Search found 646 matches

by 2cents2
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights
Replies: 29
Views: 2175

Re: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights

I would give them a chance to fix this--There is an online form that you can fill out and then email it to them. (That way you have a paper trail).

From the Delta site:
"If we have already canceled your flight, and you would like to request a refund to your original form of payment, please complete the Travel Disruptions form:"
https://www.delta.com/contactus/iropForm

If they refuse, then file a complaint with DOT.
by 2cents2
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12036

Re: Get out of a timeshare

Another vote for timeshare users group.
You will find folks who like using timeshares on that board and who are very familiar with the various timeshare rules.

Number 1 rule for your friend: don’t give money to a third party upfront.

I won’t say it is impossible to get out of a timeshare, but a lot depends on the brand. If it is Disney, she might be able to sell it for more than she paid for it originally. There are some brands that will take the timeshare back (for a fee).
by 2cents2
Sun Feb 11, 2024 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?
Replies: 114
Views: 16157

Re: Who In Their Right Mind Files Gift Tax Returns? And Why?

bsteiner wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:56 am
Walkure wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:32 am
nedsaid wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 9:21 am I took a course on Estate Tax Returns, the instructor said that every Federal Estate Tax Return that owes taxes is essentially audited.
That seems like a crucial qualifier in the instructor's claim. Where things appear to get murky is when an estate has unreported taxable gifts in prior years, the remainder estate is under the federal exclusion, no taxes are owed on the return, but the estate would have been over the limit were it not for those previous unreported gifts, which may have happened 20 or 30 years prior.
The executor is supposed to show those gifts on the estate tax return.
I have a technical question regarding folks who have filed 709's. How does the executor know about previously filed 709's?
by 2cents2
Wed Jan 03, 2024 5:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 Hedge Fund contest
Replies: 156
Views: 26813

Re: 2024 Hedge Fund contest

The Inter Dimensional Destination fund.
Invest your funds with us and we will make them disappear....

Long
MSFT, BRKB & GD

Short
XOM, COF & BBY
by 2cents2
Tue Jan 02, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions - ACATS transfer from VG to Fidelity
Replies: 15
Views: 1330

Re: Questions - ACATS transfer from VG to Fidelity

sycamore wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:34 pm
exodusNH wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:20 pm
sycamore wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 1:35 pm
2cents2 wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:56 pm ...I don't know the answer to this question, but I wondered if it would have been faster for me to liquidate the fractional share before initiating the transfer from VG to Fido?
I don't think that's possible. At least at Vanguard you can only sell whole shares.
The fractional shares in a lot will liquidate automatically when you sell the whole number part.

I don't know how to sell a lot that was purchased as less than a whole share to begin with, e.g. dividend reinvestment.
That's my understanding as well.
That makes sense. I guess there is no shortcut to the process afterall.
by 2cents2
Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions - ACATS transfer from VG to Fidelity
Replies: 15
Views: 1330

Re: Questions - ACATS transfer from VG to Fidelity

Thanks, I initiated this and one point to note is that they said ACATS can't do fractional shares so the fractional part will be sold to cash. Since this is a Roth IRA it isn't a taxable event but if it was a taxable brokerage then that would trigger some tax liability. In my experience with ACATS transfers, the bit about not transferring fractional shares only applied to individual stocks and ETFs. However, any fractional shares of mutual funds transferred over. However, I have not done a transfer to Fidelity, so perhaps they do it for mutual funds too. The cash proceeds from the sale of the fractional shares also do not usually transfer over with the rest of the shares. The cash usually follows over within a few days. I think they wait f...
by 2cents2
Mon Nov 13, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???
Replies: 271
Views: 29311

Re: What is Medicare Advantage "gotch ya!" ???

My out of pocket maximum cost is about $5k per year. I’ve never come close to that level of cost. And I’ve saved about $2-$3,000 per year in Med Supp and Part D premiums. I’ve got a good network and a good MA plan. And I’m very happy with it. Your mileage may vary. I have been curious about this for a while. Do you have co-pays for each visit to a care provider on your MA plan? The following quote is general information about health insurance. I have been curious if there is some sort of regulation that requires medicare advantage programs to apply co-pays to the out of pocket maximums (and if they must, are there any exceptions?) Does coinsurance count toward out-of-pocket maximum? Yes, coinsurance typically counts toward your out-of-pock...
by 2cents2
Fri Sep 22, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension denied with Northrop Grumman
Replies: 43
Views: 11265

Re: Pension denied with Northrop Grumman

Was there was an employee contribution to the pension?

