Search found 163 matches

by heybro
Thu Jan 23, 2020 1:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxes on Treasury Bond Mutual Fund
Replies: 2
Views: 471

Taxes on Treasury Bond Mutual Fund

I buy a FUMBX Short Term Treasury Mutual Index Fund and sell shares only after holding the fund for one year or more. Sometimes I sell them at a gain. Potential Taxes: Taxes Because I sold after more than one year and gained money: 1. Long Term Capital Gains 0% Federal since I make less than $39,375 [Capital Gains + Dividends + Individual Income is less than $39,375] 0% State since Treasuries are not taxed at the state level Taxes because I simply held the fund and it paid dividends: 2. Qualified Taxes on Dividends 0% Federal since I make less than $39,375 [Capital Gains + Dividends + Individual Income is less than $39,375] 0% State since Treasuries are not taxed at the state level 3. Non-qualified Taxes on Dividends 10% and 12% Federal (ta...
by heybro
Thu Jan 09, 2020 4:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will The Stock Market Actually Pay My Rent?
Replies: 22
Views: 3870

Will The Stock Market Actually Pay My Rent?

You've read the blog posts that say renting forever is a viable option since you can make the stock market pay for your rent. Does this actually work?

I know rent rises in relation to incomes rising in the area. Will the stock market keep up with rising incomes? If you need to pull out rent money each month or year, how much cushion should you build?

Does this sound good in theory only or is it practical to rely on. Perhaps one needs to be sure rent is low and savings rate is very high. Perhaps avoid costly cities?
by heybro
Tue Dec 31, 2019 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 10 Years of CDs or SP500 ???
Replies: 9
Views: 1436

10 Years of CDs or SP500 ???

I'm at a fork in the road. I can either put $15,000 a year in to CDs for 10 years -or- put $15,000 a year in to the SP500 for 10 years. Can anyone tell me, realistically, what a general range of either choice would be after 10 years. As far as I can tell, CDs should give me $160,000 (maybe 150k to 180k). This assumes 2%. As far as I can tell, SP 500 could give me $200,000 to $250,000 best case but possibly drop to $50,000 very easily. But if I let it sit, it could sky rocket back up after another 10 years. I don't need the money as far as I can tell. If I had it, sure, I could spend it by working part-time or buying a better place. But, I don't need too. I want to be safe but if I can be risky, why not go ahead and be risky. Tough choice.
by heybro
Tue Dec 31, 2019 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX
Replies: 11
Views: 13963

Re: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX

AlwaysaQ wrote: Mon Dec 30, 2019 5:37 pm heybro

Either or both will appear on the combined 1099 form Fidelity creates. FCASH amounts will appear in the INT section and a money market fund amounts in the DIV section as ordinary dividends.
Thanks much!
by heybro
Mon Dec 30, 2019 5:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do CDs *ever* keep up with inflation?
Replies: 71
Views: 7025

Do CDs *ever* keep up with inflation?

Do CDs ever keep up with inflation?

My understanding is that interest rates on CDs will rise once inflation starts to rise. So, even when interest rates are high, are you actually capable of beating (or keeping up with) inflation?

Do Treasuries ever keep up with it?

What are investments other than equities that will actually keep up with inflation even if just sometimes?
by heybro
Mon Dec 30, 2019 2:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX
Replies: 11
Views: 13963

Re: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX

From FZFXX: "Your cash is invested in a mutual fund and earns daily dividends, which are paid to you monthly."

Will FCash be easier to report since it's interest and not dividends?
by heybro
Mon Dec 30, 2019 1:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX
Replies: 11
Views: 13963

Re: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX

AlwaysaQ wrote: Thu Dec 26, 2019 8:57 am A Money Market fund should not generate capital gains or losses.
Are they both Money Market Accounts?
by heybro
Thu Dec 26, 2019 2:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX
Replies: 11
Views: 13963

Fidelity Core Position: FCASH vs. FZFXX

Regarding Fidelity Core Position, FCASH vs. FZFXX, do either offer more simple tax reporting?

