Search found 258 matches

by l2ridehd
Mon Dec 16, 2013 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deferred Compensation Plan
Replies: 27
Views: 3409

Re: Deferred Compensation Plan

There are lots of pro's and con's with these plans. Do some research on Rabbi Trusts. That is what they are usually based on. I had that option and I did participate. We could defer any compensation over I think 223K and any or all of our annual bonus. I did both the last 8 years before retirement. It earned a good return and I accumulated a high 6 figure amount. It gets paid out over 10 years after retirement. (my choice) Here are some issues. It used to earn what ever the company was paying for there highest borrowing rate. Which was running 6 to 8% a year for the first 8 years. Dropped to around 5% the final year. When I retired they changed the plan to one where I had to chose how it was invested. Sounds like a good change, right? Not s...
by l2ridehd
Sun Dec 08, 2013 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) books
Replies: 54
Views: 5317

Re: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) b

Anything by Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and for this time of year A Christmas Carol. I have a Collection of Short Stories by Charles Dickens that is a great book to just pick up now and again and read one.
by l2ridehd
Sat Dec 07, 2013 3:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dave says $300 a month can grow to $3M
Replies: 76
Views: 12667

Re: Dave says $300 a month can grow to $3M

I believe Dave is correct. If they are paying a loan, that means the money is already taxed. If they change that to an IRA or better yet if possible a 401K then it's $400 or more. Do that for 40 years at 8% compounded and it grows to 2.86 million. And if they up the $300 a month to save the same inflation adjusted amount before taxes it grows to $4.31 million. So although it sounds sensational it is actually really close. I remember a young kid (18 or 19) was doing some yard work for me last fall and he was smoking. I asked him how much he smoked and what it cost him. It was a pack a day at around $5. I went in and did some math and printed a spread sheet and went out and asked him if he thought he could ever be a millionaire. He laughed an...
by l2ridehd
Sat Dec 07, 2013 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do early retirees actually do in Florida?
Replies: 238
Views: 22637

Re: What do early retirees actually do in Florida?

Leisureville was written by a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel and is so not reality. He has also written many negative article about the Villages. For some reason he seems to have a grudge against the place. I strongly encourage you to go there and see for yourself. It can't really be described, you have to see it. Something has to be right as they currently are selling 300 new homes a month and another 150 re-sales every month. Property values have gone up over 25% in the last year.
by l2ridehd
Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do early retirees actually do in Florida?
Replies: 238
Views: 22637

Re: What do early retirees actually do in Florida?

I live in Virginia close to DC. Summer here is very hot and very humid. I also own a home in The Villages Florida. I go there in every season. Summer in The Villages is not as hot or humid as Virginia. Yes it is hot and humid, but not as bad as Northern VA. And who every suggested property taxes are high in Florida has to be comparing to some place other then VA or DC. Mine are significantly lower in Florida. About 1/3 what they are in VA. However, Victoria, do check out The Villages. It is an adult Disneyland or as one person recently told me "it's like a cruise ship not on the water". I go there for the golf. However my wife who does not golf loves it as well. There are over 2000 clubs that cover everything you could possibly ev...
by l2ridehd
Fri Dec 06, 2013 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity vs Vanguard
Replies: 44
Views: 15586

Re: Fidelity vs Vanguard

I maintain accounts at Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab. All three have pro's and con's. I like the Fidelity web site best, I like the Schwab cash card best, and I like Vanguard low cost structure best. I maintain 90% of my investments at Vanguard. Fidelity has the best customer service and tools. Schwab has the best trading capability and a zero fee any where in the world ATM card. In total Vanguard has the lowest cost. An interesting thing is I have Vanguard total stock market Admiral shares and Fidelity total stock market Spartan shares. Opened them with the same amount about 8 years ago. Vanguard has done better over that time. By a very small amount, less then 1/10 of a %. Probably because or ER. I was always going to go to morningstar a...
by l2ridehd
Fri Nov 29, 2013 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Property Question
Replies: 16
Views: 2499

