Search found 828 matches

by EternalOptimist
Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The US Stock Market
Replies: 20
Views: 2271

Re: The US Stock Market

Pacific wrote:Simple. Each day Bloomberg (at bloomberg.com) provides a definitive explanation as to why the market either went up or down. For example, today the explanation was "U.S. Stocks Drop a 5th Day as Data Fuel Stimulus Bets." There you have it.
Yep, gotta love those daily explanations.....like they know!
by EternalOptimist
Thu Dec 05, 2013 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paid off Mortgage today!
Replies: 56
Views: 6791

Re: Paid off Mortgage today!

Congrats....I did mine in a similar way 3 years ago and don't regret it! :beer
by EternalOptimist
Thu Dec 05, 2013 11:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The US Stock Market
Replies: 20
Views: 2271

Re: The US Stock Market

I have never seen this stated, but I think one of the corollaries of the Efficient Market Hypothesis is that that question is hard or even impossible to answer. Or at least, many possible answers contradict the EMH. If we knew why it happened, then we would typically be able to predict it in advance which would have caused the market to have gone up earlier. Seems to me the opposite would be true. Efficient Market holds that participants are taking account of all things that are currently known. As the future unfolds and more things become known or more certain then these factors become built into prices. Don't see any reason this means the future should be more or less predictable. For instance, a football point spread is a form of effici...
by EternalOptimist
Thu Dec 05, 2013 7:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The US Stock Market
Replies: 20
Views: 2271

The US Stock Market

Why do you think the stock market has had such a good year in 2013?
by EternalOptimist
Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Stock investing and the fear of flying
Replies: 57
Views: 6233

Re: Stock investing and the fear of flying

Rick, I'm not so sure people can relate to thinking long term....what if they need the money sooner rather than later, it's hard to take that chance. Obviously, they willingly trade off reward for liquidity. Also, I think it's the volatility that scares people, and the media's fear mongering scares people--well if you keep seeing house fires on TV then..... As we know, fear is paralyzing. Good luck.
by EternalOptimist
Wed Dec 04, 2013 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free Cloud storage
Replies: 23
Views: 3091

Re: Free Cloud storage

I believe I read the Mediafire gives you up to 50GB free.....don't know anything about them.
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Close to Retirement - Allocation
Replies: 6
Views: 1052

Re: Close to Retirement - Allocation

Hi, I'm 64 retired ~3 years with no pension and drawing SS. My portfolio is 50/50 with roughly a 4% withdrawal and my portfolio has grown. My future projections also show growth. Good luck :!:
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wine for daily consumption?
Replies: 105
Views: 10599

Re: Wine for daily consumption?

Barefoot, Yellow Tail, Walnut Crest and Opici Chianti.
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfort food
Replies: 68
Views: 6790

Re: Comfort food

sand-in-my-toes wrote:Stuffed cabbage rolls with mashed potatoes. Of course, from scratch takes some planning, time and effort but Lean Cuisine makes a palatable substitute for homemade. Second favorite would be a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup.

That's funny, I'm having tomato soup/grilled cheese for dinner :wink:
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfort food
Replies: 68
Views: 6790

Re: Comfort food

Getting hungry here.....mine is some good pizza.
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Foreign Stocks For The Long Run
Replies: 63
Views: 7783

Re: Foreign Stocks For The Long Run

Thanks Rick. I'm at 80/20 and can live with that.
by EternalOptimist
Tue Dec 03, 2013 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfort food
Replies: 68
Views: 6790

Comfort food

What's your favorite comfort food?
by EternalOptimist
Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2013 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST. One month to go. Lesson learned.
Replies: 20
Views: 2687

Re: What's the point ?

I'm a bit confused by what point is proven by this contest. Brantley: Sorry, I was not clear. The Contest makes several points which I described (now underlined) in the Opening Post (OP) when I wrote: It is probably fair to say that most of us have a tendency to also think we know what the stock market is going to do. However, acting on these impulses is dangerous. I was once a market-timer and I learned the hard-way about the futility of market-timing . To demonstrate how difficult it is to forecast the stock market, in 2001 I started a contest for Morningstar Bogleheads to guess where the Wilshire 5000 Index (Total Stock Market) would be 12 months later. In 2002 I changed from the Wilshire 5000 Index to the more common S&P 500 Index....
by EternalOptimist
Mon Dec 02, 2013 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, or ?
Replies: 22
Views: 3311

Re: Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, or ?

