Search found 173 matches

by Juniormint
Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleheads
Replies: 134
Views: 32452

Re: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleh

I've incorporated Nords' info. See: Bogleheads® financial literacy project I would be willing to help and offer assistance. I work at a university and am currently coordinating efforts to create a financial literacy program for the university as a whole. Do you have any presentations or other material that can be shared? Does anyone else have something that we can link to from the wiki? Not at the moment. Of the presentations I do have, the presentations are very general and I mainly use them as a talking point rather than a in-depth explanations of various personal finance topics. So far, my task has been to secure funding, secure the by-in from the university to implement a uniform financial project, ensure it's access and sustainability...
by Juniormint
Sat Jun 15, 2013 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Article about young americans not using credit cards
Replies: 81
Views: 8310

Re: Article about young americans not using credit cards

I think there is a shift to where the younger generation is debt averse to where they are applying for credits cards at later and later dates. I didn't get my first credit card until I was 23 when I felt secure enough and felt that I didn't need a credit card for anything. I lived frugally while in school and graduated with no debt and was able to pay for everything in cash. Now I use my credit card exclusively and pay it off every month. If I had gotten a credit card before I felt I was secure enough to handle it, I think I would have incurred some sort of debt. I think this is a trend along with other socio-economic trends. There recently was an article that shows Millennials aren't getting their drivers license and aren't buying cars. . ...
by Juniormint
Sat Jun 15, 2013 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What age did you reach 100K networth?
Replies: 433
Views: 101625

Re: What age did you reach 100K networth?

24 now, and should be on track (fingers crossed) to hit 100K at 25.
by Juniormint
Sun Jun 09, 2013 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleheads
Replies: 134
Views: 32452

Re: Help create a Financial Presentation: Calling all Bogleh

I would be willing to help and offer assistance. I work at a university and am currently coordinating efforts to create a financial literacy program for the university as a whole.
by Juniormint
Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How important is a good school district?
Replies: 65
Views: 6168

Re: How important is a good school district?

How important is a school district? Not as important as individual school leadership. To give you a little background, I work for State College and I am the fiscal manager of two charter high schools located on our campuses and in the midst of opening up two more. Our high schools are considered to be high-preforming charter schools, our students are picked by a lottery system, our graduation rates for both schools are 100%, we are ranked number one and number two in our region, almost all our students graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA, with roughly 14% of them graduating with a GPA of 4.0 or above. Our graduating class has national merit scholars, are students that rank nationally in many math, science, and health programs. We recently won ...
by Juniormint
Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What level of detail do you budget to?
Replies: 66
Views: 7486

Re: What level of detail do you budget to?

I'm a saver first and automate as much of this as I can.

403(b)/Defined Benefit Plan
Roth IRA
Regular Savings
Rent & Utilities
Groceries
Variable necessary expenses (i.e. gas)
Entertainment
Remainder of any monies I can do whatever with.
by Juniormint
Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogleheads' accomplishments
Replies: 72
Views: 8468

Re: Bogleheads' accomplishments

While I'm not surprised by my savings rate, I am extremely surprised (thanks to this forum) by my financial and investment knowledge and at how I save money and make it work for me. So, much better than I expected.
by Juniormint
Sat Mar 30, 2013 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Choosing the "right" international allocation
Replies: 48
Views: 6063

Re: Choosing the "right" international allocation

My international allocation represent 30% of my equities. For the past year and half, I've felt that this was a bit low but haven't made any changes and don't really plan on making any changes either. Being in the accumulation phase, I know my savings rate is much more important than fine-tuning my asset allocation so I don't let it worry me that much. Plus I'm 100% invested in Vanguard's 2055 Target Retirement funds in all my accounts so adding more international exposure would require me to really change the composition of some of my accounts. I feel that I should have at least 40% in international exposure but I'm not sure exactly why I feel more comfortable with this number as opposed to 50% split other than the fact that I just do. I d...
by Juniormint
Thu Mar 28, 2013 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you set your saving goals and find a balance?
Replies: 40
Views: 4035

Re: How do you set your saving goals and find a balance?

