Search found 134 matches

by redlbj01
Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Opportunity, Need Some Advice!-Pharm Sales Rep
Replies: 19
Views: 2896

FinanceGeek wrote:Well, from what I've seen waiting in Dr's offices myself - here's my view/stigma. The job is most often held by young single females. Having cheerleader looks is a real bonus.
Well unfortuntely I don't have cheerleader looks.:cry: Also, my wife would kill me if I said I was single...

Any other suggestions? :lol:
by redlbj01
Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Opportunity, Need Some Advice!-Pharm Sales Rep
Replies: 19
Views: 2896

Career Opportunity, Need Some Advice!-Pharm Sales Rep

I've recently been approached by a head hunter for a Pharmaceutical Sales job. Everyone I've talked to seems to have a view (or stigma) on the position within the industry. However, the medical industry is where I believe the US will continue to lead the world in innovation/growth over the next few decades, and I want to be a part of that wave. The position would pay a base salary of what I'm making now (with all of the associated perks-company car, cell phone, laptop, etc) PLUS a quarterly commission structure. The initial interview I had with the hiring manager said the average rep can make a quarterly commission of 8k, while the best of the best do around 11-12k quarterly. Obviously, I'm intrigued by the additional income. In addition, t...
by redlbj01
Tue Apr 05, 2011 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anybody in Sales/Marketing? Feeling Tired & Burnt Out.
Replies: 9
Views: 3073

I'm in a similar situation (though my income is not nearly as nice as yours), and I am currently looking into pharmaceutical sales as I need a greater challenge than my current company can offer me. Also, being gone 3 weeks a month for what they are paying is starting to take its toll a bit on the family life. Apparently my wife wants to see me.... Women are odd like that :roll: Simply put, you make GREAT money for someone our age, so keep some perspective. Work isn't always fun, thats why it's called work, not play. If work isn't doing it for you anymore, I think you need to find something outside of work to give you contentment. Personally, I'm currently looking into joining a Krav Maga training program as it will give me a way to relieve...
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side Job: Lawncare for Out of State Neighbor/Landlord
Replies: 11
Views: 1789

grberry wrote:No comment on fees. Mowing, hedge trimming, and manual labor should not require a special license, but it might - check your state's law. Applying chemicals is much more likely to require a license when done for pay - definitely check before agreeing to do any of that.
I just emailed a contact at the state's office that handles pesticide licensing explaining the small nature of the job. Frankly if the state is going to charge me some ridiculous amount to do what I'm already doing to my own lawn, just because it’s a “business” transaction I'll just forget the whole thing...
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side Job: Lawncare for Out of State Neighbor/Landlord
Replies: 11
Views: 1789

Do you have any agreement as to what is to be done? Have you made an estimate of the time you would spend on the yard? Do you know what local professional gardeners charge? Would there be a matter of a business license required on your part? Might there be any liability issues? I would suspect that the landlord would want to agree on a monthly charge rather than an hourly rate. All good questions. (1) Agreement: Everything will be in writing, so there can be no issues of everyone's duties. (2) Estimate of Time: Mowing would take an hour tops, I would imagine an hour for any additional chemical applications. (3) I've done no local price analysis, but being that this is going to be a side job, with (1) customer, it's not as necessary to be p...
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side Job: Lawncare for Out of State Neighbor/Landlord
Replies: 11
Views: 1789

Side Job: Lawncare for Out of State Neighbor/Landlord

Hello, Situation: My neighbor is an out of state landlord who has had experience with "bad" tenants, that has left the rentals yard in a mess (about .25 acres) full of weeds. When he was in cleaning the home and getting it ready for new tenants, we happened to talk and he asked if I would be willing to manage his yard for him since he is out of state. Question: My question is simply, what should I charge for services? $30 per hour + cost of products/chemicals/etc was my initial thought. Has anyone had any experience with a similar situation? Anything to watch out for? I am NOT a professional lawn expert, and frankly, am still learning much on how to enhance the look of my own lawn (it's getting there though!). I've already stated ...
by redlbj01
Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is your spouse hesitant to invest?
Replies: 44
Views: 5971

Newbie here, (2 years in). My DW and I have a division of labor; I handle the investments as I'm interested in it. She handles the cooking as she truly enjoys trying new recipes (I wash the dishes though!) out on me.

