I suggest you to BUY, but make your purchase with a global perspective.
The US based airlines are, in my opinion, the bottom of the barrel for international travel. I emphatically encourage you to break nationalistic barriers and discover what the other carrier options are out there for you.
I've fiend US carriers for the past two years and have experienced the most incredible customer service, welcoming staff and inflight comfort that I've ever experienced in air travel. The US based air service is embarrassing as well as extremely frustrating.
Respectfully,
WLPotts
Search found 60 matches
- Sat May 18, 2013 2:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Airfare keeps going up. Buy now or wait?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 4138
- Sat May 18, 2013 1:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What were the little things that led you to index investing?
- Replies: 60
- Views: 6104
Re: What were the little things that led you to index invest
A little of luck, that turned into greed, that ultimately turned towards knowledge. To the OP question, when I received a statement summary that deducted a 4.5% ER from a fund I elected to invest in. :oops: I got lucky in 1981 when I was introduced to Vanguard and investing as a youngster at 21 years of age. I didn't have enough investable money to be able to invest in any organization or fund at that time, but Vanguard allowed be start an account with a minimum amount of $1000.00. I was able to begin my start in investing with the STAR fund. As soon as I acquired the required minimum amounts to diversify into index funds I did so, since the difference in ER's was so much more reasonable. The education and support that Vanguard provided me ...
- Wed Jan 30, 2013 4:27 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How Can I Tell If My Dentist is Good One?
- Replies: 133
- Views: 22517
Re: How Can I Tell If My Dentist is Good One?
High Praises for Jerilynn's responses to this thread! All of the comments/statements that Jerilynn has posted on this topic has been "right on the money"! I too have experinced some of the previously described scenerios. Several of my 'favorite dentists' had sold their practices to others over my life experience. Very few of these transistions to other dental professionals have proved to serve me well. As a general client/patient, you really do not know how to evaluate or determine what a worthy dentist. Follow Jerilynn's advice as she had previously posted. That said, there are extremely well trained dental professional that operate outside of the USA. The services, training, and the professionalism of these practitioners has bee...
- Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:38 am
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Which Boglehead inactive member do you miss the most?
- Replies: 111
- Views: 14961
Re: Which Boglehead inactive member do you miss the most?
John Norstad and Eric Haas.
I haven't viewed any postings from either them since the ol' Morningstar Diehard days.
Fortunately, I had bookmarked some of their homepage referenced materials.
Norstad: http://www.norstad.org/finance/index.html
Haas: http://www.altruistfa.com/readingroom.htm
Warren P.
I haven't viewed any postings from either them since the ol' Morningstar Diehard days.
Fortunately, I had bookmarked some of their homepage referenced materials.
Norstad: http://www.norstad.org/finance/index.html
Haas: http://www.altruistfa.com/readingroom.htm
Warren P.
- Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:16 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Encouraging words of the day
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3170
Re: Encouraging words of the day
Today, I ate a nice lunch and jumped onto the 'proverbial' ship too! Hopefully, I won't loose either one of my efforts today!EmergDoc wrote:Yawn.....a 2% day was totally unremarkable in late 2008. I distinctly remember swings of 5%+, more in certain asset classes. The fact that this is the biggest drop all year says tons.
Best Regards,
Warren P.
- Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:35 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I need some advice on whether to rent my home to my daughter
- Replies: 30
- Views: 3426
Re: I need some advice on whether to rent my home to my daug
Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. I'm with the poster Muchtolearn! Don't do it Shane. In my opinion, you need to finacially protect your wife and yourself first and foremost. You both are entering the post-income/retirement phases of your lives. You need to protect yourselves first. In an effort to put this into perspective, I have a question for you. When you were married and just starting out, did you have a parent or an in-law that financed your housing, childcare and expenses or did the two of you have to make some decisions based upon your life situation? my daughter who is married with three children recently found out she was pregnant with the fourth.... They are currently in student housing paying about $900 per month, but...
- Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: are polarized sunglasses worth the extra $$?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 17349
Re: are polarized sunglasses worth the extra $$?
