Your Finances

I was wondering what those of you with savings do with them?

I've managed to put away about $17,500.00 in the last year, and while it's currently sitting in a high interest account (4.75% variable), I can't help but feel I could be doing more with it.

I've looked at fixed rate term deposits, but the way the finance sector is now, no-one is willing to commit to a decent rate. If I fixed $20,000.00 for two years at 3.5%, I'd be killing myself if (when) the interest rates went up.

I've never even looked at the stock market before, and really wouldn't know where to start.

So yes, I'd like an idea of what others are doing with their money, at least to broaden my options.

Is talking to a financial adviser worth it, you think?

This sounds like a question Gooch would love to answer.

I'm getting out of CC debt myself (almost there!), so all my money is going towards that. I have a little $$$ in my savings account, but a majority of my $$$ is in a 401K.

I'm waiting another year before I think about re-investing in the stock market. Maybe until Q4 2009. The economy is going to get worse over the next few months, so leaving your loot in a savings account is probably the safest bet right now.

Oh and Financial Advisors can be expensive, so just keep that in mind. My brother paid $1,600 for his, but his investment portfolio is ridiculous.

My poor college student savings options are limited. I keep $300 in general savings to have on hand for small emergencies, and $1.5k in a 3-month CD I renew as needed. It's more comfortable to keep my pathetic savings in short-term deals, since my situation isn't stable and I like to have access to my money if really needed.

Also, I inherited a mutual fund that was small (about $2k) but it has tanked to not even half its value. Oh, economy.

I'm a broke freelance writer. I have like $6,000 in the bank, it that's more than usual. Yay, bumminess.

Under your mattress and don't tell the hooker is your best bet.

Paid off my SJU $45k student loan in 1.5 years, just paid off my $20k Camry car loan in 6 months and now, all I have is $760 in my bank account. At least I have no loans and nothing to owe. Now I have to save up for engagement ring, wedding and house.

My dad took $5k from me and put it towards my Roth IRA Mutual Fund a couple months ago

Ever thought of putting money towards CDs? Doesnt seem like you'll be touching your money anytime so might as well just let it sit in CDs and let it mature.

All of you broke mother fuckers have more money than I do. :(

If you have debt, pay it down to the extent that your still have a surplus in your emergency account. Ideally you'd have enough in your emergency account to stay afloat for a minimum of six-months should the unfortunate occur. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. The removal of your debt servicing payments is probably better than any return on investment you can get right now barring the implementation of exotic investment strategies.

Otherwise, if you just can't stop yourself from putting your money in the market, I'll echo what I said in the investments thread: if you aren't prepared to manage your positions and manage risk, stay out of the market until it is in the most bullish orientation possible, after you have price and volume confirmation, after the institutional buyers have put in a definite floor only possibly seen through hindsight. Indiscriminate buying and holding for an indefinite, undetermined period of time is piss poor lazy, negligent, half-assed, and is not an acceptable form of risk management. Anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know what the fuck they're talking about and is doing you a grave disservice. It's like boxing man, protect yourself at all times.

Whenever I have lots of money in the bank, I quit whatever job I'm working at and go on vacation.
When I run out of money, I go back to work.

I have 3 dollars in the bank

My stocks are in the shitter, but I didn't put much into it so it's really a slow gamble that didn't pay off. My 401(k) is taking a beating, but my Vanguard is doing well, pushing $12k on that one. Dropped a crap load of money last month on holiday and birthday gifts, paying off my car and some health shit so my bank account is a lot lower than normal. Gas is cheap now so that's a huge help right now, easy to save more when I'm not spending $46 every week on gas.

I'm doing alright now, but I'm looking to move out of state...I need to change my life.

Gooch gives good advice. He told me not to ride China and I pulled out before it lost around 50% of its value over the past 12 months. I lost 250 dollars instead of 2500 in that investment. Definitely owe him a drink if I ever meet him.

I drink.

Spend it all.

TNL Scholarship Fund IMO.

I currently have $753.07 in the bank with an aggregate (credit cards + dental bill) debt of $4,309.60. Add another $6,270 for the car (22 months left).

This time last year, I had a spreadsheet lined out with all the shit I wanted to buy and how I could go about doing it. Now that I'm making about $200 less a week, the spreadsheet tells me when I can buy groceries and soap. Getting an online cash advanced from your creditcard to pay the rent is pretty depressing, let me tell you.

