Search found 120 matches

by roamin survivor
Fri Feb 15, 2019 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tell your beneficiaries?
Replies: 69
Views: 5448

Re: Do you tell your beneficiaries?

All my beneficiaries know as I was somewhat forced to notify them due to the procedures for setting up beneficiaries. Kinda hard to not keep it under wraps when you need some very personal information for forms. On the other hand, I also wanted them to know as some are not local, so it won't be a total shock to suddenly get 6-figs out of nowhere or be taken advantage of.
by roamin survivor
Mon Jan 07, 2019 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are we at "Peak FI"?
Replies: 93
Views: 12082

Re: Are we at "Peak FI"?

A couple of my observations: -Seems like the majority FIRE proponents/candidates I read about on the internet seem to be California tech types with monster salaries and stock grants. Take away these people and I think the amount of today's 20-30somethings who have a chance at FIRE before age 40-45 is near nil unless they were born on third base and/or are committed to a lifestyle of basically spending no money whatsoever. Yep, its relatively easy to FIRE when you started working at a FANG company about a decade ago. I think that's the reason why FIRE tends to be heavily focused by the Bay Area techies. Considering the churn and turmoil of the past, they know that tech careers are like a pro-athlete's: short and early. Might as well make th...
by roamin survivor
Mon Nov 12, 2018 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bulk After-Tax 401K
Replies: 1
Views: 371

Bulk After-Tax 401K

I got a letter from Megacorp's 401K provider, Fidelity, about making a "one-time post-tax contribution" up to the IRS limit of $55K. I already max out on paycheck deductions for regular and after-tax 401K. So first off, is this something usual? This is the first time I've gotten this letter and I've never heard of being allowed to make a bulk outside contribution to a 401K; I thought all 401K contributions had to be from paycheck.

I've already talked with Fidelity about it, which seems legit, but I'll be visiting a retail site next week. Of course, if this really is a "one-time-deal" sort of thing, I'll need to take a closer look at maxing out this year.
by roamin survivor
Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Retire in Your 30's with $1 Million in the Bank
Replies: 148
Views: 23557

Re: How to Retire in Your 30's with $1 Million in the Bank

After reading all these posts, I'm now hoping the next thing Millenials kill is the definition of retirement.

Aside from adding the "RE" to make a pleasing acronym, I think the better focus is the financial independence part. I don't really see how being debt-free and passive income can be so bad. It just means more options, risk allowances, or lifestyle/career changes. The other thing is taking these articles with a grain of salt. We all know of the sensationalized headlines and the fact that those interviewed volunteered and are outliers. Nobody covers the losers after all.
by roamin survivor
Mon Jul 23, 2018 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Engineers come in.
Replies: 108
Views: 10719

Re: Engineers come in.

From the ME/AE viewpoint, it's definitely logic and some math. If you're doing R&D, then yes, the more advanced math is required and that's pretty much what a university does. It's not so much wired as it is interest I think. I dropped out of my MSAE because I did not want to be doing nothing but CFD analysis as a career. Still love and keep track of aerospace and fluids.

College was always full of hard work and long hours, especially all those late night labs. It was good though since it build camaraderie between all of us and helping each other, especially when the huge class gets widdled down to a baker's dozen in your senior year.
by roamin survivor
Thu Jul 19, 2018 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Article on attributes of mentally strong people
Replies: 9
Views: 1618

Re: Article on attributes of mentally strong people

Blueskies123 wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 3:14 pm Does not complaining transfer your stress onto and into others?
Probably does so which is why I think it's more of a "go with the flow" sort of stress reducer. Basically:

“If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?”

― Śāntideva
by roamin survivor
Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drive from Phoenix to San Diego
Replies: 42
Views: 4214

Re: Drive from Phoenix to San Diego

Kinda in the naysayer column as well. Driving from Phoenix to San Diego is quickest taking the 8, but there's nothing of interest down there except for the sand dunes.

