Search found 133 matches

by taguscove
Mon Apr 16, 2018 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Owners Title Insurance - Super Heavy Handed Pitch
Replies: 101
Views: 11793

Re: Owners Title Insurance - Super Heavy Handed Pitch

[(removed) --admin LadyGeek] First American Financial Corp is one of the largest title insurers. https://www.google.com/finance?q=faf Page 103 of the 10k annual report: The company discloses an operating profit margin in excess of 85%. Life is rough when there's audited financial statements required by the SEC. http://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001472787/f54bc91a-d18c-4e3f-ab3a-be8a447da3d0.pdf [(removed) --admin LadyGeek] Title insurance plays on the idea that you should pay for insurance where you can't afford the losses. That is the core premise of insurance. The problem is that the title industry has co-opted the regulatory bodies, creating legal barriers and an exceptionally high profit margin. The title insurance companies ma...
by taguscove
Sat Mar 24, 2018 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Indoor plant recommendations
Replies: 6
Views: 1016

Re: Indoor plant recommendations

Snake plants. Looks good, nearly impossible to kill. For comparison, we also bought a peace plant at the same time. Our incompetence killed our peace plant in three months. Our two snake plants are still doing great.
by taguscove
Sat Mar 24, 2018 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Underrated places to visit in U.S.?
Replies: 126
Views: 17679

Re: Underrated places to visit in U.S.?

Definitely new York city. It is the most visited destination in the USA by a large margin. Plenty of people drop in for a weekend and get an uninformed impression of the array of cultural and visual wonders. Based on the sheer number of aggregate negative reviews, NYC is the most underrated.
by taguscove
Sat Mar 24, 2018 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FB
Replies: 356
Views: 43213

Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?

Wow some real sampling bias going on here or the Bogle head forum population is completely disjoint with my friend population. Facebook is the defacto connection channel for anyone 35 and under. Removing it is about as practical as deleting my web browser or email.
by taguscove
Sat Mar 17, 2018 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: unlocked phone on verizon
Replies: 8
Views: 964

Re: unlocked phone on verizon

I make an extra effort to buy unlocked Verizon phones. The exact capabilities without the Verizon bloat are.
by taguscove
Fri Mar 16, 2018 6:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if investment bank goes under?
Replies: 16
Views: 2357

Re: What if investment bank goes under?

Fidelity is a buy side financial firm. Minimal systemic risk, unless they commit outright fraud or coming less finds. See Bernie madoff and the small impact beyond the immediate investors. It is the actual banks that are systemically dangerous. For every $1 equity, they take $5 in deposits to make mortgage, student, credit card, and auto loans. Banks like Chase, Bofa, Citigroup are the scary too big to fail institutions. These are the kind of failures that cause financial collapse and 15% unemployment. Investment banks are somewhere in between for risk. Bear Stearns and Lehman were mostly scary because they held substantial risk expose assets for speculation on top of daily banking operations. Investment banks are similar to a real estate b...
by taguscove
Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?
Replies: 100
Views: 10021

Re: Bicycle Commuting in LA - Thoughts?

So much great content from people on this board.

I started full-time bike commuting in Boston 2 years ago, and it has been a life changing positive experience. More than fitness, there's a feeling a freedom when everyone else is stuck in their car. Ironically, I feel stressed driving the same route because I'm afraid I'll hit someone.

Your risk of early death from heart disease and obesity will substantially decrease, partially offset by the increase of accidental injury, death, and dismemberment. From a financial perspective, life insurance is a fantastic deal. I picked up a $2 million policy, which is super cheap for someone under 40. The insurance company has no clue how much riskier I truly am compared to the population. A real steal!
by taguscove
Sun Mar 11, 2018 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Server Changed TIP amount - 3rd time in a month
Replies: 50
Views: 7366

Re: Server Changed TIP amount - 3rd time in a month

I put a very generous tip 50+% never had the tip increased in my life. Life is short, and those with plenty should spread the karma.
by taguscove
Sun Mar 11, 2018 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Huge special assessment on Condo?
Replies: 60
Views: 9481

Re: Huge special assessment on Condo?

