Search found 144 matches

by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Dec 29, 2017 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Suddenly my mortgage doesn't seem that great
Replies: 66
Views: 12891

Re: Suddenly my mortgage doesn't seem that great

After reading through these posts I'm pleased to see that our tax code has been greatly simplified with these new changes.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Dec 11, 2017 1:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Danger of being a helicopter pilot?
Replies: 40
Views: 7974

Re: Danger of being a helicopter pilot?

Hi. Retired from the NYPD Aviation Unit. Served as a sergeant and a lieutenant (a long time ago…). Flew Bell 206B (JetRanger) and an ancient UH-1B Huey on floats. If the agency is flying good equipment (and I have no doubt they are) then flying helicopters, for a properly trained pilot, is not particularly dangerous.

If you can get in with a private rotary-wing rating then I say go for it. You’ll pick up your commercial with instrument rating on the city’s dime!

https://imgur.com/d6ILyIk

Me flying Huey during Fleet Week (April 1989). Not sure if it's in the video, but at one point I flew under the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges (don't do this at home kids...)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc9SKxPq2zg&t=54s
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Nov 30, 2017 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A good friend has nearly $1M in BitCoin what do I tell him?
Replies: 149
Views: 21685

Re: A good friend has nearly $1M in BitCoin what do I tell him?

Just curious, how does one "cash-in" a BitCoin?

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Wed Nov 29, 2017 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Negotiating used car - Toyota Highlander
Replies: 32
Views: 3739

Re: Negotiating used car - Toyota Highlander

I have heard that Carvana is an excellent and no hassle way to purchase a used auto. No personal experience, but you can Google the reviews.

Best of luck,

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Sun Sep 17, 2017 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: cannot freeze at equifax online
Replies: 6
Views: 1124

Re: cannot freeze at equifax online

I also received the same response from that company when I tried to freeze my credit reports. The other two agencies worked out OK. Five dollars to each. Which, when you think about it, is nuts, as I'm protecting myself from their inability to protect me from the loss of information I never asked them to access and keep in the first place!!!

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Aug 21, 2017 7:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Study: The Rate of Return on Everything, 1870-2015
Replies: 193
Views: 42884

Re: Study: The Rate of Return on Everything, 1870-2015

"You would also need to look at the details of how they measured the housing gains. Very few houses that existed in 1870 ares still around today. Even a 50 year old house that was built in 1967 is likely past its prime."

In my Cape Cod town there are lots of homes, lived in, in great shape and quite valuable, which were built in the 19th Century!!

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Jul 10, 2017 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I invest in this business?
Replies: 19
Views: 2271

Re: Should I invest in this business?

Just curious, how did you find out about this "opportunity?"

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Jul 07, 2017 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Helping an 18 year old start investing
Replies: 16
Views: 1779

Re: Helping an 18 year old start investing

"Be aware of the minimum investment amounts for the funds you are suggesting."

Good point. Will have to research that. We're talking about money from a summer job prior to college in the Fall, so this may be wishful thinking on my part. None the less I'll explore her options with Vanguard.

Thanks all. Good info.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Jul 07, 2017 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Helping an 18 year old start investing
Replies: 16
Views: 1779

Helping an 18 year old start investing

My nephew has a very nice, intelligent eighteen year old girlfriend. I sat both of them down and gave them a "Boglehead" talk on investing, and the sooner the better. For the young lady I've convinced her that she ought to take some percentage of her summer job earnings and put that money in a Vanguard Roth account. My dilemma? What fund to recommend?

I'm thinking of either Wellington (VWENX) or Total Stock Mkt Index Fund (VTSAX).

I want to keep this simple and painless. Any suggestions from you folks would be appreciated.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Jul 04, 2017 11:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expensive Car Repair, New Engine
Replies: 51
Views: 6424

Re: Expensive Car Repair, New Engine

Friend of mine (retired physician) owns a high end BMW sedan (don't recall model). Only a few years old. Maintained his auto very well (the guy is anal!). His engine blew at around 65,000 miles. He bought a new one (engine) from BMW (yes, very expensive). So such things do happen.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Jun 20, 2017 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your car's average cost ownership?
Replies: 70
Views: 13913

Re: What is your car's average cost ownership?

