Search found 872 matches

by AZAttorney11
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What did you do today to increase your income? [Financial]
Replies: 64
Views: 4235

Re: What did you do today to increase your income?

Easy. I had a BD call with a prospective client that went well. I have an existing client in a bit of a jam and needs something at a slightly reduced fee for a one-off project. It’ll still be decent amount of revenue, but it builds goodwill into the future. Just as important, if not more important, I served my existing clients today as well as I possibly could have and will reflect on what I can do better tomorrow. It’s only Tuesday!
by AZAttorney11
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22585

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

I have no idea how this will play out, but I have a hard time believing it won't ultimately benefit buyers and sellers at the expense of real estate agents and the broader industry (and thank God for that). We'll see what the ultimate impact is, but the status quo is changing and I don't see anything that will empower, strengthen, or otherwise improve the bargaining position of the real estate sales industry.
by AZAttorney11
Tue Feb 27, 2024 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Salary (>$500,000) careers
Replies: 244
Views: 29136

Re: High Salary (>$500,000) careers

I'm under 40 (for now) and my total comp this year will be around $1 to $1.1 million. I crossed the $500,000 mark a few years ago. I did not go to a fancy university for undergrad or graduate school, and I went to public schools my entire life. I completed graduate school at the tail end of the GFC with just under $200,000 of student loan debt. That was fun... I work my ass off and I'm obsessed about my clients, their goals, and their outcomes. I mean obsessed. I'm smart enough on the IQ side, but I'm not uniquely talented or special in that regard. I do excel on the EQ side and at building and strengthening relationships, making myself available during early mornings, nights, weekends, and when I'm on vacation. I am regularly emailing or t...
by AZAttorney11
Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market
Replies: 16
Views: 1722

Re: Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market

Great input - I very much appreciate the folks who took time to respond. The MM Fund optimizer spreadsheet is helpful, too. Thanks!
by AZAttorney11
Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market
Replies: 16
Views: 1722

Re: Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market

Geologist wrote: Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:38 pm What do you mean by a Prime Money Market fund precisely? Traditionally, this means a money market fund that can invest in commercial paper.

As an example, Vanguard no longer has such a money market fund but other financial institutions do.
This table from Schwab illustrates the choices available to us: https://www.schwab.com/money-market-funds
by AZAttorney11
Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market
Replies: 16
Views: 1722

Moving from Prime Money Market to Municipal Money Market

We're firmly in the 37% federal income tax bracket, plus 2.5% state income tax, plus the 3.8% NIIT. I suspect we'll be in this tax bracket as long as I'm working, assuming continued great health and some good luck. We've got a significant cash reserve and are adding to it, recognizing the funds will be needed in 6-24 months. Is there any reason we should keep our cash reserves in a Prime Money Market fund instead of a Municipal Money Market fund? The effective after tax yield is higher on the Munis, which makes me think there must be credit risk to account for the roughly 60 basis points of extra yield on the Munis. We're not really looking to take much risk with this pile of cash. It's a substantial amount (to us), so the tax savings / avo...
by AZAttorney11
Thu Nov 02, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Layoffs (October 2023)
Replies: 81
Views: 15451

Re: Schwab Layoffs (October 2023)

anagram wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 7:23 pm
AZAttorney11 wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 6:28 pm The world is automating itself. Plan accordingly. Tough, tough news for those impacted. We're with Schwab and will continue to stay at Schwab.
How would you plan? I agree that automation is increasing however you still need infrastructure and customer service.
Save more, live below your means, continue to invest in your human capital by acquiring / strengthening skills, avoid a static mindset, etc.

