All Forum Posts by: NA Jones

We have a car loan and the interest rate is 0.99% - I make more than that in dividends from keeping the same amount as the loan balance in my savings account at the credit union..   

Is that "bad" debt?

Everyone has been giving great advice financially.  All I have to add is that at the end of the day, investing aside, you have to enjoy what you do with your time.  Money is money - you can do a lot with a little, or a little with a lot.  It's how you manage it.  Get the job you want and enjoy for your sanity, and plan your finances accordingly.  An extra couple of grand a year isn't worth you not loving  your life 40+ hours a week.

Some people don't need to "put to pen" their plans.  Others benefit greatly from it.

I'm a "plan your work and work your plan" kind of person.  Without our very detailed personal 5 year plan and business plan, I would feel very lost.   I like to know what we're working towards.  Our 5 year plan is broken down by months with "to do" goals and "financial" goals.  When we meet or exceed them, it just gives us one more thing to celebrate.

From a strictly business point of view, the potential partners we've shared our business plan with were impressed. I think it shows our seriousness and dedication to our REI ventures, and we had more "buy in" from a partnership point of view. Likewise, had our current partner not had his own business plan, we may have been less inclined to fork over tens of thousands of dollars to work with him ;)

Interested to see the answers to this..

What is the cost difference for you?  What are your monthly holding costs?

I'm trying to picture the purchase or sale of a home for the average joe (who can count on one hand the times they'll do it in their lifetime) and it's tough.  

Gone are the days that buyers feel they need an agent to "find them" a house.  Buyers find their own house.  But an agent provides access to that house, and guides the buyer along in a transaction that is, for the average joe, intimidating and complicated.

And really, I don't necessarily believe a good agent can "sell" a house.  Houses sell themselves.  Location, prices, etc.  Are good pictures and an enticing description important?  Absolutely.  Will they alone get potential buyers in the door if it's overpriced or in a warzone?  Nope.  Listing agents don't "sell" houses.  Listing agents coordinate showings and protect their sellers assets.  Letting strangers wander around their home is not something most people are entirely comfortable with, but for some reason the presence of a licensed agent comforts them.  Then the listing agent guides the seller along in a transaction that is, for the average joe, intimidating and complicated.

It's not the access to information that makes the job of a Realtor, nor is it even the mountains of paperwork, I think it's the access to the house.  The rest of it all?  Perks.  Perks that cost 6% ;)

I don't have anything to add but I did want to say, that house has very unique curb appeal. 

The guy who says he can wipe it completely from your report IS telling the truth...  but you can also do it YOURSELF for free by following alot of the advice here as well as looking at the forums here:  http://ficoforums.myfico.com/

I read something the other day about a flipper getting capital gain treatment because of their intent and their documentation. Their intent was to hold, and they advertised as a rental, but got such a good offer it made sense to sell. It was all documented well and was their only flip (of many) to be treated as capital gains. 

Could have been a load of crap but still! I read it on the internets so of course it was true! ;)

Jeff Lewis on Flipping Out CRACKS ME UP!  It's on Hulu... so worth it just for sheer entertainment.  

Do you have a realtor?  They should be able to let you know what your options are for renegotiation/ getting out at this point based on your contract.