Miscellaneous Stupid Questions

[al0061]

OK, first stupid question, unrelated to finance.
In many of the posts here, I see references to 'DH' and other 'D' things that seem to refer to family members.
What is DH? Darn Husband?
I thought maybe DS and DD meant Dependent Son and Daughter (or Darn Son and Daughter), but husbands aren't usually 'dependents'. (The first post I read with this, I thought DD was a child's name. Duh.)

Next stupid questions, related to finance.

I got Quicken awhile back to help me in my efforts to reduce my debt. Now that the debt is gone, hopefully I'll be using it to track and maintain savings and stuff.

1. Is a traditional IRA CD considered 'Savings' or 'Investment'?

2. I guess I'm unclear as to the definition of 'Investment' as opposed to 'Savings'. My new ING and EmigrantDirect accounts will be 'Savings', I think. Into what category do CD's fall?

3. There's a category in Quicken called 'Property and Debt'. I put the blue book value of my old truck in there just to try it with something, but I don't know what else is considered 'Property'. My new couch? Mattress? Computers? (I don't own a home yet.)

3.5. What is the benefit, if any, of listing one's property in Quicken or other financial software, once one knows what that is?

4. I had set up my credit card accounts in the 'Cash Flow Center' along with my checking and regular savings accounts. Does the 'Debt' part of 'Property and Debt' refer only to actual loans, such as auto and mortgages? This as opposed to revolving credit, such as cards?

I know these are stupid questions, but I've never really had the need before now to understand stuff like this. Better late than never. (I'm saying that a lot lately.)

Thanks.
Torch - aka al0061

[2moretrees]

Originally Posted by al0061

OK, first stupid question, unrelated to finance.
In many of the posts here, I see references to 'DH' and other 'D' things that seem to refer to family members.
What is DH? Darn Husband?
I thought maybe DS and DD meant Dependent Son and Daughter (or Darn Son and Daughter), but husbands aren't usually 'dependents'. (The first post I read with this, I thought DD was a child's name. Duh.)

I was confused when I saw those the first time too!

DH = Dear Husband
DS = Dear Son
DD = Dear Daughter

[jhd815]

Torch -

One of the great comforts of this forum is that there are NO stupid questions!

You'll find some very knowledgeable people here on this forum, people who share common interests and concerns, and yes even questions.

Unfortunately I can't help you with Quicken but I'm sure someone will be able to answer your questions.

Enjoy the forum experience!

[al0061]

Thanks to both of you.

So I guess you'll be seeing DB from me, for Dear Boyfriend. (or Darn Boyfriend, depending on my mood? )

I'm hoping that the questions I brought up aren't really confined to Quicken, but rather overall financial concepts. Although I must admit, that's my only exposure to financial software, and it is reason I ask.

Torch

[Lori63]

I like Darn!

[loveofpets]

Mine will be DC1, DC2, and DC3 - Dear Cat 1, Dear Cat 2, and Dear Cat 3 - lol.

And your question was not stupid - I was wondering the same thing.

Okay, so my question is this:
Car Dealers/manufacturers tell you to change your oil every 3,000 miles. I have acquaintances who are saying every 5,000 is sufficient. Who is right?

[al0061]

Oh. I have the same...DC1, DC2 and DC3, in addition to my DB.

I think it depends on the age and quality of the vehicle as to which is better. I should change my oil more often than I do, but my little old truck has 100K+, and seems to be doing fine.

Any mechanics in here with an answer?

Torch

[terry1156]

Originally Posted by al0061

1. Is a traditional IRA CD considered 'Savings' or 'Investment'?

2. I guess I'm unclear as to the definition of 'Investment' as opposed to 'Savings'. My new ING and EmigrantDirect accounts will be 'Savings', I think. Into what category do CD's fall?

3. There's a category in Quicken called 'Property and Debt'. I put the blue book value of my old truck in there just to try it with something, but I don't know what else is considered 'Property'. My new couch? Mattress? Computers? (I don't own a home yet.)

3.5. What is the benefit, if any, of listing one's property in Quicken or other financial software, once one knows what that is?

4. I had set up my credit card accounts in the 'Cash Flow Center' along with my checking and regular savings accounts. Does the 'Debt' part of 'Property and Debt' refer only to actual loans, such as auto and mortgages? This as opposed to revolving credit, such as cards?

1. I would say that any IRA would be listed as a long term investment.

2. Savings are more short term and liquid (easier to get at) than investments. I think short term CDs would be considered savings, but longer term CDs would be investments.

3. Yes - everything that you own. Jewelry, TV, etc.

3.5 Well, if worse comes to worse, that property can be sold. When you die, that property would also probably be sold and would count as part of your estate. It has value even if you don't plan to sell it and it can be sold if worse comes to worse.

4. I don't use quicken so I'm not entirely sure...sorry

[al0061]

Hi Terry,
Thanks for clearing up some of those questions for me. It helps.
Off to work now.
Torch

[gakline]

#4 Another benefit. If your house ever gets robbed, you have a list for the insurance. Also, if you keep a back up somewhere safe, and there's a house fire, it's another quick way to itemize.

Sorry to be depressing.