Search found 1330 matches

by lawman3966
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account
Replies: 7
Views: 860

Re: Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account

My "solution" (or hack, more accurately) to this problem is to link Wise to only one bank account, which contains very little money. That limits how much a thief could steal if they manage to compromise my Wise account. Should I need a lot of money while travelling, I'd have to first transfer money from another bank to the account that's linked to the Wise account. That would likely take a few days. Because I have a good estimate of what the anticipated expenses are, I can transfer just enough in advance, and leave a buffer for smaller unanticipated expenses. (For those wondering, "why not just use a credit card for everything?", there are parts of Asia where credit cards are not widely accepted. Wise has some functiona...
by lawman3966
Tue Feb 20, 2024 12:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account
Replies: 7
Views: 860

Re: Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account

But if someone is able to log in then they have compromised your account and your Authenticator (or they have your unlocked phone in their hand) at which point you are compromised anyway…..so why would they change it to text? +1 If someone already has obtained access to your account , the authentication control already failed. Why would the attacker want to spend time trying to effect a SIM swap to get in using SMS when they already are in? But, they haven't "already obtained access" to my account. There is a miscommunication here. The above responsive posts appear to assume that I'm referring to a situation in which (a) a person successfully completes the login procedure and accesses the account; (b) then accesses the security s...
by lawman3966
Mon Feb 19, 2024 11:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account
Replies: 7
Views: 860

Removing SMS Text 2FA Option for Wise Account

I am hoping to use my Wise card and account as source of cash while traveling in Asia. I have set up my 2FA so that it defaults to Google Authenticator. However, the main menu allows anyone logging in to bypass that approach and to use SMS text verification instead. This raises the concern that a SIM swap could enable someone to access my account.

An exchange of messages with their "help" team hasn't helped. As a result, I'm posting here to find out whether anyone experienced a similar concern and was able to address it by disabling the SMS text verification option.

Any other comments or suggestions on the security of the Wise account are more than welcome.
by lawman3966
Mon Oct 30, 2023 11:34 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Seeking Update on Expat Tax IRS Section 2801
Replies: 3
Views: 2434

Seeking Update on Expat Tax IRS Section 2801

I posted on this topic a few years ago and got some useful feedback. The handling of my late Mother's estate is proceeding very slowly and we are just now getting to the question of how to handle the prospect of the future imposition of a tax on any inheritance I receive based on the HEART act provision relating to inheritances or gifts from covered expatriates under 26 IRS 2801. My online searches only turn up law firm blurbs and law review articles from 2015. When I last posted on this topic, IRS Form 208 (which will be needed to act upon Section 2801) hadn't been released. This remains the case today. I'm posting to see if anyone on this board has any information or insight (hunches accepted) regarding the status of this legislation and ...
by lawman3966
Sat Sep 16, 2023 11:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor
Replies: 9
Views: 1119

Re: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor

bendix wrote: Sat Sep 16, 2023 9:26 pm
You´re not talking about blue light, are you?
Modern monitors have various optical output characteristics (possibly including blue light) that I'm trying to avoid or at least minimize by displaying the computer graphics output on a projector screen.

I'm trying to focus this discussion on the attributes of the monitors and projectors etc and not on my reaction to them because a discussion of the effects the displays have on me could get the thread locked.
by lawman3966
Sat Sep 16, 2023 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor
Replies: 9
Views: 1119

Re: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor

the_wiki wrote: Sat Sep 16, 2023 4:26 pm
A projector is still an electronic display. There’s a regular transparent LCD screen inside the projector with lenses and mirrors enlarging it. What are you specifically trying to avoid with electronic display?
There are optical effects of directly viewing electronic displays that I've been led to believe would not be replicated when viewing an image projected onto a screen.
by lawman3966
Sat Sep 16, 2023 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor
Replies: 9
Views: 1119

Re: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor

Thanks for the suggestion, but one purpose of this approach is to avoid electronic displays. Moreover, I want to do word processing not just watch videos.
by lawman3966
Fri Sep 15, 2023 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor
Replies: 9
Views: 1119

