Search found 1398 matches

by fareastwarriors
Mon Jan 29, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California Real Estate Qs
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: California Real Estate Qs

Another part of transaction costs will usually be some sort of transfer tax upon selling. No idea what that is for CA. Yeah, the other recent thread mentioning a 3% excise tax in WA has me concerned that there might be similar, substantial, fees in CA/S.F. FWIW, they're looking towards the lower end of the S.F. market, price-wise. SF already has a graduated transfer tax: https://www.sfassessor.org/recorder-information/recording-document/transfer-tax I would stay away from TICs and just a do "regular" property. But if you're just starting off in tech, just keep working, saving , and enjoying the 20s and 30s. When they are ready to settle down, they can expand the search area from SF to other suburbs and have more options. For esti...
by fareastwarriors
Wed Jan 03, 2024 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why so many people shun medicaid
Replies: 47
Views: 6841

Re: Why so many people shun medicaid

That's what I have read and learned. But it's still not clear to me how I stop ACA and move onto medi-cal when the time comes. Guess I would just have to find out when my monthly income drops without the unemployment benefits. You need to do a few things 1. submit a change of income on coveredca 2. your county medi-cal office needs to approve you (they may ask for income docs) 3. once you have an enrollment date, you contact coveredca (you can do it yourself online, or live chat/call) and terminate your aca plan, effective on the day before the date your medi-cal starts Most of my 2024 income will come to me through February 2024. My March through August monthly income will be lower than 266% of the poverty line for a family of 5. So if I ...
by fareastwarriors
Tue Jan 17, 2023 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Distribution of ROTH IRA mutual fund
Replies: 4
Views: 452

Early Distribution of ROTH IRA mutual fund

Hi. A mutual fund closed down and liquidated around 3Q 2022. I had the Roth IRA account directly with the fund and not through an intermediary like Fidelity or Schwab. I had options to move it before it closed but due to life stuff, I missed all the deadlines.

They sent me a check of ~$6k early December but I have not deposit it yet. Can I still keep the Roth status now if I deposit into another Roth IRA? Or is it too late and it is just a premature distribution with the penalty/tax? Is there a way I can "undo" the distribution now ?


FWIW, I'm expecting my 2022 AGI to be $30/40k for MFJ with a child.
by fareastwarriors
Fri Dec 30, 2022 12:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Balancing housing in HCOL area vs. FIRE ambitions?
Replies: 89
Views: 8255

Re: Can’t buy house in HCOL despite high income

What areas are you looking at? Maybe our collective wisdom can help. How much are saving per year for down payment/ house? Do you just need more time before getting that house?


I'm in SF Bay Area so I empathize with your pain.
by fareastwarriors
Wed Dec 28, 2022 1:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [My Mom does not trust Marcus bank]
Replies: 43
Views: 5903

Re: My mom thinks Marcus is a criminal organization

Ok, I had a further discussion. She has heard of Morgan Stanley, but she does not know if they are trustworthy because she has never dealt with them. She used to have HSBC, however she seems to trust the Chinese financial system less. When I show her the Goldmansachs China website, she was more concern that Goldman is a Chinese banks. With that info, I realized that no bank is really trustworthy to her except for the one she is in. Because this is a perception issue, I should just try to get her to stick with Marcus and in time have her see it as a trusted entity. As for powdered butt syndrome, keep in mind that my mom wants me to advise her. Since my father's death during my college years, I have essentially serve as her financial advisor...
by fareastwarriors
Thu Dec 22, 2022 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: income for Affordable Connectivity Program?
Replies: 4
Views: 795

Re: income for Affordable Connectivity Program?

miket29 wrote: Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:43 am For the Affordable Connectivity Program (https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov) which gives a subsidy for internet connectivity, what counts as income for determining qualification? I looked thru their website but can't find out if it is AGI or MAGI. It makes a difference for us since most of our income is from Social Security and non-taxable but counted in MAGI.
I would just apply. It's super easy. The system might instantly approve you. If not, you upload tax return and then wait and see. Pretty straightforward.

I helped 3 people apply and all were approved.
by fareastwarriors
Thu Dec 15, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?
Replies: 257
Views: 28563

Re: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?

WestCoastPhan wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 2:08 pm
LilyFleur wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 1:58 pm
Journeyman510 wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 1:08 pm Depends on the state and your situation. I'm sitting at 13.3% in California. We came from WA. So yeah, it's bad.
It looks like you'd have to be earning well over $1 million a year to get into that bracket. Hopefully the good outweighs the bad for you. :mrgreen:
The problem with CA income taxes starts much earlier -- a single filer has the 9.3% income tax rate starting at $61,215. And the sales tax rate in LA County (with 25% of the state population) is anywhere from 9.50% to 10.25%.

