Search found 96 matches

by TX_Man
Sun May 21, 2017 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. I will not reply to any further posts.
by TX_Man
Sun May 21, 2017 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

Deleted
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

I've already accepted that I will likely be terminated next week. I'm trying to prepare a few statements in advance depending on what they decide. One is contingent on my termination where I apologize (I'm not trying to change their mind) and let them know how I appreciated them putting their trust in me for the position that I had and even though I disagree with their assessment that I respect their decision and will not bad-mouth the company as I do not view them in a negative light even in spite of the situation. I don't even know how much of that I should include. You sound like a decent and fair person. At the risk of sounding harsh, that may not be the best policy at this time. I would recommend that you do not apologize for anything...
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

I've already accepted that I will likely be terminated next week. I'm trying to prepare a few statements in advance depending on what they decide. One is contingent on my termination where I apologize (I'm not trying to change their mind) and let them know how I appreciated them putting their trust in me for the position that I had and even though I disagree with their assessment that I respect their decision and will not bad-mouth the company as I do not view them in a negative light even in spite of the situation. I don't even know how much of that I should include. By statements, do you mean verbally or in writing? I would not recommend you put this in writing or promise anything even verbally. If you ever inadvertently comment on this ...
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

In that case you should mentally prepare yourself and take the following actions: Be cool. Do not have a meltdown, do not say anything that could possibly be considered a threat, in fact don't say much of anything without thinking about it twice. Resign yourself to the fact that once your employer has decided to terminate you there is nothing that you can say that will change their minds. Preserve all information possible. This is especially important if everything concerning your job resides on your work computer and phone, you will lose access to these immediately. You will need names and contact information for your managers, coworkers, HR, and customers. Try to preserve any performance reviews, disciplinary memos, and a copy of the com...
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

midareff wrote:I lost a job do to sale of a company when I was late 30's, married, baby, mortgage, almost no reserves. 1. You get some form of income flowing through any legal job.... phone sales, flippin' burgers, etc. #2. Treat it as an opportunity to do better. Get your resume together, and I suggest you do so with the help of a professional. The only purpose of a resume is to get interviews. Try and look at the entire job seeking situation as an opportunity to improve.
I applied for some night stocker positions at grocery stores. I worked with as a pizza delivery driver before and found that to be nice.
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Re: Job loss

Thanks for the comments everyone. Unfortunately I think some of the ideas offered may not be feasible because of the manner in which I may be dismissed. This is a potential firing, not a lay off.
by TX_Man
Sat May 20, 2017 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job loss
Replies: 28
Views: 4327

Job loss

Friday it was made pretty clear that I am likely to lose my job. I can't really go into the details. It is a rather difficult job to obtain.

My e-fund is $20000, additionally I was saving for a house and have $16000 there. I am single and live lean but have somewhat expensive rent. It feels like the world is falling apart even though it isn't. For individuals in this position what do you do?
by TX_Man
Wed May 17, 2017 8:20 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3622
Views: 569063

Re: Mini Milestone 100K

The first of anything is the most difficult. The first $10000, the first $100000, the first $1000000. Congratulations :sharebeer
by TX_Man
Wed May 17, 2017 5:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Home Country Bias...makes sense?
Replies: 235
Views: 17935

Re: Home Country Bias...makes sense?

All my investments are denominated in US dollars. Isn't that in and of itself home country bias irrespective of the actual investments?
by TX_Man
Wed May 17, 2017 5:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Will Burst the Next Bubble?
Replies: 66
Views: 10359

Re: What Will Burst the Next Bubble?

All the talk about cyber attacks and all the hacking that has been going on has me concerned. A hack on any financial institution in the U.S. will probably cause major issues. Although which bubble it will pop is certainly unknown.
by TX_Man
Sun May 14, 2017 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How many firms do you use?
Replies: 39
Views: 4538

Re: How many firms do you use?

Schwab, but I am going to open an IRA at Vanguard in 2018. I want to start spreading eggs into multiple baskets.
by TX_Man
Sat May 13, 2017 6:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: American Funds beat out Vanguard Index over lifetime?
Replies: 64
Views: 25460

Re: American Funds beat out Vanguard Index over lifetime?

