Search found 769 matches

by expat
Sun Feb 21, 2016 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: VTI vs Starting my own REIT
Replies: 52
Views: 6167

Re: VTI vs Starting my own REIT

Most people on this board are happy with a w-2 salary and passive investing in stock and bond index funds so you probably will not find many who approve in real estate investing as a business.

If you think you have a solid plan, you should follow it and not listen to anyone else.

There will always be naysayers and those who think your plan is impossible.
by expat
Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Watched Madoff:Considering Stuffing the Mattress
Replies: 19
Views: 3802

Re: Watched Madoff:Considering Stuffing the Mattress

In that case, don't watch the "The Big Short". Madoff was small-time.
by expat
Mon Feb 08, 2016 1:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Invest in an International Index Fund?
Replies: 12
Views: 2565

Re: Why Invest in an International Index Fund?

visualguy wrote:
expat wrote: Buy low, sell high.
Would love to, but market timing is hard!
Timing isn't necessary just create an asset allocation and stick to it.
by expat
Mon Feb 08, 2016 1:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Invest in an International Index Fund?
Replies: 12
Views: 2565

Re: Why Invest in an International Index Fund?

so what's the point again?
Buy low, sell high.
by expat
Tue Jan 05, 2016 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to leave day job
Replies: 38
Views: 5460

Re: When to leave day job

The time to leave your day job is when it starts to interfere with realizing the potential of your side business i.e. when the opportunity cost of spending time at work becomes too great

I would also recommend the book "The 4 hour work week".
by expat
Thu Dec 31, 2015 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roll Call for Tax-Loss Harvesting Class of 2015
Replies: 62
Views: 5973

Re: Roll Call for Tax-Loss Harvesting Class of 2015

I TLH'd in 2009 and have not had to do it again because of the bull market.
by expat
Mon Dec 28, 2015 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To dump a loser stock or not?
Replies: 20
Views: 2447

Re: To dump a loser stock or not?

Buy low and sell high.
by expat
Sat Dec 19, 2015 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Christmas Time : How to not appear rude
Replies: 67
Views: 11340

Re: Christmas Time : How to not appear rude

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
by expat
Fri Dec 18, 2015 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American UN employee confused about Roth options
Replies: 4
Views: 712

Re: American UN employee confused about Roth options

What makes this interesting is that if I'm only paying the taxes on my non-UN income, then I (I think) can convert my SEP IRA to a Roth and only count my non-UN income when figuring out the taxes on the conversion. (I have consulting income from this year too).
I don't think you have this right. Your UN income is still part of your taxable income and therefore used to figure out taxes on the conversion.
The UN then pays the IRS (and state and local govt) the difference between those two tax determinations
Also, the amount they reimburse you will itself be part of your taxable income. If you receive it in 2016, then it would be included in your taxable income for 2016.
by expat
Tue Dec 15, 2015 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Self-employed SEP IRA + Employer 401(k)?
Replies: 11
Views: 1442

Re: Self-employed SEP IRA + Employer 401(k)?

I believe you can do this in your situation.

Your SEP + Employer's 401(k) + Roth = 20% of net business profit as employer contribution (max 53K) + 18K + 5500
by expat
Tue Dec 15, 2015 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTIAX having a terrible year [Vanguard Total International Stock Admiral]
Replies: 24
Views: 4898

Re: VTIAX having a terrible year [Vanguard Total International Stock Admiral]

Dec. 10, 2001: Warren Buffett on the stock market
“To refer to a personal taste of mine, I’m going to buy hamburgers the rest of my life. When hamburgers go down in price, we sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in the Buffett household. When hamburgers go up in price, we weep. For most people, it’s the same with everything in life they will be buying — except stocks. When stocks go down and you can get more for your money, people don’t like them anymore.”
by expat
Mon Dec 14, 2015 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Desperately need advice - sold business, what now?
Replies: 17
Views: 2546

Re: Desperately need advice - sold business, what now?

And it is hard to find somewhere to put cash that will keep up with inflation.
There is hardly any inflation right now and if there is deflation, cash would generate real return.
by expat
Sun Dec 06, 2015 11:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trustee now executor--Bank trust department
Replies: 5
Views: 794

Re: Trustee now executor--Bank trust department

>> I have yet to see the will or the trust document.

Have you requested them? You have the right to see both of these.
by expat
Tue Dec 01, 2015 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real Estate Advice - Primary Residence/1031 Exchange
Replies: 4
Views: 1020

Re: Real Estate Advice - Primary Residence/1031 Exchange

>> Is there any other scenario where I could better shelter the profits?

