Search found 39 matches
- Wed Dec 28, 2022 12:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Section 179+bonus. Finance or cash?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 571
Re: Section 179+bonus. Finance or cash?
Purchasing new vehicle for 90% business. Utilizing section 179 plus bonus depreciation. Had a colleague say he also writes off the monthly payment for a financed vehicle. Is there any tax benefit/write off for financing a business vehicle? I can pay cash and will unless there is a tax benefit to monthy payments/financing. IRC Sec. 179 has limitations and is available only for a certain type of business-use vehicle. Bonus depreciation doesn't have that limitation. But, more importantly, 179 and bonus depreciation are mutually exclusive -- anything expensed under Sec. 179 reduces the depreciable basis of the asset, meaning you're not allowed to double dip expensing under 179 while simultaneously depreciating the asset. In some instances, Sec...
- Thu Dec 22, 2022 9:07 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Section 179+bonus. Finance or cash?
- Replies: 3
- Views: 571
Section 179+bonus. Finance or cash?
Purchasing new vehicle for 90% business. Utilizing section 179 plus bonus depreciation.
Had a colleague say he also writes off the monthly payment for a financed vehicle.
Is there any tax benefit/write off for financing a business vehicle? I can pay cash and will unless there is a tax benefit to monthy payments/financing.
Had a colleague say he also writes off the monthly payment for a financed vehicle.
Is there any tax benefit/write off for financing a business vehicle? I can pay cash and will unless there is a tax benefit to monthy payments/financing.
- Sat Jul 16, 2022 10:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Small business credit card
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1150
Small business credit card
I need to open one business card, mainly to separate personal vs business expenses.
Expenses generally wont top $2k/month.
Are there any business cards currently out there that i might benefit from? I wont be hitting any record spending amounts, so incentive would likely be either sign on bonus or points.
Expenses generally wont top $2k/month.
Are there any business cards currently out there that i might benefit from? I wont be hitting any record spending amounts, so incentive would likely be either sign on bonus or points.
- Sat Aug 21, 2021 2:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
- Replies: 12862
- Views: 1265125
Re: Refinance Mega Thread
Nothing but good to say in dealing with better so far. The process moves along incredibly fast. I'm very pleased with their platform and customer service. They gave me a 30 year fixed with cashout @ 2.875 with $1500 Lender credits , $2k Amex promo, and waived appraisal. I pushed for a little more and the loan consultant added $500 credits to lock that day. I'll net $2800 to drop my interest rate 0.625%. Not too bad.
Now that I've locked with better, rocket is emailing us. Rocket says they beat betters offer and wants to make an offer we can't refuse. "WAY better than advertised rates" says this loan consultant. Considering that the Amex promo applies to rocket mortgages as well, im all ears.
Now that I've locked with better, rocket is emailing us. Rocket says they beat betters offer and wants to make an offer we can't refuse. "WAY better than advertised rates" says this loan consultant. Considering that the Amex promo applies to rocket mortgages as well, im all ears.
- Wed Jul 28, 2021 4:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: entertain an insurance public adjuster
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1140
Re: entertain an insurance public adjuster
That was my immediate thought. Then a friend suggested an alternative view. My home owners adjuster could come to perform assessment and still deny claim. Then turn around and cancel the policy based on condition of home.
I'm curious if anyone has ever dealt with a similar situation or if someone in insurance could shed some light.
I'm curious if anyone has ever dealt with a similar situation or if someone in insurance could shed some light.
- Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: entertain an insurance public adjuster
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1140
entertain an insurance public adjuster
5 years ago, I purchased a raised home in the southeast. I now know that raised homes in this humid region are prone moisture accumulation with inadequate insulation. I ended up with a water saturated subfloor and buckled mahogany floors, among many other issues. I pulled the insurance policy, and to my dismay, it simply reads: "water: excluded". I have a very reputable contractor ready to remediate and replace subfloor/hardwoods. He asked about my policy and I told him what it said. He said I have a "bunk" policy and went on a rant about how insurance companies scam people with contracts like these. He said he knows a public adjuster that would come and look at the situation, if I wanted. Told me they usually take 10-15...
- Thu Jan 30, 2020 5:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to proceed with tax issue
- Replies: 1
- Views: 388
How to proceed with tax issue
My wife works for local government. She took a medical leave with reduced salary for 1 year. We both assumed the 3rd party salary distributions would be taxed. I get her w2 for 2019 and to our suprise theres nothing written in box 1 and line 12 a has a j code. All of the salary distributions were tax free.
