Search found 5441 matches

by carolinaman
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Our State Farm agent retiring
Replies: 32
Views: 2195

Re: Our State Farm agent retiring

My SF agent retired a few years ago. He was replaced by a former college professor. I do not care for her but she has the same staff as former agent, and they are terrific. So I stayed with her. Most of my interactions are with her staff.

I shopped my policy a few years ago and SF was cheapest overall for 3 policies: umbrella, home and auto. I have had good experience with SF claims. That would be a concern in switching to another insurer.
by carolinaman
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MAGI AGI IRMAA
Replies: 4
Views: 551

Re: MAGI AGI IRMAA

No, only the taxable part of SS is included for MAGI. I have done multiple Roth conversions which required me to carefully plan MAGI to avoid IRMAA.
by carolinaman
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need online payment capability without website
Replies: 4
Views: 440

Re: Need online payment capability without website

Is anyone familiar with Cheddar Up? It is more expensive per transaction but seems to have features we would like, i.e. collecting member info. All members would need is a link to the site. Its simplicity is appealing to a group with a lot of low tech members.
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?
Replies: 46
Views: 6423

Re: What are the Benefits and Perks of Fidelity Private Client Group?

I just transferred our accounts from Vanguard to Fidelity. I have an assigned rep with whom I have met twice. She was very helpful both times. She has a partner who stepped in to help me when she was out. He too was very helpful. I have had a couple of issues. One was the transfer of one account which was my fault. Fidelity had a transfer specialist call me, and she then call Vanguard's back office with me on the line and then a credit union that I had an account with. The fix required me to resubmit a request to the credit union to redirect the transfer to Fidelity. I did that. The transfer specialist called me the next day to make sure that went ok and then called a few days later to make sure everything went ok. Wow! I am not used to tha...
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 26, 2024 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need online payment capability without website
Replies: 4
Views: 440

Need online payment capability without website

I am treasurer of a very small non profit group of retirees. We currently have 138 members and our membership has declined during Covid. We hope to begin growing our membership again. Our members pay $25 membership renewal dues each year. We setup an online website 3 years ago including paying online with credit card. We decided the website was not very effective and took it down recently. About 25% of members paid dues online and that option is growing. We currently do not have an online payment option. We would like to establish some form of online payment. Our credit union uses Zelle for personal accounts but has not implemented it yet for business accounts like ours. I know there are other options for online payments. Can any of you rec...
by carolinaman
Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Humidifier recommendations?
Replies: 15
Views: 1059

Re: Humidifier recommendations?

We have 2 warm and cool mist humidifiers by Levoit. Both were highly rated by Consumer Reports and other rating agency. They are quiet and do a good job.
by carolinaman
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
Replies: 193
Views: 11767

Re: When brand names matter and when they don't

Arboecars wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:51 pm
Leesbro63 wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:15 amLexus
Dunno about that!
A well equipped Toyota Camry or Corolla these days are just as good as a similar Lexus model.
Longtime Toyota owner here. We have had 2 Avalon Limiteds. We bought the last one (2019) used in 2022. I also looked at Lexus and really could not tell the difference. Both are great cars. The Lexus models are so well appointed, more so than most Toyotas, except for the Avalon which at the high end Limited have everything the Lexus does. Avalon has been changed to Crown and I assume they are continuation of the Avalon in quality and features.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 22, 2024 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What should a taxpayer expect a CPA to do?
Replies: 27
Views: 2974

Re: What should a taxpayer expect a CPA to do?

