Search found 196 matches

by BC_Doc
Tue Jan 03, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 672
Views: 40220

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

3314.38

All the best Taylor!

BC Doc
by BC_Doc
Sun Oct 09, 2022 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guided Meditation Apps or Channels
Replies: 13
Views: 1249

Re: Guided Meditation Apps or Channels

The Waking Up app curated by Sam Harris is excellent. If you DM me your email address, I’d be happy to send you a link for a free 30 day trial.

Regards,

BC Doc
by BC_Doc
Sat Jul 16, 2022 12:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Making your own Seltzer Water Like Lacroix or Polar?
Replies: 32
Views: 4557

Re: Making your own Seltzer Water Like Lacroix or Polar?

I’ve used a soda stream for a year and love it.
Way easier than hauling in boxes of cans and better for the environment than can waste.
Bubbly drops are good though we usually just drink unflavoured.
I highly recommend if you drink a lot of club soda.
by BC_Doc
Tue Jan 25, 2022 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?
Replies: 63
Views: 7898

Re: Hated Tesla Model 3 - try Y or ICE car?

I am looking to upgrade my 2012 Honda Pilot to a car with modern semi-autonomous feature that will allow me to commute 1-1.2 hours one way with less fatigue. The commute is mostly highway, about half with little traffic and half with moderately heavy traffic (20-35 mph stop and go, occasionally stop). I thought the semi-autonomous driving of the Tesla Model 3 would fit the bill. Since there are no test drives available locally, I rented a Model 3 on Turo, and DW and I both hate it. The tech and the semi-autonomous driving are impressive, but the fit and finish are cheap. I feel carsick after driving it, despite changing the driving setting from sporty, standard, to comfortable. Interior noise is too loud. The seats are very uncomfortable w...
by BC_Doc
Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job/Exposure Risk - Rock and a Hard Place - Hospital
Replies: 15
Views: 1901

Re: Job/Exposure Risk - Rock and a Hard Place - Hospital

I’m an ER doc with kids and a spouse (nurse).
As long as I’m provided with proper personal protective equipment, I’m going to work. I figure that’s what I signed up for when I went into healthcare. My wife works in Public Health. She’s been out fully gowned swabbing people at our local “drive through” clinic. She volunteered for it and I’m proud to see her stepping up.
by BC_Doc
Thu Mar 26, 2020 9:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: So bottom is probably behind us....right?
Replies: 709
Views: 76646

Re: So bottom is probably behind us....right?

I was around and investing during the Tech Wreck and the Great Financial Crisis. 2000-2002 brought a peak to trough drop of 49% to the S&P 500. The drop during the GFC was 56% I wasn't around for the 1929 (to 1932) stock market crash but history says the loss was 86%. I'm an ER doc and not an ophthalmologist, but I find myself doing the "Better, same, or worse" questioning similar to when one is fitted for an eyeglass prescription. Does the present crisis feel better, same, or worse than 2000-2002? Worse. 2007-2009? Worse. 1929-1932? Better.... so far. My best guess/most optimistic estimate is that the bottom will come in at 60-65% off (February 2020) market highs. The bottom is most definitely not behind us. We are still very...
by BC_Doc
Thu Mar 19, 2020 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why does Vanguard's Total Bond Market fund keep going down?
Replies: 9
Views: 2730

Re: Why does Vanguard's Total Bond Market fund keep going down?

My Vanguard Canada bond ETF is getting clobbered too. I hold VSB-T which is a short-term bond ETF with an average duration of 2.5 years. Approximately 2/3 of the holdings are federal and provincial debt with the remaining 1/3 corporate debt. Market price and Net Asset Value tracked each other nicely until March 5th when they started to diverge, selling at a 0.76% discount. On March 11th, all hell broke loose, and the ETF closed at a 5.76% discount to NAV. Discounted widened to 7.14% on March 18th. If bonds are intended to be the ballast a portfolio, my bond ETFs are currently receiving a letter grade of "D". They may be dropping less than my equities but they certainly aren't zigging when my equities are zagging. I would be curiou...
by BC_Doc
Thu Feb 27, 2020 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Million in Cash, Buy in? What would you do?
Replies: 78
Views: 10797

Re: Million in Cash, Buy in? What would you do?

