Search found 261 matches

by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 10:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2728

Re: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?

S Corp owner and ppp loan. My understanding also is the bank doesn’t decide they just forward documentation to the sba. Also you choose the time period (I forget - ten weeks?) presumably of your greatest expenses. Iirc expense include salary, benefits, rent, utilities and possibly retirement contributions. I get a little mixed up between the new and the old ppp. not true, don't have time but you can google it. That was my understanding when I applied for forgiveness. It's not up to the bank. Definitely you choose the time period you want to count when making the calculation for forgiveness and definitely it includes salary benefits rent - all those numbers were requested when I submitted my forgiveness application. I think we are only disa...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2728

Re: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?

https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Interim-Final-Rule-on-Loan-Forgiveness-Requirements-and-Loan-Review-Procedures.pdf "As a general matter, the lender will review the application and make a decision regarding loan forgiveness. The lender has 60 days from receipt of a complete application to issue a decision to SBA. If the lender determines that the borrower is entitled to forgiveness of some or all of the amount applied for under the statute and applicable regulations, the lender must request payment from SBA at the time the lender issues its decision to SBA. SBA will, subject to any SBA review of the borrower’s loan(s) or loan application(s), remit the appropriate forgiveness amount to the lender, plus any interest accrued th...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2728

Re: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?

S Corp owner and ppp loan. My understanding also is the bank doesn’t decide they just forward documentation to the sba. Also you choose the time period (I forget - ten weeks?) presumably of your greatest expenses. Iirc expense include salary, benefits, rent, utilities and possibly retirement contributions. I get a little mixed up between the new and the old ppp. not true, don't have time but you can google it. That was my understanding when I applied for forgiveness. It's not up to the bank. Definitely you choose the time period you want to count when making the calculation for forgiveness and definitely it includes salary benefits rent - all those numbers were requested when I submitted my forgiveness application. I think we are only disa...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

Desalination on the large scale is capital and energy intensive…leading to taxes… The Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant in San Diego is generating 50M gallons of water a day…or about 10% of the usage in San Diego at about twice the cost of other water supply. There are 11 plants as of 2019 in California and another 10 planned. Somewhere around $1B a pop for the ones California is building. So just to cover the San Diego County Water Authority region will run…oh $9B more. Then you gotta pay for the energy to run it. And listen to all of the screaming from taxpayers for the double whammy of needing $9B more $$$ AND paying double for water. I’m going to guess the sales, property, etc tax environment in California will continue to...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

I did a search of this forum and found not much discussion on sales tax by location/state. Which is odd as its by far the biggest tax we'll pay to a state when we retire and it can vary a lot not just in the rate but where it is applied. Sales tax is “nothing” compared to other taxes in your state… Income tax Property tax Gas tax Car registration Tolls on certain roadways possibly Estate tax Then finally, the tiny sales tax I was discussing this with my CPA recently. A few years ago, he did a comparison of nearby states for someone who lived in MA but was considering moving to NH, VT, etc. It was tailored to the client’s particulars, but the end result was that it mostly came out roughly equal in total, even with MA 5.05% income tax. Note ...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

I did a search of this forum and found not much discussion on sales tax by location/state. Which is odd as its by far the biggest tax we'll pay to a state when we retire and it can vary a lot not just in the rate but where it is applied. Sales tax is “nothing” compared to other taxes in your state… Income tax Property tax Gas tax Car registration Tolls on certain roadways possibly Estate tax Then finally, the tiny sales tax I was discussing this with my CPA recently. A few years ago, he did a comparison of nearby states for someone who lived in MA but was considering moving to NH, VT, etc. It was tailored to the client’s particulars, but the end result was that it mostly came out roughly equal in total, even with MA 5.05% income tax. Note ...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable Portfolio Samples for high income earners
Replies: 23
Views: 3379

