http://www.pfblog.com/ Daily personal finance observation, musing and decisions in a journey toward financial independence by 36 with at least a million dollars. en-us webmaster@pfblog.com 2009-11-21T20:00:07-08:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with Pageflakes http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6386_how_much_are_credit_card_issuers_charging_merchants.shtml <p><img alt="creditcardlogo.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/creditcardlogo.jpg" width="135" height="118" align="left"/>Do you know why some small businesses refuse to take credit cards, and do you know why credit card companies can afford giving away 1% cash-back or even more when you swipe your card? Yes, your card issuers will charge any business you pay by credit card. But by how much?</p> <p>The short answer: it varies. According to <a href="http://truecostofcredit.com/">TrueCostofCredit.com</a>:</p> <p>- A standard card from <strong>Visa or Mastercard with no reward feature</strong> charges about <strong>2.3-2.4%</strong> for big ticket purchases like airfare and electronics, and 1.5-1.6% for groceries.</p> <p>- <strong>Visa and Mastercard rewards cards</strong> usually mean <strong>0.3%</strong> higher charge for the merchants. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6386_how_much_are_credit_card_issuers_charging_merchants.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090204053101"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090204053101?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090204053101" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090204053101&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6386_how_much_are_credit_card_issuers_charging_merchants.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vTkHkw2c"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=R1V2EhDg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=R1V2EhDg" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iwIqZjYv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=iwIqZjYv" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zxweOYMo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IlzC7you"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IlzC7you" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6386@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.1 Readings - Credit 2009-02-04T05:31:01-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6385_100_best_companies_to_work_for_2009_edition.shtml <p><img alt="fortunebestcompany.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/fortunebestcompany.jpg" width="130" height="113" align="left"/>Fortune magazine just released its 2009 installment of "<a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/index.html">100 Best Companies to Work For</a>". Here are the top ten companies.</p> <p>1. NetApp<br /> 2. Edward Jones<br /> 3. Boston Consulting<br /> 4. Google<br /> 5. Wegmans<br /> 6. Cisco<br /> 7. Genentech<br /> 8. Methodist Hospital<br /> 9. Goldman Sachs<br /> 10. Nugget Market</p> <p>And the link to <a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/full_list/">the full list</a>. (My employer is a distant 38th on the list, but at least it is still one of the 15 companies that pays 100% of employee health insurance premiums.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6385_100_best_companies_to_work_for_2009_edition.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090203051336"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090203051336?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090203051336" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090203051336&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6385_100_best_companies_to_work_for_2009_edition.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=BYv30rSS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7Q5WTD11"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=7Q5WTD11" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=R8plX7ri"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=R8plX7ri" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VDBi5kkA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mBUZ2aQp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mBUZ2aQp" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6385@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.9 Readings - Others 2009-02-03T05:13:36-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6384_what_you_should_know_about_2008_individual_income_tax_returns.shtml <p><img alt="taxicon2009.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/taxicon2009.jpg" width="130" height="113" align="left"/>The cliché goes that there are only two things remain constant in this world: death and taxes. With this year's April 15 deadline approach, do you know some important tax law changes that might affect your individual income tax return?</p> <p>Below is a <a href="http://www.cch.com/press/news/2009/20090130t.asp<br /> ">concise compilation from CCH CompleteTax</a> of what you need to know about your 2008 tax return:<br />  <br /> <strong>Exemptions</strong></p> <p> • <u>Personal exemption.</u> This increased to $3,500 per person for 2008. </p> <p> • <u>AMT exemption.</u> The AMT exemption increased for 2008 to $69,950 for joint filers and surviving spouses, $46,200 for single filers and $34,975 for married persons filing separate returns. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6384_what_you_should_know_about_2008_individual_income_tax_returns.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090202042942"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090202042942?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090202042942" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090202042942&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6384_what_you_should_know_about_2008_individual_income_tax_returns.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WZiQu0tz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=PqdQdhAz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=PqdQdhAz" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=dgN505LE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=dgN505LE" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5v3KliJK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bjB0aZ4k"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bjB0aZ4k" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6384@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.6 Readings - Tax 2009-02-02T04:29:42-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6382_monthly_update_january_2009_796679_11654.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>We continued to live below our means and save a huge portion of our income. But even though our portfolio is only mildly exposed to equity investments, we still took a hit from worst market performance in any January since 1928. As a result, our net worth retreated <strong>1.4%</strong> and dipped below the $800k mark.</p> <p>On the other hand, our mutual fund automatic investment plan is in its full throttle. <strong>$23,000</strong> net purchase was made in the month, bringing our total investment exposure as a percentage of net worth by two points to <strong>33.4%</strong>.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6382_monthly_update_january_2009_796679_11654.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090201003029"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090201003029?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090201003029" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090201003029&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6382_monthly_update_january_2009_796679_11654.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YTVI26bY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GEqJK51d"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=GEqJK51d" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=utp42cof"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=utp42cof" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sVgOmcLS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iuyf6D93"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=iuyf6D93" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6382@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2009-02-01T00:30:29-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6383_how_a_year_is_lost.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioicon.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/>As a farewell bid to 2008, I compiled a full reconciliation table of the investment gains and losses in the unfortunate year of 2008. </p> <p><strong>Technical Notes:</strong></p> <p>- Purchase = Total money paid to acquire additional stock or mutual fund shares, including commission.<br /> - Sale = Net proceeds from selling stock or mutual fund shares, after commission. <br /> - Cash Dividends = Total dividends received from stock.<br /> - Note on mutual fund dividends: since all mutual fund dividends are automatically reinvested, there is no cash flow transaction to record. Additional shares from reinvestment are reflected in the year-end Quantity column.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6383_how_a_year_is_lost.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090131224211"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090131224211?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090131224211" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090131224211&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6383_how_a_year_is_lost.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gDK7Izzn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CpautSyS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=CpautSyS" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=acM03kFO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=acM03kFO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Q5uiOwpC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oPj0yKSE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=oPj0yKSE" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6383@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2009-01-31T22:42:11-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6381_investment_plan_2009_part_1_the_macroeconomic_assessments.shtml <p>For a long time, I had been rather sporadic in managing my investments, picking up a fancy stock today, and jumping into another mutual fund the next day. Obviously the approach was proven wrong in 2008. So my new year's wish: more rigor in managing my financials. After all, although the financial crisis has wiped out a sizable fortune, I still need to count on building and growing my nest egg for a much aspired early retirement.</p> <p>In the last few weeks, I have some rarely-find personal time to develop and implement my investment plan for 2009. I will take the next few posts to share my plan and solicit your feedback.</p> <p>My plan starts with personal assessment of macroeconomic situation, a result of at least 30 hours of readings and analysis: </p> <p><strong>1. Asset Price </strong></p> <p><strong>Assessment: Asset price is approaching reasonable levels. </strong></p> <p>Major stock markets have lost almost half of its peak value, and commodity price have tanked. By many measures, equity price is at very attractive level now. On the flip side, since we haven't seen the full impact on corporate earnings yet, it can be argued that the ordinary price metrics like P/E ratio may offer a false reading at the moment. All told, I come to believe that while no one can predict where the bottom is -- the claim that November is a long-term bottom is becoming weaker every day -- it can be said that asset price doesn't have much room to drop further.</p> <p><strong>Actions: </strong>Currently, 3/4 of my portfolio is on cash and that allocation certainly is not optimized for growth. I intend to start increase exposure to riskier assets. Also, I plan to enter into automatic investment plans to avoid being sidetracked during market swings.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6381_investment_plan_2009_part_1_the_macroeconomic_assessments.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090120213517"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090120213517?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090120213517" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090120213517&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6381_investment_plan_2009_part_1_the_macroeconomic_assessments.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hzBkDNrx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hhjSR7Qk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=hhjSR7Qk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=RHQXuaQy"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=RHQXuaQy" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GoOXGXUT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=UJnxIJzj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=UJnxIJzj" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6381@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2009-01-20T21:35:17-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6380_what_is_the_white_house_worth_in_the_market.shtml <p><img alt="whitehouse.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/whitehouse.jpg" width="100" height="79" align="left"/>Can you put a price tag on the White House? Of course, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will never be put to the market, but the online real estate site Zillow.com decides to <a href="http://sev.prnewswire.com/real-estate/20090108/SF5674208012009-1.html">make some timely noise</a> now that the new First Family only needs to wait for another 10 days to move in. The estimate: <a href="http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1600-Pennsylvania-Ave-NW-Washington-DC-20006/84074482_zpid/">$308,058,000</a>.</p> <p>Yes, if Uncle Sam is in a fire sale, the "55,000 square feet of indoor space, 132 total rooms, 35 bathrooms, 16 bedrooms, three kitchens and 18 acres of premium downtown Washington, DC land" will slightly help our budget deficit. </p> <p>And more fun facts if we think alone this line:</p> <p>- Were someone to take out a standard 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage on the White House today (assuming 20 percent down and a 6 percent rate), their monthly payment (including principal and interest) would be $1.48 million. Even with the Treasury Department's proposed 4.5% rate on 30-year mortgages, a <strong>monthly payment</strong> would still top <strong>$1.25 million</strong>. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6380_what_is_the_white_house_worth_in_the_market.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090110155114"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090110155114?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090110155114" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090110155114&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6380_what_is_the_white_house_worth_in_the_market.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=prOQ0Yub"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=MvqjvLrv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=MvqjvLrv" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NdS2HYfU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=NdS2HYfU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YQDgzZJv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=FrquF6hu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=FrquF6hu" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6380@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2009-01-10T15:51:14-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6379_why_did_i_sell_all_my_stock_and_not.shtml <p>My stock picking days are finally over, for now. Back in April 2003, I bought my first stock -- Pre Paid Legal Service (<strong>PPD</strong>). Over the six and half years since, I bought a total of 33 stocks. As late as May, I was sitting on almost quarter-a-million portfolio of individual stocks, including many financial stocks (<strong>AIG</strong>, <strong>BAC</strong>, <strong>JPM</strong>, <strong>LFG</strong>, <strong>MMC</strong>, <strong>WTM</strong>, just to name a few) -- what a good portfolio it was in a financial crisis :-)</p> <p>And with the market testing new lows every other day, my portfolio was taking one nosedive after another. For a moment I was in denial, and hesitated to share the losing record, especially to a special reader of my blog -- my wife. Knowing that we won't touch on the investment portfolio for at least a decade, and stock market will surely recover in the long run, I felt it was not necessary to create a lot of anxiety under the same roof.</p> <p>In retrospect, the biggest lesson I learned from loading more and more financial stocks between 2007 and 2008 is: I acted blindly. With 60-hour work weeks, I should have known that I cannot dedicate enough time to study each company and keep track of all developments. My corporate finance background should have helped me, but without a lot of time to study my portfolio holdings as much as I study the corporate P&L I'm managing, it is no surprise that I chose the wrong path.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6379_why_did_i_sell_all_my_stock_and_not.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090109095735"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090109095735?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090109095735" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090109095735&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6379_why_did_i_sell_all_my_stock_and_not.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nwQ116u4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vykBKjUr"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=vykBKjUr" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=RYIzbSTQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=RYIzbSTQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DB3dWfWj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Tw64lNGH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Tw64lNGH" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6379@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2009-01-09T09:57:35-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6378_best_and_worst_performing_stock_markets_of_2008.shtml <p>How bad did the worldwide stock markets perform in 2008? Too bad that there is only one country with some positive gains. </p> <p>And comparing to the 94% plunge of Iceland stock market, we are truly blessed to "only" sustain 30%-plus loss in the States. </p> <p>Via <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7802871.stm">BBC</a>:</p> <p><strong>The Best Performing Stock Markets in 2008</strong></p> <p><img alt="bbc2008best.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/bbc2008best.jpg" width="235" height="270" /></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6378_best_and_worst_performing_stock_markets_of_2008.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090107230512"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090107230512?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090107230512" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090107230512&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6378_best_and_worst_performing_stock_markets_of_2008.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zpq4CuAW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4PjuVu5l"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=4PjuVu5l" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6413bDAm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=6413bDAm" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vd65pFzl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=heRHcn8N"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=heRHcn8N" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6378@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2009-01-07T23:05:12-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6377_free_credit_score_for_everyone.shtml <p>Isn't it good that when you wake up from hibernation, everything in the world is better? </p> <p>A good portion of personal finance planning is about credit management, and that usually involves you keep track of your credit report and credit score, so as to maintain a good credit record that might help you when you apply for the next mortgage, car loan or credit card.</p> <p>Three years ago, the new FTC legislature requires each of the "big three" credit agencies to provide a free credit report to everyone once every year. If you haven't tried that yet, go to <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/" target="_blank">https://www.annualcreditreport.com/</a> and order yours. If you space out your retrieval carefully, you can get one free report every four months.</p> <p>But that will only give you the credit report for free. Credit score is still something you normally have to pay for. Now, it seems that the advertising-supported business model is hitting this corner of the world too ... introducing <a href="http://www.creditkarma.com/" target="_blank" >CreditKarma.com</a>, where you can get unlimited flow of your latest credit score on demand for free.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6377_free_credit_score_for_everyone.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090103164004"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090103164004?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090103164004" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090103164004&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6377_free_credit_score_for_everyone.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8xQa0pNL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=51yWSyQb"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=51yWSyQb" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=x9sCdlbR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=x9sCdlbR" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IZKgaeNO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aAvkO6XJ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=aAvkO6XJ" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6377@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.1 Readings - Credit 2009-01-03T16:40:04-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6376_the_1m_goal_revisited_should_i_take_risk.shtml <p>One of the few things that are long-lived at PFBlog is the $1M goal stated in the tag line. </p> <p>When I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/199_a_brief_guide_to_pfblogcom.shtml">started PFBlog in 2003</a>, my intention is to use the blog to track my progress to become a millionaire by the age of 40. It doesn't take long for me to realize that we can claim a seven-figure asset much earlier with diligent savings and financial planning. Therefore, in 2005, I changed the goal to <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/2948_financial_goal_restated.shtml">break the million-dollar mark by 36</a>. </p> <p>Now you may say one million dollars is no longer enough to support a comfortable retirement, but it is still an attractive milestone, isn't it?</p> <p>So after a long hiatus in my blogging activity, a quick snapshot assessment of where we are:</p> <p>To start off, we still ended the year with <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6375_annual_update_2008_808333.shtml">just over $800,000 in assets</a>. In a few months, I'll turn 33, so we still have about three years to add the final 200 grand to our coffer.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6376_the_1m_goal_revisited_should_i_take_risk.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090102151310"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090102151310?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090102151310" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090102151310&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6376_the_1m_goal_revisited_should_i_take_risk.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CY0d5mDC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mScG2D7r"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mScG2D7r" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4WkWSPvX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=4WkWSPvX" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xcyI7lpB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=BmXpDnFM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=BmXpDnFM" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6376@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2009-01-02T15:13:10-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6375_annual_update_2008_808333.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>It's time to face the moment of truth. After a lapse of six months (which all of us want to forget), let's pick up again the monthly ritual of reporting my net worth. Here comes our balance sheet at the end of the year:</p> <p><img alt="net-worth-0812.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/net-worth-0812.jpg" width="293" height="313" /></p> <p>The worst market performance since 1930s caught us as a victim too. After this carnage, our net worth is 80 grand less than <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6372_monthly_update_may_2008_885297_12932.shtml">the last time we reported</a>. We also closed 2008 with almost $90k lighter than <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6349_monthly_update_december_2007_895398_19549.shtml">what we started the year with</a>. What a year!<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6375_annual_update_2008_808333.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_090101153155"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/090101153155?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_090101153155" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=090101153155&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6375_annual_update_2008_808333.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=v7GrIx1F"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sTOLDtGj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=sTOLDtGj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8l1zcTrn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=8l1zcTrn" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NC7SrUtQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vUyS9jdA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=vUyS9jdA" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6375@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2009-01-01T15:31:55-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6374_bye_bye_2008.shtml <p>2008 is finally around the corner now. What a busy year! Now 2008 will soon be a memory, I took the chance to write a final annual summary so the year will be remembered when I looked back decades from now.</p> <p><strong>Family</strong></p> <p><u>What's Good:</u> My wife, my son and I, as a family, has much stronger bonding compared to last year. We enjoyed a lot of precious family moments. My wife continues to have success in her great freelance job, and my son, now at grade 2, is starting to having fun in his school. Everyone, including my extended families, is still healthy.</p> <p><u>What's Not So Good:</u> Really nothing. I feel blessed our family is growing in the right direction. </p> <p><strong>Work</strong></p> <p><u>What's Good:</u> I'm taking much more responsibilities at work than a year ago and received an important promotion as a result. I continue to feel valued and am excited to come to work on most of the days. I derive a lot of fun working with my team, including my new boss who was parachuted to us 6 months ago. </p> <p><u>What's Not So Good:</u> For the entire year, I was essentially taking the workload of two, and the financial crisis has been challenging the effectiveness of our team to optimize resources. Many times, I felt I am consumed by the work by having to get up 6am in the morning and attend late-night calls. Also, I took more business trips than last year -- I spent altogether over 100 days on the road for business. To some extent, the economic crisis and accompanying reduced level of business travel is a blessing :-) In all means, 2008 is simply the busiest year ever I had in my career.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6374_bye_bye_2008.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_081231145156"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/081231145156?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_081231145156" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=081231145156&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6374_bye_bye_2008.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sxtPvu9k"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Gjg8fdDK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Gjg8fdDK" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=uG9vtt7H"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=uG9vtt7H" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XDgEuSDC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=u7Wjr9HQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=u7Wjr9HQ" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6374@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-12-31T14:51:56-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6372_monthly_update_may_2008_885297_12932.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>While our portfolio barely made an inch, we continued to save a substantial part of our take-home pay and this ultimately drove home a <strong>1.5%</strong> net worth addition in May.</p> <p>Should I feel good that Our net worth winning streak is finally extended to the third months?</p> <p>For the four full years between 2004 and 2007, there were only <strong>three </strong>"down" months in between. Now with our net worth changes are mostly governed by the market turbulence, our monthly performance is close to a coin toss lately -- exactly <strong>three </strong>"down" months and <strong>three </strong>"up" months in the last six months.</p> <p>And this means my <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6356_2008_financial_goals.shtml">annual financial goal of $225,000 net worth growth</a> is probably out of reach now -- our net worth actually retreated about 10 grand so far this year compared to where we ended 2007.</p> <p>Now I actually don't feel too bad. If anything, the market condition and ensuing sea change in our net worth growth trend is a good wake-up call on how important it will be to manage the financial risks after our peak earning years. We are still fortunate that we are able to save more than 50% of our pre-tax income month after month, so we can definitely ride through this hurricane and come out stronger (both financially and mentally).