I am thinking that FCASH may generate a simple 1099 for any interest earned.
I am thinking FZFXX would generate short and long term capital gains and dividends?

If you are only keeping cash in there for a day or less in order to buy something, which one of these will make the least amount of money so as to minimize forms and taxes?
by heybro
Sat Dec 21, 2019 5:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Potential Taxes on Taxable Account
Replies: 5
Views: 721

Re: Potential Taxes on Taxable Account

Great, The standard deduction is $12,400.
by heybro
Fri Dec 20, 2019 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Potential Taxes on Taxable Account
Replies: 5
Views: 721

Potential Taxes on Taxable Account

Let me know if I have this right. I buy a SP 500 ETF and sell shares only after holding the fund for one year or more. Sometimes I sell them at a gain and sometimes I sell them at a loss. Potential Taxes: Taxes Because I sold after more than one year and gained money: 1. Long Term Capital Gains 0% Federal since I make less than $39,375 [Capital Gains + Dividends + Individual Income is less than $39,375] Taxes because I simply held the fund and it paid dividends: 2. Qualified Taxes on Dividends 0% Federal since I make less than $39,375 [Capital Gains + Dividends + Individual Income is less than $39,375] 3. Non-qualified Taxes on Dividends 10% and 12% Federal (taxed as normal income) If the above is accurate, consider these two funds IVV and ...
by heybro
Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ideas to structure Savings and CDs.
Replies: 3
Views: 523

Ideas to structure Savings and CDs.

I was thinking of putting X amount away per month in to a five year CD. How do you set up your CDs.
by heybro
Sat Dec 07, 2019 4:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

3feetpete wrote: Fri Dec 06, 2019 7:29 am You can replace yourself if you’re strong enough or your appliance company will do it for you when they deliver. I’ve done it both ways. Sleeves are usually a standard size so it’s a simple fit. Make sure you get a through the wall unit and not a window unit. Window units will not work in a sleeve. When complete the unit should slope slightly (1/4”) to the rear.
How do you get it to slope? My old unit didn't seem to slope at all. Something you put in underneath it?
by heybro
Sat Dec 07, 2019 4:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

I installed one of these on my last house. Bought the sleeve and through-the-wall AC from AJMadison. I figured it would be easy enough to slide out the AC and replace it if necessary, although thankfully we never needed to. I think I understand what you're saying about the grill and fins. Mine had half the fins slanted one way and the other half the other way. So both fins slanted away from the middle of the unit, so air exhausted on one side would be pushed a little further away from where it's sucked in on the other side. If I were you I would buy a replacement unit that fits the sleeve. And if you can't do the grill (I think it's secured from inside the sleeve for security reasons) then either leave it or bend half the fins yourself. If...
by heybro
Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

I installed one of these on my last house. Bought the sleeve and through-the-wall AC from AJMadison. I figured it would be easy enough to slide out the AC and replace it if necessary, although thankfully we never needed to. I think I understand what you're saying about the grill and fins. Mine had half the fins slanted one way and the other half the other way. So both fins slanted away from the middle of the unit, so air exhausted on one side would be pushed a little further away from where it's sucked in on the other side. If I were you I would buy a replacement unit that fits the sleeve. And if you can't do the grill (I think it's secured from inside the sleeve for security reasons) then either leave it or bend half the fins yourself. If...
by heybro
Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

wilked wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2019 4:23 am Can you post some photos and link to the new model?
https://www.frigidaire.com/Owner-Center ... FFTA1233U2
by heybro
Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

If the current A/C is not too old, you might be able to find a new unit that fits the sleeve. Most of the manufacturers use the same sleeve for many model years. In that case, I don't see why you couldn't do it yourself, it's actually easier than a window A/C. You just slide the new A/C into the sleeve. If it's too heavy, maybe you could find a friend or relative to help. If you can't find an A/C to fit the old sleeve, the chances are the new sleeve will be smaller, so a pretty easy job for a carpenter or handyman (maybe 1/2 a day's work). I don't see the need for an HVAC guy. In the units I've replaced, the "grill" is part of the A/C, not part of the sleeve. This grill is stuck to the sleeve. The AC slid out and is gone now. I w...
by heybro
Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

wilked wrote: Mon Dec 02, 2019 8:58 pm I replaced mine over the summer, including reframing the wall for the new smaller unit.

