Search found 2741 matches

by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 15, 2016 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carry Permit Issue When Traveling.
Replies: 19
Views: 3819

Re: Carry Permit Issue When Traveling.

I see this one is heading downhill in a hurry. :happy
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan of Action for Rental Property?
Replies: 29
Views: 4258

Re: Plan of Action for Rental Property?

ChesapeakeTechie wrote:I'll most likely have a loss at the time of sale due to major repairs etc that are needing to be carried forward but I do understand about the recapture.
If you would take a loss at $400k, you must be looking at quite a loss at $300k. That could be a good thing as far as tax and recapture goes. And, I believe you can carry the loss over for years if it's large enough. I'm not totally familiar with all that though, so...

Sometimes it's good to cut your losses. :happy

I would take what you can get now rather than hope for better in a couple years. A bird in the hand, and all that.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carry Permit Issue When Traveling.
Replies: 19
Views: 3819

Re: Carry Permit Issue When Traveling.

SeeMoe wrote:Some really good advice thus far. Here is one more thought per carry restrictions when traveling. :"If going via the Amtrak Autotrain, would it be advisable to just secret an unloaded piece somewhere hidden ,but secure, within the vehicle with Ammo in a separate, secure container?"Or better to go through the hassle of declaring it ( piece) to the Amtrak authority?
If you have to ask.... :happy

I few minutes of hassle is better than possibly getting in trouble for trying to be sneaky. Go through the proper steps for peace of mind, if nothing else.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 15, 2016 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan of Action for Rental Property?
Replies: 29
Views: 4258

Re: Plan of Action for Rental Property?

You said earlier that you get to keep about $900/month after PITI. I get $27k in rental income over that time and not $70k. Although you are paying down the mortgage balance along the way, so it could be looked at as more than $27k. But, the $70k is quite generous as a good bit of that goes out to interest, taxes, and insurance. That is also 30 more months of depreciation that would be recaptured after the sale. There is no guarantee that your home's value goes up over the next 30 months. It could, or it could not. It could even go down. I remember in 2005 thinking that home prices only go up... they don't. Shoot, if it's a property that gives you $200k every 30 months by your numbers, don't ever get rid of it. Who wouldn't want that? :happ...
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA
Replies: 22
Views: 25359

Re: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA

The OP is talking gifting an old car to their kid and the kid registering it. Feel free to cite your "research" that shows it would be anything other than what's been mentioned. Whoa! I did my "research" with my situation in mind. It is not my business or intent to advise the OP based on anything but my own personal observations. But since you asked: http://snohomishcountywa.gov/276/Transferring-a-Title-on-a-Washington-Veh Transferring a Title on a Washington Vehicle If you have purchased a Washington State titled vehicle or received one as a gift you are required to transfer the title within 15 days of acquisition or you will incur a monetary penalty. To transfer the title you need to bring the following items to a lic...
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?
Replies: 20
Views: 2777

Re: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?

Okay, I think I follow now.

The SS income someday sounds like it will be based off your earnings since you are the higher earner. So, may as well have FSA taken out of her check then. Then you could up your 401k contributions. Is that what you meant?

I was thinking of the paychecks separately instead of combined.
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?
Replies: 20
Views: 2777

Re: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?

Okay true, but that doesn't matter.

The money that then would go to the FSA isn't available to throw in a 401k. Her available income didn't grow by having the FSA taken out of her check
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?
Replies: 20
Views: 2777

Re: Are social security employer contributions worthwhile?

Let's assume that I take the $310 in reduced employee contributions to social security and put them into a 401k. I am many years from retirement and invest in a high risk portfolio, so I also assume a high rate of return on my investments. I'm projecting 8%. Is it better to sacrifice the employer matching contributions to social security to be able to have the ability to investing the employee contributions in the manner that I choose? Or is the return on investment through social security large enough that it makes sense to accept the employer matching contributions and leave the money there? Where are you seeing the extra money in this deal to up the 401k contributions? She pays a set percentage to SS each check. If she lowers her income...
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young investor needing help with optimizing extra cash
Replies: 10
Views: 2051

Re: Young investor needing help with optimizing extra cash

Up the contributions to the TSP accounts and Roth IRAs now that debt is gone. You guys should be able to max all those accounts out.