Select Project / Screen for Use as Monitor

I am planning to use a projector and screen combination as a computer monitor for both text and video. I have limited space in which to deploy this system. I will need to sit about 3-4 feet from the screen, and the projection area on the screen should ideally be at a height between 35 and 60 inches above the floor. Currently, the projection area is occupied by a large bookshelf. I mention this in case there is an alternative to a floor-mounted screen setup. I'm posting to get recommendations for the most suitable projector, screen, and screen mounting arrangement for my situation. So far, all I've been told is that I should get a short throw projector. Other than that, I am new to this type of setup. If it matters, my laptop is a HP 17-CP00...
by lawman3966
Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: External Monitor Appearance with Different Laptops
Replies: 7
Views: 875

Re: External Monitor Appearance with Different Laptops

livesoft wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:35 pm If the laptops have different graphics drivers, then yes.
I have listed the graphics information for both laptops below.

Graphics Drivers:

L1: 128MB Intel Iris Xe Graphics.

L2: AMD Radeon Graphics. Integrated.
by lawman3966
Sat Sep 09, 2023 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: External Monitor Appearance with Different Laptops
Replies: 7
Views: 875

External Monitor Appearance with Different Laptops

I'm posting to determine whether my external ASUS monitor should function any differently as a function of the laptop model it's connected to. Both laptops have a resolution of 1920X1080 (the ASUS resolution) or higher. One laptop (L1) has a native screen refresh rate of 75hz and the other (L2) a 60 hz rate (the external monitor supports 75 hz). For reasons not relevant here, I may switch from L1 to the slightly older L2, which is not currently available to me for testing. I'm posting to find out whether there is any reason to believe that the ASUS will function any differently upon switching from the L1 unit to the slightly lower performance L2 laptop. The laptops are: L1: Galaxy Book3 Pro 360. L2: HP 17-CP0013DX. Graphics Drivers: L1: 128...
by lawman3966
Wed Jun 14, 2023 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

Lee_WSP wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 2:59 pm For the attorney drafting the documents to serve as PR, successor trustee or anything else. It’s a potential conflict of interest, may be against the local ethics rules, and just plain looks bad to heirs.
Ok, but what if a trust atty other than the one who prepared the trust documents were to serve as the trustee? Sorry if the answer is obvious. This is all new to me.
by lawman3966
Wed Jun 14, 2023 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

You can have your trust atty (or another) act as the trustee just fine even if an investment company may not do so. Their hourly rate for a small trust to handle is not un-reasonable. For a size of 500k for each recipient, that's typical. Below say 50-100k total, it makes little sense, but for a million, its easy. True, but it would be uncommon. It’s a great way to test whether your attorney is a true expert who is on your side or just out there to grab as much fees as possible. Can you clarify exactly what would be uncommon? In the back-and-forth messaging I've had with a local trust atty, he's mentioned the options having the trustee function provided by (a) an investment company (which requires a high minimum asset base) or by (b) an in...
by lawman3966
Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

I thought my trust provisions were pretty simple. Specifically, I asked that the trust conduct two distributions for each niece: a first distribution at age 27 and a second at age 35 (the distributions each being 50% of the total amount allotted to each niece). This says to me that they should get the money regardless of their situation at the time: being a drug addict, in jail, someone who just won the mega lottery, or the typical young adult attempting to get started in the career they chose. I suppose the undesirable things you mention above are possible, thought not likely. What should be done to prevent them getting the assets if they're engaged in the nefarious acts you have listed? “The trust is written to provide your nieces with f...
by lawman3966
Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

