Search found 40 matches

by markes
Sat Sep 18, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard not responsive [answering phone calls]
Replies: 43
Views: 6855

Re: Vanguard not responsive [answering phone calls]

I spent a fair share of Friday afternoon on hold with the Vanguard transfer account division.. The first time (after holding for 45 minutes), I was suddenly disconnected. The second time, after an hour, I gave up. The third time I accepted the option of a call back (should have done that the first time). I received an automated call back about 90 minutes later (with a subsequent 15 minute wait). I've been with Vanguard for over 30 years. The first ten or so, the customer service was exemplary. From that point on, IMO in a rather steady decline.
by markes
Fri Jan 29, 2021 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
Replies: 9
Views: 1097

Re: What do you know now that you wish you knew then?

To stay true to my asset allocation plan. I found market timing quite easy on the high side. VERY difficult to determine the bottom. Sticking to my AA plan would have been more profitable and far more peaceful.
by markes
Wed Oct 02, 2019 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who has had a pool?
Replies: 108
Views: 13271

Re: Who has had a pool?

[quote=chw post_id=4775726 time=1570040255 user_id=37443] Bought a home with an IG pool already installed. It was a nice feature when the kids were small, but generally not used much when they were out of high school. We live in an area that only has about a 10 week season- so I would not encourage the install of one unless you live in an area with a longer pool season. [/quote] IMO, assuming one is not wealthy enough to afford a "pool boy", A) the willingness to do daily maintenance B) regular use C) and in northern climates, extending the season by using an external heat source, are the keys to deciding if an in ground pool is a wise choice. Despite our short, cool summers here in northern Wisconsin, our pool is a major source o...
by markes
Mon Apr 23, 2018 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Web Site Down?
Replies: 121
Views: 12987

Re: Vanguard Internal Server Error on Sign In

Also unable to log in .......7:55 A M Central
by markes
Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite beach vacation destination?
Replies: 64
Views: 8132

Re: Your favorite beach vacation destination?

St John USVI my all time favorite. But just got back from St Kitts-Nevis. Thoroughly enjoyed South Frigate and South Friar beaches on St Kitts and Oualie beach on Nevis. Dark to medium dark sand beaches, but great for swimming and all providing breathtaking views.
by markes
Sun Nov 05, 2017 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Retirement Make You Lazier?
Replies: 87
Views: 10964

Re: Does Retirement Make You Lazier?

Yes! But in a good way! :happy
by markes
Sun Jun 05, 2016 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I want a house with a pool?
Replies: 96
Views: 12597

Re: Do I want a house with a pool?

We defy most of the conventional logic of in ground pool ownership. 1) We live in a cold climate (Northern Wisconsin) 2) Kids are all out of the house (although they and the grandkids travel from a long distance and visit each summer) 3) Love to swim laps (even though our pool is only 34 feet long). 4) Enjoy pool use virtually every day (most years mid-May to mid-September. Ten year average just shy of 4 months annually). Someone earlier put it so succinctly and accurately. Know thyself!!! In my own personal self analysis (flawed but inexpensive :P ), I used the reverse logic of,..... summers are short, so use them to the fullest. Believe me, after living on a lake for 17 years up here, a heated pool is FAR more swimmable in May and Septemb...
by markes
Sun Mar 27, 2016 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spirit Airlines
Replies: 38
Views: 5377

Re: Spirit Airlines

Flown Spirit on numerous occasions. Saved lots of money. But, IMO, it's a high risk/ moderate reward trade-off. Have had a flight cancelled at the last minute. Spirit often has only one flight per day to a destination, so a cancellation will likely mean a 24 hour or longer delay. In one case, I witnessed a Colombian family , going home for a funeral, forced to wait three days for the next available flight. (With BTW, not ONE ounce of compassion from the heartless Spirit rep at the airport.) I've repeatedly had a difficult time getting through to live Spirit rep whenever I've needed to receive clarification or modification on any itinerary. Bottom line, if getting to your destination with the least amount of trepidation is a factor, I advise...
by markes
Fri May 09, 2014 4:37 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday John C. Bogle !
Replies: 37
Views: 4022

Re: Happy Birthday John C. Bogle !

Thank you for the residual blessings from your wisdom!
Happy Birthday!