<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6372_monthly_update_may_2008_885297_12932.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080603202613"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080603202613?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080603202613" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080603202613&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6372_monthly_update_may_2008_885297_12932.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kzSB9HMn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=K7ZkLenV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=K7ZkLenV" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Utmy4T3I"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Utmy4T3I" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6Xpceu4C"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=daUTEMam"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=daUTEMam" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6372@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-06-03T20:26:13-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6370_portfolio_update_may_2008_up_012.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioicon.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>May is a pretty stable month for my portfolio in terms of absolute gains -- my stable of mutual funds, stocks and cash inched higher <strong>0.12%</strong>. But on a relatively basis, my portfolio lagged the benchmark by <strong>1.3%</strong> in this month. Certainly not a good month for relative performance!</p> <p><strong>TRANSACTIONS</strong></p> <p>I made a further $7,000 commitment to Dodge & Cox's domestic stock offering (<strong>DODGX</strong>). Also, I started a new (yet admittedly tiny $500) position at T. <strong>Rowe Price New Era (PRNEX)</strong>, as an effort to beef up my energy exposure. I have enrolled in </p> <p><strong>NEXT STEPS</strong></p> <p>My individual stock positions have been lagged the market for a few months in a row now -- the huge concentration on financial stocks has been proven untimely, but at this price level, it can be argued that opportunities and risks are relatively balanced. Anyway, I'm intentionally controlling the relative share of my individual stock exposure now -- individual stock positions now represents only <strong>28%</strong> of my portfolio, vs. <strong>34%</strong> at the end of 2007.</p> <p>With another series of reports on worsening housing market, it doesn't look like I need to eagerly commit more money to the market now. I do plan to sit in the side line of the equity market, and move more money to China for some currency bets.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6370_portfolio_update_may_2008_up_012.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080601005257"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080601005257?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080601005257" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080601005257&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6370_portfolio_update_may_2008_up_012.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=scaBXCLx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YcotYFjU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=YcotYFjU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1WM0BA3s"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1WM0BA3s" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=i63geBix"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=muCMvdzi"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=muCMvdzi" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6370@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-06-01T00:52:57-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6371_monthly_update_april_2008_872365_39068.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>Thanks to a nice comeback of the stock market, our net worth received a much needed boost of <strong>4.7%</strong> in April. I hate to mention the fact that despite our continued hard work and savers' mentality, our nest egg is still lighter compared to the low 900's it fetched in October 2007 -- our total wealth basically went no where in the last six months thanks to the rollercoaster ride of the stock market. </p> <p><strong>BALANCE SHEET</strong></p> <p><img alt="networth-08-04.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networth-08-04.jpg" width="613" height="218" /><br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6371_monthly_update_april_2008_872365_39068.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080510042929"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080510042929?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080510042929" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080510042929&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6371_monthly_update_april_2008_872365_39068.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Ah0gu4N5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=qrpHw1QL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=qrpHw1QL" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=piJDFi53"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=piJDFi53" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=OTnAbfcg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5AJza0AN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5AJza0AN" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6371@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-05-10T04:29:29-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6369_portfolio_update_april_2008_up_398.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioicon.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>The market finally recovered some ground after five back-to-back monthly losses, and my portfolio benefitted from the market's sudden enthusiasm too with a nice gain of <strong>3.98%</strong>, the largest monthly gain in a while. Since my portfolio is decidedly under-exposed compared to my benchmark, my monthly gain is dwarfed by the benchmark's <strong>4.45%</strong> expansion. On a year-to-date basis, both my portfolio and the benchmark lost about <strong>3.30%</strong>.</p> <p><strong>TRANSACTIONS</strong></p> <p>I made some shuffling in my mutual fund positions to embrace the newly available option of BrokerageLink -- a 401(k) plan feature that allows participants to expand investment options to almost all stocks and mutual funds. As such, I dropped <strong>Russell International Growth</strong> and <strong>ING International Value (NIIVX)</strong>, bought more of <strong>Harbor International (HIINX)</strong> and <strong>USAA Precious Metals and Minerals (USAGX)</strong>.</p> <p>In addition, I moved more U.S. dollars to <strong>Chinese Yuan</strong> on my "carry trade" experiment. By the end of the month, I have about one seventh of my portfolio in Chinese Yuan, yielding handsomely from gradual, predictable appreciation of the currency. (Starting from this month, I'm breaking our my Chinese Yuan positions from the "Cash/Fixed Income" category.)</p> <p>Also, I had to pull some money out of my portfolio to repay some 0% APR credit card debt that is coming due. This, of course, reduced the leverage of my portfolio.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6369_portfolio_update_april_2008_up_398.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080508062729"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080508062729?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080508062729" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080508062729&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6369_portfolio_update_april_2008_up_398.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=9DY7tej1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bMISwKY9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bMISwKY9" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=QHzoqk4o"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=QHzoqk4o" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=cx2kZUDY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=uj7A5z6T"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=uj7A5z6T" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6369@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-05-08T06:27:29-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6368_a_215_refund.shtml <p><img alt="pastdue.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/pastdue.jpg" width="130" height="95" align="left" />The workload surge in the last two months caused many slips in my life. Not only was I forced into a "sabbatical leave" from blogging, I didn't even notice that I have fallen behind on a monthly credit card payment. </p> <p>The card at issue is a Discover Miles card, which I took advantage back in November for its 0% APR balance transfer offer (after a $75 balance transfer charge). While I was only a few days behind the due date, I was slapped with a <strong>$39 late payment penalty</strong> and a <strong>$176 interest charge</strong>.</p> <p>I have to admit this incident is not typical of me; I have been meticulously managing all bills for many years and almost never missed a payment. Now it is very hard to swallow that my first miss in years set me back for <strong>$215</strong>. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6368_a_215_refund.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080412205534"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080412205534?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080412205534" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080412205534&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6368_a_215_refund.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=lriocGmq"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IklBrffV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IklBrffV" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NHRBe9hj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=NHRBe9hj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Mn1lFZ1E"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oMOzCXQM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=oMOzCXQM" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6368@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.1 My Finance - Credit 2008-04-12T20:55:34-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6367_monthly_update_march_2008_833298_5976.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>The first month of net worth gain came rather late in 2008. Helped by continued strength in my day job and sideline business, our net worth edged up 0.7% in March. While we are $62,100 off where we started the year, we still increased our wealth by over $150,000 in the last 12 months.</p> <p>Again, the market is testing the patience of every participant and spectator. If anything, I'm getting very good at dealing with market turbulence -- daily five-figure portfolio loss doesn't bother me much these days. </p> <p>Now I don't think I'm a role model when it comes to investing -- some can easily discount me as market timer by keeping a big cash reserve, or being on the fence between stock picker and fund investor -- but I'm glad I'm true to myself and put my money where my mouth is. There are and will continue to be hits and misses, and it will surely take a long time to get better in the game. I won't mind people giving me more criticism or feedback along the way.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6367_monthly_update_march_2008_833298_5976.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080408055414"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080408055414?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080408055414" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080408055414&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6367_monthly_update_march_2008_833298_5976.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=n3INCzH5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zznLCI9U"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=zznLCI9U" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LzrsPpED"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=LzrsPpED" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NLseRUlP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DlgqbLLj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=DlgqbLLj" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6367@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-04-08T05:54:14-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6366_monthly_update_february_2008_827321_25287.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>It seems that our distance to the seven-figure net worth milestone only increased in the first 60 days of the year. With another <strong>25 grand</strong> retreat in February on the heels of the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6362_monthly_update_january_2008_852608_42790.shtml">$42,790 net worth decline</a> in January, our net worth took a <strong>7.6%</strong> nosedive so far this year. </p> <p>I can blame this to the stock market, or MSFT's unsolicited bid for Yahoo!. But either case, it just makes it much harder to achieve the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6356_2008_financial_goals.shtml">net worth growth goal</a> for the year.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6366_monthly_update_february_2008_827321_25287.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080408051908"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080408051908?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080408051908" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080408051908&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6366_monthly_update_february_2008_827321_25287.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ldhvy2RP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=qFvMmNb6"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=qFvMmNb6" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gTlm2dPS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=gTlm2dPS" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WCuYG8my"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CqkjPhTA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=CqkjPhTA" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6366@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-04-08T05:19:08-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6365_portfolio_update_march_2008_down_137.shtml <p>I'm back to PFBlog! I know it has been a long hiatus since the last time I posted, but the last couple of months hasn't been easy. I was asked to take over a billion dollar P&L that had been poorly run and turn it around. While PFBlog is always an important source I find the meaning of life from, in this circumstance, I have to answer to the call to devote 100% of my bandwidth on this important career-lifting opportunity.</p> <p>Anyway, after 6 weeks on the road traveling around the world in the last three months and countless hours of overtime poured into the work, I'm finally getting some work/life balance. This doesn't mean the hard work has been completed in my day job, but I'm satisfied that solid foundation has been built to put the business back to the right track. </p> <p>So, I'm back to the blogging, and I'm starting by putting together some long-overdue monthly updates: </p> <p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>Though the daily price change still suggested a lot of volatility in the market, the market almost ended the month where it started. My portfolio hasn't been that lucky: the heavy exposure on financial stocks still dragged the overall performance of my portfolio. It ended the month with a <strong>1.37%</strong> haircut, versus the benchmark performance of minus <strong>0.24%</strong>.</p> <p>It is worth noting that March marks the fifth back-to-back month of portfolio decline, not something easy to swallow. During the five months' timeframe, my portfolio lost <strong>8.36%</strong> while my benchmark index retreated <strong>10.46%</strong>.</p> <p>On a year-to-date basis, my portfolio bested benchmark by <strong>1.70%</strong>. Still, not exactly something to brag about since I still lost dearly in the market.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6365_portfolio_update_march_2008_down_137.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080406224941"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080406224941?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080406224941" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080406224941&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6365_portfolio_update_march_2008_down_137.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zy2d7SDs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=3jSyY0o6"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=3jSyY0o6" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xIjaIOOx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=xIjaIOOx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ltVYhZnR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Vk1QaEOt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Vk1QaEOt" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6365@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-04-06T22:49:41-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6364_portfolio_update_february_down_278.shtml <p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p><strong>$54,134</strong> is a big amount to lose in a single month, and it doesn't make life any easier when it comes immediately after another <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6361_portfolio_update_january_2008_down_302.shtml">$60,000-down month</a>.</p> <p>Most of the damage is done by the untimely Microsoft bid for Yahoo! The bid, which was made public in the first day of February, immediately pulled MSFT back to the 20s, almost halved the value of my employee stock option account.</p> <p>On my self-managed portfolio side, my heavy exposure to financial stocks penalized my performance -- it was a complete reversal of fortune compared to January, when these bank stocks lift the </p> <p><strong>TRANSACTIONS</strong></p> <p>Flying to safety is probably the best summary of my several trades for the month. I downsized my equity holdings by closing my positions in <strong>FSTMX </strong>and <strong>KBE</strong>. </p> <p>With the reopening of Dodge & Cox's domestic equity stock, I started an initial position on <strong>DODGX </strong>before the famous fund gets closed again. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6364_portfolio_update_february_down_278.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080406224612"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080406224612?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080406224612" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080406224612&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6364_portfolio_update_february_down_278.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hZknLX85"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=j9vkywxm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=j9vkywxm" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=OEEu97jD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=OEEu97jD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=RJxkAgi0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IZb4q4Zu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IZb4q4Zu" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6364@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-04-06T22:46:12-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6363_morningstar_fund_manager_of_the_year_2007.shtml <p><img alt="morningstarlogo.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/morningstarlogo.jpg" width="183" height="61" align="left"/>Earlier this month, Morningstar <a href="http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/article.aspx?id=219204&pgid=rss">announced</a> the winners of Fund Manager of the Year award for the past year. Here are the winners:</p> <p><strong>Domestic-Stock Manager of the Year:</strong> Will Danoff, Fidelity Contrafund and Fidelity Advisor New Insights </p> <p><strong>International-Stock Managers of the Year:</strong> Hakan Castegren and Northern Cross Team, Harbor International </p> <p><strong>Fixed-Income Manager of the Year:</strong> Bill Gross, PIMCO Total Return and Harbor Bond </p> <p>Coincidentally or not, I actually own the two stock funds, <strong>Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX)</strong> and <strong>Harbor International (HIINX)</strong>, that helped their respective managers make to the list. I used to own <strong>PIMCO Total Return (PTRRX)</strong> in my 401(k) account too, but now I have better place to park my fixed income position -- that is, <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6351_how_to_play_the_dollaryuan_carry_trade.shtml">China-based money market funds</a> that will benefit from the continued appreciating Yuan while earning handsome interest.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6363_morningstar_fund_manager_of_the_year_2007.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080212031631"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080212031631?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080212031631" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080212031631&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6363_morningstar_fund_manager_of_the_year_2007.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hWa9scgw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nl2FQKta"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nl2FQKta" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=AAZV2WxW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=AAZV2WxW" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Vr0P1CQV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hEPEth9Y"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=hEPEth9Y" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6363@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2008-02-12T03:16:31-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6362_monthly_update_january_2008_852608_42790.shtml <p>Suffering the biggest-ever loss in our portfolio -- <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6361_portfolio_update_january_2008_down_302.shtml">a total of $60,000</a> -- our net worth took a nosedive again in January. That is, the second month in red in the last three months. <strong>For the month, our net worth declined by 4.8%, or over $42,000.</strong> I would be lying if I say I don't miss the good old days when we can count on consistent net worth improvement month after month.</p> <p>On the other hand, it is probably not a bad thing if one takes a long-term perspective. After all, it could be much worse if this happens after I finally bid good-bye to my corporate life -- that extreme early retirement scenario has been in our plan for many years and all we wait for is we hit a certain net worth number. <strong>If anything, the recent market turbulence serves as a timely wake-up call in our last stretch toward millionaire club that early retirement is only the means to an end, and risk management is more important than ever in our ride toward financial independence.</strong></p> <p>Fortunately, our core income streams are still well-oiled machines. My daily job is still generating five-figure monthly cash flow even after paying all taxes and living expenses. Our sideline business also delivered a big surprise in January with monthly net proceeds topping $10,000 again. </p> <p>All together, our family is little affected by the paper losses (or gains) in our portfolio. Bottomline is, even with the market slide in recent months, we still added more than $190,000 to our net worth in the last 12 months. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6362_monthly_update_january_2008_852608_42790.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080209140224"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080209140224?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080209140224" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080209140224&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6362_monthly_update_january_2008_852608_42790.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iJ4lLiJD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=csexKG4z"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=csexKG4z" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=FX9QI6gP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=FX9QI6gP" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=G5AkNgkO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nhqory6u"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nhqory6u" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6362@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-02-09T14:02:24-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6361_portfolio_update_january_2008_down_302.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioicon.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>With the S&P 500 dropped more than 6% and the international market performed no better, January sees perhaps the most brutal start of the year in recent memory. </p> <p>For three months in a row now, my portfolio lost money. This time, for a total of <strong>60 grand</strong> in one month, including more than <strong>$26,000</strong> in one month in self managed portfolio, and about <strong>$34,000</strong> in my employee stock option account. </p> <p>There is little to celebrate, except that my self-managed portfolio is actually performing better than the general market. My finance-stock-stuffed individual stock portfolio was helped by the aggressive rate slashing of the Fed, and one of my stock pick returned over 50% in this past month. All in all, <strong>my portfolio lost 3.02% in the month when my benchmark lost 5.77%</strong>.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6361_portfolio_update_january_2008_down_302.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080207154937"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080207154937?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080207154937" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080207154937&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6361_portfolio_update_january_2008_down_302.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=BSfjA154"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WzRclN8e"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=WzRclN8e" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=o5bUIQ5Q"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=o5bUIQ5Q" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=95QN79tt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Hg737UCo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Hg737UCo" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6361@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-02-07T15:49:37-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6360_the_unfamiliar_names_among_the_worlds_five_richest_people.shtml <p><img alt="6360-rich.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6360-rich.jpg" width="114" height="110" align="left"/>Back in August, I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6201_who_is_the_richest_man_in_the_world_it_is_no_longer_bill_gates.shtml">noted</a> in this blog that Bill Gates was replaced my Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim as the world's richest person. Although both Mr. Gates and Mr. Slim have seen their stocks appreciated lately, they are now dwarfed by a new name from India.</p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2007/12/30/worlds_five_richest_people/">The Boston Globe</a>:</p> <blockquote><em>Indian businessman Mukesh Ambani's fortune rapidly rose from $20.1 billion in March 2007 to $63.2 billion in October 2007, thanks to India's booming stock market.</em></blockquote> <p>The other names on the list:</p> <p>- <strong>Bill Gates</strong> and <strong>Carlos Slim</strong> tie for the 2nd place with <strong>$62.3 billion</strong> each.<br /> - <strong>Warren Buffet</strong>, the Oracle of Omaha, cling to his fourth place with <strong>$55.9 billion</strong>.<br /> - And then there is <strong>Lakshmi Mittal</strong>, the steel giant with Indian origin, who is worth <strong>$50.9 billion</strong>.</p> <p>I don't even both to count the number of 0s in their money. Only if I can triple my net worth in seven months!</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6360_the_unfamiliar_names_among_the_worlds_five_richest_people.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080115220744"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080115220744?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080115220744" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080115220744&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6360_the_unfamiliar_names_among_the_worlds_five_richest_people.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=H73Aypnh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nGgpiX34"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nGgpiX34" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Pi5k0FAP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Pi5k0FAP" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=c7WyoXNl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gpZdoJmf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=gpZdoJmf" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6360@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.9 Readings - Others 2008-01-15T22:07:44-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6359_portfolio_review_2008_part_1_where_is_the_alpha.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioreview2008.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioreview2008.jpg" width="110" height="150" align="left" />Yesterday I shared <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6358_portfolio_review_2008_the_introduction.shtml">my grand plan</a> to thoroughly review my portfolio management again in 2008. My first stop is to drill down to my 2007 results, and <strong>understand where the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml<br /> ">benchmark-beating results</a> come from</strong>. Yes, I beat my benchmark index by 1.77%, and that's what is called alpha in portfolio management.</p> <p>To refresh some memory, earlier in 2007 I set my <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6129_reengineering_my_portfolio_management_part_iv_the_asset_allocation_in_percentages.shtml"><strong>target asset allocation</strong></a> as follows:</p> <p>• 50% Domestic Equity<br /> • 35% International Equity<br /> • 15% Cash & Equivalent</p> <p>Furthermore, I built the following <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6178_setting_up_portfolio_benchmark.shtml"><strong>benchmark portfolio</strong></a> to measure my relative performance:</p> <p>• 50% in Vanguard Total Markets ETF (VTI)<br /> • 35% in iShares MSCI EAFE Index (EFA)<br /> • 15% in Cash (assuming yielding 5% every year)<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6359_portfolio_review_2008_part_1_where_is_the_alpha.