Search found 128 matches

by Niko
Sun Dec 11, 2016 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a car
Replies: 21
Views: 3235

Re: Buying a car

Another problem with the emailing approach is that it is often very hard to get dealerships to respond to requests for a quote. Many are probably inundated with such requests. Not in my experience; quite the opposite actually. I received 14 responses out of the 15 dealers I contacted, within 24 hours. Of those, 9 provided the OTD quotes as I asked for, so I only focused negotiations with that population. Same with me. Last time I bought a car I emailed 7-8 dealerships. I'd say 5-6 wrote me back with OTD offers. I played those against each other until I got the lowest offer. It became pretty clear, pretty quickly, what the real "floor" was for the dealers. And it was lower than Truecar or the other buying services available. Plus,...
by Niko
Sun Dec 11, 2016 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: travel to Istanbul
Replies: 41
Views: 4674

Re: travel to Istanbul

I don't know how much useful information you would get from them but you could also try calling the US embassy there to see what they have to say. The Embassy is in Ankara. You'd want the Consulate in Istanbul. But regardless I don't think they'll say anything over the phone that isn't published in the travel warning. I know many people poo-poo the travel warnings, but they're publicized for a reason, based on solid information, and an officer isn't going to lead you any way other than what's in the published warning. When they say "extremist groups are continuing aggressive efforts to attack U.S. citizens" in Istanbul, that's exactly what they mean. I think Calsaver has the right approach -- it's an emotional decision you have t...
by Niko
Sun Dec 11, 2016 1:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: travel to Istanbul
Replies: 41
Views: 4674

Re: travel to Istanbul

when you drill down, the problems in the country are not really affecting tourist safety in the main tourist areas, but the headlines are keeping them away This is false. The last year has seen terrorist attacks in or near some of the most popular tourist locations in Istanbul, specifically targeting and killing many foreigners. The international airport attack (many foreigners killed), the Sultanahmet Square attack (all killed were foreigners), the Istiklal bombing (all deaths and many injured were foreigners). The U.S. Consulate evacuated family members from the country based on security information indicating extremist groups are planning additional attacks against Westerners. And last night's bombing was just a few blocks from Taksim S...
by Niko
Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: if permanently move abroad
Replies: 13
Views: 3935

Re: if permanently move abroad

AlohaJoe wrote:You don't have to file state taxes if you don't live there.
Remind me not to get tax advice from you :)
by Niko
Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: if permanently move abroad
Replies: 13
Views: 3935

Re: if permanently move abroad

Best case would be to establish residency in a no tax state, get drivers license from that state, and then leave the US. Note that I lived overseas for 13 years and still kept my drivers license and state CPA license and was assessed tax about 5 years into living abroad but was able to prove that my intent was not to return to that state, so it is possible. I was lucky to be able to use the services of a Big 4 tax professional though. Also, some keep posting that it is very simple just leave and do not file but it is not that simple. It is based on many things so the more ties you can cut with NJ the better. Finally, I take it you realize you are still subject to Federal taxes though there are exemptions and credits... This. I can't speak ...
by Niko
Wed Jul 27, 2016 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Palawan Philippines vacation cost?
Replies: 8
Views: 1171

Re: Palawan Philippines vacation cost?

invst65 wrote: As for the travel warnings I wouldn't worry about them. My wife is from Mindanao and I've ignored the state department warnings about going there many times. It's probably safer than visiting Washington, D.C. or New York City.
Agree that much of Mindanao is perfectly safe. But the travel warning gives very specific parts of Mindanao that are most definitely not like the rest of Mindanao. Sulu, Jolo, Zamboanga, and the areas/waters right around there are area I would definitely avoid if I stood out as a westerner. Quite a number have been kidnapped for ransom or worse. There are terrorist elements in those areas that are not present in the rest of Mindanao.
by Niko
Tue Jul 26, 2016 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Palawan Philippines vacation cost?
Replies: 8
Views: 1171

Re: Palawan Philippines vacation cost?

