Howdy
Really too many variables to answer effectively - for an actionable strategy, a useful rule of thumb is to convert enough to fill out the income bracket you are in each year.
Happy conversions
W B
Search found 761 matches
- Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How Much to Convert to Roth?
- Replies: 53
- Views: 4440
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Real Stories of College Savings: what was your plan, and what happened?
- Replies: 98
- Views: 7602
Re: Real Stories of College Savings: what was your plan, and what happened?
Howdy
We funded 529s for 2 sons with the expectation that they would attend top universities. That happened, both went to Ivy League schools. We planned for the 529 funding to cover 60-70% of the bill, but better than anticipated market returns, TA jobs and summer internships covered a lot of the cost and we have a lot left in the 529s. Used it this year for their Roths, and will do the same for 5 more years. Maybe fund university for some hypothetical grandkids after that.
Good luck to all
W B
We funded 529s for 2 sons with the expectation that they would attend top universities. That happened, both went to Ivy League schools. We planned for the 529 funding to cover 60-70% of the bill, but better than anticipated market returns, TA jobs and summer internships covered a lot of the cost and we have a lot left in the 529s. Used it this year for their Roths, and will do the same for 5 more years. Maybe fund university for some hypothetical grandkids after that.
Good luck to all
W B
- Wed Feb 14, 2024 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is your favorite book?
- Replies: 187
- Views: 20545
Re: What is your favorite book?
Howdy
I am enjoying the “Mary Russell” books by Laurie King. They are 1920s mysteries about Ms Russell, who is the wife of Sherlock Holmes. I was dubious at first, fearing some form of chick-lit Sherlock Holmes pastiche, but found that the stories are very well written and engrossing. The settings vary, Ms Russell is a very well developed character, and while the plots tend toward the outlandish, well so did the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Part of the fun.
Ms King is a fine writer. I am going to be reading more of her work.
Keep the pages turning, or refreshing, as per your medium
W B
I am enjoying the “Mary Russell” books by Laurie King. They are 1920s mysteries about Ms Russell, who is the wife of Sherlock Holmes. I was dubious at first, fearing some form of chick-lit Sherlock Holmes pastiche, but found that the stories are very well written and engrossing. The settings vary, Ms Russell is a very well developed character, and while the plots tend toward the outlandish, well so did the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Part of the fun.
Ms King is a fine writer. I am going to be reading more of her work.
Keep the pages turning, or refreshing, as per your medium
W B
- Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
- Replies: 94
- Views: 16076
Re: The number one reason why investors fail
Howdy
Keeping things simple by consistent investing in dirt cheap index funds, doubling and tripling up in times of market distress, and following a policy of willful ignorance and sloth re market predictions and the like has made me financially comfortable and saved me heaps of time to read articles like this to confirm my prejudices.
W B
Keeping things simple by consistent investing in dirt cheap index funds, doubling and tripling up in times of market distress, and following a policy of willful ignorance and sloth re market predictions and the like has made me financially comfortable and saved me heaps of time to read articles like this to confirm my prejudices.
W B
- Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
- Replies: 7772
- Views: 1352272
Robin Hood 1% Asset transfer bonus
[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]
Howdy
Robin Hood is offering a 1% bonus for asset transfers, details shown in URL. There does not appear to be a limit on the size or much on asset type, so somebody with a for instance $2 million ETF could presumably get a $20K bonus for transferring. There is a 2 year limit to maintain the assets, with some pro-rated clawback if you move the assets out before 2 years.
A search shows this has not been discussed in the forum. Has anyone done this transfer, how did it work, any caveats, gotchas or general comments?
https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/ar ... bonus-faq/
Happy holidays
W B
Howdy
Robin Hood is offering a 1% bonus for asset transfers, details shown in URL. There does not appear to be a limit on the size or much on asset type, so somebody with a for instance $2 million ETF could presumably get a $20K bonus for transferring. There is a 2 year limit to maintain the assets, with some pro-rated clawback if you move the assets out before 2 years.
