Search found 459 matches

by mbk734
Mon May 23, 2016 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Canada driving [Oregon US to Novia Scotia - What to see?]
Replies: 26
Views: 3197

Re: Canada driving

Going through Michigan's Upper Peninsula you may want to stop at the Porcupine Mountains and Pictured Rocks if you like nature, camping, and hiking. Might check out Bruce Peninsula in Ontario if you take a different route back.
by mbk734
Fri May 20, 2016 9:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best way to buy VT for 1 year old Nephew?
Replies: 11
Views: 1846

Re: Best way to buy VT for 1 year old Nephew?

Why not put it in a 529 or ESA? These are the College IRA's. TD Ameritrade has a nice ESA with free Vanguard ETF trades.
by mbk734
Wed May 18, 2016 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help on 401k - roth or traditional???
Replies: 43
Views: 3804

Re: Total Portfolio Review - need advice

1. Yes 1A. Yes, you could also use Fidelity or Schwab if it makes you feel better but it is more complicated and almost certainly unnecessary. 1B. IRA has more freedom but institutional shares are cheaper. 2. Roth: pay tax now, worth more (after tax), assuming your taxes will be higher in retirement. Traditional: tax break now, pay tax later, assuming your taxes will be lower in retirement. Read more on this debate. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51738 3. Total stock market VTI, total international VXUS, read up on tax loss harvesting and taxable investing. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax-efficient_fund_placement 4. Ally/Discover online savings account 1% 5. Prioritize retirement savings, you can borrow for school, but...
by mbk734
Mon May 16, 2016 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade in BMW?
Replies: 45
Views: 7398

Re: Trade in BMW?

If you've taken care of it, it's the best used vehicle you can buy. 4 years 40k is nothing. Bummers don't usually break down until at least 100k. :P If you want a reliable appliance, Lexus is a good choice. If you are worried about maintenance, don't. If you are bored with it already, consider leasing. If you want to save money, buy used next time. Since we're on the Bogleheads forum, I should tell you to forget BMW and Lexus and get yourself a Camry. There, I said it.
by mbk734
Fri May 13, 2016 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Card Picture...too many?
Replies: 15
Views: 4384

Re: Credit Card Picture...too many?

guitarguy wrote: EDIT: Another thing about the Citi Double Cash card...doesn't it "kill" some of your rewards to get your cash back in the form of a statement credit rather than paying the balance with cash?
Statement credit: 1.99% back. You can also have them transfer rewards to your checking for the full 2%.

I would get the Citi Doublecash and also go for the bigger bonuses:
Sapphire Preferred $500 ($625 travel)
Venture $400
Arrival Plus $400
Propel World $400
If I don't use a card anymore I close it. This makes room for new cards and bonuses.
by mbk734
Tue May 10, 2016 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Checking/Savings/Credit Card
Replies: 16
Views: 1997

Re: Checking/Savings/Credit Card

If you spend 6k+ on groceries a year, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a great choice. Citi DC or Fido Visa are good 2% back. Depending on your travel, an airline card might be a good option even just for the sign up bonus and free bags. Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Barclaycard Arrival Plus, and Wells Fargo Propel World all have $400+ sign up bonuses.

I would open an Ally bank account and see how you like it before switching. It's always nice to have a local bank but not if they charge excessive fees.
by mbk734
Mon May 09, 2016 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard VS E. Jones
Replies: 6
Views: 1311

Re: Vanguard VS E. Jones

by mbk734
Mon May 02, 2016 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Jeep auto buyers recently
Replies: 10
Views: 1957

Re: Any Jeep auto buyers recently

I wouldn't buy any Jeep other than a Wrangler. Wranglers are fun but the quality/reliability is not on par with say a Toyota 4Runner. If you want a fun car with convertible top and excellent offroad capability I'd get one. They are truly trail rated. I highly recommend a soft top (very easy to put up and down). Also note that they are one of the least safe vehicles in an accident and not fun for long highway trips.
by mbk734
Thu Apr 28, 2016 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy used or new? Which of these small SUVs are best for families?
Replies: 39
Views: 8437

Re: Buy used or new? Which of these small SUVs are best for families?

