Search found 225 matches

by wesleymouch
Wed Jul 03, 2013 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guidance re 1099 to contractor
Replies: 11
Views: 1368

Re: Guidance re 1099 to contractor

[off topic post deleted by admin alex]
by wesleymouch
Wed Jul 03, 2013 1:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 1929 Crash being a Boglehead?
Replies: 74
Views: 9617

Re: 1929 Crash being a Boglehead?

A Boglehead would have done fine, as he or she would have owned a healthy portion of high-quality bonds. These bonds soared during the Great Depression. Moreover, they were the only safe place to hold "cash" (i.e. something not crashing to the ground). Every bank got in trouble sooner or later back then and froze deposits. The FDIC is a godsend. Can you imagine having to sell your bank dollars for 50c in an underground market to get food on the table? I think rebalancing between 1929-1932 would have got us in some trouble, but probably still better than none at all. And we'd have been far better off than everyone who didn't have a balanced portfolio. Somebody could run the numbers. FDIC is not the panacea you think it is. Read ab...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jul 03, 2013 1:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Merriman - Buffett is more myth than legend
Replies: 21
Views: 3782

Re: Merriman - Buffett is more myth than legend

My impression that everyone parrots that Buffett is an "investing genius" but few have done the reaserach to verify that he is or not.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jul 03, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many pair of shoes?
Replies: 70
Views: 8223

Re: How many pair of shoes?

I think you have to break this down into men or women. Ten pairs is a lot for a man but nothing for a woman
by wesleymouch
Mon Jul 01, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Possible earlier retirement...
Replies: 12
Views: 2397

Re: Possible earlier retirement...

mrwalken wrote:
wesleymouch wrote:I would calculate expenses including healthcare and total up assets plus pensions, SS. At age 50 I would use a 2.3% withdrawal rate at the most.
Given that firecalc shows a 100% success rate using a 3.4% withdrawal rate over a 50 year period, I would say using 2.3% at the most is rather silly.
Bernstein, Wade Pfau, Otar and others suggest a more conservative SWR. Basically 100/years in retirement = SWR. If you like the taste of Alpo then a higher SWR may be justified.
by wesleymouch
Mon Jul 01, 2013 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Possible earlier retirement...
Replies: 12
Views: 2397

Re: Possible earlier retirement...

I would calculate expenses including healthcare and total up assets plus pensions, SS. At age 50 I would use a 2.3% withdrawal rate at the most.
by wesleymouch
Mon Jul 01, 2013 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income thresholds in Early Retirement
Replies: 22
Views: 5295

Re: Income thresholds in Early Retirement

Many states have special/favorable rules on taxation of SS benefits, IRA withdrawals/conversions, etc. Sometimes age-dependent. These can be enough to affect strategy. Examples: Exclude retirement plan withdrawals without age or dollar limit Illinois Kentucky Oklahoma $4,000/couple limit North Carolina $6,000/couple limit South Carolina No dollar limit for 55 or older Colorado Iowa No dollar limit for 60ish or older Arkansas Delaware Michigan Mississippi New York No dollar limit for 62 or older Georgia When I did this survey "no dollar limit" meant the dollar limit was more than the IRA contribution limit, so it makes sense [for people still working] to deduct-and-convert every year. I'm aware that some of the states with "n...
by wesleymouch
Mon Jul 01, 2013 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Income thresholds in Early Retirement
Replies: 22
Views: 5295

Re: Income thresholds in Early Retirement

We plan to manipulate income down to get the ACA subsidy. After having my blood sucked for years by the hoi polloi I plan to do some sucking myself
by wesleymouch
Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 3 fund portfolio vs more complicated allocation
Replies: 34
Views: 5700

Re: 3 fund portfolio vs more complicated allocation

To be truly diversified the following three fund portfolio to balance world asset classes:
VTWSX (total world stock) 46%
VBMFX (us bonds) VBMFX 21%
VTABX (tot ex US bonds) 33%

