Elegant's journal

Where are you and where are you going?
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elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

With your permission, I will transform my introduction thread into a journal of my own as it seems like a good idea to update it regularly.

Hi everyone!
It's great to finally introduce myself after reading these forums for almost a year.

Who am I?

My name is Kobe, I'm in my late twenties. No wife, no kids, no wish for either at the moment.

I graduated from university a few years ago and I hold a post at a certain governmental agency where I work ever since graduating.

I am extremely conservative and reserved both socially and financially. I developed a hyper-saving mentality over the years, and I really like it this way. I don't have any expensive hobbies or expensive social commitments. My employer pays for lunch and dinner and they also pay for my bus travels.

What are my goals?

1. Honestly, I hate this job. It's boring and has too many politics and power struggles that tire me. My first and foremost goal is to quit my job and to be a free man, doing what *I* want, zero responsibilities other than for my own life. My dream is to toss the alarm clock down the toilet for the rest of my life - for me this is a criteria for happiness.

2. I want to buy a nicer apartment some day.

On to the finances:

Total Assets (Israeli New Sheqel)

* Total cash deposits: 476,129 ILS (131,483$)

* Permanent Portfolio: 98,280 ILS (27,140$)

Current assets: 158,623$

Future bonuses (+37,005$)

* Military service grant - 21,000 ILS (5800$), Due in Q4 2013

* Other grant - 113,000 ILS (31,205$). Due in Q4 2015.

Current assets + Future assets: 195,628$

Physical Assets

* A 3 Room Apartment in a Tel Aviv suburb - fully owned, no mortgage. Current estimated worth: 1,000,000 ILS (276,171$).

Retirement

* Training fund: 38,500 ILS (10,631$), (82$ monthly contribution)

Note: A "training fund" is in effect a tax deferred account to which I contribute 2.5% of my gross wage and the employer contributes 7.5% of it. The fund is only accessible after 6 years of savings. The money is invested by the fund company.

* Other retirement: 0 ILS (0$)

Note: As I work for a governmental agency I am entitled to a state funded pension to which I only contribute monthly management fees (200 ILS, or 55$, deducted from my gross wage).

Once I reach the old age of 48, I can retire from the agency, and the state will pay me 70% of my latest salary on a monthly basis until the day I die. Israel is ranked 9th in the world in terms of life expectancy so assuming I live until age 78, we're talking about a total worth of 4 million ILS (over 1,000,000$).

What's the catch? It is a real honey pot. I have to stay in my work place for the next 20~ years and make sure I don't get fired. Only after 10 years it is possible to "lock" SOME of the

pension fund (20% of it). Golden cage...

(BTW: This arrangement is an anachronistic remain of Israel's socialist past. Today Israel is extremely capitalistic and this arrangement does not exist anymore. New employees pay into

their pension funds monthly, which affects their net salary. It is impossible to move from a budgetary pension to a contributory pension.)

Income

- Gross monthly salary: 14,000 ILS (4,292$)

- Net monthly salary (after taxes, health insurance, social security and pension management fees): 11,000 ILS (2,982$ p/m)

- Investment: Started the permanent portfolio on April 1st 2013. yet to receive dividends or interest payments

- No other sources of income (fiverr and adsense income is extremely small)

Debts

None.

Average Monthly Expenditure

- Property tax - 290 ILS (80$) per month

- Personal Accidents insurance = 27 ILS (7$) per month

- Home insurance: 50 ILS (13$) per month

- House management fees: 50 ILS (13$) per month

- Cell phone: 70 ILS (20$) per month

- Electricity: 120 ILS (33$) per month

- Water and sewage: 40 ILS (11$) per month month

- Food (fast food and restaurants): roughly 500 ILS (138$) per month

Total average monthly expenditure: 302$

Average savings rate: 90%

Recently my boss told me that I essentially have to lease a car through the employer, because I'm in a mid-senior position and it looks "bad" that I take the bus to work with lower-level employees. I must admit I hate commuting by bus.

The agency provides new Korean cars to lease. Car maintenance is financed exclusively by the employer. I also get a quarterly 500 liter gas allocation that is paid for by the agency, and I don't intend to drive a lot. It sounds OK but it WILL increase my monthly expenditure by 1,500 ILS (460$ per month).
Last edited by elegant on Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:29 pm, edited 2 times in total.

elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

Well this was originally posted in February.

Two main developments since then:
1) Got the car. I'm paying 800 ILS p/m which is slightly less than 200$. But I think it is worht it since this is the first time in my life I have a car and it feels great to be so independent. In Israel you are generally looked down upon if you have no car, especially as a guy. This is partly because the public transportation system here is so backward. I wouldn't dream of getting a bicycle to work because it is over 20 km.

