Search found 819 matches

by RTR2006
Mon Oct 25, 2021 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Did a Horrible Thing (in Hindsight) [went to cash]
Replies: 71
Views: 14052

Re: I Did a Horrible Thing (in Hindsight) [went to cash]

I want to thank all of you who provided a response to my original post. First of all, you're right... I've been here a long time, and my first portfolio was reviewed and analyzed by none other than Queen Laura herself, and it served me well through the great Recession of 2008 and to the (almost) present. I agree that while I may not have lost money, I did suffer the 'opportunity cost' of pulling money out of the market when in hindsight (evil mistress that she is) I should have left everything alone. Ah, well... Fortunately, as some of you have noted, we are doing pretty well. In terms of setting aside money for the kids, I adhere to the belief that, as is said, "Travel First Class, or Your Children Will." We're certainly not leav...
by RTR2006
Fri Oct 22, 2021 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Did a Horrible Thing (in Hindsight) [went to cash]
Replies: 71
Views: 14052

I Did a Horrible Thing (in Hindsight) [went to cash]

So... a while ago when I thought the world was coming to an end (leaving the politics out of it), I sold much of our holdings. Yes, I have probably lost a runup of $200,000 or more. Now I am sitting on about $250,000 in cash doing nothing. We own a bit of AT&T, a bit of GE, and a bit of Chevron (totaling about $75,000), but mostly bonds and fixed assets in my IRA account (adding up to about another $575,000). I retired four years ago but have not had to withdraw cash from anything other than from a cash account, which is winnowing down, and we started collecting SS earlier this year (I am 67, wife is 68). With the 5.9% increase scheduled for 2022 we'll be netting around $4600/month, and can for the most part live off of that. (Home is p...
by RTR2006
Wed Jan 16, 2019 5:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81304

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

Jack Bogle and this board are the reasons my retirement is secure. My family’s sympathies to his family, friends, and associates.
by RTR2006
Thu Jul 07, 2016 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A nice wrist watch under $1500
Replies: 42
Views: 10418

Re: A nice wrist watch under $1500

I'd suggest you kick your contribution up a bit (to around $2000) and buy a used Rolex Datejust. You can buy a 5-10-40 year old watch that looks good, runs well, and can easily be serviced. The resale value will be much better than ANY other brand, save for Patek.

Here are a few to choose from:

http://www.chrono24.com/en/rolex/dateju ... ortorder=1

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When the rubber hits the road [Progressive Dementia thread with merged updates]
Replies: 108
Views: 12052

Don't 'dump' the artwork...

Sorry to hear of your condition. You might contact Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonham's or Phillips concerning taking your better pieces for sale in an upcoming auction. Bonham's is best if you are in the SF area; the others are good for NY or parts east.

Best of luck and best of health to you!


RTR
by RTR2006
Fri Mar 11, 2016 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Streaming Internet to Home Stereo
Replies: 47
Views: 9870

Re: Streaming Internet to Home Stereo

I have been using a Rocketfish receiver for the past year or so. It is plugged into an auxiliary input to my 30+ year old stereo pre-amp and I can stream Pandora, music, whatever from my iPhone via bluetooth. It detects it automatically, so no fooling around.

http://www.amazon.com/Rocketfish-RF-BTR ... rocketfish

It's easy as pie. Sound quality up to about 8 feet away is perfect; in fact, I am listening to some Chopin nocturnes right now.

Good luck.

RTR
by RTR2006
Fri Jan 29, 2016 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The Best Stock Over the Last 30 Years? You've Never Heard of It"
Replies: 3
Views: 1772

Re: "The Best Stock Over the Last 30 Years? You've Never Heard of It"

It appears that I'll continue to have never heard of it since your link is locked and I don't particularly feel like subscribing to the WSJ to learn the answer.

Care to share the stock symbol, if there is one?

RTR
by RTR2006
Fri Jan 29, 2016 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rain, what rain?
Replies: 17
Views: 2980

Re: Rain, what rain?

We live approx 35 miles east of SF and the rain here has been wonderful. Every other day or so we've been getting about 0.2 to 0.5 inch - so far for most of Jan. Gets the grass and plants soaked, runs off into the creeks, and hasn't been causing too much damage (except in Pacifica).

