Search found 234 matches

by VA_Gent
Mon May 01, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Virtual keyboard @ Treasury Direct going away?...finally!
Replies: 48
Views: 6227

Virtual keyboard @ Treasury Direct going away?...finally!

Log In

The TreasuryDirect application will be unavailable from approximately 6:30 AM ET to approximately 8:30 AM ET on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 for system maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The Virtual Keyboard will be removed the week of May 7th to improve the customer experience.
by VA_Gent
Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Trad Guaranteed Rate Increase
Replies: 19
Views: 1865

Re: TIAA Trad Guaranteed Rate Increase

Perhaps TIAA is anticipating rates being lower in the near future and want to prevent churn of this low rate account. I would think that would lower the cost of administering the plan.
by VA_Gent
Sun Jan 29, 2023 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Trad Guaranteed Rate Increase
Replies: 19
Views: 1865

Re: TIAA Trad Guaranteed Rate Increase

08/01/2022 - 09/30/2022 5.750 % 1.000 % 4.750 %
10/01/2022 - 10/31/2022 6.000 % 1.000 % 5.000 %
11/01/2022 - 12/31/2022 6.500 % 1.000 % 5.500 %
01/01/2023 - 01/31/2023 6.500 % 2.800 % 3.700 %

That is strange. I show the same changes. Perhaps it is an anomaly caused by the maintenance being completed over the weekend, as per the login flash screen notification.
by VA_Gent
Mon Jan 09, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-Bond: Can't Deliver Gift
Replies: 13
Views: 1225

Re: I-Bond: Can't Deliver Gift

Gifted today. Worked Fine.
Only need account number. (check to see if you you used dashes in between the digits)<<<<<<<<<<<<That's what I used!
Reboot computer and try again. Just don't use back button!
by VA_Gent
Fri Sep 02, 2022 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowjackets around. Is there a nest?
Replies: 10
Views: 1113

Re: Yellowjackets around. Is there a nest?

Go check the surrounding area again.
Most likely they were feeding on an earthworm or grub for protein and moisture.
If you saw that many and did NOT get stung then there is a fair chance of no nest.
If a nest is found then go purchase a can of regular wasp killer that shoots 20+ft from the nozzle.
Wait until almost dark then spray the entire can into and around the hole with the nest.
Repeat until no more nest.
by VA_Gent
Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should we get umbrella insurance added to car insurance?
Replies: 23
Views: 2486

Re: Should we get umbrella insurance added to car insurance?

"Unless she's driving around in a Maserati or something that might make another driver in an accident think she has money"


That was hilarious!
by VA_Gent
Tue Aug 23, 2022 11:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I-Bond Trouble
Replies: 11
Views: 2102

Re: I-Bond Trouble

z3r0c00l wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 11:12 am As others have said they might not notice it, could send you a note saying "don't do that again," or refund. On the bright side, you might get to keep extra I bonds at one of the best times to own them since inception.
I made a $100.00 math mistake once; and they told me not to do it again or they would close the account!

YMMV
by VA_Gent
Thu Aug 18, 2022 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Borrowing to invest
Replies: 32
Views: 3242

Re: Borrowing to invest

crossbow wrote: Wed Aug 17, 2022 1:24 pm Borrowing to invest... I thought this was going to be a thread about investing in the stock market while having one of the following:

1. An outstanding mortgage
2. Outstanding student loans
3. Monthly car payments

:D

Or I Bonds if you don't have any of those.
by VA_Gent
Wed Aug 17, 2022 5:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Borrowing to invest
Replies: 32
Views: 3242

Re: Borrowing to invest

Buy IBonds (If married frontload gift box). Loan 4% (note fee not annual rate) Term=18 months Minimum monthly payment 1% (.04/18)=.0022 .0222*12=.0266 IBonds=.0962 (current first six months) .0962-.0266=+.0696 Thoughts: 1. Even if the IBond rate goes to 0% after first 6 months you will break even. 2. You can buy the August IBond and get credit for one extra month. 3. Inflation adjustment can be higher than current, thus improving outcome. 4. You Need extra funds for the minimum payment and to pay off loan at 18 months because IBonds have 3 months interest penalty before 5 years. 5. Opportunity cost of additional funds? Not for everyone. Has many moving parts and ways to not have optimal outcome. If disciplined approach is taken it should wo...
by VA_Gent
Sun Jun 19, 2022 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My ulcers with Hedgefundie and TQQQ.
Replies: 5
Views: 1440

Re: My ulcers with Hedgefundie and TQQQ.

