Search found 95 matches

by Aku09
Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is pool ownership worth it?
Replies: 120
Views: 11501

Re: Is pool ownership worth it?

Pools are fun, but certainly a money sink. I’ve had an in ground at my last 2 houses. Honestly at the end of the day it would be cheaper to pay $200 for a hotel room every time I wanted to swim and I’d come out ahead financially. I have 3 small kids who enjoy using it and my wife and I both get in occasionally. Last year we head to replace pool lights (actually prior home owner paid for them as it was included in our negotiations) and that was $4800. This year so far we had to replace the pool liner which was partially covered under warranty (we paid $3300 but several quotes were around 12k if we didn’t go the warranty route). Our pool is an odd shape and pretty large as far as in ground pools go. A new saltwater cell for $1200. Also needed...
by Aku09
Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you buy a house for 615k if you were us? UPDATE: under contract
Replies: 99
Views: 10921

Re: Would you buy a house for 615k if you were us?

You can afford it, but you may have to cut down in your savings rate to do so. The extra space will be much needed/appreciated. We had our 3rd child while living in an 1100sq ft apartment then moved to a 3k sq ft house. Moved 1.5 years ago to 4200sq ft and currently have more space than what we need/use regularly, but I like having it. Do you feel like you have an extra $2500 for a mortgage every month comfortably? Your utilities will increase significantly as well. If the new place has a pool or anything like that it can get costly very quick (always several thousand a year spent on pool items at my house). Landscaping/mowing is also significantly more for a bigger place. I agree 100% you need the space, but I would either sell taxable for...
by Aku09
Wed Jan 11, 2023 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6 year finance update
Replies: 17
Views: 4179

Re: 401k Investment options- 4 year update

Posted 5 year update of my finances.
by Aku09
Fri Nov 18, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard as 401k provider question
Replies: 0
Views: 192

Vanguard as 401k provider question

So I am in a small group of 3 full time employees and one part time. Up until now we have had a simple ira and are switching to a 401k so we can save more as the 3 full time employees are all high income earners. We don’t have an office manager or anything so we need something that’s relatively easy and hassle free. Vanguard was decided as the 401k provider as they wanted a well known entity and a flat fee cost structure. So we had a call setup yesterday to start going over everything so we can have it start at the beginning of the year. During the call the lady basically said this is the first step and wants us to be ready for the next one next week (she didn’t really say what information she will want/need then). She did say things like w...
by Aku09
Thu Nov 10, 2022 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Salary infographic for a variety of occupations
Replies: 90
Views: 15302

Re: Salary infographic for a variety of occupations

My wife is a public school teacher teaching 1st grade. Has her masters degree with 5 years experience making 43k gross. Insurance for the family (health/dental/vision) costs 1k a month. Live in Tennessee in a somewhat rural area. Teacher salaries all around us are terrible.

Luckily I work in healthcare and make >200k so we can afford nicer things. I can’t imagine being a single income family making <50k with the cost of everything.
by Aku09
Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Geico Premiums Doubled
Replies: 40
Views: 7873

Re: Geico Premiums Doubled

I had the same issue about a month ago. I’ve never had a claim but premiums went up 30% for auto and 15% for homeowners. Shopped around and switched to farmers. Basically paying the same rate I’ve had.
by Aku09
Wed Sep 21, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next investing step
Replies: 10
Views: 948

Re: Next investing step

I recently paid off all my student loans and only have my mortgage left and am curious about what my next investing step should be. Wife is a school teacher with 9k sitting in an account from where she left her last job out of state. We need to transfer that to a brokerage so its invested in something other than cash. I have an old 401k from my last job and a simple IRA from my current job. Total of about 160k with majority in 401k. Id like to move the money to an IRA as there is a 0.6% AUM fee with with the 401k. Since we both have accounts that would be better served moving to an IRA that would put out a backdoor Roth correct? Would taxable be the only option at that point? Total HHI is 250k w2 before taxes. I make an additional 15-20k 1...
by Aku09
Tue Sep 20, 2022 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next investing step
Replies: 10
Views: 948

