Search found 128 matches

by Cop51
Tue Feb 26, 2019 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Freedom credit cards - some incorrect 1099-MISC being sent out
Replies: 8
Views: 1259

Re: Chase Freedom credit cards - some incorrect 1099-MISC being sent out

I have 400,000 chase sapphire points. If I used them $6,000 trip value would I have to pay tax on that if I got a 1099 ?
by Cop51
Fri Feb 08, 2019 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selecting a 457 Provider (NJ)
Replies: 4
Views: 351

Selecting a 457 Provider (NJ)

Currently my employer uses ICMA-RC as our 457 provider. In April they are going to put out an RFP for a new provider. We are located in NJ with about 300 employees. I assume our assets are between 10-25 million. (I hope not less). The current fees are about 95-105 bps for an index fund. The person creating the RFP knows the fees are extremely high, and seems open to suggestions in the search for the new provider.

If anyone can recommend a quality provider that I can forward I would appreciate it.
by Cop51
Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix Recommendations
Replies: 53
Views: 8502

Re: Netflix Recommendations

The killing
by Cop51
Mon Jan 14, 2019 2:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lazy Portfolio vs CFP
Replies: 4
Views: 778

Re: Lazy Portfolio vs CFP

Are they a fee only advisor or an AUM advisor for 1%? You should pay hourly or by the complexity of what you’re trying to do. If it’s AUM you’ll hand over nothing and they will take out their 1% on your assests.
by Cop51
Sat Jan 12, 2019 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to get Plan admins to offer Vanguard?
Replies: 13
Views: 4406

Re: How to get Plan admins to offer Vanguard?

I pay 96 bps for a S&P500 index fund in my ICMA 457. I’d take 38 any day.
by Cop51
Thu Dec 20, 2018 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Current allocation is 100% stocks- any good reason to change?
Replies: 71
Views: 7387

Re: Current allocation is 100% stocks- any good reason to change?

I am also 100% equities but I have a public pension. If I didn’t I’d probably be 80/20. My pension is my stable value. This current 15-20% decline has not bothered me one bit. This is actually an excellent risk tolerance test for me and I’m passing. I’m looking forward to 1/1 to make my 2019 Roth contribution.
by Cop51
Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4653368

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

This is my first real decline. 20% range from the highs. I’m all equities and I’m not panicking at all. Total value was upper 100k before the decline. Time and money on my side. I’m excited for January 1 for my 2x$6000 Roth contributions. I think this was a great test for me.
by Cop51
Mon Dec 03, 2018 1:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: declining employer benefits?
Replies: 36
Views: 4661

Re: declining employer benefits?

We get 25% of the premium cost up to $5000 for declining the healthcare/Rx/dental.
by Cop51
Fri Nov 02, 2018 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k has high fees
Replies: 15
Views: 1557

Re: 401k has high fees

Do not use your ROTH IRA for bonds. You want this to be equities for the benefit of no taxes on the higher account at 59.5.
by Cop51
Sun Oct 14, 2018 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Non-profit investing
Replies: 5
Views: 495

Re: Non-profit investing

It’s a Ferternal Order of Police Lodge and we have non-profit status. Unknow of the exact kind. As far as bylaws we don’t have specifics for investments. We can do investments without them, but would probably add them to cover investments in the bylaws prior to doing this.
by Cop51
Sun Oct 14, 2018 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Non-profit investing
Replies: 5
Views: 495

Non-profit investing

Our police union with less then 100 members is looking to start an investment account. I have several concerns reguarding how to set it up. 1. Is just a regular brokerage account in our organizations name the best option or is their some special account for non-profits? Taxes on capital gains? Well probably use Fidelity because we have a location located in or jurisdiction, but maybe Vanguard. 2. I’m leaning towards a balanced fund or life strategy fund between 40/60 - 60/40 equities to bonds. I want one fund to keep it simple so rebalancing on our end does not need to be done. Both these funds are 60/40 and my recommendation unless the members want less moderate and more conservative growth. VSMGX VBINX - No international Each member pays ...
by Cop51
Mon Oct 08, 2018 3:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does Vanguard reccomend 60:40 US:International ratio?
Replies: 52
Views: 13576

Re: Why does Vanguard reccomend 60:40 US:International ratio?

