Search found 3768 matches

by Rob5TCP
Mon Aug 25, 2014 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do vanguard funds compound monthly?
Replies: 11
Views: 34830

Re: Do vanguard funds compound monthly?

CD's and bonds compound monthly (or whatever is setup)
My bonds fund usually give dividends which compound monthly.
Equities usually declare dividends several times a year.
by Rob5TCP
Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When did you hear of Bill Miller and Legg Mason Value Trust?
Replies: 32
Views: 3919

Re: When did you hear of Bill Miller and Legg Mason Value Tr

I heard of them when there was a story of beating the S&P 10 years in a row. Was tempted to get into it at that time.
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 23, 2014 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it me, or are "collectibles" worthless in 2014?
Replies: 79
Views: 11278

Re: Is it me, or are "collectibles" worthless in 2014?

Hummels and LLaydro were collectibles years ago. Before EBay I think they were sold by clubs, through ads and commanded a fair amount of money.
Today Llaydros selling for a fraction of what they once did (for some reason an Aunt left me 5 of them when she moved to Florida).
Had I sold them right away I would have gotten a fair sum. I sold all 5 for about $150 (far less than 1/2 of what I would have gotten earlier).
But, earlier it would have been a lot more work. It was not hard to list it on Ebay. I just undercut the prices there by about 10% and they went
pretty quickly.
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 23, 2014 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I need "Ultra High Net Worth" investing advice please
Replies: 235
Views: 40982

Re: I need "Ultra High Net Worth" investing advice please

I disagree about 50 million and 50 thousand having the same investing principles. To live VERY well the rest of your life you can take ZERO risk. A 2-3% savings account will give you $1 - $1.5 million a year.
I don't know what your needs or your family requirements are, but that will satisfy a lot. Yes, you can up the risk (half in risk free investments - the other half in riskier) and go for a higher return. Only you can determine if their is a need. I take risk because I need to expand my portfolio's worth before I retire some day. If I had enough to last several lifetimes, I would diversify with the least risk.

Perhaps a non-commissioned CFP would be a choice. He could show you options and a range of expectations.
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 23, 2014 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No room on your Windows hard drive? Cleanup Update files
Replies: 60
Views: 7673

Re: No room on your Windows hard drive? Cleanup Update files

I would love to delete "Intel Network Connection Drivers 16.1" and its 1 million MB, which I apparently haven't used in 2 years, from my Windows XP - but I fear unintended consequences. One million MB is a Terabyte. Most hard drives on new machines are a terabyte. I have a feeling that is a false reading. It's probably 1 million KB which is a gigabyte. Most XP machines had drives of 1 or 2 TB at best; so it's doubtful that is a true reading. Must be a false reading. I did the math afterwards and realized 1 million Mb = 1 terabyte, which is unlikely on my ancient Dell. So how do I fix this? Go the my computer - right click - look at properties see how large your hard drive is. If it shows up as 500GB (which is likely if your syste...
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 23, 2014 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: No room on your Windows hard drive? Cleanup Update files
Replies: 60
Views: 7673

Re: No room on your Windows hard drive? Cleanup Update files

dgdevil wrote:I would love to delete "Intel Network Connection Drivers 16.1" and its 1 million MB, which I apparently haven't used in 2 years, from my Windows XP - but I fear unintended consequences.
One million MB is a Terabyte. Most hard drives on new machines are a terabyte. I have a feeling that is a false reading. It's probably 1 million KB which is a gigabyte. Most XP machines had drives of 1 or 2 TB at best; so it's doubtful that is a true reading.
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 23, 2014 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip on the tax? [Restaurants]
Replies: 124
Views: 11318

Re: Do you tip on the tax? [Restaurants]

I handle the payroll software for a few restaurants in NY; our law is tips plus the state minimum wage must equal the federal minimum wage. The disparity in wages between the "low end" restaurant and a high end steak house is enormous. Both more than meet the minimum wage requirement. The lower end one, the key waiters/waitress staff probably average $15-$20+ per hour (depending on how fast, how lucky, etc). For the steak house it's more than double that. That is one reason, I tip highly (percentage wise at a cheaper establishment 25+ all the way up to 50% at a cheap bagel place I frequent). The high end restaurants I will give 18% tops. Since I can not tell the difference, I will never order a $100+ bottle of wine, the $30 bottle...
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip on the tax? [Restaurants]
Replies: 124
Views: 11318

Re: Do you tip on the tax?

