Search found 2371 matches

by neverknow
Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!
Replies: 28
Views: 3992

Re: Bogleheads, its your fault, you did this to me!

You can have all my snow, and I won't charge you a penny for it. Actually, some of it was probably yours anyway, but dropped out of the clouds long before it got to you. (been covered in it for months now - it will be a glorious spring, if spring ever gets here). They said we had more snow in December, then all of last year combined.
neverknow
by neverknow
Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to stop a puppy from biting and nibbling
Replies: 25
Views: 3224

Re: How to stop a puppy from biting and nibbling

A puppy plays with other puppies with their mouth. Is it possible your puppy see's your youngest son as another puppy?

They do grow out of it. My favorite remedy is to stick that chew bone in their mouth. It is never okay to bite on a human. So I am doing a substitution.

In their litters, if one puppy bites another puppy too hard - the one bitten will refuse to play. Your youngest son must terminate play immediately, for at least 5 minutes. The puppy must be removed from guests for biting. As they are pack animals, being placed in their crates for inappropriate behavior, away from the pack, is heart breaking. 5 or 10 minutes should do the trick.
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Jan 03, 2012 7:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Market Valuation Indicators: Overvaluation Remains High
Replies: 11
Views: 1591

Re: Market Valuation Indicators: Overvaluation Remains High

I follow Crestmont Research. They have a variation on the Shiller P/E 10 (and will compare the 2 against each other). I enjoyed both books advertised on the website (borrowed from the library, of course). I think the reason I enjoy them most, is it's kind of a dry Dr Spock sort of model, the real world then gets over laid onto.

I have no opinion about whether stocks are over valued or under valued. Personally, I prefer compounding. And nothing is paying much of anything for the use of my money.

My home's resale value is less then what it would cost to build brand new, so the land, utilities to the place, septic and well are all freebies. That is under valued. (besides, the views are nice)
neverknow
by neverknow
Sun Jan 01, 2012 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you trade all of your wealth to be 20 again?
Replies: 93
Views: 8881

Re: Would you trade all of your wealth to be 20 again?

In a heart beat. I can't quite remember 20, but I remember 21. I had strep throat. No access to a health care system (obviously had to find anti biotics somewhere, eventually - but no bar bash for me). Lived in a old house sectioned off - our apartment had a maximum of 7 steps you could take furthest (yes our, implies and was true - there was 2 of us living there). Saturday night fun was spray killing roaches with a spray can of Raid (why in the world do people today want to rent? - I didn't think landlords were all that nice). Each of us had only one set of clothes that didn't have holes in it. Not church clothes. Party clothes. --- Easy decision. I was finishing college. And I did. Why in a heart beat? My bones didn't ache back then, and ...
by neverknow
Fri Dec 30, 2011 12:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bodie: Plan your retirement portfolio for zero real return
Replies: 230
Views: 23200

Re: Bodie: Plan your retirement portfolio for zero real retu

What I like best about Z Bodie is his voice turns upside down the "take as much risk as you can tolerate, because - oh my!" mantra - and turns it into "how little of risk can one take, and still meet their goals?" No one else, that I know of is representing that way of thinking. I couldn't possibly guess which way of viewing things, going 30 years into the future will turn out to be a good thing, but I always appreciate alternate voices -- to prompt my own thinking, so I can decide for myself. It is Bodie that prompted me to purchase both a 2032 and a 2040 individual TIP. Not ideal, as I obtained mine in the secondary market, but both a sure winner in 2011 -- and not for re sale. Spend less then you earn, has always work...
by neverknow
Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Percent in cash (or equilivent) for retired persons
Replies: 18
Views: 2193