I am also guilty of tactical asset allocation.
I went from 50-50 down to 20-80 on February 4th.
If we get into severe bear territory, my asset allocation will flip the other way to 80-20.
I am a physician with a background in finance and political economics— CV and markets are unfortunately unfolding like I suspected they would when I sold. My approach in 2008-09 was similar (I have family who were working in banking and heard about an unprecedented credit crunch in mid-2008).
I work in critical care— the impact of coronavirus on markets may allow me to comfortably retire early. Coronavirus may also take me out of the game (I am an ER doc— I will be exposed and at some point likely infected). Interesting times.
by BC_Doc
Wed Sep 04, 2019 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need to get a car in a hurry.
Replies: 48
Views: 5812

Re: Need to get a car in a hurry.

You have to fix the Camry anyway in order to sell it. So do that. Then decide if you want to keep driving it, or take your time shopping for a replacement. +1. Don't make a major purchase in a rush. You are going to make a mistake or get anbad price, or worse. Get the Camry fixed, which has to be done. Then take your time deciding what to get. Consider electric if you don't want to worry about things like leaky gas tanks (as well as exhaust, spark plugs, or even oil changes). My second car (a Honda Odyssey) became unreliable about a year ago. Consumer Reports tweaked my interest in the all electric Hyundai Kona EV with their preliminary review last spring. We ended up buying one in early May and love it after a summer of heavy mileage (kid...
by BC_Doc
Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone Keep a Second Fridge in Garage?
Replies: 56
Views: 6780

Re: Anyone Keep a Second Fridge in Garage?

When we redid our kitchen I took all the old kitchen cabinets and hung them in the garage. Our carpenter created a workbench to cover one row of cabinets. Cabinets were also fitted and hung around a powered space for the old fridge. My wife loves the extra pantry space for extra kitchen goods. Many of the old cabinets are used for storing and organizing garage stuff. We did this Reno about 7 or 8 years ago and are extremely happy that we repurposed the old fridge and cabinets.
by BC_Doc
Tue Jan 29, 2019 7:22 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Optimal equity home bias for non-U.S. investors
Replies: 46
Views: 3980

Re: Optimal equity home bias for non-U.S. investors

I live in Canada.
My equity position is 1/3 Canada, 1/3 US, 1/3 Intl.
My fixed income is all Canadian except a small amount of USD fixed income that came from a US inheritance.
Canadian equities get a favourable dividend tax treatment here in Canada which creates some incentive to hold them.
I asked Jack Bogle on a Globe and Mail financial forum a few years back what he thought of my asset allocation given my geographic location. Jack was kind enough to reply and gave his approval. I will therefore stay the course! (Thank you Jack— my family and I are indebted to you.)
by BC_Doc
Sat Jan 19, 2019 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much money did you receive from family? (Gifts/inheritance)
Replies: 127
Views: 17799

Re: How much money did you receive from family? (Gifts/inheritance)

$150k-ish inheritance came from my mother when she died a couple of years ago.
I have two siblings who were estranged from her (she was an extremely difficult person) who were left out of the inheritance— I ended up splitting my share with them as it was the right thing to do. I am financially independent (MD in my early 50s) and I may kick my share my siblings way in a few years to help out with their kids’ college costs. Monetarily, the inheritance made zero difference to me. The real value came from watching what happens when estate planning is totally botched. It’s something I don’t want to repeat with my kids.
by BC_Doc
Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement itch- when did you get it?
Replies: 145
Views: 18505

Re: Retirement itch- when did you get it?

52 yo Canadian MD— still working full-time by choice. Hit my retirement number two years ago. Have three kids in university— university cost in Canada is quite low compared to US and kids live frugally so educational expenses aren’t a big burden. Fourth child still in grade school so can’t do any trips of a lifetime/trekking until he’s in university. Will likely retire/cut-back shifts (I’m an ER Doc) significantly once youngest hits college. I make it a point to have a life outside of work— my profession does not define me (family, running, yoga, and cooking are my passions). While I wait for my youngest to launch, I don’t mind my work and the paycheque that comes with it. I work in a smaller community and every so often I’ll have patients ...
by BC_Doc
Mon Nov 26, 2018 11:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When is Too Long to Return a Hair Dryer to Costco?
Replies: 73
Views: 10380

Re: When is Too Long to Return a Hair Dryer to Costco?