There's no reason to create an irrevocable trust while you are alive, given the facts and desires or lack of additional facts posited. I thought the benefit of an irrevocable trust is that in the event of my incurring expenses, whether medical or from a lawsuit, the assets in the trust would protected from access by creditors. You'd just state in your will that half shall be distributed if or when they turn age X and the remainder at age Y. Any competent lawyer will be able to include this rather basic language. But it's also a very blunt and inflexible method. See Bruce's comments above. If that's doable, I'll be more than happy to proceed this way. I was under the impression that a delayed distribution of the type described in your post ...
by lawman3966
Tue Jun 13, 2023 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

deikel wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:16 pm The problem is that you are trying to achieve more then one objective (pay out as needed for education, health and shelter) AND a particular payout at a certain point in their life.... and also for two people in one trust it seems.....
My guidance to the attorney simply stated that I wanted distributions (1/2 each time) to take place at specified ages. The notion of the trustee having a high level of discretion as to how to use the funds for various of the beneficiary's needs arose from local attorney not from me. It was the atty's discussion of that high level of trustee discretion that prompted my top post since all I asked the attorney for was a trust document that would distribute the money according a stated schedule.
by lawman3966
Tue Jun 13, 2023 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

The original poster also mentioned the possibility of creating a revocable trust. Is there any particular reason for that? When I spoke at the Seattle Estate Planning Conference in the Seattle Convention Center a few years ago, I spoke with several local lawyers all of whom said that probating a Will in Washington State isn't difficult, and that revocable trusts are not commonly used there. I may place part of the assets in an irrevocable trust. My reasoning for using a revocable trust for some of the assets is that my priorities could change and I might want to alter the amount in the trust. No final decisions on this point yet. Regarding use of a will, I don't know of a way to implement a staged distribution of assets at selected ages us...
by lawman3966
Mon Jun 12, 2023 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

stan1 wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 7:11 pm Niece is 26 and has been accepted at Top 10 business school or law school. Do you want her to have access to funds to help pay for her degree when she is acting as a highly responsible young adult or would you rather she take out a loan until the age you want her to access the funds? Perhaps there are parents in the picture who will pay for these things but I would want my nieces to have access to funds for education if needed. I don't mind giving the trustee discretion since I cannot predict the future.
Alas, a wrinkle in this situation, is that the (single) parent involved here has shown less than stellar judgment in relation to such matters in the past.
by lawman3966
Mon Jun 12, 2023 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Re: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

What benefit do you see with your plan that isn't accomplished by just writing your nieces a check at that time? If I were to die unexpectedly, I would obviously not be able to write any such checks. If I leave the money to them in a conventional will, they could end up getting the money at an age at which they may spend the cash irresponsibly. If you do go forward with your plan, why not make your nieces trustees of their own trusts? I guess I assumed that an adult would be needed to administer a trust for a teenager. I didn't know that a 16 year old could be a trustee for a trust that won't pay her until she's 35 years old. Moreover, after I stated what my objectives were for the trust, the local trust lawyer never suggested this option....
by lawman3966
Mon Jun 12, 2023 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces
Replies: 27
Views: 1820

Trust for Scheduled Distributions to Nieces

I seek to have a trust prepared to distribute assets to two nieces at specified ages. My nieces are currently 15 and 19 years old. I’m in Washington state, and my nieces are in Ontario Canada. I expect to place most of the assets into a revocable trust. However, I may also create irrevocable trust for a subset of the assets. Every time I think I understand the trust provisions, some new feature arises that muddies the waters. I thought my trust provisions were pretty simple. Specifically, I asked that the trust conduct two distributions for each niece: a first distribution at age 27 and a second at age 35 (the distributions each being 50% of the total amount allotted to each niece). However, upon submitting the above provision to the nearby...
by lawman3966
Wed May 24, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hack Prevention at IBKR
Replies: 2
Views: 379

Re: Hack Prevention at IBKR

I'm planning to live overseas (Philippines) and am in the process of deciding how to allocate my assets among Schwab and IBKR. Schwab reimburses investors for losses due to hacking whereas IBKR does not. With hacking having gotten worse in the last few years, I wonder how the posters here protect themselves when using companies like IBKR that don't reimburse their investors for losses due to hacking. It wasn't clear to me from an online search whether hacking that occurs on IBKR computers would be lead to reimbursement. I'm posting to find out how people here protect against losses from hacking at IBKR. By protection I mean both (a) computer/account security; and (b) insurance coverage in the event of a successful hack. Looking forward to ...
by lawman3966
Wed May 24, 2023 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hack Prevention at IBKR
Replies: 2
Views: 379

