Search found 190 matches

by b4nash
Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

anagram wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 2:31 pm It would be wonderful if Vanguard implemented "immediate transfers" between brokerage MM funds and CP MM funds and/or cash.
Yes! That is what I want as well. Being able to instantly transfer in my online bank between CDs, checking, saving has spoiled me.
by b4nash
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

canderson wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:23 pm Is there really any reason to NOT use CP if you have money sitting in vusxx as an emergency fund? Since you can hold a MMF like vusxx inside the CP and it allows for quicker transaction features (and can be used if ever needed to pay bills) than a straight brokerage, what’s the downside?
What do you mean by quicker transaction features? I am not sure that is true.

“How long will it take to move my cash from one account to another?
Transfers (including from one Vanguard account to another) generally take 2–3 business days, but they might be quicker at times.”
by b4nash
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bonds selling
Replies: 26
Views: 3873

Re: I bonds selling

I found out that I can’t send my paper bonds directly to Fidelity. However, I can cash them at a bank and then roll those funds into a 529 within 60 days without a tax hit. And as mentioned above, I can then change the beneficiary if necessary. There is no 60 day requirement. It just has to be the same calendar year. My 529 provider also mentions 60 days: Indirect Rollover. A check is included from another 529 program, Coverdell Education Savings Plan, or U.S. Savings Bond that was redeemed within the last 60 days. You must provide an account statement from your former account or IRS form 1099-INT or 1099-Q showing the contribution and earnings portion of the redemption. If these forms are not provided, the entire amount will be treated as...
by b4nash
Wed Mar 06, 2024 12:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.
Replies: 37
Views: 4450

Re: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.

TurboTax:Tax::Norton:Antivirus

Overpriced and only exist because the original entity created a market due to poor planning.

Microsoft finally brought their own anitivirus out just like IRS is slowly doing with Direct File. Those that created the market should solve it for free.
by b4nash
Mon Mar 04, 2024 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.
Replies: 37
Views: 4450

Re: Free Online Tax Software - If it's free, you are the product.

taxi22 wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:48 pm Just a plug...I've used Cash app free tax filing last two years. It's been great. The interface is easy to use like Turbo tax and it's completely free.
Same and I used Credit Karma Tax before that. There is an optional checkbox to share data early on that is optional and I do not check.

Doesn’t support foreign income tax credit or underpayment penalties but free for ~80% of tax filers I’d guess (based on TurboTax saying 37% can use its free version that support way less).
by b4nash
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Mobile App > Transfer funds and buy in one step?
Replies: 2
Views: 460

Re: Vanguard Mobile App > Transfer funds and buy in one step?

Thank you for the reply! I left feedback within the app to request this missing function.
by b4nash
Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Mobile App > Transfer funds and buy in one step?
Replies: 2
Views: 460

Vanguard Mobile App > Transfer funds and buy in one step?

Hello, when transacting within my brokerage account from Vanguard's mobile app it seems I have to transfer funds to the settlement fund and in a separate transaction, buy mutual funds from the settlement fund. However, on the website (even the mobile website), I can buy funds and transfer the money from my bank in one step.

Is the one-step functionality there in the mobile app and I am missing it? Thank you!
by b4nash
Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online Tax Software for 25 year old.
Replies: 31
Views: 2522

Re: Online Tax Software for 25 year old.

Cash App Taxes
by b4nash
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Thanks all for beta testing! 😁 hopefully it’s all worked out by the time the APY is higher than VUSXX
by b4nash
Thu Feb 15, 2024 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax filing software
Replies: 33
Views: 1854

Re: Tax filing software

Filled out my info on Turbo Tax and Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax before intuit bought them and were forced to sell the Taxes side). Turbo Tax wanted $130 and Cash App was free. Doesn't support everything (e.g., foreign income tax credit) [https://taxeshelp.cash.app/s/article/Fo ... ot-support] and you may need to download the Cash App on your phone to get started, but the best free route I've found. Leave the checkbox unchecked when they ask if you want to share your info.
by b4nash
Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: WEX HSA switcharoo!
Replies: 15
Views: 2641

Re: WEX HSA switcharoo!

intendi wrote: Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:11 am Update: Per WEX customer service, no fee for partial transfers from WEX.
Looking to do the same. I imagine I have to sell my HSA investments before requesting a partial transfer? Thanks!
by b4nash
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell I Bonds and transfer into Vanguard Money Market?
Replies: 8
Views: 719

Re: Sell I Bonds and transfer into Vanguard Money Market?

