Search found 65 matches

by Littlefinger
Wed Feb 13, 2013 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 3% to 4% on Checking???
Replies: 17
Views: 3836

Re: 3% to 4% on Checking???

I earn 4% on 25k. the best way to make the transaction requirements that i've found is to make multiple transactions on your internet/cable bill
by Littlefinger
Sun Jan 06, 2013 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How am I doing for being a 25 year old?
Replies: 40
Views: 4827

Re: How am I doing for being a 25 year old?

I'd say just continue thinking of your finances critically and remember it's a marathon and way of life not a sprint. It can be easy to get excited about "doing better than others" early on but it will take decades to reach financial security. By being here you are already making good choices. Continue to learn, and grow and you will be fine. Good luck!
by Littlefinger
Thu Jan 03, 2013 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are bonds going anywhere in 2013?
Replies: 17
Views: 2157

Re: Are bonds going anywhere in 2013?

You will appreciate bonds "going nowhere" when stocks drop 30%.
by Littlefinger
Wed Dec 05, 2012 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Republic Wireless???
Replies: 16
Views: 2290

Re: Republic Wireless???

My wife and I use them and don't have any complaints. The service is fine - it's just normal sprint if you're not on wi-fi and roams on Verizon which is nice. The phone is overpriced for it's tech - it's in the realm on an iphone 3ish but you make the cost back pretty quickly at $19 per month. They offered current customers a discount to upgrade to the new phone so I'm hoping as new phones are introduced to the service that practice will continue.
by Littlefinger
Sun Dec 02, 2012 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Nest Egg number question
Replies: 21
Views: 3016

Re: Nest Egg number question

I say shoot for the 2 mil and reevaluate along the way. It's impossible to do all the math now for the variables in the unknown future. Good luck!
by Littlefinger
Sat Nov 17, 2012 5:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thoughts on Risk
Replies: 51
Views: 5237

Re: Thoughts on Risk

Always hold Australia.
by Littlefinger
Mon Sep 17, 2012 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review. 25 MILLION windfall; help me not lose it
Replies: 59
Views: 19060

Re: Portfolio Review. 25 MILLION windfall; help me not lose

Why do I hear Dr. Evil in my head when I read your title?
by Littlefinger
Tue Sep 04, 2012 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 161124

Re: That Frugal Thing You Do

Coastalcontacts.com for glasses. Wait until they give a pair away for free. Wear my 7 dollar ray bans :)
by Littlefinger
Fri Aug 10, 2012 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If You Are A Saver, Renting Superior To Buying
Replies: 51
Views: 6796

Re: If You Are A Saver, Renting Superior To Buying

Renting is more annoying in my experience.
by Littlefinger
Fri Jul 27, 2012 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bought First iPad - Not sure if we like it
Replies: 104
Views: 11803

Re: Bought First iPad - Not sure if we like it

When you said iPad I instantly thought - oh my Ticket to Ride machine! Download Ticket to Ride and enjoy the iPad as it's meant to be enjoyed!
by Littlefinger
Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CNNMoney - Millionaires in the making
Replies: 42
Views: 8068

Re: CNNMoney - Millionaires in the making

I'm surprised those in the article don't value their anonymity.
by Littlefinger
Sat Jun 23, 2012 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Age 28: Looking for general life/financial advice
Replies: 22
Views: 3123

Re: Age 28: Looking for general life/financial advice

Definitely go with the roommate idea first if you're worried about rent. That will give you some built in socializing which is something you are looking for anyways! Good luck to you - you will be fine financially so I think you are thinking in the right direction to get the social side of your life moving a little bit.
by Littlefinger
Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Market tanking, great opportunity to invest!
Replies: 61
Views: 8234

Re: Market tanking, great opportunity to invest!

Bought my 2012 roth today - not a big dip in the grand scheme but close enough to the January levels that it felt like a decent time to buy.
by Littlefinger
Thu May 03, 2012 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: What stops you from retiring today?
Replies: 100
Views: 11107

Re: What stops you from retiring today?

Teaching is like being 1/4 retired while filling up tax deferred space until the other 3/4 is financially possible or desirable.
by Littlefinger
Mon Mar 12, 2012 3:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what items do Bogleheads buy off Craigslist/Ebay?
Replies: 39
Views: 4548

Re: what items do Bogleheads buy off Craigslist/Ebay?

i buy things that i know are likely to be in similar quality new or used that people need to get rid of due to an upgrade. I've had good luck with wood furniture (bedroom set), and lawn tools on Craigslist.
by Littlefinger
Wed Feb 15, 2012 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Value of Savings
Replies: 40
Views: 10230

Re: The Value of Savings

get settlers for your Ipad - it's awesome!
by Littlefinger
Tue Feb 14, 2012 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schwab gets later with 1099s every year
Replies: 12
Views: 2804

Re: Schwab gets later with 1099s every year

Do you know if Merrill Lynch's deadline is February 15th as well? Still waiting on my 1099.
by Littlefinger
Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Do You Save?
Replies: 45
Views: 3759

Re: Why Do You Save?

