Search found 593 matches

by norm
Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do Bogleheads pay for their cars?
Replies: 79
Views: 10816

Last Feb. I bought a 2008 Toyota Sienna with 48,000 miles for $18k. It now has 52,000 miles. I drive my gf's '96 BMW Z3 convertible most of the time. It has about 62,000 miles on it.
by norm
Fri Jun 24, 2011 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: While we are on the topic of dogs- Recommendations?
Replies: 58
Views: 7556

Having a medium to large adult dog in an apartment should not be a problem since the average adult dog sleeps about 14 hours a day. Certain breeds need to keep their brains busy and if left alone for too long can get destructive just out of boredom. As someone new to dogs I suggest you spend a lot of time in finding the specific breed(s) that will fit your needs. Try to find breeders in your area for those breeds and talk to them.

I have bred and shown German Shepherds and currently live with 5 dogs (4 different breeds), each one of them has it's own personaility and character traits.
by norm
Fri Jun 24, 2011 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ever wonder where rich Bogleheads are stashing their money?
Replies: 41
Views: 8622

If you're asking me you areasking the wrong person.
by norm
Thu Jun 23, 2011 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: While we are on the topic of dogs- Recommendations?
Replies: 58
Views: 7556

Only an adult dog can be left alone for that length of time. I would restrict it to one room or buy a large crate to keep it in while you are away. The best of both worlds is to hire someone or have a neighbor come in at least once a day to walk the dog. Small nonshedding dogs: Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, Italian Greyhound, Border Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzer,Norfolk Terrier, Silky Terrier, Welsh Terrier, Boston Terrier,Scottish Terrier, Chinese Crested, Australian Terrier Medium To Large Non Shedding Dog Breeds Airedale Terrier, Standard Poodle, Wirehaired Fox Terrier, Greyhound Bedlington Terrier, Irish Water Spaniel, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrie...
by norm
Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you own your primary domicile?
Replies: 45
Views: 6248

I sold my house last year and now live with my gf (her mortgage is fully paid),
by norm
Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: Imagine this Worst Case Scenario. What to do?
Replies: 42
Views: 4655

The hell with my portfolio I would stockpile canned food, medical supplies, guns and ammo and then drive upstate to the mountains to be as far away from NYC as possible.
by norm
Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Do You Do With Your Change?
Replies: 70
Views: 9348

I have a ceramic canister marked LSD that I throw my quarters in and a glass bowl for all other change. It's a habit I've had foras long as I remember.

My wife and I once filled a glass water cooler bottle with change.
by norm
Sat Jun 04, 2011 6:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 51
Views: 5106

I chose Asia ex China with my eye on India.
by norm
Sat Jun 04, 2011 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else here struggling to save? Just curious - Thanks!
Replies: 131
Views: 15625

I'm a 72 year old retired widower. I live with my gf in her home which is paid for (we share all expenses). I owe no money and tend to live under my means without denying myself what is important to me. Obviously I have no trouble saving.
by norm
Fri Jun 03, 2011 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any suggestions for a week on St. Maarten/St. Martin?
Replies: 23
Views: 2790

Take the catamaran trip to St. Barts. Visit the nude beach on the French side.
by norm
Mon May 30, 2011 11:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which Vanguard bond funds are you currently using, and why?
Replies: 96
Views: 20526

Wellesley which represents 41% of my portfolio.

VFSUX - VG Short Term Investment Grade ADM - I use this for any advantageous fund purchase.

I also hold 3 non Vanguard funds, Emerging Markets, Short Term Bond and Intermediate Bond.
by norm
Sun May 29, 2011 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How big is your emergency fund?
Replies: 158
Views: 22829

Having grown up in very poor circumstances it gives me a sense of security to know that I have enough cash (CDs, savings account and a short term bond fund) to cover any emergency or to make a large purchase. Every so often as the emergency fund increases I take X amount and switch it to my portfolio.

As a retired widower my emergency fund gives me the peace of mind of knowing that I can rely on myself if a real emergency arises and don't have to go to one of my children for help.
by norm
Tue May 24, 2011 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camcorder for a dummy
Replies: 14
Views: 2102

Skiffy wrote:To fit the simple to use requirement: get a flip video camera! Quality of the pictures on the newer HD versions is very good and they come with the cable to hook up to your TV or computer. Very easy to use.
What is a flip camera?
by norm
Mon May 23, 2011 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camcorder for a dummy
Replies: 14
Views: 2102

Skiffy wrote:To fit the simple to use requirement: get a flip video camera! Quality of the pictures on the newer HD versions is very good and they come with the cable to hook up to your TV or computer. Very easy to use.
What is a "flip" video camera?