While I do have fairly frequent moderately expensive meals, I tend to tip 18% of the food costs. I rarely (perhaps once every few years) go to the ultra expensive restaurants $100-$150 per person and up.
Sometimes tips are included.

As I mentioned, in an earlier, for low costs shops I tip 25% to as much as 50% (such as low cost bagel shops -- eggs and a bagel, coffee $2 - I just leave $3).
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 22, 2014 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip on the tax? [Restaurants]
Replies: 124
Views: 11318

Re: Do you tip on the tax?

When going to an expensive restaurant, I tip only on the food/drink costs alone. If it's a local diner; where the bill might be $15, I usually tip on the whole bill.
The difference is usually fairly negligible. I usually give a higher % at an inexpensive restaurant, then I do at a more expensive.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 21, 2014 12:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?
Replies: 15
Views: 2307

Re: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?

toto238 wrote:
Jack FFR1846 wrote:Wow

If my crude math is correct, $10,00 invested would have turned into $95 in that time period
I calculate $858.76. The expense ratio is included in (and is pretty much the reason behind) those negative returns. So don't include expense ratio. Take 8% off the top, then reduce by the negative return every year.

Still. That's terrible.
Remember the % up there are for 4 years only - they had several more years of horrible returns.
With $1,000 start you couldn't buy a gourmet pizza in the end.
Here expenses matter to the max.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 21, 2014 12:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?
Replies: 15
Views: 2307

Re: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?

Jack FFR1846 wrote:Wow

If my crude math is correct, $10,00 invested would have turned into $95 in that time period
Pretty close: It had a couple of "better" years - so the actual decline over time
"according to this article $1,000 becomes $11.35"

http://msbusiness.com/blog/2010/01/20/f ... that-cant/
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 21, 2014 11:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?
Replies: 15
Views: 2307

Re: Is a 16% expense ratio technically possible?

I saw this posting in an old forum

N2AV8N
Worst mutual fund of all time...
07-14-2003, 11:12 AM | Post #88349
Came across this dog today while reading an excerpt from CBS Marketwatch:

Frontier Equity FEFPX

Front Load 8.0%
Expense Ratio 42.36%

Returns:

2000 -51.5%
2001 -29.8%
2002 -54.0%
2003 -40.4%

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know of any funds that can give this fund a run for its money as being the "worst"?

Ross
by Rob5TCP
Wed Aug 20, 2014 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: B&H Photo - NY City Experience
Replies: 35
Views: 4307

Re: B&H Photo - NY City Experience

Most of the shady Brooklyn ones are long out of business.
There are still some left, but the majority closed years ago.
With some many legitimate sites; it was too easy to check these guys out
and buy from the "good' guys.

Ebay is probably the top site now for the sleaze balls - feedback helps
but it can be manipulated, to a degree.
by Rob5TCP
Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a home with aluminum wiring?
Replies: 73
Views: 42287

Re: Buying a home with aluminum wiring?

4nursebee wrote:What safety or other issue exists now that has not existed since the place was built 40+ years ago?
Sounds like it has stood the test of time.

Not according to the article in the NY Times
"While it might be tempting to believe that a home with aluminum wiring is safe because the wiring hasn't caused a problem for 30 or 40 years, that is a dangerous misconception. In fact, Mr. Friedman said, the longer the connection is allowed to deteriorate, the more likely it is a problem will occur."

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/19/reale ... 9home.html
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 4% CD Cheaper Than Steak Dinner Pitch
Replies: 2
Views: 1395

Re: 4% CD Cheaper Than Steak Dinner Pitch

South Florida had a bunch of these advertised about 4 years ago or so. I went down and it took about 5 minutes
to realize this was a waste of my time. There was a limit on what I could invest and while FDIC insured, after
6 months went by I had to deal with his company again. I decided it wasn't worth it for the extra $100.

The firm was legitimate (or so it seemed); but I just wasn't into listening to a pitch for annuities or whatever
he would be pushing.

Chase Bank in NY did the same thing and I fell for it - But that is another story (I ended up with 3 meetings before
I got my money returned).
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Repeat: PBS Frontline The Retirement Gamble
Replies: 5
Views: 3024

Repeat: PBS Frontline The Retirement Gamble

This is a repeat from last year of the expose on Wall Street's "small" fees that add up over time and the effects it can have. I am not sure if John Bogle is in this or not.
In the NY area it airs at 10PM tonight on Channel 13 (WNET), Caught part of it the last time, will catch the rest tonight.
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 19, 2014 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: B&H Photo - NY City Experience
Replies: 35
Views: 4307

Re: B&H Photo - NY City Experience

B&H is my go to place. Not always the cheapest but very reasonable and responsible. I used to use J&R, but found B&H a better all around place to do business.
I would avoid Willoughby's, which claims to be the oldest photography store in NY (maybe the country). They own the name, but the original Willougbhy's changed
owners many times. Also, there are MANY SLEAZY computer/photography store that advertise incredible prices, then screw you on extras when they call to
confirm your order. Most are in Brooklyn.