Hack Prevention at IBKR

I'm planning to live overseas (Philippines) and am in the process of deciding how to allocate my assets among Schwab and IBKR. Schwab reimburses investors for losses due to hacking whereas IBKR does not. With hacking having gotten worse in the last few years, I wonder how the posters here protect themselves when using companies like IBKR that don't reimburse their investors for losses due to hacking. It wasn't clear to me from an online search whether hacking that occurs on IBKR computers would be lead to reimbursement. I'm posting to find out how people here protect against losses from hacking at IBKR. By protection I mean both (a) computer/account security; and (b) insurance coverage in the event of a successful hack. Looking forward to i...
by lawman3966
Wed May 10, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Update on using Schwab as U.S. Expat in the Philippines
Replies: 2
Views: 956

Update on using Schwab as U.S. Expat in the Philippines

As a follow up to various discussions on this topic, I've provided below a summary (in between the asterisks) of the current rules for U.S. expats moving to and residing in the Philippines, that I learned during a phone call with a Schwab earlier today. While the below rules are more favorable to expats that I thought, I am still conflicted regarding whether to transfer my assets from Schwab to IBKR to avoid Schwab's account restrictions. Accordingly, any suggestions or tips on this matter would be appreciated. I guess I've become accustomed to Schwab and don't know what level of service awaits me at IBKR. * * * * General Rule: U.S. expats residing in the Philippines can maintain and liquidate accounts, but cannot add to stock or bond inves...
by lawman3966
Tue May 02, 2023 10:41 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

... My understanding is that Schwab will require residents of the Philippines to close their accounts. Not correct. Schwab does impose inconvenient account restrictions (No new assets can be moved in. No securities can be purchased. Pre-existing assets can be held indefinitely in the account, sold and withdrawn gradually.) such that customers may opt to close their accounts. Thanks for the correction. Does the above apply equally to the Schwab One brokerage account and the Schwab One International account? I ask because I had been planning to transfer assets from the Brokerage account to the International account once I arrive at my overseas residence. However, it's not clear to me whether the recent changes will prevent me from transferri...
by lawman3966
Tue May 02, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

grylex wrote: Tue May 02, 2023 4:13 pm
magicsysrq wrote: Tue May 02, 2023 11:30 am At this point, I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the IRAs before I move.
I'll advice to check with Schwab and Fidelity. They'll not allow to open new accounts if you're non-US resident but from what I've found they should allow you to keep your accounts with some restrictions if you opened/transferred them 3-6 months before moving to another country.
The above will of course depend on which country the expat lives in. My understanding is that Schwab will require residents of the Philippines to close their accounts.
by lawman3966
Tue Apr 04, 2023 8:41 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

Schwab seems like a possible choice for the Roth. I would suggest opening it before you leave and fund it with enough to keep it open - possibly partial transfer from your existing Roth. Schwab also requires, according to the rep I spoke to, that the retirement account be opened 90 days before becoming a non US resident. I'm not sure if that limitation is only for non-US citizen non-residents. This way, you have two accounts and can move from one to the other as needed. You suggest using Schwab for the Roth. My understanding is Schwab recently restricted accounts in the Philippines which is where I'm heading. Perhaps Schwab is still useable in other foreign countries and you were thinking of one of those. I don't think I saw in this thread...
by lawman3966
Tue Apr 04, 2023 8:04 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

My understanding (I’m not sure, so anyone correct me if I’m wrong) is that when you open taxable account with IBKR as non US-resident (regardless of citizenship) they’ll open it in foreign entity that complies with local rules (UK, IE, SG, etc). In this case, ACATS transfers will not be available as they can only be made between US entities/brokers . This means that if current (expat non-friendly) broker will threaten to close taxable account and client wants to move to IBKR, they will need to sell assets triggering US taxes. This doesn’t apply to retirement accounts as they should always be held by US brokers custodians but problem here will be that IBKR will not allow you to open roth/IRA account if you’re not US resident. So only option...
by lawman3966
Mon Apr 03, 2023 3:36 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Maintaining TSP Account While Abroad
Replies: 3
Views: 2143

Maintaining TSP Account While Abroad

This matter arose in another thread but deserves separate attention here.

