Search found 96 matches

by Allocationist
Wed Jan 17, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Unsubscribe" to Emails
Replies: 37
Views: 4359

Re: "Unsubscribe" to Emails

You may want to check out the free, simple, email forwarding service provided by duck.com if there is uncertainty about the reliability of a person/company you are providing your email address to.

Duck forwards the email to your real email address after removing trackers. Each forwarded email contains the option to stop forwarding you mail from the sender in the future.

So, with the click of a button, you will self-unsubscribe without the annoyance of trying to get the sender to stop.

Many people share your frustration so I hope this helps.
by Allocationist
Mon Jun 13, 2022 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Protecting SIL's assets from medicaid?
Replies: 47
Views: 4631

Re: Protecting SIL's assets from medicaid?

Related question: Legal way of protecting my assets from paying for SIL's Medicaid?
by Allocationist
Sat Mar 26, 2022 11:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Bank of XOM versus 'risk-free treasuries'" since 2009
Replies: 64
Views: 7239

Re: "Bank of XOM versus 'risk-free treasuries'" since 2009

Thank you for the quick good-natured response, nisiprius. To be candid over the past 13-years I have learned a great deal from your posts. Although, at the moment, XOM has outperformed the intermediate treasury fund for the period in discussion (lucky better than smart?), I think your POV (if I understand it correctly) that a fund like the treasury fund is important for "ballast" is very valid.

Please keep posting and sharing your valuable insights!
by Allocationist
Sat Mar 26, 2022 9:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Bank of XOM versus 'risk-free treasuries'" since 2009
Replies: 64
Views: 7239

Re: "Bank of XOM versus 'risk-free treasuries'" since 2009

Anxiously awaiting "nisiprius" 1-8-2009 to current update.
by Allocationist
Sun Mar 20, 2022 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unintended Consequences: Temp Mail Forwarding
Replies: 6
Views: 1107

Re: Unintended Consequences: Temp Mail Forwarding

Sure appreciate the thoughts/suggestions so far. Yes, I try to minimize any snail mail but have been unable to shut off everything such as receipt of physical credit cards and some financial institutions mandating physical mail for certain trust documents, etc.
by Allocationist
Sun Mar 20, 2022 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Importing Schwab 1099's into H&R Block tax - Fail
Replies: 67
Views: 12568

Re: Importing Schwab 1099's into H&R Block tax - Fail

Don't know if this will help but when you access your Schwab account online and go to Services/Security Center then scroll to bottom of the page there is a section entitled "Third-Party Access to Account Information." It may be worth checking out. Good luck!
by Allocationist
Sun Mar 20, 2022 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unintended Consequences: Temp Mail Forwarding
Replies: 6
Views: 1107

Unintended Consequences: Temp Mail Forwarding

Prior to posting this I did a www search and a search of previous threads on this forum. My internet search and the previous mail forwarding threads on this board did not answer my specific question so here goes... I plan to be away from home for multiple intermittent periods of one to four months. I am tentatively planning on using a private mail service (PMS) that will open and process my mail and then make it available online so I can remotely review it. Using the service requires a USPS temporary address change to the PMS. When I return home each time I will discontinue the temporary address change while I am home then repeat the process for my next time away from home. What I am concerned about is the potential adverse consequences whe...
by Allocationist
Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla for people that keep cars a long time
Replies: 202
Views: 25460

Re: Tesla for people that keep cars a long time

As a very happy owner of two Teslas, when I read the posts from Tesla skeptics I wondered if there were similar discussions when the horseless carriage was starting to replace equine transportation. Today I did a little research and found the following article in The Yale Law Journal of 1908 https://www.jstor.org/stable/784433?refreqid=excelsior%3Ac152a799df87d69fccc3f627758b4015&seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents . For a little fun just substitute ICEs for horses and EVs for automobiles. Here are a few short excerpts that I have adjusted to avoid any copyright issues: The car lacks the pleasure of companionship with a horse. The cold and heartless car provides a poor substitute for the instinctive sympathy a person has for their horse, d...
by Allocationist
Sat Jan 08, 2022 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking suggestions for Vanguard problem
Replies: 1
Views: 434

