Search found 405 matches

by anonforthis
Wed Mar 29, 2017 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your personal criteria for deciding whether or not to rent a car?
Replies: 105
Views: 8662

Re: What's your personal criteria for deciding whether or not to rent a car?

VictoriaF wrote:
Raymond wrote:Personally, if it's a seven + hour drive each way, I would just fly there and rent a car at the destination.
I would fly or take a train, too. The sedentary lifestyle is a curse of the modern age, and being sedentary in a car is the worst of it.

Victoria
:D Road trips are best. I love stopping at small towns, taking pictures and chatting with locals.
by anonforthis
Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did you buy SNAP?
Replies: 116
Views: 14681

Did you buy SNAP?

I bought SNAP at $29 with my lunch monies and now it is $25. I also bought AAPL in August 2015 and so far so very good. I know I am going against Bogleheads but I bought them with fun monies.
by anonforthis
Mon Jan 30, 2017 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilizing a trainer to maintain fitness in retirement
Replies: 39
Views: 4410

Re: Utilizing a trainer to maintain fitness in retirement

As I look towards retirement it seems to me that my most important job I will have in retirement is to maintain my health and fitness so I can do all the things that my extra time will permit. So do retired BH utilize either individual or group trainers to maintain and improve their fitness? If you are comfortable with doing so please reply if you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or beyond. I don't think a personal trainer worth it in my opinion. For my case, I don't work out but I do walk a lot and with 2 young children, I burn more calories than I consume. I have no fat on my body even stomach. I see my family physician every year to get a clean bill of health. All I do is walk, not consume too much food, no smoking, no...
by anonforthis
Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you typically spend in a restaurant?
Replies: 171
Views: 19570

Re: How much do you typically spend in a restaurant?

Around $35 for 4 of us. CONFESSION TIME. I hate myself every time we eat out. I just feel that I can cook better cleaner and cheaper. The kiddos love going out to eat so it's worth it.
by anonforthis
Tue Jan 10, 2017 7:33 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member
Replies: 118
Views: 30368

Re: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member

Echo what everyone has said. Thank you again.
by anonforthis
Mon Dec 26, 2016 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2 vs 3+ kids
Replies: 18
Views: 3006

Re: 2 vs 3+ kids

3+ kids last year. This year 2 kids. We have 2 kids and I'm pretty sure we are done. Ask me again next year though.
by anonforthis
Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Future technology and future inflation
Replies: 9
Views: 2141

Future technology and future inflation

Do you think goods and services maybe less than today if self driving truck is upon us and how should it affect my investing?



https://www.wired.com/2016/10/ubers-sel ... 000-beers/
by anonforthis
Mon Sep 12, 2016 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

Correct. This would be replacing the 1m policy. We live in MCOL. Although I don't need a 30 year policy, I think I should because it will cover until I reach 65. I am considering it (a UL policy) because I’d like to leave something for the kids. Anonforthis - these two reasons for buying life insurance are contradictory. 1 - Are you buying life insurance to support your family should you die before the kids are out and on their own, which you figure is your age 65? 2 - Or are you buying life insurance to leave something for the kids as an inheritance no matter when you die, even age 100? Sounds like you started out with #1, then you re-thought your thoughts and ended up with #2. This is an important Q because the type of life insurance is ...
by anonforthis
Fri Sep 09, 2016 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

A lot of good advices. Thank you. I am now debating between a 30 year term life for $120 a month or universal 65 year for $280 a month. My grandparents passed at 82 and 84. My parents are still here in their late 60s and early 70s. Chances are slim to none that I will live past 100. The universal life sounds pretty good and it’s not expensive at all. Everyone has told you that UL is the wrong choice for you, but you are still considering it and believe it 'sounds pretty good'. So I ask, are you reading the responses at all? It would help me if you could explain exactly why despite every response telling you that UL is the wrong choice for you, you are still considering it - and possibly leaning toward it. I am also scratching my head as I ...
by anonforthis
Fri Sep 09, 2016 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