You can’t sell unless you’ve had the bonds for over 1 year. The fixed rate on I bonds is now 1.3% and very tempting. I would consider buying bonds now with other money or selling the old bonds and buying new ones.
by b4nash
Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422010

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

I’ve had the Kroger card for over a year. It’s been great for me. Also gave me free Kroger delivery for a year (only 2% cash back on delivery). Great for Apple Pay and in store Kroger, plus Kroger fuel discounts.
by b4nash
Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422010

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Tom_T wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 6:47 pm
robbierob03 wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:08 pm
b4nash wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:25 pm 5% Walmart card
5% Target card
5% Kroger card (also up to $3,000/yr back on Apple Pay)
5% rotating category cards (Discover, Freedom, Freedom Flex)
3% online shopping with BofA
2% Fidelity

All cash back with no fees or memberships required
Wait which card gives 5% back at Walmart? I can't imagine that's sustainable for any issuer, so is this some teaser rate?
Capital One Walmart card gives 5% in-store for 12 months if you use the Walmart Pay app. You do get 5% at Walmart.com. You can find it on their Web site.
Also, 5% on pickup orders. Pretty easy to get 5% back unless you need auto service.
by b4nash
Tue Jan 30, 2024 12:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Direct File is now live
Replies: 28
Views: 3280

Re: IRS Direct File is now live

Bout time! Reminds me of Microsoft finally providing antivirus.
by b4nash
Fri Jan 26, 2024 7:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

nyejos11 wrote: Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:53 am If you are going the MMF instead, what is the difference between VUSXX and VMFXX ? Only difference I see is slightly higher yield and lower ER.
State tax exemption status
by b4nash
Wed Jan 17, 2024 1:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

I suppose my concern boils down to: in the event of a security incident or unauthorized access with my Vanguard Cash Plus account, would that present a higher risk to my Vanguard retirement accounts than a similar incident at an external institution?
by b4nash
Wed Jan 17, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

My primary checking account is the hub with all kinds of connections to credit cards, utilities, bill pay, checks, and everything else. I think I like having a minimal amount of money in that account since it is accessed by many third parties. Having my primary account at Vanguard, where the “real money” is stored, would make me a little wary.
by b4nash
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

Thank you, everyone, for sharing your experience. I am curious if transaction speed is faster from Cash Plus to other Vanguard accounts compared with other banks to Vanguard accounts? Seems my experience is about 2 business days to transfer funds from external to Vanguard and vice versa.
by b4nash
Wed Jan 17, 2024 10:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

If I’m putting cash reserves into VUSXX at my Vanguard brokerage account already, what is the benefit with this account? FDIC option + ability to direct deposit?
by b4nash
Tue Jan 16, 2024 11:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [2023 Taxes] Vanguard U.S. government obligations income information
Replies: 8
Views: 1383

Re: [2023 Taxes] Vanguard U.S. government obligations income information

Looks like the difference is the audience for the cover page (different support phone numbers).
by b4nash
Tue Jan 16, 2024 10:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [2023 Taxes] Vanguard U.S. government obligations income information
Replies: 8
Views: 1383

[2023 Taxes] Vanguard U.S. government obligations income information

FYI - didn’t see this posted yet.

https://investor.vanguard.com/content/d ... n-2024.pdf

“This tax update provides information to help you properly report your state and local tax liability on ordinary income
distributions you received from your mutual fund investments in 2023.
On the next pages, you’ll find a list of Vanguard funds that earned a portion of their ordinary dividends from obligations
of the U.S. government. Direct U.S. government obligations and certain U.S. government agency obligations are
generally exempt from taxation in most states.*”
by b4nash
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

App is bad but mobile website is good?
by b4nash
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get rid of car
Replies: 50
Views: 4754

Re: How to get rid of car

Ask your friends, family, neighbors if they have a battery jump starter.
by b4nash
Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using Gmail with native Apple mail app?
Replies: 12
Views: 1751

Re: Using Gmail with native Apple mail app?

