Search found 642 matches

by sharpjm
Mon Nov 06, 2017 10:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Hit 15% YTD today. Still 70/20/10 stock/bond/TREA. 64%US/36% international stock
by sharpjm
Tue Oct 03, 2017 2:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

13% @ 70/30
by sharpjm
Sun Oct 01, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

CSR- daily card. can't beat it for mileage accumulation. got the 100k signup bonus last year and found business award savers to europe this summer on United for 56k each leg. Regular price for the ticket was around $8k. I love that the yearly travel bonus is automatic. Amex Platinum- Centurion access is a key perk for me. Many different strategies for the $200 airline specific credit. Came with the 40k bonus which I haven't used. We also use Uber quite a bit so that perk is nice. (If you are an uber user don't forget to turn on Visa local awards in the app!) Amex SPG- daily card for DW. We like the Starwood properties including the new Design hotels. Wow, thats a lot of annual fee to swallow. Even after all of the credits you're looking at...
by sharpjm
Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VG using outsourcing to call me & I'm not happy
Replies: 76
Views: 10198

Re: VG using outsourcing to call me & I'm not happy

This was almost certainly phishing (or whatever the phone version is called).

Its quite easy to fake a phone number. How the scammer knew about your Vanguard accounts is probably the most disturbing part.
by sharpjm
Thu Sep 21, 2017 5:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe: Vanguard Debunks Dividend Myth
Replies: 112
Views: 16704

Re: Larry Swedroe: Vanguard Debunks Dividend Myth

I just want to say kudos to those in this thread who have persisted in trying to explain the dividend paying fallacy that many seem to believe. I explicitly stated that all things being equal, current U.S. law favors returning capital to shareholders in the form of capital accumulation instead of dividends. Don't look for disagreements when there are none. Your post said nothing about share buyback. The only thing stated explicitly was this: "Surely it's better for some companies to pay dividends, because they have no opportunity for deploying that capital at good rates of growth" which implies that you either weren't aware or hadn't considered share buyback as a form of capital appreciation. I think the response was relevant and ...
by sharpjm
Thu Sep 21, 2017 8:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum
Replies: 62
Views: 6203

Re: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum

Doc wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2017 12:13 pmSince the Harvey highs gas prices dropped some 30 cents in general and by as much as 50 cents on some corners. (And we also have low gas taxes. :D )
jhfenton wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2017 2:57 pm It's the same in Cincinnati. It jumped after Harvey, but we are back to--and in some cases below--pre-Harvey prices. My neighborhood stations are $2.24 (Mobil/BP/Sunoco), which is roughly the median price, but I filled up at $2.07/gal (Mobil) in another neighborhood.
Glad to hear these stories. We're still around $2.4/gallon, ~40 cents above pre-Harvey prices here in TX. Hopefully will return to normal soon.
by sharpjm
Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum
Replies: 62
Views: 6203

Re: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum

Doc wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:41 am I did buy (refined) oil yesterday which is down sharply in the recent few weeks. About a 1/2 barrel at $92 a barrel.
Where are you located? US gas prices have not dropped sharply in the past few weeks. In fact, quite the opposite due to refinery issues related to Harvey.

http://www.gasbuddy.com/Charts
by sharpjm
Wed Sep 20, 2017 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum
Replies: 62
Views: 6203

Re: Oil - Price & Supply/Demand Conundrum

Doc wrote: Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:18 am To be profitable in the US the price of crude needs to be above about $50 a barrel.
That simply isn't true. Current oil prices are at inflation adjusted norms. The only new variable is fracking, which has a cost that is being reduced every year by newer, better, more efficient techniques.
by sharpjm
Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New BOA Premium Rewards Card
Replies: 29
Views: 2842

Re: New BOA Premium Rewards Card

Ethelred wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:31 pm
FrugalProfessor wrote: Tue Sep 19, 2017 12:04 pmLook at the "Earn more cash back as a Preferred Rewards client" portion of the first link.
I believe the sign-up bonus for the Travel Rewards card also works this way.
The sign up bonus will not be affected by any preferred rewards status. You will get 50k points regardless. Only the points earned from spending are affected by preferred rewards.
by sharpjm
Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Wall Street Journal to close Google loophole entirely
Replies: 169
Views: 42447

Re: The Wall Street Journal to close Google loophole entirely

4th and Inches wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:58 am It appears that the Facebook loophole has been closed. Is this the case for anybody else?
Yes, facebook loop is closed for me from multiple IPs :(

I noticed it 2-3 days ago.
by sharpjm
Tue Aug 29, 2017 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ICE, hybrid, Phev, electric for short trips
Replies: 37
Views: 3912

Re: ICE, hybrid, Phev, electric for short trips

There are some plug in hybrids that have a range of something like 50 miles without needing to run the ICE. Those are designed for short commutes like you describe.

