Search found 69 matches

by atDev
Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment Checkup
Replies: 6
Views: 717

Re: Investment Checkup

Spend some time figuring out how much cash you should have that will make you comfortable. Six months cash or cash equivalents in an emergency fund would be a place to start thinking about it. Then invest the rest per your IPS and your target AA.
Thank you. Would considering the cash in the roth retirement accounts a part of the emergency fund make sense? Since I could withdraw some of the basis penalty free if I absolutely had to. It's in a brokerage account right now that doesn't get a good sweep interest rate. I am thinking of transferring it to an IRA account that at least has a decent savings rate.
by atDev
Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment Checkup
Replies: 6
Views: 717

Re: Investment Checkup

Yes sorry, there should be a column on the very right with the AA goals, but it gave me an image width warning. I have added these to my original post. Thank you!
by atDev
Fri Mar 18, 2016 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment Checkup
Replies: 6
Views: 717

Investment Checkup

Hello,

Any thoughts or suggestions on my current financial picture?

I currently have some cash sitting in my retirement accounts I am trying to decide how to handle.

Young thirties, single
Income: 60k/year

Image

My last AA goal I set for myself is below.
VTI - 50%
VXUS - 25%
BND - 15%
TIP - 5%
VNQ - 5%

I am obviously very weighted on VTI at the moment.

VTI - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
VXUS - Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
BND - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
TIP - iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund
VNQ - Vanguard REIT ETF
by atDev
Tue Feb 23, 2016 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage principle pay down with family loan
Replies: 32
Views: 3422

Re: Mortgage principle pay down with family loan

Where will you get the $60k in 10 years? Savings or other investments. This isn't an "in debt" or need help situation, it was mainly an idea to help both persons save/earn interest. I won't be refinancing with the pay down, so that payment will stay the same. What will your loan agreement say your family member should do, in the event that you don't repay? I think worst case scenario it would be held against any inheritance. There are probably other means to recover this since it would be properly documented as a loan, etc. I don't foresee this being a problem though, since the $ is available in other accounts, etc should I need to repay it. Why have you chosen to compare this rate to the current CD rates? Is that were your famil...
by atDev
Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage principle pay down with family loan
Replies: 32
Views: 3422

Mortgage principle pay down with family loan

I am considering taking a loan from a family member at a lower % rate than my current mortgage. I am aware of the negatives of borrowing money from family, but am more interested in the math and if it benefits both parties. Mortgage: Balance: 235,000 Original amount: 250,000 Opened 12/2014 30 year, 3.875% Family loan: 60,000 Interest only, compounded monthly Payed back as a lump sum after 10 years 10 year, 3% If the 60k is used to pay down (without refinancing) the mortgage adjusting the balance to 175,000, according to my math, after 10 years I would save more in interest even when paying back the 60k plus interest (~80k). The family member would earn a rate better than they could get through a CD currently. Any thoughts or checks on my ma...
by atDev
Thu Jan 08, 2015 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Partial Cash Roth IRA Transfer
Replies: 1
Views: 328

Partial Cash Roth IRA Transfer

Is there anything special I need to do as far as moving cash from one Roth IRA to a new Roth IRA account at a different institution?

In the end I will have two Roth IRA accounts and the original should remain open with some assets.
by atDev
Wed Oct 15, 2014 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage from family member
Replies: 21
Views: 2619

Re: Mortgage from family member

The loan wouldn't be for the entire mortgage balance. It would mainly be used as a part of a refinance to help keep a lower rate on some of the money and give the family member a better return. It also probably wouldn't be for 30 years.

The equity in the house is about 40% of the value.

I now see all of the unknowns and variables involved in this especially with wills/trusts and inheritance down the line if some life changing event were to happen that either caused me to lose work or if the person loaning the money died or was in a situation where they needed the money back immediately. Thanks for the feedback!
by atDev
Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage from family member
Replies: 21
Views: 2619

Mortgage from family member

Has anyone had any experience with a family mortgage service such as nationalfamilymortgage.com to take a loan from a family member for a mortgage?

