Search found 57 matches

by livefreebrewfree
Tue Sep 06, 2011 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Insurance USAA or Geico?
Replies: 19
Views: 2802

I'm a GEICO customer, have been for about 8 years. I just recently went to USAA for a quote and the six month premium was just over three times what I"m paying GEICO right now. I sent them a copy of my declarations page just to be sure it was comparable coverage and they said "Sorry, please contact us in the future if your needs change." They couldn't come close and couldn't explain why their coverage was three times more! I was extremely surprised.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why no mid-cap allocation?
Replies: 12
Views: 2605

Isn't that 101%?
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Card Disclosures - Navy Federal
Replies: 9
Views: 1157

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm going to get my hands on the checking disclosure to see what's up. Other than this one incident, I've been very happy with the bank. Perhaps I'll consider moving my CC to USAA. I'd move my banking there but not a fan of not being able to deposit cash anywhere local. In the meantime, it is what it is, just gotta deal and take best cut you can at any curveball thrown at you.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Card Disclosures - Navy Federal
Replies: 9
Views: 1157

xerty24 wrote:Almost all CC agreements have terms that allow the issuing bank to offset your CC debt with your other assets held in savings or checking accounts at the same institution. Alternatively, it might have been in the terms to your checking account. Either way, if you're not going to pay your bills, don't keep your cash at that bank!
Like I said, first time it happened, just didn't have the cash at that moment and the credit card bill comes after food/shelter in my book.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Card Disclosures - Navy Federal
Replies: 9
Views: 1157

I'm completely ok with the practice and understand its purpose, just find it hard to believe that it's not in the CC disclosure (which is what they told me). Filed a complaint with Consumer Protection Bureau. This should be something that is put on statements along with the late fee notice. I'm sure they wouldn't mind tacking on some overdraft charges if my mortgage had come through to be paid only to find not enough available because they took the credit card payment without me knowing.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Card Disclosures - Navy Federal
Replies: 9
Views: 1157

Credit Card Disclosures - Navy Federal

I just got off the phone with Navy Federal. I was inquiring into their credit card disclosures and how in the one you see online when you sign up for an account, it doesn't disclose that they will automatically deduct the payment from your accounts if you are past due. They told me that they send out a secondary disclosure after you open the account that indicates this. Now this seems extremely shady to me. Having two separate disclosures, one when you open the account, and one after the account is already open. Now I know that you just plain old shouldn't be late, but we ran into some money problems and groceries came before the credit card bill this month, or so I thought, until they deducted it from my checking account, and then I had to...
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Aug 04, 2011 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Loan to Parents?
Replies: 30
Views: 3484

I agree. I wouldn't make any family loan unless you are willing to completely forgive the loan if it can't be repaid.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Body Mass Index - Which country are you?
Replies: 49
Views: 5731

I weigh in with the folks from the Philippines. BMI of 22.9 with a bodyfat percentage of 9.1%. Like someone said. BMI is pretty much useless if you're active.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Jul 08, 2011 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Books on Efficient Market Theory?
Replies: 3
Views: 595

Books on Efficient Market Theory?

I checked the Wiki but didn't see any suggestions. Anyone have any good ones? Ideally, a book that addresses both sides of the argument.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Mar 25, 2011 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Risk Management Book
Replies: 5
Views: 870

chaz wrote:livefreebrewfree, check amazon.com.
I've checked Amazon and there are a few books but barely any of them have comments or ratings.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Mar 25, 2011 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Risk Management Book
Replies: 5
Views: 870

tludwig23 wrote:Don't take this the wrong way, but... it seems odd that you've been given a job in RM without having already read a lot of RM books. It seems like saying, "Hey, I just got a job as a surgeon. Does anyone know of any good anatomy books?"
I figured I'd get that answer.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Mar 25, 2011 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Risk Management Book
Replies: 5
Views: 870

Risk Management Book

Thanks!
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43826

Re: Fitness - what works for you?