Both normal hybrids and ICE vehicles are quite bad at the scenario you describe.
by sharpjm
Wed Aug 23, 2017 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

The main difference between Personal and Business Plats is that the Business Plat is $450 AF and doesn't include the monthly Uber credits. It also does not get 5x on airlines and amextravel. However, it has a unique perk that allows for 35% of your points back when redeemed for flights on your chosen airline - which must be the same airline that the $200 credit will count toward. For example, if you find a $1000 flight, it will cost you 100k points, but you will receive 35k points back as part of this benefit. The flight must be booked through amextravel to redeem the points like this. The cash cost may or may not be similar to booking directly with the airline. And the value of points may be more or less than if you were to transfer the p...
by sharpjm
Wed Aug 23, 2017 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Most would recommend applying for the 100k Amex Plat offer rather than the 60k offer, but that offer can be hard to get. I got an invitation to apply for the Amex Business Platinum Card. I can't really grasp how attractive the card would be, though on the face of things it looks good: 100k with $5,000 min spend in first 3 months and an extra 50k with $10,000 min spend in that same period. $450 AF Appreciate input on how the Amex Business Platinum compares to the Amex Platinum. I am only starting to grasp what the personal card offers, based on reading BH posts. From what I gather, they seem comparable but the Business comes with a larger sign-up bonus for a comparable (I think) AF. But, maybe that's too simple. Also, while I got a Chase In...
by sharpjm
Wed Aug 23, 2017 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Most would recommend applying for the 100k Amex Plat offer rather than the 60k offer, but that offer can be hard to get. One other interesting thing you can do - add authorized gold card users at no cost (up to 99 users) - the gold card users can all get a GE/Precheck reimbursement. So its a great way to get the whole family through security faster. Unless of course your family consists of more than 99 people :D I don't see the GE / Precheck reimbursement anywhere associated with the Gold card. :confused If it was, I would jump on this card immediately. It is not part of the normal gold card benefits. When you add an Authorized user to the Platinum card, you can choose between Platinum or Gold. The platinum AU cards have an AF of $175 or s...
by sharpjm
Wed Aug 23, 2017 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Most would recommend applying for the 100k Amex Plat offer rather than the 60k offer, but that offer can be hard to get.

One other interesting thing you can do - add authorized gold card users at no cost (up to 99 users) - the gold card users can all get a GE/Precheck reimbursement. So its a great way to get the whole family through security faster. Unless of course your family consists of more than 99 people :D
by sharpjm
Tue Aug 22, 2017 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Jobs that pay over $100,000
Replies: 157
Views: 24857

Re: Jobs that pay over $100,000

Hallman wrote: Sat Aug 19, 2017 12:50 pm"Average intelligence is not sufficient to become an engineer." Only takes 1 to disprove this. I have been tested and have average IQ. I am an engineer.
No, that is called an outlier. Did you take statistics to get your engineering degree? :P

I agree with other in that your view is extremely skewed. The average high school student would not make it through engineering. Ask any math or science teacher and they will tell you that. However, I do think an average IQ student with above average motivation/drive could very easily be a successful engineer.
by sharpjm
Tue Aug 15, 2017 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is $9000 too much for a sectional sofa ?
Replies: 130
Views: 18623

Re: Is $9000 too much for a sectional sofa ?

I like to go by the net worth / 500 rule for sofas. So if your NW is => 4.5mil, then no $9k is just right.
by sharpjm
Mon Aug 14, 2017 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: advice for new hi-income house hunters, south Texas
Replies: 9
Views: 1441

Re: advice for new hi-income house hunters, south Texas

I'm sure other cities are no different, but there are drastically different home values depending on what part of the city you are looking. And there are currently some parts of the city where home prices are extremely inflated because landlords have sucked up all of the 3/2 homes to rent out. The military presence definitely makes renting viable in SA, but in my opinion the only way you'll come out ahead is if you can jump on a forclosure with cash as soon as it hits the market or before it makes it to market. I have a co-worker who doesn't even look at homes on the market - he says if it makes it to market, it is too late and the price will be inflated. [edit] after typing all of this I realize you're just looking to buy. In that case, ju...
by sharpjm
Thu Aug 03, 2017 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best "investment tip" I have gotten from Bogleheads
Replies: 58
Views: 15272

Re: Best "investment tip" I have gotten from Bogleheads

I have 2 questions for folks who own one:

1) Aren't there cheaper alternatives to this product? I believe $50 7-in-1 devices exist with the exact same program options.

