Search found 275 matches

by RoadHouseFan
Tue Jul 25, 2017 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension lump sum offer (28yo)
Replies: 7
Views: 1519

Re: Pension lump sum offer (28yo)

Roll it over into your 401k.
by RoadHouseFan
Tue Jul 25, 2017 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Order of Operations (Retirement, Loans, Emergency Fund)
Replies: 25
Views: 2958

Re: Order of Operations (Retirement, Loans, Emergency Fund)

Work on increasing the emergency fund. Ideally you want this to be 60+ months.
by RoadHouseFan
Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another bay area housing thread..
Replies: 143
Views: 21225

Re: Another bay area housing thread..

Highly recommend the Mississippi or Alabama Bay Area.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Possible Job Relocating - Sell or Rent Current House
Replies: 3
Views: 557

Re: Possible Job Relocating - Sell or Rent Current House

Sell it. No need to deal with the stress and financial losses associated with rental properties.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon Jul 10, 2017 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switch to federal job?
Replies: 80
Views: 12790

Re: Switch to federal job?

Meaty wrote:
RoadHouseFan wrote:Take the government job. No stress, high pay, massive paid leave, etc. Government jobs are as good as it gets.
The question is - how does a mid career professional get one? I've applied to a number of posting I was well qualified for an never heard back
Same here - would switch to a government job in a second.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon Jul 10, 2017 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switch to federal job?
Replies: 80
Views: 12790

Re: Switch to federal job?

Take the government job. No stress, high pay, massive paid leave, etc. Government jobs are as good as it gets.
by RoadHouseFan
Fri Jul 07, 2017 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you splurge on?
Replies: 133
Views: 18047

Re: What do you splurge on?

Top tier cable packages
Lazy-boy leather furniture
Extremely powerful air conditioning
Bottled water
Chick-fil-A
Cracker Barrel
Vehicles with V8 engines
by RoadHouseFan
Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Temporary Internal Promotion - Increased Compensation?
Replies: 73
Views: 7166

Re: Temporary Internal Promotion - Increased Compensation?

OP here. Quick update and some strange news. As mentioned previously, I stopped by HR last week to see if the company had a formal policy. They do not. Anyways, my Director got back from vacation and called me into her office today. She said HR called her and said I acted inappropriately in asking what the company policy was. After reading the posts over the past few days, I had decided to stand down and not broach the topic about compensation with my Director or VP. Well, that strategy went out the window with what HR did. So now the cat is out of the bag. Both my Director and I were surprised why HR thought it was inappropriate for me to ask what the company's policy was. Anyways, my Director said she is working on getting me increased c...
by RoadHouseFan
Wed Jul 05, 2017 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking advice on 1.2m (now 900K) house purchase
Replies: 192
Views: 22723

Re: Seeking advice on 1.2m house purchase

lostdog wrote:So a lot of the silicon valley people have high networth but are house poor?
That is a correct assessment of San Francisco Bay Area homeowners. They go into massive debt for dilapidated and depreciating houses. Mississippi and Alabama Bay Area homeowners, on the other hand, are in great financial shape while enjoying a much higher quality of life.
by RoadHouseFan
Wed Jul 05, 2017 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking advice on 1.2m (now 900K) house purchase
Replies: 192
Views: 22723

Re: Seeking advice on 1.2m house purchase

The Alabama and Mississippi bay areas are great places to live.
by RoadHouseFan
Sat Jun 24, 2017 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bay Area housing
Replies: 69
Views: 10257

Re: Bay Area housing

Highly recommend buying in the Alabama or Mississippi bay areas. Great places to live!
by RoadHouseFan
Sun Jun 18, 2017 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early retirement checkup for 38 year old
Replies: 21
Views: 4921

Re: Early retirement checkup for 38 year old

You're in great shape. That pension is tremendous. Thanks for your service!
by RoadHouseFan
Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Amazon Buys Whole Foods
Replies: 103
Views: 19003

Re: Amazon Buys Whole Foods

This is great news!
by RoadHouseFan
Thu Jun 15, 2017 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many of you have rentals (i.e. you're a landlord)? Are they worth it?
Replies: 74
Views: 10573

Re: How many of you have rentals (i.e. you're a landlord)? Are they worth it?

