Search found 146 matches

by DonDraper
Thu Jan 18, 2024 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Empower Retirement Planning
Replies: 6
Views: 1180

Re: Empower Retirement Planning

gavinsiu wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 6:12 pm What is your opinion of the Empower Retirement Planner? Note that I am talking about the free retirement planner that comes with Empower and not their paid service. I compare the output of Empower retirement planner against Fidelity and it seems like Empower is more pessimistic. The software also has a feature call Smart Withdraw, but I am not sure what it is. It seems to suggest that I can withdraw $10K out of a $1M portfolio, which seems a bit low.

Does Schwab also have a planner that I can run to compare against Fidelity and Empower?
I agree. I was playing around with that feature in Empower last week and noticed the same thing. I had to use an unusually low withdrawal rate to get an acceptable success rate.
by DonDraper
Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replace roof prior to selling house?
Replies: 30
Views: 2850

Re: Replace roof prior to selling house?

leonidas wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:19 pm If I saw a house with missing shingles I would wonder what other maintenance issues are lurking. It’s a cheap repair. Just do it.
Doing nothing wasn’t one of the options I considered.

I asked if I should replace the roof or just fix the shingles.
by DonDraper
Fri Nov 25, 2022 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replace roof prior to selling house?
Replies: 30
Views: 2850

Replace roof prior to selling house?

Would it be worth it to replace the roof on a house you may sell within the next 12 months?

There’s about 7 or 8 shingles that have blown off the roof recently however there is no leaking because this roof was added on top of the prior roof. The old shingles underneath are still in place and keeping everything dry.

My question is would I be better off just hiring a roofer to replace(repair) the missing shingles rather than replacing the whole roof?

The roof is pretty old and if I was staying in the house I would be replacing it but it’s not an obvious eyesore.
by DonDraper
Sun Jul 10, 2022 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Passive business ownership - treatment in divorce
Replies: 3
Views: 765

Passive business ownership - treatment in divorce

Background:

Husband owns a 15% passive non controlling stake in a family owned corporation worth 8 figures.

The company shares were acquired prior to marriage however modest dividends of about $20k have been paid annually and spent(invested) as part of family finances. No other income has been distributed from the shares.

How would the business be treated in a divorce situation in a 50/50 State? On the one hand the shares were acquired by the husband prior to marriage. On the other hand, the income from the dividends have been commingled throughout the marriage.

Would the fact the dividends were commingled put the entire 8 figure value of the shares into a 50/50 situation in the event of divorce?
by DonDraper
Sun Jan 16, 2022 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Areas in or around NJ which are a good value
Replies: 88
Views: 7021

Re: Areas in or around NJ which are a good value

BillWalters wrote: Sun Jan 16, 2022 9:38 pm I genuinely don’t understand why anyone without a massive income dependent on an in person job lives in the northeast.
Nobody in this thread has mentioned South Jersey (Philadelphia suburbs). My house has appreciated from the low 300k’s to the low 400k’s in just the last year. Our real estate taxes are a more reasonable $8400 a year.

As far as why people live in the Northeast, my wife is a public school teacher and she makes $105k a year with pension and excellent health insurance. Makes $8400 real estate tax payment seem like a good deal. 8-)

We are 45 minutes from the beach, 30 minutes from Philadelphia, and 90 minutes from NYC. It’s a nice place to live.
by DonDraper
Sun Sep 05, 2021 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deceased spouse created mystery lien on home
Replies: 17
Views: 4022

Deceased spouse created mystery lien on home

My sister went to refi and her house and was surprised to learn that her now deceased spouse has defaulted on a second mortgage and there’s now a $50k lien on the house.

The new lender she was trying to refi with says the entity that put the lien on the house no longer exists and they were unable to find out anymore information so they could not provide her with the refinance because this lien is still out there.

My sister is now stuck with a 9% mortgagerate and still has no idea who she apparently owes this $50k to. It does not show up on her credit report.