I had a unique (at least to me) issue in 2022. A CPA friend explained it to me and provided the source in IRS regs. He could not do my return and referred me to another CPA. I thought it might be useful to have a CPA do my return thinking there might be other advice he would give. When I talked with him by phone and discussed my tax situation, he said it was doubtful he could provide any other advice. He said his expertise is usually best for business owners. Since he was going to charge $1k for something I could do myself, I did the return myself. The only time I ever paid someone other than TurboTax was for my mother's estate return. The rules for estate returns are different, and as executor, I did not want to screw up the return. So I p...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor air quality testing services
Replies: 24
Views: 1930

Re: Indoor air quality testing services

I have asthma and began having more than usual issues in my study a few years ago. I was convinced something in my study was causing my problem but was not sure what it was. I had heard an AQ company on a local radio station talk about the testing they did. One key selling point to me was that they only did the study and would not do any of the follow on work that might be needed. They felt that was a conflict of interest. I paid around $1k for them to do complete testing of 3 rooms in our house as well as some outdoors testing (we live on a large wooded lot). They were AQ experts with biology academic backgrounds. They used highly sensitive testing equipment. The lead guy said their equipment cost around $100k and they paid $5k every year ...
by carolinaman
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What kind of unexpected expenses come up late in life?
Replies: 18
Views: 2074

Re: What kind of unexpected expenses come up late in life?

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc] There's a March 16, 2024 article by Paula Span in The New York Times that discusses a scenario where long term care and Medicaid are involved. While the details are quite specific and there are exceptions to the law I think it's a good idea to be aware of what could happen if you ended up having to go down this particular path. The headline is "When Medicaid Comes After the Family Home" and it notes "Federal law requires states to seek reimbursement from the assets, usually homes, of people who died after receiving benefits for long-term care." A brief excerpt: Her mother was well insured, with Medicare, a private supplemental “Medigap” policy and long-term ca...
by carolinaman
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax brackets etc assuming TCJA sunset no new laws
Replies: 31
Views: 3574

Re: tax brackets etc assuming TCJA sunset no new laws

Your assumptions seem valid except my understanding is that 2017 tax brackets will be adjusted for inflation as will standard deduction and personal exemptions based on 2017 law. I analyzed my projected 2024 return against the 2026 taxes and it was not as bad as expected. I will be near the top of the 25% MFJ rates whereas we are currently in 22% bracket with a fair amount of headroom.

I have based all of my tax planning on the TCJA reverting to 2017 inflation adjusted rates because that is the current law.
by carolinaman
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much long term care might you need?
Replies: 31
Views: 2494

Re: How much long term care might you need?

Morningstar has some good data on long term care in this article by Christene Benz:

https://www.morningstar.com/personal-fi ... 23-edition
by carolinaman
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?
Replies: 34
Views: 4300

Re: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?

jebmke wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:02 pm VTI pays a dividend each quarter so those would be reportable income on your 1040. Whether it gets taxed depends on the complete tax return.
The VTI dividend is about 2% and is treated as a LTCG, at least for me. I have VTI in taxable and Roth and think it is a great holding either place.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1553

Re: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

In your situation, Roth conversions to benefit your children as heirs seems inconsistent with your desire to contribute more than your RMD amount to charity. If you plan to continue to make QCDs in excess of your current RMDs, I don't think it would make sense to lower your RMDs even further by a Roth conversion. Yes agreed - you need to have somewhat of a goal for the funds before you try and optimize that goal. Having the two goals of charity and also inheritance for heirs is not a poroblem but they need to be assigned a relative value or maybe a % to figure out an optimized approach. My primary goal was to reduce my TIRA balance to avoid taxes, especially with expiration of the TCJA in 2026. Is your tax-deferred account now low enough t...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22602

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Will sellers and buyers (not realtors) have access to the MLS listings or something similar? That could change selling and buying of real estate.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1553

Re: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

In your situation, Roth conversions to benefit your children as heirs seems inconsistent with your desire to contribute more than your RMD amount to charity. If you plan to continue to make QCDs in excess of your current RMDs, I don't think it would make sense to lower your RMDs even further by a Roth conversion. Yes agreed - you need to have somewhat of a goal for the funds before you try and optimize that goal. Having the two goals of charity and also inheritance for heirs is not a poroblem but they need to be assigned a relative value or maybe a % to figure out an optimized approach. My primary goal was to reduce my TIRA balance to avoid taxes, especially with expiration of the TCJA in 2026. Second, provide a tax free inheritance for ou...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which fixed income investment to choose
Replies: 2
Views: 468

Which fixed income investment to choose

We have a 55% equity/45% fixed AA although target is 50/50. I am planning to reduce equity to target and use some MM funds to invest in fixed income. Most of our fixed is in CDs, a couple of ETF bond funds and MM.