Re: Taxable Portfolio Samples for high income earners

Technically I could have all of my bonds in my 401(k) but I do like to have some in taxable, to somewhat protect the only money I can access for now. You could consider a different strategy. Say you hold all your bonds in 401ks, and all stock in taxable. You have to sell some stock fund in taxable to pay for something, so you do so. On the same day you sell some bond fund in your 401k to buy a stock fund. In effect you've only sold bond fund, and you get to place your assets in the most tax efficient way possible. What about the tax implications of selling the appreciated stock in taxable? For a "high income earner" as OP put it might it be better to have some tax efficient bond allocation in taxable to avoid the tax hit? The div...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable Portfolio Samples for high income earners
Replies: 23
Views: 3379

Re: Taxable Portfolio Samples for high income earners

etfan wrote: Sun Jul 18, 2021 8:44 am Another thing sometimes pointed out is that Total Bond includes corporate bonds. That is not a good idea for two reasons:

1- You're already holding corporate investments in your stock allocation, with the risk that it brings along with it, therefore your bonds should only include government bonds.

2- Government bonds are more tax efficient.
The return is usually better for non tax efficient bonds. Last I checked for my particular situation when you pay taxes out of the higher return non tax efficient bonds (taxable), the return is awfully close to the tax exempt bonds. So I figured I’d rather get the improved roi and pay taxes rather than the lower ROI. It’s probably a wash.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home seller (at-least initially) declined only offer at list price
Replies: 128
Views: 19342

Re: Home seller (at-least initially) declined only offer at list price

Obviously he sold it for less than what he wanted to instigate a bidding war that did not materialize. Curious - in your research what did comps go for? Did he price too high? Or did he just have bad timing and it will generate a bidding war in the future?
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you rebalance or not?
Replies: 77
Views: 8544

Re: Do you rebalance or not?

And, do not recover for 10+ years plus you are unemployed. KlangFool I am retired jebmke, So, please explain how would this work out for you if the stock market keep crashing and you keep selling the bond to buy the stock? Eventually, you would run out of money. KlangFool If you’re retired presumably you have around 5 years expenses in cash equivalents and another 5-10 in bonds. Both should be relatively low volatility and should ensure against the market being down for 15 years. If the market is down more than 15 years you’d be in trouble but so would a lot of people as that’s a really uncommon situation. Plus if you’re retired presumably you also have social security so you won’t be eating leaves and cat food. But, if you rebalance by se...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?
Replies: 22
Views: 2728

Re: Lender approved partial PPP forgiveness ?

S Corp owner and ppp loan. My understanding also is the bank doesn’t decide they just forward documentation to the sba. Also you choose the time period (I forget - ten weeks?) presumably of your greatest expenses. Iirc expense include salary, benefits, rent, utilities and possibly retirement contributions. I get a little mixed up between the new and the old ppp.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you rebalance or not?
Replies: 77
Views: 8544

Re: Do you rebalance or not?

When I looked at portfolio visualizer and ticked off the various options for rebalancing at some time periods (rebalancing say every month vs quarter vs semiannual and so on) returns and or alpha go up and at other rebalancing intervals they go down. It seems to me rebalancing could help under some situations or hurt under others. Personally I don’t regularly rebalance. I recently thought my aa was more aggressive than I’d like and switched from around 100/0 give or take to around 95/5 or 90/0 give or take
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 5:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you rebalance or not?
Replies: 77
Views: 8544

Re: Do you rebalance or not?

What happened if the stock keep going up and then drops by 50%? Then I re-balance and purchase equity. And, do not recover for 10+ years plus you are unemployed. KlangFool I am retired jebmke, So, please explain how would this work out for you if the stock market keep crashing and you keep selling the bond to buy the stock? Eventually, you would run out of money. KlangFool If you’re retired presumably you have around 5 years expenses in cash equivalents and another 5-10 in bonds. Both should be relatively low volatility and should ensure against the market being down for 15 years. If the market is down more than 15 years you’d be in trouble but so would a lot of people as that’s a really uncommon situation. Plus if you’re retired presumabl...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

SchruteB&B wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 7:58 pm
3CT_Paddler wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 7:17 pm it is not a given that a taxpayer in a high tax state receives a good ROI on that money.
Yes, this is a good observation.
I’m a Californian. Boy is that true.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