Leave the cash as is for now. You have baby costs coming up soon anyway. Cash is good. My personal preference is just to never use the words short-term and investment together. Keep some cash around for short-term things.

I like the idea of paying down a mortgage. Others do not think that's a good idea. Another personal preference deal.

Do you get to pick where your TSP contributions come out of? I think that only comes out of your base pay and you can't opt to have it taken out of BAH/BAS. I don't know though, I never contributed to the TSP when I was on active duty.
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I be reimbursed for cost incurred running errands for someone else?
Replies: 27
Views: 2804

Re: Should I be reimbursed for cost incurred running errands for someone else?

Again, it's not even a $1 or $2 a month going off your yearly numbers to this "issue". That should not be stressing your gas budget, yes?

I remember early threads of yours saying how generous of a saver you are, yet you feel strapped for cash...

You seem to stress about money to the point that you're not going to live long enough to make any good use of it anyway. Relax!!

Shoot, you just started a thread about what to do with $13 of hobby money. There's a years worth of driving this person around right there. :wink:
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: finally hit 800 [Credit score, How to remove name from card?]
Replies: 10
Views: 2443

Re: finally hit 800 [Credit score, How to remove name from card?]

lospecv wrote:I already have over 20 cc so i don't want them i just want to be off if possible.
Okay, next question.... WHY do you have over 20 cc's??? :shock:
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I be reimbursed for cost incurred running errands for someone else?
Replies: 27
Views: 2804

Re: Should I be reimbursed for cost incurred running errands for someone else?

betterfinances wrote:....

My wife says no, it's only $10 or $20 a year and doesn't think it's fair to ask for chump change, plus she knows this person wouldn't want to provide that.

....

What do you think?
That you're being ridiculous and you should listen to your wife. So, $10 or $20 a year, or not even a $1 or $2 a month, or not quite $.20 or $.40 a week... this is actually a "pure financial" thought in your mind???

You stay home from now on, the wife takes this person on the errands, and you don't even give it another thought. Problem solved.

OP, tough love time... some of the threads you're coming up with make it sound you think of money on an almost unhealthy level. Relax!!
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: finally hit 800 [Credit score, How to remove name from card?]
Replies: 10
Views: 2443

Re: finally hit 800 [Credit score, How to remove name from card?]

Having been through divorce and learning all about this sort of thing... :oops:

It will depend on the type of account and who is who on the account... primary, authorized, etc. You may be able to just call up the card company and get your name off. Or, bro may have to call and get your name taken off. Do you have the card(s) account info? Just call them up and see what the deal is.

Might as well let bro keep the card(s) since he's established some history with them.
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA
Replies: 22
Views: 25359

Re: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA

I'm sure that's why they came up with the use tax deal... the cross border, buy in OR, and register in WA situation.

But, you're talking buying a new car and registering it a few months later. The OP is talking gifting an old car to their kid and the kid registering it. Not the same thing. There's a link and an example above of registering a gifted vehicle in WA. Feel free to cite your "research" that shows it would be anything other than what's been mentioned.

The kid is not looking at ANY use tax based on my experience and research. :happy
by Twins Fan
Sun Feb 14, 2016 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA
Replies: 22
Views: 25359

Re: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA

Escape Velocity wrote: Turns out I purchased this car new in NH (no sales tax state) in late 2008. So hopefully the 7-year rule will apply. Hopefully it will be obvious this was not an elaborate 8 year scheme to avoid paying WA sales tax :D
Bogleheads are known for finding ways to lessen or avoid taxes. That would be a Hall of Fame worthy plan there. :D
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...
Replies: 19
Views: 3748

Re: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...

