老婆終於有iphone?

今天Wall Street Journal竟然報導Sprint to Get iPhone 5,老婆夢想成真??

其實她恨了要iPhone很久,可惜Sprint不carry iPhone,而我為了那每月$30的Sprint SERO plan當然不會轉AT&T.其實Touch Pro 2的contract剛在8/1到期,本來還打算找機會換部HTC Arrive,現在當然是等到十月啦!

只是,Sprint一定會逼我轉去每月$40的SERO premium,可能還好像Evo 4G那樣要收額外每月$10的4G附加費!!

House Hunting (8)

1121 South ISABELLA, Monterey Park, CA 91754 $518000

再次証明相片是可以騙人的,睇相OK,睇實物卻很殘舊.平屋頂,超級無敵大斜坡,保險一定很貴!!Master suite看來是兩間房打通的,雖然有中央空調但主人房床頭上裝了部格格不入的冷氣機,可能是要慳電費吧!不過open house都算多華人,看來應該賣得出.


680 CECIL St, Monterey Park, CA 91755 $538000

假如你想知道危險斜坡是甚麼,這間屋一定是model example.車房還多了間僭建未完成的連廁guest room.其實間格overall都算不錯,只是主人房無厘頭的多了個fireplace.但那個危險斜坡已經是買家只步,難怪來參觀的只得我們.


Follow up
上星期在我Alhambra老家附近open house的兩間屋竟然不足兩星期便sales pending,原來我那區都很搶手!

House Hunting (7)

樓巿泡沫破了樓價應該降溫才對吧,只是卻影響不了SGV和Arcadia的"大中華巿場.

在我Alhambra老家的鄰家竟然有4間屋放售,其中兩間隔鄰的竟一同選了今天open house,可以一次過參觀比較!

其中一間賣$500000的比較殘舊,買了還要花幾萬元remodel.雖然只列出有1400+ sq ft,但感覺上不是那麼小,為甚麼??原來樓下basement的空間是沒有permit的,即僭建!!!所以除了要裝修外,還要去申請permit,reassess的時候價值一定會高很多,即要付很貴的地稅!!

另外一間賣$550000,重新remodeled,去參觀的時候等同在參觀示範單位!只是floor plan真的很怪,全間屋彷彿每個部份都被拆散了,只是靠幾條樓梯連繫著!!無辦法,因為屋在斜坡上,結果便要這樣一層一層的.除此之外這屋一定要裝alarm,因為實在有太多窗和門,基本上只要在後院便有門通往車房,飯廳,廚房,甚至主人房!!

還好大陸佬應該不會入侵這區,因為他們open house的comments都說這裡比較隔涉不方便,還有斜坡令他們的購買意慾大減!只是對我來說$500000那間太多手尾了,$550000又太貴買不起,只好繼續觀望吧!

House Hunting (6)

突然覺得,買屋就好像談戀愛一樣,熱戀期的時候可以感性的容忍一切缺點,可惜隨著時間沖淡一切,理性開始take over,便懂得去衡量那缺點的價值.

那間屋不是不好,只是那外在的缺憾無法補救,將來如果要賣屋的話可能很難甩手,所以要這個價錢的話便是overpriced,唯有暫時說再見,看看賣家會否降到我的目標價才算了.

另一間open house: 2309 CARWILE Dr, Alhambra, CA 91803 $560000

起碼overprice了$50000以上.兩個大廳但卻只得三個小房間!!很明顯賣點就是去華人店鋪超近,對象當然是新來的大陸佬,包括貪官.

House Hunting (5)

突然有點不順利,就像一輛在高速公路超速的汽車突然看到警察要急剎車一樣.

首先就是那該死的pre-approval letter.已經拜托我媽在銀行做的朋友幫我們搞,誰知最後弄來的是一封無甚用處的pre-qualification letter,之後再問還說那封信根本已經足夠,一般銀行根本不會出pre-approval letter云云,說到尾根本就是做不到!!現在不是我說要那封信,而是地產經紀說要,有信才可以下offer,況且最近買屋的同事和老婆的表姐都說買屋要有pre-approval letter,我懷疑那些華人銀行都不是搞房貸的!結果我叫經紀介紹了人幫我搞.