It's not worth it for the average person. The advocates are using unrealistic Zestimates to falsely inflate their net worth while minimizing the headaches and pitfalls of landlord responsibilities.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu Jun 15, 2017 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you canceled cable?
Replies: 90
Views: 12398

Re: Have you canceled cable?

We maintain cable for FoxNews.
by RoadHouseFan
Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was it unprofessional for the HR manager to ask for my salary history in front of a peer at a job interview?
Replies: 74
Views: 11614

Re: Was it unprofessional for the HR manager to ask for my salary history in front of a peer at a job interview?

tony5412 wrote:
RoadHouseFan wrote:Document the incident and submit an ethics violation against the HR department. HR needs to be put in their place.
I don't work for the company.

Perhaps I should withdraw my application and state that this is the reason why?

I'm not too keen on giving them more info (ie. application and background check consent) since they haven't shown me that they value the privacy of my personal data.

I am debating whether I should even bother to send the post interview thank you letters but perhaps I am overreacting.
You are not overreacting.
by RoadHouseFan
Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Was it unprofessional for the HR manager to ask for my salary history in front of a peer at a job interview?
Replies: 74
Views: 11614

Re: Was it unprofessional for the HR manager to ask for my salary history in front of a peer at a job interview?

Document the incident and submit an ethics violation against the HR department. HR needs to be put in their place.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon May 29, 2017 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: High School Graduation Gifts
Replies: 43
Views: 7943

Re: High School Graduation Gifts

We give them Chick-fil-A gift cards. If we don't receive a thank you card within 2 weeks, then we block that family from all further communications.
by RoadHouseFan
Sun May 28, 2017 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring in southern college town
Replies: 78
Views: 9627

Re: Retiring in southern college town

I'm going to throw a curve ball out there -- what about Auburn, Alabama? It's not coastal but you are maybe a 2 hour drive from the Panama City beaches. Dothan, AL is not really a college town but has a cool small town feel. You are maybe 1 hour from Panama City FL there. I spent quite a bit of time in Alabama last year and loved it. +1 for Auburn. It is a great place to live! :beer See below from Auburn University website: Auburn is the proud home of Auburn University and the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, one of the world's finest. It's the coolest college town in the South, according to us, and one of the top 10 cities in the U.S. for small businesses, according to Forbes. Centrally located near Atlanta, Birmingham, and Montgomery, Aubu...
by RoadHouseFan
Sun May 28, 2017 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring in southern college town
Replies: 78
Views: 9627

Re: Retiring in southern college town

Can't go wrong by moving to southern states - patriotic people, family values and unbeatable food.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 25, 2017 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When does Saving become missing out on life?
Replies: 74
Views: 12959

Re: When does Saving become missing out on life?

Something I've personally been struggling with lately, when does saving become obsessive? At 33, I find myself being obsessed with saving and cutting corners as much as I can (I don't even pay for Cable or Trash Service; only use netflix and convinced parents to let me use their trash service (they don't mind)). Granted, my salary is 63k and may pale in comparison to others, but I find myself turning down events with family/friends all the time because I'm focused on the dollar. I'm starting to realize that saving/investing for an easier life tomorrow isn't promised. I'd hate to work my whole life only to pass on everything I've worked for. Is there a certain percentage of income I should be using without guilt to enjoy myself today? I hav...
by RoadHouseFan
Sat May 20, 2017 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What goes in your smoothie?
Replies: 45
Views: 5678

Re: What goes in your smoothie?

rebellovw wrote:
RoadHouseFan wrote:Ice
Orange juice
Blue berries
Strawberries
Bananas
Cool whip

Cool whip? You should move onto something healthy like plain yogurt - cool whip is fake whip cream. Just my .02$ since a smoothy should be healthy and not a milk shake (though I make those too.)
We'll try that next time.
by RoadHouseFan
Sat May 20, 2017 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are the powers of HR in a company?
Replies: 40
Views: 5790

Re: What are the powers of HR in a company?

sunny_socal wrote:My wife worked in HR for many years, here is the inside scoop:
1. They are not your friends
2. They are 100% agents of The Company.

