Search found 156 matches

by iceman99
Mon Jul 26, 2021 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Really how many times your annual spending?
Replies: 110
Views: 15235

Re: Really how many times your annual spending?

Are people using “after-tax” savings, tax-deferred or both for this calculation?

25x annual expenses would require more $ if the majority of my savings were locked in a tax-deferred 401K versus a Roth for example…
by iceman99
Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265257

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Seeing all the great rates in this thread are making me jealous :happy

Five years in, I just refinanced existing mortgage ($1.2M+) from a 3.625% 30-yr fixed to a 2.625% 15-yr fixed...
by iceman99
Sun May 17, 2020 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual citizen, USA passport expiring, how to travel internationally
Replies: 72
Views: 5951

Re: Dual citizen, USA passport expiring, how to travel internationally

Leaving the US is not an issue. Coming back will be painful without a valid passport. He can try getting an emergency passport via a US consulate while abroad but having gone through that myself, it is very stressful and there are no guarantees he will be able to get through. Hours are short, lines are very long, and it is very hard to find someone to speak to in general.

I would try getting an emergency one while in the US if possible. August is still 2-3 months away so there is a chance. Otherwise, I wouldn't risk it.
by iceman99
Sun May 10, 2020 10:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Strategy for paying down mortgage
Replies: 22
Views: 2238

Re: Strategy for paying down mortgage

Maybe I’m misunderstanding the advantage of paying down a mortgage early. Whether I keep paying off principal over 10 years or I accumulate the money in a separate account and pay off the mortgage in a lump sum, shouldn’t the interest paid for the duration of the loan the same?

Isn’t it therefore a better idea to put those extra payments in a separate account so it can accumulate some modest interest as I reach my goal of paying off the house in 10 years’ time? Once that amount in the account reaches the loan balance, I would pay it off in full.

I understand I can refinance but the jumbo rates were not that good last time I checked. Also, stuff happens and I may prefer to have some flexibility in my plan.
by iceman99
Sun May 10, 2020 4:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Strategy for paying down mortgage
Replies: 22
Views: 2238

Re: Strategy for paying down mortgage

I guess the real question is whether there is an advantage of choosing option A versus B. I have been doing A but wonder if B presents any disadvantages. B seems to provide you additional flexibility in the event of a financial hardship.

If people feel this specific question has been covered before, I would welcome a link to the thread.

Thanks again!
by iceman99
Sun May 10, 2020 3:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Strategy for paying down mortgage
Replies: 22
Views: 2238

Strategy for paying down mortgage

Say I have a $1M mortgage with a fixed rate of 3.625% (25 years remaining in a 30 year term). If I want to pay this off in the next ten years, is it better to:

A) simply add extra payments to the principal directly to the bank/lender or

B) forward that money somewhere else (savings account) and once I accumulate enough, pay off the mortgage in a lump sum?

Apologies if this seems like a basic question. Thanks!
by iceman99
Sat Oct 26, 2019 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Flagship clients no longer have a personal rep
Replies: 48
Views: 6332

Re: Flagship clients no longer have a personal rep

Is it bad that I have never called to ask to speak with a representative?

What do people here call for? Trying to decide on a fund? Make a transaction by phone? Annual portfolio review?

Just curious...
by iceman99
Sun Nov 04, 2018 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Time to splurge. MB E class, BMW 5 or Audi 6?
Replies: 70
Views: 7925

Re: Time to splurge. MB E class, BMW 5 or Audi 6?

I own a 2017 E400 wagon. Great car.

I recommend you test drive the cars you are interested in at night as well. Can't speak for the other brands but the MB has apple CarPlay which I use 100% of the time while I drive (Navigation, messaging, Prime music, etc). Easiest interface IMO.
by iceman99
Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus vs. Mercedes
Replies: 86
Views: 11438

Re: Lexus vs. Mercedes

I looked at those cars as well as different crossovers and was going to purchase a low-mileage 2016 MB E class.

I ended up buying a new 2017 E class wagon (new body style) for $5000 more than the 2016 (old body style) which had 15,000 miles.

