5:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Getting Rid of Cable???
- Replies: 179
- Views: 28332
Re: Getting Rid of Cable???
I'm not really seeing the savings. We pay about $145/month inclusive of fees and taxes to AT&T for a whole house DVR with 3 boxes and DSL internet, which is probably about 6 MBPS down. If I "cut the cord", I would need significantly faster internet speeds from Time Warner for a cable modem to get r...
- Fri Sep 04, 2015 6:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: High credit card rebates for "Travel Credit"
- Replies: 17
- Views: 2224
Re: High credit card rebates for "Travel Credit"
It is hard to beat 2% cashback with travel rewards card, but if you're willing to put time into research and are interested in luxury experiences (1st class flights / high end hotels) you can come out way ahead with pts vs straight cash back. Earlier this week I was able to buy an economy class tick...
- Sun Jul 26, 2015 5:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Business Class 1-way tickets
- Replies: 4
- Views: 771
Re: Business Class 1-way tickets
Do you have an option of getting the ticket with airline points? Redemption ratios per point on business / first class are very good.
- Sat May 02, 2015 11:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Too late for career change/worth it?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 8731
Re: Too late for career change/worth it?
My mother moved to the US right before she turned 40 and finished her degree (in the field completely new to her) at the age of 48. At 29, getting a college degree that will help with advancing your career is a no-brainer.
- Sun Mar 08, 2015 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Reducing Costs for Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1817
Re: Reducing Costs for Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Always call current provider for promos, if nothing is available then switch to a different provider. If you're in the area where there's only one high speed internet provider you're most likely not getting any good deals.
- Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Verizon FIOS Rate Renewal Increase
- Replies: 18
- Views: 16881
Re: Verizon FIOS Rate Renewal Increase
If you actually cancel, don't you lose your phone number? You would also lose service between the cancel date and the new installation date unless they "turn it on" immediately? For new plans, it looks like you have to pay for or rent the router. Not sure if I could use the one they gave me at no c...