diff --git "a/reddit_finance_43_250k_413.txt" "b/reddit_finance_43_250k_413.txt" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/reddit_finance_43_250k_413.txt" @@ -0,0 +1,10000 @@ + +And what are other good ways invest in commercial real-estate? I am looking at real-estate that can generate some constant source of income. I don't think house rental is good anymore. Is commercial a good way to go about it? + +(I am extremely new to this but just exploring) + Sorry, if none of this makes sense or is kind of jumbled. I will try to keep this as simple as possible. + +I'm currently 30 weeks pregnant with our third child. This has been, by far, the worst pregnancy. I'm extremely high risk with two serious medical conditions that will cause me to be induced four to five weeks early. So in a month essentially. My first two pregnancies were fine, I worked up until I gave birth and didn't have one issue. So when I found out earlier this year, we were surprised but happy. I expected a similar outcome. Work until I have a baby. Take 12 unpaid weeks off, return to work. How very stupid I was. Everything has gone wrong this year. It feels like everything is falling in on us. + +My husband has been looking for a new job since November 2017. Or, he says he has been. + +So in March when I took the pregnancy test, we basically had a moment where we laughed and my husband said "Well, I better buckle down and get the job search seriously going." He makes less than I do, but not by much. + +We were really scraping by under the assumption... my husband even said this over and over... he needed to make more money and get a different job. He's been saying this for a year now. + +Things started going wrong pretty quickly after my first trimester. Right around 20 weeks I needed to go from a full time benefited employee to an on call position. Two nurse appointments a week, two/three OB appointments every month, extra ultra sound appointments at a perinatalogist just drained my PTO and someone needs to be there in my office. No one else can just do my job. They needed a full time employee. My income went down to less than 1/2 of what I was making quickly. As of October 1st I will be on early maternity leave, due to my OB ordering me to rest so I don't go into early labor. So there will be no income after that. + +Bills got out of control. We maxed our credit cards on daycare bills (keep in mind I'm still working 3 days a week) After October 1st, the kids won't be attending. But we still owe the daycare money. + +Apparently we owe taxes to the state we used to live in... only $500 but we don't have it. 4 years ago we applied for SNAP after I had my oldest son and used it for the 12 weeks I took for maternity leave. That state wants the $700 back because of a mistake on their end. I have spent hours on the phone talking to numerous people in that horrible state. Whoever approved our SNAP file should have only given us $450 dollars for the three month period. So we have to pay ALL of the money back. + +We owe like 10 months of HOA dues. I don't even know how much. I think $770. + +Our car note and insurance was totally manageable at $400 before all this happened. Now I get to decide if I drive or eat. + +Day to day bills are constantly due or late. + +Our mortgage is $1800 a month. No, we don't live in a fancy neighborhood, just the west coast. + +Relevant Work Experience, Work Situations - + +* My husband has been working cable install for three years. He has prior years of consistent work experience. He is a USAF veteran and worked ground radio and communications. He makes about 2,500 a month after taxes. Sometimes less. + +* After my 12 week maternity leave, I will not be able to return to a full time position unless one becomes available. And it could be years. Months. A day. There is no guarantee one will open. I will look for another job obviously, but I will not make much more unless I go back to college and finish my degree. I made about $2,700 a month after taxes. Now it's about $800 a month. After Oct. 1st, it will be zero until January. I can't go back to work until then because in addition to recovering from birth, I will also be recovering from surgery that I will need at 2 weeks postpartum. + +I'm at a loss as to what to do. I feel like we're going to lose our house. Our car. I cry everyday about this. I don't know what else to say to my husband. I've suggested him traveling for work, applying at the DOD, suggesting he work offshore, His father said he should join the union he is in... BUT husband would need to take a math class (that we can't afford and honestly, I set up his fafsa and got his application done for him he never followed through with it) Husband says he applies to at least one job a week. He's had four interviews since Nov. 2017. I don't know what to say or do. Should we sell our house? Sell the car? I'm at a loss. We don't have cable, our cellphone bill is as low as it can be, I coupon and shop at Winco (super cheap grocery store) is there anything else I can do? + +My mother keeps telling me to have the baby, get my surgery done and then take the kids and move back home with her... which might happen simply because we can't fucking pay our mortgage. Not because I want to. My mom is livid because she always thought my husband was "mooching" off me and this "confirmed it" for her. Full disclosure - after he got out of the military, he basically lost