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080114145450"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080114145450?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080114145450" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080114145450&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6359_portfolio_review_2008_part_1_where_is_the_alpha.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=G9TpX8W7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Rnm3ftD8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Rnm3ftD8" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=G2TD04SE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=G2TD04SE" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZHtNiBq1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=pqQ332QR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=pqQ332QR" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6359@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-01-14T14:54:50-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6358_portfolio_review_2008_the_introduction.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioreview2008.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioreview2008.jpg" width="110" height="150" align="left" />I first realized that the game rules of my personal finance journey have permanently changed back in the summer of 2006. First, one day I woke up in the morning and found out my portfolio was worth half a million. Then, more frequently, my portfolio started to generate five-figure monthly ups and downs, replacing my savings as the main theme of my monthly net worth fluctuation.</p> <p>In the spirit of holistically reviewing my portfolio management practice and determine course of action, one year ago, I published a series of 9 articles called "<a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6126_reengineering_my_portfolio_management_part_i_introduction.shtml">Reengineering My Portfolio Management</a>" over a course of 2 weeks. In retrospect, the thought exercise worked out great. I finally put my portfolio management onto the right track by setting up <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6129_reengineering_my_portfolio_management_part_iv_the_asset_allocation_in_percentages.shtml">target asset allocation</a>, declaring a <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6178_setting_up_portfolio_benchmark.shtml">benchmark</a>, and <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml">reporting to the audience</a> about my success and failure on a regular basis. </p> <p>To some extent, I guess I'm subject myself to external scrutiny so that I can consciously spend more time in getting this right. After all, <strong>if early retirement is what I'm after, I will have to master portfolio management so in the decades after I bid goodbye to the corporate career ladder, my family and I will continue to live a happy and stress-free life.</strong></p> <p>Therefore, I decide to take my investing practice to the next level by kicking off a new series of "<strong>Portfolio Review 2008</strong>," in which I plan to reflect on what I learned in the past (especially in the last year), look into the future, and solidify my portfolio management approach.</p> <p>Practicing the second habit of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Seven_Habits_of_Highly_Effective_People">highly effective people</a>, I'm starting by laying out the framework of this series upfront. I envision this series should include the following chapters:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6358_portfolio_review_2008_the_introduction.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080113185238"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080113185238?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080113185238" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080113185238&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6358_portfolio_review_2008_the_introduction.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oOOcN2o7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sgSsUklv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=sgSsUklv" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DQxOJp4Q"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=DQxOJp4Q" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=FBoJsXko"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=TUHPoF7A"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=TUHPoF7A" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6358@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-01-13T18:52:38-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6357_20082010_the_upcoming_golden_age_for_investors_in_low_tax_brackets.shtml <p><img alt="6357-taxicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6357-taxicon.jpg" width="110" height="105" align="left"/>Our generations of lawmakers truly don't want to make our financial life easy, and that's why every year there are a long list of tax rule changes that affect everyone's life. To this end, Tom Herman, the tax columnist at the Wall Street Journal, provided <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119984133951376509.html?mod=rss_Tax_Report">a great summary</a> of <strong>major personal income tax changes for 2008</strong>.</p> <p>Without repeating the every single bullet in the long list, I just want to highlight one change that may have profound impact on many's investment strategy or portfolio management. Do you know the rules of capital gains are becoming much more favorably starting this year for those in 10% or 15% tax brackets?</p> <p><strong>Yes, for the next three years (2008 to 2010), taxpayers in those two tax brackets won't have to pay anything for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends.</strong> The tax rate on such income for those of higher income, will stay at the prevailing rate of 15%. For short-term capital gains and disqualified dividends, all taxpayers still have to pay tax at the marginal tax rate just like other ordinary income.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6357_20082010_the_upcoming_golden_age_for_investors_in_low_tax_brackets.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080112111911"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080112111911?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080112111911" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080112111911&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6357_20082010_the_upcoming_golden_age_for_investors_in_low_tax_brackets.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZMh8mWrV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=D3wbtqys"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=D3wbtqys" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5Agpu4cW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5Agpu4cW" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8kHzwbDq"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6bqSxFDW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=6bqSxFDW" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6357@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.6 Readings - Tax 2008-01-12T11:19:11-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6356_2008_financial_goals.shtml <p><img alt="6356-target.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6356-target.jpg" width="102" height="90" align="left"/>Starting in 2004, I have always published my annual financial goals at the beginning of each year, and reviewed the result when the year wrapped up. It is a great practice that allows me to keep a record and learn from past experience.</p> <p>Having spent most of my December to complete my 2008 Financial Plan, I found it might be time to summarize and publicize my financial goals for 2008 in this dedicated post.</p> <p><strong>Measurement #1: Net Worth Growth</strong></p> <p><u>Goal:</u> Net Worth of $1,120,000 by the end of 2008 (<strong>$225k</strong> annual growth)<br /> <u>Stretch Goal:</u> Net Worth of $1,150,000 by the end of 2008 (<strong>$255k</strong> annual growth)</p> <p><u>Comments:</u> Net worth growth always comes at the top of my annual financial goals and this year will be no different. We are anticipating a challenging year and our net worth improvement in 2008 is likely to be smaller than that of 2007. However, I still want to assign myself a stretch target that exceeds our detailed plan by over 10%.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6356_2008_financial_goals.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080111024530"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080111024530?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080111024530" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080111024530&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6356_2008_financial_goals.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=lntmlIAM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rAyTL4xn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=rAyTL4xn" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7xMylNKO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=7xMylNKO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=muwKn599"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GKErCWN1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=GKErCWN1" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6356@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-01-11T02:45:30-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6355_how_much_will_you_marry_for.shtml <p><img alt="6355-superrich.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6355-superrich.jpg" width="110" height="124" align="left" />Robert Frank's column The Wealth Report at the Journal is all about the rich people's financial life, or anything related to the riches. You will read about how the riches use <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2007/11/30/a-myspace-for-millionaires/">MySpace-like portals</a> to get connected, how someone can have <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2007/11/12/the-private-super-jumbo-jet/">an A-380 as a private jet</a>, and what the truly rich buy for <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2007/11/23/what-to-buy-a-billionaire-for-the-holidays/">Christmas gifts</a>.</p> <p>His recent article on a research about <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119760031991928727.html">how much people will ask to marry for money</a> provides some fancy figures:</p> <blockquote><em>According to a survey by Prince & Associates, a Connecticut-based wealth-research firm, <strong>the average "price" that men and women demand to marry for money these days is $1.5 million</strong>. <p><br /> The survey polled 1,134 people nationwide with incomes ranging between $30,000 to $60,000 (squarely in the median range for nationwide incomes). The survey asked: "<strong>How willing are you to marry an average-looking person that you liked, if they had money?"</strong></em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6355_how_much_will_you_marry_for.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080110004710"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080110004710?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080110004710" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080110004710&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6355_how_much_will_you_marry_for.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xn9GHtBw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nFyLequD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nFyLequD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Rky6jhL8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Rky6jhL8" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=AzRffQdF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2jway9c4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=2jway9c4" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6355@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.9 Readings - Others 2008-01-10T00:47:10-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6354_whats_my_total_investment_cost_in_2007.shtml <p><img alt="6354-money.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6354-money.jpg" width="110" height="124" align="left"/>I started to use personal finance software like <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/money/">Microsoft Money</a> to track my finance as early as 1998, but admittedly I have a broken track record -- in my first few attempts to gain control to my finance, I was always too lazy to keep doing the bookkeeping after a few months. Still, I'm proud of my latest streak: since 2002, I have been religiously tracking where my money comes and goes, and I have six years' of history in my Microsoft Money file now. Of course, opening the book to public eyes in this blog is an important motivator (or pressure) to extend the streak. </p> <p>While I can easily give a detailed breakdown of how much we spent for our earthy needs, I have never asked myself the question: <strong>how much did I spent on investing my money? </strong></p> <p>That is, until today, when I have both the inspiration and time to get to the bottom of this question. So below is my attempt to add up all investing cost, direct or indirect, in the year of 2007.</p> <p><strong>First component of my investing cost is, of course, commission.</strong></p> <p>Since I keep good track of all my investment transactions, I easily got the line-item details from Microsoft Money's built-in report. I grouped total commission for different investment vehicles for clarity:</p> <p><u><strong>Stock:</strong></u> Total Commission =<strong> $170.66 </strong>from <strong>21</strong> transactions (average per transaction is $8.13, including the usual $8 commission from Fidelity, and SEC fees on stock sales). Yes, I only traded 21 times in my individual stock positions -- I'm not really a trader.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6354_whats_my_total_investment_cost_in_2007.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080109014404"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080109014404?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080109014404" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080109014404&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6354_whats_my_total_investment_cost_in_2007.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XorehwSz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nUSkilZj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nUSkilZj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XS2Hsvk5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=XS2Hsvk5" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aMGOc1Cy"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=szefGIu8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=szefGIu8" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6354@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-01-09T01:44:04-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6353_supercharge_your_frequent_flier_mileage_account_by_applying_for_cobranded_credit_card.shtml <p><img alt="airtravel2007.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/airtravel2007.jpg" width="130" height="100" align="left"/>I am a frequent traveler and I love to collect miles. Over the years, I have been using these miles to bring the family to many nice places with reward tickets. It is a bit addictive if you love to travel: the more you travel, the more free tickets you get, which brings to more travel.</p> <p>Now you can earn miles not only from flying, but also from shopping using a co-branded more miles. <strong>Plus, many of such frequent flier program co-branded credit cards offer amazing sign-up mileage bonus miles that sometimes almost amount to a free reward ticket itself.</strong></p> <p>Some cards do come with annual fee for the extra perks like travel discount and lower redemption level, but if your family travel at least once a year, you can easily recoup the annual fee from the additional benefits tailors to travlers. </p> <p>Also, some cards' generous bonus mile offer also includes first year waiver of annual fee, making it more attractive for people who want to try out the program (or the airlines). After all, <strong>with the bonus miles, cardholders usually only have to charge another $5,000 on the card to get enough miles for a free reward ticket, a much better deal than even the best cashback cards! </strong></p> <p>Here are some attractive offers by major airlines. Enjoy!</p> <table style="width: 100%"> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong></strong></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong>Credit Card</strong></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong>Bonus Miles after 1st Purchase</strong></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong>Terms</strong></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong>Annual Fee</strong></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><strong>Apply</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100463527"><img src="http://www.cardoffers.com/images/credit_cards/chase/continental_biz_ns.jpg" border="0" align="left" /></a></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100463527">Continental Airlines Business MasterCard®</a> </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">20,000</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">2 miles for every $1 spent on Continental airlines tickets, dining, gas, etc.; 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">$85</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100463527">Apply Now</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100462185"><img src="http://www.cardoffers.com/images/credit_cards/chase/contworldmc_ns.jpg" border="0" align="left" /></a></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100462185">Continental Airlines World MasterCard® from Chase</a> </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">20,000</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">2 miles for every $1 spent on Continental airlines tickets, dining, etc.; 1 mile for every $1 spent elsewhere</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">$85</td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100462185">Apply Now</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179376"><img src="http://www.cardoffers.com/images/credit_cards/citibank/aadvantage_world_ns.jpg" border="0" align="left" /></a></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179376">Citi® Gold/AAdvantage® World MasterCard®</a></td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">12,500 </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">1 mile for every $1 spent up to 60,000 miles a year; no blackout dates for reward tickets </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;">$50 (1st year waived) </td> <td style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px;"><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179376">Apply Now</a> </td> </tr> </table> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6353_supercharge_your_frequent_flier_mileage_account_by_applying_for_cobranded_credit_card.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080108032639"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080108032639?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080108032639" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080108032639&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6353_supercharge_your_frequent_flier_mileage_account_by_applying_for_cobranded_credit_card.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=9bqdNpLP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XBZoPHGu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=XBZoPHGu" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=0pWhaKLC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=0pWhaKLC" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Pmm3aJhl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VCXpK66I"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=VCXpK66I" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6353@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2008-01-08T03:26:39-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6351_how_to_play_the_dollaryuan_carry_trade.shtml <p><img alt="6325renminbi.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6325renminbi.jpg" width="140" height="100" align="left" />My life is complicated and one of the complication is I have to deal with two currencies: my investment income and most business income are received in dollar, whilst 95% of my cost structure is denominated in Chinese Yuan (or called Renminbi -- "people's money"). Worse, Yuan is appreciating quicker and quicker against the dollar.</p> <p>In the past year, I managed to book an <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml">annualized rate of return of 8.77%</a> in my self-managed portfolio, but this just barely beat the Yuan's 6.9% appreciation against the dollar in the year. So <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6325_should_i_simply_buy_chinese_money_market_fund_instead_of_stock_picking.shtml">I asked myself the question</a> in December, <strong>should I just buy some money market fund in China for safe return instead of risking my principal in the U.S. equity market?</strong></p> <p>As the first step, I moved $50,000 to China and bought a load of money market funds here. While I'm still contemplating the magnitude and timing I should continue to do this, here is a quick step-by-step process of how to do the Dollar/Yuan carry trade for those who want to try:</p> <p><strong>Step 1: Open A Banking Account in China</strong></p> <p>Everyone with an identification card (for local people) or valid passport (for foreigners) can open an account at any banks in China. Reputable domestic banks in China includes Bank of China, Bank of Communications, ICBC and China Merchants Bank, the latter is what I use primarily. Foreign owned banks like Citibank and HSBC also have branches in major cities in China. One will need to open a Renminbi account and an US Dollar account. It is worthwhile to set up e-banking in your first visit too (it won't be automatically set) because the long queues at major banks can sometimes keep you waiting for hours.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6351_how_to_play_the_dollaryuan_carry_trade.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080107085352"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080107085352?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080107085352" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080107085352&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6351_how_to_play_the_dollaryuan_carry_trade.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=uezU3XjW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kFzjFiMB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kFzjFiMB" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=w8SelcGD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=w8SelcGD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=MWSreFAX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=dFgyPGiT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=dFgyPGiT" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6351@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2008-01-07T08:53:52-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6352_courtesy_overdraft_a_courtesy_service_or_a_profit_center.shtml <p><img alt="6352-checking.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6352-checking.jpg" width="115" height="90" align="left"/>Have your bank ever promoted the new generation of overdraft service to you? If you occasionally write a check that exceeds your checking account balance, your bank will gladly pay on your behalf to avoid your embarrassment. Of course, there will be a "convenience" fee.</p> <p><strong>But do you know consumers paid $17.5 billion fee in such "convenient" overdraft protection arrangements?</strong></p> <p>Bankrate.com's exclusive <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/chk/20071219_overdraft_survey_main_a1.asp?caret=1">2007 courtesy overdraft study</a> can be a good resource to help you understand the situation. <strong>Simply put, banks are growingly seeing the overdraft protection as a profit center.</strong> Your bank is more than happy to pay an otherwise-will-be-bounced small check for you, for an average of $29 per-item fee. Some banks will only slash you with a per-day fee for every day your account is in deficit.</p> <p>Even more aggressively, some banks will include the overdraft credit limit into your checking account balance when you inquire via an ATM machine, thus fooling more customers to withdraw money they don't have. Worse, customers who don't reconcile their account regularly won't notice the overdraft until the next statement.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6352_courtesy_overdraft_a_courtesy_service_or_a_profit_center.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080106031008"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080106031008?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080106031008" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080106031008&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6352_courtesy_overdraft_a_courtesy_service_or_a_profit_center.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IULCQVpP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=a4YOrAEA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=a4YOrAEA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6orpV0PX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=6orpV0PX" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vRFZHh63"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=391R8lIk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=391R8lIk" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6352@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.5 Readings - Savings 2008-01-06T03:10:08-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6350_2007_net_worth_growth_goal_vs_result_and_brief_annual_income_statement.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>When it comes to the cycle of setting up financial goals and achieving them, oftentimes a good post-mortem analysis gives more insight than mere celebration of another mission accomplished. </p> <p>As we are quickly bidding farewell to 2007, I took some time to revisit my 2007 plan -- I did a fairly sophisticated model a year ago to set a <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6053_financial_plan_2007_strategic_intentions_and_financial_goals.shtml">net worth growth goal of $230,000</a> -- and I overachieved it by about $34,000. But what really happened?</p> <p>In order to complete the exercise, I took the original numbers from my 2007 planning financial model (which I did in December 2006), and compared them against actual results in 2007 in the income statement format I introduced lately. Here is the comparison:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6350_2007_net_worth_growth_goal_vs_result_and_brief_annual_income_statement.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080105035617"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080105035617?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080105035617" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080105035617&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6350_2007_net_worth_growth_goal_vs_result_and_brief_annual_income_statement.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rFKUiN1h"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NyR7IG8V"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=NyR7IG8V" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JXnLoMjd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=JXnLoMjd" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YUWH3YxT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GfSzkyVi"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=GfSzkyVi" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6350@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-01-05T03:56:17-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6347_how_americans_invest_in_401k.shtml <p><img alt="401k.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/401k.jpg" width="116" height="96" align="left" />The beginning of a year can be a good time to perform a 401(k) check-up. And before that, a timely reading will be <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/retirement/2007-12-13-401k-company-stock_N.htm?csp=34">this recent feature from USA Today</a> on a study of how American employees invest their retirement fund in 401(k) accounts.</p> <p>The biggest finding from the survey of 1.8 million 401(k) account holder is: <strong>21.9% of 401(k) balance is invested in company stock</strong>. Considering that the Enron debacle that wiped out the lifetime savings of thousands is still in recent memory, it is surprising to see many people are still committing a good portion of their retirement fund to their employers' fate.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6347_how_americans_invest_in_401k.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080104020143"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080104020143?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080104020143" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080104020143&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6347_how_americans_invest_in_401k.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oRn5I8K5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XJfIx8jh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=XJfIx8jh" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vAAnhoHK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=vAAnhoHK" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zj6I7NW3"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=tYruVEjT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=tYruVEjT" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6347@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2008-01-04T02:01:43-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6346_invest_like_harvard_and_yale.shtml <p><img alt="6346-pie.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6346-pie.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/>Ever read about how those successful money managers at Harvard and Yale turn their respective endowments into double-digit gains year in year out? As a matter of fact, <strong>Harvard's endowment earned 15% per annum in the last 10 years, and Yale's boasted an annualized return of 17.2% during the same timeframe.