Search found 40 matches

by terri77
Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Many Credit Cards Do You Actually Use?
Replies: 67
Views: 26492

Re: How Many Credit Cards Do You Actually Use?

One, but it rotates every few years.
by terri77
Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you consider mortgage payments as savings?
Replies: 414
Views: 46567

Re: Do you consider mortgage payments as savings?

No, I consider it a living expense.
by terri77
Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How long did you stay in your starter home?
Replies: 87
Views: 17811

Re: How long did you stay in your starter home?

Nine years so far in my 3 bedroom two-level condo.
by terri77
Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why not open the thrift saving plan to everyone in the US?
Replies: 72
Views: 9624

bmb wrote:$15 on $100K, $150 on $1M? You have to suspect it's subsidized by the taxpayer, just as are the matches on the first 5% and an additional flat 1% to all employees, whether participating or not. (This is more generous than virtually any American company.)
Just another small item that the BLS ignores when it issues its periodic report "proving" that federal employees are "underpaid".
The 1% is not additional, it's a total 5% match.

http://www.tsp.gov/features/chapter04.html

It stands to reason that those that work in DC would be higher GS levels.
by terri77
Wed May 14, 2008 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Overwhelmed New Investor seeking advice
Replies: 5
Views: 2113

The government matches the TSP on the first 5% of contributions. Is this just because she's a resident that they're not matching? Nevermind, I see Laura's mention of the military CSRS.
by terri77
Wed May 14, 2008 1:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexed for Inflation
Replies: 2
Views: 1350

Okay, I understand now. I thought it would be a flat rate. Thank you.
by terri77
Tue May 13, 2008 10:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexed for Inflation
Replies: 2
Views: 1350

Indexed for Inflation

I've done a good bit of digging, but I can't seem to find what the inflation rate must be to trigger an increase of IRA and 401(k) limits. Can anyone clue me in? Thanks.
by terri77
Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: OT: American Gangster
Replies: 23
Views: 4227

I'm not Cahtolic and I have godparents as do most of the non-Catholic people that I know. I never associated it with a particular religion either.
by terri77
Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deferred Compensation Plans
Replies: 20
Views: 6675

I guess we may be discussing two entirely different plans but my deferred compensation plan is a 457b. I'm guess yours is different since it's for executives. But regardless, my money is put into an account in my name with an investment company. I imagine that if your income is deferred in the same manner it would be protected from your company's bankruptcy as it's already "paid" to you in a sense and not held in the company's assets.
by terri77
Sat Nov 24, 2007 7:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is daily rebalancing better? That's what the TSP L Funds do
Replies: 29
Views: 7467

I think there's a difference between the managers rebalancing daily and individual investors balancing daily. It's not necessary for the individual, but for the managers of a fund, I'm sure some day-to-day maintenance is needed.
by terri77
Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If starting a 4 fund portfolio...
Replies: 19
Views: 4731

I was just coming back to post that. The target retirement is best if you can do it. If not, then Total US.
by terri77
Sun Oct 28, 2007 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If starting a 4 fund portfolio...
Replies: 19
Views: 4731

If I had only one to go with, it would be Total US because that's where the most of your money will end up in. You can add to the others as you meet whatever minimum you're trying to reach.
by terri77
Fri Oct 05, 2007 2:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 6% CDs back at Penfed
Replies: 53
Views: 20448

They usually have a CD "sale" in January. I wonder if the rates offered then can match these rates? I guess I'll go ahead and lock in this rate.
by terri77
Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asking for a modest raise: 5-10% ???
Replies: 24
Views: 7121

I second - or third - the suggestion that you should ask your boss what you can do to qualify for the next grade. It's not outright asking for a raise, but shows that you're ambitious and willing to learn.
by terri77
Mon Aug 27, 2007 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: what do you drive? conservative or spendy?
Replies: 99
Views: 42447

1997 Toyota Corolla
by terri77
Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Kind of Car Do You Drive and Why?
Replies: 100
Views: 34031

1997 Toyota Corolla

My first car that I got upon finishing college. I drive it because it still runs and it's paid for.
by terri77
Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Saving for House Down Payment
Replies: 30
Views: 9373

I never had a house fund per se. I started investing in my senior year in college in the USGRX fund, as well as a MMSA with Pentagon Federal CU. I used about 50/50 from each source to fund my 20% down payment in April 2006. The markets were doing well at the time so I lucked out, but I maybe would have done things differently if I knew that's what I would use those funds for when I first started saving.
by terri77
Wed Aug 15, 2007 9:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are the markets making you nervous?
Replies: 63
Views: 18560

No, they aren't. I figure this is the normal cycle of the markets and I'm happy to be able to take advantage of the lower share price.
by terri77
Sat Jul 28, 2007 6:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: do people think you're nuts for living modestly?
Replies: 152
Views: 66710

I make a very modest income and save a good bit of it, but I like to enjoy life. Since I graduated college 6.5 years ago I bought a home, paid for a 1997 Toyota Corolla that I hope to drive into the ground, and I save about a third of my income. I've also traveled to the Olympics in Torino, Italy and then onto Rome, spent 2 weeks in London, love to cruise, and take at least 2 vacations a year to wherever strikes my fancy. I'm going back to Paris next year. Travel is what I what I want to spend my money on, so I do. The other stuff, isn't as important to me.
by terri77
Sat Jul 28, 2007 12:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Pentagon Fed Credit Union
Replies: 19
Views: 6184

I opened one this January and I'm a long-time member. I'm hoping that they have some good rates again this January.
by terri77
Mon Jul 23, 2007 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who are the uninsured?
Replies: 35
Views: 11287

