Search found 213 matches

by Lonestar
Mon Aug 28, 2017 8:26 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: A Question for Sophie (An Epidemic of Autism or Plain Old Bad Behavior?)
Replies: 18
Views: 9874

Re: A Question for Sophie (An Epidemic of Autism or Plain Old Bad Behavior?)

As an aside, I once won the distinction of having been forcefully ejected from a Trader Joe's for spouting off at a two-year-old who was having a doozy of a meltdown. Maddy, Since I live in a smaller town, I have to rely on Walmart for my "test bed" of societal activity. I can't tell you how many t...
by Lonestar
Fri Aug 11, 2017 8:21 am
Forum: Bonds
Topic: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell
Replies: 32
Views: 31487

Re: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell

Lonestar, it sounds like you understand how to build the ladder, but the question is what average duration you really want. If you're trying to replace an intermediate fund, look up the duration of the fund for comparison. Your earlier example of the 1..10 ladder may be closer to what you need (or ...
by Lonestar
Thu Aug 10, 2017 9:30 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell
Replies: 32
Views: 31487

Re: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell

OK.......just classic "ladder building". I've been going with intermediate funds and ETF's but am very interested in a T bond or secondary CD ladder. guess I need to just jump in an start the process.
by Lonestar
Thu Aug 10, 2017 12:14 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell
Replies: 32
Views: 31487

Re: 5 year ladder vs Cash and 30 year barbell

This may be a terribly elementary question, but how does one hold a ladder of intermediate term (5yr) treasury bonds? Looks like you would either have to have equal amounts in treasuries maturing in years 1 through ten to equate a 5yr duration. Or, start purchasing a 5yr maturity treasuries each yea...
by Lonestar
Thu Aug 10, 2017 12:04 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: The Debt Ceiling and Treasuries
Replies: 11
Views: 8987

Re: The Debt Ceiling and Treasuries

I'd personally be taking at least a haircut on I-Bonds, EE-Bonds, long and short-term treasuries. If that happens, I am no longer a lender to the USG. The USG needs to be able to borrow money because they are incapable of making cuts and running a balanced budget. No, whatever happens will be slopp...
by Lonestar
Sat Mar 18, 2017 9:40 am
Forum: Gold
Topic: Physical Fractional vs. Full oz. Gold
Replies: 24
Views: 16111

Re: Physical Fractional vs. Full oz. Gold

We have made about 10 purchases of Eagles and Krugs from Texas Precious Metals in Shiner, Texas. I have got to say, they are the best prices I've found and based on my phone conversations with them, I feel they are very trustworthy. They have delivered EXACTLY as promised. I was recently looking for...
by Lonestar
Sun Jan 01, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Gold
Topic: Gold Coin Counterfeiting today
Replies: 39
Views: 23767

Re: Gold Coin Counterfeiting today

I have started paying the small premium to purchase current year uncirculated gold Eagles. The dealer I buy from is an authorized U.S. Mint dealer. I am assuming this might offer some protection against getting a counterfeit coin.
by Lonestar
Tue Jun 21, 2016 1:02 pm
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: I'm a Tube Amp Convert
Replies: 17
Views: 8479

Re: I'm a Tube Amp Convert

Ok, since we're talking audio, would it be all right for me to mention that I have a couple of items for sale? :D Only if they are tube amps. Then, while we are on the subject, how could I find out how much an old Harman Kardon Award Series A700 70 watt amp would be worth? Are there any forums out ...
by Lonestar
Fri Jun 10, 2016 8:54 am
Forum: Gold
Topic: Silver vs Gold - Momentum
Replies: 8
Views: 5275

Re: Silver vs Gold - Momentum

You should at least buy a bag of junk silver for SHTF purposes. Making change with gold coins is problematic. :) Not to change the course of the thread, but I've wanted to buy a bag of junk silver for some time. So many choices. Do I buy mixed, dimes, quarters, etc?? Some dealers sell by face value...
by Lonestar
Tue May 31, 2016 11:29 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: TrueCryt
Replies: 8
Views: 5315

Re: TrueCryt

dualstow,

OK thanks. I keep thinking for my needs TrueCrypt will continue to work just fine, but................why mess with the old stuff that won't be supported any more. The user interface is so close on VeraCrypt you really can't tell you have made the change.
by Lonestar
Tue May 31, 2016 9:14 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: TrueCryt
Replies: 8
Views: 5315

Re: TrueCryt

Yeah, I switched to veracrypt b/c of advice on this forum. Works. Have you had any issues in the conversion to VeraCrypt? I downloaded and changed over yesterday and see no difference other than it takes longer to open the encrypted file. Documentation says this is because of the stronger encryption.
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:40 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

Just a quick re-visit to this subject (realizing I may be the only one interested).  After researching I still don't know about markup by Fidelity on secondary market purchases. It looks like the best solution is to by at auction through Fidelity.  As far as I can tell there is absolutely no markup ...
by Lonestar
Tue Apr 12, 2016 8:38 am
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