2) My permanent portfolio - which I thought was the best idea ever - crashed -7% in less than 3 months. It left me devestated, since it was the very first time I was investing on my own.

I loved the strategy, bought the new book. I now abhor it, since, while theoretically sound, it simply does not work in practice. Harry Browne could not have foreseen this current economic environment.

I now believe the permanent portfolio is EXTREMELY dangerous and I would not recommend it to anyone. I really don't know what to do with my money right now so I put it all in a local money market fund and expect to make 1% per year. Sure, inflation will eat all of it, but at least I can feel that it is safe.

I really want to make more but given my hypersaving mentality I simply cannot bear to see my money evaporate so quickly.
Last edited by elegant on Wed Jul 02, 2014 12:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.

BlueNote
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by BlueNote »

@ elegant: I have dabbled int he PP. Sometimes you have to get your feet wet in an investment strategy to see if you can really stomach it. I can't stomach the gold, or the long bonds, but I could watch my stocks drop 50% as long as they underlying companies were sound and they paid me dividends based on their earnings. The fact that gold is up at record highs and there is no inflation problem whatsoever shows the problem with PP. People were speculating high inflation and/or economic peril and were buying gold in expectation of it rather then because of it. Gold is always in short supply so a demand causes a rather large spike when compared to other commodities that have bigger supply , like wheat and pork bellies. The whole point of the gold part of the pp is that it is supposed to carry the portfolio during times of high inflation because investors will crowd into it for protection, but now it's being crowded into on the merest whiff of inflation. I might substitute a REIT that invests in actual properties instead of the gold but I don't know if it would spike enough during inflation to carry the whole portfolio. At least a REIT pays you to own it unlike gold. I think the PP is a good idea, it certainly back tests very well over a wide variety of economic situations, durations, and in a wide variety of countries. You can't expect it to do well every year, in fact you might have a couple of years of drawdowns (or more) and if you really believe in the portfolio you would buy some more while it's down as part of the rebalancing that is core to the PP. But I am right there with you, I understand it and I respect how it works but it doesn't fit my personality.

spoonman
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by spoonman »

I'm sorry to hear the PP strategy hasn't worked out as well as you hoped. There are numerous ways people in the ERE community invest their money. I am partial to dividend growth investing because it is focused on the income generated by the assets, not the principal. I wouldn't say it's the best way to go, but you might want to consider it.

Here's a nice link to an article that beautifully outlines great aspects of dividends:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/1146471 ... -dividends

Here's a link that lists the downsides of dividends:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/1157441 ... -investing

mxlr650
Posts: 165
Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:33 pm

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by mxlr650 »

@elegant, congratulations on your fantastic financial achievement! at this pace, I am sure you can retire well before your pension kicks-in.

Currently my risk tolerance is high, and as such have 100% invested in very aggressive index funds. When my portfolio went down by ~50% in 2009, it never bothered me (if losing sleep or how frequently you think about it are metrics) . May be 10 years down the road, i would go to some bonds.

I have been to Israel few times; Tel Aviv is a source of constant (and pleasant) distraction if you know what I mean :D

DutchGirl
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by DutchGirl »

Elegant, I would say you can already retire. You have $300 expenses per month (excluding the car), and you have $159k assets. That means you should be able to take 2.5% out every year, so $4k, and use interest, dividends and profits to counterbalance what you have taken out, plus inflation.

So please realize that you only need to show up at your current job for as long as you want to. You might want to think about finding another job that's much more fun (but might pay less), and/or a parttime job and/or becoming your own boss.

elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

DutchGirl,

Thanks, I never thought about it this way.

Two things still keep me from taking action and quitting:

1) Fear of losing my state funded pension. It is worth almost 1,000,000$, but I can only get it if I stay until I'm 48 (*) - 20 years from now. I read Jacob's book & blog and I logically acknowledge how stupid it is to trade my time for money that I don't really need. But I'm too mentally and emotionally weak to just give it up! Any ideas?

2) The second problem is perhaps more severe. The bulk of my money is now parked at some local money market fund. It does poorly and does not beat the yearly rate of inflation. My horrendous Permanent Portfolio experience really set me backwards in terms of investing, and I'm not really sure what to do or how to get that elusive 4% real yield.

@Spoonman Thanks, these articles are very interesting. I'm very interested in these income based strategies, but I don't know how to implement them with a "lump sum" of say 30,000$. Should I use this sum and buy 30 stocks all at once? Should I contribute monthly, and how much?


