Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."

What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices" of
listed companies. We don't.


OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead of
inflation?


These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and some
raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early 1990s.
Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll probably
sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer. We've done
very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on our
part, but the bookkeepers are honest.

Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.


For what type of money? Good luck answering this question. Hint: Trump

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

JimH wrote:
"Eisboch" wrote in message
...
"JimH" wrote in message
...
I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H

Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.

All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and being
older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch




JimH,
That makes more sense than most of your posts.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Eisboch wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:

Where the hell were you getting a 20% return?
You gotta have you finance guy putting you in the right funds.


I'll tell you, I have to give you guys credit for having the balls to let a
"finance" guy manage your money and/or investments for retirement.

Maybe I could have made more, maybe not, but I like using common sense and
doing it myself rather than rely on some person who makes a living using
your money. Nope. No way.

Eisboch (with due apologies to all those CPA's/CFP's out there)




He makes his money selling you investments with a high profit margin for
himself.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"JimH" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:09:00 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Salmon Bait" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:45:37 -0800, "Calif Bill"

wrote:


"JimH" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:28:45 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

Bzzt. FDIC insurance is $250k on IRA's.

Yeah - I just found that out.

Learn something new everyday.

The only CDs I have are joint accounts with the kids - sort of an
insurance policy if you will.

CD's? ROTF.

5.1% is a nice parking place for some money.

I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!

You can 5.1's with a less than year maturity.

4.9 for three months on an auto rollover.

It's a good place to park some "insurance/emergency" money - something
that you don't take a huge hit on if you have to access it, but earns
something while you wait. It's a perfect vehicle for that type of
assurance that your money is "liquid".

Whatever floats your boat. My *emergency* funds are certainly no in CD's
and are quite liquid.


Where are those funds?

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:


Where the hell were you getting a 20% return?

You gotta have you finance guy putting you in the right funds.


I'll tell you, I have to give you guys credit for having the balls to let
a "finance" guy manage your money and/or investments for retirement.

Maybe I could have made more, maybe not, but I like using common sense and
doing it myself rather than rely on some person who makes a living using
your money. Nope. No way.

Eisboch (with due apologies to all those CPA's/CFP's out there)

That's been my style and I'm very satisfied with the results.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago
and don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over
its vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."

What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.


OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?


These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point,
we'll probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable
architect/developer. We've done very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.

Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.



Land speculation is indeed land speculation. My land partner and I
speculated way back then that owning about 100 acres of heavily wooded,
rolling land in a certain part of Fairfax County would pay off, big time.

It has, and it continues to do so. My guess is that *one* of those lots
is worth more than your net worth. Good times or bad times, not a month
goes by in which we don't get a call asking us if we want to sell
another lot. Usually the answer is no. When we do sell a lot, I put most
of my proceeds, after taxes, into our private REIT and some of it in our
money market account and some of it in a sock. Or if we need a new car,
I simply pay cash for it.

As for the gold coins, well, while I didn't buy them for their
investment value, it's nice that they've just about doubled in value
over these few years.

Oh. I don't "finance" the purchase of cars or boats. But I've already
posted that.

I'm thinking of starting up a charity that finds ways to keep
subperforming students in high school so they get their diplomas and
don't quit to join the military. Such a program might have helped
someone like you, eh?

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

JimH wrote:
"Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is Here wrote in message
. ..

JimH,
That makes more sense than most of your posts.

I am definitely in your head.

Another example of your reading comprehension problem.




Actually, Reggie sticks his nose as far up the butts of posters as it
will reach.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is Here wrote in message
. ..
Eisboch wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:

Where the hell were you getting a 20% return?
You gotta have you finance guy putting you in the right funds.


I'll tell you, I have to give you guys credit for having the balls to let
a "finance" guy manage your money and/or investments for retirement.

Maybe I could have made more, maybe not, but I like using common sense
and doing it myself rather than rely on some person who makes a living
using your money. Nope. No way.

Eisboch (with due apologies to all those CPA's/CFP's out there)




He makes his money selling you investments with a high profit margin for
himself.

Depends. You do not want a financial planner who makes money on the trades.
You want one who takes a percentage of total portfolio. He has a large
incentive to grow that portfolio. As to using a CFP, I am thinking about
it, as it seems as I age, I have less desire to do the tracking required for
investing.
we are traveling a lot these days.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"JimH" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H


Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.