At least it's not 10.75% like me up in norCal.

:sharebeer
by fareastwarriors
Thu Dec 15, 2022 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?
Replies: 257
Views: 28563

Re: Was moving from a no income tax state to an income tax state really that bad?

the_wiki wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 1:38 pm

Although some states are just bad for every kind of tax, like New York...
No love for the great state of California? :D
- Californian here

.
To the OP, you make enough money and have the right attitude where the few % of income tax is unlikely to change your future financial security. Go be where you want to be!
by fareastwarriors
Thu Dec 15, 2022 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 34982

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

shogunn wrote: Thu Dec 15, 2022 12:13 am Anyone having issues transferring funds from their website to Fidelity cash management? I’m getting an error stating the action cannot be performed at this moment. I tried using the longer form Cash Management account number. Thanks!
There's also a daily limit. I tried to help my brother moved his $1050 at all once. The system wouldn't let me. I split into 2 payments over 2 days and things were fine.
by fareastwarriors
Mon Dec 12, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 34982

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

fareastwarriors wrote: Wed Nov 23, 2022 11:41 am Received my debit card yesterday
:beer
I filed with DD but ended receiving a debit card so the system is weird. FYI
by fareastwarriors
Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58305

Re: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit

I see the update too.

I funded on 11/28.

"We're processing your $150 reward
You're all set. We'll deposit your cash reward within 25 days of opening your account."

:mrgreen:
by fareastwarriors
Sun Dec 11, 2022 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paypal sent me a 1099-K [for legal gambling]
Replies: 48
Views: 15586

Re: Paypal sent me a 1099-K [for legal gambling]

PharmerBrown wrote: Sun Dec 11, 2022 3:41 pm
j.click wrote: Sun Dec 11, 2022 7:27 am 2023 prediction: with the proliferation of online betting and the implosion of crypto, the 2022 filing season is going to be a doozy and we will enjoy MANY more posts such as this one,,,
Plus the expansion of the IRS should lead to more audits/inquiries into these exact situations.
With implosion of meme stocks, cryptos, and likely gambling losses, more people are getting some tax deductions!
:P
by fareastwarriors
Wed Nov 23, 2022 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New California Middle Class Tax Refund
Replies: 274
Views: 34982

Re: New California Middle Class Tax Refund

Received my debit card yesterday
:beer
by fareastwarriors
Fri Oct 14, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [US] Small Business account with no wire fees?
Replies: 9
Views: 670

Re: [US] Small Business account with no wire fees?

HomeStretch wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 3:10 am I just opened a Fidelity Bysiness account. Free wires, free checks, brokerage features and the account balance earns interest (or dividends if held in a money market fund). The account appears in the same online access as my personal accounts so no separate log on required.

The website and reps are vague about exactly what “cash management features” the account has. Debit/ATM cards and Bill Pay are standard features on bank business accounts. So I was surprised after opening the account that special approval was required for a debit/ATM card (just received after 4 weeks) and that Bill Pay is almost never allowed (I am still waiting to hear back on this).

Didn't know this. That's pretty sweet.

Thanks.
by fareastwarriors
Fri Sep 30, 2022 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...
Replies: 90
Views: 11801

Re: Ally Bank - Bad Experience...

nimo956 wrote: Fri Sep 30, 2022 9:32 am Ally used to have amazing customer service, but something has changed recently. I used to be able to chat with someone 24/7, I'd be connected instantly, and issues were resolved on the first attempt. Now queues for phone and online support are ridiculously long. I spent hours jumping through hoops recently just trying to order a replacement debit card that was damaged.
Don't you just go to the app, choose the account, press the 3 dots (More), and then click "Order Debit Card?"

I just did this couple months ago. It arrived in less than a week.
by fareastwarriors
Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gasbuddy not accurate?
Replies: 44
Views: 2850

Re: Gasbuddy not accurate?

If you know your area well, you already know which stations have low and high prices, generally. I know my neighborhood stations. The "cheap station" is always the cheapest and I don't even need to look.

