Search found 66 matches

by Saleen
Thu Oct 19, 2023 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are shiny money apps really necessary?
Replies: 112
Views: 14067

Re: Are shiny money apps really necessary?

I was a mint user for years and have switched to Monarch Money. Mint was free but had constant connection issues. Monarch has a small annual fee but seems to be addressing issues that pop up much more quickly than mint was.

I like being able to go to one website and quickly see all my credit card/checking account/investment balances in one place. Turned what took 15-20 minutes into something that takes two minutes. I don't use most of their budgeting features, its more just an aggregator of information for me. Also gives my wife one place to look in the event she wants to look at our finances or if something were to happen to me she can see all the accounts in one place to make sure she isn't forgetting about anything.
by Saleen
Tue Feb 15, 2022 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I contact state bar about law firm not refunding case fees
Replies: 8
Views: 1268

Re: Should I contact state bar about law firm not refunding case fees

Yes you should. Messing with client money is the fastest way to get in trouble as an attorney, in my state at least. In most states, if you file a complaint with the bar the bar counsel will take upon the onus of the investigation.
by Saleen
Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exploring new hobbies before retirement: how to find time?
Replies: 16
Views: 1535

Re: Exploring new hobbies before retirement: how to find time?

I get my exercise by commuting to and from work on my bike. Days I don't have to be home right away I can take the more scenic way home. Get to enjoy my hobby without drastically changing my schedule. My commute is less than 5 miles though.
by Saleen
Wed Oct 03, 2018 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio
Replies: 6
Views: 549

Re: Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio

ruralavalon wrote: Tue Oct 02, 2018 6:58 pm Please add the expense ratios of the funds, as offered in your 457 plan. Often the expense ratios in a work-based plan are different from the expense ratios for the same funds when offered to the general public, so we can't just look them up.
I did not know this, I will have to inquire as I am unable to find the information online. I was just going off morningstar.

Thank you.
by Saleen
Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio
Replies: 6
Views: 549

Re: Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio

I guess I wasn't using very good terms for my search. That wiki on approximating total stock market is exactly what I was looking for. Looks like it should be:

81% Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VINIX)
4% Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund (VIMSX)
15% Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund (NAESX)

Thank you.
by Saleen
Tue Oct 02, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio
Replies: 6
Views: 549

Help Picking Funds for 457 Plan to mimic 3 fund portfolio

Howdy everyone. For the first time my wife and I have fully funded our Roth IRAs at vanguard well before the end of the year. As such, we are moving on to our next tax advantaged space. We both work for the same county and have access for a 457 plan administered by mass mutual. Our roths are invested in Vanguard's target retirement 2045 fund. Mass Mutual offers target funds, but they are invested in each of the funds below, many of which are actively managed and there seems to be quite a bit of overlap. I would like to recreate the 3-fund portfolio (maybe with a small percentage of foreign bonds I guess), and would like your wisdom. My target ratio is 90 stock/10 bonds (we also have a defined benefits plan so I am comfortable with risk) and...
by Saleen
Sat Apr 02, 2016 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple Tax Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1264

Re: Simple Tax Question

Spirit Rider wrote:
Saleen wrote: So much for a simple tax question.
So true! I'm starting to figure it all out though! I think I've basically figured everything out now. I had never really known about the sales tax thing and so I had never researched it but now my eyes are opened. Still don't think I'll get much above the standard deduction though.
by Saleen
Sat Apr 02, 2016 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple Tax Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1264

Re: Simple Tax Question

Thanks Livesoft,

This is the first time that I've had to do anything other than the standard deduction, so I am learning. I did discover the sales tax calculator from the IRS, so I have that now, approximately $900.00 for me.

One other question, in trying to determine my points or origination fees:

HUD statement line 801 is $9770.00
802 is (8557.38)
803 is 1212.62

the form 1098 shows no points paid in box 2. Is any of this deductible? My understanding is it is not.

Also, I've contributed the maximum to a roth IRA in 2015 so my understanding is I cannot contribute to a traditional IRA.
by Saleen
Sat Apr 02, 2016 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple Tax Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1264

Re: Simple Tax Question

I live in Nevada, so no State income tax. I do pay sales tax, but I would have trouble itemizing that--a good thing to remember for 2016. We spent most of our money this year on the down payment, but we did buy some furniture that would probably add another $350 in sales taxes.