As a current board member, I have learned to really focus on the board. Read the meeting minutes and talk with someone on the board. Are they competent? If so, ask them about the expected cost range. Management competence is most important.
by taguscove
Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford to stay in HCOL area?
Replies: 92
Views: 12428

Re: Can we afford to stay in HCOL area?

If you like your jobs, make good money, and enjoy the Bay Area go ahead! $1.5-2.0 million is just fine. I left the Bay Area two years ago, and miss it; no other place in the world like it with good weather and innovation. People who haven't been here don't get it.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "FREE" Employer Group Life - Really Costs You !
Replies: 52
Views: 6216

Re: "FREE" Employer Group Life - Really Costs You !

It is interesting to me that people would opt out of a life insurance benefit. Dying seems like a major negative loss to me, and getting paid a huge sum of cash is a way to make a bad situation better.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physical cash
Replies: 121
Views: 12169

Re: Physical cash

About $2000, $200 in my wallet.

I use far more cash to pay for purchases than a few years ago. Many of my favorite restaurants and shops are locally owned small businesses. I know they pay substantial credit card fees so I try to pay with cash. CVS, burger King, and other big corps I have no problem paying that $1.50 item by card, even though $0.30 goes to interchange card fees.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 28, 2018 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What UN-frugal thing do you do? What do you splurge on?]
Replies: 785
Views: 84180

Re: What UN-frugal thing do you do?

I throw all my change in the tip jar, or trash can if none is available. I dislike having to carry around change and counting out the small denominations is a waste of time for me. I do get funny looks from people, especially in front of airport screening.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 28, 2018 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home purchase advice
Replies: 9
Views: 1368

Re: Home purchase advice

The home purchase seems excellent if the quality of housing is anything comparable to your current rental. 1200 a month rent is close to $15k a year. $144k purchase price /$15 is about 9.5 price to rent. A lower number is more attractive to purchase. Many major coastal cities have a ratio closer to 20-25. I'm not sure if it was mentioned, but try to avoid PMI insurance cost. This protects the mortgage company, not you. Keep a close eye on closing costs. Some such as the bank origination fee you can compare with competitors. Your mortgage rate seems good. Consider if you need title insurance. Know that less than 10% of the insurance premium ever gets paid out as insurance losses. The title insurance companies pay lavishly to be the preferred...
by taguscove
Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Old 401k Statements
Replies: 9
Views: 1389

Re: Old 401k Statements

No, all that matters is the current balance

[edited to remove content]
by taguscove
Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The CFA Designation
Replies: 32
Views: 5558

Re: The CFA Designation

[edited to remove content]
by taguscove
Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to buy contact lenses online
Replies: 7
Views: 1510

Re: Best place to buy contact lenses online

Buy from a website based outside the United States. The pharmaceutical companies literally charge 3x the price to US pharmacies because United States is a high income country with very weak buyer power. My cousin is an executive in the pricing department of a major US contact brand, and USA is the dominant source of profits. The HMOs are unable to control costs, and her company gets to markup 5x, and HMOs negotiate down to 3x the price of every other developed country. The GOP and private healthcare lobby has been very generous to my cousin's career. India, Thailand, and Swiss pharmacies receive among the best pricing in the world for an identical product. Canada and Mexico are fine as well but have less of a discount. Avoid China and Russi...
by taguscove
Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ok, so I paid off my car...now what about auto insurance?
Replies: 7
Views: 1880

Re: Ok, so I paid off my car...now what about auto insurance?

Insurance is a form of lottery that pays off when you get into an accident. Check with a few insurance companies and understand the coverage rates. Buy if you expect your risk is higher than the coverage rate. For example, I've never been in an accident but know that I'm a worse than typical driver. I drive faster than 90% of other cars, and sometimes browse my phone when in traffic. Buying collision insurance is an amazing deal since the insurance company has no clue how bad a driver I am. All they see is a responsible 30s male with a perfect driving record.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 14, 2018 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?
Replies: 35
Views: 7114

Re: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?

Seems to me the person talking about end of life battery doesn't know what they're talking about. The battery life issue just doesn't exist with Volts. 2011-2013 leafs had the issue under extreme hit conditions.