Re: Percent in cash (or equilivent) for retired persons

I am not sure which definition the rest of you are using or what the OP was actually asking about. I do not count pensions (public (SS) or private) as neither are within my control. Years of expenses are my budgeted expenses, plus a 6K slush bucket for unforeseen expenses (the Fidelity study of what unanticipated medical expenses might be, sorry I don't know where that link is, and my PC is barely working at the moment - Windows focus is messed up). My reasons for my significant cash holdings is the result of learning how to say "enough" as I explained above. Not a bucket strategy, or avoiding selling in a down market. Fall 2008/2009 I had x dollars at risk in that crazy down market, and was prone to comment "only x more dol...
by neverknow
Thu Dec 29, 2011 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Percent in cash (or equilivent) for retired persons
Replies: 18
Views: 2193

Re: Percent in cash (or equilivent) for retired persons

12 years expenses - mostly in CD's, a few of the years are in I Bonds. I have a bunch of cash-cash at the moment. I am undecided as to whether I would like a new car, or not. I decided I had "enough". That it would impact me more if I lost a bunch of money, then if I earned a bunch of money (the utility of money). By placing so much in non-volatile assets it greatly reduces my exposure to market volatility, and I like that very much. I am not trying to maximize anything - I would like to pace inflation. I have a further 6 years of expenses in TIPs. While that rule of thumb, age in bonds, sounded very good to who I was 20-30 years ago, who I am today says -- the kind of volatility this market seems up too is NOT how I wish to live ...
by neverknow
Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skiing in Colorado - where to go?
Replies: 26
Views: 1905

Re: Skiing in Colorado - where to go?

Copper - most fun for skiing, Breckenridge best night life (it's a real town). Winter Park is the locals favorite. Copper and Breckenridge close enough together to do together (Ski the Summit, Summit county). Winter Park is not in the same place.
Enjoy.
neverknow
by neverknow
Mon Dec 26, 2011 5:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What constitutes a "good economy"?
Replies: 22
Views: 1762

Re: What constitutes a "good economy"?

I don't know if this helps, but "it is not prudent to spend the dollar you do have in your pocket, if you don't know where your next dollar is coming from". And I believe this applies to all of us -- wealthy, or down to your last $20. Looking at Rob's list, pretty much, they are all conditions causing us to not know where our next dollar is coming from. All of us. And there are plenty more that could be added to that list. Which of course, feeds on itself (no next dollars, better not spend my last one).

Does that help any?
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are they really affluent???
Replies: 34
Views: 5530

Re: Are they really affluent???

DaleMaley wrote:Here is their breakdown of U.S. households by net worth:
When I first saw such a chart of this information, my immediate thought was prices have to come down - no one can afford anything. Until you put 10% of the US population of roughly 300 million is 30 million customers. Oh, well - that is a sizable market.

There is always someone better or worse off then you. Don't waste your energy on comparisons.
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: creating a cash flow?
Replies: 32
Views: 3043

Re: creating a cash flow?

LH wrote:"I spend about $2k a month" = you live on 24k a year? for everything? tax, vacations, health, property tax/mortgage or rent, snickers bars included?
I do, also.
neverknow
by neverknow
Mon Dec 05, 2011 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CD laddering structure and weighting
Replies: 7
Views: 1361

Re: CD laddering structure and weighting

We are planning to withdraw 2% annually in retirement. This is my plan also. My CD ladders are 4 tier 2 year ladders held at Navy Federal Credit Union. I can never make up my mind which is best, so I took the decision away from myself and just run 4 tier 2 year ladders. Is it best? In a falling rate environment, probably not. In a rising rate environment, probably so. This week, I will be setting up yet another one of these (a different brick and mortar FDIC bank). Same deal -- I can never decide, so I will just go with the 4 tier 2 year ladder and figure it will all work out, eventually. I do have a boatload of I Bonds. And I do own a 2032 and a 2040 individual TIP. I care more about paying my bills in my old age (my investments pace infl...
by neverknow
Mon Dec 05, 2011 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: creating a cash flow?
Replies: 32
Views: 3043

Re: creating a cash flow?