I just spoke with bond desk at fidelity and they stated no markup.  To verify I looked at current market yield on Bloomberg and it actually showed the yield at about 5 basis points lower than Fidelity, which would indicate a lower per bond price.  Real time quotes may be a factor here since we are o...
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 08, 2016 5:06 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

It's in my VP which is a 30/70 allocation.  Equities are all index funds.  The backtesting I've done shows a 5-7 year FI maturity gives me the risk profile and volatility I'm looking for.  Shorter maturity decreases my CAGR and longer maturity increases risk.  To be candid I'm probably way over thin...
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 08, 2016 2:05 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

I'll see if I can search out a thread over there.  Don't recall seeing it.  I've talked with the guys at the fixed income dept at Fidelity and they kinda sound like they think I'm crazy.  BUT, they can't give a good answer as to why not. I doubt they encounter folks that are this concerned with main...
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 08, 2016 1:50 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

There may be a disadvantage, but I'm unaware of it myself. I'd probably be reluctant to sell at a loss at the end of the year if rates have risen, and would probably just prefer to buy ticker IEI and ignore it. But, I see that you explicitly said you want to increase individual bond holdings. (What...
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 08, 2016 1:40 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Re: Managing IT Treasury allocation

I was once told by a forum member named Joe that commissions aren't the only type of charge. Brokerages can also apply a markup on treasury transactions. I am also with Fidelity and am not exactly sure if they apply markups to treasuries on the secondary market. For that reason, it may be slightly ...
by Lonestar
Fri Apr 08, 2016 12:36 pm
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Managing IT Treasury allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 10750

Managing IT Treasury allocation

I'm trying to keep my fixed income allocation based around 5-7 year maturity.  I'm holding IT Treasury funds, ETF's, and also some individual bonds. I'd like to increase my individual bond holdings and since I buy/sell through Fidelity there are no transaction costs.  My questions is: if for example...
by Lonestar
Sun Jan 31, 2016 7:58 am
Forum: Bonds
Topic: Are free trades for treasuries really free? Except for TD Ameritrade?
Replies: 9
Views: 7267

Re: Are free trades for treasuries really free? Except for TD Ameritrade?

Two days ago I was in the process of posting a similar question about fees at Fidelity when I noticed this part in their commissions pdf: https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/060_www_fidelity_com/documents/Brokerage_Commissions_Fee_Schedule.pdf [img width=500]http://i.imgur.com/wKCYuIj.jpg[/img] I c...
by Lonestar
Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:10 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: Hillary Clinton's terrible campaign
Replies: 10
Views: 2476

Re: Hillary Clinton's terrible campaign

It is completely baffling to me and I cannot see how she will win unless she radically alters her message. Sadly, because democrats will vote for her regardless. This brings up something I've wondered about for years.  It really does seem Democrats will stand behind their leader regardless, i.e Bil...
by Lonestar
Sat Nov 07, 2015 11:09 am
Forum: Permanent Portfolio Discussion
Topic: PP is once again positive YTD
Replies: 202
Views: 65605

Re: PP is once again positive YTD

The psychological drive to go scorched earth on the thing one liked enough to try but found wasn't for them is always fascinating.  Isn't it the subject matter of countless country songs? Here is the MediumTex adaptation of He Stopped Loving Her Today prepared just for my friend buddtholomew: Budd ...
by Lonestar
Tue Nov 03, 2015 7:08 pm
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: Fibonacci Blocks: Fun with Phi & the Golden Ratio
Replies: 3
Views: 1698

Re: Fibonacci Blocks: Fun with Phi & the Golden Ratio

Very neat! My name is Luke Hamilton. I’m a 16 year old student in Bali, and I created the Fibonacci Blocks as my grade 10 personal project. After I created my prototype set, many people wanted to buy a set, so I would love your support so that I can go into production. These blocks are designed usi...
by Lonestar
Mon Sep 07, 2015 3:25 pm
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: thought i would share some of our macro photography shots
Replies: 19
Views: 15806

Re: thought i would share some of our macro photography shots

Please tell us what camera and len(s) you are using for those shots.  they look great!
by Lonestar
Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:56 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: The thought crimes of Donald Trump
Replies: 80
Views: 29974

Re: The thought crimes of Donald Trump

And one more thing................here in Texas we have a lot of hard working, good family oriented, law abiding illegals from Mexico.  I sincerely wish there were reasonable legal channels that would allow them a path to citizenship.  If they are truly coming here to escape the poverty and violence...
by Lonestar
Sat Jul 04, 2015 8:49 am
Forum: Other Discussions
Topic: The thought crimes of Donald Trump
Replies: 80
Views: 29974

Re: The thought crimes of Donald Trump

Yeah, the Mexican border is too vast to effectively police without dramatically increasing law enforcement manpower and building a huge guarded wall or something, all of which would be extremely expensive and highly problematic for the small government and Libertarian wings of the Republican party....