Go to Jeff Salisbury LWGate Home Page.From: persfin-digest <owner-persfin-digest@shore.net>
Subject: persfin-digest V4 #106
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 22:01:49 -0500 (EST)
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persfin-digest Monday, November 24 1997 Volume 04 : Number 106
IN THIS ISSUE:
ADVERTISEMENT: MCI FAX REPLY SERVICE
Re: tax on capital gains?
Re: Early Withdrawal Penalty on CD
Re: ATMs in Poland
Credit Cards No Annual Fee Ad?
There Are Cirrus ATM Machines in Eastern Europe
Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline? Possible Gotcha
Re: A Silly, but Good Question re Diamonds
Re: Roth IRA Conversion?
Re: Even more IRA questions
Re: Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline? Possible Gotcha
Software Question
Why are Japanese Interest Rates so Low?
Re:Any ATM Machines in Poland and the Czech Republic? - A Gotcha
Roth IRA website
Re: Cellular Phone Contracts?
MLM for your long distance $?
Re: eastern europe ATMs
Ira Just Announced His Travel Plans - Possible Danger
Poland/Czech travel - Plenty of ATMs
Re: ATMs in Czech Republic
Roth IRA Question
Mutual fund Distribution Timing?
RE: travel to Poland and Czech Republic - No ATM Machines
Volunteer Internet Advisor for Seniors?
Setting up a business question
Re: Can Diamonds Burn?
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Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:21:48 -0500 (EST)
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:22:32 -0500 (EST)
From: Rich Carreiro <rlcarr@animato.pn.com>
Subject: Re: tax on capital gains?
>Do taxes come due on capital gains at year's end or should I pay on a
>quarterly basis?
Capital gains taxes, like all income taxes, are owed as they occur.
So, you'll either have to adjust your withholding and/or make some
estimated tax payments to avoid a potential underpayment penalty.
See Forms 919, 1040ES, W-4, and Pub 15.
Rich Carreiro
rlcarr@animato.pn.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:23:57 -0500 (EST)
From: dollymadis@megsinet.net
Subject: Re: Early Withdrawal Penalty on CD
>Check around at various banks and credit unions in your area >to see what
>kind of CDs they are offering and what their terms are. >Important things
>look for:
>1) No penalty for early withdrawal-after all, emergencies can happen
I've never come across a bank that doesn't charge a penalty for early
withdrawal. Allowing you to cash in your principal, without penalty before
maturity, defeats the banks ability to give a marginally higher interest
rate in exchange for your agreeing to leave your money with them for a
specified time. One way to minimize early withdrawal penalties is rather
than open up one $10000 CD, open up (for example) 5 $2000 CD's and then if
an emergency arises you could cash in only as many CD's as necessary and
only incur penalties on the amount of principal you cash in rather than on
the entire $10000. This might be most helpful to an older person living on
a fixed income.
Tom Gilbertson
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:24:40 -0500 (EST)
From: "Robert J. Myers" <rmyers@remc4.k12.mi.us>
Subject: Re: ATMs in Poland
Hello Ira,
Lots of ATM machines available all over the place in both Chez. and
Poland. The only problem I ran into dealing with the currency rates
was you should know all of the values when going to other countries
using ATM's. I had Polish, Chez, Slovak, Austrian and Hungarian currency
in my pockets and using a Hungarian machine to get money for lunch I
ended up getting about $10.00 with a $15.00 transaction fee...Live and
learn, ay?
My daughter is Poland with the Peace Corps and spends about 2 - 3 days
a week in Krakow (a great city) with the Human Rights office.
Your unusual last name triggered some memories and I just had to respond
to your posting.
We spent three weeks in the above mentioned countries and really enjoyed
our trip.
Good Luck to you and enjoy your trip.
Best Regards
Bob Myers
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:25:25 -0500 (EST)
From: "Charles A. Wilmot" <cwilmot@azstarnet.com>
Subject: Credit Cards No Annual Fee Ad?