I have an old (10+ years) tent from Eddie Bauer with a broken pole. I called to inquire about purchasing a replacement pole. The customer service agent replied that the tent was no longer made and that the company would send me a new tent of similar model as a replacement. I thanked the person and declined her offer as unnecessary given the age of the tent (the tent itself was still in good shape)— I really felt nothing was owed or expected from their end. I subsequently managed to track down a replacement pole elsewhere and the tent is still in service.

Eddie Bauer’s service in this instance was exceptional. I wouldn’t hesitate to shop with them again!
by BC_Doc
Sun Sep 02, 2018 11:20 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: French/US citizen investments in France and USA
Replies: 4
Views: 1280

Re: French/US citizen investments in France and USA

“Does anyone have a better solution? I hate having to liquidate assets and pay such a heavy tax burden.” @def6732— The Isaacbrocksociety.ca is a useful place for info for expats. The majority of folks who post there are pretty unhappy about the tax treatment of ex-pats by the USG. Options? Option one is to comply as a UK/French citizen with US tax regulations while living in France and get fleeced and short-changed. You’ll get all the costs and none of the benefits of your US citizenship while you’re living outside the United States. Option 2 is to either relinquish or renounce your US citizenship. Consulates currently charge $2350 USD for the process (ouch). Accountant fees plus US taxes due up until the date of your loss of nationality ar...
by BC_Doc
Sat Aug 04, 2018 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Minivan Vs SUV Experience
Replies: 128
Views: 13276

Re: Minivan Vs SUV Experience

As a two car household, we own a 2006 minivan and a 2009 SUV. Three of our four kids are college aged now so we’ve outgrown the minivan for probably 11 out of 12 months of the year. Like many Bogleheads, my wife and I are thrifty which means we’re hoping to get another five years out of the minivan— if it’s still running well, neither of us see good reason to replace it (though neither of us particularly loves it). Once the minivan dies (or we shoot it), we’ll likely replace it with a sedan. We live in the mountains and spend substantial time in the backcountry so we’ll also keep one sort of 4WD (SUV or pickup truck) when it comes time to replace our 4 Runner.
by BC_Doc
Thu Jun 14, 2018 2:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Living Abroad - Who's done it?
Replies: 90
Views: 13852

Re: Living Abroad - Who's done it?

I moved temporarily to Montreal in my mid-20s to attend medical school. Four years in Quebec became almost a decade then we decided to try out western Canada. We’re now coming up on a quarter century “abroad” with no regrets.

I would say go for it. Life is an adventure and you don’t get re-rides.

Quebec was a great place to live. I used my high school and university French as a base to become fluent during our time there. Housing was and still is inexpensive there— Montreal is a great city to rent in. Finally, Montreal is a great foody city— both restaurants and farmers markets.
by BC_Doc
Tue May 15, 2018 6:22 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Yes, I'm 89 all right! [Jack Bogle]
Replies: 126
Views: 20695

Re: Yes, I'm 89 all right! [Jack Bogle]

Happy birthday Jack! All the best to you in the coming year.

Thank you for all you have done to help my family and I plan, save, and invest for the future. You have my profound gratitude.

Sincerely,

“BC Doc”
Okanagan, British Columbia
by BC_Doc
Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your AA, given your age? and, Why?
Replies: 284
Views: 43265

Re: What is your AA, given your age? and, Why?

50-50 at age 51.
Was 90-10 until November 2016 when I realized I’d hit my magic number and effectively won the game.
I’m an ER doctor who continues to work despite now having enough to retire. I like what I do but it’s tiring and stressful so I’m not sure what age I’ll work to or when I’ll start working less shifts. Given this, it seemed sensible to lower the risk level in my asset allocation to a more conservative mix which is still getting me growth but will also preserve the nest egg in a market downturn.
by BC_Doc
Thu Feb 08, 2018 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jogging in the cold.
Replies: 50
Views: 5531

Re: Jogging in the cold.

