Search found 57 matches

by keq1381
Thu Mar 19, 2020 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Leave 403(b) untouched?
Replies: 11
Views: 663

Re: Leave 403(b) untouched?

As in 2008-9, the only change I made was to switch new investments from my desired allocation to 100% stocks. Once the market appears stable, I will switch back to my allocation and eventually rebalance. It worked out okay in 2008-9, and we will see if it does this time...
by keq1381
Thu May 04, 2017 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strategy for Mortgage Downpayment < 20%
Replies: 28
Views: 2728

Re: Strategy for Mortgage Downpayment < 20%

Given that the PMI is essentially unavoidable
This is not necessarily true. Some credit unions do not charge PMI and still offer reasonable rates. Check with your credit union and any others you may able to join.
by keq1381
Wed Apr 05, 2017 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does your employer let you cash out your Vacation and/or Sick time upon leaving the company?
Replies: 56
Views: 11436

Re: Does your employer let you cash out your Vacation and/or Sick time upon leaving the company?

My gf's employer gives them 20 days of vacation and sick time per year. However, if you leave the company the employer keeps the PTO and there is no payout for the time. This starts the second you give a 2 week(or however long you want to give) notice. A girl just gave a 2 1/2 week notice that she was leaving, but wanted to use 3 days of her vacation (which is part of the reason for the 2 1/2 week notice) and they won't let her. I know there is no requirement to give a notice, it's just respectful. But, if you had all this PTO and you knew you were going to leave in the near future, wouldn't you use it if you knew you would be punished by not getting to use it by being respectful and leaving a notice? Another co-worker found out what happe...
by keq1381
Tue Jun 14, 2016 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reasonably Priced Red Wines
Replies: 47
Views: 6369

Re: Reasonably Priced Red Wines

Rosemount Estate Shiraz
by keq1381
Fri May 20, 2016 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whats the point of MBA? Should I get it if I'm going to Cyber Security career?
Replies: 36
Views: 4216

Re: Whats the point of MBA? Should I get it if I'm going to Cyber Security career?

I have worked in IT security for just under 10 years now. Most of the advice below is pretty solid, and I have a few comments:
- If you pursue a graduate degree, stick to CS. Most of the security-related degrees teach the wrong things (e.g. focus on policy and tools)
- If you are interested in penetration testing, the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is the best entry-level certification for that. (CEH has a bad reputation in the security community)
- I know you said you don't want a role in incident response, but that is where the money is these days....
by keq1381
Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dallas suburbs or Northern Virginia for me?
Replies: 87
Views: 13667

Re: Dallas suburbs or Northern Virginia for me?

I have lived in both areas, and here are my thoughts:
- The cost of living in Dallas is far cheaper than Northern VA (NoVA).
- Property taxes are high in Texas, but they are nearly as high in NoVA.
- There is no state income tax in Texas.
- Texas is not like the rest of the South, and your perception of Texas may be wrong...
- Austin has a ton of IT jobs, and would probably be a better fit for you.
- Loudon County has the highest median income in the US (followed closely by Fairfax County).
- $250-300k is not all that realistic for Loudon County, but that all depends on what you are looking for.
by keq1381
Tue Dec 08, 2015 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I take the job?
Replies: 58
Views: 7503

Re: Should I take the job?

No, you have only been at your current job for two months!
by keq1381
Sat Nov 29, 2014 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV buying recommendations
Replies: 44
Views: 5169

Re: TV buying recommendations

I used this site to help me decide between two tvs:

http://www.rtings.com/

The reviews are detailed and impartial.
by keq1381
Tue Jun 24, 2014 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reducing Expenses for Future Family
Replies: 77
Views: 6773

Re: Reducing Expenses for Future Family

Working2notWork wrote: I think MMM might disagree. I'm not saying what you quoted is not true for some people I'm providing a link to one that seems to have gotten around that figure.
In my experience (three kids 6 years old and younger), the MMM article sounds about right ($300/mo) and it might even be a little high. It all depends on daycare costs, but if you are saving 43% of your salary, I don't think you will need to reduce expenses any further.

Also, I believe most of the $241,080 in the Dept. of Agriculture comes from increased housing costs to support a larger family.
by keq1381
Mon Feb 24, 2014 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kid on the way... Can wife stay at home?
Replies: 34
Views: 4070

Re: Kid on the way... Can wife stay at home?