I am using turbotax at the moment.
by Saleen
Sat Apr 02, 2016 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple Tax Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1264

Simple Tax Question

Howdy yall. I have a hopefully simple question. Filing single. My w-2 income is $83K, so just over the threshold for deducting my $3000 of student loan interest. Furthermore, bought a house with my girlfriend. Total interest paid in 2015: $9024, so my 1/2 would be $4512 (this includes the small amount of interest paid at closing) Property Taxes paid: $2342 so my 1/2 would be $1171 So my total deductions would be: $5683, or less than the standard deduction, correct? Buying a house ain't all its cracked up to be apparently? Anything I am missing? I am considering characterizing either my or my girlfriend's portion of the house payments to be just principal and leave the interest and property taxes for one person, which I believe would get us ...
by Saleen
Tue Mar 15, 2016 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Warranty Worth it With Aging Furnace/AC?
Replies: 26
Views: 16222

Re: Home Warranty Worth it With Aging Furnace/AC?

I've reviewed the contract and it does cover replacement, and specifically even the crane necessary to do so (which many contracts apparently don't cover). Obviously they would only replace if absolutely necessary. I am leaning towards not reupping since knowing myself I would probably prefer to replace with something well reviewed and good for our house. We live in Reno in a 2 story and with our current setup at this altitude the Ac has difficulty keeping the upstairs cool in the summer.
by Saleen
Tue Mar 15, 2016 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Warranty Worth it With Aging Furnace/AC?
Replies: 26
Views: 16222

Home Warranty Worth it With Aging Furnace/AC?

Howdy all. Seeking some wisdom here. My girlfriend and I recently purchased our first home in May, 2015. With it came a 1 year home warranty. We used it once and I was actually very happy with the company, fidelity, compared to many of the horror stories I've read about other companies on the internet. Now, our year is almost up and we are considering whether to renew. Fidelity wants approximately $500.00 for another year of service. Normally, I prefer to self-insure for these types of things, and we do have an established emergency fund. However, the only thing that makes me consider the warranty is that the furnace and a/c unit are the originals that came with the house when it was built in 1992. In discussion with the HVAC guy who came o...
by Saleen
Mon Aug 10, 2015 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sacramento Real Estate Market
Replies: 14
Views: 2190

Re: Sacramento Real Estate Market

I don't know much about the Sacramento real estate market, but I did live there for 30 years up until 2013 if you have any questions about the different areas. I grew up in the area you are discussing, near Jesuit high school. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
by Saleen
Wed Jul 09, 2014 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smokers [for cooking]
Replies: 47
Views: 8102

Re: Smokers [for cooking]

+1 for the traeger. Set it and forget it and you can use it as an oven. Haven't used my actual oven since the temps hit 70. Made pizza on it, lots of chicken, steaks, ribs, vegetables, fish for the lady. Best part about the thing is it can smoke and just be used as an oven/grill too at higher temperatures.

Delicious!
by Saleen
Sat Feb 01, 2014 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keurig vs normal coffeemaker?
Replies: 131
Views: 14240

Re: Keurig vs normal coffeemaker?

I love our Keurig. Personally I recommend the Cuisinart version (works with Keurig cups and has the Keurig brand).

The problems with the Keurig are that they do have reliability issues and average life span of a machine is probably about 2 years. Also, people complain about the coffee. Finally, a cup out of Keurig probably costs at least twice as much as a cup from a regular machine, assuming you aren't wasting coffee with the regular machine.

I tried many different varieties for the Keurig and settled on a type called "Jet Fuel" which is sold on amazon. It is delicious! The Keurig is super-easy to use and works great for that 1 cup in the morning I want to make quickly without much hassle.
by Saleen
Tue Jan 07, 2014 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pls help I need expert legal research
Replies: 10
Views: 1560

Re: Pls help I need expert legal research

bottlecap wrote:Hire a lawyer or drop it. You can't do the research yourself and you don't want to pay what it costs to get it done. You're not going to find any non-lawyers to do legal research for you on the cheap and expose them to civil and possibly criminal liability.

