Search found 45 matches

by alexnk
Wed Jun 17, 2015 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do your children cost per month?
Replies: 83
Views: 31389

Re: How much do your children cost per month?

We spend $2200 for two kids for daycare alone. (HCOL)
OP, Would you post an example of your monthly grocery list or bill. I am floored that you can get away with spending $202/month. For our family of 4 we spend that much a week. I would not say that we are extravagant in our food choices either but it all adds up.

Thanks,
by alexnk
Wed Apr 08, 2015 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: making the switch to Ally Bank
Replies: 51
Views: 9377

Re: making the switch to Ally Bank

We switched ally a couple of years ago. We are mostly pretty happy with them. I think the only downside is that you cannot deposit cash. You have to deposit it to your local bank and transfer.
by alexnk
Fri Jul 25, 2014 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: state pension
Replies: 43
Views: 4315

Re: state pension

I am vested and it is state pension fund so hopefully nothing will change. I was leaning towards leaving it alone and take more risk with my other investments (higher tilt toward equities).
by alexnk
Fri Jul 25, 2014 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: state pension
Replies: 43
Views: 4315

state pension

Hello,

I am 35 years old. For the past 14 years I worked for a state university and I was enrolled in state pension (not a 403b). Six months ago I left my job for a position at a private university. My current balance in the pension fund is close to $60,000. As far as I understand I have two options: I can keep the money in the pension fund and start drawing on it when I retire or I can transfer the money into my current 403b account. At the age of 62 I would be eligible for start collecting my pension ($1,300 or so depending on the option I choose). Should I leave the money in or should I transfer in to 403b and put it in VTSMX?

Thanks,
by alexnk
Mon Dec 23, 2013 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA for 62 year old
Replies: 3
Views: 673

Roth IRA for 62 year old

My mother in law is 62 and still work as a nurse tech at a hospital. She invests up to her match to a 403b and she also wants to open up a Roth IRA. Besides her paycheck she gets a pension from her late husband What do you think would be an appropriate investment choice for her? I do not think she has enough cash to get into multiple mutual funds.
I was thinking about starting her out with the STAR fund.
by alexnk
Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: cnbc interview [Distrust on Wall St. Hurting the Market?]
Replies: 2
Views: 734

cnbc interview [Distrust on Wall St. Hurting the Market?]

I was just flipping the channels and happened to catch this on CNBC. Apparently, "do it yourselfers" are in a real trouble ;)
http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?play=1&v ... giOiIifQ==
by alexnk
Thu May 09, 2013 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Security Camera System
Replies: 7
Views: 1500

Re: Securirty Camera System

It all really depends on how difficult camera and cable installation will be. It is not uncommon for installation cost to be 2/3 of the final price. For example, industry standard price for the installation of 1 cable drop is about $300. 5x$300 plus camera installation can easily come out to be $2000 or so. Did the installer provide an itemized quote or did he just tell one price? Ask for itemized quote and make sure the installer is licensed and certified.
Also I would go with known equipment brands such as sony, panasonic, asix, etc... You might pay premium upfront but it will be more reliable and it will last longer. Good luck.
by alexnk
Fri May 03, 2013 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Insurance Advice
Replies: 13
Views: 1954

Re: Car Insurance Advice

I might be wrong about this but a friend of mine, insurance agent, told me a while back that lowering your coverage drops your insurance score. If you think you are paying too much, and $80/month for 2000 Honda accord does seems a little excessive, check you credit score for errors, check credit Karma for estimated auto insurance score and if everything looks good shop around.
by alexnk
Tue Apr 30, 2013 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is Flood Insurance worth while?
Replies: 26
Views: 3121

Re: Is Flood Insurance worth while?