+1 for CRV most reliable/highest resale=lowest cost to own. I am partial to Honda and Toyota but each model has it's own reliability rating on Consumer Reports. If buying new shoot for the invoice price, ignore MSRP. There are some car buying guide threads on here if you search. (Email all dealers in your area and have them duke it out for the lowest price) How do you find out the invoice price? It's hard to get a great deal here since we are the biggest city within a 6 hour radius and our population is 30,000. So, not many dealerships to bid against each other, and not a great selection of used cars. I believe Truecar, Edmunds, and Consumer Reports. Also the dealer should tell you if you ask. It's not a secret. Sometimes there is "de...
by mbk734
Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy used or new? Which of these small SUVs are best for families?
Replies: 39
Views: 8437

Re: Buy used or new? Which of these small SUVs are best for families?

+1 for CRV most reliable/highest resale=lowest cost to own. I am partial to Honda and Toyota but each model has it's own reliability rating on Consumer Reports. If buying new shoot for the invoice price, ignore MSRP. There are some car buying guide threads on here if you search. (Email all dealers in your area and have them duke it out for the lowest price)
by mbk734
Tue Apr 26, 2016 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: U. of Michigan, Indiana U. college visits
Replies: 21
Views: 2970

Re: U. of Michigan, Indiana U. college visits

U of M:
I'd recommend a walk in the Arb (picnic by the river?), the Diag, Main Street (song written by Bob Seger about it). Zingerman's Deli is good. The huge sandwiches are close to $20 so you can split them. Nearby Kerrytown and the farmer's market (wed/sat 7-3). Maybe sit in on a class on campus? The Ann Arbor Art Fair and Summer Festival are worth visiting if you can time your visit right (June/July). The Earle is a nice upscale sit down restaurant. Mark's Carts are excellent food carts. See a concert at The Ark or Rackham/Hill Auditorium. Jolly Pumpkin Brewery has good food and unique beers.
by mbk734
Tue Apr 26, 2016 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy
Replies: 52
Views: 7505

Re: Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy

backpacker wrote:
mbk734 wrote:
backpacker wrote: A used 2014 accord is not $20,000.
OP wants EX or EX-L. A used EX-L is at least 20k at the dealer versus 27k OTD brand new. Used car savings are exaggerated especially if you drive a car for at least 10 years especially when you're talking Japanese econoboxes (highest resale value, reliability).
38 seconds on carfax, searching a random metropolitan area, turns up a one owner 2014 Accord EX for $16,999. The internet, its a marvelous invention. :wink:
You're still talking about EX trims which are several thousand less than EX-L. Also, that 17k price doesn't include tax and fees. So yes, a used 2014 Accord is 20k.
by mbk734
Tue Apr 26, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy
Replies: 52
Views: 7505

Re: Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy

backpacker wrote: A used 2014 accord is not $20,000.
OP wants EX or EX-L. A used EX-L is at least 20k at the dealer versus 27k OTD brand new. Used car savings are exaggerated especially if you drive a car for at least 10 years especially when you're talking Japanese econoboxes (highest resale value, reliability).
by mbk734
Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Solo 401K Recommendations?
Replies: 3
Views: 673

Re: Solo 401K Recommendations?

A lot of people on here recommend TD Ameritrade. Free Vanguard ETF trades and no fees.
by mbk734
Mon Apr 18, 2016 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iOS games for couples to play together (not against each other)
Replies: 9
Views: 5255

Re: iOS games for couples to play together (not against each other)

Nova 3 (Free w/ ads). It's like Halo. You can play on the same team. Same with Modern Combat 5 (also free). It's like Call of Duty. New York Zombies is a good one too.
Really though the best co-op games are on consoles.
by mbk734
Thu Apr 14, 2016 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit Card Churning : Airline/Hotel points for Amazon GCs?
Replies: 3
Views: 1066

Re: Credit Card Churning : Airline/Hotel points for Amazon GCs?

