Search found 49 matches

by hille141
Tue Mar 22, 2022 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone regret paying off mortgage early?
Replies: 2483
Views: 291388

Re: Anyone regret paying off mortgage early?

dknightd wrote: Mon Mar 21, 2022 9:47 am I do not regret taking out a mortgage, and I'm glad it is now paid off.
My thinking is leverage while you are working. Deleverage when you are retired.
Probably the best advice so far in this thread. Take out a mortgage on a modest home and pay it off before retirement.

We will have our home paid off in our 40s and also have significant retirement savings. It's not really a one or the other option, it's both and the timing of when the house should be paid off.

I've talked to many who have paid off their mortgage, I can't find one that regrets doing it. Their houses are a good asset but small compared to their other assets like rental properties and stocks.
by hille141
Tue Mar 22, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we go to 2 to 1 incomes? Help me figure this out
Replies: 57
Views: 6184

Re: Can we go to 2 to 1 incomes? Help me figure this out

Pay off the mortgage on your primary residence and rental with the $500k. $500k minus $190k means you have $310k left to work with. Invest $250k in some good index funds for retirement and put $60k in something conservative so you can draw that down the next couple years. Once that $60k is gone, the wife goes back to work, even if it's part time.

$500k is a good windfall but it's not $5M.
by hille141
Fri Nov 12, 2021 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why Bonds?
Replies: 64
Views: 4469

Re: Why Bonds?

At 29 years old, bonds don't need to make up a large percentage of your portfolio. 10% bonds max. At that age you have a long time to ride out any disruptions in the equity market. Go for the higher returns now while you have a long investing timeline.

I'm 34, don't hold a single bond fund, and don't plan to add one any time soon.

For a roughly 30 year old, Vanguard recommends their Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX), which is roughly 10% bonds.
by hille141
Sat Jul 28, 2018 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toughest Purchase of my Life. Engagement Ring time
Replies: 229
Views: 21633

Re: Toughest Purchase of my Life. Engagement Ring time

My wife picked hers out on Blue Nile. It was $3200. I told her it was too expensive but later bought it anyways.

Hers is just under 1 carat but split between three diamonds. Consider multiple small diamonds. once they get over .5 carat they go up in price exponentially.

Color, cut and clarity are all more important than carats.
by hille141
Sun Oct 08, 2017 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof shingles do not match - Neighbor sent notice
Replies: 44
Views: 10591

Re: Roof shingles do not match - Neighbor sent notice

I have had to replace a few shingles over the years that were torn off in high winds. When they built the house they put an extra couple bundles of shingles in the attic. Even though I used EXACTLY the same shingles that were put up originally, they still don't match. Shingles fad in the sun over time and lose some of the colored rocks.

My mismatched shingles bug me every time I look at them. Really nothing I can do though. Others brought up painting them. I have no experience with that and don't know how it would hold up.

Insurance companies often limit the amount they will pay to replace mismatched shingles and siding. It's a common problem but something you really can't do anything about.
by hille141
Thu Jul 27, 2017 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with negotiating neighbor/yard drainage costs
Replies: 24
Views: 3224

Re: Help with negotiating neighbor/yard drainage costs

Cities and counties will have local ordinances regarding drainage. Make sure you read and understand these ordinances, they will be useful now and in the future.

My county ordinances read "Adequate drainage shall be provided and the drainage shall be directed away from adjacent private property." My interpretation if this were here is his driveway would need to sloped away from your property, or water somehow else be redirected. Your house was there long before he redid his driveway. It is his responsibility to make sure his improvements do not impact nearby properties.
by hille141
Mon Jun 12, 2017 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dehumidifier woes
Replies: 66
Views: 11421

Re: Dehumidifier woes

Yup, this is exactly my experience. They only last a couple years.

A dehumidifier is the one and only thing I recommend buying the extended warranty on. I bought a 4 year warranty for $33. Got another year left on it yet. Hope it breaks before then!
by hille141
Thu Apr 27, 2017 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking advice: Pay off student loan or ???
Replies: 16
Views: 2358

Re: Seeking advice: Pay off student loan or ???