(*) Another point I should mention is that the nature of my job, as well as the nature of my country's particular geopolitical surroundings, are such that I might not even be in one piece when I reach that age. :)

Chad
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Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:10 pm

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by Chad »

Concerning your PP performance don't panic. While I'm not a PP fan a 7% loss is a hiccup. This is going to happen no matter what strategy you use foe certain short term periods. This even less of an issue for you since you plan on continuing to work, which means you have TIME. Relax have a beer, or whatever you do to relax, and do something other than think about your investments. In 6 months you will be up 7%.

spoonman
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by spoonman »

@elegant: I wouldn't initiate positions in 30 companies all at once. I would start allocating money in companies that are well priced, maybe as many as 5-10 companies. The market is beginning to make a come back again so it is harder to find a lot of bargains, but you can still initiate positions in some companies. As time goes by and the market lets up a bit, you can then put money in other companies as they become appropiately valued.

DutchGirl
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by DutchGirl »


(*) Another point I should mention is that the nature of my job, as well as the nature of my country's particular geopolitical surroundings, are such that I might not even be in one piece when I reach that age. :)
Yeah, I wouldn't want to live in Israel. I'm very serious about that, by the way. I wouldn't want to be a part of that very complicated fight. How about selling the house and moving to a more peaceful country?

It seems a bit like, both with your job and with your place where you live, you seem to accept (too?) easily that this is how it is. You are definitely capable of moving someplace else. You are also definitely capable of quitting that job and still surviving. I'm not sure how to "cure" that complacency, maybe being aware that you are being a bit lazy or conservative or scared of changes is the first step towards creating new things?

elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

DutchGirl wrote:

(*) Another point I should mention is that the nature of my job, as well as the nature of my country's particular geopolitical surroundings, are such that I might not even be in one piece when I reach that age. :)
Yeah, I wouldn't want to live in Israel. I'm very serious about that, by the way. I wouldn't want to be a part of that very complicated fight. How about selling the house and moving to a more peaceful country?

It seems a bit like, both with your job and with your place where you live, you seem to accept (too?) easily that this is how it is. You are definitely capable of moving someplace else. You are also definitely capable of quitting that job and still surviving. I'm not sure how to "cure" that complacency, maybe being aware that you are being a bit lazy or conservative or scared of changes is the first step towards creating new things?
What I meant was that my very particular job is a risky one, but I chose to do what I do.

I don't know what you might have heard but it is not like citizens randomly die here on a daily basis, and the average Israeli is not "taking part" in any fights.

Israel isn't Syria or Egypt or Iraq or Afghanistan. Nowhere near it actually. It is a developed OECD country with the 3rd highest standard of living in Asia (after Japan and South Korea), resilient economy, strong local currency, low crime rate, good public health system, etc.

This country does have its fair share of problems, controversies and disadvantages (high cost of living, geopolitical isolation, security issues) but I feel that some things are stronger than cold financial calculations.

I will never dream of leaving it, even though I, like most Israelis, own a European passport. I will always feel like a foreigner in Europe.

DutchGirl
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by DutchGirl »

Reading my response again, yesterday I apparently felt like butting in on other people's life. Sorry about that!

elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

Things are getting worse for me.

I recently came across Jacob's old survey, "would you be willing to work at a pointless job" I think it was titled. I cringed as I read that one.

My "job" has moved from bad to worse. I basically enter office everyday at 08:30 AM (after 1 hour drive with my recently leased car), surf the web (thank god for that), eat a fatty high-carb lunch at 11:45 AM (no other options, plus I pretty much skip dinner and breakfast.), go for a little walk, go back to the office at 12:45, surf the web till 17:30, then drive back home (another 1 hour drive). When I come back I'm usually so tired I just crash. I don't know why I'm so tired, I don't even do anything at work.

I know some will think that this is a dream job: I get paid globally (that is, there's no concept of "working overtime" here, I stay this long at the office because I feel compelled to), my wage is relatively high in Israeli terms (around 2500$ per month), my job security is extremely steady and I have very few tasks. My boss doesn't give a #### about me or about what I do.

I am generally a lazy person so a few years ago the foolish younger me would have loved to land this kind of job. But this experience is really bringing me to my knees. My feeling of self worth, both professionally and personally, has tumbled.

Worst part is I have nobody to tell this too. So basically I started dissing myself. This mental chatter is doing me no good. I basically keep telling myself that I'm a blood sucking leech, taking public money for doing nothing. I'm only worried I won't be able to control my thoughts and one day I'll just burst at work :lol:

My contract ends on October 2014. I had a very hard discussion with my mom (my best friend) about not extending it. I basically gave her the whole ERE philosophy. I stressed that ever since I was 4 year old I was put in some kind of "system" (preschool-primary school-junior high-high school-university-work) and that at age 29 enough was enough.

