Fatwallet.com Finance

MSNBC: To lower rates, Citi customers must spend

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:43:15 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: JW
Views: 132 Replies: 1

MSNBC is reporting some customers who had a rate increase may be able to lower rate by spending.

IF you received such a letter, please post the type of Citibank card you have. I'm currious which cards by card type this applies to.

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Holiday Shopping

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:18:18 -0600

Rating: -6 Posted By: IAskStupidQuestions
Views: 147 Replies: 4

Which online shopping sites give you the most bang for the buck?

Since pig flu is going around, I will avoid any kind of public contact in the next two months. Where should I purchase my gifts?

In the past I have used the American Airlines AAdvangage shopping site, but I really don't need anymore frequent flyer miles right now. I have also used the Citibank Thank You site, but since I have just cashed in all of my points for a student loan rebate, it will now take a long time before I get enough points for a new reward. I tried the Bank of America Add it Up site but I have not received any kind of Cash Back like they promised. Wachovia/Wells Fargo also has some sort of rewards program but it seems like it would take an eternity or someone who loves to throw money away before any kind of award was gained.

Any other suggestion?

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Is it illegal to advertise with a competitors name is your ad?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:49:06 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: blok
Views: 685 Replies: 40

One of my google ads online says "tired of (insert competitor)? Try (insert my company)"

I received an email from the competitors lawyer to take the ad down or they will persue legal action. Are they trying to scare me or do they actually have a case? This would be similar to verizon vs at&t ads.

I have until the 27th to comply so I thought I would see if anyone has experience with this scenario.

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can my coop search my apartment ?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:12:59 -0600

Rating: -1 Posted By: doctorman
Views: 649 Replies: 31

I live in coop bldg and the super is a bit nut.

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.

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.

he requested that the management should come and search our apartment for it. is that allowed? do we HAVE TO ACCEPT the search?
if the washer dryer is not causing any trouble for the neighbors can the coop force us to search the apt?
and if we do not allow it can they fine us for not allowing the search?

would appreciate the help...

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Bank of America Add it Up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:09:22 -0600

Rating: -3 Posted By: IAskStupidQuestions
Views: 195 Replies: 3

Why does it take so long before your Cash Back is credited? How long does it take because I've been waiting for months and I could really use the $1.57 that I have been expecting to do my holiday shopping.

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My First AOR - Extra Cash to pay bills

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:38:40 -0600

Rating: -9 Posted By: jj9793
Views: 96 Replies: 3

Ok guys I'm new here and have decided to do my first AOR
to get a little extra money. My hours were cut at work so
if I can make some extra money to help pay the bills that would
be great.

I called my local bank and told them I want to do an AOR with them,
but they said they don't have that option. I told them that I read
about it on Fatwallet.com and they said they'd look into it, but
they don't offer AOR accounts.

I guess local banks don't offer them? Should I stick to the big
national banks like Citi and Chase? Any advice and tips would
be appreciated, thanks.

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Unfreeze a credit report?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:35:20 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: DreamSun
Views: 145 Replies: 5

Hi there. I froze my credit report from Experian. But most of the CC companies pulled my report from Experian and I am sure some of them wouldn't pull other bureaus instead.

So in that case, do I need to temporarily unfreeze my experian report for a short time like 2 months? Or can I just wait till CC companies deny my application?

When they decline my application, will simply giving them my access PIN for unfreezing work for the cc companies, or do I need to unfreeze the report exclusively myself?

I just want to give the access to those that require Experian report only, rather than those that can pull from other two bureaus instead, in order to minimize the number of hard inquiries on my Experian report.

Thanks.

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$10 (max $40 per parent account) for opening Paypal Student Account

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:35:14 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: VerbalK
Views: 182 Replies: 9

https://www.paypal-promo.com/PayPalStudentAccount/parentemail.js...

I got this as a targeted email for on of my accounts... but logging into others, the promo banner occassionally shows up anyway, so I don't think this is targeted.

It appears churn worthy, but I'm guessing if this gets out of hand, paypal could start verifying that some of these kids exist.

I thinking of adopting the entire 8th grade of my local jr. high school.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Your new Student Account holder will receive $10 when you open a Student Account no later than November 20, 2009 (Offer). Offer begins November 12, 2009 12:00:00 AM PST and ends November 20, 2009 11:59:00 PM PST. To receive the Offer, you must: 1) have a U.S. PayPal account in good standing, 2) receive an email directly from PayPal inviting you to participate in this Offer, 3) accept the Offer terms when prompted to, and 4) open a new Student Account between November 12, 2009 and November 20, 2009. The $10 USD will be deposited into the Student Account no later than December 18, 2009. Maximum amount allowed under this Offer is limited to $40 for all Student Accounts under one parent account.
PayPal and American Eagle Outfitters reserve the right to cancel, suspend or modify part of or this entire Offer at any time without notice, for any reason in their sole discretion. This Offer cannot be resold, transferred or combined with any other Offer or discount. American Eagle Outfitters Inc. Employees are not eligible for this Offer.

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NEW rev. dec 2009 Form 5405 (First Time HB tax credit) ??

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:10:04 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: hiroler
Views: 161 Replies: 3

Has anyone seen the new Form 5405? I need to mail this in. If I don't find it by Wednesday, I'm going to mail the old one in...

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f5405.pdf

"Changes have been made to the first-time homebuyer credit by Public Law
111-92, the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009,
which was enacted on November 6, 2009. As a result, the 2008 Form 5405
can be used only for homes purchased before November 7, 2009, for which
an election is made to claim the credit for 2008. We will soon issue a
December 2009 revision of Form 5405. The December 2009 revision will be
for use for all homes purchased after November 6, 2009 (whether the credit
is claimed for 2008 or for 2009) and for all claims on 2009 returns for
homes purchased any time in 2009."

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Government Agencies Investing In Private Businesses For Fun and Profit

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:09:51 -0600

Rating: -2 Posted By: tripleB
Views: 231 Replies: 12

I was reading an article on CNBC about a man who is suing Harrah's casino for losing money gambling, and in it, contains information that CalPERS - California's state pension fund, has invested money into Harrah's casino.

Does anyone else see the conflict of interest here? A government agency investing in a private corporation and having a large vested interest in it? What if Harrah's decides to open a casino in California? Perhaps California with a financial interest, may decide to open up gambling laws for them?

Imagine the state of Nevada's pension fund was invested heavily in Harrahs. The judge hearing the case knows that his pension is on the line and rules in favor of Harrahs.

Is there anything to prevent government entities from investing in private corps and manipulating legislation as a conflict of interest?

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Trans Union Settlement Update

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:09:13 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: ppatin
Views: 207 Replies: 1

It looks like the Trans Union settlement that gets you nine months of free credit monitoring is finally going somewhere. According to ListClassAction.com: "E-mails explaining how to begin receiving credit monitoring benefits will be distributed to eligible Class Members December 2009 through February 2010."

About time.

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Any tax consequences: cap gains dist. on shorted ETF

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:05:14 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: nmphage
Views: 155 Replies: 6

I think I just got very lucky. I short sold a 3x bull ETC (TYH) last week. They announced a capital gains distribution last night and the ETF opened 10% lower this morning. I bought (closed) part of my position this morning to make myself feel smart.
Are there any tax consequences (other than my short-term gain?)?
I didn't own any shares so I don't have any distribution, so that shouldn't affect me.
This seems like a very nice arbitrage play: short ETFs with expected high distributions. Am I missing something? Maybe I'm cynical but I didn't really think guys sitting around in their underwear get to make arbitrage plays.

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How to create first budget

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:48:46 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: mwa423
Views: 433 Replies: 22

Long time lurker, first time FWF poster.

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.

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)).

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!

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Amex change of terms, getting back at them for fun and ??

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:47 -0600

Rating: -3 Posted By: MeraNamJoker
Views: 454 Replies: 9

I got a 'terms' change addendum to my current billing statement (AMEX 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 ..

"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.
I have stellar credit score (near 800) and not even single negative item. I will be perfectly be fine even if AMEX closes this card.

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."

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.

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....

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:21:14 -0600

Rating: -14 Posted By: heiNey
Views: 615 Replies: 18

...

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Excess 403(b) contribution

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:20 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: dataadmin
Views: 207 Replies: 1

My wife's employer has taken more than the $16,500 limit out of her paycheck into the 403(b) supplemental retirement account this year. She is not over 50 so is subject to the regular limit (no catch-up amounts). We are perfectly fine with contributing more than the limit if they will let us. In fact, we would love to keep contibuting. But, I'm wondering if we should tell the payroll department or just let them keep taking money out of her check and putting it into the 403(b) account. The payroll system was supposed to cut off contributions after the limit was reached, but didn't do so. There are no matching funds involved. What do you think?

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Changed jobs what to do with 401K

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:12:19 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: raspino
Views: 283 Replies: 2

I have about 18K with a previous employer. I do not want to roll it over to my current employer. Rather, I have opened a retirement account at Schwab and getting ready to do a rollover. I intend to convert this 401K and other retirement accounts to a Roth next year. My questions is:

Will I benefit by rolling over to Schwab now or wait until I am ready to convert? That is, assuming the investmeents would provide the same amount of returns from either my employer's 401 K manager or Schwab.

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HSBC Weekend Card, do you ever get claimed 2%?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:53:53 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: yangz00g
Views: 274 Replies: 2

If you have a HSBC weekend master card claiming give you 2% reward for purchases made over weekend, check your reward and see if you get 2%. I made over 50 purchases on past Sats. and Suns, but never given the 2%. The CR said that the transcation must take place over weekend and must be posted to your account over weekend to qualify for the 2%. When I check my transactions, all of them made over weekend, no matter Sat. or Sun., were only posted to my account on the following Monday (clearly, they won't be posted over weekend!), so none of them qualifies for the 2%.

I am also thinking of suing HSBC for misleading customers ( I am in FL), any information or suggestion is highly appreciated.

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Arizona Tells Universal Healthcare to Go F-Itself

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:02:03 -0600

Rating: -3 Posted By: tripleB
Views: 2102 Replies: 78

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.

http://www.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2009/06/26/arizona-hcr2014-n...

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Equifax offers free credit score card

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:38:50 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: retmil
Views: 477 Replies: 10

Equifax Credit Score Card is absolutely FREE--consumers are not required to provide their credit card information in order to receive it and are under no obligation to purchase other Equifax products. Consumers can get their FREE Equifax Credit Score Card at www.equifax.com/creditscorecard. Access to the product is available through the Equifax Member Center for 30 days.

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Citi - Customize Your Balance Transfer Offer (Targeted)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:19:23 -0600

Rating: 7 Posted By: squid3
Views: 730 Replies: 9

Today I receive a balance transfer offer from Citi for my Driver's Edge card. This card has a 0 balance and has been basically sitting unused since I opened it over a year and a half ago. I usually see BT offers in my online account as well as mailed offers, but they are always uncapped. The offer today was similar, 0% until July 2010 or 1.99% until Feb 2011, both with uncapped fees. Of course, I was about to toss the offer, but then I caught the bottom part of the letter that said "Or, Customize your balance transfer". It instructed me to go to buildyourbalancetransfer.CitiCards.com and enter the personal invitation code from the letter.

