Search found 1694 matches

by joebh
Mon Nov 07, 2016 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?
Replies: 17
Views: 5976

Re: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?

opus360 wrote:Question:
Once my employer healthcare coverage runs out in March 2017, I can go on ACA/Obamacare instead of COBRA under the "special enrollment" period for 2017. Is that accurate?
Yes, that is accurate.
by joebh
Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 27/m. Wanting to Quit My Job. Any Words of Wisdom?
Replies: 55
Views: 10464

Re: 27/m. Wanting to Quit My Job. Any Words of Wisdom?

I have a 33yr old sister who has spent the past 6yrs "trying to find her passion." She has a BS, and a pair of MS' from 3 world renowned universities and left a solid job working at Columbia University as an archivist because she didn't love it. Since, she's become a certified esthetician, gone to culinary school, tried to get into being a tattoo artist, and is now trying to get into "food styling". She's gone through so many "passions' now that I lost count, all of which she very quickly hated. She is now severely depressed, forced to live in my mother's basement, working at a bakery just to pay the minimums on her school loans, and nearly on the brink of bankruptcy. She could quit trying to find her passion, get ...
by joebh
Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?
Replies: 17
Views: 5976

Re: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?

susa wrote:From healthcare.gov

" ... If you decide not to take COBRA coverage, you can enroll in a Marketplace plan instead. ... "


https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage/
That particular ship has already sailed. The OP already chose to take COBRA coverage. See: "I am currently on cobra and am exploring options."
by joebh
Sun Nov 06, 2016 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?
Replies: 17
Views: 5976

Re: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?

======================================================================================= Firstname Lastname – You don't qualify for a tax credit because you told us that you can get qualifying coverage through a job, or that you’re enrolled in other coverage like Medicare or Medicaid. ======================================================================================= You don't have a job. And you aren't enrolled in other coverage like Medicate or Medicaid. I clearly stated during the sign up process that I am no longer employed, but indicated that I was currently covered by cobra, and was eligible for Cobra until 11/30/2017.. which is factual. So.. I remain confused.. it looks to me like the fact that I am "eligible" for Cobra...
by joebh
Sun Nov 06, 2016 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 27/m. Wanting to Quit My Job. Any Words of Wisdom?
Replies: 55
Views: 10464

Re: 27/m. Wanting to Quit My Job. Any Words of Wisdom?

EzM wrote:Any advice? I'm really considering quitting to take a sabbatical and just study for my final CFA exam next year. Potentially move to a different city or be closer to family. (I probably just need a therapist, right?...)
Take a vacation if you haven't had one recently. Clear your mind. Then think things through from a more relaxed perspective. Decide what you want. Then make a move.

Then, find your next job before you quit this one. Jumping from a paying job into financial pressure isn't good for you.

Study for your CFA exam in your free time. Don't take a sabbatical from work.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which state to move for milder weather
Replies: 118
Views: 21292

Re: Which state to move for milder weather

States are pretty big places, so your requirements don't narrow things down much.

Southern California has milder weather than Michigan. San Diego is very, very nice.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MacBook Air/ Chromebook
Replies: 37
Views: 7111

Re: MacBook Air/ Chromebook

harrychan wrote:I would stick with macbook. At bestbuy, they frequently have $100 off as long as you buy with a .edu e-mail address.
The cheapest MacBook at Best Buy is around $900. Even with $100 off that price simply isn't competitive with a ChromeBook.
Unless you come up with a reason other than "$100 off", this isn't a very compelling argument.

The decision between the two basically comes down to:
- do you have some technical reason that Apple products are preferable? (that would be very rare for a non-technical person)
- how much more are you willing to pay for the name "Apple" attached to your consumer product?
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 5:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?
Replies: 99
Views: 18661

Re: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?

