Search found 156 matches

by jms969
Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX) in Taxable or Tax Deferred?
Replies: 4
Views: 3329

My asset allocation includes a percentage of both the the Energy and precious metals funds.

The precious metals fund will go in my tax deferred account and I have room to put the energy fund in either account.

I don't presently hold either of these funds (because of valuation). Valuation is now making them attractive and I will be acquiring both (I understand that basing fund purchases on valuation is not the boglehead way, but I would consider myself only about 50% boglehead anyway).

I have a bit more analysis to do but will check back in with my decision...
by jms969
Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX) in Taxable or Tax Deferred?
Replies: 4
Views: 3329

Thanks for your input, very good info. I am really looking for a very simple thought on the energy fund (I do not invest using ETFs) as to taxable or tax deferred. I fully realize that it is portfolio and situation depndent. I am just wanting thoughts on relative tax efficiency.

JMS
by jms969
Mon Nov 17, 2008 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX) in Taxable or Tax Deferred?
Replies: 4
Views: 3329

Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX) in Taxable or Tax Deferred?

What are your thoughts on where to to put the Vanguard Energy Fund (VGENX), in Taxable or Tax Deferred accounts?

Thanks,

JMS
by jms969
Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Back-testing software
Replies: 3
Views: 1195

Re: Back-testing software

jegallup wrote:Are there available software tools that will let you look at a given portfolio of mutual funds or stocks to see what its performance has been over user-defined periods in the past? I've tried Googling this topic but can't find the right search string. Free software or spreadsheets would be nice, but I'd be willing to pay something as well.

I'm a fairly new member so must apologize if this has been asked and answered before.
Simba has a fantastic backtesting model... I think it is hosted at Gummy's site...
by jms969
Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Meltdown scenario questions
Replies: 6
Views: 2764

Thought I would resurrect this thread from one year ago :)
by jms969
Thu Sep 04, 2008 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice on how to best invest $116,000...
Replies: 61
Views: 7920

Ok here ya go...

For now drop it into the Vanguard Money Market Prime money market fund. Do some research as to what your proper asset allocation should be and then redeploy the funds at that point.

Good luck,

JMS
by jms969
Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop dead very best recipe
Replies: 44
Views: 9839

I grew up in Texas and my favorite is Lemon Chess Pie!!!

I will dig out the recipe and post it soon...
by jms969
Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Medallion signature guarantee
Replies: 24
Views: 23620

Re: Medallion signature guarantee

nonnie wrote:I recall discussions of this in the past but my search didn't find any suggested solutions. A good friend needs a medallion guarantee. His bank, Wells Fargo, refused saying they only do it for their own documents. His broker, Ameritrade says they don't do it. What on earth is he supposed to do? Any suggestions?

thanks,
Nonnie
I bank at wells also and they have done it anytime I needed it. The person that you are talking to does not know what they are talking about...
by jms969
Mon May 19, 2008 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Corolla'97: New brakes and brake fluid flush
Replies: 14
Views: 4216

If the car uses a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid and most do, you should change the fluid every 3 to 5 years. This is particularly important on cars with anti-lock brakes. DOT 3 & 4 fluids are water miscible and as they absorb water the boiling point of the fluid will drop. DOT 5 fluids are silicone based fluids and are not water miscible, the water migrates to the lowest point in the system where it can freeze and hinder braking performance.

On a '97 I would replace the pads, make sure the rotors are OK (replace or turn as needed) and make sure the calipers are in good shape.

Hope this helps,

JMS
by jms969
Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What should a boglehead do: buy used or new?
Replies: 46
Views: 9924

Personally I NEVER buy a new vehicle, all my cars, motorcycles etc were used. I have had very good luck with them, of course your mileage may vary.

Edit: I also tend to drive them until they have to be towed to the junk yard.
by jms969
Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real Homes of Genius
Replies: 10
Views: 3300

The grand daddy of all house bubble blogs is...

http://thehousingbubbleblog.com/index.html
by jms969
Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will we still be flying in twenty years?
Replies: 46
Views: 9821

Had we created a robust passenger rail system along with the interstate system air travel would have simply been one leg of a 3 legged stool. As it is now the system is broken with less than reliable transportation means.
by jms969
Fri Apr 04, 2008 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lotus Notes?
Replies: 19
Views: 5193

Re: Lotus Notes?

jumbojet8 wrote:1. What have your experiences been like with Lotus Notes?