It also seems out-of-the-way to drive north from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon and back down to get to the 10 for Joshua and Palm Desert and you'd be driving a lot in open desert landscape for most of the time as well. Perhaps condense it to a single route? Like Grand Canyon to Las Vegas hitting Lake Havasu, Mead, and Hoover Dam on the way? Or stick to the 10 to hit Joshua and the desert towns on the way to LA?
by roamin survivor
Thu May 31, 2018 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roommate in a house?
Replies: 32
Views: 4033

Re: Roommate in a house?

JGoneRiding wrote: Thu May 31, 2018 9:35 amTechnically she could claim rent and then losses but trust me it isn't worth the hassle
I think this was probably the idea. Why do it is another story as this probably wouldn't have much of an impact for deductions with one person. Unless the SO is claiming renter's credit and need to dot the i's and cross the t's.
by roamin survivor
Fri May 04, 2018 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs
Replies: 30
Views: 4027

Re: Growing Fruit Trees and Shrubs

I've grown up with fruit trees (apricot, cherry, plum, apple, persimmon) and while they can be very hands off in maintenance, they were still pains involved. Often deciduous, so fall was an annoying time cleaning up and the wildlife-eaten fruit left didn't help. All except the persimmon eventually stopped producing and got cut down, but I still have to come by and help with the persimmon on the cleaning and picking. Tree does not seem to give up even after 15 years, though I've read they live 50-75 yrs. It's also a bust/boom sort of tree. Usually a bounty year followed by a lean, but not always the case. It's probably weather dependent as the output seems to match all persimmon trees based on conversations and the office donations from othe...
by roamin survivor
Tue Dec 26, 2017 1:27 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: San Jose, CA Area Bogleheads Chapter
Replies: 127
Views: 97682

Re: San Jose, CA Area Bogleheads Chapter

paxdonnaverde wrote: Tue Dec 26, 2017 12:20 pm Hi, how does one officially join this chapter? I live in Redwood City and preparing to retire in 2018. Claire
Not really official, but signing up for the e-mail list for articles and meeting notices. We usually meet once a month, tends to be 3rd Thurs night. Being on the peninsula, it would make for a rough trip down to San Jose. I think there is a chapter in San Francisco, but I have no info on that.
by roamin survivor
Tue Dec 26, 2017 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Samsung J3 or J7
Replies: 20
Views: 2462

Re: Samsung J3 or J7

I'm in the same boat as you. J3 was on my list, but quickly crossed off as I kept seeing burn-in on all the various test models. It was the same with a family member's Samsung S6 as well, so it looks like it can be an issue with Samsung phones.

On the other hand, the Moto phones were on my short list. Replacing a Moto E, only because screen really cracked. Looked at both Moto E4 and G5. Seemed like great phones and would pull the trigger on those.
by roamin survivor
Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concert Decision and Advice
Replies: 41
Views: 3894

Re: Concert Decision and Advice

]feeling on the fence with the work involved... Another issue is time, as I would be taking the day/half-day off work for the driving distance and to avoid the daily SF Bay Area traffic... So, with all the work involved, does this seem worthwhile... but kinda got soured over how much effort it would be... I'm curious...what is it about attending a concert that you feel involves so much "work/effort"? Does it require any more effort than, say... - Going to the grocery store - Going on vacation - Attending any other event, visiting a museum, ect It's mainly the distance and time involved. I'm in the South Bay and venue's up in Oakland, so I'm looking at 1+ hr drive one way in clear traffic, let alone on a weeknight. As for work and...
by roamin survivor
Tue Dec 12, 2017 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concert Decision and Advice
Replies: 41
Views: 3894

Re: Concert Decision and Advice

All right, y’all won me over. I treat myself to new experiences as birthday gifts and was thinking this was going to be it, but kinda got soured over how much effort it would be. So yeah, I’ll be moving forward with it after being called out on my laziness and overthinking. Especially with the effort a lot of you put in for your trips. I really want to know who the artist/band is :) Do it, then come back to this thread and tell us how it was. (And tell us the artist and the venue too!) For the curious, it’s Mat Kearney. Missed the last time he was around, but wasn’t devastated or anything about it, which was another reason I gave pause this time around. Thanks for the advice so far with open expectations and concert-going. Thankfully, this ...
by roamin survivor
Tue Dec 12, 2017 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concert Decision and Advice
Replies: 41
Views: 3894