A search shows this has not been discussed in the forum. Has anyone done this transfer, how did it work, any caveats, gotchas or general comments?
https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/ar ... bonus-faq/
Happy holidays
W B
- Fri Dec 08, 2023 5:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous
- Replies: 258
- Views: 224633
Re: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous
Howdy
I decided to take it at age 69. I looked at waiting another year in the for the increasing payout, but in the context of everything else we have going on financially it didn’t really make much difference. Decided getting a check a year earlier is better than not getting a check, so age 69 it is.
I hope you are all impressed by this brilliant reasoning.
W B
I decided to take it at age 69. I looked at waiting another year in the for the increasing payout, but in the context of everything else we have going on financially it didn’t really make much difference. Decided getting a check a year earlier is better than not getting a check, so age 69 it is.
I hope you are all impressed by this brilliant reasoning.
W B
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 7203
- Views: 1422025
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Howdy
Fidelity Card also just did away with foreign exchange fees. Makes it a marginally better deal for us, as we do a good bit of foreign travel.
I also have a legacy Amex Blue Cash, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the Fidelity card.
Happy cash back
W B
Fidelity Card also just did away with foreign exchange fees. Makes it a marginally better deal for us, as we do a good bit of foreign travel.
I also have a legacy Amex Blue Cash, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the Fidelity card.
Happy cash back
W B
- Wed Dec 06, 2023 11:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
- Replies: 7203
- Views: 1422025
Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Howdy
Fidelity Card also just did away with foreign exchange fees. Makes it a marginally better deal for us, as we do a good bit of foreign travel.
I also have a legacy Amex Blue Cash, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the Fidelity card.
Happy cash back
W B
Fidelity Card also just did away with foreign exchange fees. Makes it a marginally better deal for us, as we do a good bit of foreign travel.
I also have a legacy Amex Blue Cash, but if I had to pick one it would definitely be the Fidelity card.
Happy cash back
W B
- Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Considering an investment property in a Colorado ski town
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2880
Re: Considering an investment property in a Colorado ski town
Howdy
What you are describing is a second home, the test being if you occupy it more than 14 days per year you cannot treat it as an investment property.
Bookkeeping and investment analysis is simple - rental income is treated as ordinary income, mortgage interest can be deducted against income as with a primary residence, and you cannot deduct depreciation, maintenance, insurance, repairs etc as you can with a rental property.
W B
What you are describing is a second home, the test being if you occupy it more than 14 days per year you cannot treat it as an investment property.
Bookkeeping and investment analysis is simple - rental income is treated as ordinary income, mortgage interest can be deducted against income as with a primary residence, and you cannot deduct depreciation, maintenance, insurance, repairs etc as you can with a rental property.
W B
- Sat Jun 10, 2023 3:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Second House Awesome or Crazy?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 4345
Re: Second House Awesome or Crazy?
Howdy
Depends on the circumstances.
We bought a second home (condo) in SF 2 years ago. Paid cash. It is in continuous use by us, our kids, friends visiting SF, and dogs and girlfriends associated with kids.
Not a wise investment but an excellent consumption and lifestyle purchase. Regardless of everything else, if things ever get tight in the Mr and Mrs Wild Bill establishment (unlikely) we can sell it. In the mean time, everyone enjoys it, especially the
E B
Depends on the circumstances.
We bought a second home (condo) in SF 2 years ago. Paid cash. It is in continuous use by us, our kids, friends visiting SF, and dogs and girlfriends associated with kids.
Not a wise investment but an excellent consumption and lifestyle purchase. Regardless of everything else, if things ever get tight in the Mr and Mrs Wild Bill establishment (unlikely) we can sell it. In the mean time, everyone enjoys it, especially the
E B
- Mon May 29, 2023 7:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to Monetize information of HNW individuals?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5118
Re: How to Monetize information of HNW individuals?
Howdy
Everyone is being moderately polite while scratching their heads, and nobody understands his business purported model or what he is trying to do because it is a come on to a scam. He is trolling for suckers.
Happy huckstering
WB
Everyone is being moderately polite while scratching their heads, and nobody understands his business purported model or what he is trying to do because it is a come on to a scam. He is trolling for suckers.
Happy huckstering
WB
- Sun May 21, 2023 5:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Pay Medical bills from HSA or cash?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1479
Re: Pay Medical bills from HSA or cash?
