Search found 145 matches

by Gary
Wed Mar 07, 2018 2:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Hold Only Short-Term Bonds?
Replies: 27
Views: 5819

Re: Hold Only Short-Term Bonds?

Like the original poster, I am a keep it simple kind of guy and I will be retiring in a few years. I too have a simple 50/50 portfolio and my bonds are all short-term.

I look at it this way. I keep most of my "risk" in stocks while bonds are the "stable" portion of my portfolio. If I ever decide I want to take
more risk (I doubt that would happen), then I would adjust to 55/45 or something but still stay with short-term bonds.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Rolex and The Boglehead
Replies: 273
Views: 23172

Re: The Rolex and The Boglehead

I have not been to to the Bogleheads board in awhile. I just checked in and what do I see? Another watch thread! 211 posts in three days. Why are people so passionate about this topic?

I have an IWC Mark Series watch and I love it. Please don't hate me!

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jan 07, 2016 2:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 667
Views: 59853

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

1478.99

Good luck everyone.

--Gary
by Gary
Fri Jan 02, 2015 10:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 557
Views: 57302

Re: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

1478.99

Good luck everyone.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: Which Happens First - DOW > 20,000 or DOW < 14,000?
Replies: 33
Views: 4625

Re: Poll: Which Happens First - DOW > 20,000 or DOW < 14,000

This poll is providing me an opportunity to use a predictive technique I've been working on involving lots of math and science stuff. I assure you that to describe would involve lots of big words -- many of which are three, four, or five syllables.

I am still tweaking this methodology (five syllables see?) but I can say with confidence that with yes/no questions it is 50% accurate.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jul 24, 2014 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll - Do you use Quicken?
Replies: 85
Views: 10123

Re: Poll - Do you use Quicken?

I've been using Quicken for over 20 years.

However, I'm considering dumping Quicken and going to Excel since the software cannot handle transactions over $100 million thus forcing me to artificially split my Vanguard Total Stock Market dividends into several transactions.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Mar 19, 2014 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone experienced problems with Honda V-6 VCM engines?
Replies: 43
Views: 71965

Re: Anyone experienced problems with Honda V-6 VCM engines?

However, two weeks ago the engine had a fouled spark plug caused by oil leaking into one of the cylinders. There was a factory notice on this and Honda fixed it free of charge. The solution was to replace four piston rings for the variable cylinders. Gary, if you don't mind, how many miles are on your Accord? I'm concerned the VCM problem is really going to cast a pall over resale prices in the used car market. Like the automatic transmission problem, once the class action was in place, Honda serviced the original buyer fairly well, but many used buyers took it on the chin. The class action remedy is only good for 8 years after original purchase. My Accord has 96,000 miles on it. I also had a fouled spark plug two years ago at around 60,00...
by Gary
Wed Mar 19, 2014 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone experienced problems with Honda V-6 VCM engines?
Replies: 43
Views: 71965

Re: Anyone experienced problems with Honda V-6 VCM engines?

I own a 2008 Accord with a V6 engine and I’ve been very happy with it. I really haven’t encountered any abnormal noises, vibrations, or shudders. Oil consumption has been normal. Gas mileage is okay, but not great.

However, two weeks ago the engine had a fouled spark plug caused by oil leaking into one of the cylinders. There was a factory notice on this and Honda fixed it free of charge. The solution was to replace four piston rings for the variable cylinders.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jan 02, 2014 7:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 537
Views: 43641

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

1478.99

Good luck everyone.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Sep 19, 2013 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PenFed Visa card for Gas program changing, now with a fee.
Replies: 132
Views: 143151

Re: PenFed Visa card for Gas program changing, now with a fe

I received the following email from Pentagon Federal yesterday Dear XXXX XXXX, You recently received a change in terms notification from PenFed informing you about an annual fee, which would be assessed to you as well as a change to your rewards earning structure. After further evaluation of the qualifying criteria, we have decided to expand the qualifying products to include: • Thrifty Credit Service • Personal Line of Credit • Education Line of Credit • Money Market Savings Accounts As a result, your card features are as follows: Gas Purchases at the Pump 5% cash back All other purchases 0% cash back Annual Fee None Foreign Transaction Fee None Thank you for your membership and we apologize for any inconvenience. I checked the website, th...
by Gary
Sat Jan 05, 2013 5:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2013 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 481
Views: 37369

Re: 2013 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

1478.99

Good luck everyone!
by Gary
Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GasBuddy.com
Replies: 26
Views: 8799

Re: GasBuddy.com

The GasBuddy Iphone & Ipad apps are really useful. I use them all the time.

