Search found 68 matches

by 1x85zn
Sun Apr 09, 2017 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Florida Blue cancelled ACA applied plan
Replies: 8
Views: 2513

Re: Florida Blue cancelled ACA applied plan

Thanks! Looks like we're out of luck. Despite having proof of timely payments, despite having a revolving credit with Florida Blue this particular issue cannot be resolved. They will send me a letter in 7-10 days, along with a refund for over payments. We need to re-apply during open enrollment. Sigh... Thanks again
by 1x85zn
Tue Apr 04, 2017 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Florida Blue cancelled ACA applied plan
Replies: 8
Views: 2513

Re: Florida Blue cancelled ACA applied plan

I'm sorry to bump a thread, but my family is going through the same. Our insurance was cancelled due to non payment despite paying on time every month. We've spent many hours on the phone with both Florida Blue and the Market place. We were sent an appeal form, filled it out, but haven't heard since. My father is in need of a hospital visit and we would like to get this corrected as soon as possible. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions? Thanks guys!
by 1x85zn
Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using 401k IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?
Replies: 10
Views: 1294

Re: Using Roth IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?

Once you know that money is going to be used in less than a year, it should be in something very low-risk, whatever account it is in. Put this part of the investment (whether in a Roth or otherwise) into a CD maturing at the appropriate time, or into a short-term bond fund. While it isn't a good idea to raid your retirement funds to buy a home, it may be fine to take money out of your retirement account ; just because you have put money into an account with "retirement" in the name doesn't mean that you intended it for retirement. It's better to invest tax-free than taxable as long as you can keep the benefit of the tax-free account. (In fact, a popular strategy among Bogleheads is to keep an emergency fund in your Roth IRA, if y...
by 1x85zn
Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using 401k IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?
Replies: 10
Views: 1294

Re: Using Roth IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?

To me, it sounds like you may have arrived at this home purchase decision prematurely, unless you had already been planning on that for a while. If you have to draw from tax-advantaged accounts to make it work, perhaps you shouldn't. I mean, can you *really* not find a place to rent for <$2300? More info would help. EDIT: I think I misunderstood. You are asking where to park your money so as to ensure that you have enough of it when it comes time to make the down payment. I say it depends on how much money you have. If you have a lot, you can afford to lose a lot and still be able to make the payment. If not, you'll have to be more conservative. Yes, I'll need to tap the tax advantaged account as saving for the down payment separately woul...
by 1x85zn
Sun Oct 09, 2016 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using 401k IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?
Replies: 10
Views: 1294

Re: Using Roth IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?

tludwig23 wrote:Maybe I'm missing something... The best way to not lose money in the market in the next 8 months is to move all of that money out of the market. I'd immediately put it in a money market fund, or maybe a short-term gov't bond fund (could still lose a little this way if interest rates rise in the next 8 months.)

However, you say you are using your Roth IRA but then tell us how you have your 401k invested. Why is that?

I'm really sorry, I mixed up the two accounts. I have both a Roth IRA and 401k. I plan to use the 401K, which is 100% invested in VFORX. In order to do so I need to take advantage of the hardship exception and I'm not sure if moving to a moneymarket this year would affect that. 4$-
by 1x85zn
Fri Oct 07, 2016 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using 401k IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?
Replies: 10
Views: 1294

Using 401k IRA to purchase home - How to minimize losses over the next 6 months?