Recently we made a deal, she would read Boglheads Guide to Investment, and in turn I would read one of her historical fiction books she loves to read about the Tudors. It was a BRUTAL struggle to get through the 600+ page monster she picked for me (DW's idea of a sick joke), but I beat her!

In my view point, just getting her to read the chapters and we talk about them not only increases her knowledge, but she corrected me on a few finer points that I'd forgotten. Isn’t love grand? :wink:
by redlbj01
Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recent college grad turns down 40K Job
Replies: 37
Views: 5917

pkh01l wrote:His worst decision was the choice of majoring in Political Science and minoring in History. What kind of job did he expect to get with that degree?

Professional Liar= Laywer or Politician (no offense to anyone on this board with said careers) :wink:
by redlbj01
Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recent college grad turns down 40K Job
Replies: 37
Views: 5917

KyleAAA wrote:I would argue that the old rules no longer apply. Starting at the bottom and working your way up doesn't work like it used to. It's easier to skip the bottom part.
Fair enough, but that's still no reason this person shouldn't be working to cover his expense (Room, Board, etc). At the very least he can take the 40k paycheck, maybe learn a thing or to (gasp I know) and move on when he finds better paying work.
by redlbj01
Wed Jul 07, 2010 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recent college grad turns down 40K Job
Replies: 37
Views: 5917

I liked the article. I can look at it both ways. I have also worked for an insurance company for the last 3 years and have been fortunate to have obtained several small raises, a paid relocation, and I'm on my third job title (thank you minimal upward mobility) I can also relate from his angle that I feel underpaid based on my experience level and my undergraduate achievements. I wish I had a more flashy job, or the management trainee rotational, but I am not 'too good' to turn down a steady job with good benefits, and vanguard funds in our 401k. Similiar situation here. With the same company for 4.5 years, been "promoted" (more work and travel, but same pay), feel grossly underpaid for all of the extra work I do compared to my c...
by redlbj01
Wed Jul 07, 2010 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Window Film to reduce heat and UV absorption
Replies: 46
Views: 13909

comptalk wrote:Any difference between these and just using blinds?
Depends on the operation you need, with film/blind combo you will able to enjoy your view and get some R value. However, NOTHING beats a Room Darkening Cellular Shade. You get no light coming in, but the heat/cold control is the top. If you want to enjoy your view or allow some light in with thsi fabric, you can get a Top Down Bottom Up feature for maximum light control. OR if you really want to spend the $, A Day/Night combo with a RD & Light Filtering Fabrics combined into one shade.
by redlbj01
Tue Jul 06, 2010 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Window Film to reduce heat and UV absorption
Replies: 46
Views: 13909

I"m a manufacture rep for a Winodow Treatment company, and while we admittely DONT' sell film, I work with companies that do. While they will help a bit, the only true way to keep out the heat, is witha heavy shade of some sorts. My suggestions: -Cellular Shades: Designed specifically for insulation value. most reputable companies will list with an R-Value. The heavier the material, the more insulation. The better quality shades also have options that allow you to keep your view (Top Down/Bottom Up) and still enjoy energy efficiency. -Roman Shades: Pricier than cellular shades, BUT also can be more asthetically pleasing. Once again, the thicker materials (room darkening, see a trend here) will have a better insulation value. You will l...
by redlbj01
Sun Jun 27, 2010 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: parents enabling adult children
Replies: 122
Views: 21884

Re: Parents' Viewpoint

I'm fortunate in that my children are all self supporting and never ask for anything. However, one is much more in need than others and does not seem to have prospects for signficant improvement in the near term. I want to help (at some level), but do not want to trigger resentments among others or their spouses. It is a dilemma. To avoid the "resentment" from your other children, I'd suggest making it a simple loan with a low interest rate. You and the ailing "child" can setup the terms that works best for both of you. It gives the child some breathing room and gives you a little bit of interest and the happiness of helpiing out your child. OR take any money out of their portion of the inheritance, then the sibilngs ca...
by redlbj01
Mon Jun 21, 2010 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If I listened to Dave Ramsey
Replies: 194
Views: 30540