然後就是那20% down payment,假如沒有20%的話便要給mortgage insurance,無論是同事和經紀都說那是不值得的.只是因為最近投資了香港的物業﹐假如要20%的話我們便真的"一鋪清袋"!

最後就是我媽終於發功,她說那間屋只是廳跟廚房看得上眼,房間太小主人房又沒有view,後院雖然有view但卻有斜坡,不易打理之餘假如有小孩便會很危險!!我跟她說,以我們的budget可以afford那間屋已經很不錯,試問誰不想買間房間大到處有view而卻沒有斜坡的豪宅!!況且小孩不是應該要時刻看顧著的嗎,否則衝出馬路都可以很危險!!

當然這間屋還有一個無可補救的缺憾,其實那個才是買不買的致命原因...

House Hunting (4)

一切實在來得太快了.

星期六去了open house,感覺就像在參觀示範單位一樣,地方雖然小了一點,但間格都算實用.雖然外面有點美中不足之處,但地點清幽又有view,最重要是不用花錢去裝修.可能地方不算大吧,去看這間open house的人真的很少,預計應該沒有人去跟我們bid吧,於是我們決定去找Agent.

昨天我帶我媽去看,當然只能看外觀不能入內.誰知有兩個鄰居剛好走出來,還跟我媽social了一會.原來那屋主是對日本夫婦,最近離婚了要對分身家,於是便急於賣屋.那些鄰居大多住了數十年,所以那一家住了甚麼人都很清楚.

我想找廿年前幫我父母買屋的那個agent,誰知她out of town今天才回來,但今天一回來她便幫我們打探情況.原來今天好像有人曾經出過offer,但後來又cancel了.我問她可不可以再壓價,她說應該可以再壓低$5000-$10000,但她要我出拿一封pre-approval letter然後才可以出價.

最後我們約了個時間,明天叫她帶我媽和老婆再看那間屋一次.

House Hunting (3)

不知何解,近年所有的重大決定,竟然最後都匆匆成事.買車如是,搬家如是,到現在分分鐘買屋也如是!!

最近勤了上redfin,因為現在apartment深夜的噪音問題越來越嚴重,與其租另一個地方,不如找個真正屬於自己的家吧.昨天老婆說她看到Alhambra有一間好像很ready to move in的屋,我看過照片後便說,如果要這間,不如付多$10000要Monterey Park那間更加ready的!老婆看過後也認同,只是價錢還是太貴了,減一兩萬就差不多.

誰知今天再上redfin, Monterey Park那間竟突然減了$15000,還在明天open house!難道這就是我們的真命天子??

House Hunting (2)

501 ACKLEY St, Monterey Park, CA 91755 $450,000

說真的,本來沒有search到這一間,因為通常在redfin search的min size是1250 sq ft.但從衛星圖看來好像不錯,至少跟鄰居保持少少距離.

但實地視察又是另外一回事,原來這是一家老人屋,婆婆最近進醫院了.1236 sq ft卻卻有3房2浴,結果每間房都太小了.雖然lot size有9000+ sq ft,但後苑真的不大,也許因為前苑佔了不少空間吧.


1526 RIDGECREST Way Monterey Park, CA 91754 $499,000

成2000呎屋0.35 acres苑只售$500K??真的有咁大隻蛤乸隨街跳??當然不是,當我們星期日去open house時agent說已經有二百多人參觀過,並"明示"價高者得!!

原來之前賣$888,000的時候無人問津,賣$499,000只是引你來看吧了.有泳池又有無敵Monterey Hills山景,後苑其實沒有那麼大,因為從山頂到山腳的那段斜坡也是屬於你的.

我們當然只是抱著參觀豪宅的心態,倒有興趣知道最後會甚麼價錢成交呢??我估這樣拍賣一定會被low-ball,應該不會過$700K吧,但老婆說可能會有大陸佬睇中,毫擲$700-800K cash也說不定呢!!


212 ALDERGATE St Monterey Park, CA 91755 $638,000

較早前去看的,又是抱著參觀豪宅心態,後苑的泳池對著山下公園的泳池,你游泳的時候也看到公園的泳客陪你一起游!!

當天參觀的人也不少,但最終只以$630,000成交,看來都是最我們一樣:看的人多,買的人少.