Re: Rental Property Question

Real Estate income property is a good investment if you buy decent property in good locations. I have owned rental property most of my life. It is a leveraged investment that has tax advantages and someone else is paying off the loan. I currently own two and looking for another. I have always managed my own even when 100's of miles away. Once paid for they provide a nice income stream. They can create headaches if you have tenant issues or large item expenses. But usually the pro's far outweigh the con's. I use my current two for a nice retirement income supplement. They are both almost paid for and when they become to much to manage I will sell them for a very nice profit. The biggest downside is the lack of liquidity and problem tenants. ...
by l2ridehd
Tue Nov 19, 2013 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tried to get credit report - security questions don't match
Replies: 66
Views: 68173

Re: Tried to get credit report - security questions don't ma

Here is how I handled this. Had the same issues as everyone else. Finally got the Equifax report. It was clean. I froze the account and refuse to unfreeze for anyone. If I apply for something I tell them the accounts are all frozen and I will unfreeze either Experian or Trans Union for them. If the ask for Equifax I refuse and explain why. If everyone did this, Equifax would lose so much business that they would be forced to change or go out of business. So far everyone has agreed to accept another agency report. And if they don't, I will go elsewhere. That report will never be unfrozen or accessed by anyone ever again. They get paid every time someone requests your credit. So far they have lost money tracking me as they can never provide t...
by l2ridehd
Mon Nov 18, 2013 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tractor for my 12 Acre Horse Farm
Replies: 28
Views: 15264

Re: Tractor for my 12 Acre Horse Farm

Third vote for Kubota. I have a B-7610 26 HP diesel tractor 4 X 4 and it far exceeds my expectations. I have a mower deck, 3 point hitch plow, a front end loader, bush hog and can borrow a friends back hoe if needed. It is plenty powerful to do every thing you asked. It will pull a hay baler with no problem. My brother has a ford tractor a couple sizes up from this and the Kubota can do more. Love the Hydrostatic drive, power steering, the ease of use and the reliability. I have a large wooded lot that I used the bush hog to clear out the undergrowth between the trees. I use the BH every third year and the mower deck with mulching blades in between. My biggest regret is not having a front end loader years ago. I would have a much better bac...
by l2ridehd
Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Land that won't sell: what would you do?
Replies: 85
Views: 13284

Re: Land that won't sell: what would you do?

There are several steps that you should take. 1. Go see the land. How can you even begin to place a value on it if you have never seen it? Invest the day and go see it. 2. Get with the county and see what you have to do to get a driveway from the road to the land. There has to be a way to do it. Might need to install culverts or bring in fill, but believe it can be done. 3. If the county refuses for some reason then you have a very strong case to force them to drop the valuation to almost zero. If they do allow it and even if it's costly, having the plan increases the value. Doing it really increases the value. 4. Personally contact all land owners that abut your land and see if there is any interest and and what price. Even if you must wai...
by l2ridehd
Sun Nov 03, 2013 7:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: How conservative/aggressive is your AA for your age?
Replies: 106
Views: 13267

Re: Poll: How conservative/aggressive is your AA for your ag

Current age 68, spouse 58, and am sitting at 60/40 stocks and bonds. Want to move to 50/50, but bonds don't seem to let me. Every time I re-balance I sell stocks, buy bonds, but then end back to the same place. I will get there and am comfortable at this AA for now. I basically have this in two buckets close to 50/50 of total assets, and an IPS that says 1/2 will always stay the course, while the other half will be liquidated (1/2 with a 10% market drop and the other half with a 20% drop). Also have very specific buy back in rise % targets in my IPS as well. Followed it to the letter in 2008 and it worked extremely well. My loss was less then half what the overall market did. And my recovery for the half I sold and later bought was better t...
by l2ridehd
Tue Oct 29, 2013 5:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Month-long visits to American cities
Replies: 52
Views: 6921

Re: Month-long visits to American cities

My wife and I are planning something close to this but almost all overseas locations. We want to do a month in Strasbourg, Florence, Naples, Nice or Cannes, Vienna, Munich, Zurich, Budapest, Prague, Copenhagen, and then on to Hawaii, Sydney, Christs Church, Singapore, Chang Mai, Hong Kong, and St Petersburg. Some of the Europe ones will be an either or as many are close to each other and can probably be seen by day trips. But staying a month or more in a single place and getting immersed in the local culture would be the goal. I doubt we will ever get past more then a half dozen of these locations, but it is on the bucket list.
by l2ridehd
Fri Oct 25, 2013 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Approach Getting New Wood Flooring
Replies: 20
Views: 2650

