Search found 490 matches

by WL2034
Mon Aug 30, 2021 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do You Fix Dents & Scratches On Your Car?
Replies: 59
Views: 5251

Re: Do You Fix Dents & Scratches On Your Car?

No harm in going to a body shop and getting an estimate. Explain the situation and that you’re interested in having it repaired “economically.” The price might be much less than what you would be offered at a dealership repair shop.
by WL2034
Tue Jun 01, 2021 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Rental Prices/Options on Maui
Replies: 21
Views: 2413

Re: Car Rental Prices/Options on Maui

Not sure how many people are in your party, but have heard reports of people renting U-haul trucks and using as week long rental.
by WL2034
Sun May 30, 2021 1:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is TurboTax Appropriate for Qtrly Self-Employment Taxes?
Replies: 6
Views: 1551

Re: Is TurboTax Appropriate for Qtrly Self-Employment Taxes?

Agree with using EFTPS for the quarterly payments. TurboTax works fine for filing at year end.
by WL2034
Fri Apr 30, 2021 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 24 years old - car loan vs sell truck and invest cash
Replies: 7
Views: 689

Re: 24 years old - car loan vs sell truck and invest cash

Sell Tacoma, keep old Tundra. If you want a new truck wait for all-new 2022 Tundra.
by WL2034
Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling boglehead physicians who(m) have done locums
Replies: 14
Views: 2003

Re: Calling boglehead physicians who(m) have done locums

I did not incorporate. Make sure to negotiate your rate aggressively. The way the Locums industry works (at least in my specialty) is that the hospital offers the contract to the locums agency at $X/hr. Then, the locums agency offers you the position at $Y/hr, so $(X-Y)/hr = locums agency profit per hour you work. That difference (X-Y) is 30-40% in my experience (after going to an employed position and realizing how much it costs to hire a locums position), so there is a lot of profit for the locums agency built into the hourly rate they will first offer you. I'm pretty sure with a few doctors working at a given time, my locums recruiter made more money than I did. I had good success asking for 10-20% above the initially offered rate. Your ...
by WL2034
Sat Dec 19, 2020 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roast me! ER doctor portfolio
Replies: 156
Views: 26475

Re: Roast me! ER doctor portfolio

What does an ER doctor consider multitasking?

Calling 4 consults at the same time!

Roasted.

On a serious note, you should spend more money on things you and your family enjoy.
by WL2034
Wed Dec 02, 2020 12:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do Bogleheads cope with FOMO? [Fear Of Missing Out]
Replies: 258
Views: 20878

Re: How do Bogleheads cope with FOMO?

By sticking to a number of personal principles, that not everybody shares, but that I really do hold. "Satisficing," not optimizing. Knowing my personal goals, and measuring everything in an absolute way against my own goals. Being in this for me , not to beat somebody else . To some extent this runs against the cultural norm of consumerism. The main way a company can get you to switch to what they sell is by claiming that their product is better. That means they need to convince you of three things, not just one. My product is better. The difference actually matters. You must choose the best. What do Coke and Pepsi agree on? They both agree that you need to decide which tastes best, and if it's the other one, switch. Think about...
by WL2034
Tue Dec 01, 2020 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new Chevy Suburban
Replies: 56
Views: 8114

Re: Buying a new Chevy Suburban

You are incorrect on #3. I just got one for below invoice w GM Military Pricing and Costco (4x4 High Country). This is the easiest way to buy a new GM vehicle that is in fairly high demand. Military, Educator, First Responder discount gets competitive pricing automatically (although not as low as might be haggled on a less popular vehicle). I'm assuming you are referring to the Costco $1k incentive which is stackable with other rebates and discounts (must have been a costco member as of 9/30, incentive began 10/1). That's a great deal, but I don't think someone is likely to negotiate a similar offer without qualifying for those promotions. The dealership is reimbursed on those, so they are selling at a lower price but recouping the money. ...
by WL2034
Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele Appliances for New Build Condo
Replies: 43
Views: 4183

