Search found 5611 matches
- Wed Apr 25, 2018 10:28 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Treasury Direct is a waste of time
- Replies: 80
- Views: 18378
Re: Treasury Direct is a waste of time
I wanted to post my recent experience converting paper I bonds to electronic. We have had no issues with Treasury Direct, but I've only used them for I bonds. Efiled and ordered I bonds on Paper I-Bonds from tax refund on 3/5/18 The I bonds arrived in the mail on 3/26/18 Mailed the I Bonds and mani...
- Wed Apr 25, 2018 10:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Payment for Medical Device
- Replies: 9
- Views: 384
Re: Payment for Medical Device
When you pay by check, you give them your bank information.
I think paying with a prepaid debit card may be a good compromise.
I think paying with a prepaid debit card may be a good compromise.
- Tue Apr 24, 2018 5:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foreign home sale
- Replies: 6
- Views: 467
Re: Foreign home sale
Re: reporting requirements FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR): US Citizens and resident aliens who have a financial interest or signatory authority over foreign accounts with an aggregate value of more than $10,000 at any time during the calendar year must report all foreign bank and financial accounts with the...
- Tue Apr 24, 2018 1:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foreign home sale
- Replies: 6
- Views: 467
Re: Foreign home sale
As a green card holder, you are already subject to the same tax law as any U.S. citizen. I don’t see any problem moving money to the U.S. provided that you intend to stay here permanently.
And I am sure that you are familiar with reporting requirements for holding financial assets overseas.
And I am sure that you are familiar with reporting requirements for holding financial assets overseas.
- Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Retiring soon - health insurance planning Cal-COBRA
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1962
Re: Retiring soon - health insurance planning Cal-COBRA
We are going to be on COBRA for 10 more months. I wonder if we will be able to get Cal-COBRA once the COBRA benefits are exhausted since the former employer (a large company) was self-insured/self-funded? “Cal-COBRA covers indemnity policies, PPOs and HMOs, but not self-insured plans.” https://www....
- Mon Apr 23, 2018 3:15 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Surveys
- Replies: 44
- Views: 1809
Re: Emailed Vanguard Survey from "GfK". Possible spam or phishing?
How about giving Vanguard a call to clear the air?
A few years ago I received a similar survey request and received $50 Amazon gift card after finishing the survey.
A few years ago I received a similar survey request and received $50 Amazon gift card after finishing the survey.
- Sun Apr 22, 2018 9:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Traveling to Asia-need advice
- Replies: 30
- Views: 1748
Re: Traveling to Asia-need advice
My son is 21 and graduating in May from college. He's planning on traveling to China, Japan, Taiwan and maybe South Korea. He's planning to travel solo with a backpack and I assume hoping to stay at hostels. Does anybody have any advice or tips for such an adventure? How good is his Chinese and Jap...
- Sat Apr 21, 2018 8:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refund on Extended Service Contract?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 503
Re: Refund on Extended Service Contract?
I haven't been able to find anything specific to the extended service contract in the paperwork from the dealership, and I've looked on the Ford website to no avail. Guess I'll take a drive to the dealer. Thanks for all the responses. The section called cancellation or termination may be in the bac...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:22 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: I’m still not a fan of international bond funds
- Replies: 137
- Views: 8086
Re: I’m still not a fan of international bond funds
I would consider moving my Vanguard investments to a Target Date or LifeStrategy fund if there were the option to do so without international bonds. Even more so for “advice upon death.” I think Vanguard has decided to live or die upon this particular sword. Yes, Vanguard is definitely pushing hard...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Republic Wireless
- Replies: 69
- Views: 18720
Re: Republic Wireless
JLawrence,
Do the static and drop call problems only occur in SoAZ or do you also have such problems in other parts of the country?
Do the static and drop call problems only occur in SoAZ or do you also have such problems in other parts of the country?
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 5:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 Plan Successor Upon Owner Death
- Replies: 2
- Views: 264
Re: 529 Plan Successor Upon Owner Death
Yes, the successor owner (a/k/a the contingent owner) will become the owner and will have every right to the account and he may wish to buy a condo in Maui ILO providing for your child's education.
It is similar to the POD arrangement. Proceed carefully.
It is similar to the POD arrangement. Proceed carefully.
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 3:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refund on Extended Service Contract?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 503
Re: Refund on Extended Service Contract?
As an example, the extended service contract for my Toyota has a 30-day window for a full refund provided that you have not used the contract benefits. After 30 days, you receive a pro rata refund minus certain fees and the exact detail is state dependent.
