Search found 108 matches

by cosimdm
Wed Mar 30, 2016 5:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Realty Income Corp (O) Question?
Replies: 2
Views: 763

Re: Realty Income Corp (O) Question?

Only my experience: I have Vanguard REIT and O. O has done better than the VG fund over the time I have held it.
by cosimdm
Sat Feb 13, 2016 9:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30-Year TIPS Auction February 18 2016
Replies: 10
Views: 2216

Re: 30-Year TIPS Auction February 18 2016

I have owned TIPS since they were first offered. They mature in 2028. [OT comments removed by admin LadyGeek]
So what to do? I am open to suggestions.
by cosimdm
Sat Apr 04, 2015 3:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (March 2015)
Replies: 8
Views: 2385

Re: madsinger monthly report (March 2015)

Thank you for explaining "hot hands". I really look forward to your monthly reports. Keep up the good work!
by cosimdm
Thu Apr 02, 2015 1:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (March 2015)
Replies: 8
Views: 2385

Re: madsinger monthly report (March 2015)

What is "hot hands?
by cosimdm
Thu Sep 11, 2014 1:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: chip and pin credit card
Replies: 0
Views: 334

chip and pin credit card

Bogleheads,
Chip and pin credit cards are now available from some domestic issuers. Please get one and use it. Remember the target and home depot hacks!
by cosimdm
Fri Sep 05, 2014 2:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: taxable investments
Replies: 3
Views: 707

Re: taxable investments

Thank you for taking the time to reply. This was what I was thinking of doing, but I wasn't sure it was the correct option.
by cosimdm
Thu Sep 04, 2014 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: taxable investments
Replies: 3
Views: 707

taxable investments

I have most of my money in an IRA. I have some taxable liquid funds which I want to invest. Ordinarily , I would invest in individual muni bonds, but with the yields so low, I won't do it at this time. My question: Besides cash, how should I invest this money? I have thought about Vanguard Stock Market and also some large cap ETF. I hate to pay taxes in general, so I would like an opinion on what I should do. Thanks.
by cosimdm
Wed Apr 16, 2014 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Please Help me understand 3-fund portfolio
Replies: 21
Views: 6278

Re: Please Help me understand 3-fund portfolio

What does the inflation- adjusted return of the three fund portfolio look like?
by cosimdm
Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Favorite Investing Book?
Replies: 57
Views: 10350

Re: Favorite Investing Book?

The best investment book(s) I have ever read are " Classics-An Investor's Anthology", volumes I and II." edited by Charles D Ellis. The history of investment ideas during the 20th Century is invaluable to anyone who thinks they have a new idea. Fads come and go.
by cosimdm
Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Detroit the small-cap value of real estate?
Replies: 23
Views: 4014

Re: Is Detroit the small-cap value of real estate?

If I were younger and had that much money, I would try to buy up large swaths of Detroit. I would build a large, monitered fence around it all, sit back and wait. Or I would grow corn on it while I waited. Someday there will be significant value there.
by cosimdm
Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best online portfolio viewing site?
Replies: 48
Views: 10262

Re: Best online portfolio viewing site?

Fidelity Fullview used to be good. They have "updated" (aka destroyed it) in the last week or so, and even the telephone representatives don't know how to use it. They have gotten so many complaints that they are revising it again. Don't expect anything for a couple of weeks.
by cosimdm
Thu Jul 18, 2013 6:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: update on Fullview/Fidelity
Replies: 1
Views: 439

update on Fullview/Fidelity

I just spoke to a Fidelity Premium Representative. He says they have gotten so many complaints about the new system, that they are revising it. This may take several weeks. For example, there is no way to refresh one's accounts, according to the representative. There is no way to print the accounts.
When I compared it to the New Coke, he agreed.
by cosimdm
Sun Jul 14, 2013 6:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Full View
Replies: 23
Views: 8029

Re: Fidelity Full View/update from fidelity

I just called Fidelity. The young man couldn't help me as he didn't know how to use it either. We went through some tab openings to no avail. All I want is to get my aggregated holdings, and total net worth on one page so I can print it out. it seems to be impossible. I suggest everyone effected to call and complain to Fidelity. This is like the new Coke.
by cosimdm
Sun Jul 14, 2013 6:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Full View
Replies: 23
Views: 8029