Re: Miele Appliances for New Build Condo

anoop wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2020 3:51 pm
WL2034 wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:28 am Random question, but while on the topic: anyone with a Miele dishwasher that doesn't dry dishes very well? They're always clean, but always lots of moisture.
Are you using rinse aid?
Yes we have used it with and without rinse aid. Doesn't seem to make much difference for us.
by WL2034
Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Car Issue
Replies: 19
Views: 2572

Re: New Car Issue

As everyone said, you will not be getting a new car in exchange. Trying to play hardball with the dealer or contesting the CC charges isn't going to be helpful. Honestly, I would recommend being very cordial with the dealer and explaining that you need the seals checked and repaired thoroughly. Is it possible one of the windows wasn't up all the way or one of the doors wasn't closed tightly? Stranger things have happened. In addition to being cordial with the dealer, look up your state lemon law and keep detailed documents. This usually stipulates a certain number of days out of service or a certain number of occurrences without adequate repair. If the car continues to leak in the rain, it won't matter if the dealer finds a problem or not, ...
by WL2034
Sat Oct 17, 2020 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for a three row SUV; $90k budget
Replies: 117
Views: 11747

Re: Looking for a three row SUV; $90k budget

Do you want to actually tow and go off-road with it or just have a luxurious 3-row vehicle to drive around town. The GMC Yukon / Yukon XL denali is brand new for 2021 along with the Escalade. I would get one of those (or the Lincoln Navigator) if planning to tow and/or go offroad.

Lexus LX570 or Land Cruiser if you value reliability over updated electronics.

Otherwise I would pick the XC90 over the GLS but that is just my personal preference. They are both luxurious and a bit smaller than the GM / Ford offerings.
by WL2034
Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele Appliances for New Build Condo
Replies: 43
Views: 4183

Re: Miele Appliances for New Build Condo

Random question, but while on the topic: anyone with a Miele dishwasher that doesn't dry dishes very well? They're always clean, but always lots of moisture.
by WL2034
Thu Sep 10, 2020 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What % of income to spend on car?
Replies: 122
Views: 10728

Re: What % of income to spend on car?

If you are really planning to drive it 200k miles, I would just buy new, especially if prices are relatively close. There isn't a huge depreciation hit on the Accord for buying new, anyways. But if you are holding onto it for the long haul, the depreciation hit is so negligible I prefer to just buy it new. I would keep safety in mind as well. With the new safety features coming out, often new cars are much safer than even a 3 year-old car. Personally, if the 3 year old used is not much cheaper than buying new (especially after incentives), I would buy a new accord and take out a low-interest loan from credit union to build credit. Interest rates on new cars are also lower than used cars, which makes the price even closer if you aren't payin...
by WL2034
Thu May 28, 2020 10:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 16 Weeks Paternity Leave
Replies: 124
Views: 10596

Re: 16 Weeks Paternity Leave

Just read through the thread and realized you have the little one at home now. Congratulations and enjoy this time. Definitely think you did the right thing and splitting it up so that you are home when your wife goes back to work is a great idea, too.
by WL2034
Tue May 19, 2020 11:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job / wife 33 weeks pregnant / paternity
Replies: 43
Views: 5562

Re: New job / wife 33 weeks pregnant / paternity

I work for a company with a reasonably generous paternity policy, but employees are not eligible for fully paid leave until after the first year. Until then, employees may still take paternity leave in accordance with FMLA, but it’s unpaid. I would be fairly surprised if your new employer would allow you 6 weeks paid leave starting Day 1. However, if that’s their policy—I shouldn’t think they’d be too upset if you took them up on it.
by WL2034
Sun Mar 29, 2020 11:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Netflix:] Can We Talk About Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness?
Replies: 46
Views: 4909

Re: [Netflix:] Can We Talk About Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness?

I'm just starting the show, but if anyone is interested in podcasts this story was covered by a podcast: "Over My Dead Body: Joe Exotic". It's season 2 of Over My Dead Body.
by WL2034
Sat Mar 28, 2020 12:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What have you learned from this situation that you will take action on?
Replies: 158
Views: 17478

Re: What have you learned from this situation that you will take action on?

