Search found 4418 matches

by greg24
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Embracing Principles [during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?]
Replies: 43
Views: 3959

Re: Embracing Principles Amidst Bitcoin and Nvidia's Surge?

I embrace Total Stock Market principles, and that is how I own a nice chunk of Nvidia.

But I'm pretty sure TSM doesn't hold Bitcoin.
by greg24
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process
Replies: 21
Views: 1532

Re: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process

We have had SF auto insurance for 20 years. We have had a few accident claims and they were always handled well. I mostly felt like this was due to good people in the local office, but the organization seems to set them up for success as well.

Four years ago, we were rear ended and our car was totaled. We were worried that we were going to receive a low offer, and scrambled looking for comparisons. We received what appeared to be a fair offer, cashed the check, and went on with life.
by greg24
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
Replies: 30
Views: 2541

Re: Feeling stuck with the mortgage

I honestly don't see how you are stuck. The value increased, and your profit will offset the money you've invested in the house. You don't appear to be regretting a loss, you appear to be regretting not profiting as much as you could have profited. You mention that you can't even rent a small apartment for your current mortgage payment. You aren't stuck, you're fortunate that you purchased it when you did.

Perhaps your life changes will help you decide that you want to move. But your mortgage isn't dragging you down at all. It is a huge point in your favor.
by greg24
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Am I okay spending on wants?
Replies: 13
Views: 1722

Re: Am I okay spending on wants?

TarHeel2002 wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:02 pm Kids are middle school and younger.
Maximize the time and fun with those kids while you can!! Soon enough, they may not be too keen on hanging out with Mom and Dad.

:sharebeer
by greg24
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure
Replies: 63
Views: 4444

Re: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure

Self-insuring doesn't sound like a good idea. There is probably a reason you haven't had any responses from others doing it.

I would:

* Shop around
* Limit your coverage to the lowest amount possible
* Raise your deductible as high as they allow
by greg24
Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The empire strikes back…or at least attempts to [Passive investing]
Replies: 26
Views: 4129

Re: The empire strikes back…or at least attempts to

If indexing is inefficient, then active managers should easily outperform. This is the moment they've been waiting for!!!
by greg24
Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which pizza shop should I invest in?
Replies: 19
Views: 1464

Re: Which pizza shop should I invest in?

thatbrian wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:51 pm Flour, water and canned tomatoes. . . Pizza is one of the most profitable food businesses.
I think I found who wants to open a pizza shop.
by greg24
Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which pizza shop should I invest in?
Replies: 19
Views: 1464

Re: Which pizza shop should I invest in?

Frankly, this seems like trolling. Both brothers simultaneously want to open a "pizza shop"? And they both need $1M? And they both want exactly $100k from you for 10% ownership? What a strange coincidence of timing and funding.
by greg24
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12040

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

diy60 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:02 amThe one that took the longest was from one of big name timeshares (I won't name it).
Please name them. I don't know why you would protect their reputation.
by greg24
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Over Time Plan
Replies: 12
Views: 1140

Re: Pay Over Time Plan

InvestDaily wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:49 pm effort is just clicking on a button.
If you always stay on top of your money, you will have to monitor this payment stream, and it will contribute mental stress. Maybe a very small bit of stress and concern, but it will be there.

I like to simplify my financial life, and there is zero chance I would do this scheme.
by greg24
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4357

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

If the roommate is writing ALL papers with ChatGPT, I don't see how she hasn't been caught yet. Pretty much every B10 university is using TurnItIn. It may just be a matter of time.
by greg24
Thu Feb 22, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE vs Loving your work
Replies: 101
Views: 8367

Re: FIRE vs Loving your work

Many of those who choose to work when they have the funds to retire have a career that offers them high compensation, autonomy, power, respect, or some combination of those factors. It is easy to keep going when you have a nice job that treats you well.
by greg24
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does the stock market go down after some bad news?
Replies: 35
Views: 3075

Re: Why does the stock market go down after some bad news?

In the short run, the market is a voting machine but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.
by greg24
Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10082

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

eigenperson wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:22 am In the year 2000, there were approximately 9.4 million refrigerators sold in the US, according to https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=3030; that is, 8.98% of households purchased a refrigerator. In the year 2022, the most recent for which I can find data, there were approximately 12 million refrigerators sold; that is, 9.24% of households purchased a refrigerator. This is only a 3% increase, despite the fact that more households now have two refrigerators. Thus, the gross sales data does not support the idea that refrigerators fail significantly more frequently than they did in 2000.
Thank you for some solid data!!! :sharebeer
by greg24
Wed Feb 21, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10082

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/th ... g-e5fb205b

The article is interesting. It claims that the lifespan is shrinking, but then only has anecdotal stories of issues.

Buying more simple and straight-forward appliances has treated us well. No problems so far.
by greg24
Fri Feb 16, 2024 9:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA-CREF funds to be re-named "Nuveen"; some TC funds will have SALES LOADS?
Replies: 50
Views: 6095

Re: TIAA-CREF funds to be re-named "Nuveen"; some TC funds will have SALES LOADS?