But now I've a better game plan. I pull out $40 from the ATM every monday morning on the way to class and thats all the cash I have for the week. Food, gas, entertainment, whatever. Having a girlfriend makes this difficult but it's not going to last another week so it wont be an issue (also depressing).

I'm about to sign a six month lease for an apartment that is way too expensive. The economy is not well so people don't like contributing to my commission total by buying shit. Gas prices are going back up but that's okay because I only drive about 4-8 miles daily. I'd like to get a real people job with weekends off but I feel if I don't finish school I'll drive my car off a cliff. I don't have a 401(k) plan going, but I've got a "deferred compensation" plan from my employer (they won't match 401(k) contributions because they're Jews). If I were to quit tomorrow, I'd get ~$40 a year for ten years.

So, I'll be eating a lot of ramen this year.

I'm still in the market, there are both short term and long term models for growth right now. However I have a guy who does this for me, I don't have the skill set or the time to manage the market correctly right now....I miss 1999-2000. I carry two seperate banking accounts in seperate institutions as well. I do this because of the FDIC's stupid limits on insured investments/deposits, faggots.

I use one bank as my liquid money (buying stuff, paying for the bills, work expenses, etc) and the other strictly as an emergency/savings account and garner a small amount of money on the accounts. I can always convert some stock options if I need quick funds so I don't use bank #2 but about twice a year.

I just split my direct deposits 70/30 so I don't have to take the time to do it myself. I haven't been to bank #2 in about 2 months, I should go in there and see what's happening, they have a lot of hot chicks working there.

I have quite a bit of $$ saved up (Livin' with Parents FTW), but I guess in the long term I'm saving for a house. My 401K is getting owned by the economy right now, but I'm not worried because I only have 30 years for it to get back up. I have some Roths, and some money in CDs. The market is too bad right now to invest.

Frankly, I have enough money and I don't like to think about/worry about any of this. I'm not greedy. As long as I have enough $$ to go out for lunch 2-3 times a week, and buy 3-4 games a month, and pay all my bills, I'm happy. I know that will change if health care issues, job losses, or parental deaths rear their ugly heads, but we'll worry about that when bridge when I come to it. I like things simple. My Dad thinks otherwise, though.

Current Personal Expenses (per month):

$2730.80 (mortgage + property insurance + homeowners insurance)
$500.00 (child support)
$225.00 (electric)
$150.00 (cable/tv/phone/internet)
$525.00 (car lease)
$150.00 (home heating oil)
$500.00+ (groceries)
$30.00 (water)
$125.00 (car insurance)

So, that's roughly $5000.00/month. No wonder my savings is abysmal.

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Originally Posted by Rhydant

So, I'll be eating a lot of ramen this year.

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Yeah, you and me both. Are you still in school? (You said you wanted to finish, dunno if you're currently doing it full-time though) Trying to manage finances, let alone anything approaching savings, is pretty BS as a student right now. Only way I'm getting by is living with 4 other people (used to be 5). The one jackass moved out with no notice in December and I'm feeling the pinch with my rent going up to $185 and utilities being split one less way. It's an incredibly cheap existence (I think I spend less than $400 a month) but it's what I count on.

I got a raise, which made me delighted, until I saw that my hours got cut. I used to do 38 a week, I was down to 14 until I managed to pick up more. It's going to be impossible for me to save anything worthwhile this year. I'll settle for not having to tap into my emergency savings for regular expenses.

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Originally Posted by Nomi

Yeah, you and me both. Are you still in school? (You said you wanted to finish, dunno if you're currently doing it full-time though) Trying to manage finances, let alone anything approaching savings, is pretty BS as a student right now. Only way I'm getting by is living with 4 other people (used to be 5). The one jackass moved out with no notice in December and I'm feeling the pinch with my rent going up to $185 and utilities being split one less way. It's an incredibly cheap existence (I think I spend less than $400 a month) but it's what I count on.

I got a raise, which made me delighted, until I saw that my hours got cut. I used to do 38 a week, I was down to 14 until I managed to pick up more. It's going to be impossible for me to save anything worthwhile this year. I'll settle for not having to tap into my emergency savings for regular expenses.

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Student living kinda sucks. I know people who've dropped out who still live in college towns fairly cheap but they're still having trouble getting by because of lay-offs/cut hours.

I did ok as a student - went to CC the first two years and was able to pay for it by working overtime @ the rubber factory where my uncle worked. Was able to pay school+books + buy stuff. The last 3 years were different though. I washed dishes, made sandwiches + had help from the folks, but little money. Not nearly as much debt as most people though.