I learned about myself that I don't panic sell. I rebalanced after the market dropped 20% and felt fine after it dropped another 10-20%. Bought more in taxable closer to the bottom after another drop. It didn't (and still doesn't) feel good, but I've been able to stick to a plan. I feel some envy when I see the posts of others who had the foresight to sell at the top (whether by luck or wisdom), but I realize that I didn't have the ability to do so and it's not part of my IPS. I don't plan to be able to do it in the future. In general, this reinforced the old adage, "When you've won the game, take your money off the table." This happened rather suddenly and not many people were predicting it 2-3 months ago. It seemed maintaining a...
by WL2034
Fri Mar 27, 2020 8:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: So, Where Are You *Back* To in Time? (And Were You Happy Then?)
Replies: 63
Views: 5151

Re: So, Where Are You *Back* To in Time? (And Were You Happy Then?)

Sometime in the past 2 years. More concerned about health risks at work than finances. But also feel fortunate to have steady employment given the circumstances and so many people unemployed across various fields.
by WL2034
Sat Mar 14, 2020 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How many people with 7 figure portfolios are”rejoicing ?”
Replies: 169
Views: 17276

Re: How many people with 7 figure portfolios are”rejoicing ?”

I don't think the size of the portfolio matters as much as the time horizon prior to retirement / withdrawals. Someone with a $500k portfolio planning to retire next year with $550k should be more worried than someone with a $3M portfolio planning to retire in 20 years with $10M+ portfolio.
by WL2034
Tue Jun 25, 2019 1:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chrysler Pacifica - Yes or No
Replies: 29
Views: 3355

Re: Chrysler Pacifica - Yes or No

Big fan of our Pacifica Hybrid. Over $10k in rebates where I’m located. Plus gas savings by using the battery and much better mpg. It’s luxurious honestly. I do have concerns about reliability but for the price and quality, I’ll take the risk. Instead of extended warranty consider geico mechanical breakdown insurance which I’ve heard is more comprehensive and significantly cheaper, will cover up to 7 years / 100k miles I believe.
by WL2034
Mon Nov 26, 2018 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Job Offer - Should I take it?
Replies: 58
Views: 5214

Re: Federal Job Offer - Should I take it?

This seems like more of a personal preference decision between living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana vs. San Francisco. That would be even more important than the financial considerations. I know which I would choose without hesitation, but what is better for your family?
by WL2034
Sat Sep 22, 2018 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering Quitting Job - Seeking Advice. Would you do it?
Replies: 157
Views: 17586

Re: Considering Quitting Job - Seeking Advice. Would you do it?

It sounds like you don't need to work ever again if you don't want to. I would do one of two things:

1. If I liked the job and employer and wanted to keep working, I would cut back to 40-50 hour weeks and just say I can't finish the rest of the work. If they fire me, so be it.

2. If I didn't like the job, I would quit.

You are totally financially independent. The decision to retire early is separate, but the FI part should be tremendously liberating! I would definitely feel like life and family are passing me by if I were working the kind of hours you are working.
by WL2034
Sat Sep 08, 2018 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can Sneakers go with Business Casual?
Replies: 172
Views: 15752

Re: Can Sneakers go with Business Casual?

Can you describe the outfit (type of pants, type of shirt) you would be wearing with this? Typically I think of business casual as khakis or slacks along with a button down dress shirt, maybe sleeves rolled to forearms for business casual. A polo shirt can be worn, but this is getting toward regular casual. Admittedly, "business casual" is a nebulous term, but usually takes place in white-collar offices. The sneakers you have linked above would only be appropriate in a "casual Friday" type of setting, and even then I would not wear them if I was seeing anyone outside of my co-workers. If by "business casual" you actually mean jeans and a polo (I would call this casual), then maybe these shoes would be appropria...
by WL2034
Sat Sep 08, 2018 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: new homes being built next door, effect on value of my home?
Replies: 20
Views: 2585

Re: new homes being built next door, effect on value of my home?

F150HD wrote: Sat Sep 08, 2018 12:30 pm

Thanks, I know its selling value, that's not an issue. Guess I could text the guy and ask if there's interest.

I think that's what I would do. After all, what do you have to lose? If you don't like the number he gives you, you can counter or if it's a complete low-ball just say, "No, thanks."