I own four cars and track all costs except insurance (not sure why I don't bother but I don't). I have an open spreadsheet containing two of them, a 2000 RAV4 and a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. The RAV costs us .31 cents a mile (save insurance costs) and the Jeep .84 cents a mile. The reason for the difference is the amount of miles I've got on the RAV (+105,000) and only 38,200 on the Jeep.

These vehicles are used half the year (the other two cars are used in another state) and I operate the RAV +/- 2,800 miles and the Jeep +/- 2.500 miles.

RAV total cost for 15 years use (2002) : +$8,100 dollars.

The Jeep $1,453 dollars since owned (2012), about 5 years of use.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Wed Oct 12, 2016 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If i want to invest in gold (metal), what is the best way?
Replies: 128
Views: 24779

Re: If i want to invest in gold (metal), what is the best way?

I’m not a “gold bug” and do not own a crystal ball, but fail to understand the consternation this subject causes. Gold is a commodity that seems to have had some value independent of the metal’s actual utility since humans have recorded their desires for wealth and to possess items they feel has valuable. I don’t think our currency is going south anytime soon. None the less, I am aware that the value of the United States dollar has declined around 97% over the past hundred years or so. Sort of the frog in the pot of water which is brought to a slow boil situation. Now, that not Zimbabwe-level loss of value, but it’s still 97%. I hold only a small amount of my portfolio in gold and silver. Not so much as an investment but rather as a form of...
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Oct 04, 2016 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Jeep enthusiasts? They seem to retain their value
Replies: 27
Views: 5819

Re: Any Jeep enthusiasts? They seem to retain their value

I own a 2009 Wrangler Sahara (keep that one on Cape Cod) and a 2011 Wrangler Sahara (kept at home just south of Tucson). Bought both used. For my purposes they are very practical cars. I don’t travel great distances with them (a rare trip of 100 miles or so). When on the highway, at moderate speeds (65 mph) I’ve gotten close to 22 mpg on the 2009 model. Around town I get around 16 mpg. Maintenance has not been a problem for either vehicle. I keep excellent records (on a spreadsheet) for my vehicles, which show me: 2009 Jeep, owned from 20,150 mile to current 37,000 Two main expenses; 2016 new battery – 2015 left front brake needed repair 2011 Jeep, owned from 29,924 to current 48,000 miles 2015 battery 2016 four new tires $1,367 – Oil used ...
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Sep 27, 2016 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replace car battery after X years or wait till it dies?
Replies: 162
Views: 33512

Re: Replace car battery after X years or wait till it dies?

Funny, just put in a fresh battery in my RAV-4 today. Old one was working fine but was six years old. This May, when we got back to Cape Cod from AZ, my Jeep's battery (6 years old) was dead (on a smart charger all winter!). Swore I'd replace my car batteries no less than every five years now.

I recall reading somewhere that very old batteries may do some harm to a car's electrical system. No idea if that is so or just someone's brainstorm, figured I'd throw it out for possible discussion.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Aug 12, 2016 5:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Confession~ I timed the market today
Replies: 31
Views: 4516

Re: Confession~ I timed the market today

I kinda/sorta did a similar thing a few weeks ago. My Vanguard investments were doing very well for the year so I moved, from a couple of them, sufficient money to ensure my RMD payments for a couple of years into the Vanguard Money Mkt account. Seemed like a reasonable thing to do.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Aug 02, 2016 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?
Replies: 98
Views: 20073

Re: Stats on Americans 'cutting the cable' ?

mj13f150 wrote:

"....haven't had cable since college, I do the Roku / Netflix route. BUT, having been in multiple hotels recently on a trip, I find how much NEWS I am missing by not having FOX News, CNN and MSNBC etc. ...."

MJ, take a look at Sling. As part of that package they offer CNN. You can also watch segments of FOX news with ROKU as well as listening to live FOX News audio.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Aug 02, 2016 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I replace my hot water heater?
Replies: 15
Views: 2005

Re: Should I replace my hot water heater?

