Search found 1219 matches

by mudfud
Thu Nov 30, 2023 12:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchanging into TIAA Traditional within RA/GRA accounts
Replies: 3
Views: 547

Exchanging into TIAA Traditional within RA/GRA accounts

I've had TIAA accounts for >20 years and my allocation has been 100% TIAA Real Estate except during 2008-2009, a short period in 2020, and from October 2022 onwards. (For my thoughts on the unique characteristics [lag, smoothing, and positive autocorrelation] on TREA check out my old posts such as https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1802190#p1802190, but that's for another discussion). When I was out of TREA, I was mostly in TIAA Traditional. Except for my RA/GRA accounts where I parked my funds in accounts such as CREF Money Market, because Traditional in RA/GRA would not provide me the liquidity to revert back to TREA. Going forward, I will no longer be investing in TREA. In any case I would hit the $150,000 limit (which I pr...
by mudfud
Wed Aug 02, 2023 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Car Should I Buy If Money Were No Object?
Replies: 116
Views: 14139

Re: What Car Should I Buy If Money Were No Object?

Volvo S90 if looking for a sedan. XC90 for an SUV.
by mudfud
Wed May 17, 2023 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1376
Views: 167246

Re: Received unsolicited package from another country - SCAM - what should I do

RetireSoon90 wrote: Wed May 17, 2023 1:24 pm [Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

I received a package from the county TUVALU. It contained earrings that I did not order. The package was addressed with my name, address and cell number and it went through customs CN22 and states "sale of goods". I assume this is some kind of scam and am concerned that someone has my personal information. Thoughts on what I should do? I feel that I should return it? Not sure how much that will help. TIA!
Check this out: https://www.reddit.com/r/Scams/comments ... _funafuti/
by mudfud
Tue Feb 28, 2023 10:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Gain--Really!
Replies: 70
Views: 19782

Re: 100% Gain--Really!

Source It says more about how far RSV fell than how well it did. From inception of RSV to date, you would have made more money in VBR, the Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index ETF, than you would have in RSV. And you would have made more money in VTI, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, than in either of them. Certainly, if you could have called the exact bottom with high precision, by skill or luck, you could have made a fortune. But for most of us, it would have been better to just stick with Total Stock. Indeed. RZV fell a dizzying 75% from the date of its inception to the March 2009 lows. For those who wanted a Fama-French deep small value tilt, RZV was one way to achieve that back then (outside of DFA funds). The volatility, of cour...
by mudfud
Tue Feb 28, 2023 9:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Gain--Really!
Replies: 70
Views: 19782

Re: 100% Gain--Really!

Earlier this month RZV (Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value ETF) was nearly up 1000% from its March 2009 lows. Currently up 902%. Anyone still holding RZV from back in the day?
by mudfud
Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs
Replies: 65
Views: 12162

Re: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs

anon_investor wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 10:06 pm Since Vanguard only shows 7 day yields, the current yield is significantly lower. Based on 1 day yields for similar funds (Fidelity, Blackrock, etc.) it is very like the current yield is closer to 3%.
Excellent point. The actual daily yield fluctuations are even higher than the 7-day figures. The VMSXX TEY is likely already below VUSXX for all brackets.
by mudfud
Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs
Replies: 65
Views: 12162

Re: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs

VMSXX has begun its fall, now at 3.66% compared to 3.76% a couple of days ago. Still excellent TEY yield in higher brackets, but stepper drops coming up if past patterns hold.
by mudfud
Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs
Replies: 65
Views: 12162

Re: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs

VMSXX has begun its fall, now at 3.66% compared to 3.76% a couple of days ago. Still excellent TEY yield in higher brackets, but stepper falls coming up if past patterns hold.
by mudfud
Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Phishing Email
Replies: 25
Views: 7998