In a nano-second, pay it off.
by hille141
Wed Apr 19, 2017 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fidelity card 2% but NOT as statement credit
Replies: 27
Views: 4080

Re: Fidelity card 2% but NOT as statement credit

This is the main reason I have the Citi Double Cash over the Fidelity card. I have accounts with Fidelity but nothing I need to add to with CC rewards. I'd rather keep CC rewards separate and save them up to cash in for a trip or big purchase.
by hille141
Wed Apr 12, 2017 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do at the end of the auto lease...
Replies: 15
Views: 1778

Re: What to do at the end of the auto lease...

bubbadog wrote:Three year old Honda CRV with 30,000 miles.

Easy decision if it still meets your needs.

Keep the car.
This. Buy it.
by hille141
Tue Apr 11, 2017 9:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?
Replies: 34
Views: 7043

Re: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?

Why 20-30%, why not 10%? If a shareholder can get a 10% premium on current price why wouldn't they want to do that and then take the cash and invest elsewhere? A company could certainly be acquired for a 10% premium. However it is usually in the 20-30% range. It really depends on the specific situation. Are they a financial buyer or a strategic buyer? How many others are interested? Shop or no shop clause? Motivation for the sale? It goes on and on but the average is in the 20-30% range, depending on the specific year. To extend, it is a combination of synergy and a margin of error. Why do mergers take place? Synergy. 1 + 1 = 3. Now, how do you split the extra value created by the merger between the 2 companies? That is a neat question tha...
by hille141
Mon Apr 10, 2017 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?
Replies: 34
Views: 7043

Re: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?

As mentioned, all outstanding shares will need to be bought out. Buyout requires both board approval and shareholder vote. Typical M&A deals of public companies bring a 20-30% premium. The price towards the end of March was $250 per share. The offer of $315 per share is a 26% premium on that. Not many shareholders going to hold out for more than a quick 26% return. The current price of $313 with a buyout offer at $315 shows the market has high confidence of the deal going through. The risk of buying and holding until the deal goes through would be giving up a lot of opportunity cost for $2 per share. Also mentioned, investors with short positions are taking an absolute beating with a good run up in the price plus a buyout premium. http...
by hille141
Wed Apr 05, 2017 3:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?
Replies: 34
Views: 7043

Re: When a company is bought out, what happens to the stock (like with Panera/Krispy Kreme)?

As mentioned, all outstanding shares will need to be bought out. Buyout requires both board approval and shareholder vote. Typical M&A deals of public companies bring a 20-30% premium. The price towards the end of March was $250 per share. The offer of $315 per share is a 26% premium on that. Not many shareholders going to hold out for more than a quick 26% return. The current price of $313 with a buyout offer at $315 shows the market has high confidence of the deal going through. The risk of buying and holding until the deal goes through would be giving up a lot of opportunity cost for $2 per share. Also mentioned, investors with short positions are taking an absolute beating with a good run up in the price plus a buyout premium. http:...
by hille141
Fri Mar 31, 2017 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thoughts on SoFi Interest-First Mortgage?
Replies: 3
Views: 861

Re: Thoughts on SoFi Interest-First Mortgage?

t60 wrote:2) Shop shop shop. Look for the best deal you can get, with a reputable lender. I don't know if we can make recommendations here but I personally used Zillow to check rates in the past and used a lender there to refinance my previous property (they had the best deal by a mile).

This is exactly what we did and it worked out well. Contacted the lowest 3 and one had the best deal by about $400.

No points, no fee loan worked out the best for us. Payback took longer than the average mortgage was held.
by hille141
Fri Mar 31, 2017 10:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cars - possible recession indicator?
Replies: 21
Views: 4590

Re: Cars - possible recession indicator?

Clark Howard talked about this on his show this week. There is a mall here that the dealers use as an overflow and there are lots of cars there. Dealer lots in the small town I live next to are packed as well. It could certainly be a build up to the spring buying here in the rust belt.

Inventory of small and fuel efficient cars is high. Dealers typically sit on 60 days of inventory but it is higher than that right now. Sounds like a decent time to buy if in the market for a new vehicle. I'll stay with gently used.
by hille141
Fri Mar 10, 2017 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Use cellphone tethering instead of home internet?
Replies: 24
Views: 8191

Re: Use cellphone tethering instead of home internet?