Concert Decision and Advice

Disclaimer: Yes, I get that there’s no universal consensus/definition about worth. This is probably more about input, advice, past experiences, etc. to help decide if this is worthwhile to me. I am thinking about attending my first concert, but feeling on the fence with the work involved and experience. Artist is my fave and doing US tour for their new album. Liking the first few songs dropped so far. Artist is US-based, not world famous or anything; we’re talking indoor theaters, not fields, arenas, or stadiums. However, two things are giving me pause. First, I tend to find recorded music to be better than live, but this is based off Youtube, which I’m sure cell phone video is not of quality sound. Another issue is time, as I would be tak...
by roamin survivor
Mon Nov 13, 2017 3:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Backdoor Roth: How Long To Wait For Conversion?
Replies: 58
Views: 40287

Re: Backdoor Roth: How Long To Wait For Conversion?

Gotcha, but yeah, it's just a concern about tax rates and assuming a 35% income tax rate and 5% return, estimating to come out equal to doing the rollover once a year. Maybe do two if it's doing explosively well.
Duckie wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2017 2:25 pm
Unfortunately, no way to split contribution investments for asset allocation.
Does this mean you have to contribute after-tax each pay period? You can't only do it once a month or even once a quarter? Or does this mean whatever your AA is in your pre-tax sub-account has to be the same in after-tax sub-account?
The latter. For some reason, they bulk it all together so doing a 60-40 split will result in both the pre-tax and after-tax pots being split 60-40 each.
by roamin survivor
Mon Nov 13, 2017 1:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Backdoor Roth: How Long To Wait For Conversion?
Replies: 58
Views: 40287

Re: Backdoor Roth: How Long To Wait For Conversion?

Does this change if conversion fees are involved? Fidelity is charging $15 for after-tax 401K conversion to RothIRA. So $390 in fees if doing immediately for bi-monthly paycheck, but half for each double delay (12 months - $180, 6 months $90, etc.). Unfortunately, no way to split contribution investments for asset allocation.

By the looks of it, $390 in fees would be small in terms of overall potential Roth growth, but best strategy to compare income taxes to potential after-tax gains for reduced costs?
by roamin survivor
Fri Oct 27, 2017 11:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: After-tax 401K vs Roth - Differences?
Replies: 2
Views: 734

After-tax 401K vs Roth - Differences?

So I just found out after-tax, Mega Backdoor Roth's are a completely different thing than what I thought. Looking to jump in and I can do immediate in-service distributions as well. So if I'm looking at this right, I am basically increasing my Roth IRA contribution limit, correct?

Why would the IRS/US government not simply increase the Roth IRA limit instead of these odd hoops? To get at those sweet gains if the plan does not offer in-service distributions? Or is this a trade off I'm missing? After-tax gains taxed at income before being allowed to become tax-free Roth gains vs regular capital gains in regular brokerage?
by roamin survivor
Tue Oct 17, 2017 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you buy in Asian food stores?
Replies: 98
Views: 12232

Re: What do you buy in Asian food stores?

