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Re: Proposal: Philanthropy & Volunteering sub Forum

I think it would be unwise. A substantial portion of "charitable" giving and volunteering are associated with religious and political organizations, which should make them inappropriate for discussion here. Not only that, but to discuss the effectiveness of charities is to say than some a...
by bottlecap
Sat May 18, 2013 9:14 am
 
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Proposal: Philanthropy & Volunteering sub Forum
Replies: 10
Views: 288

Re: Rental/Landlord Protection

If you are worried you should hire a lawyer. That is what they are for.

JT
by bottlecap
Fri May 17, 2013 9:32 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental/Landlord Protection
Replies: 8
Views: 942

Re: Will 1,666 be the high?

nisiprius wrote:If the Book of Revaluations is right, it might be the bestial get.


Nice.
by bottlecap
Fri May 17, 2013 9:17 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will 1,666 be the high?
Replies: 20
Views: 1674

Re: to invest now or wait?

OP, you're not the first to ask this, no matter where the market is. The answer is who knows(?), so invest now, according to your plan.

Perhaps there should be a sticky regarding this question since it's asked so much?

JT
by bottlecap
Fri May 17, 2013 9:10 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: to invest now or wait?
Replies: 25
Views: 2012

Re: College - The new scam

That was a refreshing article, thanks. Echoing the above, the only way to control costs is to make people pay themselves, or get private entities who bear the risk of loss to loan they money based on a demonstrated ability to repay. It sounds "unfair," but that's life in the real world. Yo...
by bottlecap
Fri May 17, 2013 1:42 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College - The new scam
Replies: 33
Views: 1924

Re: When to get an oil change?

JT, I wondered when CR ran the report you refer to ... looks like it was in 1996: Unless you seldom shut your engine off, and contaminants are never allowed to build up, and moisture is constantly boiled off, you can ignore the taxi cab oil study--apples and oranges. Our daily drivers put different...
by bottlecap
Thu May 16, 2013 3:41 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 1877

Re: When to get an oil change?

Keep track of your mpg every time you fill up. I notice that mine drops if I am overdue, and once I get it changed it goes back up. You might have another issue - I'm not an expert, but I've never heard that an oil change would effect mpg. To the extent that it might (if the oil was really dirty?),...
by bottlecap
Thu May 16, 2013 10:16 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 1877

Re: When to get an oil change?

Typically, you ought to follow the owners manual. Oil changes, however, are one spot where the manufacturers seem to be slow on keeping up with the times. A lot depends on the type of driving you do, but if it's normal driving, you could technically wait 7,500 or even 10,000 miles without any differ...
by bottlecap
Thu May 16, 2013 9:33 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to get an oil change?
Replies: 35
Views: 1877

Re: I'm thinking of this Allocation (Any suggestions?)

I think it looks great if you have thought it out and are comfortable with it.

JT
by bottlecap
Thu May 16, 2013 6:53 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: I'm thinking of this Allocation (Any suggestions?)
Replies: 19
Views: 1346

Re: Is there anything to be gained by talking to advisor?

What is to be gained by talking to a guy like this? What's to be lost? Maybe, just maybe, the guy will have some thoughts worth listening to. Otherwise, put you hands over your ears and refuse to listen to ANY new thoughts. That would be stupid but obviously lots of people think otherwise. Time is ...
by bottlecap
Thu May 16, 2013 6:36 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Is there anything to be gained by talking to advisor?
Replies: 25
Views: 1705

Re: Is there anything to be gained by talking to advisor?

Not if you know how to invest yourself.

JT
by bottlecap
Wed May 15, 2013 10:43 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Is there anything to be gained by talking to advisor?
Replies: 25
Views: 1705

Re: Retirement checkup

Why not post it here? You'll get many opinions.

JT
by bottlecap
Wed May 15, 2013 7:31 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement checkup
Replies: 7
Views: 797

Re: Notice of valuation from assessor

I think your concerns are way overblown. I don't even think it will hurt resale or refinance. By the time the county gets to reassessing, the damge has already been long done. If the prices in your area have gone down, you wouldn"t be able to convince any buyer or bank that it should go by a da...
by bottlecap
Sun May 12, 2013 8:23 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Notice of valuation from assessor
Replies: 10
Views: 687

Re: Can I retire?