his mind and became a raging alcoholic. I quit college, moved him closer to his parents for support and worked full time while he was trying to get sober... usually failing to get sober. He drank a lot. I took care of him, mostly alone because his behavior alienated his family we moved to be near. So now that I'm really sick and pregnant AND things aren't working out for us, my mom thinks it's his fault for not stepping up. My mom has also made some pretty wild accusations. **edit: he stopped drinking in 2013. Before we even had kids** + +Any advice is welcome. Job advice. Life advice. Bill advice. I just don't know what to do anymore. Thanks in advance, I will try to reply and answer questions. +so i have never come across a policy such as this. im basically a very novice investor. + + +so i know what a stock is, and i know what a bond is + + + +my bank is offering me "shares" in a company. 3.5% return per annum, after 5 years we get the money back in full for exactly the same price that was paid. + + + +i told them that that sounds exactly like a bond + + + +they said it wasnt, since i could sell these shares earlier for whatever they were worth for a profit or a loss but if i complete the term i get back exactly what i paid regardless of the share price + + + +its a legit bank. ive been dealing with them for over 20 years. but i have never come across anything like this. even on google + + + +it pretry much behaves like a bond...with a sell option at any point between. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +First, feel free to check my creds. + +**C'mon** -- you're smart. You're here because you read something, heard something, and you thought "you know, there's something to what they're saying about $GME." You don't have the full picture, and neither do I (and hell, I've done a lot of reading & DD writing). Neither does anybody here. We're all here to figure it out. + + +**That's it.** Everyone here *IS* smart enough to think - "you know, there's something there" when we see that there's something there. AND you're smart enough to see when there isn't something there. + + +If you feel like saying that's another ticker, options, or something related to $GME, great, share your view. It's definitely an incomplete view, and probably also wrong in one way or another. That's fine. You take your up/down votes. But nobody here *NEEDS* other people to join them, and *spend THEIR money the exact way YOU are spending YOUR money*. If your view is good enough, **trust us**, we'll join you in ways that blow your mind! + + +**So, post away.** If it has legs, people here are smart enough -- it will stand. If not, eh, someone will shove something up their booty and get more doots. Whatever. + +**FUCK GATEKEEPERS. THAT SHIT IS COLLUSIVE.** + +Oh, and I *do* suggest you DRS *any* shares that you buy, because it's preeeeetttty clear that anything else might not actually be there. +Tech and semiconductors took another beating today as the 10 year treasury yield rose to almost 1.6%; even oil is down. $FAS (Financial Sector ETF) and the $UDOW, both bull ETFs, performed the best in my portfolio. Since oil is down today, tomorrow could be a good time to get exposure to $GUSH. I ended up dollar cost averaging into more of my ARK leaps and buying shares of $SPCX and $BUZZ. + +The ten year treasury yield is approaching pre-covid levels, although I suspect it will keep going up, closer to 2%. The question is, when will this get priced into the markets. + +https://preview.redd.it/88vyreft6xl61.png?width=1018&format=png&auto=webp&s=776337fdfea803fd69065ebbba0aa245d84928be + +Cyclicals did excellent again today with travel, media, and retailers leading the way. + +https://preview.redd.it/mmz9x7qu6xl61.png?width=1017&format=png&auto=webp&s=15dc27dd52b50087ba0d32778e9daa2c93ea665c + + Positions filled today. + +https://preview.redd.it/96b1irjw6xl61.png?width=1018&format=png&auto=webp&s=05d46e200999fdf94cb71f530dcdaadf188168be + + My portfolio is down 6.5% today, mostly due to falling Nasdaq and semi-conductors. + +https://preview.redd.it/hljun8lx6xl61.png?width=619&format=png&auto=webp&s=994df997e5657ef9468222e3e737083e1b32faf4 + + \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +Adding to the Watchlist: + +$**OGIG**: OGIG is an exchange traded fund (ETF) that seeks to track the performance (before fees and expenses) of the O’Shares Global Internet Giants Index (the “Target Index”). + +O’Shares Global Internet Giants ETF (OGIG) is a rules-based ETF designed to provide investors with the means to invest in some of the largest global companies that derive most of their revenue from the Internet and e-commerce sectors that exhibit quality and growth potential. Take a look at the top 10 holdings: + +https://preview.redd.it/3weg2z9z6xl61.png?width=1018&format=png&auto=webp&s=81ed4cf5608604edf5c061235407d9a1333f62f0 + +As we are aware, right now the internet giants are getting clobbered. However for myself, I see it as a buying opportunity. I could see myself investing in all of these companies anyways and the best part that $OGIG has more than 20% Asian market exposure. Have a look over the holdings on their [website](https://oshares.com/ogig/). + +* Target Price: $68 +* Entry: <$50 +* Risk: 4 +* Timeframe: 4-6 months + +https://preview.redd.it/gf3h5pd07xl61.png?width=1018&format=png&auto=webp&s=bb1430e87577826a68b83b7c41d50e3a8d95a584 + + \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +**Notable