I am considering deferred annuities, secondary TIPs and treasuries. All in the 3 to 5 year range. Based upon Fidelity website, projected yields are in the 4.5% to 5% range and TIPs yield around 2% plus inflation.

I do not currently have any TIPs and am leaning towards that, but open to your suggestions.

Thanks for your replies.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?
Replies: 14
Views: 1553

Do I need to do anymore Roth conversions?

I am 79 and DW is 81. I retired at age 66. Upon retirement, we had 89% of our investments in IRAs. I considered Roth conversions but decided not to do so at that time. However, a few years ago I decided to do large Roth conversions every year to benefit our two children as heirs. I went to the top of IRMAA tier 2 and we have paid that premium in Medicare B and D every year since. We have done QCDs every year since the TCJA took effect because it was more tax advantageous. Our annual QCDs are now larger than our RMDs which means we do not have to do RMDs anymore. Also, our IRAs are only 15% of our investments. This year I am doing a Roth conversion up to top of IRMAA tier 1, thus not incurring any premium in 2026. I want to maintain enough f...
by carolinaman
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6846

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

GaryA505 wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:11 pm
trugs wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:54 pm There is a greater chance that a Fidelity advisor, more so than a Vanguard advisor, will push you to invest in something expensive that you would be better off without. It just happened to me. viewtopic.php?t=426480

If you don't mind, and can recognize and resist the advice, you could do ok at Fidelity.
I don't mind the calls from Fidelity. My standard response is, "I don't need anything, thanks".
They call me about once a year. It makes me feel loved. :wink:
I do not mind a soft sell regarding investments. There may be something I should consider. It is better than the deafening silence at Vanguard. I know enough to stick to my plan.
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6846

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

I was a longtime Vanguard customer, but recently switched to Fidelity due to multiple customer service issues. So far I have been very pleased. I have an account team for any needs or issues, but they have not been pushy or salesy.

The final straw with Vanguard was dealing with an offshore call center which lacked competency and was difficult to communicate with. There were 2 big pluses with Fidelity. First, they have local offices in Charlotte for in person meetings, and I have a rep/customer service team I can contact for issues which can be a big plus for complex issues. Vanguard had neither.
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15480

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

I usually keep around $1,000 and usually have about $100 in wallet. I use it mainly to replenish my wallet. I rarely use cash and rarely go to ATM. Once it gets low, I replenish from an ATM.
by carolinaman
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 10618

Re: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

I have been on original Medicare since 2011 after retiring at age 66. I think it is great for seniors. I have had few issues with it. Billing is straightforward. Medical practices know how to bill it and there are very few billing errors. I have had a lot of doctors since retiring. My PCPs keep retiring on me. I also have several specialists. I have never been turned down to be a patient because of Medicare. You may be getting that confused with Medicaid which many doctors do not accept. I never considered MA because I do not like that approach where you are limited to a specific pool of medical providers and you do not have control of whether or not to use a specialist or get treatment for something. I have heard horror stories of people w...
by carolinaman
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?
Replies: 133
Views: 15842

Re: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?

Deciding where to live solely on cost of living is crazy. The quality of life and having the things you value most are more important, IMO. Obviously, many people have been priced out of CA due to uber high real estate prices. But if you can afford it and prefer what it offers, why not CA?

FWIW, I live in Eastern US, although I have visited CA many times and always enjoyed it.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nursing homes, Medicaid and credit freezes
Replies: 4
Views: 685

Re: Nursing homes, Medicaid and credit freezes

The nursing home likely do a credit check. I do not know why Medicaid would do a credit check. They will do a financial needs assessment to determine eligibility for Medicaid. If the person qualifies, Medicaid will pay the nursing home the Medicaid rate which is lower than Medicare.

In my mother's case in VA, they required me to sell her home and reimburse Medicaid from the home sale proceeds.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Fidelity Investment Centers (brick & mortar branches) issue cashiers/bank checks for clients?
Replies: 4
Views: 687

Re: Do Fidelity Investment Centers (brick & mortar branches) issue cashiers/bank checks for clients?