Re: How to Approach Getting New Wood Flooring

Engineered Hardwood or real hardwood is your best solution. I also live in NVA and just had red oak hardwood installed in my family room, about 400 square feet, to match the rest of the house. I had an installer from Alexandria do the entire job and it was $2600. That included removing the carpet, removing and re-installing the base boards, laying and finishing the floor including all material. So about $6.50 a square foot. They make types of radient heat that can be installed under real hardwood floors, but I have never used them.
by l2ridehd
Wed Oct 23, 2013 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basements part of home square footage?
Replies: 21
Views: 2842

Re: Basements part of home square footage?

It varies by street. Two houses listed on the same street in my neighborhood. Both have very nice finished basements. Go to redfin.com and one home shows $136 a square foot and the other $216. The one that shows the $216 is actually a larger house then the other one, but redfin uses the tax record and so it shows a much smaller home. So I did some further checking, thinking that the one that did not include the basement, must have finished it without permits. Not so. Everything was done correctly on both homes.

So my conclusion is anything that shows square footage on a listing has to ignored or at a minimum taken with a grain of salt.
by l2ridehd
Tue Oct 22, 2013 6:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's wrong with debt?
Replies: 58
Views: 5287

Re: What's wrong with debt?

There is good debt and bad debt. Credit cards are almost always bad debt. They are used to buy consumables and carry high interest. Real Estate loans are usually good debt. Provides a place to live, a good substitute for rent, and is tax deductible. I bought a house, fixed up an apartment in the lower level, rented it to cover 80% of my mortgage, fixed up my unit, rented for enough to allow me to buy another home and cover 80% of that mortgage. Did that three times and was living with zero mortgage outlay each month with just the issues of managing 4 rentals. I think that was good debt. I have now downsized to just two rentals with very small mortgages left that provide positive cash flow in retirement. They will soon be paid off and can be...
by l2ridehd
Fri Oct 18, 2013 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 206699

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

This process works great when buying new. I used it with great success buying my Toyota Tacoma. For cars I usually buy certified used so the process needs to be a bit different. I like Mercedes so I find dealerships within about a 150 plus mile radius which gives me a dozen or so to work with. I do the online search until I find four or 5 cars that work for me. I just purchased a 2013 E 350 with 10,000 miles and used a process very close to your new car process. The main difference is you can't do exact comparisons because each car has a few variables. Like mileage, options, warranty, and even finance differences. So first step is to identify 4 or 5 cars that work. Do a kbb price check using the wholesale price. Get the car fax for each car...
by l2ridehd
Sun Oct 06, 2013 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put stock being sold
Replies: 8
Views: 805

Re: Where to put stock being sold

I also had a very large position in IBM do to the ESPP. At one point had over 10,000 shares. I even had some shares I bought when it sold for $700 a share before many splits. Over time I sold it off and am now down to about 1000 shares. I used the proceeds to buy stocks, real estate, bonds, and basically to diversify. However I would be way ahead if I had just kept the IBM stock. Yes I know holding a single position is dangerous, but somehow they always seem to stay ahead of market.
by l2ridehd
Fri Sep 27, 2013 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Lease as part of a compensation package
Replies: 27
Views: 3562

Re: Car Lease as part of a compensation package

This is a good perk, but you do have issues. First it is not tax free. If you allow commute and/or personal use of the car then the employee has to pay the tax on the value of that use. IRS requires a minimum of once a year accounting. If a person uses the car 40% for business and 60% for personal then the value of the use based on price and mileage is treated as taxable income. So you will add some additional accounting work to your business. A better way may be to provide an allowance of say 30K for a 2 year employee, 40K for a 5 year and 50K for 10 or more. Then let them select the car they want, let them add up to 50%, then you actually lease that car. The tax implication is also adjusted by what they add. This way longer term employees...
by l2ridehd
Sun Sep 08, 2013 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Kuala Lumpur] KL, Malaysia
Replies: 9
Views: 1480