Re: Fidelity Full View

I :( have never considered myself to be stupid, but the new FullView is inoperable, in my opinion. I can't figure out how to get my usual information.
by cosimdm
Sat Aug 18, 2012 4:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: no more SmartMoney magazine
Replies: 33
Views: 13512

Re: no more SmartMoney magazine

Given the choice between the WSJ and Barron's (both of which I subscribe to), I would ask for my money back. I have been reading the two choices for decades, and they have both deteriorated so much I barely recognize them.
by cosimdm
Thu Jul 19, 2012 4:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If the economy is so bad, why are stocks High?
Replies: 41
Views: 7422

Re: If the economy is so bad, why are stocks High?

Here is what I meant about stocks being high. I keep a list of about 35 large stocks of the dividend aristocrat type. In my list I compare their current prices to their year's lows. When I look to see how far they are from this low, I see many are 30% off their lows, others , 50%. Some are at a 52 week high.
I know about the stock market seeing into the future, but what I can't understand is if these same companies are forecasting decreasing revenue in the future, why aren't their prices reflecting this?
by cosimdm
Thu Jul 19, 2012 1:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If the economy is so bad, why are stocks High?
Replies: 41
Views: 7422

If the economy is so bad, why are stocks High?

Stock prices are high relative to a few months ago. Why, if business is so bad? Why doesn't the market fall? Is the Fed propping it up? Please explain.
by cosimdm
Sat Jun 02, 2012 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (May 2012)
Replies: 6
Views: 1353

Re: madsinger monthly report (May 2012)

What do the numbers look like adjusted for inflation?
by cosimdm
Sat Feb 25, 2012 2:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: need suggestions for taxable
Replies: 3
Views: 469

Re: need suggestions for taxable

Many thanks for the I bond suggestion. I will look into it.
by cosimdm
Fri Feb 24, 2012 6:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: need suggestions for taxable
Replies: 3
Views: 469

need suggestions for taxable

My taxable t-bill emergency fund is too large. I would like to invest some of the money in a tax efficient fund. It could be stock fund or something else that is tax efficient.
Most of my money is in a tax free entity.
What do you suggest?
by cosimdm
Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MF global redux: This day in financial history 1936
Replies: 5
Views: 667

Re: MF global redux: This day in financial history 1936

Why are the perps of the MF Global fiasco not in Jail?
by cosimdm
Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which Companies/Industries do you think are in decline?
Replies: 38
Views: 3928

Re: Which Companies/Industries do you think are in decline?

GE and J&J: two formerly thriving companies being brought down by lousy management.
by cosimdm
Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I know it is a stupid question,but
Replies: 2
Views: 692

I know it is a stupid question,but

How do I calculate the return on my portfolio? For example, let's say I started the year with $1,000,000. At the beginning of the year I removed $45,000 and spend it. At the end of the year, the balance in my portfolio was $1,100,000. What was my return? In other words, how does one account for the amount removed and spent when the end of the year balance is calculated?
Thank you very much.
by cosimdm
Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: prediction
Replies: 1
Views: 349

prediction

I own a lot of dividend paying stocks which I bought in 2009 and 2010. Now this type of investment is so popular, I think it is time to move on to a new theme. I think small cap stocks will out perform the dividend stocks going forward.
by cosimdm
Sun Dec 18, 2011 5:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MF Global Bankruptcy Investigation
Replies: 13
Views: 1821

Re: MF Global Bankruptcy Investigation

Today I read an article on the Motley Fool about the MF Global situation. I got the link today on Real Clear Politics. The article is in several parts. Very interesting.
by cosimdm
Sun Dec 18, 2011 5:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% Doesn't Work! You need a Bucket Plan! (AARP)
Replies: 27
Views: 5602

Re: 4% Doesn't Work! You need a Bucket Plan! (AARP)

What do you expect from AARP? They exist to sell insurance and push more entitlements for the retired. BTW, I am retired and have AARP/United Health care insurance.
Giving good investment advice is not part of their mission. They are a lobbying group.
by cosimdm
Thu Dec 15, 2011 8:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are they really affluent???
Replies: 34
Views: 5562

Re: Are they really affluent???

