As late as I am in this day, Taylor, I hope you're having a superb birthday; and please accept my thanks for the mountainous help you've given (and are giving) to me and all Bogleheads.
Happiness to you and yours, Taylor,
Harry
Search found 53 matches
- Fri Jan 25, 2013 4:41 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Happy Birthday Taylor
- Replies: 81
- Views: 10227
- Thu Jan 03, 2013 8:57 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Any chance the I Bonds fixed rate will increase in 2013?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1670
Re: Any chance the I Bonds fixed rate will increase in 2013?
Think it would be more likely that the Jets will walk off with the NFL Super Bowl cfhampionship a few weeks hence.
I am, however, a definite fan of I-Bonds, and greatly appreciate Mel's understanding of them early on and his thoughtfulness and large amount of work to wake up the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Harry
I am, however, a definite fan of I-Bonds, and greatly appreciate Mel's understanding of them early on and his thoughtfulness and large amount of work to wake up the rest of us.
Sincerely,
Harry
- Thu Dec 20, 2012 11:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cost of allerigies, allergy drops?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1679
Re: Cost of allerigies, allergy drops?
magneto,
thought your post this morning was very accurate and helpful. If you are willing to be even a little more specific as to particular items you think bothersome and/or those you think helpful, we would be very appreciative.
FWIW, my wife and I have allergies which are more troublesome under three conditions: cool temperatures rather than warm, activity (as opposed to relaxing), and even eating. Have both taken allergy tests and the sole item showing up was dust mites.
Sincerely,
Harry
thought your post this morning was very accurate and helpful. If you are willing to be even a little more specific as to particular items you think bothersome and/or those you think helpful, we would be very appreciative.
FWIW, my wife and I have allergies which are more troublesome under three conditions: cool temperatures rather than warm, activity (as opposed to relaxing), and even eating. Have both taken allergy tests and the sole item showing up was dust mites.
Sincerely,
Harry
- Mon Dec 10, 2012 9:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rollover IRA Tax Question
- Replies: 2
- Views: 427
Re: Rollover IRA Tax Question
Thanks, pshonore, for your additional info,
Harry
Harry
- Mon Dec 10, 2012 8:09 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rollover IRA Tax Question
- Replies: 2
- Views: 427
Rollover IRA Tax Question
DW's uncle has a Rollover IRA which consists of Vanguard Funds, plus one common stock holding (the company for which he worked nearly 30 years) and one Limited Partnership holding which he purchased several months ago. Yesterday he asked me a question for which I have an opinion but not a definitive answer. His Rollover IRA causes him no tax info to prepare each year, other than to report the annual Required Minimum Distribution on his 1040. A friend, however, just told him that a Limited Partnership will send him a K-1 which must be referenced on his 1040 even though there will have been no sale, and the holding is in a tax-sheltered account. My opinion, thus, is that no taxable amount exists other than if a sale has been made from the acc...
- Mon Oct 24, 2011 10:19 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: New I Bond Web Site
- Replies: 34
- Views: 6839
Re: New I Bond Web Site
I'm with you, Cruncher; thanks a million,
Harry
Harry
- Mon Oct 24, 2011 8:16 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: New I Bond Web Site
- Replies: 34
- Views: 6839
Re: New I Bond Web Site
Cruncher, like your new I-bond web site and appreciate your help to many Bogleheads. But find some differences between your calculations and my calculators -- which could of course be my error.
For example, let's use a hypothetical case of someone purchasing a $10,000 I-bond in March '06; then one in April '06; and again in Nov '06. My calculators come to an October 2011 value of $12,276; 12,220; and 12,016 respectively. Yours seems to come to $12,196 instead on the 3rd purchase.
Much as I prefer your value, has one of us gone wrong somewhere? Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Harry
For example, let's use a hypothetical case of someone purchasing a $10,000 I-bond in March '06; then one in April '06; and again in Nov '06. My calculators come to an October 2011 value of $12,276; 12,220; and 12,016 respectively. Yours seems to come to $12,196 instead on the 3rd purchase.
Much as I prefer your value, has one of us gone wrong somewhere? Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Harry
- Fri Oct 14, 2011 1:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: New Tracfone charges?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1665
New Tracfone charges?
Bought a Tracfone for my wife about six years ago. Charges have gone up several times since then and today our email in-box showed a note from Tracfone saying she has nine days left before service is ended (including stored minutes) unless a new fee is met forthwith. No mention of what the fee is, and a call made to Tracfone has not cleared up the situation at all.
