Search found 18363 matches

by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying Admiral shares vs VTI
Replies: 7
Views: 1635

Re: Buying Admiral shares vs VTI

The ER for VTI matches mutual fund admiral funds at either Vanguard or at TDAmeritrade. I hold VTI at TDA because I can first sign up for no transaction fee ETF then get them at no cost. I can also call them at 3 in the morning and get an answer rather than a recording saying that Vanguard's asleep.

To me, there's no advantage in a MF over an ETF. I own both in various accounts. I set my son up with a Roth a couple years ago at TDA and put his entire income for the year in there ($151) and bought 1 share of VTI. He gets the same ER% as someone with a million shares.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to use Retirement Funds for College Savings
Replies: 61
Views: 5443

Re: How to use Retirement Funds for College Savings

Consider iBonds. Only in your/your wife's name. If cashed to pay college expenses (the entire bond amount), it can be withdrawn totally tax free. $10k for each of you and if desired, another $5k from federal tax refund per year. So $25k. I'm currently paying for college and pulling some number of bonds out and doing just this. Look into income limits....I don't remember if there are any....if there are, they're way above my pay grade.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Index Funds in both 401K and Taxable Account?
Replies: 9
Views: 897

Re: Vanguard Index Funds in both 401K and Taxable Account?

Having the same funds in multiple accounts is no problem whatsoever. You figure out your asset allocation across all of your accounts. If you have many, then a simple excel spreadsheet can easily do this for you (what I do). I have the same single fund (and nothing else) in about 6 accounts. There's no reason that it's a problem. Several of these accounts were opened specifically to collect opening bonuses.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recent inheritance + mix of retirement funds + 5 years from retirement = confusion
Replies: 16
Views: 2648

Re: Recent inheritance + mix of retirement funds + 5 years from retirement = confusion

I'm going to paraphrase Ric Edelman because it seems he was speaking about your portfolio specifically. Ric doesn't like Life Strategy funds because people choose them for their asset allocation, update with age, rebalancing all hands off.......then screw it all up by adding other funds. If you want the Life Strategy, that should be your only fund.

Your inherited stuff can all be sold off with little cap gain, right? Well, sell it all off, transfer it all to a low cost provider and get a.....Life Strategy Fund.

Choose your next account and repeat.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal loan to a family member
Replies: 114
Views: 12395

Re: Personal loan to a family member

And why are there cost over-runs?
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 12, 2017 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?
Replies: 43
Views: 5843

Re: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?

camillus wrote:I'm a man and I drive a Honda Odyssey. You know, I can fit a 4x8 piece of drywall laying flat in the back. It has leather, heated seats. It can also fit 8 passengers.
Are you my father in law? He used the same argument when looking for a new vehicle. He hasn't needed a 4x8 sheet of anything since 1978. He bought a Subaru Outback, then almost never used it because the Forester that my mother in law always used was easier to drive and park. No sheets of anything ever went in either car, nor was ever needed.

I have a snowmobile trailer. I could buy a 10x10 sheet of drywall if I wanted to. Tow it with anything.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?
Replies: 43
Views: 5843

Re: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?

Go buy a narrower car seat for the VW. They do exist.

Last time I looked, a car seat at full MSRP was cheaper than a new Suburban even when GM does their 20% off.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELPPP! What woudl be the best place to combine debt and way to pay it off?
Replies: 11
Views: 1520

Re: HELPPP! What woudl be the best place to combine debt and way to pay it off?

While our student loan debt wasn't that high when my wife and I graduated, it was big for that time......back when Fred Flintstone was my neighbor. We did the avalanche method and dog gone it......math works. Pay all loans at minimum except highest interest loan. Put all extra money towards this. I agree to live like students including room mates and keeping all expenses at a minimum (remember, ketchup is a vegetable). We saw the debts disappear one by one which of course free'd up even more to put on the next one. Years later, I was paying off the mortgage early and buying US Savings bonds.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Priorities
Replies: 17
Views: 1792

Re: Priorities

Agree 100% to do the Roth.

With any leftover money, I would recommend putting it into a high yield savings account like at Ally. When 2018 comes along, fill in more of your Roth.

As for funds....a Target Date fund is fine. Put all of your money into it. Read the Wiki if you want to learn about the 3 fund portfolio. When your Roth hits $100k, buy individual 3 funds to get lower expenses.

