Search found 19 matches

by jumpinjac
Thu Apr 09, 2015 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Poll: What is the credit limit of your credit card?
Replies: 56
Views: 9987

Re: Poll: What is the credit limit of your credit card?

What's with this scale? You start with increments of $2,500, then $1,500, the $2,000, then boom! $10,000, then back to $2,000, then $5,000????

It makes it appear like there’s significantly more people in the $10k to $20k category, when, actually, if you combine the FIVE categories you have for $20k to $30k you get almost the same number: 30 (at the current response)

A better method for a simple scale to get a general idea would have been increments of $10k. Based on the current responses, you get something that looks like this below, which gives us a much better idea of where people stand.

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by jumpinjac
Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth 401k confusion
Replies: 4
Views: 712

Re: Roth 401k confusion

No, your taxes should not increase based on contributions to Roth. Was that “old” paycheck your very first with that company? It could be that it didn’t take full taxes out for some reason. I just did a Google search for "paycheck calculator" and put in gross as $5,000, paid bi-weekly, filing married, with four allowances, and the federal tax came up as $689.90, which is closer to your new paycheck amount. I don't know what state you're in, but I'd guess the outcome will be the same for state. Try it with your state, withholding, and pay frequency. Also, if could be that your actual amount falls in-between the two, and that the second paycheck made up for the first. But whatever the situation, Roth contributions should not be caus...
by jumpinjac
Thu Jan 08, 2015 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Fund Selection
Replies: 23
Views: 2793

Re: 401k Fund Selection

...Also, if I do make Roth contributions to the 457, does that impact the amount I can contribute to a standard Roth when I open one? No, 401(k)/457 contributions are independent of IRA, Roth or no Roth. It’s just the name. However within your 457 the annual limit does apply to both, so if you decide to split and the plan allows for dollar amount contributions, make sure you don’t exceed the annual maximum ($18,000 this year) total combined between her Roth 457 and her Traditional 457. If your plan only allows for allocating a percentage of each, then you’ll only have to worry about the overall contribution. Also, this amount limitation is only for your contributions, and doesn't count matching, so if your wife has matching you can potenti...
by jumpinjac
Thu Jan 08, 2015 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Fund Selection
Replies: 23
Views: 2793

Re: 401k Fund Selection

Thanks for all the excellent advice last week. After looking into my wife's 457 plan, we discovered the state will soon make a Roth/457 available. Should I make Roth contributions only? Also, if I do make Roth contributions to the 457, does that impact the amount I can contribute to a standard Roth when I open one? Thanks again in advance. Bogleheads has a good wiki on Roth vs Traditional. http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Traditional_versus_Roth The question comes down to whether you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in the future. If you do, then it's better to put a portion in Roth today (paying taxes at today's rate), and be able to withdrawn those funds tax-free later (rather than higher rates in the future). Of course, it’s diffi...
by jumpinjac
Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: myRA is now open
Replies: 37
Views: 6236

myRA up and running, but worth it?

I just completed the sign-up process for myRA ( https://myra.treasury.gov ). Very easy, and it immediately provides an account number and routing number to setup allotments through your employer. Also, here's the "Master Terms of myRA Custodial Account" if you're interested: https://signup.ibanking-services.com/myra/content/agreement_terms_conditions.pdf Admittedly, somewhat trigger happy to sign up, now I'm wondering, "do I even NEED this?" Looking closer at the rules I'm pretty sure the answer is no. Annual IRA contributions limits apply to myRA, meaning that the total amount you can contribute to all IRAs (TIRA, Roth IRA, myRA) is an aggregate $5,500. My investment plan currently has me using the total Roth space for ...
by jumpinjac
Mon Oct 27, 2014 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lower Expenses vs Consolidation
Replies: 7
Views: 1965

Re: Lower Expenses vs Consolidation

Yes, lack of emerging markets and small caps was my aversion of the TSP I. Her access to Vanguard Total International attracted me to choosing it. I like the idea of supplementing TSP I with Emerging Markets Index and FTSE All-World Ex-US Small-Cap in an IRA. But what percentage of each? 1/3 split between each fund? If so, I can likely fund the TSP I without dipping into TSP G. Then do a partial rollover of the 401k to an IRA to fund emerging markets and small-cap, and transfer the remainder to the new 401k (and use it for US equities like Laura suggested). For consolidating accounts a rollover IRA could also serve your purpose if a backdoor Roth is not in the picture for you. We’re still within income limits to contribute to Roth IRA, so w...
by jumpinjac
Fri Oct 24, 2014 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lower Expenses vs Consolidation
Replies: 7
Views: 1965

