Search found 120 matches

by robolove
Mon Sep 14, 2020 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Life has thrown a curve ball: How to invest now?
Replies: 30
Views: 6133

Re: Life has thrown a curve ball: How to invest now?

I turn 40 this month. I have two children, ages 7 and 9. My 38 year old spouse passed away suddenly in March 2020, so while we are working through the emotional fallout of that, I am trying to be prudent and make the best decisions for myself and my kids. I would consider myself a novice investor, though I am learning a lot as quickly as possible. My kid is 9... I can't imagine... All the best! I'm a no for financial advisor. After getting Boglehead's Guide to Investing imported to my bookstore here in Japan over a decade ago, I've been on a 3 fund portfolio 80/20, ignored the noise, stayed the course...and happy. I don't even remember why or how I discovered that book, but so glad that I did. Only wish I started investing when I was in my...
by robolove
Fri Mar 13, 2020 2:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who is staying course and how are you dealing with net worth going down?
Replies: 359
Views: 33477

Re: Who is staying course and how are you dealing with net worth going down?

Staying the course. 3 fund portfolio. 80/20. Age 45.

I started to invest in 2009 after reading Boglehead`s Guide to Investing. As a late beginner, I questioned why am I even doing when my initial 9000 USD to open the three funds were incurring losses but just kept moving forward. I believe the past 11 years was a good experience so that I would not get rattled by recent events. It helps that I have an emergency fund.

Thank you to all the contributors in this forum because your posts over the years conditioned me to tune out the noise. :sharebeer

P.S. I hope that I`m singing the same tune 20 years from now.
by robolove
Sat Sep 08, 2018 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Go to Istanbul next week. Any suggestions
Replies: 50
Views: 5007

Re: Go to Istanbul next week. Any suggestions

Hire a local and private tour guide. Not expensive. My Hotel concierge hooked me up after..

I ditched the tour my package came with because
the group was too large... cattle...
by robolove
Sat Sep 08, 2018 5:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taylor's new book is #1
Replies: 31
Views: 7067

Re: Taylor's new book is #1

robolove wrote: Thu Sep 06, 2018 10:36 am I went for a 3-fund when I first became a BH ten years ago and surprisingly stayed the course..

So Just Purchased... thank you. My first (kindle) book for 2018 :mrgreen:
I wasn’t planning on buying the book since I had a three fund portfolio already... and the forum is dynamic..what else could I possibly learn that’s been repeated on here so many times.. but I’m glad that I did.... learning new things and refreshing to read. So many reference nuggets that are highlighted by other kindle readers already...

Also just realized that I’m one of the “Bogleheads Speak Out” in chapter 5. haha :sharebeer

Thank you Taylor, Mel and BH community!
by robolove
Thu Sep 06, 2018 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taylor's new book is #1
Replies: 31
Views: 7067

Re: Taylor's new book is #1

I went for a 3-fund when I first became a BH ten years ago and surprisingly stayed the course..

So Just Purchased... thank you. My first (kindle) book for 2018 :mrgreen:
by robolove
Thu Sep 06, 2018 10:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard - You'll need to sign up for security codes soon
Replies: 194
Views: 35800

Re: Vanguard - You'll need to sign up for security codes soon

(I live overseas)

I did what others suggested and added my sister’s phone number and was able to sign back in. However, down the road it would be a hassle due to the time zone difference

Just tested and signed up for a year with sonetel (dot) com. They gave me a u.s. number and I have it forwarded to my overseas number. However, to receive the 6 digit code only automated an automated call from Vanguard will work. Text will not.

so I disabled code on VG security settings in order to remove my sister’s number (primary) and signed up again with my own.
by robolove
Thu Sep 06, 2018 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I want to pry my friend away from Edward Jones
Replies: 71
Views: 9294

Re: I want to pry my friend away from Edward Jones

I persuaded my sister to consider leaving EJ st the end of July and gave her the BH guide to investing.

