Search found 169 matches

by cowboyinasia
Sun Sep 19, 2021 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First Family SUV for the budget conscious
Replies: 41
Views: 4443

Re: First Family SUV for the budget conscious

If you are actually budget conscious, you might ask yourself how (larger, on average in the past) American families ever got along with just lousy sedans and station wagons? Do you need a vehicle that makes five to ten times the profit for the maker? Does an SUV actually "protect your family", or is that just advertising puffery and internet "wisdom?" Will you feel ashamed to pick up your child in a thrifty four-door car? Those lousy sedans and wagons were bigger, inside at least, than now. Car seats are huge when rear facing. We had a car, then a larger SUV, and then the minivan. Minivan is the right answer. Based on stories from my grandparents, they got along primarily by not using any car seats. Pretty much. In the ...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Jun 23, 2019 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hybrid or plug-in electric car
Replies: 106
Views: 11442

Re: hybrid or plug-in electric car

I drive about 5200 miles per year, generally no more than 20 miles per day, and avoiding highways nearly all the time. For climate change reasons, trying to decide whether to buy a new plug-in, and possibly put some solar panels on my roof to make it a solar car, or go with a hybrid. I like the idea of getting rid of gasoline altogether. If battery lasts 20 years with my typical low mileage, this will probably be my last car (nearly age 68). Thank you. For such low mileage an all electric could be a good choice. Our 2015 Leaf started with a105+ miles of range. After 3.5 years that had dropped to 80 miles in a winter with temperatures in the 30 to 50 F range. Most electric cars are now available with more than 200, even 300ish. For 20 miles...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Jun 23, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: hybrid or plug-in electric car
Replies: 106
Views: 11442

Re: hybrid or plug-in electric car

Last month we returned our 2015 Leaf as the lease was nearly up and bought (financed) a Leaf Plus. After an overnight charge in temperate weather the mileage is usually between 240 and 250. I like the fact that without an internal combustion engine there are fewer hot, moving parts that need to be lubricated and maintained. Unless you need the ability to add gas quickly - maybe you are a Travelling Salesperson - then personally I see no compelling reason to buy a hybrid anymore. Within a decade or two hybrids will be looked back on as the engineering compromise that was applied until the new passenger vehicle industry standard fully arrived: all electric. We also recently picked up a full size SUV (ouch - two car payments now) and I love th...
by cowboyinasia
Tue May 28, 2019 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to
Replies: 40
Views: 3714

Re: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to

So I guess the consensus is that the best that can be said about that warranty offer is possibly maybe, but not at that price. BTW to some posts back we do have a 220V charger now. The adaptor cable (called an EVSE I think) supports both 110 and 220. Our home’s previous owner has a 220 plug in the garage for a welder, so the electric panel already has that dedicate tap with a 50A circuit. Today an electrician extended that wire and installed an outlet on the wall at the front of the garage, so I don’t need to use a separate 220 charging device. Apparently with the 62 kWhr battery with the Leaf plus it takes 10 to 12 hours to charge from empty with the 220, and would take around 40 hours with 110 only. Thanks for all the replies and great in...
by cowboyinasia
Mon May 27, 2019 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to
Replies: 40
Views: 3714

Re: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to

Thanks for all the replies. It’s interesting to see the comments about companies going out of business which is a helpful caution and new knowledge for me. So we bought a 2019 Electric Leaf yesterday. A very Bogleheady thing to do I think; we saved a lot in gas costs with the other one we leased for four years, governments and OEMs are throwing money at EVs to encourage their use, without the gas engine it has fewer moving parts to maintain and repair. With the ~220 mile range it’ll meet 99% of our distance requirements. So back to the extended warranty.....it is offered by Nissan, their Security+Plus product if that means anything. For $1,800 it extends to bumper-to-bumper warranty from three years and 36,000 miles to six years and 75,000 ...
by cowboyinasia
Sun May 26, 2019 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to
Replies: 40
Views: 3714