Mark
by markes
Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: When did you retire? Would you do it all over again ?
Replies: 103
Views: 19203

Re: Poll: When did you retire? Would you do it all over agai

[quote="Chrysalis"]seems everyone (almost) is really enjoying retirement. What is it that you like about it? Have you had to plan carefully to keep structure and challenge in your life, or are you happy just chilling :) I am anxious about retirement (I'm a bit young for it yet though) - I worry that I will feel bored and guilty. :oops:[/quote] in my view, personality factors are a huge component in determining the best time to retire. My recommendation is simply.......know thyself. For me, volunteering at church and for other local charitable organizations has been fulfilling. Structure is achieved by a daily, non clock related, gentle paced regimen of excercising the spirit, mind and body. And despite that regimen, it still leave...
by markes
Sat Mar 22, 2014 12:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: When did you retire? Would you do it all over again ?
Replies: 103
Views: 19203

Re: Poll: When did you retire? Would you do it all over agai

Retired three years ago at age 56 following 30 plus years in radio broadcasting. No regrets whatsoever! :happy Grateful for the opportunity and thankful to the Lord for the huge blessing of good health.
by markes
Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Norway in 7 Days
Replies: 10
Views: 1519

Re: Norway in 7 Days

Norway in a nutshell is one of my all time favorite travel excursions.. The fjords are breathtaking! Bergin and Stavenger were also highlights. And the high speed boat ride between those two cities was more exciting than most carnival rides. (Happened to be a day featuring high swells)
by markes
Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:34 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Taylor's 90th Birthday
Replies: 272
Views: 42930

Re: TAYLOR'S UPCOMING 90th BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday and thank you Taylor! I've gained much wisdom from your many insights. And perhaps more importantly, what a true gentleman looks and acts like on
a message board. God's Blessings1
by markes
Sun Jan 12, 2014 11:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I bonds and Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 2546

Re: I bonds and Vanguard

No. You can only purchase electronic I bonds at the Treasury Direct site or by requesting your Federal Tax return in the form of paper I Bonds (up to $5,000.00). The Treasury discontinued the purchase of I bonds through local banks in 2012.
by markes
Thu Feb 21, 2013 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the Gold Rally Over
Replies: 160
Views: 15243

Re: Is the Gold Rally Over

[quote="Browser"][quote]The paper is making a strange claim that an investor in Brazil would have been better off holding cruzeiros vs. gold? I don't get what they are saying. Someone holding gold in that situation was tremendously better off vs. someone just holding cruzeiros.[/quote]
See -- that's what I mean about not bothering to read the Erb & Harvey paper. That isn't what they said at all. Goebbels would be proud.[/quote]

Using Goebbels as an intellectual example for disagreement in a financial discussion? Really?
by markes
Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday Taylor
Replies: 81
Views: 10264

Re: Happy Birthday Taylor

The best of birthdays Taylor! I have been blessed by your wisdom for more than a decade. Thank you!

Mark
by markes
Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:41 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Pat is coming home !
Replies: 115
Views: 15812

Re: Pat is coming home !

Thank you for the many sacrifices you and Pat have made to enrich our lives. May the Lord continue to bless you both!

Mark
by markes
Sat Jan 28, 2012 12:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why can't rates and inflation go negative?
Replies: 36
Views: 2791

Re: Why can't rates and inflation go negative?

Thank you Mel and David C!!!!!!

Mark
by markes
Fri Jan 27, 2012 3:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why can't rates and inflation go negative?
Replies: 36
Views: 2791

Re: Why can't rates and inflation go negative?

[quote="Mel Lindauer"]Even 0% I Bonds make sense in that they provide inflation protection AND deflation protection. Since the composite rate can never go below 0%, the greater the deflation, the higher the real return would be on I Bonds. So I Bonds offer BOTH inflation protection and deflation protection in a single package.[/quote]


Mel,
Does this mean you would recommend purchasing the full allotment of I bonds allowed for 2012 now, or would you wait until May or November?

Mark
by markes
Tue Jan 03, 2012 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond purchase questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1135

Re: I bond purchase questions

I offered a fairly vague question pertaining to the I bond max purchase.


Example
3000.00 federal tax return in paper I Bonds.

Would my maximum electronic purchase for the calendar year be 2000.00 or 5000.00....

Does a federal tax return JOINT filing make a difference?
thanks again!

