Search found 629 matches

by BanditKing
Tue Apr 06, 2021 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possible Job Transfer from LCOL (NE WI) to MHCOL (Reno, NV) - Advice on salary differential expectations?
Replies: 9
Views: 914

Possible Job Transfer from LCOL (NE WI) to MHCOL (Reno, NV) - Advice on salary differential expectations?

I am interviewing a second time for a position with my Megacorp that would relocate me from a LCOL area (NE Wisconsin) to MCOL to MHCOL (depending on perspective) area being Reno, NV. I've made it known that the cost of living differential needs to be part of any overall proposal, but now that I've progressed to the second round, I wanted to get some thoughts. The position change would be a lateral, but allows me to move to an area I've been wanting to relocate to for some time with a job and longevity already in place. My current area has your basic post-2000 3bd/2ba homes in the $170-200k range, and it looks like similar homes I'm seeing online in Reno are in the $400-500k range depending on location and age. Currently looking in the NW p...
by BanditKing
Mon Aug 10, 2020 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Email or Web Contact form initially - there was no email address listed for most of them. Phone on some followups. The "winning" bid was 100% email until I got a call from the rep's boss just wanting to confirm I was ordering and reviewing the vehicle, timelines, and numbers.
by BanditKing
Mon Aug 10, 2020 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Final update, unless something goes pear shaped when I pick it up. Settled on a 2020 Highlander Hybrid Premium. Dealer ended up at about $5000 off MSRP before incentives, and then added another $1000 to their initial trade in offer. In fact, what they are paying for my trade isn't far below what I'd get in a private sale so honestly I'm happy there. The vehicle I'm getting is scheduled to be built this week, with delivery in 6 to 8 days after that. Here's the tally of the 11 Toyota dealerships I contacted: Two never responded. One responded, but as soon as I refused to drive two hours to "discuss pricing", they went dark One contacted me five times with 5 different reps, all of them asking me to come in to discuss pricing or evalu...
by BanditKing
Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Helo80 wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:37 pm Toyota does not do special orders and your dealership will have to wait until a unit that meets your criteria gets to port.

Also, dealer-trading is certainly an option, but destination fee has already been covered once --- so however that dealership gets the unit, it's going to cost somebody something.... either a transport fee or paying employees to drive it back to the dealership.

My guess is you're waiting until a unit gets to the port.
So far, one has one of my color combos coming in end of month, and another found a trade they can do. The other two would order with 6-12 week expected delivery.
by BanditKing
Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

hudson wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:28 pm Did you tell them that you were a serious buyer that was going to buy a car in say 2 days?
If they weren't doing the OTD price on your specific requirements that makes it harder. It's really nice to be getting quotes on apples to apples vehicles.
Yes I did. Stated I was willing to put down an immediate deposit for ASAP delivery. The only difference in costs on my spec list is one color has a premium charge on it ($495) which is pretty easy to calculate out using % off MSRP.
by BanditKing
Wed Aug 05, 2020 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Started my formal bid process yesterday on a new Highlander. Reached out to nine local(ish) (within about 2 hours) Toyota dealers with my specs and desired options asking for an OTD price. As of today, 24 hours later: Four have provided me with OTD pricing, one immediately called me and then went dark when I said I wouldn't trek 2 hours to "discuss price". One that called with a couple different reps is "working on a bid". Four others either responded with a form email asking for the same info I outlined in my communique, or have provided no response at all - unfortunately all four are the closest ones. Of the four bids. one is way high (only $1500 off MSRP), two are within a hundred bucks of each other (about $4k off), ...
by BanditKing
Mon Mar 16, 2020 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking I should go car shopping amidst the panic
Replies: 106
Views: 12560

Re: Thinking I should go car shopping amidst the panic

Remember Cash for Klunkers? I put my planned purchase on the back burner. I suspect there will be some kind of a stimulus when the car manufacturers start hurting, coupled with good rates and rebates. Unless you need a car now, may be worth waiting.
by BanditKing
Mon Mar 16, 2020 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you in the mood to buy anything?
Replies: 62
Views: 6062

Re: Are you in the mood to buy anything?

I'm currently in the process of closing on a house (April 1) with some work on flooring/painting immediately, as well as new appliances. I was planning to look at some other work soon after (patio, fencing) but that is being put on hold. A few smaller projects on the new place (replacement lighting, ceiling fans) may be put on hold

I was also looking to replace my car later this spring. That is on indefinite hold. If past is prologue, there may be sizable incentives from manufacturers, government stimulus, or both later this year to goose things back into action.