Hi I did a search of this forum and found not much discussion on sales tax by location/state. Nevada: No income tax, sales tax less than 5%. Bonus -- electricity costs around 1/3 compared to NorCal. Health care is not optimal there. https://www.reviewjournal.com/life/health/nevada-again-lands-at-bottom-of-national-health-care-ranking/ It appears that the best health care is available in states with higher taxes. Perhaps someone can speculate/explain this correlation. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-care You can also check out mortality rates on the CDC website. The deep south has the worst mortality rates, and California and Hawaii were the top two last time I checked. I think the greatest determinant of health - sp...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?
Replies: 136
Views: 10954

Re: Why Does No One Talk About Sales Tax When Considering Locations to Retire?

I lived in Michigan Pennsylvania california and Georgia. If I recall correctly I don’t remember paying taxes on food which realistically will be the biggest potentially taxable expense. I would imagine but I didn’t look up that the vast majority of governments do not tax food for obvious reasons - that would be probably the most regressive tax there is and hurt poorer people the most. For me that is the reason I never considered sales tax in that calculation. Also I bet for most states high income taxes are associated with high sales taxes. At least for california and Chicago and I bet for New Jersey and New York that’s the same. Haven’t looked it up though. That would be my bet.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 18, 2021 1:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085579

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I'm thinking of ignoring any recommendations for movies or series by the NYT or WSJ. Maybe it's me? Time after time I start to watch and time after time I stop. Always enticed by the reviewers come-ons. Yesterday's WSJ recommended Gunpowder Milkshake on Netflix as one of three to stream this week. An assassin Sam takes orders from Paul Giamatti who runs a crime syndicate. There's a diner that doesn't allow guns, a library that checks out guns, and more. I lasted about a half hour and saw more than I needed to since my wife watched longer than I did. Inane is kind comment. Not recommended! "Inane" must be right because I don't even understand what that's all about. A diner that doesn't allow guns? How does that affect the plot? Th...
by Shalom Aleichem
Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sunglasses
Replies: 46
Views: 5592

Re: Sunglasses

LifeIsGood wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 5:07 am I need a new pair of sunglasses but am stuck in that quandary of choosing between a cheap, throw away pair and the other extreme of overpaying for a brand name such as those made by the Luxottica cartel. Is there a sweet spot some where in between? I'd like to stay under $100 if possible.
Nordstromrack.com has name brand (eg Rayban) for cheap.
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Jul 15, 2021 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peloton purchase inquiry
Replies: 36
Views: 5237

Re: Peloton purchase inquiry

I'm a Peloton guy. I absolutely love it. I'm sure the MYX will be great. If you've already bought it, enjoy it. Feel free to PM me if you want any Peloton recommendations, but if you've bought the MYX just enjoy it and don't look back.
by Shalom Aleichem
Wed Jul 14, 2021 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for best "value" in Patio Furniture
Replies: 61
Views: 9008

Re: Montego from Room & Board

Bogle7 wrote: Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:59 am
acegolfer wrote: Sun Apr 25, 2021 9:18 amDon't get steel furniture. After 2 years, it will rust.
So not true.
Room & Board has a great furniture line called Montego.
Made with stainless steel in the USA.
The wood is indestructible ipé. The cushions are Sunbrella fabric.
Custom sizes.
Excellent value.
https://www.roomandboard.com/search/?query=Montego

We love ours.
Image
Is that your home? I’d love accordion doors!
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 11, 2021 2:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: INCREASING stocks over time?
Replies: 36
Views: 4931

Re: INCREASING stocks over time?