If the gasbuddy is not accurate for your area, either you do your part or just don't use it...
by fareastwarriors
Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bay Area: Kaiser vs BCBS vs One/Circle Health
Replies: 19
Views: 2424

Re: Bay Area: Kaiser vs BCBS vs One/Circle Health

gurusw wrote: Wed Sep 28, 2022 10:06 pm Hi,

I am in Bay area, CA. Specifically Fremont in east bay. So this post is pertinent to this part of the world.
I am 48 & spouse is 46. And we are at the point where we both need frequent medical visits due to some newly discovered issues.
I'm in Hayward and I use Kaiser. My experience has been very positive but medical history has been minimal besides a cyst removed in my hand, ulcers, and some stiches for a cut. Nothing rare/major, thankfully.

As others have mentioned, I really like that they have everything under "one roof" and they know my medical history.
by fareastwarriors
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread
Replies: 180
Views: 29016

Re: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread

cchrissyy wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:30 am
fareastwarriors wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 12:00 am

How big is the line?

I'm looking for HELOC for my place in the Bay. Ideally the line is at least 300k for me.
mine is significantly more than that.

sorry i don't know what LTV they require, since i wasn't coming close to it. i think their lending limit is $1m?
I'm glad you have plenty of equity. :happy Thanks for your response. This is perfect.

I think I only have about 500k of equity to tap. If they can give more, I'll gladly take it though. :D
by fareastwarriors
Tue Jul 26, 2022 12:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread
Replies: 180
Views: 29016

Re: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread

cchrissyy wrote: Sun Jul 24, 2022 11:07 am Data point for PNC
California primary residence
prime rate minus 0.16%
$0 closing costs
$50 annual fee


Applied May 25
Appraised May 27
....silence... it felt like no progress. there was no phone communication and the only email i got was requesting things i had already provided. their online tracker is junk and frankly i doubted it would ever happen
Final Approval July 18
They inform me of a 0.25% discount for linking a PNC checking account so i opened one
Closed July 22

How big is the line?

I'm looking for HELOC for my place in the Bay. Ideally the line is at least 300k for me.
by fareastwarriors
Sat Jul 02, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread
Replies: 180
Views: 29016

Re: Official HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) thread

I am looking for a 500k+ HELOC Company: union bank State of HELOC: CA HELOC Amount: 700k (can go up to 1M with no fees) Mortgage + HELOC LTV: 75%, (think can go to 80% if primary is with union bank) Interest Rate: prime + margin (0.75%) - discounts autopay 0.25% and priority checking 0.5% (25k in checking account) = prime Draw period / repayment period: 10 yo IO/ 20 y repayment Application fee: 0 Appraisal and any other fees: 0, $450 early termination fee if closed in 3 years, no prepayment fee Annual fee: 0 ok if home is in a trust company: alliant credit union State of HELOC: CA LTV 90% and max $500k = prime + 1 LTV 85% and max $500k = prime + .25 LTV 80% and max $500k = prime + 0 LTV 70% and max $750k = prime + .75 LTV 60% and max 1M = ...
by fareastwarriors
Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Move to California?
Replies: 132
Views: 14695

Re: Move to California?

lostinjersey wrote: Mon Jun 27, 2022 11:01 am The nice Sacramento suburbs are where I’d be looking. El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Rocklin, etc as mentioned by pp’s.

Living coastal with that territory is a quick way to go crazy.

Just visit the coast on long weekends or on vacation. Definitely way less driving if most of your clients are in the Sac area.
by fareastwarriors
Wed Jun 15, 2022 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?
Replies: 181
Views: 14279

Re: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?

I like Fournée Bakery in Berkeley and for something closer to home I like Seven Hills Baking in Castro Valley.
by fareastwarriors
Tue Jun 07, 2022 12:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2904
Views: 514965

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

I removed a mature tree because it was planted so close to the house that previous owners had lopped of the top so many times the three main trunks had huge knuckles on them. It was hideously disfigured. They shouldn't have planted a tree that grows 70 ft tall and 50 ft wide ten ft from the house to begin with. I removed it during covid and replaced it with a 12 ft tree that will probably grow to a much more manageable size. With apologies to Ben Franklin, those who plant trees 3' from a foundation for a little privacy deserve neither and will lose both. Out here in CA these days a lot of homes are slab foundation and large tree roots are no issue... branches growing into your house on the other hand... :oops: Large tree roots are def an i...
by fareastwarriors
Wed Jun 01, 2022 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Silicon valley home insurance increase from $1400->$2200, sounds right?!
Replies: 31
Views: 3573

Re: Silicon valley home insurance increase from $1400->$2200, sounds right?!