Trying to stay the course per my IPS otherwise.
by BanditKing
Mon Mar 02, 2020 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question on New Fence Etiquette
Replies: 29
Views: 3541

Re: Question on New Fence Etiquette

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. In looking into the village fencing regulations, the maximum height within the 25' set-back is 42", so whatever I might put in would fall into that requirement (so probably closer to 3'). As this is a corner lot, it would apply on both street facings.

A good chunk of the neighborhood has backyard fences, but fewer along the front sidewalks. The layout of this lot moves most of the "backyard" next to the sidewalks, though.
by BanditKing
Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question on New Fence Etiquette
Replies: 29
Views: 3541

Re: Question on New Fence Etiquette

Watty wrote: Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:35 pm A big question is what type of dog you have since many dogs could easily get over a 4' fence. If you have a large dog or a breed with an aggressive reputation I doubt that would be adequate. Your insurance company may also have some requirements. Kids that are walking on the sidewalk will reach over the fence or put their hands through the fence to try to pet the dog and may get bitten. If might be best to set that fence back a foot or two and plant shrubs between the fence and the sidewalk to prevent that.
I have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so 4' is more than enough to keep him in - I could also go to 5.
by BanditKing
Sun Mar 01, 2020 11:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question on New Fence Etiquette
Replies: 29
Views: 3541

Question on New Fence Etiquette

I recently had an offer accepted for a small 1950's era home, closing April 1. The plot is in the SW corner of the block, with roads on the south and west sides. I'd like to put in a fence when the spring gets around to coming, primarily to fence in the yard for my dog. I only expect at 4' high fence, at least along the street-facing sections - I may go to in the back parts. The neighbor to the north of me has a 3' or 4' vinyl picket fence between our yard, growing to a 6' vinyl privacy fence towards the back of the property. To the NorthEast is a small section of another neighbor's 6' high cedar privacy fence which may or may not border my property. There is no fence between me and the neighbor to the east. I had a couple questions of &quo...
by BanditKing
Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My Most Hated - and Favorite - IPS Rule
Replies: 24
Views: 3722

Re: My Most Hated - and Favorite - IPS Rule

Mine can be "substantially" (left largely undefined) only once every leap year, but minor changes, generally encourage MORE savings, have a 90-day cooling. Windfalls must be held for 6 months. I can also make changes for a "life event" (marriage, divorce, unemployment, moving, etc) subject to a 90-day cooldown.

Unfortunately, I'm not great at following it to the letter cuz --- reasons.
by BanditKing
Wed Jan 01, 2020 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA - so who hit 'enter' at 12:01AM this morning?
Replies: 113
Views: 12574

Re: Roth IRA - so who hit 'enter' at 12:01AM this morning?

Just did it now (1/1 @ 4pm Central) - $6k into Wellington Admiral (VWENX). Tried to do it yesterday evening after market close, but Vanguard's site wasn't set up for it yet and it spit out an error with a "try back later".
by BanditKing
Wed Dec 25, 2019 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ever search for unclaimed property? What did you find?
Replies: 31
Views: 2505

Re: Ever search for unclaimed property? What did you find?

Interesting. I ran a search for Wisconsin, and found $12 and change sitting unclaimed from "upromise" for an address I haven't been at since 2005. I have to collect up some documentation to prove who I am, but I can make the claim online and attach those docs to it.

Hey, 12 bucks is 12 bucks.
by BanditKing
Wed Dec 25, 2019 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Here's another reference for when discussing a high-demand vehicle. I am very interested in the 2020 Highlander Hybrid, Platinum with pretty much all the bells and a few whistles too. The gas version is just getting on the lots now, and the hybrid is a few months out (March or so). On a whim, I went to my local dealer to just look at the gas version - get a sense of size and feel. My dealer had just gotten four in, but they hadn't been processed and had already been sold to the service department (same location, different business entity) so I couldn't sit in them. They looked very nice. I told the kid, who was probably 14 years old (ok, mid-20s) that I specifically was interested in only the Hybrid version, and might be willing to pre-orde...
by BanditKing
Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What tech wiring in new build house?
Replies: 124
Views: 9790

Re: What tech wiring in new build house?