Recently I saw an advertisement for a credit card, no annual charge, which
gives you 10,000 free flight miles immediately upon signup and X no. of
miles per dollar spent thereafter. These miles could be assigned to any
airline of your choice. Does anyone on this list recall seeing this
and/or know of the address of the issuer?
Chuck Wilmot
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:26:18 -0500 (EST)
From: Jason Dulnev <dulnev@jhu.edu>
Subject: There Are Cirrus ATM Machines in Eastern Europe
Yes, there are Cirrus ATM machines in every country in Eastern Europe.
You can call Cirrus's 800 number while you're still in the US for the
exact locations of the machines. Number is 800-424-7787.
Jason Dulnev
dulnev@jhu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:27:29 -0500 (EST)
From: karenh@mcsi.net (Karen Henderson)
Subject: Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline? Possible Gotcha
Providian's customer service phone # is: 1-800-766-4188.
The points expire four years from the end of the quarter in which they are
earned. You can travel on any airline, 365 days a year with no blackout
dates. They must be booked 21 days in advance and the trip include a
Saturday nite stay. Also, the tickets may be purchased in any designated
individual's name, but must be redeemed by the accountholder.
Hope this helps!
Karen
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:28:26 -0500 (EST)
From: Rich Carreiro <rlcarr@animato.pn.com>
Subject: Re: A Silly, but Good Question re Diamonds
>However, my thoughts tell me that diamonds are made of carbon - are they
>subject to be burned and changed to ashes like other carbon products
>(paper, wood, coal, etc.)?
Yes. Diamonds can be burned, given hot enough temperatures. I remember
seeing this being demonstrated on some PBS show. I believe it was the
one hosted by MIT professor emeritus Philip Morrison. Unfortunately, I
don't remember the temperature and pressure, and I don't remember if they
used air or pure oxygen.
Consider looking in an encyclopaedia or chemical reference book.
Rich Carreiro
rlcarr@animato.pn.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:29:11 -0500 (EST)
From: Rich Carreiro <rlcarr@animato.pn.com>
Subject: Re: Roth IRA Conversion?
>Rolled 401(k) into IRA during 1996 $ 8,700
>Non-deductible contributions made in 1997 $ 700
>Current balance $10,500
>
>Calculation of taxable amount upon conversion to Roth IRA in 1998:
>
>$10,500 - $700 = $9800
Correct. That is the taxable amount assuming you have no other IRAs
than what you mentioned.
>$9800 taxed at 28% = $2744
>Spread over four years = $686/year tax due
This may not be the case for two reasons:
(1) It is not clear if the *tax* is spread out over the four
years or if the *conversion income* is spread out over
four years.
(2) Especially if the $9800 is all added to income in the one year,
you may well be pushed into into a higher bracket and have some
of it taxed at 31% instead of 28%.
>I have not seen any examples so far that deal with this specific set of facts
>(i.e. a rollover that has been co-mingled with non-deductible contributions.)
The text of the law is pretty clear -- the conversion is treated *exactly*
as a regular IRA distribution except that the 10% penalty is waived. See
Form 8606 for all the details.
Rich Carreiro
rlcarr@animato.pn.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:30:10 -0500 (EST)
From: Rich Carreiro <rlcarr@animato.pn.com>
Subject: Re: Even more IRA questions
[Disclaimer: this is my opinion, not advice. I am not a professional.]
>For my wife's IRA, she is no longer hit with the 'Tainted Spouse' rule.
>She can now contribute regardless of my 401K.
She could *always* contribute regardless of your 401(k). The question
was how much of the contribution was deductible.
In any case, the "tainted spouse" rule is still in effect for Tax Year
1997 (which includes IRA contributions made before 4/15/98 that are
designated as a *1997* contribution).
>As a separate matter, a stay at home non-wage earning spouse can put
>$2000 into a spousal IRA, up from the previous $200.
Up from $250, actually.
>Now, what about my occasionaly employed wife who fills in for other
>people's vacations? If she earns a total of 1400 dollars in 1998,
>can she put $2000 into her IRA, or is she limited to $1400 since
>she actually earned some money?
