Our Mission - Serve consumers with knowledge, value and guidance. http://www.fatwallet.comhttp://www.fatwallet.com/rss_tv.php?c=52http://www.fatwallet.com http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969520 Rating: -4 Posted By: Soriano4life <br>Views: 177 Replies: 4 <br><br> <p>Hi everyone and thank you for reading my post well hopefully someone should give me a good idea and a heads up for this upcoming holiday (Christmas). well my question is this, right now i am undecided about purchasing gifts or giving out gift cards. i am planning to spend for this holiday approximately $375.00 on gifts i am currently 21 years of age and i am unemployed and i am currently living with my parents and my girlfriend lives with me in my parent house. well the problem comes to this. i think i don't have enough money save up to give my girl family presents and to my family(mom dad 3 sister and my girl) nieces and nephews(5) they run from ages 3 months to 8 years old, and brother in laws(2) and (1)uncle. i feel that if i only give present to my family my girlfriend is going to feel bad, forgot to say she doesn't work. i also have another option give only her mom a gift but than i feel that her father is probably going to get mad, she also has two sister one 16 and the other like 3 years old. also biggest problem is that my family has increase from being 4 to now like you could say 11 people so i am at 15 birthday presents which is a lot. and you know how people are in today life that if they see that you bought someone else something better then their they will start complaining and feel that you don't care about them. so you tell me what to do no present for no one or can some one give me ideas please i will really appreciate them. sorry for my spelling and grammar. i was also thinking about gift cards as present gift from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a> because i heard that they don't charge no fees which i would love for someone to please verify me this like if there is hidden fees for using the car or not using it etc. well hopefully someone has gone thru this experience and could guide me thru this situation. once again sorry for my grammar and sorry if i post this topic in the wrong section. Happy thanksgiving</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/oL_PaX-9pCw" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/oL_PaX-9pCw/969520 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:28:56 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969520 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969513 Rating: 0 Posted By: nn2000 <br>Views: 118 Replies: 3 <br><br> <p>I am a recent grad and I applied for the group plan from my alumni assoication. <br />here is the term from my alumni assoication page:<br />"<br />Blue Shield Major Medical provides reliable coverage at competitive rates. Recent grads under age 40- Apply within 135 days of graduation to be accepted regardless of any pre-existing conditions. Only available to California residents.<br />"</p><p>I matched all the requirements:recent grad, under 40, applied within 135 days. However my app was declined, with some no-sense reason that "I have to be an alumni to be eligible for the plan". I contacted them several times, even bbb but no response from them. What should I do now?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/Fd1dH7tptHw" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/Fd1dH7tptHw/969513 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:00:54 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969513 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969480 Rating: 0 Posted By: pshooper <br>Views: 281 Replies: 5 <br><br> <p>Just got the "Upgrade to the Visa Signature Card" offer from Bank of America. I have no Signature cards right now, but carry many other cards with reasonably high limits. I rarely use 20% of the total CL since the economy tanked. Only reason I would consider the Signature card that I know of is a current offer of 25% off on <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.hilton.com" target="_blank">hilton</a> reservations until the end of the year. That might save me $100 tops. It sure wouldn't be worth dropping my credit score for. So, what other upsides are there to the Signature card and what are the downsides of a "No pre-set spending limit" card like this?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/MV51PZj3Luk" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/MV51PZj3Luk/969480 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:31:33 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969480 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969455 Rating: -1 Posted By: zviO <br>Views: 249 Replies: 3 <br><br> <p>Hello FWF!<br />I've been reading personal finance for over a year now and have done my best to minimize costs/expenditures.</p><p>I've read a bunch of posts on what to cut out/save on in order to manage with budget constrictions. This isn't really along those lines because I have plenty of savings and live frugally.</p><p>I live at home with my folks. <br />I have medical insurance through work which coincidentally happens to be for my family. I don't pay the premium.<br />I only pay for booze and special consumables. I cook instead of paying for groceries and grow vegetables in my garden.<br />I don't buy new clothing often - most of mine is sport-specific and I take care of it (cycling and climbing).<br />I go to the library for most of my media needs.<br />I have $3200 in a high-yield savings account earning ~2% right now.<br />I contributed the max to my Roth IRA ($5000).<br />I don't use credit cards, only debit for gas. I'm waiting for 5% rewards to come back <img src="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border=0><br />I don't own a car but I do borrow one from the family. I only pay for gas as the step-sibling covers insurance on it (his car).<br />I spend the most money on travel.<br />I work minimum wage at $8/hr and receive compensation for gas (delivery driver).<br />I have a bit of luck and generosity from my family, and a nagging Jewish ma.</p><p><br />My two loans from undergrad :<br />4500 @ 6.8%<br />4100 @ 6%<br />Both are fixed and are stafford subsidized. I have to repay starting the 28th of this month.</p><p>I ran the numbers a few times through a financial repayment calculator and figured that 300 to 350 per month would be suitable for a 2-ish year term. I throw 90% of my paycheck after gas payment into the savings account to try to earn as much interest as possible. I'd start funding the loans through the savings account. But, here's where the rub is..I plan to move out asap. I'm pursuing a certificate to teach ESL in Thailand. I have no estimation of pay there but I was told I'd have a very decent wage to live well there (apartment, enough for transport, travel).</p><p>Should I, consolidate my loans (the loans are fixed interest)? Should I pay them slowly to keep a higher savings or throw nearly 50% of my earnings at them to be financially free of them asap? I have a safety net by living at home and a job I know I wont be fired from/laid off (I can always find min wage work). If I take the slower approach, is it possible to take earnings abroad and throw them into an account stateside for electronic debt payment?</p><p>I hope this is clear enough and the information I provided, even if possibly useless, helps set up my situation.</p><p>Thank you fellows.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/v2Hx0HLM_zU" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/v2Hx0HLM_zU/969455 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:02:13 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969455 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969450 Rating: 0 Posted By: InsuranceExpert <br>Views: 471 Replies: 18 <br><br> <p>I've seen lots of CD threads and this idea is something that may have some interest for many of those people.</p><p>Buy a fixed annuity that has the following characteristics:</p><p>1)First year bonus rate<br />2)History of treating renewal rates fairly<br />3)Non-rolling surrender charges<br />4)Ability to contribute additional money at any time<br />5)Decent guaranteed minimum rate<br />6)Financially strong company</p><p>Let me give you an example from my practice of how this can benefit someone. 6 years ago, "Mrs. Jones", then 55 years old, put $25,000 into a fixed annuity. She recently sold her condo and wants access to the money from her sale in case she wants to buy a place at some point in the future. She took the $175,000 sales proceeds and put it into her fixed annuity. This contribution is receiving a rate of over 4%. It will grow tax deferred. Next year, it is guaranteed to earn over 2%. In all following years, it will earn prevailing interest rates, but never less than 2%. The money will grow tax deferred. She can remove it anytime with NO penalty.</p> <p>This idea is only good for people in their 50's or older because annuities have IRS penalties for money pulled out before age 59 1/2.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/79tLPd7FSGI" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/79tLPd7FSGI/969450 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:09:32 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969450 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969447 Rating: -4 Posted By: renejoseph <br>Views: 390 Replies: 15 <br><br> <p>Did a search and did not see this topic.</p><p>Has anyone else had problems with credit card companies saying they never received payment even though you mailed a check the day after getting the statement? This is starting to happen too many times in a row to be a isolated case for me. The last time this happened, it was <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a>. I have a lot of new (and old) cards, but always pay in full as soon as i get the bill, plenty of time for the checks to arrive in time. I am wondering if the credit card companies are trying to get out of giving me my new account bonus gifts. <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a> was nice enough to accept a check payment over the phone for the missing amount as well as the current month for no charge, but the whole thing is a red flag to me becuase it keeps happening. I have more then one <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a> credit card, but this shouldn't be a problem. So I am wondering if anyone is seeing this happen to them on new accounts (or old ones for that matter). I am parnoid my nature, but this is just plain odd.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/3pB18Q5Tyhg" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/3pB18Q5Tyhg/969447 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:56:21 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969447 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969445 Rating: 0 Posted By: mfmruizv <br>Views: 389 Replies: 15 <br><br> <p>I run into many situations where i will be at work where everything that is done on the computer is monitored and recorded but many times will run into some hot deals which i want to purchase before it expires. <br />Was wandering for these situations or when you use computers in public places, or others peoples computers what do you use when you purchase??<br />A credit card, debit card, prepaid ??<br />I believe credit card is the best choice because money is not directly debited from your account and fraud protection <br />debit card - debits directly but still fraud protection<br />prepaid card - debit directly , would be harder to dispute.<br />Virtual Credit cards have heard many stories of how they are not secure, plus not convenient when your on the go.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/TTq2SALeyek" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/TTq2SALeyek/969445 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:38:26 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969445 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969410 Rating: 0 Posted By: chrislk1986 <br>Views: 322 Replies: 4 <br><br> <p>I have had a Navy Federal CU savings acct for quite a few years and I was a minor when I opened it with my mom. I have had sporadic withdraws to a "NavChek" account, usually $20, for at least 2 years (maybe 6) and was under the impression that it was an overdraft protection fee. This month, however, I had not come close to an overdraft and "NavChek" showed up. I inquired NFCU about this only to find out that my mom took out a line of credit on her acct and has no money in her acct to pay for it, so I am charged $20 or a % since she is a joint owner.</p><p>If NFCU cannot supply the initial application, or if I did not sign it, would I easily be able to get the money back through the bank? Can I go through small claims court to get it from my mom? The loss is at least $90 but up to $800+, as I don't have bank statements from 1+years ago.</p><p>This may seem like petty cash to some, but she basically spent 3 kids child support to better her own life. I have a list of things, but that is the worst.