Search found 461 matches

by noco-hawkeye
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5226

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

tonyclifton wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:30 pm Yes, good slippers are totally worth it. I live in an old house with wooden floors. These are my current favorites (on second pair): https://olukai.com/collections/mens-slippers-and-house-shoes
This is the way :D
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Nov 25, 2023 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking Advice on Joining a Startup as a Side Hustle
Replies: 10
Views: 1585

Re: Seeking Advice on Joining a Startup as a Side Hustle

If it’s a startup, I would not treat it as a side hustle. Go 110% or don’t do it.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 24, 2023 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Finance solar or pay cash?
Replies: 47
Views: 4115

Re: Finance solar or pay cash?

Our local electric provider helped to make reduced interest loans available. As an example, last year about this time we could lock in 10 years at about 3.75%. The other loans we saw were higher (and obviously increasing in rates at this time last year). You might want to check with your state / municipality / electric provider to see if they are promoting any loans for solar.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 10, 2023 10:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life
Replies: 216
Views: 25538

Re: Inheritance & How It Impacted Your Money Life

We are not counting on an inheritance, and are trying to be ready to retire early in the next 5-10 years. We have saved extra, lived within / below our means, and tried to set our kids up with good habits. If / when my parents pass away I would receive 1-2M last I checked. This value is tied up in assets that are unlikely to be spent by my parents, as it would trigger a huge taxable event and is in property. However, the market value could certainly be cut in half (or more). So I understand and agree with the camp of "don't assume it", but I think there are some cases where it is more rock solid than others. If/when my parents pass, we will almost certainly retire at that point and/or buy a second home somewhere nice. Until then, ...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Aug 20, 2023 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rooftop Antenna Installation
Replies: 72
Views: 6045

Re: Rooftop Antenna Installation

If you live in a major metro area, chances are high you can get a good signal without a huge antenna. We are 45 miles from a large metro area and we use a large antenna in the attic. If I was closer, I think there are lots of options like a leaf antenna you can place behind your TV. Try one of those as a test run on one of your TVs first.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jul 23, 2023 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worthwhile to go to grad Ivy schools these days?
Replies: 100
Views: 10368

Re: Is it worthwhile to go to grad Ivy schools these days?

Firemenot wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 4:14 pm
livesoft wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 4:07 pm
cmr79 wrote: Sun Jul 23, 2023 3:59 pmI think science writing is probably a pretty decently employable field, ....
It actually is not. Too many people chasing too few gigs for almost no pay. Maybe get paid $50 a piece if published. Sure, there is always room at the top, but there are not many tops. One might make more money with their own YouTube channel.
If one really wants to write about science, become a patent agent or patent attorney. Requires some science classes, however. Will pay way better.
Tech Writer is a real job as well. Might not pay as much as someone in a legal setting, but its on the upper half of salaries I think. These jobs are pretty common, widely available. I would not go to an ivy for this job though.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jul 09, 2023 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AA post mortgage payoff
Replies: 6
Views: 923

Re: AA post mortgage payoff

No changes to AA, or to emergency funds.

What it did change was making it easier to take a nicer vacation, work on a home improvement project, or get a different car quicker. I'm sure some would have saved the extra money in the budget, but we've generally enjoyed it.
by noco-hawkeye
Thu May 25, 2023 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another career discussion: last laps before retirement
Replies: 57
Views: 6518

Re: Another career discussion: last laps before retirement

The points about a smaller startup are all valid, and can echo them. I've worked at megacorp(s), startup, and again at a megacorp. Returning to a megacorp I am amazed that it takes about 20 people to do what we would have a single person doing at a startup, or even that a megacorp would choose to spend it's time and resources in the way it does. I knew this I would encounter this difference, and am ok with it. But I've seen plenty of people join that previous startup from a megacorp, and not thrive. I think eventually I will go back to a startup, just because it is more challenging and thrilling - but megacorp sure is nice in that I can sleep well now. If you join a startup, just be prepared to invest yourself in a way you maybe have not do...
by noco-hawkeye
Wed Mar 15, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bank not allowing US Treasury ibonds
Replies: 27
Views: 2185

Re: Bank not allowing US Treasury ibonds

You can setup your bank account to buy ibonds with. Just simple ach account setup though, nothing fancy.
by noco-hawkeye
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you are TRULY financially independent, why would you still work?
Replies: 427
Views: 40899

Re: If you are TRULY financially independent, why would you still work?