Best time of the year would be winter months, Jan-Feb, with Nov, Dec, and Mar being not bad. Once you get too far into March, hot season starts. Once you get into the summer months, rainy season comes. Your biggest budget item will be airfare. Spend a few days in Palawan, but try and hit some other places too. The Philippines is such a beautiful country with so much to see. I absolutely loved Palawan. Visited many parts of the Philippines, but Palawan was one of my favorites. There are plenty of super ritzy places to stay, several hundred dollars per night (or more). But there are many more budget friendly places. Do some research. And don't worry too much about kidnappings in Palawan. There was a well known kidnapping like 15 years ago in ...
by Niko
Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening A Roth For My 5 Year Old?
Replies: 42
Views: 7073

Re: Opening A Roth For My 5 Year Old?

trueblueky wrote: Put the kid in your ads. Check what the going rate is for child actors in your area, including residuals.
This is a much better strategy than paying to do chores.
by Niko
Fri Mar 18, 2016 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening A Roth For My 5 Year Old?
Replies: 42
Views: 7073

Re: Opening A Roth For My 5 Year Old?

flyingbison wrote:What kind of office work can a 5 year old do? If your son wasn't available to do these tasks, would you need to hire someone else to do them?

This seems like a thinly veiled attempt at tax evasion.
Agree. There's nothing per se wrong with a child employed in a family business and using those earnings to fund a Roth. But the IRS will take a closer look at these sorts of cases. Is the work age-appropriate? Is the work "real work"? Are you paying a reasonable wage? Will you be filing a W-2? And like flyingbison asks -- would you otherwise have to hire out this help? If not, seems questionable.
by Niko
Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2 Million Dollar Settlement, what to do with it?
Replies: 31
Views: 8762

Re: 2 Million Dollar Settlement, what to do with it?

Thank you for posting this. There seems to be a belief -- even among these forums -- that injury settlements/awards are not taxable. While true in some cases, it is not true in all cases. Even the NFL settlement agreement itself makes clear that tax consequences may vary among the class members. "Section 30.14 Tax Consequences. No opinion regarding the tax consequences of this Settlement Agreement to any individual Settlement Class Member is being given or will be given by the NFL Parties, Counsel for the NFL Parties, Class and Subclass Representatives, Class Counsel, nor is any representation or warranty in this regard made by virtue of this Settlement Agreement. Settlement Class Members must consult their own tax advisors regarding t...
by Niko
Mon Mar 09, 2015 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ideal next job knocked too soon
Replies: 20
Views: 2574

Re: Ideal next job knocked too soon

Can you share more about the job you were offered, or perhaps which Department of the Federal Government? Some agencies (though I acknowledge probably not most) have flexibility in hiring dates, offering deferments/postponements in certain cases.
by Niko
Fri Feb 13, 2015 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogglehead Career Advice
Replies: 42
Views: 5332

Re: Bogglehead Career Advice

A couple of thoughts: Join the Peace Corps. You won't make any money, but you probably won't spend any either :). The Peace Corps tends to open doors while providing a truly exceptional experience you won't soon forget. Plus, many returning volunteers develop a much better sense of what they want to do while serving. I'll second the Foreign Service recommendation. Though I must say, I'm not sure what the prior commenter is talking about in terms of "weaponry training." Perhaps if you join as a Diplomatic Security Special Agent. But your run of the mill FSO is generally not trained in weapons. Someone else recommended "What Color is your Parachute." +1 Take 6 months or a year off and do something fun. If you hike, hike th...
by Niko
Sat Dec 27, 2014 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial helps for a 29 yr old
Replies: 3
Views: 1090

Re: Financial helps for a 29 yr old

Invest early and often? Buy low, sell high? I'm not sure what sort of advice you're looking for without providing more specific information about her situation. The most important thing any person can do financially is educate themselves and take charge of their own financial situation. Show your friend this website and have her post her complete situation here. I have a wonderful friend, but she doesn't have much idea about personal finance. She's 29 yr old, lives in Florida, working for a small business without health insurance from employer, having $400/month prescription/medical costs, tuition costs for the next 6~8 years to pursue her college and graduate degrees, and she hasn't enrolled in any health insurance for 2015. So what are al...
by Niko
Sun May 25, 2014 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Worst "Large purchase" ever?
Replies: 110
Views: 18000

Re: Worst "Large purchase" ever?