Might be viable for light internet users. We use ~500 GB a month through our DSL line. If you stream a lot a hard wired connection is tough to replace.
by hille141
Fri Mar 10, 2017 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Payoff Student Loans Early? Requesting help.
Replies: 14
Views: 1688

Re: Payoff Student Loans Early? Requesting help.

Option 4. Carrying that loan until payoff in 2021 isn't something I would do or recommend.
by hille141
Fri Mar 10, 2017 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do with all these passwords ?
Replies: 125
Views: 23992

Re: What to do with all these passwords ?

Ice-9 wrote:
parsi1 wrote:do they also store all the security questions?
When you look up a password in LastPass, there's a section below where you can enter any notes. I often put security question info there.
I use the exact same setup.
by hille141
Sun Mar 05, 2017 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell me about Smart TVs and cutting cable
Replies: 101
Views: 13282

Re: Tell me about Smart TVs and cutting cable

We have Netflix ($10/month), Amazon Prime ($100/year), and DirecTV Now ($35/month) for streaming services. Devices we can stream from are Roku 3, Apple TV 4, and Xbox One. Local channels are pulled through an antenna and played through the Xbox One. For internet, we had 8 mbit at $60/month for the last 3 years. Just recently upgraded to 15 mbit for $70/month. They will be running fiber to our house this summer so that will increase the speeds and bring down prices. Personally, I wouldn't use or recommend relying on any of the built-in apps in TVs. These will quickly become outdated and lack the features available with the standalone devices like Roku. Also, many apps may never be available for your specific device. For us the only option fo...
by hille141
Sun Mar 05, 2017 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice-student loans & investing
Replies: 9
Views: 1175

Re: Need advice-student loans & investing

pennstater2005 wrote:If you really want to attack that student loan debt at 5% interest I would get the match for the 401K and then stop contributions. All extra money after expenses would go to the student loans. Then I would turn my focus to maxing Roth, upping 401k contributions, and saving for a house.
I like this plan. Now is a great time to get this debt paid off quickly. You should be able to be debt free within 3 years.

Probably cut your car budget in half, pay cash, and use the rest to hammer out the student loan.
by hille141
Sun Mar 05, 2017 6:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: issue left unexplained in Warren Bufett's 2017-02-25 letter
Replies: 9
Views: 2087

Re: issue left unexplained in Warren Bufett's 2017-02-25 letter

“There are, of course, some skilled individuals who are highly likely to out-perform the S&P over long stretches. In my lifetime, though, I’ve identified – early on – only ten or so professionals that I expected would accomplish this feat.”

“The bottom line: When trillions of dollars are managed by Wall Streeters charging high fees, it will usually be the managers who reap outsized profits, not the clients. Both large and small investors should stick with low-cost index funds.”

“Over the years, I’ve often been asked for investment advice, and in the process of answering I’ve learned a good deal about human behavior. My regular recommendation has been a low-cost S&P 500 index fund.”
Good enough for me.
by hille141
Sun Mar 05, 2017 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net worth milestone reached: $100,000!
Replies: 53
Views: 7164

Re: Net worth milestone reached: $100,000!

Great story. I like how you worked your way up and didn't give up.

Financially you are in great shape. You have a paid for degree and no other debt (besides mortgage). You say your wife is a machinist, depending on what her skills are they can be highly in demand and make great money.

The next $100k will come easier, and the next $100k even easier than that.
by hille141
Sun Mar 05, 2017 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you order checks from?
Replies: 57
Views: 8815

Re: Where do you order checks from?

2 boxes of duplicate checks from Costco was $15.47 including shipping. Could be cheaper elsewhere, but I'd order from Costco again. My wife is the only one who writes checks, probably about 6 a month.
by hille141
Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Student loan debt - vanquished!
Replies: 19
Views: 2614

Re: Student loan debt - vanquished!

Congratulations and well done. That's a lot of debt to wipe out in a short period of time. Now you have a solid financial footing to save up a good down payment to purchase a house and begin investing.