My understanding is pretty simple. It may be incorrect, but I think it is correct. Money that you absolutely need in the next 5 years give or take is in cash equivalents. Because you have zero risk tolerance for it decreasing. Inflation will decrease it of course, but for money to be used under 5 years that should be negligible. Money that you need in 5-10 years is in bonds. You don't want to lose money through inflation and bonds' volatility should be sufficiently low that it will keep up with inflation, not grow but not lose significantly either. There has been no period in the stock market where SP500 has been down over any 20 year period. So for EVERYTHING you don't need for 20 years that should be in equities. There have been very few ...
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Jul 08, 2021 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Movies for kids between 8-12 (not animated)
Replies: 66
Views: 6764

Re: Movies for kids between 8-12 (not animated)

Paddington 2 but not Paddington 1
by Shalom Aleichem
Wed Jul 07, 2021 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable bluetooth speakers
Replies: 30
Views: 3403

Re: Portable bluetooth speakers

I'd find a good audiophile site with people who live/breath this stuff. You might get a lot of derision for even mentioning the words "portable" and "Bluetooth" though! I agree with the advice about portable vs stationary, as portability entails certain compromises (and a battery, which is costly). For stationary use, I think it's hard to beat a pair of Sonos Ones (around $350 for a pair of the One SL, which has no voice assistant). I've had midrange and better "audiophile" hifi, and I'm always surprised by how good the Sonos sounds. At a lower price point, the Google Nest Audio is also very good - if you can find them on sale (I saw $129/pair recently), they're probably the best sound you can buy for anywhere...
by Shalom Aleichem
Wed Jul 07, 2021 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor chandelier
Replies: 16
Views: 1301

Re: Outdoor chandelier

Also Lutron has a smart outdoor wifi switch so you can automate the lights. It’s great!
by Shalom Aleichem
Wed Jul 07, 2021 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor chandelier
Replies: 16
Views: 1301

Re: Outdoor chandelier

I’m in socal. Costco has beautiful string lights. Very classy looking. Seriously. Designed for outdoors.
by Shalom Aleichem
Tue Jul 06, 2021 11:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Leveraged ETFs
Replies: 28
Views: 6182

Re: Leveraged ETFs

chrisdds98 wrote: Tue Jul 06, 2021 11:11 pm I'm about 20% upro/tmf. doing it in taxable so have way too much upro right now. the swings are pretty wild
Were you in it in February - March 2020? That was a rough ride! I have some in taxable (unfortunately most in taxable) and some in Roth. The Roth I can rebalance but the taxes on the taxable are too much so I’m not comfortable rebalancing. I just put new money in whatever needs catching up.
by Shalom Aleichem
Tue Jul 06, 2021 10:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Leveraged ETFs
Replies: 28
Views: 6182

Re: Leveraged ETFs

5% is fine, since you're treating it as a "funny money" trade. Be sure you can hold through the downturns though, otherwise there's not much point even trying LETFs. I'd agree definitely treat it as money you can lose because it's very risky. Also look at balancing UPRO or TQQQ with TMF and then of course do it in a tax advantaged account so you can rebalance when the one crashes, because one will crash hard and you don't want all your eggs in that basket. Ask me how I know. It was somewhere around Feb 19 of last year and extended a few weeks later. Yikes, that was an unfortunate time to be stepping out on a limb. Tell me about it! I can tell you the day the market turned around. I was balancing upro tqqq and tmf. Every day or tw...
by Shalom Aleichem
Tue Jul 06, 2021 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The first time in my investing life I'm "fearful"
Replies: 130
Views: 21612

Re: The first time in my investing life I'm "fearful"

Set some rules and follow it - if a 70/30 asset allocation lets you sleep at night without the fear and urge to tinker with your portfolio then do it. Remind yourself that you can't time the market, that just because you feel the market is overvalued that it may go up a lot more before the next crash. Or it could crash tomorrow. No one knows. I was thinking the same. You have to determine your risk tolerance and so your AA. It sounds like your portfolio is more aggressive than your risk tolerance and there is a possibility of panicking when the next crash occurs. It sounds to me like you need to adjust your AA to your risk tolerance. That is NOT market timing. That is your risk tolerance changed and so in that case your AA should change. I...
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Leveraged ETFs
Replies: 28
Views: 6182

Re: Leveraged ETFs

Marseille07 wrote: Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:17 pm 5% is fine, since you're treating it as a "funny money" trade. Be sure you can hold through the downturns though, otherwise there's not much point even trying LETFs.
I'd agree definitely treat it as money you can lose because it's very risky. Also look at balancing UPRO or TQQQ with TMF and then of course do it in a tax advantaged account so you can rebalance when the one crashes, because one will crash hard and you don't want all your eggs in that basket. Ask me how I know. It was somewhere around Feb 19 of last year and extended a few weeks later.
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When is 0% bonds appropriate?
Replies: 320
Views: 29496

Re: When is 0% bonds appropriate?

