Search found 7 matches

by whitepaws
Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
Replies: 38
Views: 7848

Re: Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?

We have a Miele and it is a very good vacuum but it is difficult for me to compare it to others because it is the only one we bought and kept. I have a rug on tile floor and I use this to demonstrate the power of Miele to my family, who are often rolling their eyes to my enthusiasm. I will shake it outside to show all of the dust, then vacuum the rug with Miele and then show how no dust comes out of the rug. We also have carpeting upstairs. My husband agrees that it is an excellent vacuum but he wishes we would have stuck with the cheaper model that propelled itself. He says it was more fun to use than the Miele even though we kept it for a few hours before returning it. As far as the tile goes, if I don't feel like busting out with the vac...
by whitepaws
Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Re: Question about 403b plan

Hi, everyone. I will be checking into the other plans today. I have until 2019 to be free of surrender fees. Also, I live in Florida. I did find this and Valic is listed on their main page. I am reading through the FAQ. https://www.myfloridadeferredcomp.com/SOFWeb/default.aspx Here is what I found on eligibility. I work for Broward County Schools. Persons who are appointed, elected, or under contract, and who provide a service (state employees) including OPS for the State of Florida for which compensation or statutory fees are paid by the Bureau of State Payrolls may participate in the Plan. The State of Florida 457b Deferred Compensation Plan is also available to state university employees, special districts, employees of the State Board o...
by whitepaws
Sun Apr 23, 2017 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Re: Question about 403b plan

My question is now this: Is it always recommended to invest in a 403b to the maximum before you invest else where even though the choices are poor? The answer is no, it is NOT always recommended to max out a 403b, even a low-cost one. Paying off high interest debt certainly deserves a very high priority. The usual advice on this forum is to make the first retirement savings with an IRA, either a Roth or a traditional. If the employer plan offers a match, then that should come before the IRA. If no match, start with the IRA because you can pick the provider and stay with that account as long as desired. Whether to pay off the mortgage or invest in a 403b might depend on the mortgage interest rate more than the fees of the 403b. Usually folk...
by whitepaws
Sun Apr 23, 2017 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Re: Question about 403b plan

Hi, krow36. Thank you for the link and information. I was able to determine that I bought a variable annuity from Valic using the information you provided. My question is now this: Is it always recommended to invest in a 403b to the maximum before you invest else where even though the choices are poor? I remember some time ago thinking that my husband's 401k was doing so much better than my Valic account. This was why I decided to stop contributing to my 403 b and focus on other financial areas. For example, we paid off our mortgage, cars and have no credit card debt. We also have an emergency fund in place. We did this because it was easier than learning about investing to be honest with you. I also chose to contribute to a traditional IRA...
by whitepaws
Sun Apr 23, 2017 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Re: Question about 403b plan

1. Get your match. Look carefully for low ER funds. From you choices, I would look at Life Strategy with desired bond % or a few index funds with lowest ER such as US stock and US bond. 2. Fill Roth IRA or traditional. 3. Fill 403b if you still have any more to invest. The tax-deferment is worth a lot. Do you have several company choices? Some do. If government or school job, do you have 457 available? Be sure to ask as it often is not well known. That may have better choices. Hi, BL. This is what I have available as well as a pension plan. I did speak to an advisor with AXA and based on his reaction, his company wouldn't do much better than Valic, who I currently have $8,000 with. 403(b) AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company Metropolitan L...
by whitepaws
Sun Apr 23, 2017 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Re: Question about 403b plan

Hi, Futurewealthy. Thank you for your reply. There is no company match but I do receive a pension. Here are the funds with their expense ratios. The list is very long though. BROAD CAP VALUE INC • Barrow Hanley 1.85% DIVIDEND VALUE • BlackRock/SunAmerica 1.82% LARGE CAP VALUE FUND • Boston Company/Perkins 1.56% VALUE FUND • Wellington 1.85% VANGUARD WINDSOR II Vanguard 1.58% CORE EQUITY FUND • BlackRock 1.80% GROWTH & INCOME FUND • JP Morgan 1.85% LARGE CAP CORE • Columbia 1.83% SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FUND • SunAmerica 1.31% STOCK INDEX FUND • SunAmerica 1.35% AM BEAC HOLLAND LG CAP GROWTH American Beacon 2.25% BLUE CHIP GROWTH FUND • T. Rowe Price 1.84% CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND • Boston Company 1.60% GROWTH FUND • American Century 1.76%...
by whitepaws
Sun Apr 23, 2017 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about 403b plan
Replies: 16
Views: 1994

Question about 403b plan

Hi! I have come across warnings about not investing in a bad 403 b plans. My employer offers a 403b plan with expense ratios from 1.35% to 2.12%. Does this sound bad? We are in the 15% tax bracket. Thank you.