Search found 113 matches

by countdown
Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 87 Year Old Grandmother Has $600,000 In the Bank
Replies: 42
Views: 7922

Re: 87 Year Old Grandmother Has $600,000 In the Bank

Best wishes to many of you. Please close my account.
by countdown
Mon Aug 25, 2014 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 87 Year Old Grandmother Has $600,000 In the Bank
Replies: 42
Views: 7922

Re: 87 Year Old Grandmother Has $600,000 In the Bank

Aceman wrote:
'The trust/properties/money is managed by my fiance's mother...since the trust is intended to also benefit my fiance (and I, it turns out) down the road);'

I stand by my comments donocash.
You may have missed the above and his/her other comments about the trust potentially supporting fiance AND the OP.

I feel sad for the matriarch.
It's all quite offensive I think.
To each his/her own.
by countdown
Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651159

Re: U.S. stocks in freefall

I don't like knowing my portfolio has gone down in value the past week(s).
However, there is some comfort that the market seems to be returning to some semblance of 'normality' by actually responding to actual conditions and events, rather than blindly climbing upward regardless. Hope I feel his way through a correction :?
by countdown
Sat Aug 02, 2014 12:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Customer Protection Guarantee
Replies: 26
Views: 3517

Re: Fidelity Customer Protection Guarantee

Thanks for the link Ken. Looks like you are correct sscritic-- Just having the spousal authorization on our accounts would likely violate the security agreement. From Vanguard: "At a minimum, in order for this protection to apply, you must take the following steps: ..."Never share your user name, password, or other account-related information with anyone. ..."This protection does not apply to unauthorized activity caused in whole or in part by your fraudulent, intentional, or negligent acts or omissions, including activity by a person whom you have intentionally or negligently permitted to transact in your account, or to whom you have intentionally or negligently given access to security information relating to your account. ...
by countdown
Tue Jul 29, 2014 10:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Customer Protection Guarantee
Replies: 26
Views: 3517

Fidelity Customer Protection Guarantee

Article in WSJ today about computer hacking into brokerage accounts.
Apparently Fidelity has a 'Customer Protection Guarantee' reimbursing customers for losses from hackers where customer used due care.
Wondering if Vanguard has equivalent policy for their accounts?
by countdown
Wed Jul 23, 2014 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Riding the Rails--my Amtrak trip
Replies: 78
Views: 18634

Re: Riding the Rails--my Amtrak trip

Enjoyed your post Jazz. I love train travel. Will be taking an Amtrak sleeper car for the first time later this year.
If you don't have a connection to catch, hopefully delays can be enjoyed...? As 'they' say, 'it's about the journey, not the destination'...
by countdown
Thu Jul 17, 2014 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If interest rates would ever reach double digits again
Replies: 36
Views: 4976

Re: If interest rates would ever reach double digits again

Yes, inflation.
However, if many of your costs are fixed or extinguished (mortgage, etc.), it would sure seem that there may be an advantage to heavy T-Bonds in that scenario. :?:
by countdown
Sun Jul 13, 2014 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Birthday gift for a 10 year old girl
Replies: 28
Views: 3817

Re: Birthday gift for a 10 year old girl

Alas, what has happened to journals, diaries, jewelry boxes,....? :confused
by countdown
Fri Jul 11, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Marriage - Asset Allocation Question
Replies: 11
Views: 1767

Re: Marriage - Asset Allocation Question

+1000 Meg.

To OP:
How much larger is your wife's portfolio than yours?
by countdown
Thu Jul 10, 2014 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon prime - how to get the best out of it?
Replies: 48
Views: 6951

Re: Amazon prime - how to get the best out of it?

Love Prime!
I am a dinosaur who loves my hard copies of books. Never give them up.
Prime has paid for itself many times over, plus free shipping for gift purchases.
Have not even accessed streaming etc. yet, but will, and possibly drop Netflix.
by countdown
Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Future plan with recent lung cancer diagnosis
Replies: 25
Views: 5036

Re: Future plan with recent lung cancer diagnosis

Valuethinker wrote:Get the video camera out...
You could just do this as a monologue for yourself. Privately. 5 minutes every day at most. Will feel odd. Kind of like a blog but a video blog (v-log?). No more than 5 minutes each day of what you would want to have said, what you would want to have remembered.
Wonderful idea.....whether the monologue runs 30 years or 30 months. It will be a treasure.
Wishing you well. Blessing to you and your family.
by countdown
Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Freddie: 'stock creep' to 40% has been in comfort zone, and I think would more certainly be when addition of principle next 2 yrs., and also when receipt of soc sec.