I am posting to verify that former federal employees can maintain their TSP accounts while living abroad. I recall hearing that this was possible from a telephone receptionist at the TSP a few years ago. However, I would like more assurance than that before assuming that the receptionist's statement is true.

It would be particularly appreciated if anyone answering this question could provide a citation to some official document confirming the above reassurance.
by lawman3966
Mon Apr 03, 2023 2:07 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

Excellent question. I have heard anecdotal stories of expats who had mutual accounts forcibly closed, without the expat being contacted in time. The investment positions were sold off incurring a large taxable event in a single tax year. Yes I seem to remember those stories too during Schwab's "purge" of expats a few years back. I have a 401k at Vanguard (long story... US employer), and if they ever ditch me e.g. I leave that employer my plan would be to roll that over into an IRA at IBKR. At IBKR I presently I also have taxable and Roth IRA accounts. If IBKR ever ditches me I'd be really screwed and it seems it would be a big, expensive tax mess... as there's no other broker that would take me. In my case, I believe that I can t...
by lawman3966
Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:11 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

This worries me too. What would theoretically happen for example if you hold IRAs with a US broker such as IBKR, who then decides to close your accounts, and then no-other broker is willing to take you as a customer? Excellent question. I have heard anecdotal stories of expats who had mutual accounts forcibly closed, without the expat being contacted in time. The investment positions were sold off incurring a large taxable event in a single tax year. I searched online to see what would happen to a tax-deferred retirement account if the account holder failed to move the assets to another institution in time, but haven't found the answer yet. It seems to me that everyone should have a contingency plan in place in the event that their current...
by lawman3966
Sun Apr 02, 2023 3:09 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

It seems like a cottage industry. Just google it and for any state I bet you can find multiple sites explaining what the requirements are for opening an LLC. Case in point … here is a review of 10 such services … https://www.websiteplanet.com/top/best-llc-formation-services-in-southdakota/?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=19537267670&cq_term=llc%20south%20dakota&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_plt=gp&tvar=South%20Dakota&gclid=CjwKCAjwrJ-hBhB7EiwAuyBVXYGN_T8yo0nw1XuVRxVqRxgTwspemI3fLe9Gfo2cVJJ495vkW72-vBoCGf4QAvD_BwE Pardon my ignorance, but why would setting up an LLC avoid the diffulties faced by an expat directly investing in mutual funds and ETFs using an investment company like Vanguard? The main difficulty I saw was figuring ...
by lawman3966
Sun Apr 02, 2023 1:04 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

grylex wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:47 pm
- use financial advisor and SMA account with US broker (paying 1% AUM fee might be less expensive than setting and maintaining LLC)
I've done a little research on SMAs but don't know much about them at this point. Can you explain why holding an SMA account would avoid the problems encountered at places like Vanguard.
by lawman3966
Sun Apr 02, 2023 12:29 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Comprehensive List of options for Handling Expat Mail
Replies: 8
Views: 1138

Re: Comprehensive List of options for Handling Expat Mail

snackdog wrote: Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:46 pm Friends and family are excellent options used by many. Employers are also often used.
Alas, I have no relatives and no current employer nearby. I haven't lived in my current area very long, so the only people I know are current and former roommates and landlords. I may ask some recent landlords if any of them would be interested in serving as a mail receiver and scanner.

I was hoping that home-based businesses might arise to serve the needs of the expats, but it's possible that expats are too few and far between for startup entrepreneurs to take an interest.