When you say grill, you mean the piece on the face of the outside portion? Which model are you talking about?

Are you reusing the sleeve?
Yes, the grill is what you see when standing outside looking at the building. I had a Frigidaire. The sleeve is not going anywhere, that is for sure.
by heybro
Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

Re: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

This thing is turning in to a bad thing. haha.

Can I just put a board over the empty sleeve and never think about it again?

Can I just shove in a new AC and forget if the grill matches or not.

What's my best "kick the can down the road" move here.

I can't get anyone to come and put this in for me. Everyone is out of my service area. It's Christmas. No one wants to do this now. I'm sitting on an empty hole and just want it to be over.

I may just buy a cheap AC and stick it in and never use it.
by heybro
Mon Dec 02, 2019 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?
Replies: 21
Views: 1882

How to Replace Through-The-Wall Air Conditioner?

My Air Conditioner sits in a sleeve below my window. It is a through-the-wall Air Conditioner (as opposed to a Window Air Conditioner).

What kind of person would replace this for me? I was looking under Appliance Repair and then I was looking under HVAC Repair. Any recommendations as to what kind of professional I should look for?

I am trying to re-use the sleeve but have someone replace the unit and the grille (screen that faces to the outside).

Thank you.
by heybro
Tue Aug 13, 2019 3:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Doing your own taxes with a taxable account.
Replies: 9
Views: 1428

Doing your own taxes with a taxable account.

I have always done my own taxes and enjoy doing so.

What is the process like for reporting gains on a taxable account such as dividends for the year and then once you sell at a profit?

Is there a way to set up your taxable account that makes taxes easier? (Such as buying stock funds per month or as one lump sum or not-investing-dividends once you receive them?)
by heybro
Sat Aug 03, 2019 10:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxes on Vanguard Total Stock vs. Fidelity Total Stock
Replies: 2
Views: 684

Taxes on Vanguard Total Stock vs. Fidelity Total Stock

With a taxable account at Vanguard, are the taxes lower owning their Total Stock Fund versus Fidelity's Total Stock fund?

I seem to remember that Vanguard has a proprietary mechanism that allows all their dividends to be 100% qualified. If Vanguard's fund has less taxes, would owning the Vanguard ETF through Fidelity garner the same results?
by heybro
Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is US Bank up to?! Easy Checking Secret Changes!
Replies: 15
Views: 3306

What is US Bank up to?! Easy Checking Secret Changes!

Years ago, US BANK offered "Free Checking." Then they changed it to "Easy Checking" and only allowed it to stay free if you met certain direct deposit minimums or balance minimums. I always read the fine print in my statements and they announced last month that there will soon be changes to Easy Checking. "Additional monthly fee waive criteria for Easy Checking." This will be effective on 2/11/2019. However, you cannot see what the changes will be until 2/11/2019. I have no idea what they are going to do. I call them and they keep saying they won't have the information until 2/11/2019. But won't that be too late to avoid a fee if the changes are harsh? I need time to switch to a different bank! But I don't want...
by heybro
Sat Nov 17, 2018 12:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Fidelity Zero Fund BETTER than Fidelity Expense Ratio Fund
Replies: 58
Views: 14539

Is Fidelity Zero Fund BETTER than Fidelity Expense Ratio Fund

IF you already own Fidelity Total Market Index Fund, which has an expense ratio of .015, should you switch to the Fidelity Zero Total Market fund? The consensus seems to be to stay away from the zero funds because they use some kind of 'trick' to make up for the zero expense. The trick seems to be "lending securities to earn income for the fund." This line is mentioned in the Zero Fund Summary under 'Risks' and it is also talked about in the Prospectus: "Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending involves the risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities loaned in a timely manner or at all. If the borrower defaults on its obligation to return the securities loaned because of insolvency or other reasons, a fund cou...
by heybro
Tue Sep 25, 2018 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: GOVT iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF
Replies: 2
Views: 1118

GOVT iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF

Does anyone like the GOVT iShares U.S. Treasury Bond ETF ??