Where does she go next to identify and potentially pay off this loan?
by DonDraper
Mon Aug 09, 2021 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Burned out and need reality check financially
Replies: 80
Views: 13864

Re: Burned out and need reality check financially

TxAg wrote: Mon Aug 09, 2021 6:02 pm If you can't retire, then there's no hope for the rest of us.
Exactly what I was thinking. They have 4 million dollars and a paid off house! Yes they can retire.
by DonDraper
Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Casual jobs around finance and the markets?
Replies: 6
Views: 1255

Casual jobs around finance and the markets?

Casual jobs around finance and the markets? Do they exist?

I’m 50 and considering retiring from my job in corporate accounting. I have a strong interest in the markets, trading, and personal finance. I’m thinking about a part time or low stress work as a transition to retirement and I’d love to work in an office that deals with markets or money management without the responsibility of being a money manager. I’m thinking clerical, mail room, data entry, excel work, etc. Do such jobs exist at place like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or even a CFA’s office?

I’m thinking probably not but I figured I’d throw it out there for someone who has worked in one of these types of offices and knows what type of roles are available.
by DonDraper
Sun Apr 05, 2020 7:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does market keep rallying at end of day?
Replies: 28
Views: 3709

Re: Why does market keep rallying at end of day?

dpm321 wrote: Sat Apr 04, 2020 4:48 pm Plunge protection team at treasury buys at that time.
Call me a conspiracy theorist but that’s what I think too.
by DonDraper
Sat Apr 04, 2020 8:45 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?
Replies: 505
Views: 68884

Re: How Is Your Job Being Impacted By The Current Crisis?

I work in Finance for a large public utility. The entire finance operation is now working remotely until at least the first week of May. Fortunately the company has announced they do not plan to do any layoffs.
by DonDraper
Sat Apr 04, 2020 8:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Total Bond Market Fund vs. Alternatives in today’s market
Replies: 20
Views: 2260

Total Bond Market Fund vs. Alternatives in today’s market

The recent collapse of interest rates to near zero has me questioning my holdings of the Vanguard Total Bond Market fund.

Given where we are now with interest rates, is anyone thinking of diversifying a portion of their Total Bond Fund into alternatives such as CD’s, High Yield Savings Accounts, Savings Bonds, Tips, or even Short Term Bond Index Funds?
by DonDraper
Sat Jan 25, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 CRV vs 2018 Forester(Long term reliability)
Replies: 6
Views: 1143

Re: 2018 CRV vs 2018 Forester(Long term reliability)

Consumer Reports shows better 2018 reliability for the Forester, but 2019 shows better for the CRV. I know the 2018-19 CRVs are really the same. So I would say they are very similar. Of course, none of this talks about long term reliability. Personally, I've got a CRV, and not worried about the oil dilution issue. I would keep the vehicle you like the best. Question -- if you were not a subscriber to Bogleheads, would you be worried about the oil dilution issue? Personally, I don't look at this forum for information on automobiles. I think I did learn about the oil dilution issue on this website. Honestly I haven’t really been monitoring the oil level on the car because it’s been under warranty and really didn’t feel like obsessing over it...
by DonDraper
Sat Jan 25, 2020 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 CRV vs 2018 Forester(Long term reliability)
Replies: 6
Views: 1143

2018 CRV vs 2018 Forester(Long term reliability)

The lease on my 2018 Forester is up this year and we are thinking about utilizing NJ’s new $5k tax credit to buy an all electric Nissan Leaf. Our other car is a paid for 2018 Honda CRV.

We could buy out the Forester and trade in the CRV or we could just keep the CRV and turn in the Forester.

With the reported CRV oil dilution issue I worry about the long term reliability of the Honda vs the Subaru. That CRV oil dilution situation worries me but otherwise Honda’s are pretty reliable.

I’m looking for opinions on which car you think will have better long term reliability, the Forester or the CRV?
by DonDraper
Wed Nov 13, 2019 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Collection Calls Right After Death
Replies: 35
Views: 3589

Collection Calls Right After Death

Has anyone heard of a scam where collection agencies call relatives of the deceased shortly after death?