Hi guys, long story short, I need to move to a high colo city within the next year. Rather than rent an apartment for $2300-3000, I've decided to purchase a duplex a hour away and rent the bottom half. Currently the 401K is 100% VFORX (at Transmerica). I'll need to use the funds in ~8 months, and would rather avoid losing a large chunk should the markets crash. Generally speaking - What's the best way to approach this specific problem?
by 1x85zn
Sun Aug 21, 2016 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1660

Re: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice

It's also very important to keep in mind that the actual distributions that are paid out are based on both the SEC yield and the NAV. The NAV being your principal in this equation. If the NAV of the fund goes down, the distribution goes down, even if the yield remains the same. You can compare VWIAX to FKINX at Morningstar http://quotes.morningstar.com/chart/fund/chart?t=VWIAX&region=usa&culture=en_US Notice how the NAV of FKINX has declined 11% over the past 10 years, while the NAV on VWIAX has gone up 21.02%. This means that you'll receive more actual income, and have a more stable principal to leave on to heirs. Also notice that, during a low interest rate environment, it gets more difficult for high fee funds to produce their y...
by 1x85zn
Sun Aug 21, 2016 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1660

Re: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice

No, Vanguard Wellesley won't pay similar dividends, but since the NAV is much more stable, so you could sell shares to achieve the same level of income. You could probably pair it with the Vanguard High Yield Corporate fund to get a higher yield. In order for the Franklin funds to get a higher yield, they have to take more risk. In order for them to get a higher yield after taking out their higher expense ratios, they have to take on a lot more risk. That's why the NAV on these funds is so volatile. If you go with the Vanguard funds, you can take the dividends they pay, and create your own dividends by selling shares. I was thinking of advising to pick a number (minimum) that he wants to give his child and put that away in a safer lower co...
by 1x85zn
Sun Aug 21, 2016 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1660

Re: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice

You also said that he's looking for this to provide monthly income? How much monthly income does he need this to provide? $1000/mo or so. Which hes getting now through dividends not reinvested. The bonds held in these funds are non-investment grade bonds. That means they are far riskier than traditional investment grade bonds. With this portfolio, if stocks tank, so will his bonds. >>>Thanks, I was wondering why those bonds are risky. This answers one piece of the puzzle. The simpler, more prudent move is to take the risks on the equities side, and use the bonds for stability. Obviously, you know this gentleman and his risk tolerance better than we do, but from what I can tell right now, something like Vanguard Wellesley Income would be a ...
by 1x85zn
Sun Aug 21, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1660

72 with a risky portfolio - looking for advice

Hello Bogleheads, I'm trying to help a gentlemen understand his portfolio and possibly move to the Vanguard platform. Stats: Emergency funds: 12+ Months Debt: 0 Tax Filing Status: Single Tax Rate: Unknown, but in the lower brackets as he's retired. State of Residence: NY Age: 72 Desired Asset allocation: Need help Desired International allocation:Need help Other assets: Several rental properties (w/o mortgage). Long story short, he has a a portfolio valued at roughly 220,000. The end goal of this portfolio is to transfer to his children upon death, and also to provide monthly income. I reviewed this month statement and here are some of the details rounded off. Statement from June 01 to June 30 2016 Brokerage Value: 222,000 Asset allocation:...
by 1x85zn
Fri Nov 13, 2015 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Re: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

Thank you for this bit of information regarding "Irrevocable Burial Trust". We have one in the form of a checking account. She currently has GHI for insurance which is several hundred per month. Because of her medical condition we’re afraid to switch to Medicaid as its very complex. We will certainly look into it. I’ve helped her my entire adult life and we’ve turned a really bad situation into a great one where she was able to retire. Appreciate the comment. We ran into a scenario where SS stopped her payments and said she owed them after discovering the WC payments. The SS award letter said that she was eligible for both so it was a mistake on their part. We couldn’t find a lawyer to help after months of emails and calls and ju...
by 1x85zn
Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Re: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

She is very nervous when comes to volatility (as a new investor) but loves the bogleheads concept. Sounds like something with a low stock percentage should be considered. Perhaps Vanguard's Target Retirement Income Fund or LifeStrategy Income Fund. This is assuming she is interested in stocks at all. If she is interested in holding some stocks or even bonds, she absolutely must realize that the value may drop some. If that would be intolerable, I'd suggest CDs. I agree with retiredjg and others. Those 2 funds have the least stocks of their series, and should be the least volatile of their series. If she can't handle some volatility, she should probably stick with CDs. This link to the Target Retirement Income Fund shows the volatility of t...
by 1x85zn
Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Re: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

