Comments on: Liability Shortage

By: Adrian

Adrian — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:29:35 +0000

@ Josh – that way you’ll have PLENTY of time to help around the house

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:45:23 +0000

Diane, thats great advice and is appreciated.

No girlfriend for me right now, but who knows, maybe I’ll just wait until I retire, then get married…

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:15:28 +0000

LOL – in adding to Debbie’s low-key advice, let me add that maternity insurance can be costly, but not having it can cost more. Not something to ask on a first date, but other insurance “plans” are definitely worth checking into, and not buying new furniture and such when you move out (in those few years out), but buying from thrift stores and garage sales, etc., and doing it together with the one who convinces you to move out. These are what we all would call “unexpected but blessed” events. And yes, if kids become part of it, the costs skyrocket, blessing or not. Also, as a female who recently left the dating pool, while it’s great to be wined and dined, especially if there is no permanent liaison expected, be careful of over-wining and dining someone that turns into a longer-term proposition: you’ll be trying to live up to those expensive expectations and then if it goes “permanent” having to lower her expectations to what you really would rather live on. Better to show your money smarts (without being seen as a tightwad) while you’re dating by being upfront and honest. From what the experts say, money differences (particularly in saving and spending) are a big issue in most marriages…more so than the children. Diane out.

By: Adrian

Adrian — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:27:37 +0000

@ Josh – Great advice from both Scott and Debbie; one of the great advantages of this unique forum …

… between buying stocks on margin and a HELOC to fund your stock/options strategies, you COULD effectively gear 100% (or, even more, with the right option strategies) … a definite MM201 strategy (Good/Bad? High risk / high reward or downright dangerous? Only you can decide if the risk is worth it).

While your costs are low, you have little to lose in testing out your trading strategies … on the other hand, Debbie is right about planning for FUTURE expenses, too.

By: Josh

Josh — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:11:37 +0000

@ Scott, thanks for the vote of confidence, I need it.

Debbie, no plans to move right now or within the next few years.
Also it’s very important to buy well positioned stocks, could be the difference between making 20% per year or 500%. With my humble net worth, I need the later.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Next time you go upstate Josh, stop in and visit my kids and see if they can change your mind on that record! just kidding, I agree they are a blessing rather than a liability too. I still don’t know much about investing in stocks but I think you are on to something with taking out the line of credit in order to fund some investing. Not only does it seem now is the time to buy stocks, but you’re in a good position at the moment without having to pay rent (giving you an easier time to pay off your loan, and maybe pay it faster to reduce the amount of interest you actually end up paying). Either way, I would think you would want to also start some sort of short term savings if you haven’t already, for when your living situation does change. Unless you receive a lot of gifts for your first home/apartment, (furniture, dishes, cleaning supplies!) it’s costly to move out.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:24:32 +0000

I agree Josh, this year is the time to start buying stocks. I am saving like mad right now to fuel investments and since stocks are a part of my required growth engine, you can bet i’m looking for bargains in great companies right now as well as real estate. Good luck, i’ll see ya at the top!