Seeking suggestions for Vanguard problem

I am the sole trustee for a (then) revocable trust established in 2007. The trust Settlor died later in 2007 at which time the trust became irrevocable. The trust was issued a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). About ten years ago I established a mutual fund trust account at Vanguard. Nothing has changed over the past decade. I was, and remain, the sole trustee for the beneficiary. The trust remains irrevocable. The TIN remains the same. I remain the sole trustee. The Beneficiary remains the same. Late last year, at Vanguard's urging, I requested the account be changed to a brokerage account. That's when the problem started. Vanguard now wants me to add another trustee and indicates I need to submit a W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identifica...
by Allocationist
Sun Aug 01, 2021 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance
Replies: 47
Views: 6132

Re: Long Term Care Insurance

On July 22, 2021 the court hearing the CalPERS LTC case granted preliminary approval of the class action settlement reached with CalPERS. More information is available at: http://www.calpersclassactionlawsuit.com/index.html The information includes a transcript of the hearing and a Power Point presentation that summarizes the tentative settlement. The Power Point presentation includes estimates for potential replacement policies for certain members of the class funded by a full refund of all payments made into the CalPERS program. My layman interpretation of the potential replacement polices make them a poor choice. Two better choices, IMO, may be to accept a total refund of all premiums paid and "self-insure" or stick with the Ca...
by Allocationist
Tue Jun 15, 2021 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance
Replies: 47
Views: 6132

Re: Long Term Care Insurance

I believe there is a class-action lawsuit against CalPERS because to the large premium increases for their long-term care insurance program. You may wish to wait until the court rules on the lawsuit before making a decision.
by Allocationist
Sun May 09, 2021 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla’s regenerative braking
Replies: 65
Views: 7900

Re: Tesla’s regenerative braking

As a long-time and very satisfied Tesla owner, it will be a bit of an adjustment for you to probably never have to get a brake reline during the life of the car. IMO a nice kind of "problem."
by Allocationist
Sat May 01, 2021 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ProtonVPN, ProtonCalendar
Replies: 6
Views: 886

Re: ProtonVPN, ProtonCalendar

I am very happy with the paid Proton Mail service and security. If anyone is considering Proton Mail it may help if it is compared to "free" Google mail which I also use for non-financial communications.

Although I use Express VPN in the U.S. and internationally and am very happy with it, Proton Mail's may be more secure.

JMO
by Allocationist
Thu May 23, 2019 9:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Switching from Vanguard to Schwab
Replies: 19
Views: 8782

Re: Switching from Vanguard to Schwab

After encountering many problems with Vanguard over the years I finally gave up and transferred most of my assets to Schwab. Before the transfer I asked Schwab to allow me to buy Vanguard funds with no Schwab transaction fee. They agreed. Not sure if such an agreement is available to everyone. I've been with Schwab for several years and am very satisfied. Some things I like: Consistently excellent service including minimal wait times and staff want to help. So far, not one problem with my accounts. Great web site functionality Unlike Vanguard, Schwab's trading platform doesn't freeze up during high volume trading situations. Better bid/ask spreads for thinly traded securities than Vanguard. Like Vanguard I've never experienced any effort to...
by Allocationist
Fri Feb 15, 2019 6:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rental Car Company Preferences
Replies: 26
Views: 2508

Rental Car Company Preferences

I rent automobiles fairly often. I use the Costco Travel rental car service. For many years I've used price alone as the sole determinate for making my choice of companies. Costco's search function usually populates with results from the following names: Alamo, Avis, Budget and Enterprise. I've rented from each of these companies. I've had many good and disappointing experiences. Although I haven't documented each and every rental, one of the above four companies has emerged as my favorite. Criteria I use include customer service at the rental counter and car return point, car condition and cleanliness and level of intensity for pushing revenue enhancing options such as various forms of insurance. YMMV. I would appreciate feedback from anyo...
by Allocationist
Sat Jan 05, 2019 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Road Scholar" Travel
Replies: 18
Views: 3077

Re: "Road Scholar" Travel

We have traveled with Road Scholar (R.S.) ten times. Our destinations included China, Antarctica, Chilean Patagonia, Cuba, Alaska, Machu Picchu, Galapagos, Italy, France, European River Cruise from (Amsterdam to Budapest), Columbia River Gorge (from Astoria, Oregon to the Snake River in Idaho), and Yellowstone in winter. We enjoyed every trip and are pleased with R.S. The trips have an education focus- not shopping. The guides and presenters range from very good to excellent. They often include university-trained instructors including professors. Most trips have relatively small groups and they usually have extra seating on buses so you are not cramped. They tend to "go the extra mile" to provide participants with a good experienc...
by Allocationist
Mon Feb 05, 2018 5:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard site is crashed now?
Replies: 188
Views: 24923

Re: Vanguard site is crashed now?