RTR
by RTR2006
Fri Jan 08, 2016 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building a new small home
Replies: 37
Views: 5566

Re: Building a new small home

I looked seriously into pre-fab BLU Homes but was dissatisfied with their approach to use IKEA hardware for most internals, and when the inflated cost of land was added there was no benefit other than the "you can move in in six weeks" argument.

We are also looking at land and building and I am speaking with two architects whose styles and approaches we like.

That might be a way to go.

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Jan 04, 2016 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did your retirement Portfolio do in 2015?
Replies: 95
Views: 10570

Re: How did your retirement Portfolio do in 2015?

Our portfolio finished up just under 7% for 2015, but we are quite heavily invested in GE, which after a few years in the doldrums finally had a decent year (up around 23% for the year).

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Jan 04, 2016 6:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 667
Views: 59867

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

2142.8

happy new year!!!

RTR
by RTR2006
Sat Jan 02, 2016 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Juice/Smoothie Recipes
Replies: 11
Views: 1946

Re: Juice/Smoothie Recipes

To replicate (pretty close, anyway) the Jamba Juice boysenberry blitz, blend the following:

1/2 cup fresh OJ
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
One full scoop Dreyer's tropical fruit sherbert
1/2 cup ice

Blend for 30 seconds and enjoy...

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Dec 17, 2015 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying Off Mortgage at Bank Branch?
Replies: 15
Views: 7496

Re: Paying Off Mortgage at Bank Branch?

We paid off our mortgage note in person (10 years ago this month) at a local Citibank branch. They were able to calculate the closing amount to the penny so we made the payment in full. Took about 10 days to get all formal paperwork and documentation from the bank (congratulatory letter from Citi, then final deeds and other paperwork).

No big deal, and no real fanfare other than a teller commenting that in 20 years with Citi she'd never seen a customer pay off a home loan.

Good luck.

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used 4 passenger convertible recommendations
Replies: 33
Views: 3569

Re: Used 4 passenger convertible recommendations

I own a 2001 Mercedes CLK 320 convertible that I bought new in late December 2000 so it's coming up on 15 years that we've been together. I've logged 245,000 miles to date, and I've always said that it's one of the most delightful cars to drive on a nice day with the top down.

Alas, blue book on these beasts is now down to about $2500... they're worth much more than that, but please consider one (and have it checked out by a reliable mechanic before you purchase).

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Oct 26, 2015 12:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: GE Synchrony Share Exchange
Replies: 50
Views: 10718

Re: GE Synchrony Share Exchange

Doesn't anyone use proper grammar anymore?

As a GE shareholder, I can exchange my shares of GE for shares of Synchrony - NOT exchange shares of Synchrony (which I presumably don't yet possess) for shares of GE.

Image

Sheesh!!!!

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Oct 22, 2015 6:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: GE Synchrony Share Exchange
Replies: 50
Views: 10718

Re: GE Synchrony Share Exchange

Per the exchange offer, in part (this is just a teaser; you'll get an alert from your broker): *** General Electric Company (GE), is offering to exchange outstanding shares of GE common stock for up to 705,270,833 shares Synchrony Financial common stock. For each $100 of GE common stock accepted for exchange, holders will receive approximately $107.53 of Synchrony common stock, subject to an upper limit of 1.1308 shares of Synchrony common stock per share of GE common stock. Cash will be paid in lieu of any fractional shares. The exchange offer does not provide for a minimum exchange ratio. However, if the upper limit is in effect, you will receive less than $107.53 of Synchrony common stock for each $100 of GE common stock tendered, and yo...
by RTR2006
Sun Oct 18, 2015 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2008 Market Crash, Did You See It As Opportunity?
Replies: 60
Views: 7234

Re: 2008 Market Crash, Did You See It As Opportunity?

I think in general people everywhere were very scared. I think it's mainly the revisionistas (ok, and experts and crystal-ball gazers) who are writing that they saw it as an opportunity. To quote (I'll pass on divulging the source, as it's not relevant to the conversation): "It's hard to understand the long term implications of a crisis when you're in the middle of it." We were definitely in the middle of it. I don't think anyone knew what the hell was going on. I bought a large amount of GE stock at a bit over $7/share in March 2009. My logic was that it was either going to recover, or, as I noted to my wife at the time, "If GE goes bankrupt, we have a much bigger problem than the fact that GE just went bankrupt." I did...
by RTR2006
Fri Oct 16, 2015 1:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: GE Synchrony Share Exchange
Replies: 50
Views: 10718

GE Synchrony Share Exchange

Hi, can anyone point me to something written in plain-er English that defines if and how GE shareholders will benefit (or not) from the proposed GE/Synchrony share exchange?