Re: KL, Malaysia

The Petronas Towers, both the top and the shopping mall on the first 7 levels, also shop at Central Market, visit a Mosque, sample the night life (Beach Club), a couple good restaurants, (Nero Navo and the stairs in Mala, can't recall the name but ask what the word for stairs is in Malaysian), buy a new suit at the Asia Taylor in the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel, also some new shirts. He still has my measurements and I just call him and order and he sends me new suits. If your adventurous, take a walk through China Town. Have had some good food and some awful food there so at your own risk. But you can buy lots of stuff really cheap. Software and DVD movies are like 10 ringgits. But again buyer beware. Fun city but maintain a low profile ...
by l2ridehd
Thu Sep 05, 2013 6:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rental real estate post - what's the catch?
Replies: 97
Views: 11036

Re: Rental real estate post - what's the catch?

I own rental property and have most of my life. It is a very good stable return and so far has been an appreciating asset. However it is work. I manage and take care of my own properties. I do most of the maintenance, I manage the contracts, insurance, advertising, and all aspects of ownership. And it is a job and requires actual work. Part time work, but still work. Financially rewarding? Yes. Solid ROI? Yes. Steady income? Yes. Excellent asset growth and tax advantaged. This is not a buy it and forget it business.
by l2ridehd
Wed Sep 04, 2013 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reasonable Family Discount [Inherited Real Estate]
Replies: 25
Views: 4924

Re: Reasonable Family Discount [Inherited Real Estate]

You are headed for a family fight of significant proportions. No matter what happens someone will think they have been cheated. Sell it, divide the money and buy something else is the best solution. If you feel you have to have it, get it appraised by three different appraisers. Get there different agents in to tell you what needs to be done to successfully sell it. Have them provide you with a net sheet. Only then sit down will all siblings, present the information, deduct the agents fee and the fixing up cost and offer to pay that amount then and there. And get EVERYONE to agree. Siblings, spouses, and anyone else involved. Don't even suggest a family discount. And if you already have suggested that to them, kiss it goodbye because someon...
by l2ridehd
Mon Sep 02, 2013 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529s: Part of AA or Separate Bucket
Replies: 18
Views: 1491

Re: 529s: Part of AA or Separate Bucket

Set the AA for the 529 based on the childs age and withdrawal plan. I started my grandsons 529 at 6 months old. I used the NV plan. I went with 100% aggressive. Next year when I add additional funds I will adjust that to 5% bonds, 10% moderate and 85% aggressive. Each year as I add money, I will continue to adjust the AA until the 12th year and I will have it at 60% bonds and 40% moderate. I will maintain that AA until he starts college and the withdrawal phase. This is only a guess, but I would plan to retain the 60/40 split until he uses it up for college. My goal is to have enough for 100% tuition for an in state college. His parents or he can provide the room and board, books and other. If he chooses an out of state college then they ca...
by l2ridehd
Fri Aug 23, 2013 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VWENX Thoughts?
Replies: 16
Views: 2690

Re: VWENX Thoughts?

I like both Wellington and Wellsley. They have both performed well over a long time window. I have about 10% of total assets divided between them and I use them to rebalance. They have a 60/40 and a 40/60 AA. So once set up it becomes very easy just to move money between these two funds to keep your equity/bond AA at your preferred AA. Still have to adjust International vs Domestic once in a while, but I still like these funds and the easy rebalancing they allow me to do.
by l2ridehd
Mon Aug 19, 2013 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: new job 3.5 hours away
Replies: 21
Views: 2924

Re: new job 3.5 hours away

I had a house that I planned to keep in VA. Was going to CA for the job and did not plan to sell the VA home. What I did was meet with the HR folks to discuss relocation. Find out what they provided and paid for. During that discussion I asked about getting a rental subsidy vs moving. They were receptive to that so we discussed options. We never did get to actual relocation cost but more like we discussed averages. I suspect it would have cost them more to actually move me then the cost of 3 years of renting. I was getting ready to buy a condo in CA as my 3 years was about up, when they asked me to move back to the East coast. So for me everything worked out well. After I worked in NJ for two years they transferred me to VA, so back home ag...
by l2ridehd
Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: new job 3.5 hours away
Replies: 21
Views: 2924