Even with WiFi everywhere, you still need Cat6 to the camera locations (power-over-ethernet). I'd also do Cat6 to maybe the media center/area to handle 4k/8k video down the road, and office area just to support full connectivity back to a NAS in the basement. Wifi should be good for everything else. If you want hard phones (sometimes needed if cell coverage is poor), then cat6 there as well (keep cabling consistent)
by BanditKing
Tue Nov 26, 2019 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bucket List Adventures/Activities
Replies: 133
Views: 18541

Re: Bucket List Adventures/Activities

Many years later, when visiting both the Space center in Houston and the Space center at cape Canaveral, we saw an entire Apollo multi-stage rocket stretched out along the ground! That made the experience even more memorable. The Saturn V at the Cape was moved indoors to a new building for the 50th Anniversary, so now there is a LOT more detail available about it. The whole setup is great, with touching and appropriate discussions of the Apollo 1 fire, the Apollo 13 accident, and in general the detailed history of the entire Lunar program. At the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville (aka Space Camp), there is also a Saturn V that is set up in a similar manner (I suspect the same design team for both). Less emphasis on the program, thou...
by BanditKing
Tue Nov 26, 2019 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bucket List Adventures/Activities
Replies: 133
Views: 18541

Re: Bucket List Adventures/Activities

Planning to check off three minor items on my bucket list in January.

1) Visit the Very Large Array Radio Telescope
2) Visit the touristy stuff in Roswell
3) Visit Carlsbad Caverns

Doing an epic road trip from Denver, through New Mexico, and back over over the course of 4 or 5 days.

Back in June, I went to Florida to watch the night-launch/landing of the Falcon Heavy (STP-2). It was a nice big check-off on the list.

(LAUNCH VIDEO: https://youtu.be/fdGhfklLVaQ?t=632 )
by BanditKing
Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

My leverage right now is limited due to low supply, however my situation is semi-rushed due to a recent car wreck (everyone's ok, but old vehicle is toast), so I can't wait much longer than the 3-4 weeks (originally was planning on this exact new car purchase in about 4-6 months when supply would be higher). If you have it in writing and they sell it out from under you, it could be considered a broken contract. Could do the price negotiation among multiple dealers, get it in writing with your chosen "victor", and let them know you consider it binding. I'm in a similar boat (posted above) since I want the 2020 Highlander Hybrid in the Feb-March timeframe, so I'm interested to hear how it works out for you. BTW: any reason you need...
by BanditKing
Tue Oct 29, 2019 11:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206708

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

I'm going to be looking at the 2020 Highlander Hybrid when it comes out after the new year (February). I'll test drive the gas version in December or January when that model comes out, just to make sure it fits my butt, but want the Hybrid as I do a significant amount of work-related driving. I'm curious if there are any suggestions to do different for what will be a very sought-after vehicle. I don't expect significant below MSRP, but I have about 10 dealerships "within range" to work with so I'm sure I can get a little play. One thing I have found is that the dealers around here don't generally have a lot of hybrid inventory save the Prius. Not sure if they just don't have the demand, or if they simply sell quickly. Most Rav4/Hi...
by BanditKing
Tue Sep 24, 2019 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasonable Accommodation Requests?
Replies: 47
Views: 4596

Reasonable Accommodation Requests?

I wanted to get some thoughts as to seeking work accommodations. Up until recently, I was able to work from home, however, changes in my manager and a transfer to my current work location, is necessitating I start working in the office. The primary issue with working in the office relates to three issues: Exposure to fluorescent lighting for periods longer than about two hours quickly leads to migraines that will generally leave me incapacitated come evening and often the next day. Something about the frequency of the flickering just makes my eyes start to spasm, leading to pain, nausea, dizziness, etc. Natural light and most LED lights are fine. Computer monitors need to be set back at a certain distance, usually a corner section of a modu...
by BanditKing
Sat Aug 03, 2019 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What would you do - Large Commission (Bonus)
Replies: 43
Views: 4586

Re: What would you do - Large Commission (Bonus)

This would trigger my Windfall rules:
  • At least 90% of any windfall exceeding $5,000, including inheritances, will be held as fixed-income assets or cash for at least six months. The remaining 10% may be used for any purpose.
    • Windfalls may immediately be used to beef up Emergency and Large-Purchase accounts, or to fund the current year’s ROTH account.
So, I'd put it into a HYS or fairly "safe" municipal bond fund (Limited or Intermediate Duration, most-likely) for six months and forget about it, assuming my Emergency, Large-Purchase and ROTH were all in good order..
by BanditKing
Wed Jun 19, 2019 9:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]
Replies: 3353
Views: 888875

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]