Finding the cheapest gas in your area is something that should appeal to all Bogleheads.

Highly recommended.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: Cell phones breaking budgets!
Replies: 106
Views: 13827

Re: Cell phones breaking budgets!

Long time reader....first time poster......You all have inspired me to finally register and write in based on how well you are all saving from the cell phone / electronic creep that is crazily invading Question....I am in the Philadelphia area and the bundling of internet plus phone is ridiculous to the point the price isvirtually the same (Verizon and Comcast are options).. I pay about 100 for internet and phone -- any suggestions or things I need to say or do? Also, someone mentioned Consumer Cellular --- we have two Iphones one a 3 g and a 3GS (both ATT) --- would consumer cellular allow us to to use those phones and switch to them (presume we would still need their sims) Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions The short answer is...
by Gary
Tue Oct 02, 2012 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REPORT --3rd Quarter 2012
Replies: 8
Views: 937

Re: BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REPORT --3rd Quarter 2012

I’m 67th. That is the highest I’ve ever been.

I want to thank my agent, my chauffeur, and all of the little people who’ve helped my along the way. But most of all, I want to thank Justin Bieber for proving that talent is not needed to succeed.

--Gary
by Gary
Sun Apr 15, 2012 5:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 25 dollar survey
Replies: 27
Views: 5588

Re: Vanguard 25 dollar survey

Cosmo wrote:Who is paying for the $25 survey bonus?
It is ultimately customers like us who are paying for this thing. I hope it's worth it!

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Apr 11, 2012 8:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard 25 dollar survey
Replies: 27
Views: 5588

Vanguard 25 dollar survey

Has anyone else received an email from Vanguard about an online survey? It took about 15 minutes to fill out the first part. That section contained the usual questions about my investments, what financial websites I visit, and so forth. Then, because of the answers I gave, the survey went into overdrive. A screen came up that said Vanguard would send me $25 to continue with the next set of questions. OH YEAH! I could buy half a tank of gas with 25 smackers or maybe buy a good steak dinner. BRING IT ON! The second section contained an extensive set of questions about mobile computing in general and specifically the Vanguard iPad application. In the first part of the survey, I said that I downloaded that app. I don’t run it. I don’t see the p...
by Gary
Tue Feb 07, 2012 5:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Poll: February 4, 2012 Peak High?
Replies: 47
Views: 5027

Re: Poll: February 4, 2012 Peak High?

You guys are guessing. My forecast method is scientific. I brought up a chart of the S&P 500 on my IPAD and placed a ruler on the surface to determine the trend. It points upward. I then did the same thing for the DOW, the Wilshire 5000, and the Russell 2000. They are going up too. We, in the stock prognostication business call that a confirmation!

Stocks have inertia just like physical stuff. This is indisputable science.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Blade Runner" Asking your Opinion
Replies: 104
Views: 8209

Re: "Blade Runner" Asking your Opinion

This thread has convinced me to buy the 5-disc Blu-ray Collector's set edition of Blade Runner.

