Search found 688 matches

by rocket
Sat Jun 29, 2013 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you expected to subsidize friends and family?
Replies: 52
Views: 8609

Re: Are you expected to subsidize friends and family?

A similar situation. My in-law relative is a very pretentious, lavish spender, always the big shot. I would guess net worth is quit low; my net worth is quit high. I allow him to buy expensive suppers, vacation rentals, etc. It does not bother me at all.
by rocket
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tire 3mm tread depth replacement?
Replies: 35
Views: 15523

Re: tire 3mm tread depth replacement?

[Inappropriate comment removed by admin LadyGeek]
by rocket
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: make a Roth IRA contribution now for 2012 and 2013 ???
Replies: 2
Views: 601

make a Roth IRA contribution now for 2012 and 2013 ???

Suppose someone returned from 1 year military duty in Afghanistan June 1, 2013. Can that person make a Roth IRA contribution now for 2012 and 2013 ???
by rocket
Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What should I do with the TBM portion??
Replies: 20
Views: 2560

Re: What should I do with the TBM portion??

[quote="Blues"]I guess some basic questions are:
Are the funds in tIRA & Roth IRAs? NO
When will you need the funds? I make small monthly ($980) withdrawals from TBM now.
Are you retiring soon? If so, how soon? Retired now
by rocket
Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What should I do with the TBM portion??
Replies: 20
Views: 2560

What should I do with the TBM portion??

I have about 40% of my 7 digit, 4-fund portfolio in Vanguard Total Bond Market Index.
I have about 10%, in the G Fund.
What should I do with the TBM portion??
I am concerned about the falling value of bonds as interest rate rise.
by rocket
Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What did you give your wife on your wedding day?
Replies: 81
Views: 8897

Re: What did you give your wife on your wedding day?

I did not give my wife a gift on our wedding day. She did not give me a gift on our wedding day.
by rocket
Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard TBM and G Fund
Replies: 1
Views: 542

Vanguard TBM and G Fund

I have a substantial portion of my portfolio in TBM, but I could move the IRA portion of my portfolio from the TBM to the G Fund. Should I move assets from TBM to G Fund ???
by rocket
Tue Jun 18, 2013 8:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Modern Portfolio Theory
Replies: 89
Views: 13817

Re: Modern Portfolio Theory

If you use a model portfolio for asset allocation, you are using MPT.
by rocket
Tue Jun 18, 2013 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleheads
Replies: 134
Views: 32655

Re: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleh

All the big mutual fund companies have many PP presentations, that are approved by the compliance boys. These presentations are free and good.
by rocket
Sun Jun 16, 2013 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [EveryDay Carry] EDC pocket knife?
Replies: 69
Views: 8523

Re: [EveryDay Carry] EDC pocket knife?

I like my Gerber Mark I boot knife. Meanies don't mess with me if I have my boot knife.
by rocket
Wed Jun 12, 2013 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guaranteed to Need Repair in 3-5 Years
Replies: 31
Views: 4088

Re: Guaranteed to Need Repair in 3-5 Years

6 months ago I replaced a 35 year old Maytag clothes washer. It rarely needed service. A rusted hole in the tub caused replacement. Yesterday I bought a new clothes dryer to replace my 35 year old Maytag Dryer. Salesman say to expect around 10-12 years of service from the new appliances. Parts are difficult to find and expensive for the old dryer.
by rocket
Fri Jun 07, 2013 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Squirrel Proofing a Bird Feeder
Replies: 111
Views: 6324

Re: Squirrel Proofing a Bird Feeder

Look at Droll Yankee squirrel proof feeder. They are expensive but They work well.
by rocket
Tue Jun 04, 2013 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Possible bullying at work
Replies: 87
Views: 10832