Re: new job 3.5 hours away

I did this a couple times. First time the job was 3000 miles away and I negotiated a monthly rental fee in place of a relocation package. We estimated the relocation would cost around 80K so I asked for a monthly rental reimbursement of $2500 a month for 2 years or $1500 a month for 3 years. A win win for both of us. I ended up renting a place for $1650 so cost me $150 a month. Turns out after 3 years they asked me to move to the other side of the country, back about three hours from home, so I said sure, but need a monthly rental reimbursement instead of relocation. And they agreed. Relocation is expensive. More so now then back when I did the rental agreement. So companies are more willing to consider alternatives like this. If you agree ...
by l2ridehd
Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the Gone Fishin' Portfolio flawed?
Replies: 22
Views: 16125

Re: Is the Gone Fishin' Portfolio flawed?

Looks a bit to complicated for me. You could use total international to replace the 3 funds non US. Also everyone's situation is different. I for example don't own REIT's as I own rental properties. One plan I like for managing withdrawals is when you rebalance remove the money for your SWR and place it in a money market or CD. (depending on timing) By doing so, you minimize the risk of needing to withdraw your annual stipend when the market is down. I like the 6 fund slice and dice from lazytraders.com better then the gone fishing one. Simpler, makes more sense for me, provides the small cap tilt and the international exposure I want. I did modify it a bit for a 75/25 split and used the short term vs intermediate bond fund. Also used Admir...
by l2ridehd
Wed Aug 14, 2013 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash Balance Plan, unfunded pension & Asset Allocation
Replies: 17
Views: 1817

Re: Cash Balance Plan, unfunded pension & Asset Allocation

Your cash balance plan is some form of a Rabbi trust. They are used by firms to help provide a tax deferral benefit to high income earners and to provide a cash borrowing pool for the business. I have one that I just started drawing from as I retired last year. Over time (15 years) it grew to about 40% of my available retirement funds as I always deferred the maximum. They are a liability to the business and have no guarantee. You get in line with everyone else should the business fail. Now I am getting the payouts on an annual basis over 10 years. The problem is they changed the plan. I used to get a rate of return equal to the corporate borrowing rate plus 1.5%. This was usually around 6 to 8% return each year. Then as with most good thin...
by l2ridehd
Mon Aug 12, 2013 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Clark Howard - Used cars vs New cars
Replies: 8
Views: 2399

Re: Clark Howard - Used cars vs New cars

I need a truck for my part time business, owning rental properties as I do all work and management myself, so I am usually on the look out for a decent deal. In 2010 I bought a used Toyota Tacoma for $17,000 with only 15000 miles on it and sold my 120K miles Explorer. I drove it for 3 years and it had 45000 miles. I was not looking to upgrade, but used Tacoma prices were just crazy and someone made me an offer that was tough to refuse, so I decided to check on new. At that time, late 2012, the 2013 Tacoma new was being deeply discounted and was actually cheaper then used. So I sold the 2009 for $16,000 and purchased a new one. So only if your looking to buy, keeping the used vs new differential in perspective can really work to your advanta...
by l2ridehd
Thu Jul 18, 2013 5:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Death Book
Replies: 70
Views: 44092

Re: Death Book

And keep this death book in a safe place labeled Uncle Teddies retirement letters or something a thief would pass by. Imagine if all this information fell into the wrong hands.
by l2ridehd
Wed Jun 12, 2013 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Business Travel to Tijuana/Tecate/Ensenada
Replies: 35
Views: 4082

Re: Business Travel to Tijuana/Tecate/Ensenada

Do it. I have traveled all over the world on business including most of Mexico and South America with minimal issues. Always keep a low profile, make sure your company has a "travel safety insurance" set up with a company like SOS, and make sure someone always knows where you are. As someone else mentioned, stay away from drugs, sex and don't drink the water. Having a driver is good but not always a requirement. (a must have in India and China, nice to have in Malaysia, Brazil and Mexico) It can be a very rewarding experience and you will expand your view of the world. Go to Passport health and get all your required shots and medicines. Once doing one country or area of the world, it opens so many doors for other places. It's a gr...
by l2ridehd
Tue Jun 11, 2013 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellington Fund or Total Stock Market Index Fund?
Replies: 19
Views: 8469

Re: Wellington Fund or Total Stock Market Index Fund?