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/MhLwEi6ZyGM" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/MhLwEi6ZyGM/969410 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:41:17 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969410 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969393 Rating: 0 Posted By: marstaton4 <br>Views: 235 Replies: 1 <br><br> <p>I know to get the free 30 free trades a month you have to have $25000 which is steep but crunching the numbers it's still better for me than zecco. I imagine it's decent since it looks like it's Merrill Lynches back end. Any input would be great!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/mcAyQSFL6OU" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/mcAyQSFL6OU/969393 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:21:12 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969393 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969368 Rating: 0 Posted By: jameshasty <br>Views: 799 Replies: 24 <br><br> <p>Yesterday, the steering column on my car broke and I had the car towed to the repair shop.</p><p>Although the problem could be fixed for roughly $500. The problem was caused by severe rot that allowed metal parts to shift and sever the steering column. While the immediate problem could be fixed, the more serious problem makes car dangerous to drive and would cost a lot to fix.</p><p>Essentially, the car runs and can not be steered in its current state. It is a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder with approx 142,000 miles.</p><p>I am located in Bergen county New Jersey.</p><p>In the local paper, there are adds from charities that will take the car whether it runs or not. There are also ads from others that will pay cash for cars whether they run or not.</p><p>I was planning to take a standard deduction for 2009 but will definitely be itemizing in 2010. Unless the deduction can be used in 2010 or exceeds $2,000 cash would be more useful.</p><p>I will definitely have to get someone to take the car by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.</p><p>Any suggestions on how to get the most for my car?</p><p>Thanks in advance.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/atLiRYjX1DM" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/atLiRYjX1DM/969368 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:06:31 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969368 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969353 Rating: -23 Posted By: tripleB <br>Views: 1289 Replies: 34 <br><br> <p>I was listening to a Micheal Moore interview about his mock-umentary Capitalism and he stated, "I do not believe people should invest in stocks and 401ks because people should not try to make money with money. People should make money off the sweat of their brow. That's the real capitalism." He claims that he keeps all of this money in a bank savings account earning almost nothing and all his future earnings will come from his future work.</p><p>Should people be allowed to earn money on money?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/chDCGat-aa8" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/chDCGat-aa8/969353 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:24:31 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969353 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969332 Rating: 45 Posted By: ryryfree <br>Views: 4389 Replies: 38 <br><br> <p>Free Suze Orman Will & Trust kit (11/22 only)</p><p><br />Free online Suze Orman Will & Trust kit -</p><p>click on Gift Code, enter: CNBC</p><p>code will only work today (11/22/09) - you get an activation code which you can use at a later time, so just make sure you get the activation code today!</p><p>From SD<br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.suzeorman.com/igsbase/igstemplate.cfm?SRC=SP&amp;SRCN=protectionhelp_login&amp;GnavID=95&amp;SnavID=113" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>Normally $13.50</p><p>Includes:<br />Will<br />Revocable trust<br />Financial power of attorney<br />Durable power of attorney for health care</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/ZVLKFOhL08s" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/ZVLKFOhL08s/969332 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:41:34 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969332 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969311 Rating: -10 Posted By: tripleB <br>Views: 866 Replies: 54 <br><br> <p>Let's discuss the economic ramifications of illegal aliens. I will use the term "American" below to refer to a legal citizen.</p><p><b>Provides a cheap labor work force: </b></p><p>1) This reduces the expenses of Americans to free up capital to spend on other things. Some Americans may now be able to work two jobs and pay an illegal to watch their children during the day, whereas paying full price for child care would make having a second job unprofitable. The second job stimulates the economy by generating value and cash flow.</p><p>2) This reduces overhead of business owners who may otherwise not be able to run a business if they had to pay FICA taxes, full wages, and now healthcare. The business owner is an American who now does not need to rely on welfare/social services and who may employ some other Americans in addition to his illegals.</p><p>3) This cheap labor force shifts the supply-demand curve in a such a way that it promotes Americans to go to college and get technical and science degrees and increase the education of Americans.</p><p>4) Reduces liabilities of small business owners. Americans can be very litigious and frivolous and sue for ridiculous things.</p><p><b>Facts:</b></p><p>1) Illegal Aliens come here and are able to survive because American's are willing to hire them for their services. Aliens are not coming here for free education or free healthcare or to collect welfare. If Americans stopped hiring illegal aliens, then illegal aliens would stop coming.</p><p>2) If Americans have a financial incentive to hire illegal Aliens, then they will continue to hire them.</p><p><b>How to stop Illegal Alien Immigration:</b></p><p><i>My argument is that illegal aliens are not a bad thing, however the government has full power to stop illegal aliens. Compare the cost of these suggestions with the cost of the US Border Patrol and the cost of building a 3,000 mile fence around the Mexican border.</i></p><p>1) Reduce FICA taxes and expenses on small business owners.</p><p>2) Reduce liability of small business owner in court.</p><p>3) Reduce OSHA requirements to make them more reasonable and easy to follow.</p><p>4) Provide incentives and tax credits for hiring Americans, rather than disincentives like the current healthcare bill which only force businesses to hire more illegal Aliens.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/oglw6N_jMhY" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/oglw6N_jMhY/969311 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:42:36 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969311 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969297 Rating: 0 Posted By: kierra57 <br>Views: 330 Replies: 4 <br><br> <p>Hi - can someone explain the following change to the mtvU Citi Visa card for me?</p> <p>Changes effective by 12/20/09</p><p>- The variable APR for purchase is being increased. This purchase APR will equal the U.S. Prime Rate plus 9.99%, with a minimum APR of 15.99%. As of 10/15/09, this purchase APR is 15.99%. This APR equals a daily periodic rate of 0.0438%.</p> <p>Thanks!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/e5dYX--ZBHg" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/e5dYX--ZBHg/969297 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:23:22 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969297 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969207 Rating: 0 Posted By: zellius <br>Views: 588 Replies: 6 <br><br> <p>I currently have the Fidelity rewards card, and I can only auto-pay for a set amount every month, not the full statement amount. I'm in the market for a new credit card and I'd like one that lets me auto-pay the statement amount no matter what it is (oh, <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a> reward would be nice too). Suggestions?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/VHlGSkRPtOE" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/VHlGSkRPtOE/969207 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:12:35 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969207 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969189 Rating: -7 Posted By: bigdinkel <br>Views: 1722 Replies: 53 <br><br> <p>It is that time of the year when we all ask our loved ones what we want for Christmas. My girlfriend wants a Tiffany's necklace for Christmas even after I bought her a diamond necklace for last Christmas (not happy at about). I have looked at the Tiffany's website and a nice pendent or necklace is $300-$800 dollars. This is way out of my budget, especially after I took her to San Francisco for a weekend and stayed that the <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.westin.com/" target="_blank">Westin</a>. She isn't high maintenence but I have been spending a lot of money on her recently and I believe she is pushing my limits on what I'll spend on her. I'm not cheap, but I am a Fatwaller.</p><p>So I would like to hear anybody's suggestions on how to get an excellent Christmas gift but get it much cheaper. I thought about buying her the necklace or a Coach purse from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.ebay.com/" target="_blank">eBay</a> from reputable sellers only. The last thing I need is to buy something that I could of received from someone in Rocky Point.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/qJzV7REwMMY" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/qJzV7REwMMY/969189 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:56:06 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969189 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969165 Rating: -10 Posted By: mike503 <br>Views: 461 Replies: 12 <br><br> <p>Anyone?</p><p>I've got plenty of BT threads and info to look at, and AOR info. However, I am looking for a new primary card.</p><p>I only care about <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">Cash Back</a>. Or rewards that can be used to collect cash/put towards balance. I would hope at least 1% of total purchases. Is there a thread for this already?</p><p>General purpose cards w/ good [cash] rewards and hopefully 0% introductory APR for at least 6 months?</p><p>Ideally one also that typically gives a decent CL on signup. Chase gave me a crap CL and they ran my credit a second time to tell me "nope sorry, that's as much as we can do" - I wouldn't have applied for the card if I knew it'd be so low. I expected it to be like US Bank where you choose to accept the offer or not when they give you your CL. Apparently each bank does it differently so I'll have to tread carefully if I care at all about my credit...</p><p>Also I am looking for a business card (to finally split my business and personal purchases out from each other) - that one the 0% APR shouldn't be as big of an issue, but would be nice to have, and <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">Cash Back</a> would be a good thing too, it will have at least $2k/month on it if not a lot more some months. Is the difference between a "business" card and a normal one just association to a TIN instead of an SSN? Otherwise I see no difference besides how they call it and the rewards they try to push...</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/T9KCbxwwepM" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/T9KCbxwwepM/969165 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:16:08 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969165 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969069 Rating: 5 Posted By: cslcpunk <br>Views: 1000 Replies: 22 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.military.com" target="_blank">Military</a> Veterans benefits State by State -- Save $$$<br />Some states offer different benefits. Some with free or education assistance, some with free or reduced vehicle or property registration. Check out the link and click on your state. It will take you directly to your states benefits page. <br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory" target="_blank">Link</a><br />Thank You For Your Service!!!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/lmnPXjU2x44" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/lmnPXjU2x44/969069 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:24:37 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/969069 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968998 Rating: 9 Posted By: greling <br>Views: 3545 Replies: 51 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704204304574545814221561286.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_opinion" target="_blank">The End of HSAs</a>(WSJ - May require subscription)</p><p>Short Excerpt:<br /><i>The Reid bill also assaults health savings accounts, or HSAs, which allow individuals to accumulate tax-free funds for future medical expenses when coupled with low-premium, high-deductible insurance. The Reid bill changes tax provisions to make HSAs less attractive, but the real threat comes via increased regulation.