Woman in OP was sort of right; very few vegetables in Asian cuisine is eaten raw and even then, it's as an accompaniment. However, as already mentioned, it's not too complicated to cook: usually steaming or stir-frying is the way to do it. Quality is the main issue; think of it like a farmer's market. This stuff is usually packaged straight from the field, not really as highly scrutinized as western companies. I live in a heavily Asian CA city, so prices are dirt cheap, but it's not close by so I my trips are limited. When I do it's: - Vegetables: bok choi, chinese broccoli, yardlong beans, asian mushrooms. Really good value, like several bunches for less than $2. - Soy: $1/block for tofu. Also, miso. - Rice: It's my staple and works out to...
by roamin survivor
Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bay Area Real Estate
Replies: 154
Views: 22597

Re: Bay Area Real Estate

While Stanford and Berkeley are major contributors (I have an affiliation with one of these), there are other educational institutions that have contributed over the years: UC Davis (Agg technology), UCSF (Medical advances), UC Hastings (Law), Santa Clara University (oldest operating institute in California for higher-ed). I am less familiar with other schools in the area (UC Santa Cruz, CMU Silicon Valley, Wharton west) but these too contribute. To be accurate, San Jose isn't really where it happened. It was the peninsula and south bay. That area had Stanford University, and Berkeley not too far. Galveston has a port and hurricanes... I was using Galveston as a bad example. Maybe a better one would be the new tech center being Eugene, OR ...
by roamin survivor
Wed Oct 04, 2017 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bay Area Real Estate
Replies: 154
Views: 22597

Re: Bay Area Real Estate

Similar things happened in other parts of the country - look at Manhattan. You can also see it in other countries. For example, the Tel Aviv area in Israel where prices are actually higher than in the Bay Area, and where most of Israel's techies live (Bay Area prices have quite a lot of room to grow to reach those prices). I used to think that as well via Tokyo, but there are arguments to it. A lot of the major cities of the world (London, Tokyo, NYC) had a long time to grow and become established as economic and political hearts of the country. I think land size is also a major factor, as there's no where else to go to in Israel, so Tel Aviv becomes the economic and political center. Same with Japan and Tokyo and Osaka. Same can probably ...
by roamin survivor
Wed Oct 04, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Comparing fund NAVs and returns
Replies: 7
Views: 1085

Re: Comparing fund NAVs and returns

pkcrafter wrote: Tue Oct 03, 2017 10:42 amAnother difference may be the benchmark the fund tracks. VTIAX tracks the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. If you 401k fund tracks a difference benchmark, that would also cause performance to vary a bit.
Fees were all listed in the ER, but I did find out that both 401K and Vanguard funds track the same benchmark (MSCI EAFE) for the International Index. Most of the other index fund between the two also use the same benchmarks. Does this mean comparing fund returns to the same benchmarks would be a useful tool in comparing fund performance vs fees?
by roamin survivor
Tue Oct 03, 2017 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Comparing fund NAVs and returns
Replies: 7
Views: 1085

Re: Comparing fund NAVs and returns

Thank you, looks like I'll have to dig deeper then. I did compare the fund holdings and the saw the only difference would be the top 10 holdings at different placements. Even the regional percentages were close to the same. Seems like I'll need further into prospectus with sectors as well.
by roamin survivor
Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Comparing fund NAVs and returns
Replies: 7
Views: 1085

Comparing fund NAVs and returns

I'm looking to see if my line of thinking is correct. Current;y comparing two funds, Vanguard Ttl Int Index (VTIAX) in a Roth and a 401k's own Int Index. There's a large difference in NAV price: VTIAX is x12 higher with an ER of .11 comapred to the 401k's ER of .08. What I'm thinking is that I should be comparing returns to see which fund has performed better instead of looking as getting more "units" with the lower NAV. This would be because the NAV is also dependent on total fund asset, which VTIAX is $300 billion versus a smaller 401k fund. So far, the returns between the two are within +/- 2% of each other with VTIAX performing better in the past 3 years. Since the returns already take the ER into account, what I'm thinking is...
by roamin survivor
Fri Aug 11, 2017 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tesla - next big lottery ticket ?
Replies: 179
Views: 25597

Re: Tesla - next big lottery ticket ?