Using it is like pulling teeth without Novocaine...

2. What steps did you take to mitigate the User Interface problems associated with it?

We wrote quite a number of custom interfaces...

3. What type of firm does this software make sense for?

None

4. What are the alternatives?

Outlook, carrier pigeon, etc...

Thank you for the insight.

JJ
by jms969
Mon Mar 31, 2008 2:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: South Korea No Longer Purchasing US Treasuries
Replies: 19
Views: 4868

Bernd wrote:Then as well I might ask why we need to buy 139 tanker planes from a foreign country and not from Boeing?? Some things do not add up to fairness.
Because the A330 is superior aircraft to the 767. The 767 is on its last legs and the Airforce would be getting technologically dated equipment by going with Boeing...
by jms969
Sun Mar 30, 2008 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sump Pump - Battery Backup
Replies: 22
Views: 10471

DaleMaley wrote:I'm surprised these are illegal in Wisconsin?? You should install a back-flow preventer valve in the water supply to the water powered sump pump.
Several municipalities in Wisconsin have banned their use.
by jms969
Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The reality of a progressive future?
Replies: 39
Views: 7731

To the mods, this is a fun thread, please just move it to off topic...
by jms969
Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The reality of a progressive future?
Replies: 39
Views: 7731

Unormal wrote:So if you don't want to or can't get educated, and there's nothing for the uneducated to do, what do you do with the uneducated?...
Soylent Green of course... Just kidding :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
by jms969
Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sump Pump - Battery Backup
Replies: 22
Views: 10471

Re: Water Powered Sump Pump

I chose to use a water powered sump pump- also for $300. If you are on a municipal water supply, you can install a "basepump" that will use 1 gallon of municipal water to remove 2 gallons of sump water. The benefits of this are that it requires no maintenance and will last indefinitely in the event of a power outage. (Or at least as long as your town maintains water pressure.) We've lost power many times, but have never lost water pressure. The website is http://www.basepump.com and I installed the HB-750 myself. The only difficult part was running the plumbing to the basepump. It works great. I have no affiliation with BasePump, I'm only a satisfied customer. Good luck to you. Those work quite well, however, where I live in Wisc...
by jms969
Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sump Pump - Battery Backup
Replies: 22
Views: 10471

I installed one on our pump this winter in anticipation of the spring thunderstorms (the power always seems to go out when you need your sump pump).

You can get them at nearly any home improvement store. The back-up pump and battery cost me about $200 and it took me about an hour to install.

Cheers,

JMS
by jms969
Fri Mar 21, 2008 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Congratulate me, I've done it!
Replies: 58
Views: 13862

They weren't nasty, but I had a similar experience with Fido. They sure got interested in me when the funds were already transferring to Vanguard, it was the only time in 10 years that they called me (vs me calling them). Too bad they didn't much care while my money was 'in their care.' I chuckled when I hung up... Hahahahaha yeah, funny how tactical they get when and account is being lost. This guy called all the time wanting to put money in the investment of the day. I always politely told him no thank you and then suggested again to my mother that it was time to transfer the funds to Vanguard. What finally put here over the edge was a $1,200 commission for selling some junk stock, when I told here that the account would have Flagship st...
by jms969
Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Congratulate me, I've done it!
Replies: 58
Views: 13862

Apprentice_941 wrote:I disagree with the idea of investing in index funds. I know it is very fashionable to - there is practically a whole movement dedicated to index investing, but for my mind, investing in no load - low fee - actively managed - broad based fund - managed by a good staff at a reputible company will produce superior returns with less volatility.
Of course this has been proven wrong time and again, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. Good luck with your investing in the future.

JMS

PS. If you do not believe in index funds why are you on this site?