Two purchases, not sure which one I regret more. I regret each for different reasons. 1. Graduate school. It cost me $70,000 - $80,000 (not entirely certain without looking back at loan docs), wasted three years of my early-mid twenties, lost earnings during those years, tied me into I career I hated, spent an addition 5 years in said career until I could find a way into another, better career track, etc. I chose grad school because the economy was bad when I finished undergrad and, well, I didn't really have anything better to do. :oops: I wish I had instead taken a year off and spent a fraction of the cost hiking the PCT or traveling around the world on a student's budget. I probably would have come back more enriched and with a better id...
by Niko
Sat May 10, 2014 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyway around apartment lease rip off?
Replies: 30
Views: 2924

Re: Anyway around apartment lease rip off?

IANAL but if the landlord knew before the lease was signed that the period was 4 months - with no if's ands or buts about whether student was going to stay on longer than the explicit lease period - then there might be an argument that this additional understanding (even if verbal but especially if there's email or other written trail) superseded the language in the standard agreement (or else that notice of departure was effectively given at the time the lease was entered into) and that therefore the extra month shouldn't be charged. OTOH if there was no such understanding then the landlord wouldn't know for sure that the student was moving out and if a tenant moves out without notice it's not like a landlord is typically going to be able...
by Niko
Thu May 01, 2014 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: UPDATE:Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested
Replies: 32
Views: 4493

Re: Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested

On the backdoor IRA issue, pardon my complete ignorance (as I've never found myself in a position to explore backdoor contributions), but I had always thought that was a procedure for contributing to a tIRA and rolling it into a Roth IRA. How does rolling it to a 401k come into play? Genuine question. You have the backdoor procedure correct but the taxation of this two step process is what matters. Someone who makes too much money to do a direct Roth contribution can still contribute to a non-deductible tIRA. Step 2 he can convert tIRA money to his Roth and if his tIRA with this one new after-tax contribution in it is all the IRA assets he owns then the Roth conversion will be tax free. The catch is IRS, and more specifically IRS form 8606...
by Niko
Thu May 01, 2014 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: UPDATE:Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested
Replies: 32
Views: 4493

Re: Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested

Disagree with you for this high income poster case. The two reasons to prefer a 401k to tIRA are (1) moving the IRA to the 401k allow contributions to a Roth via the "backdoor" method without paying any taxes pro-rata on the IRA money. (i.e., "shelter the money" that was in the IRA) (2) 401k accounts have much more ironclad protection from lawsuit judgments. OP is also fortunate to have plenty of low cost options in the 401k. JW While it is true that 401ks often offer somewhat more judgment protection, I don't think that outweighs the flexibility and lower costs of an IRA. First, IRA's receive up to $1 million in bankruptcy protection, which they are still well under (and what are the odds of them filing bankruptcy?) Se...
by Niko
Thu May 01, 2014 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: UPDATE:Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested
Replies: 32
Views: 4493

Re: Husband wants to retire - Portfolio grade requested

RacerChick wrote: 4nursebee our income is too high (33% marginal tax rate) to contribute directly into a Roth. Our 401K is maxed out and is receiving full company match. We are considering the roll over in order to shelter the money, and there are a fairly diverse number of funds, including many Vanguard low cost and tax efficient ones.
What do you mean by shelter the money?

I agree with 4nursebee -- in general money is better off in an IRA than a 401k. Selection is better, costs are lower, and administrative oversight is less costly.
by Niko
Thu Sep 26, 2013 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Interesting Student Loan vs. 401k Question
Replies: 5
Views: 887

Re: Interesting Student Loan vs. 401k Question

SimonJester wrote: I dont think this is going to be a game changer over the next 35 years either way you go. Dump them, be done with it and dont look back, focus on saving as much as you can.
+1
In the grand scheme of things it won't make much difference. You're on the right track no matter which way you go.
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roth question?
Replies: 5
Views: 492

Re: roth question?

trkymn6f0 wrote:currently I am 32 YO and have 50 grand in a vanguard roth ira. the entire balance
is invested in the target retirement 2045 fund. Should i allocate more money towards
other funds?
I would start by reading here, together with the linked material

http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_Started
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: deciding whether to buy a Trek FX 7.2 hybrid bicycle
Replies: 9
Views: 2487

