Search found 53 matches

by Mr Grumpy
Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows
Replies: 48
Views: 3444

Re: Recommended AppleTV+ Shows

Hijack(so far) . Liked season 1 of Ted Lasso-I wish I had skipped season 2 and all of season 3 except for the last episode.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you reconcile your personal accounts?
Replies: 112
Views: 7718

Re: Do you reconcile your personal accounts?

Yup, Quicken, every month.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you reconcile your personal accounts?
Replies: 112
Views: 7718

Re: Do you reconcile your personal accounts?

Yup, Quicken, every month.
by Mr Grumpy
Fri Dec 02, 2022 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Family View with Vanguard Brokerage
Replies: 3
Views: 527

Re: Family View with Vanguard Brokerage

Much thanks, TaxPro. I did see that link when I search previously but scanned thru it quickly after noticing the posting dates. Nisiprius made it very simple!
by Mr Grumpy
Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Family View with Vanguard Brokerage
Replies: 3
Views: 527

Family View with Vanguard Brokerage

Pardon my dumb question, but I'm not good with technology. Last week my wife and I "upgraded" to the Vanguard brokerage. Previously, I had a family view with both my wife's and my total holdings on 1 screen. Very simple. After I called to upgrade, we now have 2 separate sites, with different passwords, etc - showing the respective IRAs. Both show the same non-IRA funds, then our individual IRAs. I called vanguard today and they walked me thru "a full authorization" form that requires a notary. It seems ominous and I only want a simple view - not looking to actively take over my wife's IRA accounts. Any ideas? If I can, should I just add my wife's vanguard IRAs as outside investments on my site?
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 12, 2022 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long-term care/nursing home question
Replies: 57
Views: 5679

Re: Long-term care/nursing home question

Yes, you are correct. I was mistaken re the way the system currently works. I was working off old information ( I was a nursing home administrator-over 40 years ago when Medicare was extremely stingy with coverage). And yes, states do differ in terminology as I understand it. Assisted-living can mean one thing in one state, etc. and the remark about an “awful” system was not me referring to the care given, just comments I’ve been privy to from families forced to make decisions in a pressure cooker by hospital discharge personnel - “parent needs to be discharged tomorrow and facility A has a Medicare bed.” But back to the original intent of the post: education rules, as HomeStretch indicates. And lastly, if it comes to a tour, don’t be impre...
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 12, 2022 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long-term care/nursing home question
Replies: 57
Views: 5679

Re: Long-term care/nursing home question

Because medicare can fund SNL up to 100 days per hospital stay, my observation is that it almost never happens (unless you have a long-term Gtube or IVs). Not an expert on this, but SNL facilities have to constantly fight to get medicare to cover skilled nursing care - and medicare has very, very stringent guidelines (need to show daily progress). I am guessing that 2 weeks to at the most 30 days is normal SNL coverage. Once that's gone, and the person is not able to go home, etc., they become a private-paying patient on spend-down or a public-assistance one. An awful system.
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 12, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long-term care/nursing home question
Replies: 57
Views: 5679

Re: Long-term care/nursing home question

ResearchMed
No kidding. I don't doubt you, but I'm curious - what state/area of the country are we talking about? I am in NC and have been to many facilities at all levels. I don't doubt that there are a few premier places that charge the $20,000, but that's not even in a median range here. My purpose as a visitor isn't to check costs, but the average price (and it depends on how you define nice) in my area seems to be $6-$7500 for assisted living. Memory units can be more in my area, but nowhere near the monthly cost, you mentioned. It is not difficult anymore, to check the pricing of facilities on the internet. And yes, be aware of additional costs.
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 12, 2022 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long-term care/nursing home question
Replies: 57
Views: 5679

Re: Long-term care/nursing home question

Sounds like you are in your 30s-40s, is that right? You may want to read up about Medicare and Medicaid in your state to be more knowledgable about how these programs work in general. As you get closer to retirement, as part of your planning it’s important to consider how you and spouse will address possible future in-home or in-facility long-term care costs. Perhaps you purchase long-term care insurance (LTCi) or plan to self-fund with the equity, if substantial, in your house. However, aside from having LTCi or funds/home equity earmarked, it’s impossible to fully plan in advance for the financial cost and care logistics if one or both of you needs long-term care (LTC). LTC may be as simple and not too costly as having to pay for extra h...
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Aug 09, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What to Pay a Sucessor Trustee On Living Trust
Replies: 2
Views: 416