So,
1. You are paper trading (ie. not using real money)?
2. Your "non" play money > $20M?
by VA_Gent
Wed Apr 27, 2022 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Account locked at Treasury Direct and cannot get through on phone
Replies: 255
Views: 44626

Re: Account locked at Treasury Direct and cannot get through on phone

Will,


Please fill us in on the "accidental lock procedure".
by VA_Gent
Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized
Replies: 260
Views: 39443

Re: New I Bond Variable Rate for May 2022 - 9.62% annualized

@Tacocow

Use the search box at the top right of this page. Search "TIPS Fund".
by VA_Gent
Sat Apr 23, 2022 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1202821

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

I second that! Give it a try and report back! (Disclaimer: not responsible for your TD account getting locked)
by VA_Gent
Wed Feb 09, 2022 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Re: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)

Good catch. I think they changed the default value for rebalance.
by VA_Gent
Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Re: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)

SquawkIdent wrote: Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:26 am
VA_Gent wrote: Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:16 am
SquawkIdent wrote: Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:13 am I’m showing 6.76%.
with the above link?
The link wasn’t working the first time so I filled in the 30/70 split. There is something wrong with your link (it’s working now). Just look at the year to year annual returns. They are not right. A 30/70 split and it returned -24% in 2008? Somethings wrong…
Exactly.
by VA_Gent
Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Re: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)

SquawkIdent wrote: Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:13 am I’m showing 6.76%.
with the above link?
by VA_Gent
Wed Feb 09, 2022 7:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Re: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)

https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-asset-class-allocation?s=y&mode=1&timePeriod=2&startYear=1972&firstMonth=1&endYear=2021&lastMonth=12&calendarAligned=true&includeYTD=false&initialAmount=1000000&annualOperation=0&annualAdjustment=0&inflationAdjusted=true&annualPercentage=0.0&frequency=4&rebalanceType=0&absoluteDeviation=5.0&relativeDeviation=25.0&leverageType=0&leverageRatio=0.0&debtAmount=0&debtInterest=0.0&maintenanceMargin=25.0&leveragedBenchmark=false&portfolioNames=false&portfolioName1=Portfolio+1&portfolioName2=Portfolio+2&portfolioName3=Portfolio+3&asset1=TotalStockMarket&allocation1_1=30&asset2=IntlStock...
by VA_Gent
Wed Feb 09, 2022 6:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Portfolio Visualizer (incorrect data?)

Getting some strange values for PV. Looking for confirmation.
1972-2021
30%US Stock Market / 70 Cash = 8.54% CAGR?
by VA_Gent
Thu Dec 30, 2021 10:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: David Swenson on asset allocation
Replies: 18
Views: 3074

Re: David Swenson on asset allocation

Thanks for doing the math.
by VA_Gent
Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tear off Roof vs. Overlay?
Replies: 33
Views: 2465

Re: Tear off Roof vs. Overlay?

I would go with overlay. I did the overlay in 2005 with the exact product you speak of. GAF Timberline architectural 40 yr warranty, with ridge vent. 15 years later it looks brand new. No loose shingles or leaks and I live at 750 feet altitude on the side of a mountain with 40 to 50 mph winds gust common. The overlay is like having two roofs as long as there is no underlying damage, so the top roof could lose a few shingles and you are still protected. One thought to keep in mind is solar installation. The roof will not be able to support the extra weight of the panels. The overlay price is probably in line with the $4500 I paid 15 years ago on a 2000 square foot roof.
by VA_Gent
Fri Feb 01, 2019 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Veteran Obtain Military ID
Replies: 23
Views: 1912

Re: Veteran Obtain Military ID

You most likely don't need any ID. Almost all of those military corporate discounts use a clearing house that can verify you by answering a few questions about your service.

Example: https://costco.sheerid.com/military/

Bonus: Military Apple discounts. https://www.apple.com/us_epp_805199/shop
by VA_Gent
Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home insurance going up every year...
Replies: 59
Views: 5093

Re: Home insurance going up every year...

Try Cincinnati Insurance Company. My homeowners policy has only gone up 20% in EIGHTEEN years.
by VA_Gent
Thu Jan 24, 2019 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas for discounts at the orthodontist
Replies: 16
Views: 1078

Re: Ideas for discounts at the orthodontist

That is a hard one. You already got a 5% discount on $2000 = $100. If you pay it off in one year, that is a pretty good return on the money you used. There are a lot of other things you may need. My daughter just got her braces taken off after 2 years. Since there is a retainer required to be worn for some time and it most likely will be eaten by the dog or lost ( their words ) The orthodontist offered a free replacement if you went on google or face book and gave them a review. I am unsure about this being entirely ethical, but it reinforces the idea of thinking outside the box when looking for discounts.