About ten years ago when my wife and I were looking for our first house we almost purchased one in a flood zone. We were assurade by the owner that the city was finishing up with all the drainage work. It was a pretty emotional decision since we liked the house a lot but we walked away. Since then the house flooded at least twice and it was never rezoned. Tough luck. I am sorry.
by alexnk
Mon Mar 25, 2013 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help selecting funds for three fund portfolio
Replies: 5
Views: 961

Re: help selecting funds for three fund portfolio

Thank you for your help. Lincoln Stable value is 1.75% return. Should I consider getting both Pimco funds or just the Total Return?
Unfortunately my employer does not match 403b contributions but it helps me to stay on track because the contributions are taken out of my paycheck and I never see the money.
by alexnk
Mon Mar 25, 2013 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help selecting funds for three fund portfolio
Replies: 5
Views: 961

help selecting funds for three fund portfolio

Hello, I have a 403b through my employer with Lincoln Financial. We have a hodgepodge of funds available to us and I would like to simplify my allocation to just three funds. I am not an expert so please help me to select the right funds. Here is what I have available to me: Lincoln Stable Value F64 (cash) Dlware Small Cap Value Fund Class A Ticker: DEVLX Colmbia Dividend Income Fd A Ticker: LBSAX Jpm Large Cap Growth R2 Ticker: JLGZX Jpm Equity Income A Ticker: OIEIX Jpmorgan Mid Cap Value Ticker: JAMCX Colmbia Acorn A Ticker: LACAX T Rowe Price Mid Cap Growth R Ticker: RRMGX Janus Triton S Ticker: JGMIX AM Fds Europacific Gr R3 Ticker: RERCX Fundamental Invs R3 Ticker: RFNCX Calamos International Growth Ticker: CIGFX Calamos Global Equity...
by alexnk
Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529s
Replies: 27
Views: 2274

529s

My wife and I are expecting our first in a couple of weeks. I've been doing sore research on 529s including previous posts on this website and I think I got myself utterly confused. We live in Oklahoma and our 529 managed by TIAA-CREF with total annual asses fee of 0.54-0.59%. Many recommend using Utah's 529 (vanguard) because of the low fee structure. UESP offers age based plans and direct contributions to: Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Vanguard Short-Term Investment Grade Fund FDIC-Insured Savings Account Do any of you ...
by alexnk
Thu Feb 16, 2012 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: capital one buys ING direct
Replies: 9
Views: 2457

capital one buys ING direct

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-0 ... mover.html

I have several dedicated savings accounts with ING Direct for things like Christmas presents, car maintenance, new tires, etc. I am certainly not excited about CapitalOne taking over since I've had a bad experience with them in the past. Do any of you have an option on the this merger?
by alexnk
Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you feed your dog?
Replies: 65
Views: 6581

Re: What do you feed your dog?

I second the BARF diet. Our German Shepherd is almost six years old. We've switched to raw food diet when she was six months old and never regretted it. We buy 10lb chicken quarters at WalMart for about $5-6 or so. I also order her beef bones and other cuts from farmers coop.
by alexnk
Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Seminars
Replies: 13
Views: 1789

Personal Finance Seminars

Hello,

I've been involved in organizing personal finance seminars for the staff members at the University I work at. We are trying to come up with a catchy "funny" name for the series. Green is one of our University colors so it would be nice to use the word "green" in the name. Any suggestions appreciated....
by alexnk
Tue Oct 04, 2011 3:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Two decades to fix things.
Replies: 20
Views: 3850

Yes, with that kind of attitude there will definitely be problems. Lighten up. US still has the strongest and the most dynamic economy in the world. Everything will work out just fine. We just need to work hard and be patient.
by alexnk
Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PenFed creditcard
Replies: 12
Views: 2106

They asked me if I wanted one like three or four times. I am very cautious of my credit score, I worked very hard to get it where it is right now. I have not opened a new credit card in six years and have been pretty happy about it.
I told them specifically that I did not want a credit card so I was very surprised when I saw it listed on my account.
My current credit card is with Bank of America and I can honestly say that I can not stand their customer service and I would not mid switching.
With the exception of this mishap I am very impressed with PenFeds service especially compared to Bank of America.
by alexnk
Mon Sep 26, 2011 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PenFed creditcard
Replies: 12
Views: 2106

what's good about it?
by alexnk
Mon Sep 26, 2011 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PenFed creditcard
Replies: 12
Views: 2106