Re: Vanguard Phishing Email

DW received one of these today, after two voice mail messages over the past few weeks. We have had no recent contact or requests from VG. Note we are not Flagship and never have been. Anyone else get these recently? Looks like legit solicitation by VG to me. Got the same exact email today. Followed by a phone call. Probably legitimate, but I never respond to these solicitations anyway. Vanguard_RSG <Vanguard_RSG@vanguard.com> Dear XXXXXX, Thank you for your interest in Vanguard. I specialize in helping clients explore what Vanguard has to offer. As a sales consultant, I can be a temporary point of contact to assist you as you consider your advice and investment needs at Vanguard. To get you started, I’ve included two shortcuts to our webpa...
by mudfud
Sat Feb 18, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs
Replies: 65
Views: 12162

Re: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs

VMSXX now at 3.74%. Looks like this peak is bigger than the previous one. The fall may start by next week.
by mudfud
Tue Feb 14, 2023 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs
Replies: 65
Views: 12162

Re: VMSXX seems to be beating all taxable equivalent MMFs

The 7-day SEC yield for VMSXX is now back up to 3.19%
by mudfud
Sat Aug 17, 2019 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Got robbed in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?
Replies: 56
Views: 10279

Re: Got mugged in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?

Not trying to be contentious, just my factual question still isn't answered. I don't understand 'hashed and salted' either. I'm not trying to be contentious, just want somebody to explain explicitly with no assumptions I know stuff I might not know, how would my passwords be discovered by somebody who steals my phone when I don't store them on my phone? It depends on how accounts are set up, but many can be accessed on a phone without having to renter a password. Again, as I mentioned I think twice so far, I was just wondering why OP was focused on *passwords*. I though there might be a simple reason I was missing. Lack of any responses really on point to my question leads me to think maybe there isn't a good reason. I still can't think of...
by mudfud
Mon Aug 05, 2019 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Got robbed in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?
Replies: 56
Views: 10279

Re: Got mugged in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?

Not trying to be contentious, just my factual question still isn't answered. I don't understand 'hashed and salted' either. I'm not trying to be contentious, just want somebody to explain explicitly with no assumptions I know stuff I might not know, how would my passwords be discovered by somebody who steals my phone when I don't store them on my phone? As far as some other loophole that allows somebody with my cellphone number and email address to possibly get into my accounts *without* my PW's, I get that that's possible, maybe not so unlikely in some cases but pretty unlikely in the cases I'd really worry about. And there's no case where you have zero exposure. But again I'm stuck on passwords specifically. OP said they'd change *passwo...
by mudfud
Sat Jul 13, 2019 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Got robbed in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?
Replies: 56
Views: 10279

Re: Got mugged in London...Phone stolen...what else do I need to do?

Not trying to be contentious, just my factual question still isn't answered. I don't understand 'hashed and salted' either. I'm not trying to be contentious, just want somebody to explain explicitly with no assumptions I know stuff I might not know, how would my passwords be discovered by somebody who steals my phone when I don't store them on my phone? As far as some other loophole that allows somebody with my cellphone number and email address to possibly get into my accounts *without* my PW's, I get that that's possible, maybe not so unlikely in some cases but pretty unlikely in the cases I'd really worry about. And there's no case where you have zero exposure. But again I'm stuck on passwords specifically. OP said they'd change *passwo...
by mudfud
Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82119

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

A remarkable man of great integrity, who did so much, for so many. What a wonderful life!
by mudfud
Mon May 28, 2018 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422040

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

bling wrote: Mon May 28, 2018 2:48 pm
mudfud wrote: Mon May 28, 2018 2:07 pm
bling wrote: Sat May 26, 2018 8:00 am anywho, you pushed to me do the math. based on my spending patterns, after accounting for annual fees and assuming a 1.5x redemption factor, CSR+CFU gives me 2.75% effective cashback, vs CSR+BoAPR which gives me 2.81%.