My sister’s ex husband recently passed away and a couple weeks later she received a call from a collection agency saying there is $37k owed on HELOC on the House she is living in.

Her ex had told her years ago this was taken care of. The collection agency is saying she was a co-signer on the loan but my sister said this is not on her credit report.

The collection agency claims no payment has been on this debt for 6 years but now all of sudden they call her for the first time right after his death. Seems suspicious.
by DonDraper
Sat Jun 29, 2019 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Preparing for a potential windfall
Replies: 4
Views: 762

Preparing for a potential windfall

We recently learned we may receive a multi 7 figure windfall from the sale of a family business that we have a passive, non controlling ownership in.

If this does occur it would take place in late 2019 or more likely sometime in 2020.

My question is, is there anything from a tax or personal finance standpoint we should be doing in advance of this potentially occurring?

We have already been making Roth contributions in 2019 that will be disallowed due to exceeding the income limitations should this sale occur in 2019.

Anything we can do in advance from a tax planning perspective? We can’t move to a tax free state before the sale without quitting our jobs which isn’t something we want to do.
by DonDraper
Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Brother in law had a stroke (health ins options?)
Replies: 10
Views: 1396

Brother in law had a stroke (health ins options?)

My brother in law recently had a stroke in his late 40’s and will not be able to return to work. He will be covered by a long term disability policy he obtained through his large Mega Corp employer that will pay 60% of his salary.

Anyone know what’s going to happen to his employer provided health insurance? I’m assuming he will be eventually be dropped once he’s officially no longer an employee. At that point will he most likely have to purchase a plan on the market under the Affordable Care Act? Do these disability policies typically provide anything in this area?
by DonDraper
Sun Dec 30, 2018 8:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: College Inflation rate?
Replies: 59
Views: 4506

Re: College Inflation rate?

The In-State/Out of State tuition difference is frustrating for someone living in a small state like NJ.

The In-State options here are somewhat limited, especially with a child who is adamantly against Rutgers urban campus feel. The Out of State prices are outrageous. (Penn State $51k a year).
by DonDraper
Sat Dec 29, 2018 8:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: College Inflation rate?
Replies: 59
Views: 4506

Re: College Inflation rate?

Exactly why I see no reason to believe the explosive cost structure of colleges as we know them today (or the construct we consider a college today) will exist or be sustainable in even 15 years when my 3 year old is of age to decide what to do. I choose to keep my money out of the mouth of the beast and will invest (or not) in college at that time using plenty of "OPM" if/when the time comes. If you're a typical Boglehead (high earner) at the time your kid is attending college, your family will not be receiving any "OPM" (need-based grants or subsidized loans). It’s my understanding that the tuition price for Private Universities is kind of like the MSRP on a new car, nobody actually pays it regardless of wealth level....
by DonDraper
Sat Dec 22, 2018 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to budget for Luxury Vinyl Floors Upstairs?
Replies: 14
Views: 1700

Re: How much to budget for Luxury Vinyl Floors Upstairs?

Perhaps a better way to ask this, has anyone installed Luxury Vinyl Tile and if so how much did you pay?
by DonDraper
Fri Dec 21, 2018 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much to budget for Luxury Vinyl Floors Upstairs?
Replies: 14
Views: 1700

How much to budget for Luxury Vinyl Floors Upstairs?

I’m replacing the carpet with LVT in the upstairs (plus steps) of my bi-level type house. The whole house is probably around 2400 sq ft so the upstairs 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room is probably 1200 sq ft.

Any ball park ideas what this will cost installed? I know LVT is cheaper than hardwood. Am I looking at $5k, $10k? I’m eventually going to get estimates but just curious to get a ball park estimate. House is located in NJ.
by DonDraper
Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue
Replies: 1223
Views: 231489

Re: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue

I think many in this thread are over stressing about this potential problem. Any issues you encounter are going to be covered by the 5 year/ 60,000 mile warranty. If you are still worried about it at after that point, trade it in.