2) How often do you use all the different versions of the product? To me, it seems like almost all the recipes mentioned could just be made in a crock pot.

I ask because I am interested in one, but I feel like they are getting a bit overhyped. Someone made a smartphone app and attached it to a crock pot - OK, what if I don't care about that aspect of it?
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats
Replies: 135
Views: 41698

Re: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats

I have a 2014 Accord LX and the seat is mildly uncomfortable. Less comfortable than my 2001 Civic was. I am 28 years old, fit and have no preexisting back problems. In my case, it's the lack of lumbar support in the LX model, which I knew when I was buying the car. A lumbar pillow solves the problem, but it took buying more than one to find the one that worked for me. The touring edition that the OP claims to have has lumbar adjustments. And again I encourage anyone who experiences back discomfort in a new car with a wide array of seat adjustments to visit a chiropractor. Thanks...I spent 2 weeks fiddling with all of the adjustments and looking at ergonomic articles and videos. I won't let anyone else touch the drivers seat due to how much...
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats
Replies: 135
Views: 41698

Re: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats

simplextableau wrote:I have a 2014 Accord LX and the seat is mildly uncomfortable. Less comfortable than my 2001 Civic was. I am 28 years old, fit and have no preexisting back problems. In my case, it's the lack of lumbar support in the LX model, which I knew when I was buying the car. A lumbar pillow solves the problem, but it took buying more than one to find the one that worked for me.
The touring edition that the OP claims to have has lumbar adjustments. And again I encourage anyone who experiences back discomfort in a new car with a wide array of seat adjustments to visit a chiropractor.
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats
Replies: 135
Views: 41698

Re: "10 Savvy Ways You Can Spot Fake Reviews"

Bogleheads: First time Boglehead posters bashing a non-financial product may be real but good investors are skeptical. This article will help spot impostors: 10 Savvy Ways You Can Spot Fake Reviews Best wishes. Taylor +1. The original post reads (to me) as very overly dramatic and has so many cliche comments it is beyond obvious. I can't imagine a fit, in-shape person with no prior back problem history having back problems in any vehicle with so many seat adjustment controls. Seriously??? I find this judgmental and offensive!!! One of the primary reason I did not join Bogleheads before was due to how much outright judging I have seen on some of the threads. I have read the investing forums for years. I was upset in the OP as potentially lo...
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats
Replies: 135
Views: 41698

Re: "10 Savvy Ways You Can Spot Fake Reviews"

Taylor Larimore wrote:Bogleheads:

First time Boglehead posters bashing a non-financial product may be real but good investors are skeptical. This article will help spot impostors:

10 Savvy Ways You Can Spot Fake Reviews

Best wishes.
Taylor
+1. The original post reads (to me) as very overly dramatic and has so many cliche comments it is beyond obvious. I can't imagine a fit, in-shape person with no prior back problem history having back problems in any vehicle with so many seat adjustment controls.
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats
Replies: 135
Views: 41698

Re: Need Options - Honda Accord Incredibly Uncomfortable Seats

Suggest visiting a chiropractor... or simply using one of the many adjustable seat functions to fix your problem.
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account
Replies: 108
Views: 28386

Re: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account

gvsucavie03 wrote:
Nthomas wrote:For those who used Schwab - was it the brokerage or checking account you transferred from?
Brokerage
Same here. Schwab is really good about coding as direct deposit with many banks' checking accounts.
by sharpjm
Mon Jul 24, 2017 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
Replies: 146
Views: 19555

Re: Is Amazon Prime worth it?

I don't have any argument against the folks who value prime video and other services as part of prime. Personally I think they are not worth anything, but to each their own. What I take issue with is people saying they get value out of free shipping... how many sub $25 orders are you placing each year to make use of this free shipping? If it was marketed accurately - "Free shipping on orders under $25" I think fewer people would drink the koolaid. The rest of us get free shipping at amazon without paying an annual fee by simply waiting to order until our cart has $25 in it. Likewise Jet, Walmart, Target, etc all give free shipping. And if you are placing so many sub $25 orders, how is amazon actually saving you any time? Free shi...
by sharpjm
Mon Jul 24, 2017 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
Replies: 146
Views: 19555

Re: Is Amazon Prime worth it?