I have created a cash flow via laddered CD's (4 tier 2 year ladder). As I do not need this cash flow, every month it gets added to the CD (it was thrown from) -- performing that miracle of miracles ... compounding over time. It's like getting paid every month. I love it.
neverknow
by neverknow
Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quality Business Casual Clothing
Replies: 18
Views: 3216

Re: Quality Business Casual Clothing

WorkToLive wrote:I'm actually thinking about making my own clothing, which will not be cheaper, but at least I can pick the materials.
That was my thought. My working days were from an earlier era, and I am not the seamstress - my mother was. Due to lack of any selection - yeah! mom! Or I have not a clue what I might have worn to work (professional - vintage, the 80's). I don't know if times have changed, but semi formal (awards dinners, company holiday parties) was vastly gender biased back then.
neverknow
by neverknow
Fri Dec 02, 2011 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Rent?
Replies: 52
Views: 5556

Re: Why Rent?

ltuxl wrote:I previously posted about renting and cautions associated with renting i.e. what I need to know for my first place away from home. Thanks in advance for all Bogleheads involved for their input. Still living at home and preparing to move out I am considering a house more so now then before.
You rent for the same reason you date, before getting married. How do you know what you like or don't like? You don't know -- you keep asking us. Get some first hand experience in a manner where getting out of a mistake is the least costly.
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I wonder if there would be zero posts if...
Replies: 24
Views: 2891

Re: I wonder if there would be zero posts if...

A short squeeze is a beauty to behold, hmm?

I don't find it a mystery that folks post the downside, and fail to mention the upside. It is prudent to manage the downside, for the upside takes care of itself.
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 30, 2011 9:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Central banks to the rescue?
Replies: 22
Views: 2152

Re: Central banks to the rescue?

Liquidity is money to settle current bills. You can think of it as your emergency fund, you would use to pay your current bills, if you were laid off, or something. Business, most business -- runs it's working capital on short term paper ... our MMF's buy this paper. To individualize this -- it you relied on your credit card as your emergency funds. It is not good news that central banks need to step in, what in better times is provided by the private markets -- but what is being bailed out here is not bad debt, but rather everyone. It is in no ones interest if business "stops". How are you going to get your groceries, or gas if business "stops". This is partly why myself, and millions of other small individuals -- as we...
by neverknow
Tue Nov 29, 2011 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice for Grandmother
Replies: 15
Views: 1482

Re: Portfolio Advice for Grandmother

Why is your grandmother asking you for help on this particular relatively small portion of her assets? I wonder if this is your test to see if you are up to the task. It sounds to me that she is doing quite well by herself or perhaps she has another advisor for most of her assets. Just thinkin' :roll: This is what crossed my mind also. Perhaps a teachable moment for a grand child? I am grand mother age. buyza -- if this is possible, then the answer may not be some percentage allocation of this or that, but rather some of the other comments that have been made. I also don't have enough info to comment on your plan - other then it looks like a nice 50/50 with a nod to tax optimization ... With the kind of assets you are referring too, why GL...
by neverknow
Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .
Replies: 113
Views: 7772

Re: Redshirting school age children

I was very young for school and the only real thing I was miffed about was not been able to drive while in school - no learners or anything...... In hind sight that was a GOOD thing :|. I was finished my uni undergrad by my 21st, so it worked out well on the other end :-) I was very young also, and then skipped a year of high school, and entered college at age 16. My lack of comprehension of college level English Literature - was the only place my lack of life experience showed up as an issue. I recall some teasing from college. I don't recall any issues with coping with the teasing at that age. Some of the people thinking they were older and wiser then I was -- were markedly stupid. -- It was the 60's. I don't believe any of this was the ...
by neverknow
Sun Nov 27, 2011 6:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