I wonder how accurate these figures are. For example, how many people with a defined benefit plan know the present value of that plan?
by cosimdm
Fri Nov 25, 2011 5:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How can they not know where the MF Global money went?
Replies: 48
Views: 5362

Re: How can they not know where the MF Global money went?

How can they not know? [political comment removed by Mod]
by cosimdm
Fri Apr 29, 2011 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: favorite blogs
Replies: 13
Views: 2900

favorite blogs

What are your favorite stock market blogs? Not those who recommend specific stocks, but give general views of the market and conditions, espceially contrarian views> Thanks.
by cosimdm
Wed Apr 27, 2011 3:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Smart Money's Perfect Portfolios
Replies: 10
Views: 2542

"safe fixed income"?

Fixed income investments are not safe from inflation unless they are TIPS. I lived through the 1970's.
by cosimdm
Wed Apr 27, 2011 3:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Selling when market at year high regardless of plan
Replies: 22
Views: 3208

selling doubles

I am selling stocks that I own from March, 2009, that have doubled. My reasoning is that even if the market continues to climb, the chances of these stocks doubling again in the near future is low. I am using profits to buy cheaper stocks.
by cosimdm
Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tips and obligations honored
Replies: 10
Views: 1348

reply/link

My grand-daughter threw the paper away before I was finished with it. Sorry. The article was in the first section right before the editorial page, I think.
by cosimdm
Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tips and obligations honored
Replies: 10
Views: 1348

Tips and obligations honored

There was an interesting column in today's Wall Street Journal about investing in TIPS. The author believes the fate of TIPS could end up resembling Chrysler or GM bonds. Interesting speculation.
by cosimdm
Thu Mar 03, 2011 7:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (Feb 2011)
Replies: 15
Views: 3719

THANKS FOR THE DEFINITION

I have been wondering about this for some time. Thank you for publishing your monthly reports.
by cosimdm
Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 year TIPs yield at 1.98%- back up the truck, beep, beep..
Replies: 501
Views: 119905

look at Bill Gross's monthly letter

I just read it. He says interest rates may be 1.5% low.
by cosimdm
Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (Feb 2011)
Replies: 15
Views: 3719

question about category

What is "hot hands"?
by cosimdm
Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 year TIPs yield at 1.98%- back up the truck, beep, beep..
Replies: 501
Views: 119905

generalizing on TIPS

I think it is difficult to generalize on TIPS at the moment because the Fed is keeping interest rates artificially low. Right now the DOW is rising, but interest rates aren't as much as they normally would. If and when the FED lets interest rates rise to their normal rate (at the world market interest rate) , I believes TIPS yields will rise quickly.
by cosimdm
Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: harry browne and the swiss franc
Replies: 6
Views: 2019

harry browne and the swiss franc

In one of his early books, Harry Browne recommended a position in the Swiss franc because it was backed by gold. It is my understanding that the franc is no longer backed by gold. What does that do to Harry's currency allocation?
by cosimdm
Sun Jan 23, 2011 6:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is a Treasury Default Possible?
Replies: 36
Views: 4441

way for government to "default"

--Economic policy comment deleted--
by cosimdm
Sun Jan 09, 2011 12:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: what was worse the Tech Bubble or the 2008 crsah ?
Replies: 63
Views: 8598

tech bubble or 2008?