B&H is reputable. Adorama is another one. There aren't too many that I would recommend.
One online place I use for parts, is Newegg.

PS They close early Friday and all day Saturday, including the website.
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 7 PC?
Replies: 49
Views: 5011

Re: Windows 7 PC?

I find no compelling reason to even consider Win 8. Even Microsoft knows this is a dog. It's been dubbed
the new Vista. Windows 9 should be the one to consider. Since Win7 has many years of support left,
I am in NO hurry to have my clients (or me) migrate off Win7.

http://news.yahoo.com/might-perfect-obi ... 08877.html
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why no transaction alerts from Vanguard/others?
Replies: 16
Views: 2150

Re: Why no transaction alerts from Vanguard/others?

I would like a text only for
1. new purchases (not from dividends)
2. ANY withdrawals or transfers
3. any password/login changes
4. each time there is access of my account

The rest of the alerts I would like through regular email.
I have not been able to see how to have the above through texts.
Those represent potential emergencies. My banks do this already
(as well as most of my c.c.).
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 15, 2014 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Funniest Movie Ever
Replies: 227
Views: 27989

Re: The Funniest Movie Ever

Have not thought about this movie in awhile
but

Good Morning Vietnam

Had me in stitches
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 7 PC?
Replies: 49
Views: 5011

Re: Windows 7 PC?

Most of my clients have been purchasing Win7 -- extended support goes until 2019 or 2020. By that time we will probably skip Win 8 altogether.
We will be looking at Win9 when it comes out. Make that 1/2020.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/lifecycle
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going from W-2 to 1099
Replies: 27
Views: 3140

Re: Going from W-2 to 1099

SEP IRA is a lot easier to setup and paperwork is less. You can contribute more to a 401K; but an SEP does allow you to contribute 25%
of your W2 income (dividend distributions can not be sheltered into a SEP-IRA).

I started with a KEO but ended up switching to the SEP because of its ease.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 14, 2014 7:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Kiplinger Article - Vanguard's Actively Managed Funds
Replies: 1
Views: 1055

Re: Kiplinger Article - Vanguard's Actively Managed Funds

There have been literally dozens (if not more) of posts on Dan Weiner -- use the search function to find some of them.
Also Madslinger gives a monthly report on how his newsletters compare to standard Boglehead portfolios.
It's interesting to see.

This is from May, 2014
http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... st=2078212

And some prior posts on Weiner
https://www.google.com/search?sitesearc ... gws_rd=ssl
by Rob5TCP
Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: More on Computer Security
Replies: 17
Views: 2262

Re: More on Computer Security

I have had to replace my c.c. 4 times in 3 years (including TWICE this year).
it is driving me a bit crazy. Since I check my balances regularly and get alerts for all charges (over $10)
I stop it almost immediately.
I even tracked down one crook, but the police would do nothing because of the size of the fraud. The
c.c. company would not pursue him either.Though I did call him a number of times at 4 in the morning
(if I was already up; just to curse him out - not the smartest thing to do).

I have a credit freeze - so they can not open new credit cards.
by Rob5TCP
Sun Aug 10, 2014 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Russan Gang Amasses Over A Billion Stolen Passwords"
Replies: 87
Views: 13063

Re: "Russan Gang Amasses Over A Billion Stolen Passwords"

This has been the most enlightening post on hashing and salting encryption of passwords.
I knew the terms and I knew they involved encryption, but how they functioned, I was not familiar.