Just one of many reasons I moved from Vanguard to Schwab. Placed several buy orders without any problem on Schwab.

IMO Vanguard is way behind the curve on technology- perhaps to try and keep fees low. Oddly, many of Schwab's fee are now lower than Vanguard.
by Allocationist
Thu Jan 25, 2018 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking help with Asia airline flights
Replies: 6
Views: 680

Seeking help with Asia airline flights

We will be taking two Asian tours, back-to-back, in September and October 2018. We need to book three airline flights.

We would like to fly business class from San Francisco to Beijing. Economy from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. (Not sure of class) Siem Reap, Cambodia to San Francisco. Our tour company does not have contracts with airlines so we will be booking the flights ourselves. I've begun the process exploring Google Flights. It appears as though a one-way fare, such as San Francisco to Beijing costs as much as a round trip fare.

Any insights or suggestions for how to proceed would be appreciated. Also, I would appreciate any thoughts about a preferred airline.

Thank you! Bob
by Allocationist
Mon Dec 11, 2017 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]
Replies: 270
Views: 34434

Re: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]

It is not clear to me how the States will report 2018 tax payments in 2017. Nor do I understand how the IRS document matching program will compare the State reporting document with the (modified) TurboTax return. Any insights would be appreciated. This thread has been very useful to me. I appreciate everyone's contributions. Thank you. What State reporting document are you referring to? I don't think states report anything except refunds. One the other hand, the IRS and states have been sharing data for a long time for cross-checking purposes. Turbo Tax AFAIK only reports one gross number on Sched A for Income Tax paid. Now if you get audited, all bets are off because the IRS may require you to get down to the smallest detail but that's a ...
by Allocationist
Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]
Replies: 270
Views: 34434

Re: Prepayment of SALT Taxes? [State and Local]

I understand the points of view about attempting to pay some or all 2018 State taxes in 2017 as well as the various means to deal with the process in TurboTax. IMO, both of these steps are feasible but I am concerned about the unintended consequences. Please let me explain. Let's fast forward to 2019 or 2020 when the IRS sends out their "you owe us $xx,xxx in taxes, penalties and interest" letters for 2017 and 2018. Will claiming the 2018 estimated payment in 2017 cause a problem with the IRS because the State reporting documents don't match the modified TurboTax return numbers? Perhaps I am a bit sensitive as I received one of the IRS computer-generated letters earlier this year. It advised me I owed over $10,000 for the 2015 tax...
by Allocationist
Wed Sep 13, 2017 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone X is $1000
Replies: 385
Views: 42532

Re: Iphone X is $1000

I find the tone of some comments about new iPhones, Teslas very interesting from a BH perspective. I worked very hard, lived frugally and saved/invested for over 30-years so my family and I would have enough funds to experience some pleasures if I lived long enough.

So, for the record, I own a Tesla Model S. I am going to buy a Tesla Model 3. I am going to buy an iPhone X (256 GB). I fly business class on most international flights. I take up to ten family members on vacation. I donate to charity.

IMO, harvesting the fruits of our labor and prudent living is enjoyable and rewarding.
by Allocationist
Sun Jun 04, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Everything keeps going up, this feels too easy?
Replies: 113
Views: 13473

Re: Everything keeps going up, this feels too easy?