Yes it’s mildly disappointing, but this hardly a catastrophic monetary issue. Trading in a Honda after 4 or 5 years isn’t the end of the world.

I own a 2018 CRV and I’m not worrying about it until i approach the end of the warranty.
by DonDraper
Sat Sep 08, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it sensible to buy a car from Elon Musk?
Replies: 59
Views: 4374

Re: Is it sensible to buy a car from Elon Musk?

I just listened to Elon Musk’s podcast interview with Joe Rogan which generated the pot smoking controversy. The interview is over two hours long and if anything it made me more likely to buy a car from Elon Musk. What an impressive and interesting guy.
by DonDraper
Sun Aug 05, 2018 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: most compelling TV character ever
Replies: 260
Views: 32625

Re: most compelling TV character ever

Fonzie(Happy Days)
Chris(Get A Life)
by DonDraper
Sat Jul 28, 2018 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 7
Views: 1107

Re: Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank

redrocker wrote: Sat Jul 28, 2018 8:10 pm I've done both. I prefer the cost and relative ease of install of the LVP. I don't like the feel of the particular tile I used and I don't look forward to maintaining that grout.

I posted pictures in a past thread on a similar topic here:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=210412#p3228267
Thanks that’s helpful. There’s a lot of good information in that prior discussion.
by DonDraper
Sat Jul 28, 2018 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 7
Views: 1107

Re: Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank

Hayden wrote: Sat Jul 28, 2018 7:59 pm If you are concerned about resale, we need to know more about the house. I think the vinyl plank would be great in a moderately pricrd house, but not in a hgh priced house.
It’s a moderately priced house and actually we wouldn’t be selling for at least 6 years. To be quite honest I haven’t seen the newer higher quality LVP flooring other than the sample in the box stores.
by DonDraper
Sat Jul 28, 2018 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 7
Views: 1107

Wood Tile Floor vs Luxury Vinyl Plank

We need to replace the carpet in our living room/dining room/hallway and we are trying to decide between “wood” tile floor and luxury vinyl plank.

Our first choice was hardwood but we have a dog that has frequent accidents and I’m concerned about scratching so that led us to the 2 choices above.

I’m concerned about both options from a resale perspective. The wood tile will probably look nicer but I’m concerned about the cold hard feel of tile in the main living area. That may turn off prospective buyers. The luxury vinyl plank will be more comfortable but I’m afraid it might look cheap which could also turn off buyers.

Anyone have any experience with either of these two flooring choices?
by DonDraper
Thu Jan 11, 2018 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: why do banks bother offering lousy CD rates?
Replies: 50
Views: 7223

Re: why do banks bother offering lousy CD rates?

My 78 year old Mother has over $100k in one of these lousy savings accounts. I can’t convince her to use an online bank. She doesn’t even use the internet. She doesn’t have a smart phone.
by DonDraper
Sat Dec 23, 2017 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Will Vanguard help clean up your Roth IRA mess?
Replies: 8
Views: 1635

Will Vanguard help clean up your Roth IRA mess?

If you dollar cost average in your $5500 Roth contributions throughout the year at $458 a month and you get to December and realize you exceeded the income limit, will Vanguard help you recharacterize the correct $ amount?

Figuring out the contributions part is easy, but will they be able to provide the exact gain/loss on all those contributions made at different times throughout the year? Seems like that would be tricky if Vanguard wasn’t able to provide you the exact number to correct.
by DonDraper
Tue Dec 19, 2017 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Better Reliability: 1st year Camry vs 2nd year CRV?
Replies: 6
Views: 673

Better Reliability: 1st year Camry vs 2nd year CRV?

I’m aware that The Camry is generally considered the gold standard of reliability among automobiles. Do you think that holds true if you buy the redesigned 2018 Camry in its first year of release? I realize there’s no way to know for sure but I’m curious to hear people’s opinions.