If so, pay-slips from the time in question should reflect deductions for contributions to the pension.

If the friend didn’t keep all pay-slips, maybe a copy of the last pay-slip of the year kept with tax files?
by 2cents2
Sat Sep 02, 2023 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Converting old paper IBond with maiden name
Replies: 22
Views: 1667

Re: Converting old paper IBond with maiden name

You could call treasury direct and ask your question. Looking online, it looks like form FS Form 4000 allows you to change the name and treasury direct automatically reissues the bonds in electronic form. It says on part C, " If an owner or coowner's name has been changed by marriage, divorce, court order, naturalization, or otherwise, he or she must sign the form as follows: " (PRESENT LEGAL NAME) ", changed by (specify manner in which change occurred) from " (NAME AS ON BONDS)." To support a change of name, other than by marriage, a complete statement should follow the signature to show exactly how the change of name was authorized. Evidence may be required. " https://www.treasurydirect.gov/forms/sav4000.pdf
by 2cents2
Sun Aug 20, 2023 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?
Replies: 120
Views: 10863

Re: Portable travel hotel room, and travel, coffee making ideas?

We use a Cruisinart DCC-450BK Here is a link to cruisinart with a description. https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/coffee_makers/dcc-450/ (I’m not sure if it has been discontinued or if they have discontinued all the different color options). We wanted something that was stainless steel, so that narrowed the options. We bring it with us when we drive, but it is so nice to have i am thinking about bringing it along when we fly, too. One of the drawbacks- it is a 4 “cup” capacity-we can fill it with an 20 oz bottle of water and really fills only 2 ceramic mugs and then you have to make another pot. (We both like 2 cups of coffee in the morning). We like to use bottled water just for standardization. The tap water tastes fine most pl...
by 2cents2
Wed May 10, 2023 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How are IBonds (and EEBonds) reported on 1099?
Replies: 2
Views: 370

Re: How are IBonds (and EEBonds) reported on 1099?

The interest is reported in box 3 and if you elected to have any withholding, it would be box 4
by 2cents2
Sun May 07, 2023 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job - Portfolio Questions
Replies: 52
Views: 6716

Re: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job Converting to GS - Rollover/TSP/401k Questions

Question regarding IRA Conversion : I have about $1k in my TIRA (I rolled it from a 401(k) at my previous employer). When going through the process with my brokerage, I selected 10% withholding, and they spit back that I don't have the cash to cover the withholding. What happens if I select no withholding? Is it simply a matter of filling out a 8606 later, or are the Feds going to come for me and my $? I assume you only had shares of some sort and no cash position in this account? If so, it is probably lucky you received the error. The withholding amount would be considered a distribution and you would pay a penalty on the amount withheld since you are not yet 59.5 years old (in addition to your normal taxes on the entire conversion). You ...
by 2cents2
Fri May 05, 2023 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6893

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

I read the link provided above for Rick Steves--he had some really good advice in general. (Rick Steve's advice came in quite handy when we bought fixings for picnic lunch from a supermarket.) Apparently, Rick likes to pay for as much as possible with cash, but he doesn't exchange any money in advance of his trip. One of the things he said, " When I arrive in Europe, I head for an ATM at the airport...." In the past, the airport has not been a good place to exchange money, but I thought maybe the ATMs might be different? Our trip was over spring break. DH and I were with a school group. My one and only encounter with an ATM was at CDG airport. There was a fee of $4.88 and the exchange rate worked out to be $1.28 dollars to 1 Euro....
by 2cents2
Fri May 05, 2023 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job - Portfolio Questions
Replies: 52
Views: 6716

Re: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job Converting to GS - Rollover/TSP/401k Questions

While I was researching for my last post, I saw that but was sure it was talking about some other category and not me. I guess I'll have to talk to the wife and look into the cost/benefits (the buy-in amount, as I've been retired for 2.5 years now). Thanks! Also: "SBP premiums are payable for a total of 30 years (360 months) and attainment of at least age 70: Premiums paid for any beneficiary category count toward paid-up status (spouse, child, former spouse, etc.). https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-Benefit-Program/Costs-and-Benefits/Spouse-Coverage/ "Regarding Life Insurance: 1) I will be 57 when the first policy expires, 59 with the second (based on dates), and 62 when the third. 2) She wants me to get more when...
by 2cents2
Wed Apr 26, 2023 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS address change
Replies: 16
Views: 1344