For simplicity
50% VTWSX
25% VBMFX
25% VTABX

This parallels the capitalization of World markets and has great diversification.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying physical gold
Replies: 53
Views: 10102

Re: Buying physical gold

Round trip costs are usually 2%. You can sell on ebay or to Tulving [suggestion removed by admin LadyGeek] First, the forum does not allow discussing ways to break the law. Ill believe that 2% claim when I see the receipt - does that include both the amount you pay over spot buying the coin (typically 3%, already larger than the number you quoted) and the ebay and paypal fees on selling? I must be crazy, but seem to remember Ebay charging a 10% flat rate on auction listings, is that not correct? That sounds like a 13% round trip to me, plus paypal. Even if you avoid taxes - which is perhaps not the smartest move when dealing with $25,000 worth of gold. Let's be generous and call it a 3% round trip (not using ebay, as we have just demonstra...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying physical gold
Replies: 53
Views: 10102

Re: Buying physical gold

Round trip costs are usually 2%. You can sell on ebay or to Tulving [suggestion removed by admin LadyGeek] First, the forum does not allow discussing ways to break the law. Ill believe that 2% claim when I see the receipt - does that include both the amount you pay over spot buying the coin (typically 3%, already larger than the number you quoted) and the ebay and paypal fees on selling? I must be crazy, but seem to remember Ebay charging a 10% flat rate on auction listings, is that not correct? That sounds like a 13% round trip to me, plus paypal. Even if you avoid taxes - which is perhaps not the smartest move when dealing with $25,000 worth of gold. Let's be generous and call it a 3% round trip (not using ebay, as we have just demonstra...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much should cat tooth extraction cost?
Replies: 47
Views: 74886

Re: How much should cat tooth extraction cost?

Some large animal vets (horse vets) will perform procedures on cats. Ours will (in MN). They are a fraction of the cost of small animal vets.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 2:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasuries, CDs, and Munis reconsidered
Replies: 80
Views: 11948

Re: Treasuries, CDs, and Munis reconsidered

Amidst all of the panic threads about bonds of late, I thought I'd add in the results of some number crunching I've been doing. I'd like to question a couple of points that have become the conventional view around here of late: a) CDs represent a free lunch over a Treasury bond fund--higher return and less risk b) In a taxable account, a muni bond fund offers significantly higher returns than a Treasury bond fund, which is either a free lunch or reveals hidden risks in the muni market. Let's look at these further: First, 5 year CDs are considered a great deal right now. Right now at depositaccounts.com, the highest nationally available rate is 2.00%. . Second, there is the Treasury bond fund. To simplify things, let's take the Stlutz Inter...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying physical gold
Replies: 53
Views: 10102

Re: Buying physical gold

The all in cost of gold including CAPITAL costs is around $1300 per ounce.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying physical gold
Replies: 53
Views: 10102

Re: Buying physical gold

I was thinking of entering at 1300$, now that its under that, plan is to buy some now and then add additional at 75-100$ dip. Other thoughts on adding precious metal, especially physical gold ? A few things to consider: First, gold can and has dropped severely. Like it could go down to $600 in a year. Are you ready for that? Second, owning gold coins means you have to deal with buying and selling them, losing at least 3% in both directions. Would you buy a mutual fund with a 3% front end and 3% back end? As to the last question, I personally think silver is a better deal right now and a better metal overall, extremely useful beyond jewelry. Still not buying it, and if someone gave me 1000 oz of silver, I would sell it and buy stocks. If yo...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying physical gold
Replies: 53
Views: 10102

Re: Buying physical gold

APMES is great with good prices. I would only buy 1 ounce Canadaian maples, American Eagles or Krugerrands.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you sell gold here in my situation?
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Do you sell gold here in my situation?