I think 50/50 may be wisest plan, but would not (emotionally could not) do that unless/until liquidated residence and down sized. Then LMP is attractive + perhaps 40/60 or even 50/50.

Gracie.
by countdown
Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Lastly, the one thing I don't understand with folks in retirement is they get too conservative the minute they declare there are retired. If you are very conservative during the accumulation years and feel you have a decent nest egg you probably should be in a Life Strategy Fund or Target Date fund that matches your equity tolerance. If none are conservative enough keep some outside of it in CDs or other low risk bond funds. You need to address the equity risk you can tolerate as well as the emotional risk of panic moves. Actually, that is where it is to a degree, dispersed among vehicles. Anticipate some large additions next 1-2 year and will then restructure and consolidate. 35%+ in Target Retire 30/70, Blackrock index retire 30/70, and ...
by countdown
Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Wonderful responses. Thanks to those for links to other informative threads as well. One respondent noted, OP was conservative in accumulation phase as well, and easy to sleep well during bull market with low stock allocation. All true. Until the sky falls....and it's not a bull market. 2000 (pre-boglehead) had investment advisor :twisted: and lost six figure in early 2000s. Yes, panicked. No real understanding of markets, cycles, systemic failures, etc. etc. Spent some period in cash....although even Vanguard Admiral Treasury at 4-5% wasn't so bad while it lastd. :happy But certainly, Missed much opportunity! Would do much differently today in great deal thanks to this board, the published authors on this board (I have your books) and the ...
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 5:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Just want to thank everyone for chiming in. It is really helpful in processing and understanding the possible approaches and schools of thought which exist to hopefully increase the chances of successful retirement. Interested also in Victoria's approach irrespective of asset allocation: keeping some years of 'safe assets' until soc sec @ 70. Seems similar to a LMP approach, in stages, which is interesting and something I'd like to consider. Depending on your 'floor' amount in LMP, covering essentials, then equity portion of remaining portfolio could increase. Although I guess it's still a lower equity allocation of the whole, while a higher percentage of the remainder bucket, unless those safe assets are removed from portfolio as ER fund.....
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 4:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Thanks Toon.
I wish we would have benefited from a 70/80 equity allocation, but I also know we could not have slept with the risk of 40% loss.

I would feel differently if we were among those with a defined benefit pension plan.
Those are golden.
If only...... :oops: Choices.... :(

Creating your own pension is pretty daunting, even for moderately informed. For uninformed I can't imagine.
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Professor. I like the 'heuristic' approach.
Even as an educated professional, I'm embarrassed to admit I ran to my dictionary. :D

Yes, good summary. Yes, also agree 'probably over housed'. Difficult attachment to unthether, although I am imagining very freeing, and also brings more margin for error and safety.

Appreciate all responses so far.....and will try to figure out firecalc, livesoft.

Responses very, very helpful.

Origin of my question, Asset allocation, sounds like probably in ballpark +/- 5-10% of where it should be,

but scope of the respondents answers is enlightening, and where my real questions should have been originally.

Thank you all.
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Thanks for comments so far. Interesting that anywhere 30-70% likely to sustain 4% withdrawal.

Thank you especially, Rod. I was writing the below as you just posted.
This idea really seems the most prudent, although not as well said and explained as in your writing :happy:

"Another option might be to sell residence, realize a down-sized home-no mortgage, and approximately $400-500k in after tax account. In that situation, assume the LMP would be prudent in after tax acct?, and a perhaps slightly higher equity allocation in pre-tax accts? Or am I way off base?"


Thanks to all respondents to date. Appreciate all of the excellent minds on this site.
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 1:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Rod: thanks for responses.

Still uncertain but probably around $80,000-$90,000.
Perhaps less when no longer working.
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 12:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

Thanks professor, yes you are right. I was actually looking more for an average range of those in this category.

But I will posit a scenario:

$1,000,000 tax-deferred retirement account. Say: 35 stock/50 bonds/15 cash

$1,000,000 home equity. No mortgage.

Nominal after tax accounts.

No debt.

No LTC.

No pensions.

Social security estimate: $40-50k year

Beyond the obvious they should sell home.....thoughts?
by countdown
Wed Jul 09, 2014 12:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
Replies: 51
Views: 9331

Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?

