REIT 5% of portfolio
No SCV tilt
Search found 150 matches
- Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:07 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: SV and Reit Tilters Only Please
- Replies: 60
- Views: 4922
- Sun Feb 12, 2012 10:05 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 30 year TIPs auction- real yield of 0.8%???
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5508
Re: 30 year TIPs auction- real yield of 0.8%???
I will buy some in the upcoming auction.
- Sun Jan 15, 2012 6:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Donate or sell my 1994 accord?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3378
Re: Donate or sell my 1994 accord?
I donated my old vehicle to the local YWCA. Rather than sell it, they transferred it to a family in need of a vehicle.
This makes a difference in how much you an deduct. If a charity just sells the vehicle, you can only deduct the amount that they sell it for. However, if the charity uses it as described above, you can deduct the Fair Market Value (defined as what you would get in a private party sale). For details on this difference see Instructions for Form 8283, page 3 "Qualified Vehicle Donations" at irs.gov.
It did feel good that someone who needed a vehicle now has one. Plus I receive a bigger deduction. Plus I don't worry about weirdos on Craigslist.
This makes a difference in how much you an deduct. If a charity just sells the vehicle, you can only deduct the amount that they sell it for. However, if the charity uses it as described above, you can deduct the Fair Market Value (defined as what you would get in a private party sale). For details on this difference see Instructions for Form 8283, page 3 "Qualified Vehicle Donations" at irs.gov.
It did feel good that someone who needed a vehicle now has one. Plus I receive a bigger deduction. Plus I don't worry about weirdos on Craigslist.
- Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:06 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2012 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 408
- Views: 31108
- Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to stop a puppy from biting and nibbling
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3246
Re: How to stop a puppy from biting and nibbling
Here is what the Monks of New Skeeet recommend in their book "The Art of Raising a Puppy":
1) Quickly grasp muzzle and shake while saying "No!!" until dog whines. Then hold palm for dog to lick, and praise if he does. If nips again, repeat first part.
2) Pet dog, and if starts to nip hand gently place finger into throat to elicit gag reflex. Then hold palm for lick, and praise him if he does.
3) Avoid all tug of war games.
4) They also describe massage/dominance exercises in their book.
Using number 1 and 3 has quickly eliminated this for me while raising my two labs.
1) Quickly grasp muzzle and shake while saying "No!!" until dog whines. Then hold palm for dog to lick, and praise if he does. If nips again, repeat first part.
2) Pet dog, and if starts to nip hand gently place finger into throat to elicit gag reflex. Then hold palm for lick, and praise him if he does.
3) Avoid all tug of war games.
4) They also describe massage/dominance exercises in their book.
Using number 1 and 3 has quickly eliminated this for me while raising my two labs.
- Thu Jan 05, 2012 5:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: upcoming TIPS auctions
- Replies: 5
- Views: 861
upcoming TIPS auctions
Anybody participating in the upcoming 10 year TIPS or 30 year TIPS auctions on January 19 or February 16 respectively? I plan on putting some money into both in a tax deferred account, because that is what my AA is telling me to do.
- Tue Dec 27, 2011 6:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Value of time
- Replies: 35
- Views: 3040
Re: Value of time
I have someone cut the lawn, because I would rather go mountain biking after a long day at work and I would not have the time to do both. The ability to get a workout in is worth it to me.
The ultimate DIY chore would save both time AND money. The only example that I can think of is cutting my own hair. I can do it in 5 minutes with a clipper which is a lot faster than going to the barber. Plus it is cheaper. Probably pays for the lawn guy.
I could see how changing oil/filter might be in the same category as the DIY haircut, but I no longer do that.
The ultimate DIY chore would save both time AND money. The only example that I can think of is cutting my own hair. I can do it in 5 minutes with a clipper which is a lot faster than going to the barber. Plus it is cheaper. Probably pays for the lawn guy.
I could see how changing oil/filter might be in the same category as the DIY haircut, but I no longer do that.
- Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:23 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: KISS - of death?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 3003
Re: KISS - of death?
I fully intend to rebalance and restore international equity (10% of AA in my case).
- Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Movie night in recommendations
- Replies: 269
- Views: 29431
Re: What is your favorite movie?
The Fugitive.
- Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:52 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Grok's Tip #11: Take Grok's pledge!