If you're going to college, you're going to have expenses beyond what you plan. (I have a son in college. There are a lot of extra expenses).
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: REIT Fund Question
Replies: 11
Views: 2127

Re: REIT Fund Question

The 401k fees are not standard (nor non-standard) and can change from plan year to plan year. We kept my wife's old 401k with Fidelity for 14 years after she left the company. The company picked up all fees and she had a Vanguard bond fund at a very low ER. At the beginning of 2017, I looked through her plan and they added a records fee of 0.5%. She rolled the $200k into a rollover IRA.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is This Always True Regarding Umbrella Policies?
Replies: 15
Views: 2666

Re: Is This Always True Regarding Umbrella Policies?

Depends what the Umbrella policy writer requires.

I have had different insurance in the past when I had a boat and snowmobile insured along with the cars. Our independent insurance agent explained that so long as it's all written through the same agency, that's all that matters. The umbrella company wants to be sure that everything is insured and has the proper limits covered.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE Bonds?
Replies: 44
Views: 4233

Re: EE Bonds?

The rule still exists and if you hold the EEs to duration, they're a good deal. You really want to look to see if you are going to actually hold them to duration. I have a boatload of savings bonds....mostly iBonds but with a scattering of EE bonds, that I bought, quite honestly because the credit union teller couldn't find the iBond forms when I went in looking (back when normal people could go to normal places, fill out a form and get normal paper bonds). So now that I'm paying for college, where the interest can become non-taxable (I qualify), I'm considering dumping some EE bonds because it's going to take a long time to hit 20 years and I need the money now. With the iBonds, you don't have that penalty.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solar panels
Replies: 96
Views: 13004

Re: Solar panels

Lots to consider and it's very state specific.

Total rate:
Net Metering (you are paid for electricity put back into the grid....don't just assume it is).
State and federal incentives including forward payments.

Massachusetts pays for 20 years of electricity up front, making installation cost $0. Although we don't get much sun, our rates are in the $0.20 range so relatively expensive. Seeing $0.24 in southern CA would make that seem a no brainer with the higher sun time and lack of winter snow cover.
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to save for and finance house move up
Replies: 64
Views: 5441

Re: How to save for and finance house move up

I think this is completely reasonable. I do think that some of the posters in low cost areas think $500k buys a mansion. From your description, you're probably in a similar area that I'm in and know that $500k doesn't buy a mansion here.

I do believe that you can buy a house with a contingency of selling the old house. I did this, moving from an 800 square foot house in Ashland to a 2800 square foot house in Hopkinton. I was realistic on the selling price and did all the tricks on our house to sell. We closed on the sale in the morning, then drove the moving truck as my lawyer did the closing on the buy in the afternoon. I sold our starter house in 3 weeks in a HORRIBLE market. Be realistic on the price.

Good luck.
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you do when you run the numbers and don't like the answer that you get?
Replies: 29
Views: 4652

Re: What do you do when you run the numbers and don't like the answer that you get?

I don't see if it's just you, single or are you married with a family. There is a huge difference. If you're single, I don't see an issue at all. If you're married with children and the sole provider, not as good.
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping Father Plan for Retirement (messy)
Replies: 26
Views: 3913

Re: Helping Father Plan for Retirement (messy)

Is he at least using the timeshares? My parents had 12 weeks at one point but used them all or rented then directly. If he is not using them, then what use are they? I don't see how anyone is going to ignore this issue
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap TV Set-up for Limited Daily Use
Replies: 71
Views: 8573

Re: Cheap TV Set-up for Limited Daily Use

Toons wrote:Vizio
Walmart.
:happy
Bought a 24" 1080 p for $100 yesterday. They didn't have the 19" $65 in stock. Spend another 20 for an indoor antenna. Digital over the air stations reach 75 miles and there are far more of them than the number from the old days.
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stop contributing to 529 on 50% chance grandparents pay
Replies: 42
Views: 4467

Re: Stop contributing to 529 on 50% chance grandparents pay

Even though my son is in his third year in college, I believe that my father in-law believes that he's paying half of his entire cost. He drives to the college and goes to the Bursar's office (he lives in the city where the college is). Gets the outstanding balance and paid half of this last fall. It's a lot of money but in discussions with him when spring semester approaches, he responds as though the bill is paid for the year. We really don't want to be pushing it because we do appreciate anything contributed. I've put these numbers out there before. We get zip in aid aside from Stafford loans. We're paying total of $65k this year. I noted that the OP talked about $130k. Sure, there's the possibility of merit aid and such but tuitions are...
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 10, 2017 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stop contributing to 529 on 50% chance grandparents pay
Replies: 42
Views: 4467