I am contemplating working with a family member to give them a higher interest rate than they can get elsewhere on their savings, save on refinance fees myself, but also keep everything legal/clean for tax purposes, etc.
by atDev
Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

I was a bit short in my earlier post because I was posting from my phone & was a bit alarmed at how gentle everyone else was being about, what seems to me, an alarming situation. However, in all fairness, I should also say that your family has shown a great deal of financial acumen to date & deserves to be commended for that; thank goodness that you did save up a large downpayment on your home because now you can sell it if you need to. And clearly, based on your savings, you have not been squandering your money. I hope that this good financial judgement continues; if it does you will be just fine in the long run. I realize the seriousness of the situation and appreciated your "to the point" response. If I wasn't serious ...
by atDev
Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

Does your wife plan to go back to work after your child is in school? If this is a temporary situation, you might have to burn some of your $170k cash while you are operating on a single income. Your mortgage and property taxes will probably eat up most of your $45k/year. You still need to eat and keep the lights on.
That is a possibility. She is also considering doing some self-employment work part-time which could help. We've also been offered a loan from a family member (early inheritance) to use while I try to get my business back on track, but I know the family loan situation is a slippery slope as well.
by atDev
Thu Jul 17, 2014 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

Just to note, the reason for the more expensive house/cars was due to my previous business income of around 150k/year for several years as well as being able to do a large down payment on the house. Unfortunately that income has fluctuated and is now significantly lower. We also did not really get to make the decision of her quitting on her own. It was somewhat forced, but she has always wanted to focus on raising our child as well. Thank you all for the comments and it is obvious now that it boils down on cutting something out or improving the business income or seeking other employment and selling the business. I had hoped a refinance might get us back into budget or putting some of the cash to work, but based on the comments and doing so...
by atDev
Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

Depending on your income and your state, her income may have had a very high marginal tax rate. When my DH quit, the math we did figured that his income was being taxed at 25% (fed) +6% (state) + 6%(SS) = 37%. Add in the cost of his transportation and the convience incidentals that a household with two working parents often rely on, and we saw little impact to our monthly take-home after subtracting out daycare for our three munchkins. That's not to say the impact is zero, but it wasn't as bad as I had thought it would be. Do you budget? Like, really budget? If you don't already, I suggest you start. We use YNAB. It helps so much. I was never a budgeter before, but when baby boglehead #3 came along I had to start because there just wasn't ...
by atDev
Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

What does "58k in automobile equity" mean? Do you still owe anything on your automobiles? Is there a good reason you own so many and/or such expensive automobiles, i.e., is it necessary for your business? If not, and given that neither you nor your wife commute, I'd recommend exchanging some of that "automobile equity" for cash.
2 cars, equally priced, all paid off. They are SUVs and bought both used. We did have an older car, but the repairs it was beginning to require would cost us more than upgrading. I agree we could sell one for extra cash and am not against it, but wouldn't this only be a short term fix? The questions with the larger mortgage payment still remains and the monthly budget is still a concern.
by atDev
Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Re: Income change budget adjustments

Considering things like health insurance, your wife was getting more than the $32k/year salary. Is her quitting her job a done deal? Can you quit your job and stay home with your child instead? Can you work part time?
Yes her quitting is a done deal. Unfortunately I can't really "quit" as I own the business. I work from home and operate as a single member S corp for tax purposes. The only option would be to try to sell the business and look for a higher paying job with health insurance which is also an option.

Thank you for the reply!
by atDev
Wed Jul 16, 2014 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income change budget adjustments
Replies: 16
Views: 2670

Income change budget adjustments

My wife is quitting her job to stay home with our child which will reduce our income substantially. I am considering ways to reduce our mortgage payment to help keep our budget. We are obviously reviewing other areas (eating out, luxuries, etc) to reduce expenses. Any ideas are welcome and appreciated! Info 31 years old One child, daycare was about 50% of her 32k/year salary Healthcare/life insurance/401k was provided via her job I am self-employed as a single member S corp so individual/family insurance will be needed now Due to health reasons, life insurance is very hard to get at a reasonable price (reason for large emergency fund) Numbers 3% 15 year fixed rate mortgage balance of 261k (property value of 412k) with around $2600 month pay...
by atDev
Sat Apr 27, 2013 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?
Replies: 32
Views: 5011

Re: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?

