Entry 23 - Reflection

1. Life Stage 3 had many interesting experiences. In part 1 I really enjoyed revisiting my temperament to find out how well people like me are in romantic relationships. The personality test was pretty spot on in terms of how I act and think so it was nice looking at how I might act in a relationship. It was also interesting to learn what would type of personality my perfect match should have. In part 2 the most meaningful part was entry 20 where I interviewed my grandfather. I got to learn things about that made me closer to him. Buying a home was the most meaningful in part 3. I want to own a home someday and this helped me understand what I need to consider when buying and owning a house.

Reflecting

2. Recommendations and Commendations
1. Part 1
1. I think that we should consider whether my family is going to make a contribution to my wedding expenses.
2. I enjoyed revisiting my temperament and learning about what kind of traits I should look for in a girl.
2. Part 2
1. I think that other entries could have their due dates extended like entry 20.
2. Interviewing the eldest family member was a good and enlightening experience.
3. Part 3
1. I had some problems finding information for the credit cards.
2. Learning the values of renting and owning was a great experience.

   1. 

      Recommendation
      

Entry 22 - Renting vs. Owning

1. Detail a location (city, state) where you would like to reside for a majority of your career.
1. Chino, California
2. I can stay in my hometown a majority of my career is in Southern California.

3. Own a house located at 6834 Corybus St, Chino, CA 91710

4. rent a house located at 15996 Moonflower Ave,Chino, CA 91708

2. Find one home that you feel you would be able to actually afford to Purchase (the purchase price is up to you, but be realistic) and detail the following:
1. How did you find this property? (URL, webpage, listing – show details)
1. http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Chino-CA/house,condo,apartment_duplex_type/55029112_zpid/44583_rid/3-_beds/0-500000_price/0-1816_mp/days_sort/34.028335,-117.650807,33.997067,-117.704451_rect/14_zm/
2. What is your purchase price?
1. $414,900
3. Down payment (assume 10% - a one time cost)
1. $41,490
4. Total estimated closing costs for your loan (assume 3% - one time cost)
1. $12,447
5. Total monthly mortgage payment:
1. Principal and Interest payment is $1783 per month (assume an interest rate of 4.00% for 30 years).
2. Property Taxes are $415 per year, or $34.58 per month.
3. Homeowners Insurance is $67 per year, or $5.58 per month.
4. (do not concern yourself with the PMI payment your loan calculator may calculate for you – just list your P I T I payment for i-ii-iii above)
1. PI: $1783 per month
2. T: $415 per year or $34.58 per month
3. I: $67 per year or $5.58 per month
6. Estimate your total monthly utility expenses for: electricity, water, garbage, and natural gas
1. electricity: $200 per month
2. water: $70 per month
3. garbage: $40 per month
4. natural gas: $40 per month

Buying

3. Find a similar home near the same location that you would possibly like to Rent and detail the following:
1. How did you find this property? (URL, webpage, listing – show details)
1. http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_rent/Chino-CA/house,condo,apartment_duplex,townhouse_type/79556478_zpid/44583_rid/days_sort/34.055646,-117.518864,33.91758,-117.824421_rect/11_zm/?view=map
2. Monthly rent
1. $1950
3. Security deposit (one time fee)
1. $2000
4. Total monthly utility expenses: electricity, water, garbage, and natural gas
1. electricity: $200 per month
2. water: $70 per month
3. garbage: $40 per month
4. natural gas: $40 per month
5. I assume the same as the the house I’m buying because it is in the same area, but the utilities are ultimately depend on the rental agreement
5. Renters insurance cost per year is ________ or _______ monthly.  Or is renters insurance even offered in your area?
1. No insurance
6. Restrictions of the property (pet owners, smokers, etc.)
1. No restrictions

4.  Finally, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both renting vs. buying and how these might affect your renting or purchasing decisions.