While the configurations of the available offers for me personally was nothing to get excited about, I think it is an interesting approach, and definitely gives the cardholder more options. It let me choose a rate from 0, 0.99, 1.99, 2.99, 3.99 and 4.99%, a duration from either 6, 8, 12 or 15 months, and a fee of 3% uncapped, 3% with $99 max, 3% with $150 max, and 3% with $199 max. Of course if you choose 1 option, say, rate of 0%, it will grey out the options that are not available in combination with that selection.

Is this something that has been around for awhile? This is the first time I have seen this.

I searched and didn't see any discussion on this so I thought I would throw it out there to see if anyone had any interesting similar offers.

Here are the different configurations that were available to me:

RateDuration (mo)Fee
0.00%6 months3%, $199
0.00%8 months3%, uncapped
0.99%6 months3%, $150
0.99%8 months3%, $199
0.99%12 months3%, uncapped
1.99%6 months3%, $99
1.99%8 months3%, $150
1.99%12 months3%, $199
1.99%15 months3%, uncapped
2.99%8 months3%, $99
2.99%12 months3%, $150
2.99%15 months3%, $199
3.99%12 months3%, $99
3.99%15 months3%, $150
4.99%15 months3%, $99

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The Relationship Between Your Credit Score and Credit Limit, research by CreditKarma

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:34:15 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: pisistratus
Views: 935 Replies: 7

Link-a-zoo

This is a research recently performed by CreditKarma that shows a relationship between credit score and credit limit. I'm sure AOR people scored on the top margins.

If their chart show the national average, than one knows what to expect in credit limits these days.

Keep in mind that CreditKarma is a commercial firm, and do not expect it to be purely academic.

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Save $2 on Discover Gift Cards

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:01:42 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: pisistratus
Views: 452 Replies: 4

Enter promo code "GIFT2" at checkout through Dec. 31

Gift cards can be personalized with a name and message

Choose any dollar denomination from $20$500

Accepted at millions of locations

Advertised as free shipping

To find this offer, log in to your Discover CC acount.

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Interesting article regarding the whole Tip debate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:43:00 -0600

Rating: 25 Posted By: gatzdon
Views: 3683 Replies: 99

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20091119_College_stud...

Interesting article about two college students that refused to pay the 18% gratuity
that was added to the bill by the bar. The students cited very poor service. The
bar turned around and had them arrested for not paying it.

I find it hard to believe that any charges would hold as the plain definition of the
word "Gratuity" indicates something given "voluntarily". If the restaurant truly
wanted to make the tip mandatory, my opinion is that they shouldn't use the word
gratuity.

Since I'm not a lawyer, I'd be curious what the lawyers here think. Are these
two students screwed, or do they actually have a case against the police and the bar?

Edit: Thanks to wordgirl for posting a better link for the story.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf?/base/news-1/125843433282150.xml&coll=3

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financial short fiction: The Day the Dollar Died

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:29 -0600

Rating: 4 Posted By: JTFH
Views: 712 Replies: 4

I'm probably going to get a yard stick of red, but I thought this was a reasonably well thought out and entertaining end of dollars scenario... Here's to hoping it doesn't happen.

Check out the full article here:
http://johngaltfla.com/blog3/2009/11/18/the-day-the-dollar-died/

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Important: Negative Divergences quietly piling up in stock market

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:16:29 -0600

Rating: 7 Posted By: MarketVViz
Views: 2725 Replies: 54

Here is the list of negative divergences I have observed recently:

1)More and more amateurs have been betting on a lower U.S. dollar and higher gold prices in recent weeks, especially following the media hype about gold's new all-time high, the U.S. dollar index has barely budged over the past month. Every time DXY goes below 75 you get a headline about it on DrudgeReport, and yet for almost a month, this has been a firm bottom, the failure to move lower despite all of the hype, media fanfare, and anticipation from mainstream dollar bears, is an important signal. DXY frequently falls below 75 in the morning as amateurs eagerly sell short the greenback; by the end of the day or the following day at the latest, it regains the 75 level as important buyers repeatedly step in. Since the financial markets love to move in the direction of least resistance, any repeated failed attempt in one direction will almost always lead to an attempt in the opposite direction.

2)From October 24, 2008 through September 4, 2009, gold mining shares substantially outperformed the price of gold bullion. Since then, gold mining shares have struggled while gold bullion has continued to make new all time highs. This is one of the best-established negative divergences in the financial markets, and is almost surely sending an important message. If gold mining shares are unable to respond positively to a new all-time high for the price of gold, then a sharp surge in the U.S. dollar index is just around the corner. This would explain why some of the world's wealthiest investors have been turning to the safe haven of U.S. Treasuries, as is evidenced by the bounce in TLT from its recent important bottom of 92.45 on November 12, 2009 (last Thursday).

3)TLT (U.S. Treasuries fund averaging 25 years to maturity), has been forming a bullish pattern of higher lows since June 11, which is more than five months ago. The normal historic pattern is that in advance of any stock-market downturn, U.S. Treasuries will move higher for a certain number of weeks in advance.

4)Fund flows show that amateurs have become increasingly eager buyers not only of gold mining shares, but to a lesser extent of general equity funds. Meanwhile, corporate insiders have recently stepped up the already accelerated pace of their selling relative to their buying, while the percentage of cash held by mutual funds has been sharply decreasing.

5)Looking at global currencies, even the mighty Australian dollar, which tends to be among the most aggressive in eagerly anticipating any wave of global economic expansion, has moved generally sideways since October 20, 2009. The Canadian dollar has been making notably lower highs, as have the New Zealand dollar, the South African rand, the Brazilian real, and many other currencies of countries which have a high ratio of commodities to people. The struggle for these currencies to make higher highs in what otherwise would appear to be a highly favorable environment is a notable negative divergence for both equities and commodities.

6)Semiconductor shares have become one of the most notable underperformers in recent months, which is significant since this sector has been a reliable leading indicator of the general equity market since the late 1960s. Today's closing price for SMH was 26.07, which is barely changed from its July 30, 2009 intraday high of 25.56. When an important leading sector has virtually no net change for 3-1/2 months, it is sending an important message.

7)The widening discrepancy between the S&P 500 and the Russell 2000 (RUT). While the S&P 500 is just below its 2009 zenith, the Russell 2000 is more than 4% below its annual high. Perhaps even more importantly, the S&P 500 has continued to form a pattern of higher highs in November, whereas the Russell 2000 peaked on September 23, 2009--nearly two months ago. If you look back to 2007, you will see that the S&P 500 completed its ultimate high on October 11, 2007, whereas the Russell 2000 touched its all-time high on July 13, 2007, just about exactly three months earlier.

8) VIX, a reliable historic measure of implied volatility, has barely changed since July 24, 2009 when it made an intraday low of 23.00. Historically, this kind of behavior for VIX usually precedes a double-digit pullback for most general global equity indices.

9)Junk bonds: This sector plummeted to a 75-year low in early December 2008. HYG is an exchange-traded fund in this sector for which yesterday's closing price exactly matched its intraday high of September 18, 2009, exactly two months ago. While HYG has only been in existence for a short period of time, a long-term chart of VWEHX shows that junk bonds tend to serve as a useful leading indicator for the general equity market. The flat performance over the past two months therefore qualifies as yet another important warning that the vast majority of the stock-market rally has already occurred.

10)The Nikkei: it turned in a double-peak on September 10, at 10,513, and then 10,544 on September 24, that day the S&P 500 closed at 1,050. Note that the Nikkei is down 10% from the highs and in the past has proven to be a decent leading indicator.

The combined weight of the above negative divergences add strong support to the thesis that we will begin a severe global equity bear market some time over the next several months (0 to 5 months most likely). This bear market will likely continue for two years, and will end with much lower lows than we saw in March 2009. The greater the number of increasingly negative divergences which develop, and the more historically dramatic their behavior, the more likely that the next equity bear market will be truly spectacular.

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Why Buffett and Gates are betting on US (10 reasons)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:24:56 -0600

Rating: -2 Posted By: wotus
Views: 978 Replies: 15

Sort of interesting.

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)

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are cd rates ever coming to 7-9% again?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:16:59 -0600

Rating: -16 Posted By: Melody0
Views: 1112 Replies: 13

for now we all are hurting!!
any comments?

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bankdeals.blogspot.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:03:46 -0600

Rating: 3 Posted By: plowking
Views: 2395 Replies: 17

O my gosh I cant believe it where did it go.Is the site down temporary or gone for good.Its my bible I check it daily.
http://bankdeals.blogspot.com/

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Capital One trying to opt people in to overdraft protection

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:03:16 -0600

Rating: 5 Posted By: gosocks
Views: 720 Replies: 8

I received a call today from Capital One. The representative told me that they wanted to lower my over limit fee from $39 to $29. Great I thought, sure. So then the rep reads the disclosure. Effectively, the disclosure said that I was authorizing Capital One to approve charges that would put me over my credit limit in order to lower my overlimit fee to $29. However, if I don't authorize purchases over my limit, then it doesn't really matter what the fee is.

Has anyone else received this kind of call from Cap One? I assume that it has to do with the new Fed regulations. Rather sneaky on their part.

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Fired in Texas, denied unemployment, possible recourse? Legal advice?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:06:34 -0600

Rating: -5 Posted By: BMW335i
Views: 1549 Replies: 31

This might be a hopeless question, but it's been itching away at me for quite some time now. I was a salesperson [number 1 producer] at a retailer in Texas. I was fired about a year ago for "arguing with a fellow employee on the sales floor in front of customers" which is albeit, against the rules. I had no write ups within a year prior to that event but wasn't shocked exactly because of existing discrimination by the local management. The grounds on which I was fired were almost entirely fabricated. I wasn't too upset as it was a tough job and the commissions were diminishing rapidly, but I of course filed for unemployment and went to seek employment elsewhere. Months later I found out that I had been denied unemployment benefits because of a statement written by the aforementioned coworker [also in sales]. I was dumbfounded and very depressed. A rude lady at the TWC read the statement to me at my request, and treated me like a criminal for requesting unemployment. I gave up filing an appeal because I had no contact with anybody who could back me up as there was a signed, though false, statement that they would surely use as evidence against me. As time passed this same co-worker [which I was previously friendly with] calls me and apologizes only to tell me that she was also fired, and that she was instructed to write a statement involving fabrications against me.

I really feel abused, and I have still not been able to find full time employment. I was also about to gain additional vacation time after 1 more month of service and additional retirement benefits [valued at around $5,000]. Now that I have evidence that this statement against me was written and falsified under explicit instruction by management, Do I have any sort of recourse or hope of receiving what would be the maximum unemployment benefit for 6 months [close to $10,000] nearly a year later? I would really appreciate any help anybody would be willing to give me. This also happened during the recession, and I was one of the highest grossing salespersons in the state, so perhaps this was a lay-off scheme as I know two other similar scenarios company wide. I do realize I should have pursued action earlier, but the evidence from the former co-worker was not available to me at that time. Thanks in advance for all your help, and any advices and instructions will be much appreciated. If I could get a legal expert like CodeName47 to respond, it would be greatly appreciated!

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Employer wiretapping

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:37:24 -0600

Rating: -9 Posted By: 7890
Views: 1383 Replies: 28

Is it legal for an employer to tape office chatter and phone conversations as well as emails, without telling the employees?