Re: Next investing step

Makes sense. Yeah everything goes to my SSN right now for my EIN. If I was all 1099 it would make more sense, but the more complicated things get the more I may need a CPA and then I’m spending my savings.
by Aku09
Tue Sep 20, 2022 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next investing step
Replies: 10
Views: 948

Re: Next investing step

So my employers are similar, but not the same. For instance my w2 income comes from the group I am a partner of which is contracted by a hospital. It’s just 3 of us in a group. My 1099 income comes from working at other surgery centers and such on my days off. So the work is the same, but different employers. I called fidelity about opening a solo 401k. I got transferred to 3 different people and after close to 15 minutes on hold I was told I would need to file a schedule C on my taxes in order to qualify for opening a solo 401k. I currently do my taxes on my own and just put in my 1099 income where it directs me to. The person stated that wouldn’t qualify in this case and I would have to register as a business in order to fund it. Not sure...
by Aku09
Tue Sep 20, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next investing step
Replies: 10
Views: 948

Re: Next investing step

I’m not 100% sure what kind of account the 9k is in. She doesn’t pay into social security as a teacher and instead they take part of her check into their own retirement plan. The 9k is from 3 years there as she had to have been there 5 before she would have qualified to get any kind of retirement check. She only has the option of a 403b for additional investing, but it’s with a firm that charges load fees, AUM, etc. fees are astronomical so while I might come ahead versus paying taxes and investing in taxable it wouldn’t be much ahead. I will work on getting all of my stuff transferred over to a brokerage. I’ve heard Bank of America gives you a 2.625% rewards credit card for moving 100k to them. I may look into that for the rewards. If not ...
by Aku09
Tue Sep 20, 2022 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Next investing step
Replies: 10
Views: 948

Next investing step

I recently paid off all my student loans and only have my mortgage left and am curious about what my next investing step should be. Wife is a school teacher with 9k sitting in an account from where she left her last job out of state. We need to transfer that to a brokerage so its invested in something other than cash. I have an old 401k from my last job and a simple IRA from my current job. Total of about 160k with majority in 401k. Id like to move the money to an IRA as there is a 0.6% AUM fee with with the 401k. Since we both have accounts that would be better served moving to an IRA that would put out a backdoor Roth correct? Would taxable be the only option at that point? Total HHI is 250k w2 before taxes. I make an additional 15-20k 10...
by Aku09
Wed Aug 24, 2022 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Housing: how much do you spend?
Replies: 58
Views: 6289

Re: Housing: how much do you spend?

My mortgage payment with taxes/insurance are about 17% of my take home pay. Utilities bring that up to about 23%. Currently live in a LCOL area. House is 4200sq ft (reason for high cost of utilities like electric during the summer). Most months I work a bit extra making at least an extra thousand or so which isn’t figured into the calculations as it’s something I could stop if I wanted to.
by Aku09
Mon Feb 14, 2022 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fedex failed to deliver a package
Replies: 51
Views: 5996

Re: Fedex failed to deliver a package

Same issue here with FedEx. Ordered diamond earrings from Sams Club for my wife for Valentine’s Day. Supposedly delivered Thursday, but doorbell camera shows they never even drove by my house. Called both FedEx and Sams Club within 90 minutes of this happening and neither has been helpful. I have called FedEx 3 times since then and haven’t gotten a single status update. Even calling today I was told someone will for sure call me today and they haven’t.

Sams Club will refund my money, but only with a police report. I had to fill out a police report today and have to pick it up tomorrow and then send to Sams Club to get a refund. Then I get to order it again and see if it happens again.
by Aku09
Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6 year finance update
Replies: 17
Views: 4179

Re: 401k Investment options- 3 year update

Updated original post with a 4 year update. Doing this more for my records and an accounting of how I am doing throughout the years. If you have questions or feedback feel free to ask. I moved back to my hometown for a new job in August of last year.
by Aku09
Mon Jan 03, 2022 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Talk me into/out of a bigger house (yet again)
Replies: 44
Views: 4634

Re: Talk me into/out of a bigger house (yet again)

I personally think you should go for it. 1400 sq ft is small and with a kid in the possible future you’ll appreciate the space. I have 3 kids and lived in a 2900sq ft house and while it is certainly doable there were times we wished for more space. Just moved to 4200sq ft home for 569k (I can’t imagine prices in HCOL area).