Howdy
And at 65 you can use the HSA to pay Medicare premiums
And at 65 you can use the HSA to pay Medicare premiums
- Tue May 16, 2023 12:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sell a car (easily, quickly) in a distant city?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1021
Re: Sell a car (easily, quickly) in a distant city?
Howdy Tough to hit so many buyers like you are planning in a short time, and factor in haggling at each and then the mechanics of finalizing the sale you will have a long day if you do it as you say. FYI, Carmax will quote you online, and will honor the quote 100% if your info is correct. I have actually sold 3 cars to them and on two actually got a bit more than the quote due to some options I had not included in the specs I put in online. Sale was painless, but all the checking and this and that took a couple of hours from when I drove in. Carvana will also quote on line. Might get more from a dealer, but might not. Get the Carmax quote before you go for a baseline, and the with the dealers you are dealing with a known competitive price. ...
- Sat May 13, 2023 3:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: employment contract
- Replies: 23
- Views: 1624
Re: employment contract
Howdy None of this sounds reasonable, in my experience with a variety of businesses, including startups of both the highly successful and smoking wreckage surrounding hole in the ground variety. If he is so valuable to the operation he should have, or at this juncture receive, an equity position commensurate with his value to the company. If the product is so potentially valuable, where is the VC money? How have they been financing this lash up? Sounds like funding has dried up and they are desperate. Profit participation in lieu of salary in a startup that is cash flow negative, without an equity stake? No way. Guarantor of debt? Much harder no! What are the investors in this outfit up to? This kind of offer sounds like desperation. W B
- Sun Jan 15, 2023 2:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1579
Re: Sent to collections by fake company - what do I do?
Howdy This is a fishing expedition by the collection guys.Chill out. Send a letter by return receipt requesting proof of debt. Tell them any communication must be in writing. Odds are overwhelmingly high that this will be the last you hear of it. There is a set of collection agencies who are scumbag thieves who will try anything. Sounds like they found your details and are giving it a try. Ran into this several years ago. In this instance the collection guys were persistent and sent me set of phony invoices. I replied saying I was forwarding details to Secy of State, which I did, and was looking forward to them filing a collection suit. If they are crazy enough to file a collection suit with phony invoices that constitutes fraud, and most l...
- Mon Nov 21, 2022 3:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car in Silicon Valley for a summer internship
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2152
Re: Car in Silicon Valley for a summer internship
Howdy There are employee message boards/intranets/Facebook groups that will be useful for asking questions and finding rides, housing rentals, roommates and etc. Best person to ask is her employer intern coordinator or similar contact at company. Lots of company shuttle buses around,Caltrain with or without a bike assist is a decent option depending on where company is. eg, living in Dogpatch in SFO puts you in a 40 minute max trip to most of South Bay and would be a really fun place to live, with roommates. Rent is not cheap anywhere . When our kids did this, some summers they used public transport, one summer they got housing near Caltrain and took a folding bike for the 2 mile ride to company, some summers we drove a car out for them to ...
- Sun Aug 21, 2022 12:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?
- Replies: 114
- Views: 15784
Re: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?
Howdy
Having kids. High financial cost. Non financial value beyond calculation.
More prosaically, paying cash for homes instead of getting loans. Probably a very bad financial decision given potential ROI, but huge return in peace of mind due to avoidance of debt. I am an ignorant hillbilly and I hate debt, so I do not have any.
Best to all
W B
Having kids. High financial cost. Non financial value beyond calculation.
More prosaically, paying cash for homes instead of getting loans. Probably a very bad financial decision given potential ROI, but huge return in peace of mind due to avoidance of debt. I am an ignorant hillbilly and I hate debt, so I do not have any.
Best to all
W B
- Wed Aug 10, 2022 12:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Buyer of Our House Wants $5k "Credit" for Something That was Open and Obvious
- Replies: 160
- Views: 14364
Re: Buyer of Our House Wants $5k "Credit" for Something That was Open and Obvious
Howdy
Quoting Crap Game (Don Rickles) in Kelly's Heroes - "Make a ******** deal!!"
Words to live by.
Happy haggling
W B
Quoting Crap Game (Don Rickles) in Kelly's Heroes - "Make a ******** deal!!"
Words to live by.