Dave Ramsey was a fantastic resource for my wife and I. We when graduated college we had ZERO idea how to handle money. We were always fairly frugal, but we had no game plan. What makes this sad is that I have my bachelor's in Business Admin/Minor: accounting. Shows you how little they teach in college these days (frankly, I want my money back from that school!). We went through his Financial Peace program, and were utterly astounded how many people twice our age had in debt. Whenever the groups would discuss what they were doing, my wife and I would always say, "we already doing that." His money saving plan allowed us to put 20% down on our first home. Admittedly, Dave's investing advice is a little weak, BUT if it wasn't for his...
by redlbj01
Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many Bogleheads started out with "Nothing"?
Replies: 90
Views: 12710

My wife and I have been very fortunate to graduate college with zero student loans or car debt. My parents paid my way through school (I still worked 30+ hours a week and going to school full time at various jobs to pay for food, board, etc). When we graduated, I was in a dead end job, she was student teaching. I took a chance with my current company and moved my fiancé (DW now) to NH. Had no money at all for the move, parents loaned us $2,000 bucks, paid it off in a month. Everything since has been all us on a single income. We were able to invest (not as much as I'd like), and save for a down payment on our house. Depends on how you view started with nothing. I've been working a minimum of 25+ hours a week since I was 15. I feel I've work...
by redlbj01
Sat May 22, 2010 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Savings + Raiding Retirement Funds for a house
Replies: 15
Views: 2523

No, there are a lot of additional costs to houes beyond just your mortage that you most likely haven't taken into account. You're making six figures, there is no reason you can't save for a down payment by cutting down on your contributions for a year or two. Or get a second job to generate extra cash. My wife and I put 20% down for our first home and never touched our retirement, albeit it took us 3 years to do it.

Also, before the house, I'd strongly advise a minimum of 6 months of basic expenses, that you don't touch unless for an emergency.
by redlbj01
Sat May 22, 2010 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Savings + Raiding Retirement Funds for a house
Replies: 15
Views: 2523

delete.
by redlbj01
Sat May 22, 2010 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Savings + Raiding Retirement Funds for a house
Replies: 15
Views: 2523

DELETE
by redlbj01
Sun May 16, 2010 8:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are any of you folks familiar with Dave Ramsey
Replies: 25
Views: 4787

Well since the majority of American's don't even keep a household budget, Dave Ramsey offers fairly simple and straightforward advice. It makes you wonder if some of this financial calamity we find ourselves in could have been adverted or minimized if more people had followed his baby step advice from the start. It’s basically just common sense, to spend more than you make! Crazy huh! My wife and I are in mid 20's and neither of our parents told us anything about budgets, investing, etc. We felt out of control with no plan, Dave's program is simple, straightforward in terms of debt reduction, and budgeting. Because of his program, we were able to save 20% down on our first home (bought last Nov), and we are DEBT FREE! However, like everyone...
by redlbj01
Thu Apr 22, 2010 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Company Mini-Van
Replies: 5
Views: 1295

Used Company Mini-Van

First off, let me say that a mini van is by no means the dream car for any 28 year old. That being stated, I have a unique situation where I can a very used, but well cared for van in the next few months. I travel for work, and the company provides me a vehicle (in this case a Dodge Caravan) for my extensive travels. In the past 4 months since I've had the new van, I've already put on 20,000 miles :shock: The way I'm going, I'll have around 70,000 by the end of the year. The company pays for all maintenance (oil, tires, etc) and I've been following the maintenance schedule. In addition, at 75,000 miles, the company will give me a new work vehicle and allow me the option to purchase the van for a fairly reasonable price. The previous vehicle...
by redlbj01
Thu Apr 22, 2010 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you bring lunch to work or buy?
Replies: 122
Views: 17724