New home would be less than double your income. You also spend the vast majority of your day there so you need the space. Personally I would rather have a nice big house and drive a smaller car as it’s only a small portion of my day.
by Aku09
Mon Nov 29, 2021 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?
Replies: 69
Views: 9481

Re: What Do You Pay Your Housekeeper/Cleaner?

Had a 3 BR/2.5BA 2800sq ft house that we paid $75 weekly to a lady that I worked with who cleaned on the size. Would stay 3-5 hours. She could only come after work when we were home so we would feed her supper or pay for take out for her as well. No tip, but we would give her a single cleaning amount for a Christmas bonus.

Have a new house about an hour away. 4300sq ft. Haven’t looked for a cleaner yet as I imagine it would be quite a bit more.
by Aku09
Thu Nov 11, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone bought and sold a house within 2-3 years? Share your story.
Replies: 29
Views: 3445

Re: Has anyone bought and sold a house within 2-3 years? Share your story.

Bought a 2800 sq ft 3/2.5 house in 2016 as my first “big boy job” after grad school. Probably overpaid slightly at the time but it had a fantastic pool/backyard area and a home theater which I’m really into. If it had one extra bedroom it certainly could have been my forever house. Sold it in September of this year for a new job. Made about 40k after all taxes fees. Probably put 10k into the house on pool maintenance things mainly over the years. Got offered a job in the fall of last year back where my wife and I grew up. Very rural area, but we have family in the area still and decided to go for it. Pays about the same and slightly less monetary benefits, but it has a lot more time at home which I was missing with my last job and over doub...
by Aku09
Sat Aug 21, 2021 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515334

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

Moving from west KY to west TN about an hour away for a new job. Have been looking for something for 6 months, but haven’t seen anything that checked most of our boxes (4 bedroom, >3k sq ft, somewhat updated). Placed our house in KY up for sale by owner and it sold in less than a week (although they wanted to use a real estate agent on their end) for 3k over ask. They got an inspection, but didn’t ask for anything to be repaired. We had lined up a rental that was undergoing renovations in anticipation of selling. After under contract and being told the rental was ready we go in to find it in terrible condition (infestation of roaches, bare electrical wires hanging out of the wall, etc). So needless to say we were in a bit of a panic as ther...
by Aku09
Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Small medical debt sent to collections, Credit history ruined?
Replies: 8
Views: 1526

Re: Small medical debt sent to collections, Credit history ruined?

I believe you can negotiate that you will pay it in full if they remove it from your credit report. Be sure to get it in writing first before you pay it though.
by Aku09
Tue Aug 03, 2021 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sep IRA options
Replies: 9
Views: 924

Re: Sep IRA options

So I started my job yesterday and it is in fact a Simple IRA like someone else suggested. Would it be the same process that I can just call Fidelity or Vanguard and set up an account and then have my job etf funds there every 2 weeks?
by Aku09
Wed Jul 21, 2021 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sep IRA options
Replies: 9
Views: 924

Re: Sep IRA options

I am switching jobs and need some advice regarding brokerage options. Current job has a 401k that has some low cost options and charges 0.6% AUM fee. I am an index fund guy and prefer to keep total costs low like most of you. I am starting a new job in 2 weeks and will have a Sep IRA using Edward Jones as the brokerage. The lady at Edward Jones that is the groups point of contact told me I wouldn't be happy there because of their fee structure after discussing how I typically invest. I figured as much, but I appreciate her honesty. She stated I would have to use mutual funds and commission is 5% that goes to them. Luckily my new job I’m in a small group of 3 partners and have the ability to suggest/change things. Am I able to contact Vangu...
by Aku09
Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sep IRA options
Replies: 9
Views: 924