The mass market simply isn't going to abandon the existing manufacturers to buy a Tesla when they can get an all electric Ford Taurus or Lexus. Right now there isn't. Selection is slim and even with manufacturers, there's no indication they're going in on this at all. The Honda Fit EV was only a trial lease of 3 years, Chevy just killed the Spark EV, many like Toyota have nothing. Sure, there are plans for 2019/20, but that's all they are right now. They aren't the leader now, Nissan is, and with VW going all electric and the other major brands following suit or significantly investing in electric it is unlikely Tesla will ever be the leader. Even if they were able to build an amazing car they lack the capability or experience to mass prod...
by roamin survivor
Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for a house around San Jose, CA
Replies: 36
Views: 6248

Re: Looking for a house around San Jose, CA

Even in 2010, dilapidated houses were going for seven figures. You aren't buying a house. You are buying the plot of land that you can build a house on. Case in point, recently sold 1930s dilapidated down the street got sold for close to a mil. Another livable house bought for $800k this year is now undergoing down-to-the-studs construction. And all this is in the Willow Glen area where I'm pretty sure the price is now averaging $1 mil. If you're intent on San Jose, $600-800k is not a terrible budget, but it does limit choices and small sizes. I do agree that commute should be a big factor, which would be why I disagree with East San Jose; they really did not plan out the area very well. South SJ I think can be fine, especially more toward...
by roamin survivor
Wed May 10, 2017 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find deals?
Replies: 9
Views: 2335

Re: How to find deals?

Sweet, thanks for the recs. Slickdeals seems like a good start, as is camel^3.

Really interesting tidbit about Citi Double Cash. I have been debating switching out my Chase Freedom for it since I don't really use it all that much any more.
by roamin survivor
Tue May 09, 2017 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find deals?
Replies: 9
Views: 2335

How to find deals?

Looking for apps/tips/processes for trying to monitor and find deals when they pop up. I'm looking for things I know I want, but have a long timeline and want to use it to be able to shop for an opportunity.

Hypothetical example: I know I will need to replace my car in 2-3 years and I know I want a manual light truck under X mileage and $Y.

Normally, I would be doing things like trolling Craigslist or eBay once a week or waiting for certain times of the year, but got too much of a list. Any sort of automated system that scans sites, circulars, etc?
by roamin survivor
Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:37 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: favorite bogleheads posts?
Replies: 118
Views: 36350

Re: favorite bogleheads posts?

For me, I have a lot of younger relatives, so this one has been helpful for giving the brats some context and financial start.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now
by roamin survivor
Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for retaining tenants?
Replies: 30
Views: 3092

Re: Best strategy for retaining tenants?

itstoomuch wrote:Our first tenant was MD & big 4-CPA couple, new to Seattle. Ideal location for them. But obviously they had the income to buy from saving $$$ in renting. We financed their purchase. :oops: :annoyed
While I'm sure rent is what the market says it is and depends if LL is profession, but is this necessarily a bad thing?

I agree that good tenants are worth their weight in gold. I'm glad I've found good tenants so far renting out month to month and at lower market rate, but I'm always glad when they move out because it means (so far) they've had a great change and taking a new step in their lives that they were able to save up for.

Also, because then I can raise (so far) the rent to the new market standard. :P
by roamin survivor
Sat Apr 15, 2017 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening 2017
Replies: 51
Views: 7950

Re: Gardening 2017

Just finished up planting Japanese cucumber seedlings and starting on corn for first attempt at the Three Sisters. Others are haricot vert and butternut squash.

Any advice for trying to do Three Sisters?
by roamin survivor
Fri Mar 24, 2017 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?
Replies: 10
Views: 1336

Re: Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?

Thanks again everyone. I am glad to hear tennis match experiences are positive. Since it was announced that week in July was off, I was looking to see if any tournaments were available. At least I won't have matches on during work.

As for the US Open, it is also on the list, but so far, it looks like only the Monday off for Labor Day weekend and PTO is being used for the July 4th shutdown. Again, thanks for the info.
by roamin survivor
Thu Mar 23, 2017 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?
Replies: 10
Views: 1336

Re: Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?

:oops: Whoops, overseas ballots are indeed closed. I only got notice of the week off on Wed, so I guess unless I wanna try to queue, this is not happening this year.