My hospital only deals with the uninsured so my perspective might be a bit skewed. The majority are generally the working poor, most are:

1) young people just starting out that consider health care an expense that they just can't or won't pay at the moment
2) families that are headed by single mothers or low paid employed parents
3) elderly on limited incomes
4) recently getting a lot of immigrants that are here working constuction since Hurricane Katrina
5) unemployed for whatever reason

There don't seem to a lot of people that look like they could afford health insurance, but just don't. Of course I don't work in billing or admitting so I can't say definitely.
by terri77
Thu Jul 12, 2007 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A new low in personal finance
Replies: 26
Views: 9481

I know all about the payday loans, they are quite popular here. but this auto title loan is something new. I understand why they charge so much having heard the stories from those that have used and never repaid them, but I can't imagine agreeing to those terms. They must not have a high expectation of ever repaying them.
by terri77
Thu Jul 12, 2007 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Calling all young people...what is your Asset Allocation?
Replies: 66
Views: 24517

I'm 29 and at 100% equity for now. That's outside of my emergency funds and short-term savings. Before I started educating myself on investing I was 100% equity all in large-cap. Now I'm diversifying and will begin working towards an 80/20 asset allocation.
by terri77
Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another newbie requests review of AA - thanks!
Replies: 11
Views: 3351

Thank you very much for the explanation.
by terri77
Wed Jul 11, 2007 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another newbie requests review of AA - thanks!
Replies: 11
Views: 3351

I have a question, if you don't mind be interrupting. I've been reading that bonds should be held in your tax exempt accounts based on their lower tax efficiency. Based on your recommendations, are you saying that tax deferred is better? Thanks.
by terri77
Thu Jul 05, 2007 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you have an MBA?
Replies: 40
Views: 17991

I'm going back next month to grad school next month, not for a MBA but in health care management. It's not a top 20 school, but I know already that it could open doors to jobs that I'm not qualified right now. And even if it doesn't get me in the door, a grad degree was a goal that I've had for as long as I can remember but never accomplished. To me this is just as much about a personal goal as a professional goal.
by terri77
Sun Jul 01, 2007 2:13 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Anyone in the New Orleans area?
Replies: 39
Views: 16659

I'm in Baton Rouge.
by terri77
Wed Jun 27, 2007 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need Help for 457b Plan for daughter
Replies: 22
Views: 6835

Goodness, all of those options are different than the ones offered in our plan, with the exception of the Pimco Total Return. We have aggressive, moderate, and conservative portfolios offered as well but just those three. I would decide what level of risk that I was willing to take and stick with a portfolio but I'm sure you'll get varying opinions from others. Good luck.
by terri77
Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need Help for 457b Plan for daughter
Replies: 22
Views: 6835

I also have a 457 with Great West. They do have some index funds by BGI in mine. What index funds does your daughter's plan offer? Could you list all available funds?
by terri77
Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inheritance from a 457 Plan
Replies: 12
Views: 8168

Well, that's a wonderful ending to what could have been a real mess. Good for you.
by terri77
Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Setting up a retirement account for a teen
Replies: 28
Views: 11775

I think you would be looking at the 2050 fund rather than the 2045 considering his age, though they're roughly the same right now.
by terri77
Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Time to exit REIT's ?
Replies: 91
Views: 36280

I hold just 5% of my 457 in real estate. I plan on just holding steady at that allocation and contribution level.
by terri77
Wed Jun 20, 2007 2:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money Magazine or SmartMoney?
Replies: 38
Views: 17722

Well I just got an offer to cash out some frequent flyer miles on several of the magazines mentioned, so this thread came right on time for me.
by terri77
Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WTH? Ben Stein's "Perfect" Portfolio?
Replies: 25
Views: 10663

He suggested a different portfolio on Yahoo just last month. I think it was 45% total stock index, 25% emerging markets, 15% MSCI EAFE index, 10% REITs, and 5% individual stocks.
by terri77
Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money Magazine or SmartMoney?
Replies: 38
Views: 17722

I like Money, I pay $9.95 a year. I also just subscribed to Kiplinger's for $10 a year, but I prefer Money.
by terri77
Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much to save for retirement?
Replies: 32
Views: 12716

Who gets 4% raises? Who averages 4% raises? Me. 4% annual raise with each yearly review.

Thanks for all the information, looks like my savings are on track.
by terri77
Thu Jun 07, 2007 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401K & 457 Plan Limits
Replies: 28
Views: 9873

I have a 457(b) and a 403(b) through my employer and I have been told that I can contribute the maximum $15.5k to each.
by terri77
Sun Jun 03, 2007 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice for young investors
Replies: 31
Views: 10227

Re: USAA

Rickdunnjr wrote:Yes, USAA requires that thier members (i.e. owners-USAA returns funds back to members) be former or active members of the US Military, FBI, etc.
Or a child, grandchild, or spouse or the preceding persons.
by terri77
Thu May 31, 2007 9:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403 B and 401K contributions
Replies: 5
Views: 2066

Thank you for the information.
by terri77
Wed May 30, 2007 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403 B and 401K contributions
Replies: 5
Views: 2066

LH2004 wrote:Yes, but the maximum combined elective deferral is $15,500 for this year. That doesn't include any other contributions (matching contributions, after-tax, rollovers, etc.).
I have a 457(b) through work and they recently had ING representatives come out to start siging up participants for the 403(b). They told me that I could contribute the full $15.5k to each plan. So you're saying it is otherwise? I'm not at a combined $15.5k yet.