Sep IRA options

I am switching jobs and need some advice regarding brokerage options. Current job has a 401k that has some low cost options and charges 0.6% AUM fee. I am an index fund guy and prefer to keep total costs low like most of you. I am starting a new job in 2 weeks and will have a Sep IRA using Edward Jones as the brokerage. The lady at Edward Jones that is the groups point of contact told me I wouldn't be happy there because of their fee structure after discussing how I typically invest. I figured as much, but I appreciate her honesty. She stated I would have to use mutual funds and commission is 5% that goes to them. Luckily my new job I’m in a small group of 3 partners and have the ability to suggest/change things. Am I able to contact Vangua...
by Aku09
Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Rental Prices/Options on Maui
Replies: 21
Views: 2401

Re: Car Rental Prices/Options on Maui

I certainly see what you are saying. I was looking last month for a trip to Maui in July. I have a family of 5 and a cheap minivan was $890 per day....yes you read that right. A Ford Fiesta was around $350 a day. Basically I decided not to do the trip as the car rental would cost way most than the hotel.
by Aku09
Mon Mar 29, 2021 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tankless Water Heater - Struggling to Justify
Replies: 71
Views: 7844

Re: Tankless Water Heater - Struggling to Justify

100% I would do tankless in every house I have from here on out. My water heater went out about 2.5 years ago (started leaking from the bottom of it in the middle of The house) and called around and got some quotes. I think it was around $3200 all said and done to take out the old one which was electric and install the gas tankless underneath the house in my crawl space. Having 3 kids we would run out of water frequently. Also, my master bath has 3 shower heads in it and anytime we used them all it would run out of hot water within minutes. Now I can keep them all on for as long of a shower as I desire. My water bill has gone up from the more water I’m using, but switching from an electric water heater to a gas tankless I actually ended up ...
by Aku09
Fri Mar 12, 2021 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Company late on 401K contribution - any recourse?
Replies: 7
Views: 1167

Re: Company late on 401K contribution - any recourse?

My work takes roughly 10-11 days after pay day to deposit my 401k contributions.
by Aku09
Mon Jan 11, 2021 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 6 year finance update
Replies: 17
Views: 4179

Re: 401k Investment options- 3 year update

I added a 3 year update to the original post. My update last year is in the comments above from January 10, 2020.

If you have anything suggestions or comments please feel free to share.
by Aku09
Tue Dec 15, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who's keeping Netflix now? (price increased to $13.99)
Replies: 215
Views: 19858

Re: Who's keeping Netflix now? (price increased to $13.99)

I still think Netflix is a great value. I have the multi screen HDR plan (3 kids and a home theater). I also have sling, Disney plus, amazon prime so all the subscriptions are getting expensive, but it works for my family right now. Used to go to the movie theater a lot and now hardly ever go (even before COVID) so its still substantially cheaper for me.
by Aku09
Sun Dec 13, 2020 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Concierge premium level nursing home? Cost?
Replies: 20
Views: 2564

Re: Concierge premium level nursing home? Cost?

As silly as it sounds many nursing homes believe the residents have the right to fall. Basically what that means is they let the patients be free by walking, wheelchair, etc. and if they do anything that could hinder that (putting bed rails up on the bed or putting a tray that locks patient in wheelchair) that would be restraining the patient which is a big no-no. About the only option I know of is having a private sitter with the person and even then it won’t stop the falls entirely. I don’t know of any concierge nursing homes as most people would just pay for round the clock nursing care in their home.
by Aku09
Sun Dec 13, 2020 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should we increase savings?
Replies: 61
Views: 3415

Re: Should we increase savings?