You can swing it, if that's all you need. The only thing I'd worry about is the effect it might have on your young children. You might have a harder time instilling a work ethic if they can't learn by example. Can you switch gears to a less demanding career for a time? Just something I worry about w...
by bottlecap
Sun May 12, 2013 7:43 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 76
Views: 6117

Re: Billionaires Dumping Stocks, Economist Knows Why - Money

retiredjg wrote:Fear mongering. It sells papers, magazines, etc. And it works particularly well on a conservative audience.


Actually, this strategy works pretty well on members of any party that doesn't control the White House.

JT
by bottlecap
Sat May 11, 2013 11:56 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Billionaires Dumping Stocks, Economist Knows Why - Moneynews
Replies: 22
Views: 2987

Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your Engagement Ring??

leod wrote:never gave one initially as I convinced her that it was a waste of money, but i bought one years later for $500 to justify my 5K watch purchase.


Very funny.
by bottlecap
Wed May 08, 2013 7:31 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Much Did You Spend on Your Engagement Ring??
Replies: 253
Views: 9706

Re: Are HSAs protected from creditors?

It depends on your state laws.

JT
by bottlecap
Tue May 07, 2013 10:27 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Are HSAs protected from creditors?
Replies: 4
Views: 440

Re: Envestnet versus Vanguard

joannabev wrote:My advisor is recommending 6 allocation classes. He says Vanguard cannot provide the same diversification and number of allocation classes as Envestnet.


You need a new advisor. He's giving you a sales pitch. Luckily, you can educate yourself on this site.

Good luck,

JT
by bottlecap
Tue May 07, 2013 6:40 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Envestnet versus Vanguard
Replies: 26
Views: 1369

Re: What should I do if they start to tax Roth earnings?

What if the government increases the tax on non-Roth IRAs? Or institutes a consumption tax? Why just worry about Roths? What is so special about them?

JT
by bottlecap
Tue May 07, 2013 6:33 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What should I do if they start to tax Roth earnings?
Replies: 21
Views: 2044

Re: My personal rate of inflation is ....................

Dont you make one of these posts every month or two?

JT
by bottlecap
Sat May 04, 2013 6:50 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My personal rate of inflation is ....................
Replies: 36
Views: 2764

Re: The golden age of retirement - is now??

Very interesting. Thanks.

JT
by bottlecap
Thu May 02, 2013 5:46 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The golden age of retirement - is now??
Replies: 21
Views: 3717

Re: Do the Bogleheads here tithe based on net or gross salar

I think net is reasonable. However, the questions you raise also call into the necessity of the 10% figure. Not to make your decision any harder than it already is...

JT
by bottlecap
Thu May 02, 2013 12:04 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do the Bogleheads here tithe based on net or gross salary?
Replies: 49
Views: 2744

Re: Bank mailed me letter, $5 fee starts in June, criminal.

Problem is, I have to weigh whether having the convenience of River Valley Bank branches exactly between my work and home and my home and the YMCA (where I work out at) outweighs me giving them $300 for them to use for free to keep my checking account balance permanently above that level when I cou...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 30, 2013 11:22 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank mailed me letter, $5 fee starts in June
Replies: 122
Views: 6170

Re: Meet Mr. Money Mustache, the man who retired at 30

I'm glad that it works for him and he's happy, but he lives like a bit of a weirdo. I'm pretty darn frugal, but I don't want to live like that, nor do I want my kids to grow up and be like that, unless that's what appeals to them. I've visited his blog before, but ther's nothing of huge value for me...
by bottlecap
Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:30 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Meet Mr. Money Mustache, the man who retired at 30
Replies: 253
Views: 18448

Re: GDP

GDP is essentially a measure of spending, whether it be on consumption, investment or government spending. Plug in different numbers, get different results. Even with a number as simple as that, there are no "smartys".