I have a 9.75% increase for my home in the East Bay but still "only" $1,181.15. Lucky me.
by fareastwarriors
Thu May 26, 2022 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California agency approved $1500 rebate but won't pay up; recourse?
Replies: 16
Views: 2165

Re: California agency approved $1500 rebate but won't pay up; recourse?

Sue the government? You have to jump through extra hoops such as filing a claim with the agency to get a denial letter. Without a denial letter, you cannot sue. The government may not reply timely to provide the denial letter, so you have to mail the claim CMRRR to provide evidence you did file a claim. Once you sue, you better make sure you serve the papers to the correct agent of process. In the meantime, try to be nice and non-threatening. Government bureaucrats don't have the best customer service and lack incentive to provide good customer service. It could be that there is no funding left. Or they're just slow which is typical for government. Be nice. They got the upper hand. Yes, it's clearly a losing proposition for the time and ef...
by fareastwarriors
Thu May 26, 2022 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California agency approved $1500 rebate but won't pay up; recourse?
Replies: 16
Views: 2165

Re: California agency approved $1500 rebate but won't pay up; recourse?

Hopefully your application was in long before funding ran out...

No updates on the portal? No luck calling or emailing? It "could" be just short staff and bureaucracy taking that much time...


https://cleanair.conservationrebates.com/

The status of your rebate application will be available in the online application portal found at www.cleanairfurnacerebate.com. You may log back into your online application account at any time to review your submitted applications and their associated statuses. You may also inquire about your status via telephone at (888) 645-3859 or email at cleanairfurnace@egia.org.
by fareastwarriors
Wed May 25, 2022 11:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding reasonably priced groceries
Replies: 190
Views: 17643

Re: Finding reasonably priced groceries

Prices from Sunday at local Safeway Cheapest breast meat per pound I could find 6.99/lb Cheapest thigh meat I could find 7.99/LB ( I only found 2 brands and 6 packages in the store) It could be stock was running very low and only some brands are available but that is my 2 observations from last week. Costco does have chicken at 4.99/lb and 4.49/lb. Curious where you live, because these prices seem extremely high. I am in the midwest, and the regular (non-sale) price for boneless skinless chicken breasts at our local Jewel (which is owned by Safeway) are $3.99/lb for standard, $4.99/lb for hand-trimmed. I can't see the Costco prices online, but they should be similar to Sam's club, and I bought boneless skinless breasts there for $2.78/lb t...
by fareastwarriors
Wed May 25, 2022 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Republic line of credit - 100k @ 2.25%, any concerns? [And other financial considerations]
Replies: 267
Views: 51918

Re: First Republic line of credit - 100k @ 2.25%, any concerns?

mentos wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 6:09 am
fareastwarriors wrote: Wed May 25, 2022 1:14 am Does your employer allow direct deposits to split into 2 or more banks? Some do.
Yes but the DCU auto loan requires 100% of your paycheck to be deposited in order to get their discounted rate (mine is 1.24%). People have confirmed that if their direct deposit was reduced, they lost the 0.50% rate discount.

What if your salary is highly variable like based on commissions? Or if you get a bonus or a raise, how would DCU know what is 100% of your paycheck?
by fareastwarriors
Wed May 25, 2022 1:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Republic line of credit - 100k @ 2.25%, any concerns? [And other financial considerations]
Replies: 267
Views: 51918

Re: First Republic line of credit - 100k @ 2.25%, any concerns?

Does your employer allow direct deposits to split into 2 or more banks? Some do.
by fareastwarriors
Mon May 23, 2022 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?
Replies: 166
Views: 16737

Re: Would you incur debt to move from an HCOL area to a VHCOL area to improve your family’s quality of life?

It's been like 6 months since you started this thread. If moving would still "improve" your family's quality of life given everything that has happened then definitely move!
by fareastwarriors
Mon May 23, 2022 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Avoid CA taxes during retirement
Replies: 54
Views: 10209

Re: Avoid CA taxes during retirement

Wannaretireearly wrote: Mon May 23, 2022 6:46 pm I paid a sum total of around $40k in CA taxes. While my kids are here I don’t have much choice. I am all ears once kids are done with school, and I don’t have to be here for more than 6 months a year.