Mentions:** + +**$IPOD/$IPOF:** IPOF stock and sibling IPOD stock are both on the move after Chamath Palihapitiya fueled *SPAC* speculation on Twitter. Both SPACs are trading at the same level they IPO'd at. If these continue to drop, I can't see why we wouldn't find this as a bargain. Of course, SPACs are risky and I'm finding $SPCX, the SPAC ETF, less risky just because it is diversified. + +* Target Price: $20 +* Entry: <$10 +* Risk: 5 +* Timeframe: 4-6 months + +https://preview.redd.it/oj16ny127xl61.png?width=1018&format=png&auto=webp&s=cf944be3e823d3c6ccec9bd1110abd72af982e9d + +\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +Note: Risk (1 out of 5) is my opinion of how risky the stock and these plays are; 1 being the lowest and 5 is the highest. + +\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +Disclaimer: The comments opinions and analysis expressed herein are for informational and educational purpose only and should not be considered as individual advice or recommendations. +To cover it up, they would need to buy back about 150 000 bitcoins. + +I will let you connect the dots with what happened this last week + +https://preview.redd.it/efzkvxsnfge61.jpg?width=997&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0452dfe548f424bd9e9a83a4c847de238d16007f +I’m looking to invest in the market long term, and I was wondering if its worth buying call options on the s&p 500 a few years from expiration as opposed to buying actual shares. This would add some volatility to my portfolio, but over the long term the market tends to go up, so it shouldn’t be too risky + +Edit: Thank you all for the all the helpful responses! The main consensus seems to be that I should hold off on buying options until I have a better understanding of their risks and how they work. Thanks again for help! +I submitted this to /r/dataisbeautiful [some time last week](https://np.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/4q9iwa/40_years_of_investing_returns_in_the_sp500_with/) and it got some traction, so I wanted to post it here but with a more in-depth writeup. + +Note that this data is from Robert Shiller's work. An up-to-date repository is kept [at this link](https://github.com/datasets/s-and-p-500/tree/master/data). Up next, I'll probably find some bond data and see if I can simulate a three-fund portfolio or something. But for now, enjoy some visuals based around the stock market: + +**Image Gallery:** + +* [Main image](https://i.redd.it/nn43lzu4d16x.png) +* [After 145 years (all data)](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zonination/investing/master/returns.png) +* [Your chance of selling short](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/zonination/investing/master/snippets/short-probability-2.png) +* [Animated](https://github.com/zonination/investing/blob/master/README.md#other-visualizations) + +The plots above were generated based on past returns in the S&P. So at Year 1, we take every point on the S&P curve, look at every point on the S&P that's one year ahead, add in dividends and subtract inflation, and record all points as a relative gain or loss for Year 1. Then we do the same thing for Year 2. Then Year 3. And so on, ad nauseum. The program took a couple hours to finish crunching all the numbers. + +In short, for the plots above: **If you invest for X years, you have a distribution of Y possible returns**, based on previous history. + +Some of the worst market downturns are also represented here, like the [Great Depression](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression), the [1970s recession](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973%E2%80%9374_stock_market_crash), [Black Monday](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Monday_(1987\)), the [Dot-Com Bubble](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dot-com_bubble), the [2008 Financial Crisis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_crisis_of_2007%E2%80%9308). But note how they completely recover to turn a profit after some more time in the market. Here's the list of years you can invest, and still be down. Take note that **some of these years cover the same eras**: + +* **Down after 10 years** (11.8% chance historically)**:** 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1929 1930 1936 1937 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1998 1999 2000 2001 +* **Down after 15 years** (4.73% chance historically)**:** 1905 1906 1907 1929 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 +* **Down after 20 years** (0.0664% chance historically)**:** 1901 +* **Down after 25 years** (0% chance historically)**:** *none* + +--- + +**Disclaimer:** + +Note that this stock market simulation assumes a portfolio that is invested in 100% US Stocks. While a lot of the results show that 100% Stocks can generate an impressive return, **this is not an ideal portfolio.