Did you know that there are 4 different versions of this movie: Theatrical, Director's cut, Final cut, and International? I didn't know that until I visited Amazon.com. Maybe one day someone will recut the movie yet again and insert a scene with Harrison Ford walking thru an X-ray machine at the spaceport revealing his mechanical interior. Thus the Replicant question would be resolved once and for all.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dennis Ritchie, the father of "C" language, died
Replies: 26
Views: 2552

Re: Dennis Ritchie, the father of "C" language, died

Just like the C language itself, the “K&R C Programming” book is a masterpiece of conciseness. My dog-eared and scotch-taped first edition copy is only 228 pages long --- and that includes the index. Sitting next to it on my bookshelf is a typical C++ book. It weighs in at 968 pages and is not nearly as good.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Aug 30, 2011 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: (Watch) band for an IWC Pilot's Watch
Replies: 14
Views: 4408

XtremeSki2001 wrote:Any of you guys own the IWC Top Gun? I've always loved that watch, but not sure what kind of reception it gets from the classic IWC crowd ...
The Top Gun is a beautiful watch but that ceramic case is an Achilles heel. From what I’ve read, it is extremely fragile and will crack easily with the simple wear and tear of normal use. IWC will charge around $4300 to fix a broken case.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Aug 30, 2011 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: (Watch) band for an IWC Pilot's Watch
Replies: 14
Views: 4408

For Gosh sakes, don't let anyone around here know what you paid for your watch! Did you know that a Timex keeps time just as well? I had no idea until I read it here.

Anyway...

I’ve owned an IWC Mark XII pilot’s watch for many years and I’m on my third wristband. I prefer the original IWC leather band. I can never find anything locally that fits the watch and looks as good. I’ve bought all of my replacement bands on eBay for around $50.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jul 28, 2011 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I build my own PC?
Replies: 47
Views: 5362

I've been building PCs for years, but then I'm a techie.

Read this arstechnica article. It will get you started.

Check out the parts list for their "budget box" or "hot rod". Those will give you a start on what you may need.

Hope this helps.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is anyone an economics professor/teacher in this forum?
Replies: 83
Views: 7830

I think the question 2 is good. It requires the student to understand basic principles of supply and demand and work out the answer. Sure there are assumptions. There are always assumptions. I’m not an economist, so let me offer an analogy from a another discipline. When introductory physics courses ask questions about dropping iron balls from a height (When will it land? How fast will it travel when it hits the ground, etc), unless specified, the student is normally not required to take into account differences in air density at different heights, wind, or the rotation of the earth. Those would be for advanced courses. For an introductory course, it is sufficient for them to think logically using the simple equations in Chapter 1 of “Intro...
by Gary
Wed Jun 29, 2011 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is anyone an economics professor/teacher in this forum?
Replies: 83
Views: 7830

The answer to question 2 is: “a. the supply of corn to increase”. That is the answer that the test maker is going for. Cheap fertilizer will tend to increase the supply of corn, all other factors being equal.

In order to pass tests like this, one must not over-think them. Whether or not the student is learning anything except how to take multiple choice tests is another question altogether.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jun 23, 2011 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Virus came on my computer---how do I avoid repeat?
Replies: 49
Views: 6030

Re: Virus came on my computer---how do I avoid repeat?

greetje wrote:How the heck do these things come onto a computer anyway? I open only a few attachments in my e mails and no longer am on facebook
Are you the only one using this PC? It’s not uncommon for computer-illiterate spouses and children to click on all sorts of things.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Jun 21, 2011 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shopping for watches
Replies: 104
Views: 12613

By the way, it’s been a week since the original poster started this thread and he hasn’t been seen since.

I guess he’s a Timex man after all.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Jun 21, 2011 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shopping for watches
Replies: 104
Views: 12613

Re: My Rolex story

nhdblfan wrote:You might also enjoy this story about Rolex sending watches-to be paid for at a later date- after the war,to POW's in German prison camps.One of the many reason why I will always wear a Rolex.

http://www.timezone.com/library/extras/200704246126
What a great story. Thanks for the link.

I had never heard of this before. Rolex offered captured British officers watches that they would pay for when and if they were ever released. The company was relying on the mere word of these gentlemen that they would be repaid.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Jun 09, 2011 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: But aren't these extraordinary times...
Replies: 61
Views: 7608

Robert Matlock wrote:Yes, I'm asking to be convinced that following the bogleheads strategy (which I basically agree with but am wavering) I won't lose 10+% in the coming quarter and then wait 3 years to make it back.
Robert:

That could happen during any time period, not just NOW. Be careful, logic like this can stop you from doing anything with your investments.