I can certainly relate. We are have ~$5700 left of $95k in SLs paid off over the last 18 months. It requires a lot of self discipline and sacrifice but is worth it in the end.
by hille141
Sat Feb 25, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Windfall and Student Loan Pay-off/Pay-down Plan
Replies: 42
Views: 5562

Re: Windfall and Student Loan Pay-off/Pay-down Plan

Without a doubt, pay off the student loans. You are already saving a high percent for retirement. Moving forward you will be able to save even more.

Paying down the student loans will put you in a spot with a good income, a reasonable mortgage, small student loan, and a low interest auto loan. All good things when trying to start a family. Try to kill the remainder quickly and further increase cash flow and reduce risk.

In the next month we will be finishing up paying ~$95k in student loans, averaging about 5%. Could we have made more money in the market? Maybe. Do we regret it, absolutely not.
by hille141
Sun Feb 19, 2017 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car windshield wipers - go cheap or better?
Replies: 42
Views: 13813

Re: Car windshield wipers - go cheap or better?

I'm going on 4+ years on a set of Bosch wipers from Walmart which is a long time for the cold MN winters and hot summers.

They weren't cheap but they are the best set of wiper blades I've ever had. I hate changing them so paying a couple bucks extra is worth it.
by hille141
Sun Jan 29, 2017 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sump pump and power outage
Replies: 53
Views: 8891

Re: Sump pump and power outage

This is what I have. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0070 ... UTF8&psc=1

It has two pumps. One pump runs off AC power, the other 12V DC, so it requires a deep cycle battery. It comes with a charger so the battery stays in the box and is always charged. It comes preassembled so very easy to install. Water powered ones may be an option for you. We are on a private well, no power, no water.

I recommend this check valve as well. https://www.amazon.com/CHECK-VALVE-CLR1 ... heck+valve
by hille141
Wed Jan 25, 2017 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is a good laptop to buy?
Replies: 90
Views: 11624

Re: What is a good laptop to buy?

About a year ago my mom purchased a 2 in 1 Lenovo PC from Best Buy. It came with so much bloat ware it was virtually unusable. Out of the box it was injecting additional advertising into sites like Google searching. Completely unacceptable and unethical practices from Lenovo and Best Buy. Some of that has stopped. But you are right, OEMs clog up their systems quite a bit. I usually nuke the OS and reinstall a clean copy with no OEM software. Make sure you download the device drivers from the OEM onto a flash drive before you do this. In rare cases, even the Ethernet driver isn't in the generic OS so you can get stuck. On my personal machine I would do just that. I'm just not going to do it for every person I know who wants to buy a new com...
by hille141
Tue Jan 24, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is a good laptop to buy?
Replies: 90
Views: 11624

Re: What is a good laptop to buy?

I went from a Windows based laptop to a MacBook several years ago. Mac's are solid and don't come with all the preinstalled junk populating some Windows base units. If you want to stay with Windows, buy a laptop from a Microsoft Store. All the computers they sell, which include major brands like Dell and HP, are pre-installed with pure Windows. No crapware like you get from places like Best Buy. But if all you do is internet stuff, seriously consider a Chromebook. Just wanted to second the recommendation to buy from the Microsoft Store. Their signature edition laptops come with absolutely no bloatware. About a year ago my mom purchased a 2 in 1 Lenovo PC from Best Buy. It came with so much bloat ware it was virtually unusable. Out of the b...
by hille141
Sat Jan 14, 2017 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Loan [vs. investing]
Replies: 41
Views: 5435

Re: Auto Loan [vs. investing]

The main problem with theses sort of questions is the comparison is between borrowing say $30k at 2% versus keeping the money invested at say 8%. If buying a depreciating asset is going to cause a significant impact on your investments, it's too much car.

What's the analysis look like of pulling $10k out, buying a car in cash, leaving $20k invested, and investing the equivalent payment going forward?

Too many get caught up in the low rates as an excuse to spend too much. It's part of the reason the auto industry is doing so well right now.
by hille141
Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House downpayment and cashing in index funds?
Replies: 16
Views: 1621

Re: House downpayment and cashing in index funds?