I recommend checking out the Precision Nutrition site. It's a pay program, but they have a very interesting free online info program. The one thing that is really beneficial is that they have a list of small attainable goals. You try one little thing for 14 days, then add on another, instead of trying to tackle them all at once (which NEVER works).

http://www.precisionnutrition.com/fat-loss-for-men

Oh yeah, my favorite all time training is kettlebells. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com for more info.
by livefreebrewfree
Sat Mar 19, 2011 2:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Beer
Replies: 1071
Views: 203035

I would have to refer you to my bumper sticker...

"I brew the beer I drink"

Just did an Irish Red Ale and named it after my son who was recently born. It was actually supposed to be ready on his due date, but wasn't fully carbonated. He was a week late and whadda ya know, it was ready. Kinda creepy though.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 529 suggestion
Replies: 7
Views: 1356

I'm pretty sure Vanguard runs the 529 plan in PA. Here are the two options.

http://www.archimedes.com/vanguard/comp ... 6&planid2=
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Jan 11, 2011 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best books to prepare for newborn
Replies: 14
Views: 2761

My wife is due at the end of February and we found this one book really useful when trying to find out what to buy and what to actually spend money vs. what not to buy or what to buy second hand.

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/188939 ... 2332">Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More!</a>
by livefreebrewfree
Sun Jan 02, 2011 8:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: yearly 401K contributions; who needs a paycheck?
Replies: 8
Views: 1334

If you can swing it, that's a pretty nifty way to guarantee that you contribute. However, like many Americans, I'm still living almost paycheck to paycheck. I almost have an entire month's buffer built up (You Need A Budget.com). I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future though.

And good for you!
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Citizen Eco-Drive Watch - opinions?
Replies: 12
Views: 3048

Sounds like I made a good choice. I got it yesterday. It looks awesome. I left it in the light to charge up and I'm heading out now to get it resized. Can't wait to see how it really feels.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Citizen Eco-Drive Watch - opinions?
Replies: 12
Views: 3048

Citizen Eco-Drive Watch - opinions?

My type of watch used to just be good old-fashion Swiss Army Victorinox Military Watches. Wore them my entire time on active duty and they withstood everything except me misplacing them. Now that I'm all grown up (debatable), I'd like to class it up a bit. I picked up the BM6010-55E http://www.citizenwatch.com/COA/English ... BM6010-55E from Citizen @ Amazon and was wondering who has ever had these watches. I've read the opinions on Amazon and a bunch of other websites and it's been nothing but high praise, but while I still have the chance to get some opinions, I'd like to find out what you all think. It should be delivered tomorrow so I haven't had time to test it out yet.
by livefreebrewfree
Fri Dec 24, 2010 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I protect myself by filing bankruptcy? [OP=banned]
Replies: 28
Views: 5424

Just my opinion so take it with a grain of salt, but if you spent the money, you should pay it back. I would recommend Dave Ramsey for his get-out-of-debt advice only.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

For the interest we'll be paying between now and then, I'd rather play it safe and have the cash socked away than to have to break out the credit cards again. Who knows what could happen while she's home. But I do think it's a decent idea. If it wasn't such a long period of time off, I'd definitely consider it.

And good luck on your baby in 2011. It's quite a wild ride by we're so excited.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 23, 2010 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What happen if you overcontribute to an IRA?
Replies: 3
Views: 873

I recommend checking out the Excess Contributions section on IRS Pub 590.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p590/ch ... 1000230873
Generally, if the excess contributions for a year are not withdrawn by the date your return for the year is due (including extensions), you are subject to a 6% tax. You must pay the 6% tax each year on excess amounts that remain in your traditional IRA at the end of your tax year. The tax cannot be more than 6% of the combined value of all your IRAs as of the end of your tax year.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

Update:

Decided to read through Boglehead's Guide to Investing before actually making any portfolio decisions. Realized I wouldn't have a large enough portfolio to meet the fund minimum for the allocation including REIT without going over 10% of maximum, so here's the new allocation I've come up with on my own with the assistance of the book. Decided to somewhat model the "young investor" portfolio to simplify things but add in some international exposure.