Our other option is to go a completely different way and buy a 2018 CRV in its second year of release. I would likely get the LX version of the CRV without the turbo engine.

Any thoughts on reliability between those 2 choices?
by DonDraper
Wed Dec 13, 2017 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?
Replies: 25
Views: 4231

Re: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?

I also live in NJ and I’m considering prepaying the 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 real estate taxes. The township sends out a bill every summer with a tax amount for the next 4 quarters. (3rd and 4th quarter of current year and 1st and 2nd quarter “preliminary tax” for the following year) The question is, is that 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 tax considered assessed in 2017? I would say yes, because it’s locked in with a specific amount and due date that will not change. Anyone have any opinion if I can deduct those first 2 quarters of 2018 taxes in 2017? As long as the values are actual and will not change I would say yes. If they are estimated that will be revised then I would say no. Thanks. Yes those amounts are definitely set in stone and will ...
by DonDraper
Wed Dec 13, 2017 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?
Replies: 25
Views: 4231

Re: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?

I also live in NJ and I’m considering prepaying the 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 real estate taxes. The township sends out a bill every summer with a tax amount for the next 4 quarters. (3rd and 4th quarter of current year and 1st and 2nd quarter “preliminary tax” for the following year) The question is, is that 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 tax considered assessed in 2017? I would say yes, because it’s locked in with a specific amount and due date that will not change. Anyone have any opinion if I can deduct those first 2 quarters of 2018 taxes in 2017? As long as the values are actual and will not change I would say yes. If they are estimated that will be revised then I would say no. Thanks. Yes those amounts are definitely set in stone and will ...
by DonDraper
Wed Dec 13, 2017 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?
Replies: 25
Views: 4231

Re: Pre-Pay Property Taxes in 2017?

I also live in NJ and I’m considering prepaying the 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 real estate taxes.

The township sends out a bill every summer with a tax amount for the next 4 quarters.
(3rd and 4th quarter of current year and 1st and 2nd quarter “preliminary tax” for the following year)

The question is, is that 1st and 2nd quarter 2018 tax considered assessed in 2017? I would say yes, because it’s locked in with a specific amount and due date that will not change.

Anyone have any opinion if I can deduct those first 2 quarters of 2018 taxes in 2017?
by DonDraper
Fri Oct 28, 2016 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mr. Money Mustache donates $100k to charity, writes about effective altruism
Replies: 112
Views: 22874

Re: Mr. Money Mustache donates $100k to charity, writes about effective altruism

Yeah, not very impressed about someone who makes >400k donating 100k. It doesn't seem like a huge sacrifice to live on 300k/year :oops: . Was this a one time donation? Then that is actually pretty pitiful for someone making >400k annually. I am even less impressed when they tell people about it in a way that directly links to the way they make money in the first place. He didn't write the article to impress you. He's a financial blogger who writes about his finances. After five plus years he's probably struggling for blog topics to write about. This certainly fits the bill. I'm a big fan of the guy. He's opened my eyes to a different way of thinking about life. I've been implementing some of his teachings and it's made me much happier as I...
by DonDraper
Wed Oct 26, 2016 4:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are Pre-existing conditions still a thing?
Replies: 8
Views: 1834

Re: Are Pre-existing conditions still a thing?

Thanks for the responses. I will definitely have to reach out to the new insurance company before considering switching plans.

I still believe based on my research that pre existing condition could not be used to deny coverage even prior to the affordable care act because I had no lapse in coverage during that time. The old 63 days rule would apply.

Obviously the implications of being wrong are huge. We can afford the more expensive coverage so I might have to bite the bullet and eat the extra 3 grand a year just to play it safe.

I'd hate to wipe out my nest egg because I wanted to save a few grand a year in premiums. On the other hand I'm 95% sure I'd be covered.
by DonDraper
Tue Oct 25, 2016 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are Pre-existing conditions still a thing?
Replies: 8
Views: 1834

Are Pre-existing conditions still a thing?

