Search found 193 matches
- Sat May 28, 2011 10:16 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: discover card rewards points
- Replies: 46
- Views: 16121
- Mon May 23, 2011 1:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Visiting Saint Louis
- Replies: 42
- Views: 7882
I just took my young family to St Louis for a long weekend. I was favorably impressed with the wide variety of things for families to do, and more importantly with the friendliness of the people. We ate at a very upscale Italian restaurant on the Hill, and the staff could not have been any more accommodating of our family ( four children under the age of 10). The people at the hotel (Hampton Inn on south I-55), were very gracious as well. The staff at the science museum, zoo, city museum were all very pleasant as well. We will definitely be back. A gracious and civil populace goes a long way torward making a visit enjoyable.
Regarding the crime, I really didn't feel uneasy because it is localized to the bad neighborhoods.
Regarding the crime, I really didn't feel uneasy because it is localized to the bad neighborhoods.
- Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:26 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Anyone invest in renting farmland?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 10820
- Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:20 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Anyone invest in renting farmland?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 10820
I can provide a first hand perspective on the dramatic run up in farmland prices. I had the opportunity to bid on a 240 acre farm in 2005 that was enrolled in the CRP program at the time, but was in the last year of it's CRP contract so could be farmed in 2006. It was a good farm with a corn suitability rating of 74 (CSR). It sold for $2,400 per acre. Cash rents at the time were $120 per acre. Farms in the area now sell for $120/CSR point, so this farm would now be worth $8,880 per acre. More importantly I would be netting $84,000 per year under a modified custom farming arrangement. If I were farming the ground myself full time I would have netted close to $150,000 last year. This speaks to the fact that farmland is going up because of his...
- Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: traveling to rio de janeiro with kids 6 and 8
- Replies: 42
- Views: 7753
I should also update my opinion of Argentina. Violent heinous crime is a very real possibility. We had a great time and will go again, but I caution all travelers to stay within the core neighborhoods of Buenos Aires (Palermo, Recoletta, the Capitol District, even San Telmo). Do not go into the "suburbs" of Buenos Aires where the majority of portenos live. You will be the victim of a violent crime if you naively go strolling through these areas as a tourist.
- Thu Mar 17, 2011 11:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: traveling to rio de janeiro with kids 6 and 8
- Replies: 42
- Views: 7753
Hi LH,
I am curious, where did you decide to take your kids on vacation?
I salute your adventurous travel spirit. I have a similar attitude toward traveling with kids. I feel I am encouraging my young children to embrace foreign languages and develop global ambitions by taking them to non traditional destinations like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and eastern Europe.
Of course I never take safety for granted, but I have a competitive advantage over gangsters and the common street thugs in these countries.
Regards, Sebastian
I am curious, where did you decide to take your kids on vacation?
I salute your adventurous travel spirit. I have a similar attitude toward traveling with kids. I feel I am encouraging my young children to embrace foreign languages and develop global ambitions by taking them to non traditional destinations like Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and eastern Europe.
Of course I never take safety for granted, but I have a competitive advantage over gangsters and the common street thugs in these countries.
Regards, Sebastian
- Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Deleted
- Replies: 70
- Views: 12897
- Thu Feb 17, 2011 1:17 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your worst investing mistake
- Replies: 108
- Views: 20181
You guys are rank amateurs.
I paid 700 K in 2006 for a home that is now worth 550K if I am willing to wait 180 days to sell it.
I realize this isn't really an investment mistake (I never deluded myself into thinking of residential real estate as an investment), but the JDS Uniphase and Worldcom mistakes I made in 1999 thru 2001 had trivial monetary losses compared to my consumer purchase mistakes.
I paid 700 K in 2006 for a home that is now worth 550K if I am willing to wait 180 days to sell it.
I realize this isn't really an investment mistake (I never deluded myself into thinking of residential real estate as an investment), but the JDS Uniphase and Worldcom mistakes I made in 1999 thru 2001 had trivial monetary losses compared to my consumer purchase mistakes.