Id say go for it. We hired someone to come clean once a week about a year and a half ago and have been happy with her. Its a lady I work with and we pay her $75 a week for 4-5 hours. She usually does the floors, straightens up some, bathrooms, changes the bed sheets, cleans the kitchen. I have 3 kids and the house stays rather messy. My wife isn't one who really cares about the house being clean or not, but I do and it had caused some arguments in our marriage just like you said it has in yours. I still end up picking up and things before the cleaner comes, but its nice to at least have the house and bathrooms cleaned well (at least one day a week). It's certainly helped the tension in our marriage about cleanliness although it hasn't elimi...
by Aku09
Tue Dec 01, 2020 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 53929

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

Got a new bottle a few weeks ago that I really enjoy. It is $35 a bottle. Called New Riff. Very smooth.
by Aku09
Tue Nov 10, 2020 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
Replies: 528
Views: 86715

Re: What video games are you currently playing?

Been playing The Evil Within 2 last few days. Picked it up at Walmart for $7 and I’m on a staycation this week. It’s a fun survival horror game.
by Aku09
Sat Sep 26, 2020 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job and moving next year
Replies: 4
Views: 787

Re: New job and moving next year

Current person is retiring in December but there is a high likelihood it will be in July. They are not paying for my moving expenses (not standard in my line of work). My wife and I usually just rent the biggest uhaul and make a trip or two. Usually costs less than $500 total to move. It’s only an hour away although it is out of state. Bought the house for 300k (mortgage was 309k as I used a VA loan and that was with the funding fee). Owe $285k after a little over 4 years. I’ve always done FSBO in the past, but if it doesn’t work out and I do list it I would break even as there hasn’t been much appreciation in my area. Cash poor would only be at the end of the year after my student loans are paid off. With my student loans gone I’d be able ...
by Aku09
Fri Sep 25, 2020 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job and moving next year
Replies: 4
Views: 787

New job and moving next year

So I have been offered a new job to start next year either in the summer or fall of next year. It is a job back in my hometown that requires me to move out of my current state and sell my home. I’d like some advice on how to best proceed from here. The move is not really a financial move as the pay is similar to what I make now, but has a much better family centered lifestyle as I have 3 small children. Currently have a mortgage of 285k and after selling would probably break even after realtor fees. Also have student loans with 51k left. My questions is what should I do to best financially prepare for this move? I should have enough saved to pay my student loans off by the end of the year which would leave me cash poor, but I would be able ...
by Aku09
Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

It specifically states this plan is eligible for an HSA. A link to the various plans is: http://www.egtrust.org/wp-content/uploa ... INAL-1.pdf

She has access to join A-D and it states that plan D is HSA eligible. I don’t doubt her school district is without an HSA as it is a very small district graduating less than 20 students a year usually.
by Aku09
Mon Aug 31, 2020 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

There are 4 different plans she can choose from A-D. D is the only one that says it is a HDHP and is eligible for an HSA. It does have copays before the deductible though. I have never heard that you can’t have copays and it be a HDHP.
by Aku09
Sun Aug 30, 2020 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

Also, does it matter that my wife does not contribute to social security as they have a pension instead? If she's also exempt from medicare tax then there would be no advantage to contributing to her HSA through payroll deduction and you may as well contribute to Fidelity. If she does still pay medicare tax then she could likely save on that by contributing to her HSA through payroll deduction and she wouldn't be subject to the disadvantage of lower social security since she isn't paying into that anyway. She does pay Medicare tax, but that should be the only thing we are missing out on. I will just open another HSA with fidelity for the other half of the family contribution. In that case I guess it just depends on whether saving an extra ...
by Aku09
Sun Aug 30, 2020 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

terran wrote: Sat Aug 29, 2020 12:21 am
Aku09 wrote: Fri Aug 28, 2020 4:12 pm Also, does it matter that my wife does not contribute to social security as they have a pension instead?
If she's also exempt from medicare tax then there would be no advantage to contributing to her HSA through payroll deduction and you may as well contribute to Fidelity. If she does still pay medicare tax then she could likely save on that by contributing to her HSA through payroll deduction and she wouldn't be subject to the disadvantage of lower social security since she isn't paying into that anyway.
She does pay Medicare tax, but that should be the only thing we are missing out on. I will just open another HSA with fidelity for the other half of the family contribution.
by Aku09
Fri Aug 28, 2020 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

:sharebeer
sailaway wrote: Fri Aug 28, 2020 2:53 pm
Aku09 wrote: Fri Aug 28, 2020 2:43 pm Does all of this sound correct?