I also wear ice grippers on my running shoes as everything is ice most of the winter I've never owned "ice grippers" - is there a particular brand or style you would recommend? Spiking an old pair of running shoes is the way to go. Buy a box of hexagonal head sheet metal screws for a few dollars and screw them into the shoes. They are cheap to make and super effective. Boglehead worthy! https://www.google.ca/amp/s/whyrun.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/49-screw-shoes/amp/ I’m a year round runner. For winter running, the trick is layering up appropriately for conditions. In the really cold weather, I’ll wear long underwear, then a pair of pajama bottoms, followed by a pair of running pants. Two or three long sleeve tops (outer layer flee...
by BC_Doc
Thu Jan 25, 2018 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying This Week: IPhone X or IPhone 8 Plus
Replies: 35
Views: 5140

Re: Buying This Week: IPhone X or IPhone 8 Plus

I bought the iPhone 8 in early December. I consider the iPhone X a beta version of the iPhone— I didn’t want to pay a premium to be an early adopter. If you have the opportunity, you might want to look at the Consumer Reports reviews for the 8 Plus and X. As I recall, the 8 and the X received the same score (I don’t recall what exact score the 8 Plus received). In the testing, the iPhone 8 reviewed as a more durable phone than the X— Consumer Reports does a “tumble test” spinning the phones as I recall. The 8 performed swimmingly whereas the X did not fare well. Final comments— I’ve been happy with my iPhone 8. Honestly, though, it seems about the same as the 6 and 7 I’ve previously owned. Basically just a modest, incremental upgrade. My ki...
by BC_Doc
Thu Jan 25, 2018 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Swing Shift vs 8-5
Replies: 36
Views: 5093

Re: Swing Shift vs 8-5

Another ER doc here.
I love my big chunks of time off.
I hate the impact of the variable shifts on my circadian rhythm— much of my life, I walk around feeling like I have jet lag.
I exercise regularly (running plus other sports), keep to a vegetarian diet, play/travel frequently to try to limit some of the biological and mental/mood impact of the shift work.
At this point, I couldn’t work a job with bankers’ hours (M-F, 9-5).
I’m in my early 50s. The physiological impact of shift work is one of the reasons I will likely early retire.
Much of my time off is spent undoing/recovering from the impact of my shifts.
by BC_Doc
Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Still using a 5 year old iphone 5. Who's with me? No new phones!!!
Replies: 151
Views: 15205

Re: Still using a 5 year old iphone 5. Who's with me? No new phones!!!

My phones are a business expense. I also have a bunch of kids who need phones. To this end, every year I’ve bought the latest and greatest iPhone and one of my kids has received the cast-off. I’ve gone from the iPhone 6 to a 7 and most recently an 8. Aside from annual incremental improvements to the camera, I can’t say I’ve noticed much of a difference between the three models. If I didn’t have kids needing hand me downs, I’d still be happy with my iPhone 6.

Note— I think the iPhone SE is a solid little phone. Rumour is this phone may receive an update/refresh by Apple in 2018. If I were looking for a simple, basic, less expensive new iPhone, I’d be tempted to purchase this phone or the rumoured upcoming refresh model.
by BC_Doc
Thu Jan 25, 2018 1:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your bond allocation when you were 48
Replies: 125
Views: 11636

Re: Your bond allocation when you were 48

At 48, I was 90-10.
At age 50, I realized I’d won the game (hat tip to Bill Bernstein) and quickly dialed down to 50-50.
I’m age 51 now with a few years more work in front of me (ER doc who’s not yet quite ready to throw in the towel yet).
by BC_Doc
Thu Dec 28, 2017 12:15 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: My Christmas Present to You
Replies: 106
Views: 17219

Re: My Christmas Present to You

Merry Christmas Taylor and all the best to you in 2018.
With respect and gratitude,

BC Doc
by BC_Doc
Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4WD necessary/recommended on Big Island, HI
Replies: 39
Views: 5750

Re: 4WD necessary/recommended on Big Island, HI

No reason to rent a 4x4 on the big island. Like others said...park at the parking area by the green sand beach and either walk the rest of the way or pay a local. Even if you drive to the top of the keck observatory...no need for a 4x4. Also...if you're staying in kona and have a costco membership...fuel up there. Gas was round $0.50 to $0.60 cheaper than any other station. As far as snorkeling tours...skip them...they always suck. You can walk down to captain cooks to snorkel. You can park right at 2 step to snorkel (our favorite spot to snorkel.) Not only is it free but you can snorkel at your own pace...get out of the water...eat/relax and get back in. You're not on time constraints like a snorkel tour. We're headed back to the big isla...
by BC_Doc
Sun Dec 10, 2017 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: detergent without non-recyclable packaging?
Replies: 28
Views: 2470

Re: detergent without non-recyclable packaging?