Cheers
by jms969
Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Congratulate me, I've done it!
Replies: 58
Views: 13862

My wife and I have been with Vanguard since we were married (I was with them before that). About 5 years ago we switched my mother's ML account and a trust that she and I are the trustee to Vanguard. The "advisor" for lack of a better term was just nasty about it. Insinuating that we were breaching our fiduciary responsibility etc. He got even nastier when we did a like kind transfer of securities and he got nothing for liquidating them. We let Vanguard handle the transfer of IRAs and yes ML dragged their feet on the transfer. Anyway she is much happier now, even though she no longer gets a Christmas Card from ML and this guy wont talk to her in the grocery store (smaller town). :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: Cheers, JMS
by jms969
Fri Mar 14, 2008 9:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recessions, their length and market impact
Replies: 5
Views: 1632

Re: Recessions, their length and market impact

I was poking around the Wikipedia list of recessions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_recessions The list does not strickly stick to the 2-quarters-of-declining-GDP definition, but pretty close. One thing I noticed is that even though the definition is 2 quarters, actual recessions tend to run 4 to 8 quarters (Not including the Great Depression, of course.) I am not sure there has ever been a 2-quarter recession. They list one "recession" that never had 2 consequetive quarters, but even it had 4 quarters of GDP that was almost flat at best. Of course, this does not mean a 1 to 2 year bear market. Could be better or worse. Just looking at the data, recessions are probably not the biggest factor in bear markets since the Great...
by jms969
Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the deal with the dollar
Replies: 67
Views: 11820

Rick Ferri wrote:Are there ANY other optimists out there?

:undecided

Why are so many people ready to jump ship?

COME ON PEOPLE! We have been through much worse than this and survived!
I very strongly believe that when you peek under the covers and see how bad the underlying fundamentals actually are the only time actually worse than we are about to experience was the Great Depression :(

Of course as always,

IMHO

JMS
by jms969
Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New home prices have fallen back to Sept 2004 median price
Replies: 9
Views: 2316

When they get back to 2000 prices they will be about right...
by jms969
Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Seeking Opinions: How would you handle over $100 million
Replies: 58
Views: 13426

With a windfall of more than $100m aftertax one would not need to take on the risk of investing in stocks. I would spread it around a number of US Treasury money market funds and live off of the interest...

IMHO,

JMS
by jms969
Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: With TIPs Like These , Investors Need Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 6145

madcow wrote:Apologies to all. I'm still trying to learn , and become a useful contributor to the forum
Relax madcow, it is all good...
by jms969
Thu Feb 21, 2008 9:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: With TIPs Like These , Investors Need Advice
Replies: 17
Views: 6145

Moderators, madcow's post is total plagiarism from Brett Arends' article in today's Wall Street Journal. It was posted with no attribution whatsoever. It was posted in violation of international copyright law, in violation of the WSJ web site rules-of-use and in violation of the diehards rules-of-use. The post should be removed from this forum immediately and madcow should be sanctioned for such theft and perhaps banned from this forum. -livesoft http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120356288297682113.html?mod=hpp_us_personal_finance livesoft, relax a bit... All you have to do is tell madcow what the expectations and rules are. I am sure this was not done with malice. To suggest a ban is completely over the top and uncalled for!!! And if you wi...
by jms969
Sun Feb 10, 2008 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I want to sell my own house...
Replies: 7
Views: 2641

We sold our last couple of houses ourselves without an issue (realtors don't like it one bit, one local large realtor had a guy that did nothing but harrass FSBOs). Of course the market is much different now. I would suggest that you sign up for one of the very low cost services to at least get your house listed on the local MLS, still doesn't mean realtors will show it but at least buyers can more easily search for it. In any ads that you run use the words brokers welcome, and be prepared to pay them 2% to 3% for bringing you a buyer (for that fee they should also handle the paperwork). When we sold our last house the market was going great guns so we refused to work with brokers and sold the house in less than 30 days. The one major thing...
by jms969
Fri Feb 08, 2008 9:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inefficient mid-grade gas pricing?
Replies: 29
Views: 6228

market timer wrote:Interesting question. Are we sure that 89 octane can be created by the exact combination of 87 and 93 that you suggest?
It is actually not a linear relationship... but close enough for government work...
by jms969
Thu Feb 07, 2008 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will you cancel your landline phone?
Replies: 51
Views: 12648

We got rid of our landline more than 5 years ago... ...and never looked back.
by jms969
Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The 401(k) rip-off
Replies: 57
Views: 16006

I feel extraordinarily fortunate that I was able through, a couple of job changes, and a spin off to roll all of my 401(k)'s (over my career) into Vanguard IRA's.