- Replies: 188
- Views: 33993
Re: Grok's Tip #11: Take Grok's pledge!
I can easily take that pledge.
When I run the rebalance numbers in a couple weeks I fully expect to need to buy more international stock (Vanguard Developed Market Index for me).
When I run the rebalance numbers in a couple weeks I fully expect to need to buy more international stock (Vanguard Developed Market Index for me).
- Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What song describes your life?
- Replies: 67
- Views: 5597
Re: What song describes your life?
How about "Ooh Ahh(My Life Be Like)" by Grits.
- Mon Nov 21, 2011 10:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best Way To Roast A Turkey
- Replies: 30
- Views: 4333
Re: Best Way To Roast A Turkey
I am a turkey hunter and have cooked a bunch of wild birds. They do not have as much fat so I had trouble with drying them out until I started using oven bags. I use Reynolds brand and fill the bag with the recommended amount of flour as well as chopped celery/onions/basil. I put the vegetables in the body cavity as well. I baste the bird with butter/minced garlic and cook it breast down. The bags come with instructions for oven temp and cooking time based on weight. Since going to this method all my wild birds have come out nice and moist. I would imagine that a store bought bird would be nice and moist using this method as well.
- Sat Nov 19, 2011 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What was your very first job
- Replies: 103
- Views: 7907
Re: What was your very first job
I was a caddie at age 14. One of the benefits was free golf on Mondays. At age 16 I took a job as a pizzamaker, which was actually a lot if fun.
- Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:14 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Just found out that I'm going to be a Father. Now What?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 5878
Re: Just found out that I'm going to be a Father. Now What?
Go buy a nice battery operated baby swing.
- Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is is wrong to give your net worth on this site?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 5109
Re: Is is wrong to give your net worth on this site?
Read Your Money Ratios by Charles Farrell. It is an interesting book that looks at different ratios such as capital to income and mortgage to income, all indexed to age. I do not think anyone should take his ideas as hard and fast rules, but it does provide one a pretty simple and probably reasonably accurate picture of where one should be financially at a given age/income.
- Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: med schools - prestige or economics?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 12338
Re: med schools - prestige or economics?
I can comment on military scholarships, since that is how I handled the expensive cost of attending a private medical school. The Army, Navy, and Air Force all have a Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP), which is like ROTC for med students but with less hassle. The only activities during schoool are Officer Basic Course during the first summer, then doing one clerkship/year at a military hospital. They pay tuition/books/fees and provide a decent sized monthly stipend. In general, you in turn owe one year of active duty (after residency) for each scholarship year. I did my internship/residency in the Army, then received a deferment to obtain fellowship training at a civilian hospital. My brother went to the same med school and als...
- Mon Oct 24, 2011 4:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: med schools - prestige or economics?
- Replies: 161
- Views: 12338
Re: med schools - prestige or economics?
It matters some. Especially if you are applying in a different part of the country.
- Wed Oct 19, 2011 11:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Clothing for -40 F windchill factor
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3432
Re: Clothing for -40 F windchill factor
Spent a winter in Alaska. I have spent more than a few days at -20 and have a few thoughts:
1 I second the Mickey Mouse boot idea. This is what the Army issued, and everyone wore them on their off time as well as on duty.
2 Balaclava. Get one (or two).
3 Wear layers, not one giant thick coat.
4 Layer hands as well (thin polypro liners, then wool mitten, then waterproof mitten shell.
5 Ski goggles.
6 Did I already mention balaclava? These are awesome.
1 I second the Mickey Mouse boot idea. This is what the Army issued, and everyone wore them on their off time as well as on duty.
2 Balaclava. Get one (or two).
3 Wear layers, not one giant thick coat.
4 Layer hands as well (thin polypro liners, then wool mitten, then waterproof mitten shell.
5 Ski goggles.
6 Did I already mention balaclava? These are awesome.
- Fri Oct 14, 2011 7:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: College advice to high school seniors...
- Replies: 36
- Views: 6548
If one is planning on becoming a physician, put MAXIMUM effort into freshman chemistry. It is the hurdle that weeds out the highest number of pre-med students. And it does so quickly and efficiently. By the end of the first or second month there will be a lot more pre-law/business types. Not to diminish the other hurdles(and there are many), but this particular one gets folks before they knew what hit them.