Gotta say ... I'm a triathlete and have gone through countless pairs of sunglasses, from priciest to rock bottom. About half were polarized. The polarized glasses did nothing for me. If anything,.. the non polarized were definitely better for that feature alone for cycling and running for me. I have two pairs for driving, and even now, I constantly think, "why the heck would someone pay 2x the cost for polarization, which causes no substantive improvement for me in what I see through the windshield?" I totally don't think it's worth the extra $$, and at least for me with running/cycling, I vastly prefer nonpolarized lenses ... Lightheir has a point, as a triathlete, the individual is comfortable with using non-polorized glasses f...
- Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Time Shares Investment or Black Hole
- Replies: 28
- Views: 3732
Re: Time Shares Investment or Black Hole
Hey, I represent that remark!HardKnocker wrote:Timeshares are for suckers.
I bought a one week timeshare in 1994, that cost me only $7k. Its term was for 18 years. The maintenance fees were $67 USD per year at that time, but over the years they have increased incrementally at an amazing rate. Last year the maintenance fee was $805 USD.
Beyond that the property has lost its luster and is now marginally maintained. I haven't used it in 5 years.
I haven't been able to sell the unit since there were so few years remaining on the agreement and I cannot walk-away without jeopardizing my credit or my ethic.
Anyone have a bridge for sale? Maybe interest in an old gold mine?
Sucker Number 1
- Thu Feb 16, 2012 3:26 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: I choose funds for company 401k
- Replies: 24
- Views: 1442
Re: I choose funds for company 401k
I am able to choose the funds that go into my company 401k. ... I really wanted to cover the big 4 that are espoused here. I also wanted to add TIPS, SCV and REIT. Here is what I am coming up with. Please let me know if I am making good choices: Intl: Fidelity Spartan International Index Fund (FSIIX)- er: .20 or American Beacon Intl Equity Index Fund (AIIX)- er: .21 TIPS: American Beacon Treasury Inflated Protected Security (ATPIX)- er: .26 Also could do PIMCO Real Return Funds REIT: Fidelity Spartan Real Estate Index Fund (FRXIX)- er: .26 Bonds: Fidelity Spartan US Bond Index Fund (FBIDX)- er: .22 SCV: Columbia Small Cap Index Fund (NMSCX)- er: .20 US: Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index Fund (FSTMX)- er: .10 I take this very seriously, s...
- Sun Feb 05, 2012 4:23 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How Much Do You Save?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 6519
Re: How Much Do You Save?
Another silly question in my opinion unless the posters would like to also state their actual gross income. It's one thing to save 50% of income if earning 1 million dollars a year, versus saving 50% of income if earning $30,000 a year. I think I'd be more interested in hearing from those that are saving 50% of income from the latter group and how they actually are achieving it. In addition, it would be helpful to know if those with extremely high savings rates have a mortgage, are renting, or are paying relatively nothing for where they hang their hat. Without other info, knowing someone's savings rate and the method behind it is kinda useless info. I agree 100%. This just shows that everyone's situation is different. People (even among B...
- Sun Jan 15, 2012 8:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Which Fund Should I Choose? Only $1k Initial.
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1706
Re: Which Fund Should I Choose? Only $1k Initial.
We currently have a 401k with Fidelity with about $18k. It has limited options. Here is how it breaks down: Spartan Total Market (FSTMX ER: .10): 50% ($9k) Diversified International (FDIVX ER: .90) only int available: 20% ($3600) Investment Grade Bond (FBNDX ER: .45) only bond available: 30% ($5400) So you seem to have decided on about a 70/30 allocation which seems appropriate given you are mid 30's. The Fidelity Spartan Total Market at 10 basis points seems to be a very attractive option within your 401(k). I would be tempted to come up with another $2000 and buy Total International Stock in my Vanguard Roth at 26 bps and sell FDIVX in the 401 (k). Overall allocation still at 50/20/30 based on $21K total: In 401(k): FSTMX $10500 FDIVX $1...
- Sat Jan 14, 2012 4:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Switching Vanguard funds within a Roth IRA
- Replies: 14
- Views: 10016
Re: Switching Vanguard funds within a Roth IRA
i started my vanguard roth with a target date fund at a 90/10 stock to bond split and when i found through reading and research that my ability to handle risk made a split closer to 70/30 more palatable i switched to my current target date fund. there were absolutely no issues, fees, or other problems doing so. i would recommend that you research the target date funds and consider choosing one with the allocation desirable to you, bearing in mind that it may or may not have the date you think it would in the name.... I am in agreement with the above quoted poster"itslate" and the reasoned approach. Many years ago, when I started my first IRA, it was extremely difficult for me to accumulate the minimum amount dollars required in o...