The rule is now that a married couple can contribute the *lesser* of
$4000 or their *combined earned income*, with the proviso that neither
spouse's IRA can get more than $2000 in a year.
Check the revised Publication 590 once it is released for more details.
>And is there any real difference between a 'normal' IRA and a 'spousal'
>IRA? She's worked in the past, hence her IRA. Now, staying at home,
No. There's no difference. The "spousal" term merely means a
contribution to your IRA based on your spouse's earned income instead
of your own. No separate account needs to be opened.
Rich Carreiro
rlcarr@animato.pn.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:31:00 -0500 (EST)
From: Stephan <stephan@mail.org>
Subject: Re: Re: Credit Cards w/Frequent Flyer on any airline? Possible Gotcha
David Meyers mentioned consequences of ff mile expirations...
For a nominal fee both American and United will allow you to reclaim
"expired miles"; perhaps other programs as well.
Stephan
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:32:14 -0500 (EST)
From: "Charles A. Wilmot" <cwilmot@azstarnet.com>
Subject: Software Question
Does anyone know of any available software which will emulate the
capabilities of a programmable keyboard by enabling one to enter repetitive
operations, such as entering one's name, address, tel. no., etc., when
filling out applications and other forms of this type with the mere touch
of a key or key combination?
Charles A. Wilmot
cwilmot@azstarnet.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:32:50 -0500 (EST)
From: CMascioli@aol.com
Subject: Why are Japanese Interest Rates so Low?
How is it possible for Japanese interest rates to be as low as as the 1.5%
rates I have seen? What dynamics are present in their economy that dictate
this type of rate?
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:34:39 -0500 (EST)
From: Tony_Babb@notes.pw.com
Subject: Re:Any ATM Machines in Poland and the Czech Republic? - A Gotcha
Ira,
The short answer is I don't know if there are any ATMs in Poland and the Czech
Republic but if anyone is planning to use their ATM card outside of the US (and
maybe Canada) here's a wrinkle I stumbled across recently.
I have been using my ATM card abroad for years without problems. Then I changed
my bank and was issued with an ATM card by them. They told me I should use a 6
digit pin number as this was more secure than a 4 digit number. It sounded
reasonable so I selected a 6 digit pin and used it a few times in the US
without problem. On my first trip abroad I discovered that the international
networks only recognise a 4 digit pin code and so I was unable to access my
bank account in the US.
Keep up the good work
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:35:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Avrum Lapin <avrum113@cyberg8t.com>
Subject: Roth IRA website
A good site for information on Roth IRAs is
http://www.rothira.com
The text of the law can be accessed along with the proposed "corrections"
as well as articles from newspapers along with comments - some of which
indicate that these articles including one from the WSJ leave a lot to be
desired
There is an excellent article from something called Lawyers Weekly USA and
one from Practioners Publishing Co
Avrum Lapin
Upland., CA
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:36:09 -0500 (EST)
From: "Louis J. Schwarz, CFP, RFC" <sfc@deafcfp.com>
Subject: Re: Cellular Phone Contracts?
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 1997 From: "Timothy A. Budd" <Tbudd@pacbell.net>
I am having some difficulties with my cellular provider. I am very
disastified with their service. Unfortunately, because of the deal I
signed, I am under a two year contract with an early termination fee.
Although I am well versed in the legal implications of a breach of
contract action, I am hoping for anecdotal evidence from those who have
actually succeeded. I would like to know if it is worth the first.
- --
I want to add one more serious advice: when I changed the pricing
option with the Cellular One, they automatically renewed my contract for
two full years instead of the remaining term period. It was in the fine
print, but I was so stubborn with them until they conceded to terminate
my contract sooner.
Louis J. Schwarz, CFP, RFC TTY 301-587-5996
Schwarz Financial Concepts FAX 301-587-5997
814 Thayer Avenue, Suite 301 Voice Relay 800-735-2258
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-4500 Mailto:sfc@deafcfp.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:37:00 -0500 (EST)
From: MD4KIDS1@aol.com
Subject: MLM for your long distance $?