- Sun Oct 09, 2011 11:29 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I Crazy to Pay Off My Mortgage?
- Replies: 71
- Views: 11744
In response to livesoft, if you pay off your mortgage early you will end up paying less in interest to the bank. So if you are using newly obtained funds (like a large bonus) to pay off the mortgage, you will then be able invest what would otherwise have been paid as interest to the bank. Granted, you lose the interest deduction, but in many (?most) cases if you do the math you will be better off paying it off early. In response to edge, I respectfully disagree. Having a paid off mortgage in the event of a disabilty or early death would be a huge financial plus for one's family financial situation. You usually cannot anticipate either scenario, like you can for retirement. And going into retirement without mortgage debt is sound reasoning. ...
- Sat Oct 08, 2011 9:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Am I Crazy to Pay Off My Mortgage?
- Replies: 71
- Views: 11744
- Mon Sep 26, 2011 5:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Has anyone survived a bear attack?
- Replies: 157
- Views: 20880
Lbill, You can buy holsters for bearspray cannisters that have a belt loop. I carry it on my belt when bird hunting, usually on the backpack straps when hiking/backpacking, and on my water bottle strap when mountain biking or crosscountry skiing. In certain bear infested areas like Glacier Natinonal Park I usually carry a second cannister in my backpack side pocket. Reason for that is stories of folks emptying the cannister on a bear and wishing they had a second cannister for the long hike back to the car. I have seen other people with 2 cans of bearspray on their belts, so I'm not alone in that. I have practiced deploying the cannister by removing it from the holster and taking off the safety, and it can be done in seconds. I have also ca...
- Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: physician partnership question
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1979
Ditto on the comment about asking for contract changes. Assuming everyone has the same contract in a group (they should) asking for lot of changes is a good way to have your job offer retracted. I too know of instances where this has happened in my community. So it had better be pretty important if it was to be brought up.
I did not have a lawyer review the group contract (which changed a few years later anyway so we all had to resign).
I did not have a lawyer review the group contract (which changed a few years later anyway so we all had to resign).
- Sun Sep 25, 2011 7:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: physician partnership question
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1979
I have been in a 26 member single specialty group for 13 years, and have a few thoughts. First of all, you should speak with ALL members of the group as well as any who may have left in the last year or two. You want to find out if this is an egalitarian group or of there are some members who hold the power. Beware of the latter. When my group interviews serious candidates, we fully share financial info. As the recruiter, I usually give out general info like average W-2, pension amount, etc. Then we have the candidate meet with our business manager to go over specifics. I would think most groups with 20 docs would have one, and you should ask to meet with that individual if it is not scheduled. Lastly, be aware that the group that you are i...
- Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Has anyone survived a bear attack?
- Replies: 157
- Views: 20880
I spend a fair amount of time hunting pheasants here in Montana, and most of the places I hunt are grizzly habitat. In the 13 years I have lived here there have been two griz attacks on bird hunters, and a third happened a few years before I moved here. Two of the hunters shot the charging bears at point blank range with the birdshot and killed the bear (although the forward momentum of one of the bears propelled it onto the hunter and bent the gun barrel). The third hunter sustained a mild to moderate mauling and survived. I have seen one grizzly while hunting, and it was running away at a distance of 150 yards. I have spent a lot of time going over bear scenarios, and have read most contemporary bear attack books, including Herraro's whic...
- Thu Aug 25, 2011 3:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Wanting to buy a snowboard.
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1426
Around here (Northern Rockies) the stores usually do not put ski/board equipment out until fall.
I have usually bought new boards either at the end of the season (March) when they are on sale or in the fall when I buy last year's new boards on sale.
Usually there is a good supply of last year's boards in tghe fall. I would call your local sporting goods store and see when they first put them out and go the first week fo best options.
I have usually bought new boards either at the end of the season (March) when they are on sale or in the fall when I buy last year's new boards on sale.
Usually there is a good supply of last year's boards in tghe fall. I would call your local sporting goods store and see when they first put them out and go the first week fo best options.
- Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Why are TIPs having such a good run lately?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5254
- Wed Aug 10, 2011 6:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Today was a Really Bad Day
- Replies: 278
- Views: 58312
- Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 5 Days in Yellowstone
- Replies: 39
- Views: 4966
I live in Montana, and my favorite hike is Mount Washburn, via Dunraven Pass rather than the Chittenden Road.
