What new investments have you made this year?

Berkshire_Bull · 03-18-2005, 08:33 AM

I've been pretty busy. I bought some Life Partners (LPHI), Sportsman's Guide (SGDE), and more recently some Stockgroup (SWEB). I also started a Limited Brands (LTD), Energen (EGN), and Paychex (PAYX) Dividend reinvestment plans, and finally got a $3k 1YR CD. For the remainder of the year I don't plan to do a whole lot except maybe start another couple DRIP plans to round that part of my portfolio out and continue to add to my 401K and DRIP plans as well as maybe a little more into CD's.

MRGALT2U · 03-18-2005, 10:41 AM

None. Moved some short term money around.
That's it. The way things look right now, my answer
will be the same at the end of the year.

JG

cute fuzzy bunny · 03-18-2005, 12:04 PM

I exchanged my CA intermediate muni for high yield. Not a lot of my port, just enough to keep ~$600 a month in income dribbling in.

Since our joint returns are running a combined ~14% fed/state tax rate, I didnt need the tax relief. Chasing yield.

Thats it.

yakers · 03-18-2005, 12:09 PM

Does adding monthly to my six DRIPs (BWA, WEC, HNZ, KEY, UST, MOD) and ibonds count? Thats it , and adding to my 401k index funds.

Eagle43 · 03-18-2005, 12:52 PM

If I-Bonds count, yep. Otherwise, nada!

ak4195 · 03-18-2005, 04:00 PM

lightened up on HY exposure and leveraged preferred/or no longer re-investing divvy's in such(CEF's).bought a good handfull of short term cds mostly 6-9 months to roll over continuosly.And this week finally after 2 or 3 years of avoiding them bought 4 US based nat gas royalty trusts in nearly equal $ amounts.Enough to burp $200/month in divvy's to cover monthly energy bills.In the taxable side,sold GM about 2 weeks ago and added to pimco muni fund.

charlie · 03-18-2005, 04:31 PM

I posted this elsewhere so forgive the repetition.
I changed my coffeehouse stock/bond ratio from
60/40 to 50/50, added iShares for Pacific ex Japan
and iShares for China and added GIM .... an
unhedged foreign bond fund (just before it plunged).
Thinking about buying more GIM. In January I
converted almost all my FI to 2+% + CPI intermediate
term bonds and CD's.

Worry about coming inflation prompted these changes.

Cheers,

Charlie

Spanky · 03-18-2005, 05:01 PM

Nothing new - I am still contemplating energy/natural resource ETFs.

SPanky

laurence · 03-18-2005, 05:09 PM

I just don't know enough yet, so I'm anchored in index funds, with some low cost value and international on the riskier side, and a toe in bonds/low risk/fixed. My big change this year was working out how to max both my wife and I's 401k contribution. Now I'm playing catch up on the investing learning curve, I thought I knew something before I found this board. Anybody catch me giving investment advice, slap me, please!

wildcat · 03-18-2005, 07:22 PM

Is anyone interested in a couple of funds that protect bond values in a rising interest rate environment? I don't care about bonds too much b/c I am young but I can share if anyone gives a hoot.

wildcat · 03-18-2005, 07:27 PM

As for changes, I am taking the advice of some of the people here and I am going to add some international exposure. It has taken me a little time to warm up to the idea but you all are smart people. I am sticking to some small cap value ideas and I am always on the hunt for more. I do have more cash than usual :-/ & would like to see more value in the market. Can I get a double :-/ :-/

Helen · 03-19-2005, 08:26 AM

Quote:

sold GM about 2 weeks ago and added to pimco muni fund.

Dude, you're looking smart !

-helen

kz · 03-19-2005, 08:45 AM

I've added to our energy and international funds. (asia and europe)

I switched some money in our emergency fund to a 15 month CD at 3.5%. ($$ that we won't need for some time)

And I added to my GE position.

And I'm thinking of buying an I bond.

MooreBonds · 03-19-2005, 10:38 AM

I'm thinking about putting some in one of three timberland investment companies that were mentioned on this website a few months ago:

http://www.kauaitimbers.com/
http://www.forestenterprises.co.nz/
http://www.greenplan.co.nz/default.asp

Anyone have any references/testimonials, or know of any other direct timberland investment companies?

Nords · 03-19-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

http://www.kauaitimbers.com/
http://www.forestenterprises.co.nz/
http://www.greenplan.co.nz/default.asp

No but heck, I'd thoroughly enjoy the tax-deductible research trips...

