General Adulthood, Planning for the Future: Business, College, Budgeting, Investments, etc! $$$ - General

Eh if it's gonna take too much time out of your day and you can pay it off easily, I'd pay it off. That's a pretty minimal thing.

Alright, my assessor decided to fail me because he felt like I didn't do enough work. Which according to me is an invalid argument. That was a pretty tough hit. I will hear from them next week Wednesday whether or not they "feel", if I am on sufficient level to pass. I'm sort of pissed off, but am going to quit this university because they're god damn amateurs.

Aside from about ~$700 invested elsewhere, I have $300 that I'm looking to put into specific, smaller company stocks. The issue is I'm unsure of where to look for good ones. I've been looking at solar, startup tech companies, and possibly foreign (Japanese?) stocks. I am just still hunting for anything that feels worth it without already being a corporate giant in its given market. If anyone could point me in the right direction or offer some decent companies, that would be great.

[QUOTE=dnqboy;51733297]Aside from about ~$700 invested elsewhere, I have $300 that I'm looking to put into specific, smaller company stocks. The issue is I'm unsure of where to look for good ones. I've been looking at solar, startup tech companies, and possibly foreign (Japanese?) stocks. I am just still hunting for anything that feels worth it without already being a corporate giant in its given market. If anyone could point me in the right direction or offer some decent companies, that would be great.[/QUOTE] Stick to companies that you know, or that have business models that make sense, are profitable, and have a solid direction towards the future unless if you like losing money. If a 5th grader wouldn't buy it during the stock market game you shouldn't either. I don't think now is the time to invest as we are due for a market correction anytime now.

Like I always say: stocks aren't my game, but you should only invest in what you know, and you should never buy at a peak market. The objective in stocks is to buy low and sell high, so buying when everything is at record highs would be ill advised.

[QUOTE=Pascall;51728660]Eh if it's gonna take too much time out of your day and you can pay it off easily, I'd pay it off. That's a pretty minimal thing.[/QUOTE] Yeah I think that's what I'm going with. Just need to triple check that it doesn't give me any points or ding my insurance here.

I'm a little late and far from an experienced trader, but everything I've seen firsthand and felt in my gut says now isn't currently the time to be doing jack unless you really know your shit. Some say that times like this (especially when people are making statements like mine) are the best times to make bank, but I just wouldn't know where to safely start. I mean I have things in the green and I'm keeping eyes on missed absurdly good opportunities since election (gold etfs ((don't)), investment firms (GHL is on a roll), tech companies (NVIDA), etc) - but I just have a sinking feeling we're in for a little correction at the very least, and some real nasty shit at the worst. I'd rather not be sticking my dick in it for the time being. And yeah, as others said - stick to stuff you know or pound the financial statements and learn it before you go "that sounds nice." Otherwise you might as well gamble, you'll have better odds there. :v:

The majority of serious investment bankers and stock gamblers make their money on losses, more so than gains. How this works? I do not know, but having listened to them always talk about the market losses being the ripest of times to be doing things tells me this is the case. There's a regular investment college ad on the talk radio stations here for a class that teaches you how to make your money during market losses as well as market gains, I'm super skeptical of anything advertised this way but I am curious if they know what they're talking about.

[QUOTE=HumanAbyss;51739129]The majority of serious investment bankers and stock gamblers make their money on losses, more so than gains. How this works? I do not know, but having listened to them always talk about the market losses being the ripest of times to be doing things tells me this is the case. There's a regular investment college ad on the talk radio stations here for a class that teaches you how to make your money during market losses as well as market gains, I'm super skeptical of anything advertised this way but I am curious if they know what they're talking about.[/QUOTE] Market losses [I]are[/I] the ripest times, because bottomed out markets mean bottomed out prices. Given that investing is essentially just "buy low, sell high," you can find some great deals during such a time. In real estate, for example: a declining market means a high degree of supply relative to demand. There are too many homes on the market, which results in an abundance of distressed properties, foreclosures, short-sales, and highly motivated private sellers. You can find some outstanding deals and make a killing when the market starts to recover and property values go back on the climb. If you understand the trends and cycles, then you can predict approximately when the market is going to shift. Right now, for example, it's fairly safe to say that our real estate market is losing its momentum, and a transition is on the way. I can't tell you exactly when it's going to hit, but it will most likely be within the year that it's officially called. So, I know that right now would be a very poor time to invest in property, unless I could find a real humdinger of a deal -- which is always possible! As the market declines, great deals will become to easier to find, and at less competition. I can snatch up properties during a down market and enjoy the rewards, so long as I'm paying attention to the trends and properly managing my risk. As I prepare to exchange some of those properties for others, I will wait until the market cycle is near its peak again in order to achieve the highest possible return on my initial investment. So, I would be making money on a market loss. While the stock market is a lot more volatile, I'd imagine the same holds true. If you know how to read it, and if you understand the business you're trading in very well, and if you pay close attention to information that could affect your chosen stocks, you could probably do essentially the same thing.