Heres the problem: we elect every year to contribute to her 457b and 403b. Both are pre-tax accounts. Payroll basically put tax free dollars in a tax deffered account.
Should we rectify this and if so, where do we start?
Heres the problem: we elect every year to contribute to her 457b and 403b. Both are pre-tax accounts. Payroll basically put tax free dollars in a tax deffered account.
Should we rectify this and if so, where do we start?
- Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
- Replies: 41
- Views: 5846
Re: Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
Thanks to everyone for the input. I will research the single access points a little more and then decide between that or the new google nest mesh.
- Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:56 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
- Replies: 41
- Views: 5846
Re: Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
Reason I mentioned insulation:adamthesmythe wrote: ↑Mon Oct 21, 2019 5:05 pmMaybe a single wifi extender will do the trick. It worked for me.
Insulation probably doesn't have a lot to do with it, most insulation is not strongly RF absorbing. Distance is more likely the issue (unless you have masonry walls).
Insulation board is sandwiched by two pieces of thin foil-like metal. The original builder put 2 layers of this board (4 metal panels in each wall) and said I would have issues with RF transmission in house.
- Mon Oct 21, 2019 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
- Replies: 41
- Views: 5846
Wifi in 3000 sq ft house and garage
We have a 2 story, 3000 sq ft home (heavily insulated) with a detached garage. The garage is 1500 square feet and about 25 yards from the house. Internet cable comes into modem on 2nd floor. We bought a recommended tp-link Ac1750 router but wifi is intermittent at best when downstairs. Wifi is non existent when outside or in garage.
I'd like to be done with the spotty wifi and dropped calls downstairs and in garage. I've looked into this a little and seen systems such as panoramic wifi pods, eero, Luma, etc. I know very little about this stuff. Any advice greatly appreciated.
I'd like to be done with the spotty wifi and dropped calls downstairs and in garage. I've looked into this a little and seen systems such as panoramic wifi pods, eero, Luma, etc. I know very little about this stuff. Any advice greatly appreciated.
- Thu Sep 05, 2019 12:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Career change at 36- Finance to Nursing/PA?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 5899
Re: Career change at 36- Finance to Nursing/PA?
Unless you have an extreme passion for this type of work, I would steer clear. This definitely seems like a "grass is greener" type situation. You are doing very well at 100k+/year. The majority of nursing jobs will bring in half of your current salary. You can do travel nursing in California and make significantly more. Housing will knock down some of the profit though and you have to be willing to move around every 3-12 months. I work with a lot of physician assistants. The student loan vs professional salary ratio seems way off imo. It's quite a big time commitment to come out of school struggling for years. They work a TON of extra, unpaid (salary) hours dealing with issues the MDs prefer to delegate. I'd personally be looking...
- Tue Aug 20, 2019 12:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are there advantages to being married to a teacher?
- Replies: 111
- Views: 10161
Re: Are there advantages to being married to a teacher?
Pros:
We sock away 38k/year in her 403b and 457b.
Day care costs go down once kids are in school. Spouse is generally available to be home with them after school.
Holidays and summers off.
Pension Plan
Does not pay into Social Security
Relatively cheap medical insurance (We pay $600/month for great family coverage).
Good teachers have effective tools to keep children disciplined and this rolls over to your own kids.
Cons:
GPO will offset my Social Security survivor benefits paid to her upon my death.
Lot of work done at home grading papers, making lesson plans, etc.
We sock away 38k/year in her 403b and 457b.
Day care costs go down once kids are in school. Spouse is generally available to be home with them after school.
Holidays and summers off.
Pension Plan
Does not pay into Social Security
Relatively cheap medical insurance (We pay $600/month for great family coverage).
Good teachers have effective tools to keep children disciplined and this rolls over to your own kids.
Cons:
GPO will offset my Social Security survivor benefits paid to her upon my death.
Lot of work done at home grading papers, making lesson plans, etc.
- Tue Jul 23, 2019 12:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Wife (teacher) and I are trying for a baby. What are some "must-knows" and other tips?
- Replies: 127
- Views: 14350
Re: Wife (teacher) and I are trying for a baby. What are some "must-knows" and other tips?