Engage with HR only to the extent you must to get your work done, otherwise shut up. You have nothing to gain by opening up to HR. They are a necessary overhead to company operation and that's it.

Image

Image

Image
Correct
by RoadHouseFan
Sat May 20, 2017 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Summer outdoor parties - party food ideas
Replies: 20
Views: 2820

Re: Summer outdoor parties - party food ideas

Chick-fil-A is always a big hit
by RoadHouseFan
Sat May 20, 2017 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What goes in your smoothie?
Replies: 45
Views: 5678

Re: What goes in your smoothie?

Ice
Orange juice
Blue berries
Strawberries
Bananas
Cool whip
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 18, 2017 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for you high net worth individuals... [real estate investments]
Replies: 82
Views: 16276

Re: Question for you high net worth individuals...

We do not include house in net worth calculations. It is an expense, not really an asset.
by RoadHouseFan
Wed May 17, 2017 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are the powers of HR in a company?
Replies: 40
Views: 5790

Re: What are the powers of HR in a company?

Always remember that HR are not on your side. Never interact with them unless it is required. They are not your friend. +1 HR's primary purpose is to make sure the company doesn't get sued. Their secondary purpose is to fulfill their primary purpose. Then comes book & legwork of managing issues around potential employees and acting as the company conscience/communicating same toward soon to be ex-employees & remaining staff. Oh..and serving as the monthly/quarterly speakers to remind the staff that "we are a family.......", right up until they need to re-don their hat as the company conscience during periods where said family eats their young. At least that was my 30 year experience..I'm sure it's improved in the last yea...
by RoadHouseFan
Wed May 17, 2017 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are the powers of HR in a company?
Replies: 40
Views: 5790

Re: What are the powers of HR in a company?

Always remember that HR are not on your side. Never interact with them unless it is required. They are not your friend.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon May 15, 2017 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting a small apartment vs buying a bigger home
Replies: 26
Views: 3212

Re: Renting a small apartment vs buying a bigger home

If $800k doesn't get you a new, custom 5,000+ sq ft house with 4 car garage on 5+ acres, then you are getting ripped off.
by RoadHouseFan
Fri May 12, 2017 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will I ever have enough for a condo/house in Cali?
Replies: 42
Views: 5051

Re: Will I ever have enough for a condo/house in Cali?

Wouldn't even consider buying property in California.
by RoadHouseFan
Fri May 12, 2017 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Experiences/vacations - how much do people do
Replies: 24
Views: 3307

Re: Experiences/vacations - how much do people do

We avoid travel that cannot be accomplished via a reasonable drive (1 to 2 hours). Nothing worse than dealing with airport chaos: lines, security, filthy planes filled with undisciplined kids and people coughing and sneezing on you. We prefer staycations that allow us to enjoy our lazy-boy leather furniture, top tier cable packages and extremely powerful air conditioning. None of those amenities exist in international destinations.
by RoadHouseFan
Wed May 10, 2017 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What newspaper or magazine do you pay for?
Replies: 107
Views: 11533

Re: What newspaper or magazine do you pay for?

The Limbaugh Letter
by RoadHouseFan
Mon May 08, 2017 6:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stay home with kids?
Replies: 103
Views: 12238

Re: Stay home with kids?