Re: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to

Maybe I misspoke. The warranty I bought for that other vehicle is for electronics (not electrical) and mechanical. Dashboard, LCD screen, radio, seat motors, etc. Supposedly a lot of those bells and whistles but I’ll know some years from now if and when I take it in. I read the long list of exclusions and it excludes things like window glass, seat covers etc. I should also say that through my big employer I get discounted standard pricing on new vehicles. That applies theoretically to any dealer. So it’s more of a question of do I like the dealer’s attitude and what can they do for me for financing or potential goodies. I’m surprised that the few comments so far are to the effect of ‘If you do go down that dark and treacherous path of exten...
by cowboyinasia
Sun May 26, 2019 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to
Replies: 40
Views: 3714

Extended auto warranty - who to buy from, if you want to

Hi. We recently bought a 2018 Lincoln Navigator with 6000 miles on it. The dealer included a life-time powertrain warranty. Although I never before bought extended warranties for anything I went ahead and bought the lifetime mechanical/electrical warranty. Yes a lot of things are excluded. My plan is to own this vehicle for 15 years and this thing has a lot of bells and whistles and I like peace of mind so I took the plunge. Time will tell if I made a good decision. Now the lease is about up on our 110 mile electrical Leaf and we are going to buy a 215 mile Leaf. I figure I’ll own it for 15 years as my runabout car or my kids to use. We out over 13,099 miles per year on our current Leaf and I expect that to continue for several years at lea...
by cowboyinasia
Fri Aug 25, 2017 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd row buckets seats for 7 year old (vehicle)?
Replies: 8
Views: 1167

Re: 2nd row buckets seats for 7 year old (vehicle)?

Thanks for the replies. Motivation is that the kids are tired of climbing over the backseat (or tilting up the bench) and mom is on their side. Arguments of "when I was a kid…" have no effect. Strategy A is an $80,000 redesigned 2018 Ford Expedition. Strategy B would be to slightly modify existing vehicle and drive it for another hundred thousand miles. But it turns out that modern automobiles are not Legos. Attachment bolts for benches and bucket seats are in different locations. These bolts extend through the floor, so there are structural and safety issues that come into play. After calling a couple dealers and a couple of repair shops today I heard unanimous opinion that they don't want to touch this. Imagine if they actually ...
by cowboyinasia
Fri Aug 25, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2nd row buckets seats for 7 year old (vehicle)?
Replies: 8
Views: 1167

2nd row buckets seats for 7 year old (vehicle)?

Greetings. I have a 2011 Ford explore with 65,000 miles on it. We have been leasing a Nissan leaf for two years which we love and we don't drive the SUV as much now.

The Explorer has bench seats in the second row.

I'm thinking to switch those out with bucket seats, otherwise known as captains chairs.

Has anyone done this? Any suggestions on the best way to go about it?

Thanks.
by cowboyinasia
Sat Nov 14, 2015 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water spots in my basement carpet
Replies: 6
Views: 3689

Re: Water spots in my basement carpet

After pulling up the carpet I think the culprits are a few cracks in the concrete flooring. It looks like a previous owner had even sealed them over. So next stop is Home Depot to find some kind of sealant that I'll apply myself. This is not as bad as I feared!

Thanks for the ideas Bogleheads.
by cowboyinasia
Fri Nov 13, 2015 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water spots in my basement carpet
Replies: 6
Views: 3689

Re: Water spots in my basement carpet

Thanks for the ideas. I'll check those things out.
by cowboyinasia
Fri Nov 13, 2015 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water spots in my basement carpet
Replies: 6
Views: 3689

Water spots in my basement carpet

Hi Bogleheads, In the carpeted floor of our basement, small (6 inches in circumference) have started to appear regularly. The appear immediately following a rainy day. The spots have appear with regularity in a line approximately from the bottom of the stairs to the garage door. The house is built on a hill, so the basement is fully underground at one side, and about 1/2 underground at the other side, where the garage is. Downstairs we have a water heater and a bathroom. Yesterday I bought a moisture meter and thermometer from Home Depot and I'll try to search for trouble spots (I don't know if the moisture meter will help me on carpet though). Most likely this will be beyond my limited capabilities. Does anyone have suggestions for what I ...
by cowboyinasia
Sat Sep 26, 2015 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nissan Leaf - Tax credit. Lease vs. buy.
Replies: 9
Views: 1691

Re: Nissan Leaf - Tax credit. Lease vs. buy.

