Investing 102

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Personal preference vs. portfolio balance is a real challenge at times. This stock buying is similar to balancing wants and needs in the good old fashion buffet line.

I totally agree -- there's too many choices out there... and it can be very hard when it's real money - and you're having to make choices.

That is why I've really tried to use EXAMPLES to discuss -- more for the THOUGHTS rather than the actual stock/etf/mutual fund being used for the discussion.

Just like my "I bought X" post -- Nobody should feel that's what THEY should do -- I'm just using the example so I can lead into the thought behind the buy or sale. I think that's where this thread is useful -- the discussion of the reasoning... and trying to BUILD on that reasoning by adding some tidbits along the way... so people can make their own decisions --- I don't care if they're only choosing which mutual fund to buy! At least they might look into them a bit more -- and use some thought process to choose A from B. If not -- we're all just wasting our time -- and I don't think we are. At least I hope not.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

I totally agree -- there's too many choices out there... and it can be very hard when it's real money - and you're having to make choices.

That is why I've really tried to use EXAMPLES to discuss -- more for the THOUGHTS rather than the actual stock/etf/mutual fund being used for the discussion.

Just like my "I bought X" post -- Nobody should feel that's what THEY should do -- I'm just using the example so I can lead into the thought behind the buy or sale. I think that's where this thread is useful -- the discussion of the reasoning... and trying to BUILD on that reasoning by adding some tidbits along the way... so people can make their own decisions --- I don't care if they're only choosing which mutual fund to buy! At least they might look into them a bit more -- and use some thought process to choose A from B. If not -- we're all just wasting our time -- and I don't think we are. At least I hope not.

I doubt anyone following this thread has perceived it as a waste of time. Being able to observe insights and actions from the numerous contributors is very educational and I haven't noticed anyone making a move that lead me to think WTF did you do that for. One upside to all the choices, provided reasonable fundamentals are applied is there are a lot of nutritional choices that can satisfy the individual's appetite.

Engaging or in my case reengaging with more knowledge and developing a better feel for the big market picture with a fundamentalist focus has been emotionally rewarding in the short-term, hopefully, thanks to insight provided in this thread it will be financially rewarding long-term.

[GregWeld]

Since we're not hearing from many varied posters -- I'm wondering if there is "too much" information and maybe it needs to be dialed back...

There really only seems to be 4 or 5 posters lately -- and that tells me maybe folks have stopped reading????

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Since we're not hearing from many varied posters -- I'm wondering if there is "too much" information and maybe it needs to be dialed back...

There really only seems to be 4 or 5 posters lately -- and that tells me maybe folks have stopped reading????

No, I have not stopped reading... Please continue to share.

For me, again I am doing something different, and I would rather be listening than talking.. I do not want to come on as the somewhat lucky rookie, sharing my speculation/investing strategy..

Although it works, I am learning so much on this thread..

I ALWAYS check this thread...So please continue.

It would be a crime , if you stopped.. Money and Hot Rods and the Good Life, are all needed..

Speaking of that, I may be gone doing whatever I want. Haircut, Check on my Car build...

But I will check back soon. you can count on that.

Mike V

[GregWeld]

Thanks Mike -- it just occurred to me that only you - Sieg - and a couple others are asking questions or participating... so got to thinking that maybe it's gone sour somehow.

[carbuff]

Haven't posted in this thread yet, but reading every post along the way. No, I don't think it's gone south at all... Hopefully others, like myself, enjoy reading and finding motivation in it.

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Thanks Mike -- it just occurred to me that only you - Sieg - and a couple others are asking questions or participating... so got to thinking that maybe it's gone sour somehow.

I am following the thread and trying to use the advice given. I just don't have anything useful to add so I am keeping quiet.

Using the advice here I have made a little money in my Schwab account and my 401k. It has been an interesting ride so far and it takes a lot to remind myself that I am investing and not trading....

My best success to date is CAT, my biggest flub to date is VZ. It's only been three and a half weeks so let's see where I am in a year.

Thanks,
Don

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by dhutton

My best success to date is CAT, my biggest flub to date is VZ. It's only been three and a half weeks so let's see where I am in a year.

Thanks,
Don

Don -- If you owned 20 or 300 individual stocks -- those "flubs" will move about with time... Remember the little dude on Wall street that takes YOUR latest purchase (investment) straight to the dog house 15 seconds after you hit the buy button!

So CAT --- which has had a very nice run contrary to what Europe and China and the USA have been telling you (which is building stuff STINKS)... just turned in a stellar quarter! But remember that you need GROWTH (which CAT is showing us it has) to trade off for the dismal 1.56% dividend payout... whereas VZ has that nice 5.56%... so VZ is paying you to wait for the stock to catch up.

What we're seeing -- and have seen -- and will continue to see with the big wireless guys is huge build out costs trying to one up each other with capacity and speed etc - and then you add the subscriber costs... every time someone buys an iPhone -- these guys are PAYING APPLE about $400 for each one of those! Good for Apple -- not so hot for the bottom-line of VZ and T... and now T-Mobile. But those subscribers are paying premium monthly bills so eventually the cash flows to the bottom line. In the meantime you get a nice quarterly payout.

[96z28ss]

No its good reading.
I wouldn't dial it back. I've been reading and am starting to do some research.
I have a couple 401k's from employers I even have a pension from one. I don't have any stocks at this time thats why I haven't posted. I'm sure its the same with others. I'm taking it all in.

[Bucketlist2012]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Thanks Mike -- it just occurred to me that only you - Sieg - and a couple others are asking questions or participating... so got to thinking that maybe it's gone sour somehow.

You bet.... Never stop...It should never be sour, because it is so important..

You are sharing and in a way, giving back to people by your success...

I do it on a money management level, but I am not comfortable giving investment advise , except the most basic stuff because I can only explain what I know...Again, I consider myself a novice...

Kudos on having the knowledge and sharing...