Search found 120 matches
- Thu Feb 21, 2013 11:56 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Where were you financially in your late twenties?
- Replies: 191
- Views: 20700
Re: Where were you financially in your late twenties?
Let me start by saying that I really enjoyed my twenties. REALLY enjoyed them. So by the time my late twenties rolled around I decided to get serious about my future. The bad is: I had student loans, credit card debt, and lived in an apartment. A couple of market crashes had wrecked my savings as well. The good is: I had a really good golf game, traveled whenever I wanted to, and wasn't tied down to a schedule. By the time I turned 30, I paid off all my credit card debt and bought a house. Fast forward to my mid thirties and I have no debt, outside the mortgage, a six figure investment account, and a beautiful family. All of this as a college dropout and a salary that never was north of $60k. Now I'm turning my focus to getting more aggress...
- Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Where do you splurge?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3700
Re: Where do you splurge?
I chose other. BBQ'ing and expensive beer is where my money has been going lately.
Luckily, I've discovered at a young enough age that it's not about where I'm doing things, but whom I'm with. I take great joy in firing up my Big Green Egg and smoking some food for family and friends. Having some adult beverages and just enjoying being together.
Being around all the time with my kids and watching them grow up. Growing old with my wife. And last but not least, listening to Duane Allman and Jerry Garcia talk to me through the strings of their guitar. I'm a simple man.
Luckily, I've discovered at a young enough age that it's not about where I'm doing things, but whom I'm with. I take great joy in firing up my Big Green Egg and smoking some food for family and friends. Having some adult beverages and just enjoying being together.
Being around all the time with my kids and watching them grow up. Growing old with my wife. And last but not least, listening to Duane Allman and Jerry Garcia talk to me through the strings of their guitar. I'm a simple man.
- Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Myth avg. AmerICAN 8k IN CREDit card debt?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2157
Re: Myth avg. AmerICAN 8k IN CREDit card debt?
I personally know a few people that have what I would consider too much credit card debt. I think our views are all skewed being in this online community of like minded individuals.
I think we all would be floored if we had figures on what the average adult between the ages of 25-35 was still carrying in student loans!
I think we all would be floored if we had figures on what the average adult between the ages of 25-35 was still carrying in student loans!
- Thu Feb 16, 2012 1:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Large Cash Position - Not Sure When Needed
- Replies: 20
- Views: 1419
Re: Large Cash Position - Not Sure When Needed
Do you have a predetermined sale price? Or is it market price at time of sale? That would influence what I did with the money as well.
- Thu Jan 12, 2012 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3992
Re: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!
Thirded. And OP, you're in Minnesota, grab yourself some of that fine Surly Brewing beer! I could drink Surly Furious every day!mclvngr wrote:I couldn't agree more! I've tried poor and I've tried rich. I like rich!bmelikia wrote:I am not a "Boglehead" so that I can be cheap on beer and the things that I enjoy. . .
. . .I choose to be a "Boglehead" because I require good beer and to take part in the things that I enjoy that require money. . .and as a result I must invest appropriately!
- Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Redneck Beach House
- Replies: 14
- Views: 3496
- Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:42 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help me decide if I should buy a house as an investment
- Replies: 36
- Views: 3683
I think there are real estate investments to be made on the lower end of the housing value scale.
My BIL just bought a 1500 sq ft. bi level that was foreclosed on for $37,000. He's able to do most of the work himself to get it in "move in" shape. At these levels, you can rent it out cheaper than what prevailing rents are for most apartments. I think the more expensive, larger you go with the house, the more risk you take on the investment because you're counting on overall housing prices to increase. But buying a house for no more than what a nice sedan goes for and being able to rent it out for 2x or 3x the mortgage payment can make sense in certain situations.
My BIL just bought a 1500 sq ft. bi level that was foreclosed on for $37,000. He's able to do most of the work himself to get it in "move in" shape. At these levels, you can rent it out cheaper than what prevailing rents are for most apartments. I think the more expensive, larger you go with the house, the more risk you take on the investment because you're counting on overall housing prices to increase. But buying a house for no more than what a nice sedan goes for and being able to rent it out for 2x or 3x the mortgage payment can make sense in certain situations.
- Sat Jul 16, 2011 8:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Finger Lakes, NY - Things to see and do - Recommendations
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3126
- Sat Jul 16, 2011 2:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What debts should I pay off first?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2469
If it were me. I would pay down the credit cards first, then the car, then the student loan last.
The credit card will have the higher interest rate. If you were to fall in to some kind of financial trouble, lose your job, you could put the student loans in deferment. That's not an option for the credit card debt or the car note.
The credit card will have the higher interest rate. If you were to fall in to some kind of financial trouble, lose your job, you could put the student loans in deferment. That's not an option for the credit card debt or the car note.
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:48 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DID Graham say "weighing machine in the long run?"
- Replies: 65
- Views: 19305
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:31 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DID Graham say "weighing machine in the long run?"
- Replies: 65
- Views: 19305
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:40 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The first $500,000 is always the hardest
- Replies: 260
- Views: 54221
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:38 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DID Graham say "weighing machine in the long run?"