What to Pay a Sucessor Trustee On Living Trust

My wife and I are in the process of setting up a living trust. We believe we have a person in mind (non-family) as a successor trustee. He has agreed to do it and he isn't concerned about his payment ("whatever's fair"), but I am. I would characterize him as a good friend, known for over a decade. The value of our trust is about $1.5 million currently (portfolio=$1 million, house $450,000, no debts). We are in our mid-70s and I expect within or after the next 10 years, we will need to sell the house and move to some type of elderly housing. My initial research suggests a successor fee of 1.45% and up for banks, attorneys, etc. Since only God can predict the future, I am not sure how to estimate a trust's value in the future, and t...
by Mr Grumpy
Thu Jul 03, 2014 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer
Replies: 115
Views: 28058

Re: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer

Congratulations on your thread and that you've admitted you have a problem. I've been sober for 31 years. Being sober is a life-changer: literally. Can't say I'm more sagacious now, but in sobriety, I have the benefit of exposure to other recovered alcoholics; their wisdom and experience. Initially (as a general rule), it's not wise to announce your problem to others. Alcoholism has many victims; children, wives, relatives, close friends - you don't always know your co-workers, associates, and manager's personal history. You will run into people that think all alcoholics are weak; and even when sober for a long time, they view us as ticking time bombs. Some harbor resentment against alcoholics whose disease have done them great harm in life...
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do in Austin, TX
Replies: 52
Views: 8046

Re: What to do in Austin, TX

My wife and I just returned from Austin three days ago. It was to be a 4 day trip, but turned into six (North Carolina, East Coast snowstorm.) We're in our mid-sixties so our "likes" may not jibe too well with yours. My idea of aerobics is stapling two pieces of paper together - plus I'm an alcoholic so I'm not an information booth on the downtown bars. I did read in the local paper that the police has increased their walking patrols on 6th St/Congress to cut down on late night "incidents" - I also got the sense most bars' live entertainments have passed. You wanna pay for an overprices beer looking at a picture of Willie Nelson, be my guest. My advice would be to check the music scene on the internet. I'll stay away fro...
by Mr Grumpy
Thu Dec 05, 2013 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561428

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished, Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History - by Kalee Thompson.
You gotta love those Coasties!
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Aug 28, 2013 9:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Why You Are Probably Not Saving Enough In Your 401k"
Replies: 42
Views: 8378

Re: "Why You Are Probably Not Saving Enough In Your 401k"

I am confused. The article indicates that roughly $220,000 will be spent per person on healthcare costs in retirement. I've read similar figures (up to $250,000) and would like to know where the information comes from. Assuming "on average," we have 20 years in retirement, we would be spending $12,000 per year on medical based on the figures given. I realize the costs can differ based on where you live, etc, but with an advantage plan, the worst case is a payout from $0 to $4,000 per year (includes drug costs) = $80,000 per average retirement (and this scenario would be highly unlikely). With a supplemental plan covering the 20% (again, I realize costs can differ between states), but even with $200.00 per month with premiums in a ...
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What was your worst investment?
Replies: 100
Views: 13871

Re: What was your worst investment?

Whole life policy without question.

I should have dropped it earlier than I did. I just received a medical discharge from the army in 1971, having just completed an 8 month stay in a hospital due to gunshot wounds. I had suffered 4 bullet holes in my legs, so life insurance wasn't a hard sell. Dumb move: I was 23, no dependents, and locked into a money losing situation. Finally cashed out just prior to dot.com bubble burst. Luckily for me, not a major part of my net worth.
by Mr Grumpy
Thu Jun 27, 2013 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paper versus e-Reader
Replies: 60
Views: 6613

Re: Paper versus e-Reader

I like both for different reasons, but if I had to choose, I'd go with paper. As some have mentioned, you can't beat the portability of an ereader while traveling, but even then, I find I miss having a small paper bookmark to write down words to check vocabulary or a page citation on a particularly piece of good writing (I know ereaders have some of those capabilities - but they are inferior to perusing a printed page.) But...ereaders are here to stay and IMHO have introduced many to the joy of reading. Many eBooks are now trending on Amazon, B/N, and Smashwords toward 50 pages, etc., for 99 cents - the marketing seems to be based on the iTunes model and our lowering attention span. Hopefully, new readers will be open to longer content as t...
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Mar 06, 2013 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Should we] buy a two story house or a one story?
Replies: 43
Views: 6797

Re: [Should we] buy a two story house or a one story?