Tycoon wrote:The choice was easy for us. Parent or $7.25/hr stranger? Parent was the right choice.
The correct answer.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon May 08, 2017 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying second home in Georgia- tax implications
Replies: 9
Views: 4695

Re: Buying second home in Georgia- tax implications

Can't go wrong with Georgia or South Carolina. Both states offer high quality of life!
by RoadHouseFan
Sun May 07, 2017 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most Common Financial Mistakes
Replies: 108
Views: 19325

Re: Most Common Financial Mistakes

The following (in no particular order) are mistakes to avoid:

Shopping at highbrow stores like Ethan Allen, Whole Foods, etc.
Daycares
Private schools
College funds
Purchasing nonfunctional fad vehicles such as Tesla
Swimming pools
International travel
by RoadHouseFan
Sun May 07, 2017 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford a 800K house?
Replies: 52
Views: 8831

Re: Can we afford a 800K house?

Is the house 5000+ sq ft on a 2+ acre lot? If so, proceed.
by RoadHouseFan
Fri May 05, 2017 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fairness in College Savings
Replies: 47
Views: 4977

Re: Fairness in College Savings

Advise your kids to get scholarships and/or join the military. Consequently, no college funds are needed.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Convince me that I'm holding too much cash
Replies: 62
Views: 11378

Re: Convince me that I'm holding too much cash

You are not holding too much cash. Do not listen to those recommending buying stocks at record high prices. For non-cash assets, buy low and sell high. Otherwise, cash is king.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unmarried couple purchasing a home?
Replies: 72
Views: 8054

Re: Unmarried couple purchasing a home?

Do not recommend buying property with someone you are not married to.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?
Replies: 248
Views: 46246

Re: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?

High quality of life at reasonable costs exists in the following: Texas Mississippi Alabama Georgia South Carolina North Carolina Tennessee Kentucky Indiana North Dakota South Dakota Montana Wyoming With the exception of a couple of towns, I would say pretty much all of those places have piss poor quality of life.:) But my definition of quality of life isn't yours. Like going to theatre shows? NYC has a lot to offer and Wyoming doesn't. Want to go fishing and hunting? NYC isn't that great but Montana sure is. Want to smoke dope? CA, WA,OR, CO and AK might improve your quality of life. And so on. Everyone needs to figure out what is important to them and then find the place that maximizes those things and whose downsides they can live with....
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?
Replies: 248
Views: 46246

Re: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?

High quality of life at reasonable costs exists in the following: Texas Mississippi Alabama Georgia South Carolina North Carolina Tennessee Kentucky Indiana North Dakota South Dakota Montana Wyoming With the exception of a couple of towns, I would say pretty much all of those places have piss poor quality of life.:) But my definition of quality of life isn't yours. Like going to theatre shows? NYC has a lot to offer and Wyoming doesn't. Want to go fishing and hunting? NYC isn't that great but Montana sure is. Want to smoke dope? CA, WA,OR, CO and AK might improve your quality of life. And so on. Everyone needs to figure out what is important to them and then find the place that maximizes those things and whose downsides they can live with....
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage Payment Question
Replies: 6
Views: 923

Re: Mortgage Payment Question

Don't recommend buying until one can comfortably make a >25% down payment.
by RoadHouseFan
Thu May 04, 2017 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Starting new job mid-career - What advice to learn from my past?
Replies: 39
Views: 3826

Re: Starting new job mid-career - What advice to learn from my past?

Always remember that HR and management are not on your side.
by RoadHouseFan
Wed May 03, 2017 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?
Replies: 248
Views: 46246

Re: Where to Live on $60K or Less a Year?

High quality of life at reasonable costs exists in the following:

Texas
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
South Carolina
North Carolina
Tennessee
Kentucky
Indiana
North Dakota
South Dakota
Montana
Wyoming
by RoadHouseFan
Wed May 03, 2017 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental property
Replies: 8
Views: 1609

Re: Rental property

Sell the rental property. They are mostly a headache that don't add value.
by RoadHouseFan
Mon May 01, 2017 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: buying dining table is hard
Replies: 55
Views: 6939

Re: buying dining table is hard

Big Lots