MindBogler wrote:Election "uncertainty" is nothing more than an excuse for emotional behavior, volatility and profit taking.
I don't think I understand your point.
Are you saying that widespread emotional behavior, volatility and profit taking don't move markets?
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MacBook Air/ Chromebook
Replies: 37
Views: 7111

Re: MacBook Air/ Chromebook

FrugalInvestor wrote:but specialty products like tax software will not run on a Chromebook.
Unless you use an online version of tax software.

Just like word processors, spreadsheets, email, etc - there is no need for locally-installed tax software these days except for a very few cases.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?
Replies: 99
Views: 18661

Re: Post-election market trend?

iceport wrote:
joebh wrote:I know we don't market time here. And I know predictions are basically worthless.

But does anyone have an idea of where the market might head post-election?
If I were a timer and a predictor, what should I do post-election?

If I had to bet, I'd say that the market will get a nice post-election bump in the range of 3-5% pretty much immediately, with low volatility for a few months, due to the removal of some major uncertainty.
Ha! Removal of uncertainty? Doesn't that depend dramatically on how the election is resolved? Can you not envision an outcome that produces exploding uncertainty?
No.

For good or for very bad, I think it will be very clear where the country is headed once the election is concluded.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?
Replies: 17
Views: 5976

Re: 2017 ACA subsidies not available if elgible for Cobra?

I am currently on cobra and am exploring options. I went to the ACA site and input my information, and it appears that since I am "elgible" for cobra.. I am not elgible for any subsidy in 2017 even though my income will be much smaller in 2017 and would qualify for ACA subsidy based on 2017 income. After retiring in July, 2015, I stayed on COBRA for the second half of 2015, then signed up for ACA for 2016 during open enrollment. I got a significant subsidy. As far as I can tell your ability to choose COBRA instead has no impact on a potential ACA subsidy (at least in my state). To gain the subsidy, you may have to "prove" that your 2017 income will be significantly less than your 2016 income. It wasn't that hard to do i...
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 1:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?
Replies: 99
Views: 18661

Post-election market trend?

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek]

I know we don't market time here. And I know predictions are basically worthless.

But does anyone have an idea of where the market might head post-election?
If I were a timer and a predictor, what should I do post-election?

If I had to bet, I'd say that the market will get a nice post-election bump in the range of 3-5% pretty much immediately, with low volatility for a few months, due to the removal of some major uncertainty.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security While Working at Age 70
Replies: 16
Views: 4052

Re: Social Security While Working at Age 70

Zott wrote:I doubt that the SS Administration would allow someone age 70 to "defer"--they're legally required to pay.
It's not about "allowing" you to defer. You must file for them.
If you don't file for your benefits you simply won't get them. The Social Security Administration will not just start sending you a check once you reach your 70th birthday.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security While Working at Age 70
Replies: 16
Views: 4052

Re: Social Security While Working at Age 70

BachemFan wrote:I understand that social security benefits reach their maximum when one reaches age 70. Is there any reason why she should not begin receiving social security?
There is no reason for anyone to defer collecting social security benefits beyond the age of 70. Benefits will not increase by deferring.
It would just be throwing money away.
by joebh
Sat Nov 05, 2016 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MacBook Air/ Chromebook
Replies: 37
Views: 7111

Re: MacBook Air/ Chromebook

LuigiLikesPizza wrote:She is not a sophisticated user (FWIW) - email, surfing, documents, Facebook, annual tax software....
She can easily do all of that on a Chromebook for far less.
by joebh
Thu Nov 03, 2016 8:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?
Replies: 99
Views: 18661

Re: Slipping last few days- time to buy now or wait until after 11/8?

mj11711 wrote:Is it likely to go up or down at that point?
It could indeed go up or down. Or it could stay the same.

Don't time the market. If you have funds you want to invest and you feel the market will go up over the long run (as it always has), get the funds working for you now.
by joebh
Wed Nov 02, 2016 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: e-mail agent
Replies: 19
Views: 3968

Re: e-mail agent

I use gmail.