I like Wellington and own both it and Wellesley. I have them in my IRA and use them to re-balance by selling one and buying the other. Most everything else is in index funds with TSM in taxable and TBM in IRA. Having more room in the IRA I bought both of these and use them for maintaining and slowly shifting my AA each year to maintain my age minus 20 in bonds.
by l2ridehd
Sat Jun 08, 2013 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You
Replies: 368
Views: 65429

Re: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You

Weber grill, they last forever
Stihl chain saw, leaf blower, hedge and edge trimmers
Kubota tractor, just goes and goes
Mercedes cars
Michelin tires
Ghroe faucets
and really good wine
by l2ridehd
Tue Jun 04, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking for online international banking
Replies: 14
Views: 1806

Re: Looking for online international banking

I believe the Schwab investor checking will do everything she wants. Question on #1, what type of deposits does she want to make? Cash would be the only limitation. Checks can be scanned or take a picture on a smart phone and deposited.
by l2ridehd
Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to stay in Barcelona
Replies: 14
Views: 1340

Re: Where to stay in Barcelona

Bari Gothic is also very nice and close to everything. I stayed right directly across the square from the cathedral and could walk most places easily. Las Ramblas is nice but very touristy and busy. Also higher prices. Get Rick Steves book and follow his suggestions for a great time.
by l2ridehd
Mon Jun 03, 2013 11:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: All Stocks Anyone?
Replies: 64
Views: 10923

Re: All Stocks Anyone?

I put my new born grandson's 529 in 100% stocks. 80% TSM and 20% TISM. My plan is as I add to his 529 every year I will make the allocation 5% year one in TBM (95/5) and continue to increase that until year 12 where he will be at 40/60. Will retain that % until he starts college then continue to migrate to 20/80 over the 4 years of college. If the plan stays on track, by adding 4K each year he should have 100% of in state tuition when he starts college. I based this all on the VA pre-paid tuition plan and an average return of 6% over the next 18 years. If college costs makes a sharp upturn during that window, I may need to adjust the amount I contribute. I can adjust it by checking the four year pre-paid cost each year to see if I am on tra...
by l2ridehd
Fri May 31, 2013 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possible to Get a Positive Return on a Fixer-Upper?
Replies: 18
Views: 2489

Re: Possible to Get a Positive Return on a Fixer-Upper?

Short answer is yes. However there are lots of things to consider. Can you do many of the cosmetic fixes yourself? Can you do this over time or is it a quick flip? Hiring or doing makes a huge difference. And what you do to renovate a home for yourself is usually different then what you do for a house to sell. An example might be I can spend $2500 and do a decent job updating a bathroom. That is new fixtures, tile, paint, hardware, and my labor. Or I could spend $20,000 on the same bathroom with high end everything. The 2K to 5K upgrade is done to sell it, the 20K is what you do for yourself to keep for a long time.
by l2ridehd
Thu May 30, 2013 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Walkable Place to Retire
Replies: 86
Views: 12541

Re: Best Walkable Place to Retire

Most walkable place I ever lived was Seal Beach CA. 20 plus restaurants groceries stores and most other things you need. Plus on the beach. Howevr I dop agree with an earlier post that Portland ME is a great walkable city as well.
by l2ridehd
Wed May 15, 2013 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I [messed] up - Now what? ($200k in student loan debt, etc.)
Replies: 117
Views: 15671

Re: I [messed] up - Now what? ($200k in student loan debt, e

Sorry, but I have to agree with the crowd on this one. You chose the phrase "I messed up" and yet you want to take on more debt to get more education to make more money? Have you not learned anything about college debt to job ratios? DO NOT take on more debt for anything until you resolve this problem. Go spend $20 for Dave Ramseys book on getting out of debt. You need to reduce expenses to the bare minimum, find additional part time work, and pay off these loans as fast as humanly possible. I still can't reconcile how you accumulated 200K in debt in 5 years of college in the 90's. But you made these choices, so now you need to fix them. I believe with the proper application of frugal living and extra work, you could be debt free ...
by l2ridehd
Fri May 10, 2013 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it time to install a whole-house generator?
Replies: 193
Views: 30049

Re: Is it time to install a whole-house generator?