- Sun Feb 13, 2011 6:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Seeking advice on buying farm land in MN/WI
- Replies: 42
- Views: 8393
Hi Midwest 85, The big question is how long will ethanol be in the government's good graces. Ethanol consumes 30% of the US corn crop right now. Without the ethanol market, corn would still be at historical highs, but not at $6.80 per bushel for cash prices at the local elevator. The $10,000 per acre ground you are looking at around the southern Minnesota area (I have not looked in the area but it should be very similar to where I am at) will yield 250 bushels per acre on corn, and should cash rent for $300-350 per acre. The guy who is renting it grossed (250 bushels X $5.5) $1,375 per acre and netted $575 per acre after $450 in inputs and $350 in cash rent. So, if you have the background you are better off custom farming, that is serving a...
- Fri Feb 11, 2011 2:29 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Any Very High Quality Short/Limited Term Muni Funds?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2632
Hi Hedgy,
Keep in mind Larry Swedroe's comment in another thread that credit risk in the muni market was rewarded on the short end of the yield curve. He mentioned an academic paper that looked at the issue. I am not an expert and am paraphrasing his quote.
I share your concerns regarding the high percentage of single A bonds in VMLUX, but I sleep at night knowing that the duration of the fund is only 2.4 years. I also believe Willam Bernstien recommended VMLUX in "Investors Manifesto". I will look again tonight at my copy, perhaps my memory is inaccurate.
Regards
Keep in mind Larry Swedroe's comment in another thread that credit risk in the muni market was rewarded on the short end of the yield curve. He mentioned an academic paper that looked at the issue. I am not an expert and am paraphrasing his quote.
I share your concerns regarding the high percentage of single A bonds in VMLUX, but I sleep at night knowing that the duration of the fund is only 2.4 years. I also believe Willam Bernstien recommended VMLUX in "Investors Manifesto". I will look again tonight at my copy, perhaps my memory is inaccurate.
Regards
- Fri Feb 04, 2011 1:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is it ever really neccessary to invest in taxable accounts?
- Replies: 75
- Views: 11441
Blue7,
I still apply the boglehead principles of locating assets according to tax efficiency. I max out my qualified plan every year, and hold most of my bonds there and tax inefficient equities like international small value and emerging market value. Because of limited qualified space I do have to hold Muni bonds.
I still apply the boglehead principles of locating assets according to tax efficiency. I max out my qualified plan every year, and hold most of my bonds there and tax inefficient equities like international small value and emerging market value. Because of limited qualified space I do have to hold Muni bonds.
- Thu Feb 03, 2011 7:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Is it ever really neccessary to invest in taxable accounts?
- Replies: 75
- Views: 11441
- Mon Jan 31, 2011 4:16 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DFA Funds
- Replies: 125
- Views: 52019
- Sun Jan 30, 2011 8:49 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DFA Funds
- Replies: 125
- Views: 52019
- Sun Jan 30, 2011 6:02 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DFA Funds
- Replies: 125
- Views: 52019
Larry, what is your best estimate as to the size and value factor loads for DFA's International Vector fund ? I have been under the impression that they were .4/.4. Multifactor Advisor's figures state a very low value load of .08. I own this in my taxable account along with TA World ex-USA Core 2 for my international exposure. If the value load is really so small I will need to change back to International small value.
Thank you.
Thank you.
- Wed Nov 24, 2010 12:38 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Deleted
- Replies: 98
- Views: 12703
50% non-irrigated corn/soybean ground 32% equities (65:35 USA:international, .4 small, .4 value tilt) 18% fixed income. Target fixed income is zero, but was unable to find more farmland at an attractive price. Of the current fixed income: 34% 4 year CD's at 3.2% 36% DFA short term bond funds at below 1% current yield 16% Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax Exempt, purchased one year ago with SEC yield of 3.2 at the time. 14% cash getting .6% with local bank. I could justify holding longer duration fixed income vehicles because the biggest risk to my farmland investment is severe deflation. I am resisting this temptation because I still hold onto the hope of acquiring either another farm or equities at firesale prices. I will keep my fixed income...