Christine_NM wrote:OnFire -

If I were you I'd spring for the C2. Pepper spray is unpredictable and doesn't disable a shooter from firing, just from aiming.
What??

Shooter like a gun? The OP should not be using either if someone is aiming or shooting a gun at them! They should be running and hiding!!

This is a topic where probably only a handful of Bogleheads can and should comment.
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA
Replies: 22
Views: 25359

Re: How best to transfer vehicle to son who is moving to WA

I just did this in 2014.

Dad's truck was in MN and he wanted me to have it after he passed away. Mom had it put in her name in MN after he passed. When I had a chance, I flew out and drove it back to WA. Mom signed title over to me and where it said sale amount she wrote gift from parent. I registered in in WA with no problem what so ever. No bill of sale. MN is a sales tax state, it was over 7 years old, and mom still had the original sales paperwork anyway. No use tax due.

Too easy. Don't overthink it and don't listen to everyone from everywhere else that knows how it works. :happy

As long as you can show sales tax was paid, and it sounds like it's right on that 7 year borderline anyway it will all be fine.
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance mortgage or nah?
Replies: 7
Views: 1392

Re: Refinance mortgage or nah?

I say, yes.

Taking over half a point off, giving yourself about an extra $100/month, barely into the current mortgage so not resetting that much, and you plan to stay put for a good while sounds like all pluses to me.

I wouldn't sit and wait to see what rates do. They could go down more... they could go up more. If you like that deal, go with it.
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Very short term investment with Betterment
Replies: 5
Views: 1425

Re: Very short term investment with Betterment

surgeonm wrote:It seems like even with 100% bond fund, the yield is slightly better than 1% APY saving account. I've never done I BOND or TIPS and I don't know how good they are in comparison to the 100% bond fund.
How much would "slightly better" even get you in 16 months on $64k?? I BONDs have a $10k/year limit, so you wouldn't be able to put much of this goal amount in there in 16 months (I guess if married you could). But, they aren't paying much of anything now. Plus penalties if taken out before 1 year...

Don't overthink this. You're talking minimal differences between any of them compared to an online savings account. Not worth the hassle, IMO. K.I.S.S. :happy
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...
Replies: 19
Views: 3748

Re: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...

See this recent thread about the possibilities of the OP leaving the job or station...

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=179689&p=2721158#p2721158

He prefers it... and prefers to worry about it a lot. :confused
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bizarre lease problem
Replies: 33
Views: 4346

Re: Bizarre lease problem

I'd like to help my friends, but I don't even know where to start. They have an attorney, the lesees have court appointed representation. Sounds like it's already started. What do you think you will be able to come up with that the lawyers and courts don't know of? Well, this is a troubling problem. The tenants appointed advisor will not discuss anything with friends attorney until the deadline is reached, so friends are in the dark on exactly what their options are. Friends attorney does not appear very helpful. Sounds like they're stuck waiting for the deadline. What's so in the dark about that? It's probably that there's not much to be done now rather than the attorney not being helpful. I get where you're coming from trying to help the...
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bizarre lease problem
Replies: 33
Views: 4346

Re: Bizarre lease problem

pkcrafter wrote:I'd like to help my friends, but I don't even know where to start. They have an attorney, the lesees have court appointed representation.
Sounds like it's already started.

What do you think you will be able to come up with that the lawyers and courts don't know of?
by Twins Fan
Sat Feb 13, 2016 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...
Replies: 19
Views: 3748

Re: Allocating Personal Defense dollars...

That's a nice long post, On Fire. But, one that we can't really answer for you as to what to prioritize. That's going to be up to you. Why aren't the police there on the harrowing calls like an agg. assault at a party, car chases, and shootings? They should be. Where I work, fire would NOT go into those scenes until they're secured by the police first. I know Chicago is busy and all, but maybe you guys are rushing into scenes you shouldn't. The thing about the taser is if you felt the need to use it... then what? The taser zap doesn't last forever and only works about 50% of the time anyway (probes miss, heavy clothing, whatever). You may just tick someone off with it. And, it only works on one person... not much good against a group surrou...
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To Sell or Keep my Investment Property??
Replies: 34
Views: 5057

Re: To Sell or Keep my Investment Property??