- Tue Jan 10, 2012 3:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: First year HSA question
- Replies: 4
- Views: 798
Re: First year HSA question
What are you planning to do with the HSA? Invest it or spend it on healthcare. If you're going to spend it, leave it with the employer option. If you're planning to invest it, might as well get started at HSA administrators. It's such a pain to move things around, I'd just start where you want to end up in the beginning. It only takes a 2.3% return to make up for the fees even at your low balances. After 2-3 years, they'll hardly be noticeable. I agree with EmergDoc. The hidden maintenance fees with many default HSA banks are frustrating. Please do not forget the fee for eventually transferring the funds is absurd. I too would recommend you just start with the providor that offers you the best options and fee structure that you want. One o...
- Sun Jan 08, 2012 2:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Should most people sell stock this year for lower tax rate?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3342
Re: Should most people sell stock this year for lower tax ra
Two more wrinkles when planning realization of capital gains over the next few years: the 3.8% surtax on capital gains that will begin in 2013 for those with higher income. you want to talk phaseouts - here's a biggie. The health care reform act will produce a "cliff" marginal rate situation due to the health insurance premium subsidy system phasing out at 400% of FPL . At a dollar under 400% of FPL your health insurance premiums are limited to a certain percentage of your income, a dollar more in income, the sky's the limit. Neither factor was mentioned in the wiki article cited earlier in this thread. I regret my ignorance, but I am what I am. The poster FinanceGeek referred to the acronym "FPL" in highlighted text ab...
- Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Death of Kings (Saxon Tales) by Bernard Cornwell
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1103
Re: Death of Kings (Saxon Tales) by Bernard Cornwell
I second grok87's recommendation and reiterate clevernames' thumbs-up on Bernard Cornwells' Saxon Tales series.
Great historical fiction reading combined with an exihilerating experience.
I started with his second book in the series "The Pale Horseman' while on a cruiseship. WOW, I was hooked.
You can look him up on an internet search. You'll also find his books at your local library.
Respectfully,
WLPotts
Great historical fiction reading combined with an exihilerating experience.
I started with his second book in the series "The Pale Horseman' while on a cruiseship. WOW, I was hooked.
You can look him up on an internet search. You'll also find his books at your local library.
Respectfully,
WLPotts
- Sun Jan 01, 2012 11:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: HSA Payroll Deduction and FICA
- Replies: 1
- Views: 566
Re: HSA Payroll Deduction and FICA
If your employer allows you to make the maximum HSA contribution at the beginning of the year over 1-2 checks and you lose your HDHP coverage (from a job loss, life event, etc) later in the year, what are the ramifications? Is this considered an excess contribution where the employer would be responsible for returning the money? I do not profess to know the laws applicable, but IMO, if you had elected to contribute to your HSA and you had exceeded the maximum qualified amount allowed, it is soley up to you report the excessive contribution. You might need to file a tax form to ammend your excessive qualified contribution. In my experience, it is not the company that bears the responsibilty of an employee elective deferral if the product is...
- Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: If you had to live somewhere beside USA, where would it be?
- Replies: 106
- Views: 9098
Re: If you had to live somewhere beside USA, where would it
Nitpicking yes, but if the USA suddenly became uninhabitable, economically non-viable, or I was thrown out, I would choose the countries* in the following order;If you had to live somewhere beside USA...
1. New Zealand, West Coast, North or South Island
2. Switzerland
3. Mexico, Pacific Coast
4. Thailand, Southern region
5. Western Australia, Perth
6. Portugal
7. Singapore
8. Norway, Southern
9. Austria
10. TBD
*Please note these choices are soley based upon my personal view and experiences and do not in any way negatively reflect view on other areas of our global community.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
- Sun Jan 01, 2012 8:07 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2012 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 408
- Views: 30766
Re: 2012 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST Guesstimate 1313.14
Lots of research on this..... 1313.14
Good luck to all.
Warren P.
Good luck to all.
Warren P.
- Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Long Term Care Insurance Quote, Please Review
- Replies: 73
- Views: 3995
Re: Long Term Care Insurance Quote, Please Review
Posters that have responded thus far have given superior responses and reasonings. They are, for the most part, right on! That said, something that poster "tc101" stated picqued my interest and motivation to further respond. Each and every one of us are in different real-life situations and realities. The decisions as well as the non-decisions that each of us should make toward our Long-Term care needs, in my opinion, needs to be thoughly considered and weighed upon on a multitude levels; for the person or persons being directly affected as well as the entire family or the loved ones that might also be affected by certain consequences. There are so many contributing factors to consider on whether or not to insure; let alone when t...
- Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:38 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Maxing out $16,500 in 401k question
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4138
Re: Maxing out $16,500 in 401k question
I would venture to guess .01%.
That said, I'm not a mathemetician, a fiduciary, a fund manager or an investment advisor, but I'll bet there is a representative of your 401K that will indicate that there is a higher minimum percentage. This is because they ALWAYS get a piece of your money that you put in. If you don't put it in, they don't get their piece of of your money.
That said, I'm not a mathemetician, a fiduciary, a fund manager or an investment advisor, but I'll bet there is a representative of your 401K that will indicate that there is a higher minimum percentage. This is because they ALWAYS get a piece of your money that you put in. If you don't put it in, they don't get their piece of of your money.
- Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Steam Room or Sauna?
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1596
Re: Steam Room or Sauna?
Ahh, another challenging and controversial question to this elite group of successful investors?
Being that this question is presented to a demographic which is supposed to be guided by the investing advice inspired by Jack Bogle, I would venture to guess that it would be better to invest in an index which reflects each of the intrinsic attributes and not sweat the occassional RTM.
Being that this question is presented to a demographic which is supposed to be guided by the investing advice inspired by Jack Bogle, I would venture to guess that it would be better to invest in an index which reflects each of the intrinsic attributes and not sweat the occassional RTM.
- Thu Aug 18, 2011 3:32 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I buy a second home in Vt?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 11860
I've owned an income multi-family property in Central Vermont for 20+ years now. I live in California now and have been here for 12 years.
Vermont property has worked out well for me financially over the years and it's wonderful to get back there occassionaly and enjoy the intrinsic benefits too.
If you find the right circumstances that will work for you, go for it! It's 3000 miles away for me, so a few hours for you maybe a drop in the ol' bucket.
Go Woodchucks!
WarrenP.
If you're seeking specific advice on VT, just IM me.
Vermont property has worked out well for me financially over the years and it's wonderful to get back there occassionaly and enjoy the intrinsic benefits too.
If you find the right circumstances that will work for you, go for it! It's 3000 miles away for me, so a few hours for you maybe a drop in the ol' bucket.
Go Woodchucks!
WarrenP.
If you're seeking specific advice on VT, just IM me.
- Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Earthquake Insurance $300/yr, worth it?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 7383
I would suggest that you also request obtaining additional quotes that would take into consideration;
1. A lower deductable
2. A lesser amount of gross payout
3. An increase in the temporary relocation benefits Ie. Max $ for housing, term of benefit period, immediate access to funds for relocation expenses, etc.
4. Getting competing quotes from other insurers.
5. Consider preparing an evacuation plan that takes into consideration that the San Diego area may very well be without roads, railways, water, electric, communications, emergency response systems, hospitals, and that the area in general might end up being in a state of emergency.
Hope this helps!
Warren P.
1. A lower deductable
2. A lesser amount of gross payout
3. An increase in the temporary relocation benefits Ie. Max $ for housing, term of benefit period, immediate access to funds for relocation expenses, etc.
4. Getting competing quotes from other insurers.
5. Consider preparing an evacuation plan that takes into consideration that the San Diego area may very well be without roads, railways, water, electric, communications, emergency response systems, hospitals, and that the area in general might end up being in a state of emergency.
Hope this helps!
Warren P.
- Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:41 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Strategy to Compensate for HSA With Poor Investment Options
- Replies: 25
- Views: 4052
I'm with Grabiner, It's your money in the HSA. You can have multiple accounts and move money to any institution you select. I chose HSAadministrators since they have Vanguard mutual fund investment options with no surcharges. (READ: No-load and low costs)grabiner wrote:Nutella Junkie wrote:I agree on all counts. But don't hold your breath waiting for a large bank to offer "good low cost investment options."
grabiner wrote:You don't need to stay with Chase; you can move your HSA to a different custodian just as you do with an IRA....