Need to know all of the numbers and conditions to tell how good this offer is.
Most of the numbers are in the thread but yes are a bit scattered sorry.

15 Year fixed rate
290k loan value
Current rate I get is 3%
2.5% requires $2000 fees
2.625% requires $0 fees

The loan amount stays the same meaning no fees are rolled into the actual loan amount. I also planned to keep my payment the same as needed to make sure the payoff date wouldn't be moved back and I would stay on track to pay it off in the original 15 year timeline.
by atDev
Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?
Replies: 32
Views: 5011

Re: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?

The monthly payment savings is about $50/month. I ran it through a different calculator found online which takes into account the tax savings and the savings difference over the life of the loan comes out to be $7000.
by atDev
Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?
Replies: 32
Views: 5011

Re: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?

We are doing it through a local bank where we live. I believe they only handle local refinances but I will check for you guys and post back. They don't publicly advertise rates on their website, I always have to email the broker directly to get a quote.
(but you have to pay title, appraisal, etc)
This one was no fees whatsoever. The last time I did it they did a drive by appraisal so my situation may be unique? The home is fairly new which is probably why they only needed to do the drive by.
by atDev
Thu Apr 25, 2013 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?
Replies: 32
Views: 5011

Re: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?

I am asking here on the forums just in case there isn't something I'm missing or that I should check.

Running it through some calculators it saves about $12k in interest over the life of the loan.
The fee is included in the rate. If he wanted to pay the fee up front, he could probably get 2.5 or 2.375%.
Correct, they are offering 2.5% with $2000 closing costs. The 2.625% is with the 0 fees. I've got about 13 years left on the 15 year loan and the amount is substantial. I refinanced with this same bank from 4% to 3% a year ago and as far as I could tell there was not a catch whatsoever and no fees were ever charged or asked for including anything being rolled into the loan as I made sure the loan amount was the same.
by atDev
Wed Apr 24, 2013 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?
Replies: 32
Views: 5011

Refinance from 3% to 2.625% no closing costs worth it?

Would refinancing a 15 year mortgage from 3% to 2.625% be worth it is there is absolutely no fees and we made catch up payments to ensure the length of the loan stays on the same track as the original one (i.e. paid off within 15 years). This also assumes they do not roll any type of fee into the new loan amount. New loan amount = Old loan amount.
by atDev
Sun Feb 10, 2013 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lower my Bond exposure?
Replies: 5
Views: 1242

Lower my Bond exposure?

I am currently 30 years old and have about 20% of my portfolio in BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF).

Does anyone have any thoughts on my current exposure when considering the current low interest rates? I am considering lowering my exposure due to how low rates are (and have been) and the possibility of those rates rising.
by atDev
Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse becomes a broker
Replies: 25
Views: 4270

Spouse becomes a broker

If your spouse becomes a stock broker at another firm and you have accounts (only in your name) at another online brokerage are you required to transfer your accounts to the brokerage she was hired at?
by atDev
Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

also you seem to do what I did: hold every asset class in every account. perhaps theres some simplification you can do
Some ETFs are in different accounts but not evenly through every account. This was done for tax purposes. I can only have so much $ in the specific retirement accounts based on the contributions I am allowed/able to do each year. Therefore I use up any cash in these retirement accounts and invest it. Then any other cash I wish to invest gets invested in my general trading accounts. This requires owning the same ETF in multiple accounts in order to work towards the allocation.
by atDev
Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

Also, now that the new VXUS ETF is available what allocation would be suggested with this being my previous...