Yeah, I'm more interested in the grounds than the stadiums. I like a lot of the lower and non-seeded players, but I punish myself enough in being a French player fan.
by roamin survivor
Thu Mar 23, 2017 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?
Replies: 10
Views: 1336

Wimbledon 2017 - Experiences?

July 4, 2017 lies on a weekday and as a result, US company shutdown for the week. This also the week Wimbledon starts. A fan of tennis, but I've never been to a major tennis match. Looking to see if this is a good opportunity, especially to catch the Williams and Fedal before they retire. However, also have anxiety with spending money. Thinking trip would be at least $3K for everything; took trip to Beijing two years ago for that price and felt really guilty about it even though first time and trip went fine. Also bugged at how everything will be more expensive due to event and holiday and won't be able to stay longer for rest of the Isles. I also have lots of future goals: replacement electric car in next few years, landscape renovation, t...
by roamin survivor
Mon Feb 06, 2017 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Replacement Strategy
Replies: 8
Views: 2008

Car Replacement Strategy

Looking to get feedback/confirmation about plan on replacing a car. I have a 2003 Honda Civic LX at 187,500 mi and a repair (~$1000) has come up to the same value as the car. The timing and driving belts were starting to make noise and need to be replaced, so it's not a structural issue. I was planning to save and start the replacement search process at the end of 2017/2018 once it reached around 200K mi. I already have $10K saved up going towards the replacement which I was hoping for an electric car. Even though the repair is the same value as the car, I should still go forward with the repair since it + maintenance would be amortized at ~$100/month for a year. This is cheaper than buying a new(ish) car and will give me time to do a bette...
by roamin survivor
Wed Apr 27, 2016 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BH Way of Landscaping?
Replies: 42
Views: 6362

Re: BH Way of Landscaping?

One of the things I'm doing/done this year is attempting to grow from seed. Successful so far with harvested beans from last season and I'm going to attempt some natives with seeds I harvested and whenever they go to seed. Hope to eventually fill part of yard with native grasses that will have come from just two plants.
by roamin survivor
Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth 401K Contribution Confirmation
Replies: 2
Views: 527

Roth 401K Contribution Confirmation

I just started a Roth 401K and wanted to get confirmation on how it works. I elected to contribute 50% and was told it is taken from the gross pay. The taxes are also applied to the gross pay value as well. I wanted to confirm that Roth 401K contributions are done based in gross pay and not net pay.
by roamin survivor
Mon Nov 09, 2015 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Covered CA [HSA-eligible plan] Info
Replies: 0
Views: 669

Covered CA [HSA-eligible plan] Info

Does anyone here have any experience/review with the HSA offered through CoveredCA? They are all through Blue Shield, Anthem, and Kaiser Permanente, but I cannot find a whole lot of info (basically, fund list) besides fee structure. I think KP does theirs through Wells Fargo, but no confirmation on that. Also, any particular reason why they are all bronze level?

Granted, if any investment is done in a HSA, it'd be at a very conservative level. I am leaning towards Stanford Federal Credit Union's HSA which is a savings account, but wanted to see if there are any other options out there.
by roamin survivor
Tue Sep 29, 2015 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity 2% Amex: Security Annoyances
Replies: 92
Views: 13866

Re: Fidelity 2% Amex: Security Annoyances

Yes, it's just excessive fraud loss prevention. I just had my first decline a few weeks ago, called the next day, and was explained the fraud declination. Apparently for me, it was trying to use the card at the pharmacy. The charge was pretty large, several hundred dollars, and apparently, there have been fraud issues with people buying expensive medication.

I was lucky to have another card on me, but I will agree they are taking it pretty far. No idea if chip/pin will help these issues, but I'm still content with the card, using it whenever I can. Probably piss off a lot of retailers as well with my low value purchases.
by roamin survivor
Wed Sep 16, 2015 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Familial Personal Loan Contract
Replies: 5
Views: 993

Re: Familial Personal Loan Contract

I have looked online at various forms, but got overwhelmed at all the differences among the forms. Also, most I found concerned only money and paying it back, nothing about terms when the loan is paid off, in this case, removal of name.