OK, you've helped explain her situation a lot. If she is looking to invest for 10 to 15 yrs before using it, then an asset allocation (AA) with some stocks should be OK. A conservative asset allocation might be best because of her health. She could use one of the fund of funds, like the Vanguard Target Retirement funds or a Strategic Life fund. Or she could use the BH 3 fund portfolio. Have you discussed a possible AA with her? That's really a very important first step, and other decisions are all based on it. Saving for retirement in a taxable account is still a very good thing to do, if there's no earned income. Thanks! She's open to an AA, however, the split were not certain of. Her age in bonds may or may not apply to her situation. Si...
by 1x85zn
Wed Nov 11, 2015 1:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Re: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

Here are her stats: With this situation in mind how would you advise? I don't think you give enough information for anyone to give advice. If she has no earned income, does she have a taxable account that she's living off of? Is she able to draw from her pension at age 53? If not, when? Does the pension have a COLA? Is there some other source of income? If you let me know what other information you need, I can gladly get that for you. I handle all paperwork, finances, and difficult life matters on her behalf as she's disabled and unable to use a computer. It's from the USPS and I believe has COLA adjustments. She's drawing from pension at 53 and also receives a small amount of SS. No other sources of income. She was paying a mortgage of $1...
by 1x85zn
Wed Nov 11, 2015 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Re: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

It would be good for her to read one of the Bogleheads books if she has not already read one. http://www.amazon.com/s/?search-alias=aps&tag=bogleheads.org-20&field-keywords=Bogleheads Trying to figure out would be best would be hard do so since we don't know much about here like her tax brackets, if her pension is adjusted for inflation, and if she will get Social Security in addition to her pension. For several years she received workman's compensation and social security with a total sum of under $25,000, in which she did not have to file taxes on due to an exemption. She's now off of workmans compensation and just receiving pension and ss. This past year she filed taxes but doesn't have earned income in the traditional sense. I ...
by 1x85zn
Tue Nov 10, 2015 10:04 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Posted several years ago, looking for more investment advice. Getting an error message. How do I get around it?
Replies: 1
Views: 1200

Posted several years ago, looking for more investment advice. Getting an error message. How do I get around it?

Hi Bogleheads, I posted for advice a few years ago. I want to do it again as a new thread for a parent who is disabled. How do I go about this? Im getting an error message saying im posting 'too soon'
by 1x85zn
Tue Nov 10, 2015 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 18
Views: 2869

Already retired person living off pension looking to invest for the first time

Here are her stats: Emergency Fund: Yes, 6 months of living expenses. + Future funeral expenses for her parent. Debt: $0 [student loans were forgiven, home paid off this year, car paid off]. Tax Rate: N/A Age: 53 Desired Allocation: N/A [this is where we need help] Long story short, she has 0 debt and home paid off. Her pension is her retirement plan and she lives pretty comfortably. She is very nervous when comes to volatility (as a new investor) but loves the bogleheads concept. To start, she would like to make a deposit into her first investment (5k? 10k?) then contribute monthly say 200-500/mo. She doesn’t appear to have any tax incentives because she doesn’t have earned income. The goal is to ensure that she has a nest egg in 10-15 yea...
by 1x85zn
Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

Thank you, yes, we're aware of the huge bill coming!
by 1x85zn
Tue Mar 04, 2014 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it possible to sign up for vanguard online?
Replies: 8
Views: 6803

Re: Is it possible to sign up for vanguard online?

Just wondering if the site is having a technical issue or if its something that plans on getting resolved. Thanks.
by 1x85zn
Mon Mar 03, 2014 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it possible to sign up for vanguard online?
Replies: 8
Views: 6803

Is it possible to sign up for vanguard online?