Customer service will continue to be automated.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 01, 2023 6:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Layoffs (October 2023)
Replies: 81
Views: 15451

Re: Schwab Layoffs (October 2023)

The world is automating itself. Plan accordingly. Tough, tough news for those impacted. We're with Schwab and will continue to stay at Schwab.
by AZAttorney11
Thu Aug 10, 2023 9:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Things continue to slow down in Phoenix, at least certain parts. Here's one recent data point:

https://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/2915- ... /167625062

This home sold in February of 2022 for $1,400,000 and sold earlier this week for $1,200,000. This is a nice-ish area of the Valley, too.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

drk wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:08 pm This seems like a great list to provide to a local real estate agent. After two years of consideration, it seems unlikely that the Bogleheads will be able to square this circle.
That process has started.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

Glockenspiel wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:06 pm
AZAttorney11 wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 12:33 pm
- Within 10-15 minutes of a Whole Foods, or a similar type of grocery store

- A conservative, right-leaning community (NOT the Lauren Boebert type of conservative!)
These two things don't go together well. It will be very difficult to find a conservative right-leaning community near a Whole Foods.
Maybe in Denver! Easy to do in Phoenix / North Scottsdale area.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

quantAndHold wrote: Wed Aug 09, 2023 1:01 pm Where is the job located? Seriously. You have to answer that question to get useful replies.
Job is WFH, with a decent amount of travel.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Aug 09, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

This is still in play, and we've been able to do some more research. Plus, we have a new addition to the crew! My better half ideally wants the following: - Highly rated, elite public schools (this is the #1 priority) - we're willing to do private school, but we'd like to start with the idea that the kids can go K-12 in public school and that they'll be well prepared for college - We may not need 1/2 an acre, but we don't want a tiny lot, either - A neighborhood that is family friendly with young professionals - Within 10-15 minutes of a Whole Foods, or a similar type of grocery store - Within 30-35 minutes of Denver International Airport - A conservative, right-leaning community (NOT the Lauren Boebert type of conservative!) - We DON'T nee...
by AZAttorney11
Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is pool ownership worth it?
Replies: 120
Views: 11617

Re: Is pool ownership worth it?

Obviously very location dependent. In Phoenix, yes, absolutely a pool is worth it. Also depends on how your family views the backyard, weekend meals off the grill, followed by a night swim, etc.
by AZAttorney11
Sat Jun 17, 2023 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thinking of moving to Edward Jones
Replies: 147
Views: 16140

Re: Thinking of moving to Edward Jones

Go for it, OP. Please report back after 12 months and let us know what fees you were charged.
by AZAttorney11
Sun May 28, 2023 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 33 - 1.4M Net Worth Drifting From Boglehead Strategy
Replies: 179
Views: 22457

Re: 33 - 1.4M Net Worth Drifting From Boglehead Strategy

The "Boglehead" way has been applied to so many things outside of investing that I'm not sure what it means at this point. Some posters ascribe frugality to being a Boglehead - you know, it's anti-Boglehead to buy any type of vehicle that isn't a beige, hail-damaged Camry from the late 90s that has another 50,000 miles in it. OP, to be blunt, you're young, successful, and appear to have a strong work ethic and risk tolerance. But, as others have noted, you haven't worked through a recession, let alone a deep and prolonged one. You're also coming across too confident, potentially arrogant, and dismissive of some valid things others are saying. Be cognizant of your leverage, save like hell, and grind, grind, and grind. Great things ...
by AZAttorney11
Wed Apr 26, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Helping kids buy a home
Replies: 182
Views: 15295

Re: Helping kids buy a home

Jags4186 wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 7:01 am Lots of comments about being with the “Joneses”. I think that’s silly. In my town there are $900k homes and $500k homes some right next door to each other. Some of the $900k home owners might have had the exact same purchase profile as your kids 2 years ago. Except they got a $600k loan at 2.5% instead of 6.5%. Despite the increase in rates home values have remained resilient.
I don't know where you are, but the significant increase in interest rates has considerably cooled parts of the market in the Phoenix-metro area. We're seeing price cuts of 10-20% on homes priced above $1mm, including on some homes that sold 9-10 months ago and they still aren't under contract at meaningfully reduced prices.
by AZAttorney11
Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbors asked my spouse for money to cut down their trees
Replies: 259
Views: 28072

Re: Neighbors asked my spouse for money to cut down their trees

Tough situation. As others have said, I would NEVER ask a neighbor for help with this, but if asked, I would chip in something to preserve the peace. Why don't you ask the neighbor what they think is appropriate?