</i></p><p>---</p><p>I knew this was coming. I just didn't know it would be as hideous.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/VuXkgMJpl0Q" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/VuXkgMJpl0Q/968998 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:41:39 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968998 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968994 Rating: 0 Posted By: FinanceJunkie <br>Views: 853 Replies: 34 <br><br> <p>Long time FW Finance reader here, first time poster.</p><p>So earlier this year my father passed away unexpectedly and I have been dealing with the finances associated with the estate (I am in my 20's). I moved some money around into the market from my inheritance and so far I have done pretty good with multiple diversified portfolios.</p><p>Currently my asset allocation is:<br />42% Liquid Stocks (<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.avg.com" target="_blank">AVG</a> return ~16%)<br />53% Liquid Cash (<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.avg.com" target="_blank">AVG</a> return ~2%)<br />5% Other (Lending Club, etc) (<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.avg.com" target="_blank">AVG</a> return ~13%)</p><p>My current belief is that the market will more slowly grow and may detract within the next year so I was looking to diversify my portfolio with a bond. My current financial advisor recommended a S&P index tied bond (I will not give specifics since that is against rules) of Senior Unsecured Debt to a major bank (Rated A1). It is a medium term bond which matures between 1 and 2 years. The return is such that should the S&P be up or even over a 12 month term the bond is called at a 10% coupon per year. The risks are bank associated credit risk and the S&P index declining over a 2 year period. This seemed so attractive to me that I decided that I would move some of my cash into this position. I figure that since this is a senior note that a total loss is almost impossible, and such a decline over 2 years is almost even more impossible IMO.</p><p>After this investment I would then be at:<br />42% Stocks<br />12% Bond A1<br />40% Cash<br />5% Other</p><p>Is it stupid to allocate 12% to one bond no matter how safe? The way I see it the CDS price of this bank puts it at a 5 year default insurance rate of around 6% and this bond will be for only 1-2 yrs. The chances of the biggest bank in America defaulting is so low that if such an event were to happen we would all be eating out of tin cans anyway.</p><p>So what do you think FWF?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/niZXvzVguko" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/niZXvzVguko/968994 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:17:54 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968994 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968972 Rating: -8 Posted By: gan1812 <br>Views: 741 Replies: 15 <br><br> <p>I need to refinance my ARM and find banks are unwilling to go beyond 45% debt/income. I am at 50% and i need a million dollar mortgage. Credit Scores of 740+. Any pionters to banks that might consider me would be greatly appreciated.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/9g833e6YA9I" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/9g833e6YA9I/968972 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:12:05 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968972 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968954 Rating: 2 Posted By: Rommie2k6 <br>Views: 756 Replies: 18 <br><br> <p>For a graduate student who earns about $25k/yr with no credit history, what credit cards he/she expect to get? Will the fact of having a regular income help?</p><p>Of course, the person will be eligible student credit cards, but what are the chances of getting better cards like Blue Cash <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> and Schwab Visa Signature?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/xtf-ks5qHoE" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/xtf-ks5qHoE/968954 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:44:28 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968954 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968929 Rating: -10 Posted By: tripleB <br>Views: 853 Replies: 21 <br><br> <p>Anyone notice that government-controlled services experience price increases at the rate of about 5x inflation according to CPI numbers?</p><p>Here's a few examples:</p><p>NJ Parkway Tolls in the late 90s were 25 cents. 12 years later they are $1.</p><p>Train Service in my old city - $1 in 2003. 6 years later it's $2.</p><p>Electricity - was about 5 cents per kilowatt hour when I got my first apartment 9 years ago. Now its 11 cents.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/MelgWmvcf2A" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/MelgWmvcf2A/968929 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:08:50 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968929 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968810 Rating: -7 Posted By: doctorman <br>Views: 2001 Replies: 67 <br><br> <p>I live in coop bldg and the super is a bit nut.</p><p>when we bought the apt it had a small washer dryer built in one of the cabinets. washer dryer is not allowed in our coop according to the super. we never told him it is there but I think he new it already.</p> <p>anyway all of a sudden after almost 2 years the supper has gone mad and came to us and asked if we have a washer dryer and it is not allowed. we denied it because we dont want headaches. it has been there for a long time and has not cause a ny problem.</p> <p>he requested that the management should come and search our apartment for it. is that allowed? do we HAVE TO ACCEPT the search?<br />if the washer dryer is not causing any trouble for the neighbors can the coop force us to search the apt?<br />and if we do not allow it can they fine us for not allowing the search?</p><p>would appreciate the help...</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/YWfTr8zAUWI" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/YWfTr8zAUWI/968810 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:12:59 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968810 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968721 Rating: 0 Posted By: mwa423 <br>Views: 836 Replies: 23 <br><br> <p>Long time lurker, first time FWF poster.</p><p>So, here's the deal, I am a senior in college in Finance. I am getting close to graduation, have a great internship gig and my deal with the company is at the end of the year we will negotiate my future there (possible future job, etc.) Now, obviously I am looking for a full time job, and I hope my performance there hopefully warrants it. There will be a LOT of room for negotiation of salary because my position is completely new to this company, and the closest I can get to my job on salary.com is a job with 4-6 years experience.</p> <p>Thus far, I have written down all expenses I can think of per month (the obvious ones like rent, utilities, car insurance, health insurance, etc.) and a few of the non-obvious ones (tithing, medicines, 401k, car payments to myself (I already own a nice car fully paid for)).</p> <p>So, I am looking for help from the FWF posters to give me some ideas on how to create a budget of my expenses so that I will be able to make a solid budget so I know how much money to ask for when I graduate and we are negotiating salary at my current job!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/XtSEGXuNcSc" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/XtSEGXuNcSc/968721 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:48:46 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968721 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968717 Rating: -10 Posted By: MeraNamJoker <br>Views: 1141 Replies: 17 <br><br> <p>I got a 'terms' change addendum to my current billing statement (<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> simply cash) saying that they are changing terms and they can reduce my credit limit even if I didn't default or take any negative action. In a separate mailer which I received the SAME day, they said that they are reducing my credit limit to half (from 20k to 10k). Here is what I wrote to their customer service ..</p><p>"I recently got mail informing me that my credit line is being cut in half. It is not that I need that much but this card will probably go out of my wallet to my sock drawer. My other cards have much high limits. <br />I have stellar credit score (near 800) and not even single negative item. I will be perfectly be fine even if <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> closes this card.</p> <p>Just wanted to let you know that by doing these kind of antics you are just pissing off your best loyal customers who are LEAST likely to default. I am sure if I had racked up 19000 out of my 20000 limit you would not be able to reduce my credit limit."</p><p>Since I really don't need any 'credit' (a true FW'er) I really don't care if they even cancel the card. Just wanted to see if this message actually makes it anywhere.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/EZRNIkdQHW4" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/EZRNIkdQHW4/968717 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:47 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968717 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968653 Rating: -2 Posted By: tripleB <br>Views: 3853 Replies: 156 <br><br> <p>Arizona passed some legislation to place a vote on the 2010 ballot recently that overrules the US Healthcare plan, basically saying that NO additional penalty tax can be collected on people who refuse to buy insurance. The people of AZ will vote on this in 2010 and I find it very difficult to believe that it wont pass. Let's hope other states follow this.</p><p><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/06/26/arizona-hcr2014-national-health-care-nullification/" target="_blank">http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/06/26/arizona-hcr2014-n...</a></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/sBwL-UnXZhg" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/sBwL-UnXZhg/968653 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:03 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968653 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968525 Rating: 29 Posted By: gatzdon <br>Views: 6393 Replies: 149 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20091119_College_students_arrested_for_not_paying_tip.html" target="_blank">http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20091119_College_stud...</a></p><p>Interesting article about two college students that refused to pay the 18% gratuity<br />that was added to the bill by the bar. The students cited very poor service. The<br />bar turned around and had them arrested for not paying it.</p><p>I find it hard to believe that any charges would hold as the plain definition of the <br />word "Gratuity" indicates something given "voluntarily". If the restaurant truly <br />wanted to make the tip mandatory, my opinion is that they shouldn't use the word<br />gratuity.</p><p>Since I'm not a lawyer, I'd be curious what the lawyers here think. Are these<br />two students screwed, or do they actually have a case against the police and the bar?</p><p>Edit: Thanks to wordgirl for posting a better link for the story.</p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf?/base/news-1/125843433282150.xml&amp;coll=3" target="_blank">http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf?/base/news-1/125843433282150.xml&coll=3</a></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/3gek9Nde3h8" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/3gek9Nde3h8/968525 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:43:00 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968525 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968450 Rating: -2 Posted By: wotus <br>Views: 1994 Replies: 22 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.mainstreet.com/slideshow/moneyinvesting/stocks-funds/10-reasons-bet-america" target="_blank">Sort of interesting</a>.</p><p>personally I don't see us pulling out of this recession for at least another 5-10 years, and I see unemployment staying at around where it is, or maybe inching up toward 12 percent. (and of course unofficial unemployment numbers are probably closer to Depression levels, ~25 percent)</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/inIJH7a_ncY" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/inIJH7a_ncY/968450 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:24:56 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968450 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968139 Rating: 8 Posted By: tripleB <br>Views: 2235 Replies: 43 <br><br> <p>There's a lot of lawyers on this forum and a lot of litigation goes on. How do you decide on what lawyer to use for a certain case?</p><p>Certainly you want to use the best lawyer you can, but that's not always economically feasible.