Search found 278 matches

by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 26, 2011 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I got some money and just signed up for a Vanguard account
Replies: 8
Views: 1138

It's great that you're starting early! Best of luck to you
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 26, 2011 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Merrill Edge drops $25/quarter fee, 2nd cheapest VG funds
Replies: 8
Views: 3674

Choy wrote:I think the OP meant that Vanguard funds are no-transaction-fee at ME. So even if you don't have $25k there, if all you wanted to do was invest in Vanguard funds, you could.

Of course this is only really relevant if you're in a situation like the OP where he can't directly hold an account at VG for free trades.
.... or can't stand the pathetic VG platform...
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG customer service
Replies: 25
Views: 3195

I despise the VG platform and think their CS is terrible.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New home build...anything youd want/change/splurge on...
Replies: 95
Views: 15652

We love the his/hers bathrooms.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 23, 2011 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "100% stock funds up to $100K" advice from retired
Replies: 26
Views: 3771

OkieIndexer wrote:Finally, we're seeing the "Why not 100% stocks?" threads. Sure sign that we're getting close to a major top.
my thinking exactly.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 23, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paying Down the Mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 3271

If this one doesn't go well, you can always just start a 3rd thread on the subject.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 23, 2011 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paying Down the Mortgage
Replies: 17
Views: 3271

I said that from the very beginning. Seems like a no-brainer since you seem so flush with cash.

The so-called "tax advantage" of an interest deduction will not counter the fact you're giving the bank tens of thousands of dollars every year in interest. With BO, it's probably going away anyways...
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 22, 2011 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Epson 8700UB projector
Replies: 7
Views: 1519

Thanks very much, I will definitely shop around. He told me that was the MSRP.

I appreciate your help!
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Epson 8700UB projector
Replies: 7
Views: 1519

Epson 8700UB projector

I am going to be buying a projector for the theater room in a few weeks. I had initially been told by my brother to buy the Epson 8700UB given its cheap price ($2300) and great overall picture, especially black levels.

That said, after doing some research, I've heard that the bulb/lamp doesn't last as long (600 or so hours sometimes) as it is stated to (4,000 hours).

Does anyone have any experience with this projector or have a model that they have liked better??

Thanks!
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mens Dress Shirts for those who are Frugal?
Replies: 128
Views: 73661

Thank God I don't have to dress up in a suit for my job...
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchase and Renovate Home or buy ready to move in?
Replies: 10
Views: 2867

In short, if you're thinking a renovation will be 100k, I'd add 40-50% to that amount...

Talk to people who have done it ----
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Multi million dollar inheritance where do i start
Replies: 117
Views: 20405

rcole33856 wrote:We also dont have children so any left over is just going to charity. I dont need to leave millions to anyone.
have fun!!!
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 21, 2011 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: College funding for a 5 year old
Replies: 19
Views: 2536

Bruce wrote:Two state 529 plans to look at closely are

The Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan. Sponsored by Nevada and open to any investor, the Vanguard 529 offers 3 age-based and 19 individual portfolios

College Savings Iowa® 529 Plan. The Iowa plan has a low minimum investment of just $25 and a range of Vanguard investment options, including 4 age-based and 9 individual portfolios.

https://personal.vanguard.com/us/whatweoffer/college

Or Call a Vanguard education specialist at
866-734-4533.

regards

ditto --- missouri also has a great plan
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy on the Dips ?
Replies: 89
Views: 19523

jon-nyc wrote:Well, their study didn't look at buying into dips. It looked at buying into dips and selling into rallies. That's very different.


My thought process in 2H 2008 through 2009 was to buy every time it seemed like the fear and panic hit a new level. I don't regret any of those purchases. At the same time I had no illusion that I was going to be able time the bottom perfectly. I just figured that someday the bear market would end and all of my purchases would look cheap.
Great point.
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Baby Boomers: Is it important to leave inheritance to kids?
Replies: 88
Views: 12075

Thankfully, I will receive a large inheritance, but it is not a part of my financial planning.
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: hoarding cash
Replies: 34
Views: 5917

what a worthless thread.
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 20, 2011 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Good Movies?
Replies: 97
Views: 45185

127 Hours
The King's Speech
The Fighter
Conviction
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Physician visit. Billed for use of space.
Replies: 59
Views: 8405

new2bogle wrote:
fishndoc wrote:Whatever it is, it sounds like a rip off.
The entire industry is a rip off, from the doctors, to the clinics, the insurance companies.
hey now!!!