Ditto, Mudpuppy. In a perfect world I would live in a two story house - my own preference, but when it was time to down-size at 56, my wife and I started to look for a one-story house for our future needs. I now have an implant in an ankle, so stairs are not the problem they once were, but, for me. a lot of houses we looked at were on a concrete pad (not good for the ankle). That problem was solved by 30 gauge carpet padding. One observation - I was really surprised that there was not a good supply in my area of North Carolina of relatively new, one story structures, but that has changed in the past ten years (need driving construction?) It's all subjective, but a two-story house provides more privacy and is a tad easier on the heating/cool...
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's your usual retirement day like ?
Replies: 205
Views: 55021

Re: What's your usual retirement day like ?

It varies. I've been about 18 month retired and realized what a life event retirement really is. Most days go fast ( volunteer with two organizations that provide some structure), but there are some days that I have trouble motivating myself to do anything. I've got a blog and made a post awhile back about retirement. Hope it helps:

http://jimamullen.blogspot.com/2011/09/ ... mmies.html

If you like to write, why not start a blog? Watch out though, as the kids say, the internet can be a big time suck.
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why would anybody use Turbotax?
Replies: 111
Views: 17772

Re: Why would anybody use Turbotax?

Not I ... anymore. I've used TT since my first computer in the early 90's. Having struggled for years doing taxes with a pencil, I thought I knew why computers were invented. I love quicken and always used TT, and for the most part never had a problem....until last year (a quarterly tax payment was posted, but did not show up in the calculations). Today I've spent at least 5 hours (with breaks) doing my taxes, but kept getting prompts on the schedule B, 1099-Div, requesting box info that was blank. I tried everything that was suggested - no luck. The "turbo" community comments about this 1099-Div common problem leads me to believe it is a known issue, but when "chatting" with the turbo help desk, they told me it it was &...
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Feb 02, 2013 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's a better term for 'retired'?
Replies: 97
Views: 12128

Re: What's a better term for 'retired'?

I like the term "retired" : verb - "to withdraw, to remove oneself". Has a nice self-absorbed vibe to it.
No good?, how about "x-j" or ex-j": without job.
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Jan 02, 2013 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dinner Guest Issues
Replies: 149
Views: 16380

Re: Dinner Guest Issues

No, but # 2 doesn't seem unreasonable to me. In fact, it may even be considerate, but of course, it all depends on tone. I'm an alcoholic - some know and some don't so I'm used to questions like that, but in fact my wife always serves wine during a meal when adult guests are invited( but we usually don't keep any beer around).
On #1 and #3, it would just blow their comments off - if not them.
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What was your 2012 return?
Replies: 275
Views: 30667

Re: What was your 2012 return?

50/50 = 10.2%
by Mr Grumpy
Sun Nov 25, 2012 3:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 56
Views: 4849

Re: What is your greatest weakness as an investor?

My weakness as an investor is probably the same as my weakness as a person - don't know if it's my "greatest" though - have to talk to the wife about that. Once I've thought about something (financial investing, politics, theology, etc) I tend to get dug in. I wouldn't say I have a closed mind, but the tendency is definitely there.
The real harm that does is shut off free-flowing ideas and good conversation. I'm a confirmed index guy so conversations with active fund believers tend to be quick and I've got to take some blame for that. I also usually ask, in passing, what their AA is and I'm always met with a blank stare - I've learned that doesn't help either.
by Mr Grumpy
Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Heated Massage Chair
Replies: 13
Views: 2289

Re: Heated Massage Chair

There's a review article in this weekend's WSJ (Nov 24-25) on massage chairs. Check out "Off Duty" section under "Gears and Gadgets", page D11. It could also be in WSJ online, but I didn't check. A bit more than $2,000. though. Interesting that 15% of Japanese households have these chairs.
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Nov 21, 2012 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561428

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Sorry - didn't mean to start anything with Michael Connelly - a very fine writer. I should have written, in form...for me.. I have all his books, but starting with the Mickey Haller series and Harry Bosch's Nine Dragons, the writing left me kind of cold.