I only have about $100k in my current 401(k), which is Vanguard administered. Since the plan is at Vanguard I have chosen to ignore the fee issue... for now...
by jms969
Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Children as Luxury Goods
Replies: 157
Views: 35740

OK yet one more post (perspective) on the subject.

When I was 14 (yup 14) I knew that I never wanted children. I found a like minded spouse in my 20s and we have never looked back.

For us it was most definitely the right decision, for others it would most certainly be the wrong decision.

Norak, regardless of decision you must find a like minded partner otherwise the relationship will not survive.

Most people could care less if you have kids or not, just make the decision that is appropriate for you and move on.

Cheers,

JMS
by jms969
Thu Jan 24, 2008 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Watch your Paypal account if you have one!
Replies: 30
Views: 7927

OK, here is how you handle paypal.

Open a separate checking account and only transfer the amount needed to complete a specific transaction and transfer all funds out immediately, similarly when using a credit card use a virtual account number aka citibank's virtual account program. Crooks cannot get $$$ from an empty checking account or from an account specific virtual credit card.

I used my payapl specific checking account to get verified and of course now they want to verify telephone etc... For that they can bite me.
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: tomorrow going to be really ugly
Replies: 124
Views: 28468

larryswedroe wrote:Matt
I think this prediction pretty safe, though no one knows for sure. For example the Fed might just decide to cut interest rates tomorrow say 1% and that might turn things around. But as of now the markets are set to open way down.
And note I did not recommend anyone do anything about that "forecast"
picky, picky, picky (:-))
I think if the Fed does a preemptive cut then the markets may really tank, in my mind it sends a very strong "Oh S*&t " signal...

Having said that these times present wonderful opportunities to grow your personal wealth.
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for car ownership to keep the costs down
Replies: 44
Views: 10790

Boris wrote: Gotcha...

I'm guessing you're referring to this guy: Scissor Lift? I've been salivating over it for some time, however after buying the house the car "stuff" took a back seat. It sits in the garage... I'm lucky if I put 2k miles a year on it.

I also only use OEM parts for maintenance (fluids, filters) and Mobil 1 :).

Boris
I do understand the house thing.

That is the one :) from Harbor Freight, looks stable enough. I would like to see a car on it in real life though.

I use primarily OEM parts except filters and oil, I use Amsoil for all of my fluid needs...

JMS
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for car ownership to keep the costs down
Replies: 44
Views: 10790

georgepds wrote:
Jim R wrote:I agree with Gekko... you could also add Honda / Acura to the list....
Good choices, the only downside compared to a Toyota is the Honda has an interference engine, if the timing belt goes, the valves can hit the cylinder and break. This makes for a much more expensive repair. This can be avoided by replacing the belts at the recommended 80k increments, but this is a costly process.

If you just wait till the belt fails, in a Toyota, you can exercise condition based maintenance, i.e., repair only what is broke, without incurring the hazard for broken valves.
Very true, but the timing belt is quite easy to replace in a Honda, it is a good Saturday project.
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for car ownership to keep the costs down
Replies: 44
Views: 10790

On my cars as far as routing maintenance is concerned, fluid changes, brakes, tire rotation, shocks, etc. I do that all myself, including the routine service checks. For me it is therapy... And you never spill any fluids. You recycle all of them. No paper towels covered in oil go into your trash. Green all the way, right? Wow that is a harsh reply... You must work for a quick change oil place. If you know what your doing you spill very little fluid, the municipal recycling location is about 2 miles from my house with bins for oil, anitfreeze, soiled rags and paper towels. I know my fluids have been recycled, I do not have a clue where they go from a quick change place. By doing it myself I know what oil has been put in my car (not some no ...
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for car ownership to keep the costs down
Replies: 44
Views: 10790