I've been trying to help people enroll in Vanguard.com, but the registration links gives an error: "We are unable to register you for online account access. Please contact us by phone for assistance." Does anyone know if there is a workaround or if calling vanguard is the only solution?
by 1x85zn
Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

If anyone can tell me the best resource to help with this situation, please let me know. We are lost...
by 1x85zn
Thu Feb 27, 2014 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

I'm certain she will pay off the bulk of the mortgage. We're still stumped on who to call for advice? Clearly the Social Security+Medicaid+Disability+Health Care components complicate things. The zipcode is [(removed)] if anyone has recommendations.

[I removed the zip code because the combination of the OP's employer, situation, and zip code may be enough to identify someone personally. --admin LadyGeek]
by 1x85zn
Thu Feb 27, 2014 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

Thanks. I have reached out to her Social Security lawyer to see if he knows anyone who can help.
by 1x85zn
Wed Feb 26, 2014 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

Thanks. We agree that 9.5% interest was a top priority, but she has bad credit and refinancing was out of the picture. Who does she need to call for advisement?
by 1x85zn
Wed Feb 26, 2014 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Re: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

I can't stop the gifts because these are her wishes. But thank you, this is exactly why I'm posting . She is already receiving medicare and still pays for her other insurance (secondary). Because of her health conditions we haven't been able to get the advice needed to move to a lower cost secondary insurance.
by 1x85zn
Wed Feb 26, 2014 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1954

Disabled parent looking to invest for the first time

I'm posting on behald of my parent who is disabled. Not your typical retirement post so hopefully we can receive some guidance. Stats: 52yrs old, disabled. Bank Account: 7k Debts: Home Loan @ 9.5%, 100K balance. Loans: $43,000 - Will be forgiven due to disability. Income: Social Security + Workmans Compensation, which will transition to Pension Plan (Retired). Retirement Savings: $0 Yearly income is about $45,000, but not considered "Earned income". She received a settlement of roughly 300K, which is not subjected to taxes. -immediately payed down 20K to her mortgage (leaving a balance of 100k). -paid her daughters car off (5k). -gift to her mother and children of 20k So she has about 250K left. Naturally, she is terrified of inve...
by 1x85zn
Thu Jan 23, 2014 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Year, New Funds. Rebalancing help
Replies: 3
Views: 449

Re: New Year, New Funds. Rebalancing help

Last year, I selected 2030 based on Bogleheads previous recommendations. According to Vanguard's website I should choose 2045. Perhaps I should go for a more moderate-aggressive fund such as 2035+ and hope for the best. Your right though the amount of money i have invested is minimal.

As for taxes, I make roughly $100k, and take home and lose 36.99% in taxes/healthcare. I have no mortage (But $1500 rent in NYC), or kids, or anything really. So the tax benefits of 401k help, even though the company is not matching.
by 1x85zn
Thu Jan 23, 2014 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Year, New Funds. Rebalancing help
Replies: 3
Views: 449

New Year, New Funds. Rebalancing help

Hello Bogleheads, I'm late to retirement savings and just wanted to say that the Boglehead philosophy really changed my life. I'm sticking the course and investing 20% of my income. Here I am year #3 looking for guidance. Stats: Age 34 Assets: Savings: - $8000-10000 Lending Club - $4411 Non matched 401k: Insperity 401K (Insperity Horizon Rm 2030) [needs to be rolled over to new account] - $5013 Roth IRA: Vanguard Target Date 2025 - $6083 (~$23k) Debt: Student Loans: $25,125 - Several loans at 2.1-2.36%. CC Debt: $0 I'd like to contribute 15% to a new 401K (or perhaps a split between Roth and 401K). Here are the vanguard fund options for my unmatched 401K plan. Small/Mid-Cap Stocks - Real Estate Vanguard REIT Index Ret Acct Multi-Asset/Other...
by 1x85zn
Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Ok, got it. Thanks to Duckie's advice I will change the Insperity fund to Insperity Horizon Rm 2030.
by 1x85zn
Tue Nov 12, 2013 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

I see. I was told to do this to offset the fund costs for the 401k. Guess I was mis informed. That said, do you guys think i'm diversifying enough between these 2 funds? should I change one?
by 1x85zn
Tue Nov 12, 2013 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Yes, for example, every year move $5500 from 401k to Roth.
by 1x85zn
Wed Nov 06, 2013 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Bogleheads; thanks for your help here. I've since signed up for:

401K - S&P Bny Mellon 500 (%15)
Roth IRA: VTTVX (2%).