SEI 21.81% of total portfolio
Large Cap 12.81%
Small Cap 9.00%

Vanguard 78.19% of total portfolio
Total Stock 42.19%
Total Bond 10.00%
Total International 16.00%
TIPS 10.00%
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet speed
Replies: 27
Views: 4344

Also be sure to try out their sister site www.pingtest.net

It'll give you the line quality, etc.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Dec 23, 2010 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pen Fed Issuing New Credit Card Numbers
Replies: 72
Views: 15019

That's odd. Citibank did the same thing.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about AA section of Boglehead GTI
Replies: 1
Views: 529

Question about AA section of Boglehead GTI

I've been reading the Bogleheads Guide to Investing and had a question about the Asset Allocation section. I've seen some AA posts here and haven't seen anyone just flat out recommend the same percentages that are in the book for the "Young Investor".

55% Domestic Large Cap Stocks
25% Domestic Mid/Small Cap Stocks
20% Intermediate Bonds

Is there a reason that International and REIT, etc, are left out of the "young investor" portfolio? And as far as the book is concerned what are the ages for a young investor as opposed to a middle aged investor?

P.S. I'm really loving the book. I was having flashbacks to my recent Financial Management class though.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Contribution % - Based off Net or Gross
Replies: 7
Views: 4267

I think I phrased that wrong when I typed it. Should've done a better job proof-reading. After reading everyone's replies, I think I pretty much did answer my own question after all.

YD, you nailed it. I guess I was over-complicating things.

Thanks for the input everyone.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Expresso at home: best coffee for the dollar
Replies: 33
Views: 5945

We got a Keurig machine for a wedding gift. Getting coffee from Bed Bath and Beyond with their 20% off coupons brings our cups of coffee down to about $0.44 per cup. Not too shabby and there are hundreds of different flavors including iced tea, hot chocolate, and hot tea.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Contribution % - Based off Net or Gross
Replies: 7
Views: 4267

I figured it was kind of a personal preference. Just wondering if there was some sort of consensus. I guess I could always find out what the contribution would have been before taxes and adjust for taxes having been taken. Almost like a "tax-adjusted contribution".
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Dec 21, 2010 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Contribution % - Based off Net or Gross
Replies: 7
Views: 4267

Roth Contribution % - Based off Net or Gross

I want to eventually increase my retirement contribution amount closer to 15% of take home pay. I'm following the 401k match, Roth, 401k no match "rules". I'll only be contributing 6% into my plan to get the match, so when I calculate the extra 9% to put into a Roth, do I use my gross pay or take home (net) pay because it's after tax money?
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Dec 15, 2010 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with Fidelity Portfolio
Replies: 1
Views: 1004

Help with Fidelity Portfolio

My mother is finally considering her retirement and looking to make the most of her contributions. I figured I'd take her questions to the best and the brightest (you guys) and see if we can't help her out. Emergency funds = 1 month expenses Debt: $18k @ 5.9 % $2400 - 401k loan Tax Filing Status: Single Tax Rate: 28% Federal ??% State PA Age: 55 Desired Asset allocation: 60% stocks / 40% bonds Intl allocation: 25% Current portfolio: Low 5 figures. Taxable $0 Her 401k Name Ticker Expense Ratio / % of Portfolio Artisan Mid Cap Valu ARTQX 1.21 1.18% Calvert Income A CFICX 1.23 1.98% Calvert Short Durati CSDAX 1.08 1.01% Columbia Acorn Selec ACTWX 0.99 1.09% Dreyfus Mid-Cap Grow FRSPX 1.36 1.00% Fidelity Balanced FBALX 0.61 4.35% Fidelity Contr...
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio tracking
Replies: 7
Views: 1231

Just something simple to keep my fund percentages in line with my AA. Nothing too crazy. I guess when I want to check my AA and make sure it's in line with where i want to be i could easily go check my fund balances and calculate percentages in an excel spreadsheet.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio tracking
Replies: 7
Views: 1231

no dice on ms money unless they make it for mac.