I always carry bear spray when out in the woods. You will notice most backcountry rangers carry it as well. Only tourists carry little bear bells. Better is to have a loud coversation or periodically yell(seriously). I just let out a sharp, staccato "HEY" every few minutes unless I am in a big meadow.
Read "Death in Yellowstone" by Lee Whittlesey to learn about other behavior to avoid. You can find it in most gift shops.
Lamar Valley is awesome. The Old Faithfull geyser basin is surreal at dawn and dusk and highly suggested.
I always carry bear spray when out in the woods. You will notice most backcountry rangers carry it as well. Only tourists carry little bear bells. Better is to have a loud coversation or periodically yell(seriously). I just let out a sharp, staccato "HEY" every few minutes unless I am in a big meadow.
Read "Death in Yellowstone" by Lee Whittlesey to learn about other behavior to avoid. You can find it in most gift shops.
Lamar Valley is awesome. The Old Faithfull geyser basin is surreal at dawn and dusk and highly suggested.
- Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 10 year TIPS auction
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2311
10 year TIPS auction
Anybody else considering holding your nose and participating in the auction next week?
I am because my AA says so. I am purchasing in a tax protected account with no fee or commission. At least those assets will outpace inflation by a bit.
I am because my AA says so. I am purchasing in a tax protected account with no fee or commission. At least those assets will outpace inflation by a bit.
- Sat Jul 16, 2011 7:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: swimming pool
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1764
What else to know? Do not have a pool if you have young children.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43781307/ns/us_news/
This story is not uncommon. I'v been a physician for 21 years, and by far the saddest thing I have ever seen is the mom, alone at the bedside of her otherwise healthy appearing (but brain dead) 5 year old minutes shortly before we took him off life support. An all too common story in hospitals across the country.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43781307/ns/us_news/
This story is not uncommon. I'v been a physician for 21 years, and by far the saddest thing I have ever seen is the mom, alone at the bedside of her otherwise healthy appearing (but brain dead) 5 year old minutes shortly before we took him off life support. An all too common story in hospitals across the country.
- Sat May 21, 2011 8:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What would you tell your child to major in?
- Replies: 162
- Views: 25813
As a physician, I would like to address the whole issue of physician unhappiness. It is true, there are a fair number of unhappy physicians. But I think far more are very pleased with their career choice. Some of this depends on choice of specialty, and certainly some practice situations are more optimal than others. I suspect this is a question more about a particular person's outlook onlife rather than their work environment. Some (? most) of the unhappy physicians that I know well I suspect would be unhappy in engineering/sales/finance or whatever. Having said that, most docs I know seem to really like or love what they do. Some key traits I have noticed in well balanced physicians is a commitment to exercise, one or multiple hobbies, an...
- Mon May 02, 2011 9:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Books with a direct impact on your life?
- Replies: 103
- Views: 17371
- Sun Apr 10, 2011 1:11 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: OT: Upland hunting
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3122
- Thu Mar 10, 2011 10:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Help cold feet
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4368
- Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommended reads for 16 year old wanting to be a physician?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6327
- Sat Feb 26, 2011 10:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommended reads for 16 year old wanting to be a physician?
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6327
The book that prompted me to go into medicine is Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank. It is about a group of folks in Florida that survive a nuclear war. A family physician is one of the main characters. The lesson I came away with was no matter what happens in the world, physicians will always be necessary. I should add that my interest switched to anesthesiology while in med school.
If he has an offer to watch a knee replacement that would be a good experience. I would not think it would overwhelm him at all. The general concept is pretty simple-saw off the arthritic ends of the femur and tibia and then cement on a metal prosthesis. Most teenage boys would find that interesting to watch.
If he has an offer to watch a knee replacement that would be a good experience. I would not think it would overwhelm him at all. The general concept is pretty simple-saw off the arthritic ends of the femur and tibia and then cement on a metal prosthesis. Most teenage boys would find that interesting to watch.
- Fri Feb 11, 2011 1:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How does Schwab do it?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1680
How does Schwab do it?
Offer Treasuries at auction with no commission, that is. I asked a phone rep and he stated that they were doing this so that people invested other money with them, implying that they would earn commissions /fees from the other investments.