I'm cynically suspicious of the Kauai outfit. If it's such a good deal why do they need our money, etc. This state can't even supply its own Christmas trees. They're also using some of the state's most expensive land-- admittedly perhaps with very restrictive zoning-- in an area that was absolutely clobbered by Hurricane Iniki 14 years ago and is still recovering. Now add in that they're growing non-native woods and not koa or mango, which doesn't strike me as very credible for their "environmentally responsible" claim. But, hey, perhaps someone will show me where I'm wrong before we get over there on our next holoholo.

preben · 03-19-2005, 12:51 PM

Besides a little gold bet I have not changed anything. I want to switch from EEM to the new Vanguard Viper for EM equity (much lower e/r) and would also not mind to get a decent foreign small cap value fund onboard.
Cheers!

retire@40 · 03-19-2005, 01:58 PM

I invested in ProFunds Rising Rates Opp Inv (RRPIX).

I believe I will do better there than a 5 year CD. I think within the next 4 or 5 years, long-term interest rates will climb to historical normal levels so this fund should benefit. If I can get at least a 7% average rate over the next 4 or 5 years then sell and move the money to 7% CDs or quality bonds, I'll be happy.

eridanus · 03-19-2005, 02:17 PM

I'm laddering I-bonds for an emergency fund. My Roth contributions will round up my DVY to an even 100. I am thinking of selling my big oil stocks.

Berkshire_Bull · 03-20-2005, 07:33 AM

That timber website was very interesting. Has anyone planted trees on land that they own as an investment? About a decade ago, my dad planted several thousand pines and oaks on 140 acres that he owns. He thinks they'll be worth a lot in 40 years for the pines and 60 years for the oaks. I guess we'll see.

unclemick · 03-20-2005, 08:18 AM

Nope

But the State of Ms offers me free trees to plant every few years. Weyerhaeuser has asked me to consider a swap(tax free). I thinking maybe next year: finances and enthusiasm willing to explore a swap for vacation property to build on.

03-18-2005, 08:33 AM	#1
Berkshire_Bull Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 121	What new investments have you made this year? I've been pretty busy. I bought some Life Partners (LPHI), Sportsman's Guide (SGDE), and more recently some Stockgroup (SWEB). I also started a Limited Brands (LTD), Energen (EGN), and Paychex (PAYX) Dividend reinvestment plans, and finally got a $3k 1YR CD. For the remainder of the year I don't plan to do a whole lot except maybe start another couple DRIP plans to round that part of my portfolio out and continue to add to my 401K and DRIP plans as well as maybe a little more into CD's.

03-18-2005, 10:41 AM	#2
MRGALT2U Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,877	Re: What new investments have you made this year? None. Moved some short term money around. That's it. The way things look right now, my answer will be the same at the end of the year. JG

03-18-2005, 12:04 PM	#3
cute fuzzy bunny Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Losing my whump Posts: 22,527	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I exchanged my CA intermediate muni for high yield. Not a lot of my port, just enough to keep ~$600 a month in income dribbling in. Since our joint returns are running a combined ~14% fed/state tax rate, I didnt need the tax relief. Chasing yield. Thats it. __________________ Many an optimist has become rich by buying out a pessimist

03-18-2005, 12:09 PM	#4
yakers Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,611	Re: What new investments have you made this year? Does adding monthly to my six DRIPs (BWA, WEC, HNZ, KEY, UST, MOD) and ibonds count? Thats it , and adding to my 401k index funds. __________________ A slave is someone who waits for someone else to free them

03-18-2005, 12:52 PM	#5
Eagle43 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,653	Re: What new investments have you made this year? If I-Bonds count, yep. Otherwise, nada! __________________ Resist much. Obey Little. . . . Ed Abbey Disclaimer: My Posts are for my amusement only.