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The Global Oil Scam: 50 Times Bigger than Madoff

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:36:19 -0600

Rating: 13 Posted By: SuperMxyz
Views: 3689 Replies: 64

http://seekingalpha.com/article/172797-the-global-oil-scam-50-ti...

I found this to be a well researched and sourced article. The comments below are also interesting. Is this capitalism or a system enabled by excessive government power?

Here is nycll's thread that already discusses this, I didn't see it before I posted.
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/topic_view.php?catid=52&threadid=937957&start=0

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I got hit by a car, what to do?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:35:08 -0600

Rating: 5 Posted By: IGotHitByACar
Views: 4727 Replies: 111

Hello all,

I was walking down the road last week and a car hit me, what should I do? I searched on fw, but did not find anything relevant.

Here are some facts

-I was walking on the crosswalk, the walking light was solid white.
-The driver was left turning, his light was also green
-It was raining
-An ambulance came, I went to the ER.
-I had to get an aircast at the hospital, they MADE me pay $250, or I couldn't leave, and I still owe more from the xray and MRI/CAT scan (i forgot which one was done on me)
-The doctor prescribed 2 different pain killer and muscle relaxant to help me with the pain. I have bruises all over my body, but no major fractures.

My leg is still sore after a week, and for the past few days my back and neck hurts. I want to go see a chiropractor but I am afraid his insurance company won't pay for my bills, and I do not have money right now either.

I called his insurance company, but they are not very helpful, they need the police report or they wont talk to me, but the report is not out yet.

Some of my friends suggested I find a lawyer and sue him in civil court?
What should I do?

UPDATED:
Thanks for the replies, I will try to answer as many questions as I can.

This happened in downtown Atlanta Ga. The police said I have to get the file from the central file office, which is like 30 miles away from where the accident happened. They are only open Monday - Friday from 8:30AM until 2pm. I canned, and they won't fax the information to me. Because my right leg hurts, and there is aircast on it, it makes it difficult to drive. When taking the muscle relaxant, it makes me dizzy and I would daze in and out of sleep randomly.

I stayed at the ER for 6 hours to be treated. They said I had to pay the $250 so I can be discharged. My parents came because I didn't even have the money. I don't have health insurance, but do have car insurance, I didn't call them because I don't want an increase in policy due to a claim.

I finished the drug on Sunday, but last night I couldn't sleep due to back pain, which is why I posted this on FW.

The light was solid white, not flashing green.

Which lawyer should I call? The Jacoby & Meyers someone mentioned is based in NY,LA and Miami. Do I just call a random one from the phone book?

If a chiropractor is not good, what should I do about my neck and back pain? I am having trouble falling asleep due to the pain, and I don't think taking painkillers everyday for the rest of my life is a good idea.

Updated:

I called 4 different law firm today. All of which took my information and said they would get back to me. this was around 1PM EST. However none has gotten back to me yet.

The most helpful was the one from New York, the link JimboUS gave (http://www.triallaw1.com/) she said she will try to refer me to a good lawyer down in atlanta. but still no reply from any law firms. the other 3 were local in atlanta.

I am beginning to think that perhaps the case is too small < $50,000 so not many big lawyers want to work on it.

Atlanta Central Records Office is located on 3493 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, N.W. Atlanta, Ga. 30331 which is roughly 30 miles away from where I live.

I called the hospitals around me, and none of them have a general practitioner doctor in the building, and I would have to check in the ER to get treatment. I had no idea doctors are not located inside hospitals. When I use to have health insurance, I would just go to Kaiser Permanente building, and the entire building is full of doctors.

Thanks for the help people have provided. Hopefully some lawyer will get back to me tomorrow... I plan on finding a doctor tomorrow as well...

Another note, for tomorrow, once I find a doctor, do I have to pay for that visit (or can he just bill me), if he/she does additional tests? I don't have health insurance, and do not have additional $500-$1000 sitting around.... I know some places require you to pay for the visit right then and there.... or at least a portion of it.

I went to a primary care physician and they said we had to fill out an insurance form. either the guy that hit me, or my insurance. I said can I just not fill it out, she said in order to receive treatment, I would need to fill it out first....

Now, I didn't want to go through my car insurance, but maybe I should? The lawyer did not get back to me yet so I don't know what to do!! Help!!

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Chase decided to change my rewards

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:20:49 -0600

Rating: -8 Posted By: tomiboy59
Views: 1081 Replies: 17

So I have a Chase Freedom card which gives me 3% CashBack on Gas, Fast Food, and Groceries, which was really good since I spend a lot on those. I would also get a $250 check once I hit $200 in CashBack, so a $50 bonus for waiting to cash out my rewards. Needless to say, I liked this a lot. However, I logged in today and they changed by card to a Sapphire, with some lame reward points. I don't get any of the extras I listed above. I was pretty pissed and called chase to figure out what happened. They claim they sent me a letter telling me about the change, and if I wanted to keep my old rewards that I would have to call. I never received this letter. I asked to go back my old rewards. Customer service says not possible, I say let me talk to Manager, Manager says she can't do it. If it was possible for me to keep old rewards program, it is most likely possible to go back to the old program. I tell the Manager this, and she says they will put in a work order and will let me know by mail of the result. I think this was just a tactic to get me off the phone and I am going to get a letter in 2 weeks saying that they can't do anything. Basically my question is, what can I do? I am pretty livid about this, and if I don't get to go back to my old rewards program, I want to take some action. Aside from contacting the BBB or stop using chase, is there anything I could do to get my rewards program back, or some compensation? Thanks.

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Grocery store cash back.

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:33 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: aarongyes
Views: 1825 Replies: 21

Probably a pretty stupid question, but for the life of me I can't figure it out from searching this forum or Googling. If I make use of the CashBack feature at a safeway with a credit card (perhaps a Chase Freedom, or Household Bank MC), am I going to get dinged for a cash advance? Does it count as a purchase?

Thanks.

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mastercard price protection. how good is it?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:24:43 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: link626
Views: 784 Replies: 5

has anyone ever made a claim with mastercard for price protection?

I bought an item from Amazon last month, and now Newegg is selling it for 33% cheaper, in the latest Newegg email circular.

the price difference is only 20-something bucks.

All i have to do is email them my receipt, a copy of the ad, and the claim form. but they take 7-10 days to process.

i hope they're not stingy asses with reimbursements...

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AP IMPACT: Tobacco execs quickly find tax loophole

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:36:37 -0600

Rating: 8 Posted By: Krazen1211
Views: 2574 Replies: 60

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091117/ap_on_bi_ge/us_tobacco_tax_l...

WASHINGTON With a simple marketing twist, tobacco companies are avoiding hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxes by exploiting a loophole in President Barack Obama's child health law.

Obama and Congress increased taxes on tobacco products earlier this year to pay for expanded children's health insurance, but tobacco for roll-your-own cigarettes saw a disproportionate leap, from $1.10 to $24.78 per pound. Some predicted the tax would kill the roll-your-own industry, which had offered a cheaper alternative to packaged cigarettes.

But tobacco companies quickly adapted. The Associated Press found that as soon as the tax was on the books, companies all but shut down their roll-your-own brands and reinvented them under a less-restricted, less-taxed category: pipe tobacco. It's still destined to be rolled and smoked, but it's taxed at barely a tenth the rate, $2.83 per pound.

Normally, pipe tobacco is coarser and moister than cigarette tobacco. But nothing says it has to be. In fact, the federal government says the only distinction between the two is how it's labeled. That effectively gives tobacco marketing executives an opportunity to shape the company's tax rate.

Nearly overnight, roll-your-own brands like Criss Cross and Farmers Gold came off the shelves, replaced by pipe tobacco with the same names. The cuts may be slightly different, but they're suitable for rolling. Knowing this, retailers steer customers to the new products, sometimes with a wink and a nod, sometimes with outright advertising.

"They tried to make a product within the elements of the law that they could, in fact, market as pipe tobacco," said Scott Bendett, owner of Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe in Albany, N.Y., which advertises the new pipe tobacco for hand-rolled cigarettes.

Tobacco companies say they're just trying to find a legal way to stay afloat after being saddled with an enormous tax increase.

Because the small, independent companies in the roll-your-own market are often overshadowed by the huge, publicly held cigarette companies, the sudden shift toward pipe tobacco caught researchers by surprise.

Daniel Morris, who tracks tobacco production data at the Oregon Department of Health, thought he had made a mistake when he saw April's figures. Pipe tobacco production had more than doubled in a single month. After years of producing about 270,000 pounds per month, companies put more than 566,000 pounds of pipe tobacco on the market in April.

Morris called the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which collects the data.

There was no mistake.

Over the next several months, the numbers climbed higher. In August, the most recent data available, pipe tobacco reached 1.7 million pounds, enough to roll more than 42 million packs of cigarettes.

The huge spike in production corresponded with a tremendous drop in the roll-your-own industry. Companies produced 660,000 pounds in August, down from an average of 1.5 million pounds before the tax.

"It really shows how the industry is able to respond to changes in the tax environment," Morris said.

Anti-tobacco groups say it's deception, and not just because of the taxes. While flavored cigarettes are now banned in an effort to reduce the appeal of smoking to children, no such ban applies to pipe tobacco, allowing companies to sell black cherry, vanilla and other varieties.

"This is a direct challenge to the federal government," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

The Obama administration says it is working on clearer definitions of pipe and roll-your-own tobacco. Until then, Art Resnick, a spokesman for the Tax and Trade Bureau, said there's no way to know how many companies are reinventing their brands as pipe tobacco, or whether the new offerings are just cigarette tobacco with pipes on the labels.

The tax implications could be huge. As much as $32 million a month could be lost in taxes if the sudden spike in pipe tobacco is just cigarette tobacco in disguise.

Companies say they're just trying to survive within the law. People buy roll-your-own tobacco because it's cheap, so when Washington slapped a 2,000 percent tax increase on the product, producing pipe tobacco became the affordable option. For some companies, it was the only option.

"It allowed companies to stay in business, enough to keep paying the light bills," said Cheryl Turner, vice president of M&R Holdings, a small company in Pink Hill, N.C., that manufactures Farmers Gold.

After the tax increase, the company cut staff from about 40 employees to about a dozen.

Kevin Altman, who represents a handful of small companies with the Council of Independent Tobacco Manufacturers of America, acknowledged that some companies were exploiting the loophole, packaging cigarette tobacco and marketing it as pipe tobacco.

"What are you going to do? You're trying to save the company," Altman said. "And what they're doing ... , as far as I can tell, is within the limits of the law."

Still, Altman said his companies want the government to make the definition clearer. The ambiguity hurts those companies who didn't make the marketing switch and must sell their tobacco at higher prices.

"Many times our government passes things without first taking an extra few days to say, 'What are the unintended consequences?'" Altman said. "That's what happened here."

A couple lessons here:

1. People respond to incentives.
2. People respond to incentives.
3. Due to 1 and 2, legislation that some claim is 'deficit neutral' probably isn't.
4. People respond to incentives.