Kind of a "it depends" question. The age of your water heater is quite "mature." I "thought" they lasted around ten or twelve years, but am no expert in such things. A couple of years ago my wife and I decided to replace our still working water heater that was twelve years old. When the tank was being removed from the basement the darn thing fell apart like it was made of cardboard. Don't think it had much life left. My thought is, you would be trading some amount of usable life of the current water heater but ensuring you will be exchanging a minor inconvenience, done on your time schedule, with what would likely be an unpredictable emergency. Seems like a fair trade to me. For the record, when my wife and I p...
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Jul 02, 2016 8:18 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing
Replies: 7
Views: 928

Re: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing

Hanseat, great advice!! I've copied your information and will give it to my nephew.

Thanks,

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Jul 01, 2016 6:32 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing
Replies: 7
Views: 928

Re: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing

Thanks. On the Vanguard site there "seems" to be a section designed for foreign investors (at least they offer international funds and the site is available in numerous languages, including German). I'll contact Vanguard after the holiday weekend.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:03 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing
Replies: 7
Views: 928

Re: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing

I should mention, we went to Social Security today and he has applied for a Social Security card (he needs to be enrolled as he is working this summer in the States).

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:59 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing
Replies: 7
Views: 928

Advice for my 18 yr old nephew, a German national, on Investing

My nephew from Germany is visiting us this summer (he stayed with us last summer as well). He is 18 now and a very thoughtful and intelligent young man. We were discussing financial issues today and I suggested that as soon as he gets a “real job” he immediately start investing 10% of his income for retirement purposes. He concurs but is unsure how to do that in Germany.

If he were from the States I’d give him the standard advice of well diversified low cost Vanguard index funds and “stay the course.” But I don’t have a clue what’s available in his country. Or the nuances of investing there.

Any chance someone on this forum could give me some direction to research this question to help the young man?

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Jun 23, 2016 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good Deal on a Pocket Pistol
Replies: 124
Views: 35057

Re: Good Deal on a Pocket Pistol

I own several Ruger LCP pistols (it's a long story...). Very reliable, very practical for the pistol's intended purpose; easily concealed personal protection. This pistol is practical and task related. I suggest you consider purchasing a pocket holster as that is the most practical way to carry this sidearm, it being too small for belt wear (in my opinion-- might as well carry a full 9mm if you wish to carry this sidearm in a belt holster). The price stated by the OP is very good indeed (I paid lots more for each of my three LCP pistols!). I use Hornady FTX rounds in my pistols (well, my wife carries one of them...). Found the rounds to be reliable and accurate. For the record, when I was assigned to the NYPD Firearms & Tactics Unit I u...
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Oct 05, 2015 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where in the U.S. can I buy a house for under $250k that's a nice place to live?
Replies: 152
Views: 22045

Re: Where in the U.S. can I buy a house for under $250k that's a nice place to live?

Consider south of Tucson; Green Valley or, a bit more rural, Tubac. You will find comfortable homes in the price range you mentioned. As others have stated, I'd visit, then rent, prior to making a final decision. The nice thing about AZ is, it's close enough for you to explore from where you live now with minimal inconvenience.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Sep 15, 2015 8:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew [How to invest, Germany]
Replies: 6
Views: 1065

Re: Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew [How to invest, Germany]

Thanks for the responses. I'll check the suggested website.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Sep 15, 2015 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quiet thru the wall Air Conditioner
Replies: 12
Views: 2234

Re: Quiet thru the wall Air Conditioner

The "ductless mini-split system" is the way to go. There is a unit hung on the room's wall with the compressor outside the residence. I have the AC (and heating part as well) both in my guest room/TV room and our master bedroom, as the rooms sit one floor over the other. Wonderfully quiet, efficient and effective. I had many window units over the years, this system is light years ahead of window units.