I had 2 additional questions and was hoping that you can help.

1) I'm putting 15% to my non-matched 401K in hopes of tax related benefits. I have no children, do not own a home, no other tax benefits. This will amount to $15,000/yr. One of my friends told me its a good idea to max out 401k, then roll over $5500 yearly to my Roth IRA because it has lower fees. Does this sound like a good idea?

2) Since i'm putting most nearly all of my savings into both of these accounts - are they diversified enough?

3) Should I change my contribution split between the two?

Thank you!! Details of each are in the first post.
by 1x85zn
Thu Aug 29, 2013 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

401k in progress thanks again guys. Any other suggestions?
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Thanks Duckie, I signed up for the SP 500 fund @ Insperity already.

Texas Hold Em,

Regarding the lump sum and real estate... I have no idea how to partition and use the lump some (yet).

As for Lending Club, I had a CD a few years go that matured. I dumped the money into Lending Club without having any real strategy.
It's currently at 13.87% but yes your right, its risky.
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why are you trying to save so much money?
Replies: 131
Views: 29940

Re: Why are you trying to save so much money?

Philosophically speaking, I don't know any old folks who say, "Gosh, I wish I hadn't saved so much." But I know lots of old folks who say, "Gosh, I wish I had saved more!". My father on his deathbed:, "We never travelled it to Australia when we both could still walk. The time ended, and we did not see the door closing until after it happened. You offered to buy and set up that flat screen TV I wanted, and I worried about a $500 cost. We have money, and I would not have wanted to run out, but spending even half a percent now and then would have given me irreplaceable memories. Thrift is a wise habit, setting something aside for a rainy day a way of life, but if you let saving become an end instead of a means, you ha...
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Several votes on S&P 500. I will sign up for that today at 3%.

Questions; Can you guys also look into my other question about allocating a lump some of money and my blurb on realestate?
Would I be able to change my contribution amount of make any lump some payments as bonuses come in?
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

I think I can contribute a great deal to the 401k while still working towards my other goals. 5-10% shouldn't be a problem. I feel silly for not taking advantage of it sooner but like I said before this is a fresh start for me. As for my apartment, yes a 1BR and one of the cheaper apartments in the area. VERY far from luxury, pre-war, barely functional heat and rotting floors. 12x12 bedroom, 12x19 living room, tiny kitchen area. Rent goes up $75/yr also. Ideally i'd like to save for a home in another state because honestly its not an ideal place to raise a family. With 2BR's going near $2000 it just doesn't make financial sense. That's why I asked about rental properties. Even if i'm not ready to move yet I can at-least get started in the r...
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Original post edited with expense ratios for my 401K options (non matched).
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

My apologies. Ill do so now.
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

updated original post.
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

I was told that it wasnt worth it because the fee's were high. I will look into it! Thank you. Im missing out there.
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Re: Investment planning round 2

Retirement: I was never in a position to contribute to retirement until 2012 (shortly after I joined). I've lived on my own and suffered poverty most of my adult life. The usual working (entry level IT job to learn the ropes), studying full time, paying for and earning IT certifications, living on my own and paying rent, paying for school and supporting my parents. College took roughly 10 years with the last year 4 years (part time) being financed by cash/credit. I wish I had a better opportunity growing up but there isn't much that I can do about that now. I'm interested in opening a 401K but my employer doesn't match. Is that still a good option? Real Estate: The interest in real estate because of my personal goal of owning a home. If I c...
by 1x85zn
Mon Aug 26, 2013 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment planning round 2
Replies: 26
Views: 3402