I'm starting to apply for other part time jobs because I'm definitely not making anywhere near what I need to be to feel like I can support myself and my boyfriend's desired lifestyles. We're talking about marriage and I'm getting increasingly nervous that I won't be able to meet financial expectations. But I'm also incredibly nervous because the last time I tried to go to school full time and also work a more regular job, I stressed myself out so badly that I broke out into hives for a month straight. Not to mention the fact that my disability is not actually classified as a disability - or at least not one of the more common disabilities - and I'm way too nervous about bringing it up to any potential hiring teams that it would disqualify me because everyone knows that people say they don't discriminate but they do. I dunno! Working and going to school is such a huge workload for me that I'm terrified of being overwhelmed and not performing well at either thing. Just sort of venting I guess? Worrying about overloading myself physically and mentally.

Still waiting on two W2's. I'm getting anxious, I'm confident one will make it to me eventually since its a big newspaper publisher but the other one has always had problems with management and not being on time with a lot of things. The newspaper company I haven't spoken to the supervisors since I didn't show up on the last night I was suppose to work because I got in a car accident that night among other problems. I suppose I should call them tomorrow to ask what to expect. *I did call that night and leave a voicemail.

Pascall maybe you should talk with your partner about what exactly those financial expectations are? I assume he knows about your situation and understands it.

So wife and I renovated our house. Bought it in August and moved in right before christmas. Spent ~$15,000 on house renovations. Took a video of the house before and after: [video=youtube;FpguTG1OKHk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpguTG1OKHk[/video] [video=youtube;qTOwBog1DoY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTOwBog1DoY[/video]

I love renovating. Too bad I'm not sure if owning a home here is in the cards anytime soon with how absurdly expensive housing prices are here.

[QUOTE=thrawn2787;51746484]Pascall maybe you should talk with your partner about what exactly those financial expectations are? I assume he knows about your situation and understands it.[/QUOTE] He does, he just worries that at some point it'll be him making all the big financial investments because it's been like that since he had to adopt his little sister after his parents died. He totally understands, I'm more stressing myself out by trying to hurry up and get enough pay per hour to be significant.

Don't know if this is the right place but I'm having trouble deciding whether I should use my saved up money to travel or to get a crappy car. I'm not currently in a position where I need a car to get by but I would really like to own one because it enables you to do so much without having to plan too far ahead. On the other hand I have never been out traveling with anyone but my parents and I think it could be a very valuable life experience as well as a way to get rid of all the stress I'm feeling. What would you guys do?

Recession coming baby make sure you got some cash. Lock in them low interest fixed rate mortgages batten down the hatches. HOLLA HOLLA GET DOLLA. Gona scalp me some 10-20% gains on ftse look at the trends its a bull market, we're seeing some 0-5% deposit mortgages, same mistakes all over again.

[QUOTE=maeZtro;51759633]Don't know if this is the right place but I'm having trouble deciding whether I should use my saved up money to travel or to get a crappy car. I'm not currently in a position where I need a car to get by but I would really like to own one because it enables you to do so much without having to plan too far ahead. On the other hand I have never been out traveling with anyone but my parents and I think it could be a very valuable life experience as well as a way to get rid of all the stress I'm feeling. What would you guys do?[/QUOTE] Since neither is a necessity for you, I guess it really just comes down to whichever you personally value more. I would put a car as my higher priority there, but that's only because a car -- even a crappy one -- is a straight up necessity where I live. I couldn't get by without one. [editline]1st February 2017[/editline] Keep in mind that a car isn't a one time expense, though. You'll have ongoing costs of ownership, such as maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and gas. Be sure to factor that into your monthly living expenses.