- Mon Nov 22, 2010 7:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Relocation from Twin Cities, MN to Tampa, FL
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3675
My perception is based on the cumulative anecdotes I hear from my retired parents peer group in SW coastal Florida. Their peer group consists of retired rust belt snowbirds which includes a veterinarian, dentists, small business owners, farmers, CPA's and several lawyers. Their aggregate impression is that many white collar people in SW Florida want to live the "good life" of the professional class without actually expending the effort. This is one random poster on the internet's opinion. The OP should spend a full year in a Florida rental before his children reach school age. This sounds feasible since you are a telecommuter. You will then be able to evaluate the quality of your children's future peer group for yourself. Enjoy yo...
- Mon Nov 22, 2010 6:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Relocation from Twin Cities, MN to Tampa, FL
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3675
Hi Avgjoe, With young kids I would be leery of moving to Florida. Good public schools are few and far between (I do have one positive anectode from a friend who was law review at a tier one school and had positive things to say about the public HS he attended for two years in Gainsville.) It is a very service oriented economy centered around selling thier sunshine. The academic bar isn't set very high when most of the jobs are waiting tables, taking tickets at an amusement park, landscaping, or selling real estate. The Minnesota economy demands well educated graduates. 3M and Medtronic dont locate in Minnesota because of the weather and taxes. Those companies were founded by Minnesota public school graduates who expect similiarly well educa...
- Mon Nov 08, 2010 4:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Thinking about moving to St Petersburg, Florida
- Replies: 39
- Views: 11957
Hi Flashes1,
I would appreciate it if you would bite your tongue regarding the Boca Grande area until I can complete my search for a distressed property there. It is a myth that this area is quiet and peaceful. People should search the Naples area. Or better yet, go to the east coast of Florida, all the snowbirding east coast residents from New York and New Jersey bring their sophisticated charm to the area.
I would appreciate it if you would bite your tongue regarding the Boca Grande area until I can complete my search for a distressed property there. It is a myth that this area is quiet and peaceful. People should search the Naples area. Or better yet, go to the east coast of Florida, all the snowbirding east coast residents from New York and New Jersey bring their sophisticated charm to the area.
- Thu Oct 28, 2010 9:40 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BCS Picks
- Replies: 836
- Views: 109145
- Sat Oct 23, 2010 9:51 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
Hi happymob, What are the returns on a cash investment in Kansas dryland farms for both custom farming and cash rent situations? Buying ground here at current prices will produce 7% returns on cash for a custom farming situation, 3.5% for a no hassle cash rent arrangement. The custom farming figures are based on a lot of iffy variables: 200 bushel corn ( not too iffy in an area with 30'plus inches of timely annual rain), continued $5.5o corn ( far from certain this will continue ), constant input costs( guaranteed to go up, in particular seed). I would expect dryland farms near the 100th meridian to have a custom farm return of upwards of 15% because it is such a high risk long term proposition with unreliable rainfall and an aquifer that i...
- Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:30 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
I have not seen any comments yet on the USDA crop forecast on 10/8//10. Corn yields were projected to be far less than originally forecasted, resulting in a dramatic run up in corn and soybean prices. What was remarkable to me was the rapidity with which the farmland market in my area responded. We purchased a farm with a CSR of 83 for $4000 per acre in early 2008. One day after the 10/8/10 USDA crop report, two farms within several miles of our aforementioned purchase sold for $9000 and $10000 per acre respectively. They had similiar CSR's.
These are historic times. I guess I will start looking further west for farmland or just park the money I had intended to spend on another farm in CDs.