Case: House cost : 520.000 (34 years ) My salary : 2000 pr month, after tax (38 years ) Her salary : 4500 pr month, after tax Savings: Me : 230.000 ( 160.000 in index funds ) Her : 70.000 20 year fixed loan: 3.85% ( to make calculations easier ) We could put 50/50 in savings into down payments: Scenario 1 : 70.000 + 70.000 = 140.000 - 520.000 = 380.000 in loan OR Scenario 2 : 230.000 + 70.000 = 300.000 - 520.000 = 220.000 in loan A $520,000 house on $6,500 per month after tax seems steep to me. Most here will keep housing expenses reality low compared to income. You can find many of the threads here. 15-30% of takehome is the range many are in. On a $380,000 loan you are talking close to $3000 per month PITI. No way would that be recommend...
by hille141
Fri Jan 13, 2017 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell stock to pay debt?
Replies: 23
Views: 2997

Re: Sell stock to pay debt?

Would you take out student loans to buy bank stocks?

I wouldn't, sell them, pay the taxes, and get rid of the student loans. Shortly after we got married, I found my wife had some taxable investments at American Funds. We cashed them out immediately to pay down student loans and haven't regretted it at all.
by hille141
Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Millennials may need to double how much they save for retirement"
Replies: 173
Views: 24734

Re: "Millennials may need to double how much they save for retirement"

All I see is opinions the market will return lower rates. After all, the market cannot continue to sustain the same returns we have seen over the last 30 years. Based on what? I like the 100+ year track record as a guide over future "expert" projections.

According to a recent study by Acorns, 35% of 24-35 year olds spent more on coffee than they did on investing for retirement. The main problem is savings rate, not rate of return (or even fees). Many are capable of saving 15%+ for retirement, few are willing to do so. The draw of the next new iPhone is too strong.
by hille141
Wed Jan 11, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shutterbugs - How do you organize your digital photos?
Replies: 44
Views: 5769

Re: Shutterbugs - How do you organize your digital photos?

Lightroom is my software of choice. I don't use it that much any more but it has been the only way for me to really get organized.
by hille141
Thu Jan 05, 2017 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Experienced investor: For your portfolio, at what point compound interest really kick in for you? $500k? $1million+?
Replies: 35
Views: 6630

Re: Experienced investor: For your portfolio, at what point compound interest really kick in for you? $500k? $1million+

Once the annual portfolio increase exceeds annual contribution. Not there yet. Agree, when your money is making more than you are contributing, compounding interest is dominate. Say you are maxing a 401k at $18k per year and the portfolio returns 8% annually, after 10 years the interest accrues faster than the contribution does. Contribution Interest Portfolio Value Return 1 $18,000 $18,000 8% 2 $18,000 $1,440 $37,440 3 $18,000 $2,995 $58,435 4 $18,000 $4,675 $81,110 5 $18,000 $6,489 $105,599 6 $18,000 $8,448 $132,047 7 $18,000 $10,564 $160,610 8 $18,000 $12,849 $191,459 9 $18,000 $15,317 $224,776 10 $18,000 $17,982 $260,758 11 $18,000 $20,861 $299,619 12 $18,000 $23,970 $341,588 13 $18,000 $27,327 $386,915 14 $18,000 $30,953 $435,869 15 $...
by hille141
Thu Jan 05, 2017 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: spousal disagreement over how much house to buy
Replies: 99
Views: 9915

Re: spousal disagreement over how much house to buy

25% of takehome pay on a 15 year fixed is our guideline. Right now we are 17% of gross, roughly 25% of net. We make a little less than you do but no way would a ~$3800 house payment on a 30 year make us comfortable.

Maybe you compromise and save another 10-20% to bring the payment more inline on a 15 year fixed. In a year or two you should be able to put down another $50-100k, limiting your risk long-term.
by hille141
Thu Jan 05, 2017 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to in March?
Replies: 21
Views: 2901

Re: Where to in March?