Re: deciding whether to buy a Trek FX 7.2 hybrid bicycle

In the do-it-yourself spirit we bogleheads take regarding our finances, can I suggest a more DIY approach to biking? Surf Craigslist and buy a used, perhaps well used bike, and fix it up/maintain it. You'll save lots of $ that way, and bicycle maintenance is a skill almost anyone can pick up. Adding a Shimano gear set and new brakes to a $50 used vintage bike will be a lot cheaper than the $550 brand new bike from the Trek dealer. And when something breaks on the bike, you'll feel more comfortable fixing it your self, rather than spending $50-100 taking it to a repair shop. Same concept as auto maintenance, but bike maintenance is MUCH simpler and easier to self-teach. In full disclosure, I bought a brand new Trek hybrid several years ago f...
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: POLL: Your Salary vs Inflation
Replies: 24
Views: 3255

Re: POLL: Your Salary vs Inflation

I started my current job almost 4 years ago. Since I started my employer has had a pay freeze. Assuming a 3% rate of inflation (not sure if that's the actual rate, but it's probably close) I'm down about 12%.

EDIT: I ignored the inflation calculator posted. Now that I actually went in and calculate inflation from 2009 until 2013, I see it's been less than 3%/yr. Rather than a relative 12% drop, it's closer to 8%.
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Age 33 - still invest in bonds in current market? Plus AA
Replies: 10
Views: 1657

Re: Age 33 - still invest in bonds in current market? Plus A

Given the current state of the bond market and my age (figure 25-30 years until retirement), does it even make sense to be in the bond market? I know the usual rule is age-10% or so. I'm currently only aiming for 10%, but almost wonder if I should just go with 0% given that bonds don't look to appreciate at all any time soon. You hold bonds to reduce volatility. Yes, historically a 100% stock portfolio has slightly outperformed a portfolio that incorporates bonds. But there is no guarantee that will hold true during the next 10 or even 30 years. If you incorporate bonds -- even 20% -- you greatly reduce volatility while only slightly reducing possible gains. Basically, that last 20% of stocks gives you very little upside while greatly incr...
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simplify Your Tech Life, Thoreau-Style
Replies: 28
Views: 5449

Re: Simplify Your Tech Life, Thoreau-Style

livesoft wrote:While the gist of the article was good, the way to simplify was complex. A simple way to simplify is simply to turn off your cell phone completely.
+1

I had never heard of some of those apps and plug-ins. Thoreau was about simplification though consciousness and willpower, not through gadgetry.

However, anything that gets people (myself included) thinking about simplifying their lives and unplugging is a good thing.
by Niko
Sun Aug 11, 2013 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boglehead Principles for the Wife
Replies: 19
Views: 2646

Re: Boglehead Principles for the Wife

If the OP passes away, won't his surviving spouse be subject to Shark Attacks from unscrupulous financial types? Shouldn't the two page document mention this explicitly and talk about how to deal with it? You're right, and yes the document should. I'm thinking something along the lines of "Be cautious of anyone who approaches you unsolicited and offers to do ANYTHING for you -- especially if it involves money. If they weren't close to you before I died, the only reason they are reaching out now is because they want to separate you from your money in a time a weakness. If they were close to you before, you probably already know whether you can trust them." I'm fortunate in that I have a close relative who is very much a boglehead....
by Niko
Sun Aug 04, 2013 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

As long as restaurant servers continue earn $3/hr I will continue tipping them. But I will also continue pointing out how inefficient and unjust the system is. I agree the system is unjust, but could you explain what you mean, to ensure the injustice we both see is indeed the same? It is inefficient because the patron is almost never in a proper position to set compensation for the server. A more efficient system would have the company set compensation based on supply, demand, and performance. Like most other industries. It is unjust for a couple of reasons -- first the servers earn a base salary that is far, far below minimum wage. And even further below a livable wage. Sure, they might make that up in tips. But all they are guaranteed is...
by Niko
Sun Aug 04, 2013 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

The difference is that I, as the patron, am not ... responsible for the salary and wages of the employee. A comment that flies in the face of today's actual reality. Tipping restaurant servers in the United States is expected and discretionary. You are responsible for making a fair and just assessment, in the full light of what is reasonable and customary. Don't confuse responsibility for what you can be punished for not doing. Not every responsibility is enforced by law. It is okay to not like how things are. It isn't okay to be irresponsible in protest of it. I feel like this is becoming a dead horse . . . but in what way am I being irresponsible about it? I always tip. I don't like it, and I think it's a sleazy way for restaurant's to s...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-wise
Replies: 74
Views: 8093