"We're happy to help a little, but the tree is in your yard. What do you think is fair?"
by AZAttorney11
Thu Nov 10, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tell me about living in Southlake, TX
Replies: 5
Views: 1463

Re: Tell me about living in Southlake, TX

Thank you both for your responses. I will check out city-data on Southlake - it looks like a promising resource.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tell me about living in Southlake, TX
Replies: 5
Views: 1463

Tell me about living in Southlake, TX

There's a potential career opportunity that would involve a move to Southlake, TX. I've searched the forum and found bits and pieces of info on D/FW and Southlake, but what is living in Southlake like these days? I'm somewhat familiar with the area, and have done plenty of "house stalking," but for those Bogleheads who live in Southlake or are very familiar with the area, I'd love to hear your comments on the pros and cons. I need close access to a major airport, so the proximity to D/FW is a huge plus. The Carroll Independent School District appears exceptional, and great schools are a must for the family. I'm aware of the political dynamics / leanings in Southlake and that's not an issue, so I'd like to avoid a discussion on tha...
by AZAttorney11
Mon Oct 10, 2022 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ways To Stay The Course?
Replies: 69
Views: 8767

Re: Ways To Stay The Course?

It's a lot easier when you're in the accumulation phase and have strong human capital.
by AZAttorney11
Mon Oct 10, 2022 6:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure Part II: The next journey
Replies: 14356
Views: 1988898

Re: HEDGEFUNDIE's excellent adventure Part II: The next journey

privatefarmer wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 3:57 pm Still here.
How's your portfolio holding up? You doing okay?
by AZAttorney11
Sat Oct 08, 2022 9:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Nyc10036 wrote: Sat Oct 08, 2022 4:32 pm
AZAttorney11 wrote: Sat Oct 08, 2022 3:51 pm Prices are definitely falling in the two markets our family follows - Phoenix metro and Dallas / Fort Worth. The mid to higher end stuff (e.g., north Scottsdale, Southlake, TX, etc.) is seeing a noticeable decline and lots of homes listed have price cuts.
Are the price cuts happening with new construction homes?
If not, why are so many people selling?
One data point, but there’s a massive new development in NE Phoenix in the Desert Ridge area. Pulte is one of the builders and they just announced price cuts plus incentives of up to $75,000 on a new home. Existing homes are also seeing price cuts.
by AZAttorney11
Sat Oct 08, 2022 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Prices are definitely falling in the two markets our family follows - Phoenix metro and Dallas / Fort Worth. The mid to higher end stuff (e.g., north Scottsdale, Southlake, TX, etc.) is seeing a noticeable decline and lots of homes listed have price cuts.
by AZAttorney11
Tue Jul 05, 2022 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

rockstar wrote: Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:33 pm Listings are going up here. It's definitely cooling.

https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ACTLISCOU4013
Yep, things are definitely cooling in Maricopa County. I'm curious where things will be in another year or two. Out of curiosity, I took a look at homes up north. Flagstaff home prices are cooling quite a bit. I'm guessing Flagstaff probably mirrors the Phoenix / Scottsdale market to some extent.
by AZAttorney11
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

Observations a/o today. 1. Market Specific Sales Palm Springs, CA: the under $1.5 mil. market has slowed considerably for the last 45 days. Houses that would have sold in 1 week are now still available. Surprisingly, the rest of the Coachella Valley remains fast moving under $1.0 mill. Central Coast: same as above. But inventory remains low. NE Scottsdale, AZ: Same as above, but the break-point for the fast movers vs. slower movers has shifted from 1.75 mil downward to 1.5 mil, maybe lower. Suspect interest rate impact. 2. STVR Activity Summer bookings have considerably, back to pre-COVID levels. Suspect more people are traveling further and wider. Bookings for fall and winter/spring 2023 remain strong. I follow homes in NE Scottsdale, Nor...
by AZAttorney11
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ray Dalio: Reducing inflation will come at great cost
Replies: 11
Views: 2241