And if the number is competitive, now you have an offer that doesn't have any contingencies and means you don't even have to go through the trouble of listing the house.
by WL2034
Sat Sep 08, 2018 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: new homes being built next door, effect on value of my home?
Replies: 20
Views: 2585

Re: new homes being built next door, effect on value of my home?

Thanks, and yea my questions echo livesofts. By "decent price"....you mean? less? more? than if it was sold on the market to someone who was going to live in it? Can you look on redfin or another real estate app for recently sold comps in your area and determine a ballpark (+/- 5%) what you could get for your house? Then call the developer and discuss if they would be interested in buying your house / lot. Explain that you are considering selling in the near future. If they are interested, what will they offer? Which number is higher? It seems like the amount of work required to answer this question is very minimal, unless you don't think you can determine a reasonable ballpark value for your house. Remember to include realtor fe...
by WL2034
Thu Sep 06, 2018 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Psychology of saving for college vs retirement
Replies: 66
Views: 5488

Re: Psychology of saving for college vs retirement

I think I would maximally fund all possible retirement accounts before funding a 529. Wouldn't that be more likely to leave open the possibility of need-based financial aid compared to having 529 funds available when college starts?

Depending on financial aid and college costs when the time arrives, one could cut back (or eliminate) retirement savings at that time and cash-flow as many college expenses as possible (loans for the rest).

I would start using 529 when considering taxable investing (all tax sheltered accounts fully funded).
by WL2034
Thu Sep 06, 2018 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max you should invest in a 529?
Replies: 193
Views: 17652

Re: Max you should invest in a 529?

Besides the discussion regarding if one should or should not be using a 529 -- anyone else care to comment on how much they are investing yearly? Anyone contributing more than $10k / child per year? What is your goal amount at the time of high school graduation (in today's dollars)?

Thus far we have mainly been utilizing 529 for the state tax benefit, but perhaps we should set a goal amount per child (which would be more than the state tax benefit) to save yearly. I think the reason we have just settled on the maximum for state tax deduction is that it is difficult to predict the future with so many variables.
by WL2034
Wed Sep 05, 2018 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max you should invest in a 529?
Replies: 193
Views: 17652

Re: Max you should invest in a 529?

We save the maximum state tax deduction for 529 each year (~$5k). When we have another child, we will likely save the same amount for each child ($5k each). That seems like a reasonable amount for us, and we can cash flow the rest of let them take loans if needed when the time comes. We already maximize tax sheltered space and have significant taxable savings each year, so it's a no-brainer for us to save tax-free for education.

When people say they are "maxing out 529," how much is that--the state tax deduction maximum? I didn't realize there was a yearly maximum, otherwise.
by WL2034
Sat Jun 16, 2018 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I take possession of a certified mail?
Replies: 151
Views: 21578

Re: Should I take possession of a certified mail?

In an amazing coincidence, I happened to be at the post office when OP went to collect his certified mail yesterday. He didn't have time to post, but it turns out the contractor sent him an invitation to the prosperity club through certified mail. Yes, the classic chain letter from 1935! It turns out the contractor had been frustrated by so many social media and email hoaxes lately that he decided to go back to using certified "snail mail." OP has been busy since that time sending out his five copies of the letter-along with 10 cents to the person on top of the letter-in hopes of receiving good fortune and his $1536.50 in the near future. Maybe some of us will be recipients in the near future! :beer Seriously, I read this entire t...
by WL2034
Fri May 18, 2018 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chase CS playing games w/me
Replies: 28
Views: 3841

Re: Chase CS playing games w/me

It doesn’t sound like they are charging you extra interest. Probably makes less than a couple bucks difference, at most, depending on how they calculate things. Unless I’m totally misunderstanding this, it doesn’t sound like a big deal, and I wouldn’t spend time trying to fix it.
by WL2034
Tue Mar 27, 2018 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question for physicians-- is my taking call worth it?
Replies: 61
Views: 9004

Re: Question for physicians-- is my taking call worth it?

OP,

What percentage of your total yearly compensation is tied to your call weeks vs. outpatient practice?

I would use that information and consider a few different scenarios including taking that week off from clinic or working 0.2-0.5 clinic fte that week.

And yes, keep in mind the entire call schedule is at your marginal tax rate (close to 50%, I’m guessing).

