Search found 235 matches

by Dave_M
Sat Jan 10, 2015 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for bathroom scale and an oral thermometer.
Replies: 11
Views: 1656

Re: Recommendations for bathroom scale and an oral thermomet

We have the "EatSmart Digital with extra large display". It has been very reliable and reads within a tenth of a pound of the weights all three regular users get at the gym (on 3 different beam scales). Had it about a year and a half, same batteries. Very highly reviewed on Amazon (over 10,000 reviews)

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Jan 10, 2015 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Payless Car Rental
Replies: 9
Views: 2203

Re: Payless Car Rental

It was a few years ago, but we had a horrible experience with Payless @ Ft. Lauderdale. It took over an hour to get the car; but that was nothing. When we returned it, they were having some sort of shuttle issues, and we eventually had to call a cab to take us to the airport. They just didn't care, didn't try to 'fix the problem' or anything even remotely indicating that they cared.

Never again - the memory of how we were treated dwarfs the other memories of the trip.

ps. at Ft. Lauderdale they are in a pretty sketchy area.

pps. I (prior to this) rented from them several times in Orlando, and was generally fairly satisfied


Dave
by Dave_M
Fri Dec 12, 2014 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treat Bonds Like Stocks?
Replies: 8
Views: 1093

Re: Treat Bonds Like Stocks?

Only the fund sold is restricted, in this case REITS. The 2 funds purchased have no restrictions.

And it is easy to work around - either by mail, as previously mentioned, or by using one of the other exceptions (automatic investment - search the forum for it)

Dave
by Dave_M
Thu Oct 16, 2014 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Siren song of increased stock allocation
Replies: 38
Views: 4677

Re: Siren song of increased stock allocation

I have been counting on this correction. Now I'm confused. In another post http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=148964&newpost=2227469 you comment that the recent decline has lead you to change your decision to retire in December (I use the term decision somewhat tongue in cheek here - those who have followed your many self questioning posts about retirement know what I mean). But here you say you've been counting on this correction. And you got somewhat snippy at people for not seeing the logic behind either your decision, or your elation at getting to postpone your retirement, based on this small correction, that now we know you were 'counting on'. To give you my honest opinion, there hasn't been enough of a move t...
by Dave_M
Sat Sep 13, 2014 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommended World War I book
Replies: 56
Views: 7152

Re: Recommended World War I book

Since this is a Finance/Investment site, and since the OP asked about the aftermath, let me recommend "The Economic Consequences of the Peace", by John Maynard Keynes. http://www.amazon.com/ECONOMIC-CONSEQUENCES-REVISION-Timeless-Collection-ebook/dp/B00HX2NCEY/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1410658019&sr=1-4&keywords=keynes+john+maynard Keynes was a key participant in the treaty/reparations negotiations, until he resigned and wrote this book. In addition to his calculations of the costs incurred by all parties, and the folly of trying to force Germany to repay all of these amounts, he also gives some interesting observations about the people involved - for instance, he was convinced that Wilson was already v...
by Dave_M
Fri Sep 12, 2014 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Clean, quiet, safe and cheap. Is there such a travel place?
Replies: 75
Views: 8775

Re: Clean, quiet, safe and cheap. Is there such a travel pla

There are a bazillion places that are clean, quiet, safe, and cheap. Few of them are interesting however. Are you also looking for interesting? Silly me. Yes, of course, interesting. I especially want the chance to meet other travelers from other parts of the world. In India and Guatemala I met lots of Europeans, and that was very interesting. Let me speak up for Grand Junction Colorado. Amazing scenery , nice folks. I would expand on the Grand Junction idea, and look at all the western national parks (at least the Colorado, Utah, and Arizona ones - I just don't have as much experience with the others), and the smallish cities near them. In addition to the original criteria, it seems like half the visitors are foreign, and very friendly an...
by Dave_M
Mon Sep 08, 2014 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The daddy of all grill islands
Replies: 35
Views: 9695

Re: The daddy of all grill islands

jbuzolich wrote:Wish we had a pizza oven to use for making traditional thin pizzas like I've had in Italy or other various Mediterranean and middle Eastern flat breads.
I have a friend who just got this
http://www.kettlepizza.com/KettlePizza- ... kpb-22.htm

(the larger one) and we sat around making individual pizzas last weekend. Seemed to work great, with a lot less hassle than traditional wood fired standalone ovens.

