Search found 1357 matches

by Manbaerpig
Sun Mar 27, 2016 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thoughts on Housing Prices Trajectory in the Bay Area?
Replies: 77
Views: 12234

Re: Thoughts on Housing Prices Trajectory in the Bay Area?

"Never happened" is pretty much part of the definition of a black swan, and I'm thinking it's a black swan like this that may be the most likely event that could have a significant negative impact real estate prices in the Bay Area. Also, it has happened--in 1906: 90% of the damage in SF from that date was the fire though. It is safe to say that a similar event today would not suffer the same fate. It wasn't the earthquake per se. Also building codes in the construction that followed are markedly different. Loma prieta demonstrated this. California will always be at risk for a catastrophic event of course just like most everywhere else. If an earthquake doesn't get us the Yellowstone super volcano or the one by mammoth will. Sure...
by Manbaerpig
Fri Jan 15, 2016 10:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I'm Calling an Emerging Markets Bottom
Replies: 292
Views: 64488

Re: I'm Calling an Emerging Markets Bottom

Lol at this thread. Emerging is cyclical. I'm sure all the issues I'm China will magically resolve themselves real soon
by Manbaerpig
Fri Jan 08, 2016 12:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Fidelity drops AmEx, Bank of America credit cards]
Replies: 289
Views: 64819

Re: [Fidelity drops AmEx, Bank of America credit cards]

I have the current Fidelity Visa Signature card, which provides 1.5% cash back to a Fidelity account. I wanted to find out 1) if my 1.5% rewards would change to 2%, and 2) when that would happen. I just called the number listed on the new Fidelity card advertisement page at Fidelity's website. I was unsure if the number I was calling connected me with FIA or with Elan, and the representative confirmed she worked for Elan. She answered both of my questions. The cards (and leftover rewards) will automatically be converted in July 2016, and the replacement cards will carry the 2% rewards level. I'm glad this will be automatic for me, save the work of changing all existing uses of the soon-to-be old credit card number. Shit, I just applied for...
by Manbaerpig
Sun Jan 03, 2016 8:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: frustrating to keep investing in international/EM
Replies: 179
Views: 23818

Re: frustrating to keep investing in international/EM

Am I the only one finding it particularly easy to invest in em/int given that U.S. Markets were flat-ish all year?

Eg zero sector envy, I'm sure I'd be singing a different tune if the s&p were up say 5%+ on the year...

Int just seems like a value proposition to me (em always scares me ofc), esp given the strong dollar and the near-euro parity
by Manbaerpig
Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chinese Move to Stabilize Stock Market
Replies: 41
Views: 8228

Re: Chinese Move to Stabilize Stock Market

+124% YTD then a 24% drop? Why are we supposed to panic, exactly?
by Manbaerpig
Sat Jun 13, 2015 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Employer Company Stock Purchase Programs
Replies: 14
Views: 2125

Re: Employer Company Stock Purchase Programs

How about a option 3.5?

Hold just long enough to sell at long term cap gains rates vs marginal income taxes (12 months and a day)

Where appropriate use a few puts to protect your gains for 12 months. You may want to ask your employer for their policy on such an activity (can obviously be frowned upon)
by Manbaerpig
Thu Mar 12, 2015 12:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651020

Re: U.S. stocks in freefall

the chances of another recession out there somewhere is always 100%

determining when that might happen to be [and when it will be reflected in equity pricing] are two additional problem areas
by Manbaerpig
Tue Mar 10, 2015 4:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios [now live]
Replies: 439
Views: 124472

Re: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios is live

I'm really conflicted here. I love the look of their ~70/30 portfolio which has around ~8% cash

if I consider the 8% to return approx 3%/APY/long-term bond-type yields its around 20-25 basis points of 'fee'

If I consider it part of the overall portfolio's ~6% nominal expected return then it's closer to 45-50 basis points of 'fee'

compared to say betterment of 25 bps, with another 10bps in underlying vanguard funds

kind of a wash, WGAF scenario no?
by Manbaerpig
Tue Mar 10, 2015 12:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's your definition on Working and Retired?
Replies: 24
Views: 2754

Re: What's your definition on Working and Retired?

Perhaps you find the term 'financially independent ' more agreeable?