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Identity theft: When does a bank's negligence make them responsible for fraud?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:36:59 -0600

Rating: 10 Posted By: couponhed
Views: 2006 Replies: 32

A few weeks ago, I found out that a fraudulent check was passed against a bank account that I hold, even though no checks were ever issued for this account. I notified the bank immediately, filled out their forms, and also sent them (certified, return receipt) a letter asking that they close this account, and under no circumstances accept further checks on it. Since receiving this notice, they have accepted two more checks against this account.

My time is valuable, and certified mail is not free. Even if they refund all overdraft fees and cancel all checks, I will be out money over this issue. The vast majority of the fraud took place after the bank had been notified in writing that fraud was taking place. To date, they have received 4 written requests to close the account and stop accepting checks but nothing has been done.

Can I sue the bank for negligence, billing them for my expenses (faxes, certified mail) and my time? CN47? What are the logistical issues with suing an out-of-state bank in small claims court? Should I reasonably expect to win?

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Northwest Savings Bank $100 checking bonus (FL, NY, PA, OH & MD)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:03:53 -0600

Rating: 6 Posted By: viptext
Views: 1114 Replies: 20

link or see the attached printable version

Offer detail:

* Offer Valid for new Northwest personal checking accounts only.
* $100 minimum opening deposit.
* To qualify, customers must initiate a monthly direct deposit of $100 or more.
* A qualifying Direct Deposit is defined as a Direct Deposit of a paycheck, pension, Social Security or other regular monthly income electronically deposited into the new account.
* The Direct Deposit must be made by an employer or outside agency. Transfer from one account to another or deposit made at branch or ATM do not qualify as Direct Deposits.
* $100 credit will be posted to the account within 7 days of the first verified Direct Deposit.
* Credit will be identified as "New Checking Account Credit" on your monthly statement.
* $100 credit is not considered part of the minimum opening balance.
* Employees and affiliates of Northwest Savings Bank are not eligible.
* $100 credit is subject to a 1099 reporting. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the account holder.

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Flushing Bank's Business Checking $100 Jump Start

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:04:21 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: fahz
Views: 370 Replies: 3

Open a Business Checking account with $500 or more and we'll Jump Start your account with an additional $100.

I have no experience with the bank just saw the add and thought maybe someone out there could benefit
Link to Flushing Bank's Business Checking offer

New monies, remain open for 6 months, expect a 1099, expires 11/30/2009

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PenFed American Express Announced Today

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:52 -0600

Rating: 19 Posted By: ltcm
Views: 5006 Replies: 41

Details here: link

Rewards program to be handled by PenFed (or so it seems); $50 annual fee (waived first year), 20,000 bonus points after $650 in purchases on the card.

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Concerns about HSAs and healthcare inflation

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:12:50 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: nergui77
Views: 1041 Replies: 11

Just looking for people's thought on this...

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.

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?

Options to consider:
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.)

[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?]

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Anyone ever use Paypal to avoid BT Fees? DIT

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:25:59 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: FWDealHunter
Views: 1133 Replies: 14

Ok, I know the title may seem confusing. What I'm trying to find out is if anyone has ever used paypal to convert a credit limit into cash. PP will take about 3% but the current rate on my card is 5% for a BT with 0% interest; however, they are also giving 0% interest for 12 months on all purchases. I figure I could make a 'purchase' through paypal and pay the 3% rather than 5% and walk away with an additional 2% of cash in hand.

I intend to use this money to pay off another high interest account and I'm not looking to open any additional cards at this time so I'm trying to work with what credit limit I do have.

Thanks.

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Using a Credit Card like a Debit Card (Prepaying "Overpaying" C.C.?)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:34:33 -0600

Rating: -13 Posted By: llcwannabe
Views: 1096 Replies: 17

I had a thought today as I realized I overpaid my credit card last month by $50 and for the first time had a negative balance. Has anyone thought of using a credit card like a debit card?

I should clarify what I mean by this. Many people enjoy debit cards because they prefer to have a set amount of money available, and slowly work their way to zero... rather then being tempted into over spending with a credit card. Now credit cards have some major perks in regards to CashBack and security. Maybe you could have the best of both worlds?

I budget about $500 every two weeks for all my expenses on my credit card. What if instead of racking up my bill, and then paying it off... if I just pay in advance. Essentially always being a step ahead of the 8-ball. For example if my balance goes to -$500 at the begin of a pay cycle, I would slowly work my way to an even balance. Never occurring any kind of debt in the process. Points would still be earned, security perks still exist, and I have any easy way to tell when I go over my budget. (Any balance over $0)

Can anyone think of any glarring reasons this would be a bad idea? I know I'd lose the opportunity cost of the money growing interest, but I have to keep the $500 in a very liquid accounts as is for payments and it's earning barely anything right now. Would the credit card companies start issuing checks to reconcile the account to an even balance? Not sure if they'd like the idea of carrying debt to me.

This might be an interesting option for couples too. Partner X and Y both have credit cards and you prepay your budgeted expenses at the beginning of the month ($500?). If partner x has a balance of $150 after two weeks, then they dip into there special piggy bank to cover the overspending, if partner y ends up with a balance of -$100... then it carries over and they start with -$600 the next week, essentially having earned extra cash to treat themselves with. I'm always looking for creative ideas for simplifying personal financing. Thoughts? Suggestions?

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Why don't you have to sign your credit card receipts anymore?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:04:46 -0600

Rating: -32 Posted By: IAskStupidQuestions
Views: 2405 Replies: 55

How am I supposed to know if I am being charged correctly if the cashier swipes my card but doesn't give me a receipt? If they make a mistake (which has happened in my favor before), will the credit card company take your word that you were overcharged if you don't have any proof?

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Did a balance transfer... please help! Think I did something wrong.

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:06:19 -0600

Rating: -12 Posted By: Animosity
Views: 1626 Replies: 42

So I needed some cash for a quick investment (not a gamble). Anyways, I have a Chase card and received a BT check offer in the mail, 0% for the first 9 billing cycles (so 9 months?) and I filled it out for almost $10,000 (CL is $10,300) asnd then wrote it to myself and deposited...

Now from what I understood, there is a fee with no cap for the transfer and the gentlemen w/ Chase said I would be paying about $280 on the $3,000... Which I understand.

My question is, every month, do I have to make a minimum maintenance payment? Or in 9 months do I just need to MAKE SURE I have paid chase back the $10,000? From what I understand, or thought I understood, all I have to do is pay before 9 months is up, no payments but I figured I'd let FW clarify as I can't afford to screw this up.

Thanks everyone!

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How do you remake a life FW style? Here's my plan. Ideas?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:15:02 -0600

Rating: 16 Posted By: greling
Views: 3423 Replies: 45

Imagine that you were recently let out of prison for felony possession and trafficking of marijuana. Some very stupid youthful mistakes that cost you some time and probably limited your career prospects. You've learned your lesson and you are dead serious about getting back on track.

This is the situation my uncle is in. He has a Net Worth of exactly $0, meaning he has no assets but also no debt and no credit history. He is also 40 years old, single and childless, so he has 25 years left to invest and save for retirement at 65 and no kids or wife to save for.

How does a man in his situation and of his dedication re-invent himself? He is very VERY motivated. He understands that he may have to start at working in fast food, construction, washing dishes or janitorial services, but if that's what it takes, he's willing to do it if it means going straight.

I have come up with a few ideas so far.

First, I will be helping him open a free checking account that has no maintenance fees and no minimum balance. I will gladly lend him the amount of $8.95 shipped to order him a cheap box of designer checks on-line. I will teach him how to use and balance a check register and to swear to me that he try to never overdraft his account or ever write bad checks so long as he lives. We'll eventually pair this with a high-yield savings account

Then, when he's had that long enough and proven faithful, we'll get him a low-commission discount brokerage account at some place like Schwab or Fidelity where they have no-fee mutual fund options and set him on an automatic investment plan in something suitable and age-appropriate.

I also want to get him a deposit-secured credit card with no annual fee and a limit of no more than $500.

Now he doesn't own a car, so the first thing I'm going to get him to save for is a bike and an annual bus pass. I'm going to try to persuade him to avoid the car entirely and go with an electric bike so he doesn't have to live with a car payment, gas or insurance. He can later buy a used car with cash when he's able to and has the income to support it. He did just recently get his driver's license back, so he can rent a car when he needs to.

Now, my aunt (his sister) will only tolerate him staying in her house for a period of 5 years. After that, he has to get and go. So, I think a solution to his future housing problem will be either having him spend $12K to build a tiny home like one of these or having him live in a used boat and simply pay docking fees. If he had kids or a wife, I could see how someone wouldn't like that kind of thing, but I mean he's single and with no responsibilities, right?

Now his income is low enough to where he qualifies for California's community college tuition waiver, so I'm thinking that we can enroll him part-time and have him take online professional courses while he's working and the only thing he's go to worry about is the cost of used textbooks online he can use our old desktop or the library's computers to do his work until he's able to afford the cost of a cheap netbook.

Eventually I want to have him to build his own wardrobe. I have an old grey pinstripe suit that I got on clearance from Jos. A Bank for $99 that almost fits him. I'll give it to him for $50 if he agrees to take care of the cost of having the pants hemmed at the tailor.

I've really been thinking of different ideas, anyone care to pitch in?

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Which of these closing costs are legit, and which are bogus?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:50:50 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: millstone
Views: 1539 Replies: 15

I'm looking at the closing cost good faith estimate prepared by my mortgage broker for our first home (hooray!). Some of the fees look suspicious, but there's conflicting information out there as to which fees are negotiable and which are pure junk. Can anyone help me figure out which ones are bogus (if any) and I should push back on?

This is for a 30 year fixed mortgage with 20% down on a $700k property (so $560k loan) in the California Bay Area

In particular, the $100 "document preparation fee" seems bogus. I've also read that I should never be charged both an underwriting fee and a broker fee, but both appear in the estimate!

"Items payable in connection with loan:"
Loan origination fee: $5200 (we're paying 1 point)
Appraisal fee: $450
Credit report: $17
Mortgage Broker Fee: $595
Underwriting fee: $950

"Title charges"
Document preparation fee: $100
Notary fees: $100
Title insurance: $750
Courier fee: $60

"Government Transfer Charges"
Recording fees: $120
City/County Tax/Stamps: $1072.50

"Additional Settlement Charges"
1st year hazard insurance premium: $1200

Total closing costs: $10614.50

Thanks for any help!!

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If gold disappeared from the earth --- would we miss it?

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:47:07 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: germanpope
Views: 3477 Replies: 165

there are so many nutcases trippin out on gold

I'll keep an open mind in this discussion --- the question I have is: if gold didn't exist --- how would that affect world economies and our quality of life?

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Yodlee - free bill pay from Yodlee MoneyCenter

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:57:11 -0600

Rating: 13 Posted By: Technologist
Views: 1991 Replies: 22

Yodlee MoneyCenter has announced free bill pay... which has been in the works for some time now.

Make payments manually every month or set up recurring payments from any type of payment account (checking, savings, credit card, debit card, etc.).

Time to build up some extra CC rewards/points!

*Note - site is moneycenter.yodlee.com (but use your own link, not mine or FWF's). The Banks sites that use Yodlee (i.e. BoA, etc.) are not part of this NEW free bill pay!