To me it's all about control. Being able to control my future decisions and not have them controlled for me by a need for a certain income stream from a particular source.
by Littlefinger
Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Suddenly people are worried about bonds
Replies: 14
Views: 1821

Re: Suddenly people are worried about bonds

Just wait till Skyfall hits theaters...
by Littlefinger
Sat Feb 04, 2012 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403(b): Taking a month+ to arrive at Vanguard - Normal?
Replies: 9
Views: 1371

Re: 403(b): Taking a month+ to arrive at Vanguard - Normal?

Finally figured it out. They "forgot" or just plain didn't send my first deduction to vanguard so everything lagged behind by 2 weeks. So now I am going to have a $1000+ contribution that should have gone in in September go in sometime in February when the market is up 10+%. Awesome.
by Littlefinger
Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Do You Save?
Replies: 57
Views: 6626

Re: How Much Do You Save?

55% at last count.
by Littlefinger
Tue Jan 31, 2012 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How is your relationship with money?
Replies: 54
Views: 5688

Re: How is your relationship with money?

I think it's a stalker-type relationship
by Littlefinger
Fri Jan 27, 2012 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recommended Questions to Ask about 403b? (Update)
Replies: 12
Views: 3171

Re: Recommended Questions to Ask about 403b? (Update)

check and see if they offer a 457 as well - many do and sometimes it can be a better option in terms of Er and choices. Obviously if the 403b's ERs aren't great IRA first then fill the 403. Good luck - you will very possibly know more than your rep so don't feel like any question is 'obvious' ask anything and everything.
by Littlefinger
Fri Jan 27, 2012 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you hold your age in bonds?
Replies: 133
Views: 11465

Re: Do you hold your age in bonds?

age-10
by Littlefinger
Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Inheritence, Your Opinions
Replies: 50
Views: 5027

Re: My Inheritence, Your Opinions

I would also think about what you want out of life. Do you want continue working and finish paying off your current house when you are 70 or do you see yourself retired at that age? No judgement either way but it's definitely worth considering. It seems like financially it will be tough for you in the near future with 3 kids approaching college age so downsizing on the house may or may not be a necessity to facilitate some of your upcoming financial challenges. Good luck to you, 40 gives you time to figure out what you want and move toward your goal.
by Littlefinger
Sat Dec 31, 2011 12:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question: Reasons/Resources Against Dividend Investing?
Replies: 19
Views: 2526

Re: Question: Reasons/Resources Against Dividend Investing?

I would be very interested in reading the series by Mr. Swedroe on this if it turns up!
by Littlefinger
Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Book e readers
Replies: 23
Views: 2267

Re: Book e readers

For e-readers i favor small size over anything else. You will hold this thing for HOURS. Sony pocket edition is my choice since it plays all formats and is light.
by Littlefinger
Sat Nov 05, 2011 9:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: a significant flaw in standard Boglehead asset allocation?
Replies: 152
Views: 12058

Re: a significant flaw in standard Boglehead asset allocatio

My thoughts on this are bonds are more liquid than home equity and by stringing out the mortgage versus paying it down you can get your money in the game years sooner which due to compounding could end up being the more profitable play.
by Littlefinger
Wed Nov 02, 2011 8:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If You Won the Lottery
Replies: 30
Views: 3804

Re: If You Won the Lottery

I would have to figure out how to turn it into buy-a-sports-franchise money. For that I would create a 'hypothetical' post on bogleheads under an alternate screen name.
by Littlefinger
Sun Oct 30, 2011 10:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My guess RE: the next "bubble"
Replies: 12
Views: 1820

Re: My guess RE: the next "bubble"

College loan debt seems out of control to me since it recently passed credit card debt in the United States and can not be scrubbed clean by bankruptcy. Feels like change is needed but not sure how it directly plays out as an investing related bubble.
by Littlefinger
Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 403b contribution date
Replies: 9
Views: 788

Re: 403b contribution date

Mine takes between 2 weeks and a month to arrive (though I'm trying to work on that).
by Littlefinger
Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Girlfriend is an heiress, who should pay?
Replies: 197
Views: 21070

Re: Girlfriend is an heiress, who should pay?

I don't see how her wealth is relevant to your long distance relationship. If she was poor what would you do? Do that.
by Littlefinger
Wed Oct 12, 2011 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Degree in Something Practical...
Replies: 141
Views: 13472

Art major here, if you know how to draw you're ok :P
by Littlefinger
Mon Oct 10, 2011 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403(b): Taking a month+ to arrive at Vanguard - Normal?
Replies: 9
Views: 1371

Just as an update, the money arrived after 1 month, 2 days. Apparently this is just the norm. They didn't bundle two payments together or have any problems forwarding information to the TPA.

