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All Forum Posts by: Robert Posta

Robert Posta has started 6 posts and replied 27 times.

Post: Attention: Beware of Non-Bank Fintech Apps

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

I am( was ) also using Real Financial, many others use them i believe for Real estate banking accounts. I am pulling gout of them also. Another 3rd party bank app that is not a bank. No FDIC coverage at all if Relay screws up. I love Relays tech, but after this fiasco I am out.

Post: Attention: Beware of Non-Bank Fintech Apps

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Adding another link that explains things better. 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fdic-insurance-yotta-patrick-...

Post: Attention: Beware of Non-Bank Fintech Apps

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Attention: Beware of Non-Bank Fintech Apps

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to share a cautionary tale based on my recent experience with a fintech bank issue involving Yotta and Synapse. Currently, I find myself in a situation where a significant sum of my cash is held up due to complications between these entities. This ordeal has shed light on the risks associated with relying solely on fintech apps, particularly those that operate without a banking license and depend on third-party banks for processing. I will only have accounts directly with large banks going forward.

Here's why this matters:

1. Limited Regulatory Oversight: Fintech companies that operate without a banking license may not be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny and consumer protection measures as traditional banks. This means your funds and sensitive financial information may not have the same level of safeguarding.

2. Deposit Insurance Concerns: In many countries, bank deposits are insured up to a certain limit by governmental agencies. However, if you're using a fintech app that isn't a bank itself, your deposits may not be covered by such insurance schemes, leaving you vulnerable in the event of insolvency or other financial crises.

3. Uncertainty in Case of Disputes: Without the backing of a banking license, resolving disputes or seeking recourse for unauthorized transactions or errors may be more complicated. Fintech companies may not have the same obligations or mechanisms in place to address customer grievances effectively.

4. Dependence on Third-Party Banks: Fintech apps that rely on a back-end bank for processing transactions introduce an additional layer of risk. Your financial activities are essentially outsourced to another institution, which may have its own policies and vulnerabilities.

What Can You Do?

  1. Research Thoroughly: Before entrusting your finances to any fintech app, take the time to research its regulatory status, security measures, and any potential affiliations with licensed banks.
  2. Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions, privacy policies, and any disclosures provided by the fintech company. Pay attention to how your funds are handled and what protections, if any, are offered.
  3. Diversify Your Accounts: Consider spreading your funds across multiple accounts, including those held by established banks with robust regulatory oversight and deposit insurance.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the fintech industry, including regulatory changes and security best practices. Vigilance is key to protecting your financial well-being.

In conclusion, while fintech innovations can enhance our banking experiences, it's crucial to remain vigilant and discerning. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive measures to mitigate them, we can navigate the digital financial landscape more safely.

Please share this message with your friends and family to raise awareness and empower others to make informed decisions about their financial security.

Stay safe and informed,

Links to my current situation .
This reddit post sums it up and has several news links and twitter links .
https://www.reddit.com/r/yotta/comments/1cv1mkc/simple_summary_and_your_recovery_steps/

Post: Baseline or Relay for banking?

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Attention: Beware of Non-Bank Fintech Apps

I hope this message finds you well. I'm reaching out to share a cautionary tale based on my recent experience with a fintech bank issue involving Yotta and Synapse. Currently, I find myself in a situation where a significant sum of my cash is held up due to complications between these entities. This ordeal has shed light on the risks associated with relying solely on fintech apps, particularly those that operate without a banking license and depend on third-party banks for processing. I will only have accounts directly with large banks going forward.

Here's why this matters:

1. Limited Regulatory Oversight: Fintech companies that operate without a banking license may not be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny and consumer protection measures as traditional banks. This means your funds and sensitive financial information may not have the same level of safeguarding.

2. Deposit Insurance Concerns: In many countries, bank deposits are insured up to a certain limit by governmental agencies. However, if you're using a fintech app that isn't a bank itself, your deposits may not be covered by such insurance schemes, leaving you vulnerable in the event of insolvency or other financial crises.

3. Uncertainty in Case of Disputes: Without the backing of a banking license, resolving disputes or seeking recourse for unauthorized transactions or errors may be more complicated. Fintech companies may not have the same obligations or mechanisms in place to address customer grievances effectively.