Investment planning round 2

Hello Bogleheads, It's been a very long road of solitude, debt and struggle over the past decade. I'm happy to report that things are very stable. I'm ready to move to my second "phase" of investing. Below are my stats, all of which were allocated over a 2 year period once CC debts were cleaned out. Age: 33 Salary $100k Income Tax Deductions: no write offs but student loan interest and no children. Debts: CC#1 MBNA Netaccess card. 10k Limit. $0 bal CC#2 Amex Blue Rewards. 12k limit. $0 bal (used as my primary card generating ~800/yr in cash back) Student Loans: $27,625 2625 @ 2.35 3500 @ 2.35 5500 @ 2.35 5500 @ 2.35 5500 @ 2.35 5000 @ 2.35 Bills: Rent: $1475 (1br ) Utilities: $300 Assets : 401K $0 (company does not match) ROTH / V...
by 1x85zn
Fri Jul 12, 2013 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening first Retirement account
Replies: 10
Views: 1281

Re: Opening first Retirement account

Hello Bogleheads,

I just wanted to provide an update:

Salary $100k

Debts:
CC Debt $0 (was over $10,000 2 years ago)
Student Loan Debt $22k

Assets:
401K $0 (company does not match)
ROTH / Vanguard Target Fund 2025: $1600
Checking: $1600
Savings: $9500
Emergency: $4000
2yr CD: $2000

Since i'm aggressively saving for my first home, I have only deposited $400 /mo to my Target Fund.

I did have a question, perhaps someone could answer me. Based on my scenario it was recommended to go with 2025. Considering my age, there is no way i'm going to retire in 12 years. Before I start putting more money into this account, does it still seem like a good choice? If not, is it possible to adjust the ratios manually?
by 1x85zn
Sun Mar 24, 2013 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening first Retirement account
Replies: 10
Views: 1281

Re: Opening first Retirement account

I appreciate your help guys
by 1x85zn
Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening first Retirement account
Replies: 10
Views: 1281

Re: Opening first Retirement account

I'm opening the Vanguard Roth IRA account and contributed 1k to 2012
by 1x85zn
Sat Mar 23, 2013 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening first Retirement account
Replies: 10
Views: 1281

Re: Opening first Retirement account

Thanks everyone! Allow me to clarify the following points: 1- The CC debt was to finish college's final semester (after a few years off). At the time it was a investment in my future. Unfortunately out of college I made 30k which made paying it down very difficult (22% apr! ouch). 2-My retirement goals are separate than my house goal. I just happen to be starting both at the same time. 3-I live in NYC - small homes in bad areas of the South Bronx or Bed Stuy Brooklyn are 300k. Not what I have in mind. I come from those neighborhoods and really don't want to go back. Unfortunately small homes in "nicer" areas are ~1Mil. So that leaves me with no choice but to move to another state or suburb if I want to make it happen. For now..I j...
by 1x85zn
Fri Mar 22, 2013 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening first Retirement account
Replies: 10
Views: 1281

Opening first Retirement account

Hello all, I'm ready to open my first IRA. Stats: Salary $90k Age: 33 Debts: CC Debt $0 (was over $10,000 2 years ago) Student Loan Debt $22k Assets: 401K $0 (company does not match) IRA $0 Checking: $1600 Savings: $2500 Emergency: $3000 2yr CD: $2000 Goals: Open a retirement fund. Save for my first home (to stop renting in the most expensive city in the us!). My job offers 401K but does not match. The fee's are Quarterly Fees: $1.50 Loan fees: $12.50 Distribution Fees: $50 Which makes me lean towards opening a Roth IRA - but i'm not sure. Bogleheads in the past have advised me to start of with VTTVX ($1000 min). I'm ready to pull the trigger but am looking for any last minute advice or tips. Thank you all. I'm glad to be out of CC debt and...