Re: USPS address change

Does your local post office have post office boxes you could rent in the interim?
by 2cents2
Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6893

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

I wonder if this would work? Does anyone have experience with this card (Fidelity Youth Account) for a youth on international travel?

https://www.fidelity.com/go/youth-accou ... debit-card
by 2cents2
Tue Jan 17, 2023 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching vanguard to Fidelity process: advice and help
Replies: 2
Views: 673

Re: Switching vanguard to Fidelity process: advice and help

I don't know if this answers all your questions, but I found this thread extremely helpful as a starting point:
viewtopic.php?p=6871076#p6871076
by 2cents2
Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2023 Hedge Fund contest
Replies: 199
Views: 27250

Re: 2023 Hedge Fund contest

Dee Disciples, LLC

Long
D
DIS
DAWN

Short
DFIN
DASH
DLTR
by 2cents2
Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Difficulties getting shingrix&pneumoccocal jabs
Replies: 46
Views: 5032

Re: Difficulties getting shingrix&pneumoccocal jabs

I just saw your other post regarding your change to Cigna/ExpressScripts and you mentioned they have preferred pharmacy network.

I googled "Cigna/ExpressScripts" and it didn't look like CVS was on the list.

https://www.cigna.com/medicare/member-r ... y-networks

So, maybe CVS is out of network? I used to have insurance (before Medicare) that would only process prescriptions if I went to a preferred network provider. Otherwise I had to pay upfront and get reimbursed. I don't know if this is the case or if CVS just hasn't updated their software to reflect the latest change, but maybe you could try a pharmacy off the preferred list?
by 2cents2
Wed Jan 04, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible to have a nice time at DisneyWorld without the infamous Disney hassles?
Replies: 93
Views: 10324

Re: Possible to have a nice time at DisneyWorld without the infamous Disney hassles?

Is it possible to have a nice time at Disney World without the infamous Disney hassles? I believe it is. But, on the other hand if your goal is to maximize every waking moment from dawn into the late hours to get the most out of your park admission cost per hour, you (and possibly the people around you) may be hating life in short order (I've discovered :| ). But, it doesn't sound like you would feel like you missed out if you didn't go on every high speed thrill ride experience. Firstly, don't count on covering every aspect of Disney World on one trip. Also, Disney is super expensive and whether it is worth it or not is highly subjective. I would spring for the genie + to get the most out of the experience. A trip to Disney World does requ...
by 2cents2
Sat Dec 31, 2022 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tricare & FEHB
Replies: 4
Views: 650

Re: Tricare & FEHB

Tricare fees have gotten pretty confusing. I am assuming your spouse would qualify for tricare select (group A) at age 60 (until age 65 when you must sign for medicare part b in order to continue Tricare and then it becomes tricare for life). https://www.tricare.mil/select Here is a link for Tricare costs for 2023: https://newsroom.tricare.mil/Articles/Article/3211342/preview-2023-tricare-health-plan-costs I believe you are correct in that you cannot have HSA/ high deductible health ins and Tricare. If your spouse signs up for Tricare select family, your FEHB would be the primary health ins and Tricare would be secondary. So, for the most part Tricare would be covering the expenses left over after the primary health ins pays their part. I t...
by 2cents2
Fri Dec 30, 2022 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
Replies: 12
Views: 4718

Re: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]

I realize this is an old thread so it might not be relevant to the original poster at this point, but there is a SBP open season that opened 23 Dec 2022 and closes 1 Jan 2024.


"The SBP Open Season allows for retirees receiving retired pay, eligible members, or former members awaiting retired pay who are currently NOT enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan) to enroll. "

Here are a couple of links:
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/pr ... -NDAA2023/
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/ne ... 2-SBPOS23/
by 2cents2
Wed Dec 28, 2022 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie Questions on How to Switch to Fidelity (not why to switch)
Replies: 8
Views: 782

Re: Newbie Questions on How to Switch to Fidelity (not why to switch)

My strategy is to convert to ETF and then rollover after dividends post.