Good points all. Thanks.

What's the best place to get an idea of future values of a used 2015 Leaf??
by cowboyinasia
Sat Sep 26, 2015 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nissan Leaf - Tax credit. Lease vs. buy.
Replies: 9
Views: 1691

Nissan Leaf - Tax credit. Lease vs. buy.

Hi Bogleheads, The family is considering a new Nissan Leaf, either buy or lease. I'm doing the research including Bogleheads forums and wiki, but now I need to ask the experts. Current rebates are $5,000 on remaining 2105 models and there is no sales tax. The dealer also says that the Leaf warrants a $7,500 federal tax credit. I've looked this up at the IRS and there is indeed a tax credit. However, it's limited to the first 200,000 units of a model, and it depends on the capacity: The credit is equal to the sum of: (1) $2,500, plus (2) for a vehicle which draws propulsion energy from a battery with at least 5 kilowatt hours of capacity, $417, plus an additional $417 for each kilowatt hour of battery capacity in excess of 5 kilowatt hours. ...
by cowboyinasia
Thu Sep 10, 2015 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Features for a new toilet
Replies: 33
Views: 5818

Re: Features for a new toilet

A built-in bidet or washlet is great. I had those while living in Japan, and they were available also in many commercial public facilities. They make the post event activity easier and more complete . Nuff said.

Shapes and sizes and flushing mechanisms are just variations on the same theme.
by cowboyinasia
Mon Jul 13, 2015 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property
Replies: 52
Views: 8489

Re: Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property

Wow – lots of good replies, and quickly. Thank you. In response to some questions . . . - The city owns the alley. I’m not sure whether there is an existing easement into my property. - I haven’t spoken with the developer or the city planning department so I don’t know why this is a necessity for their current design - They have told me no details of their idea for wall constructions or height. But I suspect the height is 2 to 4 feet, depending on the spot. That's typical for houses on hills in that area. Lots of people have called out the future maintenance and liability, so I’m glad I’m worried out it. I had thought about contacting a real estate lawyer but that actually seems to be a necessity. And probably an engineer at some point to c...
by cowboyinasia
Mon Jul 13, 2015 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property
Replies: 52
Views: 8489

Re: Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property

They said they'll pay for it: "This private improvement is to be constructed at no cost to the OWNER of said property"

But then it says: "Maintenance of this private improvement constructed on said property is to be the responsibility of the OWNER".

(I haven't actually spoken to them . . . only my neighbor has last Thursday and he passed me a copy of the papers. And so far the reason to enter and what they intend to build is not filled in. )

Not being a sucker is a necessary but not sufficient condition for a successful outcome!
by cowboyinasia
Mon Jul 13, 2015 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property
Replies: 52
Views: 8489

Builder wants to put a retaining wall on my property

Hello I have a house that is adjacent to an alley. My property slopes down to that alley. On the other side of that alley, downhill and cattycorner to my lot are a couple of old small residential buildings. Someone wants to tear down those old units and build a 3 new multi-family units and 1 single-family unit. They have started the permitting and design process and I know that land is permitted to allow multi-family structures so I’m pretty sure they’ll be allowed to build something. Their units will be directly downhill from my next-door neighbor so he’ll suffer the most in terms of blocked view. The builder has approached my neighbor and me, and asked that we allow them to build a retaining wall on our properties on our side of the alley...
by cowboyinasia
Wed May 06, 2015 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free time in Prague and Amsterdam .. what to see?
Replies: 18
Views: 2285

Re: Free time in Prague and Amsterdam .. what to see?

In Amsterdam, relax in a coffee shop. Then have dinner.

In Prague have a drink or dinner in one of those cellar restaurants.
by cowboyinasia
Wed Apr 01, 2015 9:13 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: "The world's largest non-commercial financial forum".
Replies: 34
Views: 6705

Re: "The world's largest non-commercial financial forum".

That's a great accomplishment. Thanks to the founders and well done to us.