Seems like most people in other countries today should be globally diversified with the U.S. playing a large part in their portfolios... but I'm not sure who is the big player that we U.S. investors should be diversified in today to achieve "diversification". I would think China is the obvious answer. Already #1 in PPP terms, and most are projecting them to become #1 in nominal terms too within 10 years or so. Of course I don't think this is necessarily the right way to do this. But I think if you were going to be on the next country to match our relative run from around 1820 to 1950, it would be China from around 1972 (randomly picking Nixon's visit) to ??? No, China is absolutely not the right place to diversify, in my opinion....
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When is 0% bonds appropriate?
Replies: 320
Views: 29496

Re: When is 0% bonds appropriate?

taojaxx wrote: Mon Jul 05, 2021 7:10 pm I think it is a very myopic view to expect a totalitarian country run by a single party to be a significant investment option globally. Creditors rights and corporate governance are not very high on their priority list. Plus, as a country running a current account surplus, the last thing they need is foreign savings.
It is indeed a fairly popular misconception: Ray Dalio, no less, advocates for Chinese bonds, but I view this as kowtowing to the CCP hoping to secure privileged market access to Bridgewater.
It is in fact unsurprising: As Lenin famously said: "Capitalists will sell us the rope we will hang them with". Nothing new here, it just takes some knowledge of history. But this is in short supply.
Amen.
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Leveraged ETFs
Replies: 28
Views: 6182

Re: Leveraged ETFs

Look up Hedgefundie's excellent adventure. He balances leveraged equity ETF with leveraged Treasuries and rebalances so as to minimize risk.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations on treadmill purchase
Replies: 22
Views: 2605

Re: Recommendations on treadmill purchase

I have a peloton bike and tread and Hydrow. I love all of them. I would consider woodway treadmill too. All are expensive.
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 04, 2021 9:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: E-bay "Best Offer"?
Replies: 32
Views: 3419

Re: E-bay "Best Offer"?

I made an offer on an ebay item listed as "Best Offer." Seller turned down my offer, I raised bid, seller countered, and I raised again. Seller did not respond. Then seller lowered their "Buy it now" price, which was still a few dollars higher than I had offered. Now I get an email that the item sold for several dollars LESS than my final offer. So obviously, this item did not sell for "Best Offer." I know my final offer had an expiration date. However, does ebay not give the seller an easy way to reach back out to me to offer to sell it to me for my final offer? This would have been more than what it actually sold for. I'm trying to understand why a seller would not attempt to maximize what they are selling t...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 04, 2021 5:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When is 0% bonds appropriate?
Replies: 320
Views: 29496

Re: When is 0% bonds appropriate?

Honestly I think it’s easy. The market has never been down for any 20 year period and very few times over any 15 year period. So any money you don’t need for 15-20 years should be in equities as long as psychologically you can handle ups and downs. Money needed 5-15 years less volatile funds (bonds). Money needed 0-5 years should be in cash equivalents. I’m 52. Until 5-10 years ago I was 100/0. Now I’m about 95/5. I’m assuming - could be an error - that I’ll be able to work as long as i like. I’m thinking slow down at 65, a little more at 70, and just work a few hours a day after that. I find work extremely meaningful and is tied with anything else i enjoy doing. Even on vacation i think that my work is meaningful and recognize i am trading...
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 04, 2021 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?
Replies: 461
Views: 69621

Re: What is the BEST thing you spent money on?