Thank you for the history lesson! Interesting to find out that Nuveen is older.
:sharebeer
by greg24
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with Taxes and Owing More than I Can Afford
Replies: 36
Views: 3164

Re: Help with Taxes and Owing More than I Can Afford

You mention that you have another 401k account, but you already have a loan against that account.

The number one lesson you should learn is to stop using your 401k accounts for anything other than retirement. Stop taking the money out. Stop finding reasons why that money should be taken out.
by greg24
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Enroll in employer supplemental life?
Replies: 10
Views: 957

Re: Enroll in employer supplemental life?

40 and 38 with a NW of $3.5M.

I'd be more likely to get rid of life insurance, rather than seek out more.
by greg24
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA-CREF funds to be re-named "Nuveen"; some TC funds will have SALES LOADS?
Replies: 50
Views: 6095

Re: TIAA-CREF funds to be re-named "Nuveen"; some TC funds will have SALES LOADS?

Some super smart guys in suits have decided to ditch the 100+ year old name that is known to millions of people, to name their product after what sounds like a 1970s suppository.
by greg24
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parent requesting to have assets transferred out of their name
Replies: 46
Views: 3526

Re: Parent requesting to have assets transferred out of their name

If the mother is seeking to avoid stress, calling the authorities to arrest a family member for elder abuse might not be the best solution.
by greg24
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Einhorn: Value is not working
Replies: 116
Views: 11368

Re: Einhorn: Value is not working

If passive investors are blindly ignoring the value in value, then value should outperform in the long run.

This guy is a whiner.
by greg24
Wed Feb 07, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to identify a bad buy trade
Replies: 26
Views: 1755

Re: How to identify a bad buy trade

If you're going to day trade, it is a bad trade.
by greg24
Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Emergency minivan replacement
Replies: 29
Views: 2874

Re: Emergency minivan replacement

I’m kicking myself and slightly embarrassed for flying too close to the sun not having more cash on hand. Now I am trying to not make the situation worse. Coming to terms with 6.5% interest rates, reduced savings rate, and a slog digging out. Note we haven’t had a car payment for 9 years and we are not car people. I don't think you should feel bad about this. We have been in similar situation, not really car people, we buy them as needed. We bought a car 19 years ago, and paid it off in less than 3 years. We bought a car 14 years ago, and paid it off in less than 3 years. Bought another 5 years ago, and paid it off in less than 3 years. We may be forced into buying a car soon, but I'm not really worrying about the finance terms. You've enj...
by greg24
Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: pay off second vehicle ? (high interest rate)
Replies: 25
Views: 1639

Re: pay off second vehicle ? (high interest rate)

I wouldn't worry too much about debt to income ratio. But I would pay off the 7.29% loan because it would hurt to pay an interest rate that high.
by greg24
Mon Jan 29, 2024 10:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA traditional tradeoff between higher current rate and higher minimum rate
Replies: 78
Views: 8045

Re: TIAA traditional tradeoff between higher current rate and higher minimum rate

Ouch, your funds are tied up at the worst vintages.

If you can move them out of Traditional into a money market or something, it may be a good idea.
by greg24
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA traditional tradeoff between higher current rate and higher minimum rate
Replies: 78
Views: 8045

Re: TIAA traditional tradeoff between higher current rate and higher minimum rate

How accurate is the 3.26% you are reporting? Are you using old data under the assumption it never changes? Or did you check the account recently?

This past March, you would have seen your rates rise. 3.26% seems low.
by greg24
Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Timing Month of Retirement
Replies: 33
Views: 2419

Re: Timing Month of Retirement

Work long enough to fill your Roth IRA and 401k.
by greg24
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 165421

Re: Another online scam

jgdsss wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:03 am Long story short, he was contacted via text message by someone unknown and somehow turned in to a “friendship”
:confused :confused :confused :confused
by greg24
Fri Jan 19, 2024 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell house on open market vs. to "investors?"
Replies: 32
Views: 2714

Re: Sell house on open market vs. to "investors?"

Open market. Investors can always bid on it then.
by greg24
Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to get rid of car
Replies: 50
Views: 4700

Re: How to get rid of car

I understand your dislike of car dealers. But the one benefit they offer is liquidity.

You can likely get rid of your car faster with a dealer than to donate it. Call Carvana and tell them you have a 2021 Toyota Corolla with ~10k miles that you want to sell to them, but it has a dead battery in your garage. They will have a truck there asap.
by greg24
Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Leave family temporarily for new job in Bay Area?
Replies: 88
Views: 8125

Re: Leave family temporarily for new job in Bay Area?

Do whatever it takes to stay together as a family unit, and treasure every. single. day. with your 14 month old. The other stuff works itself out.
by greg24
Thu Jan 18, 2024 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Resignation Letter
Replies: 70
Views: 6945

Re: Resignation Letter

LaramieWind wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 3:32 pm ACTION: should I give them the 60 day notice or is anything less up to 2 weeks adequate? Concerned that they may release me before I receive my bonus. Not saying they would but they could.
DO NOT GIVE NOTICE OR RETIRE until your bonus is safely in your bank account.

