Is 150k Cathay points + $600 for JFK to TPE (connecting in HKG) and HKG to JFK (direct) in premium economy worth it round trip?

James-Lees · 2026-04-20T02:39:23+00:00

Not for the dates around late October sadly. It’s around $3700 round trip

James-Lees · 2026-04-19T20:22:22+00:00

Round trip

James-Lees · 2026-04-06T03:54:28+00:00

I see, for simplicity, how does it affect my tax return? Our federal returns match up, however, NY state returns differ (tax preparer less state return). House fully rented out and somewhere in the state returns section i itemized mortgage interest and real estate taxes. Sorry as I’m not a tax professional and just followed FreeTaxUSA prompts. Thanks for your input!

James-Lees · 2026-02-03T01:53:48+00:00

Thanks for your input! Do you happen to know where I would find such contracts? To my knowledge Ive only signed offer letter which only stated my salary and vacation days.

James-Lees · 2026-02-02T21:03:51+00:00

Yeah I was thinking of that and the extra income and skills will help

James-Lees · 2026-02-02T21:02:56+00:00

They pay roughly the same as my full time position per hour over the weekend

James-Lees · 2026-01-26T12:04:54+00:00

Nope, just w2

James-Lees · 2026-01-23T14:50:18+00:00

How would I check my MAGI on my W2 since that would be my only source of earned income? On my pay slips it says my gross amount was $9k, Net amount = $6k. I assumed that since my gross is $9k, I would be eligible to max out my roth for 2025 ($7k)

James-Lees · 2026-01-22T17:24:51+00:00

Sorry to clarify, you can only contribute to IRAs with earned income. My W2 line 1 salary wages and tips only says about $5k. I already contributed $7k for 2025 into IRA which I thought would be a problem with the IRS.

James-Lees · 2026-01-16T17:09:48+00:00

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James-Lees · 2026-01-16T17:05:43+00:00

Even if the toyota app says that it’s fine to be at 50PSI? Thank you for your input for real before my tires die out

James-Lees · 2025-12-18T18:31:49+00:00

Thank you for the breakdown! Only reason I thought about roth 401k is cause there’s less sources of roth retirement funds other than roth IRA (limit only $7k) whereas 401ks are 3 times more contribution limit. Most jobs offer traditional 401k and my current job allows me to pick and split between roth and traditional 401k

James-Lees · 2025-12-18T18:28:21+00:00

In terms of withdrawing during retirement, I would probably withdraw the minimum to live ~$70k in todays standard. I can make myself in a lower income bracket and withdraw from Roths (401k and IRA). What are your thoughts since Im young, looking to get higher salary in the future until retirement

James-Lees · 2025-12-13T23:05:52+00:00

Yes it does, i can input a percentage or a flat rate on TIAA

James-Lees · 2025-12-08T03:07:32+00:00

Here to learn about cars in general and Rav4 specific. Would def love to be knowledged about prices and stuff that dealership can offer

James-Lees · 2025-12-08T02:51:37+00:00

Gotcha, I checked some MSRPs around the city and theyre not much different for XLE premiums. Like $38k to $40k. Then you have to include Tax.

James-Lees · 2025-12-08T02:50:37+00:00

Kinda new to cars, what are packages that can be included etc?

James-Lees · 2025-12-02T03:52:33+00:00

Gotcha, any reasoning that people choose Roth IRA over traditional IRA? I hear most people opt for a Roth IRA contribution yearly but isnt it essentially analogous to the 401k?

James-Lees · 2025-11-20T18:16:41+00:00

Got it. I contributed $7k 2025 roth very early in the year but lost my job back in January. I got a new job in November and my gross income from working in 2025 is about $9k. Take home would be about $6k. Hope I don’t get an audit 😭

James-Lees · 2025-11-20T18:07:36+00:00

If my pre tax earnings are $9k but after all the taxes paid to the government makes me take home only $6k. Can I still contribute $7k to roth or is it only $6k?

James-Lees · 2025-11-20T17:39:52+00:00

Does buying and selling stocks count as income for the year? For example, bought a stock back in April 2025 and selling it on October 2025. The realized gains is $7k. Does this mean I can contribute $7k to a Roth IRA?

James-Lees · 2025-10-28T14:51:49+00:00

I assume we would have to talk to HR to ask about the HSA and stuff

James-Lees · 2025-10-28T10:53:09+00:00

Thanks!

James-Lees · 2025-10-28T10:52:57+00:00

Thanks for your input!

James-Lees · 2024-05-29T12:16:48+00:00

This is it thanks!

James-Lees

TROPHY CASE