Thanks for a most educational post.
by Rob5TCP
Sun Aug 10, 2014 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fear of Disclosing Net Worth
Replies: 60
Views: 11664

Re: Fear of Disclosing Net Worth

I would suspect "they" already know. If you spend time on the computer or buy with plastic, there is loads of data on your spending habits, your leisure time habits, etc. etc. etc. THEY KNOW ALREADY. I would not worry about it if you feel the need for financial advice. I don't agree with you here - a LBYM Boglehead could have the same spending patterns as someone who has a much lower net worth who lives paycheck to paycheck. +1 This would be us and I suspect many Bogleheads. Yes, but people living paycheck to paycheck don't have 780 and higher credit scores. They don't just look at one number. Unless you freeze your credit scores; they can be known. There are so many criteria they use; it's hard to escape. I have VERY high monthl...
by Rob5TCP
Sat Aug 09, 2014 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: California Redwoods in December - VW Vanagon
Replies: 13
Views: 2780

Re: California Redwoods in December - VW Vanagon

Big Basin Redwood Park was one of my favorites parks, when I lived in SF (over 30 years go). Also, a SMALL but wonderful redwoods is Muir Woods. Not the grandeur of further north, but worth a stop if you stay in the Bay Area. When we went to the Redwoods about 12 years ago we stayed at super B&B near a small town called McKinleyville. It overlooked the ocean and we could hear the sea lions below at night. Cozy and rustic at the same time. Avenue of the Giants is a must (I think it was 101) through the redwood; Looking at the map, we went to Prairie Creek and Del Norte/Jedediah The trails felt like we were walking in Jurassic Park. I think Loney Planet has a great guide for the Redwoods - you get really in depth descriptions of every tra...
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 08, 2014 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell Vanguard they need 2 factor authentication
Replies: 52
Views: 4371

Re: Tell Vanguard they need 2 factor authentication

I request 2fac every time I call Vanguard. And every time the Vanguard rep tells me that I can suspend logins from non vetted browsers, to make things more secure. That's not very user friendly because I'll have to call Vanguard every time I want to vet a new browser. A soft token based on Google Authenticator would be a great feature to have. Given the amount of money Vanguard manages, I doubt it will affect expense ratios at all. If cost is really a concern, 2fac could be a fixed fee opt-in feature. I'll gladly pay $50/year to have 2fac. :beer This argument is futile because they will HAVE to implement, whether the cost is large or small. Having the largest asset base in the industry, means the cost per user will be nominal. This should ...
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 08, 2014 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tell Vanguard they need 2 factor authentication
Replies: 52
Views: 4371

Re: Tell Vanguard they need 2 factor authentication

In the long run, it will be required. Those sites that don't have it will be the subject of more attacks because they are easier targets. For a company with 2 trillion in assets to protect; the cost of implementing this is pocket change (or less). I bring up 2 factor every time I have any contact with Vanguard personnel. TDAlmighty wrote "And if Vanguard is close to implement 2fa, hopefully it will be one of the shared "soft" 2fa apps like google authenticator...if each institution uses a different system or requires a "hard" key it will become unnecessarily complex." That is spot on. You would need multiple hard keys if each required their own. I tend to doubt that route will be taken. The only hard key I have...
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 08, 2014 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
Replies: 123
Views: 17993

Re: Telephone Calls! Help!

I have a business line so recognizing another spam used to be important, I was getting so many.
Thanks to Nomorobo my business line only gets a few spam calls a week, so every call is answered on the second ring.

My personal lines all go straight to voicemail if the number is not recognized.
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 08, 2014 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New VG Performance Charts
Replies: 17
Views: 2933

Re: New VG Performance Charts

Again, I look at total performance (all funds) and it only goes back 5 years.
Under personal performance, view as a chart - it goes back 5 years.
This must be a gradual rollout; that's my guesss.
by Rob5TCP
Fri Aug 08, 2014 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
Replies: 123
Views: 17993

Re: Telephone Calls! Help!

I have used Nomorobo.com from the first day they began offering their service.
They won an FCC grant to devise a way to block robo calls. Consumers reports mentions them in their story about robo calls

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news ... /index.htm


They are not perfect, but they have the best solution so far
https://www.nomorobo.com/

The way to ultimately stop them is when millions of people take their calls and waste as much time as possible until the #$%#$#$ hang up.
Since it's unlikely this will ever happen, nomorobo is the next best thing. For now they are free, but I would pay for their service.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
Replies: 123
Views: 17993

Re: Telephone Calls! Help!

Frequently robo callers will disconnect if there is not a free agent to pick up the line.
They will call back again. It's a numbers game (scam).
Enough calls, people answers (1% or .01%); they don't call. Eventually someone bites
and is scammed.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
Replies: 123
Views: 17993

Re: Telephone Calls! Help!

I was getting 6-10 a day. I joined nomorobo.com
It took some time, but now I am down to 2-3 a day.
Not perfect.