I have a bank account, and a savings account with bank of america. I keep 100% of my balance in my savings account and only move exactly what I need into my checking account to pay bills/buy stuff. This has been working really well for me for a little over a year. I also have couple different CDs that I keep rolling over or whatever its called. I also have a (roth?) IRA.

I don't really pay attention to these things right now. If I think about my money I'll find a way to spend it. I figure I'll buy a house again one of these days. But not until I'm at least 35 I think.

I'm just glad I have no debt, although I may end up owing $1500 or so by the time work starts back up again in April.

Make the money and then trade it for goods and services.

No debt? That's impressive, unless you are younger than 25 and in that event, outside of college loans, you really should not be carrying any significant debt anyway.

I have debt on my cars, the house, a ring, and my credit card. All are not significant enough for me to worry about during this economy as I could empty my account and pay off all 4.

I have no debt, but very little in savings. I'm just concentrating on school, setting up a path for a "real" career once I graduate, and paying for as much as I can with my part time job at 24-32 hours/week. I won't front, without parental assistance right now my monetary situation would be fucked.

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Originally Posted by Nomi

Yeah, you and me both. Are you still in school? (You said you wanted to finish, dunno if you're currently doing it full-time though)

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Yeah, still getting through. I have to take all of my lower-division art classes at the JC before I'm able to transfer to SDSU (its impcted lol).

But THE DAY I get accepted and my student loan gets approved I am quitting my job in spectacular fashion. I can not wait.

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Originally Posted by haohmaru

Current Personal Expenses (per month):
$500.00+ (groceries)

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What... wtf are you eating?

Welcome to New York.....

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Originally Posted by Rhydant

Yeah, still getting through. I have to take all of my lower-division art classes at the JC before I'm able to transfer to SDSU (its impcted lol).

But THE DAY I get accepted and my student loan gets approved I am quitting my job in spectacular fashion. I can not wait.

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Good luck on getting there quickly.

I only came to this school because I get free tuition, and it had relatively cheaper living expenses. They have mandatory two-year dorm residency requirements here (wtf?) and that completely fucked me over. $10k a year for horrible, horrible dorms. My mother bailed me out my first year with a State Tuition Savings Plan she set up when I was a baby (never made one for my older brother lol!) since I didn't have a student loan. Neither of my parents can co-sign on a loan, so I had a really, really hard time securing one for the next year. I really needed more for this year but couldn't get it done in time. I had to charge for all my textbooks and shit, and I still haven't bought a few and we're a few weeks into the semester.

If I had gone to another university, or gone out of state and invalidated that plan my mother had, I would be in all sorts of financial hell right now. Savings would be the least of my worries.

I have car debt and student loans that's about it. but I haven't been doing anything with my money either.

plastics.

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Originally Posted by Rhydant

What... wtf are you eating?

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Me + kid + girlfriend = $500

By girlfriend he means hooker, and by kid he means blow.

Edit: he's also off by about $1,500.

That $ sounds about right. Not that I would know.

I'm in a really shitty financial situation right now, hopefully in the next two months or so that will be cleared up.

My question is, at this point, what do I do for retirement? I've got a 401K that isn't doing to hot (never really has), is it a good idea just to stick with it or what? What kind of options do I have if I wanna go a different route?

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

By girlfriend he means hooker, and by kid he means blow.

Edit: he's also off by about $1,500.

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Am I that easily read? FUCK.

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Originally Posted by Rhydant

I am quitting my job in spectacular fashion. I can not wait.

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Go into work dressed as batman. Refuse to understand why there is a problem with how you're dressed. Start talking VERY LOUDLY. Have someone videotaping all of this.

I will send you real money in the mail if you do this. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Perform your job as you would if you were batman. Takes things very seriously. And ignore the absurdity of the situation no matter what.

You must speak in that raspy voice. "LISTEN TO ME!!!! I WILL PHOTOCOPY THAT FOR YOU LAAATTTTER!!"

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Originally Posted by haohmaru

Current Personal Expenses (per month):

$2730.80 (mortgage + property insurance + homeowners insurance)
$500.00 (child support)
$225.00 (electric)
$150.00 (cable/tv/phone/internet)
$525.00 (car lease)
$150.00 (home heating oil)
$500.00+ (groceries)
$30.00 (water)
$125.00 (car insurance)

So, that's roughly $5000.00/month. No wonder my savings is abysmal.

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HOLY FUCK! I couldnt even survive on the loan itself. Thats pratically my whole paycheck for the month after taxes.