I think there are two things at play: 1. Even when you get 20x, or 30x... you kind of doubt if you really have enough, if you really are ready. And if you are younger, I'm sure the doubt would be even higher. If you are 40yrs old, and have 30x saved up - who can really say what the next 40 yrs look like! So the safe thing is to keep on working. 2. What are you going to do with your time? It's easy to day dream of things to do with a few days or weeks off - but how many people would really be occupied and challenged for years at a time? As much as work is drag and adds stress - for a lot of people it can also be a healthy way to remain challenged and engaged. I think a lot of people would love a 25 or 30 hr work week in these situations, but...
by noco-hawkeye
Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do we need Private College counsellor for High School Sophomore?
Replies: 73
Views: 6713

Re: Do we need Private College counsellor for High School Sophomore?

We enlisted an outside counsellor for D1, she attended a 2k+ person high school and the counsellors there don't really spend much time on college selection - they just do not have the time for it. They are pretty swamped with day to day course selection and a bunch of other things they seemed to be signed up for. The counsellor helped us pick a school we never would have even looked at, and D1 is happy and doing well. For something like 500$ it was a bargain to pick the right school. We are doing the same with D2. These services help take your budget for school, extra curricular interests, field of focus... spending the time to get the best / right school is an easy money decision if you get solid counseling. I wish the public schools would...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Oct 02, 2022 8:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Conversation with co workers/ financial literacy among non-boglehead types
Replies: 291
Views: 24990

Re: Conversation with co workers/ financial literacy among non-boglehead types

I too avoid these conversations. However - the average 401k balance is for ages 55-64 is $232,379 according to google. With that little saved by so many - it could be practically tax free. (which could be the bigger problem)
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jul 24, 2022 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Payroll questions when changing employers - social security, 401k catchup
Replies: 11
Views: 822

Re: Payroll questions when changing employers - social security, 401k catchup

When I have changed jobs the new employer does not know about the previous employer so a couple of things have happened:

You will over pay on SS and will see that come back to you when you file.

It is on you to watch 401k limits, and I have ended up going over. This amounts to the overage coming back to you, paying taxes on that amount, and it requires some special paperwork and minor hassle to jump through.
by noco-hawkeye
Fri Jul 08, 2022 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AT&T wireless bill going up
Replies: 92
Views: 9339

Re: AT&T wireless bill going up

VTS3X wrote: Fri Jul 08, 2022 7:33 pm What is experience with US Mobile service? Do you use the Verizon version of it? If so, how does your experience compare with when you used Verizon?
The coverage is not different than Verizon from what I can tell. Both can be spotty at times, but I’ve had the same experience with T-Mobile and att too.

The main thing is that if I want to upgrade a phone then I am pretty much on my own to buy my own device. Overall it has saved us a good amount of money - maybe 75-100$ / month? We’ve also done some light international travel and us mobile requires an extra e-sim
by noco-hawkeye
Fri Jul 08, 2022 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AT&T wireless bill going up
Replies: 92
Views: 9339

Re: AT&T wireless bill going up

I've found t-mobile to be the best of the big players for price and customer service. Verizon is the worst for price and service, but good coverage.

We use US mobile now and pay something like 75$ for 4 lines and all of us share a pool of 15GB.

The price you are quoting is very poor and not competitive. I would switch by the end of the day if I was in your shoes.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun May 15, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for a good touring vehicle - sedan, SUV, van?
Replies: 55
Views: 4941

Re: Suggestions for a good touring vehicle - sedan, SUV, van?

Hyundai Ionic 5

It's an EV which will be very quiet. It also looks to have a nice softer ride. It can charge very fast, almost competitive with a gas pit stop.

I have the Kia version and it is very quiet and rides / handles very well.
by noco-hawkeye
Wed May 04, 2022 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Give kids $100k for college and let them decide?
Replies: 83
Views: 7442

Re: Give kids $100k for college and let them decide?