We are hopefully 1 to 2 years from retirement.
Very conservative.
Have been 35-37% equities throughout this amazing market. :(
However, have also slept quite well every night :happy , which is ultimately our first priority and trumps higher return (potential).

My question is actually, what is the most commonly recommended asset allocation going into--in retirement?

I read scenarios across the board from the 50/50 base, to no less than 30 percent, to up to 60-70 percent equity.
I realize this is a personal decision along with a realistic look at one's need and ability to take risk.

I'm hoping others might share their asset allocation at this period of their lives with their perspective and comment.
Thank you.
by countdown
Mon Jul 07, 2014 11:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Future plan with recent lung cancer diagnosis
Replies: 25
Views: 5036

Re: Future plan with recent lung cancer diagnosis

The cost of your health care and treatment. Not certain, but there may be ways to shield some of your assets from potential exposure. Certainly speak with qualified legal counsel--trusts, tax, etc.
Blessings to you and your family.
by countdown
Mon Jul 07, 2014 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When you retire you plan to?
Replies: 44
Views: 5352

Re: When you retire you plan to?

Anyone ever in a position where they kept their primary residence where a rental studio on the property either offset their costs or provided additional income? All that equity invested would probably provide a lot MORE income than that rental studio. Yes, that is true, although a portion of the equity would be used for a less expensive replacement home. The issue for us is, we have worked so much we haven't really had the opportunity to enjoy our home together as much as we should have, and are therefore considering remaining here for a number of years in retirement before selling. It is probably a wiser monetary decision to sell. Will have to decide over the next year or so whether emotional satisfaction trumps wiser monetary decision. T...
by countdown
Mon Jul 07, 2014 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When you retire you plan to?
Replies: 44
Views: 5352

Re: When you retire you plan to?

I voted stay in home and buy second home, although that is not carved in stone.

1-2 years from retirement, and positioned to be able to stay in current home with rent from a studio on the property offsetting the nominal mortgage payment.
Problem is a great deal of equity in this home.

Plan to purchase small condo in area near family.

Still in planning stages... Keeping or selling the ocean view home is a large decision.
Anyone ever in a position where they kept their primary residence where a rental studio on the property either offset their costs or provided additional income?
by countdown
Sat Jul 05, 2014 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tell your kids how much you make?
Replies: 58
Views: 8598

Re: Do you tell your kids how much you make?

leonidas wrote:My youngest asked me if I make more than 5000. I said a bit more. He was impressed and that was the last I heard from him.

Love it!
by countdown
Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tell your kids how much you make?
Replies: 58
Views: 8598

Re: Do you tell your kids how much you make?

Interesting, thoughtful responses. It occurs to me that there may be a bit of a generational difference in philosophy, tradition and custom around this issue.
by countdown
Thu Jul 03, 2014 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tell your kids how much you make?
Replies: 58
Views: 8598

Re: Do you tell your kids how much you make?

No. Never did, never will. It's not polite to talk about your personal income, net worth, etc.
My children are now professionals, as am I. They still don't know my income, and I don't know theirs.


There is a difference between abstractly speaking about finance, investment, etc., and touting or complaining one's personal financial worth. That's simply boorish in my view.
The exception is assisting elderly or disable parents.

How did I respond when they were growing up? 'That's between your parents. It's not polite to talk about money in that manner.'
by countdown
Fri Jun 20, 2014 6:53 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Personal Life subforum?
Replies: 97
Views: 12461

Re: Personal Life subforum?

Said I wouldn't post on this again, but I would like to add a comment. I read the forum nearly every day. I use the active/most recent post link which merges all forums (I believe). I don't generally use the sub-forums. I agree with the poster who said that there is already too much 'clutter'. Secondly, yesterday I pulled out my copy of 'Bogleheads Guide to Retirement Planning' to review an issue relevant to our hopefully upcoming retirement. I found myself re-reading Jack Bogle's foreword to the book again. It actually made me think of this thread. He graciously lent his name to this site/group of people dedicated to helping the small investor, because that is what he worked for throughout his career/life. I couldn't help wondering how he ...
by countdown
Thu Jun 19, 2014 11:13 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Personal Life subforum?
Replies: 97
Views: 12461

Re: Personal Life subforum?

