Recent content by usc_et

It may take until 2009 to see the bottom, but the "bust" has already begun in many areas. Take a look at prices of new homes in San Diego, Florida, Boston, DC. Prices have been reduces substantially in these areas. As much as 100k in some reports. It is entirely logical that new home prices will...

I did. Mildly surprising to see the first paycheck. Slightly smaller than two weeks ago. But can't wait to see the impact on the 401k as the year goes along.

Yes you can rollover the two 401ks that are from past employers. The rule that you are referring to says that, above certain income levels, you cannot make a tax deductible contribution to an IRA while you qualify for a retirement plan at work. Rollovers are completely different from...

How about that UCLA game last weekend, huh? Wow!

Dad is 74 and still works full time, running his gardening/landscaping business. He has talked for almost the last 10 years of scaling the business back, but he enjoys it, so who are we to take that away from him. Mom is 65 and is employed full time at the local high school as a secretary in...

Wow, phenomenal advice. Especially from Charles, thanks for all that. So, my search has evolved a bit over that last couple of weeks. I have ruled out the Acura TL, it's a nice car, just a personal preference. I have also all but ruled out the Lexus ES. I hadn't driven it at the time of my...

And this is the problem with deductibility and why most advisors and web sites take it for granted that it is not deductible. It is extremely rare (I have never heard one instance of it) for an employer to contribute to employee's 401(k)s without any employee contribution.

What a bargain! Well, in that case I have a few more legal/tax questions.... Nah, just kidding.

Hi all, Well, after months of trying to keep the trusty old car running, it is finally giving out on me. Well, more specifically it is becoming not cost efficient to keep. The residual value of my car is probably less than $2000, so I won't have any trade in to speak of. I am looking at Acura...

In the words of Bernard Baruch, "It's not what you miss that counts" In other words, the only thing that matters is what you actually made and what you actually lost. What you could have made and what you could have lost is irrelevant.

What you use the money for should never be a factor in determining the deductibility, just the type of loan. A mortgage, home equity loan, a business loan, maybe margin debt? I'm pretty sure if you borrow money, regardless of how that money is used it is based on the type of loan. For example...

I feel the same way. She trusts me in money matters, so instead of just telling here, "Girl, you crazy!" I'm going to let her know how high prices are and how much of a burden buying would be. I'll give her the pros and cons, and ultimately it's up to her.

this question is not for me, I swear! I wouldn't do this. A "friend" is currently renting for a little over $1k/mo and by working a weekend job has paid off various debts that she has carried. She emailed me asking about taking a loan from her 401k for her downpayment. I am planning on advising...

Yea, unfortunately, you lose your best customers before you even get through #1, "Go to college." Oops, too much work.

A gallon of regular gas. $2.89 A 2 litre bottle of Coca Cola. $.99 High speed internet service. $39.95 6 pack of Bud. (don't buy Bud) Dry clean a pair of pants (even if it once a year), Don't know, $2? An oil change for you car. $24.95 Bus or subway fare (even if you do not use it) No idea, this...