A google search shows all kinds of recycling for plastic laundry detergent bottles. For instance, https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/tide I know you said non-plastic, but plastic is recycle-able, isn't it? Our curbside recycling program takes them and the caps. There is a lot of waste involved in plastic even though it is currently often supposedly recyclable. Plus China has just stopped accepting a lot of it, so it's unclear how long it will be recyclable. And anything I can do to make oil, etc. a less viable industry, so much the better. Plastic is really terrible for the environment. It chokes sea life, degrades into nano particles that can't be cleaned up but still do harm, lasts until the sun goes nova. Here’s a timely NPR arti...
by BC_Doc
Mon Dec 04, 2017 12:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which crash have you seen it before it is coming?
Replies: 134
Views: 13620

Re: Which crash have you seen it before it is coming?

I was in the transportation industry for 30 years so felt/survived a few meltdowns but both 2000 and 2008 I knew something was up the way tonnage was down and companies were further out on there receivables but not much I could do but sell equipment I wasn't using. 2008 was worse because not enough companies went out of business and everyone was trying to survive for so much longer it hurt that much more. Glad to be out of that crap business. But in both cases I didnt see what was coming the way it did. Though just a typical business cycle I had a family member involved in energy lending visit me in June 2008– relative who worked in banking told me lending had completely dried up. This was my flashing caution light. At the time I was trans...
by BC_Doc
Sat Oct 28, 2017 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taylor's New Book: The Bogleheads' Guide to The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 238
Views: 54495

Re: Taylor's New Book: The Bogleheads' Guide to The Three-Fund Portfolio

Congratulations Taylor and Mel— I look forward to adding a copy to my bookshelf! Where I live in beautiful British Columbia, I hold a Canadian ETF version of Taylor’s Three Fund Portfolio: VCN-T Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Equity ETF VXC-T Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index Equity ETF VAB-T Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF Given that many Bogleheads live outside the US (you have an international following Taylor!), perhaps you may want to include a brief chapter on three-fund portfolio options for folks living/investing outside the United States (I’m thinking countries like Canada and Australia where Vanguard has offices and offers local products)? No pressure though! Again, I’m looking forward to reading your book! Bes...
by BC_Doc
Sun Oct 22, 2017 8:23 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Canadian with $250 k (CAD) to invest. Need help with Asset Allocation.
Replies: 12
Views: 1989

Re: Canadian with $250 k (CAD) to invest. Need help with Asset Allocation.

I am curious what Bogle would recommend for someone living outside of the US and not a citizen, given his overall tepid feelings towards international investing. Jack Bogle did a live interview with the Globe and Mail several years ago. He was kind enough to answer my question about AA for an investor living outside the US. His interview may be of interest to the OP. http://live.theglobeandmail.com/Event/QA_Ask_legendary_index_fund_pioneer_John_Bogle_what_to_do_with_your_money/mobile&Theme=2228&Whitelabel=True OP: I hold VXC-T and VCN-T in a 2:1 ratio which makes my equity holdings about 1/3 Cnd, 1/3 US, and 1/3 Intl (non CND, non US). For fixed income I hold VAB-T as well as some GICs. My pecentage of fixed income holdings matches...
by BC_Doc
Sat Oct 21, 2017 11:17 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Canadian with $250 k (CAD) to invest. Need help with Asset Allocation.
Replies: 12
Views: 1989

Re: Canadian with $250 k (CAD) to invest. Need help with Asset Allocation.