I’m satisfied with my 20% international. It’s enough skin in the game to feel the impact either way but not make or break my portfolio.
by Cop51
Sun Oct 07, 2018 1:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanics of running a one-person S-corp without an accountant
Replies: 7
Views: 1088

Re: Mechanics of running a one-person S-corp without an accountant

Someone just posted about this yesterday. The thread can’t be to far back. Was a helpful one.
by Cop51
Sun Oct 07, 2018 1:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your annual cost for health insurance?
Replies: 155
Views: 17950

Re: What is your annual cost for health insurance?

28,000 for “gold” level healthcare
I pay $9,700 for family plan a year with Rx and dental
$250/$500 individual/family deductible
$1,000/$2,000 Out of pocket max
Unlimited yearly coverage.
by Cop51
Sat Oct 06, 2018 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: can i start a private investment firm?
Replies: 70
Views: 6406

Re: can i start a private investment firm?

Sounds like this guy invested in cryptocurrency and now thinks he’s a financial guru. I’d be surprised if he was over the age 25 with his writing style.
by Cop51
Sat Sep 08, 2018 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a web site-how to, costs?
Replies: 13
Views: 1144

Re: Building a web site-how to, costs?

I think like 30% of websites are Wordpress themes. I myself am trying to build a website. The cost is minimal. $200 bucks a year can keep a site up and running. Adding e-commerce could cost slightly more. Wordpress can be a little tricky figuring out if you’re a total newbie. Plenty of YouTube videos on how to use it. As other mentioned they have themes ready to go. GoDaddy also has domain, and hosting for Wordpress themes. They also have their own themes. Wix is very popular for the super simple sites. These are great for the professional service. I’m attorney X and my office is located at Y and I offer Z services. If you’re going to add lots content and blog wix probably isn’t a good start. If you’re making decent income it could be worth...
by Cop51
Sat Sep 08, 2018 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your Favorite [Travel Destination] on Earth: Where and Why?
Replies: 184
Views: 24923

Re: Your Favorite [Travel Destination] on Earth: Where and Why?

Bora Bora was the most fabulous place on earth. I’ve been to a majority of Caribbean and various Mexico locations. Nothing compares to it. I loved the city of Positano Italy but the locations fall in different categories for me.
by Cop51
Sat Sep 08, 2018 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Allocation advice for new boglehead
Replies: 12
Views: 1234

Re: Portfolio Allocation advice for new boglehead

You are certainly off to an excellent start just sometimes things happen in the markets that you can’t control. You have a plan which that alone is more than the majority. Stick to it and when you come 1-2 years out you’ll have a better picture where you stand and can reevaluate it.
by Cop51
Fri Sep 07, 2018 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Allocation advice for new boglehead
Replies: 12
Views: 1234

Re: Portfolio Allocation advice for new boglehead

People have so many different oppinions on what being FI means. I think people need to be clear. For one person it might be I don’t have to work. For another it might mean working part time. Another would be just having the ability to quit your current high pay job whenever you want bc you don’t need the high income. Someone else it might be just stepping away from work for 1 year and getting back into it. It’s hard to give a right answer but first glance 25% fixed income at 33 looking for high reward seems like you’ll need to take more risk to achieve your goal.
by Cop51
Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Pensions and retirement savings rate
Replies: 30
Views: 3410

Re: Pensions and retirement savings rate

I pay 10% pension as well. When I started the job 10 years ago i was going 10% +2% into a 457. Every year when I got a raise I added 1%. It came to a point when I was getting a raise and didn't need to money for living expenses and increased both my 457 and ROTH to the IRA limits. Doing an additional 5% onto of the pension is a good start. Stick with that and increase it every year or every other year. It will never heard to save more.
by Cop51
Wed Aug 29, 2018 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired Cop/Wannabe Boglehead Needs a Bit of Help
Replies: 16
Views: 2015

Re: Retired Cop/Wannabe Boglehead Needs a Bit of Help

I always say you do what you're comfortable with. If 60/40 makes you comfortable, and you don't need to take the extra risk for the higher return because your pension is covering all your living expenses then keep it 60/40. The only thing to consider is, is your Pension COLA adjusted or fixed. If fixed, inflation can really devalue that pension in your 60's and 70's. Currently our NJ PFRS pension has suspended COLA. Also read up on the SS penalty for having a government sponsored pension. We don't get the same SS payout as everyone else.
by Cop51
Tue Aug 28, 2018 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put 6 figs cash before investing (to minimize income)
Replies: 7
Views: 1083

Re: Where to put 6 figs cash before investing (to minimize income)

If its only 1-2 months I would do nothing and leave it there, or transfer to my money market account until I was ready.
by Cop51
Sun Aug 26, 2018 4:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take pension immediately upon retirement, or use 457 funds?
Replies: 36
Views: 2180

Re: Take pension immediately upon retirement, or use 457 funds?