Lower Expenses vs Consolidation

Question: Should I rollover from old 401k with lower expenses to new 401k in order to consolidate accounts? My wife recently moved to a new job which had roughly equivalent options for domestic equities, but not international: Old Job: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Institutional (VTSNX) (0.12%) (5% turnover) YTD 1yr 3Yr 5Yr 10yr -2.98 -1.98 8.50 4.68 6.28 New Job: American Funds Europacific Growth R6 (RERGX) (0.49%) (28% turnover) YTD 1yr 3Yr 5Yr 10yr -2.79 0.24 11.02 6.02 8.09 International is 20% of our total asset allocation. Of that, VTSNX currently holds about 80%, with the other 20% in VTIAX, taxable account. For my job, I have Thrift Savings Plan, but never been a big fan of the I Fund. My current IPS and finances don’t al...
by jumpinjac
Wed Mar 12, 2014 11:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Maxing the TSP: 27 contributions in 2014
Replies: 4
Views: 1054

Maxing the TSP: 27 contributions in 2014

I’m VA, so I'm not sure if this universally affects other federal employees, but be careful when maxing out the TSP this year since there is a pay date scheduled for January 2, 2015. This means that the TSP contribution may be posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, thus, making 27 contributions for 2014. Of course, the system automatically adjusts the final contribution in order to prevent from exceeding the limit. But if the limit is reached by December 19th (26th) paycheck, then you won’t get your match on December 31st. On days where the holiday lands on a Friday this is more obvious because the scheduled EFT pay date is Thursday, with the TSP posted one day before. However, when a holiday lands on the Thursday immediately before a pay ...
by jumpinjac
Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

This was a lot to digest, and I appreciate everyone's feedback. I went ahead and opened a taxable account with Vanguard, investing in the Total Stock Market Admiral Shares, and as I contribute more, will invest in Total International when I have enough for Admiral Shares, per recommendations from DieselEngineer, including dropping TSP International. I'm also following Duckie's advice closely to reallocate to cheaper funds within the 401k and Roth IRA's, and everyone else's input to consider contributing into the TSP G fund.

To everyone, this was amazing input into my portfolio. More than I anticipated. Thank you all very much.
by jumpinjac
Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

Most suggest avoiding Small Growth. Larry Swedroe and William Bernstein have written and maybe posted here about this. I don't know if WBSIX is a GARP fund. If so, perhaps not so bad an asset class, but I don't know of a cheap way to get it. Since joining the forums here I've seen that trend, and have caught the bug of lowering fees and simplifying strategies. I'll likely avoid small growth now also. You might want to consider using the Stable Value fund in TSP and I Bonds in taxable for your fixed income, instead of short term TIPS and Tot Intl Bond in Roths. Based on recommendations here, I'm definitely going to increase the TSP G fund, but I'm on the fence about I Savings Bonds since they seem to have many similar characteristics of the...
by jumpinjac
Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

Laura wrote:To the original poster, could you edit you initial post to change the percentage of matching to a dollar figure? ...
Done
jumpinjac wrote:New annual Contributions
$17,500, his TSP, plus $3200 match
$17,500, her 401k, plus $4500 match
by jumpinjac
Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

Use the TSP for your bond holdings; the G fund is better than anything you can get in either an IRA or taxable account. (Normally, I would recommend I-Bonds, but the G fund is a bigger free lunch.) With the TSP, you don't need munis unless you are saving money for some other purpose. At your ages I'd have at least 20% bonds, half F Fund and half G Fund. Isn't the G fund basically cash? If I'm going for bonds, wouldn't I just go with the F fund? This removes the 529 and the HSA from the portfolio and refigures the percentages. They are not for retirement. I've read about this discussed in the past: 529 as part of overall portfolio and Should an HSA be considered part of retirement portfolio? where the opinions seems to be split. Right now t...
by jumpinjac
Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