I think its neat it holds short, intermediate, and long all in one fund.
by heybro
Mon Aug 27, 2018 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a good SOCK. Yes, I said SOCK!
Replies: 83
Views: 11507

Recommend a good SOCK. Yes, I said SOCK!

Hello, I always bought a bag of socks at Target for like 10 bucks and got like 10 pairs in the bag. The socks were Gildan although I hardly cared about the name. The socks were white and had a gray patch on the toe and heal. The socks also looked like the shape of your foot in profile (they were not just some huge tube). And, they were ankle high. They also seemed to be a blend of cotton and polyester together. Well, Target stopped carrying them. And now I am at a loss of where to get just a decent good sock. I tried the Hanes and the Fruit of the Loom but they are all sophisticated with air vents and moisture whicking and they just don't feel right to me. I also tried buying Dickies from Walmart thinking a person can't go wrong with a work...
by heybro
Mon May 07, 2018 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to Use Russell Small Cap Completeness Index Fund with SP500 to Mirror Total Stock Market.
Replies: 12
Views: 3138

Re: How to Use Russell Small Cap Completeness Index Fund with SP500 to Mirror Total Stock Market.

Be clear about what index you're talking about. The "Russell 2000 Index" is specifically a small-cap index, and is a different index than the "Russell Small Cap Completeness Index" which is effectively the same as the Vanguard Extended market index fund. Anything between 10-25% is going to be about right. I wouldn't fuss about it too much, but then again, I'm in the camp that believes owning just the S&P 500 is fine, and don't see the benefit of adding the smaller cap stocks. Thank you so much! Actually, I am seriously wanting to just do 100% SP 500 for stocks. It's the only fund in my employer's 401k that I like! Maybe you could reassure me that it might be an OK idea. If I'm 100% SP 500, then I don't have to risk ...
by heybro
Sat May 05, 2018 3:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to Use Russell Small Cap Completeness Index Fund with SP500 to Mirror Total Stock Market.
Replies: 12
Views: 3138

How to Use Russell Small Cap Completeness Index Fund with SP500 to Mirror Total Stock Market.

My employer's 401k does not offer a Total Stock Market Index Fund. They only offer the SP 500 and the 'Russell Small Cap Completeness Index Fund' which is supposed to follow the Russell Small Cap Completeness Index. Does anyone know what percent of each would mirror the holdings of the Total Stock Market Index Funds. And, would anything still be missing? Thank you!


Top Holdings
Tesla Motors, Inc. 0.6%
Las Vegas Sands Corp. 0.5%
Charter Communications 0.4%
FleetCor Technologies, Inc. 0.4%
Thomson Reuters 0.3%
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. 0.3%
SBA Communications 0.3%
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. 0.3%
LinkedIn Corporation 0.3%
Ulta Salon 0.3%
by heybro
Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your threshold for paying down debt?
Replies: 89
Views: 9037

Re: What is your threshold for paying down debt?

For example, there was a car loan thread and multiple posters were proclaiming one should never take a car loan because it breeds bad habits. One poster arguing for car loans even had the cash but took a 0 down, 0% interest, 5 year loan. That poster went ignored, but you really can't argue against the math on taking that loan and investing elsewhere (e.g. CDs). I'm a moderate when it comes to debt, but the bad habits component of debt shouldn't be ignored just because of "the math." "It turns out that multiple behavioral economics studies back up these assertions. One of the most often cited studies is one conducted by Dun & Bradstreet, where the company found that people spend 12-18% more when using credit cards instead...
by heybro
Mon Jan 01, 2018 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your threshold for paying down debt?
Replies: 89
Views: 9037

Re: What is your threshold for paying down debt?