My relatives all live in Canada, and that wouldn't help.
by lawman3966
Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:37 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Comprehensive List of options for Handling Expat Mail
Replies: 8
Views: 1138

Comprehensive List of options for Handling Expat Mail

I'm posting to hopefully generate a list of options for handling physical mail for U.S. citizens living abroad. Other threads have discussed this matter in combination with other issues, but I'm hoping to focus on this one issue here. The main option I've seen discussed so far involves using a Virtual Mail Address (VMA) office to handle incoming mail. However, I've also read about cases of financial companies discovering the status of the VMAs and challenging the address in communication with the expat investor. Accordingly, I'd like to explore alternatives to VMAs. One option I'm considering include setting up a cheap roommate arrangement in a private home that would receive my mail and email me scans of important mail. I would consider re...
by lawman3966
Sat Apr 01, 2023 11:12 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Re: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

For US citizens expats, one option to consider would be opening US LLC treated as disregarded entity. As US LLC is by definition a US resident, you should be able to open account with any broker that accepts small business accounts (e.g. Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab, IBKR all do). Pros: 1. Almost any US broker will open account and you’ll be able to trade US ETFs and funds. Assets are transferred to LLC with existing cost basis so no need to sell and as a result no additional tax incurred. 2. No residency requirements. 3. No additional reporting or US tax paid on yearly basis as LLC is disregarded for tax purposes. 4. LLC can offer additional asset protection layer and also be used for estate planning purposes. Cons: 1. Cost associated with ...
by lawman3966
Sat Apr 01, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away
Replies: 45
Views: 5264

Expat Investment Options if If IBKR Goes Away

Not sure whether I'm being pessimistic or just practical, but I'm curious as to what options there would be for expat investors in the event that Interactive Brokers (IBKR) goes the way of several other U.S. investment companies and restricts the accounts of expats. Companies that have restricted expat accounts in the past have provided relatively short grace periods in which to move or withdraw assets after which the assets would be sold. Accordingly, I'm asking about this so that I can be armed with the relevant knowledge in advance of any change in policy by IBKR. My travel/retirement destination is the Philippines. I have a TSP account that could house my retirement investments. However, I have most of my assets in Roth and Taxable acco...
by lawman3966
Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call
Replies: 3
Views: 314

Re: Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call

Now that Sycamore has been nice enough to clearly lay out the question this thread is directed to, does anyone have an answer?
by lawman3966
Fri Mar 31, 2023 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call
Replies: 3
Views: 314

Re: Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call

It's not clear what you're asking for. - Person A has a phone or computer capable of making VoIP calls, e.g., with Google Voice - An intermediary company or service provider that acts as "VoIP to non-VoIP" gateway - Person B has a cell phone. (A1) Person A makes a VoIP call to the intermediary with the objective of talking to Person B. This is one leg of the end-to-end call. (A2) The intermediary then establishes a regular cell call to Person B. (I don't think it's SMS as you suggested. Isn't SMS for messaging, not voice?) I meant a voice call. I thought SMS meant use of the voice, rather than data, component of cell phone communication. That's leg two of the end-to-end call. (B1) The intermediary converts VoIP data coming from A...
by lawman3966
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call
Replies: 3
Views: 314

Conduct VOIP to SMS Mobile Non-VOIP Call

I'm posting to determine whether there is a way to convert a VOIP call (using any one of a number services such as but not limited to Google Voice) into an SMS mobile call. I should clarify that I do NOT mean using the SMS mobile data link to transmit VOIP digital data. Instead, I mean using the SMS link to transmit a call that will look like a non-VOIP cell phone call to the call recipient.

I have searched relevant threads on this forum and the internet on this issue, but haven't found any company offering the service I described above.

If anyone has information on such an operation, any information about it would be appreciated.
by lawman3966
Fri Mar 31, 2023 11:04 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines
Replies: 9
Views: 1792

Re: Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines

whodidntante wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:42 am
lawman3966 wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:40 am
whodidntante wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 6:29 am IBKR or maintain US footprint
Would setting up a virtual mailbox qualify as maintaining a US footprint?
I don't know. The #vanlife folks probably have some tips and tricks.

Are you going to leave and never return and break all contact with everyone in the United States? If not, there is probably a way.
I plan to retire to the Philippines but expect to return to the U.S. periodically for various purposes including medical care. So my answer to the "never returning" question is no.