Yes, the sale of a primary residence automatically gets an exclusion (up to a limit) from federal capital gains.
by expat
Tue Oct 27, 2015 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Walk away from inheritance?
Replies: 54
Views: 10380

Re: Walk away from inheritance?

(responding to expat): On the contrary, I think hiring a lawyer, as a CONSULTANT, may be a good idea. Again, the situation as presented by the OP here is rather confused. Perhaps the OP has a better sense of it in his own mind, perhaps not. But OP and his wife would probably benefit from a consultation with someone with whom he could lay out all the facts, and get some guidance on many aspects of the situation - legal, tax, business/investment, and personal/life planning. There may not be any ONE individual who wears all those hats who OP can readily consult. Again, depending to some extent on some of the specifics not disclosed here, I'd probably start with a CPA or a lawyer (or maybe a firm that can bring both of these together. Get an u...
by expat
Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Walk away from inheritance?
Replies: 54
Views: 10380

Re: Walk away from inheritance?

Don't hire a lawyer unless you are prepared to create a permanent rift in the family. If a lawyer gets involved, it will make it much worse.

Instead, you need a mediator or therapist who can help you communicate and get what you want from the controlling sibling.
by expat
Sun Oct 25, 2015 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Son had [bicycle] accident [- how to handle claim against him]
Replies: 68
Views: 7969

Re: Son had accident while on a shared bicycle

TheTimeLord wrote:
letsgobobby wrote:Your son caused the damage, he is responsible for making the car owner whole.
+100. The rest just seems to be inflicting more damage on the injured party.
The insurance company is responsible for making the car owner whole.

If the son pays the claim, he will be making the insurance company whole.
by expat
Sun Oct 25, 2015 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Son had [bicycle] accident [- how to handle claim against him]
Replies: 68
Views: 7969

Re: Son had [bicycle] accident [- how to handle claim against him]

>> 3) Do nothing and wait for them to sue?

Wait 6 months and then offer them what, if anything, you think is fair.

And your son should let them know he is a student with no assets i.e. they have no chance of collecting a judgement if they were to sue which they aren't going to do anyway.
by expat
Sun Oct 18, 2015 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Potential estate dispute - relevant experiences?
Replies: 23
Views: 4162

Re: Potential estate dispute - relevant experiences?

I would not let it drag out whatever you do. If necessary, I would file a partition action to get it over with as quickly as possible.
by expat
Fri Oct 16, 2015 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is The Bay Area Worth It?
Replies: 159
Views: 30023

Re: Is The Bay Area Worth It?

So overall, we got it pretty good where we are at.
If you are in a good situation now, no, it's not worth it. The fact that they are having to relocate workers here means it is getting overheated. Eventually, the job and housing markets will bust and you will have to deal with the consequences.
by expat
Tue Oct 13, 2015 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military Retirement; "Should I stay or should I go now?"
Replies: 61
Views: 17992

Re: Military Retirement; "Should I stay or should I go now?"

A family member retired after 20 years in the military. He was completely lost, without purpose, and his pension did not cover his living expenses. He ended up in law enforcement. If you like, or can at least tolerate the military, I would stay at least until the kids are grown.
by expat
Sat Oct 10, 2015 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel
Replies: 59
Views: 7984

Re: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel

tibbitts wrote:
expat wrote:
I do understand there is quite a bit of risk in what I am doing, and I could potentially come back jobless.
Considering your field, if you are good, I would say there is zero risk of being jobless on your return. In fact, the challenge may be how to stay unemployed during your travels. You can develop for clients remotely anywhere.
The "if you are good" part is the key, but I think you really mean "outstanding." Everybody else is pretty easily replaced.
If front-end software development means HTML, CSS, Javascript, I think even an average developer could easily find work at any given time. Just my opinion.
by expat
Sat Oct 10, 2015 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel
Replies: 59
Views: 7984

Re: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel

I do understand there is quite a bit of risk in what I am doing, and I could potentially come back jobless.
Considering your field, if you are good, I would say there is zero risk of being jobless on your return. In fact, the challenge may be how to stay unemployed during your travels. You can develop for clients remotely anywhere.
by expat
Sat Oct 10, 2015 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel
Replies: 59
Views: 7984

Re: Thinking of quitting job for a year of travel

I did it in my 20s. I ignored the naysayers at the time who said there would be some terrible consequence for leaving a good job. It never happened.