I believe with a 1031 exchange you could also to that to get into two rentals, or a duplex/fourplex, or.... If you are looking for get more into owning rentals/landlording.

Otherwise, if you don't mind being away from the Boston condo and being a far away landlord, it sounds like a good one to keep.
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Time to halt mortgage prepayments and invest in taxable?
Replies: 20
Views: 3211

Re: Time to halt mortgage prepayments and invest in taxable?

ThankYouJack wrote:... until last year when I started favoring becoming debt free.

Emotionally I'd prefer to become debt free and keep things simple...
I think you answered your question within your own post. :happy

But if you can't decide, split 50/50 between the mortgage and taxable. A little of both that way.
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do with $13 of hobby money?
Replies: 54
Views: 5427

Re: What to do with $13 of hobby money?

nelson1015 wrote:Seriously though, put it in an envelope and mail it to me. I'd like payment for the last 5 minutes of my life.
Haha... Yes. Actually, divide it up evenly between the 600 plus folks that unfortunately opened up this thread thinking a "k" was missing after the 13 and send it to them. :happy
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do with $13 of hobby money?
Replies: 54
Views: 5427

Re: What to do with $13 of hobby money?

Explanation 1 applies to me also, so I like the entertainment value of the second scenario also. :D
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To Sell or Keep my Investment Property??
Replies: 34
Views: 5057

Re: To Sell or Keep my Investment Property??

How long has it been a rental? The whole time since 2011, or just the last year or two? You may still be in the 2 out of 5 year window to avoid capital gains if it hasn't been a rental long.

Either way, you're looking at a nice chunk of change it you sell. I probably would since your not in the area any longer. Although, some folks don't mind being an out of state landlord. I was and didn't like it. Personal preference deal.

Do you want to continue to be a landlord? Would you rather have a property closer to where you live now?
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do with $13 of hobby money?
Replies: 54
Views: 5427

Re: What to do with $13 of hobby money?

Not to steal the thread, but.....

I have $6 in my wallet. What is the best way I can make use of this money? :wink:

Throw it in your wallet and use it as small cash needs come along.

What was the point of this thread???
by Twins Fan
Fri Feb 12, 2016 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you know about your extended families financial picture?
Replies: 27
Views: 6397

Re: How much do you know about your extended families financial picture?

betterfinances wrote:Do you know much about your family finances?
Nope. Although, it's jut my sister and I now. I/we did know all about my mom's finances before she passed (dad passed before her), as her health was failing and she wanted us to know. I think that's different though and makes sense for a parent to make it known in that situation.
betterfinances wrote:Do you think you should know more about them than you do?
Nope, none of my business. IMO
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions from a Novice Investor
Replies: 3
Views: 639

Re: Questions from a Novice Investor

If you feel the market is getting "killed" right now, that's actually the best time to buy. :happy
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fender bender on pretty new Civic
Replies: 27
Views: 3706

Re: Fender bender on pretty new Civic

Yes, stop handing out the legal and police advice in this one. It's getting out there... No one is put under oath before telling what happened to make an accident report. It's too late to file an actual police report, as in the police respond, investigate, and write a report. Most places have a self-made accident report you can complete on your own. It's just your own version of what happened, but it's something. Check with the local PD to see where to pick one up, or it may be online even. For this just scratches deal, you can probably handle it on your own between the involved parties. If there's no body damage and it's just paint, go through Maaco and call it good. IMO Let's quit making a Federal case out of this one though, huh? :happy
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?
Replies: 57
Views: 19807

Re: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?