Man. I thought my pension plan was good paying 65% of my final salary after 25 years of service regardless of age!
by Cop51
Thu Aug 23, 2018 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with cash in this market?
Replies: 34
Views: 4061

Re: What to do with cash in this market?

The best time to make an investment is today and the second best time to make an investment was yesterday.
by Cop51
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Include Bonds in Portfolio?
Replies: 19
Views: 2896

Re: Include Bonds in Portfolio?

32 y/o and I am 100% equities with 80/20 US To International AA. I have a significant pension that makes up 50-70% of my current income at retirement age depending on how long I stay working. Having this pension is my main reason for being 100% equities. I unknowing timed the stock market when I started investing in 2008 and have only seen positive returns. At 40 I’m scheduled to reevaluate my AA for stock/bonds.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 20, 2018 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I saved $3,200 on a $23,500 car with minimal stress.
Replies: 45
Views: 7154

Re: I saved $3,200 on a $23,500 car with minimal stress.

I’ve done exactly this with my 14 Subaru Crosstrek. I financed at 1.9% when I purchased it and also had my auto loan calculator up with the amortization schedule to make sure I wasn’t getting ripped off on the finance end. We were off by .20 a month so I called that right on.

I worked at a car dealership in my late teens. Never pay for anything that isn’t listed on MSRP price. Window etching, molding, pinstriping, leatherseat protector. These are all add ones at 100% profit for the car dealership. Always start negotiating at the MSRP price.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 20, 2018 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son was scammed on Craigslist- how to get money back
Replies: 55
Views: 13132

Re: My son was scammed on Craigslist- how to get money back

Several people saying contact the FBI is probably not the best option. I’ve handled these cases before and they often lead you to a dead end. The local police can handle this. That being said if you go to the local police and it’s a 100 man police department generally they can help you. If you’re walking into you’re local NYPD district good luck. The wasting the police time feel does happen. Our thought is this person is an idiot to send someone money without knowing any details. That being said we have a job to do and don’t like seeing people taken advantage of. The officer can subpoena information from CraigList and the IP and webaddress. Often times dealing with these agencies if it’s not a public safety concern they drag their feet’s an...
by Cop51
Mon Aug 20, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No advance notice to employer
Replies: 42
Views: 4830

Re: No advance notice to employer

I believe we need to give 3-6 months notice to retire from the police department just because it takes time to varify pension records and service credit. We can always start the process and then say no we’re going to stay.
by Cop51
Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fixed Income in Fidelity Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 722

Re: Fixed Income in Fidelity Roth IRA

deikel wrote: Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:22 pm A RothIRA account is great for the highest possible risk investment you are willing to take since any and all gains you make will be tax free when the time comes, so trying to load your rothIRA with your low risk part of the investment AA is not a good choice, low risk choices like CDs, Money Market and Bonds should be in taxable accounts such as 401k, IRA
+1

You should always keep your highest growth investment in your ROTH IRA. Look at big picture for your AA and not account to account.
by Cop51
Fri Aug 17, 2018 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Total Stock and Total Bond Market(s) at Vanguard
Replies: 29
Views: 5527

Re: Total Stock and Total Bond Market(s) at Vanguard

I tilt 5% Small cap 5% REIT for my equity portion.
by Cop51
Thu Aug 16, 2018 1:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: High tax bracket - Go 100% Roth in tax advantaged?
Replies: 47
Views: 4937

Re: High tax bracket - Go 100% Roth in tax advantaged?