My wife is a teacher. We have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. One was born April 5th and the other April 2nd (two years later). We intentionally timed this and it worked out wonderfully. Hopefully your plan will work out as well. My wife has short term disability, so she got a full 8 weeks after each c-section. This rolled right into summer so she had a full 16.5 weeks off with each child. My greatest advice is to be mentally prepared. People tend to laugh and say "oh, yeah, its hard" but that hardly prepares you for the first 3 months. It's no cakewalk. Lots of sleepless nights. Lots of support will be needed on all ends. Be mentally prepared. Setup any support system you have and be willing to accept all forms of support during t...
- Wed Jan 09, 2019 11:04 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Security benefits: nea directinvest issues
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1349
Re: Security benefits: nea directinvest issues
UPDATE: The school's CFO, the payroll manager, the payroll manager's immediate boss, and the TPA (third party administrator) all initially gave us the run around. Payroll said it wasn't an option. When we asked why, they said the TPA knows all the rules and its not an option. We spoke with CFO and he said not an option. No one gave us a reason other than Security Benefits requires a representative. We kept pressing for answers. I sent Ed Lafauves website and the N.Y. Times article to them as educational tools. We verbalized it was okay if we were not eligible to enroll, but wanted an educated/factual reason. We kept insisting that Security Benefits customer service verified our eligibility and opened the account already (which they did both...
- Tue Oct 23, 2018 5:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car Dealer told us car was Certified, but it isnt
- Replies: 80
- Views: 8598
Re: Car Dealer told us car was Certified, but it isnt
Consider it a $1000 lesson to thoroughly read and understand documents on important purchases and move on. I think you got off light all things considered. The reality is you will never get them to stamp the car as CPO after the purchase.
You also elected, regardless of circumstances, to have a brake service done for a fee (written contract), so not much recourse there either.
Utilize smaller but reputable garages for maintenance repairs moving forward. This will save you $$$.
You also elected, regardless of circumstances, to have a brake service done for a fee (written contract), so not much recourse there either.
Utilize smaller but reputable garages for maintenance repairs moving forward. This will save you $$$.
- Fri Oct 05, 2018 4:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Security benefits: nea directinvest issues
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1349
Security benefits: nea directinvest issues
Looking for some info on legal right to utilize 403b7 through security benefits "nea directinvest" (or any investment really) without financial advisor. I've seen the info posted before, but cant seem to find it. See below for details. Trying to enroll in security benefits 403b7 nea directinvest fund. Our account is setup online. We made it to step 5, which is salary reduction with HR. Payroll manager calls and says CFO says we must use an approved vendor (financial advisor) or the 3rd party administrator will not accept our payroll reduction. I explain that this fund is a "DIY", online investment fund as part of a settlement and we have followed all the appropriate steps thus far. The payroll manager verbalizes the cont...
- Tue Sep 25, 2018 4:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Primary w2 with new 1099 side gig taxes
- Replies: 2
- Views: 318
Primary w2 with new 1099 side gig taxes
I've held a primary w2 position for 5 years now. Base pay is $150k, so I always meet the max amount FICA tax.
Starting next month, ill be doing a 1099 gig earning flat rate of $700/month. I understand that self employment taxes are the full 15.3% vs 7.65% from an employee paid via w2.
My question is will I owe 15.3% on the independent contractor 1099 amount ($700/month) even if I met max FICA payments for this year with my w2 position? Will next year make a difference when I am employed by both from January - December?
(If it helps, I plan on filing schedule C/SE. I am not attempting to incorporate at this time).
Starting next month, ill be doing a 1099 gig earning flat rate of $700/month. I understand that self employment taxes are the full 15.3% vs 7.65% from an employee paid via w2.
My question is will I owe 15.3% on the independent contractor 1099 amount ($700/month) even if I met max FICA payments for this year with my w2 position? Will next year make a difference when I am employed by both from January - December?
(If it helps, I plan on filing schedule C/SE. I am not attempting to incorporate at this time).
- Wed Jul 11, 2018 7:21 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any kayakers here?
- Replies: 77
- Views: 7061
Re: Any kayakers here?
Im currently on the national Hobie kayak fishing team. Kayaks provide great exercise, get me outdoors, and I can go all day on a bottle of gatorade. Its nice not worrying about finding the elusive non-ethanol fuel to fill up the boat's gas tank. There are no trailer bearings to lube/replace, no engine malfunctions, and the rotomolded plastic designs are really hard to damage/sink. Resale value is also great, unlike most boats. Most of the time my boat sits in the garage and my kayak is loaded in the back of the truck. Is there a particular model/feature I should look into if I tend to have back issues? I'd also be interested in hearing more about a pedal kayak. Not for fishing, really just for an additional workout while enjoying the lake. ...