Haven't used an email agent in many, many years.
by joebh
Wed Nov 02, 2016 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Question for the Retired
Replies: 27
Views: 6122

Re: Personal Finance Question for the Retired

It often occurs to me that there's a certain amount of money that I fail to save or earn just due to the sheer fact that I am still working an often demanding full time job and have to carefully consider the value of my time in picking up any "side hustles" or how much time I want to devote to saving relatively small sums on consumable items (for example). I often see people ask the question here as whether the retired end up spending more in retirement due to the unexpected, but conversely, I am curious as to whether any of the retired here have found that their spending was lower than expected - for the reason cited above? (i.e. they find themselves with more time to pursue savings or side earnings, presumably a worthwhile use ...
by joebh
Tue Nov 01, 2016 1:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Paid off home. View as bond or cash in AA if you plan to sell in retirement?
Replies: 32
Views: 5576

Re: Paid off home. View as bond or cash in AA if you plan to sell in retirement?

lostdog wrote:If you own your home and plan to sell it when you retire, do you view it as a bond/cash in your asset allocation?
For planning purposes, you could consider it a one-time lump sum cash infusion to your portfolio planned for the date in your future when you sell it.
Why hold bonds if I own my home and I plan to sell at retirement? My home is 30% of my networth.
Because you have no idea what it will be worth once you get around to selling it.
by joebh
Sun Oct 30, 2016 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling old house. What to do with the $$s?
Replies: 12
Views: 3849

Re: Selling old house. What to do with the $$s?

tamudude wrote:So here is my question;
I am obviously going to put enough to get to 80% LTV so I can avoid PMI and escrow. Per my calcs that would be around $45k of the $250k. Any advice from fellow bogleheads as to what I should do with the rest?
a. Pay off car
b. Put $xxx/all in new home mortgage
c. Put it in kids 529
d. Increase emergency fund to 12 months
e. ???

Regards
tamudude
c. Put some in kids 529
d. Increase emergency fund to 24 months
e. Taxable investments
f. Make sure you have enough life (and other) insurance
by joebh
Sun Oct 30, 2016 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In
Replies: 24
Views: 9684

Re: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In

just frank wrote:IF you want to save energy or be green, roughly in order of importance:
1) Drive an efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
0) Don't own a vehicle.
by joebh
Sun Oct 30, 2016 6:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Better deal? [Comparing different mortgages]
Replies: 8
Views: 2087

Re: Better deal? [Comparing different mortgages]

These are the rates I received. How does one determine which one is the better deal since they are different lengths? 30-yrs @ 3.500% - 20-yrs @ 3.375% - 15-yrs @ 2.750% - Depends on what you will do with the extra money you retain each month from the longer term loans. E.g., if you need it for food and shelter, then you pretty much have to take the longer term. If you think you would invest the difference, then it depends what investment return you assume. E.g., between the 30 year and 20 year, if you get 3.82% or higher on your investment then the 30 year is better. Between the 30 year and 10 year you need 4.48% or higher for the 30 year to be better. Finally, between the 20 year and 15 year, if you get 5.73% or higher on your investment...
by joebh
Sun Oct 30, 2016 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In
Replies: 24
Views: 9684

Re: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In

Chip wrote:I checked a few of ours a while ago using my Kill A Watt meter. There was no current draw when the phone was not plugged in. There was also no draw when the phones reached a fully charged state. Both of those results surprised me.
Most likely your meter isn't sensitive enough.
by joebh
Sun Oct 30, 2016 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In
Replies: 24
Views: 9684

Re: Leaving Phone Chargers Plugged In

They do use electricity when left plugged in.
But not very much.