These are historic times. I guess I will start looking further west for farmland or just park the money I had intended to spend on another farm in CDs.
- Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:04 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do you count timber land/ farm land as Reit.
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2395
- Fri Sep 03, 2010 4:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Are all calories the same?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 6073
- Wed Jun 23, 2010 7:36 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
- Wed Jun 23, 2010 2:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
[Dan Moroboshi wrote: I took the liberty of resurrecting this thread, because of an article I read in the Wall Street Journal over the weekend, "Cash Crops: Buying Farmland for Income" http://online.wsj.com/article/....nalfinance Quote: Investors nervous about the stock market and in search of better returns than a money-market fund might consider plowing cash into farmland, say some financial planners. By acquiring and renting out high-quality acreage, investors can book a 3% to 5% annual return from rental income and, over time, might rack up an additional 5% or so per year in appreciation, says R. Dennis Moon, managing director of specialty asset management at U.S. Trust, a unit of Bank of America Corp. Farmland investing doesn...
- Wed Jun 23, 2010 1:51 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
Edm,
All of my farmland is held outside of tax sheltered vehicles. Farms are not tax efficient investments, so I would be interested in purchasing my next farm with funds from my self directed pension. I will of course consult my attorney on this matter, but any words of wisdom you would care to give me would be appreciated.
Regards, Sebastian
All of my farmland is held outside of tax sheltered vehicles. Farms are not tax efficient investments, so I would be interested in purchasing my next farm with funds from my self directed pension. I will of course consult my attorney on this matter, but any words of wisdom you would care to give me would be appreciated.
Regards, Sebastian
- Sun Jun 20, 2010 9:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: To lose your life's savings, in every investment, lose lose
- Replies: 51
- Views: 10398
Mak, Don't beat yourself up. Regarding your thoughts that you were greedy, I would disagree since you did pay cash for the homes in Vegas. I would have agreed with the greedy description if you had utilized leverage. I was a client of Rick Ferri's Portfolio Solutions firm. I can not say enough good things about him and Scott Salaske. They were readily available on the phone to discuss my portfolio. They were always professional. Their record keeping was outstanding and a tremendous help at tax time. They were diligent tax loss harvestors in my taxable account, and paid for their .25% AUM charge with this service alone. I left for reasons that were only relevant to about 8% of my portfolio( I would have rather avoided High Yield Corporate an...
- Sat Jun 19, 2010 8:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Australian Great Barrier Reef with children
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1582
ProfH,
Heron Island looks like a great option. It will offer a great amount of flexibility in planning a trip with children, since it looks as if there is a wide variety of activities to suit everyone. Thank you. Their web site had trouble quoting me a price for a party of five, so I will call them.
Regards, Sebastian
Heron Island looks like a great option. It will offer a great amount of flexibility in planning a trip with children, since it looks as if there is a wide variety of activities to suit everyone. Thank you. Their web site had trouble quoting me a price for a party of five, so I will call them.
Regards, Sebastian
- Sat Jun 19, 2010 5:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Australian Great Barrier Reef with children
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1582
Australian Great Barrier Reef with children
Planning a 4 week trip to New Zealand/Australia with my wife and three children (5,6,10 years of age). Only goal in Australia is to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Anticipate spending at most 1 week in Australia, with the remainder of the time in New Zealand. Air travel days are not deducting from our allotted 4 weeks . My wife and I as well as our 10 year old daughter intend to obtain scuba certification prior to the trip.
Does anyone have experience with diving on the Great Barrier Reef? Any recommendations on outfitters/diving specific lodging would be appreciated. Is the diving too advanced for beginners?
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
Does anyone have experience with diving on the Great Barrier Reef? Any recommendations on outfitters/diving specific lodging would be appreciated. Is the diving too advanced for beginners?
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
- Sun Jun 13, 2010 9:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: WSJ in decline?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 5145
- Fri Jun 11, 2010 2:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Most tax-friendly states for high income families?