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Originally Posted by Josh

I have a bank account, and a savings account with bank of america. I keep 100% of my balance in my savings account and only move exactly what I need into my checking account to pay bills/buy stuff. This has been working really well for me for a little over a year. I also have couple different CDs that I keep rolling over or whatever its called. I also have a (roth?) IRA.

I don't really pay attention to these things right now. If I think about my money I'll find a way to spend it. I figure I'll buy a house again one of these days. But not until I'm at least 35 I think.

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Same here. I have 1 bank account but all my money goes into savings to gain any interest. if I need to pay any bills (rarely as all my credit card charges are on my PayPal card) or tickets or something.

The rolling over of CD's once it matures is called "ladder" if I remember correctly.

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Originally Posted by kedawa

I'm just glad I have no debt, although I may end up owing $1500 or so by the time work starts back up again in April.

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Originally Posted by Biff

No debt? That's impressive, unless you are younger than 25 and in that event, outside of college loans, you really should not be carrying any significant debt anyway.

I have debt on my cars, the house, a ring, and my credit card. All are not significant enough for me to worry about during this economy as I could empty my account and pay off all 4.

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No debt myself. Paid off my SJU college loan and my car loan. I'm 27 and still live at home. Now I'm saving up for engagement ring (will have the $7k or so in 3 months or so), wedding and a house.

The house is going to be a killer. Renting is not an option. The money I put towards the rent could of been used to save up for a house. I rather live with my parents or my gfs parents.

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Originally Posted by haohmaru

Me + kid + girlfriend = $500

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Dont know your personal life but I also see you're paying child support? You got another kid with another girl? So 2 kids with 2 different girls?

I manage my money way better than my parents. That's all I care about.

You're Mexican. Like you have savings outside of the change in your maracas.

That post is about what I expected of you.

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Originally Posted by Josh

Go into work dressed as batman. Refuse to understand why there is a problem with how you're dressed. Start talking VERY LOUDLY. Have someone videotaping all of this.

I will send you real money in the mail if you do this. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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I'd send 500, no problem. But only if I get the exclusive a week before release.

Also, bandit, get an FHA loan and assistance, silly.

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Originally Posted by bandit

engagement ring (will have the $7k or so in 3 months or so)

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7K?! Why the hell would you spend 7 thousand dollars on an engagement ring?!
You know that 3-months-salary bullshit was invented by the jewelry company for that ad campaign, right?

Seriously wtf is with engagement rings. Put it toward a house or a car or something practical. Jewelry is such BS.

It's not as bad as it sounds if the ring actually holds its value.

Fuck that shit. If I ever get engaged I'm going to get her a ring no higher than $1k and she'll be lucky to get that much. If she wants more she can buy it her damn self.

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Originally Posted by icarusfall

7K?! Why the hell would you spend 7 thousand dollars on an engagement ring?!
You know that 3-months-salary bullshit was invented by the jewelry company for that ad campaign, right?

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Originally Posted by Nomi

Seriously wtf is with engagement rings. Put it toward a house or a car or something practical. Jewelry is such BS.

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My car is paid off. House would be nice but still way out of my price range. But I do agree, a house would be good

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Originally Posted by kedawa

It's not as bad as it sounds if the ring actually holds its value.

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The ring would be 1 carat, princess cut, solitaire, platinum and/or white gold band. Damn, I know too much!

My cousin who is younger than me popped the question (stupid move and luckily it didnt work out) and when he told me he spent $7k, I thought it was insane but looking at rings at stores, I can see why.

$7K for an engagement ring, I'm not going to comment. I haven't come that close, so love hasn't made me that stupid yet. Love seems to cost a lot .

Divorces also cost a lot, but that's because they're worth it.

Meh, mine was a bit more than that. I think it's proportional to what you make myself. Plus she loves pink diamonds.

I found it extremely painful to buy Justi a diamond for our engagement ring since the practices of the companies that control the supply are abhorrent to the point of lunacy. But I knew she wanted one very much so I ended up getting her a ring that was about $1200. It's a very nice ring and she gets complimented on it all the time. Looking at the differences between a 1200 and 10000 ring I just couldn't see the point.

Fuck. That still hurts to say.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

That post is about what I expected of you.

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You must have high expectations of me, then. Also in addition to being a hilarious joke I think maraca piggy banks is an amazing marketing ploy now that I think of it. I bet you tourists in Mexico would buy that shit right up.

Just shut up.