</strong> Ever think about how your portfolio can match such a starring performance?</p> <p>SmartMoney's recent article "<a href="http://www.smartmoney.com/mag/index.cfm?story=september2007-league">A League of Their Own</a>" shed some light on how these returns were achieved. Yes, by having tens of billions of dollars you can have asset to the best money management service out in the world, but these consistent performance boils down to one important decision: <strong>asset allocation</strong>.</p> <p>We as individual investors are regularly taught that asset allocation is about finding the right risk/return balance by picking from asset classes like domestic equity, foreign equity, fixed income and cash, but those working at Harvard and Yale are maintaining a portfolio that is radically different:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6346_invest_like_harvard_and_yale.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080103052028"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080103052028?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080103052028" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080103052028&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6346_invest_like_harvard_and_yale.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=X4dIpMfE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=viZu66lp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=viZu66lp" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bmGpBRrH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bmGpBRrH" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5lQSf1F2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nDevmScp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nDevmScp" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6346@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2008-01-03T05:20:28-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6349_monthly_update_december_2007_895398_19549.shtml <p><img alt="networthicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/networthicon.jpg" width="112" height="112" align="left"/>Recovering from the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6314_monthly_update_november_2007_875850_33806.shtml">mass bleeding</a> in November, we ended 2007 with a positive note by growing our net worth by almost $20,000 in December. Savings from our regular job and business income, and the appreciation in our stock option accounts, both contributed to a successful month.</p> <p><strong>For the full year, we added over $264k to our nest egg</strong>, handily beating our <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6053_financial_plan_2007_strategic_intentions_and_financial_goals.shtml">annual goal of $230,000 in net worth improvement</a>. It is also the best showing ever for a full year, compared to $231k increase in 2006 and $205k increase in 2005 (the latter includes a one-time gain of $100k by selling our house for a profit). </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6349_monthly_update_december_2007_895398_19549.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080102005102"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080102005102?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080102005102" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080102005102&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6349_monthly_update_december_2007_895398_19549.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VvGNtXll"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yUAfNJqO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=yUAfNJqO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8pKOMDjS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=8pKOMDjS" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2Q1Ku2df"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wQKgb8RK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=wQKgb8RK" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6349@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2008-01-02T00:51:02-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml <p><img alt="portfolioicon.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/portfolioicon.jpg" width="110" height="110" align="left"/><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>After another choppy ride in December, the domestic market retreated 0.7% and the foreign market MSCI EAFE index lost almost 3%. My benchmark index, which is composed of 50% domestic equity, 35% foreign equity and 15% cash, suffered 1.34%. </p> <p>Speaking of my portfolio, although I took some (more) beatings in my large bank and credit card company holdings, my other financial stocks and energy holding came to the rescue. Also, my hand-picked foreign equity funds are performing extremely well compared to the index. <strong>All together, my portfolio only took a small haircut of 0.52% in December, which is much better than the 1.34% loss of the index.</strong></p> <p>Although extremely volatile in the latter half, 2007 is still a good year for investors committed to the market. <strong>For the year of 2007, my portfolio recorded a gain of 8.77%, besting my benchmark's 6.98% gain by a good margin.</strong></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_080101123617"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/080101123617?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_080101123617" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=080101123617&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6348_portfolio_update_december_2007_down_052.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zxYwf5Ci"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rt8vfBwJ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=rt8vfBwJ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=RJ7J2TAZ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=RJ7J2TAZ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=QgtCJjc5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=pjcgTTYF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=pjcgTTYF" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6348@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2008-01-01T12:36:17-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6345_where_to_park_your_cash_in_2008.shtml <p><img alt="6345-cash.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6345-cash.jpg" width="105" height="100" align="left"/>Every time Fed lowers the interest rate, there will be a quick round of rate adjustment by all online banks. Now that the Fed rate is standing at 4.25% after four rounds of quarter-point cuts, those golden days of 5%+ interest rate on savings accounts are over. So, how should find good places to park one's cash? Here is a list of recommendations:</p> <p><strong>Online Money Market/Savings Accounts:</strong></p> <p>By and large, online savings accounts and money market accounts still offer some of the highest interest rates, and the utmost liquidity and security (all are FDIC insured). Some currently available offers:</p> <p><script type="text/javascript" language="javascript" src="http://www.tkqlhce.com/jr75o95vxz185yzBKNRNSUUL?target=_top&mouseover=Y"></script>: 4.90% APY ($10,000+)<br /> <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/3q122iqzwqyDFJMEIFHDFEILGKIN" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.capitalone.com/directbanking/hymm/index.php';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">Capital One Savings Account</a>: 4.40% APY (no minimal)<img src="http://www.awltovhc.com/1e100wquiom79DG8C9B798CFAECH" width="1" height="1" border="0"/><br /> <a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/7t75p-85-7NPTWOSPRNPOQXQSRU" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.ingdirect.com';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;">ING DIRECT</a>: 4.10% APY ($1 minimal)<img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/lj65c37w1-LNRUMQNPLNMOVOQPS" width="1" height="1" border="0"/></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6345_where_to_park_your_cash_in_2008.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071231033219"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071231033219?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071231033219" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071231033219&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6345_where_to_park_your_cash_in_2008.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JpRXq0Sh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WpIHtgav"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=WpIHtgav" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2K5LBN00"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=2K5LBN00" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=TjA1iuWn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IGq6Uv7b"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IGq6Uv7b" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6345@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2007-12-31T03:32:19-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6344_financial_plan_2008_net_worth_growth_goal_220000.shtml <p><img alt="plan08.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/plan08.jpg" width="174" height="134" align="left" />So far I have spent three posts in our Financial Plan 2008 series to elaborate the key driving forces of our financials in 2008 (<a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml">part 1</a>, <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6337_financial_plan_2008_part_2_investment_income.shtml">part 2</a> and <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6338_financial_plan_2008_part_3_spending_and_tax.shtml">part 3</a>). It is time to put everything together. </p> <p><strong>In summary, we are looking at $212K net worth increase in 2008, which will likely drive our total wealth to about $1.1M by the end of the coming year.</strong> The speed of the growth, however, will be slower than that of 2007, due to <strong>a number of headwinds</strong>, including:</p> <p>1) Slower growth of job income, primarily due to change of stock compensation program at my employer;<br /> 2) 30% less business income, due to changing industry environment;<br /> 3) Unlikely further appreciation of vested employee stock option grants;<br /> 4) Higher expense expressed in USD when expensed in Chinese Yuan.</p> <p>Partially offsetting the unfavorable changes will be <strong>a couple of favorable developments</strong>:</p> <p>1) Likely higher income from our self-managed portfolio, mainly due to expanding portfolio size;<br /> 2) Reduced tax bill, thanks to more tax gross-up on certain benefits and less tax for employee stock option grants.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6344_financial_plan_2008_net_worth_growth_goal_220000.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071230055128"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071230055128?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071230055128" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071230055128&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6344_financial_plan_2008_net_worth_growth_goal_220000.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XmGXcYo8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=J7fxAdIg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=J7fxAdIg" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kmLhuxUD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kmLhuxUD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kpIwyTVX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=r76cDkmx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=r76cDkmx" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6344@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-30T05:51:28-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6343_national_home_price_continues_its_dive.shtml <p><img alt="blackhouse.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/blackhouse.jpg" width="105" height="119" align="left"/>Home price decline is showing no sign of deceleration these days. According to the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/CSHomePrice_Release_20071226.pdf">latest monthly release of the S&P/Casae-Schiller Home Price Indices</a>, <strong>the 20 cities in the survey is showing an average price reversal of 6.1% compared to a year ago</strong>. </p> <blockquote><em> “No matter how you look at these data, it is obvious that the current state of the single-family housing market remains grim,” says Robert J. Shiller, Chief Economist at MacroMarkets LLC. “Not only did the 10-City Composite post a record low in its annual growth rate, but 11 of the 20 metro areas did the same. If you look at the monthly figures, every MSA went down in both October and September. Eleven of the 20 MSAs, in addition to the two composites, recorded their single largest monthly decline on record in October. For both the 10-City and 20-City composites this was a decline of 1.4% over September”.</em></blockquote> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6343_national_home_price_continues_its_dive.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071229054719"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071229054719?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071229054719" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071229054719&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6343_national_home_price_continues_its_dive.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=R1Gnb6Iy"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iQRA4Ntx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=iQRA4Ntx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=J3sqxZkF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=J3sqxZkF" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZADPxOIB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rej2y2G8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=rej2y2G8" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6343@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-12-29T05:47:19-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6342_when_you_may_wish_for_a_lower_credit_score.shtml <p>The quick fall of the housing market and the widespread impact to the American homeowners have already prompted a long list of prompt political actions. All of them came with good purpose, but not all are rational. The often-touted rate freeze and loan-modification program, announced by the White House on December 6th, is a good example of how ridiculous some programs are designed.</p> <p>Here is a <a href="<br /> http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2004073783_harney16.html?syndication=rss">quick run-down</a> of the test that subprime borrowers need to pass to qualify for a "fast-track" interest rate freeze:</p> <p>1) <strong>FICO Test:</strong> If your FICO score was under 660 when you applied for the loan, and hasn’t improved for more than 10%, you pass the test. Having too good a credit score -- say, above 660 -- and sorry, you are out of the game (for being creditworthy and therefore you don't deserve to be rescued).</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6342_when_you_may_wish_for_a_lower_credit_score.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071228055420"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071228055420?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071228055420" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071228055420&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6342_when_you_may_wish_for_a_lower_credit_score.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XGicUwyj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5nD1pBpL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5nD1pBpL" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7cIJmx1n"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=7cIJmx1n" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=N0E5xEXV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nfFf7yKU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nfFf7yKU" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6342@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-12-28T05:54:20-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6338_financial_plan_2008_part_3_spending_and_tax.shtml <p><img alt="plan08.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/plan08.jpg" width="174" height="134" align="left" />Earlier in this Financial Plan 2008 series I shared the respective 2008 outlook of our household's <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml">earned income</a> and <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6337_financial_plan_2008_part_2_investment_income.shtml">investment income</a>. Today I will complete the itemized list of planning assumptions by discussing the spending and tax picture of 2008. Still, the discussion will follow the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml">planning framework</a> we adopted earlier (so that if you read all three posts, you can assemble our 2008 Financial Plan yourself).</p> <p><strong>5. Our spending level in 2008 will be flat in Chinese Yuan terms but will increase by 6% in U.S. Dollar terms.</strong></p> <p>There are several counter-currents in the play. First, the expected continuation of the U.S. Dollar depreciation against the Yuan will be translated into higher U.S. Dollar spending since most of our cost structure is denominated in Chinese Yuan. Second, in the middle of 2007 we moved to a larger (and therefore more expensive) apartment, and our son moved from kindergarten to elementary school (read: higher cost from private school), so these two of our biggest spending categories will cost us more in 2008. Third, the local economy has a lot of inflation brewing these days -- the latest CPI reading indicates 6% annual inflation -- and inflationary pressure will almost certainly continue in 2008.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6338_financial_plan_2008_part_3_spending_and_tax.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071227110143"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071227110143?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071227110143" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071227110143&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6338_financial_plan_2008_part_3_spending_and_tax.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yC4wXTIf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nm80aX4l"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nm80aX4l" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=NAYMRnAP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=NAYMRnAP" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ayfGaxMe"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zkMvcdII"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=zkMvcdII" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6338@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-27T11:01:43-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6341_american_express_winner_of_2007_jd_power_credit_card_satisfaction_survey.shtml <p>J.D. Power recently announced American Express as the winner of <a href="http://www.jdpower.com/press-releases/pressrelease.aspx?id=2007232">2007 Credit Card Satisfaction Survey</a>, with Discover Card as a close runner-up:</p> <blockquote><em>American Express ranks highest among the 10 credit card issuers examined in the study with a score of 735 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in benefits and features, and problem resolution. Discover closely follows American Express with a score of 728, performing well in rewards, and billing and payment. </em></blockquote> <p>I have been an Amex customer for many years, and have always been very satisfied with Amex's great service and generous rewards program. For those who are looking for a new card, I can recommend a few exciting offers from American Express that can meet different needs of different people:</p> <p><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179360"><img src="http://www.cardoffers.com/images/credit_cards/american_express/Blue_Sky_ns.jpg" border="0" align="left" hspace="10" vspace="20" /></a><strong>Best Rewards Card: <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179360">Blue Cash from American Express</a></strong></p> <p>- Up to 5% cash back with no cap<br /> - 0% APR on purchases for six months<br /> - No annual fee.<br /> - <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100179360">Apply here!</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100296618"><img src="http://www.cardoffers.com/images/credit_cards/american_express/preferred_rewards_gold_ns.jpg" border="0" align="left" hspace="10" vspace="20" /></a><strong>Card with the Best Sign-Up Offer: <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100296618">The Preferred Rewards Gold Card</a></strong></p> <p>- 10,000 bonus Membership Reward points after first purchase, redeemable for a $100 gift card!<br /> - Great Membership Rewards Program.<br /> - First year annual fee waived. You may cancel the card if you don't like the rewards program within the first year to avoid annual fees (and keep your $100 gift card).<br /> - <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100296618">Apply here!</a></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6341_american_express_winner_of_2007_jd_power_credit_card_satisfaction_survey.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071226024815"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071226024815?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071226024815" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071226024815&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6341_american_express_winner_of_2007_jd_power_credit_card_satisfaction_survey.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oP371JAI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6Je4E3MK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=6Je4E3MK" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ykvrg2k8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=ykvrg2k8" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=tIg2HRwT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sJRqLqy9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=sJRqLqy9" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6341@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.1 Readings - Credit 2007-12-26T02:48:15-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6340_christmas_gift_from_the_capitol_hill_the_alternative_minimum_tax_patch_and_mortgage_forgiveness_debt_relief.shtml <p><img alt="taxman.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/taxman.jpg" width="134" height="137" align="left" />The Congress's Christmas gift for the middle class: several last minute tax law changes that temporarily addressed the tax on forgiven mortgage debt and Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).</p> <p>If you don't want to be buried in the Congress's literature of the <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-3996">Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2007</a> and the <a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-3648">Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007</a>, you may read the <a href="http://www.cch.com/press/news/2007/20071221t.asp">excellent summary at CCH</a>.</p> <p>And here is the PFBlog analysis:</p> <p><u><strong>One-Year Band-Aid for Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)</strong></u></p> <p>The problem our legislators need to resolve is simple: when they first introduced the Alternative Minimal Tax in 1970 to compel the riches to pay a minimal tax, they didn't allow for inflation adjustment in the amount of exemption. After that many years of inflation, the original exemption amount looks ridiculously low and, if adopted, will let AMT hit over 20 millions taxfilers who are normally considered as "middle class."</p> <p>Both parties have agreement that this would be unfair, but in order to lift the exemptions for permanent inflation indexing, they need to find other sources of reliable revenue (read: assessing more tax elsewhere), and that's where it gets stuck.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6340_christmas_gift_from_the_capitol_hill_the_alternative_minimum_tax_patch_and_mortgage_forgiveness_debt_relief.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071225054030"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071225054030?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071225054030" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071225054030&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6340_christmas_gift_from_the_capitol_hill_the_alternative_minimum_tax_patch_and_mortgage_forgiveness_debt_relief.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Mz6ngf1z"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=W0M4Icqt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=W0M4Icqt" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=eSCA5Hv2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=eSCA5Hv2" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=9p4DRaeV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=K3AImoaE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=K3AImoaE" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6340@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.6 Readings - Tax 2007-12-25T05:40:30-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6339_merry_christmas.shtml <p>A special Merry Christmas for the readers of PFBlog from the midst of the Indian Ocean! 2007 has been an amazing year for us, and we want to thank you for watching our growth and providing feedback for the 5th year in our journey! </p> <p><strong>Merry Christmas!</strong> We wish you all the best in the New Year!</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6339_merry_christmas.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071224153901"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071224153901?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071224153901" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071224153901&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6339_merry_christmas.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vZNR0jes"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=j9FsW7Mm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=j9FsW7Mm" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=crwji636"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=crwji636" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=EjzcpBWC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=BpVQy5hD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=BpVQy5hD" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6339@http://www.pfblog.com/ Z. Misc 2007-12-24T15:39:01-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6337_financial_plan_2008_part_2_investment_income.shtml <p><img alt="plan08.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/plan08.jpg" width="174" height="134" align="left" />The other day I shared the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml">somewhat gloomy view of our earned income in 2008</a>, which will likely to decline by a small percentage due to a variety of factors. To continue this series of 2008 financial planning, let me discuss how I view our investment portfolio will evolve in 2008. I will continue to do this on an assumption-by-assumption basis that resembles the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml">top-down annual planning model</a> I shared earlier.</p> <p><strong>3. We will be able to achieve 7-8% annual return on our portfolio, although with more volatility throughout the year.</strong> </p> <p>It is very apparent in the second half of 2007 that market volatility is significantly increased compared to the last couple of years of eventless growth. Domestically, although the U.S. economy is potentially facing a recession, it does not mean stock investment will be untimely. Externally, U.S. dollar will continue its devaluation against other major currencies, and the economy of BRIC will continue their boom without the growing consumption by the developed countries. All in all, I do believe a modest single-digit gain is possible by a portfolio that has a deep-value/contrarian flavor, sizable exposure to foreign markets, and active cash position management through <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6325_should_i_simply_buy_chinese_money_market_fund_instead_of_stock_picking.shtml">USD/Yuan carry-trade</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6337_financial_plan_2008_part_2_investment_income.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071224051108"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071224051108?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071224051108" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071224051108&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6337_financial_plan_2008_part_2_investment_income.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Q5gaXPBl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1WYAr3cI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1WYAr3cI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=REwfEowG"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=REwfEowG" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6QdHuxLV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yeCze9I0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=yeCze9I0" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6337@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-24T05:11:08-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6336_is_exchange_traded_notes_etn_dead.shtml <p><img alt="ipath.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/ipath.jpg" width="151" height="45" align="left"/>Back in November I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6312_exchange_traded_notes_a_potential_rulebreaker.shtml">studied</a> Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs), a new genre of product with apparently better tax treatment than its much popular cousin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with ETFs. The innovation of Barclays, ETNs are debt notes 1) issued by financial companies like Barclays, Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank and alike, 2) tracking a certain index like currency and commodities, 3) that can be traded in the stock exchange just like ETFs, and 4) being promoted with preferred tax treatment -- that is, there is no required distribution so that investors only have to pay tax when they finally dispose the ETNs. </p> <p>Unfortunately, <strong>the preferred tax treatment</strong> is a claim by the issuing banks, and hadn't been confirmed by IRS ... until now. </p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7B1C874197%2D7CAA%2D463B%2DA700%2DA3B15DD1263F%7D&siteid=rss">MarketWatch</a>, the IRS recently denied favorable tax treatment of most ETNs on the market:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6336_is_exchange_traded_notes_etn_dead.