*and yes, I know there is a Yodlee Q&A thread, but it rarely gets updated, and all questioners there are told to go directly to the yodlee forum.*

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Condo owners - does your insurance policy have "Special Assessment Coverage"?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:55:18 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES
Views: 1002 Replies: 22

I did some google searches, most results talk about Florida...just wondering if the condo owners here have special assesment coverage on their individual HO policy , what insurer, what state, what the dollar limit is on special assessment coverage, and if its included or an extra cost feature

There are some condos I am looking at that may have a large special assessment levied sometime in the next few years, and I am hopeful there is coverage for this...

Ill be contacting my insurance pros shortly, in the meantime FW condo owners please chime in

This may also be a good time to make sure you do have this coverage, or find an insurer who does, if you think your development may need special assessments in the future

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Strategic Defaults Part 2: How I Pulled My Head Out

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:54:30 -0600

Rating: 1 Posted By: canvflaz
Views: 3606 Replies: 51

An extension of this thread: Fatwallet: Strategic Defaults aka the Nuclear Option

I bought a modest house in southern California about one year ago. I was nave and rushed into the decision. Not news: It was a mistake. I didn't even know the differences between revolving credit and a secured loan, but a government-backed loan made it very easy for me to get into a mortgage. Also not news: Now I am underwater.

Anyone who hasn't educated themselves on the banking industry, the housing market, and its ties to the currently trashed economy needs to read this: Study: Moral and Social Constraints to Strategic Default on Mortgages. I'm sure it has circulated among many of the users here.

The relevance of that paper may not be immediately clear. Obviously, foreclosure rates are high. There are a lot of statistics, but the real lesson is that the banking industry depends on individual morality and social pressure as levers to prevent strategic defaults. Which of course is a hoot. But I wouldn't have seen it that way in 2008. I was a good American achieving the American Dream.

After a year of making additional principal payments and acting in what I thought was a financially responsible manner, I am now selling every non-essential item of value that I own to further build my savings account. I'm not as far underwater as some in my area, but I will be moving soon (employer-mandatory) and have to be prepared to operate without an awesome credit score. Read: default.

Another thread (Fatwallet: PBS Frontline Special...) with this Bill Moyers interview (PBS: Bill Moyers Journal) brought a sort of epiphany for me. If you have guts, you should take 15 minutes to listen to the interview, think, and then do some of your own research. Rep. Kaptur is of course a politician, but both guests are frank and intelligent in their commentary.

Wall Street is consolidated and entrenched, and they are raping us in ways we will be feeling for a very long time. Keep casting ballots and being a Good American if that helps you sleep at night. There are other ways to effect change; the dollar really is almighty.

Edit: I want to clarify a few points.
Paragraph 1: I respectfully encourage anyone considering purchase of a house to educate yourself thoroughly ahead of time. I put the cart before the horse.
Paragraph 4: I am currently preparing my house to rent, and I am clearly modifying my lifestyle to compensate for monthly losses. However, if I calculate that the debt owed will eventually ruin me, then...
Paragraph 6: ...I will not live in a state of denial about the power structure that now exists in the financial system, and I will decide my future accordingly, without regard to any sort of social stigma. The old days are over, folks.

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Health bill passes -strategies to minimize payments and taxes

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:25:29 -0600

Rating: -5 Posted By: JTFH
Views: 4741 Replies: 524

Now that H.R. 3962, the "Affordable Health Care for America Act" bill has passed the house and will likely pass in the senate... can anyone offer insights on how to minimize costs of the new laws?

For example, will health savings accounts count as health care coverage?
Say I'm self employed with no health insurance. What's the cheapest way for me to satisfy these new requirements?

Do you know how this will change things for you and what you will do to save the most money under these new laws?

... I'm deeply disappointed that the House thinks they have the constitutional authority to force me to buy health insurance, but I'm trying to stay positive and pro-active. I want to come out of this as well as I can without focusing on the negativity I feel towards our elected government.

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Energy Effecient Window Treatments

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:36:42 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: nothingevertodo
Views: 1758 Replies: 26

I recently purchased into a 1000 sq/ft condo. It is a corner unit with many large windows and high ceilings. I'm looking to purchase window coverings for privacy, insulation, and light control. My plan has been to purchase online and self-install. During my research, I discovered ComforTrack Cellular Shades. They are basically just standard cellular shades with vertical tracks on the window-frames to prevent light and air leakages. They are more expensive than standard shades but appear to qualify for a tax credit that refunds 30% of the purchase price up to $1500. This makes them very similarly priced to standard shades after the credit.

PRODUCT VIDEO

1.) Does anyone have any experience with this (or similar) product? Is self-installation reasonable?

2.) Can anyone confirm these type of energy savings estimates? Energy Savings Calculator

3.) Does anyone have any knowledge/experience with this tax credit? Tax Credit Info

4.) Any alternative products or online vendors that can be recommended?

Thanks!

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CA has approved "Pay by the Mile" auto insurance

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:04:18 -0600

Rating: 12 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES
Views: 3430 Replies: 63

http://www.sacbee.com/politics/story/2300940.html

Set to roll out late this year, early next year - this may be great news for low mileage or multicar drivers.

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British Air CC Bonus - 100,000 miles

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:51:08 -0600

Rating: 37 Posted By: vitbich
Views: 14167 Replies: 220

I just saw this article

The card will be issued by Chase

-Starts Nov 16
-Must spend $2000 in first three months
-$75 annual fee

Here is a link to apply. (Thanks Floydian)

<edit: corrected required spending amount>
<edit 2: added link by Floydian>

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CapOne checking $300 sign up bonus, check your mailbox

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:48 -0600

Rating: -3 Posted By: pisistratus
Views: 1934 Replies: 13

Just got an invite in mail.

Direct deposit required.
Offer expires Dec 31, 2009.
$300 bonus should be posted within 6-8 weeks after first DD or after offer expires.

Looks like offer is directed.
Perhaps limited to states where CapOne has branches, that are TX, etc.

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.

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free 50$ from perkstreet by opening a checking

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:08:54 -0600

Rating: 11 Posted By: peteron
Views: 2802 Replies: 41

no DD required
no minimum balance requirement
25$ min to open
account must be active to avoid maintenance fee, by using check card, checks, DD, etc

link

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What is Chase Deposit Friendly Atm Cut Off Time?

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:56:48 -0600

Rating: 0 Posted By: ciscogon
Views: 666 Replies: 11

Hello Guys,

Chase Bank is new to florida and many other states. but i have noticed that CHASE does not have a website like BOA or Wells Fargo does explain envelope free atms. what is generic cut off time. i know bank of america and wells fargo is 8:00pm? what is chase bank cut off time?

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Are FHA loans the next bubble... Do they qualify anyone?

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:36:09 -0500

Rating: 1 Posted By: welookgoodcom
Views: 697 Replies: 12

My sister and her family has used her house as an ATM instead of her also getting a job. They seem to charge up their home equity/CC then get a new mortgage. When things were going up it worked (they bought house for 100ks). Not anymore Now they have a mortgage(23 yrs left), home equity loan, and CC bills = to about 315k. They plan to consolidate into a mortgage but was told they would only be approved for a FHA loan.

My fear is that they will push everything to the mortgage, then start charging their CC cards again... But that is another issue.

Here's what I don't understand:

1. They can only mortgage 83% of their debt(meaning house needs to be 375k). Yet how the house is value is funny. The last sale in their area for an equivalent home list was in Winter 08 at 348k. Would think the house should be valued at 300-330k now... they think the appraiser will do 348k as a min... possibly more.. If there's no sales in the immediatearea would they really go to an old value which doesn't apply even if the general city area has gone down by a good %?

2. Income qualification: Isn't there something that says you can only pay X% of your income? The income they make is about 65k in a very high cost area for a family with kids. Assuming a 30 yr 300k mortgage, wouldn't a monthly payment of $1700 be looked at badly? Once they remortgage they still will have a monthly deficit

Maybe I'm doing things wrong actually spending and living within my means...

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Individual Stock Discussions

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:23:48 -0500

Rating: 3 Posted By: DavidScubadiver
Views: 2089 Replies: 55

Now that it has been deemed permissible to discuss individual stocks, and so as to avoid "hijacking" the boring thread about the overall stock market volatility, here is where we can discuss our individual investments, our triumphs and our failures.

My trades are available for viewing on www.cakefinancial.com as well as on Zecco, in the event anybody cares to follow on a day by day basis.

Otherwise, suffice it to say, for now, that my fortunes rise and fall with Apple, E*trade and a host of other stocks, and I while I care very much about how the market does overall, it is not as interesting to me as what people actually hold in their portfolios.

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What Credit Unions pull an Equifax Report?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:52:40 -0500

Rating: 0 Posted By: letgetcc
Views: 221 Replies: 3

Equifax has my highest score... I am trying to apply for a personal loan + credit card.
Are there any credit unions that pull only Equifax?

I live in Southern CA. (Orange County).

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Key Bank $125 / $225 or $225 / $275 cash bonus for opening personal or business checking account through 11/20/09

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:45:00 -0500

Rating: 7 Posted By: johnf585
Views: 3871 Replies: 53

Saw this on Key Bank's website today. Did a search and did not see it posted.

You can get either a $125 or $225 cash bonus for opening a personal checking account with Key Bank through 11/20/09 and completing the promotiom requirements (same as for the GPS deal).

Link

You can also get either a $225 or $275 cash bonus for opening a business checking account with Key through 11/20/09.

Link

Available in states where Key has branches including AK, CO, CT, ID, IN, KY, ME, MI, NY, OH, OR, UT, VT, or WA.

Requirements for personal accounts:

* Open a qualifying checking account and enroll in KeyBank Rewards by November 20, 2009
* Make one debit card transaction and a combination of two direct deposits and/or
automated payments each of $100 or more by January 22, 2010

Requirements for business accounts:

* Open a qualifying business checking account by November 20, 2009
* Enroll in either Online Banking or Key Business Online and complete
two Bill Pay transactions by January 22, 2010*

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AMEX OPEN cardmember, Earn a $50 off staement credit -details inside

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:02:28 -0500

Rating: 13 Posted By: fokatkamaal
Views: 3342 Replies: 54

https://www215.americanexpress.com/olet/splash.do?campaignId=ope...

EARN A $50 STATEMENT CREDIT
As an American Express OPEN Cardmember, you are automatically eligible to earn a $50 statement credit when you spend two times, for a total of $50 or more, at any OPEN Savings merchants between October 15 through December 15, 2009. This is in addition to your automatic OPEN Savings discounts.

Participating merchants in the OPEN Savings program include FedEx, FedEx OfficeSM, Hertz, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott, Symantec, 1-800-Flowers.COM, Barnes & Noble.com and more. To learn about the OPEN Savings program and see a list of participating merchants visit www.open.com/opensavings.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Bonus $50 statement credit savings applies to OPEN Savings transactions made between October 15, 2009 and December 15, 2009, and will appear as a statement credit on your billing statement. The maximum discount available for this bonus offer is $50 per Card Account. This promotional offer pertains to specific American Express Business Card products. Please reference the OPEN Savings summary on your monthly billing statement or online at open.com to determine Card eligibility.