Fletch wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 6:24 am I just have my all Gmail forwarded to Apple Mail (a setting in Gmail lets you forward it). I do the same for a couple other mail services. Simple. Works without any issues for me.
Problem is Apple is stingy with storage. 5 GB iCloud storage for free vs 19 GB from Google.
by b4nash
Sat Jan 13, 2024 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422010

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

5% Walmart card
5% Target card
5% Kroger card (also up to $3,000/yr back on Apple Pay)
5% rotating category cards (Discover, Freedom, Freedom Flex)
3% online shopping with BofA
2% Fidelity

All cash back with no fees or memberships required
by b4nash
Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: preferred tax preparation software? [for tax year 2023]
Replies: 56
Views: 8309

Re: preferred tax preparation software? [for tax year 2023]

The IRS is also piloting their own “Direct File” system this year. Extremely limited situations and states. https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/strategic ... irect-file
by b4nash
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: preferred tax preparation software? [for tax year 2023]
Replies: 56
Views: 8309

Re: preferred tax preparation software? [for tax year 2023]

Cash App Taxes. 100% free. Few situations not supported (foreign tax credit). https://taxeshelp.cash.app/s/article/Fo ... ot-support
by b4nash
Fri Jan 12, 2024 9:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69579

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

If I could have all incoming money land in VUSXX, occasionally write checks, occasionally withdraw cash, and instantly transfer between my other Vanguard accounts, I’d be in.

Would only add complexity for me as it currently stands.
by b4nash
Thu Jan 11, 2024 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot
Replies: 462
Views: 100287

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot

FriedOkra wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:28 am (VG does not allow direct funding of Roth accounts from brokerage accounts.)
Last week I funded my Roth IRA by selling VUSXX from my taxable brokerage account at Vanguard.
On a desktop, go to "Exchange Vanguard mutual funds" and look for the link to "Use the full exchange page".
by b4nash
Thu Jan 11, 2024 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Savings
Replies: 7
Views: 1250

Re: College Savings

Why not split the funds more evenly between the two kids?
Consider up to $35k per kid can now be rolled into their Roth IRAs.
Consider if you want to pay some college costs outside of the 529 to take advantage of tax credits.
by b4nash
Tue Jul 25, 2023 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ally Savings Account v Money Market
Replies: 17
Views: 2565

Re: Ally Savings Account v Money Market

the_wiki wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 4:36 pm
b4nash wrote: Tue Jul 25, 2023 4:10 pm Might as well open 4.55% no-penalty CDs at Ally instead. Only catch is needing to wait 6 days after opening to withdraw.
That's a massive $2 a month per $10k more interest at the expense of losing out on a whole bunch of conveniences.
This topic was about 30 basis points. I am suggesting a way to get another 25 basis points using the same institution. Do you have experience with no-penalty CDs at Ally? There is no convenience lost if you can wait 6 days after deposit.
by b4nash
Tue Jul 25, 2023 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ally Savings Account v Money Market
Replies: 17
Views: 2565

Re: Ally Savings Account v Money Market

Might as well open 4.55% no-penalty CDs at Ally instead. Only catch is needing to wait 6 days after opening to withdraw.
by b4nash
Sat May 13, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Online Savings/Money Market Rate Increases
Replies: 745
Views: 125115

Re: Ally Online Savings/Money Market Rate Increases

Ally savings at 3.75% is pretty sad. Money market is 4% and no penalty CD at 4.25%.
by b4nash
Sun Mar 12, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tipswatch - Guessing I Bonds fixed rate, May 1, 2023
Replies: 131
Views: 26540

Re: Tipswatch - Guessing I Bonds fixed rate, May 1, 2023

QuiGonJohn wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 11:03 am Well if that's the case, then the numbers they are basing the calculations on are "fabricated" to tell a different story. Inflation is still bad. Just shopped, 16oz bottle of Kraft Salad Dressing, that was $2.52 before Jan 2021, now was $5.99. Many other items similar story.
Kraft salad dressing is $2.98 right now at my Walmart. $1.97 for the store brand.
by b4nash
Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Online Savings/Money Market Rate Increases
Replies: 745
Views: 125115