I would not use Fidelity zero type index funds in a taxable account because if you ever decide to leave Fidelity, you would have to liquidate them and it might be a taxable event.
by 2cents2
Sat Dec 24, 2022 8:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215655

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual accounts

Except for one account for which I had POA, all of our other Vanguard accounts were either transitioned or rolled over a few years ago. Losing POA was the sticking point as the account owner has not always been available to complete new POA paperwork. This last account was finally transitioned a couple of months ago, but reestablishing POA failed. I was under the impression that 3 questions needed to be answered by the Agent and POA would be restored (I answered the questions and submitted and received an error that the link had expired or had been already used). Several phone calls to customer service failed. A request to speak to a supervisor failed (call back occurred at a random time when I was unavailable--voice mail said to call the r...
by 2cents2
Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cashing out a pension and taking the tax hit?
Replies: 36
Views: 2921

Re: Cashing out a pension and taking the tax hit?

I have a technical question: What was the origin of the pension savings? Did you make after tax contributions into the pension fund? Did your employer make contributions?

.
by 2cents2
Wed Oct 19, 2022 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Part B Premiums/IRMAA announced early
Replies: 9
Views: 2278

Re: 2023 Part B Premiums/IRMAA announced early

I am 63 and my wife will turn 65 at the end of this month. She has recently applied for part B, part D and purchased a supplement through UnitedHealthCare. (Un)fortunately she is getting hit with the IRMAA for our income in 2020 for both part B and D. Next year based on our income in 2021 we expect to get hit with an even bigger (the biggest) IRMAA due a windfall I received from the earlier sale of my business. Will Medicare will let her know of her new monthly payment amount as January approaches or will she keep the current amount through 2023 as this is her first year applying. If not and she’s hit with the higher IRMAA amount, Is there any way to appeal this as 2021 being a “one off” income year? Here you go: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/...
by 2cents2
Mon Oct 17, 2022 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Managing a "windfall" after divorce
Replies: 33
Views: 7546

Re: Managing a "windfall" after divorce

“6. What have I overlooked?“

Technical question:
Is your spouse the higher earner? Have you thought about the ramifications to social security as a divorced spouse?
(There are several qualifiers- see link below, but a big one is you have to have been married for at least 10 years in order to receive benefits from your ex-spouses’ earnings record).

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement ... ying7.html

I am assuming your divorce has not been finalized, yet. I don’t know if this is something you can adjust at this point in time, but you mentioned you were married for 9 years, how many months before it would be 10 years?
by 2cents2
Sat Sep 17, 2022 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)
Replies: 25
Views: 3010

Re: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)

Buy this and use it in your rental next time. https://www.cfxway.com/uni/ There's no need to change plate number to match your rental either. Actually, it does say you have to change the plate number to match the rental in the rules: "How can I use Uni with a rental car? You can move Uni to a rental car if you inform the rental car agency that you’re using Uni in the rental vehicle. The rental vehicle and the vehicle from which you’re transferring the E-PASS must be the same class (for example, two axles). You also must update your E-PASS account information with the rental vehicle’s license plate number. " (You must also remember to remove the rental vehicle information from your account after you turn your vehicle back in or yo...
by 2cents2
Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)
Replies: 25
Views: 3010

Re: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)

I spent a week in Florida and rented a car. I did not pre-pay for toll fees at the time of picking the car. I was thinking wrongly I will drive mostly on non-toll roads. I did not appreciate the driving situation in Florida. The rental company sent me a bill and slapped a $10 admin fee per day on top of the modest toll fee levied by the toll operator. Is it possible to pay the toll fees penalty directly to the toll operator company thereby bypassing the rental company? I will provide evidence of payment to the rental company after the fact. At this point, you have to pay up. If you had made other arrangements (in advance) to pay the toll and had receipts that the toll was already paid you could dispute it. Each rental car company has their...
by 2cents2
Sat Sep 17, 2022 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)
Replies: 25
Views: 3010

Re: extra fees levied by rental car company for toll fees (Florida)

