Old, confused and appreciative of help.

[Caribbean Cool]

Dear Dim Witty....I didn't post my opinion to argue....as in 'why shouldn't?' And good luck ever trying to change it back....

 

[LuckyLuke]

Thank you, Johngwyn- The problem is that my money’s sitting (languishing) in an account with Vanguard (an investment company, not a bank). It doesn’t issue credit cards, I only have checks

As I remain living in the mid 20th century, I’m absolutely ignorant (helpless) when it comes to computers, internet, WU, anything practical. (The truth is that I can’t even tie my shoes without getting my fingers stuck.)

I’d be eternally grateful and very happy to pay someone to come to my place and guide me through the process. Can you possibly recommend someone? A thousand thanks!

To reiterate what Macanudo stated, it's hard to guide you because you have some conflicting statements in your questions.

You ask which bank to receive SSI, then you ask "what makes someone eligible for SSI?".

You say you are helpless with computers, internet, etc., but you are asking this question on an online forum, presumably typed with your computer.

It would help if you could explain your situation a little more clearly. Are you or are you not collecting SSI? If so, what bank is it going to right now, Vanguard? What exactly, is your objective? You want to receive or transfer your SSI payments from Vanguard to your Macro account directly to avoid using a third party service like WU?

 

[Gringo80]

Thank you, Johngwyn- The problem is that my money’s sitting (languishing) in an account with Vanguard (an investment company, not a bank). It doesn’t issue credit cards, I only have checks

As I remain living in the mid 20th century, I’m absolutely ignorant (helpless) when it comes to computers, internet, WU, anything practical. (The truth is that I can’t even tie my shoes without getting my fingers stuck.)

I’d be eternally grateful and very happy to pay someone to come to my place and guide me through the process. Can you possibly recommend someone? A thousand thanks!

I have found the Schwab phone reps to be infinitely patient and capable when helping me organize my finances. I suggest you call Schwab and give them a chance to work with you.
When I started with them a few years ago I needed help learning to use their systems for things like purchasing cds and moving money from one account to the other. The phone reps were great but they also got me specialists in each area to educate me and hold my hand for as long as I needed it. If I decided to buy or sell something they would offer to actually type the information into the Schwab system for me.
On top of this Schwab also assigned me a personal Schwab rep that has gotten to know me and calls me periodically to make sure that I'm achieving my goals.

Here's what I'm doing:
I have brokerage and savings accounts with Schwab.
I can automatically deposit SSI in either one and easily transfer funds between them on my phone or computer.
The savings account has a debit card that I use for almost all my purchases here.
For cash in my pocket I either use their debit card with a local ATM or WU.
When I have extra funds I move the money into the brokerage account and buy a bond or cd.

 

[Gringo80]

Listen...you are me....or I am you. Leave your SocSec in the U.S.....period. Have direct deposit. Have two debit accounts. One with CapOne....the other....your choice....maybe Schwab. Have a U.S. cellphone for message approval....and then...stop thinking. Do NOT tell SocSec that you are out of the country. Have a friend or family for your U.S. address. Last....stop thinking.

Banks will not let you have an account unless you reside in the U.S so it's important to have a mailing address in the US, a US drivers license and a US phone number. Also the US and Argentina are beginning to share information so stay away from any official Arg systems.

 

[Dim Witty]

To reiterate what Macanudo stated, it's hard to guide you because you have some conflicting statements in your questions.

You ask which bank to receive SSI, then you ask "what makes someone eligible for SSI?".

You say you are helpless with computers, internet, etc., but you are asking this question on an online forum, presumably typed with your computer.

It would help if you could explain your situation a little more clearly. Are you or are you not collecting SSI? If so, what bank is it going to right now, Vanguard? What exactly, is your objective? You want to receive or transfer your SSI payments from Vanguard to your Macro account directly to avoid using a third party service like WU?

No, which bank to receive my "SS". "SSI" is a different animal.

 

[Dim Witty]

Dear Dim Witty....I didn't post my opinion to argue....as in 'why shouldn't?' And good luck ever trying to change it back....

I was told that I shouldn't try to receive my SS here in CABA. "Why shouldn't" I receive it here is a reasonable question. Also, I'll never have a reason to change it back. No one is "arguing", CC.

 

[Caribbean Cool]

Banks will not let you have an account unless you reside in the U.S so it's important to have a mailing address in the US, a US drivers license and a US phone number. Also the US and Argentina are beginning to share information so stay away from any official Arg systems.

Well....great advice...if it were true. But it isn't. You do not need a drviers license.....you do not need to reside in the U.S. I am not sure if I would worry about the Argentina U.S. infor problem....I don't but my account is perhaps below certain thresholds.

 

[Caribbean Cool]

I was told that I shouldn't try to receive my SS here in CABA. "Why shouldn't" I receive it here is a reasonable question. Also, I'll never have a reason to change it back. No one is "arguing", CC.

Of course you don't need to change it back..nor to somewhere else. Until the day comes that you decide that you might like to....change it.

 

[carride]

Plus Schwab is still doing their “starter kit” when you open the brokerage account. They give you $50 worth of selected S&P 500 fractional shares. 5 selected slices. It cost nothing to maintain. It had been $100 for quite a while. Then later you ask to open the a checking account to get the Debit card that has zero international fees for use in argentina.
https://www.schwab.com/investing-starter-kit

 

[Dim Witty]

Of course you don't need to change it back..nor to somewhere else. Until the day comes that you decide that you might like to....change it.

and the beat goes on... enuf.