- Fri Jun 17, 2011 5:57 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ideas for Maine Vacation
- Replies: 41
- Views: 5154
Gatorman, A couple of quick points for your travels to Maine. - If your traveling during the summer months, there is heavy traffic along coastal routes, so plan to travel accordingly. - Acadia Nat. Park (Bar Harbor) is nice, but crowded and extremely congested during the summer high times. - Since you have indicated that you have mobility issues, I suggest you consider a sailing experience along the coast, a ferry visit to some of the more remote islands, or perhaps even plan a camping experience at one of many interior lakes, maybe even a bed & breakfast, if you don't want to be burdened with the hassle of camping equipment. Bottom line, the Maine experience is about nature and the natural world. Don't try to conquer the world (state) ...
- Wed May 04, 2011 2:19 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Are Reits considered Stock or Bonds or What
- Replies: 25
- Views: 11710
Re: stocks
REITS are stocks. Direct Real Estate (such as TIAA real estate annuity) is a hybrid between stock-like and bond-like. Properties with long term leases (say buildings with long term government contracts) are bond like. Properties with short term rentals (hotels etc) are more stock like as they are more subject to the vagaries of the economy and rents will fluctuate accordingly. REITS are leveraged vehicles for investing in real estate. So the leverage sort of cancels out the bond like part of real estate- and you are left with a stock like instrument. cheers, Grok87, Thank you for offering your position on this subject. Your contributions are always well recieved and well respected. My frustration with this issue is to how one constructs an...
- Sat Apr 30, 2011 4:07 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tempur-Pedic Mattress, is it worth it?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 12888
I decided that I wanted to go with the memory foam option, but did not want to invest $1200 bucks+ for the name brand product. I opted for an Overstock.com 11" memory foam mattress that cost $2.00 for delivery and was 1/3rd the price.
It's been the best sleep that I've gotten for years. That said, at the bargain price that I had paid for it, it allows me to sleep-in longer since I don't have to get up earlier and go to work in order to pay for what the name brand product was demanding.
zzzzzz....
Warren P.
It's been the best sleep that I've gotten for years. That said, at the bargain price that I had paid for it, it allows me to sleep-in longer since I don't have to get up earlier and go to work in order to pay for what the name brand product was demanding.
zzzzzz....
Warren P.
- Fri Apr 08, 2011 12:07 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Average amount saved for retirement by age
- Replies: 148
- Views: 40585
Re: Average amount saved for retirement by age
I've read a number of articles about the average amount an individual has saved for retirement by age .... ...I'll admit that I've been doing this to find out how much I'm ahead of the pack and to rid myself of any dismay coming from the possibility of not saving enough for an early retirement...! Would anyone like to comment these numbers? Hi Drew, I'll comment. In my experience I would encourage you to forget the pursuit of age versus accumulated savings comparisons. None of the results from these statisical purportions will you find any solice. Importantly, they are not relevant to your situation in life now; nor do they recognize your specific realities of your future circumstance. There are many rescources discussed and available here...
- Fri Mar 18, 2011 4:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Ethical Question
- Replies: 37
- Views: 5661
Re: Ethical Question
In my opinion, if you have accepted the monies, the ethical thing to do is to make the repair happen since that is what the payment is for. If you decide not to have the repairs done and keep the money as a personal gain then that is another matter.Bigfoothunter wrote:I had a car hit...the accident caused minimal damage of about $1,000. and then insurance adjuster ... provides another estimate and check directly to me.
It is ethical for me to keep the money and not get my car fixed?
You might want to consider what the ethical and morally responsible thing to do is when you place a resale value on the vehicle.
Respectfully,
WLP
- Sun Mar 13, 2011 1:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Of the big four banks, which is the best?
- Replies: 36
- Views: 6475
I have banked with with BofA for the past 13 years. I opened a saftey Deposit Box in 2004. The bank offered it for free as a benefit for customers with premium balance accounts. I've gone into the box twice othe rthe course of the years since I had opened the box. This past Thursday I decided to check on the contents of the safety Deposit Box. The bank branch teller responded by saying that they have no record of me me having a safety deposit box or do they have a card record with my name. I have the keys and the origonal envelope with the account and box number identified, but they contest the validity since they have no records. They state that someone else owns the box since the keys are stamped with box code and do not match my name and...