Here's an example of a personal life question: 'What causes one person to seek advice regarding their personal life (including growth or delay in their emotional, spiritual, psychological, sexual, etc. development) from anonymous, internet strangers, when another person would seek the same type of advice, from a known and respected relationhip he/she has with their peers, family, friends, therapists, clergy, mentors, etc.? I am a person seeking advice in the first category. What do you think makes me request this type of anonymous advice rather than consulting with people I personally know, or who are known by persons that I respect? Thank you for answering my questions." Is this the vision of Bogleheads.org? My last post on this issue...
by countdown
Wed Jun 18, 2014 11:34 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Personal Life subforum?
Replies: 97
Views: 12461

Re: Personal Life subforum?

Is this seriously being considered?

I honestly cannot believe that this forum would have the gravitas it currently enjoys--enough to be referenced in the Boglehead books, WSJ articles, etc. and other fine sources--if it contained sub-forums the equivalent of 'Dear Abby' and 'Match.Com'.

What has happened to one's real life, real world personal friends, family, mentors and network?

:confused
by countdown
Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:54 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Personal Life subforum?
Replies: 97
Views: 12461

Re: Personal Life subforum?

In my view, a 'personal forum' would lessen the standing and reputation of the Bogleheads forum.
by countdown
Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Trying to Understand Corporate Bond Risk in Wellesley
Replies: 44
Views: 4568

Re: Trying to Understand Corporate Bond Risk in Wellesley

Thank you for sharing this amazing history, Taylor. It is impossible to comprehend what this experience must have truly been like. A good reality check of the possible.
by countdown
Wed Apr 30, 2014 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice [on Shariah compliant investment products]
Replies: 60
Views: 10657

Re: Advice [on Shariah compliant investment products]

[off topic comments deleted by admin alex]
by countdown
Thu Apr 17, 2014 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Live Now, Live Later?
Replies: 37
Views: 5889

Re: Live Now, Live Later?

What are you waiting for?

You have a $150k DB available to you now, plus your other accounts and your home is paid for?

Enjoy your life and devote your time to causes you love and believe in......you are very fortunate.

(I have none of the expertise you'll find on this site, and some seem to never have enough; I say life is too short.)
by countdown
Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5 yr TIPs auction announced 4/10- any takers?
Replies: 36
Views: 5854

Re: 5 yr TIPs auction announced 4/10- any takers?

I wanted to participate in this auction as I had a 5 year mature on the 15th, but will decline.
Bloomberg shows still negative yield tonight, and if I read chart properly, auction price at a premium?
Are others forging ahead? Curious if I'm missing something or misinterpreting....
by countdown
Tue Apr 15, 2014 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: NYTimes: Inexpensive Advice for Index-Fund Investments
Replies: 15
Views: 3356

Re: NYTimes: Inexpensive Advice for Index-Fund Investments

I actually didn't know Vanguard had this service let alone was lowering their fee. Thanks for posting it.
by countdown
Tue Apr 15, 2014 2:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack on Bloomberg Today...
Replies: 12
Views: 2306

Re: Jack on Bloomberg Today...

Thanks for posting link.
Interesting interview.
Disappointed they ran out of time.

Found JB's thoughts on HFT very balanced. From HFT ushering in lower costs to consumers, to the now, in effect, resulting insider trading.
(Also liked the incidental 'shout out' to Wellington, as I am very content with my holding.)
by countdown
Wed Apr 02, 2014 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SEP help please!
Replies: 7
Views: 1022

Re: SEP help please!

Thank you again DS. I think I've got it:
If combined income is higher, ($180 ish) , renders TIRA inapplicable, non-deductible.
Could create issue of contaminating existing pretax accounts with non-qualified TIRA deposit.

Although seems very little tax advantage to a SEP employer contribution based on a percentage of such nominal profit, likely safest approach, if do any contributions.

I will read the publications you link. Much thanks.
by countdown
Wed Apr 02, 2014 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SEP help please!
Replies: 7
Views: 1022

Re: SEP help please!

Ok....yes, we are on same page.
So assuming plenty of spousal income and max 401k on that end, and solo business other spouse with net profits just >$6500, then $6500 deposit could appropriately go either as employee deposit in SEP IRA acct, or as a new TIRA, and later consolidate. I think that's what you said. That is how I understand it as well.

'Add a fact' always changes the scenario bit :happy

I agree it is cleaner in the TIRA. Thank you so much for your time and input.

Best regards.
by countdown
Wed Apr 02, 2014 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SEP help please!
Replies: 7
Views: 1022

Re: SEP help please!

DS...thank you....I think I'm following, but want to confirm:

Assume instead of $50k net on bus, the bus is winding down with little to no net profit.
So no employer contribution.