It is glorious.

Buy what you want - I don't think you can make a bad decision between those 2 cars.
by iceman99
Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in taxable vs mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 2313

Re: Investing in taxable vs mortgage

401K VWENX $675,000 – Invest approximately $43,000/year (my contributions + employer profit sharing) SEP-IRA VAIPX $241,000 – Invest approximately $18,000-20,000/year Traditional IRA VEMAX $19,000 – Currently invest $0/year (no tax benefits) VBTLX $15,000 – Currently invest $0/year (no tax benefits) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN VTTVX $735,000 - Invest $120,000/year Who owns each of the above four accounts? Will the 401k and DCP allow incoming IRA rollovers? If the SEP IRA is from self-employment are there employees or can a solo 401k be substituted? I own all these accounts. I’m not sure if the 401K or deferred comp will allow rollovers. The SEP IRA is from self employment - no employees currently but my accountant has alluded that this shou...
by iceman99
Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in taxable vs mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 2313

Re: Investing in taxable vs mortgage

Goal33 wrote: Fri Aug 31, 2018 2:10 pm What is the rental property worth and what is the cost basis?
Paid $300K at the time. Fixed it up for $25-30K. Zillow estimate is $400K. Rent is $2000/mo (covers $1700 mortgage + $300 condo fees). Rationale for buying this at the time was an alternative for paying for my kids’ higher education. By the time the mortgage was paid for, my oldest would be starting college.
by iceman99
Fri Aug 31, 2018 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in taxable vs mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 2313

Re: Investing in taxable vs mortgage

As mentioned I’m avoiding the Backdoor option given the SEP-IRA’s.

With respect to paying the mortgage down to < $1M, would people favor recasting the mortgage? Is it worth cashing in part of taxable and paying taxes on that? I would not feel comfortable putting all my cash into the mortgage.
by iceman99
Fri Aug 31, 2018 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing in taxable vs mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 2313

Investing in taxable vs mortgage

Hi everyone, I have been a member of this forum for approximately 7 years and have learned a lot. Purchased a home 3 years ago for 2.2M with 20% down that I had saved up. Sold my prior home and recovered $500,000 from the proceeds of that sale. Although I had planned on applying that $ into the current home, I left most of it in a savings account. Not sure why but it is what it is... Here is my financial picture 45-year old salaried physician (Finished residency/fellowship by age 34) Annual income – His: $650,000-750,000/yr Hers: $40,000/yr Tax-filing status = married with 3 young kids Net worth including home equity (based on purchase price): approximately $4M I try to allocate our income in thirds: One third for taxes, one third for long-...
by iceman99
Tue Sep 19, 2017 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Name something you had to have and now you regret purchasing it?
Replies: 505
Views: 80035

Re: Name something you had to have and now you regret purchasing it?

StoneyJB wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2017 3:25 pm Classic Mercedes 300E... Great Ride, Wife Loved it but Maintenance costs KILLED me...
I own a 1989 300TE. I put in about $1000 of maintenance per year (independent mechanic). Great car.
by iceman99
Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Struggling with Justifying an Expensive Car Purchase
Replies: 120
Views: 12824

Re: Struggling with Justifying an Expensive Car Purchase

I'll take a stab at the $70K SUV and go with Lexus GX460. For the $35K SUV, I'll pick Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.

Although everyone here seems to be focusing on your financial situation, I'm a car guy and have kids and I would pick the Highlander (or Honda Pilot). With the $ you save, buy a real sports car such as a Miata, S2000, Mustang, etc

My 2 cents...

Please tell us what you decide and congrats on your success! You are way ahead of most people at 34.
by iceman99
Wed Dec 28, 2016 1:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At what age, income, and NW would you buy a $50k car?
Replies: 174
Views: 18631

Re: At what age, income, and NW would you buy a $50k car?

I just hope OP delivers and posts a pic of his new ride.

I was in his situation with similar income but with NW at about $1M and we purchased a then-new 2012 Highlander Hybrid that was $50,000 (after taxes). We test drove several cheaper cars but felt that this vehicle met our needs. I paid cash. Ultimately, this was money well spent for our growing family.