- Sun Aug 01, 2010 5:22 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Q&A WITH JACK BOGLE AT BOGLEHEADS 9
- Replies: 31
- Views: 9069
Jack,
As a stalwart of the small investor, what is your opinion on the worlds demographic shift going forward? Since many post-war developed industrialized countries will be undergoing declines in GDP output and aging populations, how will this affect the investor going forward? Should investors re-evalute their perspectives or maybe even their portfolios?
Thank you,
Warren Potts
As a stalwart of the small investor, what is your opinion on the worlds demographic shift going forward? Since many post-war developed industrialized countries will be undergoing declines in GDP output and aging populations, how will this affect the investor going forward? Should investors re-evalute their perspectives or maybe even their portfolios?
Thank you,
Warren Potts
- Sun Mar 14, 2010 4:37 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Traditional vs Roth vs 401k
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4065
Concerns: Roth 401K expenses versus Individual Roth Expenses
Just to throw another consideration into the mix, I would suggest that persons determine and understand the possibilty of any additional total expense implications of an employer sponsored Roth 401K versus an individual Roth account. With my company's Roth 401K plan participation, I am subjected to the limitations of the plan's investment options. These limited fund options are controlled by the company and the options that available within the company's selected investment provider. Further, the available fund options are more expensive than those offered on the free market and, most likely, they may contain additional hidden expenses that will be passed onto the participants that contribute to the plan. Research before you invest! Warren P.
- Thu Oct 01, 2009 4:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Nantucket/Marthas Vineyeard/Cape Cod
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2906
It's the best time to visit the Islands! Skip Cape Cod and go to Martha's Vineyard first. You will be able enjoy the real NE island life from the heart without the impediment of the cape's medeocrity. You can reserve your car ferry transit to Martha's Vineyard in advance and be able to to have mobility while visiting Island. Do not take your vehicle to Nantucket as it is not be finanacially feasible and probably impractical. Take the ferry from MV to Nantucket for an overnight or the day. Book yourself into one of the Captains Inn's and enjoy the downtown of Nantucket proper. If you want to come back to visit, be prepared to spend alot of money and enjoy the experience. Return to Martha's Vineyard and transit back to the mainland. Warren P.
- Sat Mar 21, 2009 2:31 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: I Bonds--Uncharted Territory
- Replies: 31
- Views: 6644
I think I-Bonds are a useless investment because of the small amount that can be purchased in any one year. I recognize you opinion on this investment option because of your personal situation and your user name, but not all of us are in your accumulated wealth bracket or your stage in life. I also recognize that you may have accumulated some substantial assets and the annual limits may inhibit your portfolio balancing. That said, I feel your post is providing a dis-service to others who may potentially benefit from this investment option as they build their portfolios and their diversification options in their accumulatiion of assets. Your assertion that it is a "useless investment" is self-serving and not entirely accurate. It ...
- Sat Oct 25, 2008 6:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: JACK BOGLE'S NEW BOOK GIVEAWAY
- Replies: 163
- Views: 34471
I admire Jack
I admire Jack Bogle because he embodies the character trait of genuine personal integrity. In these times there are few people who stand-up for what they believe in, hold their princples true through and through, treat others with dignity, respect and compassion, and selflessly serve the greater good for all. Since childhood Jack Bogle defied and overcame economic, academic, philisophical obstacles to bring to the world a vision of fairness to the investment community. I admire and respect Jack Bogle on other levels of achievment and for other exceptional attributes of personal character, but his committment of self-integrity as an unwavering stalwart with principle and purpose is the most admirable attribute of Jack Bogle in my view. Warre...
- Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Bogleheads- San Diego Reunion! Here we come.............
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1947
WEATHER WARNING for all SAN DIEGO attendees!
The weather is predicted to be much colder than normal. The forcast is for temperatures to be 71.5 degrees rather than the normal seasonal temperature of 72 degrees.
Distinct possibilty of excessively sunny days and warm breezes. There is a 90% chance of incredible sunsets in the west, so be sure to prepare for these incredibly usual events.