</p><p>The prompt for this post was a discussion I had recently with an insurance claims adjuster who explained that the negotiated settlement was based on the reputation of the attorney involved. He knew that certain attorneys would easily be able to get an extra $10k or $20k in a trial due to their skill and the negotiated rate was based on that.</p><p>Do all lawyers get the same contingency percentage? If so, then obviously go with the best lawyer you can. If the best lawyer wants 50% and the medium lawyer wants 30%, then it might not be worth it to get an extra $10k if the better lawyer will take an extra $20k overall to get that $10k.</p><p>I dislike the phrase "Get the best lawyer you can afford" because it may not be profitable. What are some guidelines for selecting lawyers?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/w_wjpRbZBlM" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/w_wjpRbZBlM/968139 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:16:49 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/968139 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/967633 Rating: 1 Posted By: nergui77 <br>Views: 1425 Replies: 21 <br><br> <p>Just looking for people's thought on this...</p><p>So, I have an HSA with Alliant with about $10K in it, currently earning 3-ish percent (though that rate has been dropping steadily). I'm in my mid-30s, relatively healthy, and don't have any recurring healthcare expenditures (other than HDHP premiums, which I pay for separately), so for the most part that money is just sitting in my HSA earning interest.</p><p>Here's the question: Given the pace of inflation of healthcare costs (far greater than 3%), what's the best thing to do with the money in my HSA?</p><p>Options to consider:<br /> - I can keep it in the highly liquid non-volatile savings account, which is good if I end up needing to withdraw money for healthcare expenses. But if I don't need to withdraw it anytime in the near future, inflation of healthcare costs will slowly eat away at my HSA savings until they're worthless, if the current rate of healthcare inflation persists.<br /> - I could use some or all of my HSA to buy a healthcare mutual fund or ETF (like VHT). This, I suppose, would help me keep better pace with healthcare inflation in the long run, but given short-run volatility of stocks, it could be disastrous if I end up needing to withdraw from my HSA for healthcare expenses anytime in the next 10 years...<br /> - I could, I suppose, consider my HSA to be identical to be an IRA, and nothing more. That is, pay for healthcare expenses out of my regular (non-HSA) savings, and plan on using my HSA exactly as I will my traditional IRA. This, though, would prevent me from benefiting from the tax-free w/drawals for healthcare expenses. (I'm not sure this makes any sense; it's kind of a mental budgeting trick, that maybe doesn't make any difference in the long run.)</p><p>[I'll ignore for now the fact the that the idea of investing in a healthcare ETF makes me want to vomit, given my disgust with the way that industry (overall) operates in this country these days. No desire whatsoever to own, support, condone, .... though I suppose as long as I end up buying their products/services in the end, it amounts to the same thing, or at least a similar thing. But that's a topic for a different thread, if anyone wants to have that discussion. For the time being, I don't, so let's steer clear?]</i></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/dbCu6LG3qGA" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/dbCu6LG3qGA/967633 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:12:50 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/967633 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/965329 Rating: 13 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES <br>Views: 3877 Replies: 68 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2300940.html" target="_blank">http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2300940.html</a></p><p>Set to roll out late this year, early next year - this may be great news for low mileage or multicar drivers.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/v9DBXnwJMyw" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/v9DBXnwJMyw/965329 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:04:18 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/965329 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/965235 Rating: 4 Posted By: TidesOfFortune <br>Views: 2384 Replies: 21 <br><br> <p>Greetings my fellow FWers. I know that there are a lot of brilliant minds that frequent these forums so I would like to reach out to this community in search of help. Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.</p><p>Im preparing to embark on a business venture around this same time next year. Every variable within my control is in place except for one very critical piece, finding clients. I see it as the Achilles heel of a start-up. This is the one variable I feel that no matter how much you prepare for it, you can never guarantee its success. I intend to do everything within my power to mitigate this risk and improve my chances of succeeding. Anything beyond that is left by and large to chance.</p><p>What I ask of from the community is for advice on any techniques or methods I can use to market my business in hopes of attaining clients. I know the line of business very intimately and Im confident that if I am successful in finding these clients, the business will run like a well-oiled machine.</p><p><b>Business Scope</b><br />Business Type: Long Term Care Pharmacy<br />Target Location: San Diego, Riverside or Bakersfield, CA (dependent on potential clientele in the area)<br />Target Clientele: Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing Facilities, Intensive Care Facilities, Assisted Living, and any facilities/hospitals in need of sterile compounding</p><p><b>Marketing Ideas</b><br />These are the marketing ideas that Ive come up with thus far. I am hoping to eventually expand on this from the feedback I receive.<br />1. Offer a finders reward. Anyone able to find clientele for the business will be compensated for their efforts (i.e. reward ranging from $10,000-$50,000 depending on the size of the facility found).<br />2. Spam the net. Post this reward notice on any online websites/forums that I can, to increase possible hits. (i.e. Facebook, MySpace, Craigslist, even SD and FW if they would allow it). Suggestions for any additional promising websites or other media would be nice.<br />3. Door-to-door. Set up meetings with any potential clients that are willing to lend an ear. Present my business proposition and even possibly offering them a sign-on bonus of some sort as an incentive for switching over to do business with me.</p><p>Thanks for hearing me out.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/gSjs_fc0Jvs" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/gSjs_fc0Jvs/965235 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:06:26 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/965235 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964868 Rating: 37 Posted By: vitbich <br>Views: 15234 Replies: 225 <br><br> <p>I just saw this <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=aNnXVJytvA4w&amp;pos=6" target="_blank">article</a></p><p>The card will be issued by Chase</p><p>-Starts Nov 16<br />-Must spend $2000 in first three months<br />-$75 annual fee</p><p>Here is a <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.mychasecreditcards.com/britishairways/hp_postpin" target="_blank">link to apply</a>. (Thanks Floydian)</p><p><br />&lt;edit: corrected required spending amount&gt;<br />&lt;edit 2: added link by Floydian&gt;</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/FKgo9p4_O4Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/FKgo9p4_O4Y/964868 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:51:08 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964868 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964807 Rating: 5 Posted By: shopper711 <br>Views: 4509 Replies: 159 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_homebuyers_tax_credit" target="_blank">Article</a></p><p>Tax credit for homeowners who own current property for 5 years - 6500 dollars!</p><p> By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer 19 mins ago</p><p>WASHINGTON Buying a home is about to get cheaper for a whole new crop of homebuyers $6,500 cheaper.</p><p>First-time homebuyers have been getting tax credits of up to $8,000 since January as part of the economic stimulus package enacted earlier this year. But with the program scheduled to expire at the end of November, the Senate voted Wednesday to extend and expand the tax credit to include many buyers who already own homes. The House is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday.</p><p>Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years would still get up to $8,000. To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.</p><p>"This is probably the last extension," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., a former real estate executive who championed the credits.</p><p>The homebuyers tax credit is one of two tax breaks totaling more than $21 billion that the Senate included in a bill extending unemployment benefits for those without a job for more than a year. The other would let companies now losing money recoup taxes they paid on profits earned in the previous five years.</p><p>"We are still in a world of economic hurt, and Congress must continue to act boldly and creatively," said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. "With the right mix of tax breaks and investments we will get through this recession and get folks working again."</p><p>The real estate industry has been pushing to extend and expand the housing tax credit. About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.</p><p>Extending and expanding the tax credit for homebuyers is projected to cost the government about $10.8 billion in lost taxes. While the measure passed the Senate by a 98-0 vote, Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo., questioned its efficiency in stimulating home sales.</p><p>"For the vast majority of cases, the homebuyer tax credit amounted to a free gift since it did not affect their decision to purchase a home," Bond said. "And for the small minority of buyers whose decision was directly caused by the credit, this raises the question of whether we are subsidizing buyers who may not have been able to afford buying a home in the first place."</p><p>The credit is available for the purchase of principal homes costing $800,000 or less, meaning vacation homes are ineligible. The credit would be phased out for individuals with annual incomes above $125,000 and for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.</p><p>The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.military.com" target="_blank">Military</a> serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.</p><p>Expanding the tax credit for money-losing companies is projected to cost $10.4 billion.</p><p>The business tax break would allow money-losing companies to use current losses to offset taxable profits earned in the previous five years, giving them refunds of taxes paid in those years. Under current law, businesses with annual gross receipts of more than $15 million can claim losses back only two years.</p><p>The tax break would help industries suffering losses in 2008 or 2009, including retailers, homebuilders and newspapers. Congress included a scaled-back version of the tax break for companies with revenues of $15 million or less in the economic recovery package enacted in February. The new tax break would be available to companies of any size, providing a quick source of cash.</p><p>The U.S Chamber of Commerce has been a big backer of the tax break for money-losing companies.</p><p>"It frees up capital that they can use to maintain jobs and potentially even hire new people as the economy returns," said Caroline Harris, senior tax counsel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>The tax breaks would be paid for largely by delaying a tax break for multinational companies that pay foreign taxes. It was passed in 2004 and originally was to have taken effect this year, but would now be delayed until 2018.</p><p>___</p><p>The bill is H.R. 3548.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/afLtywfSEQo" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/afLtywfSEQo/964807 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:32:14 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964807 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964698 Rating: 4 Posted By: InsuranceExpert <br>Views: 2031 Replies: 77 <br><br> <p>katx, you are a Suse Orman fan. You seem to agree with her that any insurance other than term insurance is a mistake.</p> <p>Grandma Sylvia is 75 and is in excellent health. She wants to leave her favorite niece Katx as much money as possible. Grandma has never put money in the market and does not have the stomach for risk.</p> <p>Social Security + pensions give her much more money than she can possibly spend. She has no debts and an income of $8,000/month and spends less than $4,000/month. Her health insurance is covered. She has long term care insurance. She has $1,200,000 put away in guaranteed accounts. She wants to hold onto $200,000 because it makes her feel good.