Recent Posts

1

Antimustachian Wall of Shame and Comedy / Re: contest of some sort for the most anti-mustachian product out there

« Last post by marty998 on Today at 04:16:34 am »

Small: cigs. I can't think of anything more small and stupid than cigarettes

Medium: Segwey? Did I spell that right...you know those motorised things on wheels etc

Large: Private schools with their own rowing lakes, swimming pools, tennis courts and multiple football and cricket fields. Heaven forbid the little darlings grow up deprived of trappings of privilege.

2

Welcome and General Discussion / Re: Holy Mackerel - 1st post and reality check

« Last post by twinge on Today at 04:06:30 am »

Yes, you have ample assets.  However, if you're trying to be precise make sure you don't put social security in the calculations as high because if you retire right now you'll have lots of 0s that will  lower your benefits somewhat (and there may be changes in COL adjustments, benefits for those with high means etc--though you may be close enough in age where the changes won't be drastic). 

I usually just leave ss out of the calculation and consider it as the "slack" in my budget.  However, I'm younger so there's more time for the fund to dwindle and be changed.

3

Ask a Mustachian / Re: Opening a credit card just for No Foreign Transaction Fees

« Last post by lhamo on Today at 03:53:44 am »

I just got an email from United Plus Mileage Explorer that they will stop charging foreign transaction fees on June 1. 

They waive the fee for the first year, and you can get two free business lounge passes with a minimum spend in the first few months.  Plus free luggage allowance.  And mileage points and bonus.

4

Ask a Mustachian / Re: just accepted to masters program but MMM makes me want to bail! HELP!

« Last post by cerberusss on Today at 03:53:01 am »

You all know the formula what that 30k could do for us and if I wasn't lazy I could probably figure out exactly how many more months/years we'd have to delay FI just to accommodate the expenditure.

Any advice?

The main stumbling block in getting a degree is not money, but motivation.

If you are currently motivated, then get the degree right now.

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Welcome and General Discussion / Re: Holy Mackerel - 1st post and reality check

« Last post by marty998 on Today at 03:52:11 am »

No flaw in the logic. You could quit tomorrow if you want to.

6

Ask a Mustachian / Re: Taking job for less pay...

« Last post by cerberusss on Today at 03:50:21 am »

They hesitated but met that requirement.

Nice! Congratulations on the new job!

7

Ask a Mustachian / Re: Do I need a new microwave?

« Last post by cerberusss on Today at 03:48:02 am »

The element that generates microwaves, generates some waste heat. Usually that is moved away with a heat sink and a fan. Perhaps the fan is broken?

In any case, you could have it repaired if it's worth it. Or else just get another one.

8

Ask a Mustachian / Re: Early Retirement Australia - what am I doing wrong?

« Last post by marty998 on Today at 03:40:44 am »

Oh what I would give to have $400,000 cash. The things I would do!

When I saw you live in a regional area my first thought was rentals. As you probably know rents and yields are higher in regional areas than in the capital cities, though the quality of tenant is lower at least it is easier on the negative gear.

Suggest your starting point for property is to have a read of everything on this wonderful forum:

www.somersoft.com/forums

Pay special attention to financing structures and your $400k is an amazing launching pad.

Regarding super...this is a bit too far off, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't contribute a bit more. Salary sacrificing a few hundred dollars a week will add up to several hundred thousand over the next 18-25 years.

Regarding Argo...yes there's Argo, there's also AFI, Milton, STW, DJW, AUI and my favourite, Marcus Padley's moron portfolio (BHP, CBA, WBC, ANZ, WOW, WES, AMP, IAG and TLS). Oh and Vanguard just to keep the die hards here happy.

good luck

p.s. I don't suppose you are a South Park fan are you? Little lemmiwinks had some NASTY adventures in his time!
 

9

Ask a Mustachian / Re: I need a second opinion on my budget

« Last post by GrayGhost on Today at 03:07:37 am »

Another New Yorker here.

Your food bill seems a bit high, so I suggest cooking cheaper and cooking from scratch. What kind of things do you make and eat these days?

According to Mint.com, in the last 6 months I have spent $750 on groceries, and I don't eat too much in terms of cheap carbs/grains. Granted, my parents sometimes buy me meat and fish from the suburbs, but let us say that that adds $200 in the past six months. I'm still averaging far less than $200 per month.

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Ask a Mustachian / Re: Do I need a new microwave?

« Last post by stigto on Today at 03:06:26 am »

Why do you need a microwave at all? I never had one, and I can't say I miss having one.