Thanks!
Yes, but...if you are under the FICA income limit ($132k?), if you contribute via payroll deductions, you will also save the payroll taxes. If you are above the limit, you will end up paying them anyway, so not worth making any fuss. However, I doubt your wife is above the limit as a school teacher, so that possibility may be worth exploring at her workplace.
Also, does it matter that my wife does not contribute to social security as they have a pension instead?
by Aku09
Fri Aug 28, 2020 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Re: Multiple HSA contributions

My wife is under as she makes about 40k a year. I make 200k.
by Aku09
Fri Aug 28, 2020 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Multiple HSA contributions
Replies: 17
Views: 1570

Multiple HSA contributions

Currently my family and I are covered through a HDHP through my work and an HSA is offered. Through my benefits my entire medical coverage is paid for, but I pay the full cost of my families policy. For medical alone it is $1100 a month for a $6k deductible policy for them. My employer also contributes $80 a month to my HSA (I have been contributing the rest to max mine out). My wife is a school teacher and we plan on switching the kids and her to her work plan. It would save roughly $700 a month in premiums for medical insurance and also qualify for a HSA with a deductible of $4300. So my employer emailed the benefits group that handles this for us and I was told that I would only be able to max out my HSA for the individual max now. Curre...
by Aku09
Mon Jul 20, 2020 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $359k in med school debt; advice for family member
Replies: 101
Views: 13258

Re: $359k in med school debt; advice for family member

I don’t have a lot of advice other than he needs to tackle it asap. I graduated from CRNA school 4 years ago with 150k in debt and was making 160k. I have refinanced my student loans a total of 4 times. Most recently refinanced to a 5 year variable last fall and currently have 0.18% interest rate. My wife went back to work 2 years ago as a school teacher making 35k and I have gotten a raise last fall with most of that extra money going to student loans. I didn’t get really serious about paying them off and my financial future until 1.5 years ago. I’ve started maxing my 401k since then and now pay $3500 a month towards student loans. This leaves me with some excess money every month which I have just been stockpiling with all of the covid st...
by Aku09
Tue Jul 07, 2020 2:36 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562284

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

I officially have 100k in my 401k and HSA accounts combined as of close of market yesterday (will drop back down today it seems). Im a bit later than many on here (I'm 35) and I had 0 in retirement 3.5 years ago. A combination of not prioritizing savings and grad school got me here, but I'm well on my way. I should have my student loans paid off at the end of this year. I started with 150k 4 years ago and am on track to pay off 78.5k of principal this year thanks to Covid and not being able to travel.
by Aku09
Sun Jul 05, 2020 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Starting Hourly Wage for a BSN Graduate
Replies: 11
Views: 1069

Re: Starting Hourly Wage for a BSN Graduate

Sounds about right for this part of the country. I graduated with my BSN in 2010 and made $20.21 an hour in west TN. An extra $0.30 an hour for having my BSN and $3.50 an hour to work nights. I worked 3-12s for 3 years. Never got much of a raise (I maybe made $21 an hour after leaving). At least where I work wages were very stagnant for nurses after getting hired in. Had a precepting time of about 2-4 weeks before being on your own. I worked in a step down cardiac unit for a year then moved to CCU after that for w years.

After that I went to CRNA school (whole reason I went into nursing in the first place). Love my job and make quit a bit more (although my hours suck tremendously now but that is all job specific).
by Aku09
Sun Jul 05, 2020 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to do with all this MONEY ?
Replies: 201
Views: 24534

Re: What to do with all this MONEY ?