All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and being
older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch


Hey, I am there. But even so I would not put money into CD's, especially
if I were investing money for my grandchildren.

529 fund?

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."

What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices" of
listed companies. We don't.


OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead of
inflation?


These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and some
raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early 1990s.
Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll probably
sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer. We've done
very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on our
part, but the bookkeepers are honest.

Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.

Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like GLD.
Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives you the
gold tracking.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices" of
listed companies. We don't.

OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead of
inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and some
raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early 1990s.
Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll probably
sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer. We've done
very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on our
part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.

Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like GLD.
Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives you the
gold tracking.




Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able to
do with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and devolve
into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my lifetime, but the
devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it will be. Real gold
will smooth the way of some of the survivors.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message
...
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."

What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.


OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead of
inflation?


These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and some
raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early 1990s.
Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll
probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer.
We've done very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.

Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.


For what type of money? Good luck answering this question. Hint: Trump


Trump was lucky. Sort of like the present mortgage meltdown. The
Government is going to bail the people who borrowed too much money. Trump
was able to borrow way over his head. The banks had to work with him to
save his ass. They could not call the loans. If they called the loans,
they had to write off enough money they would not meet capitalization
requirements by the Fed. And luckily for both the banks and Trump, the
economy came back and saved both their asses. Left Trump very rich, but was
more luck than smarts that he ended up rich.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:04:57 -0500, "JimH" wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
m...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H


Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.



All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and being
older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch


Hey, I am there. But even so I would not put money into CD's, especially if
I were investing money for my grandchildren.


We're all glad to hear you've no money in CD's. Your financial acumen has
impressed us all.
--
Red Herring

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H


Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.



All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and being
older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch

Yes... my financial advisor asked me if I wanted to turn my RRSP over to a
guaranteed interest account..rather than hoping to do a bit better with a
low risk mutual fund. After seeing how I did the last year... I'm almost
sorry I didn't go for the safe 5%.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"hk" wrote in message
. ..
BAR wrote:
wrote:
On Jan 22, 9:11 am, "Don White" wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message

. ..

hk wrote:
...and Wachovia drive the DOW down a few hundred points today?
Is it the economy, stupid?
Thanks for reminding me that I have the opportunity to refinance my
mortgage and reduce my monthly payments.
Also, we are in the process of deciding what new car we are going to
buy.
We may be able to get a loan from with zero interest from the
dealer/manufacturer.
Gee.. with all the money you continually brag about earning...why not
negotiate a better discount and pay cash for the vehicle?

The way taxes are set up down here, that is not always the best way to
go. Your money guy tells you when, what, and how to buy/lease..

Add Financial Genius to the list of Harry's areas of expertise.

No wonder he lives in a single wide, along the highway with a broken down
20 year old pickup truck out front.



Are you drinking...again?

When did he stop??

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still
about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.

OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll
probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer.
We've done very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.

Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like GLD.
Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives you
the gold tracking.


Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able to do
with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and devolve
into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my lifetime, but the
devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it will be. Real gold will
smooth the way of some of the survivors.

And the gold will ease your way? Actually GLD has physical gold stocks. In
case of a violent revolution, better to have guns and / or be around a guy
like Shortwave. Or both.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...

"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still
about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they
do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago
and don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over
its vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.

OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point,
we'll probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable
architect/developer. We've done very well with the land speculation.
:-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.

Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like
GLD. Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives
you the gold tracking.


Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able to
do with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and devolve
into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my lifetime, but the
devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it will be. Real gold will
smooth the way of some of the survivors.

And the gold will ease your way? Actually GLD has physical gold stocks.
In case of a violent revolution, better to have guns and / or be around a
guy like Shortwave. Or both.

Maybe after the revolution trade will be in beads.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Calif Bill wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still
about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago and
don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over its
vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.
OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point, we'll
probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable architect/developer.
We've done very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.
Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like GLD.
Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives you
the gold tracking.

Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able to do
with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and devolve
into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my lifetime, but the
devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it will be. Real gold will
smooth the way of some of the survivors.

And the gold will ease your way? Actually GLD has physical gold stocks. In
case of a violent revolution, better to have guns and / or be around a guy
like Shortwave. Or both.


Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"JimH" wrote in message
...

"D.Duck" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H


Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.