Re: Ray Dalio: Reducing inflation will come at great cost

I feel for retirees and those who don't have a lot of upward momentum with their human capital for whatever reason(s). The best way to beat inflation is to be an accumulator with strong human capital where your real wages exceed inflation over time. Given the current job market, at least in the U.S., those knowledge workers who possess significant talent and / or expertise can call their shots and wages are far exceeding inflation.
by AZAttorney11
Wed Jun 15, 2022 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

I'd like to get comments on this thought: Most buyers don't actually care about the total amount of money borrowed to buy a house. They base everything off of the monthly payment they will accrue. With that logic, is it reasonable to expect prices to drop to keep mortgage payments inline? Houses don't get priced based on buyers affordability, they get priced by the market. Prices will come down if the best price the seller can get drops. We're still drastically under-supplied, and the recent rate increases may exacerbate that by stifling new construction and keeping people in their existing homes. Unlike 2008, we're not going to see much forced selling. On the other hand, maybe the investor frenzy will die down. Generally, it looks like th...
by AZAttorney11
Thu Jun 02, 2022 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why credit cards with points?
Replies: 103
Views: 11595

Re: Why credit cards with points?

We've gone back and forth with points vs. cash back. I don't know who these people are who are getting 2-3 cents per point with Marriott or Hilton, but we can't seem to make it work. The airline mile redemptions are horrible these days - regularly seeing $.007 per mile on AA and just under $.01 per mile with Delta. So we decided we'd do the Schwab Amex Platinum at 1.1 cents per point and redeem for cash to our brokerage account each month as our primary card. Not interested in carrying 10-12 cards and maximizing each and every purchase. Our biggest spending is airfare (work) so the 5x on the AmEx Platinum is great. We have some other cards for groceries and what not, but we've greatly simplified over the years.
by AZAttorney11
Thu May 05, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonds: What Are They Doing? Are They Doing Things?? Let's Find Out!
Replies: 2297
Views: 258009

Re: Bonds: What Are They Doing? Are They Doing Things?? Let's Find Out!

mrspock wrote: Thu May 05, 2022 5:05 pm Open question:
1. Why aren't bond holders demanding higher interest rates?

Discuss.
I'd say bond holders are absolutely demanding higher interest rates based on bond prices and yields over the past few months.
by AZAttorney11
Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

princetontiger wrote: Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:22 am Asset prices in countries correlate...

It's clear the housing market is cooling massively. Zillow/Redfin stock prices show this. It's only a matter of time before prices retreat and fall 10-20%.

Most asset prices are giving up covid-19 gains. Warren Buffett said it best in 2020: We're going to be in a world with MASSIVE DEBT overhang after all of this. Of course, he was initially proven wrong.
The P/E ratios of the publicly-traded home builder stocks (and their YTD performance) suggests the same.
by AZAttorney11
Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help constructing a "safer" 529 account
Replies: 58
Views: 6489

Re: 529s in a downturn

My thoughts are very similar. The upside potential of a 529 is too limited for most unless they live in a state with a high income tax and can deduct 529 contributions. The tax deductions have been good as we do live in a somewhat high income tax state. I think we got about $4000 in state tax deductions per kid over the course of funding the 529s. However, there is more value in the fact that we are paying for college with tax free gains from the 529. This money would otherwise have been saved in a taxable brokerage which, since we are in peak earnings years, would be taxed at 20% capital gains + 5% state tax + 3.8% NIIT. Almost 30%, so personally we would have paid just over $7000 in tax this year alone . Instead it is coming out of the 5...
by AZAttorney11
Mon Apr 18, 2022 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2923
Views: 521012

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

Dont want to sound pessimistic but RE price will come down. Rate is super high at 5 percent now and it will only go higher. Perhaps. I just saw this article that says otherwise, though: https://www.axios.com/why-homeowners-arent-selling-38301379-4379-456f-8cb9-d3c783cee01c.html I guess we’ll see how it turns out but as interest rates rise, supply could be negatively affected as a greater number of people become hesitant (or even unable) to leave behind their current low-interest loan. That seems very likely and will be regionally dependent. Can already see the effects on supply in some areas (Scottsdale and Nashville are just two that I am personally familiar with). I'm seeing things level off in north Scottsdale, north Phoenix, and Cave C...
by AZAttorney11
Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buyer's Remorse: Omega watch
Replies: 83
Views: 11862