if i bump the factor to 1.7 (pretty easy with southwest flights), it becomes CSR+CFU=3.15% vs CSR+BoA=3.02%. tack on the bonus 5% spend from the freedom and UR points still come out on top for me.
Could you please go through your calculations—how do you get 2.75% effective cash back with CSR+CFU?
Thanks,
Mud
travel/restaurants gets you 3x points, *1.5 = 4.5% equivalent cashback. combine that with miscellaneous spending, which is 1.5x1.5=2.25%, and you'll get a number in between.
Got it, thanks,
Mud
by mudfud
Mon May 28, 2018 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1422040

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

bling wrote: Sat May 26, 2018 8:00 am anywho, you pushed to me do the math. based on my spending patterns, after accounting for annual fees and assuming a 1.5x redemption factor, CSR+CFU gives me 2.75% effective cashback, vs CSR+BoAPR which gives me 2.81%.

if i bump the factor to 1.7 (pretty easy with southwest flights), it becomes CSR+CFU=3.15% vs CSR+BoA=3.02%. tack on the bonus 5% spend from the freedom and UR points still come out on top for me.
Could you please go through your calculations—how do you get 2.75% effective cash back with CSR+CFU?
Thanks,
Mud
by mudfud
Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sally Mae money market: any experiences? (looking to store cash)
Replies: 6
Views: 1069

Re: Sally Mae money market: any experiences? (looking to store cash)

I like the Sallie Mae money market account because I can write checks directly (if necessary-I've not used this feature yet) without the delay of ACH transfer to a checking account.
by mudfud
Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your bond allocation when you were 48
Replies: 125
Views: 11742

Re: Your bond allocation when you were 48

42% bonds, 48% stocks, 10% TIAA-RE
by mudfud
Thu Jan 04, 2018 11:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 167
Views: 20190

Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2018 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

2365.61
Also posted on Google Forms.
by mudfud
Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dollar Savings Direct lowers rate AGAIN
Replies: 70
Views: 18101

Re: Dollar Savings Direct lowers rate AGAIN

After a long period of non-competitive savings rates, Dollar Savings Direct leaped back into the fray around April 2017.

Currently offering 1.5% APY.
by mudfud
Thu Dec 28, 2017 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Re: Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund

I went to the websites of each organization and I found a "donate by mail" or similar link. These links provided all necessary information such as Event ID, Participant ID, and so on. This gives me confidence that the donation will be credited correctly.

On another note (for those considering a DAF), Fidelity Charitable makes it very easy to donate if you have a Fidelity Brokerage. The contribution wizard chose the mutual fund lots with the highest appreciation (for me, those from March 2009) and the entire process of funding the account took 2 minutes.

Thanks again for the replies,

Mud
by mudfud
Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Re: Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund

I appreciate all the replies.

The link above has the following passage:

"Some uses require that Fidelity Charitable do additional research to ensure the grant can be made from your Giving Account.
Membership
Charity Event — not attending
Race, run, walk"

I usually sponsor about a dozen individuals each year as they run for the ACS, AHA, and other charitable organizations. Has anyone successfully made a Fidelity DAF donation in similar circumstances, with the funds going to a specific individual's fundraising page?

Thanks again,
Mud
by mudfud
Mon Dec 25, 2017 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?
Replies: 266
Views: 30944

Re: Do you see a meaningful change in your income with new Tax Bill?

We would see a large decrease in taxes, about 4% of our AGI. We will no longer be paying AMT, and this accounts for about 1%. The other 3% comes from changes in the tax brackets.
by mudfud
Mon Dec 25, 2017 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need to open HSA account and IRA before the end of the year. Possible?
Replies: 23
Views: 2104

Re: Need to open HSA account and IRA before the end of the year. Possible?

Before you open an HSA, please do provide more info on the type of health insurance plan, the deductibles and how you get the insurance (through employer or self employed). This will help in making sure that you do it right the first time. As for IRA, are you eligible for Trad IRA? Roth IRA doesnt save you taxes this year. We have high deductibles. $7.000 per person. $14.000 per family. Our insurance is My blue. Florida Blue. We are self employed. As for HSA, we are planning on using our savings on medical bills. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a $14,000 per family deductible is too high to qualify your coverage for an HSA. Maximum family out-of-pocket must be $13,100 or less in 2017. Not all high deductible plans qualify for HSAs....
by mudfud
Mon Dec 25, 2017 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund
Replies: 7
Views: 1386

Question about Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund

I often contribute to fundraising campaigns such as the American Cancer Society/American Heart Association Walks. I make specific contributions to the pages of friends or relatives who are walking for a good cause. Can I use the Fidelity DAF to make contributions to specific fundraisers?