Volt running engine below 40 degrees is real.
Battery range cut from 40 to 20 miles in cold weather is also real.
The gas generator also doesn't sound pleasant.

Overall though, an amazingly well engineered and reliable car from Chevrolet.
by taguscove
Wed Feb 14, 2018 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?
Replies: 35
Views: 7114

Re: Used Chevy Volt - Which year should I look at?

I own a 2014 Chevy Volt base and love it. I can't imagine returning to a conventional car after owning one. The 0-30 mph responsiveness is really a great driving experience. You really can't go wrong with any year. Just find the best value for your price range. Used volts have held up well, unlike Nissan Leaf with minimal battery range loss. 2015 and newer models are roughly 10% better at everything, and include an (uncomfortable) 5th seat.
by taguscove
Sun Feb 11, 2018 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flat tire replacement
Replies: 26
Views: 2108

Re: Flat tire replacement

Good advice from the mechanic. I recently had a similar situation and decided to replace all 4 at 25k miles, because the other tires were beginning to show dry rot.

The auto manufacturers got rid of the spare tire for fuel economy and largely replaced them with tire inflators. I'm a big fan of the trend; not even sure what I would do with a spare tire and its a complete waste of space in the urban areas I live in. I just call a tow truck and Uber and I no longer have a problem in 45 minutes. I'm looking forward to a day where cars are an appliance, self-driving, and nobody owns one.
by taguscove
Mon Feb 05, 2018 2:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard site is crashed now?
Replies: 188
Views: 25178

Re: Can't signon to Vanguard

Vanguard is apparently getting crushed by client traffic. Just received multiple 500 server errors. While this instance may not be a specific problem for you right now, the fact that Vanguard has issues handling client traffic should be a general concern.
by taguscove
Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Request perspective on career, life, and finance
Replies: 16
Views: 4306

Re: Request perspective on career, life, and finance

In my experience, large pay increases largely come from switching employers. In companies, managers have a hard time differentiating employee performance and raises tend towards mediocrity. Boston is a hot job market right now. I would look around for jobs.

Your job growth desires sound really grandiose but ambiguous. Try to find peers or seniors you admire and follow their skill development. AI is the buzzword of the year; focus on something smaller and get proficient at it.
by taguscove
Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Blood in the water- buying?
Replies: 117
Views: 20412

Re: Blood in the water- buying?

If you're looking for blood in the water situation, I would wait for a major geopolitical event. War in Korea, Indian Penninsula, general nuclear war, etc. Once the Dow goes to zero, it can only go up from there.
by taguscove
Sun Feb 04, 2018 7:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recovering from a "draw down" on 7-10 year US Treasuries
Replies: 15
Views: 2370

Re: Recovering from a "draw down" on 7-10 year US Treasuries

Yes, duration is an ideal measure of interest rate risk. The main other risk of bonds is credit risk, which isn't an issue with sovereign bonds that can print their own money.
by taguscove
Fri Feb 02, 2018 10:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSM believers, defend thyself! (In a good natured, friendly debate.)
Replies: 59
Views: 8947

Re: TSM believers, defend thyself! (In a good natured, friendly debate.)

Lol, the obvious TSM I am aware of is the professional League of Legends team Team Solomid. With over 20 million followers, they've established themselves as the top North American team through consistent play and split pushing effectiveness. However, TSM has floundered on the global stage against both the Korean and Chinese teams. TSMs conservative play leads to a "play not to lose" attitude.

Moral of the story is that junky questions lead to junky answers.
by taguscove
Thu Jan 25, 2018 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Machu Picchu and Galapagos in late March 2019
Replies: 29
Views: 3220

Re: Machu Picchu and Galapagos in late March 2019

My wife and I took a 2 month tour through South America in 2013. We did Galapagos first, then flew to Cusco. Galapagos is the single most impressive travel destination I have ever experienced in my life. Having wildlife walking up you to with curiosity and zero fear was .... wow. My wife really enjoyed Machu Pichu as well. Galapagos advice: 1. Choose the 7 day boat tour. The 5 day tour sees less than half of the 7 day tour due to logistics. The tour operators arrange all the permits. I normally prefer independent travel, but taking the boat tour was definitely the right choice. Do not choose a boat with more than 16 people. The logistics of getting people on the boat, off the boat, meals, etc. slows down everything. Avoid the "luxury&q...
by taguscove
Tue Jan 09, 2018 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car recommendations needed for growing family
Replies: 34
Views: 4395

Re: Car recommendations needed for growing family

Another vote for a minivan.