Well, I chaired a Silicon Valley investment commitee during the years 1997-2001. During the tech crash, people were ready to jump out of windows. The lesson I learned was no matter how intelligent, informed, tech savy people were, they were still caught up in the bubble hype. In fact I know one tech millionarire who wanted all his millions invested in just four tech stocks :Cisco, Sun, and two others I forget. Fortunately, wiser minds prevented him for doing this, although he lost millions by being too heavily in tech.
This downturn is worse, I believe, because it effects more people everywhere. Unemployment is longer and worse. Also, the governments actions since then have exacerbated the situation.
Just my observations
by cosimdm
Fri Dec 31, 2010 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Kiplinger's Article on Online Brokerages
Replies: 13
Views: 2938

experience with Wells Fargo

Based on my extensive experience with these people, anyone who uses their website is intellectually challenged. The account information they post is often untimely and inconsistent (different amounts on different pages, e.g.). They are slow to post changes, and their customer service consists of constant apologies. Even their trading help definitions are inconsistent!
by cosimdm
Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is tips real yield over 2.5 (or 3, whatever) a "free lu
Replies: 53
Views: 7975

experience with TIPS

When TIPS were first issued, I bought maturities of 2028 with a coupon rate around 3%. My thinking was that it the coupon rate went up, I would buy more. If the coupon rate went down, well I have such long maturities I don't have to worry. This has worked out well, and I intend to die with my TIPS.
by cosimdm
Thu Dec 09, 2010 2:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wells Trade will be updating their brokerage site in January
Replies: 13
Views: 2123

Wells Brokerage

They have been promising to do this for over a year. I wouldn't have an account with these guys if they PAID ME every time I made a trade.
I have had long experience with these dummies ( they prefer the word "conservative" to "dummy"), and I would never go back.
by cosimdm
Sun Nov 21, 2010 6:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Your 3-Buckets of Money & When To Use Each One
Replies: 65
Views: 11239

You are probably getting out much more than you paid in

Several years ago I did some research on social security beneficiaries return on their investment. It turned out that for most current recipients, people receive more in benefits than they ever paid into the system. This includes so called SoSec "interest " payments. While over the years, the number of people who are milking the system will decline because of the rise in contributions , it is going to take some years for this to happen. Because Medicare was started in the 1960's, the amount older recipients receive in benefits is far greater than anything that they have contributed. As a social security recipient my self, I gladly take the money that the younger people are giving me even though I wonder how they can be so stupid t...
by cosimdm
Sat Oct 23, 2010 11:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: how can you beat wellsley??
Replies: 55
Views: 10152

25 years of bond returns

The last 25 years have been very good to bond investors. What makes one think the next 25 years will be the same? With interest rates at historic lows, why would anyone buy a fund 60% in bonds?
Extreme conditions do not last. I stick to short maturities, despite the paltry yield. For additional income, I depend on dividends.
by cosimdm
Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Time to buy TIPS?
Replies: 15
Views: 2976

Time to buy TIPS?

I wouldn't buy bonds or TIPS right now. Relative to the T bond, TIPS may look cheap, and I think THAT is what the two articles I have read meant.
Thanks to all who took time to send responses.
by cosimdm
Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Time to buy TIPS?
Replies: 15
Views: 2976

Time to buy TIPS?

I need help understanding TIPS. When these bonds first were issued, I bought some long dated ones, thinking that getting 2%+ over the rate of inflation was pretty good. ( I think that is what British Consols yielded when there was no inflation to speak of).
Now the rate of return over the inflation rate is under 1% on some of these. if this is so, why do I keep reading that this is a good time to buy TIPS? What am I missing?
by cosimdm
Thu Jul 29, 2010 6:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tighten your belts docs
Replies: 76
Views: 9690

cure for those who think good doctors

are paid too much. Join an HMO like Kaiser. You will have someone who is either just out of training with no experience, someone who wants to make more money by not treating you, or someone who really couldn't make it
practicing medicine without a captive audience of HMO members. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but it is true by and large.
I have had experience with HMO's. My favorite one was having a sigmoidoscopy (cheaper than a colonoscopy) and discovering that the internist had done so few ( she was right out of training) that the NURSE had to guide her hand while she did it!
by cosimdm
Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: short S&P Etf's
Replies: 2
Views: 698

short S&P Etf's

Does anyone have any experience with ETF's that short the S&P; that is those ETF's that increase in value as the S&P falls? I have done some reading about them, but am unsure how they track the S&P over a say 6 month period. What about those that do this and are also leveraged?
Thanks for your comments.