Re: Possible bullying at work

I recommend using hand delivered written letter, so the other party does not respond at a latter date, saying you did not inform. Latter the harasser may say "you did not state that" or "I did not understand what you meant". If you use oral communication only, the harasser my shift blame to you. Do it now. Sooner is much better than later. With written communication your boss or boss's boss and HR are put on the spot to act rapidly and firmly.
by rocket
Tue Jun 04, 2013 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Jobs that require lots of travel
Replies: 52
Views: 8102

Re: Jobs that require lots of travel

Traveling is generally bad on your health. You will exercise less and eat very fattening food. If you travel a lot, you will not know what to do when you have time off because you will not have hobbies and you will not have friends to do thing with.
by rocket
Tue May 28, 2013 6:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Financial Literacy Must Be Taught!
Replies: 55
Views: 5400

Re: Financial Literacy Must Be Taught!

Before financial literacy, the major goal is to teach the basics , such as, math, science, English, etc. After the basics, the artsy people want to teach art in schools. Finance is way down the list. Who get to teach their version on finance ???
by rocket
Fri May 24, 2013 9:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Interest rate on EE Bonds
Replies: 2
Views: 540

Interest rate on EE Bonds

EE bonds double in value in 20 years. What interest rate is that equivalent to ???
by rocket
Fri May 24, 2013 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?
Replies: 193
Views: 25495

Re: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?

I can bring myself to buy a very nice watch. I recently bought a Accutron watch for ~$500.
I expect it to last the rest of my life. My Accutron is the best functional and beauty wise of any watch I have ever seen.
by rocket
Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?
Replies: 193
Views: 25495

Re: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?

My $300 Accutron looks much better than a Rolex.
by rocket
Fri Apr 05, 2013 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Furlough Salary Reduction (help with math)
Replies: 13
Views: 3052

Re: Furlough Salary Reduction (help with math)

Salary reduction goal is to reduce cost by 20%, so I think HR would chose a method which will result in a 20% reduction.

Furlough plan is to go from 5 workdays a week to 4 workdays week. You will earn 4/5 as much after furlough. In other words, 20% temporary reduction in pay. Also, every weekend is a 3 day weekend, YEA !!
by rocket
Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rick ferri portfolio solutions
Replies: 33
Views: 5555

Re: Rick ferri portfolio solutions

This advertising should be removed from the discussion board.
by rocket
Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's the difference? [Advantages of a Wealth Manager?]
Replies: 44
Views: 5252

Re: What's the difference? [Advantages of a Wealth Manager?]

Anyone (plumber, electrician, engineer) can call their self an Investment Advisor or Wealth Manager. There are 2 types of people in the investment business 1) Registered Representative (RR), an individual, representing a stock broker (a firm). 2) Investment Advisor Representative (IAR), an individual, of a Registered Invesment Advisor (RIA) (a firm) Registered Representative has SUITABILITY responsiblity to client. Investment Advisor Representative has FIDICUARY responsibility to Client. RR get paid with commission. IAR get paid by fees. Poor people can only get access to RR because a IAR cannot get enough AUM fees to make it financial worthwhile. Suitability is similar to not being absolutely wrong. For example, UNSUITABLE is buying tax ex...
by rocket
Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: incentives and dis-incentives of retirement plans
Replies: 1
Views: 648

incentives and dis-incentives of retirement plans

What is a literature source about the incentives and dis-incentives on the different types of retirement plans.
I'm thinking about
1) Incentive to not leave employment with the company
2) greater benefit to owner
3) benefit new employees more
4) benefit old employees more
5) incentive to retire at younger age
6) more or less benefit to highly compensated employees

I've looked but I have not found the answer. Most literature reiterates the Labor Dept/IRS rules.
by rocket
Wed Apr 03, 2013 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I really need a Smartphone?
Replies: 433
Views: 46500

Re: Do I really need a Smartphone?