i'll check out the morningstar deal. i had looked that up before but i saw a bunch of stuff that was only for premium members which you had to pay. i'll go look.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Nov 18, 2010 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio tracking
Replies: 7
Views: 1231

Portfolio tracking

I used to just have my own 401k to worry about tracking and with it in one place, it was quite easy. Now that I'm doing asset allocation across my 401k and my wife's 403b, it's not all in one place. I don't plan on rebalancing too often, but since she contributes more than me, and into different funds, I'd like a central place to track my allocations. Is there anything free that's worthwhile or is there only paid for software that actually gets the job done?

Currently I used YNAB for my personal spending/budget but it doesn't have an investment feature.

Suggestions?
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Red Wine recommendations
Replies: 50
Views: 9621

I'm not sure where you're from, but I'd definitely look into local wineries. Some of my favorite wines are from places right around the corner from my house.
by livefreebrewfree
Thu Nov 18, 2010 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

I've taken my fair share of economics classes so I'm quite aware of opportunity costs. Although, you don't need to take an economics class to figure it out. It's just like parents should be teaching their kids. If you buy thing A, you're giving up the possibility of things B, C, D... etc. I prefer to call it common sense, but we all know that's not very common at all.

It's a compact SUV, so it will actually be easier than a car because there will be no bending, but it's not high enough to cause it to be a problem to reach the car seat.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

And it will be a great baby-mobile. Maybe not your best decision, but it should work out fine in the end if you drive it a long time. Well it sure beats my 2002 Civic Hatchback as far as baby mobiles go. Did you calculate in what kind of maternity leave (disability or sick pay) that is available when having a baby? We sure did. She gets at least 6 weeks fully paid after the baby is born, but is able to leave two weeks before using her exorbitant amount of sick days she has built up. Since she's a teacher, we also get a lump sum payment as soon as she goes unpaid. We're waiting on the calculation amount. Basically it's the overage because they only work for 9 months but get paid for 12. So she'll be getting close to 3 months of income paid ...
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

Watty, 1) We've come to an agreement on the non-contributing for the retirement fund for her since her 403b contributions are not matched. 2) I've calculated our net worth and we're both not happy with it which is why we're on a bit of a mission to fix things. We've cut back our expenses drastically and eliminated a lot of the "luxuries" in life. 3)I wasn't working for the entire time after college for some medical reasons and only have about 4 years working experience in my field. 4) This car replaced an old Civic that I had that was scrapped. Her car is paid off. We decided to get a used SUV with 5900 miles on it. I'll admit it would've been a bit smarter to just get a less expensive sedan, but it is what it is. It was hard enou...
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ally Bank [lowers interest rate on savings]
Replies: 43
Views: 7193

I'm not an interest rate chaser, never have been, never will. For me, changing a bank for .16% is just not worth the hassle.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

retiredjg wrote: Looks good to me! I would not use more REIT than that though.
I wouldn't go above 10% total. But I appreciate the warning.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

rr2 wrote:Just out of curiosity, does Her 403b have access to TIAA-CREF investments? If so, the one unique fund not usually found elsewhere is the TIAA Real Estate. This fund actually holds a portfolio of real estate and is different from the REIT index.
Nah, just Vanguard funds. That sounds pretty interesting though.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

After speaking with my wife and getting on the same page about temp stopping her contributions, we also decided to switch our asset allocation to include both of our retirement plans together and came up with this solution. Based off retiredjg's suggestions as well as Rick Ferri's Core Four.