03-18-2005, 04:00 PM	#6
ak4195 Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 75	Re: What new investments have you made this year? lightened up on HY exposure and leveraged preferred/or no longer re-investing divvy's in such(CEF's).bought a good handfull of short term cds mostly 6-9 months to roll over continuosly.And this week finally after 2 or 3 years of avoiding them bought 4 US based nat gas royalty trusts in nearly equal $ amounts.Enough to burp $200/month in divvy's to cover monthly energy bills.In the taxable side,sold GM about 2 weeks ago and added to pimco muni fund. __________________ real men dont use dryer sheets

03-18-2005, 04:31 PM	#7
charlie Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,069	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I posted this elsewhere so forgive the repetition. I changed my coffeehouse stock/bond ratio from 60/40 to 50/50, added iShares for Pacific ex Japan and iShares for China and added GIM .... an unhedged foreign bond fund (just before it plunged). Thinking about buying more GIM. In January I converted almost all my FI to 2+% + CPI intermediate term bonds and CD's. Worry about coming inflation prompted these changes. Cheers, Charlie

03-18-2005, 05:01 PM	#8
Spanky Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 2,784	Re: What new investments have you made this year? Nothing new - I am still contemplating energy/natural resource ETFs. SPanky __________________ May we live in peace and harmony and be free from all human sufferings.

03-18-2005, 05:09 PM	#9
laurence Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,788	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I just don't know enough yet, so I'm anchored in index funds, with some low cost value and international on the riskier side, and a toe in bonds/low risk/fixed. My big change this year was working out how to max both my wife and I's 401k contribution. Now I'm playing catch up on the investing learning curve, I thought I knew something before I found this board. Anybody catch me giving investment advice, slap me, please!

03-18-2005, 07:22 PM	#10
wildcat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,896	Re: What new investments have you made this year? Is anyone interested in a couple of funds that protect bond values in a rising interest rate environment? I don't care about bonds too much b/c I am young but I can share if anyone gives a hoot. __________________ "These walls are kind of funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, gets so you depend on them"

03-18-2005, 07:27 PM	#11
wildcat Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,896	Re: What new investments have you made this year? As for changes, I am taking the advice of some of the people here and I am going to add some international exposure. It has taken me a little time to warm up to the idea but you all are smart people. I am sticking to some small cap value ideas and I am always on the hunt for more. I do have more cash than usual :-/ & would like to see more value in the market. Can I get a double :-/ :-/ __________________ "These walls are kind of funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, gets so you depend on them"

03-19-2005, 08:45 AM	#13
kz Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 254	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I've added to our energy and international funds. (asia and europe) I switched some money in our emergency fund to a 15 month CD at 3.5%. ($$ that we won't need for some time) And I added to my GE position. And I'm thinking of buying an I bond.

03-19-2005, 10:38 AM	#14
MooreBonds Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 584	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I'm thinking about putting some in one of three timberland investment companies that were mentioned on this website a few months ago: http://www.kauaitimbers.com/ http://www.forestenterprises.co.nz/ http://www.greenplan.co.nz/default.asp Anyone have any references/testimonials, or know of any other direct timberland investment companies? __________________ Dryer sheets Schmyer sheets

03-19-2005, 12:51 PM	#16
preben Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 420	Re: What new investments have you made this year? Besides a little gold bet I have not changed anything. I want to switch from EEM to the new Vanguard Viper for EM equity (much lower e/r) and would also not mind to get a decent foreign small cap value fund onboard. Cheers!

03-19-2005, 01:58 PM	#17
retire@40 Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 2,583	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I invested in ProFunds Rising Rates Opp Inv (RRPIX). I believe I will do better there than a 5 year CD. I think within the next 4 or 5 years, long-term interest rates will climb to historical normal levels so this fund should benefit. If I can get at least a 7% average rate over the next 4 or 5 years then sell and move the money to 7% CDs or quality bonds, I'll be happy. __________________ No man is free who is not master of himself. --- Epictetus Enjoy Yourself (It's Later Than You Think). --- Guy Lombardo

03-19-2005, 02:17 PM	#18
eridanus Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,258	Re: What new investments have you made this year? I'm laddering I-bonds for an emergency fund. My Roth contributions will round up my DVY to an even 100. I am thinking of selling my big oil stocks.

03-20-2005, 07:33 AM	#19
Berkshire_Bull Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 121	Re: What new investments have you made this year? That timber website was very interesting. Has anyone planted trees on land that they own as an investment? About a decade ago, my dad planted several thousand pines and oaks on 140 acres that he owns. He thinks they'll be worth a lot in 40 years for the pines and 60 years for the oaks. I guess we'll see.

03-20-2005, 08:18 AM	#20
unclemick Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: north of Kansas City Posts: 5,554	Re: What new investments have you made this year? Nope But the State of Ms offers me free trees to plant every few years. Weyerhaeuser has asked me to consider a swap(tax free). I thinking maybe next year: finances and enthusiasm willing to explore a swap for vacation property to build on.

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