Good luck,

JT
Just to give some more detail, in many (all?) states it would be illegal for someone who is not a licensed attorney in your state to do the research for you. I think a law library with a good librarian is your best bet if you want to get some direction about doing the research yourself. Otherwise, it sounds like you need a lawyer.
by Saleen
Fri Jan 03, 2014 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much did your credit card rewards cost you in 2013?
Replies: 104
Views: 9787

Re: How much did your credit card rewards cost you in 2013?

To me I think things are changing, and with immediate access to ones credit purchases such as on Mint, the studies are not longer valid for someone like me. For me, a credit card transaction is immediately in my budget and I can see exactly where I am spending my money and where I am spending too much. Cash purchases, on the other hand, are harder to keep track of. My father always uses cash and says that's how he realizes how much he is spending. For me, its a quick review of the Mint app on my iPhone. The times they are a changin'. If I can keep a better budget by putting everything on a credit card so that it is automatically categorized, charted, and analyzed, might as well reap the rewards at the same time! Furthermore, if anything, th...
by Saleen
Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital One Quicksilver: 1.5% reward, thoughts?
Replies: 98
Views: 277463

Re: Capital One Quicksilver: 1.5% reward, thoughts?

I had the capital one visa that gave 1% and an extra .5% annual bonus, they have now switched me over to the quicksilver. I have found this card to be the best available that doesn't involve jumping through any hoops to get my rewards. Indeed, they got rid of the last hoop that was having to wait a year to get the extra 0.5%. Statement credit is super easy, no having them mail you a check and you don't have to get to a minimum cash back before you can redeem. Also, a few months ago my credit card # was stolen and they were on it immediately. Their customer service was excellent and they worked with me to let 1 important transaction go through on the old card that was set to automatically go through the next day. I think this is the best no ...
by Saleen
Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USAA Homeowner Insurance Increase
Replies: 35
Views: 6220

Re: USAA Homeowner Insurance Increase

I agree USAA is doing some interesting rate increases in certain areas making them non-competitive. When I moved to Nevada they offered me a rate 3x what I was paying for auto insurance in CA. Went with GEICO and get a similar rate to what I was paying in CA. I was dumbfounded USAA could even give such a quote with a straight face.
by Saleen
Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To do 401(a) plan?
Replies: 4
Views: 555

Re: To do 401(a) plan?

The 401(a) plan includes no employer contribution and is identical in all respects to the 457 plan as far as investment options.
by Saleen
Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To do 401(a) plan?
Replies: 4
Views: 555

To do 401(a) plan?

Hello everyone, As I am nearing the completion of my first year as a county employee, I am now eligible to join the county's 401(a) plan. The county offers a 401(a) plan and a 457. The county does not make any contributions to either (I also have PERS) and the 401(a) plan offers the same funds as the 457. Thus, my question is why anyone would choose to participate in the 401(a) plan where your investment rate is locked and cannot be altered for the duration of your employment? Currently, I still have about $50k in student loans at 6.8% (law school) that I am trying to pay off, so I haven't been contributing to my 457 plan. I don't see any reason to sign up for the 401(a), but since I only have a 90 day window to sign up or lose it (and I pl...
by Saleen
Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap Razors
Replies: 81
Views: 11316

Re: Cheap Razors

Another vote for the double-edged safety razor here. I don't think its really a debate, or at least it shouldn't be, for bogleheads. Bought 100 pack of Astra Premium razorblades on Amazon for $10.

If you shave right after a shower it doesn't take any longer than shaving with a mach 3 once you get the hang of it. Having two edges sometimes I feel like it even goes faster.
by Saleen
Fri Jun 07, 2013 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card vs. ATM and Cash
Replies: 44
Views: 17406

Re: No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Card vs. ATM and Cash

I've found both methods to apply similar, good exchange rates. Take an atm card that reimburses ATM fees and a no transaction fee credit card and you are set.

What you want to avoid doing is taking cash and exchanging it or using any form of exchange service where they give you bad rates.
by Saleen
Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Penfed Credit Union
Replies: 24
Views: 3029

Re: Penfed Credit Union

Many people on this board use the Penfed visa that gives 5% cash back on gas. Many others have refinanced mortgages and autoloans at low rates with Penfed.
by Saleen
Fri Mar 15, 2013 3:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [POLL] What would you like Vanguard to change or improve?
Replies: 92
Views: 10018

Re: [POLL] What would you like Vanguard to change or improve

2 factor authentication please. The focus on brute force is misplaced, people should be worried about their passwords being taken by keyloggers!