If you need a new car in 3, 5, or 7 years how will you pay for it? As a Boglehead you will likely want to pay cash. Will you want to sell some equity funds in your taxable account or have the money in a savings account? How you and your wife feel about this may drive how you invest or save the $15K. I keep some money in a municipal bond fund and I have tapped into that fund in the past to pay for a new car. The alternative is Placing cash needs in a tax-advantaged account . If you want to sell $15K in bonds to build your car, but your taxable account is all cash, you can sell $15K in taxable stock, and move $15K from bonds to stock in your retirement accounts. I like both of these ideas! I like the idea of having a municipal bond fund to t...
by jumpinjac
Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

grabiner wrote:This fund is going away; it is being merged into Developed Markets Index, which is a non-tax-managed equivalent to the TSP I fund. If you want to hold international stocks in your taxable account, Total International is probably a better choice, as it is more complete.
Ah, I see. Found this article referencing this: Upcoming fund changes to lower costs, simplify investing. Good to know. Thanks.
by jumpinjac
Sat Feb 15, 2014 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

Re: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

abuss368 wrote:I would consider a very simple and effective Three Fund Portfolio. ..... Have you considered this option for the $15,000?
I had not, but that's a great consideration that seems in line with what others are saying here. I may take some of the other suggestions also and go with one or two funds first to get Admiral Shares and add the third later.
by jumpinjac
Fri Feb 14, 2014 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now
Replies: 32
Views: 4004

First foray into taxable accounts, $15k to invest now

Hello. I’m posting to ask advice about investing in taxable accounts. All of my investments up until this point have been in tax-deferred accounts, so I’m inexperienced with the whole process of being taxed on interest, dividends, etc. It’s all a bit overwhelming, so I was going to pay for the Vanguard Personal Advisor, but I read this: Is a Vanguard Financial Plan worth the fee? and thought I would ask here first. The basic situation is: Last year we increased our standard emergency fund by about $15k to plan for potential changes in employment, which has now stabilized. I’m looking to do something with that $15k, as well as an additional $6k/year. We already maximize 401k, Roth IRA, and HSA. Emergency funds: Over a year of expenses Debt: ...
by jumpinjac
Fri Feb 14, 2014 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maybe a "duh" question, but I'll ask it anyways
Replies: 7
Views: 2235

Re: Maybe a "duh" question, but I'll ask it anyways

roka wrote:The expense ratio on VTINX is .16%. The expense ratios on the 2 LifeStrategy funds are .14% and .15%. So on a $100,000 investment I'd save $15 per year. Not much but it would allow me to take my sweetie out for a nice dinner....at Subway. :D
Haha! Love it. Since it's Valentine's Day today, don't forget to ask if they still give a free cookie!

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by jumpinjac
Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Places to hold emergency fund
Replies: 14
Views: 2682

Re: Places to hold emergency fund

(1) 5k in Mango card saving account with 6% APR. Super happy about this. I'm interested in this and have a question for you. Fine print says: APY advertised applies only to the portion of your savings account balance, which is $5,000.00 or less; or 2.00% if you are not on Direct Deposit Service. An APY of 0.10% will be paid on the portion of your savings account balance that exceeds $5,000.00. You qualify as enrolling in Direct Deposit Service when you complete two Direct Deposits totaling $50.00 within 90 days of opening your account. Your account will be credited within 30 days of full enrollment. Is the requirement for direct deposit only once? Meaning, can you potentially just initiate two $25 direct deposits only and be done? Or do th...
by jumpinjac
Thu Feb 13, 2014 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Auto Insurance?
Replies: 70
Views: 14154

Re: USAA Auto Insurance?

It is United Services Automobile Association after all; and we are members , not customers. That is true for the "full-members" (officers), it arguably doesn't apply to legacy members like me who qualify via family connection (we are arguably customers not members) and I am not sure how enlisted folks are treated but I think they like legacy members are covered by a different subsidiary of USAA (different from both officers and from legacies) so it probably doesn't apply to them either. I'm enlisted (reserve) and get full membership benefits including SA distributions, etc. No restrictions. I've heard, however, that family members who qualify must keep their insurance portion active in order to access other services. Is this true...