Thanks for the tip about the vanlife folks. I will check them out.
by lawman3966
Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines
Replies: 9
Views: 1792

Re: Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines

whodidntante wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 6:29 am IBKR or maintain US footprint
Would setting up a virtual mailbox qualify as maintaining a US footprint?
by lawman3966
Thu Mar 30, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines
Replies: 9
Views: 1792

Brokerages for U.S. Expats in the Philippines

I plan to retire in the Philippines and until recently had planned to transfer my investments into a Schwab international account after moving overseas. It appears that Interactive Brokers (IBRK) is still available for this purpose, but I wanted to check with the board to get some feedback on experiences with IBRK and to determine what other investment companies are available to expats in the Philippines. Most of my investments will be stock and bond index funds, and I don't intend to do much active trading of individual stocks and bonds. Separately, in the event that IBRK goes the way of Schwab and restricts accounts for Philippine residents, it would be helpful to know what alternatives there are to having brokerage accounts of any kind. ...
by lawman3966
Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Help for Prior-Year Returns
Replies: 11
Views: 945

Re: IRS Refund Help for Prior-Year Returns

bberris wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 7:16 am Get a live person at IRS:

viewtopic.php?t=395920
Thank you bberris!

This worked like a charm! Following the above approach, I was speaking to a live person within about four minutes. The rep had several things to check on during our call, each checking operation taking about five minutes, so the call took a while (about 30 minutes total). He ended concluding that there was no reason to hold up my return and agreed to release the refund.
by lawman3966
Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Help for Prior-Year Returns
Replies: 11
Views: 945

IRS Refund Help for Prior-Year Returns

Upon calling the main IRS help line (800-829-1040), the menu indicated that refund information would only be provided for 2022 returns at this number. Callers enquiring about prior-year return refunds were directed to the web site at www.irs.gov/refund. I've not been able to find a live IRS help line directed to assisting people seeking refund info on prior-year returns. I visited the above "refund" site (which I've now done dozens of times), entered all the relevant data (soc sec number, refund amount, filing date etc), and received the message "we cannot provide any information about your refund". This appears to leave me at a standstill. I filed my 2020 return electronically in June of 2021 and have not heard a word f...
by lawman3966
Thu Feb 23, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Help Line Unstaffed During Advertised Hours
Replies: 4
Views: 530

Re: IRS Help Line Unstaffed During Advertised Hours

pizzy wrote: Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:58 pm Two questions:

1) Which number are you calling?

2) Does your phones area code match where you live? Is the billing address the same?
(1) Calling 800-829-1040.

(2) No. Thanks for mentioning that. I've kept a cell number from an east coast residence. I guess I will call using Google Voice (which shows a Seattle area number) tomorrow.

Thanks again for catching that.
by lawman3966
Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Help Line Unstaffed During Advertised Hours
Replies: 4
Views: 530

IRS Help Line Unstaffed During Advertised Hours

I realize this may seem rudimentary. However, it would helpful to clear this up.

I live in the pacific northwest and called the IRS help line at about 4 pm on 2/23/2023. The recording stated that the office was closed, and that only automated service was available. However, the IRS web site states that the hours are 7am to 7pm local time. If I'm missing something obvious, please let me know.

If the stated hours apply to Eastern Standard Time, and the advice to call before the office opens for the best chance of getting service still applies, I'd have to call at 4am my time to follow that advice. I'm hoping that that's not the case.
by lawman3966
Thu Feb 09, 2023 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using Nordvpn with Chromecast
Replies: 1
Views: 325

Using Nordvpn with Chromecast

I have a Chromecast device (recent, least expensive version with 1080p) coupled to a (non-internet) i.e. "dumb" TV. I want to get Nordvpn for use both with my Android phone and with my Chromecast. My PC has had trouble streaming Netflix movies in the past (crashes after a few minutes), and I suspect will have similar trouble with Netflix and other streaming services from foreign countries which should be accessible using Chromecast. My online searching suggests that there should be no problem getting the vpn to work with my phone. Things appear to become more complicated when using my Chromecast to access the VPN. I've found several approaches for using the vpn which I list below. (1) Download the vpn software to my Chromecast set...