If anyone else has inherited this same situation and has some thoughts on the best way to precede (even including the idea of changing vendors), we would greatly appreciate the advice.
Sincerely,
Harry
If anyone else has inherited this same situation and has some thoughts on the best way to precede (even including the idea of changing vendors), we would greatly appreciate the advice.
Sincerely,
Harry
- Mon Jul 04, 2011 9:45 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Switching to Vanguard help
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1173
Transfer from Fido to Vanguard
Mike, unfortunately you won't be able to garner the recent Admiral ER incentives on a 403(b)7 plan. But Investor ERs may well be lower than some of Fido's.
Good luck,
Harry
Good luck,
Harry
- Thu Oct 07, 2010 2:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: John now enjoys Admiral ERs, but Joan does not....
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2965
John now enjoys Admiral ERs, but Joan does not....
With all the 'Admiral-share' talk yesterday and today, perhaps someone has mentioned the following but, if so, I've somehow missed it.
Joan has nearly $500,000 in her 403-b, distributed amongst five funds, all of which have long offered Adm status in most situations. But not in a 403-b.
Young John, however, with less than $75,000 in his IRA, suddenly finds two of his funds (indexes) are now enjoying Adm ERs, though one of them has but a balance of $10,602. And a managed fund with a nearly $50,000 balance will soon gain Adm status.
Perhaps just a little disappointing that the young man gets the banana split, but the older sibling who has been loyal to Vg for some years seems to be split from the dessert altogether.
Joan has nearly $500,000 in her 403-b, distributed amongst five funds, all of which have long offered Adm status in most situations. But not in a 403-b.
Young John, however, with less than $75,000 in his IRA, suddenly finds two of his funds (indexes) are now enjoying Adm ERs, though one of them has but a balance of $10,602. And a managed fund with a nearly $50,000 balance will soon gain Adm status.
Perhaps just a little disappointing that the young man gets the banana split, but the older sibling who has been loyal to Vg for some years seems to be split from the dessert altogether.
- Tue Oct 05, 2010 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Getting Rid Of Land Line Phone
- Replies: 62
- Views: 9928
Abandoning land lines...
Note that no one (including EmergDoc) has so far mentioned any concern over time potentially presenting some health issues connected with cell phones.
Any comments?
Any comments?
- Wed Sep 29, 2010 1:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Applying for SS benefits, then suspending...
- Replies: 2
- Views: 835
Applying for SS benefits, then suspending...
The parents of a neighbor visited their nearest SS office recently to see if the wife could increase her monthly benefit up to 1/2 of husband's. Both are beyond full retirement age but husband (67+) has never applied for benefits, having decided to wait until age 70. They had heard that husband could now apply; immediately suspend after approval; allowing wife to increase her benefit as hoped. The young lady who talked with the couple was extremely pleasant and assured them that husband could apply for his benefits; wife could then increase her benefit by the difference between the latter and 1/2 of her husband's. But, alas, he could not then continue his 8% per year increase until age 70. The couple were utterly surprised with this answer ...
- Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do we get a 30K I-Bond purchase in March 2008 entered in
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1706
I-Bond question
Spidercharm,
Sorry I couldn't answer your query but our electricity has been off all day until minutes ago. Mel beat me to it...and that way you doubtless received a better answer!
Regards,
Harry
Sorry I couldn't answer your query but our electricity has been off all day until minutes ago. Mel beat me to it...and that way you doubtless received a better answer!
Regards,
Harry
- Sat Jun 05, 2010 5:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do we get a 30K I-Bond purchase in March 2008 entered in
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1706
Re 30K I-Bond purchase
Ah, that's exactly what he did: he entered 3 tens rather than 6 fives. You nailed it perfectly, Mel, as usual. Thanks and regards,
Harry
Harry
- Sat Jun 05, 2010 3:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do we get a 30K I-Bond purchase in March 2008 entered in
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1706
I-Bond Purchase
Thanks, Mel, for your reply, but perhaps I didn't make matters clear enough.
Friend bought 30K in his name more than two years ago in March '08. He downloaded the new Wizard this morning but the inventory report refused to show the 30K he'd bought and paid for...with a notice that that size purchase could not have been made after January '08.
Hope this helps,
Harry
Friend bought 30K in his name more than two years ago in March '08. He downloaded the new Wizard this morning but the inventory report refused to show the 30K he'd bought and paid for...with a notice that that size purchase could not have been made after January '08.