See: http://www.howtogeek.com/231886/tested- ... sing-them/
by joebh
Sat Oct 29, 2016 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grocery Stores Employing Customers
Replies: 59
Views: 9533

Re: Grocery Stores Employing Customers

at our huge Kroger, we have about 20 lanes, usually 1 or 2 are actually open, and at least 3-4 people are in line at each one, each waiting their turn to be guilted into bagging because no one else is there to do it. If you are patient enough and insistent enough you won't be guilted into bagging. It's your choice. When I want to bag my own groceries, I do. When I don't want to, I wait until a bagger comes over or the cashier does it. And if you can't manage to load your groceries into your car, you can always ask for help. All grocery stores will send someone to do it for you, but not unless you ask. In my part of the country, Roche Brothers Supermarket baggers always accompany you to your car. I suspect many parts of the country have gro...
by joebh
Sat Oct 29, 2016 6:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Doesn't the DOL Understan the Term "Fiduciary"?
Replies: 21
Views: 4406

Re: Why Doesn't the DOL Understan the Term "Fiduciary"?

MN Finance wrote:it's frequently clear to me that it's not the DOL who doesn't understand the meaning of fiduciary, but rather the posters here (not that I disagree with the outrage of certain practices, but outrage does not equate to a failure of fiduciary duty.)
Amen to that.

There are a lot of confused people here. Certainly that has a lot to do with the anti-advisor leaning of the forum. But some folks seem to comment on things they clearly don't understand.
by joebh
Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Doesn't the DOL Understan the Term "Fiduciary"?
Replies: 21
Views: 4406

Re: Why Doesn't the DOL Understan the Term "Fiduciary"?

dbr wrote:no investor can afford to pay what even a competent fiduciary advisor needs to charge to stay in business.
Huh? That makes no sense.
Plenty of investors can and do afford the fees charged by competent fiduciary advisors.
by joebh
Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nanny Tax?
Replies: 26
Views: 7242

Re: Nanny Tax?

auggiedoggies wrote:Wife and I have an in home nanny that we have hired. We are in MN, and I have no idea how to pay taxes on her.
Yikes. You did things in exactly the wrong order.

Hire a CPA right away. For a few hours of work, a good CPA should be able to get you educated and set up correctly.

You are an employer now. Employers are supposed to be able to deal with the appropriate taxes. This isn't something you want to mess around with.
by joebh
Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Realistic to get annual 10%?
Replies: 38
Views: 7092

Re: Realistic to get annual 10%?

raymondctchow wrote:I know everyone expects to have only 7-8% return annually but it would be nice to have a 10% gain.
A 10% gain would be nice. A 50% gain would be better.
But past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The fund also did very well in bad times in 2008.
-34.60% is "did very well"?
by joebh
Fri Oct 28, 2016 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting Job to Start a Business
Replies: 51
Views: 11570

Re: Quitting Job to Start a Business

I don't have a ton of money saved and other sources of income I can live off of. I'll be saving as much as possible over the next several months, but my friend and I will both be relying on paying ourselves from the business. We do expect margins to be high - it's the wedding industry after all. Based on our initial research I don't think it's unreasonable for us to both be able to live comfortable off the income while still growing, even in the first year. Expecting to be able to live off a startup's business income is risky. You should try to have that thought independently verified by someone with no stake in your game (not you, your partner, the other investor, or anyone else related to you). Perhaps SCORE could be of help in reviewing...
by joebh
Thu Oct 27, 2016 7:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A new tilt to consider - ALL CAPS
Replies: 35
Views: 6771

Re: A new tilt to consider - ALL CAPS

I THINK THIS IS FASCINATING!
by joebh
Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help! "native_proxy.exe" What is it and what to do?
Replies: 9
Views: 4079

Re: Help! "native_proxy.exe" What is it and what to do?

spammagnet wrote:Note that the message cited refers to native_proxy.exe while Google searches result in information about nativeproxy.exe. The version with the underscore may be malware disguised as legitimate software.
Search with quotes around the term.
Like this:

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22native_proxy.exe%22
by joebh
Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will the market go up or down after the election?
Replies: 24
Views: 4494

Re: Will the market go up or down after the election?

mfswatz9 wrote:Do Bogleheads think the market will go up or down after the November election regardless of the presidential nominee or will it be based on one candidate or the other?
It might go up or down. It could stay the same.
by joebh
Tue Oct 25, 2016 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a laptop and printer
Replies: 16
Views: 3256