Her 403b @ Vanguard (73% of total)
Total Bond - 12.50%
TIPS - 12.50%
Total Stock - 18%
Total International - 22.50%
REIT Index - 7.50%

His 401k (27% of total)
27% SEI Large Cap

Feel free to have at it. We were OK with a bit more risk so we switched to 75/25.
by livefreebrewfree
Wed Nov 17, 2010 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

thanks patdoc. we actually talked about all this last night. i actually wrote down numbers and showed her that we'll be better off by stopping her contributions temporarily and using money to pay off debts (after the baby is home and everything is ok). she agreed only if that amount that was being contributed went DIRECTLY to savings each paycheck. works for me. now we just have to jump through the hoops at her company to get this changed (they still do things with paper forms). I showed my wife the forum conversation and she was so thankful that there are people out there that care enough to actually offer this kind of frank and honest advice. I know there's the old adage about "nobody cares about your money more than you" but I ...
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MAC Budget software
Replies: 8
Views: 2114

I'm using You Need A Budget. I love it so far! Extremely versatile. Not huge on the reporting features, but completely exportable to Excel so you can customize to your heart's desire. There are some underlying principles but the budgeting feature works well for me. It's a one-time fee and they also have an iPhone app you can sync with your computer and are working on an Android app as well.

www.youneedabudget.com
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

thanks for all the advice everyone. my wife and i added all the topics in this conversation to our monthly money meeting this weekend.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

livefree, welcome to the forum! This idea is 72% stocks, 28% bonds with 20% of your stocks in international. I increased your international from 15% to 20% - Vanguard considers 20% of stocks to be a good minimum. The bonds and the international both have lower expenses than in your 401. The international fund is a better quality in that it contains small caps and emerging markets which are probably not included in the international in your 401k (I could not find out for sure). retiredjg (and others) stock/bond ratio appropriate for a couple in late twenties? i'm finally coming around from the mindset that i HAVE to be 90/10 or 100% equities now and slowly move less aggressive later. it just goes against a lot of what i've read/been taught.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

retiredjg, Thanks for all the useful info! I was looking into the 3 Fund Lazy Portfolios recently as well and it's nice to see that it's still well received. However, I didn't want to just accept a cookie cutter allocation and wanted to amend it to our situation. As far as the 401k match, I won't get that unless I contribute. So I'll keep contributing because that's an automatic 60% increase in my contributions. I took Dave Ramsey's investment advice with a grain of salt, but as soon as I heard his numbers (he uses 12%) for an average mutual fund return, I almost fell out of my chair laughing. Trust me, I'll take my advice from this place or my own research over his investing advice, but as far as a motivator to stop spending/debt reduction...
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

We've got a process in place right now, it's just not an extremely speedy one at the moment. As corny as it seems, Dave Ramsey's financial courses/info have helped get us on track. We've cut the fat so to speak and are finally living below our means. The extra cash is being put in savings, then afterwards, we'll be knocking out our debt as fast as possible. I'll revisit the allocation questions when we're contributing to retirement again.

Thanks for all the info, I guess I was just putting the cart before the horse. I wanted to get our current portfolios allocated correctly while we work on other things so we can just pick up contributions again when we're ready.
by livefreebrewfree
Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jos A Bank - Sales
Replies: 9
Views: 3571

How can anyone keep track of them all? I get a new email everyday. I've seen ones where you buy a suit and you get $1000 worth of merchandise. Or buy a suit and get 60% off the first item, 70% off the second item, and 80% off the third item. Or buy one suit, get two free. I don't understand how they give up so much, it's ridiculous.
by livefreebrewfree
Mon Nov 15, 2010 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly Married - Portfolio Advice
Replies: 48
Views: 9759

Re: First things first.

Taylor Larimore wrote:Hi Livefree:

First things first.

If you want to get your financial house in order, you must get rid of the exorbitant interest you are paying on your credit cards.

It is a big mistake to even think about investing (except for the match) when you can better use the money to pay-down your credit card debt and at the same time earn between 9.39% and 16.09% guaranteed.
I absolutely agree. However, Right now we're saving up cash reserves to my wife can stay home for a bit with our newborn in February. Then, we plan on using all available cash to pay off those debts, highest interest first of course.

So now that we've got the part figured out that I need to pay off those debts, what do you all think about my original questions?