Happy haggling
W B
- Wed Jun 22, 2022 12:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Dealing with the "what ifs?" - psychology of committing to an AA
- Replies: 54
- Views: 4269
Re: Dealing with the "what ifs?" - psychology of committing to an AA
Howdy
Start with 60/40 and adjust from there as you live and learn. Do not let the search for perfection be the enemy of the good.
W B
Start with 60/40 and adjust from there as you live and learn. Do not let the search for perfection be the enemy of the good.
W B
- Tue Jun 21, 2022 11:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heart rate monitor recommendation for HR workouts
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2460
Re: Heart rate monitor recommendation for HR workouts
Howdy
Check out the Mio Slice. It is a good exercise monitor and the price is right, maybe $50 or less on Amazon. The phone app that it connects up with is good also. I have used one for about seven years. They usually need replacing yearly if they are used a lot, which I do.
Your requirements for being able to set target HRs is redundant, I think. You need to have an idea of your maximum heart rate, and then monitor HR real time as you exercise with thresholds in mind.
App will show you the workout history when you are done, and also PAI, a workout efficacy measurement developed in an extensive longitudinal study in Norway by the Norwegian National University. Pretty cool and useful for tracking workouts.
W B
Check out the Mio Slice. It is a good exercise monitor and the price is right, maybe $50 or less on Amazon. The phone app that it connects up with is good also. I have used one for about seven years. They usually need replacing yearly if they are used a lot, which I do.
Your requirements for being able to set target HRs is redundant, I think. You need to have an idea of your maximum heart rate, and then monitor HR real time as you exercise with thresholds in mind.
App will show you the workout history when you are done, and also PAI, a workout efficacy measurement developed in an extensive longitudinal study in Norway by the Norwegian National University. Pretty cool and useful for tracking workouts.
W B
- Fri Jun 17, 2022 10:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Lost 1 million ! Any body else in same boat ? Looking for some reassurance
- Replies: 394
- Views: 59875
Re: Lost 1 million ! Any body else in same boat ? Looking for some reassurance
HowdyVulcan wrote: ↑Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:49 pmwhodidntante wrote: ↑Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:16 pm Does anyone else get more annoyed by losing money in bonds than in equities?
And even worse,if they are in a tax-sheltered account, where they should be, you can’t even tax loss harvest.
Doubly annoying.
W B
- Sun Jun 05, 2022 11:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How Much Umbrella/Liability Coverage for HNW?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2777
Re: How Much Umbrella/Liability Coverage for HNW?
Howdy
High net worth could potentially make you a lawsuit magnet. However, despite the perception due to occasional media circuses, most suits settle and frivolous ones get tossed. Actual judgements in excess of 1 million are very rare, except in cases of gruesome product liability cases.
Umbrella insurance is a means of retaining expert counsel to fight them off if they show up, or settling if you are at fault. I have looked into this and keep 5 million in umbrella coverage, while having a higher net worth. 5 million buys lots of legal assistance. And it is cheap, circa $1000 a year for $5 million, for the reasons mentioned above.
W B
High net worth could potentially make you a lawsuit magnet. However, despite the perception due to occasional media circuses, most suits settle and frivolous ones get tossed. Actual judgements in excess of 1 million are very rare, except in cases of gruesome product liability cases.
Umbrella insurance is a means of retaining expert counsel to fight them off if they show up, or settling if you are at fault. I have looked into this and keep 5 million in umbrella coverage, while having a higher net worth. 5 million buys lots of legal assistance. And it is cheap, circa $1000 a year for $5 million, for the reasons mentioned above.
W B
- Sun Jun 05, 2022 11:37 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How to invest in Aramco
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4738
Re: How to invest in Aramco
Howdy
I know Aramco well after many years working with them.
An investment in Aramco makes you a minority business partner in a “business” which is controlled by the Saudi royal family. Not for me.
Good luck.
W B
I know Aramco well after many years working with them.
An investment in Aramco makes you a minority business partner in a “business” which is controlled by the Saudi royal family. Not for me.
Good luck.
W B
- Sun May 15, 2022 12:09 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?
- Replies: 461
- Views: 69639
Re: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?
Howdy
Electricity bill. Lots of magic comes out of those electrical sockets.
W B
Electricity bill. Lots of magic comes out of those electrical sockets.