--Gary
by Gary
Mon May 23, 2011 2:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTimes: The Dave Ramsey 12% solution
Replies: 86
Views: 15477

I just took Dave's Investment quiz. Well I got 9 out of 10 correct. Here's the one I missed: Dave Says: 3. Is a loaded fund better than a no-load fund? irrelevant drivel snipped... But keep in mind one of the main weaknesses of a no load mutual fund is that you usually have the ability to make major changes (transferring funds, withdrawals, etc.) without having to talk to your financial planner first. The result is that many investors jump out of good funds during bad times. This turns into buying high and selling low, a bad plan. A good financial planner will slow you down, remind you of your long term goals, and give you the confidence to weather bad markets. Now that's a great reason to pay an 8% upfront load! This "slowing down the...
by Gary
Tue May 03, 2011 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you organize your pockets?
Replies: 106
Views: 14491

Since I bought the world's thinnest wallet a few months ago, I am able to keep my wallet and my cell phone in my right front pocket. Keys go in my left.

I heard about this wallet on the Clark Howard Show. It's great!

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Apr 26, 2011 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Noise in the ATTIC gone?
Replies: 18
Views: 3039

Cody:

I’ve been following the original thread since the beginning. You presented quite a mystery! I was fascinated by the possible causes and innovative solutions presented on this board.

However, I wish we had a final answer on what the root cause was.

I guess this story is like one of those Japanese movies that end without a definite resolution…

--Gary
by Gary
Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2011 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 374
Views: 43985

1478.99

The same number I've used every year (except one).

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Dec 28, 2010 12:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My new position
Replies: 7
Views: 2994

Congrats Czilla9000!

ME: Hello, my name is Gary and I wrote for the Motley Fool during the ‘90s.

Crowd: Hello Gary

Me: Yes, brothers and sisters, I was proud of the opportunity that this presented.

Crowd: Tell it brother!

Me: Apparently, even the Fools have standards, I didn't last a month. Soon I gave up my Foolish ways and shortly thereafter I became a Boglehead. Glory Hallelujah.

Crowd: Amen.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Nov 18, 2010 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: iPad
Replies: 5
Views: 1497

Calum wrote:If you open a PDF directly in Safari it just opens it in Safari's built-in pdf reader (which is decent), but I don't think there's a way to directly save it to iBooks for offline reading.
You can't save PDFs directly from Safari but you can get around having to use iTunes by emailing them -- as long as the PDFs aren't huge. The Ipad email app has an option to save PDFs to iBooks.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using PC as a DVR
Replies: 33
Views: 5304

Since you already are running Windows XP, you can buy SageTV ($79.95) software and a Hauppauge video card ($53.99) and you are in business. I’ve been running this setup for years. One advantage of SageTV over Windows Media Center is that it has a Tivo-like intelligent recording feature.

I also use a Logitech air mouse for a remote control but that's optional.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Oct 21, 2010 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Remington 700 bolt action rifle
Replies: 27
Views: 5214

by Gary
Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Credit Report
Replies: 14
Views: 3152

Although credit scores are not free, you can get a free credit report from http://www.annualcreditreport.com with absolutely no strings attached.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Oct 12, 2010 12:17 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Has anyone ever gotten banned>?
Replies: 55
Views: 11632

segfault wrote:I can't help but wonder whether he's tried to register here, at a forum that was specifically created to avoid his presence...
Yes he did try that once. He created a post that was up for about an hour before it was removed. I remember this clearly because myself and another poster responded with something like "Hey, that's H*O*C*U*S".

To my knowledge that was the only post I've ever created that was removed by the admins. I completely agree with that decision! Remove all traces.