I wanted to post a few things. If you buy something on credit, you don't fully realize how much work is going to be involved until it is paid. Having to save 100 bucks together in order to buy a pair of blue jeans is a lot harder then walking in to a store and just grabbing a pair of blue jeans and paying off that credit over the next year. Once you've saved up that 100 bucks, you realize that they may not be 'worth' it to you any longer. Now, I know the argument against this is that you should have 'will power' to resist such useless purchases and you should know up front what your values are and what you want to buy. I don't care how much will power I have, it always holds that once I've had to wait forever for something and save so long ...
by heybro
Mon Dec 25, 2017 3:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 1st, your education. Then...Location, Location, Location
Replies: 66
Views: 10695

Re: 1st, your education. Then...Location, Location, Location

Ron Scott wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:47 am 1. Get an college degree if you don't have one and an advanced degree if you do.

2. Move to a big city or near one.

Others??
Get a college degree. OK, fair point. But then you go on to say that both labor and educated experts will lose their jobs. If anything, an increase in robots should be a call to get a job as a plumber that does not require a college degree. No?

As for number two, big cities are increasingly loud, crowded, and non-diverse politically.
by heybro
Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mentally loosening the strings
Replies: 36
Views: 5037

Re: Mentally loosening the strings

Finridge wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:01 pm

If you are both frugal and a maximiser, these tendencies synergize each other.

If someone ever starts a Frugal Maximisers' Anonymous group, I will join.

I am frugal and a maximizer. I am lucky because my tastes are actually very inexpensive. For instance, what I prefer to order when eating out is exactly what is easy to make at home. So I really have no reason to want to eat out. This carries over in to many other categories as well. And actually, when I do splurge on something, it is never as good as I thought it would be so I tend to shy away from even doing so. haha.
by heybro
Fri Dec 22, 2017 12:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed
Replies: 13
Views: 1353

Re: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed

APPROVED!

Do it!

The 90/10 is a thing of beauty. Change now!

Enjoy your prosperous future!
by heybro
Tue Dec 19, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed
Replies: 13
Views: 1353

Re: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed

Instead of selling bonds, can you just put future contributions in to stocks to get it to tilt the way you want?

You are young enough, you should be able to make any changes you want especially if you are headed towards the long term.

I love the mix personally. I am just cautious that you'd be buying stocks high right now with a huge amount of your portfolio.

If someone tells you no, and you still want to do it, then you know it's what you want to do! hehe.
by heybro
Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed
Replies: 13
Views: 1353

Re: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed

Desired Asset allocation: 90% stocks / 10% bonds I love the classic 90/10 mix but are you sure you aren't chasing the current stock gains? The current stock gains have been great - but I'm hopeful that the next few years of Trump and the passing of the tax bill will further grow the US stock market. Outside of that even, I've been reading JL Collins Stock Series / Bogleheads and want to reallocate for long term into index funds. Have you planned out what age you hope to get back in to bonds? As soon as the tax bill passes (or doesn't pass), reality hits, as opposed to idealized speculation, and just a few month's of sluggish growth could send the entire thing crashing. Stocks could go up for the next 10 years as well. Just so your plan wor...
by heybro
Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mentally loosening the strings
Replies: 36
Views: 5037

Re: Mentally loosening the strings

I think this is a very important topic. Most advice, I do believe, ASSUMES people will have 'problems' saving. So, really, all the focus is always on 'do as much as you can!' But if i tell someone like YOU to 'do as much as you can' well, I very well may have just pushed you to save 90% of your take home pay. Here, in this community, giving advice while assuming people have problems saving may not be the best way to approach things. I would like to see more discussions like this thread. I'd like to see more emphasis on how you figure out 'enough.' I know that there are always things that can come up and that we'd like to cushion for those. But seriously, can 100 things go wrong at the same time the minute you scale back? People like me, and...
by heybro
Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Second Opinions on my Current Allocation 21y.o.
Replies: 10
Views: 1976