Market history suggests that after gold has its moment in the sun and crashes, it has taken a very long time for its value to rise again. My suspicion is that this is because unlike other classes of investment assets it appeals to people who are very unsophisticated, concrete thinkers. In my own circle I know several people who would never consider buying a stock or bond (or might not even know what the latter was) who have piled into gold (in the form of collectible coins) because of their political beliefs (also unsophisticated and overly concrete.) Once gold crashes and those people get burned--and once they discover how hard it is to sell their gold and how those sales get taxed--it will be another generation until that class of invest...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you sell gold here in my situation?
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Do you sell gold here in my situation?

Let's see... this almost sounds like a brain-teaser... it appears that in your speculations in precious metals, you invested a total of £25,000 + £40,000 + (£725/ounce * 5 kilos = £725/ounce * 160 Troy ounces) £116,000 for a grand total of £181,000. You realized £58,000 on the sale of the first lot of silver and $70,000 on the sale of the second lot. You sold 2/5 of your gold, i.e. £70,000 worth, "making £10,000 on each," so you realized £90,000 in that sale. In all, your proceeds from sales to date are £58,000 + £70,000 + £90,000 = £218,000 You started with £116,000. You now have £218,000 plus three ounces kilos of gold. It seems to me that your speculations in precious metal have been very successful and that you have made a go...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you sell gold here in my situation?
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Do you sell gold here in my situation?

Bear markets in assets start after they are universally loved and talked about positively. This is hardly the case for gold today and may be the case for US stocks with a Shiller PE circa 23.2. We are currently in a bull market rally in the context of a larger secular bear market. It is not possible to time the end and beginning of bear and bull markets but I think that a position in gold will prove itself useful. Stock bugs should be worried here. Gold bugs should hold their positions. Like you I have made 3x my money in gold and will continue to hold it
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond laddering: Over-weighting short term bonds
Replies: 26
Views: 1732

Re: Bond laddering: Over-weighting short term bonds

The danger of holding a CD ladder is that you may lose assets via a "bail in". That would be a disaster since fixed income is suppossed to be "safe" money.
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 26, 2013 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you sell gold here in my situation?
Replies: 14
Views: 1203

Re: Do you sell gold here in my situation?

You are reacting to the falling price of gold. I would hold it at 10-15% of allocation. Given what is happening in the world it is a prudent hedge. Generally doing the opposite what you are feeling is profitable in investing. This forum, however, hates gold and bashes it constantly. Personally I would stay the course. However, you should own some stocks and bonds also.
by wesleymouch
Tue Jun 25, 2013 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anybody who bought a Kindle go back to regular books?
Replies: 74
Views: 7825

Re: Anybody who bought a Kindle go back to regular books?

I use the Kindle app for the ipad and have not bought a physical book since.
by wesleymouch
Mon Jun 24, 2013 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: This Market - what to do?
Replies: 26
Views: 3283

Re: This Market - what to do?

The problem is you never know when to get back in. If you are concerned take JP Morgans advice and sell socks until you reach the point you can sleep.
by wesleymouch
Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SWR with 100% Allocation 30-Year TIPS
Replies: 13
Views: 1804

Re: SWR with 100% Allocation 30-Year TIPS

The danger is that you have a collapse of the dollar. The answer would be to hold some gold as a counterbalance, some foreign TIPS, some international stocks or all of the above.
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 21, 2013 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension troubles....
Replies: 16
Views: 2689

Re: Pension troubles....

Goalie, you hiring? I have a million certifications. Haz-mat technician, paramedic, CDL drivers license with haz-mat endorsements, rope rescue, master SCUBA diver, building collapse rescue specilist, most of which help me earn extra pay. Last year I made just over $100K. And before you complain that civil servants make to much there are 4200 of us and I have buried, on average, one of my brother firefighter every year in duty related deaths for the last eight years I have been on the job, including two close friends. Having 1/4200 chance of leaving my kids orphans is pretty lousy odds in my opinion. In reality being a firefighter is about as dangerous as an auto mechanic. A cop's life is less dangerous than a truck driver. Perhaps the The ...
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 14, 2013 1:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?
Replies: 72
Views: 7585

Re: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?