I am curious what Bogle would recommend for someone living outside of the US and not a citizen, given his overall tepid feelings towards international investing. Jack Bogle did a live interview with the Globe and Mail several years ago. He was kind enough to answer my question about AA for an investor living outside the US. His interview may be of interest to the OP. http://live.theglobeandmail.com/Event/QA_Ask_legendary_index_fund_pioneer_John_Bogle_what_to_do_with_your_money/mobile&Theme=2228&Whitelabel=True OP: I hold VXC-T and VCN-T in a 2:1 ratio which makes my equity holdings about 1/3 Cnd, 1/3 US, and 1/3 Intl (non CND, non US). For fixed income I hold VAB-T as well as some GICs. My pecentage of fixed income holdings matches...
by BC_Doc
Thu Oct 12, 2017 6:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Career Advice for those over "50"
Replies: 60
Views: 10256

Re: Best Career Advice for those over "50"

GoldenFinch wrote: Wed Oct 11, 2017 9:19 pm All I can think while reading these kinds of threads is it’s too bad people are considered all washed up at such a young age. What a waste of talent and energy.
I agree. I’m an ER doc. At least 1/3 of our group is 50+. I am 50. I feel like I’m in my prime. Fast, efficient, and experienced. While I’ve hit my magic number, I still like most of what I do and don’t mind the higher cash flow that comes with full-time employment. I can’t imagine being forced out to pasture. Not likely to happen in my field— docs are a scarce commodity.
by BC_Doc
Mon Sep 25, 2017 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you subscribe to digital newspapers?
Replies: 95
Views: 9402

Re: Do you subscribe to digital newspapers?

TheGreyingDuke wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2017 5:04 am
BC_Doc wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2017 12:24 am I subscribe to the NYT online for $4.00 per month for an academic subscription (faculty rate).
How come I am paying $10 a month for the faculty rate??
I’m not sure. I’m in Canada and it’s for the digital version. The price was right for me— made it even harder for me to justify paying six times the price or the Globe and Mail.
by BC_Doc
Mon Sep 25, 2017 12:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you subscribe to digital newspapers?
Replies: 95
Views: 9402

Re: Do you subscribe to digital newspapers?

I subscribe to the NYT online for $4.00 per month for an academic subscription (faculty rate). I recently let a digital subscription to the Globe and Mail lapse after subscribing for almost 10 years. The monthly rate was hiked from $13/month to $24/month a year or two ago. I kept the subscription because of some business extras (reporting) and because it include a portfolio tracker that captured the last 10 years of my investment purchase and sales. The tipping point for me was a poor customer service interaction. I was locked out from the Globe and Mail for about a week due to an issue on their end. The customer service agent fixed the problem but then was unwilling to offer me a credit for the period of time I was locked out. I cancelled....
by BC_Doc
Sun Sep 24, 2017 11:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IOS 11: Anybody using it yet?
Replies: 48
Views: 6338

Re: IOS 11: Anybody using it yet?

I think the most important feature is the “Do Not Disturb— Driving” function. Texts don’t come through while I’m driving, nor do telephone calls unless the phone is paired to the vehicle stereo via Blue Tooth for hands-free phone calls. I am a big, big fan of this safety feature—I am verry happy to see it in the new iOS and so far satisfied with how it works. I suspect it will save some lives. It doesn't know if you are driving or riding in the passenger seat or on public transit. I expect very few people will enable the feature but it gives Apple some CYA from lawsuits. I suspect/hope insurance companies may lead the way here— along the lines of, “If you install call-blocking on your phone (that doesn’t allow cheating), we’ll grant you an...
by BC_Doc
Sun Sep 24, 2017 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Replies: 55
Views: 7238

Re: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running

the debate between minimalist and maximum is never ending but you will notice that the movement of the majority of the running shoe industry is going toward maximum cushion. The reason being is because a lot of people got hurt running in vibrams and other minimalist shoes, and maximal shoes offers grace to people's joints. But then again, that's obviously not true for everyone. As an avid runner, I will say just find something you're comfortable in to run with, and go out there and run. Don't worry about gait, form, foot position and all that stuff that people get overly concerned when they start running. Commit to running a lot and all those things will automatically improve. Hmmm.... I don’t believe the sports medicine literature support...
by BC_Doc
Sun Sep 24, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Replies: 55
Views: 7238