PenFed creditcard

I recently got a used car loan from PenFed. During my application I was also offered a PenFed credit card. I turned it down.
Imagine my surprise when I saw an open credit card account on PenFed website. I called PenFed as soon as I could and was told that it was opened over the phone by "accident", whatever that means. They canceled the card at my request.
I understand mistakes happen but, I suppose, I expected better from PenFed.
by alexnk
Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Literacy Classes
Replies: 11
Views: 1701

Thank you for all your great ideas. Minot, thank you for the link.
by alexnk
Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Literacy Classes
Replies: 11
Views: 1701

Thanks for the reply. I'll search the previous posts. This is not for students, this is for staff employees. Encouraging some of them to read might be a little more problematic.
Also, as I mentioned, we do not have a budget to purchase books for them.
by alexnk
Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Literacy Classes
Replies: 11
Views: 1701

Financial Literacy Classes

Hello, I was selected to be on a committee to organize Financial Literacy seminars for the staff at our University. Just as in many other Universities our administration has been really tight on compensation increases for the past few years and many of our staff members are finding themselves in financial trouble. We decided that one of the ways to help them out is to organize financial literacy seminars. The primary goal is to educate them on basics such as setting up a budget, taking advantage of available benefits, saving for retirement, etc... As of right now we do not have a budget to pay for a Financial Planning firm to come in and do this for us. We would like to do most of the seminars in house with available resources. Do you guys ...
by alexnk
Mon Jul 11, 2011 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: just went to look, but now might buy a new camry?
Replies: 89
Views: 8778

I am in the same boat. I would like to buy a new car to replace my 12-year old Honda but I am not sure I am ready for $400/month payment just yet. Also have you look at VW Passat 2012 TDI? 43mpg hwy, interior is about 10 times better than Camry. It won't be for sale until early October. If nothing else it should give you enough time to weigh in all the pros and cons.
Good luck.
by alexnk
Sat May 21, 2011 5:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need advice--car vs. mortgage pay-off?
Replies: 8
Views: 1184

Thanks for the advice. I was pretty sure that paying off the land is the right thing to do. I just wanted to make sure.
by alexnk
Fri May 20, 2011 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need advice--car vs. mortgage pay-off?
Replies: 8
Views: 1184

Need advice--car vs. mortgage pay-off?

I recently sold our second car for $10,000 with the intent to buy a replacement one a few months down the road. My wife and I work at the same place so we do not always need two cars.
Debt:
$110,000 @4.75% 10year mortgage
$9,500 @5%variable for 5 acres of land

Should I keep my money and use it as down payment on a new car or should I pay off my land?
by alexnk
Wed May 11, 2011 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: T.Rowe Price Roth IRA
Replies: 10
Views: 4782

T.Rowe Price Roth IRA

I opened a Roth account with T.Rowe Price a couple of months ago. I signed up for the 2045 targeted fund and monthly contribution of $50. Besides the monthly $50 investment I've also being adding extra $$$ a couple of times a month. I've got a few hundred dollars invested. Should I stay with T.rowe which has a higher expense ratio (0.77%) or should I open a Roth with Vanguard(0.19%) and transfer my money? I wanted to go with Vanguard to begin with but $3000 was a little steep. Now that Vanguards targeted funds are only $1000 it has become a lot more affordable to get into.
by alexnk
Wed Apr 27, 2011 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: discover card rewards points
Replies: 46
Views: 16158

discover card rewards points

I have a few hundred dollars in rewards points with Discover Card. I've got the option of taking it out as cash and contributing it towards my Roth or getting a few gift cards for restaurants, department stores, etc...
What do you, guys, do with your rewards points?
by alexnk
Mon Apr 25, 2011 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: starting a business
Replies: 8
Views: 1365