- Replies: 65
- Views: 19305
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 8:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DID Graham say "weighing machine in the long run?"
- Replies: 65
- Views: 19305
- Wed Jul 06, 2011 9:18 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Great Smoky Mountains Visit
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3101
There are several trails off the motorway that lead to waterfalls and scenic views. I'd highly recommend picking out a few of those and doing some hiking. If you have the time, I would drive over to Cades Cove and spend some time there as well. Very beautiful, lots of wildlife and a bunch of old homes and churches to walk through. Gives you a glimpse in to the life of early settlers there.
Good luck to ya, it'll be crowded.
Good luck to ya, it'll be crowded.
- Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you let the cat go outside?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 6055
My wife and daughter brought home our current cat a couple days after it was born. It's mother was an outdoor cat.
I didn't at first want an outdoor cat, but there was no denying this cat. It loves being outdoors. Takes care of the mice and chipmunks around the house and we've had no problems at all with the arrangement.
I'm not much of a cat person, but this is the best cat that we've had.
I didn't at first want an outdoor cat, but there was no denying this cat. It loves being outdoors. Takes care of the mice and chipmunks around the house and we've had no problems at all with the arrangement.
I'm not much of a cat person, but this is the best cat that we've had.
- Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Favorite guitarist...
- Replies: 207
- Views: 29610
- Fri Jun 03, 2011 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tressel resigns
- Replies: 111
- Views: 11992
Head in the sand much?! How many facts do you need to be presented with to prove otherwise?krenzel16 wrote:
It is just pretty lame to lose the best coach in America over what amounts to a parking ticket
Tressel has a history dating his ENTIRE CAREER of doing wrong. You OSU fans are the main reason your program is in such trouble.
- Thu Jun 02, 2011 9:47 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Utility Bills
- Replies: 104
- Views: 18176
I was actually surprised at the cost of water/sewage. My bill is at least twice what people are paying on here. The sewage costs go up every bill and there's a surcharge on their to replace pipes and do maintenance work across the city. I'm now upwards of $300/quarter for a family of 4 in a 1500 sq ft house.
- Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tressel resigns
- Replies: 111
- Views: 11992
- Wed Jun 01, 2011 8:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tressel resigns
- Replies: 111
- Views: 11992
You got it wrong--he lied about knowledge of this because of Pryor, and to a lesser extent his RB and a WR, to save the 2011 season. It was going to come out. He said he did nothing with the information, but he actually did--forwarding the info to Pryor's "handlers." Yes, there are 20+ players involved, but Tressel got fired because of Pryor. Tressel got fired because he's Jim Tressel. He has a history of doing illegal things no matter where he was. Jim Tressel has been breaking the rules ever since he's had the chance to. It's just that finally, Sweater Vest had a kid that was just as dumb as Tressel was arrogant. Even amidst this turmoil and reporters all over the place, Pryor is still driving around in a 350z! Cut your losses ...
- Tue May 31, 2011 3:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tressel resigns
- Replies: 111
- Views: 11992
The SI article was way overhyped. OSU fans were worried non-tattoo infractions such as point shaving and paying players were to be released. OSU will take infractions (I don't think it'll be at USC levels) and move on. It's a well oiled machine and will probably still win 10 games in 2011. They lost their HC, star QB and several other players for the first 5 games. They play at Miami (game 3), MSU at home (game 5), at Nebraska, and Wisconsin at home. Also at Illinois, PSU at home and at Michigan could be trouble. Ten wins will be difficult, IMO. It won't be easy, but so long as the Tat-5 come back by game 6 they should do it. If Tressel was coming back, I'd bet the farm they win 10 games. But now that I think about it, the fact there's a n...
- Fri May 27, 2011 1:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Warren Buffet, Great or Lucky?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 8473
Was it luck that made WEB get on a train and go to the GEICO headquarters on a Saturday morning to talk to whomever was there?
WEB's passion and relentless pursuit for the next great investment made his "luck" happen.
You always hear those without "luck" say, "that guys so lucky, he gets everything to go his way." I believe that people can put themselves in situations that will provide them with a greater probability for success. Just like the guy who claims to be on a perpetual losing streak and never wins, never will.
You have to put yourself in a situation to be "lucky".
WEB's passion and relentless pursuit for the next great investment made his "luck" happen.
You always hear those without "luck" say, "that guys so lucky, he gets everything to go his way." I believe that people can put themselves in situations that will provide them with a greater probability for success. Just like the guy who claims to be on a perpetual losing streak and never wins, never will.
You have to put yourself in a situation to be "lucky".
- Wed May 18, 2011 3:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Optimist or Pessimist on USA?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 15747
- Fri May 13, 2011 3:05 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your worst investing mistake
- Replies: 108
- Views: 20185
One word: Wordcruncher (WCTI)
Cashed out my Mutual Funds and went "all in" on this stock during the tech bubble. Fresh out of college and had about $40k in this stock. Couldn't sell fast enough and got left with $3,000. Which I used as a down payment on a new car. Thank gawd I learned that lesson at a very young age (23).