When someone is owning a home the homeowners get to own a house, save on taxes, and there could be economic gain. The problem is that the homeowners would have to maintain the house, worry about payments and mortgages, the value of the house, and it might be a challenge selling the house. When someone is renting the renters get to be more mobile and don’t have to worry about selling, less responsible , and they can pay less in rent. On the other hand, renters have to worry about legal problems, restrictions of the landlords, and less tax reductions.

I feel like owning is still the best way to go. I value less restrictions, economic gain, and more tax reductions. The idea of getting to own a house has always been a goal of mine. I also like the idea of owning property and getting to do what I want with it.

Renting

Entry 21 - Shopping for Credit

A.

1. Credit card name (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Kohl’s, etc.)
• Visa
• Discover
• Kohl’s
2. Type of Account
• Credit card
• Bank of America Visa
• Discover
• Charge card
• Kohl’s
3. Company name, address, phone
• Visa:
• Bank of America
• Phone: 877-831-6028
• Address: Glamour Shots - Chino Hills Marketplace, 4100 Chino Hills Pkwy Chino Hills, CA (909) 393-3002
• Discover
• Sears
• Phone: 800-628-1537
• Address: Chino Spectrum Marketplace, 4036 Grand Ave Chino, CA (909) 364-1802
• Kohl’s:
• Kohl’s
• Phone: 800-955-7070
• Address: Chino Spectrum Towne Center, 4093 Grand Ave Chino, CA (909) 591-8525

4. Website
• Visa:
• http://usa.visa.com/personal/personal-cards/credit-cards/basic-credit-cards.jsp
• http://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/excellent-credit-cards.aspx
• https://consumer.bankofamerica.com/USCCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=VACCIV&GV12=H|869|A20005167712&GV10=H|874|4838&GV11=H|875|76#tc
• http://www.doifcuhb.org/home/loans/products/visa
• Discover:
• https://www.discovercard.com/application/displayLanding?pageFileId=listingsite-miles&sc=KD6Q&iq_id=e1A10005176156&cmpgnid=ls-dca-ccdc-consumer-miles-kd6q-dtop&pid=27
• http://www.creditcards.com/credit-cards/discover-it-14.php?catid=27
• http://creditcardforum.com/blog/discover-card-grace-period/
• Kohl’s:
• http://www.cardhub.com/d/kohls-card-1781c/#aprs

5. Locations where card is accepted
• Visa: Anywhere
• Discover: Anywhere
• Kohl’s: Kohl’s stores
6. Annual fee (if any)
• Visa: $0 for first year then $59
• Discover: $0
• Kohl’s: $0
7. Payment grace period
• Visa: 25 days
• Discover: 25 days
• Kohl’s :25 days
8. Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
• Visa: 12.99%-22.99%
• Discover: 10.99%-22.99%
• Kohl’s: 23.99%
9. Finance charge calculation method
• visa: Average Daily Balance  x  Annual Percentage Rate (APR)  x  Number of Days in Billing Cycle   ÷  365
• Discover: Average Daily Balance  x  Annual Percentage Rate (APR)  x  Number of Days in Billing Cycle   ÷  365
• Kohl’s:Average Daily Balance  x  Annual Percentage Rate (APR)  x  Number of Days in Billing Cycle   ÷  365
10. Credit limit
• Visa
• Usually $1000 at the start but it ultimately depends on the credit score
• Discover
• Usually $1000 at the start but it ultimately depends on the credit score
• Kohl’s
• Usually $500 at the start but it ultimately depends on the credit score
11. Minimum payment
• Visa
• 2.5% of new balance
• Discover
• 2% of new balance
• Kohl’s
• 2.5% of new balance
12. Other fees: (late payment or others that you find)
• Visa Late fee: $35
• Discover Late fee: $0 for first payment
• Kohl’s Late fee: $35
13. Other features: (??? – you tell me)
• Visa
• Excellent Credit
• Discover
• Cash back never expires
• Kohl’s
• Up to 30% discounts

B.