Buy this and use it in your rental next time. https://www.cfxway.com/uni/ There's no need to change plate number to match your rental either. Actually, it does say you have to change the plate number to match the rental in the rules: "How can I use Uni with a rental car? You can move Uni to a rental car if you inform the rental car agency that you’re using Uni in the rental vehicle. The rental vehicle and the vehicle from which you’re transferring the E-PASS must be the same class (for example, two axles). You also must update your E-PASS account information with the rental vehicle’s license plate number. " (You must also remember to remove the rental vehicle information from your account after you turn your vehicle back in or yo...
by 2cents2
Sat Aug 13, 2022 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Series EE Savings Bond - Taxation Question
Replies: 21
Views: 1895

Re: Series EE Savings Bond - Taxation Question

Good point! These were converted to electronic several years ago. On Dec 1 you will receive an email from TD telling you that your bonds were automatically redeemed and put into a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness which doesn't earn any more interest. You can leave the proceeds alone (and earn no more interest), transfer to the account you have linked to TD or reinvest in another TD product. You will note under the "Manage Direct" tab, "Manage My Taxes" subcategory there will be a link to Year 2022. There, you will find the "Taxable Transaction(s) Summary" and all the transactions that will go into your 2022 1099-INT. (The link for your 2022 1099-INT will appear at the top of the listed transactions som...
by 2cents2
Sat Aug 13, 2022 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with a power disconnect/reconnect possibly spanning 24+ hours
Replies: 68
Views: 5067

Re: Dealing with a power disconnect/reconnect possibly spanning 24+ hours

We had a tree cut down a few months ago. We were expecting a 4 hour power outage. It turned out to be about 13 hours (on a clear weather day) and we did not require any inspections before restoring power. I don't know if it was staffing issues due to COVID or just normal, but you might want to have a contingency plan just in case the outage lasts longer than originally planned.
by 2cents2
Sun Jul 31, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Donating a Car to Charity
Replies: 16
Views: 1336

Re: Donating a Car to Charity

In our area there is an organization called Vehicles For Change (located in MD). Maybe there would be something like that in your area? This info is from their web site. If the vehicle is less than 12 years old, has less than 150,000 miles and can be reconditioned for less than $1,200--they will recondition the car and give it to an eligible family (the goal is to get at least 2 years/24,000 miles of service out the car). Tax Description: The vehicle’s fair market value. Sometimes the vehicle does not meet their criteria for giving to a family. They may repair the vehicle and sell it to the public through their used car business and use the proceeds to fund other repairs. Tax Description: The vehicle’s fair market value, minus the cost of r...
by 2cents2
Tue Jul 26, 2022 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?
Replies: 66
Views: 6455

Re: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?

MGBMartin wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:40 pm

The exchange rates you mention are about 5-7 cents per euro more than you would pay than getting euros from an ATM once you arrive in Europe.
So €100 cost you $5-7 plus the $10 or $12 fee not including the $.
Worst case is $119 for €100 for an effective exchange rate of $1.19 per €

Good to know, but if you did want to have a small amount of Euros before you left (or if you were gifting some Euros to a student that was making a spring break trip), where would you buy them?
by 2cents2
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?
Replies: 66
Views: 6455

Re: Should I buy Euros now before my upcoming Europe travel?

I have also been researching options. It sounds like conventional wisdom is not to buy too many Euros in advance. The rate was (1.07845 dollars for 1 Euro) on Jul 14 at our AAA. Plus, if you order less than 1,000 Euros there is a small order fee of $12.00. They only take orders in person to make the initial order. Then 1-5 days later they send you a text and you return to pick up your order. They only accept cash or debit card. And, they don't buy back any unused currency when you return home. I hate paying the $12.00 small order fee, but I don't think we need 1,000 Euros. There are several CXI branches in my area, but they charge a $10.00 fee no matter how many Euros you order (their exchange rate on their site was 1.09235 Dollars for 1 Eu...
by 2cents2
Mon Jul 25, 2022 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airline promised hotel reimbursement, then rejected my claim
Replies: 34
Views: 4798

Re: Airline promised hotel reimbursement, then rejected my claim

I have no idea as to which airline is involved with OP (each airline has their own contract of carriage). But, just for grins I looked up UAL's contract of carriage rule 24 Flight Delays/Cancellations/Aircraft Changes (revised June 6, 2022) https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/contract-of-carriage.html#rule-24 "F. Amenities for Delayed Passengers 1. Lodging - UA will provide at its option either one night’s lodging, or, if no lodging is provided and upon the passenger’s request only, reimbursement for one night’s lodging in the form of an electronic travel certificate that may be applied to future travel on UA up to a maximum amount determined by UA when a UA flight on which a Passenger is being transported incurs Irregular Operations and ...
by 2cents2
Sun Jul 24, 2022 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airline promised hotel reimbursement, then rejected my claim
Replies: 34
Views: 4798