Based on my current savings rate, I think I'm on track to save about 2m by the time I retire. I would like 3m but know that 1.3m is the absolute lowest I would need to have and be okay.

All of these figures and assumptions will change in the future once I get married, have kids, buy a house and the other things that come up along the way so I don't put much stock in trying to pin down a figure since I'm young and my future is still vastly unknown. I instead focus on my savings rate.
by Juniormint
Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Fine line between responsible and selfish/material
Replies: 104
Views: 12080

Re: The Fine line between responsible and selfish/material

Watch an episode of extreme cheapskates on TLC and be happy that you've got balance. I don't ever want to live like these people do.

Create a budget and allocate a portion for entertainment and wants. Whatever you don't spend at the end of the month rolls over to your next month's entertainment and want category. Have fun, spend, enjoy, structure it so you don't feel anxiety over spending money.

Give, give until it hurts.

Remember that money doesn't control you, you control it. You're boglehead so that you can live the lifestyle you want, not to hoard money.
by Juniormint
Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: europe trip
Replies: 62
Views: 9366

Re: europe trip

Anyone have experience with planning a trip completely by yourself versus going with a tour company and what you would recommend? Most of my travel in the past has been either through student organizations or tour companies, but for the first time I fee like I want to plan this Ireland trip as opposed to going through a tour company... just wanted to know if anyone had any insights.
by Juniormint
Mon Mar 18, 2013 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: europe trip
Replies: 62
Views: 9366

Re: Ireland

Can anyone point me towards sites geared to planning a trip abroad? I'm planning on going to Ireland this December and really don't know where or how to start planning. Frommer's Fodor's Rick Steves Can anyone point me towards sites geared to planning a trip abroad? I'm planning on going to Ireland this December and really don't know where or how to start planning. If you're interested in more basic (cheap) travel,these sites may be to your liking: http://www.eurotrip.com/search/node/ireland http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=25&keywordid=127 Can anyone point me towards sites geared to planning a trip abroad? I'm planning on going to Ireland this December and really don't know where or how to start planning. http:...
by Juniormint
Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: europe trip
Replies: 62
Views: 9366

Re: europe trip

Can anyone point me towards sites geared to planning a trip abroad? I'm planning on going to Ireland this December and really don't know where or how to start planning.
by Juniormint
Sun Mar 17, 2013 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 39 y.o. and 18 years of Vanguarding
Replies: 45
Views: 11179

Re: 39 y.o. and 18 years of Vanguarding

Awesome. I hope to be able to say that when I get up there. I started investing when I was 22 as well. I'm 24 now and just chugging along. :beer
by Juniormint
Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer rules retirement contribution deposits. Advice?
Replies: 26
Views: 3287

Re: Employer rules retirement contribution deposits. Advice?

I feel for you. It's the same way with my employer. I get paid on the last day of the month, payroll usually doesn't cut the check until about two days after payroll, then accounts payable has to process it which is another day, then it gets mailed and I have to wait till Vanguard processes it. My investments don't hit my account until a week to two weeks until after I get paid. In my case, because I understand the entire process, I know it's not my employers fault because they try to be as timely as possible. If however, my employer were to cut a check on the 14th day of the month, I would be angry even though they legally have till the 15th.
by Juniormint
Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:36 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

Other - Hoping that Vanguard can automate my 403b deposits. Right now, my employer has to cut a check and since I only get paid once a month, my investments don't hit my account until a week to two weeks after I get paid
by Juniormint
Fri Mar 01, 2013 10:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The Munchkin Man Diet
Replies: 120
Views: 18761

Re: The Munchkin Man Diet

Congrats Munchkin Man, that's awesome!
by Juniormint
Tue Feb 19, 2013 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 160497

Re: That Frugal Thing You Do

Saw this posted on slickdeals and plan on giving it a try. If you have the Chase Freedom card with the rotating 5% categories for the months that we have gas as a reward category. You can buy the gas gift cards and get the 5% cash back on that as well. So basically, you buy $200 worth of gift cards, get the 5% cash back and use the gift cards for gas when the categories are different.
by Juniormint
Fri Feb 15, 2013 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Our cable bill is over $200 !!!
Replies: 89
Views: 14400

Re: Our cable bill is over $200 !!!