But her EJ Account manager continuously feeds her with B.S. to keep her from leaving... and asks for more money..

I told my sister that she and her husband need to research and decide for themselves and to leave me out...
by robolove
Thu Sep 06, 2018 5:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard - You'll need to sign up for security codes soon
Replies: 194
Views: 35800

Re: Vanguard - You'll need to sign up for security codes soon

I’m locked out and do not have a u.s phone number to receive txexts or calls -for these codes- from vanguard . Anybody in the same situation? What service are you using?

Cannot link google voice
by robolove
Wed Feb 14, 2018 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the most "interesting" job in corporate finance?
Replies: 30
Views: 5627

Re: What's the most "interesting" job in corporate finance?

MikeG62 wrote: Wed Nov 08, 2017 7:31 am Steps I'd recommend. I guess I would offer the following bits of advice:
<snip>
I’m not in finance...but good gems...thank you :beer
by robolove
Wed Feb 14, 2018 3:19 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Living abroad. Retirement savings options?
Replies: 45
Views: 7836

Re: Living abroad. Retirement savings options?

Living and working overseas with foreign income severely limits your options to contribute to retirement in the US. The exception being something such as the Fidelity Personal Retirement Annuity or the Vanguard Variable Annuity (both have index funds you can invest in): https://www.fidelity.com/annuities/FPRA-variable-annuity/overview https://investor.vanguard.com/annuity/variable Both allow US citizens working abroad being paid from a foreign entity to put money into a tax deferred variable annuity. Works much like an IRA, except contributions are not tax deductible and there are no required RMD's. Standard penalty on withdrawals before age 59 1/2. The Fidelity Personal Retirement Annuity is the vehicle we used to contribute to our retire...
by robolove
Tue Feb 06, 2018 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Life Balance of spending and saving
Replies: 54
Views: 6766

Re: Life Balance of spending and saving

My parent’s pool gave 3 kids a lot of great memories (and parties when they were out of town).

That pool has never been used again since we all moved out 15-20 years ago. It’s an eyesore and no idea if it is still useable.
by robolove
Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:57 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Living abroad. Retirement savings options?
Replies: 45
Views: 7836

Re: Living abroad. Retirement savings options?

Why not open a U.S. bank account with a relative’s address?
Karamatsu wrote: Sun Jan 31, 2016 7:04 pm In my case I take the FEIE and just forego the IRA contribution. This means that most of my investments are in a taxable account, with bonds in the IRA accounts that I have left-over from when I was in the US. Fortunately living abroad has benefits to compensate for US tax rules!
Same here.

Unfortunately, my bonds are in taxable...
by robolove
Mon Jan 22, 2018 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066202

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

FraggleRock wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2018 9:07 pm Paddington 2.
Made me happy.
My wife cried. *good grief*
by robolove
Mon Jan 15, 2018 10:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 24 year old with a little over a million looking for a stable income.
Replies: 15
Views: 3229

Re: 24 year old with a little over a million looking for a stable income.

andrew24p wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2018 8:58 pm I have a college degree and no debt, In general im not sure exactly what I want to do with my life so I was hoping to maybe live in a few countries for a little bit and see if I can, at the risk of sounding like dumb millennial, find myself and my interests.
Apply to become a commissioned officer for one of the branches in the U.S. Military.

or

https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/
by robolove
Mon Jan 01, 2018 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: wireless earbuds for exercise - airpods or ??
Replies: 28
Views: 3092

Re: wireless earbuds for exercise - airpods or ??

Erato RIO3 - garbage. Five pairs in six months.

Switched to the Bose soundsport free. Pricey. So far, so good.
by robolove
Mon Dec 25, 2017 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ? Can use 529 for foreign/overseas secondary school?
Replies: 2
Views: 726

Re: ? Can use 529 for foreign/overseas secondary school?

I sure hope so!