I'd like to add another couple of possible factors causing stock market low volatility along with persistent gains. IMO some investors are anticipating lower U.S. corporate tax rates as well as lower personal tax rates. The belief that lower corporate tax rates (if they occur) will increase the profitability of corporations make current valuations closer to the norm. Secondly, the anticipation (if they occur) of lower personal tax rates may be causing some investors to hold onto their winners in order to take profits at a lower tax rate. If any of these suggestions are correct there are a few things that could go wrong. Corporate tax rates may not be reduced or reduced to a level less than currently anticipated by the market. This could cau...
by Allocationist
Wed Mar 01, 2017 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving away from Vanguard brokerage: Options?
Replies: 22
Views: 4212

Re: Moving away from Vanguard brokerage: Options?

After Vanguard repeatedly made unwanted and unauthorized disbursements from my rollover IRA I gave up on their (very polite) inability to fix the problem. My efforts included writing a letter to the Vanguard CEO and discussions with a member of their management team. Basically I was told they were aware of the problem, were working on it but could not tell me when it would be corrected. At the same time I was experiencing the frustrations with Vanguard I was using a Schwab bank account with ATM card for obtaining cash during international travel. I used the card in 10+ countries with zero problems and full rebates (sometimes delayed a week or two) for all ATM fees. The exchange rates were very competitive. The few calls to Schwab to discuss...
by Allocationist
Sat Oct 22, 2016 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapskate for not flying business class?
Replies: 88
Views: 13952

Re: Cheapskate for not flying business class?

As a couple who, after more than 40-years of living frugally, sometimes fly business class on long flights, we'd like to offer another perspective. We feel airline travel is now a hassle that must be endured to reach a desired destination. This includes crowded noisy seating in the main departure terminals. Next is the boarding call which often results in a cattle drive of people crowding/shoving/blocking into the boarding line/s in order to ensure they can find overhead storage to place their large carry-on bags (to avoid baggage fees). Then there is the uncertainty of who you will end up sitting next to. Will they fit into their seat width or need to use some of your space? Will you enjoy their choice of music which you can hear even if t...
by Allocationist
Fri Aug 26, 2016 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Surprised by Costco Citi VISA first statement
Replies: 28
Views: 6074

Surprised by Costco Citi VISA first statement

I got our first statement for our new Costco Citi VISA card. Our plan was to use this card only for purchases that received a 4% reward (gas), a 3% reward (restaurants and "eligible travel"). All other purchases were going on our new Fidelity 2% cash back VISA. The Costco Citi VISA statement we just received placed over $12,000 of our purchases in the 1% rewards category. We could not determine from the statement which of our purchases fell into the 1% reward category. I called Citi and found that our charge (over $10,000) for an upcoming trip with roadscholar dot org (a large world-wide travel agency) was categorized as an "educational charge" and our trip insurance payment to tripinsurancestore dot com was categorized ...
by Allocationist
Thu Mar 31, 2016 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: leaving vanguard due to math errors / poor customer service?
Replies: 107
Views: 19381

Re: leaving vanguard due to math errors / poor customer service?

My ongoing problem with Vanguard appears to be different from those described so perhaps my including them in this thread will be of value. The problem began in 2014 when Vanguard made multiple taxable distributions from my rollover IRA even though I did not request them. I was assured by Vanguard they would fix the problem including reversing the distributions and correcting the 2014 1099R that included the unauthorized distributions. Ultimately the transactions were reversed and the 1099R was revised. I was assured by Vanguard the problem had been fixed. In December of 2015 Vanguard made another unauthorized distribution from my rollover IRA. Thinking I needed to bump the problem up to a higher level to get it fixed, on December 26, 2015 ...
by Allocationist
Wed Feb 04, 2015 12:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard survey: what should they do differently?
Replies: 72
Views: 8069

Re: Vanguard survey: what should they do differently?

I would like Vanguard to stop making repeated unwanted and unauthorized distributions from my wife's IRA even after the problem was brought to their attention.

I would like them to not issue IRA distribution documents after unwanted and unauthorized distributions were made even after the problem was brought to their attention.