There is a company based in Troy, Michigan called American Communications
Network (ACN) which has strategic alliances with GE, Ericsson, Pagenet and
LCI. They offer competitive long distance rates, pagers, etc.
ACN mode of operation resembles a MLM. They have plans to expand to Canada,
and Europe. Has any one had any experience with ACN ? Have you heard anything
worth sharing ?
A. Ansari
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:38:18 -0500 (EST)
From: charles wallace <charles.wallace@pop3.iol.it>
Subject: Re: eastern europe ATMs
IRA,
Assuming you're going to be in the big cities there is no problem using all
your american Visa or similar cards to get cash at ATMs. I go there
occassionally for business and carry US travellers checks as well. The
airports are horrible places to change money but you need some dough to pay
the cab, doorman, bellboy etc.BEWARE the change offices on major streets
throughout the region that seem to offer good exchange rate until you see
the teeny weeny print outside that says "maximum commission 9.5%"
I'm a big believer in American express in such circumstances (in Wenceslas
Square) in Prague.
Charles Wallace
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:40:45 -0500 (EST)
From: Drew Blaha <djb@gilbarco.com>
Subject: Ira Just Announced His Travel Plans - Possible Danger
Ira -
First, I have no answer to your question.
Now, I don't really want you to join the world of the paranoid,
but do you realize that you just announced on a widely distributed
list, (that has your home address at the top) when you will be out
of the country on vacation? We just had a problem with this on a
genealogy list where people are sharing databases. Some have just
learned the hard way that you never want to share a family tree that
has a SSN. Given that the mother's maiden name is rather easy to
find in a family tree, with that and the SSN you have all you need to
raise havoc with someone's credit rating.
Again, not to make you paranoid, but my time at the Pentagon taught
me alot about not telling the world what your vacation plans are.
Drew
drew_blaha@gilbarco.com
(Editor's Comment - I've gone away previously without notifying the
readers. One time I had a heart attack and was out of commission 2+
weeks. A number of readers thought I died. Since this is an even longer
time, I thought it prudent to notify everyone. I hope my trust isn't
being misplaced :). -IK)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:41:49 -0500 (EST)
From: Mxk1@aol.com
Subject: Poland/Czech travel - Plenty of ATMs
Hi Ira,
Just came back from a week's visit to Poland, last Saturday. Plenty of ATM's
in vast majority of cities. Most prevalent is BankoMat. You can't check your
balance, but you can withdraw money 24/7 (at a good rate at that) in local
zlotys (which currently run about 3.4 to the dollar - quite a favorable
rate). Cirrus/Plus, accepted in addition to VISA and MCard. Even authentic
AMEX machines in Warsaw, possibly Krakow as well.
I used to be Marketing Manager for the Polish National Tourist Office. You're
welcome to call them at (212) 338-9412. They have tons of free material,
including info on PKP train timetables. Be sure to ask for the free Travel
Guide - I update it every year, freelance.
Can't really speak for Czech Republic, since I haven;t been there in 6 years
- - I'm sure there have been a lot of changes. But beware of overpriced
restaurants and hotels in Prague. My Czech gov't friends have been reporting
problems in the service sector there.
Feel free to contact me with any questions about travel in Poland. I'd be
happy to help. Have a great trip.
Mark Kleszczewski
Mxk1@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:43:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Sandi Rollins <srollins@econ.Berkeley.EDU>
Subject: Re: ATMs in Czech Republic
Ira, I can't speak to Poland, but having been in the Czech Republic
less than 6 months ago, here's my .02 worth:
Change $50 per person into Czech money at the border. After
that, use ATMs. DO NOT bother with Travelers' Checks.
You cannot get Czech $$ in advance, since it is controlled quite
fiercely by the government. And if you need to change it to other
currency upon your exiting the country, you need to provide receipts from
an approved changer (to prove you weren't buying currency on the black
market). So keep those receipts!
