Search found 240 matches

by JDaniels
Wed May 08, 2013 4:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Replies: 17
Views: 3682

Vanguard vs. Fidelity

by JDaniels
Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REITs vs. rental property
Replies: 7
Views: 2673

Re: REITs vs. rental property

I was always under the impression that REIT's invested primarily in commercial real estate? Therefor, if you also own investment property that is residential, you were still diversified. Am i wrong?
by JDaniels
Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where/How to sell stamp collection
Replies: 21
Views: 3752

Re: Where/How to sell stamp collection

JDaniels - honestly, it is still sitting where I left it. As jsl11 pointed out, it looks to be a time consuming project. I plan on taking it on in the coming months, but with house repairs, wife's new job (and associated new insurance and retirement with which to deal), as well as visiting an ailing grandfather, I let excuses get in the way of the project. I had an offer from an individual to help price some of the older international stamps, but I will not out that person as the one that offered so they do not get lots of requests. I plan on sending that person an email with 6 or so stamps for an opinion. It will not be a short term project, it seems. It doesnt look like excuses, it looks like family priorities which are obviously more im...
by JDaniels
Thu Mar 28, 2013 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where/How to sell stamp collection
Replies: 21
Views: 3752

Re: Where/How to sell stamp collection

I was curious as to how your stamp collection worked out?
by JDaniels
Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?
Replies: 112
Views: 14661

Re: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?

I think when you get older you have to add the phrase.... if I would have known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself. I don't think I can express how important this message is. As you get older, your interests will undoubtedly change. No matter what those interests are, if you aren't in good health, it's difficult to pursue them. You're at an age right now where you're probably just starting to feel the differences between a "young" body and one that's starting to experience some wear and tear. Now is the perfect time to make a commitment to staying healthy. Make sure you're eating the proper foods, getting moderate exercise, good rest and limiting your stress. Sorry if that advice might not be w...
by JDaniels
Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extension Ladder
Replies: 21
Views: 8197

Re: Extension Ladder

I have the Little Giant and it's got me in places I could never have been without it. The only downfall is the weight, 65lbs and when it's fully extended is a beast to work with.
by JDaniels
Wed Mar 06, 2013 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hey, Vanguard has hired me! [Payment for taking survey]
Replies: 28
Views: 6940

Re: Hey, Vanguard has hired me!

$50 per hour rate. Not bad :D
by JDaniels
Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paid off the mortgage on Friday!
Replies: 38
Views: 4749

Re: Paid off the mortgage on Friday!

That deserves a congratulations :sharebeer
by JDaniels
Sat Feb 23, 2013 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I refinance my home? I need help with the math.
Replies: 4
Views: 512

Re: Should I refinance my home? I need help with the math.

This website should help: http://www.dinkytown.net

Funny name, great financial calculators.
by JDaniels
Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Peeking at investments...how often?
Replies: 59
Views: 5359

Re: Peeking at investments...how often?

Monthly
by JDaniels
Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worldofwatches
Replies: 9
Views: 1464

Re: Worldofwatches

Just make sure you don't spend $5000. Lol. Nothing wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor. If an expensive watch makes someone happy then that's fine by me. I've got a Tag 1887 that I love. Not quite $5K but close enough that people here would probably condemn the purchase. The choice wasn't one of pricing, it was simply the watch I liked the most. To OP, try jomashop.com as well. I'm guessing the site you mentioned is similar in that they both sell international parts without a US warranty (eg. "Gray Market"). Most will provide a warranty through them that matches the factory so it shouldn't really be an issue unless you're the kind of person who wants to deal with a local shop for everything. Absolutely. I was just reffer...
by JDaniels
Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinace to 15yr loan?
Replies: 13
Views: 2119

Re: Refinace to 15yr loan?

If you can COMFORTABLY handle the increase in payment, I say go for the refinance. If you feel you can't, you can always increase your payment on the monthly 30 year note equal to what it would be for the 15. If life happens one of those months, you can briefly go back to the original 30 year note payment amount without being late.
by JDaniels
Sat Feb 23, 2013 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worldofwatches
Replies: 9
Views: 1464

Re: Worldofwatches

Just make sure you don't spend $5000. Lol.
by JDaniels
Sat Jan 26, 2013 6:21 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday Taylor
Replies: 81
Views: 10393

Re: Happy Birthday Taylor

Happy Birthday Taylor!
by JDaniels
Mon Dec 31, 2012 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Useful Tools For Any Occasion
Replies: 4
Views: 1138

Re: Useful Tools For Any Occasion

What? No duct tape?!?!?! Lol.
by JDaniels
Wed Dec 12, 2012 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: end of year layoff, can I retire?
Replies: 34
Views: 4901

Re: end of year layoff, can I retire?

gdm129 wrote: expenses of 1850 per month including health care premium of 500.
condo paid off, 500k equity
You look in good shape. Question - Does the $1850 cover your condo insurance, taxes and association fee (if any)?
by JDaniels
Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Separating [successful from unsuccessful investors]
Replies: 36
Views: 2193

