Recent content by thatgirlmjl

Solicit as much firsthand advice as you can. There are more crummy language schools than good ones. Research as much as possible on Dave's ESL Cafe and get tips on good schools there.

MichaelB, my next target is 50k by June 2013. I'm striving for over 100k by the age of 30.

Thank you for the encouragement, Sarah in SC and ronocnikral! I will definitely be changing over to VTSAX to reduce my expenses. Here's to saving : )

Update time! Asset allocation: VANGUARD TAXABLE ACCOUNT: 3k in VWINX 12k in VTSMX VANGUARD ROTH IRA: 550 in VFINX 2k in CDs at the bank On track for my goal of 25k by July!

Thanks for the awesome recommendations, folks! Will be checking all of them out. : )

I pay no local taxes as I am working in the United Arab Emirate. It is a tax-free country. Argh. This stuff is confusing!

Nun, it is my understanding that it is not possible to exclude only a part of your income from the FEIE (foreign earned income exclusion). I do not make anywhere close to 90k per year.

I met my goal of 10k by the new year. In fact, I surpassed it and am up to 13k. Crunched numbers again and decided that I can save closer to 3k per month. So that is my new goal for February's pay check. Formal j*b evaluations have been completed. I was praised for doing an excellent job and...

Hello, everyone! I have read the following: The Millionaire Next Door (read multiple times) Your Money or Your Life (great starter book) Rich Dad, Poor Dad (some decent ideas--pay yourself first) Early Retirement Extreme (my favorite FIRE book thus far) Fail-Safe Investing (my favorite...

Update Still here and still quietly investing 70% of my tax-free income. Working overseas in the middle of nowhere can be a drag, but when I watch my savings and investments grow, I am reminded of why I am here.

FinanceDude: Yes, I have an emergency fund in place that can cover my expenses for 3-6 months if need be. I am looking into individual long-term disability insurance. I want to make sure the coverage I choose offers: about 60-70 percent of my income,“owner’s occupation," guaranteed renewable...

I work overseas. We are only offered health insurance benefits. Nothing else. No 401ks. No life insurance. No disability insurance. Nothing but health insurance premium paid by employer.

MichaelB, that would be FANTASTIC if you have the time to post your results. I'm a novice investor and this forum has been invaluable for me. Thank you!

Will check out Boglehead wiki. Thanks for the advice, nun! Is there a different Vanguard fund that would be better than VWINX for taxable accounts?

I will look into disability coverage. That sounds much more sensible right now.