The rest of your scenarios seem like you're conflating issues with respect to self-employment
by Manbaerpig
Mon Mar 09, 2015 3:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios [now live]
Replies: 439
Views: 124472

Re: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios is live

I was also able to find an allocation around 6% cash, will edit this post with more details when I finally get through the wizard(s)...

edit: acting kinda like Obamacare in the first ~12 months or so w/signup problems. Stalled out in processing "please try again later"

incidentally my employer ESPP and RSU's go through Schwab as well, tried using that account to login or a new one... no dice either way so I'm giving up for now
by Manbaerpig
Thu Mar 05, 2015 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good career for woman mid 30's?
Replies: 34
Views: 6136

Re: Good career for woman mid 30's?

Go for a PA [physicians assistant], my $0.01

great combo of a career where you would [likely, not sure] be embraced/welcomed [women in healthcare with less than median english skills]

major $$$
stable career, earning potential
freedom of schedule
benefits in favor of motherhood
by Manbaerpig
Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mr. Money Mustache: Hero or Foolish?
Replies: 452
Views: 125566

Re: Mr. Money Mustache: Hero or Foolish?

relevance?
Image



*also on a sidenote: MMM has said TIME and TIME again that he doesn't subscribe to the concept of "retirement" as "not working/earning income of any sort" AT ALL. EVER. Read closer if you guys think he is saying anything about a 4% SWR lasting a lifetime and all that. Just a guideline. He's posted MANY times that he earns 20-100k/yr or thereabouts part/time w/odd jobs and the success of his online endeavors.

All he's really ever said is to live simply, save early, and find a way to earn a living on your terms.

[see also: Hero]

/clarification
by Manbaerpig
Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to Invest in Gold
Replies: 70
Views: 12388

Re: How to Invest in Gold

I still say my admin-removed comments about the personal storing of gold coins in "natures pocket" [and the size requirements thereto] are quite relevant :D
by Manbaerpig
Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to Invest in Gold
Replies: 70
Views: 12388

Re: How to Invest in Gold

Do I get to be one of the first [only?] people/person to answer this fine Q? *disclaimer I am a coin collector I am presently enamored with pre-1933 circulated US gold coins, and [duh] the $20 St. Gaudens You pay a numismatic premium, so most bogleheads will throw this option out. It's something like 12% over spot typically instead of like 5% or whatever you can get from say a Buffalo round. That being said you get one of these beauts http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/UserImages/50101289o.jpg [OT comments removed by admin LadyGeek] For that reason you might want to go with some of the $5 and $10 versions :D :D :moneybag Today spot price is $1220.x, a "cleaned" circulated St. Gaudens $20 is $1293, and *sometimes* there are free shipping...
by Manbaerpig
Wed Feb 25, 2015 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!
Replies: 66
Views: 20483

Re: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!

good luck OP but phone+laptop confiscated means they are ACTUALLY finding something on those devices to uncover some mess that has occured for which they are blaming you already. You're beyond fired

Sounds like the best course is a stiff drink, chin up, and on to the next job. I'm sure it will be better!
by Manbaerpig
Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios [now live]
Replies: 439
Views: 124472

Re: Schwab Intelligent Portfolio Details

Thanks for the link! Will read, first thoughts:7% dedicated to cash seems like a tiny price to pay and offers a nice side benefit as well (stability/reserve), I guess there's no free lunch

*reading

Edit: no mention of automatic/daily tax loss harvesting?

I think every robovisor has something everyone is going to disagree with, eg my #2 option is betterment, offering a 50k portfolio around a 27 basis point fee level, automated daily tax loss harvesting, and lessor emerging exposure than wealthfront (28% they suggested for VWO vs 10% at betterment)

Just an example
by Manbaerpig
Fri Jan 30, 2015 1:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Employer 401k w/Fidelity
Replies: 8
Views: 1389

Re: New Employer 401k w/Fidelity

100% " SPTN 500 INDEX ADV (FUSVX)
02/17/1988" 0.07%


outside of this 401k perhaps you can look at your spouses 401k for a bond fund or either of your Roth's to balance the entire portfolio appropriately with your AA

assuming you're targetting 60/40 ish


CN: you have (1) good fund in your 401k, so will have to be creative to balance around it in other accounts. Preferably her 401k and/or his/her Roth's
by Manbaerpig
Wed Jan 28, 2015 1:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wealthfront automated investment service
Replies: 19
Views: 3448