A lot of good advices. Thank you. I am now debating between a 30 year term life for $120 a month or universal 65 year for $280 a month. My grandparents passed at 82 and 84. My parents are still here in their late 60s and early 70s. Chances are slim to none that I will live past 100. The universal life sounds pretty good and it’s not expensive at all. Everyone has told you that UL is the wrong choice for you, but you are still considering it and believe it 'sounds pretty good'. So I ask, are you reading the responses at all? It would help me if you could explain exactly why despite every response telling you that UL is the wrong choice for you, you are still considering it - and possibly leaning toward it. It does not have any cash value fo...
by anonforthis
Fri Sep 09, 2016 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

A lot of good advices. Thank you. I am now debating between a 30 year term life for $120 a month or universal 65 year for $280 a month. My grandparents passed at 82 and 84. My parents are still here in their late 60s and early 70s. Chances are slim to none that I will live past 100. The universal life sounds pretty good and it’s not expensive at all.
by anonforthis
Thu Sep 08, 2016 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

HomerJ wrote:OP, what are your families expenses? $1 million should probably be enough to take care of your family if something happens to you. Your husband can always go back to work if absolutely necessary...

Life insurance money isn't supposed to be enough to let the family retire... $1 million should make the house payments, pay for kids college, give a plenty of cushion for the remaining spouse to draw upon.

But if your expenses are high, maybe $2 million is appropriate.
About 60k.
by anonforthis
Thu Sep 08, 2016 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

letsgobobby wrote:UL will not pay out $1M in 30 years. It might pay out $1M in 50 years, or might not. Did you look at the assumptions?

This salesperson is conning you. Run away, fast.
I am still working on these numbers. I got 2 quotes: 1M 30 year term life for $120 a month OR universal life for 1M for 65 years or 100 years old with no cash value for $280 a month.


So the difference between term life and universal life is $160 a month.
by anonforthis
Thu Sep 08, 2016 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

I have another question. My insurance agent advised that I keep the current term life policy and purchase another 1M universal life. He thinks it's the best strategy since it is my desire to leave an inheritance (it's the culture thing) This will cost $280 a month instead of $120 a month for term life. Universal life? Not a good idea, unless you like paying for his new luxury vehicle with the increased commission he gets from the universal policy. Great strategy - for him, not for you :greedy [Edit] If you want to leave an inheritance, take the extra $160/month you would have paid the insurance company, and put that in a low ER index fund. Why pay a middleman for the investment? That's what I thought too. Here is my calculation. Am I missi...
by anonforthis
Thu Sep 08, 2016 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

I have another question. My insurance agent advised that I keep the current term life policy and purchase another 1M universal life. He thinks it's the best strategy since it is my desire to leave an inheritance (it's the culture thing) This will cost $280 a month instead of $120 a month for term life.
by anonforthis
Wed Sep 07, 2016 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

I bought 1 mil 30 years term life insurance at age 32 for $58 a month. We have 2 little ones under 5 and my husband is 19 years older. In a few years, I will be a breadwinner. Today at 35 years of age, I got a quote for 2 mil 30 years term life insurance for $120 a month. My husband thinks this is an unnecessary expense. I think I worry too much however I really want them to have the same standard of living or little better after I am gone. So right now you're not the breadwinner, but have a 30 yr policy for 1 mil. That seems sufficient. Your husband, who appears to be the breadwinner, is 19 years older. Does he have life insurance? Are there sufficient assets to support the family if he were to die? Frankly, his passing is the risk that h...
by anonforthis
Wed Sep 07, 2016 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Re: Too much life insurance?

I assume your spouse almost has retirement savings enough for his retirement at least. Your 1M might be enough to cover children's expenses until they grow up. Have you checked on how much SS your children would get until 18 if you die? Oh, I suppose they would collect SS when your spouse starts collecting his SS? I guess there might be a maximum. It would be hard to suggest much not knowing your circumstances. Table 1. Eligibility rules and benefit amounts for Social Security child benefits Beneficiary type Conditions parent must meet for child to be eligible Benefit amount Child of— Deceased worker One quarter of coverage for every year between age 21 and death (maximum of 40); or 6 quarters earned in the last 13 calendar quarters. Up to...
by anonforthis
Tue Sep 06, 2016 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too much life insurance?
Replies: 99
Views: 9401

Too much life insurance?