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Sep 28, 2010 3:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard REIT index fund?
Replies: 33
Views: 8496

10% of my 60/40 portfolio is in the Vanguard REIT fund.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Sep 23, 2010 12:46 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Has anyone ever gotten banned>?
Replies: 55
Views: 11632

fishndoc wrote:He-who-must-not-be-named, H*O*C*U*S
Now you’ve done it. You have broken the taboo. By merely eluding to the existence “he who must not be named”, you may very well have initiated uhh… something. I don’t know what exactly you may have done, but it’s bad I tell ya. Bad.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Sep 15, 2010 9:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: gold hits all time high, silver hot too
Replies: 44
Views: 5565

etienne1 wrote: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.
There are also unprominent posters like myself who have very little influence on this board that also ridicule gold.

This thread reminds me of the little pig on the GEICO commercials sticking his head out of the car window while holding the pinwheels in his little hands.

WHHEEEEEEEEE! WHEEEE, WHEEEE, WHEEEEEEEEEEE!

--Gary
by Gary
Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Jacksonville, FL
Replies: 22
Views: 3996

Yes, this town is really spread out. I put 85 miles on my odometer yesterday travelling around town -- and never left the city limits.

The weather is great. It hasn’t snowed in Jacksonville since 1988 and the last hurricane we had was Dora in 1964.

If you want waterfront with a dock, be sure to check out some of the areas south of town along the St. Johns River like Fruit Cove, Switzerland, and Green Cove Springs. You might also consider St. Augustine. That’s just a stone’s throw away.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: RIP, Mars Exploration Rover Spirit :(
Replies: 48
Views: 6535

Do not be sad for Spirit. One day, I don’t know when, man will take his first steps on Mars and one day man will colonize that planet. We will do this because we are human. That is what we do.

Spirit has another destiny. One day he will be picked up, dusted off, and placed in a museum under bright lights in a magnificent glass case. To those colonists of the future, he will be like the “Spirit of St. Louis”, or a piece of the Mayflower, or even the Liberty Bell. Parents will bring their children: “What’s that Mommy?” “Why, that’s Spirit.”

Maybe. Just maybe.

--Gary
by Gary
Mon Aug 02, 2010 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Is Your Favorite Soup?
Replies: 107
Views: 13403

Munchkin Man wrote:It is a question which the Munchkin Man has answered many times before,
Just accept MM for what he is. I for one enjoy his posts -- third person or not.

--Gary
by Gary
Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Munchkin Man Portfolio
Replies: 72
Views: 22979

Gary is happy to see that the Munchkin Man has a conservative portfolio and has largely abandoned penny stocks. However, Gary would be even happier if the Munchkin Man would sell the remaining three and make a clean break. He is concerned that the Munchkin Man is clinging to the forlorn hope that these penny stocks will come back one day. Gary doesn’t think they will. Gary also thinks the Munchkin Man could end up holding too many mutual funds. Unless the Munchkin Man is careful, they can interfere with each other. If one fund sells IBM while another buys it, the Munchkin has paid a transaction fee for nothing. Peter Lynch calls this “diworsification”. Gary doesn’t follow Peter Lynch’s investing philosophy but he likes that word. It’s like ...
by Gary
Mon May 31, 2010 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Memorial Day
Replies: 34
Views: 4955

Here's a great video. An American WWII veteran visiting Normandy France receives a letter of thanks from a French stranger.

A visit to Normandy

--Gary
by Gary
Thu May 06, 2010 2:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WOW - The Dow is Crashing - down 900 points so far today!
Replies: 222
Views: 32158

30 posts in 20 minutes!

For a few minutes there, I thought I was at the Motley Fool.

--Gary
by Gary
Thu Mar 18, 2010 5:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "vanguarding"??!?
Replies: 93
Views: 15147

Christine_NM wrote:I would like to see the water glasses back. They were kinda zen in a miserable economic time.
Oh no. I just checked. They DID take away the water glasses! The site just doesn't look the same.

The term "vanguarding" initially sounded silly to me. But as I think more about it, I'm not a marketer. Many of the campaigns that the marketing guys down the hall at the company I work for seem absolutely nutty to me -- and yet they work.

All I can do, is just scratch my head at how the marketing/advertising world works.

--Gary