If you get a second car, I suggest an efficient and compact car like the Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf, or really any compact sedan.
by taguscove
Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When Bitcoin blows-up
Replies: 55
Views: 7621

Re: When Bitcoin blows-up

Bitcoin is blowing up today.

If you didn't buy Bitcoin earlier, you would have avoided the fallout. If you did buy earlier, you're now rich. I prefer the fallout.
by taguscove
Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSN on job applications
Replies: 33
Views: 2592

Re: SSN on job applications

Come on now, your social security number, your date of birth, your credit card number, your driver licence number, your place of birth, your home address, your cell phone number, etc, all this is out there for anyone to purchase for just a few bucks. Welcome to the information super highway, this time it's different , CHANGE is GOOD [anyone not in agreement, please send me a reply using your Mod 28 Teletype or IBM Mechanical typewriter]. Wishing all Bogleheads a Merry Christmas, and thanks for reading. Agreed, there are way easier and cheaper ways of getting anyone's SSN than digging through employment applications submitted to companies. Just assume that your SSN is public domain knowledge posted on Wikipedia. Anybody wishing otherwise is...
by taguscove
Fri Oct 13, 2017 5:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold ETF
Replies: 35
Views: 8131

Re: Gold ETF

Gold should be thought of as a currency that does particularly well during a market flight from risk. I find it amusing how most Bogleheads swear by diversifying their market risk position, yet keep their cash position completely undiversified in US dollars or dollar denominated instruments.

GLD and IAU ETFs are by far the easiest and most liquid way to gain gold exposure. If you have to ask which one to buy, choose IAU. It has a lower expense ratio.

For sophisticated traders where frequent transactions or spread liquidity is an issue, GLD is undoubtedly the better choice. The daily GLD trade book is very deep. For 99.9% of household investors, this feature is not relevant.

I personally own IAU.
by taguscove
Sun Oct 08, 2017 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you do with your empty inkjet cartridges?
Replies: 22
Views: 2598

Re: What do you do with your empty inkjet cartridges?

Throw them in the trash; it's the American way. I used to hold things like cartridges and batteries for recycling, but the situation just cluttered the house and my attention. Now I stopped bothering and throw them in the trash.
by taguscove
Sun Oct 08, 2017 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 3x gross income = house purchase price, should interest rate be taken into account?
Replies: 26
Views: 4187

Re: 3x gross income = house purchase price, should interest rate be taken into account?

I'm surprised that someone hasn't mentioned the little known but powerful "zero" rule. No home purchase allowed until you are retired, report zero income, and can pay for the house in cash!

The level of conservatism I see on Bogleheads.org cracks me up :)

3x is fine but simplistic for all the reasons mentioned above. The main benefit is the ease of calculation.
by taguscove
Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax saving strategies for DINKs
Replies: 47
Views: 6563

Re: Tax saving strategies for DINKs

I'm in a similar situation. A W-2 income is a very simple and easy target to tax. Due to the simplicity of the taxation, such income is highly taxed with few options to avoid taxes.

That said, you still have some options.