Thanks,
Mud
by mudfud
Sun Dec 24, 2017 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $5000 donor advised fund - fees seem awfully high
Replies: 21
Views: 3662

Re: $5000 donor advised fund - fees seem awfully high

letsgobobby wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 5:04 pm
mudfud wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 4:12 pm
letsgobobby wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:50 pm
As pointed out in another thread, the tax drag on an investment like Total Stock Market is around 0.6% per year for many investors, so there is no loss contributing taxable funds to a DAF. Plus, avoiding capital gains taxes is still a win.
Agree, but one can also avoid capital gains by directly donating appreciated stock to a charity, without having to set up a DAF.
true for those charities set up to accelt securities. many smaller ones aren’t.
Good point, thanks.
by mudfud
Sun Dec 24, 2017 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: $5000 donor advised fund - fees seem awfully high
Replies: 21
Views: 3662

Re: $5000 donor advised fund - fees seem awfully high

letsgobobby wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2017 2:50 pm
As pointed out in another thread, the tax drag on an investment like Total Stock Market is around 0.6% per year for many investors, so there is no loss contributing taxable funds to a DAF. Plus, avoiding capital gains taxes is still a win.
Agree, but one can also avoid capital gains by directly donating appreciated stock to a charity, without having to set up a DAF.
by mudfud
Sat Dec 23, 2017 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Donor Advised Fund (DAF) - Bunch Now - Easy (even easier than backdoor Roth)
Replies: 19
Views: 2279

Re: Donor Advised Fund (DAF) - Bunch Now - Easy (even easier than backdoor Roth)

For 2018 we'll still be subject to AMT, and as far as I can tell, charitable donations will still be deductible. That said, we will no longer be in the AMT phase out range, and so our marginal rate will be lower (and so slightly more value to donations in 2017)
by mudfud
Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else have problems with Fitbit products?
Replies: 19
Views: 1972

Re: Anyone else have problems with Fitbit products?

We got 2 Fitbit HRs last year, and both started with a blister, followed by separation of the band from the device. I contacted Fitbit, and since it was less one year, the devices were replaced under warranty.

But what would have happened if the devices failed after one year? I'm wondering if the warranty doubling (available with most credit cards) would have also gotten me the replacements.

I'm not aware of any changes Fitbit has made to address the band separation issue, so it may well happen again.

Mud
by mudfud
Fri Jul 07, 2017 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A good VISA card for Gas & Groceries?
Replies: 66
Views: 23621

Re: A good VISA card for Gas & Groceries?

Costco Visa does give you 4% on all gas purchases, not just at Costco, so something to consider.
by mudfud
Sun Apr 09, 2017 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: form 8606 basis question.
Replies: 30
Views: 2906

Re: form 8606 basis question.

I'm having a similar issue with TurboTax. This year I'm using TurboTax desktop, after having used TaxAct desktop the last few years. I have pesky $1 basis from 5 years ago that TaxAct carried forward on consecutive 8606s (Lines 2 and 14). Each year, my entire Traditional IRA was converted into a Roth, so the year-end balance was zero. Now TurboTax correctly imported data from TaxAct including the $1 basis which now appears on Lines 2 and 14 on the 2016 8606. But TurboTax also places the $1 on Line 23 of Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) as "Loss from total distribution of all traditional IRAs". This indicates that TurboTax does not want the basis to be carried over, but claimed as loss. Now in my case this doesn't change my taxes ...
by mudfud
Sun Apr 09, 2017 1:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: form 8606 basis question.
Replies: 30
Views: 2906

Re: form 8606 basis question.