We are thinking about doing home energy audits. We've looked into getting a professional certification from BPI and other training classes. I apologize for such an open ended question. I guess I was hoping for some general suggestions like the one from "dwoten".
by alexnk
Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: starting a business
Replies: 8
Views: 1365

starting a business

My friend and I are considering starting a small business to generate some additional income. Neither one of us have any experience starting a business. Do you have any pointers for us?
by alexnk
Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil Change Irritation - UPDATE 4/25 7:29 AM
Replies: 84
Views: 13565

There is absolutely nothing under the hood that could have told him that your car needs synthetic. I would call the place and ask to talk to someone in charge.
I buy supertech synthetic oil from Wal-mart and change it myself. Oil+filter=$20 Making sure your wife knows you are busy fixing her car - priceless.
by alexnk
Tue Apr 19, 2011 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flat Screen TVs
Replies: 36
Views: 5590

I bought a 58" Panasonic Plasma a couple of years ago and I love it. Highly recommend it. If you do decide to purchase an audio system also you will also need a AV receive. Pioneers elite is a good one. I second POLK speakers.
I bought all of my equipment from www.6ave.com. You can call them and negotiate a better price than what they have on the website.
by alexnk
Tue Apr 19, 2011 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Has anyone changed Iphone from att to verizon?
Replies: 8
Views: 2269

I share your feelings about AT&T but I am not ready to switch just yet.
by alexnk
Tue Apr 19, 2011 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: refinance or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 2682

I'll check into doing5/5 ARM. However, I am not too crazy about ARM. May be because I do not understand it well enough but it seems risky. I called my bank last night and told them about PenFed offers. May be they'll match them or offer me some kind of a deal.
Ultimately I want to switch to 10 year fixed and I do not want to pay too much in closing costs.
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

Sorry it look better in the word pad. The first percentage is the allocation, the second is the ER.
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

Age 31 and 27 Cash: 5K Emergency Fund= 2months Debt: House Mortgage and loan for 5 acre at a different location Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Separetly Tax Rate: 28% Taxable: His 403b 4%LNL STABLE VAL 2%PMCO REAL RTRN(PRTNX).90% 2% PMCO TOT RTN R(PTRRX)1.15% 5%TROWE MD CP (RRMGX)1.32% 5% AM FDS WGI R3(RWICX)1.10% 5% AM FDS EUPAC R3(RERCX)1.15% 5% AM FDS FI R3(RFNCX)0.96% 9% AM FDS GFA R3(RGACX)0.97% 5% BR SMCAPGRW EQ(CSGEX)1.22% 5% COL ACORN A(LACAX)1.07% 8% ETN VNCE LG CAP(EHSTX)0.98% 5% FRNK SM CAP VAL(FVFRX)1.47% 5% JANUS PRKIN MC( JMVIX)1.27% 9%NB SOC RESP(NBSTX)1.12% 9% PIONEER CUL VAL(CVFCX)1.17% 3% TIAA CREF IT EQ(TRIEX)0.40% 4% TIAA CREF SM CP(TRBIX)0.34% 5% THORN INTL VL R(TGVRX)1.45% 5%INVSCO VK SC A(VSCAX)1.25% Her 403B 26%LN...
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

I am 31. Lincoln Financial charges us a flat fee of $7.50 a year. I believe that those are the only funds available to us. I will have to double check on that.
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review
Replies: 8
Views: 1258