You can transfer money from Fidelity to your bank electronically and have your bank issue a bank check. Fidelity will also wire money to companies. I have never done that but I understand there is no charge.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity advice
Replies: 67
Views: 8457

Re: Fidelity advice

I recently transferred my Vanguard account to Fidelity. I have met with my rep twice, once in person and a second time by phone. She has not been pushy or overtly salesy either time. I have been extremely pleased with my Fidelity experience so far.

I was a Fidelity customer for many years before consolidating everything to Vanguard. I never experienced anything like you have described. Fidelity has always been very helpful to me.

Your experience seems weird and very atypical of Fidelity. I suggest talk with your account rep about this.
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5432

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

I've used both and prefer Costco. I loved my boutique audiologist, but she offered nothing above what Costco offers. Costco's trial/return period are insanely generous. +1. I totally agree that Costco is the way to go. They offer the latest technology and their service is very good. I used an audiologist at an EENT practice for my first HA. It was ok but very expensive. I decided to try Costco and am now on my 3rd pair with them. There was no discernible difference in capability and service between the 2 practices. You will get the same or similar aids at Costco for 1/2 to 1/3 the price. The Costco aids may have a different brand name but have the same technology as the high priced HAs. The boutique HA stores try to make you think that Cos...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach
Replies: 57
Views: 6764

Re: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach

The discussion piqued my interest because I am a Fidelity Investments customer. It is not clear from either article how the breach was accomplished and they seem unsure of what data was lost, although potentially it covers a lot of personal information, including SSNs.

Not good!

https://www.theregister.com/2024/02/13/ ... rica_leak/

https://www.securityweek.com/fidelity-i ... em%20(IMS).
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure
Replies: 63
Views: 4725

Re: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure

That is a high premium for this home value. We pay about the same for a home worth 3.5x the cost. Have you shopped your coverage around ? Did you increase the deductible to the max ? If your home is seriously damaged such as in the case of fire, you probably won't be able to sell the lot without some cleanup/demolition costs. Don't assume you would collect a full $125k for the lot. If you cancel your homeowner's, your umbrella might also be cancelled. Check with your insurer. It is a really bad idea to go without liability insurance for your home, IMO. +1. I agree. I could cover my loss from savings, but I think it is better to have homeowner's insurance. I suggest shopping all of your policies (home, auto and umbrella) and see which is be...
by carolinaman
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 10618

Re: Your Original Medicare Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

I have been on Medicare for 13 years, along with govt supplement that includes prescriptions. Medicare and supplement have worked fine. I have issues with prescriptions a couple of times due to formulary changes. Things eventually worked out, but it took a while. I have never had a problem with doctors accepting Medicare. The long lead time for specialists is common but often can be circumvented if your need is more urgent. I will never consider Advantage plans. I have heard too many horror stories by people who are delayed or denied urgent care. The sucker play Advantage plans use is paying for services that Medicare does not cover. But their limitations, especially in choice of doctors and denial/delays of services are of much greater con...
by carolinaman
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to switch from dealer to independent for service
Replies: 52
Views: 4333

Re: When to switch from dealer to independent for service

My wifes 3.0T 2018 Audi Q7 had audicare which covered the first 5 years of scheduled services. Now she is due for her 6 year/60k service, but that service is probably going to be more expensive than the entire first 5 years of service combined, I think I only paid 900 dollars for the audicare package which covered all her services up to this point Anyway her car only has 38k miles, so we always have been getting the service based on time (1 year/10k miles whichever comes first) as the manual specifies 60k service is new spark plugs, accessory v belt, air filter, cabin filter and oil change. I'd guess the dealership wants 1k or more, unless there is another audicare package available (couldn't find anything) There is an independent place th...
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversion during retirement question
Replies: 51
Views: 5850