Why wouldn't it be a good deal? Basically, one saves 4.4% throughout their career to get an income stream the rest of their life after retiring. Not many places offer than anymore. No different from a person taking a portion from their 401(k) plan that they contributed to over many years and purchasing an SPIA for income at retirement - for the remainder of their life (that's what I did :wink: )... - Ron They could do that out of their TSP also to get two income streams. So yes, a bit different. :wink: The pension plan is hands off, no loans allowed, and all that... about guaranteed to be there. Maybe not such a big concern for Bogleheads, but a pension is a big deal for many out there. Too bad not many places have them anymore.
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I sell investment property
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Should I sell investment property

Whoops, I did forget about state tax. 15% in CA for selling a home?? Yikes!! I sold my rental in CO last year and there was a 2% state tax. It was a sales tax of some kind though not an income tax, I believe. Maybe similar in CA? I'm hoping that can be deducted somehow? Haven't done 2015 taxes yet. Realtor fees lower the basis, to less taxes owed. Look at it that way. :happy ... Those and fix ups (probably not much with condos?) would have to be paid anyway though. I still think it wouldn't matter if OP sold both this year or one this year, one next... taxes and costs are likely the same. Hopefully the OP is also realizing the $150k equity in each condo is not likely to be all that close to $150k by the time it reaches their savings account...
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental car for weekend trip to save on miles on new car?
Replies: 65
Views: 12022

Re: Rental car for weekend trip to save on miles on new car?

And, filling up the gas tank. You're suppose to return the rental with a full tank, or they will charge more if you don't. Driving 250 miles probably isn't even a full tank of gas depending on the cars being talked about, of course. So, you can drive the rental 250 miles and fill up the gas tank before returning it, or you can drive 250 miles in your car and arrive back home with between 1/4 and 1/2 tank. And, then let it sit like that for however long since you barely drive it anyway, OP. :wink: :happy

Have we talked you out of this idea yet? :D
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?
Replies: 57
Views: 19807

Re: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?

betterfinances wrote:... government provides a pension (paying 1% of highest three wage average) and 5% into 401k equivalent... and 4.4% of the salary is the employee contribution for the pension plan.
Just to make sure you're looking at that correctly... It's not just 1% of the high 3, it's 1% of the high 3 x years of service. To keep it simple let's say a high 3 of $100k and 25 years of service... that person gets $25k/year in retirement.

The employee making contributions to the pension plan tends to be the way it's going nowadays. I'm not sure how things were way back with pensions. I am in a state retirement plan and contribute a percentage of my pay to that each paycheck.
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?
Replies: 57
Views: 19807

Re: What is your opinion on the Federal goverment retirement plan?

betterfinances wrote:I understand the 401k equivalent and can compare that to private sector no problem. I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the pension, since the employee has to contribute 4.4% to it. Is this still a good deal?
Why wouldn't it be a good deal? Basically, one saves 4.4% throughout their career to get an income stream the rest of their life after retiring. Not many places offer than anymore.
by Twins Fan
Tue Feb 09, 2016 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I sell investment property
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Should I sell investment property

If you keep the current primary home as a hopeful/probable rental when you go to buy the million dollar home, it will likely count against you when you go to qualify for the new one without a long rental history on it. That combined with the tax exemption makes selling all three look more attractive. If I sell both investment Condos, I would end up paying most of the profit in taxes. (considering my wife & I both works). I guess I will have to decide on selling 1 Condo and my primary home (no taxes on it) and then next year the second one. About bay area market, I guess you are right about it taking a pause. Without knowing all the numbers, depreciation, and all, most of the profit on selling the rentals would be paid at the capital ga...
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental car for weekend trip to save on miles on new car?
Replies: 65
Views: 12022

Re: Rental car for weekend trip to save on miles on new car?

You barely drive your car anyway. Drive it on the weekend trip and enjoy it.

I guess we're all assuming you bought the car because you like it and wanted to use it?! :wink: :happy

You can mental gymnastics it any way you want, but you're spending money to not use the car you own if you go the rental route. That's pretty silly when it comes down to it.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I sell investment property
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Should I sell investment property

If you keep the current primary home as a hopeful/probable rental when you go to buy the million dollar home, it will likely count against you when you go to qualify for the new one without a long rental history on it.