Disagree? Of course. That's why God made chocolate and vanilla.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Nov 20, 2012 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561428

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished Michael Connelly's The Drop - after the last three books, IMHO, he's back in form. I'm half-way through Dennis Lahane's Moonlight Mile and it's terrific if you like the Kenzie series. Ditto to a previous poster - if you're looking for a crime novel, George V Higgins The Friends of Eddie Coyle can't be beat. The dialogue pops off the page.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Nov 20, 2012 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting a Certified Financial Planner with Vanguard?
Replies: 23
Views: 6073

Re: Getting a Certified Financial Planner with Vanguard?

I had them do a plan a year before I retired. From some of the comments on previous posts, I wasn't sure of the quality and customization of the CFPs, but came away from the process impressed. I laid down certain markers when I started the process - AA, index funds only. I gave them my current portfolio info they knew (mostly Vanguard Funds) and some they didn't, (there was no pressure to move the Dodge & Cox fund into Vanguard.)

We talked on the phone, they mailed me the plan and then we did a follow-up call. As I recall, the Planner answered my questions in a professional manner with no sense of the clock.
by Mr Grumpy
Sun Nov 04, 2012 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movie night in recommendations
Replies: 269
Views: 29291

Re: Movie night in recommendations

Right now it's a movie titled, "Dark City", made in 1950, starring Charlton Heston. He plays a card hustler along with Jack Webb who plays a bad guy as well. It's a hoot. Great black and white with period autos, a saloon singer hussy, and a "nice girl". Heston's first starring role and guess what? Strange career choice, Heston plays a guy living on the edge of the law ! You may find yourself fast forwarding through some of the dialogue, but the ending is worth the time. The film answers an important question (what men want from women) , i.e., total adoration of course.
How they got this one past the "morality code" people is beyond me. Check it out.
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Aug 08, 2012 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Carpet scrubbers...worth the price?
Replies: 12
Views: 1827

Re: Home Carpet scrubbers...worth the price?

I used to own a carpet cleaning business - truck mounted steam cleaner. I also had a portable carpet cleaner machine similar to the "rented" machines that can be had at hardware stores and supermarkets. Not to be real picky, but these rentals are not steam cleaners, but hot water machines - they work very well though. I used to do the Harvard Club in Boston with the small machine when my truck mount hose wouldn't reach the area I needed to do and the results were always satisfactory.

Any machine will clean carpets. I just borrowed a neighbor's Bissell machine to do a touch up around the house and it did pull some dirt out, but not as well as the rented machines.
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Jul 14, 2012 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Whats your Asset Allocation for 60-70 year old's?
Replies: 59
Views: 21116

Re: Whats your Asset Allocation for 60-70 year old's?

I don't know about "average", but I am 65 years old, just retired, and my AA is 50/50; almost all in index funds.
Breakdown: Equities: Total Stock = 25%, Developed Mrkts index=13%, Emerg Markets = 6%, REIT Index= 6%
Bonds: bond index= 40%, Cash =8%, Insurance Cash value (I know...) 2%

Just me - everyone's different
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Defined Benefits Pension as fixed income?
Replies: 59
Views: 8451

Re: Defined Benefits Pension as fixed income?

Good thread. For every argument there is a counter argument. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Bogle though, personally I do not include my DP (or house) as part of my portfolio, but it can depend on why you track the portfolio. For me it's a gut check on my collection of investments and done for AA considerations. As others have pointed out, to count personal real estate and DP, it would have to have a determinative amount that exists for calculating purposes only and would have to be removed for financial or legal presentation to others. If my lovely wife and I died on our Boglehead 'around the world tour' when the rubber band snapped somewhere over China, my will covers real estate and although my DP has survivor benefits, those benefits ...
by Mr Grumpy
Thu May 24, 2012 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 50 things to do before the Sun goes down
Replies: 32
Views: 5708

Re: 50 things to do before the Sun goes down

Having just attended a funeral last Saturday, I'm starting to realize that time is the most precious thing I possess as I get older (65). That's not exactly news, but life does bring home that point. I do have a bucket list of things to do - in fact, my wife and I just returned from a baseball stadium tour in selected cities with more to come over the next few years. Good fun that. But on the important things - we do what we are. Belief systems, health concerns, family situations; all can impinge on the time left, so I've tried to make my bucket list specific with the knowing that if there are very few check marks next to some of the things, that's fine with me. Rick's list is very eclectic, but would be too full a plate for me. I'm amendin...
by Mr Grumpy
Tue May 15, 2012 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hair clippers? Any self-barbers out there?
Replies: 42
Views: 8515

Re: Hair clippers? Any self-barbers out there?