So, studied 5 months for my series 65 and fucking failed today. 5 months. Ugh. Kaplan sucks ass. I got to the test and realized I retained nothing. I am gonna try a different company and take it at the next possible date, and also go to some in person classes because it's obvious I can't learn this stuff from just reading a book over and over.

@BDA are there any investment books that you would recommend?

[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;51761526]Since neither is a necessity for you, I guess it really just comes down to whichever you personally value more. I would put a car as my higher priority there, but that's only because a car -- even a crappy one -- is a straight up necessity where I live. I couldn't get by without one. [editline]1st February 2017[/editline] Keep in mind that a car isn't a one time expense, though. You'll have ongoing costs of ownership, such as maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes, and gas. Be sure to factor that into your monthly living expenses.[/QUOTE] Yeah that's true about the car not being a one time expense. When I've factored in everything you mentioned except gas and repairs I land somewhere around 13-14000 kr for a year, which is close to what I will spend travelling. It just struck me that I will have to pay for a parking space as well so the car will be a very expensive investment for a guy who studies and only has a part time job. Thanks for your answer, I'm gonna go with travelling and get a car when I make a little more money. Or maybe I could join one of those things where you pay a small sum every month to have access to a shared car? I would have to plan a few days ahead and I can't use the car as storage but it's like 500 kr/month + gas. I guess I'll have some time to think.

[QUOTE=apierce1289;51764430]@BDA are there any investment books that you would recommend?[/QUOTE] The Elements of Investing is a good starter.

Always keep six months of expenses on hand for emergencies. Take it from me. I just lost my job, and have no money whatsoever in savings because of my recent engagement and vacation, which burned through my six months emergency fund. I knew it was putting us at risk to not have that money, but figured, "hell, I've got a good job with decent money on a regular basis. I can rebuild it." Boy, are my cheeks red. If I had my savings, I would still be sad, but at least I wouldn't also be panicking about keeping my bills paid. Never again. :frown: [editline]2nd February 2017[/editline] [QUOTE=apierce1289;51764430]@BDA are there any investment books that you would recommend?[/QUOTE] All pretty specific to real estate investing, but that's my wheelhouse. I know dick all about stocks, bond, etc. [QUOTE=Big Dumb American;49975256]Rich Dad Poor Dad itself is basically just a gateway book. It offers a philosophy of money and work (admittedly, it gets a bit preachy and political at points, but the overall concepts are solid) more than a solid action plan. Rich Dad Poor Dad piqued my interest in real estate investing, and it was through reading many other books that I started to actually learn the specifics and started putting together an actionable plan. For real estate investing, the four books I would most highly recommend are: 1) [U]Rich Dad Poor Dad (by Robert Kiyosaki)[/U] [I]Like I said, it's a gateway book. Offers a broad look at money and work and the mindset of entrepeneurs and investors and the philosophies of money and work. While there are few specifically actionable plans, this book is essential for building a strong foundation. The followup book "Rich Dad's Guide to Investing" is also a fantastic read that starts focusing more specifically on investments, including stocks and bonds.[/I] 2) [U]The ABC's of Real Estate Investing (By Ken McElroy)[/U] [I]This book builds upon the foundation provided by Rich Dad Poor Dad with some specific information about a variety of important subjects to real estate investors, such as an overview of property analysis, negotiation, minimizing tax obligations, and asset protection. It is fairly broad in scope meaning it doesn't offer many [U]specifically[/U] actionable plans, but understanding the full field of what you need to learn and be aware of as a real estate investor is crucial, and this book is great for that![/I] 3) [U]The Book on Rental Property Investing (by Brandon Turner)[/U] [I]Now we're getting down to the meat and potatoes! This book break down all the specifics of rental property investing, including detailed explanations of all the different kinds of properties, how to do a thorough financial analysis of a property, all the steps of the purchasing process, and even several different outlined strategies for wealth generation on a year-by-year basis. The previous two books build a foundation and a border, this one one erects the structure. To stick with my awkward construction metaphor.[/I] 4) [U]Loopholes of Real Estate (by Garret Sutton)[/U] [i]Acquiring properties and generation positive cashflow is the cornerstone of real estate investments, but you must protect your assets! We lived in a highly litigious society, and for any longterm investor it is not a matter of IF you will be sued, but when. "Loopholes of Real Estate" offers a thorough explanation of the various strategies, tools, and legal benefits associated with real estate investing that can be used to help maximize your cashflow, minimize your liability, and protect your assets. Getting into real estate investing without knowing the concepts described in this book is just inviting trouble![/i] I've read about 15 other books on the subject as well, and all of them have offered some fantastic information, but these four are the ones I would say are crucial. However, if you're just looking for a quick explanation of what a rental property investor does and looks for, I can offer a pretty oversimplified explanation: they look for great deals on properties, crunch the numbers to determine whether they can rent it at a wide enough margin compared to the expenses of the property to make it a sound cashflow investment, and the purchase that property and begin finding tenants for it if all looks well. The basic concept is simple enough, but succeeding at it does require a certain degree of education, experience, and preparation. That said, I think damn near anybody could become competent with just a couple months of dedicated self-study.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=maeZtro;51764522]Yeah that's true about the car not being a one time expense. When I've factored in everything you mentioned except gas and repairs I land somewhere around 13-14000 kr for a year, which is close to what I will spend travelling. It just struck me that I will have to pay for a parking space as well so the car will be a very expensive investment for a guy who studies and only has a part time job. Thanks for your answer, I'm gonna go with travelling and get a car when I make a little more money. Or maybe I could join one of those things where you pay a small sum every month to have access to a shared car? I would have to plan a few days ahead and I can't use the car as storage but it's like 500 kr/month + gas. I guess I'll have some time to think.[/QUOTE] Depending on where you live you could sort of do both. If you are on the west coast you can take a weekend in Norway, driving around and seeing big parts of the country. If you live in the south generally you can go to Denmark and reach a lot of europe without having to spend too much money, sleeping at a hostel or couch surfing if you're comfortable doing that. But if you like me live in the north and you don't want to go to Finland you're fucked. But yeah I'd also prioritize travelling in getting a car because owning a car is such an expense. Get a bike instead and be healthy to yourself, the environment and your wallet.