Re: Wealthfront automated investment service

I though the elephant in the room here is automated daily tax loss harvesting, which is expected to generate some tax alpha in taxable accounts. Agreed with the posters that suggest just using vanguard and a spreadsheet is probably superior where this level of finesse is not required (eg tax advantaged) Personally I can't wait to see what schwab announces next month with schwab intelligent portfolios-- same thing (better?) than betterment/wealthfront/future advisor/sigfig/ET all and no fees beyond the ultra low schwab index funds Only concern really is the bid/ask spread problem (when effecting a daily TLH) and the true tax implication (deferring taxes and lowering cost basis long term could prove counter productive in some scenarios, and m...
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements
Replies: 20
Views: 5540

Re: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements

great link, I wonder how to quantify the bid/spread in say schwab's ETFs which I understand have substantially lower volume than say...vanguards

also fwiw: the part I'm getting excited about is the reference ~.3/.4% long term TL alpha with a tax rate arbitrage kicker [no way will I be in this tax bracket in retirement]

good read tho, thank you
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 8:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Capital Gains help
Replies: 25
Views: 2668

Re: Capital Gains help

it's precisely the opposite but a more nuanced calculation and very personal in nature , occasionally, it may make sense to 'take' capital gains before something historic happens. Like LT cap gains rate moving from 15% to 28%

these are the types of posts however that I think tend to get locked, apologies in advance...I doubt we experience anything of this nature passed into law anytime soon of course
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements
Replies: 20
Views: 5540

Re: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements

for some its the ULTIMATE lazy portfolio and a quest for tax-alpha. What could possibly go wrong :D


https://www.wealthfront.com/tax-loss-harvesting
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taking advantage of the Euro's decline
Replies: 8
Views: 1282

Re: Taking advantage of the Euro's decline

I think the subtlest move of all is to tilt a little in the foreign index funds :D [although I'll be honest I'm not sure to what degree currency arbitrage plays a role in the NAV, probably some non-zero factor]
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Suze Orman: $100 into $860k, and cfiresim
Replies: 47
Views: 9969

Re: Suze Orman: $100 into $860k, and cfiresim

I think it's like an arms race... who wants to be the advisor that offers that their gains will be 'less' than the other guy? sort of like how tax return products are marketed [xyz corp got me $14,000!!!]
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios [now live]
Replies: 439
Views: 124472

Re: Schwab Intelligent Portfolios

Mixine wrote:I'd be worried by the frequent capital gain if it was to rebalance so frequently
I believe the whole 'point' of the robo-advisor [schwab] in this case is actually to go for a realized loss [or enough regular deposits/dividends] vs a cap gain. The main selling point [imho] is the daily tax loss harvesting feature.

betterment/wealthfront will show a 'drift' and $ required to maintain the various bands in terms of additional funds. Supposedly they are more careful than automatic where re-balancing would otherwise trigger a capital gain [there may be a setting or checkbox for this... we will have to wait and see. I want to say both betterment and wealthfront do...] eg:" permit re-balancing to trigger a capital gain" [y/n] :D
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 7:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements
Replies: 20
Views: 5540

Re: Chat with Vanguard: robo-advisers and site enhancements

personally I can't WAIT for schwab to launch the intelligent portfolio service the automated/daily tax loss harvesting service is the main attractor. [obviously in taxable space only] I'm SUPER excited to not have to stress/worry about sub-optimal manual TLH [eg swap to similar asset...wait 30 days... hope that it doesnt accumulate a taxable gain itself---the swap---then swap back into the original fund at the slightly lowered basis...] for a taxable account looks like schwab will have the more compelling robo-advisor compared with betterment or wealthfront [or future advisor---which I think does not offer daily TLH ever, or sigfig] I plan on switching my taxable portfolio over to schwab for the daily TLH/robo-advisement as soon as its live...
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Suze Orman: $100 into $860k, and cfiresim
Replies: 47
Views: 9969

Re: Suze Orman: $100 into $860k, and cfiresim

what about the cost in career capital for the often-correlated to 'bring-home-from-lunch-guy' tends to also be 'eat-by-himself' guy who is then seen as less sociable who is then less likely to be promoted /less likely to receive raises/etc to some degree?
by Manbaerpig
Mon Jan 19, 2015 6:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Capital Gains help
Replies: 25
Views: 2668