Thanks for all of the replies. I found a lot of useful info.
by norm
Sun May 22, 2011 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camcorder for a dummy
Replies: 14
Views: 2102

Camcorder for a dummy

I want to buy a decent quality camcorder that is very simple to use. I would spend up to $500. Any suggestions?
by norm
Fri May 13, 2011 1:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Re: Which stage is the housing bubble at?
Replies: 23
Views: 2775

It all depends on where you live.
by norm
Mon May 09, 2011 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When did you become a boglehead?
Replies: 36
Views: 4763

I don't recall the year but I stumbled upon the forum in M* and became a convert.
by norm
Mon May 09, 2011 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 5% CD's maturing - Where are YOU reinvesting your money?
Replies: 50
Views: 9098

I would put the money into my portfolio based on my AA.
by norm
Fri May 06, 2011 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone Have Experience Buying Used Car Thru Avis Direct?
Replies: 8
Views: 5774

I got a good deal buying a car on ebay from someone that lived close by.
by norm
Fri May 06, 2011 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you get your news, and how old are you?
Replies: 66
Views: 6488

72 & retired

Sunday NY Times
Local daily newspaper
Time Magazine
PBS
MSNBC (Chris Walace)
CNN
NBC
by norm
Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help Buying USED minivan
Replies: 29
Views: 5527

Last year I tried to find a 2008 KIA minivan but there were none available in the Northeast. I was able to get my second choice a 2008 Toyota Sienna (and in the color that I wanted). I am extremely happy with it.
by norm
Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Average age of all household cars for bogleheads........
Replies: 105
Views: 13319

1996 BMW Roadster - 66,000 miles
2008 Sienna - 52,000 miles

Average Age 9 years
by norm
Mon Apr 25, 2011 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you find your risk level?
Replies: 29
Views: 3565

Take a big loss and then decide what AA would let you sleep at night.
by norm
Thu Apr 21, 2011 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who is getting out of REITS?
Replies: 22
Views: 3405

I bought CGM Realty in 2003 and sold it in 2006 for a 32% gain.

I bought VIPSX in 2007 and sold it in 2008 for a 21% loss.

Have not owned a real estate fund since and have no plans to buy any.
by norm
Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Funniest movies of all time? Name five of your favorites...
Replies: 338
Views: 50090

What's Up Doc?

Blazing Saddles

M*A*S*H

Young Frankenstein (that's Frankenshteen)

History of the World Part I
by norm
Mon Apr 18, 2011 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else looking forward to Game of Thrones?
Replies: 90
Views: 10774

This show and The Borgias have the same story line. Greedy men of power want more of the same and are willing to go to any lengths to achieve it (including using their daughter or sister's marriage to create alliances to strengthen their military & political might). Both stories include incestious love affairs.

I am surprised that HBO would broadcast two such similar series at the same time.

T&A is a pleasant way to offset the violence. :wink:
by norm
Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone here own a safe?
Replies: 91
Views: 17728

We have a decent sized, very heavy safe.
by norm
Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hobbies of Bogleheads
Replies: 159
Views: 26458

Reading. Since I stoped being inolved 20 years ago in showing dogs I have not found a hobby to replace it (frugal or otherwise).
by norm
Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Bogleheads buy Long Term Care Insurance?
Replies: 197
Views: 29399

I'm a 72 year old retired widower. I do have LTC. If I have medical problems in the future I don't want it to fall on my family's shoulders to have to pay for my care.
by norm
Sat Apr 09, 2011 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10-minute workout?
Replies: 32
Views: 5307

Because of physical problems I can't do pushups, situps, weights etc. I have found that the best exercise for me is walking. I start off walking 1 mile 4-5 times a week and slowly build up to 4 miles each day, Along the way I add wrist and ankle weights.
by norm
Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do You Live Off Of Dividends?
Replies: 116
Views: 24648

I don't live off of my dividends.
by norm
Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Eat Out - How Often
Replies: 102
Views: 21098

Just the two of us so we eat out at least 6 times a week (including lunch or brunch).
by norm
Fri Apr 01, 2011 11:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many bond funds do you hold?
Replies: 60
Views: 8157

3 if you count Wellesley.
by norm
Tue Mar 29, 2011 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogleheads by occupation
Replies: 113
Views: 17445

The best job of all: retired.
by norm
Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:43 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Changing Screen Name.
Replies: 3
Views: 1712

sscritic wrote:If you change your screen name, you should also change your signature. It does stand out just a little. :)
That's been done.
by norm
Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:43 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Changing Screen Name.
Replies: 3
Views: 1712

Changing Screen Name.