Sarasota is nice, try this for ideas.

www.tripadvisor.com
by EternalOptimist
Sun Dec 01, 2013 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Market timing jitters
Replies: 22
Views: 2531

Re: Market timing jitters

Make sure your friend truly understands the downside risk vs upside. It sounds pretty risky for a 75 year old. I was in a similar situation with my mother and we left things in CDs and glad we did because she really needed all she had.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Dec 01, 2013 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wine gift delivery
Replies: 13
Views: 1290

Re: Wine gift delivery

Try Amazon, they look like they have shipping deals.

www.amazon.com
by EternalOptimist
Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cash in Funds
Replies: 2
Views: 401

Cash in Funds

I recently put my portfolio into Morningstar XRay and saw that the funds that hold cash show up as part of "cash" in my total holdings. Do you folks treat this as an actual cash portion of your total AA portfolio since it isn't readily accessible?
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 29, 2013 6:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value
Replies: 28
Views: 3137

Re: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value

I know at best this is not rocket science but nonetheless insightful. Ok. (BIG grin here.) I was stumbling on the difference between "my portfolio is bigger because of growth" vs "my portfolio is bigger because I sold a house and/or got an inheritance". Or retiring 5 years ago vs 20 years ago. I guess you don't care about the "why", just the "what". Please don't take these comments as a criticism. I was just curious. I'd still like to know how people who retired just before the crash now have much bigger portfolios! No problem. I recognize that I am one of the least serious folks here. There is so much uncertainty in all of this, just trying to get a peak into the future for myself perhaps. Ciao :beer
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 29, 2013 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value
Replies: 28
Views: 3137

Re: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value

Overall, very encouraging reports. Thanks :wink: Yes, but what does it mean? I have to admit I'm baffled by this poll. With so many variables, no conclusions can be drawn from the results so I'm curious why you asked the question. Guessing you were just curious? :wink: Well, I suppose you could say that the "majority of people who responded (so far) report portfolio growth." I must be one of the few exceptions. I retired a few months before last crash started. I spent from the portfolio, but less than 4% of the value on the day I retired. The market has now recovered, but my portfolio has not quite gotten there. I don't think my portfolio is "a loser" so I just don't understand some of the replies unless current portfol...
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 29, 2013 11:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value
Replies: 28
Views: 3137

Re: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value

Overall, very encouraging reports. Thanks :wink:
by EternalOptimist
Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Parking, for the day, in Manhattan?!?
Replies: 21
Views: 2621

Re: Parking, for the day, in Manhattan?!?

I'd recommend taking mass transit if possible. Driving and parking is fine, just allow extra time for the usual delays. This site might be helpful

Www.hopstop.com
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 27, 2013 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value
Replies: 28
Views: 3137

Retiree Poll: Change in Portfolio Value

How has the value of your portfolio changed since you retired?
by EternalOptimist
Tue Nov 26, 2013 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jamaica Vacation - Any tips?
Replies: 83
Views: 8849

Re: Jamaica Vacation - Any tips?

Did a cruise stop over last year and was hounded everywhere we went. There are tons of other warm choices. Personally I would never go back.
by EternalOptimist
Mon Nov 25, 2013 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Switching from Salary to retirement withdraw mindset
Replies: 17
Views: 3077

Re: Switching from Salary to retirement withdraw mindset

I've been retired for 2 years and withdraw as needed. I must say it bothers my wife more than me. We built a nest egg to use it.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 24, 2013 5:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar X-ray
Replies: 22
Views: 4093

Re: Morningstar X-ray

Thanks live soft.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 24, 2013 5:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar X-ray
Replies: 22
Views: 4093

Re: Morningstar X-ray

DSInvestor wrote:
EternalOptimist wrote:Is it true that if you sign on through T Rowe the X-Ray is free, not trial offer?
Here's a link to TRP's tools page where you'd find M* portfolio manager. Register for an acct (no investment required) and you can access the tool.
http://individual.troweprice.com/public ... -Resources
I inputted my portfolio into M* a number of months ago. Do I need to input into portfolio mgr @T Rowe all over again or can I import it. I've tried to get in but nothing is happening. Thanks
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 24, 2013 8:18 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

Re: A time of prejudice.

Taylor Larimore wrote:Bogleheads:

I was age 37 at the time of Kennedy's inauguration and a regular church-goer. Our minister joined many other Protestant ministers in the Miami area urging members from their pulpits and by mail not to vote for Jack Kennedy who, if elected, would be the first U.S. Roman Catholic president.

Pat and I left our church.

Best wishes
Taylor
If only the world had more Taylor's.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 24, 2013 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: House value as % of assets when mortgage paid off.
Replies: 41
Views: 4662

Re: Poll: House value as % of assets when mortgage paid off.

I'm a 64 year old retiree whose home thankfully is worth a nice chunk of change. I plan on selling it over the next couple of years and enjoy the proceeds. Yes, for me it broadens my options for retirement living.
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 22, 2013 6:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P beats 421 Boglehead guesses [2013 Contest]
Replies: 13
Views: 2397

Re: S&P beats 421 bogleheads guess [2013 contest]

This is what is called a "good problem"
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 22, 2013 6:46 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

Re: The JFK Assassination

I was 13 and sent home from school. It was a very sad day. The memorial events felt like they went on forever.
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 22, 2013 4:49 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

Re: The JFK Assassination

chaz wrote:A very sad episode in our history.