- Sun Mar 18, 2018 6:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: w2 designation line 12
- Replies: 1
- Views: 372
w2 designation line 12
Wife has a governmental, traditional 457b. Money is tax deferred and line 1 on w2 reflects this correctly. Problem is employer listed line 12 code as EE (governmental roth) instead of g (traditional 457b). How big of a deal is this? Does this change my tax obligation?
- Wed Oct 25, 2017 8:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Want to verify correction procedure IRS requires when employer fails to make 403b retirement contributions for employee
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2354
Re: Want to verify correction procedure IRS requires when employer fails to make 403b retirement contributions for emplo
I was recently in a similar situation. Company drafted $1500 from my check every month x 4 months to be deposited in a 457b account. I was the first person in the company to utilize this account. The money never showed up in the 457b until after the 4th months draft and many, many emails/calls.
The withdrawals are finally deposited. The small amount of gains are not worth the headache in trying to get that back from the company. Compensation for my time is extremely unlikely, so thats not worth it either.
I just took it as a loss, decided I was pleased that the issue was corrected going forward, and moved on.
The withdrawals are finally deposited. The small amount of gains are not worth the headache in trying to get that back from the company. Compensation for my time is extremely unlikely, so thats not worth it either.
I just took it as a loss, decided I was pleased that the issue was corrected going forward, and moved on.
- Mon Sep 25, 2017 5:36 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pay student loans versus invest
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1760
Re: Pay student loans versus invest
put it towards the loans
- Sat Aug 26, 2017 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Major career decision.. offer on table. Huge relocation decision.
- Replies: 29
- Views: 4569
Re: Major career decision.. offer on table. Huge relocation decision.
Will you pay into social security with this job? Might want to look into how having a governmental pension affects you and your spouse if you do not pay into SS.
Look up governmental pension offset (gpo) and windfall elimination plan (wep). This may affect your social security payouts.
Look up governmental pension offset (gpo) and windfall elimination plan (wep). This may affect your social security payouts.
- Wed Aug 23, 2017 1:36 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 403(b)/457 Provider Options
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1137
Re: 403(b)/457 Provider Options
Check to see if you have a state plan available to you for the 457b. A good start would be looking at 403bwise.com.
- Sun Aug 20, 2017 7:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: DUI lawyer - need advice
- Replies: 85
- Views: 12534
Re: DUI lawyer - need advice
Fairly clear cut 1st offense, especially if your child took a breathalyzer. An accident occurred so an officer would have a right to investigate the scene. What you're hoping for is leniency to get this charge reduced, and in most court rooms, you don't need a lawyer to achieve this. I would agree with Tim1999 for no lawyer in this particular case. This decision, however, should be based some knowledge of the court systems in your area. I would not hesitate to make an appointment with the DA here and try to negotiate a deal before court/trial. You may not have that option in some very busy court systems, but I would make the attempt. Be leery of a lawyer telling you that you need a lawyer. If you do decide to get a lawyer, take the advice o...
- Mon Jul 31, 2017 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Best credit card options??
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3987
Best credit card options??
We travel 1-2 times per year. Reward miles are nice, but mainly looking for the best cash back with lowest annual fee.
I really liked the idea of signing up for Penfed Visa for gas and using Fidelity Visa for everything else.
Just tried to sign up for Penfed Visa; looks like the 5% cash back for gas is out for "most" new members. They are down to 1.5% cash back, same as my Capital One Quicksilver card.
Thinking I should retire the Quicksilver 1.5% and move to Fidelity Visa @ 2% cash back. Any alternatives or other cards I should consider?
I really liked the idea of signing up for Penfed Visa for gas and using Fidelity Visa for everything else.
Just tried to sign up for Penfed Visa; looks like the 5% cash back for gas is out for "most" new members. They are down to 1.5% cash back, same as my Capital One Quicksilver card.
Thinking I should retire the Quicksilver 1.5% and move to Fidelity Visa @ 2% cash back. Any alternatives or other cards I should consider?
- Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Scratched Bumper with Police on the Scene
- Replies: 26
- Views: 4317
Re: Scratched Bumper with Police on the Scene
My wife was ran off the road by an elderly driver. He pulled over, apologized, and gave my wife all of his information. He did not want to file a claim through insurance. We have him some estimates and he payed $2500 for new front end parts. It was a smooth transaction.
I would not bypass the guy and claim on his policy. If you have his insurance information, at least give the guy the opportunity to not make an insurance claim. If he wants to pay cash, then let him. If he doesn't come through, file the claim. You're covered either way.
I would not bypass the guy and claim on his policy. If you have his insurance information, at least give the guy the opportunity to not make an insurance claim. If he wants to pay cash, then let him. If he doesn't come through, file the claim. You're covered either way.
- Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Lg refrigerator vs Samsung refrigerator.
- Replies: 37
- Views: 27696
Re: Lg refrigerator vs Samsung refrigerator.
I have a LG stainless, high end model fridge/freezer. We have had a lot of issues with the unit. There was a settlement that included our model, but they never admitted fault. We missed the settlement payout somehow. They would do nothing for us after the settlement date. Won't do business with them again.
- Fri May 19, 2017 4:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 403b options
- Replies: 3
- Views: 651
Re: 403b options
If you are eligible for a 457b, check this list to see if you may have a state 457.
http://board.403bwise.com/index.php?sho ... 4849%C2%A0
http://board.403bwise.com/index.php?sho ... 4849%C2%A0
- Thu May 18, 2017 7:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Question on 403b
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1106
Re: Question on 403b
Make sure you are not dealing with a financial advisor here. I just went through this with Security Benefit and every "Rep" they directed me to was a financial advisor looking for a cut. Ask the right questions on what it is costing you to go through this rep.JohnnyZoo wrote:...but spoke to a rep today who was actually very helpful in setting up the account."
You can setup Direct Invest yourself online and will need to complete some paperwork for your HR department.
- Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When does it make sense to stop paying to repair your old vehicle?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 7968
Re: When does it make sense to stop paying to repair your old vehicle?
You cannot go by bluebook for a older used truck. Its just not accurate given the condition. Try using craigslist and i think youll realize a truck needing repairs will go for 2000 as long as it runs.
300k miles on my 2007 chevy silverado with original engine and transmission. Scheduled, basic maintenance and a little wax to protect the paint will go a LONG way. People are quite shocked to hear it has 300k miles.
I say keep the truck. Avoid the ridiculous price tag on new vehicles now. You have new paint and a fairly new engine. If you are just itching for a new ride and want to pay the price tag, make sure you get close to what your truck is really worth (not 2k.....again, search craigslist for your area). Good luck.
300k miles on my 2007 chevy silverado with original engine and transmission. Scheduled, basic maintenance and a little wax to protect the paint will go a LONG way. People are quite shocked to hear it has 300k miles.
I say keep the truck. Avoid the ridiculous price tag on new vehicles now. You have new paint and a fairly new engine. If you are just itching for a new ride and want to pay the price tag, make sure you get close to what your truck is really worth (not 2k.....again, search craigslist for your area). Good luck.
- Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Requesting feedback on my quest to reform OCPS's 403b/457b
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1361
Re: Requesting feedback on my quest to reform OCPS's 403b/457b
Nice and concise. I wish I would have found your site before I went through all of this 3 weeks ago.
Similar story here:
awful transparency
countless phone calls
uninformed employees
School retirement services, CFO, HR, business admin, AND Plan vendors/providers all wanted to send me to a financial advisor, despite my objections. They all also denied the ability for me to utilize our state 457b option the best 403b option (Security Benefits NEA/DIV). They were all wrong and would continuously redirect me to high cost options.
Kudos to you for taking the time to set this up.
Similar story here:
awful transparency
countless phone calls
uninformed employees
School retirement services, CFO, HR, business admin, AND Plan vendors/providers all wanted to send me to a financial advisor, despite my objections. They all also denied the ability for me to utilize our state 457b option the best 403b option (Security Benefits NEA/DIV). They were all wrong and would continuously redirect me to high cost options.
Kudos to you for taking the time to set this up.
- Wed Apr 26, 2017 1:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Re: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
CyclingDuo wrote:
Does GPO even wipe out all the FICA she paid from her wages during her high school and college days from W-2's doing part-time jobs?
Well, this is where the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) steps in to wipe out any payouts from previous jobs.
