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I had an advisor years ago who said the secret to becoming wealthy is the "rule of one": One house One wife (no divorces) One kid One company One broker (he added that one jokingly). Actually not bad advice. The "one company" advice is outdated - that applied back when...

There's two ways to feel rich: 1. Have more 2. Want less Older I get, the less I want and the more I have.....

My mother had a couple mini-strokes - then within a year she had a major hemorragic stroke. Fortunately she did a 95% recovery. You are doing the right thing in taking this very seriously. Mom's was 5 years ago - so I can't remember anything about preventative possibilities after...

I don't think you should "shoot for" any return. I would define one's risk tolerance (volatility you can sleep with, % equities, etc), and then invest to that tolerance in the lowest expense ratio / highest diversified way possible. Then, "you gets what you gets". To "define what return you...

Great post above. I saw the Nightline clip- he does have an interesting "interim participation window" in the whole foreclosure process. He creates value for himself through: 1. Lowballing on the property initially 2. Setting up the "$500 down, $400 month" financing package He whips these...

Rumor has it my megacorp is looking at the same. This "comingled pool" seems to me like a pile of money they'll dole out in chunks to a number of private money managers. I don't like it and don't understand why. I think people think "fewer choices would be a good think" and only by converging...

Yes - I think so. There was an article about Apple's iPod - which contributes to the trade deficit (importing them from Asia) - but the majority of the profits are captured by Apple.

I think there's a "global liquidity glut" and all asset classes are fully valued. But if I had to speculate: I think the "US manufacturing pendulum might swing the other way". The dollar will devalue, the yuan will appreciate, shipping stuff over oceans will get more expensive - and there...

I'm seeing similiar. If you're at 4% SWR - then portfolio is 25x your expenses. Reducing your household costs 5% (generating more savings) - equates to 0.2% of the portfolio. Years ago, 5% budget savings equated to nearly 5% additional to the portfolio. If you're "on or above plan" - maybe...

Bingo ! (except for the piglet stuff...) We've all seen these "the sky is falling" opinions for 20 years. And it may be falling soon. We don't know. But I believe it is more risky to take an extreme defensive position versus "stay the course". The amount of "diversification access" we have...

If you need the money in 2 years for sure, I'd avoid stocks with risk of correction - unless you can have a "Plan B" around car acquisitions and can push purchases out additional years. $50K is a decent car fund - maybe you put some in stocks and "vary the car you buy" depending on the market...

What I would do: - Change work "relationsihp" to treating your assignment as a "job" not a "career" - punch-in, do your best, punch-out, go have a pint. - $85 is a lot different than $120 - Depending on your lifestyle, $85 might not "go as far as you think" with 2 small kids Like others...

What is "MLS" ? I know what it stands for - but is the list owned by the National Association of Realtors ? If you use something like Redfin - does that mean it will show up in "MLS listings" ? There's a website http://www.listbyowneronmls.com that for $300 you get "on MLS listings" for 6...

I think people understand the need for savings/invetments - they just ignore it. I read this interesting article years ago (will try to post link) where the human mind under values the risk of long term events and over values the risk of short term immediate events People know they shouldn't...

The reason this can be debated so long is because it is a marginal play either way - if you are comparing "like risk" alternatives. The decision should be comparing "like risk" alternatives on an after tax basis. For me in "AMT land", there basically no deductibility of mortgage interest. So...

There was a NJ state congressman on local NPR radio last night - who put in a law for a temporary moratorium on foreclosures for subprime mortgages. He said he wanted to see what "state support programs" might be required. That's baloney. The state shouldn't bail out these people that fell for...

There's a cure: active hobbies and a meaningful life. People are so lazy that consumption (food and stuff) has become a hobby/sport in itself. Cycling: I see people spending all their time buying multiple bikes, accessories, upgrades, clothing - and they never ride ! The road bike I use...

I think these "balanced funds" have done well over long periods is because a balanced portfolio does magic over the years. The balanced funds just "force the balance". I have several balanced funds - and the rest of my portfolio has similiar "homemade balance" - the performance of both has...

Do any of the investment companies have "limited withdrawl" restrictions electonically that you can sign up for ? Or "no electronic withdrawl" ? I would like to see something where large redeptions require phone call from your address on record or verification at local bank or office or...

There's a lot of good ideas on making sure you get paid. To me, more important is making sure you release your liability. Guy I know sold a car to a guy who paid cash. Seller signed over title to buyer. Buyer never transferred title - got several parking tickets which were in sellers name...

I've never done that. But I do refill the travel size hand cream. Gotta try toothpaste next !

I'm suprised the website doesn't notify you of the short term redemption fee - it should note the fee before the trade and make you acknowledge it. I think if you did the transaction with a "human" over the phone, they'd detail the early redeption fee before executing the trade - right ?

My neighbor works at a hospital - and the employees had to go through pretty exhaustive proof of their dependent's citizenship and dependency status for medical coverage. My Megacorp mandates if one's spouse can get health insurance at their own job - they have to get - and won't be covered...

For me, I think there's 3 "employment periods" in life: 1. Working because there is no other choice 2. Able to say "take this job and shove it" 3. Not working I'm trying to get to stage #2 above and see what that feels like - and will decide from there.

I get "perfect storm" panic attacks all the time. The two ugliest US financial "storms" were obviously the 30's depression and 70's inflation. I think (hope !) the world is much "smarter" now and devastating events like above are much less likely than they used to be. Reasons: -...