If you need more SD info go to www.sandiego.org as the site has a wealth of local information. Be sure to use the search box
If there are maritime enthusiasts and sailing fanatics, be sure to go www.sdmaritime.org or contact me.
Respectfully,
Warren Potts
The weather is predicted to be much colder than normal. The forcast is for temperatures to be 71.5 degrees rather than the normal seasonal temperature of 72 degrees.
Distinct possibilty of excessively sunny days and warm breezes. There is a 90% chance of incredible sunsets in the west, so be sure to prepare for these incredibly usual events.
If you need more SD info go to www.sandiego.org as the site has a wealth of local information. Be sure to use the search box
If there are maritime enthusiasts and sailing fanatics, be sure to go www.sdmaritime.org or contact me.
Respectfully,
Warren Potts
- Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:52 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Jim Rogers not happy
- Replies: 23
- Views: 7301
Brad, I believe he has already made his money and probably has won too.I can't think of any rationale ...having already established his short position, that's why he's complaining so bitterly about the bailout, because now there's no way he can win.
Best wishes,
Brad
Could it be that his assertions of the Gov't psuedo-bailout of Fannie and Freddie were well founded and that it is not all about HIS money?
Disclosure: I am of the opinion that a fair portion of what he purports in media releases is founded upon basic economics and not necessarily in self gain or self serving interests.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
- Thu Jun 12, 2008 3:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What are you doing to counter gas prices?
- Replies: 72
- Views: 14229
- Sun Apr 06, 2008 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: HELP: Cant refinance HELOC - Use low rate credit cards?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3729
WARNING:
If you do take the CC'd transfer, the $99 fee and all subsequent interest charges will accumulate at the the default interest rate charged by the card. This can add up over time.
Also, be sure you do not have any reoccuring charges or bill payments on the card. They too will be charged at your default interest rate. Any payments that you make over the life of the card balance will be attributed only to the lowest billed percentage rate balance items first, so all of those combined default interest charges will continue to rack up on your bill and compound.
Hope this helps!
Warren P.
If you do take the CC'd transfer, the $99 fee and all subsequent interest charges will accumulate at the the default interest rate charged by the card. This can add up over time.
Also, be sure you do not have any reoccuring charges or bill payments on the card. They too will be charged at your default interest rate. Any payments that you make over the life of the card balance will be attributed only to the lowest billed percentage rate balance items first, so all of those combined default interest charges will continue to rack up on your bill and compound.
Hope this helps!
Warren P.
- Sat Jan 12, 2008 2:38 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How did you feel when 15K you contributed into 401K was gone
- Replies: 26
- Views: 6154
I learned from Diehards years ago to not look at my investment dollar balances. I've found that I enjoy the comfort and confidence in the acqusition of additional shares. ( Of course I'm in the accululation stage and my IPS reflects my risk/return objectives)
Change your perspective!
15K is not lost money until you loose site of your plan objective by panic selling.
Yours,
Warren P.
Change your perspective!
15K is not lost money until you loose site of your plan objective by panic selling.
Yours,
Warren P.
- Sat Jan 12, 2008 1:58 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Should I contribute to my HSA?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2448
Hello Met, Firstly I do not know your financial state other than what you have indicated, but you should be able to contribute up to a total of $2850.00 if you are single. This means $1500.00 employer + $1350.00 your contribution= maximum 2008 HSA contribution. You should be able to contribute through your employer with a pre-tax deduction rather than after tax dollars. This voluntary deduction directed to your HSA account will immediately save you Fed tax and I believe in many states, state tax on the $1350.00. I will have > $1,500 in medical bills this year due to Invisalign, however should I not touch it so it can grow tax free? If you want to pay the expected health expense of $1500.00 from your HSA, the remaining balance will still gro...
- Wed Jan 09, 2008 11:41 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fidelity Says Additional Disclosure Will Confuse
- Replies: 25
- Views: 5456
- Mon Jan 07, 2008 10:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 401k Investment Timing
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3302
FISH Wrote:
Respectfully,
Warren P.