Yes put it in the title, that'll draw even more people. Then grandfather the current members and start charging the newbie Bogleheads to join. Oh, wait . . .
by cowboyinasia
Sun Feb 22, 2015 11:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What age do you guys plan to retire?
Replies: 143
Views: 25101

Re: What age do you guys plan to retire?

My plan is to transition to part-time when I'm 55, and then continue for another 3 to 5 years before calling it quits. I'm taking steps now to have that part-time option available. If that doesn't work out, I'll probably just do full-time until 58 and then call it quits at the office.

Jack FFR1846 wrote:My spreadsheet says I retire at 62 and die at 85. I'll just follow the spreadsheet.
Hmm, never thought of that. I'll add a 'dies' field in the calculations and set it to 102. Surely that alone will add some years to my life expectancy.
by cowboyinasia
Tue Feb 10, 2015 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Food of the Fifties
Replies: 216
Views: 25200

Re: Food of the Fifties

While I missed the 50s and most of the 60s, this does generate some fond nostalgia. :happy For me I'm reminded of canned goods.

Canned corn and canned peas, heated on the stove top without any seasoning. Pretty bland. Creamed corn was the fancy variety.

For dessert, canned peaches. Occasionally canned pears. I remember those as less common for some reason, although I thought they were tastier.

Canned grapefruit juice and canned orange juice. Citrus fruits do NOT make good canned juices! And then orange juice from frozen concentrate, add three cans of water.

You can still buy all these.

I remember seeing some photos of 'Frood', which was some kind of FRozen fOOD. Did anyone ever try that?
by cowboyinasia
Thu Jan 01, 2015 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Net Worth Survey, 2015 Edition
Replies: 144
Views: 61219

Re: Net Worth Survey, 2015 Edition

Thank you bobblehead and whomever else gave suggestions for creating and running this.

While the dollar figure are interesting, what I think is even more impactful are the probabilities to reach full retirement age of 66. Seeing that spurred me to investigate my chances to living to a certain age, and whaddaya know Vanguard even has a page on that. There is a small but non-negligible chance that I won't even make it to 66. Wow - life is short, so I better make the most of it.
by cowboyinasia
Thu Jan 01, 2015 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What did you enjoy spending money on this year?
Replies: 92
Views: 11744

Re: What did you enjoy spending money on this year?

A really good desk, off of Craigslist for $40
Having my house's gutters cleaned
A rental unit
The family vacation to SoCal
by cowboyinasia
Tue Dec 30, 2014 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Completely Out of Debt... Now What?
Replies: 15
Views: 3377

Re: Completely Out of Debt... Now What?

Congratulations on being debt free. You've got some good choices which other posters have explained above.

My one piece of advice is that you continue to funnel whatever money you were putting into paying down debt into other investments vehicles. Unless you feel like that was a terrible hardship, you were making ends meet under that budget. Establish this as second nature and before you know it you'll be very glad you did.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: when do you start focusing on your retirement "number"
Replies: 34
Views: 4878

Re: when do you start focusing on your retirement "number"

[quote="Paul78"]as oppose to just concerning yourself with contributions?

Around 40. I've been tracking my savings and investments with a spreadsheet since my 20s.

I think it's good to project and contemplate what you'll have in retirement, many years or even decades before you get there. The thought process has helped me gather and deploy my money, and sets my own expectations for what's a realistic career timescale and what my life will be like after I stop working.

With pensions disappearing and social security on shaky ground, it's pays to be prepared for later life.
by cowboyinasia
Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: We made our own Will
Replies: 52
Views: 6095

Re: We made our own Will

Thanks to the OP and other contributors to the thread. I'm overdue on writing a will and as a Boglehead like leveraging a DIY component into it. What this has helped me conclude is that that for many people - and I think me included - it's fine and good to start with books and software. For a couple reasons: it'll be a chance to learn and consider options without paying lawyer fee tuition, and as an option it's more developed and better than a few or ten years ago. This reminds me of the some of the man vs. machine arguments: - only people can recognize faces (oh wait, not anymore) - a computer will never beat a human at chess (hmm, that's ancient history) - only people can understand natural language (I just asked my smart phone about that...
by cowboyinasia
Sat Dec 20, 2014 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to find the cheapest mortgage?
Replies: 30
Views: 8559

Re: Where to find the cheapest mortgage?