Unfortunately, I eat out to much, BUT I'm on the road selling 2-3 weeks out of the month. The good news it's paid by my company, bad news is, I've gained a little (5 lbs) extra weight. I do my best to go to Subway, or eat fruit whenever I can, but being on the road it is more of a challenge. Especially when you don't have the luxury/time to find something healthy due to appointments.
by redlbj01
Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off Student loan or save!?
Replies: 13
Views: 2719

(1) Priority-6 months of living expenses if you lose your job(will 10k do this?)
(2) Baby Fund: Do you have enough cash on hand to cover 6 months of living expenses AND the baby's medical bills, checkups, etc?
(3) Debt: Once the first two are done, kill the debt.

If the baby was already here and safe, I'd just pay off the debt. Untill that time, I'd have extra cash on hand for the little one.

Congrats!
by redlbj01
Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying Home with Parents, Part Deux
Replies: 10
Views: 2220

(1) You're projected income won't be a problem with the numbers I'm seeing. Though have you taken into account any Condo fees, maintenance, renovations, etc? Also are you 100% sure that that this job is waiting for you in a year and a half? Unless it's with a family/friend and it's down in writing nothing is for certain. I'd advise caution assuming anything right now. (2) As you stated, you have no idea what's going to be happening in a few years. Family, kids, new job all add to a lot of change in a short amount of time. You don't plan on leaving Manhattan, but one never knows do they? (3) You're parents have offered to give you a great gift, but that being said, I'd personally have a hard time accepting such a large gift from my parents. ...
by redlbj01
Mon Apr 19, 2010 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do I owe my parents?
Replies: 81
Views: 16178

To the OP: Tough decision through and through. You want to provide tough love, but their family! My opinion, get yourself debt free and retirement accounts cranking. If you want to help your parents if they ask, that’s fine. To your brother, SORRY! no workee no payee. I'm going through a similar (though thankfully not quite to the level you are dealing with). My brother is currently unemployed being bankrolled by my parents (who have been financially sound most of their lives, if they did live a little too extravagant). He just graduated college, and while he looks for a full time job, doesn’t' see the need to find anything part time. (He's a hell of a bartender, and could make decent enough money before he finds his first real job out of c...
by redlbj01
Sat Apr 17, 2010 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Ownership -- Pros & Cons
Replies: 54
Views: 8568

We just recently purchased are first home, and lke you, I had th same questiosn and concerns. A few things to thin about: (1) Put 20% down, minium 30 year mortgage. 15/20 year if you can swing it. We chose 30 because it offerd us flexibilty to pay less if one of us loss a job/isn't working (kind of like now actually). Personal decision of ours, but we are going to pay it like a 15 when my DW starts working again. (2) There are A LOT of little added expenses that do add up. I strongly encourage you to gie yourself a mortgage & income buffer when these little issues come up. (3) Don't spend all of your money to meet a 20%/10%/etc down payment. You need a least 6 months of expenses (food, heat, car mortgage) minimum before your ready to bu...
by redlbj01
Tue Mar 30, 2010 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: From Two Incomes to One
Replies: 45
Views: 6360

Wow, what a timley topic for my wife and I. My wife just met her new gyno today and they had the "talk." Basically what we should expect if/when we decide to have a child later this year. The issue we are running into is of course money, and how to handle a potential loss of income. Our situation: Me (28 ): Currently employed make around 50k /year in Sales -I travel 3 weeks typically out of the month DW (27): Currently unemployed Music Teacher (due to my recent promotion and subsequent move). She is volunteering at a local school, and is basically a shoe in (near gaurantee) for a full time teaching position that is opening up next school year (Sept). Our dilema: We're concerned about my wife juggling a brand new job, a new house (...
by redlbj01
Tue Mar 16, 2010 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Get an MBA or no? Looking for advice.
Replies: 55
Views: 10511

