Tell me more about the job market please!

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by GMUAlum08

just curious, what are the auto fees for registration?

I dont remember what the fees are exactly itemized, but the actual registration is not expensive, its the "fees" they associate with the registration.

The newer the car the higher the total registration+fees cost. For example, registering say, a BMW X5 can run easily ~$500/yr off the showroom floor or at least 2 years old. Once you get past the 5 year mark, it goes down to about half of that and so forth.

You have to have an emissions test every other year after 3 years (I think,forgot) from a new car purchase.

[Cardiff Kook]

are you talking about personal property tax on the car?

[earlyretirement]

Originally Posted by shmoov_groovzsd

I dont remember what the fees are exactly itemized, but the actual registration is not expensive, its the "fees" they associate with the registration.

The newer the car the higher the total registration+fees cost. For example, registering say, a BMW X5 can run easily ~$500/yr off the showroom floor or at least 2 years old. Once you get past the 5 year mark, it goes down to about half of that and so forth.

You have to have an emissions test every other year after 3 years (I think,forgot) from a new car purchase.

Yikes...that is pricey for registration fees. I can't remember what I paid before but I don't think it was that high in other places. Oh well.... I have to buy two brand new cars once I move and they will be newer import cars so sounds like it will add up. Another fee to add to the spreadsheet. Like GMUAlum08, I was going to ask if this high fee is the property tax? Does anyone know if this is a set % or if there is any way you can pre-estimate it?

And you are all right about adding kids into the mix. It certainly adds a BIG expense vs. being a bachelor or just being married without kids. Just everyday things add up like diapers, food, milk, etc. but then throw on toys, strollers, clothes, trips (instead of buying 1 or 2 airline tickets you go to adding on 3 or 4), etc. Not to mention saving up for University expenses from the moment they are born.

Definitely having kids drastically changes your life...but the best thing you could ever do..... nothing better than being a parent.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Originally Posted by GMUAlum08

are you talking about personal property tax on the car?

Nope. Its a vehicle license fee and any county assessments. These are paid every year during registration.

Registration Related Fees

[loveautumn]

I wouldn't agree that you would be guaranteed 6 figures with a CPA. Just starting out, I'd say $70+.

Car registration is high here but I think you might actually pay less for auto insurance than on the east coast, depending of course on your driving history. Cost is also based on how far you drive each day (commute).

[Cardiff Kook]

70k+ for a starting CPA is about what I'd expect. I'm kind of trying to gauge the demand for CPA's out there right now.

[loveautumn]

I think activity has picked up in the last few months in the finance field, probably moreso than other fields. You would probably be competing against people that have worked for a couple of years in public accounting and want to go into private industry.

[Cardiff Kook]

thanks loveatumn. like i said in my OP, i'm not really interested in public accounting but more of a higher financial position in private industry.

i'm hoping to land with a defense contractor since i have work experience in the defense sector + i just got my Top Secret clearance so i think i would be in excellent shape once i get my CPA

[loveautumn]

If you contact the San Diego Business Journal, they sell the Book of Lists, which does contain a list of all defense contractors in SD. It would be worth the money to get it.

[Cardiff Kook]

thanks i will definately look into that!