Re: Buyer's Remorse: Omega watch

The rubber strap for the Seamaster is far, far nicer than what you might expect. The pictures also don't do it justice - it feels fantastic, is incredibly durable, high quality, and makes for a great sporty appearance. I also like the bracelet. They are easy enough to swap out if you're so inclined. Give the rubber strap a shot first. You can also upgrade the clasp, which I recommend.
by AZAttorney11
Mon Jan 24, 2022 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting home to a family member - tax concerns?
Replies: 14
Views: 2232

Re: Renting home to a family member - tax concerns?

Lots of really good advice and things to think about, especially from "Zeno" - thank you to everyone who posted. I'm in a much better position to have the conversation with the CPA.
by AZAttorney11
Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting home to a family member - tax concerns?
Replies: 14
Views: 2232

Renting home to a family member - tax concerns?

I've scheduled a meeting with a CPA to discuss the specifics, but I'm hoping some folks can help me identify the core issues and right questions to ask. At a high level, we anticipate moving (within a three-mile radius) in about two years. We love our current home, but we're outgrowing it and we've got another two, maybe three, years max. We don't want to sell the current home when we buy another - we don't need the equity for the down payment on the future home and our current home is in a fantastic location. We're quite bullish on this area over the next decade or two (but who knows what will happen). The current rental value would be $2,9000 to $3,000. Our mortgage payment is less than half of that (on a 15-year mortgage). We do have sub...
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 03, 2021 5:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm
Replies: 104
Views: 11956

Re: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm

I also don't understand the economics of house-flipping in non-bubbly markets. The cost of buy and sell is huge. That friction, alone, would seem to wipe out any easy profits. The economics of house flipping is that many buyers don't want to rehab the houses they buy to live in. They want a turn key home that they can just move into. A house needing alot of work often will be discounted by the market by more than the cost of a rehab because buyers don't want to take the risk and experience the hassle of doing the rehab. Rehabbers try to earn that spread. Also, most successful rehabbers are contractors. Even if they don't make much on the house flip, they are providing work to their own business. Even if the flip breaks even at their regula...
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 03, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm
Replies: 104
Views: 11956

Re: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm

Zillow has been extremely active in the Phoenix housing market. I have to think Zillow and their competitors are behind some of the huge run up in Phoenix home prices. Last I saw, Phoenix was up roughly 33% year over year. It's stupid (and not sustainable, in my opinion).

Zillow wasn't acting as a rational actor in many cases, apparently. Hopefully Zillow's exit allows the market to recalibrate with true supply and demand, not an outsized buyer gobbling up home after home. It's hard losing $550mm on housing in this climate...
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 03, 2021 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

Lots of very helpful feedback and suggestions. Thank you all!
by AZAttorney11
Wed Nov 03, 2021 9:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm
Replies: 104
Views: 11956

Re: Zillow Shutting Down Home-Buying Arm

This is tangental: I suspect that CARMAX and CARVANA will end up with a similar problem...buying a consumable item, pretty much sight unseen, and trying to resell for a profit. Yeah, it can work temporarily while the new car and parts supply chain is broken. But longer term, how can this model survive? I disagree. CarMax is almost never the highest bidder for a used vehicle. They offer convenience, but in exchange for a lower price than the seller could get by doing a private party transaction, or even a trade-in at some other dealerships. Zillow, however, was often offering the highest price for a home. CarMax and their competitors are far more sophisticated at acquiring inventory than Zillow. I also think CarMax has superior / more relia...
by AZAttorney11
Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Re: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

Thank you to everyone who has responded.