I’m fine with Japan Public schools, whereas, the boss (wife) is not...
deskjockey wrote: Mon Dec 25, 2017 9:01 am I would suspect the rules will significantly limit your ability to pay for a foreign private school (current rules only allow you to use 529 funds for foreign colleges that have a federal school code, about 100 or so). Bottom line, don't take money out until the dust settles later this year.
:annoyed Good to know. Thanks
by robolove
Wed Dec 20, 2017 3:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: US National Parks
Replies: 36
Views: 4371

Re: US National Parks

bubbadog wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 11:21 am I realize this is not probably what you had in mind and certainly not for everyone. If you really want to avoid the crowds in Yellowstone, what about a snowmobile trip in winter? I am leaving for West Yellowstone on 12/31 (flying into Bozeman, Montana) for a 4 day snowmobile trip. We are spending 2 days in the park and 2 days on our own in the adjacent national forest.

Just an idea :happy
That sounds like fun.

Is this a DIY or can you share the company’s uRL?
by robolove
Wed Dec 20, 2017 1:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Opportunity - Public vs Private
Replies: 21
Views: 2553

Re: Job Opportunity - Public vs Private

I would stay put and find a/or another hobby :wink: I`m in the private sector and considered a career in the Federal government because of the stability and benefits offered there. I turned down 2 x Government roles in the last three years. - First role was in Europe but a 25% pay drop. I used to live in Europe when I was single and always wanted to live there again with my family. The unit would pay for relocation, however, they would not pay for Basic Housing Allowance and something else (forgot) because I would be considered an overseas hire (Japan). I would have to rotate back to the U.S. in 3 to 5 years. I think I turned it down because I would not be able to save both for retirement and travel Europe with my family. I do not know if I...
by robolove
Wed Dec 20, 2017 12:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where do you read financial news?
Replies: 44
Views: 6618

Re: Where do you read financial news?

Taylor Larimore wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:21 pm In my opinion, once we develop and own a properly designed portfolio, "financial news" is likely to cause more harm than good because it tempts us to make changes in our "stay-the-course" portfolio.
Exactly why I do not read any financial news.

I come to this forum for news and to stay grounded
by robolove
Mon Dec 18, 2017 1:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: are made for iPod, iPhone, iPad accessories safe to use?
Replies: 8
Views: 1213

Re: are made for iPod, iPhone, iPad accessories safe to use?

I thought I had to replace my iPhone because it would not charge with my NEW third party lightning cable. Made an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar and found out that there is a little chip in the Apple chargers, whereas some of the third party chargers may or may not have this chip.
by robolove
Sun Dec 17, 2017 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066202

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Start Wars - The last Jedi.

Disappointed. I fell asleep for about 10 minutes.
by robolove
Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Teaching elementary school kids about money
Replies: 32
Views: 3008

Re: Teaching elementary school kids about money

I wanted to ask the same question :sharebeer
by robolove
Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan in summer
Replies: 25
Views: 3047

Re: Japan in summer

Summers are brutal. Not recommended.

Pay more and purchase the Green Car Rail pass. The Regular seats are very small and uncomfortable for Americans. ;)

Pack light. Plenty of shopping here.

Robot restaurant in Tokyo! (Skip the food option)
tigermilk wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2017 1:56 am Osaka as a base for Kyoto and Nara. We also spent a few nights in Hiroshima stopping at Himeji on the way.
Osaka as a base for Kyoto/Nara /Kobe/Hiroshima is a good tip.
by robolove
Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:50 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Global nomad advice/newbie alert
Replies: 24
Views: 3650

Re: Global nomad advice/newbie alert

[quote=hermano post_id=3639260
  • As the currency I will earn in is currently RMB and likely to change in the future, and I have no idea where I will retire, should I always convert my money into USD and only buy funds that are listed in USD?
[/quote]
Can only tell you what I do.