1. Which credit card has the highest annual percentage rate and how much is it?
1. Kohl’s
2. 23.99%
2. What method is used to calculate the monthly finance charge for the first major credit card?
1. Average Monthly Balance  x  Annual Percentage Rate (APR)  x  Number of Days in Billing Cycle   ÷  12

3. When does the finance charge begin to accrue on the credit card from the local department store?
1. It begins to accrue after at least 12 purchases. It accrues when ever purchases are made.
4. Do any of the cards have annual fees? If so, which one(s) and how much is the fee?
1. Visa charges $0 in the first year then it charges $59.
5. Is there a transaction fee on any card? If so, how much is it?
1. Visa has transaction fees that are either 10%, 5%, or 3% of the transaction.
6. Is there a minimum finance charge on either of the major credit cards? If so, how much is it?
1. None of the Major credit cards have a minimum finance charge.
7. Does the first major credit card charge a fee for late payments? If so, how much is it?
1. Yes, the Visa card charges a late fee.
2. The late fee is $35.
8. What is the grace period on the credit card from the local department store?
1. The grace period is 25 days.
9. Rafael wants to buy a new CD player that costs $450. According to his budget, he can afford payments up to $62.00 per month. Which of the three credit cards you’ve found would you recommend that Rafael use to purchase the CD player?  Explain why.
1. I would recommend the Discover card because it has a lower APR than Visa, a smaller minimum payment than the three cards, and the cash back rewards don’t expire.
10. In general, reflect on how making responsible financial decisions regarding borrowing and credit (debt) can lead to financial well-being over a lifetime.
1. Making responsible financial decisions will help in the long run. If I have less debt and I make my payments on time I would be more likely to get loans from the banks or get other benefits. Those could help me if I want to buy a house or start a business.

credit cards

Credit card stress

Entry - 20 The Stories that Bind us: A Life Story Interview

1. The article gave a lot of good points and I agree with them. I feel that the closer the bond between a person and his or her family will help people in life. Over the years I learned many things about my family and I feel  better when I talk to my parents or grandparents I always learn something. I feel closer to my family and I ‘ll learn a lesson that will help me in life. On family holidays like Thanksgiving my family thought it was important to tell me, my siblings, and my cousins how our family came to this country like pilgrims. In the future I’ll be expected to tell the story of how my family came to America.

Life Stories

2. Questions:

1. How would you describe your parents?
2. What beliefs or ideals do you think your parents tried to teach you?
3. What was being a teenager like?
4. What are your best memories of school?
5. What has been the best and worst parts about marriage?
6. What is the most important thing given to you by your family?
7. What was retiring from work like for you?
8. What is most important to you about your spiritual life?
9. What has been the happiest time in your life?
10. Do you have any advice or wisdom for the younger generation?

Closing question: Is there anything that we've left out of your life story?

In my interview I learned some interesting things about my grandfather that I knew and some I didn’t know. His main concerns seem to be that his children and grandchildren are good people. His goal for his children and grandchildren are for us to be happy and successful. My grandfather has the happiest time when he sees his children and grandchildren getting along and being happy. His advice for the future generation on question 10 is to excel in anything that you want to be. He told me that if I want to be a lawyer I need to be an expert lawyer. A good spiritual life is also important to him, on question 8 he said knowing Christ was the most important.

Grandfather

Entry 19 - DYK and the Big Fish

The DYK quiz could determine the indicator of issues within an individual because the test takes a look at the individual’ s relationship with his or her family. The quiz asks questions that show how close you are with your family or more specifically your parents and grandparents. I think that when a person is closer to their family then they will more likely go to their family when problems arise. By going to their parent in time of need it shows how well the family functions, how that person relieves stress, how many issues a person has, and how well the outcome of the problem will be. The indicators could be measure because some indicators can be more effective than others.

Do You Know?

Big Fish

Edward Bloom was not an unloving and neglectful father. He just prefered to teach his son and tell his stories a certain way. In the end of the movie we see that not everything Edward says is complete nonsense. The most important theme of the film is the relationship between father and son. The part of the film that stuck with me the most is that William Bloom always wanted to know and understand his father and near the end of the film he does but then his father has a stroke and dies. It is important for children to have a good relationship with their parents. When their parents pass away they be glad of that relationship or disappointed that they never had it I think that imagination and wonder still affect my life. I’m always thinking of new ideas or having new fantasies where I have an adventure. I think that imagination and wonder affected my life more when I was younger. I remember when I pretended to drive or go to work like my dad with an unrealistic idea of what work was actually like. Now I just prefer to imagine myself in certain situations they could be imaginative or realistic, but I still have an adventure.