OPEN Savings: Savings range from 3% to 25%. Payment must be made with an American Express Business Card at the time of purchase; savings will be credited to your account. Other restrictions or limitations may apply. Subject to offer terms and conditions located at opensavings.com. Merchant participation and offers are subject to change without notice.

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Question on short sale home approved by second trust

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:42:50 -0500

Rating: 1 Posted By: pigtail
Views: 331 Replies: 6

Hi all,

Our contract has been ratified for a short sale home a month ago, and I just heard from the agent that the second trust bank has approved the offer. So my question is, from the date it has been approved until settlement, could anything else happen that prevent us from getting the house? Can the bank come back and withdraw their acceptance letter?

Any info on this is appreciated.

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FHA rejects calls for higher down payments

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:47:58 -0500

Rating: 42 Posted By: ppatin
Views: 6791 Replies: 371

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/10/13/fha-head-rejects-ca...

Hopefully this won't turn into a political discussion, but why do I have a bad feeling that we're saying the makings of a second housing fiasco building here. There have already been plenty of warnings that FHA will be the next subprime, but it looks like the people running it are going to stick their heads in the sand. The opening paragraph really annoyed me:

"The head of the Federal Housing Administration warned that raising down payment requirements or taking similar steps to limit the pool of eligible buyers for FHA-backed loans would hamstring a fragile housing recovery."

Uh, maybe if your economic recovery plans are based around housing purchases by people who can't afford down payments it's time to come up with a Plan B. Also, who says that a "housing recovery" is a good thing? Housing prices have been out of whack with people's salaries for the past decade, and it sounds like "recovery" is an attempt to reinflate them to unrealistic prices.

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Get $100 off use Bill Me Later on PayPal

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:38:20 -0500

Rating: 11 Posted By: Butcherboy
Views: 8862 Replies: 69

Terms of the Offer:
LINK
You'll receive up to $100 off as a credit. If you spend less than the offer amount, your discount will be equal to the amount of your purchase (before tax and shipping). For example, if your offer is "up to $100 off" and you spend $5, you will receive a discount of $5. Please allow 1-2 billing cycles for this amount to be reflected on your Bill Me Later statement.
It's a limited time offer that's only available through PayPal. Complete your purchase before midnight ET on October 31st, 2009 to receive this offer. Limit one per customer.
Select "Yes, I'd like No Payments for 90 Days..." to be eligible to receive the promotional offer.
We'll send you monthly statements:

If you pay in full by the promotion expiration date as listed below you will not be charged finance charges.
For example if purchase is made in: Date to pay in full by to avoid finance charges (Promotion Expiration Date):
October 2009 February 1, 2010
If payment in full is not made by the promotion expiration date listed above, finance charges will apply from the transaction date.
If you do not pay off your purchase by the promotion expiration date, you will be charged interest at an ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE of 19.99% beginning on the posting date of the purchase. The Minimum Finance Charge is $2.00.
If approved, CIT Bank will make a loan to you for the amount financed to pay for your purchase. CIT Bank will pay the merchant on your behalf to pay for the purchase.
If you repay the amount you borrow (the amount financed) in full on or before the promotion expiration date listed above, you will repay only the amount financed, and CIT Bank will charge you no finance charge for the loan.

For Bill Me Later Account Terms see the Bill Me Later Terms and Conditions.

Thanks bestkid

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$100 for transfering account to sharebuilder

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:02:30 -0500

Rating: 2 Posted By: cli168
Views: 1220 Replies: 20

$100 for transfering account to sharebuilder:
http://content.sharebuilder.com/mgdcon/jump/consumer/transfer/in...

but watch out for exit fee from your old account. td has $75

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$100 from BoFa (New Customers)

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:58:32 -0500

Rating: 8 Posted By: fixfox69
Views: 2798 Replies: 31

Link

New customers only
-Minimum opening balance of $500
-Must be open for at least 30 days
-Minimum one transaction with check card
-Offer code AOU260909
-Offer good until 11/30/09

T&C:
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.

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get $50 from HSBC for opening a payment account and make 3 purchases with MC Debit card

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:53:34 -0500

Rating: 10 Posted By: Squeezer99
Views: 2482 Replies: 52

http://www.hsbcdirect.com/1/2/1/mkt/opabonus?code=ema0000558&wt....

Experience the convenience of an HSBC Direct Online Payment Account. When you open an Online Payment Account and make three eligible purchase transactions with your new HSBC Debit MasterCard with PayPass, you will get a $50 bonus deposited right into your Online Payment Account.

Open an Online Payment Account today. It only takes a few clicks. Remember, the three eligible purchase transactions must be made by October 31, 2009.

Sincerely,
Your Online Savings Team

Open a new Online Payment Account by September 30, 2009
Use the HSBC Debit MasterCard with PayPass for three eligible purchase transactions
Receive a $50 bonus reward

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PNC Bank VirtualWallet account $100 bonus, DD required

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:51:45 -0500

Rating: 12 Posted By: Boiler
Views: 6717 Replies: 169

https://www.pnc.com/webapp/unsec/Blank.do?siteArea=/PNC/Home/Personal/Checking/Checking+Offers/Virtual+Wallet+Offer&WT.mc_id=OLBONUS09_Banner_0016

Learn everytning you want on VirtualWallet PNC Bank Virtual Wallet
3 accounts in one, it has a checking account, short term saving (interest rate .1%), long term savings (current interest rate of 1.75%). Interest rate will vary based on location.

Open a new VirtualWallet account, must initiate Payroll Direct Deposit of at least $400 within 60 days.
Early closure fee of $25 within 180 days of account opening.
I assume a hard credit check due to Visa Check Card.

Lots of various fees: fees

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It's LIVE! WAMU/CHASE Get $100 cash bonus when you open a Free Checking + 5 debit card uses - Starts 9/8/09 to 10/16/09

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:28:06 -0500

Rating: 12 Posted By: timmers
Views: 5902 Replies: 93

Link

If above does not work, use this alternate Link
thanks zidan

Get $100 cash bonus when you open a
Free Checking* account and set up direct
deposit or make five debit card purchases.

* No monthly service fee
* 14,000 WaMu and Chase ATMs nationwide
* FREE online banking and bill pay

From the site:

Important Information:
Bonus/Account Information Offer valid 9/8/09 - 10/16/09. To qualify for the reward, you must open a new checking account with a $100 minimum opening deposit of new money (money not currently held by this bank). Also, within 60 calendar days of account opening, you must initiate a monthly direct deposit which includes payroll, pension, Social Security or other government benefits or have at least five debit card purchases (using your PIN or signature) posted to your account. The reward will be deposited into your new account within 2 weeks after the initial direct deposit or the five debit card purchases have posted to your account. Limit one personal checking account-related reward/premium per customer, per calendar year. Offer not available on account conversions or in combination with any other offer. Reward is not considered part of the minimum opening balance. Account is subject to approval. Offer limited to one per household. Employees of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and our affiliates are not eligible. Reward is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.

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Sites that offer automatic $1 charges to qualify for rewards offers, meet high yield checking requirements, etc.

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:58:22 -0500

Rating: 26 Posted By: SUCKISSTAPLES
Views: 4086 Replies: 27

First please see the archived thread...

I am going to try to put as much as I can from the prior thread here, but the text will not automatically copy the links from the archived thread, please edit accordingly in the Quicksummary...

AIDS Research Alliance
3 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.
Comment sent with donation asking to be alerted if $1.00/month not cost-effective for them.

Alameda County Community Food Bank
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Alliance Defense Fund
4 stars from Charity Navigator - Automatic $1.00 monthly donation accepted. Paper receipts mailed.

Amazon Conservation Team
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

American Cancer Society
$5 minimum - paper receipts mailed
2 stars from Charity Navigator

American Center for Law & Justice
$1.00 donation accepted.

American Civil Rights Institute
Automatic $1.00 monthly donation accepted.

American Conservative Union
Automatic $1.00 monthly donation accepted.

American Diabetes Association
2 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Amnesty International
2 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Bay Area Rescue Mission
Richmond, CA "Helping the Homeless & Impoverished Since 1965"
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.
Comment sent with donation asking to be alerted if $1.00/month not cost-effective for them.
Update: "We are thankful for whatever you feel that you are able to give." "...just remind us that a formal thank you letter is not needed." (It costs too much to do that for a $1.00 donation.)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
"Serving Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties"
Not found in Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Blind Childrens Center
Los Angeles area. "Lighting the Way Since 1938"
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.
Comment sent with donation asking to be alerted if $1.00/month not cost-effective for them.
Update: "One dollar a month is very much appreciated." "Every dollar donated goes directly to the program. Our administrative coasts are covered by an endowment fund given several years ago by a donor."

Center for Constitutional Rights
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Earth Day Network
"every day for everybody"
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

EarthRights International
"The power of law and the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment"
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Family Research Council
3 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00 donations accepted. Paper receipts mailed.

The Fund For Animals
This payment will repeat on a monthly recurrence for the next 12 months. You may cancel at any time. (Note: Whatever date you sign up is the date each month that the donation is made).

Glide Foundation - Associated with Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
Not found on Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

The Humane Society

League of Conservation Voters (Vote for the environment...only 2 stars from Charity Navigator)

Piedmont Environmental Council
"promoting and protecting the Virginia Piedmont's rural economy, natural resources, history and beauty"
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Safe Harbor International
Note, there are a number of "causes" that you can donate $1.00 a month to at this website, including Darfur, a pastoral sponsorship, hurricane dean relief and if you click around the site you can easily find 10 people/causes to donate a dollar a month to).

SHARE - Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer
2 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

St Jude Children's Research Hospital
4 stars from Charity Navigator. Automatic monthly donations for $1.00 accepted.

V Foundation (4 Stars from Charity Navigator). You can setup monthly donations for $1.00. Can even set up weekly donations if you like. They don't take Discover.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation 2 star rating with Charity Navigator. "Best in America" from Independent Charities of America (one of only 1500 awarded out of more than 50,000 charities)

The following are Non-Tax-Deductible Organizations:

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
4 stars from Charity Navigator - $1.00/month donation accepted.

Woodcentral's 2007 Fall Fund Drive (not tax deductible

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Discover Bank

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:06:42 -0500

Rating: 4 Posted By: geethanandh
Views: 5491 Replies: 49

What you all think of discover bank?, they got good savings and CD rates.

http://www.discoverbank.com/

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$20 A/c Opening Bonus from Virtual Bank - No DD needed!

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:54:33 -0500

Rating: 3 Posted By: sandeeppotdar
Views: 2945 Replies: 42

Hi,

I searched and didnt find any thread so tho't of posting this. I was referred by a friend to open a Virtual Bank eMoney Market A/c and I got $20 bonus for making $100 as the first deposit. Referral policy is here. eMoney Market rates as high as 2.02% APY sounded attractive when compared to a savings a/c so thought I'd give it a try! So if you guys know anyone having a Virtual Bank a/c send them your email address and your full (real) name and ask them to refer you - both of you will get $20 bonus
Update - Online signup needs a Driving License as proof.

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Wamu -gt; Chase change of terms (for WA and OR, rolling out to other states in coming months)

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:15:46 -0500

Rating: 16 Posted By: busterbaxter
Views: 8375 Replies: 185

Just received a packet from Chase regarding changing terms for existing Wamu accounts.

