Search found 87 matches

by Skinut
Fri Jan 20, 2023 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Highly Recommended Advisor in Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul)
Replies: 2
Views: 656

Re: Highly Recommended Advisor in Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul)

ebeb wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 3:24 pm Start with this thread and search the forums. viewtopic.php?t=360823
Thank you! Mark Zoril appears to be a good choice without breaking the bank, in searching his name on the forum he appears to have a good reputation. Appreciate you sending.
by Skinut
Thu Jan 19, 2023 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Highly Recommended Advisor in Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul)
Replies: 2
Views: 656

Highly Recommended Advisor in Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul)

Bogleheads, I have a close co-worker going through challenging times and would like to recommend a financial advisor for their family to use. They are currently with an anti Boglehead advisor... Appreciate any CFPs or groups in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul) you would highly recommend based on your experience. Feel free to DM me as I can't remember rules around sharing for the forum.

Thank you!
by Skinut
Thu Nov 03, 2022 8:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snow tires Qs
Replies: 123
Views: 10873

Re: Snow tires Qs

I'm in a similar climate as you (SW Ohio). We get some snow, but not like the Great Lakes or New England regions. I put a full set of Michelin CrossClimate2 tires on my wife's Accord. They are all season tires ... and they also have a 3 peak mountain and snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to meet a snow traction requirement of a winter / snow tire. I've driven through a monsoon driving rainstorm on the highway on those tires - they were awesome. I've driven through four inches of snow on a not-yet-plowed road on those tires - they were awesome. They're a bit expensive, but as far as I'm concerned they met my primary criteria of being an excellent tire for bad weather (rain and snow). Did the same - bought a 3PMSF all season tire, it’s a great compro...
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

Are there any pros/cons of deeding vs. buying it from them in 10 years? If they purchase the cabin for $250,000, put $100,000 in principal into it over the next 10 years, and I buy it from them for $150,000, I would only be on the hook for the legal documents (assuming they would run under $1,000?) The downside of this is, my cost basis would be low and I would be on the hook for more capital gains down the road. If I use the same numbers above, and they deed it to me, I would have a higher cost basis/lower capital gains (I think). The comments around long term care and the state clawing money back are concerning. But I would have that risk whether I purchase the cabin from them (at a reduced price to reflect the principal payments they've ...
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

Good call, I will be sure to include the "Will" aspect in case something happens to them before it is deeded to me.
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

I appreciate everyone's input. Looks like deeding the property is the easiest option (and tax free, which is nice)
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

I checked, and state estate taxes will not be an issue. Appreciate that being highlighted.
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

Do you have any siblings? Gill's solution might be overly simplistic if you do. Yes, one sibling, they will not be involved (and are aligned with this) Are your parents close to the estate tax? Both federal and state or just state? Is there a state inheritance tax? Not too familiar with it, but they do not have a high net worth (assuming under $750,000). Would the step up in basis of receiving the cabin as an inheritance outweigh estate taxes? Don't think this is an issue given net worth, but let me know if I'm missing something What happens if you can't take over in ten years? Fair question, my plan is to save money so I can pay it off in 10 years when I would take over. If I can't for some reason, they could sell it. I will confirm with ...
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Re: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

Thanks Gill,

If they "deed" it to me at the 10 year mark, would there by any tax implications? (or anything else I should be aware of?)
by Skinut
Mon Jun 22, 2020 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure
Replies: 18
Views: 1370

Purchasing cabin with parents - need advice on how to structure

Hello, I am looking at purchasing a cabin with my parents, we've discussed the general terms as outlined below, but are not sure how to structure the purchase. Appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. Background Purchase cabin in coming months with parents Parents would provide down payment and assume mortgage payments After 10 years I would take over the financial obligations (mortgage/property taxes, etc.) The cabin would become mine when they eventually pass away Questions How should this be structured from a purchase perspective? Should I be "on" the original mortgage? Is there anything we need to do upfront to prevent inheritance taxes or other taxes down the road? I am looking for input on the above, I've already read the many t...
by Skinut
Mon Dec 02, 2019 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airline overhead bins...do you think they're assigned?
Replies: 135
Views: 8443

Re: Airline overhead bins...do you think they're assigned?