My unit can be turned on one of four options; cool/heat/dry/fan

Do check the system out.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Sep 14, 2015 10:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew [How to invest, Germany]
Replies: 6
Views: 1065

Re: Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew

Well, that's a relief! I'll let him know just how lucky he is.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Sep 14, 2015 10:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew [How to invest, Germany]
Replies: 6
Views: 1065

Advice for my 17 yr old German nephew [How to invest, Germany]

My German nephew is spending the summer with my wife and myself. He is a thoughtful and mature young man. I suggested that when he finally becomes employed (he has a lot of schooling in front of him first) he plan on saving 10% of his income and invest it. He then asked, where? My dilemma is, I don't have a clue how the German investment system works. Anyone out there able to direct me to where I might research this question so I can offer the young man some reasonable advice?

Thanks!

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Jun 19, 2015 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much emphasis should I put on car reviews?
Replies: 30
Views: 9390

Re: How much emphasis should I put on car reviews?

I have found Consumer Reports to have very accurate data on car reliability. Their database, which this information is based on, is quite large.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Jun 15, 2015 10:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: $2.55 Billion in gains -- $40 million in returns to investors
Replies: 7
Views: 2775

$2.55 Billion in gains -- $40 million in returns to investors

I’m retired law enforcement (41 years total). My first twenty were with the NYPD. I received my copy of the Retired Lieutenants Association newsletter today. A small article in the newsletter was titled:

Eating Up Pension Profits

The City Comptroller reported that in the last decade the five city retirement systems gained $2.55 Billion (as with a “B”) dollars. These investments returned to the various pension funds $40 Million (as with an “M”) dollars.

I have no comment on the above which would be permissible for me to share with the members of this forum which would not get me banned.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri May 22, 2015 12:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Error in social security earnings record
Replies: 5
Views: 1175

Re: Error in social security earnings record

Before going into the SS office to sign up at age 66 I knew they didn't credit me with a year of "substantial earnings." I printed out a sheet with all the info (correct info) as well as bringing in my back-up material. I politely handed the data over to the young man dealing with me. He quickly realized I was correct and fixed the error on the spot.

No drama, just have the info in a readable and comprehensible form when dealing with SS (you might want to go in early to handle the situation right now) and you'll be all set.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue May 05, 2015 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cutting cable cord...
Replies: 75
Views: 20294

Re: Cutting cable cord...

I live in Green Valley AZ winters. We are about 25 miles from over the air TV antennas. I purchased a Mohu antenna from Amazon and receive 18 English language stations (plus another half dozen or so Spanish language stations).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APP ... UTF8&psc=1

Cost was around $70 dollars. Works well for us.

We also have ROKU, but that's for another thread. :happy

Rich

AZ/Cape Cod
by Rich Cape Cod
Wed Apr 22, 2015 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Living in New Hampshire?
Replies: 35
Views: 9070

Re: Living in New Hampshire?

Try going on City-Data Forum. They'll have lots of info on New Hampshire for you there.

Rich

Cape Cod/AZ
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Mar 20, 2015 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Whats a good Pistol to buy?
Replies: 112
Views: 18245

Re: Whats a good Pistol to buy?

Nothing fancy. But a good brand. Something to carry in my Motorhome when I travel. Like a 38 or 40 cal. A revolver/ double action/ external hammer.... for example. I know nothing about guns. I am in CA. .... Stev, this is a tough one. I have 41 years as a law officer (+20 NYPD, +20 Chief of Police small MA town), now retired. You might well ask, "What would be a good car to buy? Never drove one, so make it simple...". You're traveling in an RV. Every state you enter will have it's own set of laws in regard the carrying/possessing handguns. The northeast, generally, is the toughest region to deal with in this regard. Google "Handgunlaw" and research each state you intend to enter with the sidearm. For the occasional fire...
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Jan 24, 2015 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annual Home Maintenance Expenses
Replies: 47
Views: 17808

Re: Annual Home Maintenance Expenses

Guys and Gals, this thread is from May 2011!

My 2 cents; people tend to underestimate the real world costs of owing a home. 1% would be a minimum amount I'd expect to pay in a year on the maintenance of my home which, after all is said and done, is a big machine with lots of moving parts and things that wear out.