Mark
by markes
Tue Jan 03, 2012 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond purchase questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1135

Re: I bond purchase questions

Thanks for your insight Tipswatcher!

Anyone have information on maximum annual I Bond purchase amounts if you accept federal tax return payment in paper I bonds?
by markes
Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond purchase questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1135

I bond purchase questions

Is it best to purchase an I Bond now, rather than wait until the new rate is released in May?

Are you still restricted to the 5000.00 annual maximum if you request your federal income tax return be paid in I bonds?

Thanks in advance!

Mark
by markes
Tue Oct 25, 2011 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond question
Replies: 3
Views: 564

Re: I bond question

[quote="texas_archer"]Nov 1st rate is 3.36% so I would purchase it now.[/quote]


Thanks for the help!

Mark
by markes
Tue Oct 25, 2011 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond question
Replies: 3
Views: 564

I bond question

Based on the current 4.6% I Bond rate, is it wise to purchase now rather than wait for the new rate on November 1st?

Mark
by markes
Fri Aug 26, 2011 10:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold down $100 today; Some say it's time to SELL!!!
Replies: 69
Views: 8833

[quote="LH"][quote="markes"][quote="abuss368"]I love watching the "fools" who invest in Gold. Keep piling in at the top and then cry and run for the exits wondering how this happended. People never learn. I just watched a recent interview with Mr. Bogle where he noted the same thing. Tech stocks, Gold, Housing....when will people learn?[/quote] It's been said that arrogance and condescension are two of the typical characteristics of those who eventually are proven to be the greatest of all fools. BTW, as you probably surmised, I am one of your so called "fools"..... allocating 5 to 15 percent of my portfolio to precious metals since 1987 (re-balancing causing the variation). Quite frankly, I...
by markes
Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold down $100 today; Some say it's time to SELL!!!
Replies: 69
Views: 8833

[quote="abuss368"]I love watching the "fools" who invest in Gold. Keep piling in at the top and then cry and run for the exits wondering how this happended. People never learn. I just watched a recent interview with Mr. Bogle where he noted the same thing. Tech stocks, Gold, Housing....when will people learn?[/quote] It's been said that arrogance and condescension are two of the typical characteristics of those who eventually are proven to be the greatest of all fools. BTW, as you probably surmised, I am one of your so called "fools"..... allocating 5 to 15 percent of my portfolio to precious metals since 1987 (re-balancing causing the variation). Quite frankly, I am so thankful, for in my "foolishness&quo...
by markes
Thu May 05, 2011 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Books with a direct impact on your life?
Replies: 103
Views: 17278

Bible
Evidence That Demands a Verdict McDowell
To Kill a Mockingbird Lee
Fail Safe Investing Browne
Coffee House Investor Schulteis
Common Sense on Mutual Funds Bogle
Animal Farm Orwell
Lord of the Flies Golding
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Twain
by markes
Thu May 05, 2011 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NHL playoffs: time for a new favorite team?
Replies: 33
Views: 3171

Temp Team

I usually cheer for the underdog! (Being a Minnesota Wild fan makes that a very simple undertaking! :? ) So, for me it's.....go get em Preds!
by markes
Wed Dec 08, 2010 8:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Old / high mileage cars as primary vehicles for Bogleheads?
Replies: 94
Views: 13664

old volvo

1999 Volvo XC Cross Country 248000 miles and still kickin'
:)
Mark
by markes
Thu Nov 18, 2010 12:22 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Wisconsin Bogleheads Meeting
Replies: 32
Views: 10900

Wisconsin Bogleheads

If you meet in Wausau sometime....I'd love to attend!

Mark
by markes
Thu Sep 16, 2010 12:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: gold hits all time high, silver hot too
Replies: 44
Views: 5565

ridicule

[quote="etienne1"] It's too bad that a number of prominent posters here ridicule this financial asset constantly. They are not serving the financial well being of the people they influence.[/quote] Well said! It's my view, when someone ridicules rather than collegiately comments or instructs, it tends to simply be a mask for their own insecurities. If I hadn't been invested in precious metals and mining funds during the first decade of this century, perhaps I would also be tempted to mock rather than appreciate a successful asset allocation plan. (And to save the stereotypical responses that tend to appear on this forum....no I didn't begin investing 10 to 15 percent of my portfolio at the optimum time 10 years ago. I started in 1...
by markes
Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It can happen to you.
Replies: 64
Views: 13262

To Matt

As the Proverb says.....Pride comes before the fall.