That is my point. "Plan B" discussions should be had when things are going well. Today, I fear, it is another excuse to market time and reduce stock exposure out of fear, using the excuse that "I need a plan B". That's how it appears to me, too. But even if you do market time, when stocks are low, you want to increase stock exposure, not reduce it. FWIW - I also find talk of "Plan B" at this juncture, a bit odd also (and mind you, I have already posted it is probably unnecessary for my Plan A to have a Plan B -- I am pretty conservative). I read the print copy of "the Economist" over the weekend. To have a Plan B, today - given today's headlines reminds me of the "Cold War" days, so what is...
by neverknow
Sat Nov 26, 2011 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

Leesbro63 wrote: Might we be past the point of no return NO MATTER WHAT WE DO?
Humans certainly are capable of asking this question. The problem I have with such questions, is that they lead no where. It's like reaching middle age, now your over the hill - no matter what you do. Fine, but the sun will still come up tomorrow. Sometimes I wonder if global demographics just amplifies this question? Any way -- it leads no where.

For those speculating (yes, that is the correct word) about the demise of the Euro -- you are short the Euro, when you are long the US Dollar, which anyone with a US centric portfolio, naturally is. Another case of there is nothing to do, with this.
neverknow
by neverknow
Fri Nov 25, 2011 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there such a thing as a FInancial Intervention?
Replies: 36
Views: 4418

Re: Is there such a thing as a FInancial Intervention?

I too, know about this situation. I thought there must be something wrong with my love'd one. How could they care about me at all, if they were willing to spend every dime I had, leaving me bankrupt under a bridge, a bag lady in my old age? And it wasn't as if they needed my money - they earned double what I did, and were spending it on glittering baubles and trinkets. I got backed into a corner, my clothes in tatters (everything of mine they were spending, I couldn't spend) and came busting out of that corner as mad as a hornet. That person has been banished from my life, and legally -- won't be able to get a dime ever again. A notable similarity in some of these stories of essentially co-dependency is the savior is justifying they spend t...
by neverknow
Thu Nov 24, 2011 11:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

Staying the course when on the wrong course and you have learned that makes no sense. I am an apt student of the "School of Hard Knocks". Experience is a marvelous teacher. As Buffet says "when the tide goes out, you find out who has been swimming naked" -- to which I'll add "you don't want it to be you". I think what got me was the "Age in Bonds" rule of thumb did not match my course in life. One's cash flow is quite different as a employee with a steady paycheck, and a struggling entrepreneur, and as a retiree. The transitions are not necessarily smooth. And this is where my emphasis on liquidity (cash to pay current bills, we usually refer to as our emergency funds) and capital reserves comes into...
by neverknow
Thu Nov 24, 2011 9:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

Larry should really address what he meant by putting in doubt "stay the course", but I can half way explain what I meant. If your course is wrong, because your knowledge about investing didn't incorporate perhaps - what really happens in retirement, or your job skills viability, or you just gave birth to twins -- or perhaps a 30 some odd years notion of "the great moderation" and the myth that "the Great Depression" can not happen again -- you must correct your course, to preserve survivability issues. And that is not new with the headlines this week -- but was true last week, last month, last year, or next week, or next month, or next year. Of course, I expect on a Bogleheads forum to be mocked right out of th...
by neverknow
Thu Nov 24, 2011 9:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

First, what makes you think 18 years of fixed income is safe? If you did that in 1966 you'd have been fried. Fried, as compared to what? I do have the data -- 6 month bank CD's perpetually rolled over, versus Jan S&P assumed 2% dividends re invested ... beginning in 1965 - in what year did investing in the S&P finally exceed that of perpetually rolling over 6 month CD's? The answer - much to my surprise is, 1993. Not at all what myth tells us. Data source is St Louis Fed databases - Fred http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/ and any source that will give the S&P Jan number - I used Yahoo, at the time I did this -- which I did do, before I settled on my plan. The deal is not that those 6 month CD's didn't pace inflation, because...
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

lmpmd wrote:While on the topic - in today's news:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainmen ... e-1.981914
Rolling Stone names Jimi Hendrix "Greatest Guitarist of all Time" --- It is that greatness, that allows me to listen to him. Undoubtedly, the guy was brilliant. Still not my kind of music, for playing or listening too. But yes -- great guitarist.