I would like them to provide accurate amounts for "funds available to trade" instead of inaccurate amounts in brokerage accounts. Providing inaccurate amounts can cause trading problems.
by Allocationist
Wed Jan 28, 2015 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard RMD Service
Replies: 14
Views: 2584

Re: Vanguard RMD Service

A slightly off topic comment… Late last year Vanguard distributed funds from my wife’s rollover IRA without her request or permission. Prior to this distribution, my wife, who is not of “RMD age”, had never taken a distribution from her IRA. As her agent, I contacted Vanguard within a few days of the distribution. The Vanguard rep was uncertain why the distribution was made but told me it would be promptly reversed. I told her I appreciated her prompt action in reversing the error and advised my biggest concern was that no distribution be reported to the IRS and my state tax authorities. She assured me that no tax distribution documents would be issued. A few weeks later we received a cheery e-mail from Vanguard notifying my wife that her 2...
by Allocationist
Thu Dec 18, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yahoo mail [problems]
Replies: 29
Views: 3236

Re: Yahoo mail

I used Yahoo mail as my primary e-mail service for many years. In the past several months it has tended to freeze up and/or been inaccessible. This seems to have occurred as Yahoo was "upgrading" and "enhancing" their mail service. In the past few weeks it got worse. About two weeks ago several hundred e-mails I received between July 2014 and November 2014 disappeared from various folders where I had them stored. Then, for some reason, over the course of a day or two, Yahoo mail resent me about five or six thousand e-mails I had previously received with the date/time they were resent. Prior to Yahoo mail resending the messages, the vast majority of the thousands of e-mails were neatly filed in about twenty folders in chr...
by Allocationist
Tue Nov 18, 2014 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chip and Signature (not PIN) in Europe
Replies: 15
Views: 2577

Re: Chip and Signature (not PIN) in Europe

Just returned from Europe and travel through eight countries including Germany. Used my magnetic strip (no chip) Schwab cash account card to get cash from ATMs on ten or more occasions. Never had a problem. Used my magnetic strip (no chip) CapitalOne Quicksilver card most every day- usually at restaurants. Never had a problem. Took along my Fido AMEX "chip" card for backup but never needed/used it.
by Allocationist
Wed Oct 15, 2014 1:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's a good day to be heavy in REITs
Replies: 42
Views: 5816

Re: It's a good day to be heavy in REITs

IMO, using data to compare the performance of a few sectors over a few years of market extremes seems likely to lead to flawed conclusions.
by Allocationist
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telephone Calls! Help! [Stopping telemarketing calls]
Replies: 123
Views: 17973

TeleBouncer Blocker

IMO, examples of problems caused by not answering unidentified callers is I have received important calls from "blocked" or "unavailable" numbers such as real-time fraud calls from credit card companies, physicians offices, etc. IMO, a problem caused by using a voice mail system is you have to listen to (at least the first few words) of robo calls that want to leave a message on you voice mail system. Then you have to go through the message deletion process for each message. IMO, some folks enjoy the ongoing challenge and effort required to construct a multilayer system to weed out the various types of annoying calls. I don't. I have used the TeleBouncer Blocker (available at Amazon) on my "home phone" (VOIP/Vo...
by Allocationist
Thu Dec 12, 2013 5:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Despite the headline defaults, munis doing okay
Replies: 85
Views: 11239

Re: Despite the headline defaults, munis doing okay

I'm a little confused about this thread. I was under the impression that "Mr. Market" is aware of the issues, urban legends and other fears associated with municipal bonds. If that is correct why would we embrace active management of this niche asset class?

As for California State politics and economy, there have been some significant changes in the past year or two. The State has a balanced budget with plans for a "rainy day" fund, political gridlock has been eased and inroads have been made in resolving the government "pension crisis."
by Allocationist
Tue Aug 13, 2013 5:21 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Baffled by some locked threads
Replies: 3
Views: 1176

Baffled by some locked threads

In the past I have occasionally been puzzled by the reasoning for locking some threads. As I value this forum and appreciate the work done by the administrators I have kept my thoughts to myself. Earlier today (August 13, 2013) a thread entitled "Ideas, thoughts on DNA Testing?" was locked. The thread began with the OP expressing interest in learning more about his/her genetic history. The OP asked for input about three services, one of which I have used, to learn more about his/her heritage. The OP made no mention of health or medical issues. Then came the second post: "i need to test DNA to see what are the the potential disease i carry so i can prevent if any or save my life..." The third post is an announcement from ...
by Allocationist
Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to find a lawyer
Replies: 16
Views: 2388

Re: How to find a lawyer

The Martindale web site has been helpful to me as a starting point. I like the Peer Review and Client Review features.

http://www.martindale.com/Find-Lawyers- ... Firms.aspx
by Allocationist
Tue Jul 16, 2013 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: are Google voice numbers listed?
Replies: 4
Views: 1128

Re: are Google voice numbers listed?