I can't say I'm happy with so long a wait period but since I have no choice in the matter, there's not much I can do. Thank you to everyone for the help and advice.
by Littlefinger
Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: .
Replies: 28
Views: 4099

I would do your own as well. It really helps to cement the role taxes play in your overall financial picture. Before I did my own they were this fuzzy area that was slightly confusing but now I can fully appreciate tax deferrment etc.
by Littlefinger
Mon Oct 03, 2011 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for bogleheads with no kids
Replies: 225
Views: 22227

I think it is a much more difficult task raising children in the modern United States than in previous American generations, or in other countries even now. A traditional culture such as Chinese or German instills in children respect for their parents and provides the parents with satisfying feedback from their efforts. However, the modern American family values are greatly distorted. Parents are expected to provide their children with all "bells and whistles" promoted by the media, whereas children are not expected to contribute to the family or even to succeed in their education and careers. This becomes a no-win situation for the parents. Unfortunately, people resent even hints about their dysfunctional families and attack tho...
by Littlefinger
Sat Oct 01, 2011 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403(b): Taking a month+ to arrive at Vanguard - Normal?
Replies: 9
Views: 1371

403(b): Taking a month+ to arrive at Vanguard - Normal?

I just started a 403(b) with a new company and my contribution on 9/2/11 still has not reached Vanguard. Come next week I will receive my 3rd check and I'm beginning to worry a little. I called my employer and they said the checks had been sent to the intermediary who then sends them to Vanguard so in theory this may all work out next week.

As someone who is new to contributing to a 403(b), I was wondering if this length of time (4 weeks) is typical for a contribution to reach Vanguard.
by Littlefinger
Sat Oct 01, 2011 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a good novel!
Replies: 33
Views: 3612

Start with "I am Legend" in my opinion. It's very short by contemporary standards and has no dull moments. Also It's way better than the movie. Way better.
by Littlefinger
Sat Oct 01, 2011 8:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paying off the mortgage in 12 months
Replies: 15
Views: 2107

Calculate the interest rate you are paying until the end from right now. Odds are you've already paid most of the interest you are going to pay and in effect you could have a really cheap loan on your hands the rest of the way.
by Littlefinger
Sun Sep 25, 2011 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash Back Credit Cards
Replies: 53
Views: 8326

Same, the blue cash preferred is working nicely for me with 6% groceries, 3% gas and department stores (includes amazon).
by Littlefinger
Sat Sep 24, 2011 11:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is now a good time to attempt market timing ?
Replies: 44
Views: 6934

You shouldn't stop posting. Reading differing viewpoints helps all make more informed decisions.
by Littlefinger
Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Moneyball" movie opens today
Replies: 25
Views: 2818

Same here, very entertaining movie! Though the movie really doesn't touch on it I can't help thinking having Mulder, Zito, Hudson, Chavez and Tejada in their primes may have had a little to do with their success even after losing Giambi, and Damon...
by Littlefinger
Sat Sep 24, 2011 4:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Stocks Are Doing So Poorly
Replies: 95
Views: 12286

when this faster than light thing works out you'll look pretty silly
by Littlefinger
Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: should i max out tax deferred - 403b & 457?
Replies: 42
Views: 10062

Simple answer, if you don't need that money in a liquid form then I would advise you to let it grow tax deferred since that will let you have a larger sum at retirement.
by Littlefinger
Sat Sep 17, 2011 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would rather buy used car than a new mattress - help!
Replies: 36
Views: 6674

I priced shopped for a bit and went with Sams club.
by Littlefinger
Tue Sep 06, 2011 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Besides your mortgage, Do you finance anything?
Replies: 59
Views: 7133

Just the mortgage, nine more years...
by Littlefinger
Sat Sep 03, 2011 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Way To Find A Stud (Wall)
Replies: 33
Views: 4254

I bought a magnetic stud finder from amazon for around $10 a few months ago has been dead on every time i've used it (approx 5 studs).
by Littlefinger
Fri Sep 02, 2011 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Crazy or brilliant: transfer taxable to tax deferred
Replies: 25
Views: 3467

I would absolutely do this if it doesn't hurt liquidity. Why leave fillable tax sheltered space on the table?
by Littlefinger
Fri Sep 02, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why not spend some of it?
Replies: 72
Views: 10699

hsv_climber wrote:Just get yourself an expensive hobby and you will be spending money in no time. I've been spending $$$$$ like a drunken sailor last month.
Drunken sailing is an expensive hobby.