She was very much against it, her main point was "if you quit your job, you will lose all contact with reality, you will become a loner, I know you ... You must have an alternate plan or otherwise you will crash mentally."

I tried to convey the point that my CURRENT job is making me miserable but she wouldn't listen. I don't know why I even bother - she's on the exact opposite position (she's about to retire and keeps hanging on because she's worried she will have nothing to do in retirement).

Time for some financial update:

Expenditure (September 2013)
Cell Phone - 67 ILS (19$)
Internet - 100 ILS (28$)
Soccer Betting - 50 ILS (14$)
Hairdresser - 60 (16$)
Food & Eating out - 210 ILS (59$)
Electricity Bill - 80 ILS (22$)
Water Bill - 20 ILS (6$)
House Maintenance - 50 ILS (14$)
Pharmacy - 100 ILS (28$)
Total expenditure: 737 ILS (207$)

Income (September 2013)
Horror Job post-tax: 9,513 ILS (2681$)
Adsense: 326 ILS (92$)
Total Income: 9839 (2773$)

Saving rate: 92.3% (New Personal Record!)

Current Net Worth:
Checking Account: 2,805 ILS (790$)
Foreign Currency Checking Account: 16,500$ (trying to DCA this to the market)
Israeli Money Market Fund: 389,500 ILS (109,810$)
Some shares of ACWV (iShares MSCI All Country World Minimum Volatility ETF): 12,400$

Illiquid assets (estimated worth):
Training Fund: Approximately 50,000 ILS (14,000$)
Long Term Saving: Approximately 100,000 ILS (28,000$)
Grandfather's savings: Approximately 50,000 ILS (14,000$)

Total net worth: Approximately 695,000 ILS (196,000$)

I still have the apartment. One bedroom is completely empty. Still pondering maybe I should rent it away or AirBNB it. I think I could get at least 1500 ILS (420$) for it per month because rents in my area are crazy high. On the other hand the bills will be higher, and I'm not sure I like the concept of another person in my flat...

Your input is greatly appreciated.

theanimal
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by theanimal »

If you didn't have a job what would you do? What are your hobbies? Dreams? Goals?

elegant
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:19 pm
Location: Land of Milk and Honey

Re: Elegant's journal

Post by elegant »

@theanimal

I tried very hard but I cannot answer this question. I honestly don't know what I want out of life. I want to have the possibility to decide what to do with my own time. I'm very intersted in history and economics but I can't see myself going back to university. Perhaps I should invest in building social capital, something that I'm lacking immensely.

anomie
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by anomie »

...You must have an alternate plan or otherwise you will crash mentally."
this seems like quite a reasonable request from someone concerned about your welfare and prosperity.

theanimal
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by theanimal »

I think that's your number 1 priority if you want to retire (developing hobbies/interests). You could certainly retire to sit on the couch all day but obviously that won't be very fun or fulfilling.

My advice on how to discover those interests or passions... Go to this page and spend some time answering all 25 questions*. I think it will really help you out. http://www.hellomynameisblog.com/2008/0 ... nvite.html

*I recommend writing down your answers

DutchGirl
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by DutchGirl »

Hey Elegant,

My boyfriend has a "no idea what to do with my life" - phase. I'm not sure how long it's going to last....

So, I'm sorry that you're going through a similar phase.

Sounds like your current job is ahem, killing you. By boredom. I would think you need to find a new challenge? Could be a new job, could be starting your own business while at your current one, I don't know.

Good luck, anyway.

jacob
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by jacob »

Warning: Quitting or retiring won't automatically solve the "existentialist problem". It might actually make it worse.

The best way out of the predicament is to replace mindless surfing/killing time either with an active job search either externally or internally to get something different to do. Eventually, the lack of job activity/performance is going to catch up and you never want that to happen. Alternatively, if you're more of a risk-taker, instead of browsing randomly, browse focused on learning some skill/gathering information/learning/being a valued newsgroup/forum member (can leverage this into other careers) and eventually use this change track.

If you're not naturally self-driven, online courses or challenges can provide some structure.
https://www.coursera.org/
http://projecteuler.net/
http://www.kaggle.com/competitions

workathome
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Re: Elegant's journal

Post by workathome »

If you have the opportunity to mindlessly surf the web, you have the opportunity to get paid to educate yourself! In many ways it may be a fantastic opportunity, as mentioned above :-) I made the same mistake before - instead of using job time for self-improvement, used it for entertainment/distraction.

Perhaps remembering it is only temporary, and taking advantage of it while you can is a good mindset.

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