From what I understand, when the 'swap event' takes place I will be able to exchange X shares in GE for Y shares in Synchrony, and the more (GE) shares traded in to the company, the lower the float, so any benefit from doing nothing is a reduced share count. SYN is at $30 and GE is now at $29, so if it's a 1:1 exchange, I increase my holdings value by $1 per share for every SYN share I decide to take using a GE share as 'currency'...

Is that it?

Thanks!

RTR
by RTR2006
Sun Sep 20, 2015 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 20th Century Stereo in a 21st Century World
Replies: 71
Views: 10117

Re: 20th Century Stereo in a 21st Century World

I use a Rocketfish adapter to stream my iPhone to my very 20th century (circa 1977) amp/preamp/CD player.

Works great. I got it at Best Buy as I recall for about $50. You don't need to spend any more than that. Plug it into an AUX or Tape input in your preamp and you're good to go.

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Aug 26, 2015 4:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: More Proof: The 'Do Nothing' Strategy Works
Replies: 15
Views: 3908

Re: More Proof: The 'Do Nothing' Strategy Works

Seeeeeeeee???

:sharebeer

By the way, it's probably not over yet. Just stay away from the screamers...

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Aug 24, 2015 2:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: More Proof: The 'Do Nothing' Strategy Works
Replies: 15
Views: 3908

More Proof: The 'Do Nothing' Strategy Works

As others have said, I too owe everything to the Bogleheads. My portfolio from 2008-2013...? I didn't touch it, except for some minor re-balancing and continuing to max out my 401K investments. I thought this was pretty amusing when I first read it:

http://www.barrons.com/articles/SB51005 ... 1651656262

Sit back, enjoy the ride, and please keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times while it's moving.

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Aug 19, 2015 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Manhattan Hotels that offer two single beds in a room. Need to book.
Replies: 13
Views: 2387

Re: Manhattan Hotels that offer two single beds in a room. Need to book.

We just (yesterday) returned from NY and spent 4 nights at the Hilton Midtown at 53rd and 6th (Ave of the Americas).

Our kids shared a single room with two beds. They got doubles, not singles, and the rate was around $250/night. Be sure to ask about specials....

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Aug 10, 2015 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Rolex Watch
Replies: 171
Views: 30173

Re: Buying a Rolex Watch

Here's a look at what goes into making (and taking apart) a Rolex:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfNOgWGME_c

And here's what goes into the design and manufacture of a PP:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dwBk7-uPmc

These are wonderful timepieces... 300-400 individual parts, all put together for the simple function of keeping accurate time... and perhaps sometimes a bit more...

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Aug 10, 2015 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Rolex Watch
Replies: 171
Views: 30173

Re: Buying a Rolex Watch

Here you go (from a vintage Rolex collector): 1. The only watches (generally speaking) that hold their value or appreciate in value over time are Rolex and Patek Philippe. The Rolex GMTII I bought brand new in 2004 for $3300 now retails for just under $9000, so that keeps the value of older watches from falling off a cliff. 2. Dress Rolex watches appreciate (beyond price increases) at a different (much slower to not much at all) rate than their sport watches (Submariner, Sea Dweller, GMT, Explorer). 3. If you buy any dress watch for over $1000, keep all boxes, paper work, hang tags, etc., as others have said. Rolex buyers can be finnicky and when you have the paperwork you'll do better for any eventual resale. 4. There's a simple rule of th...
by RTR2006
Mon Aug 10, 2015 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Inherited jewelry and have no clue how to liquidate
Replies: 27
Views: 7625

Re: Inherited jewelry and have no clue how to liquidate

Hi I am a vintage Rolex watch collector. Please either post or feel free to PM me a picture of the face of the watch you have (and the others, if you care to) and I can recommend someone to either buy it or sell it on your behalf. It would be a shame to sell a nice vintage Rolex for scrap gold weight where there could be intrinsic value in the timepiece itself.