Smartphones are for people who feel the need to be up-to-date and progressive. It is useful for shopping so you can call your wife and ask questions like "Should I buy yellow pencils or multicolored pencils?" or "Should I get sharp or mild cheddar cheese?". People who are boring can talk on the phone rather than talk to the person there with. Smartphone users can brag about having a better cellphone than someone else. Smartphone users can be very up-to-date on their spam mail. Smartphone can be used as a alarm clock. You can get these benefits for around $100 per month. Smartphones cause people to think in 3 to 4 word sentences.
by rocket
Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5577

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

I enjoy working on things, so I would try to repair it myself. I took a course on small engine repair and the teacher said about 90% of the time the problem is the carburator. If you cannot fix it, you buy a new mower.
by rocket
Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to shop for LTC insurance?
Replies: 28
Views: 3786

Re: How to shop for LTC insurance?

get genworth privlledge choice. genworth and john hancock sell most LTCI.
by rocket
Tue Mar 26, 2013 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investment advisor/tax advisor/preparer hybrid?
Replies: 7
Views: 1133

Re: Investment advisor/tax advisor hybrid?

This may be a silly question but how come I never hear about advisors (whether private practice, investment banks, brokerage houses, etc.) who act as both investment advisors and tax practitioners? I'm assuming this is against the law, IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW, I DO IT as it would be a surefire way to attract clients, IT DOES NOT So perhaps my question is why is this not allowed? IT IS ALLOWED I don't see why any sort of conflict of interest has to exist, as long as the advisor/practitioner is bound to act as a fiduciary REGISTERED REPs DO NOT HAVE FIDICIARY STANDARDS, RIAs/IARs DO and holds the proper licenses/CPA. Is this something that may be in our future? Thank you to anyone who can shed some light on this!
by rocket
Tue Mar 26, 2013 4:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pharmacy as Career Choice
Replies: 69
Views: 13628

Re: Pharmacy as Career Choice

When you say 6 years of study, do you mean 4 years getting a BS, then 2 more years to get pharmacy degree ???
by rocket
Sat Mar 23, 2013 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Midlife Crisis
Replies: 109
Views: 16319

Re: Midlife Crisis

A woman told me that a man's mid-life crisis is shown by getting a motorcycle and/or a girlfriend. I'm 66 YO and did not have a mid-life crisis.
by rocket
Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fired my Smartphone Carrier
Replies: 39
Views: 7037

Re: Fired my Smartphone Carrier

I use an unlocked telephone and I use H2O service provider at $10 per month. I see no advantage in having a smart phone.
by rocket
Fri Mar 22, 2013 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $187 as a service fee to use a credit card to pay Federal
Replies: 13
Views: 1967

$187 as a service fee to use a credit card to pay Federal

TaxAct almost charged me $187 as a service fee to use a credit card to pay Federal taxes of $7960. This seem outragiously expensive.
by rocket
Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: correct info about EE & I bonds
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

Re: correct info about EE & I bonds

Flobes wrote:Rocket, I PMed you the name and private line phone number of a person who in charge of bonds of the deceased at Treasury Department.
She helped me greatly when I was executor of two estates a few years ago. :Flobes
Thanks !!! I will give her a call.
by rocket
Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: correct info about EE & I bonds
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

Re: correct info about EE & I bonds

sscritic wrote:They have forms for these sorts of things. Did you find that page at TreasuryDirect? Google can help.
Sure but what does "With ansd WithOut Administration" mean ??
by rocket
Wed Mar 20, 2013 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: correct info about EE & I bonds
Replies: 11
Views: 1228

correct info about EE & I bonds

Where do you find someone Face-to-face to give correct information about US Series EE and I bonds ???
The TreasuryDirect website is not user friendly.
I need to convert deceased person (B) bonds to A.
I need to convert A and Bs bonds to A only.
by rocket
Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traveling to Europe for the first time...need help!
Replies: 67
Views: 17881

Re: Traveling to Europe for the first time...need help!