Baby brothers don't stay babies, and even little brothers are not wrong all the time :D :D :D Yes, little brother - you are right on this one.
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

Plan B means what steps you will take if ... so your plan doesn't blow up leaving you alive without assets ... Larry That helps me, Larry. I didn't actually know what you meant. I have 10 years of expenses in laddered CU CD's, 2 years of expenses in I Bonds. This is the same 12 years of solid financial capital reserves I found I was comfortable with in the 2008 / 2009 financial crisis. I have no idea why 12 years. Just worked out that way. I must have decided on no need for Plan B, as remaining invested in a very conservative stance was appropriate for me. No different then these financial institutions that make all the headlines, our households must have liquidity to meet current bills (usually referred to as our emergency funds) - and ca...
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

SP-diceman ... I have a stash of songwriting books, I do recycle my brothers way. I've never asked my brother, but to my ear it sounds like he is mixing Hendrix and Rap in his songwriting. From the time we were little, I have always been my little brothers biggest music fan. To this day, he may call me up on the telephone and tell me "listen to this" -- and I get an unplugged version of whatever he is fiddling with. I always respond with - "wow, that sounds great" ... even when it doesn't. In all things guitar, I give him the credit. In all other things -- he's my baby brother, and gets told so regularly. Everyone should be as lucky as we are. It is one of those rare sibling things. Except - I play an acoustic Gibson, an...
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 12:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On the current crisis
Replies: 202
Views: 16741

Re: On the current crisis

My note was meant to make sure people are not discounting the risks, are not being too optimistic, have plans that incorporate the certainty we will have many more of these and that they also have a Plan B if the worst happens. If you can say you have already successfully addressed these issues, as I have, great. IMO you should do nothing. However, if you have not, IMO you need to act and address them. Best Larry This bit - "need to act to address them", was true last week -- and is true next week. For sure we need to stay the course, but if the course is wrong -- one does need to act to correct survival issues, period. My liquidity in an FDIC bank (actually Navy Federal Credit Union, and a few local brick and mortar banks) -- no...
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

Absolutely HardKnocker! -- exactly the kind of gizmo I was wondering about. Amazon says the PC version gets release Dec 13th. The Mixcraft product I found, wasn't new -- it was just an alternate version to a product I gave my brother a few years ago -- so doesn't have novelty value. This Rocksmith thing would be new to my brother, and a bit of all the fashion right now -- which my brother would like, a lot. Both ideas, about the same price.

I think we have a winner here folks. Thank you HardKnocker.
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

tarnation - that npr story had a link to Amazon, and a box set I was unaware of. Interesting idea.
retcaveman -- seems kind of dumb on my part, but it hadn't yet occurred to me to google Hendrix. Better late then never.

Thank you for your suggestions.
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

dave66 - sheesh, those peddles are pricey! I am sure my brother has had one, at one time or another. I'd be hard pressed to know what he has now. Mostly he plays unplugged (his Fender electric guitar), as he lives in an apartment. componder -- Yes, those legendary concerts on DVD, I think are great. I got him Hendrix at Monterey, last Christmas. Not much feedback. I probably liked the idea better then my brother liked the gift. Oh well. It is how gifts go, after all. trico - a dry fly is not what first comes to my mind when some one says "purple haze", but I believe you. Also -- The Madison River in Montana has to be one of the prettiest places in the universe. Have you ever been to Ennis? I found the place by accident. That is a ...
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 1:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The best strategy is to avoid equities in retirement
Replies: 29
Views: 3591

Re: The best strategy is to avoid equities in retirement

jenny345 wrote:
BigD53 wrote:Instead of the 100% Tips plan, I would feel more comfortable diversifying, and holding *some* equities.

