|
||||||
| Personal Finance Credit cards, home loans, retirement plans and taxes. The place for all your personal finance questions. |
![]() |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
|
|||
|
Well, the patio and landscaping finished today and I couldn't be happier. Poorer, but happier! We wrote a check for the balance and called it a day. It was an ugly check writing day. We had some built-in bookshelves that were installed and finished today as well. This has been a couple month project and of course they finished at the exact time the patio did. Makes the house nice, but the checking account not so nice. Then, we got a nasty-gram from our home owners association saying that we were past due and they were about to put a lien on the house and we had an $80 late fee. This wasn't just some form letter. It was a hand written message on the top of the bill. My wife called and asked how many other notices had they sent. They said just the original was sent in December. She let them know we never got it (the one that was sent today had a March 29th date on it and shows up 3 weeks later). When we were out in the yard our neighbor comes over and asks if we got a letter from the HOA. He got the same one. We are the only 2 people in the neighborhood as it is just being built. Funny that the only 2 people living in the neighborhood both forgot to pay this bill that was supposedly sent out and had to be sent second notices. Needless to say, my wife plans on raising holy hell tomorrow with the HOA now that she really knows that they never sent the first bill. She is also going to conatct the builder. They just contract out the home owners association stuff, but she wants to make sure they realize what kind of incompetent company they hired. We always get people asking us if we like the neighborhood, etc... as they drive by and are looking at the lots. We plan on asking the builder if they want us to inform their potential home buyers of our lousy HOA the next time we are asked if we like the neighborhood. That might get a little rise out of them.
|
|
|||
|
Simplest answer is one's priorities in life. After paying yourself first, built up EF, and cover needs for living, wants are next for making life more enjoyable. As an example, ever since I've bought my house (over a year ago) I hate to admit that I've become more materialistic. Before then, car projects and saving were my only priorities besides family. Now all my "want" money is put towards my home theater system, nice furniture, projects of finishing my garage and repairing my deck. Why? To keep up with my neighbors, or show family what I "own"? Heck no. Comfort in using the items, enjoying them everyday. While others spend money on traveling all over, buying a fancy car, or gambling, we all have different/expensive tastes in life. I guess that's why I really couldn't care less what people do with their money as long as they can comfortably afford after need vs want.
|
|
|||
|
Quote:
|
|
||||
|
There actually are quite a few that have a long-term average annual return in that range. Vanguard, for example, has 3 among funds open at least 10 years. I own one of them - VGHCX - which has a since-inception return of 16.18%. Another of my funds - HRTVX - has averaged 12.44% since 1984. I'm sure if you search around, you can find plenty of others.
__________________
Steve * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular. * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything? * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going. |
|
||||
|
We just got back from a 7 day Alaskan cruise and it was the most refreshing trip I've had in quite some time. Especially after such a tumultuous year, this trip was a much needed reset. We saved and planned for this vacation for quite some time and did it right--going on some of the best excursions available. It was a blessing to be able to have the savings and the opportunity to enjoy such a trip...but that's the point of life: work hard and play hard! Love the post! =)
|
|
|||
|
I have always been a saver. I recently lost my job, which paid well but I hated...I managed to squirrel away over 50% of my income for the last two years and have a comfortable cushion to fall back on...I enjoy somewhat expensive hobbies like watch collecting, but before I make any large purchase I have to be sure I can sell said item and at least make my money back if I had to.
|
|
|||
|
Sigh. I can read that over and over and it helps me hope for a better future.
|
|
|||
|
I saved enough in my life to be able to retire at 50. I don't spend much money because I do not feel any need to. I enjoy simple things like developing my website, getting together with friends, reading a good book, taking a long walk, watching Standing With the Stars. At times I may go on a trip but I can take it or leave it. Doesn't affect my life one way or another. For me, savings has always given me choice - what I want to do, who I want to work for, where I want to go, etc. Freedom to live the kind of life that I want to lead. But savings is my choice. :-)
Rich |
|
|||
|
interesting topic, personally i just feel like buying everything shiny and new on the shelf. Especially gadgets like cell phones, tv's hifi...u get the drift. I really got into bad debt because of my compulsive shopping behavior. So admittedly we should have some fun along the way but then if the fun screws you up, it ain't fun anymore. Trust me with bad credit and almost zero savings...you don't feel like a million bucks anymore. I recovered from my problems soon enough but i guess everybody is not that fortunate. Anyways..rambling cut short.. i now swear by saving and also have some fun along the way. Guess that's the way forward.
|
|
|||
|
We need that perspective occasionally. It's about having worthwhile goals, having a plan and executing that plan.I like having a security net, and the ability to get a big ticket item from time to time.
|
![]() |
| Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
| Thread Tools | |
|
|