So many variables to consider makes it difficult for anyone to give you helpful advice. I think many docs have similar dilemmas—many extra hours available to be worked, how much is the right amount?
by WL2034
Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why child care tax credit for double income families, but not single?
Replies: 32
Views: 4447

Re: Why child care tax credit for double income families, but not single?

28fe6 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2018 4:55 pm ... I admit it's difficult watching my dual-income neighbor who make combined far more than I do, collect thousands of dollars in credits for their nanny while I do not qualify...
I am picturing your neighbor having his income tax refund delivered in cold, hard cash by Uncle Pennybags from Monopoly fame while you peer wistfully through the blinds.
by WL2034
Fri Feb 23, 2018 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Choosing a mortgage, plan to pay off ~7-10 years.
Replies: 6
Views: 1207

Choosing a mortgage, plan to pay off ~7-10 years.

We have found a house and now have to decide on a mortgage. I consider us relatively financially literate, but the mortgages can be so hard to compare. They all seem to vary slightly in the number of points purchased at closing, etc. making them quite hard to compare. I've requested from the lender to have all of the mortgage offers sent without points purchased at closing to make comparison easier. This is for a $450k loan amount. Which of these loans would result in the lowest interest and fees paid over a 7-10 year period (we plan to pay off house by then -- so making extra payments no matter which mortgage we choose)? 1. 30 year fixed: Interest rate 4.125%, APR 4.171%, closing costs $13,164 2. 15 year fixed: Interest rate 4.0%, APR 4.13...
by WL2034
Mon Feb 12, 2018 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Family expecting “comps”
Replies: 38
Views: 6357

Re: Family expecting “comps”

I think setting clear expectations with a policy is the important thing. Maybe this family member knows that other friends and family receive discounts, but they only got "extra" goods on top of their order. Perhaps giving all friends/family the same discount, or gift cards with no additional discounts is the best way to go. I can see how training non-family employees on which people get discounts would be difficult. Is it possible that this family member did not want "extra," so that in actuality they did not receive any worthwhile bonus compared to being a normal customer? For instance, are these hot goods or perishables? If I order a to-go meal for my family for $30, and at pick up the owner decides to give me "$...
by WL2034
Wed Feb 07, 2018 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable vs 401k investments
Replies: 17
Views: 2247

Re: Taxable vs 401k investments

Without knowing any additional information, it seems difficult to retire by age 40-45 without fully funding 401k + investing in taxable yearly. So my advice if trying to retire around age 40 would be to do both.
by WL2034
Thu Jan 25, 2018 2:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I focus on paying down student loans during a Bear Market?
Replies: 14
Views: 1870

Re: Should I focus on paying down student loans during a Bear Market?

I don’t think so. How will you know when the bear market is over? Won’t you want to buy stocks on the way down and at the bottom of the bear market, rather than waiting for the market to recover?

I would make a plan and stick to it whether the market is up or down at the time. As for the loans, I would consider counting them toward the bond portion of your Portfolio.
by WL2034
Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pull back on retirement saving to increase savings for kids' college?
Replies: 31
Views: 3516

Re: Pull back on retirement saving to increase savings for kids' college?

We are in a fairly similar situation to OP. Opened a 529 for first child and funded to get maximum state income tax break, ~$5k/year. Will probably do equal amount for future child(ren), although I think the state income tax break is only ~$5k total for MFJ, no matter how many different 529s one opens.

I'm not sure if we should put more in the 529, just seemed like a good amount to start and then cash flow or pay the rest out of taxable to have increased flexibility. Although, if we knew the exact amount needed, 529 definitely makes more sense because of tax efficiency.
by WL2034
Sun Jan 21, 2018 10:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Automated Tax Loss Harvesting by Robo Advisor - Anyone with real results?
Replies: 40
Views: 6538

Re: Automated Tax Loss Harvesting by Robo Advisor - Anyone with real results?

confusedinvestor wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2018 9:49 pm
Also lot of Bogleheads dont like Financial Advisors either but I do (as my spouse dont trust me on our finances) and my adviser only do 2 Fund portfolio of VT + TIPS as she thinks 3 Fund is complex.
I find this intriguing. How much does your adviser charge AUM?
by WL2034
Sun Jan 21, 2018 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Windfall Strategy
Replies: 7
Views: 1585

Re: Windfall Strategy

I think part of the question deals with windfall, but the majority just deals with investing in general—which is why it probably isn’t covered fully in the windfall wiki.