I don't doubt that there are actively managed funds that beat the index. I haven't seen any stories that say 100% of actively managed funds fail to beat the index. However, the oft-repeated statistic that over 80% of actively managed funds fail to beat the index is reason enough for me to go with the index. I'm not going to rely on a 1 out of 5 guess to select the correct fund.
by TX_Man
Thu May 11, 2017 3:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If not Past Performance, how do you evaluate a fund/etf?
Replies: 18
Views: 2215

Re: If not Past Performance, how do you evaluate a fund/etf?

Wouldn't correlation to the index it is tracking be another way to evaluate performance?
by TX_Man
Thu May 11, 2017 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do I do with 2018 Roth IRA money today?
Replies: 13
Views: 2365

Re: What do I do with 2018 Roth IRA money today?

You could always do a 6 month CD. That would help prevent it from becoming spended money and it would be available close to when it is needed. It would also provide principal protection in case the market goes down.
by TX_Man
Wed May 10, 2017 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maximum Gain,swinging for the fences
Replies: 65
Views: 7671

Re: Maximum Gain,swinging for the fences

Lazy 4 fund maximum gain swing for the fence portfolio

1/4 small cap
1/4 emerging markets
1/4 international reit
1/4 domestic reit

No, I am not considering this portfolio :beer
by TX_Man
Tue May 09, 2017 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can We Afford to Move-In
Replies: 28
Views: 4007

Re: Can We Afford to Move-In

meaghansketch wrote:There's a middle ground between "not saving for retirement" and maxing your retirement accounts. You guys can move in together, you just need to prioritize. Are the car(s)? so much on their last legs that you need to save $12,000/year to replace them? If you cut that savings back slightly and cut your retirement savings back slightly you could find an extra $500/month which is probably all you need. Don't put your lives on hold so that you can retire with $4 million instead of $3 million.
+1
by TX_Man
Tue May 09, 2017 10:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gundlach shorts S&P 500, says passive investing is a 'myth'
Replies: 51
Views: 8764

Re: Gundlach shorts S&P 500, says passive investing is a 'myth'

The SP500 will be up or down a certain percentage by the end of the year. Subtract the cost of the fees and that is where I will stand. The question is why would I spend more to pay some random guy to manage my account, when all the evidence points to no benefit?
by TX_Man
Mon May 08, 2017 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No losses to offset capital gains!
Replies: 14
Views: 1890

Re: No losses to offset capital gains!

Chuck wrote:You could always try 4x leveraged ETFs. You have a fair chance of losing money that way.

You could short treasuries. You won't lose a lot that way, but you can guarantee a loss.
4x, that is a bit intense. Watch that be the best "market timing advice" of the year :sharebeer
by TX_Man
Mon May 08, 2017 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)
Replies: 26
Views: 3516

Re: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)

My 401k has a 1.25% admin fee on top of the least expensive fund which is a 0.30% ER Russel 3000 index fund. The next least expensive is a 0.50% mid cap index fund. Everything else is over 80 basis points. So yes I contribute to get the match and them some (to get my income out of the 25% bracket). However I find it more wise to save for next years Roth IRA and taxable contributions. The admin fee is brutal. I can empathize. We have really good expense ratios in our funds, if you overlook the 1% admin fee. It's a matter of perspective, though. Last year, the admin fee was 2%. Our tiny company is lucky to even have a 401-k -- HR went through a lot to even get someone to return our calls when trying to find someone to administer the program....
by TX_Man
Mon May 08, 2017 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)
Replies: 26
Views: 3516

Re: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)

My 401k has a 1.25% admin fee on top of the least expensive fund which is a 0.30% ER Russel 3000 index fund. The next least expensive is a 0.50% mid cap index fund. Everything else is over 80 basis points. So yes I contribute to get the match and them some (to get my income out of the 25% bracket). However I find it more wise to save for next years Roth IRA and taxable contributions. The admin fee is brutal. You have my sympathies on the outrageous admin fee. :shock: Without the admin fee it would be pretty decent with that nice Russel 3000 index. 0.30% is nothing compared to some of the horrid plans out there. My 401k plan may fall into the category of getting getting the match and then looking for greener pastures. Although I have been c...
by TX_Man
Mon May 08, 2017 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)
Replies: 26
Views: 3516

Re: Taxable instead of Maxing 401(k)

My 401k has a 1.25% admin fee on top of the least expensive fund which is a 0.30% ER Russel 3000 index fund. The next least expensive is a 0.50% mid cap index fund. Everything else is over 80 basis points.