** + +**[A portfolio should be diversified](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio)** with a good mix of US Stocks, International Stocks, and Bonds. This diversification helps to hedge against market swings, and will help the investor to optimize returns on their investment with lower risk than this visual demonstrates. This is especially true closer to retirement age. + +In addition to this, this curve only looks at **one lump sum** of initial investing. A typical investor will not have the capital to employ a single lump sum as a basis for a long-term investment, and will instead rely on *dollar cost averaging*, where cash is deposited across multiple years (which helps to smooth out the curve as well). + +--- + +If you want the code used to generate, sort, and display this data, I have made this entire project open-source [here](https://github.com/zonination/investing/). + +Further reading: + +* [Personalfinance Wiki on Investing](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/investing) +* [I have $X. What do I do with it?](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/wiki/commontopics) +* [The Bogleheads Wiki on Three Fund Portfolios](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio) +* [cFIREsim - open-source portfolio simulator](http://www.cfiresim.com/) +Reposting after getting approval from a mod because of low karma, because, well, I’m just a lurker! + +From those of us quietly lurking since Jan 2021: + +We bought into the hype last January with the little bit of money we could spare, we are an “X” holder (maybe now an “XX” after the splividend), and definitely don’t have the ABILITY to financially contribute the way many of you have indicated… + +But we’re here. + +We hang around, read some DD when we can, and get just as angry about the corruption as the rest of you. We may not comment, we may not award, and sometimes we may not even thumbs up a post because we didn’t fully read/understand it and don’t want to accidentally “sponsor” bad posts or information. + +But we’re here. + +We PROBABLY haven’t DRS’d our “X” or “XX” shares, because we didn’t think it would make a difference, or it seemed too complicated at the time. For those of us that did do it, we may not have posted about it. + +But we’re here. + +I am one of those people and am seeing too many of the lies after this splividend to stand it anymore, so I’m going to try and find time to figure out how to get my few shares DRSd. For others like me, it looks like it’s not just for protection of your investment, but potentially the only way to actually show the markets for what they are. If we’re right, we were part of a world-changing story. If we’re wrong, all it cost was a bit of time. + +Last question for those with way more knowledge - even if we DRS 100% of the float… how will that change anything? Is there anyone to actually ENFORCE the fact they’re playing with fake shares? If DRS is 100%, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to close, so part of me expects the corruption to just let it keep happening in front of everyone’s faces, as if saying, “your facts don’t matter to my money.” + +From all of us lurking, thanks for being an awesome community. +My dealings today have been frustrating enough I figure I should name and shame. + +**The bank is Barclays and the product involved is the AAdvantage Aviator Red MasterCard.** + +Not too long ago, I noticed some odd charges on one of my credit cards. Someone had made a couple of PayPal transactions for nearly $500. I checked my eBay and PayPal accounts and there was no recent activity. The card in question is on my PayPal account, but there had been no transactions in a good while since I don't use either service much. + +I called my bank and disputed the charges. They said they'd look into it and I'd probably see a credit soon. The credit soon posted, but in addition the merchandise from the fraudulent transactions was delivered to my home address with my name. The shipping labels had 'eBay' on them, so I called eBay. I gave them the USPS tracking numbers since sellers have to log those when shipping. They would only say that they couldn't see any recent activity on my account and that I should contact my bank if there were unauthorized charges. + +I opened a case with PayPal and told them that there were charges on a card added to my PayPal account, but no activity showing under my PayPal account and gave them the tracking numbers as well. PayPal responded that the account associated with the transaction was closed and that there hasn't been any unauthorised access to my PayPal account. They also said to contact my bank to get refunded. + +So the credits post and now I'm stuck with this merchandise I don't want or need. eBay and PayPal wouldn't put me in touch with the sellers to return it, so I sent letters to the return address on the packages. I said that they had sent me stuff I hadn't ordered, and that it looked like someone had stolen my credit card number and had it shipped to me, and I imagine that the scammer had hoped to steal it from my doorstep, but couldn't because the packages were left in a parcel locker. I told them I'd gladly give the merchandise back, and asked for a return shipping label and provided my email. + +Nothing happens for several weeks. Today I got a call from my bank saying the merchant responded and they will reprocess the charges. I told the rep the story, but she said if I disagreed, I'd need to write a letter and ask them to reopen the case, and that they'd send me the info the merchant had sent them. She read notes that said something to the effect of ip location and purchase history were consistent with past activity. + +Before the fraudulent charges, the last time I used the card was at my dentist's office. I suspect someone there may be behind this. They have my personal info like address and SSN, so they could open accounts with my info. They're