Do your best and good luck to your quest.
Do your best and good luck to your quest.
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 2:37 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Anyone invest in I Bonds and why?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5360
Re: Anyone invest in I Bonds and why?
I invest in them because they are the lowest-risk investment I know. Unlike bank accounts, they are protected against inflation. An absolutely key feature, which many people do not understand, is that although they are called "bonds," unlike normal marketable bonds they are free from interest rate ...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 1:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Refund on Extended Service Contract?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 503
Re: REFUND ON EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT?
When did you sign the contract? Go read the paperwork you received. Somewhere in the paperwork you should find the grace period for a refund. P.s. The window for full refund can be short, so you need to jump on the refund wagon as soon as humanly possible. P.p.s The dealership has no incentive to te...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:54 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 886
Re: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
I found the CDIC insurance website http://www.cdic.ca/en/about-di/how-it-w ... fault.aspx
There is a new pending legislation on CDIC insurance, but it is still pending.
Otherwise, it looks like 100k per account with additional coverage for RRSP, RRIF and trust accounts.
There is a new pending legislation on CDIC insurance, but it is still pending.
Otherwise, it looks like 100k per account with additional coverage for RRSP, RRIF and trust accounts.
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 11:14 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 886
Re: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
Yes the holding company can access the bank's capital via dividends. However, the bank itself is under banking regulations and there are specific rules regarding dividend payout and capitalization requirement based on asset quality, profitability and required regulatory capital levels. I am not conc...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 10:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do US Postal Regulations Prohibit Me From Picking Up My Mail At The PO?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1176
Re: Do US Postal Regulations Prohibit Me From Picking Up My Mail At The PO?
According to this form, they can hold your mail for a minimum of 3, but not for more than 30 days. https://about.usps.com/forms/ps8076.pdf P.s. If you manage to talk to the person who actually delivers mails in your neighborhood, (s)he may agree to hold it for one day as a favor to you. Be nice and ...
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:17 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 886
Re: Credit Rating of Ally Bank?
VT, The rating you stated is for Ally Financial, Inc., the holding company of the Ally bank which is a FDIC insured commercial bank supervised by the Federal Reserve. The bank itself is rated 4-star (out of 5) by a reputable bank rating source of Bauer Financial. A 4-Star rating is an “Excellent” ra...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:53 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity account customization.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 445
Re: Fidelity account customization.
You need to create new groups to allow for subtotaling by owner. For example, create a new group named "The King," a second group named "The Queen," a third group named "The Prince," and a fourth group named "The Princess." And then assign your accounts to The King group, your wife's accounts to The...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 9:32 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: ibonds purchased under business/entity
- Replies: 5
- Views: 474
Re: ibonds purchased under business/entity
Sorry the transfer will count toward the purchase limit of the receiver. The TD says: "If I transfer savings bonds to another TreasuryDirect customer, how does it affect the recipient's purchase limitation? If you transfer savings bonds to another customer, the amount of the transfer is applied towa...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 3:38 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Ally Bank No penalty CD for parking cash, is there a catch?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 17883
Re: Ally Bank No penalty CD for parking cash, is there a catch?
Your choices for interest disbursement are:
(1) credit back to CD (paid at maturity);
(2) monthly payments; or
(3) quarterly payments.
There is not an option for payable at year end for no penalty CDs. To get the year end disbursement, you have to open a CD that is not a NP CD.
(1) credit back to CD (paid at maturity);
(2) monthly payments; or
(3) quarterly payments.
There is not an option for payable at year end for no penalty CDs. To get the year end disbursement, you have to open a CD that is not a NP CD.
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 3:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: ibonds purchased under business/entity
- Replies: 5
- Views: 474
Re: ibonds purchased under business/entity
Based on the verbiage in form 5511, you likely will have to pay all accrued interest up to the date of transfer if you transfer a LLC account to your own personal account. If you still want to use the LLC to expand your I bond purchase limit, you may want to avoid such a transfer unless you just wan...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 1:28 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: ibonds purchased under business/entity
- Replies: 5
- Views: 474
Re: ibonds purchased under business/entity
If your LLC is a single member entity, it is considered a disregarded entity for income tax purpose and you should report the interest income on your own tax return as a schedule B entry. However, the TD requires you to register such an account under your LLC's EIN, and you very likely will incur ta...
- Wed Apr 18, 2018 12:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Got hit with a $2800 Medical bill. Can I negotiate?
- Replies: 187
- Views: 9378
Re: Got hit with a $2800 Medical bill. Can I negotiate?