However, I do thank everyone for pointing me in the right direction. It looks like I was searching in the wrong terms and areas. A promissory note definitely looks like a good starting point to research further into and will look into having a real estate attorney involved. And of course, I will be talking with my mother about all this, getting her involved, and discussing on moving forward.
by roamin survivor
Wed Sep 16, 2015 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Familial Personal Loan Contract
Replies: 5
Views: 993

Familial Personal Loan Contract

I’ll get to the point. My mother and I are both on the deed to my house as she helped with the down payment and remodeling. I would like to start paying her back with interest in order to get her off the deed. While we have a good relationship, even financially, I would like to come up with a legal contract for this. All I can think of is: - Loan amount, interest, payback rate, length, etc. - Removal when loan is paid off - Signatures, witnesses, etc. Yes, I know never to get into financial things with family, but this is the situation. As for selling the house, paying off loans, and splitting the profits, this was the original idea, but a lot of things changed to where staying put is the best thing for some time. Would this be a good start...
by roamin survivor
Thu Feb 19, 2015 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: where to put excess cash
Replies: 18
Views: 4674

Re: where to put excess cash

Sheepdog wrote:Thoughts: Traditional balanced and TR funds could cause you to pay more taxes in a taxable account. The Vanguard tax managed balanced fund, however, may fit your needs. I Bonds would give you some inflation protection and would give you more tax deferment. Muni funds might fit your needs, at least part.
Can someone explain why Balanced and TR funds could cause to pay more taxes? I do see the tax loss harvesting advantage with splitting the asset allocation.
by roamin survivor
Fri Jan 30, 2015 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugality regret: What thing do you regret not spending on?
Replies: 208
Views: 51963

Re: Frugality regret: What thing do you regret not spending

As many others have said there needs to be balance. I can look back and see that I was saving for the sake of saving with no other purpose. I managed to save between 40 and 50% of my take home and in my late 30's I had enough retirement savings for more years that I would ever see. From the time of my college graduation I had a budget and I stuck to it, no deviation permitted. In 2005 there were two events that made me see my life was out of balance: For their 50th anniversary my parents bought tickets for my family (them, my two sisters, and me) to go on a cruise to Alaska. I didn't go because I did not want to tip the ship staff and so I missed the last vacation my family took together. My one vice has been baseball. After college I neve...
by roamin survivor
Wed Jan 07, 2015 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0.5% Refi Worthwhile?
Replies: 17
Views: 2404

Re: 0.5% Refi Worthwhile?

It's Fremont Bank. I've done the last refi with them and again, I need to go home tonight to review the last refi paperwork to confirm on all the costs. Again, I believe the "no-closing cost" is that the fees and extra stuff is rolled into loan and then credited to the loan. Only out-of-pocket would be application fees, but again, need to review the paperwork tonight and confirm.
by roamin survivor
Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0.5% Refi Worthwhile?
Replies: 17
Views: 2404

Re: 0.5% Refi Worthwhile?

I did look at the 15-yr @ 3.25% which totaled out to about what I pay currently. Less total interest paid but, I figured going with a 30-yr, pay it off in 15 would allow more flexibility. I'm in good financial standing: 12 month EF, retirement first, etc. Job security is not as secure as I'd like it to be, but I have tenants/roommates that pay the mortgage anyways. I need to go back to the last refi and make sure it was a true no-cost; I think it sort of is in that the extra costs are rolled into the loan, but then refunded immediately. Probably to eek out a slightly higher interest total. As for the restarting the loan, I meant it more on how my payments would again consist mostly of interest payments. At least with my current situation, m...
by roamin survivor
Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0.5% Refi Worthwhile?
Replies: 17
Views: 2404

0.5% Refi Worthwhile?