In terms of where I'll physically be working, a majority of my working days will be from a home office, followed by on a plane somewhere to meet clients, and probably three to four days a month near downtown Denver with colleagues. While I don't love a 30-45 minute commute one way to an office, the reality is that would only happen a handful of times a month (and some months might not happen at all). I'm more concerned with easy access to the airport than I am downtown. Hopefully that helps narrow down some of the suburbs and school districts being mentioned.
by AZAttorney11
Sun Oct 31, 2021 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver
Replies: 47
Views: 5050

Potential Relocation - Best Suburbs of Denver

We're exploring a possible move to the Denver area. We'd like something with elite public schools (elementary through high school), family friendly, and not to exceed $2mm purchase price. Something on half an acre or more would be nice.

Any thoughts on which areas of Denver might be good for us based on the above? Renting for a year or two wouldn't be an option, but living in Denver for a month or two over the summer to get a better feel for the area is.

Thanks!
by AZAttorney11
Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?
Replies: 113
Views: 12603

Re: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?

Carguy85 wrote: Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:41 pmif I only had not needlessly traded in one nearly new car/truck for another for many years just because I could.
Username checks out!
by AZAttorney11
Thu Oct 07, 2021 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?
Replies: 113
Views: 12603

Re: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?

Terrible idea, OP. Hard to think a couple in their early 30s without kids can be so sure that they've found their "forever" home. You've got anxiety over this purchase for a reason. What is it?
by AZAttorney11
Thu Oct 07, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonds are keeping up in 2021: why the fear
Replies: 56
Views: 12294

Re: Bonds are keeping up in 2021: why the fear

As of yesterday's close, Admiral shares of the TBM are down 1.64% for the year. Not necessarily doom and gloom, but let's point out the obvious - those posters who went to cash and got out of bonds (I'm not one of them) at the beginning of the year have more money than they would've by investing in TBM. That's the nominal return, too. The real return for TBM holders is likely in the negative 4-6% range for 2021. Ouch.
by AZAttorney11
Fri Sep 10, 2021 12:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedbugs at hotel. How would you handle?
Replies: 60
Views: 7175

Re: Bedbugs at hotel. How would you handle?

I’m very curious where you stayed in Scottsdale that’s a “fairly nice resort” for $200 a night, especially in this economy.
by AZAttorney11
Sat Sep 04, 2021 9:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Schwab & Co. jacks up mutual fund commissions 50% to $74.95 on retail investors to counter freeloading by Vangua
Replies: 132
Views: 21171

Re: Charles Schwab & Co. jacks up mutual fund commissions 50% to $74.95 on retail investors to counter freeloading by Va

The solution to this is quite simple - use Vanguard, Blackrock, or Schwab ETFs. Schwab's index mutual fund lineup is quite good and some have a lower expense ratio than Vanguard.

As another posted noted upthread, ETFs are substantially easier for firms to administer. The future of investing is fractional share ETFs, not mutual funds, in my opinion.
by AZAttorney11
Fri Sep 03, 2021 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard hold time 4 hours to open an account - any ideas?
Replies: 137
Views: 19641

Re: Vanguard hold time 4 hours to open an account - any ideas?

Try to sign up for PAS at .3% a year, plus an active fund or two at .4% a year, and I'm sure they'll get your new account fast tracked. Leave Vanguard and move to Schwab like we did. It's been one of our best financial decisions. How did it affect your finances? The Schwab platform and app, plus their ability to offer an online chat feature and 24/7 customer support (in addition to physical offices close to us), made Mrs.AZAttorney11 far more comfortable taking a more active role in our finances. She has the type of career where calling and waiting on the phone isn't really practical Monday - Friday. Schwab also has great literature (although they just stopped the print edition of their magazine) and easy to follow guides online that expla...
by AZAttorney11
Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard hold time 4 hours to open an account - any ideas?
Replies: 137
Views: 19641

Re: Vanguard hold time 4 hours to open an account - any ideas?

Try to sign up for PAS at .3% a year, plus an active fund or two at .4% a year, and I'm sure they'll get your new account fast tracked.

Leave Vanguard and move to Schwab like we did. It's been one of our best financial decisions.
by AZAttorney11
Sun Aug 29, 2021 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AZ, West Side Real Estate SFH
Replies: 10
Views: 1297

Re: AZ, West Side Real Estate SFH

Do you have to live in the West Valley? What about Desert Ridge?