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071223132223"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071223132223?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071223132223" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071223132223&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6336_is_exchange_traded_notes_etn_dead.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YVisLxPZ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=qmCLniH7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=qmCLniH7" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5dfFJPdG"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5dfFJPdG" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=w4S4uAq2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=99tckv0b"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=99tckv0b" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6336@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-12-23T13:22:23-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6335_2008_financial_plan_participation_award_winner_announced.shtml <p><img alt="contest.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/contest.jpg" width="110" height="125" align="left" />Thank you for the those who participated in the "<a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml">Producing My 2008 Financial Plan</a>" contest at PFBlog, which I believe is the first-ever contest of one personal finance blogger inviting the community to work on one's annual plan. As planned, today will be the day we announce the winner of Participation Award (prize is $50 Amazon gift certificate). Winner of "Closest to the Pin" Award will be announced before the new year starts and after I publish all posts about my own 2008 Financial Plan thoughts.</p> <p>Let me start by saying the contest is inspired by an internal company activity. In the most recent summit of hundreds of financial professionals in the company, our CFO asks us to predict the earnings-per-share (EPS) of the company in three years, by supplying us with an Excel model with only seven variables (on revenue and margin growth of each of the three key business lines, and the effect of other corporate finance activities on EPS). The message he conveyed (successfully) is: if one can make a good forecast of a 50-billion-dollar company without a big spreadsheet, it means <strong>true business insight can and should be delivered in a simple fashion</strong>.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6335_2008_financial_plan_participation_award_winner_announced.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071222040408"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071222040408?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071222040408" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071222040408&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6335_2008_financial_plan_participation_award_winner_announced.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mHlH6Tzd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gSVVhEZX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=gSVVhEZX" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wZfkFafm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=wZfkFafm" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=EJGD0fsK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=o2t0yIO1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=o2t0yIO1" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6335@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-12-22T04:04:08-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml <p><img alt="plan08.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/plan08.jpg" width="174" height="134" align="left" />I always enjoyed the budget process. On the job, I organize annual budgets in the magnitude of several hundred million dollars to a billion, and derive great satisfaction by orchestrating how people should envision and plan the coming year. In my personal life, I enjoy dreaming about how we will lead our life in the coming year, spend time to understand the financial realities to support it, and take action accordingly.</p> <p>Like <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6052_financial_plan_2007_the_landscape.shtml">what I did in 2007</a>, I will start by discussing how I believe the key drivers of our finance will develop themselves in 2008. First on <strong>earned income</strong>:</p> <p><strong>1. Income from my daily job will grow at a much slower pace of 5%. </strong></p> <p>I continue to perform well in my day job duties, I anticipate above-average merit increase on upcoming annual review cycle. Also, the part of my compensation package that is denominated in Renminbi will receive automatic lift as the Chinese currency is getting stronger against the dollar. However, my stock compensation will almost surely decline. Five years ago, my employer switched stock compensation plan from stock options to stock grants, and with my last batch of stock option getting fully vested in 2007, starting from 2008 I can only purely rely on more reliable but much less potentially profitable stock grants getting vested every August.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071221055517"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071221055517?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071221055517" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071221055517&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6330_financial_plan_2008_part_1_earned_income.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7Vb6Z0uc"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=3838F0bi"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=3838F0bi" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=QPUgpwLw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=QPUgpwLw" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iyl6BdCS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DCrW3U7b"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=DCrW3U7b" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6330@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-21T05:55:17-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6333_how_to_capture_tax_loss_at_yearend_properly.shtml <p><img alt="taxloss.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/taxloss.jpg" width="110" height="105" align="left"/>I discussed briefly in <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6315_portfolio_update_november_2007_down_375.shtml">my last monthly portfolio update</a> that I'm looking to capture some tax loss in the remainder of the year so I can lower my tax for 2007. In theory it is simple: since I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6308_portfolio_update_october_2007_up_308.shtml">untimely loaded some financial stocks</a> in October before they took a nosedive, if I sell these stocks by December 31st, I can realize some short-term capital loss. Short-term capital loss can be used to offset other short-term capital gains, which are usually taxed at one's tax bracket. For me, that's a hefty 28%.</p> <p>But there are other things to consider before biting the bullet:</p> <p><strong>First, there is the <a href="http://www.fairmark.com/capgain/wash/index.htm">wash sale rule</a>. </strong>In short, if you buy the same stock within 30 days before or after your sale, you cannot claim the loss. So, the question becomes: what if your stock has a comeback just after your sale but before you can replace your shares after 30 days?</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6333_how_to_capture_tax_loss_at_yearend_properly.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071220050654"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071220050654?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071220050654" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071220050654&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6333_how_to_capture_tax_loss_at_yearend_properly.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=srVo6igL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=q7ArK8qU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=q7ArK8qU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VlQYDoHh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=VlQYDoHh" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=jdIIVTp4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wr7yzGSO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=wr7yzGSO" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6333@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-20T05:06:54-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6334_postcard_from_china_things_that_are_considerably_more_expensive_here.shtml <p><img alt="pricetag.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/pricetag.jpg" width="110" height="80" align="left"/>The common sense is since China is a developing country, things are much cheaper on this side of the Pacific. However, according to the <a href="http://www.mercer.com/costofliving">research from renowned HR consulting firm Mercer</a>, living in Shanghai, the biggest city of China, is quite expensive. If the cost of living in New York City is 100, Shanghai will be 92.1.</p> <p>I can partially substantiate to that. Our living expense of this year is likely to double what we spent in 2003. Of course, we spend a bit more as our income also triples, and then there are factors like inflation and stronger Yuan (which hurts when I report our financials in dollars). But some things are really expensive here:</p> <p><strong>Housing Expenses</strong></p> <p>After several years of red-hot housing market, having a roof over your top is not easy. To buy, downtown apartments in a good (but not top-scale) apartment can sell for over $400/sqft (RMB 35,000/sqm), and that's price on "constructed area", which includes all public areas like community center, lobby and elevator -- usually the actual livable area in the apartment will be 15-30% smaller. In other words, one will pay $500 or more for each square foot you have in private.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6334_postcard_from_china_things_that_are_considerably_more_expensive_here.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071219050349"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071219050349?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071219050349" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071219050349&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6334_postcard_from_china_things_that_are_considerably_more_expensive_here.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iX28KgxW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=F1glzoHO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=F1glzoHO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rQ5tnugE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=rQ5tnugE" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2Lj7aYZ8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XVlF45uG"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=XVlF45uG" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6334@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3.2 Postcard from China 2007-12-19T05:03:49-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml <p><img alt="contest.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/contest.jpg" width="110" height="125" align="left" />It is December and many household CFOs like me are crunching the numbers and make annual plans. At PFBlog, this will be the fifth time I set annual financial goals publicly (see my goals for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007). <strong>This year, let me do something different by inviting you, valued PFBlog readers, to join the process, and reward you for participation.</strong></p> <p>Here is how you can be involved. I have created an <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/Plan2008Public.xls">Excel-based model</a> (snapshot below) that put all key drivers of our household finance to play. You just need to help me make six high level assumptions, and the model will automatically calculate how much net worth increase we can target in 2008. You may also copy/paste the model output as comments into this post as formal submission to the contest.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071218053320"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071218053320?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071218053320" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071218053320&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6332_my_2008_financial_plan_you_are_invited_to_participate_and_win_100.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yqhT9JnX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aggbh71x"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=aggbh71x" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=fGUI3taN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=fGUI3taN" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wdtfreOa"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8DMjDmhk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=8DMjDmhk" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6332@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.5 My Finance - Savings 2007-12-18T05:33:20-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6329_upcoming_401k_plan_changes_more_smas_and_selfdirected_brokerage_accounts.shtml <p><img alt="401k.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/401k.jpg" width="116" height="96" align="left" />Last week, Microsoft 401(k) Plan Administrators announced several exciting changes to the Plan in 2008.</p> <p><strong>First off, four mutual fund investment options currently available to plan participants will be replaced with Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) on January 16, 2008. </strong>These SMAs are designed exclusively for Microsoft's 401(k) plan, managed by the same investment team and closely mirroring the current investment options. The caveat, however, is the new investment options will carry much lower fee structure, thus improving long-term return of the portfolio.</p> <p>One has to admire our Plan Administrators for doing an excellent job in negotiating down the cost. Especially in the case of <a href="http://quote.morningstar.com/Quote.html?ticker=NIIVX">ING International Value Fund</a>, annual fee will be reduced from 1.22% to 0.41% in the new SMA that is to be set up. <strong>What's the last time you can invest in a fine actively managed foreign equity fund by only paying 0.41% on annual fee?</strong> (In comparison, the widely-held index-tracking foreign-equity ETF option <a href="http://quicktake.morningstar.com/EtfNet/Fees.aspx?Country=USA&Symbol=EFA">iShares MSCI EAFE Index</a> carries an annual fee of 0.35%.)</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6329_upcoming_401k_plan_changes_more_smas_and_selfdirected_brokerage_accounts.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071217040228"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071217040228?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071217040228" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071217040228&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6329_upcoming_401k_plan_changes_more_smas_and_selfdirected_brokerage_accounts.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ppg52AD1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=EwMvwgN5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=EwMvwgN5" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=dJfhMHqd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=dJfhMHqd" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8JcX7j43"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YA2WZ9yI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=YA2WZ9yI" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6329@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-17T04:02:28-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6331_december_19_etrade_customer_appreciation_day.shtml <p><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1580413-10468654" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.zecco.com/default.aspx';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;"><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-1580413-10468654" width="120" height="60" alt="" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left"/></a>The embattled discount-brokerage-turned-bank E*TRADE is announcing that <strong>its customers can trade U.S. stocks, U.S. options, global stocks and futures for free, for one day only on December 19, 2007</strong>.</p> <p>Here is the excerpt of terms and conditions:</p> <blockquote><em>Unlimited commission-free trade offer is valid for trades entered by E*TRADE Securities customers in U.S. stocks, options and futures from 8:30 PM EST on 12/18/07 to 8:30 PM EST on 12/19/07. Unlimited commission-free trade offer is valid for trades entered by E*TRADE Securities customers in non-U.S. stocks from 5:30 PM EST on 12/18/07 to 5:30 PM EST on 12/19/07. This offer does not include commissions on trades in mutual funds or fixed income securities, but does apply to options contract fees.</em></blockquote> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6331_december_19_etrade_customer_appreciation_day.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071216052148"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071216052148?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071216052148" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071216052148&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6331_december_19_etrade_customer_appreciation_day.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Eo3ZqicZ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WxhJBF9M"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=WxhJBF9M" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xQUp9CwL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=xQUp9CwL" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mHA0aio2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IwRvKvbd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IwRvKvbd" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6331@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2007-12-16T05:21:48-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6324_110_days_on_the_road_and_other_fun_travel_statistics_in_2007.shtml <p><img alt="airtravel2007.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/airtravel2007.jpg" width="130" height="100" align="left"/>One more trip to go, and it will be the end of the year. </p> <p>And it is a very long year in terms of travel: by the end of the year, I will have flown a total of <strong>124,520 miles</strong>. This includes 7 cross-Pacific trips to the U.S., one trip each to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and a nice <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijiang_City" target="_blank">southwestern town</a> in China, and the upcoming Christmas trip to Maldives.</p> <p>Yes, 124,520 miles is a long distance -- in fact, it is five times the length of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equator" target="_blank">Equator</a>. On the other hand, it is another typical year. In 2006, I travelled a total of <strong>122,709 miles</strong>, so my 2007 travel diary will break the 2006 record, but only by the smallest margin of <strong>1.5%</strong>.</p> <p>Commercial airlines usually fly about 500 miles per hour on average, so 124,520 miles means <strong>250 hours</strong> or <strong>10 whole days</strong> in the cabin. It is no wonder I'm developing my rhythm in the cabin like watching videos in my <a href="http://www.zune.net/">Zune</a>, reading magazines and playing computer games. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6324_110_days_on_the_road_and_other_fun_travel_statistics_in_2007.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071215062645"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071215062645?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071215062645" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071215062645&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6324_110_days_on_the_road_and_other_fun_travel_statistics_in_2007.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IuUOF8Av"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=l7aXRAU1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=l7aXRAU1" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4r6kS9zN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=4r6kS9zN" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=lvuA3WCX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2n7U0Nzg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=2n7U0Nzg" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6324@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.4 My Finance - Services 2007-12-15T06:26:45-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6327_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_3_on_expense_and_closing_comments.shtml <p><img alt="dartaccuracy.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/dartaccuracy.jpg" width="130" height="100" align="left"/>This is the third and last installment of a three-part series that reflects on <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6052_financial_plan_2007_the_landscape.shtml">my predictions of 2007</a>. In the previous posts, I reviewed the result of my predictions on <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6322_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_1_on_earned_income.shtml">earned income</a> and <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6323_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_2_on_investment_income.shtml">investment income</a>. Let me finish off this series by debriefing you on my two last remaining forecast on expense:</p> <p><strong>Prediction #8. Core expense will grow 8-10% in 2007 with growth in travel expenses.</strong></p> <p><u>What I Said One Year Ago:</u> Let's say an expatriate's life in a low-income country is still not easy. We managed to reduce our annual spending from $90,000 in 2005 to $80,000 in 2006. At the current level, I do feel we have the right balance of spend vs value. We do look to travel to more places in 2007 (Scandinavian, Maldives and Canada are in the plan), and hence some potential spending increase over that of 2006. We will still be living well below our means -- we intend to keep spending less than 25% of our income.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6327_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_3_on_expense_and_closing_comments.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071214031351"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071214031351?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071214031351" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071214031351&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6327_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_3_on_expense_and_closing_comments.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1p5alWv6"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gER2dyP7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=gER2dyP7" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=owsqRDCV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=owsqRDCV" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4k4NzD87"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LbSf86nV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=LbSf86nV" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6327@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-14T03:13:51-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6328_microsoft_401k_plan_replaced_fidelity_overseas_with_a_separately_managed_account.shtml <p><img alt="401k.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/401k.jpg" width="116" height="96" align="left" />Administrators of Microsoft's 401(k) Plan are really working hard lately to reengineer the program for the benefit of employees.</p> <p>Earlier this year, <strong>the Plan announced replacement of Fidelity Overseas (FOSFX) with Russell International Growth Account</strong>, a "separately managed account", or SMA, that is exclusively created for the Microsoft Plan, and managed by Russell Investments using three separate managers, currently Hansberger Global Investors, Neuberger Berman and UBS Global Asset Management.</p> <p>According to the Plan Administrators, Fidelity Overseas was removed as an investment option due to <strong>concerns about fund’s investment process and performance, the new fund manager’s management ability, the growth of assets that may negatively affect performance, and external advisor's recommendation</strong>. The Administrator also believes the new Russell International Growth Account, will likely to significantly reduces fees and have "<strong>increased likelihood of a higher risk-adjusted returns due to less portfolio volatility</strong>." In the FAQ accompanying the change, the Plan Administrators wrote:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6328_microsoft_401k_plan_replaced_fidelity_overseas_with_a_separately_managed_account.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071213042044"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071213042044?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071213042044" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071213042044&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6328_microsoft_401k_plan_replaced_fidelity_overseas_with_a_separately_managed_account.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZrIDoljW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=30NbG4tz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=30NbG4tz" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kEfXNXhp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kEfXNXhp" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ncDYzn1x"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CoWGr9xY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=CoWGr9xY" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6328@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-13T04:20:44-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6326_is_prepaying_january_mortgage_bill_for_tax_gain_a_good_idea_myth_busted.shtml <p><img alt="taxman.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/taxman.jpg" width="134" height="137" align="left" />As we are approaching the year end, many personal finance journalists are busy throwing out last minute tax advices. <strong>One of the most discussed year-end tax saving strategy is to prepay your January's mortgage bill in late December so one may deduct 13 months' interest on mortgage payments instead of 12 months'.</strong></p> <p>Is this really worth your time? Let's run a quick calculation:</p> <p>If your January 2008 mortgage bill is $500 in principal and $2,000 in mortgage interest, by prepaying the January 1, 2008 bill on December 20, 2007, you only pay the opportunity cost of 10 days' worth of interest on the $2,500, yet you can claim $2,000 more in deductions in the 2007 tax return, and that's worth $500 if you are in the 25% tax bracket. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6326_is_prepaying_january_mortgage_bill_for_tax_gain_a_good_idea_myth_busted.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071212063805"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071212063805?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071212063805" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071212063805&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6326_is_prepaying_january_mortgage_bill_for_tax_gain_a_good_idea_myth_busted.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5OQc7ZXt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=jVgD2TaH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=jVgD2TaH" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=99brmW9H"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=99brmW9H" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YsWzYFUU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ox8AwycM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=ox8AwycM" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6326@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.6 My Finance - Tax 2007-12-12T06:38:05-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6323_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_2_on_investment_income.shtml <p><img alt="dartaccuracy.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/dartaccuracy.jpg" width="130" height="100" align="left"/>This is the second installment of a three-part series that reflects on <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6052_financial_plan_2007_the_landscape.shtml">my predictions of 2007</a>. In the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6322_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_1_on_earned_income.shtml">previous post</a>, I reviewed the result of my first three predictions on our earned income. Today, I will debrief you on my forecast on investment income:</p> <p><strong>Prediction #4. Size of investment portfolio will grow from $700,000 to $900,000 by the end of 2007.</strong></p> <p><u>What I Said One Year Ago:</u> If anything, 2006 educated us how investment is growingly more important to our finance. With some leverage (i.e. 0% APR balance transfers and unpaid tax on unrealized capital gains), I'm currently managing a $700,000 portfolio and this number will most likely to grow to $900,000 next year. It will require more time to be allocated to the investment process and more rigid process management.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6323_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_2_on_investment_income.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071211045626"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071211045626?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071211045626" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071211045626&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6323_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_2_on_investment_income.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1cK6AIbw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yt3SOXCD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=yt3SOXCD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=WTeuPmFx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=WTeuPmFx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=3jvAFGdY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Jhj96Rs7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Jhj96Rs7" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6323@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-11T04:56:26-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6325_should_i_simply_buy_chinese_money_market_fund_instead_of_stock_picking.shtml <p><img alt="6325renminbi.