Lets be adult here and not pretend like that's going to happen. The comment brought me in some rep, too.

I agree Drew, shut up.

Icarus, I agree the prices are retarded man, don't get me wrong. However, it's a thing we all have to do.

Jealous.

Dude, nobody is jealous of a Canadian in the winter, nobody.

American snow shoe makers.

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Originally Posted by haohmaru

Current Personal Expenses (per month):

$2730.80 (mortgage + property insurance + homeowners insurance)
$500.00 (child support)
$225.00 (electric)
$150.00 (cable/tv/phone/internet)
$525.00 (car lease)
$150.00 (home heating oil)
$500.00+ (groceries)
$30.00 (water)
$125.00 (car insurance)

So, that's roughly $5000.00/month. No wonder my savings is abysmal.

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This looks a lot like me. Fortunately, I've got about 35k in the bank right now.

I spend $410 a month on rent
$300 on car payment
$110 on Insurance
$200 on student loans
and I think I'm spending way too much on food right now. Maybe like $250-400, this includes going out with the girl etc and doing anything because that's generally when I eat.
$100 on gas as well.

I for some reason decided to open a savings account yesterday, putting in 1k, I'll be making 27 cents a month. That was a good waste of 45 minutes.

I figure sometime soon I'll take $700 of that and put it into some high risk - High reward stocks though.

Put that savings account in paypal if you're not going to need it within a few days.

EDIT: or HSBC. their rate is at over 2% right now.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

I figure sometime soon I'll take $700 of that and put it into some high risk - High reward stocks though.

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At this point, pretty much every stock market investment is a high-risk/low-return proposition. You're better off keeping your money in that savings account for at least another 9 months. The economy is going to go through additional downturns for a while, so don't expect any returns if you invest now.

7K for a decent 1 carat diamond isn't too bad (especially with a platinum band).

Women like deposits before marriage, especially Asian women.

It's going to be hard to time the market when it comes back, some people will get it, others won't I know but I feel I have to try.

I told the ring story to a friend and she freaked out calling me cheap. Nothing ruins a blowjob faster than playing my Kanye West ringtone to a woman after that comment.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

I told the ring story to a friend and she freaked out calling me cheap. Nothing ruins a blowjob faster than playing my Kanye West ringtone to a woman after that comment.

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I wish I can rep you again for this.

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Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

Put that savings account in paypal if you're not going to need it within a few days.

EDIT: or HSBC. their rate is at over 2% right now.

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ING's rate is above 2% right now too, though when the rates are high HSBC has the better rate. I have accounts with both (ING because I use them for stock trading so it makes things easy) and when the rates were high a few years ago, HSBC was at 5.2 to ING 4.7 or so.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

7K for a decent 1 carat diamond isn't too bad (especially with a platinum band).

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?!?! That's disturbing. $7K for a ring? I know this much, the woman I marry won't care how much her engagement ring cost.

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Originally Posted by Thief Silver

It's going to be hard to time the market when it comes back, some people will get it, others won't I know but I feel I have to try.

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Well then, just be sure you're making a very educated decision on any stock investments. Buying low makes sense, but things are extremely dicey right now and for the foreseeable future, so any low-priced stock that looks good may be gone once the issuing company goes under. The market isn't going to be what it used to be for a very, very, very long time.

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Originally Posted by Rich

ING's rate is above 2% right now too, though when the rates are high HSBC has the better rate. I have accounts with both (ING because I use them for stock trading so it makes things easy) and when the rates were high a few years ago, HSBC was at 5.2 to ING 4.7 or so.

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I'm getting 2.37% from my Emigrant Direct savings account.

E-Trade is about 4%. Get on that shit.

No shit? I may have to look into that.

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Originally Posted by Type Ryan

?!?! That's disturbing. $7K for a ring? I know this much, the woman I marry won't care how much her engagement ring cost.

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Most women say they don't care but when it comes down to it, they (mostly) do care because they have friends/family who are going to comment or compare that shit. If you do find one that truly doesn't care or what her friends say, then you already know you have a keeper.

It isn't a deal breaker for me, because in the scheme of things, it isn't THAT much money. Anything over 10-12k though is abit extravagant unless you make good money.

You can buy under 1 carat diamond for much cheaper, or those with flaws that people don't want. Just don't walk into a retail jeweler, you will get ripped off. You can make a 0.5carat diamond looks alot bigger by choosing the right setting, etc.

www.bluenile.com = win if you are buying diamonds of course

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Originally Posted by Josh

Go into work dressed as batman. Refuse to understand why there is a problem with how you're dressed. Start talking VERY LOUDLY. Have someone videotaping all of this.