Re: Stop contributing to 529 on 50% chance grandparents pay

I'd keep saving. Your ability to deduct your contributions is exceptional. What I found, with one son in college is that one grandparent paid some part of the college bill directly to the college (doesn't count towards the $14k gift) and the other paid a smaller amount directly to the college. We never counted on these contributions and they were actually a nice surprise. We're older parents so our parents (the grand parents) are realizing that they can't take it with them and that inheritance isn't all that important compared to the current costs. We also find that most people don't really know what college costs these days, remembering their days in college. Where they might think that $10k could cover a couple years of college, it's only...
by Jack FFR1846
Sun Jul 09, 2017 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Opinions on Mapfre insurance claims performance?
Replies: 2
Views: 503

Re: Opinions on Mapfre insurance claims performance?

We switched to Mapfre on advice of our Independent Insurance Agent based on the best coverage and cost bringing my teenage son on the policy and things like low mileage discounts and good student discounts. Months after the switch, my son slid on ice, hit a utility pole and totalled my 9 month old Wrangler Unlimited. The first offer from Mapfre was more than I actually paid for the Jeep and I accepted it. I had a snow plow frame and wiring on the Jeep and asked Mapfre if I could remove them and they agreed as they did not feel this stuff added value. They sent a letter so I could pull it out of the storage yard to do this removal. Everything went very well. We've stuck with them since then. About 3 years. Our premiums have dropped over that...
by Jack FFR1846
Sun Jul 09, 2017 5:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The cost of car ownership
Replies: 51
Views: 5454

Re: The cost of car ownership

This is extremely interesting. While a Corvette isn't purchased to get from A to B, I'll agree that to the non-enthusiasts, they're just cars. I went to Edmunds, wondering if the numbers quoted assumed that the car was sold at the end of the 5 years, and indeed, they do. So a fair comparison. As a Corvette is usually an "extra" vehicle, this brings the total cost to own even higher because not only do you pay for the Vette, you pay for the Camry daily driver. I've been fortunate to have owned a Lotus Elise which is another "extra" vehicle and lucked out because import to the US stopped during my ownership and the prices rose in response. I sold the car after 4 years for a $2k price profit but still lost in the long run b...
by Jack FFR1846
Sat Jul 08, 2017 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to wear for job interview - skip the tie?
Replies: 83
Views: 12294

Re: What to wear for job interview - skip the tie?

I once interviewed for an engineering job in silicon valley. At the time, the joke going around the engineering community was that if someone important was coming in, wear pants. Guys otherwise would wear shorts, flip flops and t shirts fit to paint a house with.

I wore a suit but a nice sweater under the jacket and no tie. I got the job offer but was told that those who interviewed me had to check a box on their forms "did not wear tie" which gave my consideration a bad mark. You never know and unless specifically told otherwise, wear the tie.
by Jack FFR1846
Sat Jul 08, 2017 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity, Vanguard or Schwab? I need to choose.
Replies: 62
Views: 24204

Re: Fidelity, Vanguard or Schwab? I need to choose.

What funds at Vanguard and Fidelity yielded good results at Vanguard and poor results at Fidelity? If they were both total US stock funds, I'd be concerned. If Vanguard was total US stock and Fidelity was total US bond, and the stock market in that period did very well, then it has nothing to do with Vanguard or Fidelity.

I have accounts at all those mentioned plus TDAmeritrade and they are all very good
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is it wrong to hold both? [Total Stock Market and 500 index]
Replies: 40
Views: 8171

Re: Why is it wrong to hold both?

Not wrong at all. I hold many "total stock" funds and ETFs and also hold a 500 fund in my 401k. Why the 500? Because it's the only low cost index fund.
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A good VISA card for Gas & Groceries?
Replies: 66
Views: 23560

Re: A good VISA card for Gas & Groceries?

Did you google this?

I just did: http://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/earnin ... y-shopping

The Consumers Credit Union visa gets you 3% on groceries and $100 bonus for $1k in spending in the first month.
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 12:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Boglehead mentality re todays oil price
Replies: 85
Views: 9862

Re: Boglehead mentality re todays oil price

Can someone please explain to me how going all electric cars will reduce the price of oil (and I have to include natural gas). Where does the bulk of electricity currently come from? Oil/natural gas fired power plants. Sure, some is still coal, some nuclear, some from wind and solar, but if we focus on the fossil fuel powered electric plants, we really have to dig in a bit. I hear (and understand....I'm a EE) that electric motors are efficient. But they're not 100% efficient. Go drive your Tesla around for half an hour and then put your hand on the motor. Feel that heat (or the 3rd degree burn you're getting)? That's the loss, of inefficiency. It's not as bad as an ICE, but it's there. Ok, to the batteries. There are losses when discharging...
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy a vehicle cash or finance?
Replies: 58
Views: 6720

Re: Buy a vehicle cash or finance?