再見了, amex dailywish

"Daily Wish-ing you a fond farewell.

Thank you for participating in Daily Wish

Daily Wish is closing its virtual doors on July 1, 2011, but opening new doors
to exciting ways to save as we continue to evolve our offers to make them more
relevant for Cardmembers everywhere."

結果3大信用咭公司的deal site只剩下mastercard marketplace,但也改了回贈wowpoints而不是statement credit.

當然也要多謝amex dailywish多年來令我慳了不少錢,還無端端送了我$100 Target gift card, thank you, amex!!

加州減稅!

Tax Rates effective July 1, 2011

LOS ANGELES CO. 8.75%
City of Avalon 9.25%
City of El Monte 9.25%
City of Inglewood 9.25%
Pico Rivera 9.75%
Santa Monica 9.25%
South El Monte 9.25%
City of South Gate 9.75%

SAN BERNARDINO CO. 7.75%
City of Montclair 8.00%
City of San Bernardino 8.00%

好明顯我一定唔會系El Monte買野...

House Hunting (1)

812 East MABEL Ave Monterey Park, CA 91755 $768,800

這家豪宅原來只在carpool同事的不遠處,去的時候只得我們參觀.賣屋包傢俬,原來戶主要搬回台灣了.但這只是個condo,就算裝修得再豪,都改變不了它沒有苑這個事實!!

2006年泡沫最高時賣$740,000,現在竟然賣$768,800!!!戶主還在發夢嗎?難怪這豪宅無人問津了.

1372 FULTON Ave Monterey Park, CA 91755 $490,000

這次house hunting的重點,間屋和園都keep得不錯,間隔又四正,難怪open house人流絡繹不絕!!只是老婆嫌那間"木"書房有點格格不入,我則不喜歡廚房太窄.

說到尾,這麼多人來看,照計都輪不到我們吧!

(結果7/11/11以$500,000成交)

億元六合彩,你買左未?

(偽)豪宅,我黎喇!

六合彩奇招 向億元夢進發

滿城黃金夢 億元六合彩今開獎

六合彩狂熱籠罩全城！本港開埠以來最高頭獎獎金的超級六合彩今晚開彩，億元頭獎隨時一注獨中。在滿城盡發黃金夢下，由屋邨師奶到學生哥，貨車佬以至中環OL上班族，人人瘋狂，全港各個投注站出現逼爆人龍：屯門有媽媽為「落注」把女兒留在投注站外，小女童等得太久哇哇大哭；有中學生穿外套遮校章「扮大人」去下注。全港人人在問：「你買咗六合彩未？」祝你好運。

今晚 9時30分攪珠開獎的超級六合彩，除億元頭獎獎金破盡紀錄，更因市民瘋狂投注，把投注金額不斷推高，截至昨晚11時的隔夜投注額已突破1.72億元，打破六合彩自1976年面世以來的隔夜投注額，預料今期投注總額將超過兩億元，甚至打破95年12月29日的2.35億元最高投注紀錄。這次六合彩狂熱始於上月28日，連續八期六合彩頭獎均無人中，平了34年前最長期數無人中頭獎的紀錄，更令多寶獎金累積至85,618,703元，馬會估計若一注獨中，可得一億元彩金。為圓一個億元黃金夢，連日來全港市民都掀起買六合彩熱，昨日記者走訪港九多家馬會投注站，中午時分各區均出現輪候人龍，輪候購買彩票時間至少20至30分鐘。

母趕投注獨留女在街

曾出現36次中頭獎幸運兒的中環史丹利街投注站更成為城中焦點，不少中環上班族及辦公室OL不惜犧牲午膳時間去排隊，高峯期人龍達100米，有市民專程來買彩票，見到千人長龍嚇得掉頭走。港九其他地區的多個熱門投注站都出現人龍。
在屯門市廣場第三期的投注站，下午3時已是人頭湧湧，記者見到一名年約4歲、穿粉紅色裙可愛女童站在投注站外，當時女童仍是一臉精靈，據街坊說女童的母親因趕着入內買彩票，便把女兒留在街上等候。
豈料女童越等越悶，其間嘟起小嘴，望着內裏長長人龍，五分鐘後女童還未見到媽媽出現，急得哇哇大哭。有街坊給她送上紙巾拭淚，三分鐘後，女童的媽媽終於成功買得彩票歡天喜地出來，卻見女兒哭哭鬧鬧，一手收好彩票，一手抱起女兒忙加安慰，小女童伏在媽媽懷內痛哭撒嬌。