</p><p>Question: What can Grandma do that will leave the most money for Katx?</p><p>Insurance solution: Set up an irrevocable life insurance trust. Gift $1,000,000. Use this money to buy a single premium life insurance policy with a death benefit of $2,750,000.</p> <p>At death, Katx will get $2.75 million free of income taxes and free of estate taxes.</p><p>"Insurance stinks." "Everyone should just buy term." "The insurance agent will earn a giant commission." Ok. What's better? I'm all ears.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/jpOjR7iXcug" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/jpOjR7iXcug/964698 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:34:57 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964698 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964627 Rating: -3 Posted By: pisistratus <br>Views: 2071 Replies: 14 <br><br> <p>Just got an invite in mail.</p><p>Direct deposit required.<br />Offer expires Dec 31, 2009.<br />$300 bonus should be posted within 6-8 weeks after first DD or after offer expires.</p><p>Looks like offer is directed.<br />Perhaps limited to states where CapOne has branches, that are TX, etc.</p><p>I did not get either $200 or $150 invite. I did go to a local branch and request it, but unsuccessfully. I got $150 invite a couple weeks ago. I was waiting to finish DD to a Chase account. It should be done very soon.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/MR2PWCQZt7Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/MR2PWCQZt7Y/964627 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:48 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/964627 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/963989 Rating: 11 Posted By: peteron <br>Views: 3138 Replies: 44 <br><br> <p>no DD required<br />no minimum balance requirement<br />25$ min to open<br />account must be active to avoid maintenance fee, by using check card, checks, DD, etc</p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.perkstreet.com/how_it_works.aspx" target="_blank">link</a></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/HUf7kSgSfXU" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/HUf7kSgSfXU/963989 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:08:54 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/963989 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/962687 Rating: 7 Posted By: Crazytree <br>Views: 1601 Replies: 24 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://personal.fidelity.com/products/checking/content/investment_rewards_card.shtml.cvsr?" target="_blank">PRODUCT LINK</a></p><p>Just requested that my card be converted over the telephone. Looks like they're trying to keep up with Charles Schwab. Great for those of us who run a lot of money through cards like these. The redemption rate is a little confusing, but allow me to elucidate:</p><p><b>Tier 1 - Up to $15K</b><br />OLD CARD: 5,000 points = $75 deposit, $1 purchase = 1 point (1.5% <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a>)<br />NEW CARD: 5,000 points = $50 deposit, $1 purchase = 1.5 points (1.5% <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a>)</p><p><b>Tier 2 - $15k and Above</b><br />OLD CARD: 5,000 points = $75 deposit, $1 purchase = 1 point (1.5% <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a>)<br />NEW CARD: 5,000 points = $50 deposit, $1 purchase = 2 points (2.0% <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a>)</p><p>Benefits:<br />1. 2.0% redemption rate after $15k tier reached.<br />2. does not have to be linked to a retirement account like the other Fidelity 2.0% card<br />3. automatic sweeps! you no longer need to manually redeem your points, they are automatically redeemed on every statement and deposited into your eligible linked Fidelity account. this always annoyed me, as one more extra thing I had to check on every month.</p><p><i>Fidelity Investment Rewards Visa Signature Card<br />Fidelity Credit Card<br />Invest in your future with everyday purchases.</p><p>* Turn 1.5% of purchases into a deposit in your Fidelity account (earn 2% once you've spent $15,000 annually)1<br />* No limits on cash rewards<br />* No annual fee</p><p>* Apply Online or call 866-598-4971. (Please mention priority code UAAST2)</p><p>See how Fidelity Rewards work</p><p>With this credit card you can automatically contribute to virtually any Fidelity account.2</p><p>1. Use your credit card for all your everyday purchases. You'll earn 1.5 points for each $1 spent on the first $15,000 in purchases per year, and 2 points per $1 in purchases thereafter.</p><p>2. Set up automatic redemption to your eligible designated Fidelity account. Provide your Fidelity account number when you apply. You can also add additional accounts online at fiacardservices.com.</p><p>3. Watch your points turn into investment dollars. Once you reach 5,000 points, points can be automatically converted into a deposit in your eligible designated Fidelity account (5,000 points = $50 deposit).</p><p>4. Enjoy the flexibility in using your points. You can redeem points for travel on major U.S. airlines with no blackout dates, for brand-name merchandise, gift certificates, experience rewards, and more.</i></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/7oukdFbJnLM" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/7oukdFbJnLM/962687 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:34:39 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/962687 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/958960 Rating: 0 Posted By: Gman476 <br>Views: 3958 Replies: 129 <br><br> <p>Lately a number of my friends have joined the <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.military.com" target="_blank">Military</a> and its beginning to look like a good option.</p><p>I'm 26 male who works as an accountant (will be CPA if i ever pass these exams)</p><p>I've talked to a recruiter about a Finance Officer position (a glorified payroll position)</p><p>What do you guys think of taking the <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.military.com" target="_blank">Military</a> route?</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/uy_b0EJcRxU" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/uy_b0EJcRxU/958960 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:08:30 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/958960 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/957846 Rating: 2 Posted By: svallarian <br>Views: 2173 Replies: 20 <br><br> <p>My first non-sarcastic post to FWF!</p><p>I was out looking at some old beat up properties looking for a nice big house that needed some TLC and the listing agent told me about a program called the Homebuyer Advantage Program. Apparently, it's part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008.</p> <p>So here's how it works in Mississippi (other states may vary, I got this information from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://mshc.com/hba/" target="_blank">this</a> link.</p><p>You have to purchase a foreclosure at 1% less than the appraised value and the house must be fully foreclosed upon.<br />Based on your income and the number of people in your household, you get at least a 15,000 grant (0% over 5 years) and depending on your credit score you can get up to an <i>additional</i> $25,000. (0% over 10 years)</p><p>So I'm going to sell my current pad, buy a bigger house, put some of the equity from this house into fixing up the foreclosure, and still end up with a smaller total mortgage that I've currently got right now.</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/Mk1A5Eza25A" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/Mk1A5Eza25A/957846 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:08:32 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/957846 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/953431 Rating: 13 Posted By: jameshasty <br>Views: 8503 Replies: 258 <br><br> <p><b>James Hasty's AOR 4.0</b></p><p><u>Application Results</u></p><p>Round One - Saturday, September 26th</p><p>1. PFCU - Visa Platinum <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">CashBack</a> Rewards ($50,000 credit line applied for online) - rejected will apply for a new card with a limit of $5,000 after I complete my balance transfers.</p><p><b>2a. BOA - Schwab Bank Invest First Visa Credit Card (applied online) - approved - $5,000</b><br /><b>2b. BOA - NEA WorldPoints Platinum Plus <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Card (applied by phone name might not be exact) - approved - $5,000 now $25,000 (moved line from other card)</b><br /><b>existing BOA NEA WorldPoints Platinum Plus Card (VISA) cut from $44,600 to $20,000; moved to <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> card, now this card is closed</b></p><p><b>3a. Barclay's - Bank Atlantic Rewards Business Card (applied online) - called to follow up 10/5, approved for $25,000 - 0% through 11/26/10</b><br /><b>3b. Barclay's Coast to Coast Visa Signature Card - Online instant approval $7,500 - 0% through 09/10/10</b></p><p>4a.5th Third Bank - Insurbank Business Visa (requested $30,000 limit online) - pending, I have sent my tax returns for the last two years, they are waiting for confirmation from the IRS that the information I sent to them matches the IRS records<br /><b>4b. 5th Third Bank - Responsible Credit Card - Call (877) 579-5353 to apply during weekday business hours</b><br /><b>4c. 5th Third Bank - 5th 3rd 1st Southwest bank (applied online) - approved $9,500 limit</b></p><p><b>5a. Chase - Disney Rewards (online application) - approved - $6,000 now $36,877</b><br /><b>5b. Chase - Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (online application) - approved - $7,000 now $4,000</b><br />Moved inactive card balances (and closed the accounts) and $3,000 from Chase Sapphire Card to Disney Card</p><p><b>6a. National City - Nat City Lifespring Health (applied online) - approved $10,000 - account closed</b><br /><b>6b. National City - Nat City Quilter's Rewards (online application) - approved $5,000 - acount closed</b></p><p><b>7a. Citi - Citi ProfessionalSM Card (online application completed) - approved $1,800</b> (seriously WTF?)<br /><b>7b. Citi - Citi Forward Card (online application) - approved $4,800</b><br />7c. Citi - Associated Bank Rewards Credit Card (automated telephone application - time consuming and tedious) - rejected, "too many applications with Citi"</p><p>Round Two - Saturday, October 3rd</p><p>8. Wachovia / Wells Fargo - Wachovia Visa Business Platinum [rate increased from 0% to 1.99% with max $99 fee on 12 month BT offer; personal cards no longer have attractive terms](applied at bank branch) - rejected, not sure why - I was told to call the underwriting department at (866) 420-7940 during business hours<br />9. Capitol One - No Hassle MilesSM Ultra for Professionals (online application) - declined, no point following up further as the decision is computer driven<br />10. <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> - <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.hilton.com" target="_blank">hilton</a> HHonors Card from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a> (online application) - declined, called 10/6 they will take 5-7 days to reconsider the application</p><p>Round Three - ???</p><p>11. Bank of Kentucky - Visa Credit Cards from The Bank of Kentucky - I submitted a request to be contacted by a representative with instructions on how to apply for the card.<br />12. US Bank<br />13. RBS<br />14. HSBC<br />15. Discover<br />16. State Farm</p><p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><u>Key Links</u></p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/947493?highlight_key=y&amp;keyword1=migrating">0% Thread</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/564358/">5% Rewards Thread</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/711457/">What credit card should I get?</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/632935/">SIS Apporama</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/913523/">My second AOR rolling</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/810638/">US Elan</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/237296/">Credit Cards that allow your to shift credit lines</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/740779/">A summary of techniques for receiving BT money into your checking</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.icardbonus.com/credit_card/personal_credit_cards/index.php" target="_blank">Credit Card Signup bonuses 1 of 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://ibankdesign.com/board/t377.html" target="_blank">Credit Card Signup Bonuses 2 of 2</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/902958/">BT Credit Cards</a></p><p><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.highyieldcheckingdeals.com/" target="_blank">High Yield Checking by State</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/797165/">Rewards Checking FW Thread</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/437553/">Daughter of the Mother of liquid accounts thread</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/783099/">Best Nationally Available High APY Liquid Accounts</a></p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://flyerguide.com/wiki/index.php/Credit/Debit/ATM_Cards_and_Foreign_Exchange" target="_blank">Credit / Debit Cards with low foreign trnsaction fees</a><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/272730/m14194320&amp;start=640#m14194320">FW CC Foreign transaction fee thread</a></p><p><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/426802/?start=0">Credit Card Application Status Thread</a></p><p><u>Background</u></p><p>I plan to launch my AOR 4.0 by Saturday, 9/27/09.