I agree with Gekko... you could also add Honda / Acura to the list. The biggest single cost of ownership is depreciation, so if keeping costs down is the number one priority, buy used. BUT, you must take your time and be selective. Buying a 2002 Camry off of a used car lot is very risky compared to buying your neighbor's grandma's low-mileage Camry that she's had to the dealer for all scheduled maintenance and service. Another key to longevity ( which lowers your overall costs) is to be religious about maintenance. Paying top dollar to take it to the dealer for service (IMHO) actually saves you money in the long run. Problems can be noticed and addressed early on as to potentially avoid "major" surprises. Also consider fuel effic...
by jms969
Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best strategy for car ownership to keep the costs down
Replies: 44
Views: 10790

I agree with Gekko... you could also add Honda / Acura to the list. The biggest single cost of ownership is depreciation, so if keeping costs down is the number one priority, buy used. BUT, you must take your time and be selective. Buying a 2002 Camry off of a used car lot is very risky compared to buying your neighbor's grandma's low-mileage Camry that she's had to the dealer for all scheduled maintenance and service. Another key to longevity ( which lowers your overall costs) is to be religious about maintenance. Paying top dollar to take it to the dealer for service (IMHO) actually saves you money in the long run. Problems can be noticed and addressed early on as to potentially avoid "major" surprises. Also consider fuel effic...
by jms969
Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Does Vanguard Feel About Tax Loss Harvesting?
Replies: 6
Views: 2016

Who cares what Vanguard thinks... Do what you need to do to satisfy yourself!!!
by jms969
Thu Jan 17, 2008 11:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: how are you going to spend your 407€ from Uncle Ben?
Replies: 106
Views: 21310

I think you mean Helicopter Ben :lol:
by jms969
Sun Jan 13, 2008 10:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When to take Social Security - Time Value of Money
Replies: 19
Views: 5490

I ran the same calculations long ago and I will take SS the exact moment I am elgible...
by jms969
Thu Jan 03, 2008 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Price to rent ratio
Replies: 1
Views: 1179

by jms969
Wed Jan 02, 2008 3:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2008 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 317
Views: 85009

1447
by jms969
Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does it make sense to rent for a year or two? v.Maryland
Replies: 18
Views: 3911

We are Vanguard Flagship investors and rent our house and will until prices are more reasonable.

Real Estate prices are still significantly above the trendline with more downside than upside potential. The recent bubble is still deflating (remember stocks deflate with a pop, real estate deflate with a slow hiss) and IMHO it is the wrong time to purchase real estate...

Cheers,

JMS
by jms969
Sat Dec 22, 2007 8:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dr. Ed Yardeni's "Fed Model"
Replies: 57
Views: 16648

Jacqueeagonsr,

Wow who pooped in your post toasties?

You have a world class financial mind giving freely of his expertise and you treat him with such great disdain...

I suppose that you readily rely on your daily horoscope and read your tea leaves because they are more valid than the fed model...

Have a wonderful Christmas...

JMS
by jms969
Sun Dec 09, 2007 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Whole life insurance
Replies: 60
Views: 21195

The best week (most profitable in the long run for me) I ever had was 3 classes (one week) in a graduate finance course where the professor went into gory detail as to why you SHOULD NEVER BUY WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE and why it is such a scam...

I am not going to waste the time here to reiterate many of the other posters responses (that are quite accurate) other than to say the correct response to someone trying to sell you whole life is NO, period no other response needed (do not try to argue with an experienced Whole life Insurance salesman, they have been trained to overcome objections). Of course show the person the door...

Cheers,

JMS
by jms969
Fri Dec 07, 2007 6:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Insurance Providers
Replies: 76
Views: 12398

Sorry to pipe in like this but WOW an iggy feature would be great!!!
by jms969
Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: DFA vs Vanguard
Replies: 25
Views: 6588

Very interesting read, thanks for the link...