I think to be clear, he's not getting the Forester because it's bigger....or because it's safer. He's getting it because his wife wants it. Perfectly reasonable reason. If she wanted a Miata, you could ask the same questions about how to pay for it. Chances are, she'd be in the Miata if that was her preference.

I've had both my kids in my Shelby Cobra when I owned that. No air bags, crumple zones, eye site, stability control (or heater or windshield wipers or radio). Best car ever made to put kids to sleep with the loud sidepipe just outside the door.
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buy a vehicle cash or finance?
Replies: 58
Views: 6720

Re: Buy a vehicle cash or finance?

It will indeed be easier to get a baby seat in/out of a Forester than with a sedan. Been there, done that. Will it be safer? I wouldn't assume this without looking at actual crash ratings. I know Subarus are typically near the top but would want to look at the numbers.

For the finance part, sure, take the zero percent. I've done plenty of deals for Subarus and the factory typically offers exactly one incentive on a vehicle. If it's zero percent, they don't have any alternate cash offer. Take the zero percent, set to auto pay and be done with it. Last I knew, Subaru goes through Chase and it's pretty smooth.
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 8:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My Favorite Alternative Funds
Replies: 229
Views: 50614

Re: My Favorite Alternative Funds

I'd be careful with Lending Club. I own notes there and have kept up with the goings on in business there and trends with their lending. There's a big outflow from lenders (including me) and lots of former proponents have soured (and shown their monthly profits which have turned into monthly losses). My opinion is that they're going down the toilet. Don't just look at numbers and notice that they're depressed.
by Jack FFR1846
Fri Jul 07, 2017 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Landlord/Rent question
Replies: 21
Views: 2818

Re: Landlord/Rent question

I used to read rental agreements back when I was in college before I and all my room mates (and our parents) signed it. Every single one of them had a clause where if we broke the lease, we owed the rent until the end of the lease. I once later did break a lease and the apartment complex was nice to not force me to pay for the rest of the year per the agreement. But I was prepared to continue sending my payment in if they didn't let me off the hook. As mentioned numerous times, state and even local laws vary on this.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering a move to Vanguard
Replies: 37
Views: 3993

Re: Considering a move to Vanguard

VG has great products. You may want to hold them at Fido. Much better tech and customer service. I have assets at both. You can't really target a specific CAGR. The ride is bumpy. You can control diversification and expenses. Very loose control of volatility and returns. I'd perhaps steer you a different direction. If you MUST have Vanguard products, buy Vanguard ETFs at TDAmeritrade. You get the bonus to open the account, another bonus by referring your spouse when they also open an account, Vanguard ETFs with no transaction when you sign up for NTF ETFs, 24/7 support (like Fidelity) and a very informative website. It's somewhat busy compared to just about anyone (unless you're used to stock trader websites) but after a short time, you ca...
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For retirement at 55 what is a good multiplier?
Replies: 65
Views: 14224

Re: For retirement at 55 what is a good multiplier?

You'll want to figure out what you plan to spend for college for 3 kids. Will you do a traditional Boglehead plan (Let them fend for themselves, there's plenty of cardboard boxes to build a house out there) or help pay for college costs?

We paid for daycare for our kids. It was spare change compared to college expenses we're now paying.

I've also used the Fidelity planner. In my opinion, it's way too optimistic. I'm a 150 on their scale and I don't believe it for a second. I believe they say you need 8 times your income to retire. Yah, right.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit score much lower than expected: 711
Replies: 21
Views: 2593

Re: Credit score much lower than expected: 711

rec7 wrote:
Shackleton wrote:Closing that old credit card was a mistake. But too late now.
I closed my oldest card and my score only dropped about 10 points.
I would think it might depend on the age of your oldest card that was cancelled and the age of the next oldest card. If your oldest was 25 years old and next 20, not a big deal. If the next oldest was 2 years old, much bigger deal.