50% - VTI - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
25% - VEU - Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Inv
15% - BND - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
5% - TIPS - iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund
5% - VNQ - Vanguard REIT ETF

I do not want to sell VEU because of tax consequences but I want to work in VXUS and eventually sell off VEU. Should I simply buy VXUS when I reallocate or would buying VSS also be suggested since even with VXUS the small-cap exposure is still going to be low due to my already existing holdings in VEU. Trying to keep this simple.
by atDev
Wed Mar 23, 2011 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

Going back to this... I was basing my portfolio off of Ferri's core four which does not mention small cap VSS. But it seems this was immediately recommended here?
by atDev
Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

If there is no tax cost to switch from VFWIX/VEU to VGTSX, then by all means do so. Yes I guess you are correct since this is in my taxable accounts. In this case I could just go the VSS route. As for TIPS, I would say that anyone paying a mortgage should not invest in TIPS until after their mortgage is paid off. They can invest in a diversified intermediate-term bond fund instead. Or they can market-time their buys/sells of TIPS as discussed elsewhere on the forum. I am currently 28. We are currently renting due to the selling of our previous home but will most likely have another mortgage soon once we find a new home. If I wanted to keep it simple I assume I could just sell/reallocate the 5% TIPS and go for 20% BND instead of the current...
by atDev
Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

This is a personal choice I think. If you want to be able to rebalance between foreign large-cap and foreign small-cap, then I think you will want a separate small-cap foreign fund. I think it is OK to have VEU + VSS or (new_fund) + VSS, but I don't think it is OK to have VEU + (new_fund).
Yes sorry, I meant convert VEU to the new fund when I reallocate.

I am a big fan of keeping the portfolio fairly simple which is what initially drew me to these forums concerning the "lazy portfolios". Thanks again for the continued responses.
Not sure what you expect a 5% allocation to TIPS to accomplish.
What do you suggest for the TIPS allocation and why? (sorry still learning)
by atDev
Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

Not sure I would keep the energy funds. I don't buy sectors. To each their own. Good luck
Yes I planned on selling these eventually.
I agree with Livesoft. I would add the following Vanguard funds/ETF's:

FTSE All world ex-US Small Cap (VSS)
Small Cap Value (VISVX)
I read here on the forums that vanguard was going to add a total international ETF soon in 2011. Would it be worth waiting a month to use that one? I found the discussion here:
http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64589
by atDev
Wed Dec 29, 2010 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

livesoft wrote:Small cap foreign, where is it?

You may wish to define what those ticker symbols mean.
Thanks, here are the symbols.

VTI - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
VEU - Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Inv
BND - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF
TIP - iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund
VNQ - Vanguard REIT ETF
PBW - PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio
PBD - PowerShares Global Clean Energy Portfolio
by atDev
Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Year End Review - and feedback?
Replies: 13
Views: 1764

Year End Review - and feedback?

Hi, I am just reviewing my current allocation and am wondering if there is any feedback as far as how my accounts look as far as allocation and also if I am missing any tax advantages as far as the investments go between the accounts? When cash is not considered I am basically sticking to this allocation: 50% - VTI - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF 25% - VEU - Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Inv 15% - BND - Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF 5% - TIPS - iShares Barclays TIPS Bond Fund 5% - VNQ - Vanguard REIT ETF The PBW and PDB are left over before I consolidated a lot into the current allocation (above) I am working towards. The "general" and "biz trading" accounts are just standard stock trading accounts. Thanks for a...
by atDev
Tue May 25, 2010 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds Simple IRA - avoiding fees
Replies: 14
Views: 6608

Hello,

It is a SIMPLE IRA just for clarification.

Sales load is right around 5.75%.
As far as what to invest in if you do want to invest with AF
I am not really seeing the option to invest in anything but AF in this account?

I have the option of choosing A, B, C F-1, F-2 shares but it looks like it was setup with A shares by default.
by atDev
Mon May 24, 2010 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds Simple IRA - avoiding fees
Replies: 14
Views: 6608

American Funds Simple IRA - avoiding fees

My wife recently setup an employer sponsored 401k. They match up to 3% of income.

Right now her account is set to invest in:
Capital World Bond Fund – A - CWBFX
EuroPacific Growth Fund – A - AEPGX
Washington Mutual Investors Fund – A - AWSHX

I notice for every transaction (every pay period) each purchase is getting knocked with a front load sales charge due to them being A shares.