Eagle's Nest and Salzberg were the highlights of my last trip. Rome and Florence were disappointing. Italy has lots of theives. Tour group gets you high value, low cost.
by rocket
Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??
Replies: 30
Views: 3599

Re: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sens

retiredjg wrote:
rocket wrote:
retiredjg wrote:
rocket wrote: E-3s, and maybe E-4s, are probable are in the 0% tax bracket.
In the 0% tax bracket, there is no reason to use a tIRA. ...... However, for a single person, the 0% tax bracket is under about 10k a year salary.
There is no 0% tax bracket. The lowest marginal tax bracket is 10%.
Then why did you post that "E-3s, and maybe E-4s, are probable are in the 0% tax bracket"?
"Then why did you post that "E-3s, and maybe E-4s, are probable are in the 0% tax bracket"?[/quote]"
I should have wrote "Then why did you post that "E-3s, and maybe E-4s, pay no income taxes."
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??
Replies: 30
Views: 3599

Re: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sens

retiredjg wrote:
rocket wrote: E-3s, and maybe E-4s, are probable are in the 0% tax bracket.
In the 0% tax bracket, there is no reason to use a tIRA. ...... However, for a single person, the 0% tax bracket is under about 10k a year salary.
There is no 0% tax bracket. The lowest marginal tax bracket is 10%.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??
Replies: 30
Views: 3599

Re: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sens

At what military pay grade does a traditional IRA possible good sense ??? I don't think there is an answer to this question. -whether tIRA is a good idea depends (partially) on your tax bracket; pay grade does necessarily correlate with tax bracket -whether tIRA is a good idea depends (partially) on whether you can/want to deduct the contributions -tIRA as opposed to what? not contributing to IRA at all? putting the money in the TSP instead? If you are in the military, the best choice is to fill your TSP as much as you can every year. If you have more money to save, consider an IRA too. Whether that IRA is traditional (deductible or non-deductible) or Roth depends on your total situation. TSP comes in 2 flavors; traditional tax deferred (l...
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??
Replies: 30
Views: 3599

Re: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sens

At what military pay grade does a traditional IRA possible good sense ??? -whether tIRA is a good idea depends (partially) on your tax bracket; pay grade does necessarily correlate with tax bracket. -whether tIRA is a good idea depends (partially) on whether you can/want to deduct the contributions -tIRA as opposed to what? not contributing to IRA at all? putting the money in the TSP instead? If you are in the military, the best choice is to fill your TSP as much as you can every year. If you have more money to save, consider an IRA too. Whether that IRA is traditional (deductible or non-deductible) or Roth depends on your total situation. " .... depends (partially) on your tax bracket; pay grade does necessarily correlate with tax br...
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: monitor a few people's investments few custodians
Replies: 5
Views: 806

Re: monitor a few people's investments few custodians

nisiprius wrote:To some extent, Vanguard itself lets you do this, and doubtless they're not the only ones...... manually enter mutual fund and other holdings in outside accounts ....
MANUAL enter is what I want want to avoid.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??
Replies: 30
Views: 3599

military pay grade does a traditional IRA make good sense ??

At what military pay grade does a traditional IRA or TSP become more beneficial than a Roth IRA or Roth TSP ??? I changed the question. Notes to evaluate question year 2013 E-3 PFC gross $18,192 E-4 $28,836 E-5 $36,768 E-6 $43,800 year 2012 25% marginal tax bracket for single is $35,350 to $85,650 25% marginal tax bracket for MFJ is $70,700 to $142,700 A single E-6 would be in the 10% tax bracket (less than $35,350), with standard deduction and 1 exemption. A single E-6 $43,800 - $5,950 Standard Deduction - $3,800 exemption = $34,050 Usually, anyone in the 10% tax bracket should use Roth TSP or IRA, and not use tax deferred traditional TSP or IRA. Usually any single E-6 or lower pay grade should use Roth type account.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car vs 2 year old
Replies: 32
Views: 5570

Re: New car vs 2 year old

livesoft wrote:Often one cannot find a well-maintained 2-year-old car at a good price. Too often the owner wants too much money for the vehicle.
Why would someone be selling a 2-year-old car anyways? What's wrong with it?
Hertz does.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: registered financial advisor [Looking for, Raleigh NC]
Replies: 10
Views: 1520