It seems to me that Pfau and others who bash the 4% withdrawal rate suggest SPIA's as an option. Is it possible that they have been funded by the Insurance industry to promote this line of thinking and thereby profit from fees? After reading the book Propaganda by Bernays I think that very little that is found in mainstream media is anything but propaganda. Similarly the paper by Gorton and and Rouwenhorst on commodities was heavily promoted before commodity tracking ETFs were rolled out. I think it was W Bernstein who said that when the financial industry rolls out a new product watch out for your wallet.
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?
Replies: 72
Views: 7585

Re: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?

The Retire Early Homepage contains a recurring display showing calculations of remaining balances for a retiree assuming a 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal rate and alternative retirements at the end of 1994 or 1999. Various portfolios are examined, including (i) 75/25 S&P and fixed, (ii) Harry Browne, (iii) one fund VBINX 60/40, (iv) MPT 60/40 with multiple equity asset classes and (iv) Swedroe-type portolio with 30% small cap value and 70% one year US Treasuries. The particular funds used for each hypo (mainly Vanguard funds) are listed. The latest update though 2012 shows that somebody retiring at the end of 1999 and using the MPT 60/40 would have a nominal balance of a bit over 108% of the starting balance, and the same retiree usi...
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?
Replies: 72
Views: 7585

Re: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?

The Retire Early Homepage contains a recurring display showing calculations of remaining balances for a retiree assuming a 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal rate and alternative retirements at the end of 1994 or 1999. Various portfolios are examined, including (i) 75/25 S&P and fixed, (ii) Harry Browne, (iii) one fund VBINX 60/40, (iv) MPT 60/40 with multiple equity asset classes and (iv) Swedroe-type portolio with 30% small cap value and 70% one year US Treasuries. The particular funds used for each hypo (mainly Vanguard funds) are listed. The latest update though 2012 shows that somebody retiring at the end of 1999 and using the MPT 60/40 would have a nominal balance of a bit over 108% of the starting balance, and the same retiree usi...
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?
Replies: 72
Views: 7585

Re: Is 2% (1.8%) the new 4%?

The Retire Early Homepage contains a recurring display showing calculations of remaining balances for a retiree assuming a 4% inflation-adjusted withdrawal rate and alternative retirements at the end of 1994 or 1999. Various portfolios are examined, including (i) 75/25 S&P and fixed, (ii) Harry Browne, (iii) one fund VBINX 60/40, (iv) MPT 60/40 with multiple equity asset classes and (iv) Swedroe-type portolio with 30% small cap value and 70% one year US Treasuries. The particular funds used for each hypo (mainly Vanguard funds) are listed. The latest update though 2012 shows that somebody retiring at the end of 1999 and using the MPT 60/40 would have a nominal balance of a bit over 108% of the starting balance, and the same retiree usi...
by wesleymouch
Wed Jun 12, 2013 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to find the retail cost of 24-K gold
Replies: 14
Views: 1510

Re: How to find the retail cost of 24-K gold

You can sell to a refiner. 24 carat is pure gold and a refiner will typically pay 95% of spot price (google kitco for the spot price. google gold refiner for the names of reputable refiners). Good luck
by wesleymouch
Mon Jun 10, 2013 4:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trying to Advise Friends and Family About Investing
Replies: 26
Views: 3841

Re: Trying to Advise Friends and Family About Investing

My impression is that most people are lazy and don't want to expend the energy to do it themselves. Plus most people I know don't value money sufficiently not to waste it. The waste it on financial advice just like they waste it on fancy phones, fancy cars and big houses. Then they cry when they don't have enough for retirement and want the govt to fix it. Save yourself. Forget the ignorant and lazy. Ultimately in life you usually get what you deserve.
by wesleymouch
Sun Jun 09, 2013 7:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any reviews on Paul Winkler (the Investor Coach)?
Replies: 14
Views: 9008

Re: Any reviews on Paul Winkler (the Investor Coach)?