Re: Ally Online Savings Rate Increase

b4nash wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 5:24 pm If you’re stashing money at Ally, you should open 4% no penalty CDs.
Now at 4.75%
by b4nash
Thu Mar 09, 2023 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally Online Savings/Money Market Rate Increases
Replies: 745
Views: 125115

Re: Ally Online Savings Rate Increase

If you’re stashing money at Ally, you should open 4% no penalty CDs.
by b4nash
Tue Feb 07, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Converting Mutuals to ETF'S
Replies: 33
Views: 3686

Re: Converting Mutuals to ETF'S

Automatic investing with mutual funds wins out for me.
by b4nash
Thu Feb 02, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best grocery delivery services
Replies: 26
Views: 3435

Re: Best grocery delivery services

student wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:37 pm For grocery delivery, do you trust that they handle refrigerated products correctly?
If the delivery is from the grocery store and not a third party service, yes.
by b4nash
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Holiday Offer - $150 for $50 deposit
Replies: 408
Views: 58709

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

SimonJester wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:22 pm I plan to report mine under 1040 Line Item 8 from Schedule 1 Number 8i Other prized not on Form 1099-MISC. I am afraid if we report this under the Fidelity 1099-MISC it will generate a mismatch as there will be no 1099-MISC filed. I might switch it to interest not reported on 1099 Thoughts?
Thank you to those bringing up the tax consideration. I was also surprised to only get a "de minimis" 1099. I put mine under "Add Interest Income without a Form 1099-INT".
by b4nash
Sat Jan 28, 2023 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best grocery delivery services
Replies: 26
Views: 3435

Re: Best grocery delivery services

Kroger Boost. No delivery fees and when delivered by Kroger, they do not accept tips. $60 a year and all Kroger shopping gives double fuel points, and occasional freebies.
by b4nash
Thu Oct 20, 2022 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking recommendations for a new credit card
Replies: 32
Views: 3585

Re: Seeking recommendations for a new credit card

Best card is going to depend on your spending patterns.
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best password manager?
Replies: 59
Views: 4242

Re: Best password manager?

Not revealing what password manager I use is step #1 in protecting my passwords. 😁
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall
Replies: 63
Views: 10272

Re: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall

feh wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 12:39 pm
b4nash wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:34 am
feh wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:33 am
b4nash wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:22 am 14 month No penalty CD @2.5% seems like a safe choice. https://www.savebetter.com/banks/sallie ... penalty-cd
6 and 12 month T bills are still above that.
At expense of liquidity.
While I've never sold a CD or treasury on the secondary market, I'd think treasuries are probably more liquid than CDs.
Oh I thought no penalty CDs would be easy to cash out.
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall
Replies: 63
Views: 10272

Re: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall

feh wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:33 am
b4nash wrote: Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:22 am 14 month No penalty CD @2.5% seems like a safe choice. https://www.savebetter.com/banks/sallie ... penalty-cd
6 and 12 month T bills are still above that.
At expense of liquidity.
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Choosing 529 Provider (UT, NH, IL, etc.)
Replies: 24
Views: 2124

Re: Help Choosing 529 Provider (UT, NH, IL, etc.)

Michigan plan is the best and nobody ever looks at it.
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall
Replies: 63
Views: 10272

Re: Will cd rates hit 3 percent this fall

14 month No penalty CD @2.5% seems like a safe choice. https://www.savebetter.com/banks/sallie ... penalty-cd
by b4nash
Thu Jul 28, 2022 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [SaveBetter / Sallie Mae] 2.2% No Penalty CD. What is the catch here?
Replies: 53
Views: 7884

Sallie Mae - 14 month No penalty CD - 2.5%

[Merged into existing discussion - moderator oldcomputerguy]

Seems like the best rate for "liquid" savings?

https://www.savebetter.com/banks/sallie ... penalty-cd
by b4nash
Mon May 02, 2022 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the most secure 2FA ?
Replies: 15
Views: 2249

Re: Which is the most secure 2FA ?

My email has 2 factor authentication set up, so it’s most secure of those options. I prefer the option to use an Authenticator app when it’s available.