Chase Sapphire Preferred 500
Citi Thank You Premier 400
Wells Fargo World Propel AMEX 400
Barclay Arrival Plus 400
Capital One Venture 400
by mbk734
Sun Apr 03, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Freedom Unlimited card 1.5% back + bonus
Replies: 85
Views: 16593

Re: Chase Freedom Unlimited card 1.5% back + bonus

sMALLcAP wrote:I am new to this forum- But wouldn't it be more effective to not carry a CC whether a balance is carried or not? From past experience(mistakes) I believe the majority of people, not all, spend more when using a CC. To get money back, miles etc. it really isn't worth the risk. My opinion, and apologies if this has been brought up on this thread already.
You are right. Most people spend more when they can just hand over plastic and pay for it with real money later. There are studies that back this up. However, if you are careful and use your card for necessities like utilities, gas, and groceries, you might as well get a rebate.
by mbk734
Fri Apr 01, 2016 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Five Best National Parks to Visit?
Replies: 99
Views: 13734

Re: Five Best National Parks to Visit?

The parks are clustered together on the west side of the country. Utah Parks are close together and beautiful. Yellowstone and Grand Canyon are iconic. The Alaska parks are huge but remote and somewhat difficult to get to. Yosemite and Redwood in California are nice too.
by mbk734
Sat Mar 26, 2016 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?
Replies: 30
Views: 6762

Re: Opening multiple credit cards for bonuses?

Chase Sapphire Preferred 500 (625 travel)
Citi Thank You Premier 400 (500 travel)
Wells Fargo World Propel AMEX 400
Barclay Arrival Plus 400
Capital One Venture 400
by mbk734
Sat Mar 05, 2016 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash back credit cards
Replies: 10
Views: 1874

Re: Cash back credit cards

Ask Citi to switch you to their Doublecash 2% Mastercard. Fidelity Visa is a good one for Costco when they make the switch to Visa. You can switch your current Costco Amex to a Blue Cash Preferred or Blue Cash Everyday depending on how much you spend on groceries per year. Discover It is also a decent option but not necessary.
by mbk734
Thu Feb 04, 2016 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice about a stop in Chicago
Replies: 52
Views: 7807

Re: Advice about a stop in Chicago

If you like Mexican, have a margarita lunch at Frontera Grill followed by an afternoon on the beach. Rent a bike or take Uber for transportation. The aquarium is nice if you're into aquatic life.
by mbk734
Sat Jan 30, 2016 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dinner Ideas
Replies: 57
Views: 10373

Re: Dinner Ideas

http://www.simplyrecipes.com
Wide variety of simple to make dishes.
by mbk734
Sun Jan 10, 2016 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses/Churning
Replies: 18
Views: 6036

Re: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses/Churning

BW1985 wrote:How do you all find out about these promo offers? Do you get them in the mail?
There are lots of blogs out there: Nerdwallet, fatwallet, flyertalk, millionmilessecrets, thepointsguy, dansdeals. I don't take advantage of a lot of them because I don't travel much and most of the rewards are hotel/airline points.
Jack FFR1846 wrote: Never! (in a Winston Churchill voice)

How about 2 Bank Of America offers:

AAA visa. $100 after $250 spend
Travel Rewards visa. $200 after $1000 spend

Picked both up recently. No fee with either.
Nice! I will check those out.
by mbk734
Sun Jan 10, 2016 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses/Churning
Replies: 18
Views: 6036

Re: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses

leod wrote:I have citi premier/chase sapphire prefered in the past 2 years, can I sign up for the card again and get the bonus?