W B
- Thu May 12, 2022 2:35 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Lessons from this crash
- Replies: 290
- Views: 34356
Re: Lessons from this crash
Howdy
Seen this movie before.
However, this time the plot has a new twist - open with stocks and bonds both at very high valuations, inflation quiescent, interest rates low.
Cut in Act 2 to inflation up, interest rates rising, stocks reacting negatively, understandably.
Act 3 - beats me.
Hang in there, wait for the sequel.
W B
Seen this movie before.
However, this time the plot has a new twist - open with stocks and bonds both at very high valuations, inflation quiescent, interest rates low.
Cut in Act 2 to inflation up, interest rates rising, stocks reacting negatively, understandably.
Act 3 - beats me.
Hang in there, wait for the sequel.
W B
- Wed May 11, 2022 9:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Suggestions for good colleges
- Replies: 104
- Views: 10095
Re: Suggestions for good colleges
Howdy
Decent idea.
For Chemical Engineering Rice is first rate, as are U T Austin and Texas A&M. In Midwest, Rose Holman, U Wisconsin Madison, NWestern, U Michigan, Purdue. Any state flagship should have a good Chemical Engineering program.
Princeton, MIT, Caltech and Stanford probably have the best programs, but that is another level of selectivity.
Good luck to your student!
W B
- Mon May 09, 2022 12:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need to reach gutters over 20ft high
- Replies: 55
- Views: 5018
Re: Need to reach gutters over 20ft high
HAP
Hire a Pro.
My ladder climbing days are over.
W B
Hire a Pro.
My ladder climbing days are over.
W B
- Mon May 09, 2022 12:44 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Improve the Forum - Remove All Post Counts
- Replies: 48
- Views: 3802
Re: Improve the Forum - Remove All Post Counts
Howdy
Time and effort spent on an irrelevant quasi-solution to a non existing problem
Happy tail chasing
W B
Time and effort spent on an irrelevant quasi-solution to a non existing problem
Happy tail chasing
W B
- Sat Apr 30, 2022 12:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ideas for disabling/shredding old hard drive?
- Replies: 102
- Views: 8089
Re: Ideas for disabling/shredding old hard drive?
Howdy
Hammer
Brute force and ignorance wins every time
W B
Hammer
Brute force and ignorance wins every time
W B
- Sat Apr 30, 2022 12:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Undergrad private student loan even if parents are able to pay cash
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3266
Re: Undergrad private student loan even if parents are able to pay cash
It’s nice to have a student loan so that: -your classmates don’t hate you -you learn about debt early in life at a low “practice rate” (rather than learning on your first mega mortgage or high interest credit card) -you have skin in the game -you don’t give up when the going gets tough in class or in the job market, since after all, you have to repay your loans -you are incentivized to learn to budget -you value your education and have a sense of what it costs to provide it to you -you demonstrate responsibility to your parents -you’re eligible for an on campus job if you want one -you appreciate it more when you become debt free Howdy “Maybe” to all the above. A loan is not going to magically transform an unmotivated ungrateful student wi...
- Sat Apr 30, 2022 10:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Undergrad private student loan even if parents are able to pay cash
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3266
Re: Undergrad private student loan even if parents are able to pay cash
Howdy
Why introduce unnecessary complication ?
Why introduce unnecessary complication ?
- Thu Apr 28, 2022 12:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How does this fraud work?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1961
Re: How does this fraud work?
Howdy
Check the email address of the sender. It is probably not a real Amazon email.
Check the email address of the sender. It is probably not a real Amazon email.
- Mon Apr 25, 2022 5:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Applying to CS colleges the Boglehead way
- Replies: 163
- Views: 14703
Re: Applying to CS colleges the Boglehead way
My son's a HS junior in Illinois, definitely chosen CS as his college major, good student but probably not competitive to get into the tippy-top CS programs (3.7 unweighted GPA, albeit it with 9 AP/dual enrollment courses so far; 35 ACT; a couple decent math extracurriculars). We've been very upfront with him, since freshman year or before, that we'll have in the neighborhood of $150,000-$160,000 for him to go to college -- basically using the projected cost for an engineering degree at UIUC as our guideline. And we've made very clear that we aren't signing any Parent Plus loans for him and that we'd discourage him from getting the federal loans as well (although ultimately that's his decision). We've had friends who have had problems when...