Almost 5 years later, we couldn't be happier.
by iceman99
Sat May 14, 2016 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Intelligent Investor
Replies: 14
Views: 3393

Re: The Intelligent Investor

I almost purchased it yesterday for $13.99. Glad I didn't...
by iceman99
Sat May 14, 2016 2:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physician Retirement Savings
Replies: 464
Views: 109701

Re: Physician Retirement Savings

Very eye opening to me how many MDs are trying to retire earlier than most (50ish). I'd love to hear from MDs who retired early what was the incentive. The hours? The call?
by iceman99
Tue Apr 12, 2016 11:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Offer
Replies: 18
Views: 2429

Re: Refinance Offer

Minor ding to your credit score, assuming they do a credit check.

Having said that, I did the exact refinance (and my loan was sent to Chase both times!).
by iceman99
Sun Mar 20, 2016 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving to an expensive new home - mortgage paydown question
Replies: 9
Views: 2360

Re: Moving to an expensive new home - mortgage paydown question

As a follow-up to my OP, the house in question is finally in the process of selling (closing this week) and I should net about $525,000. My overall status has not changed. Only thing is we are expecting baby #3 this fall so may need to do a few renovations in the house. May include finishing the attic and renovating the kitchen which could cost $150,000-200,000. There is about $1,770,000 left to pay on the new home. Currently paying about $8,100 monthly in a 30-year fixed mortgage at 3.625%. Total projected interest to be paid: $1,135,959. I have inquired about the possibility of refinancing into a 15-year while paying down the principal. If I pay off the mortgage to $1,400,000, my 15-year rate would be at 3.125%. Monthly payment would be $...
by iceman99
Sun Oct 11, 2015 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice on priorities in allocating a $300k lump sum
Replies: 9
Views: 1172

Re: Need advice on priorities in allocating a $300k lump sum

If you choose to put money down into mortgage, may be an opportunity to refinance.
by iceman99
Wed Apr 29, 2015 11:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help re Car [convertible]
Replies: 43
Views: 6179

Re: Help re Car [convertible]

Sally wrote:Okay....first, I am DUMB when it comes to cars...but, I have decided that since I now live in paradise, I would like a convertible--reliable, reliable, easy maintenance convertible....at a reasonable price. Any ideas where to start--???? What make, model or any other suggestions would be wonderful....

I currently have a Honda Element (yes, I picked it out and am not sorry--I have been offered more than I paid for it and may still keep it b/c it is so functional but) I think I want a fun car too--yes, I am getting old, so why not????
Another vote for the S2000 if you're OK with a manual transmission. It will hold its value better than any of your other options.

I'd like to know where "paradise" is...
by iceman99
Sun Apr 12, 2015 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving to an expensive new home - mortgage paydown question
Replies: 9
Views: 2360

Moving to an expensive new home - mortgage paydown question

Hi everyone, I have been a member of this forum for approximately 4 years and have learned a lot. Just purchased a home for 2.2M with 20% down that I had saved up. I am in the process of selling my existing home where I hope to receive between $500,000-$600,000 after freeing up the equity tied to it. Here is my financial picture 42-year old salaried physician (Finished residency/fellowship by age 34) Annual income – His: $650,000-750,000/yr Hers: $60,000/yr Tax-filing status = married with two young kids Debt = 1. Mortgage = New home: $1.788M at 4.0% (30-year-fixed) - already in the process of refinancing to 3.75% Current home (going on sale): $542,000 left to pay at 3.75% (15-year) - home worth about 1.2-1.3M based on comps 2. Credit card ...
by iceman99
Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental rate of return
Replies: 17
Views: 2167

Re: Rental rate of return

strafe wrote: If you manage the property yourself, you need to account for your time as a management expense. It's not appropriate to factor in your labor in the rate of return.
Not to threadjack, but how do you do this? How do you quantify your time spent?
by iceman99
Wed Sep 10, 2014 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with dealer finding the exact car you want?
Replies: 26
Views: 2961

Re: Experience with dealer finding the exact car you want?

mfswatz9 wrote:Mazda mx-5 Miata with power-retractable top...in red with auto transmission...
With the upcoming new generation recently introduced, I would think you should have some leverage. Also, why not used? Any other color you would be amenable to?
by iceman99
Wed Sep 10, 2014 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with dealer finding the exact car you want?
Replies: 26
Views: 2961

Re: Experience with dealer finding the exact car you want?