I've had a GV number for a year or two. I have not received one spam call.
by Allocationist
Tue Jul 09, 2013 12:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: iShares fixed maturity corporate bond ETF's - ER 0.10
Replies: 15
Views: 1627

Re: iShares fixed maturity corporate bond ETF's - ER 0.10

Given the present bond environment discussed a length on this forum, this type of ETF has theoretical appeal to me. If the information on the iShares web site is correct IBCC (the 2018 product) had a distribution of 0.121309 dollars in early June 2013. By my calculations this works out to an annual dividend of $1.445708. The iShares web site shows a 30-day SEC yield of 1.78% based on the July 5, 2013 closing price of (about) $96.35. Yet, by my calculations this price results in a projected annual dividend of $1.445708 works out to a yield of about 1.5%. Perhaps one of our more knowledgeable members can correct any error I may have made. The other concern I have is the low trading volume for this and similar products. At the moment, the Ask ...
by Allocationist
Thu Jun 06, 2013 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [All weather car mats]
Replies: 59
Views: 6620

Re: Mats for Car

I've installed WeatherTech mats in both a 2013 Toyota Camry with a mat retainer system and a 2008 Honda CRV.

They are not "plush" however they look nice to me, fit well and are very functional. FWIW, I believe they are manufactured in the United States.

Highly recommend.
by Allocationist
Wed Apr 24, 2013 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Switching iPhone to Android...PITA?
Replies: 55
Views: 4631

Re: Switching iPhone to Android...PITA?

This is a very informative thread. I have an iPhone 5. I am looking into shifting to an Android phone. My biggest problem is my extensive "contacts." I have tried to "export" my contacts into a format that could be used on an Android but am having difficulty.

I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you!
by Allocationist
Wed Mar 20, 2013 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap Wall St Journal?
Replies: 64
Views: 12913

Re: Cheap Wall St Journal?

After subscribing for a couple of decades, I stopped my subscription for a couple of reasons. I got tired of playing the subscription lapse/negotiate for a reasonable price game every year. Also, after the change of ownership several years ago I noticed increasing seepage of political views from the editorial page into the "news" sections. [political comment removed by admin alex]
by Allocationist
Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Jason Zweig: Mutual Fund Custodial Safety
Replies: 1
Views: 920

Jason Zweig: Mutual Fund Custodial Safety

In a copyrighted March 15, 2013 Wall Street Journal (firewalled), Intelligent Investor column entitled "What You Can Do to Steer Clear of a 'Custody' Battle" Jason Zweig addresses the potential problems with mutual funds and their "custody" or safekeeping. Here is a brief summary of the article: Federal rules on mutual fund custody are "whispy", state laws are contradictory and there is no absolute protection if a custodian goes bust. "Investors assume there's a lockbox, with no way to pick it, and after all the dust clears the lockbox is still there..." "...My fear is that there isn't such a lockbox and it isn't sacrosanct." Some "mutual-fund executives..." think these risks are r...
by Allocationist
Tue Mar 12, 2013 1:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's going on with international?
Replies: 46
Views: 6360

Re: What's going on with international?

According to Morningstar, VNQ (Vanguard's U.S. REIT ETF) and VNQI (Vanguard's Ex-U.S. REIT) have the following price to cash flow ratios:
16.7 v. 9.2
by Allocationist
Sun Mar 10, 2013 11:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Could bogleheads vote on Top 10 "asks" of Vanguard?
Replies: 100
Views: 10573

Re: Could bogleheads vote on Top 10 "asks" of Vanguard?

Establish a two-step verification layer of protection for account access from unrecognized computers or devices. A similar process is now available on Google mail and Dropbox.

Improve the functionality of the brokerage trading platform.
by Allocationist
Fri Mar 08, 2013 7:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard International REITs Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 2714

Re: Vanguard International REITs Fund

Direct answer to your question: 5% of portfolio and 10% of equities.