$88.00 for high-speed Internet and cable with 150+ channels including HBO. Normal cost was $89 + tax, but I have fifteen dollar loyalty discount that reduces it to $88. I actually just called yesterday to get my rate lowered after my bill jumped to $111 after the 6 months of loyalty discounts ended. I would love to get fios but they don't offer high-speed internet in my area yet and so it's not worth it to switch over from comcast. I keep cable mainly for the tennis channel.
by Juniormint
Wed Feb 13, 2013 10:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 1st Birthday Present
Replies: 32
Views: 3562

Re: 1st Birthday Present

You can do a charm bracelet and add a charm every year on her birthday until she's 16 or so.
by Juniormint
Wed Feb 13, 2013 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who taught you about money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9827

Re: Who taught you about money?

Self-taught. And Part luck.

My parent's aren't good with money and so just from observation, I came to the conclusion at a young age that I didn't want to live hand to mouth with no clear path of how I was going to fund tomorrow. That combined with the fact that I'm a natural saver and someone that likes to research everything before making a choice, I learned to weigh my options well. Luck in the sense that not many around me were financially savvy as far as investing was concerned. Because of that, I was forced to research for myself the best way to invest and my initial searching lead me to bogleheads from the get-go.
by Juniormint
Sun Feb 10, 2013 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do things look to you young investors these days?
Replies: 87
Views: 11086

Re: How do things look to you young investors these days?

Awesome. If for nothing else than I'm financially literate and feel/know I'm in control of my financial future. I found bogleheads when I was 22, I'm debt free, I'm investing and saving as much as I can, and I'm enjoying life. My parents didn't make wise financial choices while I was growing up and so from a young age, I just knew that I was not going to make the same mistakes they did. I've got nowhere to go but up.
by Juniormint
Fri Feb 08, 2013 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you find Mrs. Boglehead?
Replies: 142
Views: 19394

Re: How do you find Mrs. Boglehead?

The same place you would find Mr. Boglehead? :beer
by Juniormint
Fri Feb 08, 2013 11:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Target Retirement Funds to add international bonds
Replies: 76
Views: 13290

Re: Target Retirement Funds to add international bonds

What are the risks of international bonds as opposed to international stocks? If you wanted to increase your internal allocation in your portfolio, you now have the option of doing it in two places. Your fixed allocation or your equity allocation. Where should you increase it and what should your thinking process be in determining which is right for your portfolio?
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561181

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

nisiprius wrote:It's not even a whole book... but I'm taking a shot at "Self-Reliance" by Ralph Waldo Emerson. See, someone in the forum complimented me on quoting Emerson and I felt like a total phony, because the sum total of all I know of Emerson is "Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string" and "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." I have a dim dark memory of being assigned "Self-Reliance" at some point in high school or college, but I'm not sure that I read it even then.
I love Emerson. All of his stuff but Self-Reliance in particular has the answers to all of life's questions. I've probably read it thirty times now and each time I still somehow find something 'new.'
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561181

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell. Fell in love with the movie and just had to read the books. They're actually pretty awesome.
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Concert Goers?
Replies: 64
Views: 6515

Re: Boglehead Concert Goers?

The most expensive concert for me will be actually flying to Ireland to see Van Morrison. If he doesn't do a concert in America in the next year, I am planning to vacation to Ireland just so that I can see him sing live. :D
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Concert Goers?
Replies: 64
Views: 6515

Re: Boglehead Concert Goers?

I'm a major concert goer. And yes, ticket prices suck, as does paying for parking and drinks :annoyed . But I enjoy going to concerts so if it's someone I love, I'm all in. I only go to concerts for bands that really, really like and I usually purchase tickets for myself and my best friend(s). If my friend likes a band that she just has to go to, she splurges and gets the tickets for herself and me. I think it's an unspoken rule between us as it always works out that way. I stopped buying tickets online and usually stop by a box office to purchase them instead. Saves me $12 to $15 dollars in service "fees." I also tend to get there early and find free parking and walk the rest of the way there unless it's a bad area, then I just f...
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Peeking at investments...how often?
Replies: 59
Views: 5356

Re: Peeking at investments...how often?