Assuming you go right from one to another, if you tried that route.

Something else to consider is all.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I sell investment property
Replies: 15
Views: 2212

Re: Should I sell investment property

Sell them all and move to the house you want. :happy

We would need some more info to say for sure. Without much in savings, and unknown to us income, it seems a million dollar home could be quite a stretch. Maybe not though depending....

I don't see any reason to keep the condos if you're barely breaking even on them now, after 4 years of owning them and with HOA fees like that.

From purely the tax angle, the primary home is the one to sell. You will owe taxes and depreciation recapture on the rentals. Might be worth it though if it gets you to the house you really want?
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Quest for lower fees: Found lowest cost option yet. Go with it?
Replies: 23
Views: 2637

Re: Quest for lower fees: Found lowest cost option yet. Go with it?

leonard wrote:Since this is a finance forum, no one will be offended if you name the other company.
OP is trying to keep it a secret so no one else can get in on that sweet action. :happy
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Plan of Action for Rental Property?
Replies: 29
Views: 4258

Re: Plan of Action for Rental Property?

That's taking a chance on 2.5 years of housing market movement. It could also be worth $300-325k then...

It sounds like you don't want to own this rental for the long term. I would sell now while the getting is good. I sold mine last August while the getting was good. :happy

Sell it and get rid of the debt rather than hope for a better 2.5 years from now... never know.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Heavy Lifting Job: $60/hr nights or $75/hr weekends?
Replies: 36
Views: 6713

Re: Heavy Lifting Job: $60/hr nights or $75/hr weekends?

So, you chimed in about a month later now. What shift did you take and how is it?
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No guts to buy today!
Replies: 55
Views: 9846

Re: No guts to buy today!

I don't think anyone means that an IPS should be locked in from day one and should NEVER change. Of course changes can be made to it, but it probably shouldn't be a regular thing.

The IPS is something to refer to when one starts talking about guts, emotions, and daily movements.

Does the IPS say anything about what to do on days the market drops by 2%? If not, maybe nothing should be done.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No guts to buy today!
Replies: 55
Views: 9846

Re: No guts to buy today!

mpt follower wrote:In any rate, I am retired and i do not have the guts to buy, and this has nothing to do with my IPS.
So, you're just venting then? :happy :beer

Just call it Monday and move on.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No guts to buy today!
Replies: 55
Views: 9846

Re: No guts to buy today!

mpt follower wrote:
dumbbunny wrote:What does your IPS say you should do in times like these?
Come on! Bogleheads is not a cult, use your judgement.
Is that your answer to their question, your IPS says to use your judgement on days like this? Doesn't sound like that works too well for you most of the time. :wink: :happy

It was not a dumb question by dumbbunny.
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to turn for investment advice...
Replies: 11
Views: 1636

Re: Where to turn for investment advice...

Of course based on this other thread...

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=183155&p=2776960#p2776960

You may not be looking for boring like watching paint dry? No, we can't get you $500 a week returns on $15k. But, if you do go talk to someone about investing and they guarantee you returns like that......... RUN!! :happy
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to turn for investment advice...
Replies: 11
Views: 1636

Re: Where to turn for investment advice...

Do it yourself... no need to speak to or see someone. IMO

You have a great option available to you in the TSP. Maybe look into opening a Roth IRA. Keep on saving and keep it simple.

Investing should be about as exciting as watching paint dry. :happy
by Twins Fan
Mon Feb 08, 2016 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No guts to buy today!
Replies: 55
Views: 9846

Re: No guts to buy today!

Were you supposed to buy today? Then.... :wink:

The majority of the time over your 30 years you probably could have looked back a year prior from whatever day and thought what a fool you were to not buy more a year ago. Time in and not timing, and all...

Is today even a major equity drop? I guess it depends for each of us.