Re: Capital Gains help

also the oval office is floating a rise in the capital gains tax [doesnt look like theres a good chance of it passing], so I wouldnt worry about it but of course thats another scenario to keep in mind.

tax-gain harvesting may be prudent if we do actually return to the reagan era rates
by Manbaerpig
Thu Jan 05, 2012 2:42 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: how to delete account?
Replies: 0
Views: 1006

how to delete account?

thank you, alternatively: please delete this account
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ron Paul's portfolio
Replies: 27
Views: 4041

Re: Ron Paul's portfolio

I assume it's 0.1% of his portfolio (or less) in that double-inverse fund...

say he's worth $5m... we're talking about $5k here, tops...

most here advocate "do watcha like" with up to ~5%.... this is 1/50 of that amount (to him)...


also if he's been in gold since "at least 2002", who is laughing now eh?
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If I buy gold, what should I buy?
Replies: 50
Views: 10096

Re: If I buy gold, what should I buy?

LH wrote:
Do i understand you right?

Lets say you buy a gold one ounce piece, have it shipped. you pay 5 percent over spot.

stipulate spot remains unchanged.

You sell it back to them, what exactly is the 3 percent? I would assume that the 3 percent would be 3 percent under spot?

That the total loss of such a buy then immediately sell maneuver was 8 percent of the spot price? Or am I not following you?

less shipping/insurance both ways also. I like to think of these transactions as 1-way personally, once it had gone the other direction, it is likely a WTSHTF event has occured.

But technically you are correct. And likely it is 5% in each direction net of these costs.
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Early Retirement Extreme, No Longer Retired
Replies: 60
Views: 9686

Re: Early Retirement Extreme, No Longer Retired

If you live in a van down by the river you're not early retired, you're a bum living in a van
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ron Paul's portfolio
Replies: 27
Views: 4041

Re: Ron Paul's portfolio

[uncouth personal attack removed by Mod]


poking fun at the popular perception of Ron Paul is anything but

edited by mbp
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Torn on whether or not to refi 30yr to 15yr
Replies: 26
Views: 3347

Re: Torn on whether or not to refi 30yr to 15yr

I had luck with first indiana bank, others here have too...


www.firstib.com
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why do companies offer benefits but conceal them?
Replies: 30
Views: 3704

Re: Why do companies offer benefits but conceal them?

also some companies make the re-imbursement/application process for said benefit either recurring or incredibly painful expecting that many will not put up with the torture

example:
billing internet, phone, gym, other small recurring expenses monthly through a painful cost accounting process (these were work related, these werent, here's the code for that, this is the code for those... oh wait thats not right that was last months code...)
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Torn on whether or not to refi 30yr to 15yr
Replies: 26
Views: 3347

Re: Torn on whether or not to refi 30yr to 15yr

15 sounds affordable to you: though see if you can do better than a 3.5/no-cost, last I looked you should be able to get under that... but maybe it's a LTV issue :beer
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A "Thumbs Up" for Vanguard
Replies: 2
Views: 828

Re: A "Thumbs Up" for Vanguard

you can't just electronically do the transfer through an online wizard or something?
by Manbaerpig
Wed Dec 21, 2011 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: instant $10,000
Replies: 6
Views: 1458

Re: instant $10,000

The "normal" rule as far as I can tell is to spend some, save some, invest some

in your case, I would suggest beefing up the emergency fund (say 1/3, save some), spend a little (1/3 ?), and rather than investing some, pay down the debt with 1/3

:sharebeer
by Manbaerpig
Tue Dec 20, 2011 12:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Unmatched 401k vs taxable savings
Replies: 11
Views: 1773

Re: Unmatched 401k vs taxable savings

hard to answer until we get a better picture of your expenses/budget/income/pension/annuities/* from now until age 70


I'm shaking my crystal ball and it says you don't need the $$ until age 70, so based on that put it in your 401k :beer
by Manbaerpig
Tue Dec 20, 2011 12:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.
Replies: 132
Views: 10695

Re: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.

actually no, other than a $75 or so lease origination fee for the paperwork, leasing is identical and the 'money factor' follows predicted depreciation precisely. the only way to lose with a lease is to go somewhat under (or over) on the stated miles for your lease, or if depreciation isn't quite so fast as expected and your car would have been worth more at the time the lease expired(s), in other words you left some money on the table when the car retained more value than expected (advantage purchaser)

by the car (or an identical one that you leased) at the end of the lease and your at square one with someone that bought it assuming you ~ matched the mileage of your leasing term

less that $75 or so, of course :beer
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.
Replies: 132
Views: 10695

Re: Owning a used jalopy: Same cost as leasing brand car.