Fwiw, there is no other place I would want to be in fall/winter. That’s only 3-4 months (non taxable!)
40k in CA income taxes means you have pretty high income. So congrats! :sharebeer
And thank you for contributing to our state.
by fareastwarriors
Mon May 23, 2022 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finding reasonably priced groceries
Replies: 190
Views: 17643

Re: Finding reasonably priced groceries

Buy what's on sale, not necessarily what's on the "list." Make sure the sale is actually good deal on a unit basis. Check our all the ads for nearby competitors. I got some $1/lb pork shoulder on sale. It came in huge bag like 10+ lbs. I grind most the meat and fat to make dumplings. Froze many dozens. Others can make ground pork tacos, sausage, or pulled pork etc. I used the bone for soup. I got corn 4 for $1 on sale. Sometimes I just microwave one as a snack or throw into my soup for sweetness. Others might bbq or do corn salad or eat corn on the cob, etc. I bought asparagus at $1/lb recently. Dry pasta can still be had for $1 for a pound box. Some red sauce or make your own. That's only a few dollars for a lot food. I see whole...
by fareastwarriors
Wed May 18, 2022 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Earners - What's Your Profession?
Replies: 1217
Views: 222951

Re: High Earners - What's Your Profession?

Buysider wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:44 pm Not a popular one on this board, but investment management :twisted:

Just remember, every pension fund, consultant and mutual fund board only hires top talent.
Easy to tell you work in Investments with a name like buysider.

:D

I used to work at an investment firm. All of our funds underperform by their indices over 3,5,10 years even before this recent market drop. Ouch! Now they are even deeper in the hole. But their AUM went up by at least $100B last couple of years. It's a good business to be in.
by fareastwarriors
Tue May 17, 2022 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need cash for down payment - Bay Area
Replies: 16
Views: 1633

Re: Need cash for down payment - Bay Area

Since your portfolio is still $1.5m despite the recent market beatings, personally I'll take a margin loan on my investments. I have a higher tolerance for risk though...
by fareastwarriors
Mon May 16, 2022 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Avoid CA taxes during retirement
Replies: 54
Views: 10209

Re: Avoid CA taxes during retirement

retired@50 wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 9:12 am
boglesmind wrote: Mon May 16, 2022 12:15 am ... I was just pointing out CA taxes aren't bad at all, especially for retirees, even when compared to states with no state income tax.
I disagree. I'm a retiree, but not on Social Security and not a homeowner.

I could cut my annual income tax bill nearly in half by moving to Nevada, or Texas, etc.

In 2021 my Federal income tax was $1,560 and my CA income tax was $1,392

Regards,
He did mention social security and/or homeowner... If neither situation applies to you, then it makes sense you would pay more in state taxes than a "typical" retiree with mostly (if not all SS).
by fareastwarriors
Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Primer on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card
Replies: 871
Views: 162009

Re: Primer on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card

... Help me figure out the best way to do this thru turbo tax. ... Please elaborate on what you mean by "thru turbo tax". You may find you get more suggestions if you change the tone of request. It sounds like you expect others to plan it for you.. Thanks. Sorry for the tone. Just typing fast between errands, I apologize if this came across harsh. I’ve done my taxes thru TurboTax online. That’s not going to change at this point. So I’ll be using payment options, credit card etc, thru TurboTax. I’ve signed up for credit card rewards many times, but have never contemplated paying taxes on credit card. I just tried applying for a chase card and it seems I’ve reached their limit. I may look for hotel points/cards. Given how much I wi...
by fareastwarriors
Fri Apr 15, 2022 11:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Primer on Paying Taxes With a Credit Card
Replies: 871
Views: 162009

Re: Paying Fed Tax Due with Credit Card

This is a huge long thread on it:
viewtopic.php?p=6614188&hilit=tax+credit+card#p6614188

Personally I just use my 2% with Citi Doublecash. You can get fancy with giftcards and play that game but I'm too lazy for that. The cheapest credit card option is 1.87% so I net 0.13% by using my credit card. :D


https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-t ... redit-card
by fareastwarriors
Fri Apr 08, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still no 2020 IRS refund?
Replies: 56
Views: 4846

Re: Still no 2020 IRS refund?

Asyouwish wrote: Thu Apr 07, 2022 4:27 pm
That weird thing is I requested direct deposit and the refund check came in my mail... I don't know why but frankly I don't care anymore.
Once the new filing year starts, any “prior year” refunds will be paper checks. The IRS system will only DD current year tax returns.