It won't be the same when you are older and you may not be able to as easily.
by expat
Sat Aug 22, 2015 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Independent Contractor Tax Rate
Replies: 5
Views: 1028

Re: Independent Contractor Tax Rate

The rate I use is my effective tax rate from the previous year.
by expat
Fri Aug 14, 2015 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Hows This Early Retirement Plan
Replies: 13
Views: 2160

Re: Hows This Early Retirement Plan

SEP IRA - 53K a year (For however long I have my side business)
401K Pre-Tax - 18K (Or Max Amount by IRS in future - Employer Matches %50 no limit)
I believe the sum total of these is limited to 53K.
by expat
Sun Aug 09, 2015 11:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3 Reasons to Rejoice Higher Interest Rates
Replies: 54
Views: 9938

Re: 3 Reasons to Rejoice Higher Interest Rates

With inflation so low, they are going to raise interest rates?
The latest inflation rate for the United States is 0.1% through the 12 months ended June 2015 as published by the US government on July 17, 2015. The next update is scheduled for release on August 19, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. ET. It will offer the rate of inflation over the 12 months ended July 2015.
http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/in ... ion-rates/
by expat
Tue Jun 09, 2015 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying in Bay Area (redux)
Replies: 72
Views: 13396

Re: Buying in Bay Area (redux)

As part of any bubble, your friends will be buying and telling you what a great deal it is and how you are missing out.

You won't hear from them when the bubble bursts.
by expat
Thu Apr 09, 2015 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I justified in being angry with executor?
Replies: 22
Views: 4660

Re: Am I justified in being angry with executor?

aprilcpa wrote: I don't want to talk to the executor because every time I do, he lies to me. He will tell us he will do something but never does it. It's a waste of my time to communicate with him and his paralegal is just as bad. If there was any way to get this out of his hands now, I would.
You need to hire to a trusts and estates lawyer and have them start communicating on your behalf.
by expat
Thu Apr 09, 2015 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I justified in being angry with executor?
Replies: 22
Views: 4660

Re: Am I justified in being angry with executor?

aprilcpa wrote:I have asked when the estate can be closed and he tells me they are working on it.
It sounds like the executor is doing a poor job of communicating with you.

He is not giving you enough information.

He should be providing you with specific reasons why the estate isn't closed and what step they are on.
by expat
Wed Apr 08, 2015 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Updated from 2015: Vehicle Suggestions with 3 Kids
Replies: 45
Views: 11577

Re: Vehicle Suggestions with 3 Kids

Lincoln wrote:Don't fight it, the only logical choice is a minivan...
I'm fighting it.

RAV4 and even a Corolla work just fine for transporting 3 kids around town.

I recently rented a Nissan Sentra recently and there was enough room and plenty of truck space.

For long road trips, I occasionally rent a minivan if the price is right.
by expat
Wed Apr 08, 2015 12:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to give adult children their inheritance?
Replies: 57
Views: 14618

Re: When to give adult children their inheritance?

Who would be the trustee? They will be taking fees all those years.

I say that let the young have the wealth immediately.

If they lose it, they will have learned a lesson and will probably have the time to rebuild a sufficient retirement fund.
by expat
Wed Apr 08, 2015 12:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nailed it! $223,199/yr: magic# for making it in SF Bay Area
Replies: 117
Views: 20768

Re: Nailed it! $223,199/yr: magic# for making it in SF Bay A

Rent and wait for the next housing crash.
by expat
Sun Apr 05, 2015 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help/advice with Europe trip (France+/-Greece)
Replies: 22
Views: 2683

Re: Help/advice with Europe trip (France+/-Greece)

If it is your first time to Paris, I would spend the entire trip there.

But, for a few days at the beach, I would skip Greece and instead take the TGV, which you can take from the center of Paris, to southern France for a few days in September to avoid the high season.
by expat
Thu Apr 02, 2015 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transferring wealth loophole
Replies: 17
Views: 3918

Re: Transferring wealth loophole

LadyGeek wrote:Discussions of dishonest behavior or bypassing the law are totally unacceptable.

The OP's question has been answered. This thread has run its course and is locked.


Thread unlocked, see below.
Trying to find a loophole is not dishonest.

A backdoor Roth IRA is a loophole.
by expat
Thu Mar 12, 2015 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: $600 night guard for teeth grinding, really?
Replies: 92
Views: 37175

Re: $600 night guard for teeth grinding, really?

I use a $40 OTC nightguard and prefer it to the $400 custom made one.
by expat
Mon Mar 02, 2015 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help- I keep investing my emergency fund in the stock market
Replies: 18
Views: 3294

Re: Help- I keep investing my emergency fund in the stock ma

spectec wrote:Sounds like you've fond an AA that you're comfortable with.
Sounds like they don't have an asset allocation to me.
by expat
Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to fire a client? [software ownership issues]
Replies: 69
Views: 7629

Re: How to fire a client? [software ownership issues]

IMO, you are over-thinking this.