Please tell me how to change my screen name.
by norm
Tue Mar 22, 2011 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Which financial institution stores most of your net worth?
Replies: 79
Views: 10297

Vanguard - 80%

Discover Bank CDs - 16%

State Street Bank - 3%

Capital One Bank - 1%
by norm
Sat Mar 19, 2011 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To minivan or Not to minivan?
Replies: 46
Views: 7981

I've owned mini-vans since the first Dodge Caravan came out. There are no more kids in my house but there are 5 dogs and 6 cats and nothing beats a mini-van for hauling bodies (2 or 4 legged). Last year I bought a 2008 Sienna
and I am very happy with it.
by norm
Fri Mar 18, 2011 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your pay (in thousands) to weekly work hours ratio?
Replies: 32
Views: 5550

It all depends on how much time it takes to plan the job and
crack the safe plus how much money is in it.
by norm
Fri Mar 18, 2011 7:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VG Target Retirement Funds
Replies: 14
Views: 3055

Find the Target Retirment Fund that meets or comes closest to your desired AA. You can supplement the Target Fund with other funds that gives you the AA you want or you can also try to duplicate the Target Fund by buying the funds it owns to give you your planned AA.
by norm
Thu Mar 17, 2011 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many hours a week do you work?
Replies: 83
Views: 981293

0 on work days, less on days off. I am retired.
by norm
Mon Mar 14, 2011 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is YOUR bond/equity ratio compared to your age/horizon?
Replies: 80
Views: 15476

Age 72 and retired. My income is from Social Security & pensions.

My portfolio is 49% equities/46% bonds/5% cash.

Based on my portfolio plus emergency funds/discretionary spending funds:
34% equities/34% bonds/32% cash.
by norm
Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone using Capital One Banking services?
Replies: 5
Views: 1918

I live within walking distance of two Capital One banks. I have my checking & savings accounts with them. I do all of my business (including bill paying) through their online service.
by norm
Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Let's talk wristwatches
Replies: 158
Views: 32648

I retired in October 2003 at which time I stopped wearing jewelry, ties, suits, sports jackets, getting hair cuts & shaving.
by norm
Mon Mar 07, 2011 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you return bottles & cans?
Replies: 63
Views: 12406

Since our town only recycles paper we throw them away.
by norm
Sat Mar 05, 2011 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ten Things Americans Waste the Most Money On
Replies: 54
Views: 11624

I guess the only way to save money is to sell everything you own, buy a coffin and lay in it until you die.

Thank goodness they didn't include KY jelly.
by norm
Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Article: Asset class winners over last 4 decades
Replies: 10
Views: 2346

Multifactor Advisor wrote:Actually, I think these remote comparisons do diversification some injustice. It makes one assume that you need all of these abstract asset classes (REITs, Commodities, etc.) to achieve any meaningful diversification. When in reality, a simple look at 4 core/high returning equity asset classes shows the same level of decade by decade dispersion:
Why aren't bonds included in the mix?
by norm
Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are some actively managed funds that you like?
Replies: 33
Views: 4754

VG Wellesley Adm (VWIAX)
VG Short Term Investment Grade Adm (VFSUX)
Fidelity New Markets (FNMIX)
Metropolitan West Total Return Bond M (MWTRX)
Homestead Short Term Bond (HOSBX)
Yachtman (YACKX)
by norm
Thu Feb 24, 2011 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Why are old men so grumpy?"
Replies: 131
Views: 22062

I'm 72 so technically I guess I'm an old man. One of the things that makes me grumpy is when inconsiderate younger people ask questions like the one posed by the OP! Don't generalize when you talk about a group of people.
by norm
Tue Feb 22, 2011 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you had a choice, would you still live in the USA?
Replies: 153
Views: 17520

I spent my career traveling the world (primarily Asia, Latin America & the Caribbean). At one time I considered retiring to Singapore but then realized that I am a "spoiled American". When you go into a supermarket in a foreign country you don't have the variety of choices that we are used to. I would also miss not being able to see American TV, basketball, football & baseball on an almost daily basis. The only place I would seriously consider is the high country of Panama where there are many American expats and lots of benefits overed by the government as an inducement to reitre there. When I first became a widower I seriously considered traveling around the world and if I found the "ideal" place I would settle...