You are 100% right. Now if you had put your bags in a first class or premium economy bin while flying in standard/basic/main economy, that's a different story.
by Skinut
Wed Mar 07, 2018 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Colorado Skiing
Replies: 26
Views: 2787

Re: Best Colorado Skiing

That's a loaded question. As a previous poster mentioned, if you're going up on the weekend be prepared for traffic and crowds (up on Friday afternoon and back on Sunday afternoon is the worst). If you won't be staying overnight in the mountains I would stick to resorts closer to Denver (A-Basin, Loveland, Keystone, Breck, Copper, Winter Park), if you'll be staying for a few nights I would get away from summit county and look at Steamboat or Crested Butte. Also depends what kind of skiing you're looking for. Crested Butte offers some of the scarier terrain in CO, while Keystone, Breck, Copper have a nice balance. Is cost a factor? A one day ticket at the window at Vail will be around $200 while Loveland will be $75 (that's lift only). Pre-p...
by Skinut
Fri Mar 02, 2018 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Beginner @ 46, so much to learn.
Replies: 25
Views: 4870

Re: Beginner @ 46, so much to learn.

With 1 child in college and possibly 4 more to go, there is one key point to remember; kids can borrow for college, you cannot borrow for retirement. You don't mention helping them with college, but at your age and current savings outlined, you will likely want to prioritize saving for retirement. Sandtrap's advice was outstanding, I would also urge you find ways to save more (create a budget, minimize expenses, etc.) and/or make more (promotion at work, side gig, etc.). Saving can be as easy as outlining your monthly expenses, then exploring which can be trimmed (cell phone bill, cable, internet, garbage, etc.). For example, I spent 2 hours a few months back on the fore mentioned items and saved over $1,000/year. Best of luck and welcome t...
by Skinut
Wed Nov 15, 2017 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review
Replies: 34
Views: 2831

Re: Portfolio Review

My estimated target retirement income is $2000-$2500. Combined with pension and whatever SS I get should cover expenses plus leave a bit for fun! I will check my 401k options to see if there is an S&P 500 and bond option. Thank you for the replies! Thank you for your service! If that is your estimated retirement income in 16 years - you are there now! You currently have a pension of $2,025 per month. I estimate your current salary is around $40K, you are saving 10% of that in a 401K pre-tax. You are also funding a tax-free ROTH IRA with $5,500 per year. You have 16 years of employment left. Current assets - $75,000 in a ROTH IRA $76,000 in a tax deferred 401K With current contributions, estimate the ROTH will be worth approximately $26...
by Skinut
Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Longtime Lurker Finally Ready to Bare It All ;)
Replies: 32
Views: 4044

Re: Longtime Lurker Finally Ready to Bare It All ;)

As a former Ameriprise customer I feel compelled to respond.

You did not list expense ratios for the Ameriprise taxable funds, I looked up the first "Columbia Balanced", according to Morningstar this fund has a 5.75% load PLUS a 1.06% expense ratio. Add to that the 1.0% AUM you are being charged and you are being (as politely as I can) robbed...

Use a spreadsheet and calculate the difference in fees on $100,000 over a 30 year period for this fund vs. VG Total Stock, then show your significant other how much your paying for "the guy"
by Skinut
Sun Jul 19, 2015 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacing wireless router - advice needed
Replies: 21
Views: 3516

Re: Replacing wireless router - advice needed

I had the exact same issue.