Re: Recommend a laptop and printer

83 year old dad needs a new laptop and wireless printer. Wants a 17 inch screen. Uses computer principally for email, checking investments, etc. Thinking we'd pick up something at Best Buy. Recommendations please ..... I recommend bringing Dad with you to Best Buy. The two most important things on a laptop are Screen and Keyboard. And both are rather subjective. Have Dad try a few out and see what he prefers. I've been very happy with my Dell laptops. Also, if Dad had an old laptop, he may or may not want to upgrade to Windows 10. And if he's willing to learn a slightly new interface, and make do with a beautiful but smaller screen, I strongly recommend a Chromebook. My wife isn't technical at all, and she loves her Chromebook much more th...
by joebh
Tue Oct 25, 2016 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help! "native_proxy.exe" What is it and what to do?
Replies: 9
Views: 4079

Re: Help! "native_proxy.exe" What is it and what to do?

Erwin wrote:Suddently about a month ago I began getting the following message "native_proxy.exe"
Does anyone know what it is; and what to do about it? I searched the internet and followed some suggestions without luck.
Is that the entirety of the message you see?

Try this (perhaps in a different browser): https://www.google.com/#q=what+is+native_proxy.exe
by joebh
Mon Oct 24, 2016 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: At Fault in Auto Accident - Insurance Complications?
Replies: 16
Views: 2354

Re: At Fault in Auto Accident - Insurance Complications?

Did you call the police to the scene of the accident?
Do you have a copy of their police report?
by joebh
Sun Oct 23, 2016 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Planner - Spouse has no interest in investments
Replies: 43
Views: 7194

Re: Financial Planner - Spouse has no interest in investments

I've been unhappy with the $700K move. Returns are lower (no surprise there), fund management fees are needlessly high, and it bugs the heck out of me to spend $7,000 in fees on something that I've been doing okay on for 30 years. But I just don't know how to approach this differently with any level of comfort. My spouse agrees there is a certain value in going to the financial planner if something happens to me in order to discuss SS strategy, taxes, medicare, etc., but also knows I'm unhappy and is willing to figure out another approach. Spreadsheets, work sessions, financial books, etc just isn't going to happen. If the whole point of the $700k move was to provide financial advice for your wife in case of your passing, then consider the...
by joebh
Wed Oct 19, 2016 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Loan Not Being Repaid
Replies: 41
Views: 6275

Re: Loan Not Being Repaid

markbco wrote:The agreement is with company but includes a personal guarantee. What are my options if he doesn’t start making payments? Collection agency? Lawyer? Etc? Thanks!
It depends on the written loan agreement.
Have your lawyer go over the document and suggest a course of action.

Yes, you could use a collection agency.
You could go after company assets.
You could also go after his personal assets.

Most likely your lawyer will draft a letter first.
by joebh
Wed Oct 19, 2016 7:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The riskiness of home ownership
Replies: 239
Views: 26786

Re: The riskiness of home ownership

topofthebellcurve wrote:Similarly, I'll probably just lease cars -- would rather "burn" $5,000/yr in lease payments and know I can optimize to my needs every 3 years. Isn't the average cost of car ownership like $8k/yr anyway?
Do your car needs change that rapidly?
by joebh
Tue Oct 18, 2016 6:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The riskiness of home ownership
Replies: 239
Views: 26786

Re: The riskiness of home ownership

Long story short, it is indeed the case that the range of costs is usually greater for home ownership than for renting: you can make a lot or lose a lot. On average, buying is the better decision for the price range of houses I'm looking at, but the potential downside is a bit daunting. Reinforces my inclination to buy something cheap. I don't have any particular questions here - just wondering if y'all have any input, or think that I'm going about this the wrong way. Would be happy to talk about the model a bit more. Making a lot shouldn't be the goal of housing. Choose housing that is right for the lifestyle you and your family need/want, without becoming house poor. If you are considering your home purchase decision as an investment, yo...
by joebh
Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hold on or Sell, help!
Replies: 21
Views: 2581

Re: Hold on or Sell, help!