I will send you real money in the mail if you do this. I'm sure I'm not the only one.

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Deal. It might be awhile, though.

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Originally Posted by Gooch

Divorces also cost a lot, but that's because they're worth it.

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That might be the greatest thing anyone has ever said about divorce. HA.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? I DON'T KNOW, BRAD, WHY DON'T YOU TELL ME?

I don't trust any finance manager with my money. There's never an incentive for them if you make money. They get their commish no matter what happens. The problem with investment management is that it's a full time job managing and understanding it.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

7K for a decent 1 carat diamond isn't too bad (especially with a platinum band).

Women like deposits before marriage, especially Asian women.

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Yep, platinum. I was looking at Kay's, Zales. Thought about Diamond District. I'm heading to FL next month so I'll look around there and have the gf stay with my family/aunt while I'm out with the cousins. Cheaper tax too.

You got any hookups?

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

Most women say they don't care but when it comes down to it, they (mostly) do care because they have friends/family who are going to comment or compare that shit. If you do find one that truly doesn't care or what her friends say, then you already know you have a keeper.

It isn't a deal breaker for me, because in the scheme of things, it isn't THAT much money. Anything over 10-12k though is abit extravagant unless you make good money.

You can buy under 1 carat diamond for much cheaper, or those with flaws that people don't want. Just don't walk into a retail jeweler, you will get ripped off. You can make a 0.5carat diamond looks alot bigger by choosing the right setting, etc.

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I agree, $7k is the most but $10k+ is wayyy too much. Even if i was rich and making good money, I dont think I would spend that much. Thought about getting a .75 or so and it was about $2k-$2,500k cheaper! If I'm going to spend this much, I dont want flaws.

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Originally Posted by Beefy Hits

I don't trust any finance manager with my money. There's never an incentive for them if you make money. They get their commish no matter what happens.

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Are you talking about a fund manager or a financial advisor? The former I can agree with your comments, the latter are generally idiots who think they know more than they do. They follow a template and I've found them to essentially be trained monkeys.

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The problem with investment management is that it's a full time job managing and understanding it.

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Well, you get paid for that full time job, potentially more than you can get paid at that job you hate working at and are underpaid from, or your market gains can support your earnings so that you can actually take a lower paying job that you're interested in. And by being negligent in your management, it will cost you money.

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Originally Posted by bandit

I agree, $7k is the most but $10k+ is wayyy too much. Even if i was rich and making good money, I dont think I would spend that much. Thought about getting a .75 or so and it was about $2k-$2,500k cheaper! If I'm going to spend this much, I dont want flaws.

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This is exactly the thinking that diamond/jewelry companies prey on.

You are not a professional stone grader, alot of "flawless" are invisible to the naked eye. Unless you carry a loop (magnifying glass) with you at all times, you won't be able to see it. Even when you do look at the stone with a loop, I bet you can't spot the flaws except the most obviously ones. Why? Because you aren't trained to see them. But men (who doesn't know anything about diamonds) tend to just want the best stone (understandable), but you are paying way more than you need to. Plus, even most flaws can be hidden with setting or cut.

Now you know why a "flawless" stone (VVS1 or whatever it is) and D color will cost way way way more than any stone with lesser grades.

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Originally Posted by bandit

Yep, platinum. I was looking at Kay's, Zales. Thought about Diamond District. I'm heading to FL next month so I'll look around there and have the gf stay with my family/aunt while I'm out with the cousins. Cheaper tax too.

You got any hookups?

I agree, $7k is the most but $10k+ is wayyy too much. Even if i was rich and making good money, I dont think I would spend that much. Thought about getting a .75 or so and it was about $2k-$2,500k cheaper! If I'm going to spend this much, I dont want flaws.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

This is exactly the thinking that diamond/jewelry companies prey on.

You are not a professional stone grader, alot of "flawless" are invisible to the naked eye. Unless you carry a loop (magnifying glass) with you at all times, you won't be able to see it. Even when you do look at the stone with a loop, I bet you can't spot the flaws except the most obviously ones. Why? Because you aren't trained to see them. But men (who doesn't know anything about diamonds) tend to just want the best stone (understandable), but you are paying way more than you need to. Plus, even most flaws can be hidden with setting or cut.

Now you know why a "flawless" stone (VVS1 or whatever it is) and D color will cost way way way more than any stone with lesser grades.