I bought a Motorola Surfboard ($87.49) and TP Link Router ($19.99). It drastically improved my wireless network speed, but still nowhere near the hardwired/advertised speed. Good Luck.

http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-Su ... +surfboard

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WR841N ... ink+router
by Skinut
Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cross Country Ski Gear Tips/Destinations
Replies: 31
Views: 2943

Re: Cross Country Ski Gear Tips/Destinations

Now is the time to buy equipment, there is a great website in the Midwest called Skinny Ski, they have trail conditions and links to gear on sale. Fitzharris in MN just posted a link to their year end sale which has the best price I've ever seen on the top end Salomon Skate and Classic skis.

http://www.skinnyski.com

I also second what another poster said around deciding what kind of skiing you want to do, unfortunately they all require different equipment for the most part, which is the one downside to Nordic skiing. :shock:
by Skinut
Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guns for hunting/defense
Replies: 159
Views: 53505

Re: Guns for hunting/defense

Fun topic, I'll throw my hat in the ring: Bird Hunting: Franchi Affinity 12 gauge (similar to a Benelli for about half the cost, has worked great for me so far) Deer Hunting: Remington Model 700 chambered in 7mm Ultra Mag (bought it for the laminated gray stock), to much gun for what I do, but the cartridges get some good laughs at the deer cabin) For fun/because I can: DPMS AR15 in M4 configuration Home Defense: Springfield XD 40 caliber I think someone already mentioned this, but having a weapon for home defense you have practiced with and are familiar handling is much more important than it being a shotgun, handgun, mini gun, this caliber or that barrel length, etc. Would like to get over/under shotgun, and a lighter rifle in either a 27...
by Skinut
Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To MBA or not MBA?
Replies: 57
Views: 9148

Re: To MBA or not MBA?

I was in a similar situation as you a few years back, I work for a F500 company and was exploring 3 MBA programs in the same market as you with costs ranging from $25 - $60. The lower end of the cost scale was an accredited school with a good program, but lacking a big name, the higher end was the UofM. I do not plan on leaving my company and could not justify the ROI on the UofM, so I went with the least expensive option. First, you need to decide what you want to get out of it? Are you looking to move to a new job outside your company or out of state? If you answered yes, I'd suggest going with the UofM for the name and network. If you are not looking to move outside your company, I would explore some lower cost options that would allow y...
by Skinut
Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting Married - Checklist? And Questions
Replies: 21
Views: 2917

Re: Getting Married - Checklist? And Questions

I don't have much to add regarding the specifics of your financial situation, I think previous posters did a nice job. A few things I will add, maybe just things to think about if nothing else. First, here is where I am coming from. My parents are roughly 20 years apart, my father retired and led a lazy, drinking filled life that has ultimately ended up causing early alzhiemers to set in and ended their marraige. I don't think there is anything wrong with the age difference, but my points below are things you may or may not have done/thought of. 1. Long term care insurance for your spouse, long term care can be very expensive ($2,000 - $5,000+ per month), you don't want his care draining your retirement funds 2. Expectations around what he ...
by Skinut
Mon Dec 30, 2013 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got a Favorite Credit Card? Thinking Penfed but open...
Replies: 27
Views: 8444

Re: Got a Favorite Credit Card? Thinking Penfed but open...

Nuvoletta wrote: I am ready to close down our individual credit union Visas (a relic of our days when we were still checking out the other's spending habits), unless someone says we should keep them open.
Do not close your old card, a large portion of your credit score is comprised of your credit history (thinking 30% sounds close), you are better off leaving this card open, charging something small every so often and opening another new card.

The previously suggested cards are all good options, you need to decide if you want a large sign up bonus (Chase Ink business cards, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Barclays Arrival MasterCard, etc.), or of you want the highest return on all purchases. Don't forget about the annual fee as well.
by Skinut
Mon Dec 16, 2013 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Emergency Fund... 100% Cash or Invest Portion
Replies: 6
Views: 1178

Re: Emergency Fund... 100% Cash or Invest Portion

I maintain an ER fund with a total amount similar to yours. Very recently I decided I will "invest" 15-20M in a combination of I-bonds and Penfed 5 year CD.

I did 5M in I-bonds and 5M in a 5 year CD to start. Next year I will do another round of the same. This way I am not tying up 2/3s at the same time.