This budget is about what we have in 529 accounts for our kids. So far it is working very well and we are halfway through.

If you are concerned about a kiddo that is not really invested in a college decision, or might make a poor decision - bad things are going to happen if you are paying for tuition or financing it. Place yourself back at 19 years old and imagine the people that had trouble in college - do you think it really mattered to them if tuition was paid in cash or financed? I think how you pay for school and how a student performs is loosely correlated, if at all.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Jan 08, 2022 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I tilt my way out of past mistakes? How to turn cash into home + early retirement in 10 years?
Replies: 9
Views: 1262

Re: Can I tilt my way out of past mistakes? How to turn cash into home + early retirement in 10 years?

1. Can I tilt my way out of past mistakes? My portfolio is heavily overweighted in tech stocks.... I think your portfolio is heavily weighted towards cash. If you have made the decision you will not be buying a house in the near future, it's time to get more of a 3 fund portfolio and exposure to the market. That being said, the market is at all time highs and not everyone would want to move from 50% stocks to say 70%. I would think at least 60% of your portfolio should be stocks? As has been said, you have a ton of funds in play. I would simplify. Ultimately you are going to need to take a risk - lets say you want a house in 10 years. Keeping cash in CDs / Tips / IBonds / whatever is probably just as likely to underperform as keeping that ...
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Dec 18, 2021 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Making a college decision based on net cost
Replies: 83
Views: 6146

Re: Making a college decision based on net cost

Having your kid go to a school they are not happy in can be very expensive. We gave our kiddo the numbers in the 529, roughly retail rates of in state school - up to her to choose and find what she liked best. She chose a small liberal arts school out of state, but enough merit aid to be in line with the budget. She is very happy with her choice, which in turn makes us very happy. I'm sure there was a better school just based on the cost, but that is a pretty limiting way to view the problem imho. The goal is to have kids graduate in a reasonable amount of time, "learn to learn" (life is constant learning), not go into mountains of debt, have a foundation for a career, and enjoy their time . (most of us get one round of getting ou...
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Dec 18, 2021 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric vehicle tax credits and future consideration
Replies: 15
Views: 1370

Re: Electric vehicle tax credits and future consideration

I would think that Ford will run through all their credits within your period. They cannot make enough Mach-E or Lightening models to meet current demand, and that demand is higher than their EV credit allotment remaining.

Demand for EVs is picking up quite a bit, and if nothing else changes you might be looking at manufacturers who are slower on EV adoption. (Subaru / Toyota / Honda seem oddly slow on adoption to me).
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jul 18, 2021 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do when your 529 has something left in it
Replies: 23
Views: 3245

Re: What to do when your 529 has something left in it

secondcor521 wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:11 pm The earnings part (that is taxed) will be the average over the life of the account. Your 529 will do the math for you on the 1099-Q and divide up your distributions between earnings (box 2) and basis/contributions (box 3).

Another trick you can do is make the non-qualified distribution in December of their senior year. Presumably they will have relatively low income that year, and the tax on the earnings will be minimal or even zero. Of course, you might have to guess at the amount a little, but usually by that point everything is pretty dialed in since they probably only have one semester to go and you'll know those expenses by then.
Thanks! Great info and what I was wondering
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jul 18, 2021 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do when your 529 has something left in it
Replies: 23
Views: 3245

What to do when your 529 has something left in it

D1 is in school right now, doing well, and really enjoying college. Could not be happier about it. We are funding this with a 529, and right now we might have about 5k or so left over, if the current pattern continues. Again - we are lucky to be in this situation, where college is going according to plan. While the occasional checks are eye-popping, it's about what we budgeted for. However, we have grandparents who now have gifted 5k for the kids, and it needs to be used for something with long term value / impact on their lives. A 529 again is the type of vehicle that was the intention of the gift. My question is - What happens if at the end of school we have 5-15k of money left over? D1 has a merit scholarship which is significant (~30k/y...
by noco-hawkeye
Fri Jun 11, 2021 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new car during the chip shortage.
Replies: 34
Views: 5007

Re: Buying a new car during the chip shortage.

I don't think the status is going to change anytime soon.