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Originally Posted by D_N_G

www.bluenile.com = win if you are buying diamonds of course

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seriously, check this site out. 100% legit. you can get some badass diamonds at great prices. got some 4k earrings for 2k for the wife for our 10th.

buddy bought loose for 4k w platinum/diamond setting, would have been 6-7 for the diamond alone at the shithole mall jewlers like zales/kay/helzberg:

Diamond Information: 0.93-Carat Princess Diamond
Shape: Princess
Clarity: VS1
Color: G
Cut: Very Good Depth/Table: 73.1/70
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluorescence: None

for 7 you can score a killer stone.

D_N_G is correct. Blue Nile is the shit.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

This is exactly the thinking that diamond/jewelry companies prey on.

You are not a professional stone grader, alot of "flawless" are invisible to the naked eye. Unless you carry a loop (magnifying glass) with you at all times, you won't be able to see it. Even when you do look at the stone with a loop, I bet you can't spot the flaws except the most obviously ones. Why? Because you aren't trained to see them. But men (who doesn't know anything about diamonds) tend to just want the best stone (understandable), but you are paying way more than you need to. Plus, even most flaws can be hidden with setting or cut.

Now you know why a "flawless" stone (VVS1 or whatever it is) and D color will cost way way way more than any stone with lesser grades.

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Ok, maybe I didnt mean "flawless" as in the perfect one. I know there will be flaws, I've read the 4-5 C's and the grading. What I meant was, I dont want some crap that is cloudy as hell or with scratches that is visible. When I step in to Kay's just to look, I look at the clarity and color code that they have on the certificate.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by D_N_G

seriously, check this site out. 100% legit. you can get some badass diamonds at great prices. got some 4k earrings for 2k for the wife for our 10th.

buddy bought loose for 4k w platinum/diamond setting, would have been 6-7 for the diamond alone at the shithole mall jewlers like zales/kay/helzberg:

Diamond Information: 0.93-Carat Princess Diamond
Shape: Princess
Clarity: VS1
Color: G
Cut: Very Good Depth/Table: 73.1/70
Polish: VG
Symmetry: VG
Fluorescence: None

for 7 you can score a killer stone.

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Thanks. I will definitely look at bluenile.com

This was what I was looking at. Top is $4,500 or so and bottom is $6500

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1234411227

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Originally Posted by bandit

Ok, maybe I didnt mean "flawless" as in the perfect one. I know there will be flaws, I've read the 4-5 C's and the grading. What I meant was, I dont want some crap that is cloudy as hell or with scratches that is visible. When I step in to Kay's just to look, I look at the clarity and color code that they have on the certificate.

Thanks. I will definitely look at bluenile.com

This was what I was looking at. Top is $4,500 or so and bottom is $6500

http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/a...1&d=1234411227

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top diamond princess .76 ct G, SI, VG, is ~1800 + platinum band 700= ~2500k. free ship + no tax

bottom diamond princess 1ct g, si, g is ~3k + plat 700 = ~4k free ship + no tax

for 6500 you can get D, E, Fs, VG, VVS1/2 + plat

also check symmetry, girdle, depth and table for the cut you want

you can always pick a better band too to up the price, but ~700 for a plain plat like in the pics

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Originally Posted by D_N_G

top diamond princess .76 ct G, SI, VG, is ~1800 + platinum band 700= ~2500k. free ship + no tax

bottom diamond princess 1ct g, si, g is ~3k + plat 700 = ~4k free ship + no tax

for 6500 you can get D, E, Fs, VG, VVS1/2 + plat

also check symmetry, girdle, depth and table for the cut you want

you can always pick a better band too to up the price, but ~700 for a plain plat like in the pics

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Thanks. I'm actually looking at bluenile and its got some great prices. My gf likes the simple white gold band look so it wont cost me more than $350 for the band. How does the cleaning or resizing work? Do they offer that?

Definitely thanks for the website. Saved me money for sure.

*EDIT*
Crap! Theres sales tax if shipped to NY

Blue nile should beat the shit out of most retailers.

Have $7000 in a money market (no touch) and a general savings around 2k. I foot the general expenses/bills and my wife handles the house payment plus puts about 20% of take home into savings. I have no 401k (yes, I'm a dumbass) but plan to resolve that soon.

I plan to pay off my car in the next 4-6 months and use that freed up income on a cheaper car for the wife and savings. In the next year I'd like to find a different job (cannot stand mine) or at least pursue art as a secondary income and stow the money from any sold works into a account.