Kbg wrote: Wed Jun 19, 2019 8:39 pm I personally would be very careful about volatility weighting these ETFs in this strategy. Volatility loads you up or underweights you always exactly when you don’t want to be. If you are going to do it, rebalance based on the actual volatility and not time. Much can happen in a month. Finally, volatility is always mean reverting. One should be aware of the ramifications of this in their various forms.
I'm still curious about non-time-based rules for rebalancing and what effect they may have. Rebalance when more than 5% from 40/60 for example.
by BanditKing
Sat Jun 08, 2019 12:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]
Replies: 3353
Views: 888875

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]

youngpleb wrote: Sat Jun 08, 2019 11:29 am So in terms of easy implementation, I guess a M1Finance Roth IRA would be the way to go?
Seems like it. No trading costs, can own partial shares, and a single button to rebalance when it comes time to smash it.
by BanditKing
Thu May 30, 2019 11:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]
Replies: 3353
Views: 888875

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]

I'm 30 days into the grand experiment (using Roth-space at M1Finance). I ended up doing 60% TMF, 23% of TQQQ and 17% UPRO for reasons that made sense in my brain at the time. This may or may not have been wise but we'll see. I may go to 20% in each of the equities when I eventually rebalance. Currently the portfolio is up a smidge overall (3.5%), all on the basis of TMF which is up about 17%. UPRO down 15% and TQQQ about 21%. This leaves me at a ratio of 68/17/15. I've found the volatility of the underlying ETFs fascinating to watch, and yet the portfolio as a whole seems to be holding its own and doing exactly what was predicted. Hard to resist the urge to smash the rebalance button. I'd be curious if anyone has any thoughts on establishin...
by BanditKing
Thu May 30, 2019 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fun paid jobs after FIRE
Replies: 244
Views: 38261

Re: Fun paid jobs after FIRE

Was on my way to a lunchtime work meeting yesterday. Saw a late-50s (or so) guy mowing the grass in one of the city parks. Part of me wanted to give notice when I got back to the office and just drive lawn tractor. If you like mowing, that's a very lucrative business. I pay for yard service, and it's a significant budgetary item for our family. It's worth it to me, but it sure ain't cheap. It's not so much that I like yardwork. In fact, I really dislike most of it (pretty much anything but actual mowing - I hate landscaping, trimming, etc). But the idea of being able to just zen out with an audiobook while breathing some fresh air with minimal pressure sounds like heaven to me. The idea of starting a mowing business seems to suck the fun o...
by BanditKing
Thu May 30, 2019 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fun paid jobs after FIRE
Replies: 244
Views: 38261

Re: Fun paid jobs after FIRE

Was on my way to a lunchtime work meeting yesterday. Saw a late-50s (or so) guy mowing the grass in one of the city parks. Part of me wanted to give notice when I got back to the office and just drive lawn tractor.
by BanditKing
Thu May 23, 2019 11:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the housing market starting to collapse?
Replies: 122
Views: 15612

Re: Is the housing market starting to collapse?

Sold my condo earlier this year, closing in April (Madison, WI).

Paid $150k in 2015, sold for $210k in 2019. However, two other units in my complex sold in summer of 2018 for $220k and $225k.

Housing in Madison is really expensive (relative to past prices), to the point that more and more can't afford to buy. This in turn has lead to skyrocketing rental costs as well. There's a lot more factors in play (a large tech employer, for example), but I think prices are getting a little flat.

I chose to rent in my new locale.
by BanditKing
Wed May 15, 2019 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell I-Bond just to re Buy at fixed interest?
Replies: 5
Views: 594

Re: Sell I-Bond just to re Buy at fixed interest?

If you have some of your $10000 left, it makes sense to swap em. Just remember, you will owe taxes on the gains of what you sell, and there is a holding period for new purchases.

I swapped about $3500 last year.
by BanditKing
Tue Apr 30, 2019 1:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Deleted] [Re: (NEW) WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund]
Replies: 652
Views: 86226

Re: (NEW) WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund

I had a small position in this ETF (maybe $1500) but decided to bail on it. Moved the proceeds into Wellington and called it a day. I
by BanditKing
Tue Apr 30, 2019 10:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]
Replies: 3353
Views: 888875

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]

Late to the party on this grand experiment. Had a job loss, new job, relocation in there so needed to get resettled.

That said, I'm in for around 8.5% of my investable portfolio in a ROTH account at M1. Time to let 'er rip!