If I went 100 percent into anything, it would be a simple fund like Target Retirement Income. (It has 20% in Tips, and that's good enough for me.)
+1. We are doing not doing 100% TIPS either - just a good chunk. Some stocks seem beneficial to add to lower the overall portfolio risk.
+1. And I do have some TR Income, and some utilities (XLU), and some Dividend Appreciation (VDIGX). I wouldn't want 100% of any one thing, either.
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

Thank you for your replies. empb - that is a brilliant idea! Not only would it offer my brother some variety, but at least for a little bit he'd get to play with someone. HardKnocker - I agree. After all these years of Jimi Hendrix focus, even re issues (Winterland) are the same ole stuff. leonard - too far away from Seattle. Years ago I got my brother some "Deep Purple" of which my brother told me Richie Blackmore was very good. I haven't got lucky with this since. The great thing about asking for suggestions is it made me go look harder. Acoustica Mixcraft 5 looks to be a different version of recording studio I last got him, he liked so much. It's free trial download appears to be eating my computers memory, though. And I found ...
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 11:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The best strategy is to avoid equities in retirement
Replies: 29
Views: 3591

Re: The best strategy is to avoid equities in retirement

jenny345 wrote: we have zero chance of ever running out of money unless we become immortal.
That made me laugh out loud! Thank you, for that.

Count me in amongst those just hoping for my money to pace inflation. I do have a fairly large dose of both 2032 and 2040 TIPs, some LTPZ (15 year) and a boat load of I Bonds. I wouldn't know what to do with a 4% withdrawal, and if I can just hold the line on 2% I'm fine and dandy. But frankly -- none of us knows the future -- and 30 years is a mighty long time (or the past 30 years was a mighty long time, and saw many, many changes). I'm pretty busy just trying to take care of today. Tomorrow will come soon enough. Spend less then you earn.
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 9:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MF global customer compared to Etrade customer???
Replies: 22
Views: 2096

Re: MF global customer compared to Etrade customer???

Your E-Trade account is protected up to $500,000 by SIPC, while your MF Global account isn't insured. As with having pictures of your household valuables, to prove you had them for insurance purposes -- Having a paper account statement of what your brokerage says they have on account for you, seems to me to be the prudent response. (or mutual fund holdings, or bank account). This response of mine, of course gets poo-poo'ed by all our "go green, go 100% electronic" folks. For these folks - at minimum, have your historical account statements stored electronically outside the entity that created them. I assume odds are, most people would never need pictures of their household valuables, or account statements to prove they had someth...
by neverknow
Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2566

music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

This forum has a really diverse audience. So if you can help me out? My little brother is a die hard, Jimi Hendrix fan - and a guitar player himself of 40 years (Fender). While undoubtedly, Jimi Hendrix was brilliant -- his music was not / is not my favorite. I'm at a loss. Maybe some one can help me out. What would be a good gift for my brother? The only other clue I have is I found him some PC recording studio software a few years ago. He loves it. I don't really understand it -- something about laying down tracks for various instruments and making his own songs (he had me participate in this once, years ago). Is there some kind of electronic / computer music gizmo that might strike my brothers fancy? A DVD of some concert? We don't give ...
by neverknow
Fri Nov 18, 2011 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I know... Don't try to time... But...
Replies: 35
Views: 4508

Re: I know... Don't try to time... But...