Here's my situation. Four years ago I was successfully treated for kidney cancer. I'm now thinking of switching our family's health insurance from my wife's employer to my own employer. (It's drastically cheaper).

Do I have any concerns in terms of pre existing conditions if my cancer returned and I needed treatment?

Everything I've read says no, that even pre Obamacare I would have been fine because I did not have a lapse in coverage. Now with the Affordable Care Act it appears pre existing conditions isn't even a thing that can be raised by an insurance company.

I'm still a little nervous to make the switch without being 100% certain this can't and won't be an issue. Is there anything to worry about?
by DonDraper
Wed May 18, 2016 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Good Personal Finance and/or Investing Podcasts?
Replies: 9
Views: 2317

Re: Good Personal Finance and/or Investing Podcasts?

Money Guy Show

Dough Roller Podcast

Your Money or Your Life

Listen Money Matters - (Millennials perspective on investing and making $$)

Frank Curzio's podcast

Disciplined Investor

DH Unplugged

Steve Cordasco has a new podcast that's pretty good
by DonDraper
Wed May 18, 2016 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pride in no inheritance to kids?
Replies: 233
Views: 11488

Re: Pride in no inheritance to kids?

Keep in mind if you live into your into your 80's your kids are going to be in their 50's or older when they inherit your money. You aren't going to screw up their life giving them money at that age.
by DonDraper
Sat Mar 26, 2016 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Mortgage payoff
Replies: 42
Views: 7955

Re: Home Mortgage payoff

ParkersPaPa wrote:
KlangFool wrote:...
I will consider paying down the mortgage after I reach my FIRE number. But, not before then.

KlangFool
Paying off your mortgage reduces your FIRE number. Are you including the mortgage expense when you calculate how much you need for FIRE?

My biggest fear with following this strategy is having 3 -5 years of negative market returns and then kicking myself for not prepaying the mortgage instead.

For me that regret would feel worse than the opposite extreme of missing out on 3-5 years of double digit stock returns while prepaying the mortgage.
by DonDraper
Tue Feb 23, 2016 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mr Money Mustache Article (New Yorker)
Replies: 94
Views: 24477

Re: Mr Money Mustache Article (New Yorker)

I'm a huge fan of MMM. He's been a great inspiration to me. I was already trending in that direction before I found his site and got more comfortable with approaching life with that mindset.

His ideas and lifestyle aren't for everyone. It's all about doing what makes you happy. I can relate to his message 100% but I can see where it would make others miserable.
by DonDraper
Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Extreme saving with low returns - not worth it?
Replies: 71
Views: 11349

Re: Extreme saving with low returns - not worth it?

Just my 2 cents. This thought process tends to arise not with low returns but rather with NEGATIVE returns.

It's frustrating to sacrifice and save only to see the market tank and erase months of frugal living. I think that is where the original poster's mindset is at. He's looking at recent returns and saying why bother.

I can relate. I find myself wanting to throw my extra savings at my mortgage when this happens feeling like I know this at least will guarantee me a safe 3.875%. I have to fight this urge when the market tanks.
by DonDraper
Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing timing belt on 2009 Accord(Do it or sell?)
Replies: 83
Views: 38580

Re: Replacing timing belt on 2009 Accord(Do it or sell?)

This is a little embarrassing but I'm going to come clean. My Accord is a four cylinder so apparently based on this thread I don't even have a timing belt. I have a chain. :oops:

My last Accord had a belt so I just assumed this one was the same. Great news and thanks for the education.
by DonDraper
Sun Jan 31, 2016 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing timing belt on 2009 Accord(Do it or sell?)
Replies: 83
Views: 38580

Replacing timing belt on 2009 Accord(Do it or sell?)

I own a 2009 Accord(71k miles) and I'm approaching the recommended time to replace the timing belt/water pump. The dealer price for this maintenance is $650.

That's obviously an expensive maintenance and I'm trying to weigh the decision of replace the belt and keep the car vs buy a new accord.