Re: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-

If you still have time to get some AP credits while in high school that will help out. I also got through in 3 years. Every month, on the 10th (when my student loan bill is deducted), I thank myself for doing so. Even if you're not signed up for the courses, or your school doesn't offer many AP choices, you can still take the test. For many colleges, a score of 4 or 5 will get you the credits or place you out of introductory courses. My son has 4 AP credits for classes he did not take. He figured out that, were he to go to Rutgers (his in-state public), he could graduate in 2 1/2 years. If he goes to, for example, Columbia, he can be taking graduate level courses beginning in his junior year. AP courses increase your "bang for the buc...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-wise
Replies: 74
Views: 8093

Re: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-

climber2020 wrote:If your college will allow it and you feel you have the motivation and ability, overload your schedule with classes and graduate early. I saved 25% on my college education costs by finishing in 3 years, though it was definitely not easy.
+1. If you still have time to get some AP credits while in high school that will help out. I also got through in 3 years. Every month, on the 10th (when my student loan bill is deducted), I thank myself for doing so.
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

Taking out your frustration with the system by shafting the lowest man/woman on the totem pole is not only ignorant and uncivilized; it will accomplish nothing other than making life even more difficult for the server. This is why, when I chose to eat out, I continue to tip 15%. I do not ever *not* tip. Is 15% too low? Who knows. At one time is was considered extravagant and unnecessarily high. Let me ask you this -- if the restaurant publishes a line in their menu that says "suggested gratuity 50%" and a patron choses to leave only 40%, would they be ignorant, uncivilized, and shafting the server? Who sets the standard for determining a fair tip? Who draws the arbitrary line between shafting the server and paying them a fair wag...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

The cost doesn't change, only who's handing servers the money, so what's the difference? The difference is that I, as the patron, am not and should not be responsible for the salary and wages of the employee. I do not supervise them. I do not know whether they showed up to work late, failed to wash their hands, prepared sloppy food, brought a negative attitude to work. I only see the server for 30 seconds when s/he takes my order and another 15 seconds when s/he brings my food. I am not in a proper position to evaluate their work and set a commensurate compensation. Tip creep has been an attempt by the restaurant industry to shift a large portion of their fixed costs to the consumer while continuing to raise the price of food with inflation.
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

Abe wrote:]
Niko wrote: Most servers in the US get paid less than $2.50 an hour. They are dependent on tips for income, which I think many foreigners and old people who leave nickles and quarters on a bill of $50 are either unaware of or are too cheap to pay. We are not like other developed countries that pay restaurant workers a decent wage they can survive on.
It is the restaurant owners who are cheap.
Please edit your post -- the above quote is incorrectly attributed to me. I fully agree with your reply.
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

climber2020 wrote:
Most servers in the US get paid less than $2.50 an hour. They are dependent on tips for income[.]
And herein lies the root of the problem. At the risk of shifting this to a policy discussion, this is what needs to be addressed.
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Portfolio
Replies: 4
Views: 756

Re: My Portfolio

I don't memorize stock ticker symbols, so I really can't comment on the wisdom of your portfolio. However, I have a hard time imagining how a portfolio of only 9 stocks -- no matter what stocks -- can be balanced and diversified. Regular stock pickers can advise better than I, but it seems that a bare minimum of 20-40 stocks is needed if you want diversification. All of this assumes, of course, that stock picking is the way to go. Most Bogleheads avoid stock picking, except with play money, perhaps. There are a few regular stock pickers, but I think they're in the minority. If you go with a lazy portfolio, such as the 3-fund lazy portfolio, I predict you'll do better over time than the majority of stock pickers. I could easily be wrong, but...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