So yes I contribute to get the match and them some (to get my income out of the 25% bracket). However I find it more wise to save for next years Roth IRA and taxable contributions.

The admin fee is brutal.
by TX_Man
Sun May 07, 2017 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2018 HSA Contribution Limit Announced
Replies: 13
Views: 4367

Re: 2018 HSA Contribution Limit Announced

We'd need 5% inflation... I take it back, I want the IRA limit to stay the same.
by TX_Man
Sun May 07, 2017 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2018 HSA Contribution Limit Announced
Replies: 13
Views: 4367

Re: 2018 HSA Contribution Limit Announced

I hope the IRA limit gets raised.
by TX_Man
Sat May 06, 2017 8:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why save so much for when you're old?
Replies: 163
Views: 28173

Re: Why save so much for when you're old?

I'm 31 and I don't know what the future holds. Another major crash and I could be out of the job. Car crashes, marriages, health problems and an array of issues that could happen. I save in the good times to prepare for the bad. People tell me to stop being so negative. I'm positive there will be major drawbacks and negative financial events. Hopefully not many, but after the unrelenting brutal nature of my 20s I would like to have a bone tossed my way. However if that doesn't happen, I am more ready now that I ever have been before. I save for retirement because one day I will no longer be employed. It will happen either by consent or by forces outside of my control. I save for emergencies because life does happen. I save for investments s...
by TX_Man
Tue May 02, 2017 4:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are we all forgetting our taxable accounts?
Replies: 79
Views: 14757

Re: Are we all forgetting our taxable accounts?

I contributed to taxable accounts long before retirement accounts. I liked the idea of having investments and having access to it before the age of 59 1/2. My taxable is still larger than my retirement even though I am now playing "catch up" so to speak by contributing like a crazy to the retirement accounts. At younger ages I was ignorant regarding capital gains tax treatment.
by TX_Man
Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with regret
Replies: 102
Views: 13664

Re: Dealing with regret

The best part of regret is that people who learn from it tend to be determined not to make the same mistakes again. I have regret from not saving enough in my 20e, now I'm a money saving machine! Without the regret of my 20s I could very well be chugging along with a meager savings rate.

Same is true with those who sold low. Replace "I regret..." with "Now I will..."
by TX_Man
Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shopping habits and timing of purchase
Replies: 13
Views: 2155

Re: Shopping habits and timing of purchase

I tend to purchase items in advance if I know I will need them. It is a good way to utilize sales and deals. Recently I purchased four pairs of shoes because the deal was buy one get one 50% off. Although my current pairs (boots and exercise sneakers) are in good shape, I would rather get them on sale then have to wait until I need them. Same thing with other clothing items like belts and socks.
by TX_Man
Sun Apr 30, 2017 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11151
Views: 2085970

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
by TX_Man
Thu Apr 27, 2017 7:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: sell stocks to fund individual 401K and Roth IRA?
Replies: 10
Views: 1223

Re: sell stocks to fund individual 401K and Roth IRA?

The appeal of this makes sense. However it seems more like a feel good measure. The tax-advantaged nature of Roth is good, but ultimately money is being moved from one account to the other. There is no increase in savings rate. Saving up to your comfort point would be of aid because it would increase the total number of dollars in your overall investment portfolio instead of simply shuffling dollars from one pocket to another.
by TX_Man
Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Have anyone thought ER/fees comes from gains but not total balance?
Replies: 9
Views: 1425

Re: Have anyone thought ER/fees comes from gains but not total balance?