I live in VA and have had a number of power outages. I purchased a 7000 watt (10,000 peak) Toro electric start generator from Lowes and had it hooked into a whole house bypass switch. When on generator power it will run refrigerators, furnace, lights, fans and a few other things. It will not handle AC, ovens, or cloths dryer. So I just throw those breakers to off so they won't come on. Cook top in gas so we can cook most things. Just can't bake anything. We try to manage the number of things like lights and TV's running better when on generator power but it handles this 5000 square foot house fine. We have oil heat so it just has to handle the oil burner and fan which it does. So for a $750 generator, a $250 transfer switch and about anothe...
by l2ridehd
Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for advice on Wine.
Replies: 33
Views: 3545

Re: Looking for advice on Wine.

You have a challenge because of the state you live in. PA did not allow wine shipped to the state because of the state run liquor control board. Not sure if that has changed recently. My wife and I really love good wine. We have a wine cellar with over 1000 bottles. You can find decent wine from $5 a bottle and on up to any amount your willing to spend. I have a lot of $100 bottles. Our son lives in state college PA and has a challenge getting good wine. I order for him and he makes a trip home to PA now and again to pick some up. If you have a friend or someone where you can have wine shipped in a near by state here is what I would suggest. Go to wine.com and look at 90 point plus wines under $20 a bottle. They have a button to click on fo...
by l2ridehd
Sun Apr 21, 2013 6:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any Reason Not to Invest in a 529?
Replies: 53
Views: 4987

Re: Any Reason Not to Invest in a 529?

A 529 for most wage earners is a good deal. There is another potential upside to the plans. I purchased one for our grandson through Vanguard Nevada plan. Our Grandson lives in Virginia and will most likely go to a Virginia college. Mother went to UVA and Father to VA Tech. When the child is in the 9th grade if he has his heart set on a Virginia college, I can use the Nevada plan and transfer it to Virginia and buy pre-paid in state tuition. I am even tracking the Virginia pre paid semester costs and matching the Nevada plan so I can buy 4 years of college. The Nevada plan allows me to self manage, transfer when ready, and lowest investment costs. The only downside risk with the Virginia pre paid plans is if he decides to go to another stat...
by l2ridehd
Sat Apr 20, 2013 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency Fund for Rental Properties
Replies: 14
Views: 2015

Re: Emergency Fund for Rental Properties

I think your plan is very reasonable. I also own two rental properties and I maintain an emergency fund of 7% of the value of one home. That should cover any large repair or any long vacancy. Yes it's possible that both roofs or AC units or a roof and AC could go out at the same time, but doubtful. Usually a roof can be checked and a good estimate of remaining life can be determined. Same for AC/heating unit. However even a worst case would probably only put me slightly over the 7% and I could handle that with out being to big a problem. So personally I believe your good with your plan.
by l2ridehd
Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage for a senior
Replies: 8
Views: 1032

Re: Mortgage for a senior

It's all about income. Nothing to do with assets. I just completed a refi and because I own rental properties which I mortgage to the max intentionally and show very little income, they gave me a hard time. This was for my primary home. All credit scores over 800, enough assets just in Vanguard to pay the loan 18 times over, but limited monthly income so it was a challenge. They wanted me to set up regular withdrawals which I refused to do. This refi was improving cash flow by $350 a month, but income was still an issue. Had a loan to value of 50%. Everything should have been perfect, but was still a problem because I am retired and draw a very limited income. They wanted me to apply for SS, but again not my plan until I get to 70 so I refu...
by l2ridehd
Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me manage a $7 million portfolio.
Replies: 105
Views: 24419

Re: Help me manage a $7 million portfolio.