- Sat Mar 19, 2022 1:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Charlotte Area vs Dallas Area (C vs D)
- Replies: 125
- Views: 15215
Re: Charlotte Area vs Dallas Area (C vs D)
HowdyMarseille07 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 19, 2021 9:29 am I'm not sure if you can say Charlotte has the beaches. Driving out to Charleston / WIlmington / Kitty Hawk takes 3 hours. It's not that different than the Dallas residents driving out to Houston / Galveston.
I live in Texas. Houston does not have beaches, but there are many scenic stretches of asphalt and concrete.
NC has beautiful beaches. Galveston is basically a mud flat.
Oysters in Galveston are tasty.
W B
- Wed Mar 16, 2022 8:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Very Possible Offer at an Engineering Startup
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2275
Re: Very Possible Offer at an Engineering Startup
Howdy Some issues to investigate What are the funding sources? Individuals, VCs, large corps? Each has its pros and cons. How secure is the funding? Is the money in the bank, or is it conditional? This is really important. What is burn rate? Will it increase or decrease?Why? What are your equity and vesting terms? Who are key customers and how secure are contracts? What is customer churn? What does sales pipeline look like? What is go to market strategy? Is it working? What is product roadmap and timeline? Is it realistic? Will funding and burn rate support product buildout (do they need to hire a lot more guys)? In your position how focussed are you going to have to be on hiring vs development? Startups are fun but also very stressful
- Sun Mar 13, 2022 4:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Thinking of moving to Cambridge, MA suburbs
- Replies: 112
- Views: 9127
Re: Thinking of moving to Cambridge, MA suburbs
Howdy
My thought would be to skip all the commuting drama and live close to work.
Area around Kendall Square has lots of new apartment and condo construction. Not cheap, but more convenient than commuting, and maybe cheaper overall.
Also a very nice area to live if you like an urban environment, eminently walkable.
W B
My thought would be to skip all the commuting drama and live close to work.
Area around Kendall Square has lots of new apartment and condo construction. Not cheap, but more convenient than commuting, and maybe cheaper overall.
Also a very nice area to live if you like an urban environment, eminently walkable.
W B
- Tue Mar 08, 2022 2:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Too stressed right now to Tax Loss Harvest TLH. How much tax am I wasting?
- Replies: 47
- Views: 5176
Re: Too stressed right now to Tax Loss Harvest TLH. How much tax am I wasting?
Howdy
I have always found TLHing to be a calming activity. I am lazy and indolent and dislike investment complexity, but I find the free lunch that TLHing provides to be energizing.
Happy tax avoidance
W B
I have always found TLHing to be a calming activity. I am lazy and indolent and dislike investment complexity, but I find the free lunch that TLHing provides to be energizing.
Happy tax avoidance
W B
- Mon Mar 07, 2022 12:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How difficult is it to get a job in Tech if you are "older"?
- Replies: 405
- Views: 38679
Re: How difficult is it to get a job in Tech if you are "older"?
Howdy Ageism in tech certainly exists. It is also a byproduct of the undeniable fact that the tools and techniques are in constant change, and older employees may not be current. It is also undeniable that sending out a couple of resumes is not a job search. My experience with hiring for a mid stage startup- we look for relevant experience and competency in our development areas, familiarity and demonstrated competence with our tech stack, cultural “fit” with the existing team, with evidence that they have the “get ‘er done” cast of mind necessary for rapid development startups require. A solid engineering manager or IC developer with the above attributes would be hired immediately. Our mistakes have been with mid-level hires from existing ...
- Sun Mar 06, 2022 7:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Closing on house in 1 week builder raises price by 10K
- Replies: 111
- Views: 14650
Re: Closing on house in 1 week builder raises price by 10K
Howdy
Surprised it is only 10K given price increases in labor and materials. The builder is not a crook - he is a business man who has a contract covering him for contingencies in increases in costs, which is a normal business practice, which you signed with your eyes open.
Options are pony up or walk.
I think you are lucky and I would grit my teeth and pay up.
In six months you will have forgotten about it, except to be happy you did.
Happy escalation clauses
Enjoy your new house!