I too have Principal. I called them to confirm the same scenario at the end of the year. It is true that if the contibution was made for 2007 contributions, it is applied to 2007 and NOT 2008 even if was recieved in or posted 2008.If the money was payroll-deducted in 2007, it will show as a 2007 contribution, even though the money may not reach your account until 2008.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
- Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fidelity Says Additional Disclosure Will Confuse
- Replies: 25
- Views: 5456
nisiprius, I couldn't access your fund options at 401k.com as each company plan has variable expenses that are negotiated by the company and the plan sponsor. They are hidden to use unless we have a plan account passsword and access. I've never bothered to double-check closely, but I believe that a contribution of $X shows up as a fund purchase that has a displayed market value of exactly $X on the day the contribution is made. I admit that I've just assumed that the market value of a share of (say) FTSMX in my 401(k) is exactly the same as the market value of a share of FTSMX in my rollover IRA. Or am I wrong about both of these things? If we're just talking about expense ratios, Fidelity's disclosure of these in my employer's plan seems a...
- Fri Jan 04, 2008 3:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Wedding ceremony fee based reverends
- Replies: 22
- Views: 4527
Suggestion...
As another poster relayed a variety of scenarios that does happen on wedding days.
My suggestion is to research bridal/wedding associations in your area. There numerous resources within these organizations for you to get feedback and referrals on reputable officiates.
More often the case of reality is NOT the officiate appearance, but rather what happens if you or your beloved gets cold feet and no shows?
Disclosure: I'm a wedding planner.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
My suggestion is to research bridal/wedding associations in your area. There numerous resources within these organizations for you to get feedback and referrals on reputable officiates.
More often the case of reality is NOT the officiate appearance, but rather what happens if you or your beloved gets cold feet and no shows?
Disclosure: I'm a wedding planner.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
- Fri Jan 04, 2008 2:48 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: ROI Question
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1495
My view on this subject is that a comany match is just a contribution that you record as if it was your own personal contribution.
If I were just starting out investing and contributed $1000.00 and recieved a 50% match, would my automatic return be 50% in a constant market? No! It is $1500 that has been invested on by behalf.
Of course I would probably be fee'd to death over the term. :lol:
If I were just starting out investing and contributed $1000.00 and recieved a 50% match, would my automatic return be 50% in a constant market? No! It is $1500 that has been invested on by behalf.
Of course I would probably be fee'd to death over the term. :lol:
- Thu Jan 03, 2008 2:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: One More HSA Question
- Replies: 1
- Views: 999
***Copied from a PM for everyone to share.*** I'm not an advisor or CPA, but I believe you can contribute your taxed dollars up to the limit. That limit depends upon whether you are contributing for a family or an individual. Please note that after the employer makes a contribution to your account to whoever they by default have selected, the monies are yours to transfer, rollover, or to use for your qualified expenses. I save mine! You may have multiple HSA banking/investment accounts, but to me it seems a bit cumbersome. Especially when some institutions will offer economies of scale on your balances. (larger balances dismisses or reduces investment fees per acount. Miniumum balances may incurr less yield or service charges) Each institut...
- Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Long time homeowners, please drop a pearl of wisdom or two
- Replies: 60
- Views: 16191
Hi Sunny,
Be sure to get an additional Umbrella Policy that covers personal liabilty issues!
This is not soley a homeownership issue, but it REALLY should be required as a family man that has any assets, especially one with real property.
There are people out there that may want your assets. Protect yourself.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
Be sure to get an additional Umbrella Policy that covers personal liabilty issues!
This is not soley a homeownership issue, but it REALLY should be required as a family man that has any assets, especially one with real property.
There are people out there that may want your assets. Protect yourself.
Respectfully,
Warren P.
- Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2008 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
- Replies: 317
- Views: 85029
- Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:25 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: why do they make 401k fees so trival and hard to understand?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 3140
It's apples to oranges to sardines. Here is an example from one of my 401K fund options and the variable realities that are disclosed to our participants. Fund ------------------------------------------ Fund Code ------- Gross ER Russell LifePoints® Growth Strategy R3 Fund --- RALDX --- 1.98% Explaination of Gross ER- Total Investment Expense What is the Total Investment Expense - Gross? Total Investment Expense Gross is the maximum expense ratio that can be applied to an investment option. This includes expenses and management fees, including 12b-1 fees, administrative fees, and all other asset-based costs incurred by the investment option, except brokerage costs. What is the Total Investment Expense - Net? Total Investment Expense Net is ...