Re: Second Opinions on my Current Allocation 21M

Entropy105 wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:09 pm Just turned 21, grew up with poor alcoholic parents who know nothing about money.
I like you. I like you already. If I may, have you answered the question as to 'why' you want this out of life? What is the reason, what is your goal besides FIRE. I don't want your past to completely define you. The financial goal may not heal anything nor make you feel secure (as I've learned from other posts on here similar to yours). Congrats on your road to success - both personal and financial!
by heybro
Tue Dec 19, 2017 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed
Replies: 13
Views: 1353

Re: Revamping my Portfolio - advice needed

31andlearning wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:38 am
Desired Asset allocation: 90% stocks / 10% bonds


I love the classic 90/10 mix but are you sure you aren't chasing the current stock gains?
by heybro
Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Dog Years Of Investing
Replies: 6
Views: 2495

Re: The Dog Years Of Investing

It makes me think of my mortgage. I believe it took 8 years to pay 25% of it and 3 years to pay 75% of it.
by heybro
Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Becoming a Landlord: My Experiences
Replies: 183
Views: 48829

Re: Becoming a Landlord: My Experiences

denovo wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:58 pm Bogleheads:

Many threads have come up on ...
Wow! Coolest post ever!

What do you think of the current rental boom - huge increase in rents? Is the renting market merely a cycle and therefore soon renting may not be as popular soon? I have heard there is a pendulum swing as to where people want to live. Further, do you need to constantly update things (open floor plan last decade, stainless steel this decade) to meet expectation?

Thank you so much!!!!
by heybro
Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pay down mortgage or invest in taxable
Replies: 73
Views: 9845

Re: pay down mortgage or invest in taxable

The way I answer this question is this: Walk up to any guy who owns his house free and clear and ask him if he'd like to take a mortgage out on that house in order to use the money for a retirement account. I don't think anyone would say yes. Feels like an emotional answer, IMHO. Yes, I have my mortgage paid off and like the feeling. So if we want the feel good answer, OK. But whether it is wise to pay down a mortgage is situational, not unconditional as your post would imply. And if (as a short term issue) I needed to take a little home equity out to get a 401k match, I'd do it... I never said a person should pay off their mortgage because it feels good. I was making a point that people do not generally take out mortgages on homes they al...
by heybro
Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pay down mortgage or invest in taxable
Replies: 73
Views: 9845

Re: pay down mortgage or invest in taxable

The way I answer this question is this:

Walk up to any guy who owns his house free and clear and ask him if he'd like to take a mortgage out on that house in order to use the money for a retirement account. I don't think anyone would say yes.
by heybro
Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Touch Screen Set-Up (mouse problems)
Replies: 3
Views: 553

Best Touch Screen Set-Up (mouse problems)

I've been having troubles with using a mouse and was thinking of changing to something touch screen. Although I see Apple sells a Track Pad that might be useful to me. With touch screen, are my options pretty much an ipad? or Chrome book? I am told I need a 'data only' plan to connect to the internet. This is 20/mo for 2GB or 70/mo unlimited. How does a person know what they need? The rep said that my speed would just go down if I went over. I don't think I care about speed so why not just do the 20 one? What about backing stuff up? I currently use a Desktop and back my stuff up with an external hard-drive. I guess ipads don't connect to hard-drives and I'd have to pay for cloud storage? That sounds like another monthly fee I don't want. Th...
by heybro
Tue Dec 05, 2017 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!
Replies: 43
Views: 7113

Re: Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!

I’m not sure if this is a humblebrag, but I’ve posted here about almost paying off my mortgage and not knowing what to do next. This was actually a statement of fear. In some ways this is like leaving the harbor and sailing Out to sea. There are so many options with investing and there are so many choices. When paying off mortgage there is one dragon to slay and you know without a doubt what to do with extra monthly funds. You know what the game plan is and you stick to it. Investing can be so much more daunting. The more I read bogleheads the more I realize that it there are fewer options than I considered. Buy a new index funds (even as simple as listed on the wiki board), and don’t try to time the market. So I can understand the fear of...
by heybro
Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!
Replies: 43
Views: 7113

Re: Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!