I bought a 1 mil 30 year term life insurance at age 32 for $58 a month. We have 2 little ones under 5 and my husband is 19 years older. In a few years, I will be a breadwinner. Today at 35 years of age, I got a quote for a 2 mil 30 year term life insurance for $120 a month. My husband thinks this is an unnecessary expense. I think I worry too much however I really want them to have the same standard of living or little better after I am gone.
by anonforthis
Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for a 1000 miles car trip with toddler and baby
Replies: 100
Views: 10452

Re: Tips for a 1000 miles car trip with toddler and baby

We drove 1900 miles with 2 toddlers last year. We took off at 7pm after dinner and bath. Kids slept for 12 hours straight. We did not bring any electric gadgets with us. My husband doesn't like small children playing with iPad or watching Tv so we just talked a lot. It was a very fun trip. We are going to do it again this year.
by anonforthis
Wed Jun 22, 2016 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retire 30 years under 200k Link, fyi
Replies: 10
Views: 2303

Re: Retire 30 years under 200k Link, fyi

Which is only to say, without the money to surround oneself with other expats, often in expensive gated communities, there is a steep learning curve before one feels comfortable in a foreign country. Not everyone is cut out for the alienating feeling of all foreign, all the time. This is totally true. In Vietnam, you can go live in the BP Oil Compound, where the rents are $4,000 a month and they import Australian steaks for dinner every night. You can go to the Vietnamese-American dentist who grew up in Los Angeles, moved back to Vietnam five years ago, and drives a Mercedes to work. You can go to the yoga instructor who moved here from France 2 years ago (and wants to make enough money to be able to buy a house in France when she moves ba...
by anonforthis
Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Leave garage door open?
Replies: 123
Views: 25591

Re: Leave garage door open?

My husband likes to leave the garage doors open. However, we live in the country with private road therefore no one can see our property. I don't think its safe to leave the garage doors open if you live in the city or suburbs.
by anonforthis
Thu May 19, 2016 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Work or stay at home mom or change careers
Replies: 64
Views: 8930

Re: Work or stay at home mom or change careers

Since you asked, I think you should find a new job closer to home maybe with a pay cut. Your child is very young and I know its very hard to stay on top of things. It will get better I promise. Can you outsource chores that you guys don't like to do?
by anonforthis
Sun May 15, 2016 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Immediate Annuity and Term Life Insurance?
Replies: 4
Views: 999

Immediate Annuity and Term Life Insurance?

I was playing with the 2 calculators yesterday immediate annuity and term life insurance. For our situation, 19 years gap between us, we can buy immediate annuity when my husband turns 60 and 41 for me. For joint life, 412k will get us $1500 a month for life. Then I will buy 30 years term life insurance for 400k at $27 a month. I picked $1500 a month because it's the average house payment PITI around here. I will always work if no health problem of course. We both have 1 mil term life insurance each till 70 at the moment.

What do you think about this strategy?
by anonforthis
Fri May 06, 2016 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you check credit card statements?
Replies: 79
Views: 13289

Re: Do you check credit card statements?

We have more than 20 credit cards. Whenever we spend, we get an email goes directly to that credit card folder (I set up an email folder for each card). Every month, I reconcile the emails with the credit card statement. I have an excel spreadsheet with due dates to keep track. I set up an if statement formula to highlight in red if anything that don't match and/or credit such as returns and online transactions. It saves me a lot of time and no paper cuts.
by anonforthis
Mon May 02, 2016 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dress Pants
Replies: 13
Views: 2810

Re: Dress Pants

Good timing. I just bought my husband dress pants at Costco yesterday for $15.99 each. It was IZOD Men’s Straight Fit Dress Pant.

http://www.costco.com/IZOD-Men%E2%80%99 ... 38738.html
by anonforthis
Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Young Male Living with Parents
Replies: 83
Views: 8943

Re: Young Male Living with Parents

I think its great. I am hoping that my kids will do the same. We will make it as easy as possible for them to be comfortable living at home. In return, they will have to work full time and putting money away for their future.
by anonforthis
Thu Apr 14, 2016 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When was the most stressful financial time in your life?
Replies: 142
Views: 24817

Re: When was the most stressful financial time in your life?