Hope this helps,
Harry
- Sat Jun 05, 2010 12:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do we get a 30K I-Bond purchase in March 2008 entered in
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1706
How do we get a 30K I-Bond purchase in March 2008 entered in
the Wizard? A gentleman and family friend living in a nearby town made a 30K I-Bond purchase for his wife in January '08. Then in March of the same year someone told him that TD was still accepting 30K purchases in March. He asked me, I thought it was too late, but I visited him and we tried. Purchase was accepted, his bank was debited the next day, and indeed the purchase has shown added interest on the Wizard up through May 1 of this year. But endeavoring to bring the Wizard up to its new period of longevity he's told that purchasing 30K in March '08 was impossible, so his inventory report a/o June '10 shows him missing thirty thousand of principal plus interest thereon. He can try to get through to TD Monday, of course, but I just though...
- Thu Apr 29, 2010 10:06 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is Prime MM costing me money?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 6218
Limited Term Bond
Do be aware that writing checks vs Limited Term Bond can get a little hairy at tax time.
Regards,
Harry
Regards,
Harry
- Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: high fee brokers survival (i.e. wachovia/wells fargo)?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3864
Lower commissions...
bigH, I'm not sure why someone would want many trades, but re however many you do want, I think you might benefit by paying more attention to livesoft. As he's saying, you're eminently suited for free trading.
Good luck,
Harry
Good luck,
Harry
- Sun Nov 22, 2009 12:11 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Anybody using Vanguard Variable Anuuities?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 5313
It's interesting to see a number of posts on
a subject not often discussed by Bogleheads. But a point I've seen no mention of as yet follows. A friend tells me that Vanguard is probably going to 'break the buck' on the variable annuity's money market fund. I'm not sure his terminology is correct as I think holdings therein are constituted of accumulative value units which are not equivalent to holdings in a taxable money market fund. Nonetheless, I'd suggest we're talking about the same problem. Prime Money Market has of necessity been yielding little or nothing in this low-yield economy, for instance, and both Admiral Treasury and Federal have temporarily closed to new investors -- but could anyone imagine Vanguard breaking the buck. I surely think not. But don't holders of the annui...
- Sat Nov 21, 2009 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: place for cash in wellstrade
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2098
You're right: there is no place.
The best I'm aware of is a 'high yield' acct with the bank you're connected with at WF, which was yielding 0.5 last I knew. But that was subject to change at any time.
The only other suggestion I'm aware of is to transfer cash elsewhere if you have a greener pasture. Can always replace it should you wish to make an equity purchase.
Regards,
Harry
The only other suggestion I'm aware of is to transfer cash elsewhere if you have a greener pasture. Can always replace it should you wish to make an equity purchase.
Regards,
Harry
- Sat Sep 19, 2009 3:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Recognizing Cap Gain to avoid CG rate increase
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2293
One wonders if folks aren't
often misunderstanding things if they consider a capital gains tax increase from 15% to 20% as a five percent increase...when it is actually a 33 1/3% accretion.
Also if one really assumes that a move from 15% to 20% would not affect incomes any lower than $250,000.
Sincerely,
Harry
Also if one really assumes that a move from 15% to 20% would not affect incomes any lower than $250,000.
Sincerely,
Harry
- Fri May 01, 2009 8:29 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Satisfied with a 5.5% long term return
- Replies: 91
- Views: 15128
EnlightenMe, I am concerned re several parts of the so-called Moron's Portfolio which you've mentioned. Simply for starters, how has back-testing been carried out inasmuch as a number of the relevant funds have not been in existence for the period back-tested?
Same thing with the earlier mentioned VTINX, for which the elements thereof were apparently back-tested even though some were, again, not in existence.
The results were well displayed, and I've no doubt were prepared with complete fairness and good intent in mind. But I'd really like to know how this was done.
Regards,
Harry
Same thing with the earlier mentioned VTINX, for which the elements thereof were apparently back-tested even though some were, again, not in existence.
The results were well displayed, and I've no doubt were prepared with complete fairness and good intent in mind. But I'd really like to know how this was done.
Regards,
Harry
- Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Eyeglasses
- Replies: 14
- Views: 10381
Eyeglasses
Many thanks for the replies in answer to my query,
Harry
Harry
- Sat Feb 21, 2009 10:04 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Eyeglasses
- Replies: 14
- Views: 10381
Eyeglasses
Last year, or possibly even in '07, we had a good thread about purchasing spare pairs of eyeglasses online at considerable savings over buying locally. One poster, a retired ophthalmologist from the Minneapolis area if I remember correctly, had some excellent ideas.