This is exactly right. This situation is extremely foreign to me. Growing up, we got by. My debt has always been an enemy that I have always had. I just want to be sure I'm not caught off guard because I EXPECT something! I am not used to not having to worry about it. I've lived my whole life viewing debt as an enemy -- and I've always had this enemy with me.
by heybro
Mon Dec 04, 2017 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!
Replies: 43
Views: 7113

Mortgage is About To Be Paid - I'm Scared!

When I started, I put everything to my student loans. The day they left me, I was thrilled. Then I went after the mortgage. It will be paid in about one year. At that moment, I will not have any debt and I will most likely never have any debt again. This is going to be a huge point of change. I am pretty much going to maintain my same modest lifestyle and direct most of my paycheck to retirement accounts. But dude, I am SCARED! HAHA. It worries me to own this! It will be mine and I feel like I'll change from worried I won't have anything to worried what I do have will be taken away. Any advice on how your mind changes once you have no debt? Any advice on how to be OK holding large sums of accounts? I am used to being 'under' something that ...
by heybro
Tue Nov 21, 2017 11:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Basic DESKTOP?
Replies: 77
Views: 8508

Best Basic DESKTOP?

I've been buying Dell Desktops for years. My last purchase didn't feel as good. I get the impression that Dell isn't what it used to be.

Therefore, in preparation for my next Desktop purchase, can you recommend any good companies?

I like the idea of getting an Apple because I won't have to worry so much about viruses but it sort of scares me that their mice are now only wireless and they no longer are putting 'disk drivers' in their desktops as standard.

All I need a computer for is email, internet surfing, watching some videos, and storing pictures/videos.

I do not game and I do not download movies.

Thank you in advance!
by heybro
Tue Nov 21, 2017 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beware Amazon Price Gouging
Replies: 74
Views: 12423

Re: Beware Amazon Price Gouging

Amazon is nothing more than a glorified Sears catalog. I do not understand the 'appeal' of amazon let alone its cult status. For one, it is impossible to find anything. Type anything you want in to the search bar and you get 25,000 results. Try sorting through that mess! Then you have to beware that some things are sold by a 3rd party. It is very rare that I find things cheaper at amazon. Why are they known for being a good deal? I've never seen them as a good deal. Most things are cheaper down at my big box store where I only have to choose between about 6 versions. And, this is what really gets me, if I have managed to find what I want and I get all the way to check out, THEN it says 'add 2.01 to your cart for free shipping.' How am I sup...
by heybro
Mon Nov 20, 2017 1:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why I am not happy even with OK Net Asset
Replies: 38
Views: 5199

Re: Why I am not happy even with OK Net Asset

Let me ask you, what did you feel when you were growing up and you saw your dad's paycheck was that amount? If you don't mind, I would suggest you spend some time with your own experiences and thoughts and explore, for yourself, what money means to you? Does it mean you will feel safe if you have money? Does it mean you won't have fear if you have money? Does it mean you won't be excluded (other kids got to have x y and z and you did not), etc. Then, if you can, try to explore what a good relationship with money would be. I will tell you that if you are looking for money to feel safe, it won't entirely be able to give you that feeling. It can make you feel safer up to a point but it won't ever be able to guarantee safety. After-all, anyone ...
by heybro
Tue Nov 07, 2017 3:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why make more money?
Replies: 134
Views: 17135

Re: Why make more money?

Lets just assume that you are healthy and financially OK. You have have 30x expenses in investments plus whatever socials security will eventually give you in some distant future. You have no debt and the kids college is covered. You don't live extravagantly, but you have enough to travel, eat out, have some nice things and live a healthy lifestyle. Between working, commuting to work, doing things to get ready for work, Is there any reason to spend 40-50 hours a week making more? What would be your goal? ...... Even the wealthy simply have more bathrooms, they don't have a new kind of bathroom or something. I am not sure you have ever seen a great master bath. Having lived in several apartments and various houses I can say I definitely can...