I'm having a similar issue with TurboTax. This year I'm using TurboTax desktop, after having used TaxAct desktop the last few years. I have pesky $1 basis from 5 years ago that TaxAct carried forward on consecutive 8606s (Lines 2 and 14). Each year, my entire Traditional IRA was converted into a Roth, so the year-end balance was zero. Now TurboTax correctly imported data from TaxAct including the $1 basis which now appears on Lines 2 and 14 on the 2016 8606. But TurboTax also places the $1 on Line 23 of Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) as "Loss from total distribution of all traditional IRAs". This indicates that TurboTax does not want the basis to be carried over, but claimed as loss. Now in my case this doesn't change my taxes (...
by mudfud
Sat Feb 18, 2017 11:58 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY BOGLEHEADS FORUM
Replies: 69
Views: 15380

Re: HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY BOGLEHEADS FORUM

I do remember the heady early days--amazing that 10 years have passed already! A big thanks to "Phoenix" who started it all with "A Port in the Storm".

From Phoenix's inaugural post on February 19,2007:
Welcome to a new forum for Vanguard Diehards. This forum's purpose is to enable intelligent online conversation among those who call themselves Bogleheads and who use Vanguard's family of funds.
We are indebted to Alex Frakt and Larry Auton for running this forum and keeping it ad-free. Please support the forum by clicking on the Amazon link or by making a direct contribution.

Much thanks to all the wonderful administrators, moderators and contributors for their selfless work!

Best,
Mud
by mudfud
Mon Feb 13, 2017 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Audi Q7 Reliability
Replies: 79
Views: 33337

Re: Audi Q7 Reliability

One thing to consider (especially since this will be a surprise) is that the styling of the 2017 Q7 is very different from previous years. More sharp angles, the grill is different, more of a station wagon look. Some like it, some despise it.

Image
by mudfud
Sat Jan 21, 2017 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ok to pull plug and retire?
Replies: 52
Views: 10700

Re: ok to pull plug and retire?

The one thing that would give me pause is health insurance. Our ages are about the same, and we have enough monetary assets to retire. However, we are uneasy about a post-ACA-repeal world. What will happen to those with preexisting conditions?

Also, what will happen to the ban on lifetime maximums on health insurance benefits? If lifetime limits come back, health insurance would be nothing but a coupon for a couple of million dollars, with unlimited exposure beyond that. Of course, the odds of needing high insurance benefits are low, but the risks are real (being in the healthcare field, I'm acutely aware of these risks). This would be akin to not having umbrella coverage--no protection against small but potentially catastrophic risks.
by mudfud
Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:01 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member
Replies: 118
Views: 30571

Re: Sad News About a Respected Forum Member

Ole Meph has meant a lot to me for various reasons. All I can say is THANK YOU Ole Meph. Below I'm reproducing my post from December 7th, 2007 on this forum: "This is a tremendous forum, thanks to folks like Ole Meph. Everyone has their own stories about how they found the Diehards. For me it was through a Google search that led me to an incredibly insightful post by Ole Meph on the old forum. Ole Meph also gets credit for perhaps the most stirring piece of prose ever composed on any internet forum: http://www.diehards.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=16549#16549 Your land is not only part of your "net worth," it is also part of your total worth as a being traveling on this planet we call earth. From the dawn of time, for all living...
by mudfud
Fri Dec 30, 2016 11:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2016 Boglehead Contest Winners
Replies: 22
Views: 3359

Re: 2016 Boglehead Contest Winners

Missed again, but there's always next year! Happy to finish in the top ten, but still not as good as my second place finish in 2012. Now all I have to do is tweak my magic formula... :wink:
by mudfud
Thu Dec 29, 2016 12:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Gain--Really!
Replies: 70
Views: 19782

Re: 100% Gain--Really!