Except their salary doesn't cover it, right? At 15% in a nice restaurant, the other customers are definitely picking up the slack. Correct, but where do we draw the line? At one point in our country's history, tipping was not customary. Then it was customary -- at 10% -- but certainly not required. Then it was required. Then 15%. now it's 15-25%. I read an article the other day talking about how many restaurants in East Coast cities are publishing "suggested gratuities" of 30%. Some day we will see suggested tipping of 40-50%. If some day the tipping custom is 40%, then the customer who gives only 30% will be frowned upon. It's not like the price of the food is getting cheaper over time -- it, too, is rising with inflation. This ...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-wise
Replies: 74
Views: 8093

Re: Some things a teen could do to help out parents college-

The fact that you are even posing this question at 18 shows me you are already years beyond your peers in terms of foresight and maturity. That alone tells me you probably will not burden your parents too much. I would ask your parents this same question. If your dad is a boglehead, it would probably be a breath of fresh air simply hearing his son as that question. As others have mentioned, look at expenses in selecting your school. State schools are fine. Community College for 1 or 2 years followed by a transfer is a good idea. I think working part time -- and ONLY part time -- is a good idea. More important than anything else, I think YOU need to be invested in your education. Don't approach it as if it's another compulsory step in the ma...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: At what age did you hit $500k Net Worth
Replies: 68
Views: 36305

Re: Poll: At what age did you hit $500k Net Worth

I haven't hit 500k yet, so I didn't vote, but I'm 32 and based on my current savings rate plus reasonably expected rates of return, I should hit 500k right around age 35. More or less. :happy
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Transition Question
Replies: 10
Views: 1767

Re: Career Transition Question

FRefugee, It seems to me you gave it really serious thought, and your gut is telling you to do it, but you don't have that person you trust and respect to "push you out of the nest". I am not that person, but FWIW, I would do it if I could. You have not much to lose, and a lot to gain. Go for it! Agree. Only you can decide whether this is a good move for you and your (future) family. For me it would not be a good move. Not because there is anything inherently wrong with selling insurance. It just isn't for me. But after a period of self reflection I made a similar career transition several years ago. I thought about it and prepared for it over the course of about 18 months. When I was ready to make the jump, I asked around for ad...
by Niko
Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping
Replies: 101
Views: 12473

Re: Tipping

I also wish that tipping would be done away with and people are paid better wages since I often feel awkward about whether I should tip or not. Things would be simpler if there was no tipping, however the counter to that is that restaurant service in countries where there is tipping seems to be better than countries that lack it...At least based on my experiences, and of course there are many MANY exceptions. I don't know about this . . . I've been living and traveling abroad for several years now. As noted previously, most other countries do not tip -- or rather, they do not tip to the same degree as we do in the U.S. Yet I have never noticed a strong difference in the quality of service received. If anything, the quality of service recei...
by Niko
Sun Jul 21, 2013 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What risks did you choose to take?
Replies: 18
Views: 2548

Re: What risks did you choose to take?

It sounds like a common theme, but for me it was quitting a relatively stable job/industry that would have provided a good standard of living to me and my family. I wasn't happy and didn't see myself becoming happy in that line of work. I did a 180 and took a job that was completely different from what I had been doing. At the time, I figured I was taking a paycut to do something more satisfying and enjoyable. It's kind of funny how things turn out -- 4 years after that decision it has been more enjoyably. But far from a pay cut, my take home pay and ability to save for retirement has actually improved.

At the time it was a huge risk and I lost many nights of sleep over it. In hindsight I couldn't be happier.
by Niko
Sat Jul 13, 2013 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SS earnings record incorrect
Replies: 16
Views: 1564

Re: SS earnings record incorrect

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf

Take a look there. It may be tricky, but perhaps if you gave SSA what you remember, they can help you track down the missing wages.
by Niko
Sat Jul 13, 2013 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 161
Views: 18425

Re: [Can you recommend]A spectacular movie, and a terrible m

LadyGeek wrote:How about a spectacular first movie, then a terrible sequel?
Jurassic Park vs. the sequels
by Niko
Sat Jul 13, 2013 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 161
Views: 18425

Re: [Can you recommend]A spectacular movie, and a terrible m

Anyone who hates Crash and likes Man on Wire is someone whose opinion in movies I'd trust. I couldn't agree more. It's interesting to see the divergence of opinions in this thread from a large group of people who otherwise share so much in common. I, too, thought Man on Wire was one of the best documentaries I had ever seen. For those who disliked American Beauty, I might recommend Magnolia instead. Both came out at about the same time. American Beauty won all of the accolades, but I believe Magnolia was the much better film. It is one of those movies that sits with you for a while. Spectacular: Little Dieter Needs To Fly Y Tu Mama Tambien Motorcycle Diaries Man on Wire Donnie Darko The Shining Terrible: Pacific Rim (saw it last night . . ...
by Niko
Sun Jul 07, 2013 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: preferred accounting for cash in AA?
Replies: 15
Views: 1526

Re: preferred accounting for cash in AA?