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/6325renminbi.jpg" width="140" height="100" align="left" />There are enough headlines that U.S. dollar has weakened against almost all major currencies in the last few years, and it is certainly not good news for everyone making a living in the States -- higher price for imported products, more expensive overseas vacation, etc. As a U.S. taxpayer who lives in China, however, I am facing a different flavor of the challenge:</p> <p><strong>On one side</strong>, since most of my compensation package is now mostly denominated in Chinese Yuan, without doing anything, my salary expressed in U.S. dollar will receive automatic increase. This certainly serves me well when I reported my <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6314_monthly_update_november_2007_875850_33806.shtml">monthly net worth in dollar terms</a>.</p> <p><strong>On the other hand</strong>, since most of <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6315_portfolio_update_november_2007_down_375.shtml">my portfolio</a> is sitting in U.S. accounts, and most of my spending is in China and more likely than not we will spend a good part of our golden years in this side of the Pacific, we do worry about our future purchase power in the local currency.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6325_should_i_simply_buy_chinese_money_market_fund_instead_of_stock_picking.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071210014117"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071210014117?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071210014117" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071210014117&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6325_should_i_simply_buy_chinese_money_market_fund_instead_of_stock_picking.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=a5AG2423"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=lRYCh0c1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=lRYCh0c1" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hR6wJrKt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=hR6wJrKt" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=iMyvBFp2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bHdSXCSa"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bHdSXCSa" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6325@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-10T01:41:17-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6319_what_candidates_are_proposing_for_income_tax_on_investments.shtml <p><img alt="taxman.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/taxman.jpg" width="134" height="137" align="left" />CNN Money's Jeanne Sahadi did an amazing job in compiling the <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/27/pf/taxes/campaign08_taxbreak_proposals/index.htm?postversion=2007112712">different opinions on tax policy</a> from all presidential candidates. Given the fact that I have a portfolio that briefly crossed seven-figure mark lately, I'm naturally interested in how they think on the investment taxation:</p> <blockquote><em>Currently they're both taxed at 15 percent (less for low-income taxpayers), and they are scheduled to rise by 2011 to 20 percent for capital gains and to ordinary income tax rates for dividends. <p><br /> <strong>Edwards: </strong>Would make the first $250 of interest, capital gains and dividends tax-free for everyone, although he would favor raising the capital gains tax rate to 28 percent for taxpayers making more than $200,000.</p> <p><strong>Obama:</strong> Would eliminate capital gains taxes for business start-ups, although he would favor raising the capital gains tax rate to somewhere between 20 percent and 28 percent for taxpayers making more than $250,000.</p> <p><strong>Romney:</strong> Wants to eliminate the tax on interest, capital gains and dividends for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes under $200,000, and would make the Bush investment tax cuts permanent for everyone else.</p> <p><strong>Giuliani, McCain and Thompson:</strong> Would make Bush investment tax cuts permanent.</p> <p><strong>Huckabee:</strong> Has called for the elimination of the income tax system and for a consumption tax to take its place. Under his plan, you would be taxed on what you buy, not on what you earn or save. So there would be no investment taxes.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6319_what_candidates_are_proposing_for_income_tax_on_investments.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071209071918"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071209071918?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071209071918" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071209071918&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6319_what_candidates_are_proposing_for_income_tax_on_investments.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ToCc2cPB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=a39Nqju0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=a39Nqju0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1HNe840O"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1HNe840O" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8Tp2tpaN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1nXjfkKu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1nXjfkKu" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6319@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.6 Readings - Tax 2007-12-09T07:19:18-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6320_magazines_for_miles_by_northwest_worldperks.shtml <p><img alt="magformiles.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/magformiles.jpg" width="230" height="90" align="left"/>Besides banking and investment accounts, I also use Microsoft Money to track various mileage programs. For Northwest Airlines' frequent flier program <strong>WorldPerks </strong>alone, I track five different accounts: mine, my wife's, my kid's, and both of my parents'.</p> <p>The problem is: since my parents didn't travel much lately, their miles are about to expire at the end of the year. Each of them have about 10,000 miles, much less than the cheapest reward ticket, but enough to feel bad about losing them.</p> <p>Luckily, the WorldPerks program provides a way out: <strong>Magazine for Miles</strong>. In exchange for a few hundred miles, you can get 6-month or 1-year subscription to a lot of magazines and newspaper. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6320_magazines_for_miles_by_northwest_worldperks.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071208045227"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071208045227?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071208045227" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071208045227&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6320_magazines_for_miles_by_northwest_worldperks.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=EpBM80jL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hOkpbO43"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=hOkpbO43" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=t9qssdhy"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=t9qssdhy" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VZuGcK1d"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Kx7DKvVi"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Kx7DKvVi" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6320@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.4 My Finance - Services 2007-12-08T04:52:27-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6322_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_1_on_earned_income.shtml <p><img alt="dartaccuracy.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/dartaccuracy.jpg" width="130" height="100" align="left"/>One benefit of blogging is that you keep a written record of your life so you can always rewind to re-learn yourself. One year ago, when I plan for our financial life in 2007, I made <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6052_financial_plan_2007_the_landscape.shtml">9 predictions</a>. Now that the year is almost over, how is my batting average? We are going to review them one by one in this three-part series:</p> <p>First on my forecast on earned income:</p> <p><strong>Prediction #1. Job Income from my daily job will be steadily growing at an annual pace of 8-10%.</strong></p> <p><u>What I Said One Year Ago:</u> I have full confidence I will continue to perform at the top of the pack in my company, and expect 1-2 raises throughout the year. I also count on more employee stock option and stock award income. On the balance, some of my expatriate benefits will not grow as fast.</p> <p><u>Result:</u> Excluding stock option income, job income increased 15%, although 6% gain is attributed to stronger Chinese Yuan vs. US Dollar. Barring the foreign exchange gains, the real gain is about 9%. Bingo!</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6322_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_1_on_earned_income.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071207053148"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071207053148?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071207053148" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071207053148&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6322_how_accurate_are_my_predictions_of_2007_part_1_on_earned_income.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=amVtkaF0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=L5zh2O4r"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=L5zh2O4r" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LAN4TyS1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=LAN4TyS1" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gXqwUxZC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1rEZ8VcV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1rEZ8VcV" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6322@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-07T05:31:48-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6317_why_im_not_a_dividend_investor.shtml <p><img alt="dividend2.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/dividend2.jpg" width="155" height="100" align="left"/>My individual stock portfolio is full of dividend-paying stocks, leading by Citigroup (6.5% yield), Bank of America (5.5% yield) and Pfizer (4.9% yield). As a matter of fact, all but two of my 13 individual stock positions at the end of November is paying regular dividends. </p> <p>I do believe a long dividend paying history and consistency on dividend increase are good indicators of a company's long-term performance. However, I don't really think myself as a dividend investor. Why?</p> <p><strong>First, company can create shareholder value in many ways other than returning cash to investors as regular dividends. </strong>For one, great companies can always find opportunities to invest for future growth. But even when cash generated by operation exceeds tangible investment opportunities, dividend is not necessarily the best way to return cash to shareholder. Depending on the stock price, shareholders can be better off when company buys back stocks at cheap, and pays dividend when stock price at high. Therefore, companies with no dividend or low dividend payout ratio have more flexibility in maximizing shareholder returns.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6317_why_im_not_a_dividend_investor.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071206063757"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071206063757?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071206063757" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071206063757&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6317_why_im_not_a_dividend_investor.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6AYVXNxz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=48cYTXNO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=48cYTXNO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=3E2PKYcx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=3E2PKYcx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rSqqHvIg"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DRBrzWRP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=DRBrzWRP" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6317@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-06T06:37:57-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6318_more_income_more_spending.shtml <p><img alt="spendwaste.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/spendwaste.jpg" width="133" height="112" align="left"/>It is not easy to be rich, but being rich can be boring. As WSJ columnist Robert Frank commented in his recent post "<a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2007/11/19/wealth-fatigue-syndrome/">Wealth Fatigue Syndrome</a>":</p> <blockquote><em>"For the super-rich, houses, yachts, cars and planes are like new toys that they play with for five minutes and then lose interest in," a psychoanalyst named Manfred Kets de Vries says in the article. "Pretty soon, to attain the same buzz they have to spend more money. All the spending is a mad attempt to cover up boredom and depression." <p> <br /> He adds that when someone has and spends so much money, "Feeling any sort of excitement means taking more and more risks, financially and physically."<br /> <br /> Money, in other words, is like a drug; the more you have, the more you need to get a buzz. When a first-class plane ticket no longer satisfies, today’s wealthy board private jets. When that feels common, they buy a private jumbo jet. And so on.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6318_more_income_more_spending.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071205064437"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071205064437?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071205064437" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071205064437&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6318_more_income_more_spending.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=va2PssXs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=przSI0Ae"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=przSI0Ae" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wg0atoDy"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=wg0atoDy" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ETi6AGlc"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5zkHRIJC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5zkHRIJC" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6318@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.5 My Finance - Savings 2007-12-05T06:44:37-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6321_free_stock_trades_at_zeccocom.shtml <p><a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1580413-10468654" target="_top" onmouseover="window.status='http://www.zecco.com/default.aspx';return true;" onmouseout="window.status=' ';return true;"><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-1580413-10468654" width="120" height="60" alt="" border="0" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left"/></a>When it comes to stock trading, I'm a premier customer at Fidelity and TD Ameritrade because of asset size. Fidelity charges me $8 per trade and TD Ameritrade charges me $9.99 per trade. Since I typically by in the amounts of $10,000 or so, the trading cost is less than 0.1% of my principal -- not too bad given the first-class customer service I received at both firms. </p> <p>But there is still money to be saved. Introducing <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1580413-10468654"><strong>Zecco</strong></a>, an online-only brokerage firm that boasts <strong>10 zero cost stock trade per month for everyone who has $2,500 to invest</strong>. </p> <p>To experiment it, I just opened an account at <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1580413-10468654"><strong>Zecco</strong></a> with $10,000 to start with lately. The application process is pretty streamlined and I like the simple transaction interface. I haven't completed a real trade yet, so it is hard to say I'll commit to it and move all my money in individual stocks to <a href="http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-1580413-10468654"><strong>Zecco</strong></a>, but if it works out, I can probably save $150 to $200. That'll add a couple basis points of gains to my portfolio's annual performance :-)</p> <p>Better later than never.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6321_free_stock_trades_at_zeccocom.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071204023922"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071204023922?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071204023922" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071204023922&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6321_free_stock_trades_at_zeccocom.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZC34o9aA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IlKHPIGf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IlKHPIGf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YUuSaAQx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=YUuSaAQx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rSuQOfN2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vHL8uOTp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=vHL8uOTp" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6321@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2007-12-04T02:39:22-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6316_how_much_stock_dividend_did_i_receive_in_2007.shtml <p><img alt="dividend.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/dividend.jpg" width="113" height="113" align="left" />My fellow personal finance blogger 2million did an interesting exercise to <a href="http://www.2millionblog.com/2007/11/dividend_income_growth_1.html" target="_blank" >tabulate all stock dividend income he received in 2007</a>. While I'm not exactly boasting my self as a dividend investor, my value investing style drives me to many companies that pay handsome dividends. Therefore, I found it is quite useful to ask myself the question: <strong>how much stock dividend did I receive in 2007?</strong></p> <p>The quick answer: <strong>over $5,000</strong>. The table below includes the line item details, including expected Q4 dividend that has already been announced but not yet paid out.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6316_how_much_stock_dividend_did_i_receive_in_2007.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071203062515"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071203062515?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071203062515" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071203062515&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6316_how_much_stock_dividend_did_i_receive_in_2007.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=tFv2yNsz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=QLy9m30c"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=QLy9m30c" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mxMpmwuv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mxMpmwuv" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=cEWUEz6K"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xfb19dkB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=xfb19dkB" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6316@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-12-03T06:25:15-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6315_portfolio_update_november_2007_down_375.shtml <p><img alt="stockmarket.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/stockmarket.jpg" width="115" height="115" align="left" /><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>The stock market took a nosedive in November after three months of gains. At one point, the market was officially declared "in correction," defined as more than 10% off recent highs.</p> <p>Obviously my finance-stock-stuffed portfolio is not spared from the chaos. It ended the month with a 3.75% loss, even slightly worse than the benchmark loss of 3.47% in the same month. On a year-to-date basis, my portfolio is still up 9.4%, compared to 8.4% gain of the benchmark.</p> <p><strong>TRANSACTIONS</strong></p> <p>I'm quite busy in managing my positions in November. Key transactions include:</p> <p>1) Exercised 1/3 of my vested employee stock option positions (<strong>MSFT</strong>) at $36.60. Before this month's transaction, I haven't exercised stock option for over 7 years now. The action is prompted first by valuation concerns -- MSFT was bid up to a level that is above my calculation of intrinsic value after a blow-out Q1 release, and second by diversification purposes -- my employee stock option account was representing 17% of our net worth at the end of October and it was obviously too high.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6315_portfolio_update_november_2007_down_375.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071202093323"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071202093323?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071202093323" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071202093323&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6315_portfolio_update_november_2007_down_375.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=afcNllWK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rBNDjkz7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=rBNDjkz7" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1WazVMW8"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1WazVMW8" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zsZrUhvW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=UN9lgkQH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=UN9lgkQH" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6315@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2007-12-02T09:33:23-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6314_monthly_update_november_2007_875850_33806.shtml <p><img alt="down37.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/down37.jpg" width="177" height="73" align="left"/>The broad market correction was wielding its powerful force on my portfolio last month, causing a 3.7% hair-cut of our net worth in a month, the highest percentage decline ever in our history of meticulously bookkeeping in the last five years. </p> <p>Although I don't feel for the increased volatility in the market this year, I'm getting used to the rollercoaster ride now. To take it positively, we are only giving back some of the enormous gain we recorded in the prior month. In the last two months combined, we still grew our wealth by more than $43,000. And we are still already ahead of our annual growth goal by a five-figure margin, one month earlier.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6314_monthly_update_november_2007_875850_33806.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071201145450"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071201145450?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071201145450" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071201145450&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6314_monthly_update_november_2007_875850_33806.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=SKEdNhCh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Qu76UFbV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Qu76UFbV" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mmj4a6Dj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mmj4a6Dj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=h5qs1ctO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LJJBjmMQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=LJJBjmMQ" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6314@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-12-01T14:54:50-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6313_fortune_home_price_faces_16_correction_in_five_years.shtml <p>With the sudden realization that the housing boom is officially over, our interest is shifted to where the bottom is. To that end, Fortune Magazine released <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2007/11/06/real_estate/home_prices.fortune/index.htm">an in-depth analysis</a> on how housing price in 54 major cities will likely evolve in the next five years. Fortune's analytical framework assumes that the ratio of rental cost and home price will return to a historic norm, and the journey to a normalized price/rent ratio will involve a correction of current home price, in conjunction with gradual rental increase over time.</p> <p>The conclusion: on average, <strong>the nation's home price is over-valued by 28%</strong>, and for it to return to the norm in five years, <strong>we should expect 16% price correction</strong>, in addition to 12% increase in rental cost.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6313_fortune_home_price_faces_16_correction_in_five_years.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071113161829"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071113161829?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071113161829" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071113161829&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6313_fortune_home_price_faces_16_correction_in_five_years.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2Ucz1U6D"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CyunuFYq"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=CyunuFYq" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kRlBKRKh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kRlBKRKh" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sDa2FjM7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=dvUVms72"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=dvUVms72" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6313@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-11-13T16:18:29-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6312_exchange_traded_notes_a_potential_rulebreaker.shtml <p><img alt="ipath.jpg" src="http://www.pfblog.com/ipath.jpg" width="151" height="45" align="left"/></p> <p>Both <a href="http://www.smartmoney.com/barrons/index.cfm?story=20070105<br /> ">SmartMoney</a> and <a href="http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/2007/08/etns.html<br /> ">Kiplinger's Personal Finance</a> recently shed light on a completely new genre of investment vehicle available to the general investors:<strong> Exchange-Traded Notes (ETN)</strong>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ipathetn.com/Exchange-Traded-Notes-structure.jsp<br /> ">iPath ETN</a>, created and marketed by Barclays Bank, PLC, is very similar to ETF, or Exchange-Traded Funds (also pioneered by Barclays), which can be traded like a stock throughout the day, but also mimics the returns of a benchmark index. However, ETN comes with <strong>an important tax advantage </strong>over ETFs and mutual funds -- it is not required to distribute dividends and capital gains every year, making it possible for investors to avoid paying tax on such distributions, and having more money at work until the final redemption. </p> <p>Now here is the caveat: in order to achieve these tax benefits, ETNs are structured as <strong>unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities</strong> issued by Barclays Bank PLC, with returns linked to a pre-defined benchmark index, minus fees. In other words, the value ETNs are secured by the credibility of Barclays instead of a pool of underlying investments. <br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6312_exchange_traded_notes_a_potential_rulebreaker.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071112220521"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071112220521?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071112220521" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071112220521&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6312_exchange_traded_notes_a_potential_rulebreaker.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=e3a5maeu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=3R6gdjiO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=3R6gdjiO" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=igXrU0ly"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=igXrU0ly" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=SKkG4sGk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=HXwWLcOF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=HXwWLcOF" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6312@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.7 Readings - Investment 2007-11-12T22:05:21-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6310_how_to_get_8_annual_return_with_zero_risk.shtml <p>What if I tell you there is a risk-free investment that is backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, will guarantee you an annual return of 8%, and is open to every taxpayer?</p> <p>And this investment is made available by an unlikely source: IRS.</p> <p>Yes, you didn't read it wrong. It is from the famous/infamous Internal Revenue Service.</p> <p>I only learned this from my finally-arrived-after-10-month-delay tax return check for <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6063_what_did_i_learn_from_my_2005_tax_return.shtml">my 2005 federal tax return</a>. (Long story short, my tax advisor can only file my 2005 tax return in January 2007 in order to satisfy certain requirements for foreign-earned income classification. And then my check got lost and we have to file a request using IRS Form 3911 to trace the check. IRS finally issued a replacement check last month.) To my surprise, the amount on the check is $408 higher than what we asked for the in the original return.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6310_how_to_get_8_annual_return_with_zero_risk.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071106162846"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071106162846?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071106162846" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071106162846&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6310_how_to_get_8_annual_return_with_zero_risk.