All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to
accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and
being older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch


Hey, I am there. But even so I would not put money into CD's,
especially if I were investing money for my grandchildren.

529 fund?


Ask my financial advisor. :-)

If you're really saving for your grandchildren's college, a 529 fund is the
way to go. There are terrific tax advantages. Ask your CFP.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


I've got a nice 6.25% APR that matures in 2011.

That's something to roll on the floor for!
--
John H


Wrong again. In the long run that is a very poor ROI.



All depends on your stage in life and what you are trying to accomplish.
There's a difference between being young trying to gain wealth and being
older, trying to enjoy what you have.

Eisboch

Yes... my financial advisor asked me if I wanted to turn my RRSP over to a
guaranteed interest account..rather than hoping to do a bit better with a
low risk mutual fund. After seeing how I did the last year... I'm almost
sorry I didn't go for the safe 5%.


You cannot just look at one year either from a positive or negative aspect.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

D.Duck wrote:
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still
about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they
do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago
and don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over
its vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting practices"
of listed companies. We don't.
OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point,
we'll probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable
architect/developer. We've done very well with the land speculation.
:-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in a
publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You land
sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually go
through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.
Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF like
GLD. Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid, and gives
you the gold tracking.

Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able to
do with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and devolve
into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my lifetime, but the
devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it will be. Real gold will
smooth the way of some of the survivors.
And the gold will ease your way? Actually GLD has physical gold stocks.
In case of a violent revolution, better to have guns and / or be around a
guy like Shortwave. Or both.

Maybe after the revolution trade will be in beads.




Gold has a bit of history as a valuable item. Beads, too. Paper?
No thanks.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
D.Duck wrote:
"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is
still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what
they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years
ago and don't really pay any attention to it, except to
chuckle over its vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its
"integrity."
What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting
practices" of listed companies. We don't.
OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed
ahead of inflation?

These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation,
and some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the
early 1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some
point, we'll probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable
architect/developer. We've done very well with the land
speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins.
And we have some money invested in private businesses, a real
speculation on our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.
Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock
in a publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow.
You land sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to
actually go through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in
your backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.
Physical gold sucks as an asset for protection. Go with an ETF
like GLD. Sells for 1/10 of an ounce of gold a share. Very liquid,
and gives you the gold tracking.

Under a worse case scenario, the only thing you are going to be able
to do with an ETF is wipe your butt.

Do I think this country is going to come apart at the seams and
devolve into a violent revolution? You betcha. Maybe not in my
lifetime, but the devolution is a lot closer than I ever thought it
will be. Real gold will smooth the way of some of the survivors.
And the gold will ease your way? Actually GLD has physical gold
stocks. In case of a violent revolution, better to have guns and / or
be around a guy like Shortwave. Or both.

Maybe after the revolution trade will be in beads.



Gold has a bit of history as a valuable item. Beads, too. Paper?
No thanks.

LOL, I hope you are storing soup cans and water for the big devolution.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Don White wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
...and Wachovia drive the DOW down a few hundred points today?

Is it the economy, stupid?
Thanks for reminding me that I have the opportunity to refinance my
mortgage and reduce my monthly payments.

Also, we are in the process of deciding what new car we are going
to buy. We may be able to get a loan from with zero interest from
the dealer/manufacturer.

Gee.. with all the money you continually brag about earning...why
not negotiate a better discount and pay cash for the vehicle?


He's highly leveraged, and hopes to be a dentist in his next life,
when he will stay in high school.

I can certainly understand taking advantage of the rates right now to
refinance a house mortgage, but going into debt for consumer
spending? Nah.

I am retiring in 10 years Harry, 10 years earlier than you will start
collecting your full social security bene's. And, the current market
conditions will not affect my retirement plans. As other have said if
the Dow goes down a couple of thousand points it is a buying opportunity.



Maybe when you retire in 10 years, you can enroll in high school and get
your GED.

Won't need to, I will have retired 10 years sooner than most my age at a
higher standard of living than I have now.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"hk" wrote in message
...


Gold has a bit of history as a valuable item. Beads, too. Paper?
No thanks.

Stock up on salt.

Eisboch

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Eisboch wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:

Where the hell were you getting a 20% return?
You gotta have you finance guy putting you in the right funds.