學生外套遮校章買票

半小時後，記者又目擊三名穿校服，未成年中學生到該投注站落注。由於他們仍未成年，由其中一人穿上灰色外套「扮大人」，成功變身進入投注站取出大叠彩票。
該學生稍後當街與同學研究幸運號碼，其間又合十、又跺地，似在祈禱求好運，20分鐘後各人填好彩票，再由該學生返回投注站下注。
記者稍後趨前詢問，各人對自己是否未成年、穿外套遮校章扮大人下注不置可否，只輕描淡寫說「大家夾幾十蚊一齊落注，好彩中咗獎嘅，就分啲錢畀屋企人囉」。
另外貨車司機黃先生日前在7,500萬元彩池與20多名友人夾錢下注，結果贏得三獎，各人瓜分7萬元獎金。黃昨日乘勝追擊，希望沾着旺氣，再與原班人馬友人合資5,000多元，希望再次以小博大，發一筆橫財。

內地人湧港落注：我要買大樓　我要起酒店

內地人賭地下六合彩一向瘋狂，但玩法及派彩額與香港不同。「10蚊博1億」超級橫財夢吸引大批內地客來港落注。昨日的上水馬會投注站內，保守估計有近三成下注者是專程南下的內地人，有人連六合彩買六個數字也不知，有人則雙眼放光地說：「我要買大樓、我要起酒店！」

內地地下六合彩玩法最少20多種，最簡單是猜特別號碼，1賠47，亦可估單雙及大小（按馬會攪珠開出7個號碼相加大於174為大），雖然較香港六合彩易中獎，但論「刀仔鋸大樹」則無法與香港相比。據了解，有內地人會專程來港買六合彩票回內地轉售，一些居於深圳的內地人則因「一簽多行」之便，經常來港消費順道買六合彩，但像昨日上水馬會投注站內充斥內地賭客的場面則屬罕見。
上水投注站設在大廈二樓及三樓，昨日整天水洩不通，人龍沿樓梯一直伸延街外，人龍中不斷傳來普通話對話，總離不開一個「億」字，例如「1億塊呀！你說怎麼花？」
居於深圳的文氏夫婦以普通話說：「昨晚看電視廣告知道香港這邊六合彩有1億，專程來。」只見他們拿着大叠字條，上面寫着很多號碼及多個生肖，算了一輪後，花了千多元買了十多張複式彩票。「以前都買過，但沒有中過，買完順道去買些日用品」。

「填幾多個號碼都唔知」

蓄平頭裝的黃先生亦是專程來港「鋸大樹」，只花了70元買了一條複式，他滿面自信地說：「朋友託我買，佢噚晚發夢見到財神，畀咗幾個冧巴佢，但佢今日唔得閒，叫我一定要嚟香港幫佢買！每人分5,000萬都幾好呀！」
在投注站內，不斷有內地人圍着職員請教填六合彩票方法。居於寶安的鄧小姐與同伴先往購物，再買六合彩。買了手袋及日用品的她說，是叔仔吩咐她一定要來港幫家人投注，她說：「我乜都唔識，連填幾多個號碼都唔知！」來自東莞的方女士入投注站下注時，同伴則替她看管兩個BB。她說：「專登帶小朋友嚟，BB有旺氣呀！如果中咗頭獎，我要買大樓，起酒店！」
除了內地人，億元六合彩亦吸引遊客落注。一對澳洲遊客夫婦得知有1億元六合彩大獎後，昨午專程到中區天星碼頭投注站，花了近200元買了五張「電腦飛」，碰碰運氣。