If blizzard and google can do it, vanguard can do it!
by Saleen
Mon Mar 04, 2013 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should Bogleheads Write Their Own Wills?
Replies: 39
Views: 4818

Re: Should Bogleheads Write Their Own Wills?

Make sure that the will software complies with the will requirements of your state, which can greatly differ from state to state. Some states allow hand-written wills but everything has to be hand written, others the signing must be witnessed by two-disinterested witnesses regardless of the circumstances. In many states, substantial compliance is not acceptable. Thus, you sign the will but one of the witnesses didn't witness your signature, you now die intestate.

You want to be very clear that the will meets your state law's requirements.
by Saleen
Wed Feb 20, 2013 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a Suit
Replies: 16
Views: 2418

Re: Need a Suit

I would only add that if you only are going to get one suit and it might be used for funerals, I would definitely go with a dark charcoal gray, but not black. No pleats, cuffs optional but probably not if it is going to be your only suit. I'm a younger gentleman and I wear mostly suits from J.Crew and Tommy Hilfiger. I also have quite a few great thrift store finds. I would definitely be sure and get something timeless as opposed to trendy. Avoid super slim lapels, which are trendy now. I would also recommend getting a solid charcoal, without any stripes or patterns as those can go in and out of style every few years. I think you might find some more help if you asked your question over at the forums on dappered.com, a site dedicated to loo...
by Saleen
Wed Feb 20, 2013 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement and Taxable Account advice for a young guy
Replies: 84
Views: 10222

Re: Retirement and Taxable Account advice for a young guy

If those target retirement funds in your 401k are vanguard, I'd just go all TR2050 in both the roth IRA and the 401k and forget about it. Let them do the balancing for you. Has the 30% international stock you want, and has 10% bonds, which is much safer than the 100% stock route.

Otherwise, I would just try and replicate the 2050 as best as possible in the 401k.

That's what I do at least. Set it and forget it!
by Saleen
Thu Feb 14, 2013 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice on Paying Off Student Loans ASAP
Replies: 20
Views: 2416

Re: Advice on Paying Off Student Loans ASAP

I would set up the auto-pay to get the .25% discount. You can still make an additional payment.

I have auto-pay through nelnet on my 6 student loans. In addition, I put an extra $300 a month towards my highest interest loan.
by Saleen
Wed Feb 13, 2013 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investment Bank Internship versus Accounting Courses
Replies: 27
Views: 3202

Re: Investment Bank Internship versus Accounting Courses

I cannot speak as to I-banks, but I can speak about my experience as a law student. You should see if they are similar. In the field of law, an internship or "summer assoiciateship" in your last summer of law school is basically mandatory if you want to start working at a national law firm upon graduation. The large majority of firms simply do not hire graduates who did not participate in their summer program the previous summer, regardless of class standing, intelligence, certain special classes, whatever. The internship at the firm is a prerequisite to being hired after graduation. If this is the case with Investment Banks, the internship is the right choice. Of course, I have no idea whether this is the case, but it is somethin...
by Saleen
Wed Feb 13, 2013 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who taught you about money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9827

Re: Who taught you about money?

This forum! Started reading it when I started my first job after college. Having an inquisitive nature and wanting to research and understand everything helps.

Took a few binge years to go to law school, hopefully I can get back on track now!
by Saleen
Tue Feb 12, 2013 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Legos
Replies: 52
Views: 10723

Re: Legos

This thread makes me want to have kids so I can play with legos again. That and Brillo train sets were the best!

I was always more of a scenario #2 guy myself.
by Saleen
Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small side business finance tips appreciated
Replies: 22
Views: 2055

Re: Small side business finance tips appreciated

In addition to the comment about taxes, I would also argue for an LLC under the following hypothetical:

You sell a piece of vintage cookware to someone. Turns out it was discarded because it was defective, which you could have but failed to identify. Someone becomes seriously ill, injured, or dies as a result of the error. Without an LLC, you are on the hook for millions of dollars in damages. With an LLC, your liability is limited to the assetts of the LLC.