Re: Roth conversion during retirement question

Whether to do Roth conversions or not depends mostly on their tax bracket now and after the RMDs begin. Medicare part B and D premiums can be increased if someone has $1 more of MAGI. This is referred to as IRMAA premium. IRMAA has different tiers of premiums depending upon your MAGI. In order to determine whether it makes sense or not becomes a "what if" spreadsheet analysis of your income now with its tax liability, the impact of Roth conversions versus your taxable income impact of reduced RMDs due to prior Roth conversions. If you are uncomfortable doing the analysis, you can get a CFP or similar person to assist you. It would be overkill to get a CPA for that. If you are concerned about taxing of SS which does occur at a fair...
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Leaving EJ. Bank vs FA vs Credit Union for Dummy
Replies: 6
Views: 615

Re: Leaving EJ. Bank vs FA vs Credit Union for Dummy

I recently moved our money to Fidelity and am pleased so far. They have a great website and I like the security options they offer. I do not intend to use their AUM service which believe is around .9%. However, I do have an account rep team who has offered advice and options and is my go to resource if I have issues. If you are looking at a low cost AUM model, Vanguard is your best choice.
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1514
Views: 169492

Re: Does Vanguard offshore its CS?

CS tends to follow the same scripts wherever they happen to be located, so I care about whether or not those scripts lead to me getting the help I need, not the accent reading the script. CS should be in the country the company is incorporated in, and its reps should speak English, in this case. In its efforts to save money, Vanguard is costing itself much. For me, it boils down to 3 things: how well you can communicate with them, how competent they are and what they can do for you. My recent experiences with Vanguard CS reps were they were difficult to communicate with, did not seem to be very competent and were very limited in what they could do. For example, they were not allowed to send me a form via email. They had to make a back offi...
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Medicare Advantage to Medicare Original
Replies: 9
Views: 1471

Re: Medicare: Medicare Advantage to Medicare Original

Check with USAA. I have a friend who switch from her employer provided supplement to one of their medigap plans without any underwriting verification.
by carolinaman
Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2385

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

My son used pressure treated lumber that was cured for my deck. It is grade A with very few imperfections. More expensive, yes, but a really good product. It can be painted or stained immediately and looks great. He does not buy from big box stores. In fact, that product is not available at big box stores.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whether we need a tax expert, or a financial advisor, or both, and how to find one/them
Replies: 21
Views: 1435

Re: Whether we need a tax expert, or a financial advisor, or both, and how to find one/them

What OP stated is not an overly complex tax issue but it is important to do thorough research. I think a good CFP would be fine. A CPA would be overkill.

However, I encourage you to do your own research first. If you have been doing your own taxes this is probably something you could do on your own, and BHs is a great resource to answer questions for you.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental crowns
Replies: 60
Views: 8077

Re: Dental crowns

Kenkat wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:44 pm I’d plan on something in $1200-1400 range based on fairly recent experience albeit not in SWFL. That’s a standard crown on an existing tooth - no root canal or implant included.
+1. Similar range for Charlotte area
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA help
Replies: 12
Views: 1533

Re: IRMAA help

I have been aggressively doing Roth conversions the past few years because of the concern of rollback of the 2017 tax cuts in 2026 based upon current tax laws.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Security Options
Replies: 5
Views: 850

Re: Fidelity Security Options

rbslos36 wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:49 am Fidelity offers two security options--2FA and Symantec VIP. Would you recommend that both be used or is one sufficient?
New Fidelity customer here. I chose Symantec which is more secure than just 2FA. I also use voice authentication for phone calls. I also locked my account to prevent unauthorized transfer of assets.
by carolinaman
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

.... In order to use an authenticator and PM, does the website you are accessing have to support authenticator or is SMS sufficient..... So let me tell you what I do. I do have Yubikeys, but I also use an authenticator app. On my authenticator app I have my password manager, Dropbox and Google/Gmail. Once I am in my PM, I then authenticate on the site the most secure way that site allows. For example, Chase and Apple want to authenticate their way. Most are sadly SMS with no software or hardware option, but I have my Verizon account locked down as hard as possible with a SIM lock. .......I saw a long list of 2FA websites and I was surprised at how few supported a software solution which I assume is needed for authenticators. ....... I do u...
by carolinaman
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Thanks for everyone's responses. I have been doing a lot of security research. I definitely am going to get a password manager, most likely 1Password. I would like to use an authenticator app too, but I am unclear as to how they exactly work. In order to use an authenticator and PM, does the website you are accessing have to support authenticator or is SMS sufficient. I saw a long list of 2FA websites and I was surprised at how few supported a software solution which I assume is needed for authenticators. Sorry if this is a little vague but I am hoping someone will explain exactly how this all works. I do use Symantec's authenticator with one website that requires it. I also use MS Authenticator for another app. I am open for whatever works...
by carolinaman
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