Hate to threadjack, Would you get an MBA if you could never tell anyone that you did? Get an MBA but do not tell anyone that you did. Just use what you learn to your advantage and the advantage of your employer and/or your customers. If you can do that you will be satisfied. "MBA" is no longer a ticket to anywhere. I never add "MBA" to my name. I do try to use the phrase "Any clown with an MBA ..... [fill in the blank]." as often as possible. If someone gets offended I just say that I was referring to myself. It's an amusing gambit but I wouldn't get an MBA just to play. It's frankly for me to expand my knowledge of those areas that I have no real work experience in or am quite rusty with (finance, accounting,...
by redlbj01
Thu Mar 11, 2010 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Save money or pay down student loans faster?
Replies: 13
Views: 2491

You've got a number options:

(1) Continue on as you are now
(2) Focus hardcore on your student loans and just kill the thing. Make it scream on how fast it's going down. Imagine how nice it would be to not have that anchor around your neck.

(3) Get a second job, use second jobs earnings to pay off studen loan debt only.

I'd say combine 2 and 3, and just be done with the thing if you want piece of mind and to be debt free quickly. Otherwise, do 1 and 3, and you can contine as is, and still pay down student loan debt at an accelerated pace than you are now.
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Advice for High School Students
Replies: 101
Views: 17803

I became interested in personal finance after reading The Richest Man in Babylon and The Millionaire Next Door, both of which were required reading for a senior level college course titled Personal Financial Planning. At that time, I was actually majoring in Finance and did not know how to balance a checkbook. There was a lot of bad advice given in that class but at least I got started on the right track. It looks to me like you are starting these students off in the right direction. He gets beat up a lot on here but Dave Ramsey has some good simple advice that might be helpful for the neophytes out there. Second the Dave Ramsey nomination. He even has a program tailored for High School kids. You can flesh out whatver area's that Dave's pr...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 10, 2010 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Advice for High School Students
Replies: 101
Views: 17803

Wow. Thanks for the immediate and insightful bits of wisdom. Here is basically what I am covering. Please add any advice or other areas that should be covered. Unit 1: Saving and Investing Chapter 1: Savings •Three basic reasons to save money: emergency fund, purchases, building wealth •Discipline, patience and goal setting as related to personal and financial matters Chapter 2: Understanding Investments •Compound and simple interest •Liquidity, diversification, risk-return ratio •Certificates of deposit, money markets, single stocks, bonds, mutual funds, rental real estate, annuities, commodities and futures Chapter 3: Wealth Building and College Savings •Benefits of long- and short-term investing using tax-favored plans •IRAs, Roth IRAs,...
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guts for buying a business
Replies: 5
Views: 1297

I don't have answer for you, but I'm considering doing something simliar as a side gig (relate to my current industry). Any advice on what some "look outs" for buying a small business?
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: quit my job?
Replies: 82
Views: 12252

Welcome to the world of work. You're in your twenty's (as am I) and you are at the bottom of the totem pole. It sucks! This is your golden opportunity to roll up your sleeves and refocus your efforts at this job. It'll impress your employer, who may know, give you more interesting work to do.

Welcome to life. Don't quit this steady job just because you hate it. I hate being gone 3 weeks out of a month away from my wife, but you do what you have to do to survive and prosper.

My advice, refocus at your current job, and start your freelance gig at night.
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OT: Scientists find mathematical formula for perfect wife
Replies: 25
Views: 4091

Two words: "Yes, Dear"

This might explain why women are considered smarter then men in this study. It's just easier not to argue, she'll eventually win in the end. :roll:
by redlbj01
Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you like math?
Replies: 110
Views: 31982

Despised math on so many different levels. I was stronger in English, History, Literature growing up.

Though I enjoyed my accounting and finance classes (to a point), my tax class nearly ended me. I simply can't get over the utter ridiculousness of our tax system.

Looking back I should have taken more interest in my math related courses, but I swear the people my college hired to teach stats/accounting were some of the dullest people I had the misfortune to listen to.