We found ATMs quite common in Prague; if you're in the countryside, I
imagine things would be more difficult. FYI, I had an ATM card for a
credit union with PLUS and CIRRUS; my husband had a Wells Fargo card; both
worked just fine. The only caveat: your PIN cannot be longer than 4
digits, and some ATMs do not allow you to choose a withdrawal from either
checking or savings -- they automatically assume you're withdrawing from
checking. So: make sure your $$ is in the checking account before you go,
and make sure your PIN is 4 digits.
Travelers' Checks were a PAIN, in any country. You had to go to a change
booth, where you not only got a (comparatively) lousy rate of exchange,
but you also had to pay a TC surcharge of 2-4% on TOP of it. We found
that we lost lots of time and some money due to dealing with TCs.
Hope this helps,
Sandi Rollins
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:44:20 -0500 (EST)
From: jacquie <jacquie@MCI2000.com>
Subject: Roth IRA Question
My Father is soon turning 70 next year and asked if I could post this
question for him as he soon needs to make some financial decisions.
If you were born before 1936, can you do a lump sum 10 year averaging of
taxes on an existing 401-k plan and convert it into a Roth IRA?
Thank you for any help.
Jack N.
mailto:jacquie@mci2000.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:45:22 -0500 (EST)
From: eric <eric_marcus@compuserve.com>
Subject: Mutual fund Distribution Timing?
If I sell a fund before the normal year-end distribution, do I thus lose
the distribution/dividend that has been accumulating all year?
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:46:39 -0500 (EST)
From: RLevitz42@aol.com
Subject: RE: travel to Poland and Czech Republic - No ATM Machines
Dear Ira,
In the last 2 years my wife and I have travelled to both Poland and the
Czech Republic. I do not recall any ATM machines. I travelled to Prague
(a truly wonderful city- make sure you go to a performance at the opera
house, see the Castle, visit the "old-new" synagogue, the Charles Bridge
etc.), Katowice (my wife's home town) and your namesake, Kracow. The
restaurants and hotels in both countries take VISA cards. Street vendors
are always willing to take American money so just take a calculator to
figure proper exchange.
In Kracow, I changed a small amount of money at a Bank that was right
next to the hotel. The exchange rate was better than the hotel. In
Prague, I used the hotel to change enough money to use their very
inexpensive subway system.
BTW renting a car in Czech Republic is very expensive. However for $130 I
had a cab and a driver for a day drive us to Czesky Krumlov in the south
(another wonderful city worth a visit).
Robert Levitz
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:47:30 -0500 (EST)
From: eric <eric_marcus@compuserve.com>
Subject: Volunteer Internet Advisor for Seniors?
I am now a volunteer advisor on a web site for seniors
(www.seniors-site.com).
Anyone know any other seniors web sites that utilize volunteer advisors?
Eric Marcus, M.D.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:48:52 -0500 (EST)
From: KroegerD@aol.com
Subject: Setting up a business question
I am now moving into semi retirement and am setting up a part time consulting
practice. I need assistance in three areas:
First, what software package would work best for hourly billings and
invoicing, as well as tax data?
Second, where can prescription drugs be purchased inexpensively? We've been
spoiled by our HMO which we'll be leaving shortly.
Finally, where is the best place to buy a laptop computer? Low price, good
seller support?
Thanks for any advise you'll be willing to share.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997 21:50:18 -0500 (EST)
From: HWandke@aol.com
Subject: Re: Can Diamonds Burn?
Louis,
>From what I remember, diamonds are essentially pure carbon. Thus, they CAN
be burned. I'd have to look up what a typical auto-ignition temperature for
diamonds is, and I'll let you know when I do.
Compared to comic books, trading cards, old dusty books, and other paper
collectibles (even beanie babies!), diamonds are much more durable due to
their (relative) lack of combustibility, and lack of fragility.
BTW, I made my best investment ever when I bought a set of precious stones
and metals (rubies, diamonds, and gold). I then "traded" that investment to
my fiancee (now wife of over twelve years) as a token of good faith in the
years to come.
Harold Wandke
BS, MS Chemical Engineering (Oklahoma State University)
A guy who collects comic books, baseball cards, and old dusty books
------------------------------
End of persfin-digest V4 #106
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