....Thanks UM70 for your suggestions. Are you saying I should drop Microsoft and/or Outlook? I am not clear on your comment. You're welcome. No, I think Microsoft and Outlook are fine, personally, I use them exclusively on my PCs. I just think it's wise to steer your online activity to a new Microsoft/Outlook account(s). As time goes on and it's convenient close the Microsoft/Outlook account that the hackers are aware of. For them, it's a known entry point if they can figure out how to get in. They won't know the userID of your other and/or new Microsoft/Outlook account(s). As a personal example, this afternoon I went and checked the account activity page of my Microsoft account that was exposed last May. I stopped checking after seeing mo...
by carolinaman
Sun Feb 18, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Tubes wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:54 am A lot of us have our last 4 digits out there on the dark web, so asking for the first 5 was alarming.

My CC has been skimmed or hacked a few times. My CC processing company always calls. I always tell them I'll call back using the ph number on my card. On my last hack, the lady was really nice, she said: "Yep, understand. Talk to you soon." I called back and got her. We had a good laugh.

I would just say for future reference:
- Don't respond to texts
- Don't use their phone number in the text
- DO call your CC company directly, even if they call you
Excellent advice. Thanks
by carolinaman
Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

HereToLearn wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:51 am To the OP,

Perhaps this recent story will make you realize that you are not alone in falling prey to these scams.

https://www.thecut.com/article/amazon-s ... rants.html
That was an amazing story. I cannot see how a free lance finance writer for the NYTimes would fall for that. But then, I have my own foolish, sad story.
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

I would be sure to look into any security procedures that might be offered by your state or local tax authorities where you have an account. I was pleasantly surprised to discover my state had special steps I could take with them to protect my account after I learned that my personal info was compromised in the Medicare data breach in 2023. I would also recommend beginning the process of retiring the Microsoft account you have for your Outlook account . In the meantime I would be sure to periodically check recent activity on your account just in case someone has managed to gain access. Here's the link: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/what-is-the-recent-activity-page-23cf5556-4dbe-70da-82c8-bb3a8d8f8016 Thanks UM70 for y...
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Re: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

I believe this circumstance will not be enough to get you a new SSN, that's generally for severe demonstrated loss already occurred. You can also freeze your Chexsystems report to prevent opening new bank accounts with your information, lock your SSN with E-Verify to prevent someone working under your identity, and there is a smaller, fourth credit bureau called Innovis you can freeze as well. Make online accounts for all these identity-related services you can to preempt any fraudulent attempts to create an account with your info: credit bureaus, IRS, SSA, USCIS (E-Verify), Chexsystems. edit to add: use multi factor identification everywhere you can in addition to strong password hygiene. Use a hardware key like Yubikey or authenticator l...
by carolinaman
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info
Replies: 35
Views: 4562

Security Hack of my bank credit card and loss of identity info

Last Tuesday I received a text message alerting me to a possible fraudulent charge on my CC. It asked me to call an 866 number which I did. The person identified himself as a Wells Fargo security specialist. He seemed very authentic and told me of a 2nd fraudulent charge. After some time, he transferred me to a 2nd person. In the course of the 2 conversations, I disclosed date of birth, email address and the 2nd guy asked for first 5 digits of SSN. I thought that to be odd but gave it to him, before I realized what I did. I immediately hung up and called Wells Fargo security. The scammers charged $626 against my CC which WF declined. There was no other fraudulent activity but WF canceled my CC and checking account. I met with WF branch pers...