I think your wife can and should stay home with little change in your lifestyle other than the changes a baby would require you to make. However, if I was in your position I would:
- As suggested by others, look into reducing cell and cable bills and try to eliminate PMI.
- IMO, life insurance on children is a scam, so don't bother.
- Invest just enough in a 529 to get any tax credits/deductions.
- Keep your 401k contribution at 10%.
- Use half of your bonus to pay student and car loans.

Children do not (have to) cost as much as people seem to think. Just way too many people buy stuff they don't need or overspend in meaningless ways.
by keq1381
Tue Jul 30, 2013 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: teaching kids about money
Replies: 29
Views: 3065

Re: teaching kids about money

The best thing I have been able to come up with so far is the concept of "family jobs" and "money jobs." "Family jobs" are chores that the child must perform as a member of the family, whereas "money jobs" are extra tasks I give them the option of performing for money (usually $1). I can't comment on how effective this idea has been since my kids are still young (newborn, 3, and 5).
by keq1381
Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco holdout considering membership
Replies: 117
Views: 11188

Re: Costco holdout considering membership

Kosmo wrote:I don't get it but the primary reason people are listing for not joining Costco is impulse purchases. It's no different there than at any other store. That's a pretty lame excuse..
Here are my (hopefully not lame) reasons for not joining Costco:
- Their hours are not great, which makes the store crowded all of the time.
- They only accept American Express credit cards.
- Other warehouse stores have more variety (especially baby products).

I am sure there are more...
by keq1381
Wed May 15, 2013 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Milestones for Retirement Saving
Replies: 16
Views: 4650

Re: Milestones for Retirement Saving

I found this article a few years ago, and I find it to be much better than the Fidelity guidelines:

http://corporate.morningstar.com/ib/doc ... elines.pdf

See Table 2 to calculate the suggested savings rate (including employer match) based on your age, income, and current savings.
by keq1381
Mon Apr 22, 2013 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for advice on Wine.
Replies: 33
Views: 3545

Re: Looking for advice on Wine.

I really like Rosemount Estates Shiraz. It's about $8 - $10 a bottle.
by keq1381
Tue Apr 02, 2013 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: kitchen faucets
Replies: 25
Views: 3955

Re: kitchen faucets

Saving$ wrote:Get the style that you like best.

One thing to watch for: the inexpensive faucets have a plastic neck (the part between the handle and where the water comes out). These can easily break especially if they are the tall kind that stick up from the sink, and pots and pans are being moved past the sink. Make sure you get one with a metal neck. You can easily see the difference at most Costco stores - they sell a faucet with nice features for about $70 which has a plastic neck, and sell another for about $180 with a metal neck.
+1

Our contractor recommended avoiding plastic parts in the faucet when we remodeled our kitchen last year.
by keq1381
Fri Feb 22, 2013 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you spend in a week? (Mon-Sun)
Replies: 50
Views: 5483

Re: How much do you spend in a week? (Mon-Sun)

It works out to about $600/week for my family (2 adults and 2.5 children).
by keq1381
Thu Jan 24, 2013 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to spend on a new washer & dryer
Replies: 66
Views: 23313

Re: Consumer Reports

BigOil wrote: Leave the washer door OPEN when not in use...or you may get mildew and stench! We bought it based on CR reviews.
+1

Because of this, we got a top loading washing machine without the agitator.
by keq1381
Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cable TV with NO SPORTS Channels... Yep!
Replies: 49
Views: 4554

Re: Cable TV with NO SPORTS Channels... Yep!

Thanks for the information! Unfortunately, you lose too many other channels... :annoyed
by keq1381
Sun Jan 13, 2013 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TSP Performance
Replies: 39
Views: 4500

Re: TSP Performance

KyleAAA wrote: I wish the government would replace 401k's with the TSP plan.
President George W. Bush tried that with Social Security...
by keq1381
Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PMI
Replies: 14
Views: 2846

Re: PMI

What do you mean by the short term? Do they change your rate at some point even though it is a fixed rate? I spoke w/dd today and found out that they were quoted 3.87% for a mortgage at $417,000 (I think that is the most you can get w/o PMI) and they put $60,000 down. They purchased their house for less than $477,000 (417,000 + 60,000). They are getting the signed contract today and will be submitting it to Navy Federal. They will talk with them about what interest rate they can get depending upon whether they put down the full $60,000 or hold some back so they can make some changes in the house or pay off a car loan etc. I told her to check out various scenarios and see what the rates would be. By short term, I mean until they are up to 2...
by keq1381
Sun Dec 23, 2012 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request: Newly Married
Replies: 27
Views: 4018