</p><p>I am a Jets fan, my real name is not James Hasty.</p><p>My AOR 3.0 started in August of 2007 and paid off by November of 2008. I raised a total of approximately $250,000 last time.</p><p>I utilized 100% of my credit limits with no adverse action from any company apart from Chase and Barclays. Chase reduced five of my credit lines by $50,923 to $22,077 (initially the lines totaled $73,000). To add insult to injury, they cut my rewards card that I use for purchases from $2,500 to $1,200.</p><p>Inactivity also resulted in some card closures and CLI reductions several months after the cards were all paid off.</p><p>Also, if anyone can tell me how to arrange columns (on chart(s) below I wuold be greatful.</p><p><u>Goals (in order of priority)</u></p><p>1. Maximize low APR balance transfers (target is $120K)<br />2. Maximize low APR purchases<br />3. Upfront rewards for first purchase(s) - cash, airline tickets, etc.<br />4. Rewards card with highest <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">Cash Back</a> for general purchases<br />5. Rewards cards for highest <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">Cash Back</a> for specific categories (Gas, Groceries, etc.)<br />6. Card (s) with low foreign transaction fees (hopefully none)</p><p><u>Existing Credit Lines - Summary Below, details attached</u></p><p></p><pre class='fw_code'> Initial AdverseCurrentTypeSponsor Card Name Limit Action LimitP<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Blue from <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com" target="_blank">American Express</a> 2,000.00 0.00 2,000.00PBOA BOA NEA Worldpoints Platinum Plus Visa 44,600.00 0.00 44,600.00 PChase Chase Freedom Card 2,500.00 (1,300.00) 1,200.00 PChase Washington Mutual Platinum MasterCard. 3,000.00 (236.00)2,764.00 PChase Washington Mutual Visa Card 8,500.00 (687.00)7,813.00 PChevy Chase Bank Small Business Credit Card 11,000.00 (1,200.00)9,800.00 PCiti 1,000.00 500.00 1,500.00 PDiscover Discover Open Road Card 22,500.00 0.00 22,500.00 PDiscover Discover Miles Card 2,500.00 0.00 2,500.00 PGeneral Electric GE Money Platinum Visa 4,000.00 (3,500.00) 500.00 PHSBC HSBC - The GM Flex Card 3,500.00 (3,200.00) 300.00 PLaSalle Bank The LaSalle Bank Platinum MC 11,000.00 (1,200.00)9,800.00 Personal Card Subtotals 116,100.00 (10,823.00) 105,277.00 BChase "GM Business Card" 48,000.00 (47,500.00) 500.00 BCiti CitiBusiness Card 37,500.00 0.00 37,500.00 BDiscover Discover Business Card 8,000.00 (700.00) 7,300.00 Business Card Subtotals 93,500.00 (48,200.00) 45,300.00 O<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.kohls.com/" target="_blank">Kohl's</a>/Chase <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.kohls.com/" target="_blank">Kohl's</a> Card 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 O<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.macys.com/" target="_blank">Macy's</a> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.macys.com/" target="_blank">Macy's</a> card 500.00 0.00 500.00 O<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.sears.com/" target="_blank">Sears</a> <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.sears.com/" target="_blank">Sears</a> Card 14,000.00 0.00 14,000.00 Other Card Subtotals 15,500.00 0.00 15,500.00 Total 225,100.00 (59,023.00) 166,077.00 </pre><p></p><p>Thanks again for the great feedback! (keep it coming)</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/uz1nEZhaQok" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/uz1nEZhaQok/953431 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:48:57 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/953431 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/952134 Rating: 9 Posted By: fixfox69 <br>Views: 3243 Replies: 33 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.bankofamerica.com/promos/jump/uspsmovers/?adlink=000302072j650000d980" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>New customers only<br />-Minimum opening balance of $500<br />-Must be open for at least 30 days<br />-Minimum one transaction with check card<br />-Offer code AOU260909<br />-Offer good until 11/30/09</p><p>T&C:<br />1 To take advantage of this offer, you must use the Offer Code provided to open your qualifying new Bank of America personal checking account by 11/30/09. Bank of America may terminate the offer before this date. This offer is available only to new customers who open a new qualifying personal checking account. The new customer will receive the incentive upon verification of qualification in the incentive programs. We will deposit the $100 incentive directly into your new checking account within 90 days of its opening; if unable to do so, a check will be issued. The new customer is not eligible for this offer if they were a signer on a Bank of America checking account that was closed within the last three months. All accounts are subject to our normal approval process. Limit one offer per household. Offer does not apply to Bank of America associates, current checking customers or student checking accounts. To the extent required by law, Bank of America will report the value of the offer to the IRS. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the account holder. Reproduction, purchase, sale, transfer or trade of this offer is prohibited. For Tiered Interest personal checking accounts, the APY is as follows:For Tiered Interest personal checking accounts, the APY is as follows: Less than $10,000, 0.05 %; $10,000 - $99,999, 0.25%; $100,000 and over, 0.40%. APYs are accurate as of 09/11/2009.The APY may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings. Keep the Change patent pending.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/ZNWsbfiBm1s" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/ZNWsbfiBm1s/952134 Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:58:32 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/952134 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/949642 Rating: 14 Posted By: johnnybs <br>Views: 8600 Replies: 139 <br><br> <p>For those that missed out on the last one...</p><p>Open a new checking account and get $100 bonus.</p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=https://www.bankofthewest.com/BOW/assets/vcmStaticContent/BOW%20Internet%20Contents/Home/microsites/oao/index.html" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p><br />Offer valid from 8/12 to 10/2/09 with at least a $100 opening deposit.</p> <p>Need to either have DD of $250 or pay 10 bills online to trigger bonus.</p><p>Bonus will be deposited within 60 days.</p><p>T&C</p><p>*Open any new personal checking account, and either establish a monthly direct deposit of at least $250 to your new account or pay 10 bills online and receive a $100 bonus. The first recurring direct deposit must be posted to your account within 60 calendar days of your account opening date. The 10 bill payments must occur within 60 calendar days of your account opening date. Bonus will be credited to your account within 60 days after satisfaction of conditions. Offer valid for a new checking accounts opened from 8/1210/2/09 with $100 or more from a financial institution other than Bank of the West. Offer subject to change without prior notice and may be terminated or extended based on response. Offer does not apply to second or multiple checking accounts and/or existing checking customers. Limit of one $100 bonus per household per calendar year. To the extent required by law, Bank of the West will report the value of the offer to the IRS on Form 1099. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the account holder. All accounts are subject to the Bank's standard terms and conditions and fee schedule.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/u70eP8g_zkY" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/u70eP8g_zkY/949642 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:42:59 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/949642 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/901172 Rating: 4 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES <br>Views: 9044 Replies: 82 <br><br> <p>Inspired by this thread<br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/901150/">http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/901150/</a></p><p>Where some in UK will be paying 0% on their mortgages, this thread is a survey of FW'ers and to see who has the lowest mortgage rate.</p><p>If you think your rate is in the running for the lowest at FWF, please post your current mortgage rate and lender/loan name in the Quicksummary. Please also post a followup post detailing how you found the loan, any points/fees or other interesting info regarding the loan.</p><p>Obviously, rates are different for different products, so I have created some basic categories in the Quicksummary for fixed 30 year loans, fixed 15, ARM, Heloc, and Synthetic (aka replaced mortgage with 0% Bt money)</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/QEqT4NU9O0c" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/QEqT4NU9O0c/901172 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:09:23 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/901172 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/876619 Rating: 13 Posted By: mag72 <br>Views: 37234 Replies: 414 <br><br> <p>This is the first I've heard of it but it looks like the Chase Freedom card is the next rewards card on the chopping block. Rewards are going from 3% down to 1% and they are changing their bonus rewards program to something like what Discover does (quarterly bonus categories).</p> <p>Bummer, as this is the card I use most...</p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.thecreditcarder.com/rip-chase-freedom-rewards-card/" target="_blank">http://www.thecreditcarder.com/rip-chase-freedom-rewards-card/</a></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/dRtQxkBC7bE" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/dRtQxkBC7bE/876619 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:56:03 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/876619 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/865655 Rating: -23 Posted By: Iznop1095 <br>Views: 117161 Replies: 5237 <br><br> <p>Has anyone else received a letter from Agape World announcing that it will NOT be making the interest payment on a very large contract that was due to expire this week?</p> <p>The letter states that an unidentified borrower has been granted an additional 90 days in which to repay its loan to Agape. The letter goes on to say that as a result, Agape's investors will have to wait 90 days as well to receive their scheduled interest payment.</p><p>If anyone has information about this unexpected delay, please post. I have been unable to learn the identity of the "borrower" or the amount of the outstanding loan.</p><p>The thicket of hair on the back of my neck is starting to stiffen. Any information would be appreciated.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/Dtk_ts0PLtc" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/Dtk_ts0PLtc/865655 Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:39:17 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/865655 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/837472 Rating: 174 Posted By: gatzdon <br>Views: 188049 Replies: 4174 <br><br> <p>Currently, you can order either $250 or $500 in <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&amp;storeId=10001&amp;productId=14506&amp;langId=-1&amp;parent_category_rn=16238" target="_blank">John Quincy Adams Dollar Coins</a> from the US Mint at FACE VALUE, with FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING and pay with any major credit card.</p><p>The purpose of this is to help promote circulation of these dollar coins as there is an unwillingness of many banks to provide them to business customers free of charge.</p><p>As a coin collector, I had a tough time writing the title for this thread. I didn't want to state the obvious benefit of this deal, but I know that it's the only reason why it would appeal the FW Finance Crowd. If someone really needs it to be said, someone else can explain it down below. Personally, I posted because I hope some of you actually spend some rather than taking them straight to the bank.</p><p><br />Note: You must choose standard shipping during the order process and the shipping charge will revert to $0.00 at the final confirmation screen before your order is submitted.</p><p>Thanks uutxx and workindev for fixing the link, I updated mine also.</p><p>==</p><p>Deal is alive again.</p><p>====</p><p>Update 08/11/2008<br /><b><br /><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://catalog.usmint.gov/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=10001&amp;storeId=10001&amp;categoryId=27238&amp;langId=-1&amp;parent_category_rn=16238&amp;top_category=16238" target="_blank">Deal is alive again</a></b></p><p>You can order up to $500 of each president. Currently there are four available.