I was wondering if anyone knew if the Schwab receives a fee from the government for serving as an intermediary for Treasury auctions. I find it believe they are not getting paid somehow.
I was wondering if anyone knew if the Schwab receives a fee from the government for serving as an intermediary for Treasury auctions. I find it believe they are not getting paid somehow.
- Sat Jan 29, 2011 10:17 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Grok's tip 5:To keep real wealth skip Gold, buy TIPs
- Replies: 117
- Views: 41914
I'm not interested in gold for two reasons.
One, I'm not going for the PERFECT asset allocation. I prefer a simpler AA with fewer members.
Two, I care about the health of rivers and few things will kill off a river quicker than a gold mine. In fact, my home state of Montana passed an initiative in 1998 banning cyanide use in gold mines. I realize I own other companies that may not qualify as environmentally friendly in my Total Stock Market Index funds. But it is not as in your face as would be having say 3% of AA in gold mining companies.
So I'll continue to use TIPS.
One, I'm not going for the PERFECT asset allocation. I prefer a simpler AA with fewer members.
Two, I care about the health of rivers and few things will kill off a river quicker than a gold mine. In fact, my home state of Montana passed an initiative in 1998 banning cyanide use in gold mines. I realize I own other companies that may not qualify as environmentally friendly in my Total Stock Market Index funds. But it is not as in your face as would be having say 3% of AA in gold mining companies.
So I'll continue to use TIPS.
- Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Physician changing practices. What should we think about?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2129
I would not agree that it common for physicians to be able to dictate special terms. Most groups, including mine, are take the offer as is or not. In fact, if a prospective partner spends a lot of time asking about special terms that would be a warning sign to us that maybe they would be difficult to work with (based on past experience). My group is exceedingly fair, though.
It will depend on what special skills a physician has. Obviously, a difficult to recruit pediatric cardiac surgeon can bargain with with a practice/hospital more so than would a family practice physician in a location that usually does not have trouble recruiting.
It will depend on what special skills a physician has. Obviously, a difficult to recruit pediatric cardiac surgeon can bargain with with a practice/hospital more so than would a family practice physician in a location that usually does not have trouble recruiting.
- Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Are you young, conservative and risk averse investor?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 6119
- Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Are you young, conservative and risk averse investor?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 6119
- Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Non frugal vice
- Replies: 107
- Views: 16318
- Sat Jan 15, 2011 9:35 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 529 plans and expected college costs
- Replies: 25
- Views: 2882
- Fri Jan 14, 2011 10:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: The pain of rebalancing into bonds (low yields & risk, t
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6805
- Fri Jan 14, 2011 10:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Calling all MDs! Help with first contract...
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3480
- Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how many of you are distance runners?
- Replies: 75
- Views: 9513
- Sun Jan 09, 2011 7:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Training a Dog
- Replies: 60
- Views: 7933
My suggestion will not help the poster with an older dog, but for readers who will be getting a puppy I highly recommend "Game Dog" by Richard Wolters. It is written for training hunting dogs (specifically retrievers) but the very beginning would be useful for any dog owner, and the later parts about hunting can be ignored. The early part that relates to any dog owner has to do with discipline. Essentially, he advises teaching the dog SIT, STAY, and COME very early. How many times have you seen a person out walking a dog off leash yelling "Fluffy come her, Fluffy come here" with no response from Fluffy. This is because Fluffy does not know any one syllable commands. If a dog knows SIT, STAY, and COME they will be way bet...
- Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:23 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 10 year TIPS
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2244
- Sun Dec 26, 2010 10:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 10 year TIPS
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2244
10 year TIPS
I've been visiting this site for a while and this is my first post. I have decided to increase my allocation of TIPS from 10 to 20%. I will be doing this over time by buying at auction with no brokerage fee in a tax sheltered account. What is a reasonable yield above inflation for a 10 year TIPS given the above. My feeling is that 1% is reasonable given the current low rate of return of many fixed income investments. I think that this low rate environment is likely to persist for at least a few years given the Feds desire to stimulate borrowing by forcing rates low. I would rather receive 2-3% (above inflation) but don't see that happening anytime soon. Given the job of this portion of the portfolio is to protect against inflation as well a...