JT
by bottlecap
Fri Apr 26, 2013 8:46 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: GDP
Replies: 10
Views: 462

Re: my dad's missed rmd x 7 years!

You need more help that I know to give. But a Google search turned up something that seems to confirm your overview:

http://employeebenefitplanaudit.belfint ... -of-money/

Good luck,

JT
by bottlecap
Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:17 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: my dad's missed rmd x 7 years!
Replies: 11
Views: 2743

Re: any suggestions on a ccw [Concealed Carry Weapon]

Everyone keeps saying how a training class is important. I don't disagree, but I'm unaware of any states that will issue such a permit without a mandatory, typically 8 hour, class. Are there any? That's not to say that an NRA class wouldn't help - it would probably be far better than the mandatory c...
by bottlecap
Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:08 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: any suggestions on a ccw [Concealed Carry Weapon]
Replies: 92
Views: 5012

Re: BigMoney Jobs(high school student wants to be rich some

You make your own opportunities in this world. It's not something that's taught in a classroom or on the job. Luck plays a part, but you have to be smart enough to understand when luck comes banging on you door. When you see something that could be done better, just do it. Do what most people would...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 6:42 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: BigMoney Jobs(high school student wants to be rich some day)
Replies: 102
Views: 6454

Re: Battle of he said she said with landlord

All of this depends on the state, but verbal statements which contradict the written terms of a lease are *usually* not admissible to change the written terms. Check local law to see if this is the case. Your friend might also check the date or postmark on the letter, as the lease usually requires t...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:08 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battle of he said she said with landlord
Replies: 20
Views: 1961

Re: Extremely nervous investor

Sorry to seem a bit dense here, but isn't $4800/year on a $100,000 investment almost 5%? And then if they add 2% per year, isn't that almost 7% the next year? If it is an annuity, isn't that a guaranteed income? Are you sure they will keep adding 2% every year, no matter what? It sounds good to me,...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:27 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Extremely nervous investor
Replies: 12
Views: 1950

Re: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble

A quick look into the managed MF industry this AM shows them all lit up with vitriolic shouts of 'fix' and 'hatchet-job' and shouts for 'equal time'. Its tough being told you offer no value and make no difference....except in a negative way. To be fair, it was a hatchet job in the sense that invest...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:11 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble
Replies: 291
Views: 25483

Re: How to select a first time home- sanity check

It's picky, especially for a first home. If you find this "perfect" home, why would you move? None of those things are unreasonable in and of themselves, but with an non-negotiable list like that, you will be looking for your first home for at least 4 years. The problem is that almost none...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 2:02 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to select a first time home- sanity check
Replies: 17
Views: 1015

Re: Extremely nervous investor

Nothing generates 5% income per year without a very real risk of loss of principal. Assuming zero risk tolerance, she has a few choices: 1. Postpone retirement; 2. Part-time job in retirement; 3. Reduce spending; 4. Spend down the $170K in principal to make up shortfall; or 5. Use $170,000 to buy an...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:32 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Extremely nervous investor
Replies: 12
Views: 1950

Re: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble

Some of those interviews - especially the JP Morgan guy, but Prudential lady as well - reminded me of Stewart and Colbert interviews. They actually made me laugh... It's funny, the interviews reminded me of (very real) John Stossel interviews. The one dude was absolutely horrible. I have friends th...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 12:12 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble
Replies: 291
Views: 25483

Re: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble

Am I the only one having a hard time feeling sorry for some of the people interviewed for this? You're making $70,000 a year but only have $20,000 in retirement savings? I make about a third of that, am 22, and have about the same amount in retirement savings. And no, I don't have rich parents. Div...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:49 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble
Replies: 291
Views: 25483

Re: impressive rate of return when purchasing home

What about property taxes, income taxes, insurance, and maintenance? Those will shave at least a few percentage points off of the expected return. You may be right that it is a great investment. If so, however, the implication is that housing in NYC way undervalued and you're one of the first people...
by bottlecap
Wed Apr 24, 2013 10:32 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: impressive rate of return when purchasing home
Replies: 38
Views: 2721