Having said that, I agree with your order (barring any unusual circumstances such as a very high cost 401k with no employer match).

If you only had enough money to do one, HSA might be better than IRA (tax free upon contribution and withdrawal).

The order of taxable vs. 529 depends largely on your specific family situation, state income tax breaks, desire to pay for school, etc. So some people would invest in taxable before funding 529, but I basically subscribe to he order you have listed.
by WL2034
Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards
Replies: 7057
Views: 891417

Re: Bank of America/Merrill Edge - Preferred Rewards

hmw wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2018 4:22 pm Thanks for your replies.

I have another question. Is it possible to set up automatic monthly payment for my credit card at BAC so that it pays off the entire balance each month? I found the BAC web site very confusing. It allows me to set up recurring monthly payment for a set amount but not for the full balance. Anyone has done it?

Thanks
The answer is yes, but I recall having trouble doing it and I called customer support for assistance. They are supposed to be revising that system to make it easier, I believe. So I suggest calling customer support.
by WL2034
Thu Jan 18, 2018 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: $399 - New Course - Fire your Financial Advisor - By WhiteCoat Investor - Anyone?
Replies: 121
Views: 16703

Re: $399 - New Course - Fire your Financial Advisor - By WhiteCoat Investor - Anyone?

triceratop wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:39 am
nisiprius wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2018 10:33 am Well, the actual subject material seems to be how to create your own financial plan. The "Fire your Financial Advisor" is just the hook.

I'm reading the material correctly, this course does not include any direct human interaction; it's basically a book with online interactive worksheets and tests. You can't ask questions, and you don't get personal correction or comments on your assignments.. Is that correct?
The answer to this question is only available to Triceratop Platinum clients.

Five cents, please.
:D :sharebeer

As for the initial question, I suppose it's worth $399 to someone, and those people are unlikely to be members of this forum. I find the membership packages at Bogleheads to provide a better value.
by WL2034
Sun Jan 14, 2018 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Budgeting Vs Savings Rate
Replies: 65
Views: 6431

Re: Budgeting Vs Savings Rate

We "pay ourselves first" and then spend the rest. I sometimes think about a budget, but we are both fairly frugal and save a large percentage of our income (not even sure the percentage). If you are saving 50% of your income, what would a budget accomplish? Would you want to cut out Netflix or your morning latte so you can save 52% of income? 50% is a lot, and puts you on the road to early retirement.

I think if we were saving 15% - 20% of income or less, and wanted to figure out a way to save more, I'd be more interested in creating a strict budget.
by WL2034
Sun Jan 14, 2018 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Merrill Edge best choice for higher net worth accounts?
Replies: 98
Views: 27244

Re: Merrill Edge best choice for higher net worth accounts?

Currently the ME/BOA reward structure is maximized at $100k. So depending on your definition of “higher NW accounts,” you likely don’t need to transfer all your assets to ME to qualify. If you have a local BOA branch and/or find the credit card booster worthwhile, I think it is worth using. Car loans and mortgages are also reduced, but still need to shop around to ensure they are the best available. The interest rates at BOA for checking/savings are still low so it’s not worth it just for that.

I wonder if ME/BOA will add additional tiers as $100k seems a bit low for a cap if they are trying to incentivize people to hold large amounts of assets at ME/BOA.
by WL2034
Sat Jan 13, 2018 11:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AA is much harder than I thought...
Replies: 45
Views: 6741

Re: AA is much harder than I thought...

You might want to just consider putting the money into a target date 2050(?) fund if you don't have a clear reason not to. I think this is a good idea for more of us than we'd like to admit. As I consider it more, if tax considerations weren't an issue I think I'd prefer to pay the extra 0.1% ER and put everything in a target date fund. No need to ever do the math or rebalance. I wonder how many of us will make behavioral mistakes more costly than 0.1% during the next bear market. After the market has just dropped 50%, will we wait an extra 3 or 6 months to rebalance into equities (just don't quite get around to it earlier than that)? Because we have retirement accounts, taxable, TLH opportunities, I will keep the more complicated porfolio...
by WL2034
Thu Jan 04, 2018 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two vastly different career considerations...Stability vs. Income
Replies: 67
Views: 6538

Re: Two vastly different career considerations...Stability vs. Income

Agree with others that “potential” to make $250k is a far cry from it being likely or realistic for someone with no previous training in the field.