I don't have any argument against the folks who value prime video and other services as part of prime. Personally I think they are not worth anything, but to each their own. What I take issue with is people saying they get value out of free shipping... how many sub $25 orders are you placing each year to make use of this free shipping? If it was marketed accurately - "Free shipping on orders under $25" I think fewer people would drink the koolaid. The rest of us get free shipping at amazon without paying an annual fee by simply waiting to order until our cart has $25 in it. Likewise Jet, Walmart, Target, etc all give free shipping. And if you are placing so many sub $25 orders, how is amazon actually saving you any time?
by sharpjm
Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?
Replies: 169
Views: 26515

Re: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?

No mention of the egregious increase of your human footprint with all that packaging for each and every order? The gas I save more than makes up for the oil that gets turned into polyethylene for the air-filled bags. And, the cardboard is all recyclable. Not to mention the fact that making the stuff sequesters carbon, which is supposed to be a good thing. If my car lasts 2 or 3 years longer because I don't drive all over looking for stuff, and I save gas not doing it, that seems to balance the cardboard. Of course I have no idea of the impact of shipping air from one place to another in the little bags... On the other hand, most local shopping can be combined with other trips, only adding a couple miles per stop for most of us. The product...
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: simplicity vs chasing bonuses
Replies: 29
Views: 3939

Re: simplicity vs chasing bonuses

Do you not use a spreadsheet to keep track of everything? Put everything into a spreadsheet and update it once a week. If you are getting this stressed while already utilizing a simple method to track everything then yea I guess you should stop. I do it because I think it is fun and interesting. The moment I stopped finding it fun and interesting would be the moment I stopped.
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

CodeMaster wrote:ya 2% fees wont work... are you able to get the money back with the gift of college somehow or do you have to use it on college? im not a fan of college since i dropped out
No, unfortunately the GoC method has to go student loans or 529. I'm not aware of any way to cash out of 529 without penalty.
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Thanks! Thats freaking genius lol Is there anything else we can buy like that to max out rewards? I recalled long time ago people would max out by buying ibonds but now they charge a fee to purchase via credit card so thats over... just wondering if there was any other ways to get more rewards ? :sharebeer You can purchase a "Gift of College" gift card (it has a similar fee to Visa/Amex) which can be used to directly pay an existing student loan or can be used to contribute to a 529 plan. This is a new program but I believe they are available at many Toys R Us but can also be purchased online. https://www.aboutchet.com/tools/gift/index2.shtml You can pay taxes online for a hefty fee of around 2%. Not many cases where this is prof...
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?
Replies: 169
Views: 26515

Re: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?

Take with grain of salt, but it is true that prime day deals mostly suck. You have to look really hard to get a good deal or be online at just the right time before a good deal sells out.

https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinanc ... h=de02e3f8
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel Credit Card
Replies: 19
Views: 2611

Re: Hotel Credit Card

Look at the cities you want to visit and find out what hotels you would want to stay at. Find the common denominator and go with that rewards program. Virtually every hotel rewards card will be a good value to you if you dedicate all stays to that hotel chain. Many cards will give you a free nights stay certificate to offset the fee - IHG, Hyatt, Marriott. Many cards will give you automatic upgraded status. If you're only going to be staying 3-4 nights per year, the best bang for your buck will be one of the cards that will give you a free night certificate each year. If I had to recommend a single one based on your post, it would be the IHG card. You get status, free night each year, it has the lowest AF, and they have a really great quart...
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Im sorry if someone already asked this, but I was read your post about how you use these cards to purchase gift cards to use. Thats a great idea but was wondering doesnt the GC charge additional few percentage on top evening it out? It depends on what type of gift cards you're purchasing. If you're buying a prepaid Visa or Amex card, there will be additional charges to redeem it. However, if you're purchasing gift cards for a particular store, there shouldn't be a redemption fee. I suggest checking with the store in question to see what their gift card policy is. Sometimes gift cards can expire, other times they don't. Visa / Amex don't charge to redeem, they charge at the time of purchase. There are no fees after purchase. I don't know of...
by sharpjm
Fri Jul 21, 2017 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turned 44...performance against forecast
Replies: 25
Views: 4689

Re: Turned 44...performance against forecast

investingdad wrote: - at 30, our net was 249k
- I was assuming an 8% portfolio return
- I forecast a net of 1.2 million at 44
- I forecast a net of 2.9 million at 54
Congrats on the achievement. It seems early retirement is an option for you.