I’d like to bounce a refinance possibility to everyone here. I currently have a 30-yr, $240K mortgage @ 4.375% (which is ~1200/month) that I’ve been paying for a little over a year. I pay extra principal and currently am slated to pay it off in 15 years if I keep it up this way. I’ve found that the rate for a 30-yr is now @ 3.875%. My current outstanding principal is $230K and taking a 30-yr, $230K @ 3.875% results in ~$110 less per month. However, I would still pay the same amount in extra principal and end up with ~$25K in interest savings and pay off the mortgage 8 months earlier. Finally, the refinance would be a no-closing cost refi. At first blush, since it’s only been a year, refi seems like the option since it’s a thing to keep expe...
by roamin survivor
Tue Jan 06, 2015 9:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is "stay the course" a commandment or a suggestion?
Replies: 60
Views: 6702

Re: Is "stay the course" a commandment or a suggestion?

Suggestion. Kind of like a financial equivalent to having "DON'T PANIC" in large, friendly letters.

Preferably on the cover of a common sense investing book that has outsold The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing because it is slightly cheaper.
by roamin survivor
Fri Jan 02, 2015 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I contributing too much to retirement?
Replies: 28
Views: 6138

Re: Am I contributing too much to retirement?

Another lifelong Bay Area resident chiming in. First off, some clarification: is the $52K from the first 6 months or projected annual? I'm assuming annual since that was about what I made 8 years ago when I first started working, but seeing as some previous young tenants made 6-figures right out, just making sure. As for housing, it is extremely difficult and insane. While I am a homeowner, I recognize the amount of work and privilege I had in getting to where I am: cheap rent/expenses with family, Great Recession, former drughouse, new home construction, family loans, landlording, etc. And this is in the South Bay. I've seen the insanity that is SF and even with 6-figures, the outlook feels crazy. At this point and time, if you feel you re...
by roamin survivor
Thu Dec 18, 2014 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replacement Car Savings
Replies: 11
Views: 2181

Re: Replacement Car Savings

The car is a 2003 Honda Civic. I'm sure it could go past 200K miles, but at that point, I would also be antsy of it failing out of the blue. While I do have funds that can float me for some time, I like to make a decision without any pressures if possible. Thanks for reminding me about the commuter benefits. I'm checking to see if I'm eligible, and if so, helps reduce the number a tad, but not into positive territory. Right now, my current choice is to drive it and save until I can replace it, but I'm just waffling on the replacement due to the extreme costs. For example, my low end choice would be a Honda Fit which I can find right now for about $7K with the high end being an electric, preferably Tesla Model 3 which is estimated to be $40K...
by roamin survivor
Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: myRA is now open
Replies: 37
Views: 6236

Re: myRA up and running, but worth it?

Yes, it sounds like this product isn't suited for you and I think that's the point. I see it as a savings vehicle for low-income groups that cannot save much. Yes, it's an IRA, but the main difference is the investment products. Most funds have a high threshold in order to invest in the fund, usually around $3K minimum. While lower income groups would be saving, it would take quite a bit of time to save up that much as well as not touch the savings for emergency purposes, which may be difficult considering what they constitute as an emergency as well as the low savings rate. Granted, I would say go with STAR at Vanguard for $1K as a start, but I see little need for Bogleheads to have a myRA.
by roamin survivor
Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replacement Car Savings
Replies: 11
Views: 2181

Replacement Car Savings

Not the greatest time to be thinking this with gas prices so low, but want to chart a course of action. I also think I know the answer, but wanted some feedback. I feel that my current car (@ 170K mi.) has about 1-2 years of good performance on it left, before I start getting sketchy about it. I’ve already started savings for its eventual replacement, which is TBD depending on the future landscape, mainly if Model 3 will be priced for the “masses”. Anyways, I was thinking of switching over to public transportation for my work needs and reduce the driving down to very low levels, thereby extending the life of the car. Only thing is I spend less on gas/maintenance/insurance by ~$100 a month over public transportation. Time isn’t too much of a...