Would be interested to see median salary inform and hours worked for job B, as it might tell a different story. I doubt the recruiter will divulge that info.

If you like sales, I’d say go for it— but not with the expectation to make $250k (or even close). I assume there is a reason your friend gets a referral fee and if it were so difficult to get a job there why would they be paying for referrals?
by WL2034
Wed Jan 03, 2018 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Experience with Merrill Edge?
Replies: 21
Views: 4256

Re: Experience with Merrill Edge?

The real value with the Merrill Edge program is to keep $100k in ME, and then you get the highest Platinum Rewards tier at BOA/ME. This gives you the highest rate booster on the BOA credit cards, free trades at ME, other perks (decreased loan rates, decreased mortgage fees, free safe deposit box at BOA, etc.). You can keep essentially a $0 balance (or whatever you want to keep in checking), since the interest rates are not competitive, and still get all the perks. The customer service with ME/BOA has been good, and transfers between the two are instantaneous (can receive paycheck direct deposit in BOA and have it invested in Vanguard ETFs via ME 10 minutes later if you choose). So I hold vanguard ETFs at ME, then just a small amount in BOA ...
by WL2034
Sun Dec 31, 2017 10:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did you get an Unexpected Year End Bonus because of the Tax Cut?
Replies: 44
Views: 4629

Re: Did you get an Unexpected Year End Bonus because of the Tax Cut?

birdog wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2017 10:06 pm I was expecting a Christmas bonus, like I get every year, but this year I got a one year subscription to the jelly-of-the-month club. I was NOT happy because I was going to use the money to put in a pool in the spring.
That truly is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year. Congratulations!
by WL2034
Sun Dec 31, 2017 2:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best 401k Employer Match Structure
Replies: 132
Views: 18336

Re: Best 401k Employer Match Structure

My company funds my 401k to the IRS maximum $55k without requiring any contributions from me. I am also fully vested immediately. This is in lieu of a higher salary (I make less than $100k). This seems an interesting strategy by an employer. As a boglehead, I would love it if my employer paid me less in exchange for more tax deferred savings each year, but I wonder how it is perceived by the majority of perspective employees. Since most people don’t save so aggressively for retirement, does this plan put off some people due to lower take home pay? My employer 401k is 25% match of first 4% increasing yearly over 4 years to 100% match of 4%. There is a base contribution in addition to the matching which is an additional 4% of salary beginnin...
by WL2034
Sat Dec 30, 2017 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I Want to Buy a Horrible, Expensive Car
Replies: 155
Views: 16628

Re: I Want to Buy a Horrible, Expensive Car

I'll throw a wrench in here. Lease. If you like getting a new car every 3 or 4 years the upcharge you pay for leasing vs buying will gladly be made up for in decrease in stress with regards to getting rid of the thing, decrease in stress regarding repairs, increase in happiness for a guaranteed new car every 2, 3 or 4 years. I'm big on buying cars and keeping them for a while in order to keep costs as low as possible, but if the car you drive directly correlates to your happiness level, I see no better way to spend a little incremental money for your happiness than the leasing uncharge. Cheers and good luck! I agree with this--lease something nice for a few years and see if it is worth it to you compared to the lower cost Nissan or similar...
by WL2034
Sat Dec 30, 2017 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I Want to Buy a Horrible, Expensive Car
Replies: 155
Views: 16628

Re: I Want to Buy a Horrible, Expensive Car

I'm confused because for the 2018 models:
2018 Nissan Murano Platinum: starts at $41,980
2018 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE LUX: starts at $46,795

Those are the respective top of the line models, according to a quick google search. You can get into a base model Discovery Sport new 2018 for $37k sticker price, so is it really even nicer than the Murano?

Maybe go for the Range Rover and lease if concerned about reliability?