Thanks,

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Jul 23, 2015 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Los Angeles
Replies: 21
Views: 3125

Re: Moving to Los Angeles

Hi, I lived in LA for almost 30 years... Northridge, North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills south of Venture Bl.... The Valley is very congested. Where we did end up before relocating to the Bay Area in 1995 was in the Agoura Hills area.

I strongly suggest that you head out west a bit... get off at Kanan or Cheseboro and head north and drive around. It's a newer community, and not as crowded as the Valley, which every time we are forced back for a visit keeps getting older, dirtier and more miserable. And the 405 is a nightmare 23.5 hours a day...

PM me if you'd like any more specific information.

Good luck!

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Jul 21, 2015 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend a magazine with good writing like the New Yorker
Replies: 53
Views: 19873

Re: Recommend a magazine with good writing like the New Yorker

Fallible wrote: If only Saturday Review (formerly Saturday Review of Literature) under Norman Cousins were still around, I'd still put it even with The New Yorker as I did way back then. Even its cartoons were some of the greatest, with many of them by cartoonists also publishing in The New Yorker.
Amen to that! I read it throughout high school, and it was wonderful...

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Jul 01, 2015 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Amalfi Coast: Next April
Replies: 21
Views: 4754

Re: The Amalfi Coast: Next April

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions! We're investigating them now, and promise to post some pics after we go and return next year.

Thanks again...

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Jun 29, 2015 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Amalfi Coast: Next April
Replies: 21
Views: 4754

The Amalfi Coast: Next April

My wife and I will be traveling to the Amalfi coast next April and I'd appreciate any comments on best places to stay/visit. This is a special anniversary for us (#35) so I'm looking for five star places to stay with views and prices to match. Come on, don't hold back... show me your non-Boglehead side!

Thanks!!!

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Jun 24, 2015 11:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: a Look at Neuberger Berman funds, comparing to passive funds
Replies: 7
Views: 1842

Re: a Look at Neuberger Berman funds, comparing to passive funds

I had my entire portfolio managed by NB from 1997 until around 2005, if I recall. They were buying and selling lots of individual stocks, never asked about retirement, and never once added a bond fund to my portfolio. I do remember owning lots of oil company and bank stocks. What really miffed me was the fact that the trades back then were costing me like $50 each, and they were pulling my shares from the 2.3 million or whatever of the specific stock that they already owned, so I was paying for keystrokes. I walked into a UBS branch in early 2007, where the SVP there insisted that I go 100% into hedge funds, and ran as fast as I could. Sifting through the internet I found the Bogleheads in May of 2007. The rest, as they say, is history. Tha...
by RTR2006
Wed Jun 10, 2015 2:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?
Replies: 11
Views: 2427

Re: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?

Wow, and for those non-believers out there, here's a ten year performance graph of VIPSX with VBMFX, including the meltdown in 2008-09...

Image

Who knew?!!?

:oops:

:shock:

:)
by RTR2006
Wed Jun 10, 2015 2:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?
Replies: 11
Views: 2427

Re: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?

dbr wrote:If you have TIPS and get rid of them then money would go back to TBM.
keystone wrote:I agree that if one chose to reduce or eliminate their allocation in TIPS, X% in TIPS = X% in TBM.
Ah, noted and ok; I didn't really think the trade-off was so cut and dry.

Other opinions welcome, but at least now I get it...

Thanks!

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Jun 10, 2015 1:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?
Replies: 11
Views: 2427

Re: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?

It would never have occurred to me to think that TIPS have some aspect of equity asset class property to them. Can you explain what you have in mind there? I'm trying to understand the trade-offs required when developing an "N" - fund portfolio and how to reconcile the fact that certain holdings then don't make their way into it. I can see not over-weighting with, say, emerging markets because they're part of total international, but TIPS are rather unique and yet don't seem to make the cut for inclusion into these super slimmed down portfolios. If we're not including TIPS (or REITS, for that matter, as another example), then the dollars an investor might put into them to round out their portfolio need to go into one of these 3 o...
by RTR2006
Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?
Replies: 11
Views: 2427

3- and 4-Fund Portfolios: What About TIPS?