The Wahl. My wife has been doing my hair for about 15 years. I was ready to give her a tip on one occasion, but she made an inappropriate comment when she dropped the scissors. Can't abide bad language.
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Feb 18, 2012 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did you start feeling old?
Replies: 110
Views: 13013

Re: At what age did you start feeling old?

Hard to say. To some degree its situational. I was 22 when most in my rifle squad were 19-20, so I was the old man. In my mid 40's I needed reading glasses and that was the first time I realized I was on a life path that will have an end - but still didn't feel old. I'm retired now, but on occasion in my last year of work, some days I wanted a nap after lunch, but this year I don't.
I don't think of myself as old, but older. I was talking to an insurance agent a few weeks ago and she asked me about myself. Knowing we would never meet in person, I said I was just like Cary Grant, "but without the charm or good looks." And yup...she asked me who Cary Grant was. So you never know.
by Mr Grumpy
Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash - do you keep a stash on hand?
Replies: 83
Views: 9848

Re: Cash - do you keep a stash on hand?

Wow! Based on some of the above responses, I'm really parsimonious. I just retired and still working out day to day items like this. I've started taking a draw of $100.00 per month, albeit, I use credit cards or an ATM card for most purchases I make. In November, I had a lot of the drawer left, this month due to Christmas, not so much.
by Mr Grumpy
Fri Dec 23, 2011 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movie night in recommendations
Replies: 269
Views: 29291

Re: What is your favorite movie?

Bullitt and Local Hero. Not the least bit thematically connected, but there you have it.
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Dec 14, 2011 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the most overrated book you've read?
Replies: 193
Views: 14574

Re: What's the most overrated book you've read?

Miskatonic - Thank you for your wise observations. I think that when we start to read a book we are holding a mirror up to ourselves and have the author's ideas and artistic talents reflect (or not) back at us. I just finished reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand and loved it, but I can imagine an earlier time when I would have considered it trite...and that's ok. Another author once said that as they get older, they no longer feel the need to put a T-square on the corners of life.
by Mr Grumpy
Fri Dec 09, 2011 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the most overrated book you've read?
Replies: 193
Views: 14574

Re: What's the most overrated book you've read?

For me, I immediately thought of The Road by Cormac McCarthy. He can be a good writer, but not in this case.
by Mr Grumpy
Sun Nov 06, 2011 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is your portfolio at an all-time high?
Replies: 82
Views: 7589

Re: Is your portfolio at an all-time high?

No - I mirror many posts. Down 2% from this past April.
by Mr Grumpy
Thu Oct 27, 2011 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much % of yearly net income do you spend on vacation?
Replies: 54
Views: 8919

Re: How much % of yearly net income do you spend on vacation

I spend approximately 10% - give or take. The expenditure includes both vacation trips and trips to family in other parts of the country.
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Oct 24, 2011 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flying to Wash.DC: need help from scratch :-(
Replies: 37
Views: 3331

Re: Flying to Wash.DC: need help from scratch :-(

Would ditto the many responses to your query. IMHO The Metro is one of the nation's best public transportation. It can be googled with maps prior to your trip. Pricing is determined on availability and advance notice (and competition); the suggestion of kayak is good, but then check the individual airlines website. The day of the week has nothing to do with pricing: all airlines on Saturday midnight update their schedule changes, but not their fares. IMO, 50 minutes is not enough time to connect in ATL. You can call the airline you book and ask for the legal connection times of your flights, but the times would be valid otherwise they wouldn't be connected for sale. Those times,though, are established for transfer of bags , not people trans...
by Mr Grumpy
Sat Oct 22, 2011 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is your age and AA?
Replies: 219
Views: 73420

Re: What is your age and AA?

Me - 64 years, wife 63
50/50 Stocks/Bonds-Cash

TSM 25%
Intl indx 13%
Emerg Mkts 7%
REITS 5%
------
Total Bd indx 25%
TIPS 10%
Cash 15%
by Mr Grumpy
Wed Oct 19, 2011 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Books that changed your life]
Replies: 577
Views: 72748

Re: Any books really change your outlook on life?