Your used car is worth more, and they won't budge on MSRP. Is this really an issue? It seems like a wash to me. If it is really important, then get the new car.

I've been looking as well, but my current 10 yr old car is still in fine shape. If I had a decent excuse causing me to NEED to buy, I would just buy new and pay the MSRP and get more for my used card.
by noco-hawkeye
Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: which state to retire
Replies: 242
Views: 31826

Re: which state to retire

Colorado winters are better than a lot of people expect. At least the sun is out most of the time. We get occasional storms where 2ft of snow shows up, but it usually melts in a week or two with the sunny weather.

If you are willing to put up with a slightly worse winter, Wyoming would be tax friendly and less crowded. Utah and New Mexico might be some options too, but I'm not sure on the taxes there.
by noco-hawkeye
Mon Jun 07, 2021 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest in 529 or Taxable Account
Replies: 10
Views: 1325

Re: Invest in 529 or Taxable Account

You have plenty in your 529 already for even some pretty expensive schools. I'd wait until they are in their second year of school and you are sure they have found a good fit. Even then, really the only thing I could imagine making a different is state tax deductions with a 529. The MM yield will be negligible (or anything else with low risk), so that doesn't really matter if it is taxable or not. What would matter is the state tax break. Some of the more expensive private schools are maybe 70-80 a year, if you get no assistance there? That puts you around 300k for four years... starting sophomore year you could do 30 a year and still be fine. We've got a 4 yrs of public school in our kids accounts (less than you do), and will cash flow thr...
by noco-hawkeye
Tue Mar 09, 2021 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would you lump sum right now?
Replies: 57
Views: 5327

Re: Would you lump sum right now?

From the theoretical and looking at back testing example - yes I'd lump sum today / asap.

I cannot remember being more optimistic that things will get better. Maybe that is recency bias after having a rough year world wide, but I really believe the US is going to have a nice run ahead of us. Maybe our recovery finally benefits Main St more than Wall St, but I'd still buy in the market with every investible penny I had. (according to whatever allocation you are comfortable with)

I am looking at possible FIRE in 10 years, and the market looks good to me even within that shorter time period.
by noco-hawkeye
Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's tested for Radon? Who's mitigated?
Replies: 29
Views: 2645

Re: Who's tested for Radon? Who's mitigated?

We’ve both tested and had mitigation done. It’s fairly common where we live. It’s a small chunk of change and it’s over and done with.

We finished the basement and are glad we don’t need to worry about this.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat May 16, 2020 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WFW (Work from Wherever)
Replies: 71
Views: 7999

Re: WFW (Work from Wherever)

Gufomel wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 3:20 pm One thing I thought of recently is if you’re a typical “desk job” employee who relies on a company laptop for your work, what happens if your computer crashes or otherwise needs physical tech support? If you’re in another state (or country!) you have to go back home just to get your laptop fixed? It’d be enough of a hassle while WFH, but much more “WFW“.
The people who excel at this setup are technical people who can fix their own IT stuff and their workplace has policies that enable this. It’s not for everyone.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat May 16, 2020 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WFW (Work from Wherever)
Replies: 71
Views: 7999

Re: WFW (Work from Wherever)

For what it is worth, we are planning on executing on exactly what you suggested. We're working on finding a place in the mountains for a couple of months. As long as I get my work done, they could not care less where I am. Fact is, they won't even know where I am, but I'll let them know regardless. Interesting about CO. Yesterday I saw their board of tourism is asking people not to come to their state. :( That said, a number of their towns are opening their resorts/hotels, albeit at a lower capacity limit initially, with slow ramp ups. https://www.colorado.com/colorado-travel-covid-19 I believe the implied part of limited openings in CO is to allow the people on the front range / where all the nearby people live to possibly make visits. I...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Mar 08, 2020 9:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: who here is tempted to pullback on stocks?
Replies: 238
Views: 56228

Re: who here is tempted to pullback on stocks?

I have no interesting in pulling back on stocks, and would expect stocks to drop much more than they already have. I don't have a crystal ball, but Dow 20k would not shock me.

The recent pullback has not been all that scary to me. We've had 10+ years of fairly steady growth - this current pullback is the price of admission.