I use the caller ID; my friend's numbers are on my list
so if comes up with someone other than my friend's - straight
to the answering machine.

Most of these calls are overseas (frequently Indian) scammers
who care little for the do not call list.

Occasionally I will goof on one and see how much of their time I can
waste. One was from "Microsoft". I kept him on the line for almost 30
minutes, getting my credit card wrong. I even let him have access to
an old Windows 98 machine that I have not used in 8 years. HE was
furious when I told him I did computer support and I knew he was a
complete scam.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New VG Performance Charts
Replies: 17
Views: 2933

Re: New VG Performance Charts

I just checked mine and it only goes back 5 years, not 10.
Ten would obviously be helpful.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 07, 2014 9:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard computer security
Replies: 67
Views: 6485

Re: Vanguard computer security

That might be the CHEAP 2 factor authentication.

The correct way is either a text to your cell or an email with your one time code.
Vanguard blew it on that one.
by Rob5TCP
Thu Aug 07, 2014 7:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recent Barron's Article on Risks of ETFs
Replies: 10
Views: 1615

Re: Recent Barron's Article on Risks of ETFs

Tamales wrote:
Rob5TCP wrote:The number of ETF's closing because they are so narrowly focused, rather than low cost broad based vehicles recommended here, is almost comical.
Here are some ridiculous niches that ETF's have wandered into:
Along those same line there is also this "ETF death watch" website:
http://investwithanedge.com/etf-deathwatch
Looking at etf-deathwatch - who would invest in an ETF with a few million and assets and daily volume in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
To paraphrase an old clothing store ad "An UNeducated consumer is our best customer"
by Rob5TCP
Wed Aug 06, 2014 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is 2 Factor Authentication worth the trouble?
Replies: 9
Views: 1647

Re: Is 2 Factor Authentication worth the trouble?

EVERY conversation I have with Vanguard (and communication) ends with when you are getting 2 factor authentication.
I have alerts from my banks/c.c. for transactions over $25 dollars; and most of my banks have 2 factor.
Vanguard has increased their password to 20 characters from 10 (along with upper/lower case).
Still as more and more theft becomes the norm, 2 factor will be the MINIMUM security needed.
by Rob5TCP
Wed Aug 06, 2014 8:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recent Barron's Article on Risks of ETFs
Replies: 10
Views: 1615

Re: Recent Barron's Article on Risks of ETFs

The number of ETF's closing because they are so narrowly focused, rather than low cost broad based vehicles recommended here, is almost comical. Here are some ridiculous niches that ETF's have wandered into: HealthShares Emerging Cancer (HHJ), 2007-2008 This is the ETF that Vanguard's John Bogle loves to hate on. “Can you believe we now have an Emerging Cancer ETF?” Bogle wrote in a 2007 Wall Street Journal op-ed. He blasted the ETF again, five years after its closure, at a Morningstar conference in June. HHJ was one of 19 specialized health-care ETFs created by the now defunct XShares. Others included HealthShares Neuroscience and HealthShares Infectious Disease. The company said they weren’t able to attract assets and that their “timing w...
by Rob5TCP
Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:25 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: what gender are you?
Replies: 27
Views: 6983

Re: what gender are you?

HueyLD wrote:I am confused.

What is other?
Transgender.
by Rob5TCP
Mon Aug 04, 2014 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggestions for Real Estate Attorney in NY/NYC?
Replies: 7
Views: 1079

Re: Suggestions for Real Estate Attorney in NY/NYC?

It was a number of years ago, but when my building went co-op; we wanted to use Stuart Saft. Whether he represents individuals, I don't know.
A lifetime friend bought a co-op at a great price about 4-5 years ago. She ran and became president of the board. When she started digging into
all the shit she found, there were literally death threats. She did a lot of cleaning up and restoring it to a sound basis, but she is off it and won't touch
it with a 10 foot pole. It's run like a fiefdom.

Good luck - you have to do your due diligence BEFORE you buy. Co-ops boards are like dictators (in some buildings).

My next place will be a condo.

http://www.hklaw.com/stuart-saft/
by Rob5TCP
Tue Jul 29, 2014 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Was ready to pull plug on Janus..until
Replies: 66
Views: 9669

Re: Was ready to pull plug on Janus..until

Janus was the first firm where I bought mutual funds (based on a Forbes article).
The returns were SPECTACULAR. I had, Janus overseas, Janus fund, Balanced, Twenty, and several others.
When the market downturn hit; they TANKED big time. I lost half of my gain
before I got out. What they are like now, I don't know.