Get rid of the middleman and do it yourself. One percent is too much to pay. For simplicity you would be better off in a Vanguard retirement allocation or life strategy fund. With a little more effort you can go for a three fund portfolio with an ER circa 0.1% which is 90% less
by wesleymouch
Fri Jun 07, 2013 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: (VTHRX) Vanguard 2030 is outperforming me
Replies: 20
Views: 3592

Re: Portfolio Review: (VTHRX) Vanguard 2030 is outperforming

Thanks for the responses. If precious metals and commodities are not favoured by Bogleheads, then perhaps I should rephrase my question as follows: Are Bogleheads concerned about US debt and monetary policy (as preached by Schiff and Rogers, for example)? And if so, how would a Boglehead adjust their portfolio to hedge against that concern? I chose to put more weight on International stocks and bonds (seems to have turned out OK so far), and to increase my exposure to precious metals and commodities (has, at least temporarily, hurt me). What are others doing? You could put your money in VT ETF which is the world stock market, buy US and International bonds and keep some commodities. I think Larry Swedroe recommends 5-10% commodities and Wi...
by wesleymouch
Thu Jun 06, 2013 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: (VTHRX) Vanguard 2030 is outperforming me
Replies: 20
Views: 3592

Re: Portfolio Review: (VTHRX) Vanguard 2030 is outperforming

I think your portfolio is fine. I personally have 15% in gold/energy as a commodity exposure. Gold is kryptonite to most bogleheads so you will probably be bashed over it. Personally I would stay the course. You will always find a better performing fund/asset. You don't want to "skate to where the puck has been"
by wesleymouch
Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Commodities Can Help a Portfolio
Replies: 129
Views: 13923

Re: How Commodities Can Help a Portfolio

The anti commodity crowd has an air of religious intolerance about it. Accept that there can be different views of the world and investing in it. No one is forcing you to invest in anything. Get over it.
by wesleymouch
Thu Jun 06, 2013 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Forbes Story How Retirees Pay Zero Taxes
Replies: 34
Views: 5564

Re: Forbes Story How Retirees Pay Zero Taxes

After reading this Our Boston-area example has, besides the property tax, a $4,998 tab for state income tax. If the couple moved to Florida or Texas their federal tax would go up, but they’d still be a bit better off because their local taxes would go down by a larger amount. The comes to about 25k in property and local taxes. I would be moving but what state is the best choice? it is interesting that we often hear about moving to a different state for retirement to pay less taxes, but I wonder how often people do this in reality. I wonder what would people say who moved to different state in their retirement. Once we live in some place for most of our adult lives, we do a lot more than making living. we have friends and family and whole c...
by wesleymouch
Thu Jun 06, 2013 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You
Replies: 368
Views: 65043

Re: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You

Nest thermostats. Pure luxury and saves money in the long run.
Those who tout Starbucks should check the coffees at teaandcoffeewarehouse.com. Same quality beans at a fraction of the price. Starbucks is pure marketing of a mediocre product
by wesleymouch
Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inflation, currency protection in case of crisis?
Replies: 33
Views: 3259

Re: Inflation, currency protection in case of crisis?

The purpose of International diversification is that you do not know future outcomes. America may continue to be the great economy that it is or it may go they way of Argentina. Because we don't know the prudent spread their assets.
by wesleymouch
Mon Jun 03, 2013 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please advise on Gold Coin Purchase
Replies: 28
Views: 7560

Re: Please advise on Gold Coin Purchase

The three most recognized coins in the World are American gold eagles, Canadian gold maples and Krugerrands. I would restrict my purchases to those. I have found that Maples have the lowest cost over spot and you can do a round trip transaction for about 1.8%. This is not bad if you are a long term holder and can store them in a safety deposit box (cost $50 per year). You can get annual expenses of holding gold down to about 0.2% per year if you are a long term holder.
by wesleymouch
Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please advise on Gold Coin Purchase
Replies: 28
Views: 7560