If you are going to pullback I can have some sympathy for you, but you were also not being honest with yourself on how much risk you were willing to live with. If you pullback now, you will get to sleep at night and will have learned an expensive lesson.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Feb 02, 2020 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family Summer Vacation Idea
Replies: 22
Views: 1750

Re: Family Summer Vacation Idea

ScubaHogg wrote: Sun Feb 02, 2020 12:55 pm Teton national park? Dry, cool, and gorgeous. Elevation prevents most insects/bugs (you can lay down in the grass and nothing will crawl over you). Not as crowded as Yellowstone, but close enough for a day trip if you are inclined.
This is a great idea. +1
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Feb 02, 2020 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Merit Scholarships - Advice and Strategies?
Replies: 109
Views: 11894

Re: Merit Scholarships - Advice and Strategies?

The other thing you might want to consider is buying some time with 1 on 1 consultation with a consoler as an outside effort. Our public schools provide guidance counseling, but the amount of time and quality of that advice was pretty weak for us. We spent a couple of hundred dollars and our consoler gave us a group of schools that we otherwise would not have thought of, and actually was the school D1 picked. The consoler also kept everything on track with some periodic emails like "it's summer before senior year - this is where you should be now... etc". I don't blame our high school staff - they are asked to do more and more, have a ton of various kids, and aren't always paid well. But getting a bit more focus engagement with so...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Jan 26, 2020 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: High saving rate or high rate of return?
Replies: 19
Views: 4450

Re: High saving rate or high rate of return?

One of the side effects of high savings is you are spending less per year. Total income of 100k, and you save 1k per year - now you know your spending each year. Saving 30k - now you need to save much less because you are also spending less per year.

When people place savings as high importance maybe they buy a slightly smaller house, a less expensive car.... and it is much easier to sustain this lifestyle when retiring. I'd still advocate that you smell some roses along the way as well, take some vacations etc. There is another dynamic that is not considered if you just look at rate of returns is my point.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Some possible luxury SUV choices to buy: Opinions?
Replies: 211
Views: 22935

Re: Some possible luxury SUV choices to buy: Opinions?

I know there was some talk of a tesla X, but what about the Y? It sounds like it is on schedule for delivery this year.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Jan 18, 2020 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I leave this crappy old job and retire?
Replies: 32
Views: 3789

Re: Should I leave this crappy old job and retire?

Have you considered taking a job elsewhere? Find a different company and different culture. You might find a more enjoyable job, less stress, and it will help your economic outlook. I've worked for a an unhealthy megacorp, and leaving was something I am really thankful for. I'd try this first. I am not talking about taking odd jobs to fill up time either - I'm talking about still challenging yourself but in a healthy environment.
by noco-hawkeye
Wed Jan 15, 2020 5:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bathroom Remodel
Replies: 14
Views: 2183

Re: Bathroom Remodel

If the contractor works as you describe - I'm not sure I'd really want him doing the glass?

The glass needs to be done right, otherwise you could end up with water in the wrong places leading to mold issues (or worse). The times I've had to put glass in a shower I've had to drill holes in the tile - and this is something you want to measure twice / cut once on (in addition to an appropriate drill bit, etc). This guy sounds like you've got a 50/50 shot on getting something good or getting more of a mess.
by noco-hawkeye
Wed Jan 15, 2020 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Refrigerator
Replies: 23
Views: 2880

Re: New Refrigerator

We had an LG with 3 issues within 3 years. The first one was covered by a credit card extended warranty, the second time I fixed myself, and the 3rd time I knew it was time for the fridge to go. Shopping for the new one we shopped in person at the local stores to see them, and then used costco with their credit card for extended warranty (4 years). I think fridges anymore have a lot of issues, and they are almost cheaper to replace than to fix in a lot of cases. The other thing is try to avoid a fridge with a lot of crazy new features you don't need. For example, if you have two ice makers - it is more likely an ice maker is going to break on you now. Adding a crazy new door feature???? Yep, thats something else that will likely break too. ...
by noco-hawkeye
Thu Dec 26, 2019 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Opinion: When to start pay off Mortgage?
Replies: 29
Views: 2111

Re: Your Opinion: When to start pay off Mortgage?