Surprised it is only 10K given price increases in labor and materials. The builder is not a crook - he is a business man who has a contract covering him for contingencies in increases in costs, which is a normal business practice, which you signed with your eyes open.
Options are pony up or walk.
I think you are lucky and I would grit my teeth and pay up.
In six months you will have forgotten about it, except to be happy you did.
Happy escalation clauses
Enjoy your new house!
- Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: tax and other consequences of a second home
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1500
Re: tax and other consequences of a second home
Howdy You are not getting many replies because you don’t give enough information and aren’t asking the right questions. Are you buying a second home or are you buying a rental property? Tax treatment and insurance requirements differ, and you are very limited in the amount you can use it for personal use if you are treating it as a rental. It sort of looks like you are buying a second home which you plan to rent out on occasion to help with costs. In this instance you will not have the tax advantages of a rental. In my experience, this usually doesn’t work well - you have the hassles of a rental property without the advantages, if you want to use it during prime times you miss prime rentals, and if you do rent it during prime times you don’...
- Thu Feb 17, 2022 1:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When to spend HSA
- Replies: 46
- Views: 4868
Re: When to spend HSA
Howdy
I had/still have a sizable HSA.
I paid out of pocket and kept receipts until retirement about 4 years ago, when I cashed out the old receipts. Ideally following faithful Bogleheads principles you keep receipts, let the funds ride and cash out the day before you die.Record keeping got to be a chore, so meh, just take the money.
Now I keep all of the funds in an equity index fund and cash out about every 18 months. I have the added pleasure of market timing withdrawals, looking to cash out at market highs or RGDs.
After 65 you can use the HSA for Medicare premiums.I should run the account down in another 4 or 5 years.
Happy compounding
W B
I had/still have a sizable HSA.
I paid out of pocket and kept receipts until retirement about 4 years ago, when I cashed out the old receipts. Ideally following faithful Bogleheads principles you keep receipts, let the funds ride and cash out the day before you die.Record keeping got to be a chore, so meh, just take the money.
Now I keep all of the funds in an equity index fund and cash out about every 18 months. I have the added pleasure of market timing withdrawals, looking to cash out at market highs or RGDs.
After 65 you can use the HSA for Medicare premiums.I should run the account down in another 4 or 5 years.
Happy compounding
W B
- Sat Feb 12, 2022 5:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Multiple Remote gigs
- Replies: 64
- Views: 5855
Re: Multiple Remote gigs
Howdy
Could get interesting regarding any intellectual property created by the employee. IP is typically assigned to employer in employee agreements.
Say he had employee agreements with different employers, and in the course of his work created some very valuable IP. Which company owns it? Both?
Whee! Bonanza for IP and employment lawyers. Probably not great for the employee.
Happy litigation
W B
Could get interesting regarding any intellectual property created by the employee. IP is typically assigned to employer in employee agreements.
Say he had employee agreements with different employers, and in the course of his work created some very valuable IP. Which company owns it? Both?
Whee! Bonanza for IP and employment lawyers. Probably not great for the employee.
Happy litigation
W B
- Sat Feb 12, 2022 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How do you backup your computer?
- Replies: 159
- Views: 13342
Re: How do you backup your computer?
Howdy
iCloud
Cost for server space $0.99 a month
Flexible daily backup
Encrypted
Why do anything else?
iCloud
Cost for server space $0.99 a month
Flexible daily backup
Encrypted
Why do anything else?
- Sat Jan 29, 2022 1:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to negotiate for Ownership/Partnership
- Replies: 5
- Views: 647
Re: How to negotiate for Ownership/Partnership
Howdy
In this kind of business ownership and profit sharing are pretty similar - a consultancy will scale linearly but unless you have something really unique and scalable you are basically just selling employee’s expertise on an hourly/project basis. The business will be worth some multiple of revenue/profitability, much less than eg a scalable software company.
I would negotiate compensation based on achieving measurable goals in standing up these new businesses you say you can build, not necessarily profitability, although that could be a component. I would be quite aggressive on compensation based on hitting goals - it is a win-win for everyone if you can do it.