Re: Please advise on Gold Coin Purchase

I second apmex.com. They have the best prices and great service
by wesleymouch
Fri May 31, 2013 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Picked up a Tad of VEMAX [Vanguard Emerging Markets Index]
Replies: 11
Views: 1559

Re: Picked up a Tad of VEMAX

z3r0c00l wrote:
wesleymouch wrote:Both emerging markets (vwo) and the developed world index (VEA) are cheaper than US markets and will likely give better returns going forward.
No way to know this. Your best bet is to own them all. Literally, that is the mathematically optimal bet considering the limited knowledge we have about the future. VTIAX probably better covers the international. But "only" 10K? This is def. a fun way to play with some money, and far safer than going to a casino!
i own both but overweight what is cheap. P/B of international about 70% that of US markets. As Larry Swedroe says valuations matter.
by wesleymouch
Fri May 31, 2013 6:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Picked up a Tad of VEMAX [Vanguard Emerging Markets Index]
Replies: 11
Views: 1559

Re: Picked up a Tad of VEMAX

Both emerging markets (vwo) and the developed world index (VEA) are cheaper than US markets and will likely give better returns going forward.
by wesleymouch
Thu May 30, 2013 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: One doc's interesting revolt against the payment system
Replies: 65
Views: 10024

Re: One doc's interesting revolt against the payment system

This is great. The MD sells his product directly and gets the middlemen (governmen and insurance companies ) out of the way. This is like most oher things you buy.
by wesleymouch
Tue May 28, 2013 9:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Individual Investment vs. Portfolio Piece (Ferri vs. Larry)
Replies: 67
Views: 6692

Re: Individual Investment vs. Portfolio Piece (Ferri vs. Lar

Larry
Many thanks for your insights and guidance. I also hold commodities as a hedge and have done well with them.
by wesleymouch
Tue May 28, 2013 8:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do Commodities Hedge Against Inflation?
Replies: 63
Views: 5552

Re: Do Commodities Hedge Against Inflation?

I believe that the Boskin Commission found that gold outperformed the CPI by about 1% per year over the long term. That was part of their reasoning to adjust the CPI calculation downward.
by wesleymouch
Sat May 25, 2013 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Year Round Living on a Sandy Beach
Replies: 55
Views: 7632

Re: Year Round Living on a Sandy Beach

The panhandle of Florida. Cities include Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, Port St Joe etc. These beaches have the prettiest sand in America and there is a good cost of living. The sand is granite flakes from the Appalachian Mountains that travels down via the Appalachicola River.
by wesleymouch
Wed May 22, 2013 2:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is This Correct About International Equities
Replies: 31
Views: 3485

Re: Is This Correct About International Equities

Read William Bernstein about this is The Four Pillars of Investing. There are periods when the EFA outperforms the S and P and vice versa. Having multiple assets is useful.
by wesleymouch
Fri May 17, 2013 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: future of medical practice - career help - physician
Replies: 17
Views: 2560

Re: future of medical practice - career help - physician

I think you are better off in a large group employed by the hospital. Small practices will get squeezed and I would not want to be buying into a practice with declining revenues. The key is to make as much as you can as soon as you can because you want to pay off your debt and reimbursement is going to get squeezed. Have you looked at the VA? The pay is not as good but in the future it will likely approximate private practice pay and you do not work very hard, you can't be easily fired and it comes with a retirement plan.
by wesleymouch
Fri May 17, 2013 11:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold
Replies: 78
Views: 7513

Re: Gold

In the 1930s people held gold in safety deposit boxes. Today almost no Americans own gold. If the Govt wanted to confiscate gold they would take GLD, IAU, and other ETF gold not rummage through millions of safety deposit boxes to look for gold.