May I ask if you exceeded the forecast due to higher contributions or better market returns? Obviously we can't see your exact calculations but the forecast seems low to me unless you had planned on limited contributions or only had a single 401k/403b available. Just maxing two employer plans would get you almost 500k in contributions in 14 years, even factoring in the past lower contribution limits. Maybe my intuitive thinking is just broken after watching a 10 year bull market.
by sharpjm
Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery Life - 2008 Toyota Hybrid Camry
Replies: 39
Views: 18235

Re: Battery Life - 2008 Toyota Hybrid Camry

jharkin wrote:
ulvazell wrote:
DaftInvestor wrote: With mostly highway the mileage on the non-hybrid mileage increases and you come out ahead without the hybrid. (I know - not about savings - you are saving the environment).
Hah! Google "lithium mines" and let's talk about "saving the environment"...
Every technology has its cost. While you are obsessing over the impact of lithium mines you should also google "Alberta Tar Sands"
And "Oklahoma earthquakes"
by sharpjm
Wed Jul 19, 2017 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account
Replies: 108
Views: 28386

Re: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account

MikeZ wrote:Opened on 6/19.

$250 from Ally and $250 from my employer DD 6/30. No Bonus
Additional DD of $250 from employer on 7/14. No Bonus.

I never did activate my debit card.

I'm debating sending them a vague message asking.
I would wait it out. Some have had to wait up to 10 business days to receive bonus.
by sharpjm
Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account
Replies: 108
Views: 28386

Re: Capital One $400 bonus for new checking account

This was a strange one for me. I opened this account with the promo code for me and my wife on 6/28 (not targeted; we are in CA). On 7/6, I made two $251 transfers to both accounts from my Ally account. On 7/9, I made two $251 transfer to both accounts from my CU account $400 was posted to my account on 7/11, but I am still waiting for the bonus on my wife’s account even though it followed the same timeline. Maybe going via paycheck DD would help, but I get a feeling that she's not going to get the bonus if they haven't triggered it yet. That's odd. Perhaps the fine print had limitations like "one bonus per address" ?? Otherwise that is very odd. I did 2x Schwab ACH pushes and got this bonus. $400 is the best I've done aside from...
by sharpjm
Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

I am hoping someone here can provide some advise on this: My wife and I (with an infant) want to fly to DC during thanksgiving (targeting 11/21 to 11/25 plus/minus one day). Our credit score is around 780. We both have Chase Freedom, Chase Amazon, Chase IHG, Capital One Quicksilver, and Citi Double Cash cards. We are under the 5/24 rule, so should be able to get more Chase cards. We are targeting economy (if possible, business) travel from Sacramento (or SFO) to DC (Dulles, Reagan, or BWI). We can spend around 3K per month with these cards and some MS. I am guessing United or Southwest points would work best for this but I am open to other suggestions. Thanks. Honestly you are probably too late to get good award flights at Thanksgiving on ...
by sharpjm
Wed Jul 19, 2017 6:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

10.4% YTD

70% stocks
18% bonds
12% TREA
by sharpjm
Mon Jul 17, 2017 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Da5id wrote:
kingmathers wrote: Final Thoughs -- Going to be getting the Discover card for rotating categories to get that extra 5%. Considering the Citi Double Cash to replace my Quicksilver for the extra .5%
That makes sense, but keep Quicksilver. That is both for credit rating (oldest card), but also because I believe it would be the only one of your cards without foreign transaction fees. You don't need to use it.
The amazon card has no FTF
by sharpjm
Sun Jul 16, 2017 6:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 403b Changes
Replies: 191
Views: 36453

Re: Vanguard 403b Changes

Because your points 4, 5, and 6 are incorrect...Don't make blanket statements about TIAA when your employer is at fault. This'll be my last reply to you because you're being intentionally dense. 1. All of the points I made are accurate. 2. All of my statements have come from the OCPS (FL) perspective and acknowledge the possibility of better TIAA offerings elsewhere. 3. My web site is from an OCPS (FL) perspective. Best of luck to you. Then I suggest when you link your website in a discussion and make blanket statements about TIAA you make it clear that your comments and dissatisfaction with plan options are a result of the employer plan and not TIAA. It is misleading to start the conversation about TIAA having fees when, in fact, the prob...
by sharpjm
Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 403b Changes
Replies: 191
Views: 36453