Give two weeks notice. Your boss doesn't want 60 days.
by greg24
Thu Jan 18, 2024 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Resignation Letter
Replies: 70
Views: 6945

Re: Resignation Letter

A couple work related threads started by the OP that give good context:

Does Threatening to Quit Work? viewtopic.php?p=7476987

Is This How The Workplace is Run Now? viewtopic.php?p=7509142
by greg24
Wed Jan 17, 2024 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?
Replies: 75
Views: 7042

Re: [Decision] Leave my job or wait to be let go?

Apply your perfectionism to your health, which is your most important asset. You have the funds to retire. Do you truly think retirement would help your health situation? If so, retire.

You mentioned that you don't have anything to retire to. Retire to a dedicated plan of improving your health. Spending your time making healthy choices, exercising, and avoiding stress.
by greg24
Wed Jan 17, 2024 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I stop the interviews with this company?
Replies: 41
Views: 4365

Re: Should I stop the interviews with this company?

If you're interested in the job, go to the interview. Feel free to ask that interviewer how many more interviews are planned or required.
by greg24
Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
Replies: 197
Views: 17953

Re: Tesla in Cold Weather

My 14 year old Prius is handling -15 temps without issue.
by greg24
Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you love outdoors/hiking, what do you do in the winter?
Replies: 62
Views: 5774

Re: If you love outdoors/hiking, what do you do in the winter?

Like others have said, I just put on gear and go out anyways.

With the recent -15 temps here, I have gone to Walmart or Menards for a nice brisk walk around the store a few times.
by greg24
Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To new car or not ...
Replies: 23
Views: 2888

Re: To new car or not ...

Money_Badger wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 12:56 amBut I don't and this would constrict our budget considerably.
This would be a huge NO from me. Wise car purchases are the most effective way to avoid financial stress in your life. A new car would be fun for a while, but you'd also be agreeing to ~48 months of painful finances.
by greg24
Sun Jan 14, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 9% cash discount (no check)
Replies: 71
Views: 8211

Re: 9% cash discount (no check)

LOL at the tax fraud, and those who shrug their shoulders about it. Honorable folk.
by greg24
Sat Jan 13, 2024 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A Sales Team's Ultimatum
Replies: 76
Views: 15206

Re: A Sales Team's Ultimatum

Of course salespeople can make more than the sales manager. One prominent example was when Dunder Mifflin was bought by Sabre.

:oops: :sharebeer
by greg24
Fri Jan 12, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Traditional 401k or Roth 401k??
Replies: 20
Views: 1489

Re: Traditional 401k or Roth 401k??

If you have a relatively low income, and 5 children as deductions, your taxable income is likely pretty darn low. A Roth may make sense.
by greg24
Wed Jan 10, 2024 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance or wait?
Replies: 29
Views: 2617

Re: Refinance or wait?

$35k is a huuuge fee to refinance. I wouldn't do it.
by greg24
Wed Jan 10, 2024 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice regarding CPA fees
Replies: 22
Views: 2495

Re: Advice regarding CPA fees

It sounds like you are paying $4k per year for someone to blindly input numbers into a tax software program. I would think for that rate, they would provide some added value. It seems very expensive to me. I would pay $4k if it was an expert who caught things and suggested good strategies.
by greg24
Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: cash into bonds - double digit returns ?
Replies: 17
Views: 2471

Re: cash into bonds - double digit returns ?

Sid1975 wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:49 am in 2023, 80% of analysts predicted recession
it’s the most predicted recession that did not happen
If the experts have been so wrong, why do you think you can project the market?

Pick an AA and stick with it. 2023 was absolutely great for equity returns.
by greg24
Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is only maxing out a 401k and IRA "enough"?
Replies: 55
Views: 8168

Re: Is only maxing out a 401k and IRA "enough"?

Yes, maxing out 401ks and your IRAs will put you well ahead of the game, and put you on course for an early retirement. 250k at your ages is a great start, just keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy life!

:sharebeer
by greg24
Sun Jan 07, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: make sense to have kid #3?
Replies: 77
Views: 19277

Re: make sense to have kid #3?

We happened to have two. I would gladly pay $400k to have also had #3.

:sharebeer
by greg24
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?
Replies: 60
Views: 8446

Re: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?

Our oldest qualified for some automatic scholarship offered by the school. But a contingency to these scholarships was to fill out the FAFSA. Some campuses require a completed FAFSA to qualify for work-study or on-campus jobs.

So you may find yourself more or less forced to fill it out. I've filled it out as quickly as possible and haven't lost any sleep over it.
by greg24
Tue Jan 02, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Jan 2024 TIAA GSRA rate?
Replies: 12
Views: 1005

Re: Jan 2024 TIAA GSRA rate?

They all dropped 75 bp