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3507
Forget all the nonsense about " it's complicated and a lot of lifestyle factors are involved". Any new graduate with an ounce of financial sense will look only at practice opportunities in Texas. For most physicians the cost of a move once you are established is very expensive, so make your initial decision very carefully. I didn't, and paid 40 K in state income taxes and property taxes last year. My home in Dallas or San Antonio would cost about 300K. The only financial positive to my choice of practice locations was that it exposed me to one of the best(? If not the best?) asset classes over the past decade: non irrigated high quality row crop farmland. My net worth would be 50% less now were it not for this lucky circumstance. ...
- Sat Jun 05, 2010 10:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Seattle seafood suggestions
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1140
- Sat Jun 05, 2010 7:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Seattle seafood suggestions
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1140
Seattle seafood suggestions
Hi,
I am looking for suggestions for seafood dining in Seattle. I am dressed casually having just returned from a hunting trip, and will be in Seattle one night. I love raw oysters, king crab, and all kinds of fish. Casual will be the key, as I packed only clothes appropriate for a hunting trip.
Regards, Sebastian
I am looking for suggestions for seafood dining in Seattle. I am dressed casually having just returned from a hunting trip, and will be in Seattle one night. I love raw oysters, king crab, and all kinds of fish. Casual will be the key, as I packed only clothes appropriate for a hunting trip.
Regards, Sebastian
- Sat May 15, 2010 10:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
Try calling the ag economics department at Iowa State, U. of
Missouri, U of Nebraska. At Iowa State, the name that comes
to mind is Dr. Neal Harl. I am not certain he can answer your question directly, but he will be able to direct you to the right people. Dr Harl writes frequently in Wallaces Farmer, ( I am pulling his name
from my memory, it is possible I am close but not precise)
Regards, Sebastian
Missouri, U of Nebraska. At Iowa State, the name that comes
to mind is Dr. Neal Harl. I am not certain he can answer your question directly, but he will be able to direct you to the right people. Dr Harl writes frequently in Wallaces Farmer, ( I am pulling his name
from my memory, it is possible I am close but not precise)
Regards, Sebastian
- Tue May 11, 2010 8:58 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Farmland as a practical alt investment for the individual
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32988
Farm Credit Services of America monitors real estate value trends through semi-annual appraisals of 67 agricultural farms located throughout the four states they serve. Their appraisal team updates benchmark farm values based on recent real estate sales on January 1st and July 1st each year. The following summary is based on data from January 1, 2010. The average change in benchmark farm values is shown below. The number of benchmark farms is shown in parenthesis after each state. SIX MO ONE YR FIVE YR TEN YR IOWA (21) 2.3% -1.0% 59.9% 139.1% NEBRASKA (20) 5.8% 7.5% 71.8% 113.8% SOUTH DAKOTA (23) 1.6% 3.3% 76.4% 231.1% WYOMING (3) -2.0% -5.4% 33.2% 103.2% My thoughts. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. I don't buy farms wit...
- Fri May 07, 2010 11:29 am
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Valuethinker
I agree that the strength of human connections is most important in determing happiness. That is why I endure the very high property taxes and state income taxes I currently pay. Although I occasionly say to my wife ( and once in a post on Bogleheads) "that is it, I've had it with the taxes, we are moving to Texas" when push comes to shove I can't separate myself from my close friends and excellent professional colleagues.
Sincerely, Sebastian
I agree that the strength of human connections is most important in determing happiness. That is why I endure the very high property taxes and state income taxes I currently pay. Although I occasionly say to my wife ( and once in a post on Bogleheads) "that is it, I've had it with the taxes, we are moving to Texas" when push comes to shove I can't separate myself from my close friends and excellent professional colleagues.
Sincerely, Sebastian
- Fri May 07, 2010 11:07 am
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Sorry, I am typing on my iPhone and it is difficult to edit properly.