This may be an extreme hypothetical, but don't doubt that crazier things have happened. I'm positive that with a little research you could do all the necessary paperwork yourself, leaving the only cost as the filing and annual fees. Something to consider at least.
by Saleen
Mon Feb 11, 2013 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Willing to do 6 month interest rate match
Replies: 36
Views: 6977

Re: USAA Willing to do 6 month interest rate match

I would like to know USAA answer to this one: "Imagine if you could earn 3 or 4 percent interest on a “free” checking account – with no minimum balance requirement, no monthly fees and free transactions at any ATM in the country? Advertise | AdChoices It sounds too good to be true, but it’s not. The Kasasa checking account (pronounced kah-sah-suh) offered by dozens of community banks and credit unions across the country is for real. Right now, 29 of these institutions are paying 3 to 4 percent APY to those who qualify. " http://www.nbcnews.com/business/better-checking-no-fee-no-minimum-4-interest-1B8310118 This is very interesting! Looks like at least one bank on there (evergreenbankgroup, based out of illinois) offers online ban...
by Saleen
Mon Feb 11, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small side business finance tips appreciated
Replies: 22
Views: 2055

Re: Small side business finance tips appreciated

You may want to consider setting up an LLC to limit your liability for anything that happens. Nothing worse than a little side business ruining your actual business.
by Saleen
Fri Feb 08, 2013 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 31
Views: 4444

Re: becoming a landlord? your thoughts, please

Are you positive the fact that one child already attends the school doesn't make the chances for the younger one better? Around here, if the eldest child wins the "lottery," younger siblings will be allowed to go to the same school so long as they begin attending while the other child is still there.

It seems like you are on top of the situation, but may be one thing to look into.
by Saleen
Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank question [Online or Brick and Mortar?]
Replies: 19
Views: 5055

Re: Bank question

I use USAA, though as discussed in a recent thread on this forum, its rates on checking and savings are extremely low as of late. 1) It is easier to deposit a check on my iPhone than to drive to a local bank or ATM. 2) I use whatever ATM is closest when I need cash, as USAA reimburses any ATM Fees. 3) If I need a large amount of cash (larger than the daily ATM withdrawl rate), I can walk into any bank and ask for a cash advance on my USAA Debit Card (not credit Card, as that would start charging interest immediately). I do keep an old account with a local credit union, but only because that is my oldest line of credit (to keep my score up) and because it is easiest to transfer money to and from my father, who is also a member there. Otherwi...
by Saleen
Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should My Pops Refinance His House?
Replies: 5
Views: 832

Re: Should My Pops Refinance His House?

Okay, My dad filled out some info on Bankrate.com and has been getting some phone calls with other potential offers. Many won't do his loan to value. One offer is from mortgagegrouplending.com, with $1400 in closing costs and a 3.75% APR, 1/2 a percent lower than the quicken loans offer. However, I am having difficulty checking whether this site is reputiable before my dad sends any personal information such as his account numbers or social security number. My dad spoke with an agent, Richard Ellis, NMLS # 876663. For what its worth, they have an A+ rating from the BBB. Is there a quick way to check to see if a lender is on the up and up? It does appear they are registered with the California Real Estate Board, lic # 00655122. My further re...
by Saleen
Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should My Pops Refinance His House?
Replies: 5
Views: 832

Re: Should My Pops Refinance His House?

Thanks for the info so far.

Our biggest concern is getting him more cash flow each month. I agree the 4.2 seems a bit high based on what is available, but I think that is based on the high LTV. According to my dad, there is no mortgage insurance associated with the quicken loan, so the 1,175 would be the total monthly fee.

I'll see if I can get him to look around some more. So far we have tried two places (quicken and golden1).

Also, there has been no recent appraisal, he estimates the value is around 210k based upon recent sales in the neighborhood.
by Saleen
Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should My Pops Refinance His House?
Replies: 5
Views: 832

Should My Pops Refinance His House?