Are all of you who are advocating 3- and 4-fund portfolios arguing that TIPS should no longer play a role or hold a place in our holdings? For those of us with TIPS (I am holding 12-15% in my total 'pre-retirement' portfolio) what's the formula for moving out of TIPS for the sake of simplicity, if we want to do that? If someone is holding $10,000 in TIPS, what's the conversion factor to move out? Does $10K in TIPS equal $7500 bonds : $2500 total stock mkt? $5K : $5K? Something else?

Your opinions appreciated...

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Jun 09, 2015 6:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio
Replies: 136
Views: 45840

Re: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio

lack_ey wrote:A question that seemed more geared at a personal allocation should be in another thread and not lost buried in here as it has.
Thanks for your reply. I am not asking for re-allocation advice. I can work on that on my own (plus, I am retiring shortly, and will need to re-balance a bit for this and a few other reasons).

In keeping with the OP's primary objective, and leaving my editorial ramblings aside, I think many here would be interested in knowing how to understand what TIPS do to a 4 fund portfolio. 1TIP = .75 equity fund +.25 bond fund? 1 TIP = .5 equity plus .5 bond? ... or .25 equity + .75 bond?

You get the drift, I'm sure...

Thanks,

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Jun 09, 2015 6:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio
Replies: 136
Views: 45840

Re: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio

RTR2006 wrote:I am curious how TIPS play into this scenario.

RTR
abuss368 wrote:Hi watchnerd,

Would you prefer a TIPS fund rather than international bonds for Vanguard's Fourth Fund?

Boy... what am I? Chopped Liver?

:oops:
by RTR2006
Tue Jun 09, 2015 3:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio
Replies: 136
Views: 45840

Re: Vanguard - Four Fund Portfolio

I am curious how TIPS play into this scenario.

(original body text deleted to avoid hijacking the thread...)

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed May 27, 2015 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I shorten my last name?
Replies: 70
Views: 17005

Re: Should I shorten my last name?

My father shortened his last name during WWII and other relatives followed suit within the next few years. The only ones left who haven't shortened their names we've been told are all horse thieves running wild in Siberia...

:happy
by RTR2006
Sat May 16, 2015 5:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: THANK YOU Bogleheads!
Replies: 9
Views: 2695

Re: THANK YOU Bogleheads!

Here's another 'thank you' to this Forum. I will be retiring in three months (just shy of 61). Had I not discovered this Forum and Queen Laura, who helped me put my portfolio together back in 2007 (and which not only weathered the storm in 2008-2009 but is in fact still intact and humming along nicely), I'd be in deep you-know-what.

Three cheers to all who contribute here and offer advice. Those of us primarily in the peanut gallery appreciate every word you post.

Best,

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Mar 04, 2015 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tourists in Manhattan
Replies: 53
Views: 9166

Re: Tourists in Manhattan

I've been traveling to NY for over 30 years. Stay in midtown. We usually stay at the Hilton at 53rd and Ave of the Americas. We're going again in August and rooms are just around $200/night (seasonal differences prevail, of course, so call). A million people can recommend where to go and where to eat... But if you want a nice meal directly across the street, go to China Grill in the CBS building (it's literally across the street). Don't forget Carnegie Deli, either. Some of the food trucks are wonderful. And walk walk walk... to the Met, to MOMA, to Tiffany's, up 6th and Madison and down 5th. Have drinks at the Plaza... visit the Apple store. Walk down into Greenwich Village and SoHo.

You'll love it.

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wife turning 50, Ideas for gift?
Replies: 25
Views: 5534

Re: Wife turning 50, Ideas for gift?

Make reservations for a trip for two to Florence, Italy. Stay five nights at the Hotel L'Orologio. Buy her a Rolex 31mm gold/stainless Datejust or an 18K Cartier Tank Francaise watch, or both.

Borrow if you have to. Spoil the hell out of her. We've been married 33 years and her 50th was, well, more than a decade ago. We still talk about our trips to Italy, and her watch is a constant reminder of some wonderful memories (over time, she ended up with both the Cartier and the Rolex).

Trust me on both of these.

:happy

RTR
by RTR2006
Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy and Hold Forever Stocks
Replies: 104
Views: 17947

Re: Buy and Hold Forever Stocks

GE, AT & T, and PG. Buy and hold, but probably not forever... (bought most of the GE at ~$7.40/share during the wreck, so it's been good to me). Currently buying GE and PG via DRIP, but only as a nice 'forced savings' plan. Without paying much attention these holdings alone have now grown nicely in the past few years (which I suppose is more an endorsement of embracing DRIP investing than 'buy and hold forever' strategy, but it works...).