I think she is deferring 6% of her income and I am thinking of reducing this so she can invest the rest elsewhere and only take advantage of the match and avoid these fees.

Any recommendations on any other funds offered by American Funds that she should use instead of the above three?

Would one of their target date retirement funds be best?
by atDev
Fri Apr 23, 2010 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Negotiating Realtor Commissions
Replies: 27
Views: 4240

When was the last time your boss asked you to work for less money?
It happens all the time? Why do you think the unemployment rate is so high? Because the companies can't afford to pay them.

Last time I checked, salaries were negotiable.

Thanks for the useful answer though. :shock:
by atDev
Fri Apr 23, 2010 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Negotiating Realtor Commissions
Replies: 27
Views: 4240

Negotiating Realtor Commissions

I apologize if this is the wrong place to ask, or even not an appropriate question for this forum but since it deals with making money out of my investment (my home) maybe it will be fine?

What is the latest on negotiating Realtor fees down from 6%?

To me whether its a 100k 200k or 300k house the Realtor does the same amount work but the fee is obviously % based so they are taking in a nice chunk for selling a higher priced home.

What % of the 6% does the real estate company take in vs the agent?

Am I wrong in asking for 3%, 4%, 5%?
by atDev
Fri Apr 16, 2010 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA basic question, limits
Replies: 7
Views: 1522

So basically if you are over the deduct-ability income limits a work-a-round is contributing to a traditional IRA anyway, and then converting it to a roth IRA?

Basically a loop hole to contribute to a roth IRA if over the income limit? Kinda a pain :)

These are the only accounts we have right now:
- Individual 401k (me)
- Individual Roth 401k (me)
- Roth IRA (me) - can no longer contribute to due to income
- Employer 401k (her)
by atDev
Fri Apr 16, 2010 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA basic question, limits
Replies: 7
Views: 1522

How is is that you contribute to both an individual 401k and a roth individual 401k? Or are you just saying that the sum of contributions to the two different plan types is $16,500?
The S corp contributes as it is a profit sharing plan. I myself contributed 16,500 to roth and the S corp contributes to the traditional under profit sharing.

She makes about 25k/year at her job.
by atDev
Fri Apr 16, 2010 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA basic question, limits
Replies: 7
Views: 1522

IRA basic question, limits

I contribute the max to a individual 401k and individual roth 401k.

Married filing jointly. We are currently over the income limit to invest in a traditional/roth IRA.

My wife has a 401k at her full time job. Is her limit 16,500 or does it also depend on what I contribute to mine?

Is there any benefit for her to open a traditional IRA? I assume no because of the income limits.
by atDev
Thu Apr 15, 2010 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Tools
Replies: 3
Views: 969

Ok thanks.

I ended up finding that etrade lets you create customized portfolios and then use most of their tools to analyze it as needed. I wasn't aware of this until I started digging.
by atDev
Thu Apr 15, 2010 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Tools
Replies: 3
Views: 969

Portfolio Tools

I basically have several accounts so I need a way to plug everything in to get an overall AA view without having to calculate it myself every time.

I have search the forums and basically came up with these two options...
- MarketRiders
- Morningstar Portfolio Manager (free through TD)

Are there any others suggested? (free would be nice)
by atDev
Tue Apr 13, 2010 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off Student Loan or Invest?
Replies: 14
Views: 2781

Hello,

Yes, savings is sufficient.

I basically meant pay this off or invest it in stocks? 401k/emergency fund/etc is all good to go.
by atDev
Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Down Mortage to Remove PMI
Replies: 24
Views: 6688

Hi,

- The only other debt I have is about 9k in student loans at 4.5%.

- They state 80% of the LTV requirement on the website for my loan. Of course a new appraisal may shift the payment needed.
by atDev
Tue Apr 13, 2010 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off Student Loan or Invest?
Replies: 14
Views: 2781

Pay off Student Loan or Invest?

Hi,

1. I can not deduct student loan on my tax return due to income limits.
2. Monthly payment: $138.33
3. Loan values below...