Re: Portfolio Review Request: Newly Married

Check out the Lazy Portfolios: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Lazy_portfolio They will help you capture all sectors and reduce overlap; I like the Core Four Portfolio proposed by Rick Ferri. I with it were that easy though. With restricted options in the 401ks I am left with having to patch holes. Current portfolio allocation: Bonds 11.15% International 21.34% US 67.50% I am thinking of selling HIINX in his 401k and putting that money into FSIVX which is the same as what I am I hold in my ROTH but with lower expenses. In the ROTH I replace FSIIX and EEM w/ FPMAX (Spartan Total Market Index Fund - Investor Class .10%) to give me my emerging markets. Then I sell FFFFX and replace it with a bond fund (any suggestions?) to get me to my 15% all...
by keq1381
Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PMI
Replies: 14
Views: 2846

Re: PMI

My mortgage is with Navy Federal. I was able to get the best rate they offered at the time with only 5% down. Unless things have changed, the rate your dd is getting may not just be related solely to the down payment. However, avoiding PMI (which will cost > $200 a month) is well worth a small increase in rate for the short term.
by keq1381
Thu Dec 20, 2012 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request: Newly Married
Replies: 27
Views: 4018

Re: Portfolio Review Request: Newly Married

Check out the Lazy Portfolios: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Lazy_portfolio

They will help you capture all sectors and reduce overlap; I like the Core Four Portfolio proposed by Rick Ferri.
by keq1381
Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Extra Principal vs. Investing
Replies: 25
Views: 2908

Re: Extra Principal vs. Investing

The Wizard wrote:Perhaps split the extra money in half and do both an IRA and principal pay-down.
Over coming years, you might expect pay raises and additional extra income such that you can top out your IRA ($5500) and then throw the remainder at your mortgage!
+1
by keq1381
Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Baby Gear Recommendations
Replies: 19
Views: 4275

Re: Baby Gear Recommendations

I highly recommend this for a high chair:

http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Heal ... 0000DEW8N/

We used it for our two children from the time they were able to sit up until around three years old (stop using the tray when your child is big enough to use the table). The main issue is that the chair you strap it to can get very messy if you don't clean it regularly.
by keq1381
Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pursue job switch from private to federal.
Replies: 53
Views: 6641

Re: Pursue job switch from private to federal.

I made the opposite switch: Information Technology Management (2210) -> Private Sector Here are my thoughts: - Government IT positions are primarily management positions (e.g. you manage government contractors doing technical work) - The government typically pays less for IT positions, but has better benefits. (e.g. I got a 40% raise when I left the government.) - TSP is great (5% match) and the pension is a nice to have. (Pension formula: 1% * years of service and at some point that changes to 1.1%, so if you work for 20 years and are of retirement age you will get 20% of the average of the 3 years with the highest salary.) - The government has very high job security and very cheap health insurance that carries into retirement at the same ...
by keq1381
Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Foreign film night recommendations.
Replies: 124
Views: 10678

Re: Foreign film night recommendations.

Korean Film Recommendations:

The Chaser
Shiri
Oldboy
The Man From Nowhere
Memories of Murder

There are lots more that I can't think of....
by keq1381
Tue Apr 10, 2012 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is there a best time to buy new Car/SUV?
Replies: 11
Views: 2487

Re: Is there a best time to buy new Car/SUV?

According to this article (and others) September through the end of the year (especially the end of the month) is the best time to buy a car:

http://lifehacker.com/5872627/the-best- ... ng-in-2012
by keq1381
Tue Apr 03, 2012 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with TSP holdings?
Replies: 14
Views: 1656

Re: What to do with TSP holdings?

Thanks everyone! It seems like my thinking is in line with those who replied. The only reason I can think of taking my money out of TSP is to consolidate my accounts (mainly because I do not expect to retire for 25+ more years), but it doesn't seem worth the increase in expense ratio...
by keq1381
Tue Apr 03, 2012 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with TSP holdings?
Replies: 14
Views: 1656

What to do with TSP holdings?