Abe wrote: Fri Jul 02, 2021 11:25 am One of the best things I spent money on was a financial calculator. I like the Hewlett Packard HP10BII Plus. I see Amazon has it for $23.31. Nowadays I understand you can down load an app for it to your phone or use a spread sheet, but back in the day, we didn't have smart phones or spread sheets. I first started using one to calculate yields on mortgages bought at discount, but they can be used for all kinds of time value of money calculations. aleichem shalom
Thank you! Shavuoh tov and choidesh tov!
by Shalom Aleichem
Sun Jul 04, 2021 12:34 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Anyone long the S&P500 and short the Nasdaq?
Replies: 32
Views: 3661

Re: Anyone long the S&P500 and short the Nasdaq?

lostdog wrote: Sun Jul 04, 2021 9:48 am
Ramjet wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 7:39 am Why does it have to be a bubble? Usually that's something people don't see coming. If many are calling for a bubble I would think there likely isn't one. A lost decade or stagnant growth is probably more likely
This has been the case on bogleheads for many years. When we reach all time highs, the bubble threads start popping up.
Isn’t there something about “the best indicator for a new market high is a market high?”
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traffic violation in CA
Replies: 74
Views: 8293

Re: Traffic violation in CA

I was caught under exactly the same circumstances. In CA, the photo must definitively show the identity of the driver. My daughter was sent a photo citation for the same offense at the same light, but the people who reviewed the photo couldn't match her red light photo to her driver's license photo. She was asked to provide the contact information for the person driving, but chose not to supply that information and nothing happened as a consequence. So I guess a preventative strategy could be to make sure you wear some sort of disguise while driving. Unfortunately, the hefty fees tacked on to red light camera citations ultimately made them extremely unpopular and they have been removed in many cities, including mine. The consequence was an...
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Jul 01, 2021 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traffic violation in CA
Replies: 74
Views: 8293

Re: Traffic violation in CA

What I write you should look up to confirm -
A few years ago I read in two sources that red light cameras were not enforceable. If you were stopped by a police office and they can confirm your identity you are on the hook. In that case pay the fine and do traffic school to remove your points. It's easy. You need to look up what I'm writing - red light camera citations are handed off from the government to private companies and are not enforceable. The articles I read said you can throw them away. They are not enforced by the police.
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Jul 01, 2021 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My dilemma... What would you do?
Replies: 160
Views: 17244

Re: My dilemma... What would you do?

Nicolas wrote: Thu Jul 01, 2021 3:37 pm Rent an apartment near work and commute home on the weekends/holidays.
That's what I was thinking. Unless you're prepared to retire today. I'd send my resume out and see who bites too. Also ... how long is this assignment? 6 months? Might be worth it to suck it up. See if you can work 4 days a week, rent an apartment, and be with family three days. 2 years? Are you prepared to move to the new city? If not 2 years is a long time.
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jun 28, 2021 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Artificial Grass
Replies: 20
Views: 2472

Re: Artificial Grass

quantAndHold wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 5:49 pm I mean, no matter how much you spend, it always looks like plastic grass. But some people like that, I suppose.

Even better is when it’s badly installed, and you have fake grass with dandelions popping through.
Yeah that's EXACTLY what I'm trying to avoid. I'm thinking spending a few thousand dollars more for something that looks good is a good investment for the long run. I've heard there are some that look really good. I don't want it looking like carpet.
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jun 28, 2021 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Artificial Grass
Replies: 20
Views: 2472

Re: Artificial Grass

We just installed it ourselves this month, in our city yard (main area 25x30) with some side areas. Total ~1000 SF. Total cost of the project was $5,100 for materials. We did all labor including: sod cutting, dirt removal, one drain pipe to sewer, lay down aggregate base, roll out turf (material only was $2.35/sf), hammer nails, and top with infill (sand and 'T-cool material) I don't know what a professional would charge, or really how many hours we have in to the project at this point so all that is FWIW. Thank you! I have a guy who is a great handyman who charges what I think is reasonable. How much does it look or feel like grass? I found stuff at $4/SF which is a lot more than what you paid! But I'd also like it not to look like astrot...
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jun 28, 2021 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Artificial Grass
Replies: 20
Views: 2472

Artificial Grass

Hi everyone!