My question is, if I do pay $650 to replace the belt and only keep the car 1 more year would I have been better off having just sold it in the first place and saved the $650?

Obviously there's a lot of factors in play here but I'm trying to wrap my head around the best way to analzye this.
by DonDraper
Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Podcasts - financial
Replies: 14
Views: 2595

Re: Podcasts - financial

I recommend The Dough Roller podcast and The Money Guy Show.
by DonDraper
Fri Jan 22, 2016 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I hurting myself by saving too much? (re: college funding)
Replies: 104
Views: 12622

Re: Am I hurting myself by saving too much? (re: college funding)

Colleges are starting to offer options to lower the overall cost of tuition.

Rowan University in NJ just unveiled a program where you can attend the local community college for 3 years and in the fourth year attend Rowan for a total cost of only $25k.

University of Maine is offering out of state students a tuition price equal to the student's home state tuition.

My child is only 9 so I'm hoping this is just the start of huge trend.
by DonDraper
Fri Jan 22, 2016 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I hurting myself by saving too much? (re: college funding)
Replies: 104
Views: 12622

Re: Am I hurting myself by saving too much? (re: college funding)

Great thread. I had some of the same thoughts regarding whether I'm going to be penalized for being a saver.

I have a coworker whose son is attending the Rutgers Camden campus for next to nothing.(couple thousand a semester). I'm not sure why they were able to secure such a deal. The family is middle class with about an $85-90k family income. The student had excellent grades and they are Filipino. My guess is they have little or no savings.

Do colleges still give major tuition reductions for academic reasons? Does being a minority improve your chances for aid?
by DonDraper
Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transferring 403b funds to Vanguard
Replies: 7
Views: 1493

Re: Transferring 403b funds to Vanguard

As far as I know, you should be able to, at the very least, rollover the life insurance-related 403b to an IRA with Vanguard. My wife has a small 403b (USAA) that we plan to eventually rollover/convert to a Roth IRA mainly for the sake of account consolidation (aside from lower fees going forward). This is a current employee, and many employers don't allow current employees to roll into an IRA. DonDraper, what are your wife's other 403b provider options if any? That's the problem. The other choices are high expense mutual funds or annuities. If my memory serves I recall my wife saying Vanguard dropped her employer and not vice versa. Vanguard did let her keep her existing money with Vanguard. My gut tells me we won't be able to move the ot...
by DonDraper
Sat Jul 04, 2015 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transferring 403b funds to Vanguard
Replies: 7
Views: 1493

Transferring 403b funds to Vanguard

My spouse has 403b money from her current employer at two different companies. One company is Vanguard and other is a crappy high fee annuity product at a life insurance company. I would like to rollover the money from the insurance company into Vanguard.

Here's the kicker, Vanguard is no longer an option for new 403b money . Given that fact do u think Vanguard will permit the rollover?

I know I have to call and ask but I wanted to get some opinions here first to make sure I don't accidentally trigger a taxable event.
by DonDraper
Thu Jun 18, 2015 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Old version of Quicken not pulling stock quotes
Replies: 2
Views: 1546

Old version of Quicken not pulling stock quotes

Suddenly my 2011 version of Quicken is returning a $0 value for stock quotes on several ETF's and individual stocks.

I'm not asking it to pull info from my investment account. This is purely searching for a quote. Anyone else suddenly experiencing this?

Probably a sign to upgrade or use something else.
by DonDraper
Sun Mar 01, 2015 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maximum amount in a 529 for an 8 year old?
Replies: 9
Views: 1793

Re: Maximum amount in a 529 for an 8 year old?

Blue wrote:We have substantially more than this for our 7 and 10 year old in 529's, but we view the 529 accounts as a mechanism to fund a family legacy of emphasis on education. Our intent is that anything not used by our kids will be used by our grandkids or beyond.
That's an interesting way to look at it. Given the fact the grandparents want their annual $6-7K to go towards education this might be the way to go with that particular contribution.