Re: Separating the men from the boys

1. Define your goal
2. Devise a plan
3. Implement the plan
4. Measure results
5. Fine tune as needed
6. Stick to the plan
by JDaniels
Sun Oct 07, 2012 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: paying off mortgage....help
Replies: 50
Views: 5020

Re: paying off mortgage....help

Now this is just me, so take it with a grain of salt, but I personally can't stand being in debt. I would feel like a weight would be off my shoulders if I were to pay off the mortgage early. On the other hand, if the amount of passive income that you get after taxes with your investments is more than enough to pay for the mortgage, then do that. I'm looking at paying my mortgage off early too - maybe in 7-8 years instead of 28. That's the plan. +1 I personally hate debt and paying it off would be well worth it for me. I think that's the other question you need to ask yourself, how do you feel about having this debt? I know numbers should be all logic, but that "feeling" of having no debt, is tough to beat! Congrats on your finan...
by JDaniels
Tue Sep 18, 2012 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How Do You Tune It Out?
Replies: 46
Views: 3974

Re: How Do You Tune It Out?

Hit the gym.

It's my sanctuary, psychiatrist and Prozac all rolled up into one.
by JDaniels
Sun Sep 16, 2012 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brain Teaser
Replies: 31
Views: 2513

Re: Brain Teaser

Either option seems to have a rather high failure rate.

What amazes me is that trying to pick individual stocks has an ever higher failure rate yet people do that everyday.
by JDaniels
Sat Sep 15, 2012 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: One hit wonder (Albums)
Replies: 68
Views: 5284

Re: One hit wonder (Albums)

Guns N' Roses. Appetite for Destruction was arguably the best debut Hard Rock album ever. It was all downhill from there.
by JDaniels
Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?
Replies: 342
Views: 26646

Re: Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?

I was just listening to The Cult. Another great band that never got the recognition they deserved.
by JDaniels
Wed Sep 12, 2012 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?
Replies: 342
Views: 26646

Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?

Some friends and I were discussing this topic.

Our top three were:
1) The Who
2) Rush
3) Boston

All great bands that never got the credit they deserved.

What are yours?
by JDaniels
Sun Aug 26, 2012 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you stack up?
Replies: 13
Views: 2238

Re: How do you stack up?

555 wrote:This site is rubbish. It told me my net worth is ranked 8 millionth out of all people in the US but only ranked 28 millionth out of all college graduates in the US. Totally inconsistent. Worthless nonsense.
Lol, well I never said it was accurate. :happy
by JDaniels
Sun Aug 26, 2012 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you stack up?
Replies: 13
Views: 2238

How do you stack up?

Interesting site: http://www.stackmeup.com/index.php

Compare how you stack up to others for everything from net worth to pushups.
Jim
by JDaniels
Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: At what age did you start investing?
Replies: 87
Views: 14260

Re: At what age did you start investing?

Looking back, I guess I started "saving" when I was in grade school. Money from chores or odd jobs around the neighborhood would go to short term things I wanted. I started "investing" when I was 20 and starting my career. Finding out about something called a "401k" and choosing some fund called Magellan got my interest. Over the years I've certainly made some mistakes but I can't stress enough, especially to a young investor, starting early is the best financial decision I have ever made.
by JDaniels
Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Increase assets or decrease liabilities?
Replies: 54
Views: 9350

Re: Increase assets or decrease liabilities?

bengal22 wrote:My debt is 14% of my net worth so it is something I can live with.
I agree. I use the same formula which is why I believe that reducing debt feels more powerful. For example:

$1,000,000 in assets and $250,000 of liabilities: debt = 25% of net worth

Adding $100,000 to your assets:
$1,100,000 in assets and $250,000 of liabilities: debt = 22.73% of net worth

Reducing $100,000 of your liabilities:
$1,000,000 in assets and $150,000 of liabilities: debt = 15% of net worth

Reducing liabilities gives you a 7.73% better ratio
by JDaniels
Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Increase assets or decrease liabilities?
Replies: 54
Views: 9350

Re: Increase assets or decrease liabilities?

However, seeing the assets cell of an Excel spreadsheet change from a valid number to ####### is always nice ;)
by JDaniels
Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Increase assets or decrease liabilities?
Replies: 54
Views: 9350

Increase assets or decrease liabilities?

Do Bogleheads prefer seeing their assets increase or liabilities decrease? Does it even matter since the effect on your net worth is the same? I must admit, I get a different feeling seeing that my liabilities are decreasing. Something about knowing that I have less debt seems more freeing than increasing assets.
by JDaniels
Wed Aug 08, 2012 10:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Your Best One Line of Wisdom
Replies: 238
Views: 24026

Re: Your Best One Line of Wisdom

Investing; the juice is worth the squeeze. :)
by JDaniels
Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pool Owners- Annual Cost
Replies: 22
Views: 3253

Re: Pool Owners- Annual Cost

Is it salt or chlorine added?
by JDaniels
Wed Jul 18, 2012 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FA Trying to Reel Me Back In, Feedback Please
Replies: 64
Views: 6836

Re: FA Trying to Reel Me Back In, Feedback Please

"shifting your portfolio to an index orientation just at this point is not advantageous in any way"

He forgot to mention WHO it wouldn't be advantageous to. I'll give you a hint, it's not YOU. lol
by JDaniels
Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st Day of Retirement
Replies: 44
Views: 5392

Re: 1st Day of Retirement

Random Musings wrote:I posed this question to a few people who are closer to retirement than I am.