I meant to finish the above post by stating that because of the safety and strenghth of my local area I view it as extremely unlikely that I will ever need to utilize my "insurance".I Am certainly not changing my core holdngs in farmland and equities based on some belief that collapse in the USA is imminent.
So the issue is, what is the most economical way to purchase my "insurance" given that I plan to visit NZ repeatedly in the future for liesure. Should it be liquid savings denominated in NZ currency and held in NZ, or residential property that I rent out in my absence.
Sincerely, Sebastian
I meant to finish the above post by stating that because of the safety and strenghth of my local area I view it as extremely unlikely that I will ever need to utilize my "insurance".I Am certainly not changing my core holdngs in farmland and equities based on some belief that collapse in the USA is imminent.
So the issue is, what is the most economical way to purchase my "insurance" given that I plan to visit NZ repeatedly in the future for liesure. Should it be liquid savings denominated in NZ currency and held in NZ, or residential property that I rent out in my absence.
Sincerely, Sebastian
- Fri May 07, 2010 10:57 am
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Hi Valuethinker, Thank you for your insights. Reading your posts should qualify for a college humanities credit. I should clarify my goals and position: I am 40 with three children. I am high net worth, but not ultra high net worth. I feel like 300,000 USD is the maximum I can afford to commit to a plan B without compromising my terminal wealth. The goal of my plan B is to provide insurance that I will have a safe location from which to start over in my field(medicine) if conditions in the USA ever become unstable and unsafe. I have chosen New Zealand because of their history of stability, rule of law, they share my native language, and have a well deserved reputation for being uncorrupt. I felt the "insurance" would be most cost ...
- Thu May 06, 2010 11:24 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
- Wed May 05, 2010 10:03 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Hi Lon,
Thank you for the insight. How big is Nelson? Are there many hospitals there? What is the main drawback to Auckland in your opinion?
In your opinion what are the three most common blunders that Americans make in purchasing residential real estate in New Zealand?
Do you keep any liquid investments in New Zealand?
Welcome back to the USA.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
Thank you for the insight. How big is Nelson? Are there many hospitals there? What is the main drawback to Auckland in your opinion?
In your opinion what are the three most common blunders that Americans make in purchasing residential real estate in New Zealand?
Do you keep any liquid investments in New Zealand?
Welcome back to the USA.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
- Wed May 05, 2010 9:55 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Mikenz and traineeinvestor,
Certainly, I agree, no country is perfect. I get the sense , however, that if the economies of the USA and New Zealand collapsed to a similiar degree, the veneer of humanity would prove to be more durable in New Zealand than the USA (especially metropolitan USA).
Thanks for all of your very useful insights, I greatly appreciate them.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
Certainly, I agree, no country is perfect. I get the sense , however, that if the economies of the USA and New Zealand collapsed to a similiar degree, the veneer of humanity would prove to be more durable in New Zealand than the USA (especially metropolitan USA).
Thanks for all of your very useful insights, I greatly appreciate them.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
- Tue May 04, 2010 10:54 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Hi Sylvester, I agree, holding a New Zealand account with a liquid investment in passive equities or short term guaranteed fixed income investments would be much less hassle than owning a residential property. I would, however, like to make siezure by the US government as difficult as possible, hence my preference for an illiquid asset like real estate. Don't interpret that to mean that I am trying to shelter the money from US taxes or that I won't report the ownership of the assets to the US Treasury as currently required by law. I fully intend to pay US taxes on the income these New Zealand assets produce. In the very, very remote chance the SHTF in the USA, however, I would be nervous that simple capricious siezure of assets could be a t...