Busting Myths wrote:
mfswatz9 wrote:I am toying with buying a new car. The model I want is an automatic and the only ones within 100 or more miles all have manual shift. If I have the dealer find the one I like, would I have any wiggle room on the price? Just wondering what other people's experience has been....
Which car?
+1
So rare these days to have difficulty finding an automatic over a manual. It's usually the reverse!
by iceman99
Sat Aug 16, 2014 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Roth questions from an MD

retiredjg wrote:
iceman99 wrote:I think I'm leaning towards staying as I am with my investment strategy.
I hope this doesn't mean you aren't going to use the back door contribution to Roth IRA, at least for your spouse.
I am going to do the backdoor Roth for my spouse. (It doesn't trigger a tax event for my SEP-IRA, correct?)
by iceman99
Sat Aug 16, 2014 1:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Roth questions from an MD

I think I'm leaning towards staying as I am with my investment strategy.

I can't imagine having an annual income > $450,000 in retirement unless I work like this until I'm 70! I always planned for something in the $200K range (gross) which roughly meant getting to $5-6M. Achievable in 10-15 years, I think, assuming income stays the same and my spending habits don't change too much.

Haven't even factored in Social Security...
by iceman99
Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Roth questions from an MD

Hi everyone, I have been a member of this forum for approximately 4 years and have learned a lot. A nagging question I ask myself is whether a Roth 401K and/or backdoor Roth is/are appropriate for my situation. Here is my financial picture 41-year old salaried physician (Finished residency/fellowship by age 34) Annual income – His: $600,000-750,000/yr Hers: $60,000/yr Tax-filing status = married (with one 2-year old and one on the way) Emergency funds/short term savings = $400,000 parked in an Ally bank account for possible downpayment on future house/other large expenses. Debt = 1. Line of credit = $1,500 at 3.00% 2. Mortgage = $570,000 at 3.75% (15-year fixed with 10 years remaining). Home is worth probably about $1.1M 3. Credit card deb...
by iceman99
Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Roth questions from an MD

Would investing into a Roth 401K (instead of the “regular” 401K) be a better idea at these tax rates? I cannot imagine any circumstance where Roth 401k would be a good idea for you. The whole idea behind deferral of taxes is to put taxes off until a time when you will be in a lower tax bracket. It seems to me that you will be very wealthy in retirement, but I can't imagine that you will still be in the 39.6% tax bracket. In fact, if you do things right, you could be in a very low tax bracket. What I don't know is if you lose some of the benefit of deferring taxes because of the Alternative Minimum Tax (something I know almost nothing about). Nevertheless, I still can't imagine that Roth 401k would be good for you. Should my wife and I cons...
by iceman99
Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Roth questions from an MD

Aren't you above the limits if you combine the SEP-IRA and 401k totals? I always contributed to an IRA even if it was not deductible. The question regarding a Roth contribution vs. traditional IRA is what will be your tax bracket in the future. If you expect to have a long career then it is likely your tax bracket will not go down unless you move to a state with lower income tax rates. Your wife's tax rate will go up in retirement if you pre-decease her. If you make back door conversions yearly, the taxes will be based on your total in IRAs. Maybe your 401k plan will allow transfers of your traditional IRAs into it. I have never believed in keeping a lot in cash. Your $400,000 is earning nothing for you. When Vanguard looked at my assets t...
by iceman99
Wed Aug 13, 2014 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth questions from an MD
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Roth questions from an MD