Re: Airline promised hotel reimbursement, then rejected my claim

I'm really sorry this happened to you. I don't know if you are out of luck or if you have a good case because I don't know all the circumstances. The first question I have is how long were you delayed getting to your destination? The second question: what does the contract of carriage say on the matter? The airline could have said they would provide hotel accommodations, but subsequent to that they were able to get you on a flight that didn't require overnight accommodations. Again, it is difficult to say one way or the other without knowing all the circumstances. DH and I mostly fly Southwest. So far, we have been fortunate not to have required an overnight stay anywhere. But, for mechanical issues (if they have time) Southwest will often ...
by 2cents2
Sun Jul 24, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to "carry copies of prescriptions with you" when traveling
Replies: 36
Views: 3683

Re: How to "carry copies of prescriptions with you" when traveling

CenTexan, thanks for starting this thread. DH and I have an international trip coming up next year and I was wondering the same thing. I have been reading this thread with interest. I plan to follow up on Ivyhedge's advice with my PCP: "Even though you might never see your prescription notices, your office print them with a use/verification dossier. For my travel, I have asked the doctor (generally the staff and she signs it) to provide a note describing the circumstances requiring the drug, and then the drug list. Clear contact information, including the practice and alternative contacts, should also be present." I have a couple of additional questions if anyone knows the answers: Our travels will only take us to Schengen area me...
by 2cents2
Sun Jul 10, 2022 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?
Replies: 67
Views: 4272

Re: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?

gobel wrote: Fri Jul 08, 2022 4:35 pm
disclosure: I'm still waiting for my voucher on funds that expired in Jan, but it's been 3 wks and no word yet.
I would check email spam file just in case. The announcement said the credit would be issued in the form of a LUV voucher, so it may have been emailed to you. I don't know how backed up they are, but 3 weeks seems like it would be worthwhile to make another call.
by 2cents2
Sun Jul 10, 2022 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?
Replies: 67
Views: 4272

Re: Any suggestions on where to fly to for a weekend trip in the summer?

To make a long story short, I had canceled a trip in 2020 around the time that everything was being shut down due to Covid and Southwest reimbursed me with a credit. The credit will expire in a couple months and I haven't used it yet. Supposedly, Southwest will reissue your travel credit as a voucher good for another 6 months from the request date. You could do this around Sept when they expire, or even wait till Dec. https://www.doctorofcredit.com/southwest-allowing-extension-of-expiring-funds-by-6-months/ disclosure: I'm still waiting for my voucher on funds that expired in Jan, but it's been 3 wks and no word yet. Thanks for posting this. I have seen other sites but the articles were a bit sketchy, claiming that a rep might or might not...
by 2cents2
Sun May 15, 2022 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax questions on inheritance of home (w/ outstanding loan) and IRA
Replies: 8
Views: 619

Re: Tax questions on inheritance of home (w/ outstanding loan) and IRA

I am sorry about your Dad's condition. I don't think we have enough information. On the face of it--I would be inclined to say that don't make a lick of sense for your father to make a large distribution in one tax year when you could spread out the distribution over 10 years. However, we don't know what your tax rate is and we don't know what your father's tax rate is. Do either of you pay state taxes? If you are in the 32% bracket and your father mainly lives on social security income (and is a lower bracket) the tax bill might be lower if he takes the lump sum. Or, maybe he could split the difference--only pay down part of the mortgage (whatever would make the most sense). Also, the current tax rates are scheduled to sunset in 2026, so y...
by 2cents2
Thu May 12, 2022 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Problem with Fidelity and Power of Attorney for Elderly Parent
Replies: 50
Views: 5396

Re: Problem with Fidelity and Power of Attorney for Elderly Parent

Fidelity actually has a form that gives you full access to the account; I know, because my DH had to fill one out for me. His accounts show up on my screen, and I have full access to trading activity. To get it in place, we visited a local Fidelity branch in person, together. No problem. Sandi, Are you able to move any funds from your spouse's Fidelity accounts to outside linked accounts under your log in? We haven't tried that yet; withdrawals start next year. ;) You don't have to go through with any withdrawals, you can go to the Move Money option and then see which options are available on the drop down menu under "Which account do you want to move money from? " Do any of your spouse's accounts appear in the drop down menu whe...
by 2cents2
Wed May 11, 2022 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Problem with Fidelity and Power of Attorney for Elderly Parent
Replies: 50
Views: 5396

Re: Problem with Fidelity and Power of Attorney for Elderly Parent

Sandi_k wrote: Tue May 10, 2022 3:18 pm
Fidelity actually has a form that gives you full access to the account; I know, because my DH had to fill one out for me. His accounts show up on my screen, and I have full access to trading activity.