六合彩知多啲：「10大」最旺投注站
排名 1：中區
地址：中環士丹利街 10-12號　頭獎次數： 36次
排名 2：觀塘
地址：開源道 68號觀塘廣場　頭獎次數： 32次
排名 2：屯門
地址：屯門市廣場第三期　頭獎次數： 32次
排名 4：海防
地址：尖沙嘴漢口道 39-41號　頭獎次數： 30次
排名 4：荃灣
地址：青山道 300-326號荃錦中心　頭獎次數： 30次
排名 6：基富
地址：上環干諾道西 3號億利商業大廈　頭獎次數： 29次
排名 6：沙田
地址：好運中心商場 109B號 B三樓　頭獎次數： 29次
排名 8：德福
地址：九龍灣宏開道 16號德福大樓　頭獎次數： 28次
排名 9：新豐
地址：上水石湖墟新豐路 134-140A號 26次
排名 10：大明
地址：大埔廣褔道 158-172號大埔商業大廈　頭獎次數： 25次
排名 10：大元
地址：大埔安泰路 1號大埔廣場　頭獎次數： 25次

Deal Recap: 連奇華都有groupon

Groupon: $5 for $10 Worth of Chinese Baked Goods at Kee Wah Bakery (!!)



還以為自己眼花,連奇華都要靠groupon來promote!!難道最近開了很多新餅店,奇華出了問題?不只groupon,連yelp也出了$3 off $20 promotion!那麼大的餅店不可能倒閉吧,便用$10買了兩張groupon.之後還打算叫老婆買多兩張,誰知竟然sold out了!$5x4000=$20000,奇華這次就這樣拿了兩萬美金去賣廣告!!很奇怪,groupon "not valid 8/30-9/12",大概不想我們用來買月餅吧.


Amazon: Wii Active Life Explorer $15



因為已經有Active Life Outdoor Challenge,所以見特價便買,誰知game comes with mat,結果現在家裡有兩張mat.後來才知道,原來張mat比個game還要賣得貴!


Amex Dailywish: Amex $50 gift card = $30

恭喜!我又中了Amex Dailywish,慳了$20!!


Visa Signature: 2 for 1 tickets any movie on Fridays (Fandango)

看來每個星期五都會是電影日! 2 for 1 tickets must be purchased on a Friday and used the same day. 這個星期會上雷神奇俠imax 3d!! Limit one complimentary ticket purchase per cardholder per month,但我自己都有兩張visa signature,老婆也有一張.


OD: Seagate® FreeAgent® GoFlex™ Net Media Sharing Device $30


很後悔,我其實是應該買dockstar的,因為家裡有兩個seagate go drive,dockstar還有3個usb port;而goflexnet除了只能插新的go flex drive,還只得一個usb port.可惜竟然錯過了上次OD的dockstar clearance,唯有買這個來把家中的external hard drive變NAS和雲端.


同場加映: OD check inventory java code (paste in address bar)
javascript:var a=$("#skuId").val();callDwrForPostalCode(a);$("#in store-main").show();void(0);

掠水

自從轉了9/80之後,還以為不用工作的星期五會比較清閒,誰知好像每次都有"特備節目".

今天便拿了我的TSX去sierra acura做maintenance.機本上只是最簡單的A1: oil change + tire rotation,當然dealer不會那麼容易放過我,又氹我換fluid和氹我換filter,我當然一一say no.看來又打來說後輪兩個brake pad剩15%要換了,多謝$400!!!$400換兩塊膠??幸好我已經不是當年的無知少年,當然採佢都傻!後來去了媽咪朋友的修車中心一問,換兩個brake pad大約$130.

如果不是sierra acura在alhambra的話,根本不想在那裡做保養,掠水之餘還次次都要很久才搞掂,好像這次簡單的都要花兩個半小時,不簡單的便要花一整天!只是下星期五又要花時間去換膠了.

2011/4/16 每周一讀 : California Unemployment Benefits

(Source)

What are the eligibility requirements?
To be entitled to benefits you must be:
* Out of work due to no fault of their own.
* Physically able to work.
* Actively seeking work.
* Ready to accept work.

How are UI benefits calculated?
Benefits are calculated using an individual’s earnings during a specific 12 month period (this is called a base period). The base period begins approximately 15-17 months prior to the date the claim is filed. The amount paid each week is calculated based on the calendar quarter with the highest earnings during the base period.

How much do claimants receive?
Weekly benefit amounts range from a minimum of $40 to a maximum of $450 depending on the claimant’s quarterly earnings. To qualify for the maximum amount each week ($450) an individual must earn at least $11,674.01 in a calendar quarter during the base period.