Costa Rica would be on my short list. Amazing country. I went in high school and stayed with a host family. We walked the neighborhoods and never felt unsafe.
by hille141
Fri Dec 30, 2016 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a home for the first time (mortgages!)
Replies: 13
Views: 3423

Re: Buying a home for the first time (mortgages!)

We just completed a refinance back in October. What I did was go to Zillow Mortgages and put in the basic info and it comes back with many lenders and estimates. I took the lowest 3 and got quotes from them (requiring slightly more information emailed to them). You can compare these easily to the big banks, just check their sites (they won't be close). The lender we selected was Home Point Financial. No fees, no points, 15 year fixed, 2.75%. Looks like even now a similar loan would be 3.25%. We went with a 15 year fixed since paying off the house early will give us more options. We will be ~45 with a paid for house instead of ~60. Allowing us to move up in house or retire early with no worry of a house payment. Even on a 15 year, PITI is on...
by hille141
Fri Dec 30, 2016 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Well Water - black residue
Replies: 31
Views: 27777

Re: Well Water - black residue

Ordered all the parts and the GE filter, Model GXWH35F. Before it gets installed, would the filter reduce the water pressure since our pump is not that strong? Based on the limited room, it seems the best location would be after the water softener. I was hoping between the sprinkler and the softener. BTW, with decent rainfall, our water has been clean so far this summer. The filter should go before any of your water treatment equipment. These are sediment filters only, to keep the rocks and small particulate out of your expensive equipment. I use these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002HRKDG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and replace every month or two. The black stuff we get is manganese. Easily removed with a filter ...
by hille141
Thu Dec 29, 2016 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping a married child with first home
Replies: 56
Views: 5562

Re: Helping a married child with first home

My parents gifted us $10k and loaned us $10k (paid back long ago) for a down payment. This was greatly appreciated by both my wife and I. Nothing in writing.

My recommendation would be to gift them what you feel comfortable with, no strings attached. Putting conditions on the gift will affect your relationship with both.
by hille141
Thu Dec 29, 2016 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dreyfus Mid Cap index fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1121

Re: Dreyfus Mid Cap index fund

Pespx had dividend/cap gain distributions of 3.7324 on 12/28. I found the Information here https://public.dreyfus.com/products/distributions/year-end/equity?shareClassCode=All Yes. The mutual fund will drop roughly the value of the dividend. Don't just focus on the price, but the overall yield. This fund returned 19% over the last year, beating the S&P by 7.26%. Dividend and Capital Gains Distributions PESPX Distribution Date Distribution NAV Long-Term Capital Gain Short-Term Capital Gain Return of Capital Dividend Income Distribution Total 12/28/2016 35.09 3.3514 0.0000 0.0000 0.3810 3.7324 03/22/2016 33.08 0.0484 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0484 12/29/2015 32.90 3.9195 0.0000 0.0000 0.4342 4.3537 03/24/2015 39.68 0.0280 0.0000 0.0000 0.00...
by hille141
Thu Dec 29, 2016 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dreyfus Mid Cap index fund
Replies: 6
Views: 1121

Re: Dreyfus Mid Cap index fund

Pespx had dividend/cap gain distributions of 3.7324 on 12/28. I found the Information here https://public.dreyfus.com/products/distributions/year-end/equity?shareClassCode=All Yes. The mutual fund will drop roughly the value of the dividend. Don't just focus on the price, but the overall yield. This fund returned 19% over the last year, beating the S&P by 7.26%. Dividend and Capital Gains Distributions PESPX Distribution Date Distribution NAV Long-Term Capital Gain Short-Term Capital Gain Return of Capital Dividend Income Distribution Total 12/28/2016 35.09 3.3514 0.0000 0.0000 0.3810 3.7324 03/22/2016 33.08 0.0484 0.0000 0.0000 0.0000 0.0484 12/29/2015 32.90 3.9195 0.0000 0.0000 0.4342 4.3537 03/24/2015 39.68 0.0280 0.0000 0.0000 0.00...
by hille141
Wed Dec 28, 2016 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bought a house for 560k in 2007
Replies: 73
Views: 12869

Re: Bought a house for 560k in 2007

lostdog wrote:Hi Sunshine,

I suggest you check out Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover book. A very good read and should get you on the right track with budgeting and marital finances.
This. Follow the baby steps and get to BS3b before purchasing a house. Immediately sell the house in NJ and flat in China. Get a firm control of the budget and wait a minimum of 6 months to a year to get things under control before buying a house.