Re: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running

I believe changing heel lift a large amount abruptly,especially for a high mileage runner can cause pain or injury,lowering the heel lift might cause sore calf or even Achilles tendinitis,while I think raising it may cause bursitis in the rear ankle nevertheless I think a lot of us would have been better off having started with and having kept very little if any heel lift adding heel lift has been advocated for managing Achilles problems,some people are lucky to not have had Achilles problems but for people who have it it seems to be a big and hard to understand and defeat impediment to good running Older runner who has had too much heel lift for a long time-muscles and tendons might have become shortened and stiff and it might be hard to ...
by BC_Doc
Sun Sep 24, 2017 1:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IOS 11: Anybody using it yet?
Replies: 48
Views: 6338

Re: IOS 11: Anybody using it yet?

I think the most important feature is the “Do Not Disturb— Driving” function. Texts don’t come through while I’m driving, nor do telephone calls unless the phone is paired to the vehicle stereo via Blue Tooth for hands-free phone calls. I am a big, big fan of this safety feature—I am verry happy to see it in the new iOS and so far satisfied with how it works. I suspect it will save some lives.
by BC_Doc
Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Replies: 55
Views: 7238

Re: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running

runner3081 wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:30 pm
BC_Doc wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:28 pm
runner3081 wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:12 pm Blast from the past, this trend went away as quickly as it came in!
No way, barefoot/minimalist runners are just in front of the curve!!! :D
Of course there are still the true minimalist runners doing it, but it has essentially dropped off the radar. I remember that was all anyone would see or hear about running for a while.
You’re absolutely correct. I believe Merrell may have stopped making the Trail Vapor. I tend to view this as a marker that the trend has moved away from minimalist shoes. Five Fingers ran into some legal problems a few years ago over misleading advertising as I recall— their brand also seems to be fading.
by BC_Doc
Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Replies: 55
Views: 7238

Re: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running

runner3081 wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2017 4:12 pm Blast from the past, this trend went away as quickly as it came in!
No way, barefoot/minimalist runners are just in front of the curve!!! :D
by BC_Doc
Sat Sep 23, 2017 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running
Replies: 55
Views: 7238

Re: Thoughts on Barefoot/Minimalist Running

I’m a minimalist trail runner. I tend to mix things up with my footwear. My absolute favourite trail “shoes” are the Xero Shoe DIY Sandal which cost me about $30: https://xeroshoes.com/shop/outsoles/diy-feeltrue/ I also run in a pair of five fingers (they are falling apart). I really like them too but I consider them overpriced. I occasionally run in a pair of Merrill Trail Vapors: the soles are so thin I can roll them up. I am also partial to Merrill Trail Gloves. They are my go to runner in the winter. If the running surface and the weather are favourable, I skip the minimalist footwear and just run barefoot. Where I live, the trails are rocky with lots of pokey sharp things (stones and branches), hence, I normally wear some form of minim...
by BC_Doc
Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel tipping: how much to leave?
Replies: 72
Views: 6588

Re: Hotel tipping: how much to leave?

$3-5/night as long as the room is up to snuff.
I echo what many others have said here-- the work is hard, pays poorly, and many of the workers are limited by language and life circumstances. I consider it good for karma to leave some cash behind for the cleaner.
by BC_Doc
Sun May 21, 2017 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question for you high net worth individuals... [real estate investments]
Replies: 82
Views: 16200

Re: Question for you high net worth individuals...

Our only RE is our shelter (house) which makes up about 15% of our net worth.

RE here (British Columbia) is in nosebleed territory so no plans to add RE unless prices crashed like Phoenix/Los Vegas circa 2006 and screamed buying opportunity.
by BC_Doc
Mon May 08, 2017 2:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seattle and Vancouver with kids
Replies: 19
Views: 2388

Re: Seattle and Vancouver with kids

For Vancouver, I'd say yes to staying downtown-- not too far from Stanley Park. Walk the Stanley Park sea wall-- you can easily rent bikes too. There's a great playground and outdoor pool at Second Beach. Take your kids to the aquarium (also in Stanley Park). My kids liked the science museum when they were younger (short train ride). +1 to Granville Island suggestion. Water taxis are fun for kids too. Skip Whistler if you only have two days-- it's too much driving. Good luck!
by BC_Doc
Mon Feb 27, 2017 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Backpackers- weight vs utility question
Replies: 42
Views: 4430

Re: Backpackers- weight vs utility question

For pack and shelter, have a look at Zpacks.com

My backpack is the 21 oz Arc Blast-- I am very happy with it.