So is the employer, who is also the sole employee of the business then able to deposit $6500 (over 55) into employee SEP IRA box on the Vanguard site in an already established SEP, or does the owner (who is also the employee for this example) have to open a new TIRA to deposit $6500.

You may have answered that above, but I guess I am confused reviewing the Vanguard tax website indicating the allowed contributions within a SEP plan.

Thanks so much for your consideration and reply.
by countdown
Wed Apr 02, 2014 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SEP help please!
Replies: 7
Views: 1022

SEP help please!

Appreciate any help re the SEP IRA contributions, plural, issue. As a sole proprietor, no employees, business owner, if an individual does NOT make any SEP IRA employer contributions for self as 'employer contribution', but does wish to make the SEP IRA 'employee contribution'', for self of $6500, is this appropriate?

I have conflicting opinions.....the contra is that if no employER SEP contrib, the employer/employEE would have to make the $6500 contrib via a TIRA.

Any experience with this? Thank you in advance.
by countdown
Thu Feb 20, 2014 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skip IRA for 1 year to buy engagement ring
Replies: 194
Views: 22875

Re: Skip IRA for 1 year to buy engagement ring

The poster doesn't sound likes he's really ready to get married anyway, to anyone.

BUT, these answers are very interesting.
Very romantic :wink:

I wonder how many Boglehead S.O.s have left because their Boglehead was TOO frugal (read CHEAP!)
Now THAT would be an interesting poll.
by countdown
Thu Feb 20, 2014 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skip IRA for 1 year to buy engagement ring
Replies: 194
Views: 22875

Re: Skip IRA for 1 year to buy engagement ring

Can't believe some of these responses! :oops:

There are certain moments in life that are priceless.
Hopefully, this is a once in a lifetime event.

IF she is the right one, go ring shopping together.
Buy her the nicest ring you can reasonably afford and that she will love.
She will wear it every single day.

Good luck and congratulations on the next chapter in your life.
by countdown
Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage payoff sent to wrong account
Replies: 25
Views: 5504

Re: Mortgage payoff sent to wrong account

I think there is an excellent chance your conversation was recorded, as most financial phone transactions are. Try to confirm that, and if the rep who made the mistake in the number 'isn't sure'...move up the food chain and ask his/her supervisor if the call was recorded.
by countdown
Sat Jan 18, 2014 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Target Breach, Updated
Replies: 52
Views: 6618

Re: Target Breach, Updated

So the news yesterday was that a 17 year old kid was responsible for this breach of security? Amazing, if true.
by countdown
Thu Jan 16, 2014 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: More from Target?
Replies: 33
Views: 3283

Re: More from Target?

'This has been covered in other threads, you know, the ones with Target (not date) in the title.
I got my email on Monday and posted. Today is Thursday. If you want to keep up, you have to keep up. '
...

Sorry, sscritic, I didn't see the other thread(s). Got my email today and wasn't following it.
:happy
by countdown
Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: More from Target?
Replies: 33
Views: 3283

Re: More from Target?

I think I shop at Target maybe 1-3 times per year for miscellaneous items. Unfortunately, it was around the Christmas season when the breach apparently occurred. However, in fairness to Target, I didn't find their email insulting. I guess when we use anything but cash, it's a risk we assume, albeit small. This is what I received today; a one-year credit monitoring subscription. This seems to be the remedy companies are providing their customers for these unacceptable breaches of security. "Dear Target Guest, As you may have heard or read, Target learned in mid-December that criminals forced their way into our systems and took guest information, including debit and credit card data. Late last week, as part of our ongoing investigation, ...
by countdown
Thu Jan 16, 2014 11:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New 10year TIP January 2014
Replies: 20
Views: 2466

New 10year TIP January 2014

Anyone considering the 10-year TIP issuing this month?
by countdown
Fri Jan 10, 2014 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Special Needs Trust and Attorney Suggestions
Replies: 13
Views: 1695

Re: Special Needs Trust and Attorney Suggestions

Swampy, I hope you follow Dulocracy's advice.
The Florida Bar association will be able to provide you with names of licensed attorneys who are specialized in trusts.
You can also narrow down to your county Bar association, and attorney trust specialists in your county (if any).
I'm sorry to hear of your experience involving your special needs loved one.
That will not happen with an experienced lawyer in good standing, expert in the area of law you seek.
Best wishes.
by countdown
Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Need, ability and willingness to take risk
Replies: 64
Views: 7705

Re: Need, ability and willingness to take risk

Great Joseph Heller story...love it.