I check my portfolio everyday. I do this to make sure my contributions are actually hitting my accounts and there are no discrepancies. I don't find the urge to tinker with anything though.

I have found discrepancies in the past and this is just my daily financial check.
by Juniormint
Thu Feb 07, 2013 8:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What % of your income are you saving for retirement?
Replies: 228
Views: 35126

Re: What % of your income are you saving for retirement?

Early twenties, single. And I save about 55% of gross just for retirement. I save another 5% for other items.
by Juniormint
Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 17
Views: 3878

Re: How much tax advantaged space available?

I'm single.

Her 403b = 17500
Her 457b = 17500
Her 401k = Company match of roughly 2000
Her Roth = 5500
Her FSA = 2500

So $45,000 worth.
by Juniormint
Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Edward Jones as an employer [UPDATED]
Replies: 54
Views: 15769

Re: Edward Jones as an employer [UPDATED]

Congrats. So awesome to hear that you got a full time job, did well in school, and are siting for your CPA. I'm sure you'll knock out the tests in no time.
by Juniormint
Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Women's Work Clothing Recommendations
Replies: 22
Views: 3068

Re: Women's Work Clothing Recommendations

Anyone know of dressy pants for short/petite women? I'm 4'10 and really struggle with finding dressy pants that fit me properly even in the petite section. I don't mind spending a bit for good quality but I just haven't been able to find anything in my size and style that I like.
by Juniormint
Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Helping out Parents with extra income
Replies: 25
Views: 2359

Re: Helping out Parents with extra income

I currently help my parents out and just do direct transfers. I also gift them money at the end of the year as well with money I save up every month in addition to what I give them.

It works out well, as long as I can afford do it, and since they need it, I'm happy to give. At least I'll never go hungry since my mom always feeds me too much and sends me my favorite snacks periodically. :)
by Juniormint
Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: my annual reading list
Replies: 10
Views: 1811

Re: my annual reading list

Awesome list. Will definitely be checking many of these out. Thanks!
by Juniormint
Thu Dec 13, 2012 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FSA and leaving employer?
Replies: 5
Views: 1013

Re: FSA and leaving employer?

dgdevil wrote:But how will you get the procedure done assuming you missed open enrollment at your new employer? I'm sure your soon-to-be former employer has done very nicely over the years keeping the unspent FSA amounts at the end of the year.

PS to answer your question, I believe it's the employer who takes the hit.
That's part of the problem, my new job will be half a state away so I want to get everything done with my current dentist before I move. I think I'm just going to go ahead as planned and draw on the FSA with whatever amount I incur.


Thanks everyone.
by Juniormint
Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: How did Bogle's philosophy affect your investing?
Replies: 16
Views: 1796

Re: Poll: How did Bogle's philosophy affect your investing?

I was lucky that my first foray into investing was the boglehead way. However, even if I hadn't found bogleheads, I think my views were pretty consistent with Bogle. I had already decided to invest with vanguard and was going to do target retirement fund based on my asset allocation and diversification needs. I found Bogleheads shortly after and my original pre-bogle-plan was implemented. :sharebeer
by Juniormint
Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: Did you change your AA after x years?
Replies: 16
Views: 1413

Re: Poll: Did you change your AA after x years?

Happy with my AA as far as equities and bond allocation. Just sometimes feel I should increase my international allocation and also do a REIT-tilt on the equity side. So far, I've decided not to change anything as I know I'm in the accumulation phase and my savings rate is what is most important at this time.
by Juniormint
Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FSA and leaving employer?
Replies: 5
Views: 1013

FSA and leaving employer?