Re: registered financial advisor [Looking for, Raleigh NC]

mlewis wrote:I don't know of one, but you might try searching through DFA's website.
http://www.dfaus.com/find_advisor/
Being authorized to use DFA funds (only certain advisors can, and not the public) of course does not necessarily mean they are a good RIA, but I think most good advisors that follow the Boglehead philosophy do use DFA to some degree and could be found through their website. It's a starting point anyway. I've been compiling a list of "boglehead" style advisors that seem legitimate, but I haven't found any in NC. There are some I've listed in VA and SC, however, good luck http://passiveadvisors.wordpress.com/fi ... -advisors/ malcolm
The amount of money to open a DFA account is quite high.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: registered financial advisor [Looking for, Raleigh NC]
Replies: 10
Views: 1520

Re: registered financial advisor [Looking for, Raleigh NC]

Your list is rediculously incomplete. You probably omitted 98%.
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: monitor a few people's investments few custodians
Replies: 5
Views: 806

monitor a few people's investments few custodians

If a person where to monitor a few people's investments, with several different custodians, what type software allows me to do that ??
several different custodians = 401K, fidelity, Vanguard
by rocket
Mon Mar 18, 2013 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: chose traditional or Roth IRA
Replies: 2
Views: 630

chose traditional or Roth IRA

I select traditional or Roth IRA by running my income tax software with and without traditional IRA and compare the amount of current income tax due. For example, If I make a $6000 contribution to traditional IRA and it reduces my income tax by $0, I chose Roth IRA. If I make a $6000 contribution to traditional IRA and it reduces my income tax by $2000, I chose traditional IRA. If I make a $6000 contribution to traditional IRA and it reduces my income tax by $200, I might chose Roth IRA. What do you think about this method ?? I think a lot of people judge wheather to make a traditional or Roth IRA contribution by an arbitary opinion of which is better. I would rather get a benefit now, rather than a "maybe benefit" in the distance...
by rocket
Tue Mar 05, 2013 7:13 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Non-US-resident beginner with large initial investment
Replies: 15
Views: 2700

Re: Beginner with large initial investment

lemming wrote:Hi all,
One complicating factor is that I'm not a US resident (I'm from New Zealand), so Vanguard is not available to me.
What's the deal about Vanguard and non-US citizen ??
Read 4-fund portfolio.
by rocket
Sun Mar 03, 2013 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: leather vs cloth car seats
Replies: 32
Views: 7079

leather vs cloth car seats

What luxury car has cloth seats ??? I like Toyota Avalon and Hunundai Azera but they have leather seats. I want cloth seats.
I don,t like screaming hot, sweaty seats in the summer. Animal skins are OK with me but not on car seats.
by rocket
Sat Mar 02, 2013 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pay tax on a Federal tax refund if you do not itemize ???
Replies: 11
Views: 1613

Re: pay tax on a Federal tax refund if you do not itemize ??

I stated that badly. If I get a state tax refund, why must I report the state refund only if I itemize ???
I got it.
If I itemized last year, I would have deducted the state tax.
If I did not itemize, I would not have deducted the state tax.
by rocket
Sat Mar 02, 2013 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pay tax on a Federal tax refund if you do not itemize ???
Replies: 11
Views: 1613

pay tax on a Federal tax refund if you do not itemize ???

Why is it that the IRS does not have you pay tax on a Federal tax refund if you do not itemize ???
by rocket
Sun Feb 24, 2013 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The 3 Rules for Increasing Your Social Security Benefits
Replies: 26
Views: 4598

Re: The 3 Rules for Increasing Your Social Security Benefits

bobcat2 wrote:From Larry Kotlikoff writing for Yahoo! Finance.
Here are the three general rules to higher lifetime Social Security benefits.
.......... Spousal benefits are 43 percent higher at full retirement age than at 62. BobK
correction .... I do not think you can collect Spousal benefits until FRA (65 or 66).
You cannot collect Spousal benefits at age 62.