Now my sales & marketing classes, those were fun!
by redlbj01
Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

I am not saying anything about immigration. I don't know why people keep bringing this up. What I am saying is that there is not as much social mobility in the US as there is in several other developed countries. What in the world does that have to do with immigration? I have never once denied that immigrants from developing countries can do better in the US. We are in complete agreement, I don't know why there is a debate. I agree with you that immigration has little to do with the social mobility in a country. First, immigrants are a self-selected more energetic part of the population, by definition. Second, an educated foreigner with unique skills (languages, cultural knowledge, connections in the old country) may succeed where a local ...
by redlbj01
Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

Then why are we debating? If we both agree that the US continues to be one of, IF NOT the best nation that provides upward mobility? Where's the argument? No one is saying that you can't do well in Europe or other nation's around the world. The point we are making is, that historically in the US more people have improved their socio-economic status than in any other country. Your own arguments prove our point. Poor people become rich because of starting their own business, or just getting lucky with the lottery (though in the latter cases, they go poor again quickly). Rich people become poor (relatively) because of bad luck or bad decisions. The US Economnic model has for decades proven to be the best way for the individual to create perso...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

You are actually proving redlbj01's point. Europe, especially countries like France, do a poor job of assimilating many of those immigrants in their society. While the US is far from perfect they do a better job than any other developed country I can think of. Name one other developed nation that has more first and second generation immigrants in political and business leadership positions. The President of France, Sarkozy, is the descendant of immigrants. I am not saying anything about immigration. I don't know why people keep bringing this up. What I am saying is that there is not as much social mobility in the US as there is in several other developed countries. What in the world does that have to do with immigration? I have never once ...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lend money...yes or no ???
Replies: 50
Views: 6720

No I would not.

"The Borrower, is slave to the Lender"

From a relationship stand point it "COULD" cause issues with your new Son In law. I would personally feel weird having Thanksgiving dinner with my inlaws in the house I live in, BUT the one they own. It's an akward situation to be in to own money to anyone, let alone your in laws!

Just be careful for the sake of your family. There is nothing wrong with them saving up a bit more for a down payment. My wife and I did it, albeit it took 3.5 years of hardcore saving. It'll teach them patience and they'll enjoy their house more.
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

Re: Is college worth it?

The private sector can fire you "at will" for any offense, and most businesses do not feel it is important to help you prepare for retirement. Age discrimination is rampant, and if you are not an executive of a certain stature by a certain age, companies feel they do not have to hire you and would prefer a younger employee who is cheaper. I don't understand why you wouldn't start your own business? You could take advantage of all the facts you pointed out. 1) You could hire young folks and pay them dirt. (sounds good already doesn't it?) 2) You could discriminate against whoever you please and fire them at will. (maybe more than one every day) 3) Because you are not one of the "cold hearted" types you could spend 80 to ...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

Your missing the point. Why do some many South American's come to the US (some illegaly but thats a different arguement)? Because even though come from literal dirt poor communities, the US is one of the last, and the MOST consistent places on the planet where ANYONE can make a comfortable living. Through sheer hardwork, stubborness, and sarcrifice anyone can become wealthy in ANY country. The US has (had??) in the last few decades had the best the system in place to remoev those barriers of entry to success. Are you saying only the US has immigrants from poor countries? Europe has millions of them. Sigh, now your just being argumentative. If your point is that life sucks, that no one can ever get ahead, becuase the "man" is keep...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

This is only country in the world that has the track record to allow even the poorest among us to become wealthy. I'll take your false claim add another caveat that I should have added. What other country on the face of the planet has the system in place (ie capitalisim) to allow the same number of people to live a comfortable and rewarding style than the US? It's all perspective anyways, but if people love Europe so much, why do so many of them come to the US for education, careers, etc. You can't possibly argue that othe European couuntries have the same level of opportunity compare to the history of the US? I graduated from college 10 years ago, and I don't remember seeing many Europeans there. I saw a lot of East Asians, South Asians a...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

In fact, I did skimp on an engagement ring several years ago, spending $5K on a cute, little ring from Tiffany's. Intriguing that you consider this "skimping". My SO told me she wants a ring in the range of $100. A little OT, but any woman that believes you "skimped" on a $5k ring is someone who doesn't have their priorities in life straight. Frankly, I wouldn't want to be with a woman who views the level of your love and commitment equates to the $ you spent on an overpriced (albeit pretty) piece of rock. I skrimped and saved for two years while working multiple jobs and going to college fulltime to get my DW a ring around 3k (All I could afford). She views it as her most priceless possession, and when I offered recent...
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

Random Musings wrote:OP wrote:
The last employer that offers a pension is the government, and it is the only employer that will not fire you at a whim.
Hopefully, those things will change. Why should government employees be entitled to any more than private sector employees? If government was a business, it would have been outta business a long time ago.