:o
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My "Luxury" car problem...
Replies: 64
Views: 11917

Chuck wrote:My rule of thumb is keep driving it until it stops running.
w/ bmws that's a problem...
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which loan should I pay off first?
Replies: 16
Views: 2567

mortgage first.

p.s. -- interest on mortgage IS tax deductible...
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 19, 2011 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Selling Gold Coins
Replies: 17
Views: 4751

I think Gold crossed $1,500/oz today so now might be a very profitable time to sell for your friend.
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rent house for 6 months?
Replies: 8
Views: 1419

Unless you REALLY need the money, I think it's a crazy idea.

Renters by definition are not as careful as you would be.

And you'll be coming back to the house, right?

Once you pay for the repairs/upkeep from their "normal wear and tear" and the cost of having somebody rent it out for you, I can't imagine it would be worth it.
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowballing a house offer.
Replies: 43
Views: 8772

Well done. I'm glad you didn't offer too high initially...
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever heard of 10% ernest money on a house contract?
Replies: 33
Views: 5142

TJSI wrote:Yipes, this has the smell of a scam. Check that company out very carefully.
:idea:
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Average amount saved for retirement by age
Replies: 148
Views: 40674

When I'm 36, I want to have $1M saved.
by jmbkb4
Fri Apr 08, 2011 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited $800K. What to do now?
Replies: 52
Views: 7022

Johnnyboy wrote:Ok. Here are the details.

Investment. 876k total in money market funds waiting to deploy.
Age. 48
Return expected. To make at least 12% per year.
Retirement. Expect to work till 60

Have job, bills covered. Just want to invest and not touch the money for 5 years.

Pls advice

Johnny
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Keep me posted on the 12% per year thingy.
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Worried About Stocks ... ?
Replies: 37
Views: 6749

3 year timeline?

are you kidding
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowballing a house offer.
Replies: 43
Views: 8772

any news, OP????
by jmbkb4
Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a vacation home
Replies: 19
Views: 5510

When I'm deciding about things like this, I always factor in WORST case scenario from all possible financial fronts (current expenses, taxes, future income, upkeep, etc.) and if I can swing it even when I factor in the worst case scenarios, it's a go.

Life is too short, ya know?
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited a sizable sum - what should I do?
Replies: 113
Views: 18617

Manbaerpig wrote:people living in fly-over states :P
I live in a fly-over state (happily so) and I think it's absurd.

:wink:
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogle: Stocks Are Expensive, Expect Lower Returns
Replies: 60
Views: 9358

hsv_climber wrote:Last 2 times he said that were right before huge market crashes...
since noone can time the market (isn't that a Boglehead mantra?), he must be wrong on this one, huh???
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 06, 2011 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Let's talk wristwatches
Replies: 158
Views: 32735

I have a "really nice" Rolex that I got for undergrad graduation but - alas - have worn it maybe 10 times in 8-9 years...
by jmbkb4
Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited a sizable sum - what should I do?
Replies: 113
Views: 18617

verygoodthings wrote:

Some people say a house that is 10% of your net worth is reasonable, but to each their own.
who says that??
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Set me straight! Tell me how to improve my simple portfolio
Replies: 18
Views: 3473

I personally like Dodge & Cox.
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: State 529 Plans
Replies: 16
Views: 2766

Missouri has VG funds. You get a MO income tax break up to $16,000/year invested in them.

This amounts to nearly $1,000 in MO tax savings pear year you invest 16k
by jmbkb4
Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Turned 18 and was given $5k, looking for guidance
Replies: 28
Views: 4184

If I were you, at 18, I'd probably just put it in a VG small cap index fund and let it ride. Don't touch it for 30 years and you might be surprised at what you have when you're nearing 60.
by jmbkb4
Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite cheap, easy, quick at-home meal
Replies: 99
Views: 16848

sscritic wrote:
Triple digit golfer wrote:Sounds delicious. Was that passed down several generations?
Nope, my second wife taught me. And if you take cream in your coffee, just add coffee when you are finished. The left over milk is already in the mug. Sometimes the leftover bits of cereal in your coffee seem strange, but reusing the mug means one less rinse or wash. You are saving the environment as well as being thrifty.
Yuck. That's why I pray I'll never have a second wife!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:
by jmbkb4
Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Doctors Working Shorter Workweeks?
Replies: 44
Views: 5745

Agree with ERdoc about the shift work point.