PS: They now use "invisalign like material" for the retainer not metal.
by VA_Gent
Thu Jan 24, 2019 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas for discounts at the orthodontist
Replies: 16
Views: 1078

Re: Ideas for discounts at the orthodontist

I believe OP was referring to zero time hardship not monetary.
by VA_Gent
Tue Jan 22, 2019 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lincoln Financial???
Replies: 8
Views: 1261

Re: Lincoln Financial???

$700 small potatoes. Rollover to Vanguard.

If no match then go with only traditional IRA at Vanguard.
by VA_Gent
Tue Jan 22, 2019 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recommendation Tax Software --- LLC and Joint Filing
Replies: 6
Views: 440

Re: Recommendation Tax Software --- LLC and Joint Filing

Turbo Tax is extremely easy to use. I believe you can go with just Turbo Tax Deluxe for a single member LLC. If it is a multi member LLC you need the Business version.
by VA_Gent
Thu Dec 27, 2018 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I doing mortgage payoff math right?
Replies: 12
Views: 1186

Re: Am I doing mortgage payoff math right?

You are not making an allowance for opportunity costs. That $160,000 could be earning a safe 3% in CDs. That's $4800. You also need to account for the tax deduction you are getting for the loan interest.
by VA_Gent
Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com
Replies: 42
Views: 6689

Re: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com

tfb wrote: Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:22 am
VA_Gent wrote: Thu Nov 08, 2018 9:30 am The company is legit. I received my download link today and installed the software. Works fine.
Receiving the download and the company being legit are two different things. These websites pop up every year and they never operate at the same web address for more than one year. Next year they will have a different domain name. Chances are they are selling pirated software.
I have ordered from these discount sites before and have had no problems. I doubt the software would update properly and allow you to file through Intuit's servers if it was pirated. Your call.
by VA_Gent
Thu Nov 08, 2018 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com
Replies: 42
Views: 6689

Re: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com

Not all of the versions are available yet. I ordered Deluxe and Business on NOV 6th and at that time it said it would be available on the 12th. But today I got an email that had a link to the Deluxe version saying it had been released today. The Business version is yet to be released.
by VA_Gent
Thu Nov 08, 2018 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com
Replies: 42
Views: 6689

Re: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com

The company is legit. I received my download link today and installed the software. Works fine.
by VA_Gent
Tue Nov 06, 2018 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com
Replies: 42
Views: 6689

Re: TurboTax on TaxMarkDown.com

I just gave it a try and it processed the order seemingly legit. There is also an additional 15%off coupon code <15offtm>. Says I will get an email on NOV 12 when it is released. Make sure to use a credit card with strong fraudulent charge benefits. I will post my experience after the 12th.
by VA_Gent
Tue Nov 06, 2018 7:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Exceed Treasury Direct purchase limit? Answer inside!
Replies: 11
Views: 1965

Re: Exceed Treasury Direct purchase limit? Answer inside!

Cosmo wrote: Tue Nov 06, 2018 7:36 am What makes you think they won’t reverse it? It’s still early.
Because it purchased I bonds in the account for $4480 and $5620.
by VA_Gent
Tue Nov 06, 2018 6:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Exceed Treasury Direct purchase limit? Answer inside!
Replies: 11
Views: 1965

Exceed Treasury Direct purchase limit? Answer inside!

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you exceeded the annual purchase limit set by Treasury Direct? Well, I found out accidentally when I redeemed an I Bond with a zero fixed rate to purchase a new .50% fixed rate bond. Due to a math error on my part I purchased $10,100 in I bonds. This is the response I got the next day: " Dear VA_GENT, Your purchase exceeds the annual savings bond purchase limitation. Please be advised the limit is $10,000 per series and TIN per calendar year. Repeated violations may result in an action by this office; for example, a refund of account holdings and/or account closure may occur. Thank you for using Treasury Direct." I would have thought they would just alter the purchase and leave the remai...
by VA_Gent
Tue Aug 14, 2018 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return Protection: Citi Doublecash
Replies: 16
Views: 2255

Re: Return Protection: Citi Doublecash

Some Important Details :

Eligible purchases you paid for in full with your Citi card.