Re: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble

Overall, I thought it was well produced. Jack and Steve (and Dan!) did a great job as far as the Bogleheads go. I was disappointed in that they essentially set up a straw man opponent. Surely someone could have better represented the active fund companies! Not that I care, but it would have been mor...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:29 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Frontline--The Retirement Gamble
Replies: 291
Views: 25483

Re: What are your thoughts on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Make

Dave Ramsey's no holds barred get out of debt advice = fantastic. Dave Ramsey's investing advice = simplistic (even for a Boglehead), unrealistic and risky. People might have some minor quibbles with some of his get out of debt advice, but this about sums up the way most people on this board view hi...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 23, 2013 3:02 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your thoughts on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover
Replies: 33
Views: 3306

Re: Helping out a parent financially

You're not obligated, but, as with an caring person, it does put you in a spot. Obviously you want to help out a family member, especially a parent, but rewarding someone who manipulates you isn't healthy, either. If you have no problem being treated like a doormat, it might work. But you're already...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:55 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping out a parent financially
Replies: 18
Views: 1636

Re: any suggestions on a ccw

I have a Kahr P9 (I think it's a P9) that has become "go to" when I carry. It is small, but still fits my larg-ish hand, is light and has a slim profile. It's not expensive, but at the range it is reliable and sufficiently accurate. It's not my favorite to shoot at the range by any means, ...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:58 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: any suggestions on a ccw [Concealed Carry Weapon]
Replies: 92
Views: 5012

Re: repair car after collision or junk it?

If it really takes $5k to repair a $3k car, it's time to junk it.

JT
by bottlecap
Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:32 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: repair car after collision or junk it?
Replies: 13
Views: 842

Re: Owner Policy Title Insurance (FAIL)

I cant imagine your lawyer is wrong on something as simple as this. It is impossible to know for sure, however, as we don't have the policy or know the law in your state.

JT
by bottlecap
Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:28 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Owner Policy Title Insurance (FAIL)
Replies: 5
Views: 622

Re: Looking for advice on Wine.

If you have an iphone, try the app called "WineQuest". You can rate the wines you like and once you have 10 or 15 rated, I've found it a fairly accurate predictor.

JT
by bottlecap
Sun Apr 21, 2013 8:27 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for advice on Wine.
Replies: 33
Views: 1800

Re: Retiring. What should I expect

OP, welcome to the forum. There is not "wealth ceiling" or floor on this site. I'm sorry you were treated poorly for posting a question. I would repost in another and you will get some good advice.

JT
by bottlecap
Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:56 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Retiring. What should I expect
Replies: 10
Views: 2605

Re: Future Divorce

I would get an attorney and start attending marriage counseling. It sounds like your wife might refuse to go, but you still can.

Good luck,

JT
by bottlecap
Fri Apr 19, 2013 3:24 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Future Divorce
Replies: 41
Views: 3649

Re: Goofed up; let it ride or sell at loss?

I'd sell and go back my proper allocation.

JT
by bottlecap
Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:08 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Goofed up; let it ride or sell at loss?
Replies: 15
Views: 1356

Re: Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]

I'd be cautious. Sounds like they already took advantage of you once.

JT
by bottlecap
Thu Apr 18, 2013 10:48 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I sign the contract? or? [Consultant]
Replies: 11
Views: 1105

Re: VG Pays $28k for "Movers & Shakespeare"

A cost-conscious company like Vanguard isn't going to spend money like this unless they've vetted it and decided that it may actually be worth the expense. A successful company like Vanguard will be right about that determination enough to warrant such expenses. Not that we should close our eyes to ...
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 16, 2013 2:08 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VG Pays $28k for "Movers & Shakespeare"
Replies: 30
Views: 2176

Re: Sell Reno condo after recent price increases?

No one's real estate crystal ball works, even if they think it does. Sorry.

JT
by bottlecap
Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:13 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell Reno condo after recent price increases?
Replies: 3
Views: 303
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