Re: Vanguard 403b Changes

4. The TIAA page itself begins with the text "We didn't choose TIAA because you can build the same wonderful portfolio with less expensive vendors." 5. Adding better funds won't help. If you read the page you'd know we have access to Vanguard's 500, extended market, developed markets, and total bond for 0.04%-0.08%. 6. If you read the page you'd know the real cost comes from the 0.58% TIAA charges you for the pleasure of having a TIAA 403b/457b account. So I don't understand why you think nuance is being hidden and I definitely don't understand why you have to be insulting by implying you don't take what we've done seriously. Have a good one. Because your points 4, 5, and 6 are incorrect. 4. You can build a less expensive fund wi...
by sharpjm
Sun Jul 16, 2017 7:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 403b Changes
Replies: 191
Views: 36453

Re: Vanguard 403b Changes

I wrote about TIAA at https://educatorsfightingforfairness.wordpress.com/inferior-ocps-403b-457b-plans/tiaa/ , they charge you 0.63% to build a 3 Fund Portfolio using Vanguard funds. It is even more expensive to build a 1 Fund Portfolio. Do you really want to make that trade? I certainly don't. Anybody thinking about moving to Fidelity is probably making a rational decision but the difference here in Florida isn't huge. I wrote about Fidelity at https://educatorsfightingforfairness.wordpress.com/floridas-best-403b-457b-vendors , they charge you about 0.06% and $24/year to build a 3 Fund Portfolio and as far as I know their 1 Fund Portfolio options are quite expensive. So sure, fight for lower fees, but show me where the grass is greener be...
by sharpjm
Sat Jul 15, 2017 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Drew777 wrote:For an all around cashback card you're better off with the Alliant Visa Signature card than a 2% cashback card if you spend more than $11,800 a year. It's 3% cashback on all purchases the first year and 2.5% after that. There is a $59 annual fee, but it's waived the first year.
+1 very under-rated card for those who wish to just grab a single card and forget about it. I think most folks can/do spend $1k a month to make it better than the benchmark 2% cards. Also has no FTF.
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 11, 2017 5:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AA Re-balance via selling Covered Calls
Replies: 1
Views: 518

AA Re-balance via selling Covered Calls

Has anyone considered this concept? I think the main requirement is that one must use very liquid ETFs with good option volume in order to make it work. Example: If the market is doing well, I am 85/15 and want to get back down to 80/20, what if I sell covered calls that would be covered by equities that account for 5% of my portfolio. If the market continues to do well, you get cashed out and you buy into bonds with the proceeds. If the market doesn't do well, the option expires but your AA still drops down to something closer to desired. In both cases, you pocket the proceeds from the options. I don't see much downside to this, but I'm thinking the upside is very, very small unless you end up selling calls way out of the money or selling ...
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 11, 2017 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Really disappointed I missed out on another $200+ and the CP from just the signup bonus though. Can't hurt to send a secure message to Chase asking to be matched to the 60K offer. I guess it couldn't hurt but I can't see them matching an offer that expired June 30th. Anyone ever have success getting matched to an expired offer? Yes, Chase is well known to match offers all the time. Easiest way is to send a secure message when you're logged in. I know Chase is well known to match a current publicly available offer for someone who applied for a lower previous offer within the last 90 days. I've never heard of Chase matching an offer that has already expired. Are you saying Chase is known to do that, as well? Yes. Typically for about 90 days ...
by sharpjm
Tue Jul 11, 2017 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1421988

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

SVT wrote:
TheRightKost87 wrote:
SVT wrote: Really disappointed I missed out on another $200+ and the CP from just the signup bonus though.
Can't hurt to send a secure message to Chase asking to be matched to the 60K offer.
I guess it couldn't hurt but I can't see them matching an offer that expired June 30th. Anyone ever have success getting matched to an expired offer?
Yes, Chase is well known to match offers all the time. Easiest way is to send a secure message when you're logged in.
by sharpjm
Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you keep a balance in your settlement fund?
Replies: 30
Views: 9637

Re: Do you keep a balance in your settlement fund?

I have $21 in my Roth IRA settlement fund from ETF dividends. It stays at or below $150 at all times. My main retirement account is 100% mutual funds so 0 in settlement fund.
by sharpjm
Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?
Replies: 169
Views: 26515

Re: Are you finding any good values at Amazon anymore?

multiham wrote:I do not shop at Walmart for personal reasons and love my experience with Amazon. I truly believe they are making all other retailers figure out how to give the consumer a better experience as most can't compete with them on price.
Couldn't. The word you are looking for is couldn't because this is past tense. 5 years ago the word was can't.