Hand over the source code and then say you are too busy.
by expat
Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I do a 25 year refinance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1508

Re: Should I do a 25 year refinance?

Petunia wrote:The calculator at bank rate says a 410k mortgage fixed at 5% for 30 years has a principal and interest payment of $2,200.97.

I say again, something is off with your numbers.
You're right. :oops:

This
2029= 454 +1575

should have read

2215= 640 +1575

454 was the escrow amount that I mistook for principal.

Thanks to all for helping on this.
by expat
Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I do a 25 year refinance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1508

Re: Should I do a 25 year refinance?

This seems like a no brainer to me. Your mortgage would be paid off at the same time it is currently and you will pay less interest. I would keep paying your current payment of $2,029 as well, which would send $8 extra to principal each month. I can't see any especially since my mortgage interest if fully tax deductible. You're still paying the mortgage interest even though it is tax deductible. Why should you pay any more interest than you need to? Because you end up with more money in 25 years? You pay the same and get a bigger tax write off. Frankly this math makes zero sense. They have to be really jacking up your balance some how to have a 1℅ rate drop not result in lower payments. Was 378k your original mortgage size or is it your cu...
by expat
Mon Dec 29, 2014 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I do a 25 year refinance?
Replies: 13
Views: 1508

Should I do a 25 year refinance?

My mortgage lender has offered to do a no cost refinance of my principal residence : 378K over 25 years at 4.125%

I am currently 5 years into a 30 year loan at 5%.

I just realized the refinance does not significantly lower my monthly payment at all - see schedule below - I just pay more principal and less interest.

30 year (latest payment in amortization schedule)
Payment Principal Interest Paid
2029= 454 +1575

25 Year (first payment in amortization schedule)
Payment Principal Interest Paid
2021= 722 +1299

My question is : is there any benefit in doing this refinance?

I can't see any especially since my mortgage interest if fully tax deductible.

Does the bank have some incentive to offer this?
by expat
Tue Dec 16, 2014 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WHY is retirement enjoyable / something to look forward to?
Replies: 237
Views: 29182

Re: WHY is retirement enjoyable / something to look forward

MikeWillRetire wrote:
expat wrote:If you can't wait to retire, you are in the wrong line of work.
Many jobs are mundane, back breaking, dirty, stressful, dangerous, demeaning, etc.
Somebody has to do those jobs, and they look forward to retirement.
No one has to do a job they don't like.
by expat
Tue Dec 16, 2014 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: WHY is retirement enjoyable / something to look forward to?
Replies: 237
Views: 29182

Re: WHY is retirement enjoyable / something to look forward

If you can't wait to retire, you are in the wrong line of work.
by expat
Mon Dec 15, 2014 12:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: buying apartment in France
Replies: 14
Views: 4226

Re: buying apartment in France

I have bought auto, school (it exists) and renter's insurance in France. No question was ever raised in terms of when I arrived in the country or when I would leave.

Also, in France, if the plumbing in your apartment floods the neighbor(s) below, you and your insurance are responsible for the damage. For this reason, renter's insurance is mandatory.
by expat
Sat Dec 13, 2014 12:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions!
Replies: 31
Views: 3500

Re: Deductions!

g$$ wrote:
Seems like I've finally made the transition to the 28% federal tax bracket :annoyed. If you've got any suggestions for year-end deductions, please feel free to post them here.

-g$$
You're only paying 28% on the part over $89,350.

(92,250-89,350) * (.28-.25) = $87.00 more in taxes
by expat
Wed Nov 26, 2014 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why should I avoid REITs?
Replies: 59
Views: 12672

Re: Why should I avoid REITs?

On the subject of avoiding volatile asset classes, the Dow Jones Industrial average dropped 89 percent in the bear market of 1929-1932.
by expat
Mon Nov 03, 2014 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I bite the bullet and sell my mining stocks?
Replies: 23
Views: 3454

Re: Should I bite the bullet and sell my mining stocks?

You should bite the bullet and buy more - up to the percentage specified in your IPS for that asset class.
by expat
Thu Oct 23, 2014 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you regret buying your home?
Replies: 82
Views: 26102

Re: Do you regret buying your home?

Owning home is like having an unpaid part-time job working for the bank maintaining their investment. When the mortgage is paid, you get a house that is 30 years older and in need of more repair. :D