But I guess it is too big to fail........

RM
Perfect!
by redlbj01
Wed Mar 03, 2010 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

This is only country in the world that has the track record to allow even the poorest among us to become wealthy. This is simply false. Several other developed countries in Europe and Asia have a far better track record at making their poor become wealthy. I've traveled to several of these countries and have seen it first hand. In many countries there is less poverty than in our own cities. I'll take your false claim add another caveat that I should have added. What other country on the face of the planet has the system in place (ie capitalisim) to allow the same number of people to live a comfortable and rewarding style than the US? It's all perspective anyways, but if people love Europe so much, why do so many of them come to the US for ...
by redlbj01
Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is college worth it?
Replies: 152
Views: 16219

I tried thinking of a whitty response to the OP, but I'll go with something my parents have continued to tell me: Life isn't fair. Not everyone is going to be a CEO, Doctor, Lawyer, Congressman, Celebtrity, etc. The only gaurantee is that if you work hard enough, that you will be rewarded. This is only country in the world that has the track record to allow even the poorest among us to become wealthy. Life doesn't care what degree you get, or what school you went to if you are a someone who won't work your butt off everday. I don't make a lot of money right now (supporting my family on "only" 50k a year), but I will someday because I still believe in the American dream. You just need to keep moving forward, and never give up. That...
by redlbj01
Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Get an MBA or no? Looking for advice.
Replies: 55
Views: 10511

Ah, but then i wouldn't get the education for almost FREE from my employer if I get A's in each class!

And as much fun as it is to go and get two MBA's, one at UoP for free and another at a "higher end" program, I just don't see it, unless something dramatically changes in my career path.
by redlbj01
Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What mysteries get solved by living a long time?
Replies: 138
Views: 21635

I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have-Thomas Jefferson

Beer is proof that God Loves us, and wants us to be happy-Benjamin Franklin
by redlbj01
Mon Feb 22, 2010 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Get an MBA or no? Looking for advice.
Replies: 55
Views: 10511

Hate to threadjack, BUT I have a similiar situation, with a few different wrinkles. (1) Currently in Sales for a LARGE International Fortune 500 Company (2) The Company has partnered with University of Phoenix, and will reimburse 100% if I get an A in each Class, 80% B, etc. (3) I don't know how much an MBA will help my career path in my generalized Sales Rep position. My job comes down to product knowledge and EXCELLENT one on one customer service (4) One day I would LOVE to open my retail store, and truley be my own boss! (5) I travel, A LOT, for my job. As such, I would have no choice BUT to do the full Online Program. Questions (1) The quality of University of Phoenix Online Degree? Will future employers look favorably or unfavorably on...
by redlbj01
Wed Feb 03, 2010 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Security System Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 2252

I'd love to have a gun, but my wife doesn't feel comfortable around them. And frankly, if she is not comfortable, what good will a weapon if she can't use if properly and safely.

I think the goal right now is to have a warning system that will wake her up in the middle of the night in case of a break in. Plus a fully grown dog, I'd hope would be deterent enough.
by redlbj01
Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Security System Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 2252

Thanks for the replies everyone. A couple of added bits of information: -We just got a dog (a boxer actually) who is 9 weeks old. He won't be doing much to defend the "castle" for a year or so. He is primarily meant to act as a family dog for our poentially growing family. -It is a landline connection, so it can be cut if the burglar is persistent enough. -Regarding the stickers/signs how do you get these? What's the cost? -We do have motion dection lights on the back 3 sides of the home. -Bingo on the home owner's insurance, I need to look further into what savings I can get with it. It might end up being a wash or minimize the monthly cost of the monitoring. -Any other bits of info regarding the quality of the systems?