Paying off the mortgage could put you in the boat I'm in. I have no installment loans, which is noted as one of the biggest depressors for my credit score. I could write a check from my zero balance HELOC is I really wanted to increase the score. But I don't really care.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: tell me about real estate investment
Replies: 36
Views: 4694

Re: tell me about real estate investment

Woodlake wrote:
What do you guys think of real estate investments after maxing out 401k and company stock purchase?
Send me your phone number. I'll call you on random days at 3 in the morning for unreasonable demands. Then you can burn some $100 bills, simulating a tenant who has stopped paying rent while your mortgage and property tax bills continue to be there.

This is where a taxable account is a great idea. It doesn't even know your phone number or how to dial a phone.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it Safe to Get Your DNA Tested?
Replies: 86
Views: 14617

Re: Is it Safe to Get Your DNA Tested?

My sister in law paid the $300 to have this done. It said her ancestors were from Eastern Europe. Father's side is from Poland, mother's side from Lithuania. Boy, that $300 really went to good use. (/sarcasm)
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Better hurry if you want a gas-engine Volvo
Replies: 96
Views: 9782

Re: Better hurry if you want a gas-engine Volvo

So in a couple of years I'll be pulling our horse trailer up the Sierra Nevada mountains with an electric vehicle? That should be interesting. Locomotive engines are all electric powered. The diesel is used for the generators to power them. There have been electric assist semi tractor trucks for at least 15-20 years (I used to call on one as a customer). I do emphasize "assist". The use of some kind of on board generator can allow very good range. I don't expect all-electric to become the standard. More likely electric assist or electric with on board generation. Perhaps with plug in capability. Although I'm a gear head, I do see some of the advances making sense. Auto start/stop of the engine at stop signs, regen braking, electr...
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 7:56 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Should I simplify my portfolio?
Replies: 24
Views: 3115

Re: Should I simplify my portfolio?

The Vanguard life strategy is perfect for you. This is way over complex. I have far less funds with over $2M invested. I would leave it all in life strategy up to $100k. At that point, if you have the admiral funds that make up Life Strategy at lower ER, then buy those in the percentages you want. If you don't have access to lower ER funds, then just leave it all in life strategy.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Index ETF vs. Index Mutual Fund
Replies: 7
Views: 1840

Re: Index ETF vs. Index Mutual Fund

My understanding (I learned very little from the Wiki, honestly) is that holding an ETF beyond a year allows the sale to be considered for long term cap gains where the mutual fund is always ordinary income. I believe the same treatment is true for dividends, and non-qualified/qualified with the 1 year. Many people put huge emphasis on not being able to buy fractional shares of an ETF, but to me, that's a "who cares?". I buy what I can with the money in my account and either leave the rest for later or ACH it back to my checking.
by Jack FFR1846
Thu Jul 06, 2017 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Grandparent Contribution to 529
Replies: 19
Views: 2793

Re: Grandparent Contribution to 529

As a grandparent, you can write out a check directly to the grandchild's college. This is not considered a gift. It's a nice loophole if kids are already in college. I know as a parent, I'm very happy about this as both my father in law and my mother send checks in directly.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 05, 2017 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drum sets
Replies: 12
Views: 2264

Re: Drum sets

Don't know where you live but if there's a Music Go Round near you, go there and talk with them. They do mostly used musical equipment sales/trades/buys. I've noticed huge variation in pricing and don't know the difference (one of my son's has an electronic drum set). I can point out every detail why a used Squier strat guitar is only worth $50 while a used Music Man John Petrucci guitar is worth $1000 but I have no clue on drums.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 05, 2017 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone bought a Pixel?
Replies: 46
Views: 7159

Re: Anyone bought a Pixel?

I'd like to interchange some words for you to better represent my own opinions. I'll bold the changes. Seems odd but the only thing you really need out of a PHONE is for it to MAKE A PHONE CALL . The difference between a 10 year old beater and a brand new PHONE is not especially different in that respect. One could argue safety improvements but then these days a 10 year old beater is still safe. ADDED NOTE, I'M USUALLY ABLE TO BORROW A PHONE WHEN I DON'T HAVE MINE. MUCH HARDER TO DO THIS WITH A CAR The difference between a 2 year old+ CAR and a new one is like night and day. Tech improvements happen a lot faster. EYE SIGHT, LANE DEPARTURE, BACKUP CAMERA, ABS, VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL, FOR EXAMPLE. Also the cost difference isn't all that mu...
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 05, 2017 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washer Repair - DIY. Need technical help
Replies: 10
Views: 970

Re: Washer Repair - DIY. Need technical help

Had a similar issue. I gave up and sold the thing for $15 to a shop that buys, repairs and resells. They picked it up and left cash in an envelope. Best decision I ever made. Sold the broken dryer as well. Bought a set of Kenmore units with about 5 various sales and points deals and 2% back from Citi doublecash. 3 months later, Citi sent me $40 because Sears put these on an even better sale. The new ones are SOOOOOOO much better built than those 10 year old pieces of crap.
by Jack FFR1846
Wed Jul 05, 2017 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k- What to do with high expense funds?
Replies: 22
Views: 2310

Re: 401k- What to do with high expense funds?