Hi everyone, I have been a member of this forum for approximately 4 years and have learned a lot. A nagging question I ask myself is whether a Roth 401K and/or backdoor Roth is/are appropriate for my situation. Here is my financial picture 41-year old salaried physician (Finished residency/fellowship by age 34) Annual income – His: $600,000-750,000/yr Hers: $60,000/yr Tax-filing status = married (with one 2-year old and one on the way) Emergency funds/short term savings = $400,000 parked in an Ally bank account for possible downpayment on future house/other large expenses. Debt = 1. Line of credit = $1,500 at 3.00% 2. Mortgage = $570,000 at 3.75% (15-year fixed with 10 years remaining). Home is worth probably about $1.1M 3. Credit card debt...
by iceman99
Fri Jul 11, 2014 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High end purses
Replies: 119
Views: 20539

Re: High end purses

This thread will rapidly go the way of those such as discussions about $5,000 watches. The bottom line from other threads, about not saving everything and enjoying life too, is probably along the lines of: -- can you/she afford something expensive? -- will she enjoy it for a long time? -- do you have emergency & retirement planning well funded, or on track? ... etc. The point of planning carefully for current and future expenses isn't supposed to be to deny oneself all pleasures, or even all expensive pleasures. And don't let others decide what gives *you* or your wife pleasure. Or whether you can "afford" it. For some people the $300-500 range is wildly expensive. For others, barely a minimum. If you/she do go this route, I'...
by iceman99
Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Luxury and Happiness
Replies: 141
Views: 15932

Re: Poll: Luxury and Happiness

richard wrote:Is a DSLR a luxury item compared to a point and shoot or is it a better tool for taking photos?
I vote a luxury as I use mine for about 10% of my pictures. (The rest are with my smartphone or P & S camera)
by iceman99
Wed Jun 04, 2014 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Luxury and Happiness
Replies: 141
Views: 15932

Re: Poll: Luxury and Happiness

Never knew $5 beer was a luxury...

:sharebeer

I've bought some luxury items in the past. An Omega watch (needed to be repaired twice in the past 4 years). A Louis Vuitton briefcase that I bought on St-Germain des Pres in Paris. It made a nice memento of a beautiful trip with my wife and was much cheaper than buying it in the US. Used it regularly but it too needed repair (twice!) in the past 3 years...

I still wear the Omega because I love having a mechanical watch

I've been more careful of what I put in the LV bag, however.
by iceman99
Wed Jun 04, 2014 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hernia Surgery
Replies: 15
Views: 1979

Re: Hernia Surgery

Is it the general anesthetic that is bothering you? I have had general anesthesia for a procedure and it went fine.

Why do you think all these general surgeons want to use mesh in their repairs?

Why do you believe non-mesh repair is superior?
by iceman99
Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did your portfolio hit $1M?
Replies: 33
Views: 6660

Re: At what age did your portfolio hit $1M?

The Wizard wrote:
sscritic wrote:Before or after the divorce? Two eggs make a bigger omelette than just one.
Yeah, this.
Hit it once before and another time afterwards.
It's an amusing waypoint enroute to The Goal.
I resisted the urge to run out and buy a Cadillac...
Buying a new car is an urge I constantly fight...

I made it to the "2 comma club" last week but realize that it's very much artificial since some of those funds are in tax-advantaged accounts and dependent on the markets.
by iceman99
Sat Dec 14, 2013 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What percentage of your income are you saving?
Replies: 208
Views: 26374

Re: What percentage of your income are you saving?

I honestly have no idea what my exact percentage is (likely 20-30% gross). I am 40, married with a young child.

I work hard and try to earn as much as I can (paid based on productivity). With my after-tax income, I spend wisely.
The rest goes into either into short-term savings/emergency fund or long-term investing.

I think many people feel they'll live until they're 100 and are afraid of outliving their assets. I almost feel somewhat contrarian to this. I see people around me dying at younger than expected ages and feel I want to live many experiences before I pass on.