What I did discover is that I had little diversification; there was a huge amount of overlap form one fund to the
next.

I would imagine over the last 5 years they have done well. I would be curious how they did in the last downturn
(mine was 2000-2002).
by Rob5TCP
Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fraudulent Charges Mystery
Replies: 21
Views: 3947

Re: Fraudulent Charges Mystery

The weight loss program CLAIMED I had ordered the merchandise and should be charged. Yet, when I called they wouldn't tell me the name and the address of where it was shipped to. I finally found out and of course, it was fictitious and wasn't even close to my name. That is really low. Vendors should not be shipping stuff to any old place. The vendor was NS Nutri Systems. I called the DAY it was shipped (I check several times a week). They gave me the run around and said I had to go through my credit card. I called my credit card and they did a suspend and investigation right away. They spoke with Nutri Systems who still SAID I ordered it. Finally I filled out a form and the charge was reversed. I was able to get the name and address: but t...
by Rob5TCP
Mon Jul 28, 2014 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Money Market
Replies: 5
Views: 988

Re: Money Market

One other distinction: Money Markets from banks are FDIC insured and won't break the $1.00 barrier.
Money FUNDS: while they haven't can break that barrier and are not Federally insured.
by Rob5TCP
Sun Jul 27, 2014 6:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 36 percent decline in net worth
Replies: 38
Views: 7389

Re: 36 percent decline in net worth

MathWizard wrote:I anybody else wondering why almost all the 2013 medians are down from 2009.
Even the median for the 95th percentile is down 2009 to 2013.
That has not been my experience.

I know that this can come from the people in the percentile groups being different
people, but that would not seem to explain why this is true across the board.

Why 2013 is lower than 2009 is perplexing to me as well.
I can see for some that sold assets to live on because of unemployment.
But ALL income brackets?
Corrected all WEALTH brackets?
by Rob5TCP
Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: POLL: My home is worth less/more in 2014 than in 2007?
Replies: 97
Views: 11815

Re: POLL: My home is worth less/more in 2014 than in 2007?

The place I bought for my Mother (in central Florida) in 2007 went down to as much as 60% below what I paid (if you could find a buyer)
It's still down over 30%-40% (but the area is pretty inexpensive - so in $ terms it's not terrible).
by Rob5TCP
Sun Jul 27, 2014 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fraudulent Charges Mystery
Replies: 21
Views: 3947

Re: Fraudulent Charges Mystery

Three times in 4 years I have changed my cap one m.c. I even found one offender in Vancouver, B.C. Nothing could be done because the dollar amount (while increasing) was small. The worst occurred 3 months ago the day before my vacation. The charge was to a weight loss program - that sent the 2 weeks supply of food to an address in N.J. I called my c.c. and it took 30 days before it was completely off my record. The weight loss program CLAIMED I had ordered the merchandise and should be charged. Yet, when I called they wouldn't tell me the name and the address of where it was shipped to. I finally found out and of course, it was fictitious and wasn't even close to my name. My credit reports are frozen and I monitor my cards every 2-3 days. I...
by Rob5TCP
Sun Jul 27, 2014 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "best" online booking service for hotel room?
Replies: 29
Views: 5274

Re: "best" online booking service for hotel room?

Yelp - for restaurants; travel adviser for room reviews
priceline and/or kayak for rate comparisons.
by Rob5TCP
Sun Jul 27, 2014 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I become a CFP?
Replies: 27
Views: 8896

Re: Should I become a CFP?

There are a lot of issues. The "easiest" is getting your certification. Creating a client base that you can make a living is the hardest.
Assuming low overhead and charge 3/4% for AUM you will need roughly 10 million in assets under management. This assumes, no office
expenses, phone expenses, etc because you work at home.

Probably googling what type of CFP you want to be. If you work on commission, it would probably be a lot easier as this is the way most
large companies work.

There are options - but you will be 52/53 when you start.
The 5 year wait might be the best option and start pursuing something on the side.
by Rob5TCP
Sat Jul 26, 2014 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do Bogleheads Ladder CDs Anymore?
Replies: 25
Views: 3296

Re: Do Bogleheads Ladder CDs Anymore?

I still ladder - i wait every year for cd "specials" - they usually exceed what the current yield is for bonds.
Though bond funds, of course, can have a higher return when yields go down.
PenFed had a special Dec-Feb of 3% for 5 years.
Currently another bank has a special of 3.04% for 7 years THAT YOU CAN ADD to.