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ML8f2cul"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Ror06LZl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Ror06LZl" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1zgUGd3P"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=1zgUGd3P" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wAmD6iFp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=TCRxhZWj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=TCRxhZWj" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6310@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.6 My Finance - Tax 2007-11-06T16:28:46-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6309_revealing_details_of_a_401k_plan.shtml <p>Every year, each 401(k) Plan Administrator is required by law to disclose summary financial information of 401(k) plan to plan participants. I was reading the Microsoft 2006 Summary Annual Report today and some numbers are quite revealing.</p> <p>Here is the original text from the report:</p> <blockquote><em>"Benefits under the plan are provided by Fidelity Management Trust Company. Plan expenses were $174,588,997. These expenses included $0 in administrative expenses and $174,588,997 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and $0 in other expenses. A total of 58,263 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. <p><br /> The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,430,511,055 as of December 31, 2006, compared to $3,522,951,171 as of January 1, 2006. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $907,557,884. The increase includes unrealized appreciation of depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan has a total income of $1,071,286,136 including employer contributions of $128,814,606, participant contributions of $428,090,550, realized gains of $0 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $213,077,272, and unrealized appreciation of $301,303,708."</em></blockquote></p> <p>If the above numbers are boring, below are some interesting revelations from quick calculation: </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6309_revealing_details_of_a_401k_plan.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071105045659"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071105045659?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071105045659" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071105045659&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6309_revealing_details_of_a_401k_plan.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=m7B1j6aF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JLfGnlaE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=JLfGnlaE" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=vNlJsO6i"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=vNlJsO6i" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=9CBKryNl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nVRJP11d"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=nVRJP11d" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6309@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-11-05T04:56:59-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6308_portfolio_update_october_2007_up_308.shtml <p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>October is another winning month for my portfolio. My portfolio appreciated another <strong>3.08%</strong>, which handsomely beat my benchmark by over <strong>60 basis points</strong>. The result is attributable to a couple of winning stock positions (APOL and BRK.B especially) and better mutual fund performance vs benchmark, slightly offset by the loss in my financial stock plays.</p> <p>So far this year, our portfolio returned <strong>13.7%</strong>, compared to <strong>12.3%</strong> return from our 50-35-15 benchmark and <strong>11.3%</strong> return from the 45-30-25 benchmark.</p> <p>Outside of the self-managed portion of my portfolio, it is worth mentioning that the value of my employee stock option account more than doubled in October, thanks to <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/msft/earnings/FY08/earn_rel_q1_08.mspx">terrific quarterly results and upbeat guidance</a>. Including the stock option account, my portfolio is worth <strong>over a million dollars</strong> for the first time!</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6308_portfolio_update_october_2007_up_308.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071102093519"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071102093519?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071102093519" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071102093519&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6308_portfolio_update_october_2007_up_308.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=MibhNgJ7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=htLfDQWH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=htLfDQWH" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=qKvP151e"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=qKvP151e" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7sSR6hjD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Ox67SBnC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Ox67SBnC" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6308@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2007-11-02T09:35:19-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6307_monthly_update_october_2007_909656_76911.shtml <p>One month after we breached the $800s mark of our quest for net worth accumulation, we are now in the new domain of the $900s. Our bottom-line is happily lifted by <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/msft/earnings/FY08/earn_rel_q1_08.mspx">a blow-out quarter from my employer</a> and the ensuing multi-year highs of its stock, together with significant gains from my self-managed portfolio.</p> <p>At $909,656, we have out-delivered <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6053_financial_plan_2007_strategic_intentions_and_financial_goals.shtml">our annual net worth growth goal of $230,000</a> by over $48,000, and we did this two months ahead of time. </p> <p>While we fully understand that the stock market may turn in opposite directions overnight, we are really happy about where we are and what we accomplished. We look forward to exciting planning process for 2008 to bring our net worth up another notch.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6307_monthly_update_october_2007_909656_76911.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071101124743"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071101124743?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071101124743" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071101124743&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6307_monthly_update_october_2007_909656_76911.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=u5TmIVtm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=XX55T6Ox"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=XX55T6Ox" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aIUpm8r2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=aIUpm8r2" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=fEPnlH0C"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=I95tZHvO"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=I95tZHvO" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6307@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-11-01T12:47:43-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6306_tax_conscious_stock_sale_a_case_study.shtml <p>I wrote a couple of weeks ago about why <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6304_the_value_of_essential_tax_knowledge.shtml">some basic tax knowledge</a> will not only help you to maximize your tax refund after the fact, but will also serve as good guidance on how one should plan financial activities beforehand. Case on point: my exit strategy on my investment in Apollo Group, Inc. (<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/q?d=t&s=APOL">APOL</a>). </p> <p>For those of you who don't know, Apollo Group is the operating of University of Phoenix, Inc. (UPX), an accredited university with predominant online presence, and many other educational institutions. I bought 400 shares of its stock at $35.07 apiece on November 20, 2006, following strong recommendation from Morningstar equity research's recommendation. (In retrospect, I bought the stock almost at its 3-year nadir. What a perfect timing!)</p> <p>Now the stock APOL is trading at over $75 apiece and I'm happily watching my original investment of $14,000 turned out to be another double-bagger. Apparently the stock is no longer cheap at 22 times forward P/E. In fact, in my <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6300_portfolio_update_september_2007_up_375.shtml">latest monthly portfolio review</a>, I have listed my target (sale) price of APOL as $65, but I still haven't sold the stock yet. Why? </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6306_tax_conscious_stock_sale_a_case_study.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071030183249"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071030183249?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071030183249" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071030183249&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6306_tax_conscious_stock_sale_a_case_study.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nTNJpDmH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=DPr4vbPq"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=DPr4vbPq" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=PQuAPWnj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=PQuAPWnj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=jCGAjyXK"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Dqkt2suM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Dqkt2suM" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6306@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-10-30T18:32:49-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6305_what_a_year_of_0_apr_arbitrage_has_brought_me.shtml <p>Long-term readers of PFBlog knows I have been taking advantage of credit card companies for years. Especially, I'm very good at 0% APR arbitrage, whereby I sign up for new credit cards with attached introductory 0% APR balance transfer offer, move the entire balance immediately to my bank account, and enjoy the high saving account rates of 5% or more while remitting only the monthly minimal payment back to the credit card company.</p> <p>Of course, this strategy will drag down your credit score. Last summer, especially, I applied five cards in two months' time, and my credit score tanked from 720s to 640s, and I was essentially denied new credit application after being <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/5995_am_i_becoming_a_credit_risk.shtml">seen a credit risk</a> by most banks. But credit score is only of cosmetic value if you don't need credit any time soon. To me, after all, I have no better use of my credit score now that I'm sitting on a portfolio of over $800k and has no plan to buy a property any time soon. </p> <p>The below chart is a great summary of what happened in the last dozen months:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6305_what_a_year_of_0_apr_arbitrage_has_brought_me.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071017202154"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071017202154?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071017202154" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071017202154&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6305_what_a_year_of_0_apr_arbitrage_has_brought_me.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4Pq9lbOX"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wKW3UFrv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=wKW3UFrv" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=94u4TaNd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=94u4TaNd" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=cKjUtUeh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=uSRNMyXL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=uSRNMyXL" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6305@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.1 My Finance - Credit 2007-10-17T20:21:54-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6304_the_value_of_essential_tax_knowledge.shtml <p>Now you can always choose to tackle the annual chore of filing tax return by 1) learning to file tax yourself, or 2) paying someone else to file your tax. You may think the difference is just the $100 or so you pay someone sitting in the booth in Walmart in April, but it can be much more than that.</p> <p>Take myself as an example, given that I'm working in Asia, taking paycheck from a US-based company corporate entity, running a sideline business and still having to pay federal income tax in the States, my tax profile is on the complicated end of the spectrum. I'm thankful that my employer is paying KMPG several thousand dollars a year to file my tax. I will never be able to figure out how to navigate the intrigue laws governing federal tax on foreign earned income. </p> <p>Now I also need to confess I'm a control freak when it comes to managing money, so in each of the past two years, I took KMPG's draft return, and crunch every line again in a mass-market tax software, until I can satisfactorily say I understand how all numbers are tied together to produce my total tax number. </p> <p>This exercise took me about 10 hours every year, and it is worth every minute I put to it. Why? In each of the past two years, I found at least $2,000 worth of error in my favor. The first year, KMPG classified my business income as US earned instead of foreign-earned, effectively depriving me of the opportunity to offset some of my foreign-paid tax. The second year, KMPG even forgot my employer withhold taxes from my vested restricted stock grants.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6304_the_value_of_essential_tax_knowledge.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071016020541"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071016020541?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071016020541" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071016020541&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6304_the_value_of_essential_tax_knowledge.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LROFAhy9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ZAa8vH6m"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=ZAa8vH6m" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zotzLzfU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=zotzLzfU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aJROw8r3"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=lRSWqFgd"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=lRSWqFgd" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6304@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.6 My Finance - Tax 2007-10-16T02:05:41-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6303_review_of_fidelity_income_replacement_funds.shtml <p>Having accumulated a big retirement portfolio but uncertain about how you should count on the portfolio to generate regular inflation-adjusted monthly payments? Our innovative financial service industry is not hesitate to help. Introducing the latest innovation in mutual fund industry … Fidelity Income Replacement Funds. </p> <p>As marketed on the <a href="http://personal.fidelity.com/products/incomesolutions/index_content.shtml.cvsr?bar=s">Fidelity web site</a>: </p> <blockquote><em> Fidelity Income Replacement Funds are a new type of mutual fund designed to combine the power of professional asset management with professionally managed withdrawals to help turn part of your savings into regular monthly payments. The Funds are designed to be used in combination with other retirement income products and provide: <p><br /> - Regular monthly payments that seek, but are not guaranteed, to keep pace with inflation <br /> - Flexibility to change your mind at any time; you maintain 100% control of your investments with no additional fees or penalties <br /> - Professional management of your assets and withdrawals <br /> - Transferability of any remaining assets to your heirs, as with all mutual funds</em></blockquote><br /> In the hypothetical example included in the video demo, one can invest $100,000 today, and start getting inflation-adjusted monthly payout immediately, starting at $580 in Year 1 (to $680 in Year 6, $950 in Year 12 and $1,425 in Year 20). Expected total payout over the lifecycle of 20 years? Over $216,000.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6303_review_of_fidelity_income_replacement_funds.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071011224111"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071011224111?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071011224111" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071011224111&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6303_review_of_fidelity_income_replacement_funds.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=rpNSqy85"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zsKX9rOr"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=zsKX9rOr" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=BzRCphzL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=BzRCphzL" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=KvE9FOhv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=0FSKjeOL"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=0FSKjeOL" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6303@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-10-11T22:41:11-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6302_running_household_finance_as_a_business_charting_the_moneymaking_machine.shtml <p>This is the second installment of the series "<a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6167_running_household_finance_as_a_business_the_introduction.shtml">Running Household Finance As A Business</a>". My goal in this series is to "examine our household finance under the corporate finance microscope," which, I hope, will bring up some new perspectives in thinking about personal wealth accumulation.</p> <p>In the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6167_running_household_finance_as_a_business_the_introduction.shtml">first part of this series</a>, I devised some fancy names for our corporate structure, including MM Household as the umbrella holding company, and Money Manager Co., Perfect Future Publishing Co., Expat Services Co. and Value Invest Co. representing our diversified income streams. While I purposefully concealed some details of each entity, it suffices to know that our financial life is really complex, or for the lack of a better term, diversified.</p> <p>In this chapter, I attempt to show how all these pieces work together as a money-making machine. Let me start by showing you a chart that describes how money flows through MM Household in the first three quarters of 2007.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6302_running_household_finance_as_a_business_charting_the_moneymaking_machine.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071008185107"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071008185107?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071008185107" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071008185107&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6302_running_household_finance_as_a_business_charting_the_moneymaking_machine.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=flcySSYm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Lf7YqngM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Lf7YqngM" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=HS0RYmtf"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=HS0RYmtf" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VC6wlWPx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JaEtBYOp"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=JaEtBYOp" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6302@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-10-08T18:51:07-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6301_whats_your_nest_egg_score.shtml <p>As I am doing my regular web surfing of personal finance news, I bumped into A.G. Edwards's site and particularly its <a href="http://www.agedwards.com/public/content/sc/invedu/national_savings/nest_egg_score.html">Nest Egg Score</a> section. A.G. Edwards labels the Nest Egg Score as "a comprehensive indicator of how well U.S. households are doing at building personal wealth." </p> <p>With its online <a href="http://www.agedwards.com/public/content/sc/invedu/national_savings/personal_savings/nest_egg_score_estimator.html">Nest Egg Score Estimator</a>, A.G. Edwards will supply your individual score after you answer 14 quick questions. It only took me 3 minutes to finish the questionnaire, and here is what I got:</p> <blockquote><em>Your estimated score of 786 gives you a Nest Egg Score ranking of Excellent, which means you've done an outstanding job of building your nest egg up to this point in your life. Now you may want to focus on developing strategies for continuing to build and preserve your wealth, protecting it from unexpected costs (such as long-term health care or a disability), and providing for heirs in the event something happens to you. </em></blockquote> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6301_whats_your_nest_egg_score.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071008051644"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071008051644?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071008051644" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071008051644&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6301_whats_your_nest_egg_score.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=t5u99QGa"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IUZ2VJQ9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=IUZ2VJQ9" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=FPuBMMrD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=FPuBMMrD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=a4p216pN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=KwTbg8PN"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=KwTbg8PN" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6301@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2007-10-08T05:16:44-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6300_portfolio_update_september_2007_up_375.shtml <p><strong>SUMMARY</strong></p> <p>After Fed decisively acted to cut rates, the general market is recovering from the turbulent July and August. This lifts all boats, and helped my portfolio to book a record-beating 3.75% monthly gain. For the first time, my actively managed portfolio (excluding employee stock option account), has more than $800,000 in assets. </p> <p>My portfolio performance is in line with the benchmark for the month. Year-to-date, my portfolio index has gained 10.1%, compared to 9.6% in 50-35-15 benchmark and 8.9% in 45-30-25 benchmark. Overall, I'm satisfied of the portfolio's performance. </p> <p><strong>TRANSACTIONS</strong></p> <p>I completed two transactions this month. First, I sold about a third of my energy holding <strong>ConocoPhillips (COP)</strong> at $86.05 after it broke my earlier target price of $85. While oil price has been breaking all-time record throughout the month, most of the climb is due to the weakening dollar. Also, I feel I'm a bit over-weighted with this single issue representing more than 6% of my portfolio. New target price is set to $90 for the rest of the shares, though.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6300_portfolio_update_september_2007_up_375.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071001211222"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071001211222?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071001211222" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071001211222&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6300_portfolio_update_september_2007_up_375.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zIYXaWO1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=cIHS8lhn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=cIHS8lhn" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=SXt7IFFD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=SXt7IFFD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4rtvPfgb"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ofPRlcEx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=ofPRlcEx" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6300@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2007-10-01T21:12:22-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6299_monthly_update_september_2007_832745_39275.shtml <p>September is an exciting month to say the least. After the stagnating performance of the general stock market in the last three months, it finally rallied in the month and helped our portfolio to book a monthly gain of 3.7%, a record in itself throughout our systematic tracking of portfolio performance in the last two years. </p> <p>The result: almost $40,000 addition to our net worth tally, boosting our month-end net worth to $832,745. </p> <p>It is fair to say that we are now in the 8th inning of our multi-year quest for a seven-figure nest egg since the inception of this blog. After we broke the $400,000 mark at the end of 2005, it took us 8 months to gather the 5th $100,000, 3 months for the 6th, and 5 months each for the 7th and 8th. In other words, we more than doubled our wealth accumulations from our first 30 years of life in two years. If we follow the historical pattern, we will likely be able to finish the game with $1,000,000 in our bag in less than 12 months' time from today. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6299_monthly_update_september_2007_832745_39275.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_071001023304"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/071001023304?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_071001023304" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=071001023304&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6299_monthly_update_september_2007_832745_39275.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=RffOh5zQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JxVaVZNI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=JxVaVZNI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=pYaYYprj"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=pYaYYprj" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=wwORGMcU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ATld3ujA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=ATld3ujA" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6299@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-10-01T02:33:04-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6287_the_collapse_of_an_online_bank.shtml <p>NetBank, one of the first online-only banks in the 1990s, finally made to the Wall Street Journal headlines again. Unfortunately, this time, the news is NetBank is closed by federal regulators after suffering significant loss in the aftermath of housing bubble. According to the <a href="http://www.netbank.com/">notice shown on the NetBank homepage</a>:</p> <blockquote><em>On September 28, 2007, NetBank, Alpharetta, GA was closed by the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver. All insured depositors are now customers of ING Direct Bank, member FDIC. No advance notice is given to the public when a financial institution is closed. <p> <br /> The FDIC has assembled useful information regarding your relationship with this institution. Besides a checking account, you may have Certificates of Deposit, a business checking account, a Social Security direct deposit, and other relationships with the institution. The FDIC has compiled information which should answer many of your questions.</em></blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6287_the_collapse_of_an_online_bank.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070928201847"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070928201847?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070928201847" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070928201847&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6287_the_collapse_of_an_online_bank.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=fYXlbbb9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=poHNBWOR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=poHNBWOR" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=AJo8PznR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=AJo8PznR" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=1BgTQgfC"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mvJWLWeP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mvJWLWeP" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6287@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-09-28T20:18:47-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6286_2008_projected_tax_brackets.shtml <p>The renowned tax consulting firm CCH has released its projection of <a href="http://tax.cchgroup.com/news/headlines/2007/nws92007.htm#3">federal income tax brackets for 2008</a>. Here are the major changes that will affect our family (when we file joint returns):</p> <p><u><strong>Tax Brackets</strong></u></p> <p><strong>Joint returns.</strong> For married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses, the maximum taxable income subject to the 10-percent bracket will rise from $15,600 in 2007 to $16,050 in 2008; the top of the 15-percent tax bracket will increase from $63,700 to $65,100. The bracket amounts for the remaining tax rates show similarly proportionate increases: $131,450 as the maximum for the 25-percent bracket (up $2,950 from 2007); $200,300 for the 28-percent bracket (up $4,450 from 2007); and $357,700 for the 33-percent bracket (up $8,000 from 2007). Amounts above the $357,700 level will be taxed at the 35 percent rate.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6286_2008_projected_tax_brackets.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070924044325"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070924044325?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070924044325" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070924044325&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6286_2008_projected_tax_brackets.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=PYShbkXw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GBji9jZs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=GBji9jZs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Q5jgI0EY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Q5jgI0EY" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=ISFntCCo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=D0bZHkwM"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=D0bZHkwM" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6286@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.6 Readings - Tax 2007-09-24T04:43:25-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6285_in_35_years_the_future_of_financial_services.shtml <p>Managing finance is all about planning. Recently, I was contemplating on how I should spend the next 50 years if I opt for early retirement before the end of the decade. Then, an interesting collection of articles from Money Magazine caught my eyes. series from Money Magazine, caught my eyes.