I'm going to cite the Jack FFR1846 rule with respect to balances under $100k total. "It doesn't matter" what AA you currently have. Until your invested amount exceeds $100k, it's absolutely fine to throw it all into stock funds. That 0.04% is a screaming flag saying "invest it all here". As you get more into your Roth or taxable, don't sweat it. And yes, of course, lose all those high ER funds and put it all in the 0.04% one.
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 04, 2017 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance - is it worth it?
Replies: 160
Views: 25437

Re: Long term care insurance - is it worth it?

Are premium escalations defined when buying the policy? It's pretty scary to think that one could pay premiums expecting to be provided for when needed only to have the premium double one year, double again, double again..... I've paid attention to some of the numbers talked about.....averages.....experiences.....and must think I live in a higher cost area. My wife's aunt was in a nursing home then rest home following a bad accident. This was 10 years ago and the nursing home was $12k a month and rest home $6k a month. We took care of finances while she was recovering. I also remember that after two years of full pay, the rest home would keep the resident for whatever social security/pension was available. I don't see this as being the same...
by Jack FFR1846
Tue Jul 04, 2017 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: John Deere series 100 lawn tractors
Replies: 28
Views: 5187

Re: John Deere series 100 lawn tractors

I tend to separate power equipment into "big box store" versions and "dealer" versions. While the dealer versions are more expensive, they're easily serviced, have replacement parts available and simply last longer. This applies not only to tractors but chain saws, leaf blowers, etc. I can't find anywhere that says who makes Deere big box tractors (only that they're made in Mexico) but know that some of the other brands are made by MTD, who is a very low end manufacturer. (I've owned an MTD....now own a Kubota....there is no comparison).
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 03, 2017 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expensive Car Repair, New Engine
Replies: 51
Views: 6424

Re: Expensive Car Repair, New Engine

How many miles do you go between oil changes?
Do you add ANY oil between oil changes?
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 03, 2017 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Brake Pads and Rotors for 2011 Benz C300 4Matic?
Replies: 43
Views: 5107

Re: Brake Pads and Rotors for 2011 Benz C300 4Matic?

barnaclebob wrote:I want to know where suburbanites or city dwellers find a road to do these multiple braking runs to bed the brakes.
Approaching a red light.
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 03, 2017 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan from Nevada
Replies: 7
Views: 1410

Re: Vanguard 529 College Savings Plan from Nevada

I put $2k into the Fidelity 529 (I'm in Mass) for the tax deduction. I've already had it pay out to me for this year (son in college). I'll use the rewards from my Fidelity credit card go in starting in January and then fill it to $2k and take it out again. I'm funding college from other sources (mostly from salary and US Savings bonds).
by Jack FFR1846
Mon Jul 03, 2017 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Total Stock VTSAX vs other brokerages
Replies: 6
Views: 1505

Re: Vanguard Total Stock VTSAX vs other brokerages

Looking at VTSAX, I see quarterly dividend distributions. This appears to be no different from VTI on the ETF side or SCHB from Schwab. If you want to avoid capital gains, buy any ETF.
by Jack FFR1846
Sun Jul 02, 2017 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking of moving from MA to RI
Replies: 19
Views: 6007

Re: Thinking of moving from MA to RI

Where you work and where you plan to live are important to know. We were at a customer last week in downtown crossing. One of the engineers lives in Providence and takes the commuter rail in. That's a great way for transportation if you work in town. If you're working in Waltham and plan to live in North Kingstown, you're out of luck because you're not going to prevent a bad commute in a car. I don't live in Rhode Island but could almost throw a rock and hit it. Once you have kids and approach school, you could re-assess and evaluate if you want to move back to MA. Just because its near me, you've got commuter rails in Franklin, so there's a place that could potentially work. As you know, as you move away from Boston, prices drop pretty qui...