Citi says you can apply after 18 months but did anyone tried this and got the signup bonus?
http://www.doctorofcredit.com/list-of-c ... dit-cards/

Citi: 18 months
Chase: 24 months
by mbk734
Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses/Churning
Replies: 18
Views: 6036

Re: Largest Credit Card Sign Up Bonuses

We recently signed up for 2 of each of these except for the Premier. The Premier card gives you 20k points then 30k points after the anniversary (requiring the $125 annual fee), so it's still a pretty high sign up bonus even after the fee. We did sign up for the Citi Preferred instead which gives 30k points after $2k spend. I believe the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives a bonus for adding an authorized user for a total of $480 after purchase rewards (or $600 travel purchase rewards). Barclay Arrival Plus should result in $519.88 after 10% bonus and travel purchase rewards. Capital One Venture should give $461.22 after travel purchase rewards. Citi Thank You Premier is now 50k after 3k spend. Wells Fargo World Propel AMEX is a new good one wi...
by mbk734
Fri Jan 08, 2016 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Debit Card vs. Credit Card
Replies: 6
Views: 1455

Re: Debit Card vs. Credit Card

It's recommended to have more than one credit card. It increases your credit score and you'll have a backup. Debit cards have less protection and fewer perks. I'd recommend the Citi Doublecash or Fidelity Visa: 2% cash back on all purchases. Just be careful not to spend more than you would with cash. It's much easier to swipe than hand over cash.
by mbk734
Tue Jan 05, 2016 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you have fun?
Replies: 73
Views: 8969

Re: How do you have fun?

This time of year: hibernate and eat and drink. Otherwise skiing or pond hockey.
by mbk734
Mon Jan 04, 2016 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best 2% Back VISA/MASTER Card
Replies: 51
Views: 7787

Re: Best 2% Back VISA/MASTER Card

Citi DoubleCash Mastercard +1
No Visas that I'm aware of without an annual fee. Capital One Quicksilver is 1.5% and no foreign transaction fees.
by mbk734
Sun Jan 03, 2016 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor vs Martin Guitar
Replies: 19
Views: 5720

Re: Taylor vs Martin Guitar

They are comparable in quality. It comes down to your style and what you like best. I would play a Martin D28, Gibson J45, and Taylor in that price range (I love the Koa wood) and see what you like best. If you can't find what you're looking for http://www.musiciansfriend.com has a great return policy.
by mbk734
Sun Jan 03, 2016 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help understanding a credit card issue
Replies: 26
Views: 2110

Re: Help understanding a credit card issue

I've had the same problem with Chase. Denied due to too many new accounts in the last year. I guess it's time to ease up on the churning for a while and make sure it's worth it to open a new account.
by mbk734
Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best No Annual Fees Rewards/Cash-Back Credit Cards
Replies: 87
Views: 20170

Re: Best No Annual Fees Rewards/Cash-Back Credit Cards

ame wrote: I noticed some of the credit cards have an annual fee waiver for the first year only. Can those credit cards be cancelled, without paying any "cancellation fees," (not sure if there is a "general cancellation rule" for credit cards) before 1 year (or at least before the beginning of the 2nd year)? Is there a cancellation fee for any, even credit cards without annual fees, credit card?

To make my life easier, I prefer a "forever" no annual fee credit card. Thanks.
No cancellation fees. To me they are worth the hassle of cancelling before the 2nd year annual fee.
$400 intro bonus = Spending $20,000 with a 2% back card.
by mbk734
Thu Dec 31, 2015 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who Reads the Comics?
Replies: 44
Views: 4178

Re: Who Reads the Comics?

I am a fan of Cracked and Mad Magazine. A little more crude but funny. Also read the Archie comics from my sisters growing up. Calvin and Hobbes, Farside, and Garfield books were pretty good. Read lots of newspaper comics growing up too although we haven't had a paper newspaper in years. I also enjoyed the political cartoons and the drawings of presidents with exaggerated features.
by mbk734
Wed Dec 30, 2015 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best No Annual Fees Rewards/Cash-Back Credit Cards
Replies: 87
Views: 20170

Re: Best No Annual Fees Rewards/Cash-Back Credit Cards

Amex Blue Cash Preferred: 3% back on gas and 6% on 6k groceries/year. $75 annual fee.