The most stressful financial time when I was from 5 to 16 years old back in my old country. My parents worked from sun up to sun down to be able to buy food for us and we still went to bed hungry every night. Finally, our dream came true. The US government approved my dad application. I got my first job at 16 year old in the US and blew my first paycheck on the box of Snickers candy bar.
by anonforthis
Sun Mar 20, 2016 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Importance of parental involvement in education.
Replies: 31
Views: 3873

Re: Importance of parental involvement in education.

Thank you everyone for your input. I appreciate it very much! Victoria, I just downloaded mindset concept by Carol Dweck. I will read it tonight.

This area is safe, just poor test scores. I understand parent involvement alone does not solve all the problems such as basic resource, the ratio of students to teachers, the personnel available to support students or after school activities. I believe it takes a village that why I am worried.


They are in preschool now and the elementary school in our area is excellent based on test scores. We will move to a resort area when my husband gets out of the workforce.
by anonforthis
Sat Mar 19, 2016 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Importance of parental involvement in education.
Replies: 31
Views: 3873

Importance of parental involvement in education.

My husband and I will move to another town in about 10 years. As of right now, the school system in this town isn't great (poor on test scores) and it may get worse or better who knows. Our kids will be in middle school. My husband will retired by then and I hopefully will still have this telecommuting job. We can't afford private school and I am not fond of homeschooling. Since we will both be home, we will assisting with homework, encourage good study habits, explain about the assignments, tutoring and anything to help them get organized. Do you think parents involvement will help balance out a bad school district? Or just bite the bullet and pay for private school? We will be involved in their learning no matter where they go to school. ...
by anonforthis
Tue Mar 01, 2016 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does everyone really need to save $1 million for retirement?
Replies: 225
Views: 40380

Re: Does everyone really need to save $1 million for retirement?

No. Just marry a younger spouse then you are set for life.
by anonforthis
Wed Feb 17, 2016 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone living in a retirement/55+ community?
Replies: 44
Views: 8357

Re: Anyone living in a retirement/55+ community?

randomguy wrote:
joebh wrote:
LuigiLikesPizza wrote:So, is 55+ a misnomer? what is the average age of the residents of the communities you are familiar with?
55+ only means that you are required to be at least 55.
Some 55+ communities skew toward the young part of that range, some older.
55+ means that 80% of the houses must have 1 55+ member. The other 20% the community can do whatever they want.

Can we live there? My husband is 55, I am 35 and we have 2 small children.
by anonforthis
Tue Jan 26, 2016 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dinner Ideas
Replies: 57
Views: 10347

Re: Dinner Ideas

I normally make beef broth on the weekend and freeze it in many small containers. On a lazy night, I reheat the broth and meat. With noodles, veggies and this is what I get for less than 10 minutes. Healthy and taste good ( to me)

Image
by anonforthis
Sat Jan 23, 2016 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help me settle this investment argument with my spouse.
Replies: 25
Views: 3802

Help me settle this investment argument with my spouse.

My spouse wants to invest some money in a rehab property. His best friend is a retired handyman and unreliable. My spouse will put in money and his friend will do all the labor. His friend doesn't have any money. He is getting pension check every month. His friend is a really good guy and good friend. However, he is unreliable. We did a project with him a few years back. He left in the middle of the project for months without any explanation. My spouse is an unorganized person. We both work full time therefore he can only work on this project Saturday and Sunday. I know this business adventure will not be good for neither of us. My spouse wants me to be part of this adventure but I don't want to. If I say no, we can't do it. He will bring i...
by anonforthis
Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring and people seem to avoid me
Replies: 66
Views: 13676

Re: Retiring and people seem to aviod me

SGM wrote:
island wrote:
SGM wrote:Another always avoids me because he is short.
Bizarre. How do you know this?
He has volunteered this information several times. It was a surprise at first, but now I am acutely aware of his behavior if we meet at some event. Height difference is 1 foot or more.

Or you need to shower more? Haha. I kid.
by anonforthis
Fri Jan 15, 2016 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tell me about Expected Family Contribution for college
Replies: 65
Views: 9108

Re: Tell me about Expected Family Contribution for college

I would spend my time and energy to help my kids to have killer GPA, SAT scores, and killer essay. There are so many scholarships out there for students that truly college material.
by anonforthis
Tue Jan 12, 2016 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retired Bogleheads -- How much did you spend last year?
Replies: 60
Views: 8893

Re: Retired Bogleheads -- How much did you spend last year?