One responded that they "would grab a cup of coffee, sit on the front porch and watch all the other suckers who were driving into work that morning."

RM
I asked the question to a gentleman who works out at the gym the same time as me. He's in his 80's and is in incredible shape. We talk often mostly about health and fitness but his answer to this question cracked me up. He said" I go to sleep when I'm tired and I get up when I wake up."

Leave it to a member of the "Greatest Generation" to tell it like it is. Thanks Mel and Taylor!
by JDaniels
Wed Apr 25, 2012 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st Day of Retirement
Replies: 44
Views: 5392

Re: 1st Day of Retirement

I love Taylor's idea as well. Too bad I get seasick in a bathtub lol. I do love to watch the ships from the beach though :D

It's difficult to remember what the last day of school felt like since it was so long ago. But I do remember the feeling os summer vacation. If retirement feels even a little like that, it will surely be worth the wait!

To all the current and future retirees, :sharebeer here's to you Mr. Jack Bogle!
by JDaniels
Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st Day of Retirement
Replies: 44
Views: 5392

1st Day of Retirement

For someone who still has about 15 years of working left before retirement, I’ve always been curious as to what I would do on my 1st day of retirement. What would it feel like? Would it feel like the 1st day of a vacation? Would it feel like something I’ve never felt before? My plan is to get up before sunrise and walk to the beach. Hopefully, with my wife but lets just say that she really isn’t much of a morning person. :wink: Sit down on the sand and reflect on our accomplishments over the past years that allowed us to get to where we are right now. Give thanks for what we’ve achieved. Watching the sun slowly rise up, feeling the warmth of it on my face. Knowing that I can now take the time to appreciate it without the need to rush anywhe...
by JDaniels
Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New York
Replies: 25
Views: 3366

Re: New York

The best way to experience NYC is with a local. A walkng tour might interest you and your family:
https://www.wallstreetwalks.com/

Have a great time!
by JDaniels
Wed Apr 11, 2012 11:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Home / Real Estate as an Asset Class
Replies: 22
Views: 1661

Re: Home / Real Estate as an Asset Class

I don't believe your home should be considered in your asset allocation. I do believe it should be calculated as part of your net worth.
by JDaniels
Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Putting up house for Rent Vs. Selling it at a loss
Replies: 38
Views: 3492

Re: Putting up house for Rent Vs. Selling it at a loss

IMHO, I couldn't be a long-distance-landlord. The stress of that would be much greater than the "stresses that come with living in northern suburbs". I would sell and have peace of mind.
by JDaniels
Fri Apr 06, 2012 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: woodworking plans
Replies: 22
Views: 4848

Re: woodworking plans

I would recommend visiting this site: http://www.kregtool.com/

Not only do they have some good plans, they offer some incredible jigs that make woodworking easier. I personally own the pocket-hole Kreg Jig Master System. I've built some furniture that the wife raves about and it didn't take very long for someone who is a novice woodworker. You can search YouTube as well for how to videos about this companies products.

Good Luck!
by JDaniels
Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling silver dollars
Replies: 35
Views: 5759

Re: Selling silver dollars

Hello. I'm curious as to why you'd settle for just the silver value? Many Morgan and Peace dollars, even at the lower mint states, are selling for more than $20. Check here for pricing: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/

A quick web search for coin shows in your area should find a viable buyer as well.

Hope this helps, good luck and Happy New Year!
by JDaniels
Sun Jan 01, 2012 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a House ... Cash or Credit?
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Buying a House ... Cash or Credit?

Noobvestor - I'd go with cash.

By the way, your avatar cracks me up! LOL!
by JDaniels
Sun Jan 01, 2012 7:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Day1 of the rest of my life!
Replies: 17
Views: 2355

Re: Day1 of the rest of my life!

hnicols - CONGRATULATIONS!
by JDaniels
Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How was your Christmas?
Replies: 15
Views: 1637

Re: How was your Christmas?

Good family, good friends, good food! What more can you ask for Christmas!
by JDaniels
Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The age old question of home as invesment (from a rookie)
Replies: 38
Views: 3999

Re: The age old question of home as invesment (from a rookie

My opinion is that a house isn't an investment until you sell it. Then, you'll see what your ROI was on that investment. Until then, I consider it a liability.
by JDaniels
Sun Dec 11, 2011 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sarasota, Florida
Replies: 19
Views: 3254

Re: Sarasota, Florida

ZIllow.com might have some useful info.