It was about a $20k loss then, and whatever that would have compounded into now.
Cashed out my Mutual Funds and went "all in" on this stock during the tech bubble. Fresh out of college and had about $40k in this stock. Couldn't sell fast enough and got left with $3,000. Which I used as a down payment on a new car. Thank gawd I learned that lesson at a very young age (23).
It was about a $20k loss then, and whatever that would have compounded into now.
- Fri May 13, 2011 2:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Booze
- Replies: 80
- Views: 10998
- Thu May 05, 2011 8:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Renter, First Time Not Paying
- Replies: 72
- Views: 13195
My first thought is: I could never rent out a place on my personal property to someone I don't know extremely well.
I assume you have a family, and having "some guy" whom you rarely see and have no idea what he does living above your garage is un-nerving to me.
This may be the opportunity to change this situation.
I assume you have a family, and having "some guy" whom you rarely see and have no idea what he does living above your garage is un-nerving to me.
This may be the opportunity to change this situation.
- Wed May 04, 2011 8:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Barbequed Steak method
- Replies: 42
- Views: 6349
- Tue May 03, 2011 11:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Barbequed Steak method
- Replies: 42
- Views: 6349
- Tue May 03, 2011 8:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Golfers Only!
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3951
We have several former private clubs in the area that have gone semi private. You can buy really cheap golf only memberships from them.
I like to diversify and play many different courses throughout the year, and some clubs will allow you to trade rounds with members from other private clubs.
You don't want to touch a muni/public course around here on the weekend. It's the most painful, six hour, 18 hole round of your life.
I like to diversify and play many different courses throughout the year, and some clubs will allow you to trade rounds with members from other private clubs.
You don't want to touch a muni/public course around here on the weekend. It's the most painful, six hour, 18 hole round of your life.
- Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Funniest movies of all time? Name five of your favorites...
- Replies: 338
- Views: 50090
- Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Beer
- Replies: 1071
- Views: 203044
- Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Woo-hoo! Got my Berkshire swag in the mail today!
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2330
Been a Berk shareholder for many years. Have never been to the meeting though. I would like to go while Warren and Charlie still have the ability, but I'm afraid it has gotten too big and crazy for me to enjoy myself.
I'd go in a second if I was guaranteed a pic of Warren and myself together though.
I'd go in a second if I was guaranteed a pic of Warren and myself together though.
- Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:50 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Facebook is not good for marriages
- Replies: 85
- Views: 13640
My wife is completely absorbed with FB. Over two hundred "friends", has friended her ex and his wife, etc. I don't get it. Mundane updates and bragfests. Nothing but an online gossip feeding frenzy.
Anybody who is important enough in my life to know what I'm doing, already knows. No need to update FB with what I'm eating.
Anybody who is important enough in my life to know what I'm doing, already knows. No need to update FB with what I'm eating.
- Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cracked House Foundation - How to Fix?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 6000
I'm not sure how common this is, but the house I bought and am currently in has drainage tile all along the backside of the house. It's on the exterior of the house and a couple feet underground. There's a well at the corner of my house with a sump pump in it that pumps all water to the storm drain. It's amazing how efficient and how much water it gets rid of.
The prior owner had the work done so I'm not sure how much it cost, but the warranty transferred to me with the purchase of the home.
The prior owner had the work done so I'm not sure how much it cost, but the warranty transferred to me with the purchase of the home.
- Tue Mar 08, 2011 11:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bloomberg News, Fox Business or CNBC?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 8917
- Tue Mar 08, 2011 10:02 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Need hourly Financial Adviser in SF Bay Area
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1510
- Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Name your top favorite tv shows
- Replies: 188
- Views: 33503
- Tue Mar 08, 2011 8:26 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Where to put $40k in emergency funds?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 13633
- Mon Mar 07, 2011 1:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Name your top favorite tv shows
- Replies: 188
- Views: 33503
- Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:52 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why am I such a tight-wad?
- Replies: 85
- Views: 12742
- Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Beer
- Replies: 1071
- Views: 203044
- Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Beer
- Replies: 1071
- Views: 203044
- Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 401(k): Allocation between Roth & Trad Components
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1531
- Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:33 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Cincinnati Area Bogleheads - Rick Ferri presentation
- Replies: 7
- Views: 3265
- Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Other Forums Do Bogleheads Frequent?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7952
- Wed Feb 23, 2011 10:26 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why is nobody scared?
- Replies: 133
- Views: 21252
- Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: The Reason for Financial Problems
- Replies: 117
- Views: 16214
Thanks for the link. Great read!allsop wrote:For some reason the price of coffee on Star Bucks always pops up in these discussions....
Elizabeth Warren has done much research on personal bankruptcies in USA, and has published articles as well as personal finance books (based on her research).
The Middle Class on the Precipice :Rising financial risks for American families is an interesting read and still relevant article.
- Fri Feb 11, 2011 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What was your first fund that you brought
- Replies: 92
- Views: 10118
- Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Advice for an about-to-be laid off friend?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3541