I’m 42, American, in Japan, no idea where I will retire . and convert JPY to USD. I though about IB but
decided to open a taxable account with Vanguard because I have a U.S. address and bank. I’ve had a 3 fund portfolio since 2009. I have a 529 for my seven year old.

Besides investing, save for an imminent exit or an emergency and keep your walking costs low. Sounds like you don’t have any children yet...
by robolove
Wed Nov 29, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Headphones for iPhone
Replies: 10
Views: 1631

Re: Headphones for iPhone

Erato RIO3. Wireless and great for the gym.
by robolove
Wed Nov 29, 2017 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Edward Jones trap
Replies: 91
Views: 17407

Edward Jones trap

My sister and her husband switched to Edward Jones and I want to persuade them to leave... her mother-in-law introduced EJ to them.

Anybody been in a similar situation and can share some advice? Should I just not even bother?

Sister said, “Since we've switched to Edward Jones, our returns have been really good. Like 15-22% good. I'm willing to pay 1.3% for better returns than I could've ever done on my own.“

We live in different countries. I plan to send them “boglehead’s guide to investing” for X-mas.
by robolove
Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Post your IPS [Investment Policy Statement]
Replies: 14
Views: 2954

Re: Post your IPS [Investment Policy Statement]

I copied Sunny`s (from the wiki) back in 2009. :P Actually this is the first time reviewing my IPS. Easy to remember. Investment Philosophy: "Buy-and-hold, long-term, all-market-index strategies, implemented at rock-bottom cost, are the surest of all routes to the accumulation of wealth" - John C. Bogle Asset Allocation: Maintain overall 80% stock + 20% bond. Assets should be diversified across major asset classes including domestic equity, international equity (50% of equities), conventional bonds of short to intermediate term. Funds & Accounts: Use low cost mutual funds - index funds preferably - which do not overlap and provide maximum diversification across asset classes. Try to assume only market risk as far as possible. ...
by robolove
Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Overseas, already in VTIVX: "3 Fund Portfolio" worth trying?
Replies: 49
Views: 5512

Re: Overseas, already in VTIVX: "3 Fund Portfolio" worth try

What a great thread. :sharebeer

I started investing around the same time Znarr did and after reading bpp/Karamatsu discuss NISA and taxes in different threads a while back, I considered opening a NISA. However, I`m going to refrain from opening one since some of the tax related comments here are not very comforting.

Ducky/Laura - thank you. I never thought about that!
by robolove
Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Offer Negotiation / Interview Snafu
Replies: 177
Views: 52793

Re: Job Offer Negotiation / Interview Snafu

REF: Salary Background checks.

What should I put down If I don`t want to disclose my current salary? Just give a range?

(For future reference. Great thread and advice btw!)
by robolove
Wed Mar 12, 2014 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College 529 plan Questions
Replies: 3
Views: 692

Re: College 529 plan Questions

arsenebould wrote:make my future child

4) Is it common for people to do what i am trying to do?
In addition to monetary gifts from our relatives, I earmark 100 USD of my monthly investment for my three year old. I started that when he was born and will continue to do that. We may roll it over to a 529 or something if we move back to the states or just give it him when the time is right. We just wanted to start something for him. :)
by robolove
Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do children become less expensive as they grow up?
Replies: 93
Views: 13186

Re: Do children become less expensive as they grow up?

After reading this thread, I will tell the wife, "No to a 2nd child." Thanks for the ammo!

But, I`ll probably lose...
by robolove
Thu Feb 27, 2014 10:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424173

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

abuss368 wrote:Glad to hear it. I could not help but note that you split the US and International equities 50% and 50%.
The split is like that because I currently reside in Tokyo and have no idea if I will return to the states or move to another country. Nor do I really know if splitting equities like that is good or bad. :D Actually, to keep it simple, I invest into equities that way since I am still accumulating or playing catch up. I just checked the portfolio analysis, in reality, I`m at 59% US and 41% international.