+1 for Citi Doublecash

Also many cards have $400+ intro bonuses:
Barclaycard Arrival Plus
Capital One Venture
Chase Sapphire Preferred, Ink Plus
Citi Thank You Premier
Wells Fargo Propel World
by mbk734
Tue Dec 22, 2015 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lump Sum Investment for College
Replies: 2
Views: 675

Re: Lump Sum Investment for College

I like Coverdell ESA's at TD Ameritrade. You can use VTI and BND (many Vanguard ETF's trade for free).
by mbk734
Sat Dec 19, 2015 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next credit card for a bonus?
Replies: 109
Views: 21351

Re: Next credit card for a bonus?

You can get more than one Amex.
Do you do anything that qualifies as a business? (Online financial advisor?) :wink:
Chase Ink Plus is a good business card.
Wells Fargo Propel World has a 400 bonus after 3k spend. You also get a $100 baggage fee/on flight purchase credit.
The Delta Amex has a 40k miles bonus.
Citi Thank You Premier, CapOne Venture, and Barclay Arrival have good bonuses too.
by mbk734
Sat Dec 19, 2015 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camera recommendations
Replies: 10
Views: 1397

Re: Camera recommendations

Also check out Nikon D3300 (DSLR) and Sony A6000 (Mirrorless). I mostly use a smartphone though for convenience.
by mbk734
Mon Dec 14, 2015 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Christmas Gifts for the Financially Irresponsible
Replies: 20
Views: 3284

Re: Christmas Gifts for the Financially Irresponsible

Buy him the longest term CD you can find with harsh early withdrawal penalties.
by mbk734
Sun Dec 13, 2015 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying Kids For Good Grades -- do you do it?
Replies: 131
Views: 13359

Re: Paying Kids For Good Grades -- do you do it?

School is like a job. It is their job to go to school, pay attention, and study when they get home. Some kids are more motivated than others. Almost anyone can get a 4.0 in high school if they put in the time and effort. If your kid doesn't have intrinsic motivation, I don't see why a little extrinsic motivation wouldn't help especially for high school kids that are desperate for money. I would also give a bonus for AP courses. I would only give a modest amount for a B ($5 or $10) and a decent amount for A's ($20) (final semester grades). You could also do it for only all A's or by GPA.
by mbk734
Fri Dec 11, 2015 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10 Best Guitar Finger Style Tunes
Replies: 19
Views: 4834

Re: 10 Best Guitar Finger Style Tunes

Esteban is in a class of his own. I love his infomercials.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jqpBEU1ca5s
by mbk734
Fri Dec 11, 2015 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10 Best Guitar Finger Style Tunes
Replies: 19
Views: 4834

Re: 10 Best Guitar Finger Style Tunes

Andy McKee - Ebon Coast, Rylynn
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lSnWhsmlGec
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wG0Prs_EqLE
Don Ross - Michael, Michael, Michael
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YkidVP0AcQ8
Antoine Dufour - Trilogie
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0qTnkbcKyFg
James Taylor has got some catchy tunes with a capo. Not challenging but fun to sing along. Chet Atkins and Doyle Dykes are popular. I'd also check out Flamenco guitar to spice things up. Paco de Lucia. Jazz and classical have endless pieces to learn.
Ana Vidovic
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KCE5aPnB5aI
Diego Figuerido
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1tS0eCqNBQk
by mbk734
Thu Dec 10, 2015 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to Put My Money
Replies: 9
Views: 1966