Do not become distracted by "the noise" present in this very thread. Investing is all about goals, time horizon, and risk (tolerance or need for - no matter, risk is risk). I stated my goal was to keep what I have, versus any growth or earnings. Paddyshack, who also has made an adjustment referred to a shortish time horizon of 5 years. Dave66 -- we have no idea what your goals, time horizon, risk parameters are -- just that you are undecided (uncomfortable with either your understanding of risk, or the markets understanding of risk). Match up your investments to your goals, time horizon, risk parameters -- and then stay the course. Stay the course has been questioned in this thread. Some people are quite comfortable being in the s...
by neverknow
Fri Nov 18, 2011 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mouthwash
Replies: 37
Views: 3961

Re: Mouthwash

How do you mix the salt and water? Ahead of time? Keep it in a bottle like mouthwash? Small drinking glass. Container of Morten table salt. Pour a little bit of salt in drinking glass. Add some tap water (enough to swish around in mouth). Mix with spoon (very important). No, I don't do it ahead of time or keep any mixed. Just in time inventory, and just as much as needed. I'm not very accurate, as I can tell the salinity level varies. I do not rinse with plain water. At first a salty mouth seemed odd. Now I quite like it. At first my gums and teeth were a mess. In comparison -- they are very happy these days. This is actually a little technique that made a huge difference in my life (give it at least 6 weeks). - Note: I do have some ACT mo...
by neverknow
Thu Nov 17, 2011 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheapest practice you've "heard" of......
Replies: 38
Views: 4702

Re: Cheapest practice you've "heard" of......

The title of this thread reflects present day views on spending (cheapest). I am a child of depression era parents and grew up with "waste not, want not" or Ben Franklins "a penny saved, is a penny earned". It might be more instructive practices I've given up. I've given up saving and re using aluminum foil, and wrapping paper (from presents). I've given up rinsing out bottles of ketchup or spaghetti sauce to glean the last drop (but remain feeling guilty about this - oh my! think of the starving children!). I not only brown bagged my sack lunch to work, but I saved and re used my brown bag. I have given up mending the holes in my socks -- and cherish my hole free socks as the highest possible joy in material store bough...
by neverknow
Wed Nov 16, 2011 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I know... Don't try to time... But...
Replies: 35
Views: 4508

Re: I know... Don't try to time... But...

If the European situation wasn't an issue, I wouldn't even question it. But it just feels like a larger than typical 'unknown'. Your term "feels like" probably says it all. That said, Friday (Nov 11) I traded my Vanguard Value Index and Vanguard European Index in for Target Retirement Income -- thus reducing my equity exposure in that fashion. I have nothing to point to, other then "when did European politics ever matter so much to me?" Europe is very far geographically from me, and the way they have themselves organized sounds very foreign too me. I read over the weekend (in "The Economist") a "technocrat" is an "economist" -- and that is what is now running Italy and Greece. There was no ...
by neverknow
Tue Nov 15, 2011 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entrepreneurship :: Working for equity
Replies: 21
Views: 1796

Re: Entrepreneurship :: Working for equity

They've looked for developers but said the project was too big for the ones they found to take on. This would be a warning flag to me. The reason why is it is a sales pitch, based on flattering your sense of self worth. You must be better then the others. You are special. So we would like to let you in on this, and have you work for free. It may even be true - that you are the best techno geek on the planet, and someone should recognize this and reward you with shares, that will one day make you rich, beyond your wildest dreams -- but it says nothing of who you are throwing your amazing talent in with (and if they are not equally amazing, all your efforts could be for not). Maybe this bit would be helpful for you. It is something I did onc...
by neverknow
Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Entrepreneurship :: Working for equity
Replies: 21
Views: 1796

Re: Entrepreneurship :: Working for equity

Get paid in money in the bank. Getting paid is hard enough. In software -- you can withhold source code as a means of getting that last check. Very effective. As who ever you did the work for -- wants that source code. Deliver the executable, but with hold the source. I saw both major corporations and small start ups both -- try and not pay me that last check. I never had a bit of a problem, once I began holding onto the source code. Equity is like "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday, for a Hamburger today". Don't do it. No matter how flattering the start up woo's you with.