I am a hammock camper but I'm looking at purchasing their ultralight Triplex tent for an upcoming backpacking trip in the southwest (no trees to hang from!).
by BC_Doc
Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Backpackers- weight vs utility question
Replies: 42
Views: 4430

Re: Backpackers- weight vs utility question

Take a look at Xero shoes https://xeroshoes.com/ . I have a pair of the do-it-yourself sandals and a pair of the closed-toe mens' shoes for winter weather. Would you mind sharing your review of these? I hike in Chacos sometimes and Keen sandals sometimes. The Xero closed toe shoes look nice. How are the soles for light hiking? On the Hanas my first thought, oddly enough, is "too nice to hike in." They're handsome shoes and I've worn them on semi-formal occasions. I only got them in November, so there haven't been any opportunities for hiking, but I've done a fair amount of walking and skateboarding in them on the local bike path, and they're great for that. I suspect on a real trail, with rocks and tree roots and so on, I'd prefe...
by BC_Doc
Thu Feb 16, 2017 11:29 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Absolute newbie, 29/f dual-citizen of Netherlands and the US
Replies: 3
Views: 792

Re: Absolute newbie, 29/f dual-citizen of Netherlands and the US

Welcome to Bogleheads @gale1988, I'm originally from Boston but moved to Canada back in the early 1990s to attend graduate school (medicine). As I live in Canada, I don't have any specific advice to give you regarding investing in the Netherlands. One of the big issues now, that I imagine you're aware of is FATCA and given your two citizenships, the "peculiar institution" of US citizenship based taxation-- both of these can make living, working, and investing abroad as a "US expat" pretty challenging. For further information, I would suggest also taking a look at isaacbrocksociety.ca which has lots of information (and conflicting advice) on how to deal with ex-pat taxation and investment issues. For the record, in Canada...
by BC_Doc
Tue Feb 14, 2017 12:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who would quit playing if they already won?
Replies: 106
Views: 16125

Re: Who would quit playing if they already won?

I was aggressively invested until a few months ago-- about 85% equity since 2008/9-- and did quite well with this asset allocation. A few days after turning age 50 this November, I realized that I was pretty darn close to winning the game-- within spitting distance of the magic number I was saving for. Coinciding with turning 50, I was off work for six weeks with a short term orthopaedic disability/injury. Having time to reflect on where I was financially, age-wise, and career-wise, I decided to dial down my risk and adjust my asset allocation. I am now sitting with age in fixed-income. I still mostly like my profession (ER doctor) so I'm probably good for another 10 years of work. I read Bill Bernstein's treatise on what one should/might d...
by BC_Doc
Sat Jan 07, 2017 3:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anybody else Age - 10 in bonds, rest in stocks
Replies: 127
Views: 17160

Re: Anybody else Age - 10 in bonds, rest in stocks

85/15 until two months ago.
Turned 50 and realized I'd won the game.
Age in FI now and moving forward.
Thank you to Jack Bogle, William Bernstein, Taylor Larimore. Your writings and collective wisdom helped me reach my number and then adjust my risk accordingly.
by BC_Doc
Wed Jan 04, 2017 1:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Whats your number to walk away?
Replies: 360
Views: 63863

Re: Whats your number to walk away?

I'm age 50 and an ER doctor living in Canada. I've pretty much hit my magic number although CPP (Canadian version of Social Security) won't pay out until I'm in my 60s. I have two kids in college, one in high school, and one in grade school. University costs way less here in Canada so helping four kids through college doesn't cost an arm and two legs like in the US. Even though I could walk away, at this point, I see myself working another five to ten years (likely ten). I like (most) of my work-- it's a vocation. Continuing my work will also allow me to live my life in the manner to which I've become accustomed with some nice trips built in every year. Working will allow me to help my kids get established-- they are hard working kids who e...