I have never sold anything to re-balance yet. Just pumping money into the funds to keep it 80/20. Since I`m 38, perhaps I should change increase the bond to 38%.. but I`ve been able to sleep fine the past five years.
by robolove
Wed Feb 26, 2014 11:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424173

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

Hi, Since 2009, I have stayed the course and ignored the noise with "The Three Fund Portfolio."

VFWAX Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund Admiral AA 40%
VBTLX Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares AA 20%
VTSAX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares AA 40%
(Automatically upgraded to Admiral by Vanguard)

Results so far: One happy bogle-bot. I`m so glad I joined this forum after reading your book.

Constantly being educated and Inspired by this community. Thank you!
-robolove
by robolove
Mon Apr 16, 2012 2:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: prosper.com
Replies: 13
Views: 3592

Re: prosper.com

KIVA?

One of their sponsors is giving 25 USD to first time lenders
by robolove
Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What was your Savings Rate in 2011?
Replies: 123
Views: 11040

Re: What was your Savings Rate in 2011?

Since I am not allowed to have any tax advantaged accounts. ex.. 401K, roth, etc.

22% of Net Pay
by robolove
Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sons first overseas trip would like suggestions
Replies: 34
Views: 2546

Re: Sons first overseas trip would like suggestions

Considering the exchange rate 800 USD for two nights/three days is not that bad.
Sunflower wrote:I would definitely go for the Amsterdam add-on. It may be pricey but we don't know what's included and you're only young once. It may be a once in a lifetime experience that he'll always cherish. Seriously worth the extra bucks.
:thumbsup :!:
by robolove
Fri Mar 16, 2012 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)
Replies: 16
Views: 2958

Re: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)

Why chose a U.S. bank over vanguard? Is Vanguard's upkeep more than a regular bank's? Well, you can transfer money from any institution in Japan to Vanguard directly. I opened a Credit Union Account with zero monthly fees so that dividends from Vanguard can be transferred there instead of being automatically reinvested. So, in addition to my own money, whenever I transferred money to my Vanguard account, I would include those dividends to rebalance my asset allocation Since I have family in the states, it`s cheaper for them to gift money for my son. Vice Versa. Also, It`s good to have some sort of presence in the states. Also, do you know if you're able to set up an IRA account easily from overseas? By IRA - If you mean 401K, Roth, etc. ht...
by robolove
Thu Mar 15, 2012 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)
Replies: 16
Views: 2958

Re: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)

"I've always wondered about using tax reporting software but was afraid that it wouldn't be able to handle complex situations such as having a NRA and me with some US income and then if I had investments and IRAs would it be able to properly calculate etc etc. Do you recommend it for all your needs?" My situation is not too complex, however, Turbotax saved me hours of work that I did not want to do. From reading the threads on the Turbo Tax Support Forum, there are plenty of US customers residing overseas with super complex situations. "According to Japanese tax laws, if you are a resident of over a few years than you are also liable to pay tax on overseas income (such as dividends). I think you can write it off on the Japan...
by robolove
Thu Mar 15, 2012 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)
Replies: 16
Views: 2958

Re: Help! Wanting to start investing (but from Japan)

Hi, I stayed on this course the past three years: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=51799 Happy too! Only changes since that post. * I file jointly now. (Turbo Tax is my friend) * Earmark % of this portfolio for my one year old. (Instead of opening a 529, etc.) * Before: Lump sum to Vanguard using http://www.golloyds.com/index/en * Now: Opened up a U.S. Bank Account over Thanksgiving and lump sum to this Bank Account using lloyds again. Transfer to Vanguard. The dividends are sent to checking. I used my parents address to open an account with Vanguard and changed it to my Japan address a few months later. Don`t think about it too much. Just start... ...without touching your "emergency fund." http://www.bogleheads.org...
by robolove
Fri Mar 09, 2012 1:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question on Rebalancing and New Money
Replies: 11
Views: 1676

Re: Question on Rebalancing and New Money

Yes, Thank you for that calculator!
by robolove
Fri Mar 09, 2012 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to allocate Cash Savings?
Replies: 2
Views: 547

Re: How to allocate Cash Savings?

