Posted on October 17, 2008 @ 11:22 pm - Written by BawldGuy
If you’re unsure about what we’re referring to here, just scroll down to the post immediately below. It’s pretty straightforward.
Let’s skip to the chase here, ‘cuz it’s Friday night, and I’ve got some studyin’ to do. Takin’ care of my periodic requirement for continuing education. It’s an entirely worthless endeavor, but the state has made it abundantly clear they disagree with my assessment. 
To that end, I’m playin’ their game like a good licensee, pretending their silly ‘education’ is worth more than a used Snickers Bar. Boy, did I wander off the reservation with that crud, or what?
Anywho, what loan did you choose? Here’s the bottom line for all three of ‘em. All figures are the for 5 year holding period. And yeah, I don’t make mention of the $2,000 difference in points between #1 and the other two loans. It’s not a factor in this analysis, as loans 2 & 3 both require 2 points. Much of the time points do factor in when deciding upon different loans — just not this time.
Here’s a snapshot of the pertinent info. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on October 15, 2008 @ 10:49 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Since a few bloggers around the country decided to talk about what’s up lately around Wall Street, and some even referenced some of my work here, I thought we’d resurrect an oldie but a goodie tonight.
This particular post received more attention than almost anything else I’ve done, either here, or at BloodhoundBlog. In essence, I said real estate vs stocks was unfair to stocks everywhere. There were Wall Street types who took, uh, umbrage.
“My 4% Will Beat Your 10% Any Day - Stocks vs Real Estate.” is, even if I say so myself, worth your time. It’s especially timely when we consider what’s been happening lately.
I encourage you to read the comments. Try not to chuckle reading about how safe leverage is in the stock market. Leverage and hedge funds being as safe as leveraged real estate? Hard not to smile at that concept now, isn’t it? Geez. Those for whom leveraged stock market investments were deemed attractively safe, have learned the empirical, real life difference between leveraging stocks and other so called ‘instruments’ and real estate.
The point is made in the comments. Several points in fact. They enhance the post tremendously. Let me know your thoughts, taken in light of recent events.
If the spirit moves you to wanna chat with me, go for it. I need a fix. We’ll figure out what makes sense for your particular circumstances. It’s killer fun — at least for me. But then I’m an addict. Purposeful Planning will come up at some point. Have a good one.
Posted on October 15, 2008 @ 12:10 am - Written by BawldGuy
Yesterday I asked four simple questions — all starting with ‘Where would you be today if…’
The following are very credible answers to those questions. They’re by no means the only credible answers. We’ve been comfortable with them.
Let’s begin. All time periods will begin in 1995. The 10-15 year window works well with that starting point. And yeah, the pics are simply to give you a quick break. This is a long one, but worth it.
1. Where would you be today if you’d invested in real estate 10-15 years ago when you first had the capital to make it happen? Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on October 13, 2008 @ 7:16 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Short and sweet tonight. The picture is there ‘cuz it pleased me. Hope it pleases you too. The picture credit goes to Gerry Bourgeois, better know as RealtyMan in Maine. Thanks again, Gerry.
Where would you be today if…
You’d invested in real estate 10-15 years ago when you first had the capital to make it happen?
You’d stopped putting all your savings into your 401(k). (Exception: dollar for dollar company match.)
You’d taken that money and put it into EIUL’s.
You’d gotten Outa Dodge 12 months ago and traded into a growth region.
Some folks will have been keenly affected by all four of those ‘what ifs’. Some by none. Most by at least one of ‘em.
Tomorrow I’m gonna show you the impact of those what ifs on the typical guy/gal.
Meanwhile, ask yourself these questions, being brutally honest with the answers. Any one of those four has had an easily demonstrable impact. Two or more? Huge impact.
Doing things on purpose using Purposeful Planning is the bedrock of what we do here. If you think it’s time to take the male bovine by the bony sharp things, then contact me and we’ll start a conversation. Have a good one.
Posted on October 9, 2008 @ 11:05 pm - Written by BawldGuy
As I write this it’s still Thursday, which means Josh and I had lunch at Mom’s, or Grandma’s, depending upon who’s doin’ the talkin’. Though retirement didn’t come up in conversation, something she said reminded me of data I ran across about a year ago. It was both surprising and an impending nightmare for a large and ever growing segment of the country.
The average Joe/Jane arrives at their 58th birthday with a 401(k) valued at less than $60,000 give or take.
Read that sentence again, and let it sink in.
58 today? Have $1,000 for every year you’ve been breathin’ on the planet, saved up for your glorious retirement?
Ever heard of the colloquialism ‘up the creek without a paddle’? Happy Birthday!
There are millions of ‘Boomers in their 40’s and 50’s. There are thousands and thousands who’ve recently realized they own a water born vessel, but without any visible means of locomotion. Read the rest of this entry »