Is there certain financial milestones one should hit prior? I am a huge fan of most people having a paid off house at least by the time you retire. One high priority would be getting rid of PMI if you are paying that. Assuming that PMI is not an issue I would put these ahead of paying down a mortage. (In no specific order.) 1) Build up a good emergency fund. 2) Max out all your tax advantaged accounts. 3) Build up a car fund so that will be able to pay cash when you need a replacement car. College savings for kids is another consideration but it is too complex to really state general rules. If you can manage to get your house paid off before they start college then you can use your "mortage payment" to help fund college expenses ...
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reduce roth 401(k) to just match to prepay mortgage?
Replies: 51
Views: 3717

Re: Reduce roth 401(k) to just match to prepay mortgage?

The best thing I ever did was to max out my 401k at the height of the dot com bubble (also the worst time to do so). The reason why this was such a good idea was that the following few years (the dot com crash) I was still maxing out my 401k and now those investments have multiplied a few times over. That is just faulty logic. One decision (investing in stock prior) does not result in the other (investing in stocks post). I'm not disagreeing with your greater point, but the reasoning used is wholly unsound. The point I was trying to make is that if you save as much as possible, as soon as possible, and as consistently as possible - this gives you the greatest chance for positive outcomes. It does not matter if the market is at or a near a ...
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Nov 16, 2019 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about applying for a mortgage with a non-working spouse
Replies: 24
Views: 1443

Re: Question about applying for a mortgage with a non-working spouse

My wife has had periods where she was not working (raising kids), working part time, and working full time.

We've viewed the title on the house, the mortgage, as well as a lot of the other titles / car loans etc - as something we do together. This is something that was more a matter of principle than a strict numbers decision. You guys might come around to the same decision too - that not everything needs to be optimized and sometimes these decisions are as much philosophical as they are financial.
by noco-hawkeye
Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reduce roth 401(k) to just match to prepay mortgage?
Replies: 51
Views: 3717

Re: Reduce roth 401(k) to just match to prepay mortgage?

B4Xt3r wrote: Wed Oct 23, 2019 5:48 am ...
  • It seems most people bogle's formula & current valuations have historically predicted low stock returns for this particular mortgage period (yes, this is soft market-timing)
This is much more than soft market timing, and I think you are kidding yourself. The best thing I ever did was to max out my 401k at the height of the dot com bubble (also the worst time to do so). The reason why this was such a good idea was that the following few years (the dot com crash) I was still maxing out my 401k and now those investments have multiplied a few times over. If I would have focussed on my mortgage that would only have improved my situation marginally.
by noco-hawkeye
Mon Oct 21, 2019 5:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice: Windfall Makes Working Worse Than Not Working
Replies: 70
Views: 11626

Re: Advice: Windfall Makes Working Worse Than Not Working

VictoriaF wrote: Sun Oct 20, 2019 7:20 pm I have no experience with IPO windfalls, but a general concept is that when you don't need to work, working is easier. You feel free. You know that you can leave at will. You exhibit self-confidence and calm that others around you sense and treat with respect.

Victoria
I agree with Victoria, and also moving to WA seems like it would be a natural place to consider.

The other aspect with Victorias point is that you can choose a job that interests you, vs trying to take a job to make the most money.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 29, 2019 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)
Replies: 47
Views: 3657

Re: FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)

Yeah the school I mentioned was free tuition with in state kids with a 3.5 GPA or higher. And as others have pointed out, tuition is only maybe a third of the overall cost. So it's decent / something to consider. ... You will quickly be “that parent.” Don’t do your kids that way. Whatever you may think, adcoms and FA officers have some self respect and a surplus of kids/parents wanting admission and aid. They do respond to respectful requests to re-evaluate aid, especially if you have a school of the same caliber that has offered more aid. I have no problem being "that parent". In my opinion, there are not enough parents that push back on the cost of school. Just paying a higher tuition because we can afford it does not seem like ...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 29, 2019 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)
Replies: 47
Views: 3657

Re: FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)

miamivice wrote: Sun Sep 29, 2019 11:15 am I am questioning why you think that a state school will provide 4 year, 100% tuition scholarship to your child? That seems awfully optimistic.
We know the guidance with one of them and can project test scores with a fair amount of confidence. The 2nd tier state school would be free tuition at the least (and maybe more) - but we are still getting official info back from them. This is merit aid, not need based.
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 29, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)
Replies: 47
Views: 3657

FAFSA question (It's FAFSA season again!)