How long do UI benefits last?
A claim is effective for one year. During the year claimants can receive from 12-26 weeks (1/2 year) of full benefits. The number of weeks varies, based on total earnings during the base period (an individual's earnings during a 12 month period). During periods of high unemployment, additional benefits may be granted by Congress, or the State Legislature.

When should an individual apply for UI benefits?
Individuals should apply for benefits as soon as they are unemployed, or working less than full-time. All claims are effective on the Sunday prior to applying for benefits, and have a one week unpaid waiting period. The waiting period does not begin until the claim is filed.

Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are taxable and reportable on your federal return (Form 1099G).

Availability to Work
To maintain your eligibility for unemployment benefits, you must be able to work, available to accept a job, and looking for work. You must conduct a reasonable search for work, and certify (on your claim for benefits) that you have done so. You should keep records of the employers you have contacted, the dates you made contact, and the outcome. The Employment Development Department may ask you to provide this information.

Small deals

因為工作前景不明朗,不想忍手也要忍手...

Wii Games: Lego Batman $10 + Lego Harry Potter $20 = $30



預備定我冇野做時可以打發時間吧...


Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs: The Incredibles + Cars  = $13 x 2 = $26


家裡根本沒有Bluray player,都是為了貪隨碟附送的Cars 2戲飛($8.5).雖然在Bestbuy買平$3,但我有那些免費Target Gift Cards還未用.
The Incredibles: $27 - $10 (Disney coupon) - $5 (Target $5 off $25 Disney Bluray coupon) + tax = $13 - $8.5 (Cars 2) = $4.5
Cars: $25 - $8 (Disney coupon) - $5 (Target $5 off $25 Disney Bluray coupon) + tax = $13 - $8.5 (Cars 2) = $4.5


CVS Coupons: FREE Essence of Beauty Antibacterial Collection product ($4) + FREE candy or beverage ($2) = $6 x 2 = $12 FREE




Rio 3D movie tickets $3 x 2 = $6



"通天"deal.開了兩個account買了兩張,應該會weekend去睇(順便睇埋Scream 4).

Deal Recap: 難道我變成了購物狂?

12月 Asus laptop = $625
3月 Lenovo Nettop = $266

翻查紀錄,原來我家裡的古董emachines是2005年在circuit city買的,大約$350.想不到emachines竟然可以挨到2011年,但circuit city竟然執笠了,變成了一間網上商店.不過近年emachines的呼吸聲已經越來越大,我已經做好她隨時斷氣的心理準備...但竟然不夠半年花了成千蚊買了兩部腦,難道我已經變成了一個購物狂??

4 x Star Wars In Concert Tickets = $230

62是Star Wars fans,適逢Star Wars In Concert於六四在Hollywood Bowl開show,於是便買了4張中間位飛.希望到時d激光唔好令我失望.


Pexagon Tech: 2 x 8GB Laser Swivel Drive with Personalization Engraving = $10 x 2 = $20

原價$30一個,刻了今仔和老婆的名字還加了Logo,期待中.


BuyWithMe: 4 x AMC Silver Tickets = $6 x 4 - $10 = $14

$10 coupon from Discover signup, $3.5一張戲飛真係好抵.


Groupon: $15 ebay gift card = $7

No brainer,呢個deal通晒天.


Lenovo: IdeaPad 13" Sleeve S135 - Pink = $5.5


13"剛好是老婆那部新laptop的size.


Impulse Buys


5 Pieces Superbright LED Keychain Flashlight = $1.1


Color Numeric Coded Cable Cord Organization Markers = $0.75


同場加映: Amex Dailywish 50% off FedEx Shipping
正好幫我ship那部GekTV接收器回三藩市.

同場加映: Sprint cancels employee discount on SERO
本來我公司有Sprint 21% discount on monthly plan,即$30 SERO plan每月可慳$6.誰知:
Thank you for contacting Sprint Employee Phone Programs. The Everything Plus Referral Program accounts receive deep discounts every month and additional discounts are not allowed on the accounts. This was communicated on the February bill on page 2.