Usual disclaimers - no interest in it - just a fan :D

Dave
by Dave_M
Thu Sep 04, 2014 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566016

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Angst wrote:Recently I've enjoyed reading a variety of books r/t Roman history.
On a similar note - you might try I, Claudius (and others along the same theme) by Robert Graves.

I just recently picked up (kindle daily deal) I am Livia, by Phyllis T. Smith; it is supposed to be Livia's response to the allegations made against her character by Claudius, et al. Haven't started it yet, but it sounds interesting if you're into that period.

Dave
by Dave_M
Tue Aug 26, 2014 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Arches-Bryce-Zion road trip: Where to stay?
Replies: 16
Views: 2197

Re: Arches-Bryce-Zion road trip: Where to stay?

I have been to Moab twice in the last few years. I like the Best Western Canyonlands Inn downtown Moab. You can walk to some reasonable restaurants. You are close to Arches, Island in the Sky part of Canyonlands, and Deadhorse Point State Park. I'll assume you will be driving out on I-70. If so, you could spend the night in Glenwood Springs and do the hot springs pool. Also, out by Grand Junction is Colorado National Monument. It is worth the few hours if you have the time. And continuing in this vein, Just past the Moab turnoff is Green River UT. Great little burger dive (I think it's called Ray's), and the turnoff for Goblin Valley St. Park, as well as some really neat and easily accessible slot canyons (Wild Horse Creek is one). Sounds ...
by Dave_M
Wed Jul 23, 2014 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to OKC, what attractions to visit
Replies: 24
Views: 1871

Re: Trip to OKC, what attractions to visit

I don't think anyone has mentioned it (and given all the food suggestions, you may not be able to move), but there is a worls class rowing center in OKC. In fact, it's one of the official Olympic Training Centers. There is almost always something going on on the weekends, either training or competitions - fun for a couple of hours if you're into that.

And I second Van's Pig Stand; best collard greens outside of Georgia 8-) (and my wife insists on having chicken, and says it is the best, but get there early or they'll run out)

dave
by Dave_M
Sat Jul 19, 2014 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit
Replies: 79
Views: 17104

Re: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit

I also recommend this book: Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge Someone gave my wife a copy of this several years ago (for me, not her :twisted: ), but I basically ignored it. Two years ago I finally got tired of the slow but steady weight gain (5'11", 227lb at my heaviest), and decided to read it. An eye opener. We started actually counting calories, but more importantly, accounting for all intake. The single largest item that jumped out was the 1000 to 1200 calories a day I was drinking (soft drinks, green tea (hey, that's better for me :oops: ) and of course alchohol (my 'medicinal' one glass of wine per day had become 2 (or half a bottle :!: ), one or two be...
by Dave_M
Sat Jul 12, 2014 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do TIPS protect against increases in Food and Energy.
Replies: 6
Views: 1703

Re: Do TIPS protect against increases in Food and Energy.

You're under a wrong impression. :oops:

TIPS are adjusted by CPI. CPI most definitely includes food and energy (see http://www.bls.gov/cpi/)

You often hear people discuss "Core Inflation" which excludes food and energy. Core inflation is useful because it is less volatile and presumably more indicative of the general direction of price movements. It is not used for TIP adjustment, SS adjustment, or any other adjustment I know of.

Now go forth and help dispel this myth. It pops up here periodically, and it is always (and/or still) wrong.

TIPS are adjusted by CPI. CPI includes food and energy.

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Jul 05, 2014 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question
Replies: 37
Views: 3854

Re: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question

Concerning deductible:

USAA originally told us we may need to pay the deductible, and then they wouls reimburse us, but about 3 days in they called and told us the other guy's insurer (Allstate) was already taking care of everything.

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Jul 05, 2014 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question
Replies: 37
Views: 3854

Re: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question

Hi Dave, How long did it take for you to get word on whether it was totaled or not? Did the process run smoothly? I have been assigned a case manager at USAA. I don't think the inspection will take place until the car is towed from the collision center to the body shop It was after it went to the body shop (of my choice - that may be Colorado specific law), and initial estimate was done. Mine wasn't totaled, but USAA worked with me and the body shop to ensure everything was fixed properly. I really had very little to deal with. I even picked up and returned the rental car at the body shop. BMW 3 series convertible - like new again (of course it will have a car fax 'ding', but I usually drive vehicles forever, and then give them to my son. ...
by Dave_M
Sat Jul 05, 2014 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question
Replies: 37
Views: 3854

Re: Auto Accident/Insurance/Repair Question

You should call USAA immediately. They will handle everything.

I just went through this (other driver's fault, my car not drivable, not sure if totaled or not).

I called USAA and they handled/coordinated everything. Thet booked the rental car, and told me not to worry about time restrictions, since it was the other guy's insurance paying for it.

They also told me there was no need for me to have any contact with the other insurance company, and advised that if they contacted me, I give them my contact person at USAA, (they will open a file and give you a specific contact person) USAA is great at this, let them do their job,

Dave
by Dave_M
Wed May 07, 2014 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566016

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished:

Lunar Dance by Robert Sapp http://www.amazon.com/Lunar-Dance-Rober ... unar+Dance

Deals with NASA engineers who find themselves out of work following the end of the Shuttle missions, who look to commercial launch activity for employment. Pretty entertaining fictional premises of what might be attempted/accomplished. Good summer beach read or for on the plane.

Cheap on Kindle

Dave
by Dave_M
Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to do it right the 1st time around
Replies: 10
Views: 1041

Re: Trying to do it right the 1st time around

Are you sure about that State tax rate? I thought Texas had a 0% tax rate.
by Dave_M
Tue Mar 18, 2014 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Soliciting Ideas for Colorado Vacation in June
Replies: 29
Views: 4894

Re: Soliciting Ideas for Colorado Vacation in June

A couple of comments: fishnskiguy gives a great itinerary, so I'll just add a few suggestions. As you go down 115 towards Penrose/Canon (pronounced CanYon) City, you'll pass the Sky Diving operation where a lot of the cadets jump and where the Academy Sky Dive team members practice. Lots of the cadets like to jump with their parents, I'm just saying. PM me if you're interested... (my son owns the operation and has trained lots of cadets through the years) Second, a Rockies game is fun (if they haven't been mathematically eliminated by then, but I love Sky Sox (Rockies triple A affiliate in Co. Springs) games; cheaper, easier access, reasonable food and beers, and lots of fun. Finally, about a year ago, someone was heading to Colorado for a ...
by Dave_M
Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: electronic transfer of funds
Replies: 6
Views: 1009

Re: electronic transfer of funds

I believe there are dollar limits on electronic transfers such as $100,000 at Vanguard. Bruce Not so at Vanguard. *I asked this exact question a week ago http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=134104 and found the only limits they have are the built in ACH limits of $999,999,999.99 (I just barely squeezed under :D ) Seriously - I moved several hundred thousand just this week with no problems at all. I prefer it (ACH) to wires since you need to set up the account, and Vanguard validates it before any transactions can occur. Once a few years ago, I had a bank teller transpose two digits on wire instructions on a $900k wire. Luckily it all got tracked down and straightened out, but it didn't do good things for my blood pressu...
by Dave_M
Sun Mar 02, 2014 9:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best way to safely increase expected returns
Replies: 28
Views: 3588

Re: Best way to safely increase expected returns

Since you didn't post all the pertinent details of the hypothetical 40 yo, this may be moot, but eliminating debt can significantly improve the return on the fixed income portion of your portfolio at low risk.

Even a 'low cost' mortgage can be eliminated, giving a risk free, tax free return greater than what you could realize in any other investment of comparable risk.

I never understand why people carry a mortgage and invest in bonds at the same time. And I know some will say you lose the interest deduction, but for most people it isn't accurate to assume 100% of the interest is deductible (because of standard deduction level).

Eliminating our mortgage was the best decision (financially) we ever made.

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Mar 01, 2014 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?
Replies: 8
Views: 2956

Re: Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?

Thanks everyone. I called Vanguard, and they don't have any limits (at least none that impact the amount I'm moving). I'll call my bank Monday to check with them.

Thanks again for all the responses.

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Mar 01, 2014 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?
Replies: 8
Views: 2956

Re: Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?

Thanks, but I was hoping to avoid wiring, and just initiate a pull through Vanguard. But your first advice is probably the proper course (call them :oops: )

Thanks

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Mar 01, 2014 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?
Replies: 8
Views: 2956

Limits on Electronic Funds Transfers?

Quick question - does Vanguard (or the system) impose dollar limitations on transfers? I need to move several hundred thousand to Vanguard, and if possible would prefer to do it online.

Thanks

Dave
by Dave_M
Thu Jan 16, 2014 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 17.6 year stock market cycle
Replies: 59
Views: 10063

This isn't new...

Try googling kondratieff cycle.

Similar theory put forth early in the 1920's, by a soviet economist. As someone said, you can find patterns anywhere. I like economic activity cycles tied to sunspot cycles; shorter term 11 year, and longer term 77 year. 8-)

Except it failed last time around :annoyed

Also the Super Bowl predictor, the Duke v UNC basketball predictor, and others not so refined :oops:

great fun - don't bet the mortgage money on any of them

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Dec 07, 2013 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Automatic withdawal more than the account balance?
Replies: 11
Views: 1147

Re: Automatic withdawal more than the account balance?

One caveat - my transactions never left Vanguard. If it was me, I would try to avoid the 'out' (to your bank) part. Maybe open a mmf account at VG and run everything through that.

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Dec 07, 2013 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) books
Replies: 54
Views: 5317

Re: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) b

Chaz wrote:
The plays by Shakespeare.
This is where I would spend a dollar for the complete works, and then just immerse yourself in it.

An example, of many available (be sure to use the link on the Boglehead home page if you're actually buying):

http://www.amazon.com/SHAKESPEARE-Illus ... rks+kindle

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Dec 07, 2013 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) books
Replies: 54
Views: 5317

Re: What your your favorite/recommended CLASSIC (old/free) b

You can get all of Melville for free. Moby Dick, of course, but his shorter stuff (Billy Budd, Bartelby,...) or his shorter early works are really good also.

In addition to free, Amazon often has collections with good interactive Tables of Contents and such for under a dollar. May not be completely bogleheadish, but convenience :twisted: is worth something
by Dave_M
Sat Dec 07, 2013 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Automatic withdawal more than the account balance?
Replies: 11
Views: 1147

Re: Automatic withdawal more than the account balance?

A few years ago, I was using a scheduled purchase as part of a circumvention of the '60 day' rule (as part of a TLH - repurchase of original fund after 31 days) I did exactly what you are considering - just set the transaction for more than the total could be; they will exchange the balance in the account, and no more. Usual disclaimers (past results, etc.... :D ) and it was a few years ago. I tried to find language dealing with this on Vanguard's site (because i remember reading about it somewhere) but couldn't find anything. I say go for it, but do it as an automatic exchange, as opposed to two separate (sell then purchase) transactions, if you can. Dave ps. re-reading your original post, you might need to do it in 2 steps, or else the en...
by Dave_M
Sun Nov 10, 2013 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566016

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

jebmke wrote:
The Machine Stops - a novella by E.M. Forster
FYI, Amazon has the Kindle edition of this for $0.99. Don't know if that usual or limited time.

Dave
by Dave_M
Wed Nov 06, 2013 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you relocate to a city with a wage tax? (Pittsburgh)
Replies: 42
Views: 6259

Re: Would you relocate to a city with a wage tax? (Pittsburg

ladybird wrote:
I read that Denver's city income tax was $5.25 a month for income over $500. Is that data incorrect?
I'm not sure. I think that is a requirement on employers, in lieu of withholding. I haven't worked in the city proper (or anywhere else :D ) for several years, but my son in law's office just moved downtown, and they are withholding. He says it comes out to about .16%.

Dave
by Dave_M
Wed Nov 06, 2013 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would you relocate to a city with a wage tax? (Pittsburgh)
Replies: 42
Views: 6259

Re: Would you relocate to a city with a wage tax? (Pittsburg

I hate to through cold water into this, but Denver also has a city income tax that you pay if you work in the city, regardless of where you live.
by Dave_M
Sun Oct 27, 2013 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dumb question on [Tax Loss Harvesting] Mechanics
Replies: 10
Views: 792

Re: Dumb question on TLH Mechanics

Don't forget that any interest received in the last 6 (??) months reduces your realizable loss
by Dave_M
Tue Sep 24, 2013 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Well Read 40
Replies: 25
Views: 4058

Re: Well Read 40

YttriumNitrate wrote:
They also tend to be very Western-centric. None of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature are on that list.
The older version of this: http://www.amazon.com/New-Lifetime-Read ... ading+plan

titled a "Lifetime Reading Plan", had that same lack, but I notice the newer version has an increased non western emphasis (although the list is still dominated by western works).

Dave
by Dave_M
Sat Aug 31, 2013 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?
Replies: 39
Views: 4397

Re: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?

Quick comment on SteveB3005's post:

If you want to see the Cardinals, you might want to get tickets in advance; they are in contention, and tend to have lots of fans here. Just google the Rockies ticket office (or Stub Hub, or King Soopers) to make sure.
by Dave_M
Sat Aug 31, 2013 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?
Replies: 39
Views: 4397

Re: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?

OK then - where you will be will seem (and is) very safe. Lots of people out walking around. Good restaurants. Right around the corner is The Broker, it's a restaurant in the vault of an old upscale bank. Pretty good food, and fairly reasonable. Within a ten minute walk there are literally dozens of cool, non chain type places to eat. Euclid Hall is a German beer and sausage kind of place, Rioja is a pretty cool wine and tapas place, 8 Rivers for Jamaican (and a Habanero Mojito :beer ). Also the usual suspects, Mortons, The Chop House. One of my favorites is Wyncoops. Its a Brewpub (one of the first that started Denver's microbrew movement) with Irish pub food, and also a great scotch menu. Its maybe a 12c minute walk, but where you'll be, ...
by Dave_M
Sat Aug 31, 2013 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?
Replies: 39
Views: 4397

Re: Denver - where to stay, what to do and see?

Hi Tony: I'll quickly try and answer a few of your points, and then give it some more thought and expand later when I have a little more time. Crime: Like most good sized cities, there are areas you don't want to be after dark (and a few anytime), but in Denver these are relatively scarce, and not where you are likely to be 'playing tourist' in. Depending on where you're from, Denver will seem laughably safe, or a little sketchy. Where will you be staying? If right downtown, there is lots to do by simply walking. If you are farther out, then I would recommend a rental car for at least some of the days. Because...the mountains are so close, but public transit just doesn't cut it (it can be done, but leaving the city for anywhere other than B...
by Dave_M
Thu Aug 29, 2013 7:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Effect of dividend & interest rates on safe withdrawal rate
Replies: 12
Views: 1339

Re: Effect of dividend & interest rates on safe withdrawal r

Hope I'm not offending ' EmergDoc' by quoting something he offered in another post http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=122312&newpost=1790242 he wrote: Seriously, all these mental exercises on developing withdrawal rules seem to be trying to do too much with very limited data that may have little to no relationship to future data. The point of the SWR studies was to show the number isn't 8%, not to figure out if it is 3.5% or 4%. If 4% of your portfolio is $50K, and you spend $38K or $53K, what's the big deal? As long as you're not spending $70K-100K I think you're okay. I plan to just reassess each year, see how I'm doing, and if I'm doing particularly well, ramp up my lifestyle a bit. If I'm doing badly, well, I'l...
by Dave_M
Thu Aug 29, 2013 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Effect of dividend & interest rates on safe withdrawal rate
Replies: 12
Views: 1339

Re: Effect of dividend & interest rates on safe withdrawal r

Browser: 2 points: 1) If you believe 4% is too risky, base your assumptions on some lower amount. Just don't expect others who have actually read the studies to necessarily agree with you. 1a) You make broad assertions concerning the state of returns "for the next 30 years". I would encourage you to actually look back at the last 30 years, and not focus solely on yields, but on the range of swings we saw, and at how many times people declared "a new normal". 2) Your assertion that real returns have been higher is correct, but they have also been much lower than today. Historic studies may be flawed, but they do have the advantage of forcing the consideration of all the data points. The Trinity study looked at different s...
by Dave_M
Wed Aug 28, 2013 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Birthdate and first social security payment
Replies: 46
Views: 76116

Re: Birthdate and first social security payment

Now I'm confused: if I receive a check in September, it is for August. So if I die in September, the September check is still for August, a month I was presumably alive for the entire month.

What am I missing here?

When my mother died in late December, she had already received her December check (deposit actually). We called SS, and they said she had lived all of November, therefore she was entitled to the payment. If a payment had come after the month of death, it would have needed to be returned.
by Dave_M
Thu Aug 22, 2013 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)
Replies: 42
Views: 4660

Re: re: going to Bryce/Zion (and a bit of Vegas)

Something no one has mentioned is that if you stay in Springdale, you can catch the shuttle right in town (several convenient stops).

And I concur about Angel's landing and the Watchman trails; but remember - what goes up must come down. If you aren't used to hiking steep downhills, you may find that tougher on your knees than total distance(s) or any amount of uphills.

Just at Zion last week - it was crowded, but there was always room on the shuttles, and crowds disappeared at about the 1 mile mark on all the hikes.

Dave
by Dave_M
Thu May 23, 2013 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchanging Funds and Tax Implications
Replies: 6
Views: 638

Re: Exchanging Funds and Tax Implications

Scooter57 wrote:
If you sell a bond fund in your taxable account Vanguard won't let you buy the same fund in your IRA account until the 60 day no-trade period is over. I validated this with my Flagship rep.
I have sold in one account, and bought the same thing in another (SEP IRA to Roth; Roth to TIRA; taxable to Roth, etc.) several times. I've never had the trade blocked. After the sale, you will see an asterix by the holding in the original account warning you of the 60 day restriction, but that fund will be available in all other accounts.

They may have been referring to a possible wash sale involving the 2 accounts.

Regardless, there are easy ways to circumvent the 60 day rule (do a search or pm me).

Dave
by Dave_M
Thu May 23, 2013 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long Distance Walking
Replies: 143
Views: 24099

Re: Long Distance Walking

detroitbabu wrote:
I am hiking (up and down) Pikes Peak via Barr trail in July.
A great hike. They run an up and down marathon there too.

make sure and train quite a bit for the downhill, it is usually what people say is the toughest thing. I did it last summer (after the fires), and was happy I spent time preparing for the sustained downhills. Knees and ankles are obvious problem areas, and one guy in our group had back issues.

Have fun, we all loved it.

Dave
by Dave_M
Tue Mar 26, 2013 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Question; selling one fund and buying another - taxes
Replies: 8
Views: 912

Re: Simple Question; selling one fund and buying another - t

Simple answer - yes.

Whether or not you actually pay anything is a function of your tax bracket; the lower one are taxed at a zero rate on cap gains.

Also, be sure to account for any reinvested dividends when calculating your gains. You have already paid taxes on those, so any gain attributable to dividends is not taxable.

dave
by Dave_M
Sat Feb 16, 2013 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566016

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

tranmr wrote:
Re-reading a favorite of mine, Revenge of the Lawn: Stories 1962-1970, a collection of sixty-two short stories written by Richard Brautigan.
I just picked up the Kindle collection of "Trout Fishing in America" and "In Watermelon Sugar". Still no Kindle version of my favorite Brautigan; "A Confederate General from Big Sur" :annoyed

Thanks for your post - its good to know others appreciate the obscure and/or oblique :happy

When I gave "Trout Fishing in America" to my son in law (who is a serious flyfisher too), he loved it, but told me that some day he was going to have to ask me some serious questions about my younger days 8-)

dave
by Dave_M
Tue Feb 12, 2013 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Military Prep School
Replies: 45
Views: 6185

Re: Military Prep School

MP173: I 'interact' regularly with a fairly large number of AFA cadets, as well as graduates. I am constantly amazed by the quality of the young men and women I meet. As a former professor at a major state university, and then at an elite (but not Ivy) private university, the academic effort and achievement is truly impressive, and far superior to what I observed in my career. Additionally, these folks have a self assurance and confidence that is really unique among people this age. And they are for the most part pretty nice people. I see them in an off campus, recreational setting (at my son's skydiving operation), but the qualities shine through. It is common to see a group of cadets working on homework, or a major project, while waiting ...
by Dave_M
Wed Jan 30, 2013 12:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Inflation: The long and short of TIPS
Replies: 11
Views: 4452

Re: Inflation: The long and short of TIPS

That's an easy one:

3/4*r^4; or if you prefer (3*r^40)/4

and my High School Calc teacher would remind me to add +c, for the constant term that 'went away' during differentiation

so: 3/4*r^4 + c

(my ti-89 says so, so it must be right) :sharebeer

dave
by Dave_M
Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If market drops 50% in a week will you rebalance?
Replies: 118
Views: 9454

Re: If market drops 50% in a week will you rebalance?

athrone:

So now I have to actually read the post you're answering :oops:

Why wasn't I told this :confused

Your figures do indeed add up, and I retract my (possibly perceived as snarky) comments :sharebeer

dave
by Dave_M
Tue Jan 22, 2013 1:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If market drops 50% in a week will you rebalance?
Replies: 118
Views: 9454

Re: If market drops 50% in a week will you rebalance?

athrone wrote: What do you do if it drops another 50% on the second week? That is only a 75% total drop, and one that has occurred many times in the past, as recently as 2008 in some sectors. If you are 60/40 stocks/bonds, you would have lost 65% of your wealth in two weeks -- barely better than if you were in 100% stocks the whole time. Since I seldom accept others numbers as gospel, I tried out your scenario, and came up with a loss of 47.5%, as follows: begin 600 stocks + 400 bonds = 1000 equity loses 50% result 300 stocks + 400 bonds = 700 rebalance result 350 stocks + 350 bonds = 700 equity loses another 50% result 175 stocks + 350 bonds = 525 1000 - 525 = 475 loss; 475/1000 = 47.5% loss, not your stated 65%. Other than assuming bonds ...