- Tue May 04, 2010 1:37 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Hi buysider,You presented a very interesting anectdote. You are correct, I am not as paranoid as your friend nor do I have an ultra high net worth to indulge any paranoia to such an extent. The only bigger money pit than a home is a boat, and a motor boat capable of a trans pacific journey would be a high 6 low 7 figure investment. Would you be so kind as to forward the names of the legal firms that you referenced ? Hi Valuthinker, I think you would enjoy reading the blog ferfal.blogspot.com It is written by an Argentinian architecht who was a student during the peso crisis of 2001. Argentina has served as a living laboratory in the social/economic sciences and Mr. Aquirre does a wonderful job of documenting his observations of what life is...
- Mon May 03, 2010 10:36 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Thank you traineeinvestor and mikenz for sharing your knowledge with me. I found the links you provided very useful.
What are current interest rates on bank CD's in New Zealand?
Since it will take a while to find a property, and interview lawyers appropriate for this transaction, I will probably park some USD in a New Zealand short term fixed income vehicle when the exchange rate is more favorable.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
What are current interest rates on bank CD's in New Zealand?
Since it will take a while to find a property, and interview lawyers appropriate for this transaction, I will probably park some USD in a New Zealand short term fixed income vehicle when the exchange rate is more favorable.
Warmest Regards, Sebastian
- Mon May 03, 2010 6:36 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Thank you to all who have shared your thoughts. To Mikenz: Do you have first hand experience with these nieghborhoods in Auckland? Are the suburbs of Epsom, Remuera and Mt Eden in the Auckland Grammer School district? Do you have any specific realtor recommendations from amongst the realty firms you mentioned? Do they have buyers agents in New Zealand? To Valuethinker: You used the term "hedge". This will most definitely not be a hedge. To place a hedge I would need to lever this investment beyond what is commercially available. You mentioned the need for obtaining skilled counsel. I agree. I have two very capable lawyers I work with for taxes and estate planning, but I am fairly certain they have never facilitated a New Zealand r...
- Sun May 02, 2010 7:31 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
traineeinvestor, Thanks for the tip about avoiding the perimeter of the school zone boundry. I would hope a buyers agent would point that out to me (especially in a country like New Zealand which has a reputation as the least corrupt country in the developed world), but you can never be sure. I will check out the web site you referenced. A 4% pretax return would exceed my expectations. The money is currently in cash and I'm not looking to get rich on this endeavor. I simply want a bail out option for my family if the SHTF in America. Not that I think it will, but as others have frequently stated on this forum, "don't confuse the unlikely with the impossible". If my "insurance policy" can return 4% I will be ecstatic. War...
- Sun May 02, 2010 7:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Sending money abroad
- Replies: 24
- Views: 4840
Teetlebaum,
Are you planning on continuing with any long term business in the country you are visiting? If so, why not open a bank account in the foreign country and do a one time funding with a large lump sum to minimize transaction costs? The Oanda FXGlobalTransfer fees sound very very reasonable if utilized as a one and done.
Regards, Sebastian
Are you planning on continuing with any long term business in the country you are visiting? If so, why not open a bank account in the foreign country and do a one time funding with a large lump sum to minimize transaction costs? The Oanda FXGlobalTransfer fees sound very very reasonable if utilized as a one and done.
Regards, Sebastian
- Sun May 02, 2010 6:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Real estate/investments/ShortSale/Forclosure question
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1180
- Sun May 02, 2010 5:28 pm
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
- Replies: 40
- Views: 6621
Buying an apartment in Auckland New Zealand
Hello, I am planning a trip for 6 weeks to New Zealand in Jan/Feb of 2011. The trip is for liesure, but while I am there I would like to purchase an apartment. My goal is to diversify some of my net worth away from the USA. I intend to buy in the best nieghborhood I can find and rent the place out. My target price is $300,000 USD and I will be paying cash. From my preliminary research I have identified the area around the Auckland Grammer School as a top candidate. Any other suggested neighborhoods to investigate based on first hand experience? Any references for a realtor in New Zealand? Any one here live in New Zealand and want to be my property manager? No need to post suggestions about accomplishing diversification by buying foreign equ...