Hi everyone, I am personally not a homeowner, nor am I apparently capable of understanding exactly how to compute the amount that would be paid over the course of a loan. I would appreciate some help in both opinions on this situation as well as some info on how to figure this out on my own. My dad purchased a home in 2005. He has a 30 year fixed mortgage with a current principal balance of $238,500 and an APR of 5.5%. He has been making payments of $1,539.00 a month for about 7 1/2 years. He has been tentatively approved for a HARP 2.0 loan from quicken loans. Closing costs would be $2,400, which would be added to the principal of the loan (total $240,900). New APR would be 4.2%. Total monthly payments would be $1,175.00, saving him $364 a...
by Saleen
Tue Feb 05, 2013 1:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Carl Richards' Napkin Sketches
Replies: 27
Views: 3012

Carl Richards' Napkin Sketches

Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I wanted to share.

Carl Richards does napkin sketches for the New York Times' "Bucks" blog. I've always found them entertaining and they tend to follow the advice followed and given here. Anyways, today I came across a page that had indexed his sketches. I thought yall might find them entertaining/interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/your ... html#/all/
by Saleen
Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The perfect Boglehead car
Replies: 92
Views: 17090

Re: The perfect Boglehead car

I second the subarus. My family is on its 3rd WRX wagon. Just took a 600 mile road trip in the 2011 and it is very fun to drive and we averaged 26 mpg. Not the greatest, but we weren't exactly going for fuel economy up the curvy 101 on the coast.
by Saleen
Fri Feb 01, 2013 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Locking in short-term capital gains during unemployment?
Replies: 22
Views: 3525

Re: Locking in short-term capital gains during unemployment?

You say you've maxed out your roth, yet you don't intend to have any employment income in 2013? I don't think this is possible?
by Saleen
Fri Feb 01, 2013 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: USAA Willing to do 6 month interest rate match
Replies: 36
Views: 6977

Re: USAA Willing to do 6 month interest rate match

I love USAA Banking, and my USAA Banking checking account is where my paychecks are deposited and is where I keep my money to meet my daily needs. There rates are crap right now though! After getting .46% cashback on my credit card last year I just switched to Capital One's 1.5% cashback card. I only have an average of about 3k in my checking account at any given time, so I would only be getting .4% at Ally, that's still a lot higher than the .01% I'm getting right now at USAA. For me, the difference is only about $15 a year, which I am willing to pay to stick with USAA's excellent online and mobile exerpience, which I am now used to. However, if I had more that 15k in checking and it was .75 at Ally vs .01 at USAA, I think it would be a no...
by Saleen
Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for first credit card
Replies: 16
Views: 1504

Re: Advice for first credit card

Nummerkins wrote:LMCU has a credit card that gives 3% back on gas, 2% on groceries and 1% on everything else. Go to a branch and apply. They underwrite manually so it's not just a computer making a decision.
Those are some pretty decent rewards and would keep you life simple as you are already a member. I would go with that! Doublecheck on the fees though.
by Saleen
Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for first credit card
Replies: 16
Views: 1504

Re: Advice for first credit card

After getting .46% cash back last year on my USAA credit card, I took this week to research my options. First, as discussed above it is MOST important to pay off your balance each month. If that is not the case, you need the card with the lowest APR. However, if you are paying it off every month religiously, then the question is really which card provides you with the best rewards. For frequent travelers, rewards cards that offer miles seem to be great deals. However, I was personally looking for cards that would 1) give me cash back and 2) not be a hassle. As many have stated, there are some cards from chase and discover that give you 5% cashback on certain purchases such as a gas or groceries. I decided not to go with these cards because ...
by Saleen
Fri Jan 18, 2013 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Landlord dilema
Replies: 33
Views: 3487

Re: Landlord dilema

Google things such as the implied warranty of habitability, quiet enjoyment, and constructive eviction. Does this water heater problem raise to the level necessary for the tenants to break the lease? I don't think so. But, the one thing people never seem to consider when discussing legal situations is the "expense ratio." If they leave, what would be the costs to you of finding a new tenant and paying the mortgage in the interim? Assume maybe 3 months rent. Now, how much would it cost you in legal and court fees to take legal action against your tenants if they leave? My guess is its probably not worth it. Now, there is likely an attorneys' fees clause in the lease, which in the end could make you whole, but you would have to fron...
by Saleen
Thu Jan 17, 2013 6:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Boglehead contrarian index
Replies: 13
Views: 1660

Re: Boglehead contrarian index

I haven't seen many mortgage backed securities threads in the last few years....