Very sad. I actually once visited the school book depository, very moving.
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 22, 2013 4:41 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

Re: The JFK Assassination

The New York Times had an interesting video piece this morning: The Umbrella Man. Makes a really good point about conspiracy theories. Although it was beautiful clear day, movies and stills show a man standing, mysteriously, with an open umbrella on the sidewalk near the assassination site. In this case, the real and non-conspiratorial explanation happens to be known. The point is that if you don't know it, there is no virtually no possibility that you would guess it. And if you don't know it, the temptation to find a conspiratorial explanation is almost irresistible. So, before peeking... what explanation can you come up, unconnected with the assassination, as to why a man would be standing on the parade route with an open umbrella on a c...
by EternalOptimist
Fri Nov 22, 2013 4:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: The JFK Assassination
Replies: 42
Views: 4287

The JFK Assassination

For those interested, today CBS news is showing streaming video of the original 4-day reporting.

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/jfk-assassination/
by EternalOptimist
Thu Nov 21, 2013 4:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar X-ray
Replies: 22
Views: 4093

Re: Morningstar X-ray

Is it true that if you sign on through T Rowe the X-Ray is free, not trial offer?
by EternalOptimist
Thu Nov 21, 2013 12:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard says my portfolio is "too extreme" ??
Replies: 38
Views: 4822

Re: Vanguard says my portfolio is "too extreme" ??

cheese_breath wrote:I'm almost 73 and all my Vanguard funds are in stocks. I've never received any message like this from them.

They probably think you are not interested in one of their balanced Target Funds. I always ignore these types of canned emails
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 20, 2013 3:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Slice and Dicers"
Replies: 39
Views: 4372

Re: "Slice and Dicers"

As a 'slice & dicer' I like the adventure, control and fun of doing so. I'm sure I've overcomplicated things but what the heck!!
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 20, 2013 2:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Slice and Dicers"
Replies: 39
Views: 4372

"Slice and Dicers"

For those Bogleheads who don't have a 'Three Fund Portfolio' how do you go about fund selection. What factors are most important to you when deciding to go into a fund, and what do you hope to get out of it? Thanks.
by EternalOptimist
Tue Nov 19, 2013 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Strategic Income Fund
Replies: 17
Views: 5266

Re: Strategic Income Fund

I've had this fund for a number of years and am satisfied with it.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 17, 2013 6:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Laddering target date funds?
Replies: 8
Views: 3372

Re: Laddering target date funds?

I posted a similar notion a number of months ago. I like the idea though some thought it over complicated things. You withdraw from let's TF 2010 til it's depleted then on to the next while giving equities time presumably to grow.
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 17, 2013 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity: The Secret To Becoming A Retirement Millionaire
Replies: 15
Views: 3717

Re: Fidelity: The Secret To Becoming A Retirement Millionair

Personally, I can't stand the notion of your final income x anything. What does your income have to do with anything? You could be saving it all or spending it all or anything in between. What about expenses??
by EternalOptimist
Sun Nov 17, 2013 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirees: do you ever take a bonus?
Replies: 19
Views: 2349

Re: Retirees: do you ever take a bonus?

Retired 2 years and basically withdraw what I need on an ongoing basis keeping an eye on the 4%. Since one never knows what tomorrow will bring, no bonus taking for me but that's OK--everyday is a gift!
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HD vs Regular Channels
Replies: 46
Views: 5027

Re: HD vs Regular Channels

You have to get HD, I love it and never watch regular channels anymore. Treat yourself if you can, I think there is a big difference. Sports programming is like you are there. I have 2 HDs in my home.
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I had "that" conversation yesterday with my CEO
Replies: 19
Views: 3823

Re: I had "that" conversation yesterday with my CEO

Marmot wrote:Told her that I was ER'ing in January. I am 56, so it was a bit of a suprise. For those of you that are looking forward to the conversation, all I can say it is bittersweet. My job situation is fine, it is just the right time to make a change of course and get on to whatever lies beyond.

Good for you, enjoy yourself, I got out 2 years ago and am never looking back :!:
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self-Indulgence
Replies: 52
Views: 6435

Re: Self-Indulgence

Rick Ferri wrote:Buy yourself a good barbecue, a good a steak to cook on it, and a good bottle of wine.

Rick Ferri
Now you're talkin' :wink:
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever moved for lower cost of living?
Replies: 72
Views: 11900

Re: Have you ever moved for lower cost of living?

Live outside of NYC and love the action. Thinking about moving to a lower cost area now that I am retired. Had a great run here though, it was worth the price :!:
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self-Indulgence
Replies: 52
Views: 6435

Re: Self-Indulgence

Great thoughts all. I am generally very happy and grateful for what I have...don't need much. When it comes to, let's say, buying clothes or new electronics I have trouble spending the :dollar
Maybe that's just the way it is. I'd rather my family members have stuff than me.
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self-Indulgence
Replies: 52
Views: 6435

Re: Self-Indulgence

VictoriaF wrote:Get a girlfriend.

Victoria

LOL, my wife does a good job, was thinking of me!
by EternalOptimist
Wed Nov 13, 2013 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self-Indulgence
Replies: 52
Views: 6435

Self-Indulgence

I have great difficulty indulging myself, sometimes I feel like a hopeless cheapskate. Anyone have similar feelings and possible suggestions for getting me to open my wallet :oops: