Search found 58 matches
- Sat Mar 14, 2015 6:32 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: CRP land [Conservation Reserve Program]
- Replies: 3
- Views: 750
CRP land [Conservation Reserve Program]
I just sorta stumbled across this when I was doing some reading; does anyone here "invest" in CRP land? I use the term loosely since it just sorta seems like a government bribe to not farm your own land...Anyone with insight on this?
- Tue Sep 30, 2014 5:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Maybe going back to cash isn't such a bad idea
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2766
Re: Maybe going back to cash isn't such a bad idea
I thought this was a market-timing thread too! I figured it was an indication to ramp up my index fund buying. fwiw, I use cc as often as I can no matter how big the purchase is. I like the rewards and I like being able to see where my money has gone every month - it's a good way to see a trend, and...
- Sun Sep 28, 2014 8:07 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 'Play Money' - why 5%?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 2749
Re: 'Play Money' - why 5%?
I use 5% to invest in speculative stocks - it paid off with TSLA, but it isn't always going to be like that. I use 5% because even if I lose the entire amount (not likely to happen in 1 year, but not impossible), the amount lost will not set you back significantly (especially if the company goes und...
- Wed Sep 10, 2014 11:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Visit to SFO Area - Dining
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1676
Re: Visit to SFO Area - Dining
"Deem sum" at Yank Sing is something I forgot to mention. They wheel around carts filled with Chinese delicacies you've no doubt never heard of. You point to what you want, they plop on your table. Again, best for lunch, and close to your tour. As you point to stuff and order off the carts, they ma...
- Fri Sep 05, 2014 6:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: paint chip repairs houston
- Replies: 0
- Views: 250
paint chip repairs houston
Anyone know of a good place that will do some repairs for rock chips at a reasonable price in Houston? I was driving down the highway and this big truck didn't have their back gate sealed correctly - the jerk just pelted the entire left side of the highway with rocks for who knows how many miles. I'...
- Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:35 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Total International Bond Index Fund
- Replies: 36
- Views: 5244
Re: Total International Bond Index Fund
what would be the equivalent on fidelity?
- Sat Aug 09, 2014 6:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Oldest age to start medical school?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 8376
Re: Oldest age to start medical school?
As a relatively new grad from all the training hoopla, I can tell you I have mixed feelings about it. 4 years medical school (200k or so in expense), 5 years internship/residency (40-50k income), 1 year fellowship (60k income). As an attending now, I feel threatened by nearly everything - declining ...
- Tue Jun 10, 2014 1:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: A $1000 lesson on how manipulative salespeople can be?
- Replies: 107
- Views: 21180
Re: A $1000 lesson on how manipulative salespeople can be?
http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Business-Essentials/dp/006124189X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402425778&sr=8-1&keywords=influence+the+psychology+of+persuasion I agree with the poster about Cialdini's book: Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. Very interesting read, hopefully it...
- Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What video games are you currently playing?
- Replies: 220
- Views: 29567
Re: What video games are you currently playing?
Diablo 3. Been hooked since it came out. Working up to inferno mode 

- Sat Feb 01, 2014 3:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Resident physician wanting to get started
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2484
Re: Resident physician wanting to get started
As a physician who finished residency recently, be very wary of the presentations and free dinner meetings you will inevitably get from financial planners. If anyone tries to sell you on whole life insurance, RUN!!! I agree with the above - attack that debt first. Medicine is changing and not in a g...
- Mon Jan 13, 2014 4:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Truly high earners (>$1M/year) how'd you do it?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 9932
Re: Truly high earners (>$1M/year) how'd you do it?
I disagree with the last statement. There are many people who make in the realm of a million dollars per year and still end up bankrupt. It's a matter of spending vs earning. Doesn't matter your income level
- Thu Oct 24, 2013 3:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trip to brazil
- Replies: 0
- Views: 226
Trip to brazil
I was planning a trip to brazil; probably sao paulo. Any recommendations on an inexpensive way to fly there? The closest intl airport to me would be George Bush in Houston. I'm looking at flights on TAM and the flights are over 1k. Was wondering what people regularly use around here.
Thanks!
Thanks!
- Mon Oct 21, 2013 4:09 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Emerging market allocation
- Replies: 18
- Views: 4142
Emerging market allocation
Hello all,
I was just wondering what percent of your portfolio you allocate to emerging market? I have been dollar cost averaging into FSIVX, which is not much in the way of emerging markets (0.04%). What funds with Fidelity would you recommend?
Thanks!
I was just wondering what percent of your portfolio you allocate to emerging market? I have been dollar cost averaging into FSIVX, which is not much in the way of emerging markets (0.04%). What funds with Fidelity would you recommend?
Thanks!
- Sat Oct 19, 2013 12:05 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Just hit the million mark net worth today
- Replies: 98
- Views: 12343
Re: Just hit the million mark net worth today
Congratulations!!
- Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:37 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Buying Stock in Pro Athletes
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2244
Re: Buying Stock in Pro Athletes
The other factor - you have to put judgement into the player and their agents ability to negotiate their contract...or you could end up investing in a Latrell Sprewell, whose career ended when he turned down a 3 year $21 million dollar contract because "it wasn't enough to feed his family" (paraphra...
- Thu Oct 17, 2013 4:33 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Buying Stock in Pro Athletes
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2244
Re: Buying Stock in Pro Athletes
Buying into pro teams would be a different story; less risky than an individual player and probably a decent return on investment over time. Then again, why would an owner want to share profits if their team is making them money?
- Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Advice for young investors
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1766
Re: Advice for young investors
Personally, I think bogleheadism feels more like a philosophy of life, rather than just managing money. Saving money and spending below your means not only bolsters your investment accounts and protects your future lifestyle, but teaches humility and self-discipline. 8 years ago, I had 5k in my bank...
- Wed Oct 16, 2013 2:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Series
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1920
World Series
Hello all, I was thinking about splurging a little and taking my siblings to the world series if the cardinals made it. Obviously I'm not a die-hard fan to be asking this question, but what would be the best way to get tickets? I really hate getting ripped off from places like stubhub and haven't a ...
- Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: The market is on fire
- Replies: 134
- Views: 17768
Re: The market is on fire
50% of the the time, the market goes up 100% of the time 

- Thu Sep 12, 2013 5:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
Thanks for the responses. I think we are going with the Utah plan.
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Reporting 529 Withdrawals...UPDATE
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3476
Re: Reporting 529 Withdrawals...UPDATE
Thanks for the information. Would love to hear from anyone who does this without nasty letters from the IRS on a consistent basis 

- Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
Thanks Grt2bOutdoors and livesoft! Also - what is the max contribution an individual can give? i.e. gift taxes apply beyond 14,000 per person, so a couple can give 28,000 correct? Any another family member can also give up to that amount correct? Based on the site, it looks like they will accept con...
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
It is sounding more and more like the Utah plan is a reasonable choice with low expense ratios...I also just got off the phone with people over at the Utah plan, and she confirmed the same information - back in 2001, they stopped requiring receipt submission, but you need to keep a careful record in...
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
http://www.collegesavings.org has a nice little comparison page which shows the breakdown of each. Here is the one for Texas plans: http://www.collegesavings.org/planComparisonResults.aspx?resultsId=493177 They have some prepaid tuition plans as well as a direct sold 529 plan. Per the comparison sit...
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 11:50 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
Anyone in TX with any experience setting one up here? I'm doing further research on this, and it's hard to sift between what is legitimate information and what is someone trying to sell me something. 

- Wed Sep 11, 2013 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
Re: 529 - starting from scratch
Thank you for the feedback...when I heard "advisor", I cringed as well, and thus ended up here. I looked through the prospectus, but couldn't find anything about fees, which I was planning to ask about first and foremost. Knew in advance it would be a bad deal though. We live in Texas. I think I kno...
- Wed Sep 11, 2013 2:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 529 - starting from scratch
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2704
529 - starting from scratch
Hey all, I was just getting ready to help some family members start a 529 plan for their child - she is about 4 months old. They are looking at some paperwork through their advisor about CollegeAmerica. I was wondering what the veterans who have been through this recommend...has anyone used this? If...
- Fri Aug 23, 2013 5:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fidelity "Friends and Family" program
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2551
Re: Fidelity "Friends and Family" program
I saw it also, and upon researching, noticed the same thing...lol, it seemed especially silly because they made it sound so exciting and innovative!
I'm happy with fidelity, but that just seemed kinda ridiculous.
I'm happy with fidelity, but that just seemed kinda ridiculous.
- Mon Aug 19, 2013 1:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why are you trying to save so much money?
- Replies: 131
- Views: 28245
Re: Why are you trying to save so much money?
I'm saving for the day when my monthly income/dividends from investments exceeds my current salary. That will be a damn good day. Then I will truly be master of my own fate.
- Thu Aug 08, 2013 8:19 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 1987 stlye crash on the way?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 9296
Re: 1987 stlye crash on the way?
It doesn't matter...Stay the course.
You can't control what the market does, and it's incredibly challenging for the "experts" to anticipate a crash, nevermind a layperson. The only thing you can control is how you react. So have a plan, and stick with it.
You can't control what the market does, and it's incredibly challenging for the "experts" to anticipate a crash, nevermind a layperson. The only thing you can control is how you react. So have a plan, and stick with it.
- Thu Aug 01, 2013 2:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Low-Income Investing
- Replies: 100
- Views: 9220
Re: Low-Income Investing
I remember reading about Charlie Munger who in his early 30s was divorced, broke, and had just suffered a devastating lost of his son to leukemia, and then moved on from that to re-building his financial life throughout his 30s. One of the things Munger has emphasized in his speeches is moving on e...
- Fri Jul 26, 2013 10:49 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: pick up double major or finish college in 3 years?
- Replies: 112
- Views: 11504
Re: pick up double major or finish college in 3 years?
Here's an alternative perspective - if she decides to go to medical school, admissions committees will eat up a candidate with a double major in non-science fields (assuming she has the prereqs or goes back and does them later). Not to derail the thread too much (I didn't see the OP say his daughte...
- Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:34 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: pick up double major or finish college in 3 years?
- Replies: 112
- Views: 11504
Re: pick up double major or finish college in 3 years?
Here's an alternative perspective - if she decides to go to medical school, admissions committees will eat up a candidate with a double major in non-science fields (assuming she has the prereqs or goes back and does them later). I think the double major in 4 years will do her much more good than har...
- Sun Jul 21, 2013 7:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cutting the cord on Cable
- Replies: 95
- Views: 13227
Re: Cutting the cord on Cable
I haven't had cable in 11 years...when I compare the costs, I've probably saved about 7-8k, which has been put to work in investments. I think most TV is pretty stupid, and with the advent of so many reality tv shows, I have no desire to pay for that garbage. I use netflix, hulu, crackle, amazon pri...
- Fri Jul 12, 2013 1:08 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tesla Motors Stock
- Replies: 260
- Views: 53865
Re: Tesla Motors Stock
I test drove a model S last week - exhilarating to say the least! Lots of fun to drive, and the pickup is incredible - no jerking of a transmission, and when I mashed the accelerator even going about 20-30 mph, it still slammed me to the back of the seat. The technology was incredible. I picked up s...
- Thu Jul 11, 2013 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: MD/MBAs out there?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 702
Re: MD/MBAs out there?
Anyone with any insight on this topic? I was interested as well...
- Thu Jul 11, 2013 3:28 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: At what networth is it not worth working at X salary?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 8595
Re: At what networth is it not worth working at X salary?
I am curious about what you do as well... If you love what you do, then why quit? For myself, when my assets generate an income similar to my salary in monthly dividends, that's probably when I would think about quitting. But not because I want to do nothing all day; I want to take that time to try ...
- Wed Jul 10, 2013 1:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
- Replies: 3372
- Views: 1509042
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
The fact that a very smart adult is enjoying reading a child's publication. The adult is simply appreciating the deeper themes and social commentary. PJW An enrichment opportunity! :happy I agree...ever read Calvin and Hobbes? Bill Watterson is incredibly clever with his approach...I'm happy to say...
- Wed Jul 10, 2013 1:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
- Replies: 3372
- Views: 1509042
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
I've been reading "Stop acting rich...and live like a real millionaire" by Dr. Stanley. I just finished his other book "The millionaire mind". I read his original "The millionaire next door" about a decade ago. Well worth reading, if you haven't read it. Most bogleheads probably follow his philosoph...
- Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: fidelity bogleheads
- Replies: 22
- Views: 5230
Re: fidelity bogleheads
Thanks everyone. I think I will use some combination of FSEVX, FSTVX, and FUSVX for my US based index funds.
- Sat Jun 29, 2013 6:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: fidelity bogleheads
- Replies: 22
- Views: 5230
fidelity bogleheads
I was just looking through the wiki on bogleheads and fidelity funds: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Fidelity I was comparing FSTVX, FUSVX, FSEVX and was curious which funds you all used the most...FSEVX seems to have the best return over the past 10 years. FUSVX has had the best return over its "li...
- Fri Jun 28, 2013 6:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity money market options
- Replies: 11
- Views: 20067
Re: Fidelity money market options
At the risk of sounding naive, is there any underlying risk to these CDs? Most, even the ones by foreign banks, are FDIC insured.
- Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:23 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fidelity money market options
- Replies: 11
- Views: 20067
Re: Fidelity money market options
So I just got off the phone with fidelity and they told me the yield is after the expense ratio is taken out. For fmoxx, that means that your yield is 0.01% after they take their expense ratio, so you aren't losing any of your capital. To OP- good catch. I've had a fidelity account for 8 years and n...
- Thu Jun 27, 2013 8:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What are you seeing in your Local Housing Market?
- Replies: 82
- Views: 8002
Re: What are you seeing in your Local Housing Market?
Houston most definitely feels like a bubble.
Houses are being sold within days of listing and over listing price. These are houses in the 800k+ range, especially in the city proper. Some people are going to pay a big price when all is said and done.
Houses are being sold within days of listing and over listing price. These are houses in the 800k+ range, especially in the city proper. Some people are going to pay a big price when all is said and done.
- Wed Jun 26, 2013 3:40 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Market up because earnings projections are down
- Replies: 6
- Views: 760
Re: Market up because earnings projections are down
I was thinking the same thing, I was surprised to see the market up as much as it is. The economy shows signs of slowing, so the market goes up because the fed intervention will continue in an effort to improve the economy. But if the economy were improving, the market would sell off, because in the...
- Sat Jun 22, 2013 7:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Unnerving Phone Call Late Last Night
- Replies: 47
- Views: 9230
Re: Unnerving Phone Call Late Last Night
I woul let family and friends know what happened...someone could easily name drop you and/or Sean's name in a scam for money...
- Mon Jun 17, 2013 9:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What age did you reach 100K networth?
- Replies: 328
- Views: 79333
Re: What age did you reach 100K networth?
To Bacchus - Not all advanced degrees are created the same. Getting an MD is useless if you don't complete at least 3-6 years of residency and/or fellowship. So, 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, followed by residency/fellowship, during which time your salary averages $10-20 per hour (4...
- Sun Jun 16, 2013 1:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What age did you reach 100K networth?
- Replies: 328
- Views: 79333
Re: What age did you reach 100K networth?
I believe it was about 3 years ago while I was still in residency at the age of 29. Rounding the 400k mark this summer. Wish I had learned of bogleheads years ago, probably would have crossed these marks 1-2 years sooner. Live and learn.
- Thu Jun 13, 2013 4:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Poll: How much cash do you carry?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 8878
Re: Poll: How much cash do you carry?
I rarely have over $5 in my pocket, unless I know I'm going somewhere I know I'm going to need the cash.
I like cc because:
-I get cash back.
-It's easy to keep track of what I've spent my money on and how much I've spent.
-I hate change.
I like cc because:
-I get cash back.
-It's easy to keep track of what I've spent my money on and how much I've spent.
-I hate change.
- Thu Jun 06, 2013 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You
- Replies: 361
- Views: 57915
Re: Premium Products That Are Worth It To You
My splurges:
Ipad
Lexus
Movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime
An occasional nice dinner out
Ipad
Lexus
Movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime
An occasional nice dinner out