When I wan in my 20's, I hated paying for insurance. I never used it and I was as healthy as it got. However, I was involved in an automobile accident (not my fault). And that's when all the fun started. Fortunately, I still had my insurance and it was not a HDHP. So, my out of pocket was minimal re...
- Tue Apr 17, 2018 9:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Medicare Questions
- Replies: 49
- Views: 3045
Re: Medicare Questions
The is a possibility that the anesthesiologist does not accept Medicare assignment.
I think you may have some right under Medicare even if the provider does not accept Medicare.
I think you may have some right under Medicare even if the provider does not accept Medicare.
- Mon Apr 16, 2018 9:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foreign national - Trouble opening Ally account - Help !
- Replies: 6
- Views: 392
Re: Foreign national - Trouble opening Ally account - Help !
I'm a foreign national ( i.e. non- US citizen ). I'm a US resident alien (for tax purposes ). I was trying to open online checking account with Ally. Everything went fine, till I reach step -4 of "Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification". They want me to certify that : 1. The n...
- Mon Apr 16, 2018 5:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco Free Screenings
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3967
Re: Costco Free Screenings
Have been a Costco member for many years, but never saw any free screening in the warehouse.
It could be a regional thing?
It could be a regional thing?
- Mon Apr 16, 2018 5:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: San Diego Safari Zoo
- Replies: 13
- Views: 941
Re: San Diego Safari Zoo
When are you going to the S.D. Zoo Safari Park (formerly known as the Wild Animal Park)? It is in the Inland region in the town of Escondido and it could get very HOT in the summer. Try to go there outside of the June - August period. The sun will be very intense, so bring your suntan lotion. If you...
- Mon Apr 16, 2018 4:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099-INT Bond Premium Amount for Tax Deduction
- Replies: 5
- Views: 266
Re: 1099-INT Bond Premium Amount for Tax Deduction
Thank you, yes of course an adjustment that reduces the interest total. If I see the ABP adjustment on 1099 INT would you assume it is the correct amortized amount for the year, 2015 and later? The 1099-INT is for one year only. I assume yours says year 2017. Do keep in mind that some brokerage (su...
- Mon Apr 16, 2018 12:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1099-INT Bond Premium Amount for Tax Deduction
- Replies: 5
- Views: 266
Re: 1099-INT Bond Premium Amount for Tax Deduction
It is not a deduction. Rather, it reduces the reported interest income on 1099-INT.
- Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Dealing with poorly assigned hotel rooms?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3128
Re: Dealing with poorly assigned hotel rooms?
A while back, I had noise problems with the folks staying in the room above mine and I called the front desk. Well, they attempted to ask the guests to quiet down, but it didn't last long. So, I plugged my ears and slept for the night because I was very tired. However, I asked to speak to the manage...
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 8:21 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Question on treasury bond maturity date
- Replies: 4
- Views: 178
Re: Question on treasury bond maturity date
There is a difference between maturity and sale. If you redeem at maturity, there is no T + 2 involved. The maturity proceed plus accrued interest should be credited to your account at the close of business on the maturity date. I am almost certain that a good form like Schwab follows that practice....
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:46 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Question on treasury bond maturity date
- Replies: 4
- Views: 178
Re: Question on treasury bond maturity date
I think it depends on the brokerage.
Fidelity: yes. I am not sure about anyone else.
Give your brokerage a call.
Fidelity: yes. I am not sure about anyone else.
Give your brokerage a call.
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Form 1116 3b
- Replies: 9
- Views: 412
Re: Form 1116 3b
That’s where TT is ahead of the rest.
And of course I have absolutely no affiliation with the Intuit.
And of course I have absolutely no affiliation with the Intuit.
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 7:14 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Form 1116 3b
- Replies: 9
- Views: 412
Re: Form 1116 3b
Form 1116 Foreign tax credit: Box 3 b Other deductions. Interestingly, on the form it requires '(attach statement)' The instruction booklet does NOT explain what kinds of statement does it expect? I'm using TurboTax which also requires me to enter an 'Explanation Statement, and I guess this refers ...
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 4:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: vanguard notice - retiring our old investment platform
- Replies: 50
- Views: 6167
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Account benificiary vs will beneficiary....
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1218
Re: Account benificiary vs will beneficiary....
As to real estate and vehicles, many states allow TOD deed/title. You will need to check the FL state law for such items.
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 3:08 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: vanguard notice - retiring our old investment platform
- Replies: 50
- Views: 6167
Re: vanguard notice - retiring our old investment platform
I told my rep that I would be the last client to convert and she chuckled.