Does anyone know how to pull up this thread? Or indeed does anyone have new points to share on the subject?
Appreciate all comments,
Harry
Does anyone know how to pull up this thread? Or indeed does anyone have new points to share on the subject?
Appreciate all comments,
Harry
- Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HELOC Question
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3807
HELOC Question
Auream,
Thanks for your thoughtful and informative response. I surely agree, assuming expenses can be contained and potential problems are reasonably sought out and carefully appraised.
Regards,
Harry
Thanks for your thoughtful and informative response. I surely agree, assuming expenses can be contained and potential problems are reasonably sought out and carefully appraised.
Regards,
Harry
- Fri Jan 02, 2009 3:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: HELOC Question
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3807
HELOC Question
One of my uncles sent me this note today. I am repeating it almost verbatim and would surely appreciate any and all responses. "As I see mortgage rates drop, I'm wondering if I can take some advantage. Have what may be a misguided idea and would appreciate your opinion. When we bought the house we gave a 10-yr mortgage and theoretically have about 5 1/2 years to go...at a rate of 5.65%. I've started paying extra vs the principal so I retire the thing within the next four years or so. Just checked current HELOC (variable) rates and see they are generally 2.75 to 3%. We have just under 80K left on the mortgage. What if I opened a HELOC, withdrew the amount of the mortgage, paid off that mortgage, and then made essentially the same paymen...
- Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: A seemingly serious Swiss bank query!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2621
...Swiss Bank...
cflannagan and Avo,
Bank is question is also UBS.
Regards,
Harry
Bank is question is also UBS.
Regards,
Harry
- Sat Nov 29, 2008 2:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: A seemingly serious Swiss bank query!
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2621
A seemingly serious Swiss bank query!
A lady visiting over the holiday mentioned a situation I've never had occasion to consider. Let's first establish the fact that I have heard only her rendition of the matter...but she's a professional woman who has always been known for her impeccable credentials. Some time ago she spent two years working in Switzerland. When she returned full time to this country she retained a savings account she had established at a major Swiss bank, as she not infrequently returns to Switzerland on vacations. Recently she received a letter stating that the bank was eliminating accounts below a certain balance, and they asked for a U.S. bank account where they could forward her funds. She had no desire to give up the account but, through work and perhaps...
- Thu Oct 30, 2008 4:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TracFone advice appreciated
- Replies: 33
- Views: 9124
TracFone commentsM
Many thanks to those folks who have so cordially thus far responded to my query.
Regards,
Harry
Regards,
Harry
- Thu Oct 30, 2008 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TracFone advice appreciated
- Replies: 33
- Views: 9124
TracFone advice appreciated
My wife has a TracFone which she rarely uses (some 800 units currently available). She normally visits WalMart annually and pays approximately $100 for some new units and a year of non-interrupted usage. Some months ago I viewed a forum here which spoke of a monthly plan of TracFone's which seemed to offer a more reasonable cost for low phone users. She agreed to a plan which ostensibly would charge $5.99 vs her credit card and add 30 units should her holding at any time drop to zero. Thus she would not ever find her phone unusable. In practice, however, what she has encountered is this: her credit card is charged $5.99 at the start of each month, and absolutely no new units are added. Therefore she seems to be paying some $72 dollars a yea...
- Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:06 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How To Get Rich
- Replies: 86
- Views: 30585
How To Get Rich
Yours is an excellent piece, EmergDoc. Showed it to one of my neighbors who immediately asked if you make house calls.
But then, within a second or so said, 'Actually he does, right? If I join this forum I'd receive such gems right at my computer.'
You smartened him up already!
But then, within a second or so said, 'Actually he does, right? If I join this forum I'd receive such gems right at my computer.'
You smartened him up already!
- Sun Jun 01, 2008 6:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Mel, re a variable annuity post to you in the Diehards Forum
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1799
Mel, re a variable annuity post to you in the Diehards Forum
Mel, thanks much for your thoughtful and comprehensive reply to my query.
No, I had not noticed your and Taylor's negative scores on the other Forum. Seems like sour grapes on someone's part; sure hope neither of you will let that stop your inestimable contributions.