Does the plan administrator or the employer incur the loss when an employee uses up their FSA and terminates employment before all their contributions have been taken? During my last open enrollment, I decided to enroll in a medical FSA because I knew I was going to incur a few medical expenses in 2013 with the understanding that I would be staying with my current employer. I made sure to make an appointment in the first week of January for the procedures and it's going to use up my entire FSA amount. Well, a week after I enrolled in the FSA, a job opportunity came up and I decided to apply for it. I recently found out I was the chosen candidate and got offered the job... so now I'm hesitant to use the FSA knowing that I'm leaving my curren...
by Juniormint
Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High Salary & High COL vs Low Salary & Low COL
Replies: 80
Views: 13278

Re: High Salary & High COL vs Low Salary & Low COL

slug wrote:I worked in NJ for a couple of years and leveraged that salary to move back down to NC. NJ salary goes a long way in NC even in the high COL area where I live. Thus, I definitely think it's worth it to spend at least a bit of time grinding it out in a high COL area if you can get the salary that comes with it.
This has been my strategy: move to a high cost of living area with a high salary and hope to grind it out for a couple years while gaining more experience, before moving to a lower cost of living area with either the same salary or slightly higher. I'm pretty confident based on my skills and unique sector, that even in a low cost of living area I can either match the high COL salary or get a higher one.
by Juniormint
Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: American snacks, candy & other typical foods
Replies: 21
Views: 13109

Re: American snacks, candy & other typical foods

Anything pumpkin flavored would do. Pumpkins seem to be an American thing, but the only bad part is that your nieces/nephews may not like the taste. It took me a long time to be able to eat pumpkin pie and actually like it.

American candy is pretty readily available there so what about an assortment of different cookies/cupcakes/deserts ... like fudge, peanut butter cookies, salt water taffy, brownies?
by Juniormint
Sun Nov 25, 2012 11:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have money in taxable? What percent?
Replies: 74
Views: 8181

Re: Do you have money in taxable? What percent?

0%.

Max 403(b)
Max Roth IRA
Max Defined Benefit Plan
Haven't been able to max 457(b) plan yet.
by Juniormint
Fri Nov 23, 2012 8:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 56
Views: 4849

Re: What is your greatest weakness as an investor?

That I may be overdoing it in the sense that hey, you know what, it's okay to spend money on things I enjoy more instead of saving/investing more.
by Juniormint
Thu Nov 08, 2012 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I eligible for Dependent care FSA/child care credit?
Replies: 4
Views: 2907

Re: Am I eligible for Dependent care FSA/child care credit?

Part 2

If your wife has earned income then yes, you can claim the child and dependent care credit for your son's preschool costs. Whether your wife still had your daughter at home with her while she worked won't matter if you meet all the requirement's to claim the credit.

1)Filing a joint return
2)Care provided so taxpayer can work or look for work
3)Both spouses must have earned income if living together
4)Son lives with you
5)Person who provides the care cannot be someone you can claim as a dependent.

http://www.irs.gov/publications/p503/ar02.html
by Juniormint
Fri Oct 26, 2012 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: bogleheads thoughts on renter's insurance?
Replies: 40
Views: 7656

Re: bogleheads thoughts on renter's insurance?

Does anyone know if renter's insurance goes up if you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes)?
by Juniormint
Fri Oct 26, 2012 6:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: THANKS FOR BOGLEHEADS XI
Replies: 14
Views: 3880

Re: THANKS FOR BOGLEHEADS XI

Thanks Jack, for always fighting to give us a fair shake!
by Juniormint
Fri Oct 26, 2012 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 'Phi Kappa Phi' membership. Worth it?
Replies: 27
Views: 29050

Re: 'Phi Kappa Phi' membership. Worth it?

Is it worth anything for your resume? Most likely not, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have any value. I was a member of Beta Alpha Psi which is for Accounting and Finance majors and it really helped with networking, not only with professors, but potential future employers and other fellow students. We often had visits to the Big 4 or the Big 4 came to us and it was a great opportunity to find out about internships and other opportunities. It doesn't add any value to my resume though other than being a good "filler." I joined the Golden Key International Honor Society at a one-time cost of something like $200 to my parents. ;-) I too was a member of Golden Key. I wasn't very active, but someone nominated me for an award which led...
by Juniormint
Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PPO (FSA) vs PPO+HSA
Replies: 3
Views: 947

Re: PPO (FSA) vs PPO+HSA

BruDude wrote:Since she is pregnant the PPO is probably a better option. Delivery will probably cost ~$5-15k
I agree. Plus, if your wife doesn't already have short-term disability, it maybe something to look into to cover extended maternity leave or other pregnancy complications.