Re: Where to Put My Money

Roth is a good choice. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Traditional_versus_Roth
Here is a good start for asset allocation: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=88005
I'd recommend Vanguard and one of their Target Retirement Date Funds.https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual-fu ... etirement/#/
Your wife can also open one and roll her old 401k into an IRA (she will have to pay tax on it if it's converted to a Roth IRA).
I would keep maxing out her new job's 401k. What are her choices in that?
by mbk734
Thu Dec 10, 2015 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fund suggestion request
Replies: 2
Views: 515

Re: fund suggestion request

VHT and VGHAX seem good. However, most on here recommend total market index funds rather than sector funds for your core holdings at least. viewtopic.php?f=10&t=88005
by mbk734
Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW current and past owners -- how was the reliability and would you buy another?
Replies: 89
Views: 23386

Re: BMW current and past owners -- how was the reliability and would you buy another?

If you're interested in BMW lease one so the maintenance and problems are not your problem or get a CPO with extended warranty. You may find they can be a money pit out of warranty. You're better off with a used Lexus if you want reliable luxury. It is ranked #1 in reliability with Toyota #2.
by mbk734
Wed Dec 09, 2015 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Brand New to Investing! Advice greatly appreciated.
Replies: 7
Views: 1127

Re: Brand New to Investing! Advice greatly appreciated.

Any interest above around 5% you're better off paying it off than investing. I think if you wanted to get into a starter home rather than apartment living you could so but then aggressively pay off the student loan debt or look into forgiveness programs for practicing in certain public sector jobs. You can contribute a huge amount since you're both doing Solo 401ks. Be aware that you'll pay a penalty if you try to touch that money before retirement age. Roth IRA's on the other hand you can max out and if you had to, you can withdraw contributions without penalty (but any gains are penalized if withdrawn). You can use 10k of gains towards a first home purchase without penalty. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Roth_IRA_as_an_emergency_fund I w...
by mbk734
Wed Dec 09, 2015 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trying to get my life on track, need advice
Replies: 52
Views: 5855

Re: Trying to get my life on track, need advice

Jobs that pay well that require little to no school:
Plumbing, Real Estate Broker, Cable Company, Personal Trainer, Pilot, Truck Driving/Bus Driver/Limo, Sales, etc.
I would not give up on school necessarily, if you're going to study something that leads to a job (especially trade school). You can take out student loans.
Any job is fine temporarily while you decide what you want to do.
by mbk734
Tue Dec 08, 2015 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Brand New to Investing! Advice greatly appreciated.
Replies: 7
Views: 1127

Re: Brand New to Investing! Advice greatly appreciated.

Hello looks like you have a lot of debt but you make a good amount of money. At that interest rate, you would be smart to pay it off ASAP. You'd be lucky to get more than that in the market consistently. I recommend the three fund portfolio https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=88005 but you can also use a Target Retirement Date Fund. Vanguard is preferred for IRA and they are ok for the Solo 401k (they only offer investor class shares with a higher expense ratio). Your big decision is whether to use Roth or Traditional IRA/401k. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Traditional_versus_Roth You can only do traditional for employer contributions on the 401k but can do Roth or Traditonal for employee. (You are both employee and ...
by mbk734
Tue Dec 08, 2015 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wife uncomfortable investing in taxable account
Replies: 41
Views: 4186

Re: Wife uncomfortable investing in taxable account

Although it is nice to have low debt or be debt free, I would not pay extra on the mortgage if you have a good rate. You can get a better return in the market. There's nothing wrong with low interest debt especially during inflation and rising interest rates. No need to fear taxable accounts. You can tax loss harvest if your investments go down.
by mbk734
Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Verizon Cell Phone Plans
Replies: 23
Views: 3985

Re: Verizon Cell Phone Plans

The subsidy is worth about 18.75/month.
$650 iPhone 6s for $200
$450/24=$18.75
Do the math and compare it to unsubsidized plans. I found the subsidized 2 year contract plan still cheaper if you want a new phone every 2 years and don't mind being locked in. Individual plan 2GB unlimited talk/text $60/month.