I'm torn because I'm hearing advice from "just leave and start over" to "Are you crazy? don't sell your house", without much detail to support the "advice". The thought of being here for 13 more years struggling to keep it doesn't sound fun, but the idea of starting new in an apartment appeals to me though I know when I'm ready to get a house again I may regret not holding onto my childhood home. Not sure which venture is the best and would like as much detail to make an informed decision. Sell. If this weren't your childhood home, would you purchase the house now even if you couldn't actually afford it without 4 roommates? Hopefully not. Start anew with your own apartment. Find something that you can afford. ...
by joebh
Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money lessons for a 3 year old
Replies: 46
Views: 5371

Re: Money lessons for a 3 year old

ThankYouJack wrote:My 3 year old is in a "I want that" phase and most of the stuff is small but I was thinking it could be a good time to teach her some basics of money. She has a piggy bank with about $35 in it. I'm also thinking about giving her an allowance. Maybe her age in dollars each week. She does basic chores but I have read and agree that kids shouldn't get money for chores.

I just plan on keeping things simple because I don't want her obsessing over money, but any tips from others who have been in a similar situation?
3 years old is far too young for an allowance and even basic money lessons.

Instead, teach her that she can't always get what she wants. That's a better lesson to learn anyway.
by joebh
Mon Oct 17, 2016 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinancing After 1 Year
Replies: 39
Views: 5092

Re: Refinancing After 1 Year

kerplunk wrote:What am I missing here? Is this somehow going to cost me more money long-term?

Other than my mortgage essentially turning into a 31-year mortgage, I can't think of any reason I shouldn't proceed.
Considering only these 2 alternatives, there is no downside to going with the refinancing.
However, you aren't necessarily limited to this one company. Shop around for an even better rate before you make up your mind.
by joebh
Thu Oct 13, 2016 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why is college savings compared to retirement?
Replies: 62
Views: 7175

Re: Why is college savings compared to retirement?

miamivice wrote:Can someone explain why saving for college is always compared to saving for retirement?
Because for many people, they don't have the income to fully do both at the same time.
by joebh
Thu Oct 13, 2016 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would my take-home pay increase if I switch from Roth 401(k) to Traditional?
Replies: 4
Views: 1222

Re: Would my take-home pay increase if I switch from Roth 401(k) to Traditional?

njfastlife wrote:if i flip that to 16% Traditional, my taxable income comes down and my take-home comes up?
That is correct.
by joebh
Thu Oct 13, 2016 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Market Timing in a Unique Situation
Replies: 11
Views: 2530

Re: Market Timing in a Unique Situation

teacher wrote:I don't know; perhaps timing even in this situation is a fool's errand.
With such a short time remaining, I think worrying about market timing is a mistake.

Do the math, and see if Roth conversion makes sense or not. Then do it or don't do it. But if you try to "time" the market, you'll run out of "time".
by joebh
Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Not For Profit Idea [Financial Literacy]
Replies: 15
Views: 2400

Re: Not For Profit Idea

I would like to help others to understand the financial options they have available before making a decision instead of simply taking the solution that is proposed by a financial institution or adviser. Has anyone thought about this financial literacy problem and what is the best way to fix it? I commend you on this thought! I have thought about this problem. I haven't found a "best way" to fix it, but I do believe education is always a positive. A few thoughts: - If you are looking to operate at a very local level, have you considered the Adult Education program in your community? At least where I live, they are always seeking proposals for new seminars and courses. I could easily imagine what you could offer becoming very popul...
by joebh
Wed Oct 12, 2016 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Not For Profit Idea [Financial Literacy]
Replies: 15
Views: 2400

Re: Not For Profit Idea

flyingbison wrote:Several research studies have found that financial education has little to no effect on financial decisions/behaviors.
Can you post links to some of those studies?