I have a patch of lawn in the back that is dirt and weeds. It measures let's say about 20X30 yards. I would like it to be green but a real lawn in SoCal would be too much water. So I'm looking at something else. I thought about pebbles and stepping stones. MOST of the artificial grass I've seen looks terrible. Like astroturf or green carpet. I was wondering if you know is there realistic looking artificial grass and if you would recommend it. I looked briefly at Home Depot and it looks like around $4/SF (!) which comes out to an expensive proposition but probably worth it.

Thanks!
Keith
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jun 28, 2021 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085579

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

chazas wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:51 pm Fast 5 on blu ray. Working my way up in the series in preparation for streaming or 4K disc of F9.
I would watch it but I bet it is impossible to follow if you haven't seen the first eight (!).
by Shalom Aleichem
Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085579

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

tenkuky wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:35 am A pair of new ones on Disney+
Luca (Disney-Pixar)
Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney)

Both wonderful in their own ways, but for animation and storyline, I'd give it to Raya.
Very reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki style, who IMHO is the true animation master.
Have to disagree... In Raya the lesson learned is you can stab people in the back, leave them to die, and repeat again and again when given more chances, but they'll still forgive you in the end. I thought it was a terrible movie and a terrible lesson.

Haven't seen Luca.

Miyazaki movies I think are completely different. Raya seemed to me to be typical Disney, but not the good Disney, the insipid Disney. My two cents. YMMV!
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Apr 29, 2021 8:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?
Replies: 747
Views: 54710

Re: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?

I don't see how it's good financial advice to tell people to go against nearly all reputable recommendations and avoid half the world's equity market capitalization because of past performance and because two well respected people said so. Bogle even said he may be wrong on international and wants investors to decide for themselves. Buffett, to my knowledge, has international holdings with Berkshire, so he can't feel too strongly about it. All reputable recommendations? Yes, every reputable source will recommend that investors choose well-diversified portfolios in order to avoid taking unnecessary and uncompensated risks. True. Every reputable source does not recommend Int'l though. I think that's the point of this thread. Many consider TS...
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Apr 29, 2021 7:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?
Replies: 747
Views: 54710

Re: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?

No one arguing against Int'l is arguing against diversification. An argument for omitting half the world's stocks from the portfolio is EXACTLY an argument against diversification. And the justification behind the argument is that it is easy to predict which stocks will outperform others in the future, which is a premise we know to be false. VTSAX has 3755 companies in it, a mix of small medium and large (compared to VTWAX 9k). Of the top ten holdings, there are 8 companies in common. I think it's important to define terms before making an argument. I am perfectly happy diversifying into a combination of 3755 small medium and large companies. I just don't see how diluting my investment dollars into what I think are less competitive economi...
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Apr 29, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?
Replies: 747
Views: 54710

Re: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?

No one arguing against Int'l is arguing against diversification. An argument for omitting half the world's stocks from the portfolio is EXACTLY an argument against diversification. And the justification behind the argument is that it is easy to predict which stocks will outperform others in the future, which is a premise we know to be false. VTSAX has 3755 companies in it, a mix of small medium and large (compared to VTWAX 9k). Of the top ten holdings, there are 8 companies in common. I think it's important to define terms before making an argument. I am perfectly happy diversifying into a combination of 3755 small medium and large companies. I just don't see how diluting my investment dollars into what I think are less competitive economi...
by Shalom Aleichem
Thu Apr 29, 2021 7:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?
Replies: 747
Views: 54710

Re: Will ex-US ever revert to good performance? Or is it just a high-risk, low-reward investment?

Triple digit golfer wrote: Thu Apr 29, 2021 5:21 pm I don't see how it's good financial advice to tell people to go against nearly all reputable recommendations and avoid half the world's equity market capitalization because of past performance and because two well respected people said so.

Bogle even said he may be wrong on international and wants investors to decide for themselves.

Buffett, to my knowledge, has international holdings with Berkshire, so he can't feel too strongly about it.
All reputable recommendations?