Best Wishes,
Mark
by markes
Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold
Replies: 92
Views: 14917

Response to Nisiprius

Nisiprius says "But you must have friends coming to you "You know a lot about gold, I've been thinking I should buy some now, what's your advice?" What do you tell them?"
_________________

Assuming they have an established asset allocation plan, but to this point without a precious metals/ PM mining stock component.....I would recommend that they DCA to their newly allotted percentage for PM/PM stock funds. Without appearing to be too much of a market timer, but yet factoring in the 300 plus percentage increase in gold prices over the last decade....I would ask them to carefully consider their risk tolerance/comfort levels before determining the velocity of their DCA schedule.

Mark
by markes
Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It can happen to you.
Replies: 64
Views: 13262

A tad harsh

Matt, Weren't you just a bit overboard towards "lost cowboy"? I believe I'm understanding the gist of his post being....my sympathy is to any victim of financial fraud, because in my youth I walked in their footsteps.
In a semi-related vain, nearly 30 years ago I foolishly sent 199 dollars to a company that promised me a weeks vacation in the Caribbean. Ahhh, for those early lessons learned. :oops:

Mark
by markes
Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Forbes.com column: "THE BOGLEHEADS' VIEW"
Replies: 97
Views: 15236

Forbes and Friends!

Excellent Mel! :) No doubt Forbes readers will find themselves better informed about an investment philosophy alternative ....one perhaps they haven't even considered. Plus the added benefit of new insight for those of us who already practice some, if not all of the "Boglehead" principles. Best wishes to the three of you in your Forbes debut.

Mark
by markes
Mon Nov 23, 2009 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold
Replies: 92
Views: 14917

On selling PM

Alex, please note that my decision to sell Gold/PM stocks this week was primarily for re-balancing purposes. However, I would be disingenuous if
I didn't say that gold's rapid price rise didn't play a part in the decision to expedite re-balancing at this point...rather than waiting to the end of the year. That said, I truly have no idea where precious metal prices are going.....up or down.
I do know, that over the years PM/PM stock funds have been a logical portfolio diversifier. And again for me, it is providing the added bonus of an insurance policy in the unchartered political and economic times we live in.

Mark
by markes
Mon Nov 23, 2009 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold
Replies: 92
Views: 14917

Gold not an investment?

To Quote Nisiprius "But do not kid yourself that it has anything to do with investing". Gold/silver and Precious Metals Stock funds have been part of my, if Nisiprius will indulge me for a moment, "investment portfolio" for 22 years. I just sold 2% of my position for re-balancing purposes. (My PM portfolio percentage generally ranges from 8 to 12 percent). I'm sure pleased in the vital role it has played in my modest investing success. In particular, over the last 10 years, I am grateful for gold bullions 300 plus percent increase. What a magnificent contrarian diversifer to my stock mutual funds which have been rather flat for a decade. Plus as an added bonus, in these rather chaotic economic times ...it also acts as pr...
by markes
Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gold
Replies: 73
Views: 10315

Exhibits A thru Z

I want to thank some of the contributors to this post that have been so generous in helping me illustrate my previous point. May I add "ignorant stereotyping" to those who have continued to mock and ridicule anyone who would have the audacity to create an asset allocation plan different than their own. I must say...for some of you, you wear your insecurities very, very well.

Mark
by markes
Sun Nov 08, 2009 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gold
Replies: 73
Views: 10315

hmmmmm....

Well, if sarcasm and cynicism are the foundation blocks of debate....I believe
I've stumbled upon the greatest collection of writers and orators since Lincoln-Douglas. I would imagine that at least in some cases, mocking and ridiculing investment strategies of other Boglehead contributors could possibly be considered simply an effort to mask ones own insecurities and investment failings.

Mark
by markes
Sat Oct 31, 2009 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is gold more than 5% of your portfolio? 10%?
Replies: 44
Views: 7503

I have 10 percent of my portfolio in a combination of semi-numismatic gold and silver...and precious metal/mining stock mutual funds. I have maintained this percentage position for over 22 years. For me, it acts as an insurance policy for off the grid political and economic uncertainty. It also has provided the bonus of contrarian diversification. I consider it a vital part of my asset allocation plan.


Mark