W B
In this kind of business ownership and profit sharing are pretty similar - a consultancy will scale linearly but unless you have something really unique and scalable you are basically just selling employee’s expertise on an hourly/project basis. The business will be worth some multiple of revenue/profitability, much less than eg a scalable software company.
I would negotiate compensation based on achieving measurable goals in standing up these new businesses you say you can build, not necessarily profitability, although that could be a component. I would be quite aggressive on compensation based on hitting goals - it is a win-win for everyone if you can do it.
W B
- Thu Jan 27, 2022 1:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: About to sell a rental house and take cap gains hit
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2364
Re: About to sell a rental house and take cap gains hit
Howdy
You are going to make a killing on an investment and will have to pay the capital gains tax.
Grit your teeth and file it under “Problems of Prosperity”
Sometimes you just have to pay taxes
W B
You are going to make a killing on an investment and will have to pay the capital gains tax.
Grit your teeth and file it under “Problems of Prosperity”
Sometimes you just have to pay taxes
W B
- Sat Jan 22, 2022 8:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Has anyone dealt with lead paint and young children?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1634
Re: Has anyone dealt with lead paint and young children?
Howdy
This is pretty cryptic re what the problem is. I suspect some form of troll posting.
If it is not a troll post:
If you are living in a place where lead based paint is present and not encapsulated or otherwise mitigated legally and appropriately, it is a hazard to young children. Move immediately and lawyer up.
This sort of thing should not have been a surprise.
W B
This is pretty cryptic re what the problem is. I suspect some form of troll posting.
If it is not a troll post:
If you are living in a place where lead based paint is present and not encapsulated or otherwise mitigated legally and appropriately, it is a hazard to young children. Move immediately and lawyer up.
This sort of thing should not have been a surprise.
W B
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Living in San Francisco
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3429
Re: Living in San Francisco
HowdyBH13 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 10, 2022 3:24 pm My son rents a 3 bedroom townhouse in Potrero Hill with a 2 friends. While they have a single car garage, the street parking is plentiful & safe. No issues parking there the past 3 years.
Great neighborhood with easy access to SoMa, though it has a suburban feel to it.
Outside of the Tenderloin, SF still feels very safe.
Good advice
Potrero Hill/Dogpatch area is very nice and convenient to her commute.
W B
- Mon Jan 10, 2022 4:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Living in San Francisco
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3429
Re: Living in San Francisco
Howdy
We know San Francisco well. My thought would be to live closer to work, and my first choices would be Mission Bay or Dogpatch.
Easy commute, by bike, on foot or Metro, easier parking, convenient shopping -Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in walking distance- Better weather - Sunset will be a lot foggier and chillier, while Dogpatch has best weather in SF. Lots of new condos and more going up.
Lots of young tech folks, easy access to Caltrain if you are heading south, easy access to 3rd Ave Metro which is a main line.
W B
We know San Francisco well. My thought would be to live closer to work, and my first choices would be Mission Bay or Dogpatch.
Easy commute, by bike, on foot or Metro, easier parking, convenient shopping -Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in walking distance- Better weather - Sunset will be a lot foggier and chillier, while Dogpatch has best weather in SF. Lots of new condos and more going up.
Lots of young tech folks, easy access to Caltrain if you are heading south, easy access to 3rd Ave Metro which is a main line.
W B
- Sun Jan 09, 2022 1:53 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?
- Replies: 230
- Views: 25221
Re: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?
Howdy
Great place to pick up rich girls!
Happy hunting
W B
Great place to pick up rich girls!
Happy hunting
W B
- Fri Dec 10, 2021 12:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Forming Texas Series Llc
- Replies: 4
- Views: 453
Re: Forming Texas Series Llc
Howdy
You can set up an LLC on the Texas Secretary of State website without any help.
I have set up several - cost is something like $150.
If you don’t have company documents and etc you can find templates and examples on websites. They are also not necessary, and I have never filed any.
I would only get a lawyer or CPA involved if you had some complicated form of ownership or some company documents to file.
Happy filing
W B
You can set up an LLC on the Texas Secretary of State website without any help.
I have set up several - cost is something like $150.
If you don’t have company documents and etc you can find templates and examples on websites. They are also not necessary, and I have never filed any.
I would only get a lawyer or CPA involved if you had some complicated form of ownership or some company documents to file.
Happy filing
W B