ericd1

I think you've nailed it. After 50 years of equities I find myself anchored. Thanks!

But this is a value forum - shouldn't he be valuation timing it? Shifting away from any equities relative to their expected return? Are your equities indexed or in individual stocks, Eric? If the former, I'd make the switch today (believing the market overvalued and so the expected return not enough greater than bonds to justify the risk). If the latter, you might shift away first those with the least expected return. There's a mix of indexed and individual positions. 80% IRA which I can rollover, 20% taxable (will pay CG tax) There's lots of ideas and strategies on accumulating retirement funds and suggestions for retirement allocations,, but I'm not finding much on how to reset portfolio for retirement and withdrawl strategies. %

Agree - Has to be fixed plan to accomplish.

Looks interesting, however, a little complex for me. Thanks

The great minds on this board probably have some ideas I haven't considered... How would you approach moving from 100% equities to a 75/25 equity/bond allocation over the next year/years?

I thought long and hard about Apple when it slid, but didn't pull the trigger. Perhaps more than a few of us (me included) missed Fairfax' 2014 move. Could have should have but didn't sell IBM over 210. Still a happy camper!

I've been thinking about the drop in oil prices and here's my two cents... 1-World demand for oil isn't in a rapid decline and longer-term demand is increasing 2-New US production has added enough supply to upset global supply/demand 3-Current oil price decline is due to global over-supply 4-OPEC countries will cut production - Why 'give away' valuable reserves and they need the income 5-The global economy will strengthen from the oil price drop 6-Prices will return to $100/bbl < 3 years 7-Situation has created lots of opportunities up and down the risk scale from majors to Russian equities I have been nibbling on - OIL - iPath S&P GSCI Crude Oil TR ETN - Risky for many reasons (ETN unsecured,etc), but a very small position highly correlated to WTI price

BAC & GE leaps

I think with a little online checking you will find there's an error in the math. :)

Eric - I believe the pre-existing exclusion is coming to an end with the new laws. Not sure when but you'll be able to get coverage. And if you don't they will fine you. Wow. I wanted to purchase coverage that extended beyond what my supplemental Medicare would pay, nope not available...like you I don't get it...

Green - no I'm not following Walter, but I took a quick look and it merits some further study. They passed up on refinancing some debt and the stock took a hit. I've been seeing more optimistic reports on coal use including power generation and steel production, but definitely early in the turn. However that's also the time to find some opportunities. Time to start kicking the tires.

Anyone looking at coal mining? KOL eft nearing 2009 lows.

I'd sing Happy Birthday, but it would ruin your day...Have a great birthday!!!

They probably want STEC's patents. There's not much else there there.

I have a subscription to SIPro and use several of their screens along with some of my own to find ideas. The data seems to be pretty good and the there's a ton of criteria you can screen. I find it much better than the online apps (or at least I haven't found a better one). Plus the $200 a year is a whole lot less than Value Line.