Thanks to the OP and other contributors to the thread . I'm overdue on having a will and as a Boglehead like leveraging a DIY component into it. What this has helped me conclude is that that for many people - and I think me included - it's fine and good to start with books and software. For a couple reasons: it'll be a chance to learn and consider options without paying lawyer fee tuition, as an option it's more developed and better than a few or ten years ago. This reminds me of the some of the man vs. machine arguments: only people can recognize faces (oh wait, not anymore) a computer will never beat a human at chess (hmm, that's ancient history) only people can understand natural language (I just asked my smart phone about that. literall...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Real Estate vs. Stocks and Bonds
Replies: 71
Views: 11697

Re: Rental Real Estate vs. Stocks and Bonds

I think it all comes down to who's renting it. Sounds like a good investment if one has good tenants and a horrible investment if the tenants are deadbeats. What concerns me is that a number of people have brought up that it is more difficult finding quality tenants these days as opposed to the past. To some degree tenants are a function of the property. If it's a low-end multi-unit and you are providing poor accommodations then you are setting yourself up for more work and potential problems. If it's a single family house or town home in a good neighborhood, the tenants make good money and are there because they want their kids to go to the local good public school then your chances of problems are lower. I've had seven tenants across a f...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing Magazines
Replies: 36
Views: 5674

Re: Investing Magazines

Money is my favorite. Over the years I learned a lot, was inspired by some of the stories, and was spurred by some of the ideas. After nearly a decade I find that each issue has limited 'new' ideas and insights for me. But I can get it for $1 per issue I like getting it in the mail and perusing it over an hour or so, so I still subscribe. .

Kiplingers I subscribed to for a couple years, but it was too much about 'buy this stock' or 'buy this fund'.

I like parts of the WSJ from time to time, when I can look at a copy for free. Used to look at Barron's, but when you focus on Index Investing there is only so much you use it for.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Holiday Meal Splurging (Wagyu beef)
Replies: 17
Views: 2857

Re: Holiday Meal Splurging (Wagyu beef)

If you are looking to splurge a bit, consider beef from free-range and grass-fed, not corn-fed, cows. It costs more but that's the cows originally lived and their biology works better that way. Leading to better flavor IMHO.
by cowboyinasia
Fri Nov 07, 2014 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buy commercial real estate
Replies: 18
Views: 4619

Re: Buy commercial real estate

I found a website called loopnet that advertises a rate of return of about 7% on various properties in phoenix area.
7% doesn't sound like a good return on real estate. Since real estate uses leverage and it takes more work than stock and bonds, 7% doesn't sound attractive. I think you can get the same on a stock fund, historically.

Unless you can apply depreciation to your and effectively avoid taxable income? That can work with single family units at least.

The comment about finding someone as a RE-BFF is a good one.

Good for you thinking outside the box!
by cowboyinasia
Sat Nov 01, 2014 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-tax 401k to Roth IRA vs. Roth 401k. What's the dif?
Replies: 6
Views: 1163

Re: Post-tax 401k to Roth IRA vs. Roth 401k. What's the

Thank you all, that's helpful.

So I think I'll still take the post-tax 401k to Roth IRA route.

It seems to me that essentially all Bogleheads do IRAs and/or 401ks, more than half do the back-door Roth conversation (unless they contribute to a Roth IRA directly), but only a fraction of Bogleheads have already implemented this Mega Back Door strategy. Probably in a year this will be more commonplace around here.

I have some taxable account assets built up over a couple decades that I will start to sell down, to replace lost 'income' for daily use so I can maximize my employer's allowed post-tax 401k contributions (which is 10% of salary).

Thanks again.
by cowboyinasia
Sat Nov 01, 2014 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Just applied for voyager select.
Replies: 11
Views: 2879

Re: Just applied for voyager select.