You may be asked to return the item, should your claim be approved. When returning the item, it must be received in like-new and good working condition with all the original parts.


Maybe that is why.


I have nothing but good things to say about this card. I have had a canceled trip reimbursed and close to $1,000 of price rewind protection over the years with not a single problem. Their fraud protection is top notch, and don't forget the 2% cash back on everything.
by VA_Gent
Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large ACH from NavyFed to PenFed?
Replies: 19
Views: 2450

Re: Large ACH from NavyFed to PenFed?

HueyLD wrote: Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:42 pm
VA_Gent wrote: Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:41 pm PenFed says:

Opening a Certificate?
During the Certificate application
you can transfer up to $999,999.99. Apply Now
Yah, 999,999.99 is almost the same as no limit.
She did say large.
by VA_Gent
Tue Jul 03, 2018 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large ACH from NavyFed to PenFed?
Replies: 19
Views: 2450

Re: Large ACH from NavyFed to PenFed?

PenFed says:

Opening a Certificate?
During the Certificate application
you can transfer up to $999,999.99. Apply Now
by VA_Gent
Wed Jun 27, 2018 1:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is day trading profitable?
Replies: 43
Views: 5761

Re: Is day trading profitable?

Yes it is possible but it takes a rare breed. Some thoughts: It is extremely stressful. Works best on short time frames of very liquid leveraged markets (ie Emini SP500 Futures contract) Must have volatility no vol = whipsaw and death by a thousand cuts. A trend following short term system may only be in the market for 2-3% of the time. There are long periods of waiting for the vol to return. Risk management is number one priority. You must know exactly how much you are risking on any one trade and exit promptly if it is exceeded. 20% avg annual returns can be had with 10% max draw downs . The winning trades are for larger than the losers but come infrequently. You must trade every trade generated or you may miss the infrequent winner. Thin...
by VA_Gent
Wed Jun 27, 2018 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA question
Replies: 13
Views: 1361

Re: HSA question

Thanks for the clarification.
by VA_Gent
Wed Jun 27, 2018 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA question
Replies: 13
Views: 1361

Re: HSA question

The HSA minimum deductible and maximum out-of-pocket limit only apply to the in-network limits. The base plan type deductible is not the only requirement for an HSA qualified HDHP. There can be no general health insurance coverage before the minimum HSA plan type deductible is met: There can be no co-pay or co-insurance plan payments even if just for prescriptions. There can be no individual deductibles in a family plan < the minimum HSA family plan deductible. Are you sure about this? My family plan has a family and individual deductible and out of pocket. It also has out of network deductibles and coinsurance limits as well as max out of pocket. 19. CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE Deductible is applicable to services and Prescriptions that have...
by VA_Gent
Thu May 31, 2018 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to buy commodities (soybeans)
Replies: 16
Views: 2486

Re: How to buy commodities (soybeans)

28fe6 wrote: Wed May 30, 2018 5:17 pm
VA_Gent wrote: Wed May 30, 2018 1:24 pm Yes they do. But you are talking about 100 bushels not 5,000. The costs are too prohibitive for such a small amount.
Actually I would be doing this with volumes of 20,000 bushels or more...I was just using 100 bushels for example.

Thanks for the information anyways though. It stands to reason that there is no free lunch; just looking at possibly cheaper lunch.
Are you trying to speculate on price movement or hedge your farmer friends crops?
by VA_Gent
Wed May 30, 2018 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sale of inherited house by estate: tax question
Replies: 15
Views: 2155

Re: Sale of inherited house by estate: tax question

The loss is allowed as long as nothing is done to convert the house into personal use (eg a beneficiary moves into the house, it is held for rent etc). If none of these things are done, the house is considered investment property of the estate. When the estate closes, the applicable LT loss can be passed through in proportion to the estate beneficiaries and claimed on their personal returns. This always seems to generate a debate, but the IRS does not have a problem if done right and cost basis is not overstated or amount realized understated. Commissions alone will usually be enough to generate a decent loss upon sale if the sale closes within a reasonable time after the DOD. Interesting. I assumed it immediately became personal use. What...
by VA_Gent
Wed May 30, 2018 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to buy commodities (soybeans)
Replies: 16
Views: 2486

Re: How to buy commodities (soybeans)

Yes they do. But you are talking about 100 bushels not 5,000. The costs are too prohibitive for such a small amount. The ETF would allow you to do a small hedge, but it cost 1.74% + commissions and the ETF will suffer from contango and backwardation on the roll of the futures contract.