Related issue: According to M* the Vanguard Admiral U.S. REIT fund (VGSLX) and Vanguard International REIT ETF (VNQI) have the following valuation measures (numbers are rounded). The U.S. REIT fund is listed first:
Price to Book................. 2.2 vs. 1.0
Price to Sales................. 6.0 vs. 2.5
Price to Cash Flow.......... 17 vs. 9
Long-term earnings %...... 6.5 vs. 9
According to Vanguard:
Return on Equity............ 4.4% vs. 7.8%

Beyond the belief that non-U.S. REITs are "riskier" are there other likely reasons for this disparity?
by Allocationist
Sat Feb 16, 2013 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wellington Fund Bond Duration
Replies: 10
Views: 2677

Wellington Fund Bond Duration

A significant portion of our assets (mostly in IRA's and Roths) are invested in the Wellington Fund. Like many here, I'm aware of the +/- 30-year bond bull market and, IMO, feel it is wise to consider the likelihood of higher rates sooner or later. My inclination is to move in the direction of reducing duration and/or tolerate the near-zero interest rates of money market funds for a while. YMMV. Today I took a look at Morningstar's January 11, 2013 fund analysis for Wellington. The analysis did little to allay my concerns. The following are a few brief excerpts (to avoid copyright infringement issues) from the lengthy analysis: "This fund's bond portfolio is potentially hitched to a runaway train." "...Vanguard Wellington is ...
by Allocationist
Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Closed End Funds
Replies: 8
Views: 1319

Re: Closed End Funds

Closed-end funds (CEFs) appear to be fairly easy to understand when, in fact, they are very complex securities that are usually thinly traded, prone to investor over-reaction during market declines and provide the illusion of safe yield which serves as a magnet for "yield chasers" who often receive a return of their own investment as "yield." I track CEFs as a measure of investor sentiment. On December 12, 2008, out of a total of 653 CEFs, 617 traded at a discount (the value of the underlying shares were worth more than the CEF). The median discount was 20.6%. Only 36 CEFs traded at a premium (the value of the underlying shares were worth less than the CEF). On January 18, 2013, out of a total of 600 CEFs, 303 traded at ...
by Allocationist
Tue Dec 11, 2012 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your experience-Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program?
Replies: 16
Views: 2256

Re: Your experience-Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program?

My experience with the Vanguard Charitable Endowment (VCE) was, IMO, not satisfactory. I experienced hassles with getting grantees approved (even mainstream religious groups), a lack of follow-up/feedback to me for "stalled" grant requests and annoying requests for me to provide assurance that some of my requests were legitimate. Example: I made a request to donate $2,007 to a well-known mainstream church that I had made multiple previous VCE donations. Several weeks after making the request I contacted the church and was told they hadn't received the donation. After not hearing anything from VCE I called them and was told they sent a questionnaire to the church to confirm their non-profit status and had not received a response (V...
by Allocationist
Wed Oct 17, 2012 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: question about Fidelity rewards Amex card
Replies: 13
Views: 2464

Re: question about Fidelity rewards Amex card

FWIW, I have both the Fidelity AMEX and Fidelity VISA cash back cards.

Even though I am often disappointed by the poor quality of customer service from various providers such as AT&T (cell phones, U-verse, etc.) I am very pleased by the service provided by FIA card services for these two cards. I have spoken with them on many occasions including a few potential fraud issues. I have always been pleased with their service and have never had a bad experience with them.

JMO.
by Allocationist
Fri Sep 28, 2012 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Apple Computers & Laptops
Replies: 55
Views: 6359

Re: Apple Computers & Laptops

Disclosure: I am a former exclusive PC user (many years with many different Windows-based desktops and laptops) who has completely shifted to Apple products including an iMac and MacBook Air. Observation: Based on my reading of this and other PC vs. Mac threads, most Mac users have a lot of prior experience with PC's. In contrast many PC users have less experience owning/using Macs. It seems to me that individuals who have extensive experience using both systems are in a better position to compare the two based on actual hands-on usage. I'm uncertain about whether the OP was interested in feedback on investing in Apple or comparing PC's to Macs. The answer to the latter question seems pretty clear to me. If a user is happy with a Windows-ba...