(markets guaranteed to plummet now!)
by BanditKing
Tue Apr 30, 2019 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Cellphone SIM card hijacking - Security concerns and mitigation techniques]
Replies: 254
Views: 39656

Re: Man’s life savings stolen from hijacked cellphone number

Adding a random anecdote. Recently transferred a portion of the my ROTH from Vanguard to M1 as part of the Hedgefundie adventure. Provided M1 with a portion of my statement and indicated which position I wanted move, that was fine. However, it then just ... happened. Never received any confirmation request from vanguard, or even a notification that it occurred until I noticed my balance dropped by $X. Never technically "signed" anything, so it was add done predicated on an email and a PDF attachment. Since I knew it was going to happen, no surprise on my part (save how long the process took - we can put a man on the moon but it takes 2 weeks to transfer some money?) Slightly disconcerting, though, that there was no request for ver...
by BanditKing
Mon Apr 22, 2019 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?
Replies: 190
Views: 19432

Re: How much do you spend on food per month, per person?

One person, I average about $200/mo inclusive of restaurants. Occasionally up to $250 if I'm going on a sushi bender.
by BanditKing
Mon Apr 15, 2019 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do not use Personal Capital
Replies: 172
Views: 71819

Re: Do not use Personal Capital

I get a call from a PC agent about every six months. I thank them politely for the call, tell them I'm not interested in a consultation, and go on with my day. Six months later, it will be a new agent, but they are always very polite.

I find PC invaluable to getting a snapshot of my holdings, and I would gladly pay an annual fee for it, especially if it had some value add to track things like basis and such. I tried Mint a few years ago, but it couldn't access several of my account that PC could, so I've just stuck with them.
by BanditKing
Wed Apr 03, 2019 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New 2019 RAV4 is now out - looks good
Replies: 128
Views: 17704

Re: New 2019 RAV4 is now out - looks good

I had been watching the 2019 RAV4 Hybrid since the base specs were announced. Unfortunately, the continued lack of Android Auto, and the NVH complaints have taken it off the list. Leaning towards a CX5 probably, maybe a CX9 (may want some towing capacity).
by BanditKing
Mon Mar 18, 2019 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Picking between two job offers...
Replies: 12
Views: 1702

Re: Picking between two job offers...

#2 might be interesting for the security clearance. Once you have that, a lot of government and high-price contractor options open up. It's difficult to get a job to sponsor a security clearance, but having one can pay off many times over.
by BanditKing
Fri Mar 01, 2019 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I switch my daily banking business to Ally?
Replies: 51
Views: 6380

Re: Should I switch my daily banking business to Ally?

I've been with Ally for several years. Very happy with them. Like most others, I keep an account at a local credit union, to handle cash deposits as well as any check that might not deposit for some reason with Ally's phone app. This is also where I keep a safe-deposit box.

Ally is super easy. ATMs everywhere and they reimburse fees as well.

That said, I keep only my checking, 1st stage of my emergency fund, and a small amount of cash in a savings account that is the emergency backup to checking. Any other cash I keep in a MM or in VMLUX at Vanguard.
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Great Goofs
Replies: 47
Views: 5479

Re: Great Goofs

Crypto
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 28, 2019 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Navigation System Update
Replies: 36
Views: 3877

Re: Car Navigation System Update

You can buy the Ford map card off Amazon for about $75. No need to pay the stupid $150 price to Ford.
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 28, 2019 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you record a call with financial services reps?
Replies: 4
Views: 878

Re: Can you record a call with financial services reps?

Also, IANAL, but I believe if you call in to Fidelity and they say "This call may be recorded", that is sufficient to permit you to record in a two-party state as well.

You could always just tell the rep you are recording, too.
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 28, 2019 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it hard to capture tiny profits trading if you are not greedy?
Replies: 26
Views: 2649

Re: Is it hard to capture tiny profits trading if you are not greedy?

Pretty sure the frequent trading rules of the brokerage would kick in.

There's no risk. You end up with a cash position end of day if it never dipped below open.

What you are functionally doing is increasing the number of shares you hold, not the value of your portfolio (although that value would increase over time, presumably as the overall item increased in value while you were holding it later in the day.
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 21, 2019 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite youtube channels?
Replies: 111
Views: 15607

Re: Favorite youtube channels?

4a757374696e wrote: Thu Feb 21, 2019 4:04 pm
TeamArgo wrote: Thu Feb 21, 2019 3:46 pm I subscribe to "Scott Manley", a Scottish Rocket Scientist in California who explains the latest in rocketry and space news with interesting detail. He also has a Kerbal Space Program channel that he uses to explain spaceflight and to try out some wild ideas.
Scott Manley is great! He genuinely loves the stuff. From what I've heard, he's an engineer at Apple. So his passion for rocketry and space is completely separate from his profession. I think that's cool.
As long as we're mentioning Scott Manley, another good one to watch is "Everyday Astronaut". A lot less formal than Scott, but still super fun to watch his rocket launch livecasts, as well as his other vids.
by BanditKing
Wed Feb 20, 2019 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate / Renting far from Home 3/5 rule
Replies: 10
Views: 1539

Re: Real Estate / Renting far from Home 3/5 rule

Margins feel way to razor-thin. You're one harsh sneeze away form being seriously negative, especially if there is an assessment.

I'd sell it, and avoid the tax hit. Use Redfin to save on the commissions.
by BanditKing
Mon Feb 18, 2019 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio help for 2 teacher family in Ohio
Replies: 26
Views: 2246

Re: Portfolio help for 2 teacher family in Ohio

Do you both continue to have access to a 403b? If so, you might want to look into them as another vehicle.
by BanditKing
Mon Feb 18, 2019 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling My House - How Much $ Ends Up in My Pocket?
Replies: 10
Views: 2552

Re: Selling My House - How Much $ Ends Up in My Pocket?

You could also use Redfin as your realtor. They pay the full 3% to the buyer's agent, but discount the seller fee.

In WI, they charge the greater of $4500 or 1.5%. I'll save a solid $1500ish on my $210k condo I'm putting up next week. Other markets can been as low as 1%.

If you use them as your buyer's agent, they give you a refund on part of the buyer's commission on the backside, as well.

Quality will always depend on your local agent, but the one I've been working with has been above top notch.
by BanditKing
Sun Feb 17, 2019 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moved to new state/job 6M ago. Previous employer wants me back!
Replies: 57
Views: 6966

Re: Moved to new state/job 6M ago. Previous employer wants me back!

Assuming going back fully appeals:

They pay off the poison pill, including grossing up any taxes
They let you work out of the local office. Offer 1 week in 4 to go to CA for face-to-face - company pays travel and lodging costs and a perdiem.
Salary at least 20% more than the greater of your old position or current one
Retain full vesting in 401k and vacation accrual.

I wouldn't move back though, if they family is against it.
by BanditKing
Fri Feb 15, 2019 7:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]
Replies: 3353
Views: 888875

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure [risk parity strategy using 3x leveraged ETFs]

staythecourse wrote: Fri Feb 15, 2019 4:28 pm I do agree with another poster above and mentioned it in one of the first posts on this thread the biggest risk is still the fund closing.
Might it not make sense to use more than one similar 3x ETF. Reduces the risk from one closing down. UPRO+SPXL for example. Do 20/20/60?
by BanditKing
Fri Feb 15, 2019 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Layoff Rehire and Career Options
Replies: 12
Views: 1617

Re: Layoff Rehire and Career Options

Will rehire to fill my position. What do you mean here? Just that they will rehire you to reill? I will be eligible for severance if I decide to leave. What is the duration of your eligibility to voluntarily leave and still receive severance? My initial thought is to keep the position and take the 10k bonus. Immediately start aggressively hunting for a new job. If you find something before the severance-eligibility runs out, then there you go. If you don't, and things just suck, you can still quit one day before it expires to receive the severance and continue job hunting. They obviously see some value in keeping you. It may be personal, it may just that they need a body until the new equity overlords decide where to drop the axe. If thing...
by BanditKing
Thu Feb 14, 2019 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money do you want to retire?
Replies: 1367
Views: 208812

Re: How much money do you want to retire?

Nearly 48 with a net-worth of about $650k. I would love to hit a number that would reliably let me pull about $70k/year post tax (2019 dollars) which I figure is about $2.5M. I want to retire at 55, but I don't see that happening short of something seriously unexpected happening (lottery, rich uncle, etc). While I do max my 401k and ROTH and kick in maybe an additional $20k to taxable, I spent too many years not saving. More-likely 62 to 65 will be my retirement number.

This could be skewed by inheritances, but I have no idea what they may be, and IPS says to ignore them until they occur.
by BanditKing
Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Deleted] [Re: (NEW) WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund]
Replies: 652
Views: 86226

Re: (NEW) WisdomTree 90/60 U.S. Balanced Fund

PluckyDucky wrote: Wed Feb 13, 2019 10:11 pm With an inception in August 2018 and a terrible December 2018, a fund with 90% equity isn't going to look fantastic.
Well that is very true. Time will tell.