That conclusion could easily be made. Given the variety of fees and their nature nothing would surprise me. I wonder if there are any funds out there that have a separate fee on the gains and a separate fee on the dividends.
by TX_Man
Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Unwinding all positions and buy back after French Elections
Replies: 54
Views: 8815

Re: Unwinding all positions and buy back after French Elections

unclescrooge wrote:
Vanguard Fan 1367 wrote:I love Jack Bogle, "don't do something, just stand there." :happy
Indeed the hardest part about investing is not doing anything!
Epic quote! Is it from a book?
by TX_Man
Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Time to reach 1M and 2M milestones
Replies: 426
Views: 137349

Re: Time to reach 1M and 2M milestones

The importance of having more money upfront really makes question the wisdom of using Roth contributions. Why not go full force on pre-tax dollar contributions and use the tax savings to invest in a taxable brokerage. The safety of tax-diversity is enough to keep me wanting to do a Roth, but why not really pile up in the pre-tax vehicles if money up front is what can really help?
by TX_Man
Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio growth - Edward Jones vs Vanguard Target 2045
Replies: 14
Views: 2829

Re: Portfolio growth - Edward Jones vs Vanguard Target 2045

It appears some of the funds you listed are class C mutual funds. If I'm not mistaken they may carry a back end load.
by TX_Man
Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab False Ad (4X Cheaper than VG)
Replies: 20
Views: 2866

Re: Schwab False Ad (4X Cheaper than VG)

The negative attitude some on this forum towards Schwab is really interesting.
by TX_Man
Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any regrets living a frugal life for high income/high networth individuals?
Replies: 170
Views: 30009

Re: Any regrets living a frugal life for high income/high networth individuals?

Another question for the high income frugal individuals.

How often did you have to bat off "Keeping up with the Joneses"? Did it come up regularly where you saw co-workers/friends/relatives taking their trips to Italy and Spain, getting their new (insert item here) and you felt a need to "keep up"? If so how did you combat it? What recommendations of you have for the younger crowd (early 30s) who try fight this "keeping up" mentality?
by TX_Man
Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Single most important investing advice?
Replies: 97
Views: 17185

Re: Single most important investing advice?

Savings rate is the core foundation of building wealth. Rate of return, fees, taxes, pre-tax vs Roth contributions, and asset allocation are all important to understand in order to maximize the effectiveness of what has been saved. The savings has to come first.
by TX_Man
Sat Apr 22, 2017 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should some professions tell people how much they make?
Replies: 39
Views: 7044

Re: Should some professions tell people how much they make?

So you are saying that my appearance is causing them to not trust my credentials? Wow, so basically young, short, cute guys are screwed out of every consulting job? I think I would have to be age 40+ to start looking "old," "experienced," and "credentialed." I might as well just bring all of my diplomas and scholarships around in a portfolio then or do something other than consulting if the amount I charge can be capped? Yes, appearance has a major impact on how individuals view others. CEOs of major companies are disproportionately tall. Just ask women how they view short men. As a short, unattractive guy who is now in his 30s there are only so many things that can be done. Dress nice, keep yourself properly ...
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 7:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)
Replies: 21
Views: 4074

Re: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)

Constant Chaos wrote:
Countermoon wrote:Do you know when this goes into effect? The Schwab website still has the 0.13% ER.
It looks as though the minimum investment for the institutional shares, which has been .08 all along, dropped its minimum initial investment to $100. That is what I am seeing on schwab.com. There is a thread on reddit reporting an investor received a letter from Schwab that said their shares wold be converted to the institutional.
I got the same letter today today. Investor shares (0.13%) will be converted to the institutional shares (0.08%) and minimum initial investments will be $100 for the institutional shares.
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?
Replies: 24
Views: 3567

Re: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?

retiredjg wrote:Tx-Man, it might be helpful to know what you are asking the question. What are you trying to accomplish?
I'm just trying to learn more. I have no current goal in reallocation or anything.
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: White Gold ??? [question about newletter claim]
Replies: 21
Views: 3548

Re: White Gold ???

This sounds like one of those ridiculous clickbait advertisements you get on financial/investment/economic websites

This CEO is betting it all on this one stock...