</p> <p>This series of <a href="http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0709/gallery.whats_ahead.moneymag/index.html">8 Forecasts for Your Financial Future</a>, which appears on Money Magazine's 35-year anniversary issue, includes eight predictions made by eight subject matter experts, and covers their forecast of what will happen in areas like financial services, real estate, work, shopping, personal technology, health care, social security, and ultimately, old age.</p> <p>I found it to be an interesting intellectual exercise to peruse what these professionals are suggesting and put my thoughts around each of these important topics. Bear in mind that most likely, these forecasters will not live to see 2042, but I hope my blog will still be around then and if I can still think and write in my mid-60s, I will be posting a review.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6285_in_35_years_the_future_of_financial_services.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070919235436"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070919235436?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070919235436" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070919235436&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6285_in_35_years_the_future_of_financial_services.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=VBQz9TJn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bJ2QLOhu"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bJ2QLOhu" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=JB6fhOUS"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=JB6fhOUS" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=fwur7ZiH"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5OeZI5fQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5OeZI5fQ" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6285@http://www.pfblog.com/ 2. Analysis 2007-09-19T23:54:36-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6284_whats_next_after_five_years_of_gains.shtml <p>If there were a longevity award for personal new worth tracking, I probably could get an honorable mention at least. By the end of <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6277_monthly_update_august_2007_793469_31328.shtml">last month</a>, I have been tallying my net worth religiously at every month end for more than five years, including <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/cat_1_objectives_and_progress.shtml">four full years at this blog</a>.</p> <p>It is quite a ride by itself. As shown in the bar chart below, our saver's mentality did most of the tricks in the first three years, consistently adding about $5,000 a month. Then, we booked a six-figure gain in the fall of 2005 during when we <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/3942_sold.shtml">sold our house</a> and <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/2680_a_long_summer_ahead.shtml">relocated to Asia</a>. Thereafter, we started to have a more balanced portfolio of income streams. Our three income pillars, namely day job income, business income and investment income, are collectively delivering $20,000 a month on average since 2006.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6284_whats_next_after_five_years_of_gains.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070918043552"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070918043552?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070918043552" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070918043552&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6284_whats_next_after_five_years_of_gains.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=O22L0O4v"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=xlCFswx3"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=xlCFswx3" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=MDvuUSVh"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=MDvuUSVh" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=KkfjtsDV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=0v7LIHl7"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=0v7LIHl7" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6284@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-09-18T04:35:52-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6281_the_class_warfare_between_the_rich_and_the_superrich.shtml <p>A great humorous video production from The Onion. Enjoy!</p> <p><embed src="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/videoplayer/flvplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="400" height="355" flashvars="file=http://www.theonion.com/content/xml/66140/video&autostart=false&image=http://www.theonion.com/content/files/images/SUPER-RICH.jpg&bufferlength=3&embedded=true&title=In%20The%20Know%3A%20Are%20America%27s%20Rich%20Falling%20Behind%20The%20Super-Rich%3F"></embed><br/><a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/video/in_the_know_are_americas_rich?utm_source=embedded_video">In The Know: Are America's Rich Falling Behind The Super-Rich?</a></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6281_the_class_warfare_between_the_rich_and_the_superrich.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070916230302"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070916230302?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070916230302" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070916230302&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6281_the_class_warfare_between_the_rich_and_the_superrich.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=nFMydKfB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=O0Yq3ygV"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=O0Yq3ygV" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mIQMetM2"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mIQMetM2" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=AFT4bKZt"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=B7sAzZNW"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=B7sAzZNW" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6281@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.9 Readings - Others 2007-09-16T23:03:02-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6283_citi_cashreturns_mastercard_credit_card_deal_of_the_year.shtml <p>Nowadays, given the developing credit crunch in the financial market, card issuers are slashing rewards and hiking rates, making it much harder for prudent spenders to get rewarded from card usage. Therefore, good credit card deals are few and far between these days, forcing us to settle for <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/credit_card/blue_cash_from_american_express.shtml">1% or 1.5% cashback</a>, or occasionally <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/credit_card/citi_dividend_platinum_select_card.shtml">5% rewards on grocery or gas purchases</a>.</p> <p>In this regard, <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974"><strong>Citi CashReturns MasterCard</strong></a>, Citibank's newest addition to its credit card offerings, is a true godsend for people who want to get more rewards from good spending habits.</p> <p>Citi Cash Returns MasterCard's killer feature: <strong>5% cashback on every credit card purchase</strong> for the first 3 months (and 1% thereafter). </p> <p>Thought the introductory period of 3 months is too short? Think again. If you charge $3,000 to a card normally, you can get $150 in cash rebate every month, or $450 in the 3 months' period. And if you happen to have a big purchase in mind for the coming month, 5% is yours without having to negotiate with any salesperson. This can be 5% off every vacation, every furniture or appliance purchase, every Christmas gift, or even every medical appointment (if you opt for paying your physician upfront and claiming with insurers later).</p> <p>The beauty of the reward program is there is absolutely no limit of the amount you can earn, allowing you to effectively shaving 5% of most of your monthly expenditure. And, if you have a family, applying another Citi CashReturns card under your spouse's name after 3 months, and you can be really proud of yourself for cutting 5% of your half-year budget for a few minutes' of work on the computer.</p> <p>Of course, this offer can only be lucrative for you if you pay off your balance every month. Otherwise, your cashback returns will be eroded by the financial charges you will incur down the road.</p> <p>Feel it is a great deal? You may <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974"><strong>apply today</strong></a>, or read PFBlog's <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/credit_card/citi_cashreturnssm_mastercard.shtml">full review of Citi Cash Returns MasterCard</a> for a more informed decision.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6283_citi_cashreturns_mastercard_credit_card_deal_of_the_year.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070913040835"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070913040835?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070913040835" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070913040835&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6283_citi_cashreturns_mastercard_credit_card_deal_of_the_year.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=zHYJ5q50"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=2PNtPyud"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=2PNtPyud" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kihDQZO5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kihDQZO5" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Sounm5q6"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Vh2bbLVG"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Vh2bbLVG" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6283@http://www.pfblog.com/ 3. Resources 2007-09-13T04:08:35-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6279_how_to_qualify_for_governments_subprime_bailout.shtml <p>In a <a href="http://www.fha.gov/press/2007-08-31release.cfm">little noticed press release</a>, the Bush administration announced its plan to create a new refinancing program managed by Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that will likely rescue 240,000 homeowners from the fate of foreclosure.</p> <p>The new product, named <strong>FHASecure</strong>, does have some strict eligibility criteria, though. Homeowners must meet all five of the following condition to be eligible for an FHA bailout:</p> <p><em>&#8226; A history of on-time mortgage payments before the borrower's teaser rates expired and loans reset;<br /> &#8226; Interest rates must have or will reset between June 2005 and December 2009;<br /> &#8226; Three percent cash or equity in the home;<br /> &#8226; A sustained history of employment; and<br /> &#8226; Sufficient income to make the mortgage payment.</em></p> <p>Obviously, this program is never designed to bail out everybody who willingly made the decision to buy a house he or she cannot afford. The requirement of 3% equity alone will probably shut the door for enough homeowners who are currently up-side-down in their mortgage balance in this <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6276_home_price_continues_the_decline.shtml">nation-wide correction of housing price</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6279_how_to_qualify_for_governments_subprime_bailout.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070911183943"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070911183943?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070911183943" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070911183943&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6279_how_to_qualify_for_governments_subprime_bailout.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=c2kVZOya"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=YPSNWsU9"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=YPSNWsU9" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=c9yUZAwl"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=c9yUZAwl" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=urUP7XvF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5chKVQCz"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=5chKVQCz" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6279@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-09-11T18:39:43-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6278_portfolio_update_august_2007_up_040.shtml <p><strong>ANALYSIS AND COMMENTATRY</strong></p> <p>Although market ended within 1% of where it started off the month, market volatility in August is comparable to that of the <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6195_portfolio_update_july_2007_down_183.shtml">chaotic July</a>. At one point, the market was 10% lower than its peak in mid-July, certifying this as an official "market correction." </p> <p>Being a participant of this journey really requires a strong heart. At one point in August, I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6261_between_ice_and_fire.shtml">lamented</a> that my stock holdings at low-teens P/E ratios were declining while the obvious bubble of trading stocks at more than 50 times forward looking earnings were rewarded financially in China. S far, I'm glad that at least six weeks into this drama, I'm still holding onto myself without selling at low.</p> <p>My portfolio gained 0.40% in this month, slightly lagging the benchmark performance of 0.57% appreciation. My individual domestic stock picks continue to beat its benchmark of VTI by almost one percentage point, but the performance of my mutual fund holdings is quite disappointing -- both my domestic equity funds and foreign equity funds failed to match their respective benchmark. That's probably a one-month event -- prior to August, all my funds are beating benchmarks for three straight months. </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6278_portfolio_update_august_2007_up_040.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070908035849"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070908035849?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070908035849" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070908035849&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6278_portfolio_update_august_2007_up_040.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oz2W9SUi"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=cSnrUnkr"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=cSnrUnkr" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=A1lfzowP"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=A1lfzowP" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=LhfWL3P1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=uigYDcL5"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=uigYDcL5" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6278@http://www.pfblog.com/ 4. Portfolio - General 2007-09-08T03:58:49-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6277_monthly_update_august_2007_793469_31328.shtml <p>After two months of lukewarm net worth growth during the summer, our household finance is back to the fast lane. The $31,000 monthly increases makes August the second best month of this year so far. </p> <p>I have to admit it is partially driven by seasonality -- every August, a few batches of stock option and stock award grants will vest in my account, and even after some hefty tax (up to 46%), it represents some handsome income. Also, the annual bonus payout didn't disappoint me. On the other hand, although the global stock market was quite a ride in August, my portfolio ended up literally at where it started in August. My $3,000 gain was cancelled almost fully by the loss in vested stock options. </p> <p>During the two thirds of 2007 that is now behind us, we have added over $160,000 to our net worth figure. This includes about $130,000 from savings of multiple income streams and $40,000 from investment income, offset by $10,000 loss in stock option value. Therefore, we are slightly ahead of the game in our <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6053_financial_plan_2007_strategic_intentions_and_financial_goals.shtml">annual pursuit of $230,000 net worth increase</a>.<br /> </p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6277_monthly_update_august_2007_793469_31328.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070907035940"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070907035940?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070907035940" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070907035940&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6277_monthly_update_august_2007_793469_31328.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=9C93Ne3B"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=jDphkuTD"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=jDphkuTD" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=0myZAtzU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=0myZAtzU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=IBdBKRkJ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=8p0A3ca0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=8p0A3ca0" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6277@http://www.pfblog.com/ 1. Objectives and Progress 2007-09-07T03:59:40-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6276_home_price_continues_the_decline.shtml <p>Today S&P <a href="http://www.macromarkets.com/recent_news/press_releases/2007/08282007_S&P.pdf">released</a> the Q2 figures for its S&P/Case-Shiller® Home Price Indices. Not entirely surprisingly, the numbers are suggesting that the average price for single-family house in the top 20 metro areas is down 3.2% from a year ago.</p> <p>Out of the 20 metro areas tracked by the index, 14 reported a year-over-year decline and Detriot is leading the board with a tumble of 11%. Some other cities, however, are still maintaining single-digit appreciations, including 7.9% in Seattle and 6.9% in Charlotte.</p> <p>Here are the individual readings and year-over-year changes of each of the 20 areas:</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6276_home_price_continues_the_decline.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070828204448"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070828204448?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070828204448" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070828204448&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6276_home_price_continues_the_decline.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=CLZvxpvm"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=4DxBg3TE"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=4DxBg3TE" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=tu9FD01Q"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=tu9FD01Q" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=aVyUl96Z"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=oa01OXVb"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=oa01OXVb" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6276@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-08-28T20:44:48-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6274_the_easiest_1100_from_10_minutes_of_work.shtml <p>What's the quickest money you've made? For me, the $1,110 Citibank posted to my credit card account last week should qualify. </p> <p>Back in March, I <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6168_citi_cards_payment_partner_program_gives_one_more_reason_to_try_0_apr_balance_transfer.shtml">shared in this blog</a> that Citibank was inviting me to pay down my $40,000-strong credit card balance from multiple 0% APR balance transfer offers. Citi promised a cash reward of 10% of extra payments I would make that exceeds minimal payments, up to $550 per card. The program, called Payment Partner, is designed to encourage people with spotty credit to pay down the debt to avoid future loss on Citi's part, and for some reasons, I was classified as a <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/5995_am_i_becoming_a_credit_risk.shtml">credit risk</a>.</p> <p>I guess it is God's blessing that I opened Citi's letter the day the offer was going to expire -- due to my overseas assignment, I only have access to my mailbox every time I travel to Seattle. You know the rest from this blog: I called to sign up for the offer, made the extra payments, and several months later, I'm $1,100 richer, all for only 10 minutes of work!</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6274_the_easiest_1100_from_10_minutes_of_work.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070826233940"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070826233940?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070826233940" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070826233940&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6274_the_easiest_1100_from_10_minutes_of_work.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=hZwN7glA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=v3euik1d"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=v3euik1d" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Nkg2uhMx"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Nkg2uhMx" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=c74jLWWn"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=GM32rOTB"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=GM32rOTB" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6274@http://www.pfblog.com/ 8.1 My Finance - Credit 2007-08-26T23:39:40-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6267_money_magazine_the_best_places_to_live_2007.shtml <p>It has been 20 years since the magazine started the first annual tally of Best Places to Live in this country. Today, Money Magazine just published its <a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2007/08/01/toc.html?section=magazines_moneymag">2007 list</a>. Here are the top three, and you can find the complete list of Top 100 towns at <a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/top100/">here</a>:</p> <p><strong>1. Middleton, Wis.</strong> <br /> Population: 17,400<br /> Median home price (2006): $290,269<br /> Average property taxes (2005): $5,067<br /> Pros: Small-town charm; booming economy; extensive parks and bike trails<br /> Cons: Do you like winter?</p> <p><strong>2. Hanover, N.H. </strong><br /> Population: 8,500<br /> Median home price (2006): $428,329*<br /> Average property taxes (N/A): N/A<br /> Pros: Rich cultural and community opportunities; diversity<br /> Cons: Winter isn't for wimps.</p> <p><strong>3. Louisville, Colo.</strong> <br /> Population: 19,400<br /> Median home price (2006): $322,812<br /> Average property taxes (2006): $1,986<br /> Pros: Historic downtown; hiking and skiing<br /> Cons: Tech-heavy economy</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6267_money_magazine_the_best_places_to_live_2007.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070822070153"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070822070153?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070822070153" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070822070153&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6267_money_magazine_the_best_places_to_live_2007.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=yqP1WFSv"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=Ls328hhJ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=Ls328hhJ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=mo8EqpaF"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=mo8EqpaF" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=6GGyPjgb"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=R8djY3GA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=R8djY3GA" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6267@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.9 Readings - Others 2007-08-22T07:01:53-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6263_stock_portfolio_buffetts_and_mine.shtml <p>Today WSJ <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118765494900503539.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news">dubbed</a> Warren Buffett as "one of the last buyers standing." The famous Oracle of Omaha's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, just released its stockholdings as of June 30, 2007. According to <a href='http://www.streetinsider.com/Corporate+News/Summary+of+Berkshire+Hathaway's+13F/2879419.html">StreetInsider.com</a>, the legend investor opened two new positions, raised stakes on 8, and sold on 7.</p> <blockquote> <u>New Stakes:</u> <p>Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) 8,700,000 shares<br /> Dow Jones (NYSE: DJ) 2,781,800 shares</p> <p><u>Raised Stakes:</u><br /> Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (NYSE: BNI)<br /> Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)<br /> Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) from 4,000,000 shares to 8,000,000 shares<br /> Proctor & Gamble (NYSE: PG)<br /> Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY)<br /> US Bancorp (NYSE: USB)<br /> WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP) from 979,700 shares to 4,200,000 shares<br /> Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC)</p> <p><u>Lowered Stakes:</u><br /> Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP)<br /> Block H & R (NYSE: HRB) from 1,246,800 shares to 0<br /> Norfolk Southern Corp. (NYSE: NSC) from 6,362,800 shares to 0<br /> Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) from 1,483,400 shares to 0<br /> Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC) from 10,000,000 shares to 6,310,200<br /> Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) from 10,513,100 shares to 0<br /> Western Union Co. (NYSE: WU) from 9,868,000 shares to 3,200,000 shares</blockquote></p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6263_stock_portfolio_buffetts_and_mine.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070821124114"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070821124114?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070821124114" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070821124114&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6263_stock_portfolio_buffetts_and_mine.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=5ulBixbR"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=kHtwhHOI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=kHtwhHOI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7h2ukAPY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=7h2ukAPY" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=7jQus1j1"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=z7sU1ggT"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=z7sU1ggT" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6263@http://www.pfblog.com/ 6. Portfolio - Analysis 2007-08-21T12:41:14-08:00 http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6264_when_price_increase_is_not_price_increase.shtml <p>Earlier this week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) published its quarterly survey of the national's real estate market. It is not surprising that the existing home sales declined more then 10 percent over last year, but what really makes the news is in almost two thirds of the metropolitan areas, median price of single-family home has year-over-year appreciation.</p> <p>From the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2007/mhp_20072q_improving_but_down.html">NAR news release</a>:</p> <blockquote><em>Home price trends are improving in metropolitan areas but existing-home sales during the second quarter were below a year ago in most states, according to the latest quarterly survey by the National Association of Realtors. <p><br /> In the second quarter, 97 out of 149 metropolitan statistical areas 1 show year-over-year increases in median existing single-family home prices, including nine areas with double-digit annual gains; 50 had price declines; and two were unchanged. In the first quarter of 2007, revised data shows 83 areas had annual price increases, while in the fourth quarter of 2006 only 68 areas were up.</p> <p>Total state existing-home sales, including single-family and condo, were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.91 million units in the second quarter, down 10.8 percent from a 6.63 million-unit pace in the second quarter of 2006. Six states showed increases in the sales pace from a year ago; one was unchanged and complete data for two states were not available.</em></blockquote></p> <p>How can this happen?</p> <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/archives/6264_when_price_increase_is_not_price_increase.shtml">READ FULL POST ...</a> </p><p> <p><b>Hot Deal:</b> 5% cashback on everything from <a href="http://www.cardoffers.com/manage/track/e.asp?ID=100436974" target="_blank">Citi CashReturns Mastercard</a> </p><p></p><p><p><p>Read more news like this from <a href="http://www.pfblog.com/" target="_blank">PFBlog.com, The Unique Personal Finance Blog Since 2003</a>. <p><map name="google_ad_map_070820023707"> <area shape="rect" href="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/imgclick/070820023707?pos=0" coords="1,2,367,28"/> <area shape="rect" href="http://services.google.com/feedback/abg" coords="384,10,453,23"/></map> <img usemap="#google_ad_map_070820023707" border="0" src="http://imageads.googleadservices.com/pagead/ads?format=468x30_aff_img&amp;client=ca-pub-9477731859773028&amp;channel=2382296444&amp;output=png&amp;cuid=070820023707&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pfblog.com%2Farchives%2F6264_when_price_increase_is_not_price_increase.shtml"/></p><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=gEjCOgzZ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=41" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=SI1FUjQ3"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=SI1FUjQ3" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=67sJIWGw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=67sJIWGw" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=sctFZ1OY"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?d=42" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?a=bRZSLxDw"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~f/pfblog2?i=bRZSLxDw" border="0"></img></a> </div> 6264@http://www.pfblog.com/ 9.3 Readings - Car & Home 2007-08-20T02:37:07-08:00