Many are calling the GPO/WEP the "Heroes' Penalty". Its clearly a penalty for our public servants and not an offset as the name suggests. A non-governmental worker with a private pension would NOT be penalized with the GPO/WEP.
GPO will also wipe out any of her widow's benefits as well.
- Wed Apr 26, 2017 9:28 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Re: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
Short answer is currently no.CyclingDuo wrote:Surely she will still get spousal benefits, yes?
She would be eligible for a 51% spousal benefit, but the government pension offset (GPO) reduces her 51% by an additional 2/3 of her pension. As long as the GPO stands, she will get no benefit.
- Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:07 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Re: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
Thanks Duckie, krow, and CyclingDuo for giving me some alternative perspectives. It is very much appreciated! We are going to pay off the car loan, as Cycling Duo suggested. I will also look into UTMAs vs our Roth IRAs. As krow suggested, we will attempt to fund my 401k only up to the match and utilize the 403b for the remainder of our contributions. Security Benefit is very difficult to deal with for her 403b plan, so I will just have to see if I can actually sneak the NEA/Direct Invest in there. One rep told me indirectly that its probably an option (after a lot of prying on my part) but every other rep says its not part of my plan. Its worth our time to try to fund it, given the costs. Worst case scenario = fully funding my 401k, like I ...
- Tue Apr 25, 2017 1:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Re: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
What percentage of your income combined is currently going into retirement funds? • $32K for your 401k (your $18K contribution + employer match) • She puts in 8% mandatory which I assume receives a 7% or so match for a total of 15% or her income (assuming it's something like $11 - $15K per year) • 457b/ROTH's/403b What's it all add up to as a total percentage of your income? 22% of our gross income contributed by us. Add employer contributions and we will put 29% of our gross into retirement this year. Keep in mind that my wife is not eligible for social security. Her teachers retirement plan essentially "replaces" social security. We both would also like to retire early (her in 40s/me at least part time in 50s). We are trying to...
- Tue Apr 25, 2017 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Re: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
Thanks to both of you for the responses.
I will stop the annuity payments and look at the numbers on waiting out the surrender period vs paying the penalty and reinvesting.
Questions:
1.) Should we not consider the SDBA options on both accounts? Are there hidden costs we missed? Wouldnt this be cheaper, especially in my 401k plan? Downsides to the SDBA?
2.) We had been told to maximize our tax advantaged/deferred options before thinking about taxable accounts. Are we wrong here?
I will stop the annuity payments and look at the numbers on waiting out the surrender period vs paying the penalty and reinvesting.
Questions:
1.) Should we not consider the SDBA options on both accounts? Are there hidden costs we missed? Wouldnt this be cheaper, especially in my 401k plan? Downsides to the SDBA?
2.) We had been told to maximize our tax advantaged/deferred options before thinking about taxable accounts. Are we wrong here?
- Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
- Replies: 12
- Views: 2330
Portfolio Review: Early 30s (401k, 457b, 403b)
Hello, My wife and I have been daily readers of the bogleheads site for a while now. We started with minimal knowledge but have learned a lot from this site so far. We are hoping for some direction while we continue to learn about our investments. Ive already seen that this is a very wise and helpful bunch, so we would like to just say thanks in advance for any advice! Ages: 33 and 32 State of Residence: Louisiana Combined Salary: 205k My wife has been teaching public school for the last 10 years. I finished grad school 3.5 years ago. We paid off my 120k in student loans in 1.5 years and have been fully funding my 401k for the last two years. I put 18k in and my employer puts an additional 14k (for now). My wife pays a mandatory 8% into the...
- Thu Apr 20, 2017 9:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Gross vs net expense ratios
- Replies: 2
- Views: 981
Re: Gross vs net expense ratios
Thanks for the response. We are looking to fully fund my wife's governmental 457b and there multiple funds in the plan with attractive net vs gross ratios.
- Thu Apr 20, 2017 11:19 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Gross vs net expense ratios
- Replies: 2
- Views: 981
Gross vs net expense ratios
Would a lower net vs gross expense ratio be a motivating factor to chose one fund over another?
I recognize that fee waivers are discretionary and temporary, but do bogleheads generally view these "discounts" as a favorable opportunity while they last?
Also, is there generally a requirement that the investor is notified when the fee waivers are removed?
I recognize that fee waivers are discretionary and temporary, but do bogleheads generally view these "discounts" as a favorable opportunity while they last?
Also, is there generally a requirement that the investor is notified when the fee waivers are removed?