He turned $5.75 into $7,750 billion...

Get rich, own this...
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 2:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)
Replies: 21
Views: 4074

Re: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)

lostdog wrote:Is schwab owned by it's investors? How do they make up for these low costs?
Although Schwab has some great low cost funds there are not nearly as many options as Vanguard. However all the basics are there (SP500 index, Russel 2000 index, International index, etc). My guess would be it is made up with their actively managed funds. They have a series of "fundamental index" funds which have higher than index costs (even though they are still priced lower than many active funds), roughly 0.25% to 0.40%.

Of course without knowing their numbers it is impossible to know. It looks like they are going after the same growing base Vanguard has been so successful in aquiring.
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)
Replies: 21
Views: 4074

Re: Schwab Target Index Funds Investor Shares drop (.08%)

I use these funds in my IRA. 0.08% is amazingly low.
by TX_Man
Fri Apr 21, 2017 5:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?
Replies: 24
Views: 3567

Re: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?

jalbert wrote:The OP asked if the SP500 + R2000 was a substitute for the total market index, and I asked for clarification of why those two indices were being considered. It is not a bad thing to hold them together or just to hold the SP500, but not necessarily optimal either. The R2000 has been the index most susceptible to front running in the past.

Incidentally, not sure how to interpret the M* chart as the Russell indices were created in 1984.
They appear to be among the most commonly cited indices. Individuals often talk about incorporating a tilt in their portfolio and unless the SP500 and Russel 2000 cover the entire market it seems like there would be a "built in" tilt by holding those two funds. Maybe towards large caps?
by TX_Man
Thu Apr 20, 2017 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?
Replies: 24
Views: 3567

Re: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?

This forum is awesome. Everyone is able to get access to the information needed for answers so quickly and with hyperlinks! Thanks!
by TX_Man
Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?
Replies: 24
Views: 3567

SP500, Russel 2000 and mid caps?

If someone wasn't going to use a total market fund, how much of the market would they cover with a SP500 index and Russel 2000 index fund? Would a rather large portion of mid caps be cut out of the mix, or would only a trivially small percentage be left out?
by TX_Man
Wed Apr 19, 2017 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Armageddon Insurance - how to spend $100k
Replies: 29
Views: 4035

Re: Financial Armageddon Insurance - how to spend $100k

After Katrina it became clear individuals and families need a plan. Just a few days without modern luxuries and it was causing death. 1. Stored water rotated on a regular basis 2. Enough food for a few days 3. Protection 4. All your critical documentation and necessities in safe but easily accessible location that you can grab and go on short notice 5. Some cash on hand in case credit cards and ATMs are non-functioning 6. Lastly but most importantly, a plan with at least your immediate family members (if they are old enough to understand why, obviously) I live in Houston and you better believe my family and I have a plan to get out in a quick manner if one of those category 5 hurricanes. Small, local disasters are much more likely to occur.
by TX_Man
Tue Apr 18, 2017 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to be a good parent to an introverted kid
Replies: 29
Views: 4183

Re: How to be a good parent to an introverted kid

I was the introverted older brother; you're post could have been about me. My parents tried to force me to be extroverted and it was miserable and I deeply resented it. It is exhausting and very stressful to be forced into social situations if one is introverted. FYI I'm not a parent.
by TX_Man
Mon Apr 17, 2017 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Leaving Edward Jones...where to start?
Replies: 4
Views: 1479

Re: Leaving Edward Jones...where to start?

Another defector! I left Edward Jones myself (my parents suggested it to me when I was just starting).

Transferring assets "in kind" means they get moved from company to company as is. Meaning mutual fund XYZ gets moved from Edward Jones to Vanguard without selling it, meaning no dealing with capital gains/losses. Start by determining which company you want to use (Vanguard, Charles Schwab, Fidelity, etc), and let them know you want to move your assets to them. It is a simple process. Generally there is a small transfer fee from the company you are leaving.

Life insurance is another thing entirely and I have no idea how to go forward with that, or if life insurance policies can even be transferred.

Edit: Typos