1. Buying a house with a mortgage is an impactful choice, but not in the time frame you're looking for.

2. I also found this article useful to understand the tax avoidance options:
https://investorjunkie.com/2898/tax-eff ... investing/
by taguscove
Mon Sep 25, 2017 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfort level re: tracking at physical shopping centers
Replies: 51
Views: 6776

Re: Comfort level re: tracking at physical shopping centers

Agreed that privacy is essentially dead. Five years from now, the main countermeasure will be to avoid internet connected device, urban centers, and other people who have internet connected devices. It's a sacrifice that I doubt many would choose. As of 18 months ago, machine learning algorithms (specifically a convolutional neural network) are better than humans at identifying human faces. The training time for these models is also rapidly decreasing from hours to minutes. The only missing component is mass adoption of data inputs via always-on IoT devices or smartphone cameras. The Iphone X and Alexa are the leading edge products pointing towards the future. P.S. I wouldn't worry about Westfield Mall or any mall operator. They don't have ...
by taguscove
Sun Sep 24, 2017 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping question....Applebees
Replies: 87
Views: 11491

Re: Tipping question....Applebees

The main problem is that Americans still tip. Tipping is an antiquated and unnecessary step in the dining experience that adds zero value. It creates big disparities in pay between the front and back restaurant staff.
by taguscove
Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Age you retired
Replies: 112
Views: 13935

Re: Age you retired

Retired at 24. Almost any work out of college is a grind, and I took the chance to retire after receiving a substantial inheritance.
by taguscove
Fri Sep 22, 2017 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Asking for no wedding gifts
Replies: 72
Views: 7268

Re: Asking for no wedding gifts

Alexa9 wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:59 pm I'm with Gill. Cash only is not classy. There is a lot of etiquette involved with weddings. No gifts might even offend some people that want to give you a gift.
There seems to be differing opinions. Maybe easiest to accept whatever gifts people give you and throw away the rest. Cash is pretty compact, but I supposed you can get rid of it as well if the apartment is too small.
by taguscove
Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Asking for no wedding gifts
Replies: 72
Views: 7268

Re: Asking for no wedding gifts

maybe "cash gifts required"????
by taguscove
Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Asking for no wedding gifts
Replies: 72
Views: 7268

Re: Asking for no wedding gifts

Gill wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:44 pm
taguscove wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:40 pm I suggest printing "cash gifts preferred" on the wedding invite or e-mailing separately.
:thumbsdown :thumbsdown :thumbsdown
Gill
troll reply
:thumbsdown :thumbsdown :thumbsdown
by taguscove
Fri Sep 22, 2017 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Asking for no wedding gifts
Replies: 72
Views: 7268

Re: Asking for no wedding gifts

Giving gifts is embedded in American wedding culture. We were married this year, requested cash preferred, but still received many physical gifts. I suggest printing "cash gifts preferred" on the wedding invite or e-mailing separately. Any gifts you still receive can be donated or thrown away.
by taguscove
Thu Sep 21, 2017 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tenant wants to break contract. How much to pay an attorney?
Replies: 33
Views: 3343

Re: Tenant wants to break contract. How much to pay an attorney?

Find out the opposing counsel, and get one at least as reputable/expensive. Lawyer up, it's the American way.
by taguscove
Thu Sep 21, 2017 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to deal with Amazon purchases with Mint.com??
Replies: 43
Views: 23597

Re: How to deal with Amazon purchases with Mint.com??

If you have prime, just buy each purchase individually and have it shipped separately. Nothing quite like a $1.50 item with an $8 shipping cost.
by taguscove
Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting (young) kids interested in coding
Replies: 81
Views: 8839

Re: Getting (young) kids interested in coding

My parenting tips for a 6 year old: - Turn off the TV (and yes, that includes Youtube) - Send them outside to play Best idea yet. A counterpoint. I was playing over 8 hours of computer games through middle school and high school from 3-11PM daily. Didn't mix with other suburban kids and school was abysmally easy. Online html games, Starcraft, Mortal Kombat, Counterstrike, etc. Having talked with hundreds of developers in the Bay Area, NYC, and Boston, this kind of childhood seems more the norm. You can only lead a horse to water... As a parent, I would fill bookshelves with interesting and attractive programming oriented books. I would also try to point my kids towards computer games amenable to hacks and modifications. Outdoor activity is...
by taguscove
Mon Sep 18, 2017 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Super Nintendo Classic edition
Replies: 21
Views: 3117

Re: Super Nintendo Classic edition

Humans perform so poorly compared to scripts for purchasing : (

A while loop can continually ping a dozen retailer sites for availability ten times a second. Then checkout with a distributed payment and shipping list. I personally wish it weren't so unbalanced.