Don't misunderstand, I love having my own home (just bought another in AZ, being a glutton for punishment), but am under no illusion as to how much they cost to "run and operate."

Rich

Cape Cod/AZ
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Jan 24, 2015 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it worth it to buy a condo vs a house.
Replies: 43
Views: 9814

Re: Is it worth it to buy a condo vs a house.

Just a thought, but is it really wise to purchase a home or condo with someone you're not married too?

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Elderly monitoring camera experience
Replies: 7
Views: 1393

Re: Elderly monitoring camera experience

The DropCam suggestion is an excellent one. Very easy set-up, excellent image. Has the potential for audio monitoring as well.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Dec 20, 2014 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop up??
Replies: 7
Views: 3786

Re: In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop u

Hi CABob: I'm embarrassed to report that, while I do look at my account on a regular basis, I don't pay much attention to these small bits of cash until there is enough sitting there for me to transfer over to one of my dozen stocks. But, you're point is well taken. I will make note of how long it takes for the amount to grow in the future. As an aside, this is an after-tax account. I take a "Boglehead" approach to investing in my Vanguard qualified account but in May of 2010 I put some money into the ETrade account and then slowly added some each month thereafter (putting in my Soc Security money). Looking at the account (open in another window) it reports that I'm up 32.74%. This includes at least one "dog." One of my ...
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Dec 20, 2014 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop up??
Replies: 7
Views: 3786

Re: In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop u

CABob, no broker. My dividend reinvestment program is on auto pilot (an equity earns a dividend, it's put right back in).

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Dec 18, 2014 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop up??
Replies: 7
Views: 3786

In my ETrade DRIP account -- Small amounts of cash pop up??

Howdy. Can anyone explain why, in my ETrade Dividend Reinvestment account, from time to time there are loose cash amounts showing up. Now it's around $1,200 dollars, with which I will just buy some more shares of one of my equities with. I simply don't understand where this money comes from.


Anyone?

Thanks,

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Nov 08, 2014 10:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?
Replies: 81
Views: 10337

Re: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?

Question about the lifespan of gasoline in some of these hybrids. I've read some folks claim they haven't put gas in their vehicles for months on end. Not sure if that's wishful thinking on some folks part but, assuming that's true, how do you deal with having a tank of "old" gasoline in your car?

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Oct 27, 2014 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth question? [Contributing to Roth IRA]
Replies: 4
Views: 1107

Re: Roth question? [Contributing to Roth IRA]

It's independent contractor work (expert witness fee).
by Rich Cape Cod
Sun Oct 26, 2014 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth question? [Contributing to Roth IRA]
Replies: 4
Views: 1107

Roth question? [Contributing to Roth IRA]

I'm 69 years of age. Although retired I do a bit of consulting. This year I'll earn approximately $2,400 dollars for this work. My pension incomes (three streams) are about $140,000 gross. Can I take some or all of that $2,400 dollars and put it in a Roth?

Thanks!

Rich

OK, I did what I should have done before posting, namely look up my question on Google. I believe I can put the entire $2,400 dollars in a Roth. So, now the question becomes, where to put it? I'd consider this "play" money, that is, I'd be willing to take some risk. I'd also like to keep it in Vanguard (just to keep my life a bit simpler). Any recommendations for a fund would be appreciated.

Thanks again,

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Oct 10, 2014 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning Up Acorns
Replies: 37
Views: 26100

Re: Cleaning Up Acorns

drawpoker wrote: "Is there some special kind of rake just for these damn acorns? What did you use on your's that was so successful?"

No special rake, just plain plastic model bought at ACE.

>>> "What did you use on your's that was so successful?"

My wife... 8-)
by Rich Cape Cod
Fri Oct 10, 2014 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning Up Acorns
Replies: 37
Views: 26100

Re: Cleaning Up Acorns

Not more than a 1/2 hour ago my wife and I raked acorns! I have never seen so many acorns dropping for so long as we've had this year. I thought it might be some unique Cape Cod aberration. Guess it's not.

Used a blower (electric) for the two decks on the property, then hand rakes for picking up the result and what was on the "lawn" (mostly moss, I hate grass).