To get it in place, we visited a local Fidelity branch in person, together. No problem.
Sandi,
Are you able to move any funds from your spouse's Fidelity accounts to outside linked accounts under your log in?
by 2cents2
Sat Apr 23, 2022 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I open a Spousal Roth IRA for my retired husband?
Replies: 9
Views: 1543

Re: Can I open a Spousal Roth IRA for my retired husband?

Here is a link to rules for making a Roth Contribution: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-ira-contribution-limits There are also income limits on making Roth Contributions https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/amount-of-roth-ira-contributions-that-you-can-make-for-2022 Even if your combined income exceeds the limit to make a direct Roth contribution, your spouse can still convert traditional IRA funds to Roth. But, there is still a 5 year qualification rule to satisfy: "If you satisfy the requirements, qualified distributions are tax-free." https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/roth-iras "What Are Qualified Distributions? A qualified distribution is any pa...
by 2cents2
Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?
Replies: 27
Views: 2474

Re: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?

And what is the process for exchanging either EE bonds held online as well as EE bonds held in paper form? Thanks in advance. I wanted to swing around back to this question: Online: At final maturity Treasury Direct will automatically convert your EE bonds to a Zero-Percent Certificate of Indebtedness (C of I)--which earns zero % interest. TD issues a 1099-INT for the tax year that this occurs. (You have to login and print your 1099-INT from your TD account because TD does not mail out 1099-INT) You can use the funds in the C of I to: 1. transfer proceeds to the bank account you have linked to your TD account or 2. purchase eligible interest-bearing securities Paper Bonds: 1. Find a bank to redeem them. (The bank will then issue a 1099-INT...
by 2cents2
Thu Apr 21, 2022 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?
Replies: 27
Views: 2474

Re: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?

With respect to unintentionally neglecting to report income on matured but unredeemed paper bonds, does one need to amend the return from the year of maturity or just report the income in the tax year you realize you have neglected to report it? It seems like the latter is what most would do, but wouldn’t it compound the error by potentially not paying penalties and/or interest? i am not a tax expert, but I believe you are correct--file an amended return from the year of maturity. Then, (in the case of paper bonds) there will be a 1099-INT mismatch (which apparently also happens in the case where you have been reporting savings bonds interest annually. ) Here is what I found on the IRS website: Pub 550, Page 16 Chapter 1 Investment Income ...
by 2cents2
Thu Apr 21, 2022 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?
Replies: 27
Views: 2474

Re: How to Defer Taxes on Maturing EE bonds?

Savings bonds are not marketable or transferrable (except by death, which is not recommended.) You have to cash them in. You could then donate the money. But you're not going to avoid claiming the interest. TD website is a little confusing re: transferability of savings bonds. From here : Are EE and I Bonds transferable? Yes. The owner can transfer EE and I Bonds to another person with a TreasuryDirect account; however, you must wait five business days after the purchase date to transfer the bonds. From here : I noticed savings bonds are being sold through auction sites such as eBay™, but I thought ownership was non-transferable. How does this work? Savings bonds are sometimes sold as souvenirs or collectors' items. The sale doesn't affect...
by 2cents2
Tue Apr 19, 2022 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is my IRA Basis?
Replies: 13
Views: 1528

Re: What is my IRA Basis?

I am sorry for your loss. In TSP, as mentioned already it's usually one thing or the other (pretax or Roth). One exception I could think of is (tax exempt) non Roth contributions while on active duty in a combat zone.

https://themilitarywallet.com/maximizin ... mbat-zone/


https://www.tsp.gov/publications/tsp-536.pdf
(look at the above reference starting on page 2-Do You Have Traditional, Roth,or Both?)

Did your spouse ever serve in the military in a combat zone?