Recent content by csgraff

I think about this alot, too. The Fed's created a scenario to encourage stock buying, yet still stock funds had poor inflows, while bond funds had strong inflows. Lately we've been hearing lots of warnings about the bond market. I wonder if that, combined with some highs on the Dow will bring...

In Oklahoma, the turkey population has grown fast the last few years. I live out in the sticks, and they happen by pretty regular, usually not this many, though.

I realized I completely whiffed on addressing these issues, even though its a moot point in this instance. (as I won't be investing) I don't/didn't feel this investment would behave in step with the stock market. That was only based on the past performance of the fund. Its return graph was...

I know you had a lot more questions in there, but it just seemed too much to copy/paste. I do already have a position in VGSIX, which I have been gradually decreasing in favor of Federal Realty Investment Trust.(FRT) For a few reasons, I now prefer ETFs. Yes, VGSIX has had a great run, better...

I agree completely. The "loss aversion" topic and the often inverse relationship between investor sentiment and market performance are areas that have really captured my attention over the last several years; have seen some great material on it. That's why I feel there's no need to delve further...

I'm sure any discussion of behavioral psychology is unnecessary, though quite a lot is on display. I acknowledge you feel this type of investment is ill advised and your disdain for its consideration, and will keep in mind these reservations. I noted the risk involved my posts.

I doubt I will be able to make you see my viewpoint, as you seem to have concluded that this investment vehicle has no merit, while I believe it does. I never concluded or stated any expected return on this, I only gave the rate of return over the past 4 years. I did state there was no guarantee...

This seems to be the bit that caught everyone's attention. For me, I'd considered investing a portion of my current cash portfolio, which we all know is returning basically 0%. More risk than cash, sure. More risk than an S&P Index fund, or Dividend Appreciation fund? Who knows at this moment in...

My understanding also. I have a 457 which was a deferred comp account from work. I had also earmarked it to tap before 59.5, if needed. Paying taxes out of it will hurt. No matter how much you tell yourself it has to happen, its hard to deduct taxes in your head when you look at the account.

As you'd expect, there are no guarantees on returns, which makes finding the right fund very important. The Rama Fund has existed 4 years, averaging 10.18% per year. They have had no negative years or quarters. That kind of consistency during some tough times was important to me. Their...

I recently read this story in the WSJ about private mortgage investing: Asking a Rich Stranger for a Home Loan | Jumbo Jungle - WSJ.com The idea intrigued me, I ultimately contacted Rama Capital, mentioned in the article. I received a reply from Mr. Alim Kassam, the CEO. (landed in my Spam...

You know, it just dawned on me a few minutes ago, that I think all this worry is for naught. As my wife has worked, and paid into both for 25-30 years, I can qualify thru her, right? Obviously many homemakers have qualified this way over the years, it just never occurred to me, from my male-type...

This is kinda what I was looking for, and expected. I was leery of the overload of data if I searched much on this, but did find this fairly easy. Not the best situation, but its something: Most Medicare enrollees do not pay a monthly Part A premium, because they (or a spouse) have had 40 or...

I can stay with the insurance, as long as I want to pay for it. Its not a great deal, or anything. By the time I'm 65, it would be unaffordable, I think. Already very expensive, and has a $1,000 deductible. So, I'm paying for something I receive nothing back from, unless something bad happens.

You are right. I worked for the Tulsa Police Dept for 25 years. Funny that I could go thru that, and not be eligible for Medicare. I believe this situation only applied to employees hired from about 1979-1985. I am also not eligible for SS. (before you ask, no we get no medical at all. We also...