I exclude cash from my AA since it tends to be for emergencies or immanent bills, but I've never heard of an 'official' take on this. As do I -- my emergency reserve is not factored into my AA in any way. OP, the discrepancy you point out (50/50 vs 75/25 AA) is exaggerated due to the relatively small size of the example portfolio. Assuming, as I think you do in your example, that the subject's emergency reserve is $20,000, then that $20,000 should remain as a fixed ER even when the investment portfolio grows over time. To adjust your example a bit for someone who is in the middle of their working/investment life: 10k in checking 10k in MM account 100k in bonds 300k in stocks I would call this a 75/25 allocation, ignoring the 20k ER. Howeve...
by Niko
Fri Jun 28, 2013 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Poll] What's Your Current Mode of Camping?
Replies: 93
Views: 12120

Re: [Poll] What's Your Current Mode of Camping?

When I am alone or with friends who backpack, I always carry my tent to the most remote and beautiful place I can find. When I'm with my family, including my young daughter, we car camp. Until a kid is 8 or 9, it is tough to backpack with them.

Never give up the backpack; it will keep you young.
by Niko
Wed May 15, 2013 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using full name for email - bad or good idea?
Replies: 37
Views: 45096

Re: Using full name for email - bad or good idea?

I've used a "full name" variant in my gmail since 2004 or 2005 when I signed up for gmail. My email is something like (first name)(partial middle name)(last name). I've never had any issues with this -- at least that I know of. Then again, I'm not an internet security expert, so I too am interested to hear from a subject matter expert on this.
by Niko
Sat Apr 27, 2013 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your best financial move
Replies: 98
Views: 11737

Re: Your best financial move

VictoriaF wrote:Not buying a house.

Victoria
+1

One of my biggest mistakes was owning a house from 2006-2009. Since then I haven't owned, and I think that has contributed more towards my financial success than anything else.
by Niko
Sat Apr 27, 2013 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your top companies for customer service?
Replies: 76
Views: 7160

Re: What are your top companies for customer service?

Two that others have mentioned already in this thread:

REI and
Amazon

And one more I didn't see mentioned:

Les Schwab Tires. Mostly out west, not nationwide. But if you use them to buy and repair tires, you know what I'm talking about.
by Niko
Sat Apr 27, 2013 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your best financial move
Replies: 98
Views: 11737

Your best financial move

I really enjoyed reading through the dumest financial move thread over here: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=94793 It got me thinking we should flip this around and see what people would consider their best financial move? For me, it was opening a Roth IRA when I was 16. I opened on the urging of one of my high school teachers who told me that if I wanted to be a millionaire (I told him I did, at 40), this was what I should do. I remember he wrote down the phrase "ROTH IRA" on a piece of paper. I walked into my bank and told them I wanted to open one of those. Since then I transferred it to Schwab and then Vanguard, but I've had the account 15 years, nearly half of my life. The value is not so much in the m...
by Niko
Sat Apr 27, 2013 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Dumbest Financial Move
Replies: 166
Views: 20236

Re: Your Dumbest Financial Move

I've got a few to confess: -Buying a house too young, with virtually nothing down, and with a life situation still not fully settled. Oh, and the year was 2006. In 2008 I would take a job in a new city and we were stuck with an underwater house in one of the worst real estate markets in modern history. We were fortunate, though. When we finally sold the house, we "only" had to bring $34,000 to closing. In 2006 I was 25. -Cashing out a portion of my Roth IRA for an emergency expense. Sure, it was a tax- & penalty-free return of my contribution, and it was used for a good purpose (see above re: underwater house). But still . . . had I planned better I never would have had to have raid my IRA for an emergency expense. Total cost ...