I didn’t run numbers or projections but withdrawing at 59.5 gives your 11 years to withdraw prior to RMD kicking in. With that income I would also be looking to retire early. Early as the very latest 59.5 or 55 if you retire from your employer which holds your 401k so you don’t pay any penalty. He’s looking out for your best interest and the key for you is don’t retire in a 10% income tax state!
by Cop51
Wed Aug 15, 2018 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Assistance with simplicity and asset allocation, in mid-20s
Replies: 10
Views: 1160

Re: Assistance with simplicity and asset allocation, in mid-20s

I am a government employee and don’t have a 401k I have a pension but we offer a 457 plan. Ask if your employer offers 457 or a 403 account. Sounds like you have a lot of cash. I’d that earmarked for maybe a home purchase? If so that’s fine. If not that’s a lot of cash sitting in sidelines. But you’re off to a good start. Keep it up.
by Cop51
Wed Aug 15, 2018 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife got a new job! Please evaluate my portfolio...
Replies: 24
Views: 2692

Re: Wife got a new job! Please evaluate my portfolio...

My equities are 70% Total stock market 20% Total international 5% REIT 5% Small cap. It’s my plan and what I stuck too. As far as your pension definitely stay 6 more years for the 70%. Staying longer for the extra 5% May or may not be worth it. I also will have a pension and I see my pension as my bonded retirement. Therefore I’m 100% equities at 32 years old and will probably stay that way until 40 then reassess it. If your pension can cover living expenses you have a lot more flexibility. I would rebalance to your 60/40 since you’re 52/48 now. Max out all tax advantage space first for both of you. 48k in contributions plus your catch up contributions is a lot to invest given your income. You have no mortgage and a nice savings plus a pens...
by Cop51
Mon Aug 13, 2018 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best placement for Small Cap Value? Taxable, Roth or 403b7?
Replies: 21
Views: 2674

Re: Best placement for Small Cap Value? Taxable, Roth or 403b7?

Most advice you get here is you probably shouldn’t even have a taxable account unless you’re maxing out the 18,500 in 403b and the ROTH 5500 for both you and spouse if married. That being said ROTH would be the best place to put them vs 403b.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 13, 2018 12:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Small business owner, mid 30s, doing great, clueless with investments
Replies: 22
Views: 2968

Re: Small business owner, mid 30s, doing great, clueless with investments

Do you have any other W-2 employees? You can really take advantage of the solo 401k max contributions of $55,500. Something to look in to.
by Cop51
Sun Aug 12, 2018 12:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Just starting out, need some feedback
Replies: 12
Views: 1234

Re: Just starting out, need some feedback

Jefferson wrote: Sat Aug 11, 2018 10:34 pm IMO, that’s a high bond allocation for 26 years old. I was still 100% stocks in my 401k at 30.
I agree. Right now you’re starting at $0 so going 100% equities isn’t going to hurt at all. Educate yourself some more and read a few books and within a year or so you should feel comfortable with 100% equities or finding your desired AA. I’m 32 and sill 100% equities, but I do have a pension.
by Cop51
Sat Aug 11, 2018 7:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Bigger Story: Fidelity Expense Ratios
Replies: 98
Views: 14102

Re: The Bigger Story: Fidelity Expense Ratios

HEDGEFUNDIE wrote: Fri Aug 10, 2018 11:51 am What is most striking about that table is that the Vanguard fees are for Admiral class funds w/ $10k minimums, while the Fidelity funds and fees are for the very first dollar of investment.

For new investors, I don't see how you wouldn't recommend Fidelity now.
I agree with this specifically. Right now my ROTH IRA isn’t even over 100k so for me the switch right now isn’t worth the headache. I’ll sit back and see what happens over the next year. I did just help a friend set up his ROTH with Fidelity because he’s starting at $0.
by Cop51
Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Brokerage Account for Minor
Replies: 28
Views: 2832

Re: Brokerage Account for Minor

bgyt wrote: Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:11 pm Not sure I want to lock up her money until Age 59 (or at least not all of it). Is the only advantage of doing Roth vs. just a straight brokerage account as follows?...

PROS:
- No tax on earnings

CONS:
- Limited to only this years earned income account
- Can't touch it for 40+ years
She can withdraw the contributions and even take advantage of college and first time home purchase with the money with the ROTH rules and flexibility.
by Cop51
Sat Aug 11, 2018 1:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PMI at 80% question
Replies: 7
Views: 867

Re: PMI at 80% question

I ran into an issue a few years ago. the bank said reguardleas of the home equity and how much I paid down on original purchase price they would only drop PMI after 5 years in the home if it met the qualifications.
by Cop51
Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lazy Investment Porfolio Help
Replies: 17
Views: 2310

Re: Lazy Investment Porfolio Help

Continue what you can to get the max contribution from the employer match. After that contribute up to the $5500 into the ROTH IRA. If you still have money to invest go back to your 401k to add more to that. At far as the extra 5% in cash. You'll want 3-6 months cash emergency fund. Are you saving for a house? are you saving because you might be relocating? The 5% cash savings might not be a bad thing if you have a goal for the cash. If not you should be contributing more to the tax advantage accounts.
by Cop51
Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grind and Brew Coffee Makers - worth it?
Replies: 39
Views: 5360

Re: Grind and Brew Coffee Makers - worth it?