[QUOTE=IQ-Guldfisk;51765975]Depending on where you live you could sort of do both. If you are on the west coast you can take a weekend in Norway, driving around and seeing big parts of the country. If you live in the south generally you can go to Denmark and reach a lot of europe without having to spend too much money, sleeping at a hostel or couch surfing if you're comfortable doing that. But if you like me live in the north and you don't want to go to Finland you're fucked. But yeah I'd also prioritize travelling in getting a car because owning a car is such an expense. Get a bike instead and be healthy to yourself, the environment and your wallet.[/QUOTE] That's a great idea, I might just do that when I get back but this summer I'm going to Barcelona :joy:

[QUOTE=apierce1289;51764430]@BDA are there any investment books that you would recommend?[/QUOTE] Stick to index funds if you want exposure to the stock market. Vanguard offer the lowest fee's and cover pretty much anything you can think of. I'd advise at your age (guessing below the age of 25) to look at the vanguard lifestrategy and switch further on in life towards holding more bonds than stocks. [url]http://www.hl.co.uk/funds/fund-discounts,-prices--and--factsheets/search-results/v/vanguard-lifestrategy-80-equity-accumulation/fund-analysis[/url] Keep an eye on the actively managed funds, if you want a fun exercise to get you introduced into the world of trading markets. Try and find a handful of actively managed funds that can beat the linked fund. If you're going for individual stocks do your damn research, set yourself a selling point and stick to it, both sides of profit and loss.

Sorry if this isn't the right place, but I'm not sure where else I would go to talk about thing except for the depression thread. How does one deal with balding? I have a receding hairline and I'm almost positive I'm going bald, or at least losing hairs. I'm pretty sure I get it from my dad. I don't think there's some magic recipe out there to help my hair grow back, but what can I do?

Shave your head. Embrace it, don't fight it.

That's exactly what I would do, as well. If you can't stop it, you might as well commit. Totally shaving your head looks much better than the alternative, most of the time. Unless you have a widow's peak, because widow's peaks look awesome imo.

I am in a similar position. I plan to save up and have surgery in a few years. I have a 5 head so shaving isnt an option for me. On another note, I am doubling down on my Series 65 studies. I bought another course (which is already proving to be so much better than the one I used before) and scheduled live in person classes to attend. My dad told me that if I score above an 85 he'll reimburse my costs. I refused to let my boss pay for the new courses because I felt like it was my fuck up that I was going to fix out of pocket.