I also want to own a 911 at some point but that's another story!
by iceman99
Sat Nov 16, 2013 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self-Indulgence
Replies: 52
Views: 6413

Re: Self-Indulgence

Always drooled over nice cars throughout my life. I can afford it now but just can't get myself to spend the money on a depreciating asset. As a physician with 20 years or so left in my working years I don't know how all the changes in healthcare will affect my profession so I hesitate to make "big" purchases.
by iceman99
Thu Aug 01, 2013 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help with picking a mid-size luxury sedan
Replies: 28
Views: 3934

Re: Help with picking a mid-size luxury sedan

Avalon is a nice ride
by iceman99
Fri Jul 19, 2013 4:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How and when did you do it - to get to 1 Million
Replies: 129
Views: 31285

Re: How and when did you do it - to get to 1 Million

steve roy wrote:I think it's simple and ... fairly boring.
Pretty much sums it up.

Make money
Save more than you spend
Pick an AA you're comfortable with
Stick with the plan during ups and downs
by iceman99
Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Highlander Hybrid
Replies: 7
Views: 1334

Re: Highlander Hybrid

Own a 2012 Highlander Hybrid. Great ride. Somewhat expensive when you compare it to a base nonhybrid model but it has more amenities and the mileage is decent. 25-27 mpg is about right although that will decrease if you live near hills.

No problems to report.

I'm not sure if you're buying new or not but next generation is just around the corner if you care.
by iceman99
Wed Apr 24, 2013 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 93
Views: 13575

Re: [physician wants to explore career options]

I don't think I could leave medicine entirely.

As another poster has mentioned I too am thinking about diversifying my practice by becoming more involved in research and teaching with the residents.

Physician burnout is a reality that people don't fully appreciate given the relatively higher salaries we make.

OP, maybe you should consider taking a sabbatical.
by iceman99
Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spouse wants to purchase a bicycle for 5000.
Replies: 129
Views: 12602

Re: Spouse wants to purchase a bicycle for 5000.

EmergDoc wrote:Does it come with a watch?





Let her get the bike.

or him?
by iceman99
Sat Mar 30, 2013 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: can i buy my sportscar?
Replies: 129
Views: 15151

Re: can i buy my sportscar?

Good for you -- buy the car -- enjoy -- sometimes amazed at my fellow boeglehead's inability to spend money. I understand this board, frugality is a good thing, and has served me well. I read the millionaire next door when it came out. Came on to it by chance, but after reading it, it gave me a perspective on things. I think it helped me stay frugal, but still enjoy life to some degree. However, lost in all of it, is the idea that you can't do much with a lot of money except pass it on to heirs. I certainly want to pass money on to my kids, but once in a while, there is no real direction to splurge. Frugality I think has been very important for us. We still use coupons, and my wife buys clothes at target, not at the expensive mall. We stil...
by iceman99
Sat Mar 23, 2013 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Midlife Crisis
Replies: 109
Views: 16305

Re: Midlife Crisis

If I were to buy a new "midlife crisis" car (Porsche or other make) I would put it to good use and go on a road trip. I enjoy watching shows like "Diners, Drive-in's, and drives" or the Food Paradise series on Travel Channel. Would make a good excuse to check out these featured restaurants and visit some cool cities.
by iceman99
Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I hit my number today.
Replies: 74
Views: 10286

Re: I hit my number today.

How does one determine one's number? Is it a multiple of one's annual income?

I really just try to save as much as I can of what I earn and live below my means.

It's an honest questions for people on this forum. When do you know you have "enough" in your portfolio?
by iceman99
Fri Feb 15, 2013 10:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The end of an investing era (Market Watch article)
Replies: 13
Views: 2850

Re: The end of an investing era (Market Watch article)

I don't see the enjoyment in investing either. It's a means to one end: making money. Although the end result (growth of your portfolio) may produce enjoyment, the process (especially the "Boglehead mentality" of investing) is implicitly boring.

But then, I'm an adopter of one of the Lazy Portfolio's so there's little excitement going on on my computer screen.
by iceman99
Thu Feb 14, 2013 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sienna 2013 AWD. MSRP $33,700.
Replies: 22
Views: 4014

Re: Sienna 2013 AWD. MSRP $33,700.

Another vote for the Highlander Hybrid. Although, when optioned out can push the MSRP close to $50K.