Congratulations coachz! Let's us know how the conversations go please; what Vanguard does for you at that level. A few months ago I rolled over an IRA from another mutual fund, and then qualified for Voyager Select. I got a nice little card in the mail saying basically thanks for your business, which made me feel good for the evening. :-) I'm planning to talk with a financial planner, to review my situation and investments in an out of Vanguard if see whether they have any suggestions. I'm 3/4 of the way through the Investor Profile you fill out so they know all your investments, family situation, employment plans etc. After that's done I'll schedule a review with them for any insights and advice they have. I believe they will model everyth...
by cowboyinasia
Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Post-tax 401k to Roth IRA vs. Roth 401k. What's the dif?
Replies: 6
Views: 1163

Post-tax 401k to Roth IRA vs. Roth 401k. What's the dif?

Hello. Can you help with the posting title question please. My current situation: - I am making the maximum IRA deduction for self and spouse every year. Tactically I make a one-time contribution to a Traditional IRA and then do the back-door conversion to a Roth IRA. All my IRA money is in Roth IRA (except for the short time period when that - Traditional IRA has money in it before the back-door conversion). - I am making the maximum pre-tax 401k contributions that are allowed, and my employer matches up to 6% of my salary. - I'm pretty sure that I won't need any 401k or IRA account money before I'm 59.5, and some years after. I want to put more savings into a tax-sheltered retirement vehicle - as would many people. So I've been getting re...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Sep 07, 2014 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good Modern Science Fiction
Replies: 760
Views: 149448

Re: Good Modern Science Fiction

Alistair Reynolds books are vast in scope and full of ideas.

Ben Bova and Greg Bear have both been around a while but I think both are still writing. Stephen Baxter writes some good stuff.

Cyberpunk is no longer new but I suppose still modern. Neuromancer, Ruddy Rucker, etcetera.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Sep 07, 2014 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Q for those of you over 59.5 YO and a Roth IRA
Replies: 11
Views: 1829

Re: Q for those of you over 59.5 YO and a Roth IRA

mhalley wrote:I am retiring next month, and plan to convert my 401ks gradually to roth iras, so I want my Roths to grow for now. Thus I reinvest within the ROTHS.
Mike

Convert 401k to Roth?? I do this to the tune of a few percent of my salary every year - a post tax 401k contribution converted to a Roth (after maxing out pretax 401k and IRA contributions) but didn't realize people do this to established 401k accounts. Is this only when in retirement? Is this concept in the wiki?
by cowboyinasia
Fri Sep 05, 2014 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Proper Way To Wear Suspenders
Replies: 29
Views: 5227

Re: Proper Way To Wear Suspenders

No belt!

Clip-ons don't work well for me. But at least the kids get a laugh when they pull off and my pants slip down.
by cowboyinasia
Fri Sep 05, 2014 7:45 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Non-USA persons: We need a non-USA broker
Replies: 11
Views: 1575

Re: Non-USA persons: We need a non-USA broker

Interesting question. Honestly I don't know, but would suggest you try one of the big British banks. Seems HSBC sold some Cayman operations, but maybe RBS, Lloyds ...

Good luck!
by cowboyinasia
Tue Sep 02, 2014 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA
Replies: 549
Views: 244689

Re: The Mega Backdoor Roth IRA

I recently learned about this option at my own megacorp employer - up to 10% of salary in 1% increments subject to that 52k limit. My last paycheck was the first time it was done.

I will replace future 529 contributions with this. In my case I will be over 59 1/2 when the kids go to college, and in both cases it's post tax dollars being used without taxation. But in the event a kid doesn't go to college, I can use the funds myself without a penalty.
by cowboyinasia
Mon Sep 01, 2014 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on job opportunity abroad: taxes, cost of living, etc
Replies: 13
Views: 2298

Re: Advice on job opportunity abroad: taxes, cost of living,

Used to be it was financially advantageous for an overseas posting. Not so much anymore, as more people are willing to accept a 'local' and not an 'expat' package due to composition for work and employers' ability to move it around. But for the reasons you know this could be a good experience and start of global relevance in your career. Show your company some numbers . . . Point out that good housing in a safe neighborhood is not necessarily cheaper, you will have extra travel home expenses, and you'll get really hurt over time not having that 401k contribution. And what about 40 quarters of social security. They may not sweeten the offer, but you can ask. Consider hiring a CPA for an hour or two of advice, to know what you ate getting int...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Aug 17, 2014 6:35 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Seattle Chapter?
Replies: 122
Views: 28139

Re: Seattle Chapter?