RTR
by RTR2006
Tue Feb 17, 2015 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unexpected Lay-off; Not quite ready to retire; Please Help?
Replies: 20
Views: 5791

Re: Unexpected Lay-off; Not quite ready to retire; Please He

I run corporate communications for a high tech semiconductor company in Silicon Valley. Your best bet will be connecting with people on LinkedIn, especially if they work at a place where you'd liketo end up. You don't indicate whether you're in California (SV) or elsewhere, but this is a good time to be looking. Jobs are opening up and people are starting to change jobs.

Keep looking. Keep connecting and re-connecting. Recruiters may be helpful, but unless you're at a Korn-Ferry level, I think LI is your best bet.

Good luck.

RTR
by RTR2006
Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Philip Johnson's Glass House: Tours/Time to Visit?
Replies: 1
Views: 637

Philip Johnson's Glass House: Tours/Time to Visit?

Hi, has anyone taken a tour of the Glass House site in New Canaan? I'm familiar with and love the house, and the write-up in this week's NY Times prompts us to take the tour this year. If you've been there, can you comment on the tour you took (they offer a few options) and the time of year that you would recommend as being the nicest (Spring, with everything in bloom, or perhaps Fall, when the leaves are changing color)?

Thanks!!

RTR
by RTR2006
Mon Feb 09, 2015 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I put a Credit Freeze on my accounts?
Replies: 37
Views: 9979

Re: Should I put a Credit Freeze on my accounts?

Froze everything this past week (Anthem). Solid credit and we own our home free and clear so not sure if and how it might become a problem, but feel much safer...

RTR
by RTR2006
Sun Feb 01, 2015 11:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Telescopes?
Replies: 21
Views: 2945

OK, I'll say it... Questar

Buy her (and yourself) a Standard Questar 3.5. You can get them used for about $1500. She'll keep it the rest of her life and pass it down for future generations to enjoy. It's the size of a football and one of the best - if not the best - telescope in the world, hand made - still - in New Hope, PA. I've had mine since 1986, and it's a valued treasure.

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Jan 29, 2015 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'
Replies: 34
Views: 5802

Re: Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'

Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful and insightful posts. My wife is reviewing your comments with her brother, and they will talk to their mom. I think the key here is going to be time, to allow her to settle in. She's only been there two weeks and has been moved around recently as she's at the tail end of the recovery from a fall in which she broke three ribs, landing her in a hospital, then a skilled nursing facility, then another place very small and certainly not appropriate for her, and now here. We hope she'll be able to make at least one new pal, to start...

Thanks again...

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Jan 29, 2015 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'
Replies: 34
Views: 5802

Re: Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'

batpot wrote:
So OP is evil SIL? :shock:
Actually, I'm a real sweetheart. Livesoft must have seen some other evil SIL!!

:D

RTR
by RTR2006
Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you drive, and why?
Replies: 255
Views: 43787

Re: What do you drive, and why?

2001 Mercedes CLK convertible. Bought new in December 2000, and it has taken me over 230,000 miles. A few service annoyances over the years, but no major problems. When the weather's nice top down in Napa or along 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach... there's simply nothing nicer. Drove Hondas for 25 years before getting my MBZ. The Hondas were more dependable (hairsbreadth difference between the two, really), but top down this is definitely more fun. When it's finally time to replace I'll either get another MBZ or a Porsche/Aston, but it'll definitely be a convertible.

RTR
by RTR2006
Wed Jan 28, 2015 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'
Replies: 34
Views: 5802

Assisted Living Facilities... Weird 'Atmosphere...'

We just put my mother-in-law into an assisted living facility and what's weird is that none of the residents (maybe ~70 in about 56 units) seem to be speaking to each other. And yes, some, and perhaps even half the population, are suffering from some sort of dementia, but when breakfast or lunch or afternoon ice cream is served, the dining hall (food is ordered/served restaurant style so it's usually well occupied) is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

I would expect that people would be chatting about... something.... anything... but nothing? At all?

Have any of you experienced anything like this with your relatives?

Thanks!!

RTR