I stopped working as a federal employee 2.5 years ago, and I kept the money I accumulated in TSP. I do not expect to return to work as a federal employee, and I am starting to wonder if i should keep the money in TSP or roll it over to a Vanguard IRA. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

keq1381
by keq1381
Thu Jan 19, 2012 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead food cost Poll
Replies: 85
Views: 7287

Re: Boglehead food cost Poll

Wow! I am in the low cost plan, but it sure doesn't feel like it, and based on those numbers I am not looking forward to the impact my kids will have on our food budget when they grow up. :?
by keq1381
Wed Jan 18, 2012 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need some advice on shredder
Replies: 39
Views: 4298

Re: Need some advise on shredder

Other than security, a good reason to buy a cross-cut shredder vs a strip shredder is bulk. A stack of paper cut into strips takes up much more room than what you get from a cross-cut shredder.
by keq1381
Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sherlock - BBC series on Holmes set in 21st Century
Replies: 67
Views: 7732

Re: Sherlock - BBC series on Holmes set in 21st Century

I enjoyed Sherlock quite a lot. Another show I really enjoyed was Luther. Both are available on Netflix streaming.
by keq1381
Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Military retirement upcoming; suggested retirement location?
Replies: 19
Views: 4106

Re: Military retirement upcoming; suggested retirement locat

Does your husband plan to work after retiring from the military or fully retire? Either instance will have an impact on your options...
by keq1381
Tue Dec 27, 2011 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traffic behavior on I95
Replies: 32
Views: 4141

Re: Traffic behavior on I95

I'll stake Maryland drivers against Virginians. A Maryland driver on a two lane road will slow down for traffic coming in the opposite direction. A Maryland driver approaching one of the state's new speed cameras will slow down to below the posted limit - even when approaching from the direction not monitored by the camera. A Maryland driver who needs to stop for a second to do something will stop in, or blocking, the road. Maryland drivers have never heard of Bluetooth. A Maryland driver views snow or rain as an excellent opportunity to test his car's crash worthiness. I grew up in Los Angeles, driving the freeways. I am convinced that, in general, more aggressive drivers are safer than timid drivers. Give me Manhattan, or central Florenc...
by keq1381
Sat Dec 24, 2011 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self moving with U-haul
Replies: 33
Views: 4030

Re: Self moving with U-haul

Pay special attention to the mileage rates!! In my last move (about 100 miles round trip), we used a Budget truck, since they charged $0.26/mile whereas U-Haul charged $0.99/mile.
by keq1381
Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the most overrated book you've read?
Replies: 193
Views: 14572

Re: What's the most overrated book you've read?

Yay! It's not just me! I really didn't care for Catch-22 or Catcher in the Rye.
by keq1381
Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too late to buy I-Bonds through TreasuryDirect?
Replies: 18
Views: 2339

Re: Too late to buy I-Bonds through TreasuryDirect?

I don't know too much about I-Bonds, but wouldn't it be better to wait until November to see if the fixed rate will be increased (currently 0%)? The inflation rate is changing from 4.6% to 3.06%, and that will affect all I-Bonds, right? Makes absolutely no sense to me to wait until Nov. when you already know you'll get 4.6% for the first six months if you buy by the end of Oct. Do you really expect the Fed to raise the fixed rate when the 3.06% Nov. 1st inflation adjustment is already way more than any other risk-free option, like CDs or money markets? They're not in the habit of giving money away when they don't have to. And even if they did raise the fixed rate to .1 or .2%, the composite rate still won't come close to that 4.6% rate you...
by keq1381
Wed Oct 26, 2011 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too late to buy I-Bonds through TreasuryDirect?
Replies: 18
Views: 2339

Re: Too late to buy I-Bonds through TreasuryDirect?

I don't know too much about I-Bonds, but wouldn't it be better to wait until November to see if the fixed rate will be increased (currently 0%)? The inflation rate is changing from 4.6% to 3.06%, and that will affect all I-Bonds, right?
by keq1381
Fri Oct 21, 2011 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Computer - hard drive partitioned???
Replies: 16
Views: 1965

Re: New Computer - hard drive partitioned???