Congrats on winning the race. I’m 35 and can see your dilemma. As someone not too much older than your son I’d suggest using some of your money for lasting memories with your family. Try to plan a nice family vacation 1-2 times a year. Find out something your kids may want to do for their birthday and make it special (fly to New York and go see a broadway show on the weekend for instance). The memories will last much longer than any one gift of money and hopefully give you insight into each of their lives a little closer. When I was 28 I had 0 in retirement. I got married fairly young and had kids starting at 25. Made 40k a year after college and went back to grad school and make 200k now but I’m still paying off all my debt from grad schoo...
by Aku09
Tue Jun 23, 2020 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Plan: How to Reduce Plan Fees?
Replies: 24
Views: 1412

Re: 401k Plan: How to Reduce Plan Fees?

I work for a small healthcare company with about 15 employees. We pay 0.6% AUM yearly. I wish I could get mine down to 0.25%.
by Aku09
Mon Jun 08, 2020 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking at buying house with in-ground pool. What questions should we ask?
Replies: 62
Views: 4984

Re: Looking at buying house with in-ground pool. What questions should we ask?

Bought a house 4 years ago with an in ground pool (never owning one before). I love it, but it is some work and somewhat pricy. During the summer my electric bill goes up $200 (combination pool pump and AC for the house). Everything on the pool is expensive to replace. Saltwater cell ($800), pool pump ($700), booster pump for cleaner robot ($300) for a few examples. Had to replace the liner a year after moving in which was slightly over 3k. Ended up having to replace the light at the end of the pool after that as it kept tripping the gfci ($600). Diving board base (just the metal V bracket it sits on was over $500. Just budget around $1k a year for stuff breaking and you’ll be fine. This year has been bad so far. Had to replace the bulb in ...
by Aku09
Sat May 16, 2020 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best rewards bonus for a large purchase
Replies: 5
Views: 662

Re: Best rewards bonus for a large purchase

Go for something like the chase sapphire. Can use the points for cash or travel. Can also transfer to other rewards programs (Southwest, Hyatt, etc).
by Aku09
Sun May 10, 2020 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Very Low Student Loan Interest Rate - Invest Instead?
Replies: 34
Views: 2498

Re: Very Low Student Loan Interest Rate - Invest Instead?

I have refinanced a total of 4 times and went with a 5 year variable in October of last year. It has decreased in rate nearly every month and mine this month is 0.45% (yes you read that right). I’ve been making $3500 a month payments for the past bit. I have struggled with should I invest more now as it is essentially no interest currently. I max my 401k and HSA but don’t do any more than that currently. My goodness 0.45%!? That is incredible. Well done. May I ask which lender this is with? Perhaps it would help other bogleheads out. Thanks. That is with sofi. When I refinanced in the fall my initial rate was around 2.3% and it has dropped a bit ever since then. Technically my rate is 0.7% but there is a 0.25% discount for autopay. I’ll be...
by Aku09
Sat May 09, 2020 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Very Low Student Loan Interest Rate - Invest Instead?
Replies: 34
Views: 2498

Re: Very Low Student Loan Interest Rate - Invest Instead?

We are in very similar circumstances (although I’m in healthcare and not law). I make 200k a year now and graduated with 150k in student loans. For the past year and a half I have tried to pay them off more aggressively. I’m currently at 65k principal and should be done by the end of next year at my current payoff rate (hopefully sooner). I have refinanced a total of 4 times and went with a 5 year variable in October of last year. It has decreased in rate nearly every month and mine this month is 0.45% (yes you read that right). I’ve been making $3500 a month payments for the past bit. I have struggled with should I invest more now as it is essentially no interest currently. I max my 401k and HSA but don’t do any more than that currently. I...
by Aku09
Sun Apr 26, 2020 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: lawn care cost
Replies: 151
Views: 19691

Re: lawn care cost

I used to pay $70 plus tax for a weekly mow on a roughly 1.5 acre lot. Takes 3-4 guys 40 minutes to mow. Got a new guy 2 weeks ago who only charges $50. So overall a win for me saving $80 a month. I priced out someone else last year and they wanted $85 to do it. Prices here in western KY are high for these kinds of services.

I don’t like mowing and always said once I finished grad school and made 6 figures I was paying someone from now on....and I have been.