雖然月費從$27變了$33,但我當然不會轉plan:
500 Anytime Minutes
AMERICA - ROAMING Included
Unlimited Sms Text Messaging (Not International)
Unlimited Data Usage
Nights and weekends starting at 7pm
Sprint TV Included

香港海外永久居民怎樣領取六千元

Source: 左報
財政司司長曾俊華歷史性地宣布向年滿十八歲的永久居民派發六千元。據悉，港府認為以銀行作為平台派錢是其中較為可行方法，並考慮以略高於今年預計的通脹、即四點五利率，作為儲蓄的獎賞，鼓勵市民儲蓄。此外，當局又研究一些便利方法，方便移居內地或海外的合資格受惠人士取款，如讓他們經由本港銀行的外地分行提款，毋須長途跋涉回港。

對於已經移居國內或海外的永久居民，只要他們持有身分證便合資格領取六千元，若他們返港領取當然可以，但港府又正考慮為他們提供更便利的取款方式，當中包括經由本港銀行的外地分行的取款，但由於整套方案十分繁複，消息強調仍未有最後定案，相信亦不會在下月十三日表決前準備就緒。

不過政府消息人士稱，仍未就儲蓄計劃「拍板」。恒生管理學院商學院院長蘇偉文認為，政府向市民派發6000元，加入鼓勵儲蓄元素，根本效用不大，因為有需要的人會立即將6000元用來「救命」；而視6000元為閒錢的，亦不會在乎數十至數百元的利息。

401k loan

Overview

Through its loan feature, the Savings Plan offers you access to your savings and gives you the opportunity to borrow against your account balance, up to the limits described in the section “How Much You Can Borrow.” You repay the loan — including interest — to your own account.

If you are an active employee, on paid leave with sufficient pay to make repayments, or on military leave, you can borrow money from your Savings Plan account through two types of loans:

• General purpose loans, which you can take for any reason
• Residential loans, which you can use to purchase your primary residence. A residential loan cannot be used to refinance another loan or pay off an existing mortgage.

Request a Loan

Generally, loan requests are processed on your date of request, and your loan check typically is mailed to you within three business days.

In some situations, you may have to submit additional documentation as part of your loan application, as described below under “Required Documentation.” If additional documentation is required, your loan request is processed on the date the signed and completed required documentation is approved, and your loan check typically is mailed to you within three business days.

Required Documentation

If your loan request is for the purchase of your primary residence, you must submit documentation of that purchase in the form of the following:

• A purchase agreement, sales contract, or builder’s construction contract dated within 30 days of the plan loan application
• A financing agreement signed by both buyer and seller
• A good faith estimate of closing costs and down payment.

How Much You Can Borrow
Your loan must be in a whole dollar amount at least equal to $1,000. The maximum loan amount for which you are eligible is the lesser of:

• $50,000 (less the highest amount of all outstanding loan balances, if any, you had during the previous 12-month period), or
• One-half of your account balance, excluding your Retirement Account contributions balance.

You can have up to two loans outstanding at a time, but only one of them can be a residential loan.

Interest Rate and Fees

The interest rate on your loan is one percentage point above the prime interest rate reported in The Wall Street Journal as of the last business day of the month preceding the month in which you make your loan request. For example, if the prime rate is 3.25% on the last business day in May and you request a loan in June, the interest rate for your loan is 4.25% (3.25% + 1.00%). Generally, this rate is fixed for the life of the loan.

In addition to interest, you must pay a non-refundable $75 loan processing fee. This fee is deducted from the proceeds of your loan.

Interest is amortized over the life of your loan. Each repayment includes principal and interest.

Repaying Your Loan

You must repay a general purpose loan over a one- to five-year period. For primary residence loans, the repayment period is up to 15 years.

You can repay any loan in full at any time without penalty. Your payment must be made by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order (personal checks are not accepted). Partial prepayments are not allowed.

Answers to Tax Questions

終於找了報稅人仕報稅.

結果因為stipend在1099-MISC Box 7,所以一定要報self-employed,還要補付self employment tax(即medicare之類)!!!假如stipend是報在099-MISC Box 3,便可以當other income,不用補self employment tax.

還有大概因為是self-employed而不是business,甚麼都不能當qualified expenses!!!即要硬食那筆stipend的稅!!

報稅人最後呼籲我們:儘快買屋吧!!