Amended returns will be paper checks too.
Didn't know that. Thank you.
by fareastwarriors
Thu Apr 07, 2022 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still no 2020 IRS refund?
Replies: 56
Views: 4846

Re: Still no 2020 IRS refund?

sergio wrote: Tue Apr 05, 2022 8:14 pm
fareastwarriors wrote: Tue Apr 05, 2022 3:28 pm I efiled back in Oct 2021. My refund finally showed up Yesterday.
This was almost my exact situation. I efiled my 2020 return in October 2021, got a nastygram shortly afterwards that wrongly dinged me $20 that I never replied to, and I got my refund yesterday (minus $20, but with some interest) in the form of a check - I was really surprised that it came as a check.
That weird thing is I requested direct deposit and the refund check came in my mail... I don't know why but frankly I don't care anymore.
by fareastwarriors
Tue Apr 05, 2022 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still no 2020 IRS refund?
Replies: 56
Views: 4846

Re: Still no 2020 IRS refund?

I efiled back in Oct 2021. My refund finally showed up Yesterday.
by fareastwarriors
Mon Apr 04, 2022 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Fillable Forms
Replies: 8
Views: 1072

Re: Free Fillable Forms

an_asker wrote: Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:20 am Hmm.. the reason I asked is because I filed through this last year (2020) and we are yet to see the refund.

And this year, when I tried to print out the 2021 return locally before filing, it a) missed a couple of key forms and b) jumbled up the attachment order (who knows if that is critical or not). So then, I started to wonder what if something similar had happened when it submitted our return last year? :oops:

One of these days, I really need to get through to the IRS to see what's going on with that return!!
Did you try logging into your IRS account and checking the transcripts?
by fareastwarriors
Fri Apr 01, 2022 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Difficulty getting an ID (not DL) in California - LA
Replies: 15
Views: 1402

Re: Difficulty getting an ID (not DL) in California - LA

Why not Renew the passport + get the passport card in the meantime?
by fareastwarriors
Wed Mar 16, 2022 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FreeTaxUSA and TaxHawk?
Replies: 14
Views: 2140

Re: FreeTaxUSA and TaxHawk?

I started using FreeTaxUSA this year since TaxAct and TurboTax changed their FreeFile policies. I was pleasantly surprised with it. Finished 2 returns, easy peasy.
by fareastwarriors
Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best online banking for a new small business
Replies: 16
Views: 1518

Re: Best online banking for a new small business

Sandtrap wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:53 am
FBN2014 wrote: Tue Mar 08, 2022 1:50 pm Any suggestions for an online banking for a new small business with zero maintenance fees, low minimum deposit requirements, zero transaction fees?

For example:
A) People used to write and mail in "monthly rent checks", and I would physically deposit them at the local bank. But, as things moved to electronic deposits and off of a "paper check", I found a bank where I could set up a nearly unlimited number of "sub accounts" for each building's rental unit, and each tenant would be given that account number to make monthly deposits to.

What bank is this? Thanks.
by fareastwarriors
Wed Mar 09, 2022 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best online banking for a new small business
Replies: 16
Views: 1518

Re: Best online banking for a new small business

I use BlueVine. It's fine and gets the job done for me.

Meets your requirements.
by fareastwarriors
Sun Feb 27, 2022 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for financial advice - should I use a HELOC to upgrade parts of my house?
Replies: 23
Views: 2054

Re: Looking for financial advice - should I use a HELOC to upgrade parts of my house?

What about using portfolio margin with your taxable investments? The rates at Interactive Brokers are pretty enticing. Yes I know those are short-term rates and can change quickly but you have the funds to easily pay it back if you wanted.

It seems like you're just playing interest rate arbitrage. Borrow at x% and likely/hopefully you return x+%.
by fareastwarriors
Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much house in VHCOL area?
Replies: 23
Views: 2397

Re: how much house in VHCOL area?

I'm in the Bay Area too. I say buy.

It might be a bit uncomfortable at first to spend so much. You'll be a bit cash poor for a bit but it's worth it. Once you lock in housing cost, everything else gets easier over time. With your salary level, the savings/funds for investments will come back fast.
by fareastwarriors
Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bay Area Housing - Yet another threadh
Replies: 27
Views: 3705

Re: Bay Area Housing - Yet another threadh

vanpan wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 1:45 pm
Firemenot wrote: Wed Feb 23, 2022 6:04 pm How about not renewing lease of renter on other side of duplex and put in an interior door and use other side for more space? you can always convert back.
It would have been ideal. However our rental property is a couple of miles away.
Is the rental property in the same school district? Does it feed into good schools?

It is a decent size lot? Is it worth it to knock the whole thing down and build a perfectly sized home?

Just a suggestion. It might not be realistic or desired.