</p><p>Credit goes to CPLDBAKKE for pointing it out.</p><p>====</p><p>Update 02/19/2009</p><p>Just read the Quicksummary, you guys are doing an awesome job of updating it. Not sure why all the newbies keep asking questions that are clearly answered there.</p><p>Keep up the good work.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/30ZTiK2VgJQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/30ZTiK2VgJQ/837472 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:06:18 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/837472 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/814399 Rating: 19 Posted By: guardian44 <br>Views: 105339 Replies: 2112 <br><br> <p>Just a mention for the subject CD. The jumbo version is yielding 4.9% APY. Jumbos start at US$25K. Below that the yield is lower.</p><p>Some things to consider:</p><p>Alliant allows members to name the DAY of maturity for this Share Certificate. It's a really nice feature, and allows depositors to avoid having the certificate mature on a weekend.</p><p>This certificate pays interest monthly but you CANNOT withdraw the interest. The interest is declared and paid into the account and it compounds . . . but nothing is permitted to be withdrawn until your certificate matures. So this instrument is worthless to you if you need, for example, monthly income.</p><p>You cannot open this on-line regardless it appears possible when you visit the Alliant web site. You must download the new member application and download the share certificate application, fill both out following the instructions, and send them in with your check. There are also other less favorable funding options, which I did not use.</p><p>Finally, membership is straightforward. Just join your local PTA or PTO and you qualify. You can also join the NATIONAL PTA but that costs $25. For me to join my local PTO cost exactly $1.</p><p>Here's a link to the Alliant web site to get you started:</p><p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.alliantcreditunion.org/" target="_blank">Alliant CU Link</a></p><p><b>Edit by Moderator: Clarified Title (Removed 12-17 month CD as the discussion has expanded beyond that)</b></p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/ItYWVj7JBys" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/ItYWVj7JBys/814399 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:26:42 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/814399 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/797165 Rating: 36 Posted By: glxpass <br>Views: 39597 Replies: 436 <br><br> <p>The purpose of this topic is to discuss general issues related to Reward Checking accounts, such as:</p><p>* Questions about Reward Checking accounts.</p><p>* Are Reward Checking accounts worth the bother of having to satisfy their various requirements per statement cycle, which generally consist of making a minimum number of debit card transactions (usually 10, sometimes more), making an ACH transaction, receiving e-statements, and signing in to the bank or CU's on-line banking system?</p><p>* Should we (or can we) motivate a bank or CU to continue to offer its reward checking product at favorable terms? This question particularly applies to those reward checking products that are available nationally and/or have high or no caps on the balances earning the high interest rate.</p><p>* Strategies and discussion about how to meet requirements of Reward Checking accounts.</p><p>I believe a separate topic is warranted in order to centralize discussion about these issues and avoid duplication of these discussions on other Reward Checking account threads. The need for this thread is becoming increasingly apparent as we see savings interest rates drop due to various economic problems, such as the mortgage mess. Pure speculation, but Reward Checking accounts might become one of the few liquid deposit account products that still offer reasonable interest rates.</p><p>Thread suggestions: It's fine in this thread to link to relevant threads, and even mention specific products, but let's avoid unnecessary repetition of information from those referenced threads and about the specific products. All contributions and opinions (that are explained) are welcome!</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/_lpCfOged4M" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/_lpCfOged4M/797165 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 17:40:08 -0600 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/797165 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/753672 Rating: 45 Posted By: dolmar <br>Views: 61334 Replies: 603 <br><br> <p><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=https://www.citicards.com/cards/wv/cardDetail.do?screenID=927" target="_blank">Link</a></p><p>Note This is a Charge Card and not a credit card. Free first year but $99 annual fee after first year unless you got a Citigold account.</p><p>Earn great rewards, access to VIP airport lounges, companion air tickets, and 15,000 bonus ThankYou Points after $300 in purchases. You will even earn 5 ThankYou Points for every dollar spent on purchases at supermarkets, drug stores and gas stations and 3 ThankYou Points on other purchases for 24 months from the date you become a cardmember. Theres no pre-set spending limit.</p><p><br />IMO this is pretty hot even if you pay the annual fee as it a nice way to get 5X TYP on EDS and 3X on all other purchases. Also comes with free Priority Pass membership just like Citi Chairman card. I have a felling thoses clubs are going to start to get very crowed.</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/1dgExewktxc" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/1dgExewktxc/753672 Thu, 02 Aug 2007 22:29:59 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/753672 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/633310 Rating: 10 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES <br>Views: 20741 Replies: 176 <br><br> <p>first <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/arcmessageview.php?catid=52&amp;threadid=217862">see the archived thread</a></p><p>There was a lot of good info there. There has been recent interest in this topic, and I would like to hear from current readers of FW who have experience with Private Banking/Private Client services.</p><p>Let's also compile a list of private banking/"near" private banking info for future reference in the quick summary</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/jqpW7JM3rMU" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/jqpW7JM3rMU/633310 Sat, 15 Jul 2006 07:45:17 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/633310 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/100210 Rating: 10 Posted By: DaveHanson <br>Views: 98691 Replies: 1299 <br><br> <p>This is thread for discussing how to best use the "<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Cash Rebate Card," first introduced in the summer of 2002, and its sucessor, the "<a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Blue Cash Rebate Card," which was launched in Spring 2003. Im hoping that this thread will clarify how these cards function and help us maximize their potential. <b>Many changes have been made to these cards since their launch over give years ago. Obsolete provisions and strategies have been italicized for quick identification. </b><br /><br />These cards replace the older <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Platinum Cash Rebate Card, and has some very interesting but complex features. The <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> page on the card is <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www66.americanexpress.com/cards/Fmacfservlet?csi=66/20/b/3/2156424735/214225527285/20/n&amp;from=0 ." target="_blank">here</a><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Costco Cash Rebate card has NOT been replaced, but is not as attractive a product as the newer card, since rebates top out at 2% (no everyday-spend category), and it offers no singnificant advantages over this newer card. Thus even regular costco buyers users should probably opt for Cash Rebate Card product.<br /><br /><b>For any known temporary promotions applicable to this card, see bottom of this post.</b><br /><br /><b>Edited 8/06: the cap on the top tier has been removed, and <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> has stressed that the card is to be used for personal purchases only.</b> <br /><br /><b>Edited 11/08 to remove the lingering reference to bonds.</b></p><p><br />Here is the excerpt verbatim from my most recent statement:<br /><br /><span class="post_quote">Rebate We are removing the cap on the total amount of annual eligible purchases that can qualify for a Rebate. We are also making additional changes to the Rebate section of your Agreement. Accordingly, effective with Rebate Years ending on or after September 1, 2006, the second sentence of the Rebate section of your Agreement is deleted, and the last sentence of the first paragraph of that section is deleted and replaced with the following: "For the first $6,500 of Eligible Purchases (as defined below), the rebate percentage is 1% for Everyday Purchases (as defined below) and 0.5% for all other Eligible Purchases; for Eligible Purchases of $6,500.01 or more, the rebate percentage is 5% for Everyday Purchases and 1.5% for all other Eligible Purchases." <br /><br /><br /><br />Also, effective with billing periods beginning on or after September 1, 2006, the first sentence of the second paragraph of the Rebate section of your Agreement is deleted and replaced with the following: ""Everyday Purchases" are Eligible Purchases at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and drug stores, in each case that are not departments of superstores or warehouse clubs." In addition, effective with Rebate Years ending on or after September 1, 2006, the first sentence of the fourth paragraph of the Rebate section of your Agreement is replaced with the following: "You will receive the Rebate in the form of credit to your Account approximately one month after the end of the applicable Rebate Year." <br /><br /><br /><br />Using the Card Effective with billing periods beginning on or after September 1, 2006, the following sentences are added to the end of the second paragraph of the Using the Card section of your Agreement: "A maximum of 3 Additional Cards are permitted on your Account. You agree to use the Account only for legitimate purchases of goods and services for personal, family or household purposes."</span post_quote><b>Cash Rewards Structure after 5/7/05</b><br /><br /><br /><br />"Rebate percentage for each Rebate Year are as follows: For the first $6500 of Eligible Purchases, the rebate is 1% for Everyday Purchases and 0.5% for all other eligible purchases. For Eligible Purchases of $6500.01 to $50000, the rebate percentage is 5% for everyday purchases and 1.5% for all other Eligible Purchases."<br /><br /><br /><br />Note that this is MUCH simpler than the previous rebate structure. First, there is no longer any "revolve bonus" (discussed below), ending controversy over what will allow a cardholder to get it, and how the annual bonus will be computed. It also makes it much easier to check to see what the annual bonus should be, since the only tricky part is figuring out what qualifies for ED spending and what does not. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><b>Basic Cash Rewards Structure before 5/8/05</b> (now italicized to indicate its obsolescence)<br /><br /><br /><br />First and most interesting is the Cash rebate structure.<br /><br /><br /><br />The Cash reward is paid annually, 2 months after your cards anniversary date, in the form or a credit to your statement. There are 2 classes of purchases: Everyday Spend, including merchants that <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> codes as qualifying stand-alone U.S. supermarkets, drugstores, gas stations and home improvement stores in the US. For a list of merchants that fall within this category, see taylor's <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=52&amp;threadid=107938">AMEX everyday spend merchant classification</a> thread. Assuming you carry no balance, the reward structure for these is:<br /><br />First $0-2K of TOTAL annual purchases spent on Everyday Spend = 0.5% rebate<br />Next 2K-6K of TOTAL annual purchases spent on Everyday Spend = 1.0% rebate<br />Next 6K-50K of TOTAL annual purchases spent on Everyday Spend = 3.0% rebate<br /><br />So if you spent $50000 on ONLY Everyday Spend and NEVER carried a balance, youd get a total of $1370 back.<br /><br />The reward level for all other purchases is exactly HALF of the above table: .25%, .5%, and 1.5% respectively. If someone purchases Everyday Spend items and other items on the same day, <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> gives you the benefit of the doubt and adds the other items to your total FIRST, maximizing your possible rebate.