Great question and answer. Thanks!
by robolove
Wed Feb 29, 2012 11:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to handle this job opportunity?
Replies: 17
Views: 1834

Re: How to handle this job opportunity?

I wouldn`t mention anything about salary requirements until you get a job offer.

The hiring manager might have the budget to meet your requirement.
by robolove
Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spending time in Europe
Replies: 38
Views: 4113

Re: Spending time in Europe

I lived in Mannheim for eight years. IMO, If you only have two weekends...

1) Berlin. (Mannheim to Berlin. ICE Train - The Fastest train. 4 hrs http://www.db.de )
XtremeSki2001 wrote: At the moment I'm set on Berlin for at least one weekend. The remaining options are reasonable travel times of 3 hours or less one way. Would love to get input from the BH community to assist me in making a decision!
Thanks in advance.

2) Barcelona. Two to three hour flight away from Dortmund. Sure, you have to add an hour or two... but Barcelona is definitely worth the additional time.

Don`t wing anything. Definitely create an itinerary.
by robolove
Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Website Builders/Hosts
Replies: 19
Views: 1758

Re: Website Builders/Hosts

http://www.ezgenerator.com/ (Same guys that created http://www.flstudio.com )

Free trial for either program.
by robolove
Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resource needed: Japanese Radiation Concern
Replies: 22
Views: 2710

Good grief. Tell him to read this thread again. I just contaminated it. ;)
by robolove
Mon Aug 29, 2011 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas for vacation [with 1-year old]
Replies: 67
Views: 9022

What about Hawaii or Mexico with a 1yr old?

Will we be too concerned with his well being to enjoy either destination?
by robolove
Thu May 19, 2011 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New pension plan (similar to 401k, except in JP)
Replies: 11
Views: 1671

Znarr wrote:My company has just initiated a pension plan for employees where we have the option of choosing which funds to invest in (apparently it’s akin to a Japanese 401k)
....
....
and though I can't read the fine details (the kanji is beyond me
In addition to gajins cold calling me, my company offered some sort of pension plan.

My wife is fluent, but, my gut feeling told me, "If I can`t read and comprehend something myself, don`t do it."
by robolove
Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Japan Fukushima nuclear plant] - are you buying iodine?
Replies: 880
Views: 145113

A love letter from my government. -------------------- From: TOKYO, ACS1 <TOKYOACS> Date: Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 1:53 PM Subject: Travel Alert - Japan April 14, 2011 To: "TOKYO, ACS1" <TOKYOACS> To ensure widest possible dissemination of this Travel Warning, the US Embassy in Tokyo is repeating the message below: Travel Alert United States Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 JAPAN April 14, 2011 This Travel Alert replaces the Travel Warning for Japan dated March 31, 2011. This Travel Alert expires on June 15, 2011. The assessment of technical and subject matter experts across United States Government agencies is that while the situation at the Fukushima Daiichi plant remains serious and dynamic, the h...
by robolove
Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice from those 60 yo and up!
Replies: 18
Views: 3616

If you were 30 years younger...

What kind of business would you start and run?
by robolove
Tue Jan 11, 2011 10:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best books to prepare for newborn
Replies: 14
Views: 2761

My newborn will be two months soon. Just when we are about to turn in for the night, he will start to cry non-stop for hours. No matter what we try or do to soothe him.. nothing works. My wife has to tell me to stop pulling out a book to reference. I`m getting a little better.. :lol: I don`t think any of the books can really prepare you for http://www.purplecrying.info/sections/index.php?sct=1& (check out the videos) Besides that, everything else has been managable. So far.. --- After my wife was released from the hospital, her mother stayed with us for one month. Although extremely helpful, at times, she drove us crazy. Grandmas` tend to think that what they did back in the 1800s with a newborn must be applied today and that the doctor...