Erhan wrote:East side works better for me. Instead of Mercer Island, why not Bellevue. The difference in distance is negligible.
That's a good point. And the parking may be easier. What with all the sprawl Bellevue is pretty central anymore.

How about the Whole Foods by NE 8th. They have outdoor seating in case the weather is still nice, plus indoor tables if the drizzle has arrived. And coffee! The Bellevue Library is another option. Their website claims five meeting rooms reservable at no charge. Both of those are easy to drive to, and can be done by public transport.

The last weekend in September works for me. I'd suggest Saturday afternoon.
by cowboyinasia
Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Salzburg or Graz?
Replies: 18
Views: 4015

Re: Salzburg or Graz?

Never been to Graz but I did spend a day in Salzburg. It was a nice little town, and the surrounding area was pretty to. We drove Zurich to Vienna and back, and the western part of that drive was so gorgeous.
by cowboyinasia
Mon Aug 04, 2014 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many families use 529 plans?
Replies: 113
Views: 13221

Re: How many families use 529 plans?

I've set up 529s for both of my kids. This is a good thread, and it has raised an idea in my mind - about 529s vs. post-tax 401ks. My employer provides an option in the 401k to contribute after-tax dollars, once I've maxed out the before-tax portion (which I do). Those after-tax 401k dollars can be converted whenever to a Roth IRA (it sounds like the 'backdoor' Traditional to Roth conversion process), which would then grow tax-free and not be taxed on the gains when withdrawn. I've just learned about this option. I live in a state without state income tax. I will be older than 59 1/2 when my kids go to university, so I could use 401k source dollars to support college expenses. Since the 529 can be used only for education, I'm wondering if t...
by cowboyinasia
Sun Aug 03, 2014 3:12 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Seattle Chapter?
Replies: 122
Views: 28139

Re: Seattle Chapter?

Eastside vote. Fall City would be nice.

More seriously Mercer Island isn't a bad idea. Perhaps borrow a room at their swank community center, or at the library. Off the top of my head I can't think of a large coffee shop or diner there, but there probably is.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Jul 20, 2014 8:17 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Seattle Chapter?
Replies: 122
Views: 28139

Re: Seattle Chapter?

Not a lot is required. I did this in Denver for several meetings.

Basically: tell people ''let's get together. What do we want to talk about?" Help the group choose, or make an executive decision, for when and where to meet (coffee shop, library, hotel ball room). Post/email/PM that the meeting is on. Be the first person to show up.

It really depends on enough people showing up, and being willing to participate.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Jul 20, 2014 12:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Japan
Replies: 16
Views: 2598

Re: Visiting Japan

Great idea the tonkatsu. Go somewhere that'll set you back 2000 or 3000 yen, just for the meal.

Also sample
- sushi, sashimi
- the three noodles . . . soba, udon, ramen
- onigiri
- curry rice
- shabu shabu
- yakitori, and beer
- okonomiyaki
- cold canned coffees from a vending machine
- a bento box lunch

If you don't return 5 lbs heavier you haven't done a good job of it!
by cowboyinasia
Sat Jul 19, 2014 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Japan
Replies: 16
Views: 2598

Re: Visiting Japan

Osaka is fun; it has a sharper, grittier vibe than Tokyo.

Check out Doutonbori.

Visit a downtown department store, especially the basement grocery and a roof top Summer beer garden.

The castle is good, if you like that.

You could get to Kyoto for a day. Bus and walk yourself around. Ditto Nara, which is walkable.
by cowboyinasia
Sun Jul 06, 2014 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tiny House Movement
Replies: 139
Views: 23202

Re: Tiny House Movement

In Hong Kong, I lived in an apartment with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms with 847 square feet. Mind you, that was gross area including landing, stairs and such so the usable area was something like 650 ft2. We felt like it was plenty big enough. You get used to it. You don't encumber your life with a lot of you-know-what. When we moved to Tokyo our apartment has something like 1,000 ft2, which felt really big.