Jura A1 is what I have for about a year. My brother has the Jura E9 which has a milk container for lattes. A1 does just coffee or espresso.
by Cop51
Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Offering 401k Advice to my coworkers?
Replies: 36
Views: 4152

Re: Offering 401k Advice to my coworkers?

I suggest a few things to co-works. I say select a target date fund and put 100% of your contributions into it. Every year when you get a raise add 1% to your contributions. I say leave it here until you know what your are doing, or someone you know is willing to help you (friend, family member). Avoid anyone trying to sell you a product (whole life, UIL and so on). I also suggest them to read a few books if they are interested in learning themselves. Once they take the time to learn, and they ask me questions for feedback and my thoughts we have friendly conversations about it. Im not blasting out emails, or holding lunch and learn style meetings.
by Cop51
Fri Aug 10, 2018 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Saving for a downpayment on a house. Help?!
Replies: 15
Views: 2082

Re: Saving for a downpayment on a house. Help?!

Depending on the saving account interest rate yes it could be your best place. If its a low interest .05% you can open a high interest savings, or Money Market account (Ally, Capital One) getting around 2% interest on the money. I would put the money no where else if it was me. This is a short term goal you are trying to reach and you want to have it accessible for the home purchase when you find one, so I would not do a CD.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 06, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another CD Ladder Thread
Replies: 27
Views: 3333

Re: Another CD Ladder Thread

My idea of a CD ladder is I buy them in 1,2,3,4,5 years and 6 months later 1,2,3,4,5 years. Every 6 months I buy a 5 year CD regardless of rates. I just keep it going and don’t market time rates or anything.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 06, 2018 2:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you think about your mortgage in relation to your stock/bond portfolio?
Replies: 32
Views: 3093

Re: How do you think about your mortgage in relation to your stock/bond portfolio?

Mike Scott wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 4:25 pm Our mortgage means that we have a place to live. We don't plan to sell it to get money back out of it so it really has nothing to do with retirement or investment plans.
Well said. Exactly how I look at it. I just want back what I paid for it 15+ years from now and hopefully I’ll get more.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 06, 2018 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: understanding term life industry
Replies: 3
Views: 454

Re: understanding term life industry

The agent fee is built into the price of the policy and although you may find a company that you can go directly through them vs an agent you will generally find it to be the same price. Just more money for the company. I used term 4 sale about a year ago. No issues. If anything you have an agent you can directly ask questions to since you were one of his/her customers.

As far as commission I’ve read some get 50-100% of a years policy amount and even 70% year 1 and like 5% year 2 and 5% year 3.

Good luck.
by Cop51
Mon Aug 06, 2018 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My Credit Card Rewards Strategy
Replies: 28
Views: 3907

Re: My Credit Card Rewards Strategy

I try to keep it simple. Chase SR for everything and chase freedom for the 5% quarter bonus. Then I roll the chase freedom points to the chase SR card for the increase in travel purchase through chase. Some will even say that’s to complicated.
by Cop51
Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Nespresso?
Replies: 103
Views: 11069

Re: Nespresso?

I have a Jura A1 and it’s a fabulous machine. I buy whole beans from a local food market and it makes excellent coffee. Can’t find a coffee shop that makes coffee comparable to my Jura at home.
by Cop51
Sun Aug 05, 2018 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it worth getting BA after 16 years? Or should I go for certificate programs?
Replies: 10
Views: 1435

Re: Is it worth getting BA after 16 years? Or should I go for certificate programs?

You can also look into a certificate program that would count towards the BA degree if you moved forward with that. I finished my BA online at Thomas Edison State College. Now called Thomas Edison State Univisety (NJ). About 3 years online taking 6-8 courses a year which probable cost around $20,000. I had an AA degree at the time that had about 40 of the 60 credits count towards my BA. I did for personal achievement and opportunity for career advancement or a career change later in life.