Regards again,
Harry
No, I had not noticed your and Taylor's negative scores on the other Forum. Seems like sour grapes on someone's part; sure hope neither of you will let that stop your inestimable contributions.
Regards again,
Harry
- Sun Jun 01, 2008 5:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Mel, re a variable annuity post to you in the Diehards Forum
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1799
Mel, re a variable annuity post to you in the Diehards Forum
Mel, your and Huey's answers to the questions asked were superb. But the thread leads to a further query on my part. My wife and I are in line to be the beneficiary(ies) of a variable annuity at a presumably not-too-distant date. Part #8 of the Paul Merriman piece (10 Reasons I Think Variable Annuities Are A Bad Deal) includes the following: 'But if you leave a variable annuity in your will, your heirs have no such luck. They'll pay ordinary income tax rates on everything in the contract that's worth anything more than you originally paid for it.' Is Merriman stating that the variable annuity must be immediately sold by the beneficiary? Is there no means by which the latter can maintain it in its then form until waiting to sell later...or i...
- Tue May 13, 2008 9:16 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Move from VG to WellsFargo
- Replies: 36
- Views: 9304
Sooner Sun Devil, note that Vang will not
accept purchases of their Tax-Free Money Market Accts through Wells Fargo at this time. If I remember correctly this prohibition commenced sometime in February of this year.
Regards,
Harry
Regards,
Harry
- Sun May 04, 2008 10:36 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Best process to take IRA distributions in retirement
- Replies: 11
- Views: 4317
Money Market Fund for IRA
prentis, a number of posters are advising VMSXX as a money market depository. It's indeed a yield favorite at the moment. But be wary of the fact that presently 17.1% of fund's income is from private activity bonds which could subject someone to AMT trouble.
Regards,
Harry
Regards,
Harry
- Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:46 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Required Minimum Distributions and Social Security Question
- Replies: 9
- Views: 2656
Required Minimum Distributions and Social Security Question
A neighbor explained yesterday that, whereas he understands his RMDs (from two tax-deferred accounts) are indeed taxable, he was told by SS that these funds are not used in establishing the percentage of his social security that is taxable.
I've not arrived at the point where this matter is applicable, so have never even considered the situation until his mention of it. But now, trying to analyze it -- and even checking my tax preparation guide -- I suspect he's unfortunately wrong. Imagine he misinterpreted someone's answer to his query, and that his two RMDs do need to be used in establishing the % of his SS that is taxable.
Can anyone confirm a factual answer to this question?
Regards,
Harry
I've not arrived at the point where this matter is applicable, so have never even considered the situation until his mention of it. But now, trying to analyze it -- and even checking my tax preparation guide -- I suspect he's unfortunately wrong. Imagine he misinterpreted someone's answer to his query, and that his two RMDs do need to be used in establishing the % of his SS that is taxable.
Can anyone confirm a factual answer to this question?
Regards,
Harry
- Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is CSCO worthless?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2083
Smithdad, if the company is investing its earnings
to better effect than most shareholders might use the cash from payouts, there is considerable advantage in there being no payouts. Warren Buffett (BRK) is perhaps one of the prime exemplars of this. The shareholder receives his benefits in increased value of his shares. To say nothing of his increased tax efficiency.
Admittedly, the companies which fall into this model are in the minority.
Regards,
Wellesley
Admittedly, the companies which fall into this model are in the minority.
Regards,
Wellesley
- Wed Nov 21, 2007 5:10 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: For those interested --upcoming hour long radio interview
- Replies: 28
- Views: 6333
Larry's upcoming radio interview:
If we were able to total the time Larry spends answering questions on this Forum, and if we could quantify the quality of his answers, I think we ought to be a bit surprised that anyone would object to his announcing the time and station of a program that will freely give us yet additional information should we desire.
Harry
Harry
- Sat Oct 13, 2007 2:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How many games will Borowski blow in the ALCS?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 5570
AWoofter, there are a few of us, I suspect,
who hope that JB doesn't get the opportunity to close any games in this series.
the best,
Harry
the best,
Harry
- Sat Aug 18, 2007 4:15 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: FYI: Explanation of credit crisis by John Mauldin
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1451
Al, thanks for the link
to John Mauldin's 'explanation.' Quite an analysis!
Harry
Harry
- Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:38 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: OT Ole Meph et al,
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2361
Hi, Ole Meph (got it right this time):
It is not an accidental death only policy. Think it's indeed whole life but see nothing to indicate any reason for it not to pay from date of acceptance. Alas, I have no way of providing more info, although wish I could. I have suggested that my friend call the company and seek answers to our questions.