Most of the perks of the free checking account will stay (e.g. free domestic/international outgoing wire, free checks, etc.) Major changes for this account are
- NSF refund will not be automatic, need to manually ask for it. Also no rollover of unused credit (1/yr)
- If there is no account activity for 6 month, account will be converted to a checking account that has minimum balance requirement, or else monthly fee is charged

5% CD remains unchanged.

Saving for Success remains unchanged, the associated Sweep Saving account will not have a monthly fee.

Online Saving account will have no monthly fee.

FYI these terms only affect customers in WA and Oregon. It will be gradually rolled out to customers in other states in the coming months.

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2% credit card- Charles Schwab Visa

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:29:16 -0600

Rating: 95 Posted By: gotsmack
Views: 114623 Replies: 1706

http://www.schwab.com/public/schwab/banking_lending/credit_card?cmsid=P-990780&lvl1=banking_lending&lvl2=credit_card

I haven't seen this card discussed before, but it looks like it is a straight 2% credited to your Charles Schwab brokerage account every month.

I might have to open up a brokerage with them just to use this card for every day purchases and then the Pen Fed CC for 5% gas.

Anyone have this card care to comment?

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Agape World Update

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:39:17 -0500

Rating: -23 Posted By: Iznop1095
Views: 116494 Replies: 5230

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?

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.

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.

The thicket of hair on the back of my neck is starting to stiffen. Any information would be appreciated.

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Consolidated List of Bank Failures in 2008-9 -- 78 [UPDATED]

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:34:34 -0500

Rating: 15 Posted By: Absolut9
Views: 7164 Replies: 105

Tally: 78

Hopefully to try and avoid creating new threads about every bank that fails....

January 25, 2008
Douglass National Bank
Kansas City, MO
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/Douglas.html

March 7, 2008
Hume Bank
Hume, MO
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/Hume.html

May 9, 2008
ANB Financial
Bentonville, AR
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/anb.html

May 30, 2008
First Integrity Bank
Staples, MN
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/first_integrity_bank.html

July 11, 2008
IndyMac
Pasadena, CA
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/841852
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/IndyMac.html

July 25, 2008
First Heritage Bank
Newport Beach, CA
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/847261
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/heritage.html

July 25, 2008
FNB of Nevada
Reno, NV
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/847261
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/fnbnv.html

August 1, 2008
First Priority Bank
Brandenton, FL
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/849382
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/firstprioritybank.html

August 22, 2008
Columbian Bank of Topeka
Topeka, KS
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/855497
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/columbian.html

August 29, 2008
Integrity Bank of Georgia
Alpharetta, GA
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/857399
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/integrity.html

September 5, 2008
Silver State Bank
Henderson, NV
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/silverstate.html

September 19, 2008
Ameribank
Northfork, WV
http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/ameribank.html

September 25, 2008
Washington Mutual (WAMU)
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/865058/
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUKN2544041720080926?rpc=44

Meridian Bank -- Eldred, IL -- 10-Oct-08
Main Street Bank -- Northville, MI -- 10-Oct-08
Alpha Bank & Trust -- Alpharetta, GA -- 24-Oct-08
Freedom Bank -- Bradenton , FL -- 31-Oct-08
Security Pacific Bank -- Los Angeles, CA -- 7-Nov-08
Franklin Bank, SSB -- Houston, TX -- 7-Nov-08
PFF Bank & Trust -- Pomona, CA -- 21-Nov-08
Downey Savings & Loan -- Newport Beach, CA -- 21-Nov-08
Community Bank -- Loganville, GA -- 21-Nov-08
First Georgia Community Bank -- Jackson, GA -- 5-Dec-08
Sanderson State Bank -- Sanderson, TX -- 12-Dec-08
Haven Trust Bank -- Duluth, GA -- 12-Dec-08
Bank of Clark County -- Vancouver, WA -- 16-Jan-09
National Bank of Commerce -- Berkeley, IL -- 16-Jan-09
1st Centennial Bank -- Redlands, CA -- 23-Jan-09
Ocala National Bank -- Ocala, FL -- 30-Jan-09
Suburban FSB -- Crofton, MD -- 30-Jan-09
MagnetBank -- Salt Lake City, UT -- 30-Jan-09
County Bank -- Merced, CA -- 6-Feb-09
Alliance Bank -- Culver City, CA -- 6-Feb-09
FirstBank Financial Services -- McDonough, GA -- 6-Feb-09
Pinnacle Bank of Oregon -- Beaverton, OR -- 13-Feb-09
Corn Belt Bank & Trust Co. -- Pittsfield , IL -- 13-Feb-09
Riverside Bank of the Gulf Coast -- Cape Coral, FL -- 13-Feb-09
Sherman County Bank -- Loup City, NE -- 13-Feb-09
Silver Falls Bank -- Silverton, OR -- 20-Feb-09
Security Savings Bank -- Henderson, NV -- 27-Feb-09
Heritage Community Bank -- Glenwood, IL -- 27-Feb-09
Freedom Bank of Georgia -- Commerce, GA -- 6-Mar-09
TeamBank, NA -- Paola, KS -- 20-Mar-09
Colorado National Bank -- Colorado Springs, CO -- 20-Mar-09
FirstCity Bank -- Stockbridge, GA -- 20-Mar-09
Omni National Bank -- Atlanta, GA -- 27-Mar-09
New Frontier Bank -- Greeley, CO -- 10-Apr-09
Cape Fear Bank -- Wilmington, NC -- 10-Apr-09
Great Basin Bank of Nevada -- Elko, NV -- 17-Apr-09
American Sterling Bank -- Sugar Creek, MO -- 17-Apr-09
First Bank of Idaho -- Ketchum, ID -- 24-Apr-09
First Bank of Beverly Hills -- Calabasas, CA -- 24-Apr-09
Michigan Heritage Bank -- Farmington Hills, MI -- 24-Apr-09
American Southern Bank -- Kennesaw, GA -- 24-Apr-09
America West Bank -- Layton , UT -- 1-May-09
Citizens Community Bank -- Ridgewood, NJ -- 1-May-09
Silverton Bank, NA -- Atlanta, GA -- 1-May-09
Westsound Bank -- Bremerton, WA -- 8-May-09
BankUnited, FSB -- Coral Gables, FL -- 21-May-09
Citizens National Bank -- Macomb, IL -- 22-May-09
Strategic Capital Bank -- Champaign, IL -- 22-May-09
Bank of Lincolnwood -- Lincolnwood, IL -- 5-Jun-09
First National Bank of Anthony -- Anthony, KS -- 19-Jun-09
Cooperative Bank -- Wilmington, NC -- 19-Jun-09
Southern Community Bank -- Fayetteville, GA -- 19-Jun-09
Mirae Bank -- Los Angeles, CA -- 26-Jun-09
MetroPacific Bank -- Irvine, CA -- 26-Jun-09
Horizon Bank -- Pine City, MN -- 26-Jun-09
Neighborhood Community Bank -- Newnan, GA -- 26-Jun-09
Community Bank of West Georgia -- Villa Rica, GA -- 26-Jun-09
Founders Bank -- Worth , IL -- 2-Jul-09
Millennium State Bank of Texas -- Dallas, TX -- 2-Jul-09
First National Bank of Danville -- Danville, IL -- 2-Jul-09
Elizabeth State Bank -- Elizabeth, IL -- 2-Jul-09
Rock River Bank -- Oregon, IL -- 2-Jul-09
First State Bank of Winchester -- Winchester, IL -- 2-Jul-09
John Warner Bank -- Clinton, IL -- 2-Jul-09

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Order Dollar Coins from US Mint at Face Value with Free Shipping (Alive!)

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 17:06:18 -0500

Rating: 174 Posted By: gatzdon
Views: 187099 Replies: 4171

Currently, you can order either $250 or $500 in John Quincy Adams Dollar Coins from the US Mint at FACE VALUE, with FREE SHIPPING AND HANDLING and pay with any major credit card.

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.

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.

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.

Thanks uutxx and workindev for fixing the link, I updated mine also.

Deal is alive again.

====

Update 08/11/2008

Deal is alive again

You can order up to $500 of each president. Currently there are four available.

Credit goes to CPLDBAKKE for pointing it out.

====

Update 02/19/2009

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.

Keep up the good work.

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Alliant CU

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:26:42 -0600

Rating: 19 Posted By: guardian44
Views: 104681 Replies: 2109

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.

Some things to consider:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Here's a link to the Alliant web site to get you started:

Alliant CU Link

Edit by Moderator: Clarified Title (Removed 12-17 month CD as the discussion has expanded beyond that)

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US Bank (Elan) credit cards - no fee BT deals are back! (personal only, as of 10/1/08)

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:24:19 -0600

Rating: 51 Posted By: lhendricks92
Views: 43021 Replies: 311

UPDATE 2/25/09

Business applications now results in this message:

The small business application is no longer available online. Please contact your Financial Institution to apply.

UPDATE 10/1/08

Biz cards now have 3% uncapped BT fees. Personal cards still have no BT fees for the promo period.

Last summer, US Bank (aka, Elan) offered many cards with 0% BT offers and no fees. At some point, they all switched to uncapped fees.

I checked this week - the no fee deals are back. Some examples:

Personal - 0% for 12 months

Baylor alumni
Professional Bull Riders
The Linux Fund
Credit 74ak for the last 2.

Business - 0% for 6 months

Woodforest
Cambridge Trust
M&T

Terms for all of these apps say "No Balance Transfer Fees for balances transferred with this application."

Enjoy!

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Reward Checking Accounts - Issues and Discussion Thread

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 17:40:08 -0600

Rating: 36 Posted By: glxpass
Views: 39243 Replies: 434

The purpose of this topic is to discuss general issues related to Reward Checking accounts, such as:

* Questions about Reward Checking accounts.

* 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?

* 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.

* Strategies and discussion about how to meet requirements of Reward Checking accounts.

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.

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!

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PenFed 5 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:31:55 -0500

Rating: 36 Posted By: discoganya
Views: 91911 Replies: 1429

Interesting:

* Low rate that only adjusts every 5 years for 30 years
* Rate would adjust up to 2% or our prevailing rate, whichever is the lowest
* Maximum lifetime adjustment that will not exceed 5% above the initial rate

Link

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"The Stock Market Discussion thread "Post all your thoughts on this recent volitality"

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 14:05:50 -0600

Rating: -22 Posted By: jack07002
Views: 152424 Replies: 8448

Today might go down as one of the top 3 worst days ever in terms of the market.

I feel bad for all the people who are losing thousands and thousands of dollors.

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The Ultimate USAA Bank Thread, version 2.0, updated 4/18/07

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 18:06:53 -0500

Rating: 20 Posted By: DaveHanson
Views: 90896 Replies: 1481

This thread is a continuation of the invaluable thread previously maintained by GoCowboys here. It is at his request that I "take over" as keeper of the USAA flame at FWF. All of us interested in USAA owe him a debt of gratitute for his work on this thread over the past year.

PLEASE NOTE: USAA SAVINGS BANK IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC. As of June 30, 2006, one must either be elligible for their property and casualty insurance programs via their military service, prior service, or familiy connection to same; OR they must be an existing USAA Savings Bank customer.HOWEVER, anyone may still join USAA investments, and thereby qualify for an AMA account. See later thread entries for details.