$3000 is a lot for only 18k miles tho
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What song describes your life?
Replies: 67
Views: 5588

Re: What song describes your life?

pink floyd: wish you were here

So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from Hell,
Blue sky's from pain.
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail?
A smile from a veil?
Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you to trade
Your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze?
Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl,
Year after year,
Running over the same old ground.
And how we found
The same old fears.
Wish you were here.
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 10 Errors to Avoid When Refinancing
Replies: 24
Views: 3487

Re: 10 Errors to Avoid When Refinancing

I can't be the only one who is thinking of refinancing solely in it's impact on your networth, with eventual home-ownership-free-and-clear as NOT being the end-all goal or even a variable. I look at the opportunity cost(s) associated with not refinancing to (hopefully) superior term(s) vs keeping the existing mortgage vs shortening the term vs investing the difference in the market vs the risk (IMO) of paying down your primary residence quickly vs maximizing other forms of investing (such as $108k/yr in his/her 401k+post-tax back-door Roth-ing) In my case home ownership is not the goal (will probably not be the goal in this state in my lifetime), but increasing my networth and securing my retirement as quickly as possible are. To some degre...
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 8:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paper I bonds WILL be available via tax refund in 2012
Replies: 55
Views: 9665

Re: Paper I bonds WILL be available via tax refund in 2012

Epsilon Delta wrote:The only reason to pay estimated taxes before Jan 15th is if it is needed to avoid under-withholding penalties. If you are paying extra in order to get paper I-bonds this deadline does not apply. The IRS will process estimated tax payments made after Jan 15th.

nice :sharebeer
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hobbies of Bogleheads
Replies: 159
Views: 26452

Re: Hobbies of Bogleheads

Hobbies come and go but here are my current ones: surfing --50+ days a year, + a mandatory yearly trip or 3 to hawaii and somewhere off the beaten path. if the swell is up I'm in santa cruz you can set your watch to it. I'd go more often but I reserve one weekend day to do stuff with the SO :beer mountain biking --maybe 20 annual trips into the santa cruz mountains doing some freeride stuff, 12+ mile trips. I also commute on it ~50% of the time (only 8 miles ea. way) everything else ends up in a blur of stuff I never seem to get around to doing: snowboarding-- 2 or 3 days a year tops kayaking-- 2 or 3 days a year tops windsurfing-- probably take it out in the summer once or twice hiking-- go on 2 annual camping trips of 2-3 day duration ea....
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest or Pay Down Debt?
Replies: 41
Views: 4119

Re: Invest or Pay Down Debt?

it's also generally speaking 3-10x as large as Roth-potential space in this tax bracket, if you ignore tax-event conversions, and we are talking about $5k here, which is close to noise at this income level imo
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest or Pay Down Debt?
Replies: 41
Views: 4119

Re: Invest or Pay Down Debt?

either front-door/backdoor $5k a year into a Roth When you are eligible for the 401k, I'd contribute only up to their match In the 28% bracket (+ state) I think it's nuts to prioritize post-tax over pre-tax savings. Unless the 401k is horrific it should come first. my theory is Roth space is awesome (we are only talking $5k here annually) and salary is expected to rise. Roth space is crucial and never comes back. 5, 10, 15 years from now with the gravy train rolling OP could be dropping $50k + directly into a 401k annually personally I think Roth space is truly that valuable. Lets forget that he isn't eligible for the 401k until 12 months on the job anyways. So in year 2 this is more of a topic and I'm already recommending investing up to ...
by Manbaerpig
Mon Dec 19, 2011 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold: direct ownership versus ETFs
Replies: 14
Views: 1829

Re: Gold: direct ownership versus ETFs

they get 72% of their investment back? I'd consider that fortunate

also, compare this to the expected statistical chance your:

a) safe deposit comes up empty
b) house and or person get rolled and it is liberated from you
c) your government or similar confiscates it

etc

personally I think the chance of 'losing' gold is greater when kept in physical form. call me nuts.