Triumphrat

SlowPocono

Thanks for pointing that out.
You are right, of course, but a list of 430 companies that would have lost the investor the same amount could be compiled too.

The standard caveat, "past performance is no guarantee of future returns" shouldn't be ignored.

I'm in agreement with your contention that returns over 3% aren't too difficult to achieve and that a balanced portfolio is the best course but some of us are in situations that require we be more risk averse.

PopPop

I have been contributing a regular amount weekly to a Fidelity 457b fund for 13 years. I have chosen funds that have conservative to moderately agressive risk. I regularly get letters from my broker telling me how well my portfolio is doing and I always have to remind him that's a result of my weekly contributions. To date I have about 2% more than if I had just stuffed it in a sock. Likewise with retirement funds in a 4501k and Roth IRA.

EDIT: OOPS, some bad book keeping here. That return is actually about 5.5%, my sock is actually bigger than I thought it was.

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Even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road. -- Stephen Hawking.

Speedycaptain

I didn't receive a promotion. If you read the thread, youd know this.

I bought a new motorcycle using my own personal allowance money that is budgeted. Granted it took 6 years of trading up and saving up to do this, but this is money that is there to be wasted, its a discretionary spending allowance. Which is also what paid for my wifes surgeries.

Have you ever been to a consignment store? Have you ever had children? First off, the clothes there are like new, for 20% of the new price. That is a no brainer. The same logic applies to buying used cars, motorcycles etc. There is no logical reason to buy new. Secondly, children grow fast and thier clothes will only fit them for three months. Again, why buy everything new? There is no logical reason.

I bought a new bike, I did, brand spanking new. However, unlike most, I paid $9800 OTD for my S3, I was patient and didn't have to have it right now.

If you don't want to read this thread, then don't. I would argue that I am a great father, because I am teaching my children that material things do not matter. I am also teaching them that if the want shiney new things, that they need to save and show patience. I am also teaching them that there are many times in life, when buying new just to buy new, is stupid, even if it is the American way.

Your attack on my ability to father my children or lead my family is terribly misguided, unwarranted and completely uncalled for.

I have to admit, more people have tried to talk me into remaining in debt, than have ever supported living debt free. Seems odd.



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2011 Crystal White S3
All the R&G bits
Lots of CF bits!

spank86

With regards to speedy captains buying habits, I would have rather had named brand stuff second hand than new bought I branded stuff when I was a kid.

As it happens I didn't get the option but nobody needs to know your shiny new trainers were nearly new but everyone knows your t shirt is from BHS.

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Speedycaptain

Like I said many times before. This is our way to become free from debt. This is not the only way, maybe not the ”best” way, or your way... This isn't supposed to be a thread for forum members to make personal attacks that are uneducated. I am trying to dig my family out of a hole, this is how I am doing it. Like it or not, it works for us.

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__________________
2011 Crystal White S3
All the R&G bits
Lots of CF bits!

9990

Speedycaptain,

I don't know if this was in response to my suggestion. But rest assured I wholeheartedly support your move to be debt free! If you can pay off your house, I think that's fantastic. Too many people just assume they'll have a mortgage forever -- and even move to more expensive houses regularly, resetting the mortgage clock each time.

I say good for you, and wish you luck with it.

Speedycaptain

It wasnt you, or just you, LOL... but thanks, I appreciate the support.

__________________
2011 Crystal White S3
All the R&G bits
Lots of CF bits!

Speedycaptain

In November I worked about 5 days, so we were down about $1k on our house payment, from plan... so, this month, it is all out warfare! I am picking up flying out of any base that has trips open. The first two weeks of this month I am only home 2 days, but it will help to regain the ground lost in November. The only thing that makes it worth while, is knowing after it is all done, I CAN work 5 days per month and watch my kids grow.

__________________
2011 Crystal White S3
All the R&G bits
Lots of CF bits!

echoraven

...still my hero.

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...exposing Forchetto's real identity since 2011...

Speedycaptain

Echo, I had a conversation with my 9 year old daughter this morning... She was asking about horseback riding lessons, a cell phone and a new computer. Why were we even discussing this? Because these are all things that her peers are "blessed" with... or perhaps cursed with.

The hardest part about living within your means, is trying to explain to your kids that most people dont, and that is the only reason that they have "more" than you. But, do they really have "more" if they have mortgaged themselves into a corner and left themselves with no choice but to have both mom and dad working 60 hours per week to make all of those payments? To me, it isnt worth it.

To me, the value is in giving my wife the CHOICE to stay home with the kids, and giving myself the CHOICE to work a reserve schedule at work and be home all day 25 days per month. Sure, she can CHOOSE to go to work and I can CHOOSE to work a full schedule, but that is then a CHOICE and not a necessity. Then there is no rat race, there is no need to sprint when you arent running from creditors.

__________________
2011 Crystal White S3
All the R&G bits
Lots of CF bits!