She needs some sound advice and it certainly appears you are not providing that. You are taking way to much risk for her. And even for you if some day you will get part of this. Why be set up to fail when it is not required? 15% Vanguard total stock market VTSAX 15% Vanguard small cap value VISVX 15% Vanguard total international VGTSX 15% Vanguard Emerging Markets VEMAX 20% Vanguard Total Bond 20% Vanguard Tips Keep about 100K in cash MM account. This is a 60/40 stock bond portfolio that is probably more aggressive then you should be, but at least it is getting you to the total market with all index funds to spread the risk. And ZERO active management. That is playing a losers game. You are not smarter then everyone else on Wall Street. And...
by l2ridehd
Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express account changes
Replies: 5
Views: 1369

American Express account changes

Just received a notice today from Amex that the terms of the credit agreement are being changes. Here is the wording of the change. I assume this went to all card holders.

Subject is Credit Reports.
Effective immediately we are modifying the language concerning credit reports in your Cardmember Agreement to clarify that you agree that we will obtain credit reports about you and that we will use them for any purpose, subject to applicable law.

Now I have all reporting agencies frozen to protect against fraud, but having been an AE member since 1969, believe it is time to leave. Going to call for more clarification first, but don't like the blanket type of language.

Does this concern anyone else or am I over reacting?
by l2ridehd
Mon Apr 15, 2013 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Poll: How many $100 dinners out per year?
Replies: 152
Views: 15300

Re: Poll: How many $100 dinners out per year?

Living just outside Washington DC it's hard to go out for less then that. Occasionally Chinese which runs under $100. But we go out about once a week and 90% of the time it's over $100. I usually don't do chain places so about every regular place runs that much. About the only chain we like is Bonefish and PF Changs and they both easily go over $100 with an appetizer, wine, tax and tip. And if we go to a really nice place around here it will run over $200.
by l2ridehd
Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investing on the Curve
Replies: 29
Views: 3435

Re: Investing on the Curve

OK, I have a very available vehicle to test your analysis. I have a Rabbi trust that has VERY few investment choices, however one of them of only 4 is the S & P 500. So help me better understand the exact buy and sell signals and I will use a fairly large amount of $$$ to test this and provide real time percentage increase and decrease amounts. The fund has unlimited daily transfers in and out and a .06 ER. However as with most, trades have to be made before 4:00 PM and will be settled after market close. What IC are you actually using? Compound growth rate of??? The S & P? T-Bills? Other? From your postings I follow the theory but not sure exactly what your basing the over valued or under valued points on the curve on. Which compou...
by l2ridehd
Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Charles Ellis says stay out of bonds
Replies: 122
Views: 15180

Re: Charles Ellis says stay out of bonds

With everyone who is supposed to know, telling everyone who will listen, to sell bonds, it is probably a really good time to be buying bonds. The only concession or change I have made is as I re-balance and add new money, if I need bonds I add to short term vs total market. There are probably 20 different scenarios that "could happen" with bonds. The only one that is pretty bad is a rapid rise in interest rates. And even that is not so bad if you have time on your side. So far in my life time when everyone is telling you to do X your usually better off doing Y. So stay the course and maintain your desired AA, re-balance as necessary is still more then likely good advise.
by l2ridehd
Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: car rental problems [in Europe]
Replies: 47
Views: 4593

Re: car rental problems [in Europe]

I have rented cars in England, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and a few others. In Europe I use Eurocar or Avis or Hertz. In Asia Hertz and Avis. I have never had an issue with insurance or been scammed. On a vacation to Hawaii once a dollar rent a car was included with the package and they tried to force me to buy insurance and other trumped up charges. At the time I was a very high level with Hertz so I called the 800 number and got a car. Yes I had to pay for something that was supposed to be free, but it was only a couple extra dollars a day over what Dollar wanted to up charge me. When doing anything in a foreign country, sometimes cheapest isn't the best option. And Hawaii is a US state where do...
by l2ridehd
Fri Apr 05, 2013 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cleaning a vacation rental
Replies: 21
Views: 6974

Re: cleaning a vacation rental

This is someones home you are renting, not a hotel room. Leave it as you found it or even better, leave it cleaner then you found it. I own two vacation rental and I charge an $85 cleaning fee after each renter. If a person leaves the place as clean or cleaner then they found it, I refund $50. I am still required by that states law to wash all sheets and towels weather they did or not. If they leave it a mess, I never rent to them again and provide their name to the rental owners group I belong to.

Pay the $50 and do a better job next time.