RZV (Rydex S&P Smallcap 600 Pure Value ETF) is now up about 670% from the March 2009 lows. Based on this article , it turns out that RZV is indeed the best performing non-leveraged ETF since the March 2009 bottom. In the early days of this forum, RZV was much discussed due to its small deep value characteristics; not so much now. Rank Security Return 1. Guggenheim S&P Smallcap 600 Pure Value ETF US:RZV 675.97% 2. Guggenheim S&P 500 Pure Value ETF US:RPV 634.88% 3. PowerShares Nasdaq Internet Portfolio US:PNQI 566.7% 4. Guggenheim S&P Midcap 400 Pure Value ETF US:RFV 560.06% 5. SPDR S&P Insurance ETF US:KIE 536.29% 6. First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund US:FDN 535.66% 7. Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer...
by mudfud
Mon Dec 05, 2016 3:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Gain--Really!
Replies: 70
Views: 19782

Re: 100% Gain--Really!

RZV (Rydex S&P Smallcap 600 Pure Value ETF) is now up about 670% from the March 2009 lows.
by mudfud
Tue Oct 18, 2016 12:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Ibond variable rate 2.76% on November 1st. Thoughts?
Replies: 87
Views: 23882

Re: New Ibond variable rate 2.76% on November 1st. Thoughts?

I will be buying my 2016 allocation after November 1.

What's interesting is that I-bonds have a "ratcheting" effect that becomes apparent when the overall inflation is close to zero. You get the upside when inflation is above zero for a six-month period, but not the downside when the rate is below zero (of course, if you have a higher fixed rate bond, this advantage diminishes or disappears).
by mudfud
Sun Jun 05, 2016 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Fidelity drops AmEx, Bank of America credit cards]
Replies: 289
Views: 65175

Re: [Fidelity drops AmEx, Bank of America credit cards]

ddd wrote:If you have an existing legacy card (e.g. from MBNA with 1.5% rebate), then you might not be getting a 2% replacement card from Elan.

"Q: Will there be any change to my current cash back percentage or rewards?

A: Your cash back percentage will be the same as it is today. Your new credit card will feature a wide range of great benefits: digital wallet; dedicated US based customer services; enhanced security features; and worldwide acceptance with Visa."
Yes, my 2% Fidelity Amex is being replaced by a 2% Elan Visa. My 1.5% Fidelity Visa is being replaced by a 1.5% Elan Visa. The second card is basically useless for me.
by mudfud
Sat May 14, 2016 1:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Universities rankings 25 to 75 - Highest priority
Replies: 65
Views: 7882

Re: Top 100 colleges - Highest priority

We do a group exercise during interview week and give the students a tough problem to solve and observe the group dynamic. Our students need to be able to critically think, prioritize, and have good interpersonal skills and empathy. My concern is that this approach would exclude students with Asperger Syndrome/high functioning autism, who have social skills deficits, but can nonetheless be incredibly gifted in many areas. Good examples are Vernon Smith, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Tim Page, music critic and Pulitzer Prize winner. (many others including Einstein are speculated to have Asperger's but never diagnosed). I'm involved with an elite program that trains physician-scientists. I struggle to convince the admission committee to co...
by mudfud
Fri May 13, 2016 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Universities rankings 25 to 75 - Highest priority
Replies: 65
Views: 7882

Re: Top 100 colleges - Highest priority

We do a group exercise during interview week and give the students a tough problem to solve and observe the group dynamic. Our students need to be able to critically think, prioritize, and have good interpersonal skills and empathy. My concern is that this approach would exclude students with Asperger Syndrome/high functioning autism, who have social skills deficits, but can nonetheless be incredibly gifted in many areas. Good examples are Vernon Smith, Nobel Laureate in Economics and Tim Page, music critic and Pulitzer Prize winner. (many others including Einstein are speculated to have Asperger's but never diagnosed). I'm involved with an elite program that trains physician-scientists. I struggle to convince the admission committee to co...
by mudfud
Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Factory Reset - Nexus 9
Replies: 4
Views: 637

Re: Factory Reset - Nexus 9

I did this for a Nexus 5. No change in OS, still Marshmallow.