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Unaffordable prescription drug
- Replies: 42
- Views: 3496
Re: Unaffordable prescription drug
Canadian pharmacies?
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 11:07 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Introduction to Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS)
- Replies: 53
- Views: 4668
Re: Introduction to Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS)
If I didn’t have the G fund, I would have TIPS matched out to years, as an LMP. IF (as is frequently threatened, but so far hasn’t happened), the G fund is gutted and loses its unique structure, I will probably move the $$$ out of my TSP and put it into into TIPS. If Ed McMahon (oh wait, he’s dead)...
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 10:32 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Investor to admiral shares conversion question
- Replies: 11
- Views: 766
Re: Investor to admiral shares conversion question
My partners brokerage currently has Vang. Intermed. Muni fund investor shares. Yesterday, I invested enough to have over 50k in the fund and am eligible for admiral shares. Can I do the conversion myself online (investor—>admiral vwiux) or should I call? Is this a taxable event if I do it myself on...
- Fri Apr 13, 2018 8:32 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foreign source of income with Fidelity funds
- Replies: 5
- Views: 291
Re: Foreign source of income with Fidelity funds
I held a few fidelity funds invested in international stock markets as well as similar Vanguard international funds. TurboTax requested me to fill in portion of fund income from foreign companies to be able to claim tax paid to foreign countries. Vanguard provided a form for me, but Fidelity doesn'...
- Thu Apr 12, 2018 9:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foreign source of income with Fidelity funds
- Replies: 5
- Views: 291
Re: Foreign source of income with Fidelity funds
I held a few fidelity funds invested in international stock markets as well as similar Vanguard international funds. TurboTax requested me to fill in portion of fund income from foreign companies to be able to claim tax paid to foreign countries. Vanguard provided a form for me, but Fidelity doesn'...
- Wed Apr 11, 2018 3:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Self employed lost income car insurance settlement taxable?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 185
Re: Self employed lost income car insurance settlement taxable?
I am not sure. You may need to ask the insurance company.
- Wed Apr 11, 2018 3:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Self employed lost income car insurance settlement taxable?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 185
Re: Self employed lost income car insurance settlement taxable?
The IRS says: Lost wages or lost profits • If you receive a settlement in an employment-related lawsuit; for example, for unlawful discrimination or involuntary termination, the portion of the proceeds that is for lost wages (i.e., severance pay, back pay, front pay) is taxable wages and subject to ...
- Wed Apr 11, 2018 8:17 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Hopefully Simple Form 1116 question
- Replies: 4
- Views: 261
Re: Hopefully Simple Form 1116 question
There is no such a thing as a simple question for form 1116. Here is the info from the Windows version: Form 1116 (COPY 1) : Line 3ea Calculated Gross income from all sources: This is total income before deductions and is the sum of: Form 1040, line 7 plus Form 1040, line 8a plus Form 1040, line 9a ...
- Mon Apr 09, 2018 5:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Active Adult Retirement Communities
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3648
Re: Active Adult Retirement Communities
My parents have lived in Sun City Grand for about 15 years and I have visited many times. It is top notch and they are very happy there. If you understand the culture and community and want that lifestyle it is great. You have have to like the life style though. My wife doesn’t like it all. It kind...
- Mon Apr 09, 2018 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does it make sense to buy new appliances when there's a good sale before you need them?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 1686
Re: Does it make sense to buy new appliances when there's a good sale before you need them?
In my parents' days, a refrigerator could last 30 years. However, they have not been made as sturdy ever since the go-go 70's. And with electronic components in most refrigerators nowadays, they may only last up to 10 years. The OP said that they bought the cheapest frig they could find when they bo...
- Sat Apr 07, 2018 11:53 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: WSJ article on Vanguard snafoos - Should Bogleheads.org get involved?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3083
Re: WSJ article on Vanguard snafoos - Should Boglehead.org get involved?
I am at the point where I think Vanguard would prefer all their retail customers transfer accounts to a full service broker while continuing to invest using Vanguard ETFs. Perception and reality of low quality customer service may be a deliberate decision to help encourage that migration. Retail in...
- Sat Apr 07, 2018 10:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: [When is going out to a restaurant worth it to you?]
- Replies: 71
- Views: 5183
Re: [When is going out to a restaurant worth it to you?]
I go to restaurants because I want to have certain dishes that I have no idea how to make.
I also like to go for stuff that may take a lot of time to prepare.
And it is nice to try something new.
I also like to go for stuff that may take a lot of time to prepare.
And it is nice to try something new.