Entry 18 - Keirsey and Parenthood

Parents and their child

A firm parent

INTJ parents can be very committed to their children but have problems when the children have not developed good logic or reasoning skills. INTJs can be insensitive so they will have to adapt in order to give their children the emotional support that all children need. When it comes to disciplining their children INTJs are very honest and communicate very well so that their children know what is true and right. INTJs tackle the problems of children like they would tackle any problem, listen to the problem, come up with a plan, and then execute the plan. This is because INTJs hate the idea of not knowing or being wrong. When teaching children about the real-world or solving problems INTJs don’t want to give out the answer they prefer to encourage the children to make the their own decisions. INTJs give their children the tools that will encourage them to solve problems with their minds. The children will end up respecting and trusting their parents. INTJs look at problems as opportunities for growth and learning to use their minds to the fullest. An INTJ parent wants their children to be able solve any problem that will come up in life. I agree with a lot of the things INTJ parents do. I think parents should help their children succeed but they should force them or give away any free handouts. I agree when it comes to parenting children need a more nurturing and sensitive parent so I would have to adapt. It seems like INTJs want their children to be like an INTJ and I have no problem in my children being like me. Finally my ultimate goal would be for my children to be independent and be able to do things on their own.

I feel that the roles of parents are to guide their children and raise them into become a fine adult. Parents need to pass down their knowledge and principles down to their children. Children need to listen and respect their parents. Parents also need to make sure they keep the child safe but they shouldn’t overprotect their child. Overall parents need to know when to be firm and and when to be nurturing and children need to to understand what their parents tell them and apply their teachings in real-life.

Entry 17 - Major Expenses: Honeymoon/Vacation!

Paris, France

My honeymoon will be in Paris, France where my wife and I will be staying at the Citadines Suites Louvre Paris hotel. In France I plan on seeing some of the wonderful sites and we will go on a dinner cruise along the River Seine.

Musee de Louvre

Entry 16- Major Expenses: Getting Married!

WSHADA Church

My wedding is going to to be in October 2015 and I will have a religious ceremony inside the West Covina Hills Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 3536 E Temple Way, West Covina, CA 91791. I will also have my reception in the banquet hall of a fancy hotel. Seventh Day Adventists tend not to drink alcohol so I don’t plan on having a bar at my wedding.

Wedding Costs

Wedding Rings

Entry 15 Keirsey Temperament Revisited

I am an INTJ, which means that I am Introverted (I), Intuitive (N), Thoughtful (T), and Judgemental (J). I’m a problem solver that likes to think strategically. INTJs even tackle romance strategically. I have already created an idea of what I want want in a relationship and I’ve been trying to think about how I would find someone like that. However, a problem that I will face is that it is going to be hard to find a girl with the criteria that I want. When it comes to relationships INTJs can be insensitive because they usually keep to themselves. I agree because I can get lost in my thoughts and I prefer not talking about my feelings unless I’m probably forced to. One thing about INTJs when it comes to relationships is their view on things like chivalry, tradition, and standards. They say those things can be demeaning. I don’t really think like that; on the other hand, I may have made jokes about them but overall I know that they are good and necessary.

Relationship

The best personality type for a romantic relationship is ENFP. This is because INTJs find a common ground with someone who is also intuitive and a person that is that is Extroverted (E), Feeling (F), and Prospecting (P) to balance them out so it is best for their life partner to have one or two of the E, F, or P traits. This is honestly not surprising because I have been told that it would be best to find someone that is the opposite of me because I need to be balanced out. I also like the idea of having someone that is more sensitive than I am to help me through things I might have a problem with understanding.

ENFP