Comments on: Quarterly Financial Performance Update

By: MasterPo

MasterPo — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:12:56 +0000

The R bonds as I understand them are still a debt obligation of the U.S. Treasury. So whether the treasury has to pay bonds back to SS or to the public it’s still on the shoulders of the fed.

IMO this is a back-door into an Al Frankin style proposal to have the government “guarantee” “private” retirement funds that otherwise would be in stocks and non-gov bonds.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:42:57 +0000

Master Po’s – As I hope you discovered, the 10 speed portfolio uses low cost index funds, mostly Vanguard.

If R bonds are done right, it could take some of the pressure off Social Security.

By: MasterPo

MasterPo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:39:27 +0000

OK, I found the 10 speed. Still have to think about it.

As for the R’s, that scares me.

By: MasterPo

MasterPo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:32:50 +0000

Couldn’t find anything about a “10 speed” portfolio on the Assetbuilder website.

But if you look at the comparison to Vanguard index funds, the returns as a whole are NOT that impressive for the fees.

By: Mr. ToughMoneyLove

Mr. ToughMoneyLove — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:43:43 +0000

MasterPo – I don’t have all of my portfolio posted so I probably should do that. The core of my 401(k) holdings generally track Scott Burns’ “10 speed” portfolio.

I follow I-Bonds closely. I bought mine earlier this decade, when the fixed interest rates were between 4.1% and 6.62%. Considering that the inflation adjustment is added to this, there are lots of folks who would be thrilled to get those rates today. I don’t expect much movement in the fixed rate this Nov. 1 but next May they probably will become attractive again. Or, the rumored “R bond” may be introduced which will be huge for retirement savers.

By: MasterPo

MasterPo — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:55:12 +0000

TML – Do you have your total portfolio holdings posted somewhere?

ps- I wouldn’t put too much faith in those inflation protected bonds. Take a look at the Treasury’s website under I-bonds. The rate is ZERO-%!! Afterall, Lord Obama says there was no inflation in 2009 and won’t be in 2010 either.