Hopefully that helps, nice work on the ER fund :beer
by Skinut
Fri Aug 09, 2013 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistance?]
Replies: 12
Views: 1687

Re: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistanc

Thank you all for the replies!

johnep - I appreciate you taking the time to provide an in-depth response, it is very helpful!
by Skinut
Thu Aug 08, 2013 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistance?]
Replies: 12
Views: 1687

Re: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistanc

Anyone else have any thoughts? If I need to add more info please let me know. Thanks!
by Skinut
Wed Aug 07, 2013 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistance?]
Replies: 12
Views: 1687

Re: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistanc

investor wrote:You did not post your state. This stuff is state dependent.
State: Minnesota
Mrs.Feeley wrote:Is he a veteran? There is a program that offers nursing home assistance for vets:
No
LadyGeek wrote:I retitled your thread as it might give the wrong impression - to hide assets instead of asking for appropriate legal protection. If you want to change the thread title, just edit the Subject line in Post #1.
Thanks LadyGeek! Your suggestions to title changes have helped alot of people get better advice over the years :beer
by Skinut
Tue Aug 06, 2013 9:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistance?]
Replies: 12
Views: 1687

[How to max assets for one spouse, other needs assistance?]

This is an extremely stressful and complex situation, any advice on the below is greatly appreciated! My parents are 57 (mom) and 76 (dad), my dad is in treatment for alchoholism and may have some kind of mental disorder. He is having test done in the coming weeks to determine his condition, depending on the results, he may need to go into some sort of assisted living facility. I know this would be expensive and they could not afford it, thus the state would take their assets, then take over the cost of care. I am wondering how to maximize the assets for my mom in the event that happens. Assets House: $250,000 (2 years left to pay off mortgage) His Retirement: $120,000 Her Retirement: $45,000 His life insurance policy: ~ $300 - 500,000? (no...
by Skinut
Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you had a chance to remodel bath......
Replies: 27
Views: 4306

Re: If you had a chance to remodel bath......

Doing it right now.... My hindsight views: - get quotes for everything before starting (as usual, add 50%, or double, you'll get a range of opinions) - before completely gutting, make sure you need to remove everything (pretty sure we removed sheet rock we didn't need to, which led to some of the issues below) - ask each person (ex: tile guy) what they need done before they start (in our case, they needed 1/2 cement board, not the 5/16 we already put up :oops: , need a linear drain - which meant we needed a plumber we didnt think we needed) - make sure you know everything that has to be done (DW didn't think/know we needed to mud/tape.... :shock: , didn't think about added height of floor - needed longer bolts/wax ring for toilet, door didn...
by Skinut
Mon Apr 22, 2013 8:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are you a boglehead ???
Replies: 60
Views: 6251

Re: Why are you a boglehead ???

Working Class Family (although sometimes lived like upper middle class :shock: ) I had an older sibling who was terrible with money growing up, I always heard my parents talk about it, which made me want to save more (competition I guess). Although I was a saver compared to them, I still spent more than I should have in my early years, gambled in the stock market, leased a car :oops: , spent too much on hobbies, etc. Then, I stumbled on an article written by Rick Ferri, which mentioned Bogleheads (what's a Boglehead???), found the site, spent a little too much time absorbed in all the great posts in the forum and Wiki, and now am trying to help others see the light. Why am I a Boglehead? Because it actually makes sense to me. I always thoug...
by Skinut
Fri Apr 19, 2013 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying To Decide how Much to Put in Roth 401k vs Traditional
Replies: 5
Views: 1475

Re: Trying To Decide how Much to Put in Roth 401k vs Traditi

ShowMeTheER wrote:I would not change a thing given 1) the amount of uncertainty in your future income and earnings situation; and 2) the fact that you are already hedging well between the pre-tax and Roth. It's possible that you may even want to consider adding more to Her pre-tax 401(k) on an annual basis before filling your Roth contributions in a year!
+1 Reduce your taxes you're paying now, then focus on increasing contributuions to max his and hers 401ks, then do Roth (or backdoor Roth) once you get there.
by Skinut
Fri Apr 19, 2013 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Goofed up; let it ride or sell at loss?
Replies: 21
Views: 3791

Re: Goofed up; let it ride or sell at loss?