also close to my home so they could easily go by and pick up packages from my front door if there were any there. I've read about similar ship to the fraud victims where a return label or ups pickup to get the item to the scammer shows up a couple of days later, but I haven't seen anything like that. + +I still have the merchandise they sent me. It's sitting in a box at home unused. I have no use for it and I'm happy to give it back to the seller. I just don't want to pay expensive shipping fees to do so. How should I proceed? I'm thinking about going to the police station after work today to file a report and including that when I try to reopen the dispute. + +**Tl;Dr Someone stole my credit card info and had merchandise shipped to me. I disputed with the bank, but the bank is saying it looks like a legit charge.** + + + +**Edit to add** :This started 2 months ago. The reprocess call came yesterday. My account number was changed immediately and no other odd charges have shown up. I've checked my credit report and nothing else odd is there. I called the police this morning and filed a report. + +**Additional edit from reply below** : + +After being hung up on several times, I started the call saying that I intended to file a CFPB complaint if the issue wasn't resolved in this call. One agent I spoke with even told me I just have to ship the stuff back at my own expense before the bank can do anything. + +Eventually they transferred me to the 'disputes' department. Apparently 'fraud' is step one and 'disputes' is step 2. Fraud says that since the merchandise came to me and that I have a PayPal account, they can't find in my favor. The disputes guy sounded like he was in an outsourced call center. He told me that I need to write a letter to reopen the case and that the bank can use that as evidence when going back to MasterCard to refute the info from the merchant. + +I told them I intend to follow through with a CFPB complaint because I didn't consider the issue resolved and that I had received conflicting information from previous reps. He said not to worry and that the bank always has my back. (It certainly doesn't feel like it.) + +**Edit** : +To everyone saying contact eBay/PayPal/the seller -- I've tried. eBay and PayPal say the transaction was not on my account so they can't do anything and that I should contact my bank to be reimbursed. They won't give info about transactions on accounts that I don't control. I wrote letters to the sellers asking for return labels and they didn't respond. + +**Edit 5/26** +Someone PMed me an executive email yesterday and I received a preliminary response that they were looking into it early this morning. + +**Edit**: +Update posted: https://reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/8nj2zg/update_im_a_victim_of_credit_card_fraud_scammers/ +Bit of a rant, but genuinely curious why BPAY is so painfully slow in todays age and why no one is doing anything about it. + +Made a payment on the evening of 23rd and it still hasn’t landed at its destination. Seems crazy it’s not instant or at the most overnight. + +‘Business days’ and ‘Bank Holidays’ seem like such a cop out in todays always on 24/7 age. + +It’s not like the offices are unstaffed, the mainframes are shut down to replace the vacuum tubes and the operators individually Morse coding the transactions over the telegraph wires are at church. This is the technology the banks make it out to be, newer than horse & cart but still a step behind dial up. + +Can this not be almost fully automated for the bulk of the transactions? +Some people will say I won't qualify for unemployment if I choose to quit because I'm leaving the job by choice. I doubt this is true and here's why: suppose they cut my hours from 40 hrs / week to 1 hr / week. Does that mean I have to keep working and living off 1 hour a week's salary, and I can't get unemployment? Of course not. + +The cut from 40 to 20 hours a week can be interpreted as "You are laid off effective immediately. However, if you'd like we have a part time job for you." + +I don't have to take the part time job and I will still qualify for unemployment, right? + +/DEC 31, 2017/ + +Australia's "big 4" banks, dominating 83% of Australia's banking industry, stepped up their efforts to [block crypto-currency trading](http://www.smh.com.au/business/bitcoin-tensions-rise-as-investors-claim-banks-freezing-their-accounts-20171229-p4yy3z.html) and stem the outflow of customer cash this week, spiking a renewed wave of social-media condemnation. + +Banking regulation in Australia requires banks to hold a minimum of 11% cash against loans they write, so as crypto-investors move their savings out of the banking system, those banks loose their ability to legally write new loans, or worse, fall into non-compliance with their reserve obligations. + +The big-4 banks pay no interest (0%) to business accounts, while personal accounts earn from 0% to 1% annual interest and attract a range of fees and charges. Contrast this with cryptocurrencies, where bitcoin earned more than 1400% in 2017, and Ethereum earned above 8600% and it's clear to see why Australians have lost interest in keeping their deposits in their bank account. In just one year, a decent investment in crypto outstrips even an entire lifetime's investment in Australia's second-top performer: real-estate - a market that itself is seeing lower and lower returns, with widespread