Perhaps we should simply conclude there is some gimmick.
Thanks,
Harry
Perhaps we should simply conclude there is some gimmick.
Thanks,
Harry
- Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: OT Ole Meph et al,
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2361
Couple of answers
Valuethinker: Insurance offered is surely not term. Merely billed as 'preferred life insurance.' It's what I suppose some folks might call 'whole life.'
Socrativestor: I certainly did mean Ole Meph.
Socrativestor: I certainly did mean Ole Meph.
- Mon Jul 30, 2007 9:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: OT Ole Meph et al,
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2361
OT Ole Meph et al,
I have always considered insurance solicitations to older folks offering a small amount of life insurance without any physical exam as probably extremely expensive and doubtless of much value to the customer. But a fairly close friend of 73 who probably does not need any life insurance recently received the following offer from the company who has for many years written his homes, vehicles, boat, and umbrella policies for him and his wife: 25K coverage @ guaranteed premium of $257 per year. Now even considering estimated inflation, and although the amount involved is scarcely of gargantuan proportions, is this not almost a no brainer? Or are he and I missing something important? Thanks for your imput, Harry [ Title spelling edited by Tashin...
- Thu Jun 14, 2007 4:09 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Wells Fargo brokerage to change cash sweep option
- Replies: 52
- Views: 26845
livesoft, I genuinely would appreciate your advice
on how to purchase VMMXX with cash sitting in an IRA at WF, for instance.
Regards,
Harry
Regards,
Harry
- Thu Jun 14, 2007 9:42 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Wells Fargo brokerage to change cash sweep option
- Replies: 52
- Views: 26845
Think those posters are correct
who've suggested that WF has unfortunately changed the rules of the game shortly after a major attempt to procure new accounts. Their money money change does not simply reflect the normal ups and downs of interest rates: this is a different ball game altogether. Some posters have advanced alternatives which might shore up the yield on uninvested funds, and indeed ETFs and short-term bond funds can be purchased which may be a somewhat practical answer for various individuals. But the suggestion by several posters regarding the purchase of 'outside' money market funds (e.g., VMMXX) for taxable or tax-advantaged brokerage accounts, while a great idea, is not in my estimation possible. I simply believe such a trade cannot be effected. Regards, ...
- Sun Jun 03, 2007 1:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity Floating Rate High Income FFRHX vs. Money Market
- Replies: 9
- Views: 5827
John,
With all due respect, I surely wouldn't consider placing 80% (or anywhere near that percentage) of my cash stake in Fido Floating Rate High Income. As several other posters have correctly stated, this is not to be confused with a money market fund. Whereas many of the fund's credit risks may indeed have senior status in the event of defaults, there is still credit risk, and we've not truly seen bad markets since this fund's inception. I don't think it would qualify for a place in most Bogleheads' portfolios.
The best,
Harry[/b]
With all due respect, I surely wouldn't consider placing 80% (or anywhere near that percentage) of my cash stake in Fido Floating Rate High Income. As several other posters have correctly stated, this is not to be confused with a money market fund. Whereas many of the fund's credit risks may indeed have senior status in the event of defaults, there is still credit risk, and we've not truly seen bad markets since this fund's inception. I don't think it would qualify for a place in most Bogleheads' portfolios.
The best,
Harry[/b]
- Sat May 26, 2007 3:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Write Bogle Haiku, Win Bogle-autographed 'Little Book'
- Replies: 39
- Views: 17992
- Wed May 09, 2007 12:36 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What funds would you like to see Vanguard add to it's menu?
- Replies: 41
- Views: 19463
No one has mentioned an AMT fund.
Suspect Fido's AMT fund has drawn away quite a lot of money. This would be my favorite pick for a new Vanguard offering.
Also would enjoy an international bond fund, an international real estate fund, and an international small value fund with a reasonable amount of emerging markets small value,
Harry
Also would enjoy an international bond fund, an international real estate fund, and an international small value fund with a reasonable amount of emerging markets small value,
Harry
- Tue Apr 10, 2007 3:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Money Market Funds: Prime vs Treasury vs Tax Exempt
- Replies: 5
- Views: 3741
The Finance Buff
I agree with the foregoing three posts. Think your project a welcome addition for numerous folks. Much appreciated,
Harry
Harry
- Thu Mar 15, 2007 11:23 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How to use M* Xray?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 6489