-- successful, as in profitable, every year of the 10, I was in business for myself.
neverknow
by neverknow
Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mouthwash
Replies: 37
Views: 3961

Re: Mouthwash

Call_Me_Op wrote:Anyone try something simple like baking soda, salt, and warm water?
I'm a salt water rinser, as of a few months ago. Based on nothing, other then this is what my mother used. It has seemed to be nothing short of a major wonder my mouth is very happy with. I am not salt sensitive and my blood pressure is very low. I have wondered if this would be as wonderful, for the salt sensitive among us? Ranks right up there in old fashioned remedies - as good as turpentine is for bee stings (also a major wonder).
neverknow
by neverknow
Thu Nov 10, 2011 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you refrigerate butter?
Replies: 49
Views: 5516

Re: Do you refrigerate butter?

Fallible wrote:Hey, in my six decades I remember a real icebox at our family's summer cottage until they finally got a fridge in the late '40s or very early '50s. We kids sometimes tagged along with the grownups when they went to buy the huge ice chunks stored in sawdust and we'd use icepicks to chip off ice pieces to eat. Fun.
My aunt would give us kids ice cubes in a wash cloth, during the summertime. I don't recall why. But you are correct - it was fun.
I'd never heard of a butter bell, or Ron Popeil. What a fun and educating place the Bogleheads forum is :D
Butter stays in the fridge. That is what my mother did, so I do too.
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 09, 2011 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Utility ETF Sale
Replies: 11
Views: 2013

Re: Vanguard Utility ETF Sale

peddler12 wrote:Wouldn't it be wise to sell and wait for another lower entry point.
If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it. I own the XLU (utilities etf). I also have capital gains, but long term. I am ignoring price, as I invested in utilities for the dividend, and the lower volatility of price (the rumor that it is good for widows and orphans). The reason I invested in the first place has not changed. You could get lucky timing the market - but no one is consistently lucky their entire lives. I think the wisdom lies in buying and holding this one (utilities). Compounding is a wonder in this world.

Rich Man, Poor Man:
http://ww2.dowtheoryletters.com/DTLOL.n ... r_man.html
neverknow
by neverknow
Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Utility ETF Sale
Replies: 11
Views: 2013

Re: Vanguard Utility ETF Sale

The only reason you sell is if the reason you bought in the first place, has changed. Has it? Why did you invest in that etf in the first place?
neverknow
by neverknow
Tue Nov 08, 2011 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Become a Landlord, Sell at a Loss, or Stay Put
Replies: 32
Views: 3021

Re: If you were me you would ....

My guess is your asking about dumping yesterdays decisions to embark (create) on a new life going forward, with your wife. 10K sounds pretty inexpensive to me. Go forward. Don't look back. Don't let yesterday, hold you back. You don't want to live your future in the past (unless you don't have any choice about it).
neverknow
by neverknow
Fri Nov 04, 2011 12:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many years of Cash Needed ?...........
Replies: 22
Views: 2700

Re: How many years of Cash Needed ?...........

Our "cash" fund represents the gap coverage (annual expenses - pensions, SS, annuities, etc.) for some number of years out. Though the number of years now has become considerable, we are happy about it. Thankfully, we feel no need to "lever" up. Or even touch the investment portfolio. This is my approach, also. The "cash" represents one's capital reserves one stands upon, and then takes risk. Where as back in one's working days, one's capital was their human capital - in retirement, it is one's financial capital. In either case, in order to take risk - you must have sufficient reserves to stand upon and then take risk. It is resiliency. I am not sure I could recommend for any other, just how much that might be...
by neverknow
Thu Nov 03, 2011 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trees - How many and how tall?
Replies: 33
Views: 3264

Re: Trees - How many and how tall?

I live in a forest. Trees falling on a neighbors property as a liability would be laughed at, where I live. 15 year old neighbor boys shooting off fire crackers during a dry spell, got a stern lecture from the old woman next door (me) -- for not having a bucket of water nearby, just in case. I don't know how many trees there are. I had the place thinned for "fire mitigation".
neverknow