At least you can admit you made a mistake, many folks will not :shock: Do you have an IPS? Yes, then rebalance accordingly (if you have hit criteria indicating to do so) with the drop in gold (unless you want to change your target AA/IPS, then revert to the "No" portion) No, create an IPS and Asset Allocation including re-balancing criteria and stay the course, NO MATTER WHAT! When you create the IPS, seperate yourself from your current portfolio and imagine you are starting clean, then decide how you want things to look in the future. Once you have this, go back and figure out how you can move to your new AA, whether it is exchanging funds now, or with future contributions over the next year or two. http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki...
by Skinut
Thu Apr 18, 2013 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dave Ramsey and 7%
Replies: 46
Views: 10935

Re: Dave Ramsey and 7%

7%, 3%, 12%, 20%..... who knows?

Predicting returns over the next 30 years seems like trying to pick which asset classes will outperform others, good luck. Personally, I think 7% is too high, I tend to use 5% basis readings on the Wiki and various books from the reading list.

The sad part is, people who subscribe to his investment advice, and put away X% a year thinking they will be able to comfortably retire at 62 won't know better until it's too late (unless 7% actually happens, then in that case... :moneybag )
by Skinut
Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay down debt vs. Investing vs. Saving for house
Replies: 7
Views: 1594

Re: Pay down debt vs. Investing vs. Saving for house

My question is how would one go about saving for the future? Would you start investing now or wait until all debts are paid? Would you keep things the way that they are and invest as well as save for a home? I feel like we are doing well, but want to stay ahead of the game. A few points: first, utilize your tax advantaged space. You mention you cannot contribute to a 401k until the first of the year and your wife has a DBP (which is nice, but don't count on it - IMHO). You can still contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA (not sure which is better as you did not include details around tax bracket), this is space that is use it or lose it, so I would start investing for retirement there. Second, it is not an all or none answer, there is not...
by Skinut
Wed Apr 17, 2013 3:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation
Replies: 16
Views: 1839

Re: Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation

greg24 wrote:When the market is up, I'm happy that my portfolio is up.

When the market is down, I'm happy that my next purchase will buy more shares.
This is a great way to think about it, I might need to pin this to my wall as a reminder on RBDs or market highs. Thanks :beer
by Skinut
Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation
Replies: 16
Views: 1839

Re: Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation

floydtime wrote:I think Mr. Bernstein means, IF there is a bear market when you are a young investor, it's a good thing. You can't control whether there is or is not though. I don't believe he means that you should WAIT for a bear market.
I agree, for me, seeing my portfolio rise and getting close to one of my intermediate goals is nice, but then I remember that the market has risen and I will be accumulating less shares for the same investment.

Don't get me wrong, I am investing the same amount regardless of what the market does - Stay the Course.
by Skinut
Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation
Replies: 16
Views: 1839

Contradictory goals – buy low vs. portfolio appreciation

Recently read the Four Pillars of Investing (outstanding by the way) and The Intelligent Asset Allocator. Bernstein talks about how someone in the early stages of investing (20s and 30s) should hope for a bear market (low prices) to accumulate lots of shares on “sale”. Makes perfect sense to me, wish I had more to invest in the last meltdown. However, other articles/threads discuss tracking your portfolio and hitting certain milestones along the way (ex. 2x income by age 34). I have mapped my assumed future contributions and an expected rate of return to measure my portfolio against yearly. I know it won’t be exact, but should be a good way to determine if I am tracking generally on target to my goal. I found it interesting how the two cont...
by Skinut
Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing Input
Replies: 3
Views: 591

Re: Investing Input

There is nothing wrong with spreading the money around as you've detailed in the OP. Given your current occupation and relative job security (from what I know of physicians and military careers), I don't see anything wrong with enjoying some of the "extra" cash now, as long as you balance it with saving for the future.