I'll tell you, I have to give you guys credit for having the balls to let a
"finance" guy manage your money and/or investments for retirement.

Maybe I could have made more, maybe not, but I like using common sense and
doing it myself rather than rely on some person who makes a living using
your money. Nope. No way.

You have to know your own limitations and investing isn't one of my
areas of interest. I would rather go out and do stuff than sit around
and figure out where to invest my money. I am good at earning it but not
investing it. Besides I have a family member with a Series 7, working in
the personal finance area, who checks over everything.

Eisboch (with due apologies to all those CPA's/CFP's out there)

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
wrote:
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:50:19 -0500, hk
wrote:

IBM is still in business?
They actually opened a couple bucks higher today. It is still about
16-17 bucks off the 52 week high. I am still not sure what they do
these days
Except for two stocks, we got out of the stock market years ago
and don't really pay any attention to it, except to chuckle over
its vagaries and the belief anyone pays to its "integrity."

What a silly generalization.
Perhaps you believe in the "generally accepted accounting
practices" of listed companies. We don't.


OK. What investments do you use which have consistently stayed ahead
of inflation?


These days, commercial real estate for income and appreciation, and
some raw land options which we picked up and exercised in the early
1990s. Every couple of years we sell off a lot and at some point,
we'll probably sell the remaining lots to a respectable
architect/developer. We've done very well with the land speculation. :-)

We also bought gold in the low $400s. Not certificates, coins. And we
have some money invested in private businesses, a real speculation on
our part, but the bookkeepers are honest.

Your land speculation is just that speculation. I could take stock in
a publicly traded company and turn it into cash money tomorrow. You
land sale has to wait for a buyer and the subsequent deal to actually
go through.

Why would you buy gold coins? Are you digging a bomb shelter in your
backyard too?

Liquid assets, let me repeat that liquid assets.



Land speculation is indeed land speculation. My land partner and I
speculated way back then that owning about 100 acres of heavily wooded,
rolling land in a certain part of Fairfax County would pay off, big time.

You are full of **** Harry. There haven't been any 100 acre lots for
sale in Fairfax County for over 35 years.

It has, and it continues to do so. My guess is that *one* of those lots
is worth more than your net worth. Good times or bad times, not a month
goes by in which we don't get a call asking us if we want to sell
another lot. Usually the answer is no. When we do sell a lot, I put most
of my proceeds, after taxes, into our private REIT and some of it in our
money market account and some of it in a sock. Or if we need a new car,
I simply pay cash for it.

Bull****.

As for the gold coins, well, while I didn't buy them for their
investment value, it's nice that they've just about doubled in value
over these few years.

How many years? 10, 20?

Oh. I don't "finance" the purchase of cars or boats. But I've already
posted that.

You are a fool. There is not benefit in paying cash up front.

I'm thinking of starting up a charity that finds ways to keep
subperforming students in high school so they get their diplomas and
don't quit to join the military. Such a program might have helped
someone like you, eh?

Send you money my way I will ensure that it is put to good use.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:33:35 -0500, "D.Duck" wrote:

You cannot just look at one year either from a positive or negative aspect.

One of the more interesting things I became involved with was back
testing - I started doing this about ten years or so ago using 1
month, 6 month, 18 month, 36 month spans.

It's really an interesting way to determine the value of any long term
investment.

Now, I've got programs that will forward test, back test, sideways
test, upside down test... :)

I don't trade as much as invest long term. Every once in a while you
get interested in something or the other and invest in that. Solar
stocks recently have been a winner for me - funds and single
intestments. Probably will be handing those off to the kids.

I've mentioned this before, but I still have IBM stock from thirty
years ago. :)

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Don White wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
...and Wachovia drive the DOW down a few hundred points today?

Is it the economy, stupid?
Thanks for reminding me that I have the opportunity to refinance
my mortgage and reduce my monthly payments.

Also, we are in the process of deciding what new car we are going
to buy. We may be able to get a loan from with zero interest from
the dealer/manufacturer.

Gee.. with all the money you continually brag about earning...why
not negotiate a better discount and pay cash for the vehicle?


He's highly leveraged, and hopes to be a dentist in his next life,
when he will stay in high school.

I can certainly understand taking advantage of the rates right now
to refinance a house mortgage, but going into debt for consumer
spending? Nah.