Talk about engagement rings is rough...it's my one detterant to getting married right now, but she'd marry me without out.

My finances aren't great right now, but I manage with a little extra for entertainment purposes. For all intents and purposes, I should be back in the military soon and that will make things easier. If things work out, I plan to save and buy a house when I get discharged if I choose to leave after 4 years.

All of you guys crying about finding a perfect ring for your woman are fucking chumps. I fuck those shallow girls now but I'll be damned if I marry one. If I ever get married my wife better be accustomed to a minimalist lifestyle.

Don't marry those shallow girls. Fuck'em sure.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

All of you guys crying about finding a perfect ring for your woman are fucking chumps. I fuck those shallow girls now but I'll be damned if I marry one. If I ever get married my wife better be accustomed to a minimalist lifestyle.

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Sorry, but not everyone is cheap like you. No one said our gf/wifes are shallow or materialistic. My gf doesnt have no Fendi, Prada, LV or other overpriced high-end stuff. There are just some things that I'll spend a little extra on because I feel its either worth it or she deserves it. I dont mind splurging a little on my gf. I know how to handle my finances and what my limit of spending is. If you have a girl that doesnt care about value, good for you.

When you have a gf that you're serious about and ready to settle down with..than talk to us. Its funny how people with no gf or ready to settle down yet is the one that critcizes those who are ready or those who are married.

Anyways, after the engagement ring and wedding, its time to save up for a house. I dont really follow or know much about the housing market but I assume its hard to get a loan from the banks now regardless of your credit? How about trying to find houses? When's a good time to start looking or buying? I know we can start looking at foreclosed homes. In other words, what do you think about the housing situation and its future within the next 2-3 years? I personally prefer to buy a house that I would live in while raising my kids. I dont want to be moving to a new house because we outgrew it.

Too many haters in the house.

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Anyways, after the engagement ring and wedding, its time to save up for a house. I dont really follow or know much about the housing market but I assume its hard to get a loan from the banks now regardless of your credit? How about trying to find houses? When's a good time to start looking or buying? I know we can start looking at foreclosed homes. In other words, what do you think about the housing situation and its future within the next 2-3 years? I personally prefer to buy a house that I would live in while raising my kids. I dont want to be moving to a new house because we outgrew it.

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Credit standards are the tightest I can remember. The Fed is trying to keep mortgage rates low to spur a refinancing wave and to encourage new home buyers. Keep watching for developments on government plans, but they are trying to make things more accessible and affordable for you. The Fed is trying to foster an environment where new home buyers can potentially begin setting the bottom in the housing market. I would avoid foreclosed homes unless you have a thorough inspection done because you never know how much damage you will have to pay for after moving in.

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Originally Posted by bandit

Sorry, but not everyone is cheap like you.

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Wrong. I'm not cheap. If I had to choose a mortgage payment or a fucking ring I know where my priorities lie. You've just been suckered by capitalism.

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When you have a gf that you're serious about and ready to settle down with..than talk to us. Its funny how people with no gf or ready to settle down yet is the one that critcizes those who are ready or those who are married.

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I did. She knew where I stood with the whole thing and was fine with it. I've only met you once, so don't pretend you know me from that one encounter.

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

Wrong. I'm not cheap. If I had to choose a mortgage payment or a fucking ring I know where my priorities lie. You've just been suckered by capitalism.

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Don't come crying back to us when your (future) wife leaves you because you were too cheap to buy a ring and she felt unappreciated. :)

Good riddance IMO.

I definitely don't feel bad about the one I left behind.

She was the epitome of gold-digging.

lol.

If a woman wants to leave me because I don't spend the money I worked hard for on her I'll survive. I'm not the type of guy to throw money at someone just because it's what she wants. I still hook up with women who make more than I do and I'm alright with that. If my woman can't understand that, we really aren't meant to be. I'm not scared like most people here are to not get anymore pussy down the road. That shit is always out there and readily available when I need it.

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Originally Posted by kingoffighters

She was the epitome of gold-digging.

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http://www.the-nextlevel.com/board/p...&pictureid=369

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Originally Posted by Razor Ramon

lol.
I'm not scared like most people here are to not get anymore pussy down the road.

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Here's a good sign you're missing the point.

Ramon is a generous guy, I don't think what he wrote come across as such so I think he will be fine when he meet his future spouse. Problem I think lies in the women he meets, they seem more the fuckable kind and not the marriage type.