I agree with paying down the 6.5% loan and increasing the retirement savings. I don't think putting the rest in a savings account is a cop out, just because you have some "extra" money doesn't mean you have to spend it today. Take some trips, have some fun, see how your cashflow is, then, a few months, maybe years, figure out what to do with the extra. Just my 2 cents.
by Skinut
Mon Apr 08, 2013 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can the average investor make money in real estate?
Replies: 50
Views: 6704

Re: Can the average investor make money in real estate?

325e wrote:Edit: the only way you'd be fooling yourself is if your costs are much higher. For instance, we could have bought a great condo for the price we paid for our two unit. Instead, we got a reasonable mortgage that we could pay with or without the renter, and the renters payment was just extra. My point is, as long as its not overly consumption, and more investment, then it can be a great thing on top of sticking to 401k, etc.
This to me says it all. Take some of the risk off the table by buying a place you can afford without a renter (indefinitely), then if it is rented, use that money to invest, no renter = no extra investing. That's how I would look at it when evaluating whether or not you can afford to do it.
by Skinut
Mon Apr 08, 2013 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment/Portfolio Question
Replies: 11
Views: 4012

Re: Investment/Portfolio Question

I agree with Patrick's recommendation to use the PIMCO Total Return Fund. Does your wife have access to a 401k? If so, what are her options? Here is a link to the wiki and some thoughts around poor 401k options (scroll down to the section titled "expensive or mediocore choices), there is also a link to TFBs blog that has a calculator you can use to compute poor 401k vs. Taxable. Pretty sure the poor 401k is the best choice, but you can run the numbers for yourself. http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/401(k) http://thefinancebuff.com/alternatives-to-a-high-cost-401k-or-403b-plan.html You don't by chance have the option to use a PCRA? (personal choice retirement account) - it would be an option within your 401k if you have it. Depending on th...
by Skinut
Fri Apr 05, 2013 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment/Portfolio Question
Replies: 11
Views: 4012

Re: Investment/Portfolio Question

What options do you have in your 401k and her 401k? You mentioned your $14k invested in taxable each year is for retirement, unless both 401k's have terrible options I would look into putting the entire amount into one or both 401k's.

Tax advantaged space is use it or lose it...
by Skinut
Fri Mar 29, 2013 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Yet another Ameriprise customer... [Wrap acc't, performance]
Replies: 27
Views: 6142

Re: Yet another Ameriprise customer...

I believe Warren Buffet said something along the lines of, don't buy something you don't understand...

A former Ameriprise client myself, I sat in your chair and looked at the charts on the screen and never fully understood the performance numbers or the fees.

Fast forward 1 year, I've read many pages on this site, The Bogleheads Guide to Investing, and built my own asset allocation spreadsheet. My portfolio is now balanced, I have a plan, and I'm paying 0.16% on average vs. 1% or more with Ameriprise...

I hope you see the light
by Skinut
Thu Mar 28, 2013 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you set your saving goals and find a balance?
Replies: 40
Views: 4039

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

This is a good thread, thanks BuckyBadger for starting it. In similar camp to some, but well behind others :shock: , we maximize our tax deferred accounts (401k, Roth IRA, HSA - no ibonds yet), anything above that is for living. DW wants to upgrade current house and someday buy a bigger one, so that's where the majority of the "extra" goes each month. I like the points around finding balance, I am one who would probably save/scrimp and forego many of lifes pleasures, I'm glad I have DW to help remind me we need to spend a little from time to time. There was a recent thread on delayed gratification (teaching your kids I think), this goes a long way in balancing the save vs. spend issue many confront. I've found there are many cases...
by Skinut
Wed Mar 27, 2013 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: DFA - again - DFLVX Kills Vanguard - Pay admission?
Replies: 30
Views: 5773

Re: DFA - again - DFLVX Kills Vanguard - Pay admission?

So you are comparing DFAs Small Cap fund to Vanguards Large Cap Value fund?

Why not compare to VGs Small Cap funds?

Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund (VISVX)
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Investor Shares (NAESX)
by Skinut
Mon Mar 25, 2013 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [POLL] Are zillow price estimates accurate for your home?
Replies: 62
Views: 8365

Re: [POLL] Are zillow price estimates accurate for your home

Within 5%.

I had my house appraised within the last 6 months for a refi, the Zillow estimate is within 2% of the appraised value, pretty good...
by Skinut
Thu Mar 21, 2013 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Clueless- Need Investment Advice
Replies: 10
Views: 1129

Re: Clueless- Need Investment Advice

NYC4884 wrote:I do have a Roth IRA but can not contribute based off current income.
You might want to explore a Backdoor Roth, from the OP it appears you do not have any other IRAs that would prohibit you from doing one.

http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Backdoor_Roth_IRA
by Skinut
Thu Mar 07, 2013 10:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your number? Why?
Replies: 258
Views: 37757

Re: What's your number? Why?

I haven't determined my number yet, so I'd like to ask a related question. Is it worth it for investors in the 25-35 age range to go through the exercise or trying to come up with a number given the huge uncertanties involved? My current strategy is just to save as much as I can. Not a bad strategy - I'm using that myself, but not to the point of denying myself the basic creature comforts. I've seen the pauper strategy and the outcome is not pretty at all - family discord, etc If you're married, it's important your partner is on the same page as you, let me underscore "very" important. I'm a tad bit older and find trying to come up with a precise number can be an exercise in frustration - too many unknowns and much of it is based...
by Skinut
Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your number? Why?
Replies: 258
Views: 37757

Re: What's your number? Why?

I don't have a number. My approach is to maximize tax defered retirement vehicles every year until retirement (planning for 25 years from now), that currently adds up to $46,000/year for 401k & Roth IRA for spouse and I. At an estimated 5% return not adjusted for inflation that will put me somewhere in the $3MM ballpark in 25 years. Anything we save above and beyond the retirement vehicles will go in taxable and fund travel and maybe a house upgrade :shock: down the road. This probably isn't the most scientific approach, but I know most people (or at least non-bogleheads) don't save anywhere near this amount for retirement, so we should be able to live comfortably in regards to our friends. Not having a "number" also reduces m...
by Skinut
Wed Mar 06, 2013 3:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll - will you buy Vanguard's new international bond funds?
Replies: 33
Views: 4358

Re: Poll - will you buy Vanguard's new international bond fu

No. Adds complexity when I'm trying to reduce my funds and add simplicity. I also read some posts by Rick F, they helped sway my decision.
by Skinut
Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency Fund - Lifestyle fund or living expense fund?
Replies: 16
Views: 2446

Re: Emergency Fund - Lifestyle fund or living expense fund?

I selected living expense fund 12+ months, but the situation would likely dictate how it was actually used. If spouse and I both lost our jobs and the outlook was grim, living only. If I lose my job, they still have thiers and I've got good prospects on the horizon, Starbucks it is...
by Skinut
Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I need major help to decide what to do, Asset Allocation
Replies: 4
Views: 768

Re: I need MAJOR help to decide what to do, Asset Allocation

Emergency funds: $20,000 (equates to 10 months expenses) (also goes towards saving for a down payment) Be careful mixing these funds. Before you start looking at places to buy, decide exactly how much you will keep for your emergency fund, then use the rest for a down payment. Whatever your budget is for a house, you will spend at the top of your range, don't consider the emergency fund as "there just in case you find a place that's a little out of your price range", because you will. When you own a house, you will need a larger E-fund to cover the larger unexpected expenses you will run across. $400 to retirement (only I have IRA hubby doesn’t want to save for retirement yet despite all the advantages I explained to him) Others ...
by Skinut
Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Saving money on Smarphones
Replies: 21
Views: 2660

Re: Saving money on Smarphones

Straight Talk through Walmart (yeah yeah, it took me a while to get over this).

You can use a variety of phones (read up on the website or forums first). It is $45/month for unlimited everything per phone, you can also pay for 3,6, or 12 month periods and the rate is reduced. My phone runs on AT&Ts network, I've never had any issues. It's worth checking out.