Working various shifts is really difficult.

Otherwise, the thread has become basically garbage.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Doctors Working Shorter Workweeks?
Replies: 44
Views: 5745

P.S. More docs are working in hospitals because the new health care law (thanks BO!) has a new reimbursement concept known as "bundled payments" in the pipeline.

It will force the centralization of health care and more and more doctors becoming employed physicians of hospital systems.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Doctors Working Shorter Workweeks?
Replies: 44
Views: 5745

I'll be working about 60 hours per week, on average, when I start my job.

I'll work less if the money doesn't work out, per my contract.

No worries.

The docs that use recruitment firms are usually the bottom rung of their residency/medical school classes...
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pimco Total Return Risk?
Replies: 19
Views: 4008

Gross has macerated VG's bond index for decades.

Gross is largely hated around here, although he is a brilliant manager.

Will the past predict the future? No. Gross may do even better in the future.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pimco Total Return Risk?
Replies: 19
Views: 4008

Re: Pimco Total Return Risk?

matt wrote:
YaddaMonski wrote:I think we may be in for stock market correction on the order of around 30-40% at some point
I totally agree. I just can't figure out which point.
:lol: :lol:
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Is The Safest Investment For A Retiree?
Replies: 15
Views: 2459

That is pretty young with pretty little in retirement.

You may want to radically minimize your risk if this is all you have for retirement.
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Elderly in-laws divorcing
Replies: 8
Views: 2062

Let me make it for words:

GET A LAWYER YESTERDAY
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowballing a house offer.
Replies: 43
Views: 8772

dorokhin wrote:I would probably offer 190 based on what you've told us.
exactly. they've just dropped the price, and - therefore - are motivated. you don't drop the price unless you're motivated.

i'd offer 190-195 and let the chips fall...
by jmbkb4
Sat Apr 02, 2011 10:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many bond funds do you hold?
Replies: 60
Views: 8169

zero
by jmbkb4
Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: cell tower lease, sell it?
Replies: 41
Views: 13641

what would i do? i'd be signing the dotted line for a quarter mil. i believe selling asap is the bogleheaded thing to do. diversify out of that very risky 'single-company' stock! if you had 240,000 in one company, that kicked out a high dividend, what would you do? granted, you can't sell half the tower, or rhythmically sell your interest in it. but getting out a pretty good selling price now is worth a lot. and i have heard of new, disruptive 'cubes' that may be a game changer for cell phone and wifi coverage. a small box on light poles around cities may replace cell towers and wifi hot spots soon. (wired magazine had that techno peek, i think?). so, to me, that would be a no brainer, based on what you have laid out. great post. totally a...
by jmbkb4
Thu Mar 31, 2011 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What fund to choose?
Replies: 8
Views: 1191

I'm really liking those TR funds that rebalance automatically (tax-free)
by jmbkb4
Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At What Point Would You Walk Away From Your House?
Replies: 184
Views: 22014

I still don't understand why the self-proclaimed millionaire OP doesn't just pay off the house and enjoy his life, stop paying such a high interest rate, and let the theatrics subdue.
by jmbkb4
Thu Mar 31, 2011 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: deducting loss on a home sale. is this legal? unethical?
Replies: 24
Views: 4286

Re: deducting loss on a home sale. is this legal? unethical

Currently selling a home that was my primary residence. It is no longer my primary residence. I will take a loss on the sale (~25K). The house is currently empty. From what I understand, you cannot deduct a loss on the sale of your primary residence. Can I say that this is now an investment property and when it sells take the loss? I actually did offer it for rent verbally (maybe it was via email, can't remember) to help some friends out of a bind a short while back. Can I say that it is an investment property and put a very large rent on it so that it won't rent out between now and the sale? Not unless you have: 1) Rental income (taxable) 2) Renters 3) Contract signed by you and renters... IRS will want proof. Your odds of being audited w...