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DONGHYUN KIM

Opening a Bank Account as an F-1 Student Before Arriving in the US — Which Banks Allow Remote Pre-Enrollment

07/31/202607/25/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
A stack of US dollar bills spread on a marble surface, representing wealth and finance.

Some banks let F-1 students open a US bank account before arriving, no SSN required. Here’s which options actually allow it and how the process works.

Categories Money Basics

Selling Samsung Stock in the US — Tax Calculation Including Currency Gains

07/25/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Selling Samsung Stock in the US — Tax Calculation Including Currency Gains

Selling Korean stock like Samsung as a US taxpayer? PFIC rules, currency gains, and FBAR reporting all apply — here’s how to calculate what you owe.

Categories Investing Leave a comment

Backdoor Roth IRA Pro-Rata Rule: The Trap That Gets Worse If You Might Retire in Korea

07/31/202607/24/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Backdoor Roth IRA With an Existing Traditional IRA — The Pro-Rata Rule Trap

The backdoor Roth pro-rata rule explained with real numbers — plus why it’s a harder call if you might move back to Korea someday.

Categories Investing Leave a comment

Remote Work for a Korean Company While Living in California — Do You Pay CA Tax?

07/31/202607/23/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Remote Work for a Korean Company While Living in California — Do You Pay CA Tax?

California remote work for a Korean company? The CA FTB may still tax your Korean paycheck. Learn the source-income rules, filing steps, and penalties.

Categories Taxes Leave a comment

PayPal or Venmo Side Income on a Visa — The Question That Comes Before the 1099-K Threshold

07/31/202607/22/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Side Income via PayPal or Venmo — Do You Pay Tax Under $600?

On a visa and getting paid through PayPal or Venmo? The 1099-K threshold isn’t your first question — whether your status lets you earn that money at all is.

Categories Taxes Leave a comment

Korean Parents Wired You Money for a Down Payment — Here’s What the IRS Actually Wants From You

07/31/202607/21/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Korean Parents Wired You Money for a Down Payment — Here's What the IRS Actually Wants From You

Got a gift from Korean parents for a US home down payment? No income tax owed, but Form 3520 may be required. Here’s the real rule explained.

Categories Taxes Leave a comment

You Have 15 Years of Driving Experience — Why Is Your US Car Insurance Charging You Like a Teenager?

07/20/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
You Have 15 Years of Driving Experience — Why Is Your US Car Insurance Charging You Like a Teenager?

Korean immigrants pay 2-3x more for car insurance because US insurers ignore foreign driving experience. Here’s how to get yours recognized.

Categories Insurance Leave a comment

The 14-Day Rule: How to Earn Tax-Free Airbnb Income the IRS Already Approved

07/19/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Airbnb vacation rental bedroom interior

The 14-day rule lets you rent your home tax-free per year under IRC Section 280A(g) — explained for Korean-American homeowners using Airbnb.

Categories Taxes Leave a comment

Credit Cards You Can Get Without an SSN — F1, OPT, and ITIN Holder Guide

07/18/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Holding credit card near laptop online application

Yes, you can get a credit card without an SSN — on F1, OPT, or with an ITIN. Which issuers accept ITIN applicants and how to start building credit now.

Categories Credit Scores Leave a comment

Your Korean National Pension Contributions Can Be Refunded to Your US Bank — Here’s How to Claim It

07/17/2026 by DONGHYUN KIM
Your Korean National Pension Contributions Can Be Refunded to Your US Bank — Here's How to Claim It

Korean nationals in the US can claim the NPS lump-sum refund without returning to Korea. The exact steps, forms, taxes, and timeline — no trip required.

Categories Money Basics Leave a comment
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