100 bushels X $12 bushel = $1200 trade.
Bring up a chart of SOYB and notice the steady decline over time. It is similar to leveraged mutual funds over time.
by VA_Gent
Wed May 30, 2018 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sale of inherited house by estate: tax question
Replies: 15
Views: 2155

Re: Sale of inherited house by estate: tax question

My Mom passed away on 11/1/17. Estate went into probate. I'm the executor. We estimated her house had a value of $315,000 on the probate inventory without doing a formal appraisal (we were nowhere close to any form of inheritance tax or a change in the probate listing fees--so the precise value didn't make a difference). House value Zestimate history (from Zillow.com) on 11/1/17 is $387k. On 6/1/18 (delayed due to some repair work), we are selling the house for $376,500. Total cost of sale, including paint, carpet, repair work, realtor commissions, fees is $40,488. That gives a $336,012 net. If we stick to the estimate of $315,000 from the probate inventory, that would result in a capital gain of $21,012, forcing me to fill out estate taxe...
by VA_Gent
Wed May 30, 2018 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to buy commodities (soybeans)
Replies: 16
Views: 2486

Re: How to buy commodities (soybeans)

Yes, you need to open a futures account with usually a minimum of$5,000.
The liquid contracts that trade on CBOT are for 5,000 bushels (mini contracts are available but not very liquid) each.
The problem is you have to roll the contracts to the next liquid month several times a year. This will cost you the spread between the contract prices.
You will also have to post margin for the position.

In short I would not do this if I were you.
If you really want to do it then paper trade your strategy for at least 6 months prior to committing real money.

EDIT: There is this ETF SOYB: http://teucriumsoybfund.com/

Expense ratio of 1.74%

It will still suffer the same fate as the futures because that is what they are using for the ETF.
by VA_Gent
Mon Apr 16, 2018 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "Safe" funds for a life insurance proceeds
Replies: 15
Views: 1810

Re: "Safe" funds for a life insurance proceeds

Be sure to check the interest rate on the account at the insurance company. If this policy had been in effect for several years prior to 2008 the rate may be much higher than anything you will find now. I have policies with 4% and 5% guaranteed taken out around 2005- 2007.
by VA_Gent
Sun Jan 28, 2018 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WHY do wireless routers need periodic reboots?
Replies: 117
Views: 12711

Re: WHY do wireless routers need periodic reboots?

Buy an inexpensive timer and create this feature yourself.

Also good link with answers.
https://www.consumerreports.org/wireles ... -a-router/
by VA_Gent
Thu Jan 25, 2018 2:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Interesting Anomaly (mutual fund credited extra cent)
Replies: 4
Views: 988

Interesting Anomaly (mutual fund credited extra cent)

I purchased a round $3000.00 of a vanguard mutual fund yesterday and received $3000.01 in the account.
How is this possible?

The basis is $3000.00.
There are no dividends or capital gains showing to account for the one cent.


Edit: It appears that you can only buy fractional shares out to 3 decimal places. They rounded up the third decimal place.
by VA_Gent
Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Navy Fed CU eligibility: advice
Replies: 7
Views: 1184

Re: Navy Fed CU eligibility: advice

AJS wrote: Fri Jan 12, 2018 11:04 am Your friend is not eligible. Navy Federal does not work like USAA.

I had a Navy Federal account when I was in the service. I closed my account when my enlistment was up because there were no branches nearby my home and the internet did not exist as it does today. So now, I'm not eligible because I'm not active or retired. If I not eligible, your friend definitely is not.
Actually they recently opened membership to Veterans of all branches of service.

I just opened an account today after reading this post. They occasionally have great certificate rates.
by VA_Gent
Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Please explain how Futures work [BTC]
Replies: 14
Views: 2393

Re: Please explain how Futures work [BTC]

Futures can be used for many things, one is to hedge an equity position. Lets say you choose to invest in the SP500 index (very similar holdings as total market) for your equity exposure. Lets say you think for what ever reason, some near term event is going to cause stock index prices to decline. Well you can go short a futures position for some ratio of your equity exposure (ie. 25%, 50%, 100%) almost instantly you can be in and out for a total cost of <$5.00 per contract. A contract of the Emini SP is worth $50x 2,686 pts.= $134,300. So you could hedge $134,300 worth of long equity exposure for very little cost and effort. There are no frequent trading policies with futures. You could do this 100's of times a day and only pay commission ...