One note; if you buy a blower, which will come in handy, you cannot use it as a "vacuum" for the acorns. The hard acorns will damage your impeller (says so in my manual anyway).

Good luck. I think the acorn storm is coming to an end...

Rich

Cape Cod/AZ
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Oct 07, 2014 10:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Flaws in This Reasoning About Retiring Off Dividends
Replies: 15
Views: 3933

Re: Flaws in This Reasoning About Retiring Off Dividends

About 1/3 of my investments (“DOW aristocrats” – average around 4%) are in a taxable dividend reinvestment account (ETrade). I understand that whether one owns equities that generate dividends or not, the end monetary result is the same. None the less, the 1/3 of my investments generates, if I opted to take the dividend payments at this time, is $10,000 dollars a year. That number (which keeps getting larger due to my constantly buying shares through the reinvestment program) remains constant or increases regardless of whether the stocks go up or down.

I put this investment together for my wife’s sake, to generate income for her should I predecease her in order to make up for a lost pension (it won’t fully, but it would help).

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Thu Sep 18, 2014 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A safe full of cash
Replies: 22
Views: 4307

Re: A safe full of cash

While I'm not inclined to keep such a "stash" of money around, it would seem to me that if you were concerned about the worst possible situation, you'd want your emergency asset to be in one ounce gold coins.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Tue Sep 09, 2014 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone moved from NY?
Replies: 43
Views: 5014

Re: Anyone moved from NY?

Born Brooklyn. Moved to Newark NJ (dad work move) when I was 14. At 18 off to USAF (TX, CA and Berlin Germany). Age 24 Brooklyn again (NYPD). Age 27 moved to Orange County NY. Age 45 to Cape Cod (new job). Now we bounce between Cape Cod and Arizona (Green Valley, just south of Tucson). It's a big world out there. I do not miss NY (or NYC) one bit.

Travel around a bit. Check out different parts of the country. Don't let inertia hold you back.

Rich
by Rich Cape Cod
Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: .
Replies: 29
Views: 6135

Re: Help me evaluate a standby generator quote

Wow, you guys have pretty big units. We live on Cape Cod and after too many outages installed a Generac 12.5kw unit (March 2008). Powered by propane, a 250 gallon buried tank. Should have gotten a 500 gallon unit but it's working out. Last night it kicked on around 5pm due to a motor vehicle accident which took down a pole. So, we had all our services while our neighbors were in the dark. Outage lasted until the wee hours, thus was a non-event for us (I shut the generator off when we went to bed). Two years ago we were in AZ when a midwinter snow storm knocked out power in town for over two days. Our generator kicked on and the house never lost heat. The generator is pretty loud, even in its sound deadening box. I've set the weekly test run...
by Rich Cape Cod
Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Global entry and Nexus (not the phone)
Replies: 16
Views: 2068

Re: Global entry and Nexus (not the phone)

My wife and I applied for and received our Sentri cards this past winter. We winter south of Tucson and the Sentri card is the southern equivalent of the Nexus card. From the time I applied online until we did our interview was around two and a half months. Interview was done in Nogales AZ (at the Port of Entry at that site). Very nice folks, very helpful and, yes, although we brought all the requested info (tax stuff, passports other things I don't remember) the impression I had was the agent already knew he was dealing with a couple of really boring people. :happy Cost, from start to finish was, if memory serves, around $135 per person. I "think" we received a Global Entry addendum to our passports (something was added to our pa...
by Rich Cape Cod
Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it me, or are "collectibles" worthless in 2014?
Replies: 79
Views: 11227

Re: Is it me, or are "collectibles" worthless in 2014?

"Worst story I've heard was the guy who spent over 100k on Beanie babies thinking they would keep going up in value...."

Ah, Beanie Babies! I have a dear friend. Smart guy, his wife is an attny. Some years ago I'm at their home and see their "collection" of Beanie Babies. I questioned the "investment." The pair patiently explained why these brand new and currently manufactured dolls, made in a third world country in great numbers, would in fact appreciate in value.

I simply will never understand people's degree of self delusion.

Rich