4. Dependence on Third-Party Banks: Fintech apps that rely on a back-end bank for processing transactions introduce an additional layer of risk. Your financial activities are essentially outsourced to another institution, which may have its own policies and vulnerabilities.

What Can You Do?

  1. Research Thoroughly: Before entrusting your finances to any fintech app, take the time to research its regulatory status, security measures, and any potential affiliations with licensed banks.
  2. Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the terms and conditions, privacy policies, and any disclosures provided by the fintech company. Pay attention to how your funds are handled and what protections, if any, are offered.
  3. Diversify Your Accounts: Consider spreading your funds across multiple accounts, including those held by established banks with robust regulatory oversight and deposit insurance.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest developments in the fintech industry, including regulatory changes and security best practices. Vigilance is key to protecting your financial well-being.

In conclusion, while fintech innovations can enhance our banking experiences, it's crucial to remain vigilant and discerning. By understanding the potential risks and taking proactive measures to mitigate them, we can navigate the digital financial landscape more safely.

Please share this message with your friends and family to raise awareness and empower others to make informed decisions about their financial security.

Stay safe and informed,

Links to my current situation .
This reddit post sums it up and has several news links and twitter links .
https://www.reddit.com/r/yotta/comments/1cv1mkc/simple_summary_and_your_recovery_steps/

Post: Power Outage Notification Device ?

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Nathan Miller:

I switched to using a temperature sensor instead and just put it into the fridge/freezers.  If the temp exceeds a certain threshold I know that either the power is out or the compressor has died.  Here's the one I'm using.  Works by bluetooth or wifi and battery lasts for years.

https://us.govee.com/products/wi-fi-temperature-humidity-sen...

 Nathan , i just came across these also.   No issues being in the freezer for long periods of time ? Wifi signal has no issues getting thru freezer doors ?   These look amazing . 

Post: Power Outage Notification Device ?

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Thanks for the recomendations.   Even with GFI fixed I dont ever want to go thru that again. I am going to try out this device i found on Amazon . If it works its only  $69.00 for 2 devices and that will cover the two refrigerators i have.  Ill report back on how they work. 

Post: Power Outage Notification Device ?

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

I was not sure where to place this post.   I figured property management may be best . 

Does anyone use or know of a reliable device that would send notification when power went out to a certain outlet ? 
Mainly trying to monitor refrigerators.   Had an instance on a vacation home where the circuit breaker tripped and the fridge smelled really bad  when we finally had someone go look at the home.  The fridge was out for 2-3 weeks. I did some research on Amazon and found a few products that had "OK" reviews.  Would love to hear if anyone on BP has a device that works well for them.  THANKS. 

Post: Looking for an accountant in the Chicago area that knows Short and Long term rental.

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Hello . 

I am looking for a CPA/Accountant that knows long term and short term rental in the Chicago / Chicago suburbs area . I am in Dupage county, IL .  I am looking to connect as i get ready for my first long term rental. 

Post: Rookie Investor - STR looks appealing

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12
Quote from @Michael Baum:

Hey @Vincent Samaha. There is a lot of advice and ideas floating around. I guess it comes down to what you find acceptable. Some here have said they wouldn't get out of bed for 10-12%. Some think it is OK if you are happy with it.

We are at about 24%. It is way better than we expected and has been steady. We are on target for about the same in 2023 so far. Time will tell.

Bottom line is if you are happy with the 10-12% and it is steady and works, then you are fine. Yes you could possibly do better, but you never know.

As for the time it takes, in high season, I spend about 2 hours a week working on our lake house. I handle everything regarding bookings and communication. I have a great cleaner and a handyman on call if I need help there. Our place is 8 hours away from us.

We have good systems in place, do very regular maintenance on all the house systems and vet each and every guest. No instant bookings allowed. We rarely have a bad guest, have all 5 stars on both VRBO and AirBNB and are booked 100% for our season, each and every season so far.

It doesn't have to be a chore, or a full time gig. If we had 10 houses, I would do something different, but one place is pretty easy if you do it correctly.

My 2 cents.


 Would love to know your vetting process sir.

Post: Disney STR Market info

Robert PostaPosted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Roselle, IL
  • Posts 30
  • Votes 12

Following, also interested.