Subsidized Consolidation Loan - 4.5% - $6,487.06
Unsub Consolidation Loan - 4.5% - $7,710.41

Should I pay these off or use the money elsewhere?

Thanks!
by atDev
Mon Apr 12, 2010 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VEU or VTI in taxable?
Replies: 5
Views: 1874

Ok thanks..

Would Vanguard REIT ETF (VNQ) be better in traditional or roth IRA?
by atDev
Mon Apr 12, 2010 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VEU or VTI in taxable?
Replies: 5
Views: 1874

VEU or VTI in taxable?

Which should I allocate to in my taxable account first?
* Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
* Vanguard FTSE All-World Ex-U.S. ETF (VEU)
by atDev
Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Down Mortage to Remove PMI
Replies: 24
Views: 6688

It looks like it would be about 25k to remove PMI.

We have 130k in retirement savings. 70k personal savings. 130k business savings (single member S corp).

We generally max out IRA's each year. I think we could fairly easily pay this from savings? I just wanted to be sure it was not worth it to invest this money instead.
by atDev
Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Down Mortage to Remove PMI
Replies: 24
Views: 6688

- the buyer(s) can't be patient to save before buying We did not want to put down a large down payment due to wanting to keep some savings, so yes, we probably could have waited to save a bit more. Either way, the question concerns what to do now that we have PMI, not what we should have done :) - the buyer(s) are buying a little too much home relative to their current situation. The home is affordable for us. PMI was used because we did not have past year tax returns to really prove our financial situation. I had just started a successful business and we were not married yet. - the buyer(s) can't save We have about 300k in savings and are in our 20's. - the buyer(s) are leveraged in other areas as well - the buyer(s) believe that money ca...
by atDev
Sat Apr 10, 2010 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Down Mortage to Remove PMI
Replies: 24
Views: 6688

Pay Down Mortage to Remove PMI

I have the following loan:
Balance: 292,674.40
Rate: 4.5%
LTV: 87.1% (might be higher due to home devaluation)
Monthly Payment: $2,026.46 ($181.44 is PMI)
Refinanced on 03/09/09 for $302,400.00 loan.

Pay down to get 80% LTV and remove PMI or invest that $?
by atDev
Sat Apr 10, 2010 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best way to split portfolio between tax/non-taxable accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 4405

You may wish to revisit the traditional 401(k) versus the Roth 401(k) threads. You have basically chosen to pay high taxes now and no tax in the future.
Ok I'll check them out and do a search. If you have any links to specific ones let me know. I guess I'll erase my assumption that the Roth should take precedence over the regular IRA for maxing contributions and read through the threads :)
by atDev
Sat Apr 10, 2010 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best way to split portfolio between tax/non-taxable accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 4405

How does this work? The limits for 401k contributions are for both types so how do you max out a Roth 401k and still contribute to a regular one? I believe OP is using an Individual 401k that has a Roth account option. I own and file as a single owner of an S Corp. The corporation provides an Individual 401k and Individual 401k Roth (two separate accounts). In 2009 this allows me a max of $16,500 into the 401k Roth. Then the regular 401k has very high profit sharing limits allowing the S Corp to contribute to it as needed (I think the limit is upwards around 50k depending on the wages I pay myself). The old normal Roth IRA was from before I filed as an S Corp. So I can no longer contribute to that one. 1. Employee Salary deferral 16.5K per...
by atDev
Sat Apr 10, 2010 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best way to split portfolio between tax/non-taxable accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 4405

Hello, Sorry for the confusion. I generally max out my Roth 401k contribution every year. I can no longer contribute to the normal Roth IRA due to income limits. I also contribute to the Individual 401k (about 10k in 2009). Then in the regular taxable account I have a large sum but most of it is in a high interest sweep account. I am relatively young and my job has allowed me to save quite a bit starting at the beginning of college. My objective is to set up a low-cost ETF portfolio which I can rebalance on my own when needed. Trying to stay away from high fee brokers/advisors. Here is the breakdown: 72k - Taxable trading account 80k - Individual 401k (contributed 10k in 2009) 38k - Roth Individual 401k (usually max out) 20k - Roth IRA (can...