Regardless of where the OP chooses to live, sell the house in NJ. That's too much house. Dave's rule of thumb of 25% of take home pay on a 15 year mortgage is a good guideline to keep a similar situation from happening again.
by hille141
Fri Dec 16, 2016 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy a car or repair the old one
Replies: 17
Views: 2352

Re: Buy a car or repair the old one

How many miles on the car? Under 200k I might consider it. Take it to a shop and get a firm quote for the repair. A $1500 repair is only 3 months of $500 car payments.

You mention you are doing well financially but would need to save for 3-4 years for a new car. $10-15k would allow you to significantly move up in vehicle and shouldn't take nearly that long. I'd be tempted to repair this one and save up quickly for a good low mileage used vehicle.
by hille141
Fri Dec 16, 2016 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Classic invest or pay debt question
Replies: 31
Views: 4247

Re: Classic invest or pay debt question

Rotohead, First off, thank you for your service. I am glad you are thinking about your financial well being at such a young age. I wish I did. I am a newbie around here, but here is my thoughts on this. I like Dame Ramsey and believe most of what he says. So, based on that I would: 1- Consider you savings account as an emergency fund. Dont touch it and keep it available. 2- Slow or stop your Roth TSP unless you get a match ( looks like not until 2018) and then only up to the amount you need to get the maximum match. 3- Now I would take the 10K CD and your 11K advance and payoff car loan 2, with the remainder going to car loan 1. That leaves about 14K on car loan 1. Snowball the payment from loan 2 + your extra pay (~$500 ) + what ever you ...
by hille141
Fri Dec 16, 2016 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Installment loan to boost credit score.
Replies: 30
Views: 3815

Re: Installment loan to boost credit score.

I now have a six month, $1,000.00 loan from my credit union. It was a bit of a bother, they treated this like a real loan with proof of income and a sales pitch for credit insurance and a Visa card. All of this for $22.73, the total cost of the loan. I had the money put into my savings account and it will be automatically deducted every month. I also had a credit increase on one of my credit cards. I went from $8,400 to $10,700, not much for a hard inquiry on my credit report. I'm not going to ask for one on the other; two hard inquiries are enough. Was it worth it? Next month's FICO score will tell. Paying interest just to increase your credit score just doesn't make any sense to me. Especially when you were already 800+. I could understa...
by hille141
Fri Dec 16, 2016 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ally 1 Day Transfer
Replies: 40
Views: 11341

Re: Ally 1 Day Transfer

jebmke wrote:I think banks are making ACH batch runs multiple times a day now.
This is my understanding as well. If they aren't doing this yet, they will be in the near future.
by hille141
Fri Dec 16, 2016 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Student Loan with low interest, keep or pay off early?
Replies: 26
Views: 4056

Re: Student Loan with low interest, keep or pay off early?

It doesn't bother me knowing that I still have this debt as long as I know that I'm saving/investing aggressively and earning good returns. I paid off the remaining balance of my $190K loan school loans a few days ago ($80K paid down this year). For awhile, I was doing as you proposed and making standard payments on my student loans and putting the rest in taxable. And then I realized that it sucked having student loans. It was one more account to deal with. It meant I had to factor into my finances and track the monthly payment each month. It meant my career choices were informed by the student loans since I wanted to keep cash flow at a certain level. In short, it just wasn't worth it in order to arbitrage the difference. I'm pretty happ...
by hille141
Mon Dec 05, 2016 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What does Dave Ramsey mean by "ride the wave"
Replies: 29
Views: 7442

Re: What does Dave Ramsey mean by "ride the wave"

Ride the wave means the market will go up, and it will go down. Ride the wave, ie stay invested and keep investing consistently, all good advice. Don't try to time the market or constantly jump from one fund to another.

Another metaphor he uses is no one gets hurt on a roller coaster unless they jump off.