This thread contains a lot of information about USAA and their products and services. If there is anything you feel should be added, changed, or deleted, please reply to the thread or put it in the Quick Summary.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Website
USAA

To gain access to the full website, you need a member number. There is no obligation, and this will allow you to see USAA's full product range. Call 1-800-531-2265 if you are elligible to do so.

Routing Number
314074269

Eligibility Requirements
Property and Casualty Insurance: To get property or casualty insurance from USAA, you have to have a military affiliation.

Banking: As of June 30 2006, you must meet one of these requirements to open a bank account:

1. have a military affiliation
2. be a current bank customer
3. be a resident of Bexar County, Texas (San Antonio)

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Checking
- No minimum or average balance requirements
- No monthly service fees
- 1/2 percent rebate of all non-PIN purchases made with the Debit Mastercard
- ATM card and Debit Mastercard both available
- Free bill pay (no balance or direct deposit requirements)
- Free checks for the life of the account (custom blue USAA non-duplicate checks, one box per order)
- New accounts can be funded by mailing a check, by initiating an ACH transfer from another bank, or by using a credit/debit card ($500 maximum on credit/debit cards)
- Only Visa and Mastercard accepted for opening deposit
- $25 to open

USAA Savings
- No minimum or average balance requirements
- No monthly service fees
- Tiered interest rates depending on balance
- $25 to open

Performance First Index Account
- No minimum or average balance requirements
- No monthly service fees
- Tiered interest rates depending on balance
- $10,000 to open

First Start Savings
- No minimum or average balance requirements
- No monthly service fees
- Tiered interest rates depending on balance
- $1 to open
- Available to persons 17 years of age and younger

Credit Cards
Those without a military affiliation might pay higher interest rates and may not be eligible for credit card rewards programs.

Other Account Features
- No ATM fees on the first 10 non-USAA ATM withdrawals each statement cycle ($2.00 each after that)
- ATM surcharge rebates of up to $15.00 per account per statement cycle
- Real-time online banking

INTEREST RATES

The first column shows the current rates; current rates are in effect through the date at the top of the first column. The other columns show previous rates so that you can see a trend in rates.

Checking
08/10 ---- 06/15 ---- 05/25 ---- 05/18 ---- 04/27 ---- 04/20 ---- 04/13---- Tier
0.00% --- 0.00% --- 0.00% --- 0.00% --- 0.00% --- 0.00% --- 0.00% --- Under $1,000.00
0.15% --- 0.15% --- 0.15% --- 0.15% --- 0.15% --- 0.15% --- 0.15% --- $1,000 and over

USAA Savings and First Start Savings
08/10 ---- 06/15 ---- 05/25 ---- 05/18 ---- 04/27 ---- 04/20 ---- 04/13 ---- Tier
2.85% --- 2.75% --- 2.75% --- 2.50% --- 2.50% --- 2.50% --- 2.50% --- $0 to $999.99
3.65% --- 3.56% --- 3.56% --- 3.30% --- 3.30% --- 3.30% --- 3.30% --- $1,000.00 to $4,999.99
3.75% --- 3.61% --- 3.61% --- 3.35% --- 3.35% --- 3.35% --- 3.35% --- $5,000.00 to $9,999.99
3.90% --- 3.71% --- 3.71% --- 3.45% --- 3.45% --- 3.45% --- 3.45% --- $10,000.00 to $24,999.00
4.15% --- 3.87% --- 3.87% --- 3.61% --- 3.61% --- 3.61% --- 3.61% --- $25,000 and up

Performance First Index Account
01/05- /11/24- 11/03- 10/19- 10/05- 08/31- 08/24- 08/17- 08/10- 06/15- 05/25- 05/18- 04/27- 04/20- 04/13- Tier
2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- 2.22 -- <$10K
4.82 -- 4.84 -- 4.83 -- 4.82 -- 4.83 -- 4.82 -- 4.81 -- 4.80 -- 4.80 -- 4.51 -- 4.43 -- 4.34 -- 4.29 -- 4.25 -- 4.22 -- $10-25K
5.08 -- 5.11 -- 5.10 -- 5.08 -- 5.10 -- 5.08 -- 5.07 -- 5.06 -- 5.06 -- 4.77 -- 4.69 -- 4.60 -- 4.55 -- 4.51 -- 4.48 -- $25-$50K
5.19 -- 5.21 -- 5.20 -- 5.19 -- 5.20 -- 5.19 -- 5.18 -- 5.17 -- 5.17 -- 4.88 -- 4.79 -- 4.71 -- 4.66 -- 4.61 -- 4.58 -- $50K-up

CDs and IRAs
The CD and IRA rate levels are too numerous to list all of them here, but the rates are very competitive, generally ranging from 3.50%APY to 5.25%APY, although the rates change often.

MOVING FUNDS

ACH Transfers
USAA has an ACH transfer capability which allows you to electronically transfer funds from any of your other bank accounts at other financial institutions. The service is very fast.

ACH transfers into a USAA account requested before 8:00 p.m. Central Time will be used to pay checks the same night.

ACH transfers involving non-USAA accounts are limited to an aggregate $5,000 per day, including future/scheduled transfers. These limits can be increased upon request and review by the bank. Also, larger amounts can be moved on a per-request basis by speaking with representatives or their supervisors.

I would also caution people from using USAA simply to transfer funds to and from other bank accounts. There are several reported cases of USAA closing accounts when they determine they are being used simply as "transfer accounts."

Quick Post This deposit method allows members to send checks overnight via UPS for posting the next day. Dropping off a free envelope at any UPS store before the UPS cutoff time will get funds posted the next day.

ACCOUNT OVERDRAFT PROTECTION

USAA has an industry-leading account protection feature that warrants its own entry. Basically, any USAA bank account can be "protected" by any other account at USAA OR many other accounts at other financial institutions. (Note that a particular account may be a "protector" or a "protected" account, but not both simultaneously!)

For example, as at many banks, a checking account can be set up to be protected by a USAA savings account. But in addition, that same account could ALSO be protected by a USAA credit card (with its no fee cash advances), OR a debit or credit card from another bank. Thus if properly constructed, a checking account should be almost "overdraft proof", since there can be multiple layers of protection placed on it.

Recently, account protection has gone through some evolution, as USAA has been updating their systems. As we discover more about the current mechanics of account protection, this thread will be updated accordingly.

OTHER INFORMATION

Online Banking
Online banking is real-time. For example, if you make an ATM withdrawal, the transaction shows up online immediately, including the location of the ATM. Likewise, if you make a Debit Mastercard purchase, the purchase shows up online immediately, including the name of the merchant.

Transfers from one account to another are immediately available in the destination account.

Customer Service
USAA has the best customer service in the business. They are one of the only institutions that consistently gets the answer right the first time. They are always friendly on the phone, and always eager to help in whatever way they can. They make you feel that they really do want your business.

Bill Pay
With Bill Pay, there are 3 different ways that a payment could be made (remember that "Payment Date" means the date you want the payee to receive the payment):

- Electronic Payment - the funds for the bill payment are withdrawn from your account on the Payment Date.
- Check Payment - funds are withdrawn when the payee cashes the check.
- "Guaranteed Funds" Check Payment - funds are withdrawn on the Payment Date.

You can often pay next day, often as late as 6-7 pm Eastern time, which is beyond their official cut-off times.

Software
USAA allows direct download of account information (credit card, checking, savings) from:
- Microsoft Money
- Quicken (yes, Quicken is supported)
- Yodlee

ATM and Debit Card Rebates
The ATM surcharge rebates and Debit Card rebates are deposited into your account automatically at the end of the statement cycle; you do not have to mail in ATM receipts for the ATM surcharge rebate.

Miscellaneous Information
- USAA uses their own "security verification system" - not sure if that means ChexSystems, identity verification through a credit report, or what.
- You cannot make deposits at a non-USAA ATM.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be asked to send in identification before the account(s) can be opened or you receive your membership number.
- USAA's Touchline (automated telephone banking) is voice-driven.

Thread History
Aug 24 2006: original thread taken from GoCowboys, with slight edits and new performace first rates.
Aug 27 2006: new PF rates, "Moving Funds" section added (thanks EricGo), section added on account protection.
09/08/06: updated last two PF rates.
09/17/06: fixed typo in warning about no new applications (thanks PoodleMan). Perf first index not updated, as rates remained the same (will update upon changes.)
09/25/06: Perf first index rates still remaining the same since Sept 1.
10/11/06: Perf first index rates drop slightly as of 10/06/06.
10/15/06: Perf first index stay the same as of 10/13/06.
11/27/06: Perf first index increased on 11/3 and to a new high on 11/24/06.
01/05/07: Perf first index drops for first time since 10/06.
04/18/07: Note added that brokerage/AMA accounts still available to the otherwise non-qualified.

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Best way to use Citi Thank You Points

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 14:01:13 -0600

Rating: 26 Posted By: SleepyNyte
Views: 117378 Replies: 1339

If this has been discussed already let me know, but I don't think it has.

I have read many threads on Citibank's thankyou reward system and different cards that are linked to it. I was wondering if people have any ideas on how to best use their points to get more value per point. So far it seems the best value is student loan rebate for students, and gift cards for purchases you were already going to buy. I was also thinking you might be able to get more value from your points by selling airplane tickets you redeem for a higher value, like during peak seasons since there are no black out dates. Currently Citi doesn't charge any additional fees for these tickets. What are your thoughts or strategies that you use?

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HSA FAQ

Mon, 14 Nov 2005 13:20:42 -0600

Rating: 29 Posted By: WhiteGuy
Views: 54365 Replies: 689

This thread started out as a free HSA for life via US Bank. Then I changed the thread to a breakdown of what a HSA is. At this point HSA's have been around for a while and the normal viewer of FWF is aware of the HAS is. Reading this thread I feel it is important that this thread evole from a basic FAQ (You can read by clicking here) thread to a more advanced FAQ and current deal thread.

Basic Background:

HSAs are designed somewhat like an IRA. In effect, you can put away tax-sheltered dollars that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, such as your doctor co-pays or any other medical expenses not otherwise covered by your insurance. HSAs primarily help those who have high-deductible medical insurance policies. When the medical bills that aren't covered by your insurance come due, you remove funds from your HSA until your medical insurance finally kicks in. The great thing is that contributions to an HSA are tax deductible, and distributions taken to pay qualified medical bills aren't taxed to you either.

Read More about what a HSA is here directly from the US Dept. of Treasury

Definition of Qualified Medical Expense: archived thread
HSA Statue
IRS Forms /Publications about HSA
HSA newbie FAQ
Please feel free to ask any and all HSA questions on this thread.

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How much did you pay for your NEW car THREAD!

Thu, 19 Jun 2003 05:06:47 -0500

Rating: 12 Posted By: ezwinner701
Views: 111348 Replies: 1716

My gf is planning to get a mini-cooper at the end of the year, just wanted to start a thread so we can help each other with priving.

Please state the following.

1. Car/Make/Year/Model
2. MSRP price
3. Invoice price
4. Price YOU paid for.
5. Any addition info: i.e dealer kickback, dealer incentives, or special financing.

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