<br /><br /><b>Revolve Bonus Rebate</b><br /><br />The Card boosts the rebate credited during months where a balance is carried with a so-called revolve bonus. If, in any billing period, your Account is carrying a balance, you will receive a 2.0% rebate for Everyday Spend and a 0.50% rebate for Non-Everyday Spend posted to your Account that billing period, in addition to your rebate described above.Carrying a balance means you have not paid your outstanding balance for your statement in full by the payment due date on that statement.<br /><br />NB: The best evidence we have is that first-cycle purchases, like subsequent purchases, WILL be eligible for revolve bonuses if a balance from them is carried into the following payment cycle.<br /><br />EDIT 4/03: while the above language is taken from my card statement, more recent agreements contain language suggesting that making payments in one cycle (e.g., Februrary) which equal or exceed the amount due in the preceding cycle (e.g., January) will void the revolve bonus for that preceding (January) cycle. Unless you evidence to the contrary (like the above language in your cycle), I would assume that this more recent policy applies. <br /><br />Q: For a given charge, in what circumstances will I earn a revolve bonus for it? <br /><br />A: Firstly, since the revolve bonus is awarded according to repayment activity for a given cycle, either all or none of the charges in a given cycle (appearing on the same statement) will earn the bonus; it is impossible to earn the revolving bonus on some charges on a statement, and not for others on the same statement. In order to earn the revolve bonus for all of the charges on a given statement, the payments you make that post during the following cycle (the time period between the end date printed on the statement in question and the end date of the next statemnt) must NOT be equal to or greater than the balance due on the staetment in question. For example, if you want to earn a revolving bonus on the charges on your statement that closed January 15th with a balance due of $1000, and your next statement is due to close February 15th, your payments made between 1/15 and 2/15 must NOT total more than $999.99. It does not matter at all for "balance carrying" purposes for the 1/15 statement charges if you made a $10,000 charge on 1/16 and your "current balance due" goes to $11,000 (although it WILL matter for how much interest you will be charged!) (Thanks to MarkM for proposing this clarification.)</i><br /><br /><b>Other Features Of The Card:</b><br /><br />-Purchases through the first 6 billing cycles earn a 0% teaser rate. To confirm, check the Supplement to the Cardmember Agreement, which is contained on the sheet of paper to which your primary card was attached. <br /><br />-Then, a variable rate of Prime plus 4.99%, 6.99% or 9.99%, depending on ones credit history. Once you receive the Card, check the Supplement to the Cardmember Agreement mentioned above to determine your specific rate. Note that this is UNLIKE Blues FIXED rate, and is subject to change with short-term rates. Finance charges are computed based on a one-cycle average daily balance method, with interest compounding daily.</p><p>-Online Fraud Protection Guarantee. Use the American Express Card online, and you won't be responsible for any unauthorized charges. Period. No fine print, no deductible - just pure protection, so you can shop with confidence anywhere on the Internet.<br /><br />-Buyer's Assurance. The Buyer's Assurance Plan extends the terms of the original manufacturer's warranty on a covered product purchased entirely with the Card up to one additional year on U.S. warranties of five years or less.<br /><br />-Purchase Protection Plan. The Purchase Protection Plan provides added protection-at no extra cost-for accidental damage to or theft of covered items purchased with the Card. Basically, 90 days of this protection per item totally purchased with the Card.<br /><br />-Travel Accident Insurance. Travel Accident Insurance provides up to $100,000 in accidental death and dismemberment insurance while traveling on a common carrier (plane, train, ship, or bus) when the fare has been charged to the Card.<br /><br />There are other features, but they seem trivial (emergency replacement, 24 hour cash at ATMs, etc.) Note that <b>this card does NOT have the BVG</b> (price-matching, best value guarantee)no newly issued free <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> cards have that anymore <b>UPDATE: except Costco's Small Business <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a></b>.<br /><br /><b>Other Relevant Notes About <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Cards</b><br /><br />-Unlike with many other cards, you cannot change your billing cycle dates without canceling and reopening your card, and therefore waiting for a new one. (Silly, but this has been confirmed time and again by users and 3 <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> departments.) <br /><br />-With good credit, you can often get approved online instantly. (No one has reported instant purchase capabilty, however--you need to wait until the card arrives in the mail to start using it.) That approval date then becomes the first date of your billing cycle. Keep this in mind when you pick your application date.<br /><br />-You are unlikely to get a large credit limit if either (1) you have limited credit history or (2) you have another large <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> line. If this is your only <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> product and your credit is good, you may call the new accounts team at 1-800-947-8192 and request a higher credit limit upon getting the card. This has to be done within the first 30 days of account's opening, from what I understand. <br /><br />-You can easily move part of one <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> line to another, and vice versa. I had a $20,000 Blue line, and moved $18,000 of it to the $2,000 Cash Rebate line. Supposedly it would take a couple of business days, but it didnt take more than 3 hours to show up online and by phone (I asked for this around 3:30 PDT on a Friday.)<br /><br />-Every cardholder on an account has a different card number, and therefore is able to receive lists of only their own purchases. This is a VERY nice feature of <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> that other card issuers should follow. No wondering who charged what. Anyone over 17 can be an additional cardholder, and they dont run credit or ask for SS#s for those folks.</p> <br /><p><b>Optimal Strategies for Using the <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Cash Rebate Card</b><br /><br /><br />Here are my thoughts, roughly from the obvious to the less so :</p><p>-EXPLOIT THE 0% OFFER AS MUCH AS IS FEASIBLE. This is a great deal, since it lets you stack both no interest AND a generous (if well-exploited) rebate. This suggests getting as big a line as possible, ideally by moving some of a line over from another card.<br /><br />-BURN THROUGH THE FIRST TIER QUICKLY, THAN PARK EEVERYDAY SPENDING HERE. If you can find a way to spend $6,500 on this card fairly quickly, then you can earn %5 on the next <b>$43,500</b> in ED spending without having to worry about carrying a balance. No other card comes close to allowing amounts this high on anything &gt;2% cash rebate, much less 5%. This remains the card to use, then, if your ED spending needs are high.<br /><br /><i><b>EDIT 3/05</b>: The following strategy notes are obsolete as of 5/05, due to the revised tier structure. <br /><br />Also, the BEST deal is offered by the card by charging items early within the first 6 billing cycles. Then, you get the benefits of carrying a balance without paying for it (with the possible exception of the first cycle--see above for more on that.) For example, if youre building or remolding a home and using heavily a place like <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.homedepot.com/" target="_blank">Home Depot</a>, you will make out like a BANDIT if you can time your project so that you purchase your supplies at the beginning of the 2d billing cycle. 5% back (if youve reached that tier already), AND 4-5 months interest free. AMAZING. <br /><br />-ONCE THE 0% PROMO ENDS, consider carefully whether you want to try carrying balances after the promo period expires in order to get the bonus rebate. For many, this will be more trouble than its worth. The rate is variable to begin with, and for many it will be difficult to keep track of whether their balance-carry bonuses will warrant the finance charges. <br /><br />-IF YOU DO want to play the balance-carry bonus game, then you stand conventional grace period wisdom on its head. Instead of maximizing this period by buying stuff early in your billing cycle, you want to buy as late as possible during your billing cycle so that your ending balance is high, but your average daily balance is low. <br /><br />-WHEN TO APPLY. If you KNOW you want the carry-balance bonuses after the promo period, AND want to buy savings bonds, apply online at or near the first of the month. Youll want to buy bonds at the end of the month (for reasons explained on the bond threads), but will want to have them post to your <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> account at the tail end of your cycle IF you want to get a revolve bonus. OTOH, if you know you dont want to carry a balance, apply a few days before the end of the month so that you can buy end-of-month bonds just after your billing cycle begins. IF YOU ARENT SURE, do ahead and get a date of around the 24th of the month. That will give you the option of doing either without forgoing much of the benefits from either of the above strategies.<br /><br />2 specific strategies:<br /><br /><b>-big initial purchase, then maximize everyday purchases</b><br /><br />This is simple: the first day you get your card, buy $6K of bonds, tuition, business expenses, etc. if your credit limit is at least that high. This way you blow through the first two tiers, and have the rest of the year to rack up the huge 3-5% bonuses on everyday purchases. If you have a large family, rentals, many Costco purchases, or expensive drugs, you might well do this up to the $44K maximum without much work. Otherwise, consider giving additional user cards to TRUSTED family members, and having them make all their everyday purchases on the card and reimburse you. (Since bills are itemized at the end of the month, this isnt as hard as it otherwise might be, especially since if they set up an online account it will report ALL and ONLY THEIR purchases, and export them to <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.quicken.intuit.com" target="_blank">Quicken</a>/money etc.) I began implementing the big purchase then max everyday strategy on 8/2, by buying $6K worth of bonds as soon as my credit limit was raised to $20K.</p> <br /><p><b>balance-carry, and maximize everyday purchases</b><br /><br />If a person truly has lots of everyday purchases, this might be better. Once the 2d cycle begins and a balance is generated, pay only the minimum payment due, and buy everyday purchases rapidly (as in the construction example above.) <br /><br />Once the promo period ends, it makes sense to pay your bills to as early and as heavily as possible WITHOUT completely paying off your balance. Were still determining exactly how that is best done, since <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> uses a somewhat different method of establishing when a balance is paid off.</i></p> <br /><p><b>UPDATE 2/27/05: <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> is offering "double <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/stores.php">Cash Back</a>" between 3/1/05 and 4/15/05 for for users who register. While it says it's only for targeted members, many are able to register despite not being targeted. Full details are available in <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/442395/">this</a> thread (thanks hud500).<br /><br /><br />UPDATE 3/30/05: It has now been confirmed that ALL users get the new tiers as of May 8. The above analysis has been updated to reflect this</b><br /><br /><br />Please post questions, corrections, and other strategies here, as well as suggestions for additional thread editsI will try to update this initial post regularly.</p> <p><br />Thanks to taylor (who at this point deserves co-author credit), NotAfool, SUCKISSTAPLES, nooch, MarkM, and all the others who helped gather the info that comprises this thread.</p><br /><p>(Edited 4/17/03 to include MarkM's example. Edited 5/24/03 to clarify that <a href="http://www.fatwallet.com/redirect/bounce.php?afsrc=1&mid=0&url=http://www.americanexpress.com/" target="_blank">AMEX</a> Cash Blue has the same rewards structure. There are no other functional differences between the green Cash Rebate card begun in mid-2002 and the Blue Cash card begun in early 2003. Edited 2/05 to include the double cash-back promotion. Edited 3/05 to include revised tiers.)</p><p><hr><a href="http://www.fatwallet.com">Online Coupons</a><br><br><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~4/5Rk7_EA9MWE" height="1" width="1"/> http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/FatwalletFinance/~3/5Rk7_EA9MWE/100210 Sat, 03 Aug 2002 01:43:14 -0500 http://www.fatwallet.com/t/52/100210