I am retiring in 10 years Harry, 10 years earlier than you will start
collecting your full social security bene's. And, the current market
conditions will not affect my retirement plans. As other have said if
the Dow goes down a couple of thousand points it is a buying
opportunity.



Maybe when you retire in 10 years, you can enroll in high school and
get your GED.

Won't need to, I will have retired 10 years sooner than most my age at a
higher standard of living than I have now.


Leaving you free to pursue intellectual interests, no doubt.

I can't think of many things more useless than being "retired."

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Eisboch wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
...

Gold has a bit of history as a valuable item. Beads, too. Paper?
No thanks.

Stock up on salt.

Eisboch



No need. I know Lot's wife. She's a pillar of the community.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

BAR wrote:
hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.



What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Don White wrote:
"BAR" wrote in message
. ..
hk wrote:
...and Wachovia drive the DOW down a few hundred points today?

Is it the economy, stupid?
Thanks for reminding me that I have the opportunity to refinance
my mortgage and reduce my monthly payments.

Also, we are in the process of deciding what new car we are going
to buy. We may be able to get a loan from with zero interest from
the dealer/manufacturer.

Gee.. with all the money you continually brag about earning...why
not negotiate a better discount and pay cash for the vehicle?


He's highly leveraged, and hopes to be a dentist in his next life,
when he will stay in high school.

I can certainly understand taking advantage of the rates right now
to refinance a house mortgage, but going into debt for consumer
spending? Nah.

I am retiring in 10 years Harry, 10 years earlier than you will
start collecting your full social security bene's. And, the current
market conditions will not affect my retirement plans. As other have
said if the Dow goes down a couple of thousand points it is a buying
opportunity.



Maybe when you retire in 10 years, you can enroll in high school and
get your GED.

Won't need to, I will have retired 10 years sooner than most my age at
a higher standard of living than I have now.


Leaving you free to pursue intellectual interests, no doubt.

I can't think of many things more useless than being "retired."


I understand Harry, you can't retire, you neglected to invest your money
in the damn corporations and you stuffed it all in a mattress. No, all
you have is about $20,000 in one dollar bills.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.



What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Your assumption that the pluming will be working is a hoot.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"hk" wrote in message
. ..
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.



What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Go take the gold from some dufus with just a small glock.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.



What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Your assumption that the pluming will be working is a hoot.


The plumbing in my house will work.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

Calif Bill wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.
I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of ammo.


What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Go take the gold from some dufus with just a small glock.




Anyone hoarding gold in case of societal collapse will have something
heavier than a GLOCK pointing back at you.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:

Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in
a post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.

I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of
ammo.



What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Your assumption that the pluming will be working is a hoot.


The plumbing in my house will work.

Who's going to supply your electricity? That stuff doesn't come out of
the holding take under the double with without a pump.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

hk wrote:
Calif Bill wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in
a post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.
I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of
ammo.


What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Go take the gold from some dufus with just a small glock.



Anyone hoarding gold in case of societal collapse will have something
heavier than a GLOCK pointing back at you.

Ok.

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"hk" wrote in message
. ..
Calif Bill wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..
BAR wrote:
hk wrote:
Damn right. You can trade gold for goods and services. Try that in a
post-revolutionary future with a piece of paper.
I'd rather have a big mean nasty dog, a couple of sidearms and some
rifles and a few shotguns. And, about 40 to 50 thousands rounds of
ammo.


What are you going to do, force a plumber to work at gunpoint?

Go take the gold from some dufus with just a small glock.


Anyone hoarding gold in case of societal collapse will have something
heavier than a GLOCK pointing back at you.

Read "The Road". And where will you spend the gold?

Will losses at Bank of America...
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:33:35 -0500, "D.Duck" wrote:

You cannot just look at one year either from a positive or negative
aspect.

One of the more interesting things I became involved with was back
testing - I started doing this about ten years or so ago using 1
month, 6 month, 18 month, 36 month spans.

It's really an interesting way to determine the value of any long term
investment.

Now, I've got programs that will forward test, back test, sideways
test, upside down test... :)

I don't trade as much as invest long term. Every once in a while you
get interested in something or the other and invest in that. Solar
stocks recently have been a winner for me - funds and single
intestments. Probably will be handing those off to the kids.

I've mentioned this before, but I still have IBM stock from thirty
years ago. :)

What a lousy hold that has been. 8-)