Love this thread. We are still working but we can easily manage to live on 35k-40k a year.
by anonforthis
Mon Jan 11, 2016 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Time and cost of owning 3.5 acres?
Replies: 24
Views: 14035

Re: Time and cost of owning 3.5 acres?

We have 10 acres but only about 2 acres to mow and pickup branches, 8 acres left for cows to eat grass. My husband hired a college student at our near by college. We pay him $10 an hour to mow and work around the farm.
by anonforthis
Mon Jan 04, 2016 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Saved half of income last year - struggling to see the point
Replies: 62
Views: 14519

Re: Saved half of income last year - struggling to see the point

If your goal is financial independent not early retirement then take a few more vacations.
by anonforthis
Sat Jan 02, 2016 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Housing Dilemma (Might want 4th BR with 3 kids)
Replies: 26
Views: 3762

Re: Housing Dilemma (Might want 4th BR with 3 kids)

I pick option 5 if this will be your forever home. I shared room with my siblings growing up and I told myself I would never do that to my kids. My family are extremely close and we all have good relationship with one another even today.
by anonforthis
Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [What will you do differently in] 2016
Replies: 62
Views: 10480

Re: [What will you do differently in] 2016

For 2016, I will spend more money on eating out and travel. Since my goal is not to retire early therefore I want to enjoy the money with my husband and kids.
by anonforthis
Thu Dec 24, 2015 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Psychological Disconnect [Pay off credit card vs. saving]
Replies: 25
Views: 2642

Re: Psychological Disconnect

I was the same but I worked 2 full time jobs instead. I was single and lived at home.
by anonforthis
Tue Dec 22, 2015 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Biggest lucky break in your personal finances?
Replies: 160
Views: 20950

Re: Biggest lucky break in your personal finances?

Immigrant to America with my parents as a young adult. The biggest luck of my life.
by anonforthis
Fri Dec 18, 2015 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Continue to work or stay at home?
Replies: 27
Views: 3269

Re: Continue to work or stay at home?

Continue to work is my vote. I am in the what if *divorce, death, layoff* camp. I don't care how much my husband brings home. I need to work to feel safe.
by anonforthis
Thu Dec 10, 2015 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feeling penny-wise and pound-foolish
Replies: 30
Views: 5332

Re: Feeling penny-wise and pound-foolish

I know what you mean. Before kids, we only eat at home. Now that kids are getting older and behave better at a restaurant, we eat out 2 times a week. We don't go to a fancy restaurant. We eat at our local Korean, Thai and Vietnamese and pay $25 per meal. So that is $200 a month. And here I am recycling Ziploc bags.
by anonforthis
Mon Dec 07, 2015 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Restaurant Experience
Replies: 75
Views: 8637

Re: The Restaurant Experience

cheese_breath wrote:Don't go the Coney expecting the Ritz.
+1 :D
by anonforthis
Mon Dec 07, 2015 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday tipping: letter carriers
Replies: 120
Views: 14658

Re: Holiday tipping: letter carriers

It seems like some people are jealous of the letter carrier's benefits. :D
by anonforthis
Sat Dec 05, 2015 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am 34 and have only 3000 bucks to invest...This is a job for...THE BOGLEHEADS
Replies: 49
Views: 5890

Re: I am 34 and have only 3000 bucks to invest...This is a job for...THE BOGLEHEADS

Can you get another job? I used to work 2 full time jobs just to save for retirement. It wont be easy but you will eventually adapt to it. You are still young to do it.
by anonforthis
Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Childrens' Student Loans Delaying Retirement
Replies: 153
Views: 16963

Re: Childrens' Student Loans Delaying Retirement

EmergDoc wrote:
What do you think? Would you borrow for your child's education?

Yes, I would only if they go to a state school. I don't mind to work longer just to pay for their college. However, I would not borrow for an expensive private school.
by anonforthis
Mon Nov 16, 2015 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit card hacked, what we learned
Replies: 49
Views: 8976

Re: Credit card hacked, what we learned

We have more than 20 credit cards. Whenever we spend, we get an email goes directly to that credit card folder (I set up an email folder for each card). Every month, I reconcile the emails with the credit card statement. I have an excel spreadsheet with due dates to keep track. It is pretty easy.