I would leave the partitions as they are because the manufacturer most likely separated out your data/programs from the operating system, so you would not lose your data if Windows fails.
by keq1381
Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with info on company match
Replies: 18
Views: 1688

My nonprofit has an exceptional 403b match:
2.5% automatic employer contribution and a 2:1 match up to 4%, which means that if you put in 4%, they put in 10.5%! The contributions start after one year and there is no vesting, and they use Vanguard as the plan manager.
by keq1381
Tue Jul 12, 2011 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help needed in career path decision making and family
Replies: 28
Views: 3482

Number seven is EASY. Kids #1 and #2 are now old enough to help. Number seven is THEIR responsibility. Heh, we did that with #3... The girls were 16 and 10 when he was born. Help me understand the reasoning behind this. I understand that parents need help, but isn't it the parents' responsibility to raise their children? I could never imagine having my older children take care of MY child! He was a surprise to all of us... We didn't really plan to have another kid when the other two were so old... The two girls certainly didn't raise him, but it was sure nice to have two built-in baby-sitters, and it did make things easier. But yeah, I don't understand the families with 7,10,19 kids... There's no way the parents can give that many kids eno...
by keq1381
Tue Jul 12, 2011 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help needed in career path decision making and family
Replies: 28
Views: 3482

rrosenkoetter wrote:
Keim wrote:Number seven is EASY. Kids #1 and #2 are now old enough to help. Number seven is THEIR responsibility.
Heh, we did that with #3... The girls were 16 and 10 when he was born.
Help me understand the reasoning behind this. I understand that parents need help, but isn't it the parents' responsibility to raise their children? I could never imagine having my older children take care of MY child!
by keq1381
Fri Jun 03, 2011 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job offer advice: Need to negotiate?
Replies: 21
Views: 2290

It sounds like a great offer! Based on your description, I don't see much room for negotiation.
by keq1381
Wed May 25, 2011 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Higher Education: What Would You Choose?
Replies: 49
Views: 5532

yobria wrote:
Name a major corporation with a policy of not even considering qualified CPAs from certain schools. Call HR to confirm.

Nick
I never said there was a policy, just a mindset, and obviously there will be exceptions.
by keq1381
Wed May 25, 2011 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Higher Education: What Would You Choose?
Replies: 49
Views: 5532

SpecialK22 wrote:
yobria wrote:Too long a post to read (practice concise writing) but a CPA is a CPA.
Within my current career field the things that matter most are:

1.) Appropriate certifications
2.) Experience

Where someone went to school is almost inconsequential, so long as it was properly accredited. Is the accounting profession similar (forgive the ignorance)?
Not true at all! Many organizations will not consider people who have degrees from for profit universities because they have the mindset that better candidates attend better universities. In other words, organizations value "good university" graduates because the school has done the screening process for them.
by keq1381
Fri Apr 29, 2011 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Suggestions--Newbie w/Update!
Replies: 5
Views: 1157

Re: Portfolio Suggestions--Another Newbie

NAD83 wrote:
Tax Rate: 25% Federal; 7% State NE


Questions:
1. I need more bonds obviously. Should I do this with my TSP?

2. I would like to move my Roth to Vanguard as well as open up a new one for wife. Target date funds seem appealing to me, but would I want both in the same fund?

3. Her 401K seems overly complicated. Our FA "advised" us on these too. But looking at the big picture, it seems I can simplify things, no?

Thanks!!
You may want to consider contributing more to your TSP or 401k to reduce your marginal tax rate before contributing to a Roth.

Answers:
1. Yes.
2. Why not?
3. Yes, you should be able to simplify and reduce the costs.
by keq1381
Wed Apr 06, 2011 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Software "Upgrades": RANT
Replies: 45
Views: 6210

RonV wrote:
Why? Simply to relate my personal experience that, as I say, has not included problematic upgrade issues. If others were to pursue tangents regarding MS/Apple, however peripheral to the upgrade question under discussion, that in no way negates or precludes me from sharing my own specific experience on the matter.

Cheers,
Ron
I obviously misread your intention.
by keq1381
Wed Apr 06, 2011 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Software "Upgrades": RANT
Replies: 45
Views: 6210

RonV wrote: Not to start the religious wars, but I just cannot recall any upgrade issue (Firefox, OS, etc.) that ever caused me a problem on my Mac.

Cheers,
Ron
Then why make that comment? The 'wars' between Apple users and Microsoft users never make any sense. Apple is predominantly a hardware company, whereas Microsoft is primarily a software company. Since Apple controls the hardware AND the software, users obviously have far fewer problems.