portfolio review

Hello,

I have a 403b account managed by Lincoln Financial. I am not smart enough to choose funds on my own so I signed up for 2040 aggressive allocation. Here is what they choose for me:
LNL STABLE VAL 4%
PMCO REAL RTRN PRTNX 2%
PMCO TOT RTN R PTRRX 2%
TROWE MD CP GRW R 5%
AM FDS WGI R3 RWICX 5%
AM FDS EUPAC R3 RERCX 5%
AM FDS FI R3 RFNCX 5%
AM FDS GFA R3 RGACX 9%
BR SMCAP GRW EQ 5%
COL ACORN A LACAX 5%
ETN VNCE LG CAP EHSTX 8%
FRNK SM CAP VAL FVFRX 5%
JANUS PRKIN MC VAL S 5%
NB SOC RESP NBSTX 9%
PIONEER CUL VAL CVFCX 9%
TIAA CREF IT EQ TRIEX 3%
TIAA CREF SM CP TRBIX 4%
THORN INTL VL R TGVRX 5%
INVSCO VK SC A VSCAX 5%

What do you think? Should I stick with it or should I make some changes?
Thanks for your input.

Alex
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: refinance or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 2682

I've got to pay down $6,500 on principal to reach 20%. Unfortunately I do not have that kind of amount saved up but I do have enough to pay closing cost.
by alexnk
Mon Apr 18, 2011 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: refinance or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 2682

So I called PenFed and just like Bruce mentioned their 10 year fixed is 3.375 (great rate). However, they still charge around 3,500 in closing costs. I am not eligible for PenFed's Home equity loan because I've paid off less than 20% of the home's value so far.
3.375% is very temping.
$3,500 in closing costs is pretty high.

Would you refi?
by alexnk
Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: refinance or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 2682

Thank you for opinions and Bruce, thank you, for the calculator. It is very helpful. I'll pass unless they will lower the interest rate even more and get rid of some of the refi cost.
by alexnk
Fri Apr 15, 2011 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: refinance or not?
Replies: 16
Views: 2682

refinance or not?

Hello,

I've been reading on this forum for a while but I do not post questions very often.
I got a call from my bank last night. They offered me to refinance my house at a lower interest rate.
My wife and I have about $2000 in our emergency fund. We contribute $200/month each to a 403b account. Recently I opened a Roth IRA with $100/month contribution.
Current Mortgage:
15 year fixed
13.5 years to go
$112000 - balance
4.8 % - interest rate
$1,116 - monthly payment

Refinance option
10 year fixed
$3500 - closing cost
4.375% - interest rate
$1,340 - new payment

Is worth refinancing or should I concentrate more on investing in retirement?
by alexnk
Thu Feb 14, 2008 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice
Replies: 10
Views: 2267

Thanks a lot for the advice.
I know for sure that our University does not match 403b contributions. They did up until about three years ago. Someone in the HR had a bright idea instead of giving us a raise to give us a $400 a year bump, stop matching 403b and call it good. Anyone wants to work for a regional University?
Our plan with TIAA CREF does allow to roll it over to a different provider but it will have to be another 403b account. I'll check with Vanguard if they offer 403b and compare the costs.
I'll be in 25% bracket for a while. I don't think I need to worry about avoiding 40% any time soon.
by alexnk
Wed Feb 13, 2008 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice
Replies: 10
Views: 2267

Thank you guys. I did not realize that there is no advantage to 403b vs Roth IRA unless my employer matches the contribution. I wounder, why than they are trying to push us toward 403b so hard.

1. Should I keep my 403b account with TIAA-CREF with out contributing anything to it or should I roll it over into Roth IRA with Vanguard?
by alexnk
Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice
Replies: 10
Views: 2267

need advice

Hello, I am a beginner when it comes to investing. Up to this point in my life I've been mostly concentrating on spending money on stupid stuff. I've been reading this website for a few days now and I hope I learned a couple of things. I am in the late 20s', my wife is in her mid 20s'. We both work for a University. I've had a TIAA-CREF 403b account for last 5 years or so. I've contributing about $100 a month and so far I have about $10,000 in that account. Here is what I want to do: I want to open up 403b account with American Funds for my wife and contribute about $100 a month. I want to spread it evenly across EuroPac, Washington Mutual, SmallCup World, and The Bond Fund of America. I also want to open RothIRA with Fidelity Investments a...