Kiddo #1 is now applying to school and we are getting the typical recommendations that every one has to complete a FAFSA application. This being my first round through this, I am looking for the latest input & experiences. Kiddo has very good test scores (4.2 gpa / 1470 sat iirc?) and I'm sure has a lot of great schools available to attend. Right now we are guessing anything from a free ride at a tier 2 state school up to some private schools that have sticker prices up to 70k. :shock: (YIKES!) I believe we are outside of the ranges where we would get much of a benefit from FAFSA, but I know there are some angles where you might want to fill one out anyways. I am not opposed to completing one. We have also saved up the cost of 4yrs at a...
by noco-hawkeye
Sun Sep 29, 2019 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IT compensation comparison
Replies: 269
Views: 32815

Re: IT compensation comparison

skor99, How is this actionable for you? I would like to know. KlangFool These discussions are actionable for anyone reading them. It could be a parent trying to advise their kids, could be a person looking for a move up in the rat race, for instance... Please explain. I do not get it as to what is actionable. And, I am asking it honestly. KlangFool It is actionable when you look at where you are in your career and especially when you have conversations with your manager. If you of a similar experience level (3 years) then you can look at the pay and see where your pay is at. Sure you have to factor in geographies as well, but this is not that complicated to take a swag at. Similarly, if you have 20-something years of experience and are lea...
by noco-hawkeye
Thu Sep 19, 2019 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IT compensation comparison
Replies: 269
Views: 32815

Re: IT compensation comparison

Thanks all! These are the kind of responses I was looking for (Klangfool , please read :-) ) . Makes sense when the distinction is made between highly qualified software engineers creating new applications and even new technologies from scratch VS somebody maintaining an existing application or system or even executing projects which are just for that company as opposed to the whole world. I would still argue that 180K for somebody just 3-4 years from college is a lot, but perhaps there are some geniuses who deserve it skor99, How is this actionable for you? I would like to know. KlangFool These discussions are actionable for anyone reading them. It could be a parent trying to advise their kids, could be a person looking for a move up in t...
by noco-hawkeye
Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off mortgage with sale of taxable account assets?
Replies: 90
Views: 7681

Re: Pay off mortgage with sale of taxable account assets?

What is your expected expenses in retirement (or even now)? In a situation like this, I would use your current assets and see to what degree they can cover retirement expenses. Say you have 1M total, and plan on a 4% SWW, so you get 40k / year in retirement income. If your current expenses are something greater than 100k / year, then you are still in need of saving a good deal of money. (and I'm not sure I would do what you are suggesting). You've done a great job in saving what you have so far, but its not clear what your future needs are. We did something like what you are suggesting and really appreciate the new cash flow / reduction in one more thing hanging over our heads. Before we did this, we wanted our kids 529 and retirement fundi...
by noco-hawkeye
Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Grass is greener on the other side - Need inputs
Replies: 25
Views: 3384

Re: Grass is greener on the other side - Need inputs

If your goal is as stated - then number 2.

If you want to compete for the highest paycheck, you will need to travel, take riskier jobs, push yourself into uncomfortable places. (or some combination of these plus maybe something else as well).

You are already on track for your goal. Life is happening today - don't let it pass you by. Smell some roses.

:sharebeer
by noco-hawkeye
Fri Aug 23, 2019 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: White collars- How much is your work downtime?
Replies: 204
Views: 22752

Re: White collars- How much is your work downtime?

10-15% best case, engineer.

I've had jobs where it's something closer to 40% or more, and I cannot stand it. I need to be busy and challenged, and look for jobs that combine the workload with a fun team. When you find a job that keeps you that busy, and is a fun team to work with - the days fly by and you really develop your own career (my $.02).

As I get closer to being FI I've thought about a more laid back job - but it just doesn't suit me. Maybe I'd be better working like crazy but try to cut back the hours to 20-30 / week.