Three books come to mind-
The Great Gatsby - Taught me the beauty and value of words and ideas. IMO, the great American novel.
Travels with Charley - Gave me a love of travel. Imagine, in the early 1960s, getting into a truck to see America.
Catch 22 - Gave me a sense of humor and the absurd. In Vietnam, having a sharpened sense of paranoia was a benefit. As the character Yossarian said, "the enemy is anyone trying to kill you."
Kudos to teachers - the first two books were required in reading in high school.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue Sep 27, 2011 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: would you retire in your 40's?
Replies: 67
Views: 9462

would you retire in your 40's?

For me, not in my forties, but I've just retired at 64 and am still working my way through it. I've questioned and observed a lot of people recently retired and a major thread in their thinking is that it was time to move on and do things outside the world of work (Raybo). If you can afford it and I assume you can if you are in your 40's, then my advice would be to give yourself permission and time to explore this new stage in life.

For me, I am still in that process;

http://jimamullen.blogspot.com/2011/09/ ... mmies.html
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taking a trip to Boston. Any suggestions?
Replies: 32
Views: 3535

Taking a trip to Boston. Any suggestions?

To me Boston provides a wonderful and interesting walk. I won't add to all the good suggestions on what to do or where to eat, but if I had a day (or more) I would walk from the North End and end up at Kenmore Square. I would second not driving in Boston; either park your car or take public transit into the city. Personally I would start on Hanover Street in the North End and just browse the shops and restaurants (they post window menus so there are no surprises). Walk west across the big dig, through Quincy Market, then go up Beacon Hill to the right of the statehouse. Through the Hill and down to Boston Common, through Boston Gardens and then go up Newbury Street , Boylston Street,or Commonwealth Ave(r Winston Churchill called Commonwealt...
by Mr Grumpy
Mon Sep 05, 2011 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Household G retirement savings annually
Replies: 30
Views: 3152

Household G retirement savings annually

Gee. Reading this makes me feel somewhat inadequate. I guess it should be as a percentage - with us it has been between 20-25% per year, but that's in the neighborhood of $12,000 to $17,000 for many decades. I'm starting retirement and feel I have enough, but just barely. We'll see.
by Mr Grumpy
Fri Sep 02, 2011 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix
Replies: 27
Views: 4438

Netflix

I modified my plan so that I only get DVDs through the mail. I tried the streaming and it was very seductive, but not many choices (for me). I'm also using the USPS in place of expending my willpower. I need to read more. Overall, I like the product though.
by Mr Grumpy
Mon May 30, 2011 8:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thank you, Taylor ! Happy Memorial Day
Replies: 11
Views: 1169

Thank You, Taylor! Happy Memorial Day

I have admired Taylor both for his service and for the sagacity of his postings. I have found he possesses the most import ant asset: common sense. I was lucky enough to grow up in the 50s and there were many WWII veterans from all theaters in the surrounding houses on our street. I viewed them as giants...still do.
I was in a different war and I always thought Memorial Day was a day to take note of all veterans; living and dead...but especially the dead. I am a newbie so I don't know if this is allowed, but I keep a blog on non-financial matters and last year found some photos I though I had lost. I did two postings of my friends.

http://jimamullen.blogspot.com/2011/04/treasure.html
by Mr Grumpy
Sat May 21, 2011 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 160508

That Frugal Thing You Do

Nothing special - always brown bagged it all my life, but sometimes it's what you don't do (or spend). My neighbor pays a guy $10.00 a week to come and pick up the dog "treasures" on his lawn, then pays someone else to mow the lawn. Good for him, but whenever I see the picker or mower guy, I feel like I've saved money by doing it myself.
by Mr Grumpy
Tue May 17, 2011 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a Business
Replies: 24
Views: 3546

Buying A Business

I feel for you. Many years ago (1990) I sold a small, one man, service business. There was no way to navigate the parameters of valuation. The business had an equipment component of known, assessed value (which could be negotiated), but the revenues were another matter. Business brokers didn't want to be bothered with a business of my size. The way I eventually approached it was the current value of equipment and 65% of yearly revenues. I had done retention studies during the normal course of business and found that 65% to be real. I was spending a fair amount on advertising and tried to figure out how much a repeat customer cost me versus a new one. Even though 1990 was a pre-computer age for most of us, I kept a complete set of books and ...