acknowledgement that it's also 30% overpriced, and on-path for a major correction in 2018. + +APRA, the body responsible for setting the cash reserve limits, increased the reserve limit shortly after the GFC, as Australians fearful for their funds placed heavy pressure on cash withdrawals, forcing the Australian Federal Reserve to print billions in additional cash to prevent widespread customer panic. APRA added 1% to the cash reserve minimum to help ensure the banks survive the next rush. + +Unfortunately, [investigations](https://barnabyisright.com/2011/06/24/our-banking-system-operates-with-zero-reserves/ +) reveal that interbank-loans accounts for more than 90% of their cash reserve requirements, and that when all these are taken into account, Australian banks are really only holding 1.22% in actual cash reserves. + +To put that into perspective - for every $12,200 invested in bitcoin, the big-4 banks need to deny or call-in $1M worth of loans. That's money that traditional investors ordinarily need for buying more houses. Australia's real-estate market is already on thin ice - it's catch-22: because houses are so overpriced, interest rates need to be kept extra low, but because rates are low and houses are overpriced, investors are now turning to alternative and better performing investments, which means less money to write loans, less people to buy houses, less chance of making money (and much higher risk) for real-estate. Australia's housing market is so overpriced that investments in Crypto are arguable less risky. + +So it's time for social media to stop blaming the banks for halting the outflow of cash into crypto: it's not their fault. Australia allowed banks to profit (and house prices to spike) off the back of "invented" money so long as banks hold a little bit back in cash. Now that Australia's real-estate-ponzi has reached 30% past it's breaking point, it's no wonder investors want their cash out. + +Don't expect the majority of Australians to shed any tears: 2017 also marked the turning point in Australia's history where house prices became so unaffordable that more than 50% of the population will never in their lifetime be able to afford one. 2018 will mark an interesting reversal of fortunes in Australia, where "Safe" is not "Houses" anymore. +So I followed a job offer I saw from a friend on Facebook (who is an entrepreneur, we aren’t extremely close but do know each other in person), this lead to him giving me information about a financial networking company that educates and hires insurance agents. We did a zoom meet and then subsequent one on one zoom meetings with another individual who is the actual owner of this independent insurance firm, which sells insurance from much bigger companies. We were also given an online course with chapters and chapter reviews/quizzes in preparation for taking our state licensing insurance exams. + +Now this mostly seems ok but in these one on one meetings I’m being “encouraged” that I pay for the insurance (life, accident) policy, which was mapped out to me very convincingly except for one thing, he stated that he suggests a MINIMUM of $200/month. That seems outrageous as I’m not even in my thirties yet and have no plans of having a wife or kids etc anytime soon. I understand how the system works but I’m not about to pay more than $50 a month for something I’m basically on the fence about actually needing in the first place + +The next red flag for me was the fact that I can hardly find any information or reviews about the company’s employees. The owner himself has very little info about him out there, though he does have a linkdin, Facebook business page etc. + +Another red flag is the fact that it is commission based, they said we make 90% which sounds like a great number but if you don’t get enough people to buy your product well then you don’t make any money. I’m hardly desperate for employment, and I do make good money at my current job, I was just looking for something on the side. + +My real questions are, +1. how do I get out if they already paid for my education (the online course)? + +2. Am I committing some form of theft if I let them pay for this course and then back out? + +3. If I’m given a course for free is this really a scam, dispite the commission based income and them trying to sell the policy itself to me? + +Also TLDR; An insurance company that’s commission based and wants to hire me as an agent but also wants me to buy their policy, but they paid for my education and do one-on-one meetings with me. Wut do now? +Hi there, I recently graduated with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and I recently got interested in Algorithmic trading. + +Currently, I don't have any software and finance experience, but I'm really interested in learning. However, I do have some experience with C++ and MATLAB. How do I get into Algorithmic trading with my current background? Starting from scratch, how long do you think it would take to learn enough AlgoTrading to be able to land an entry-level position? I'm still learning some terms and vocabulary, what's the difference between a **Trader** and a **Quant**? Which one is more suitable for someone just starting out? + +I heard of someone who got a B.S. in Physics and started his career with a few years of HFT. I know most Physics curriculums usually require like 1 course in programming, but how did he do it? Did he take extra CS courses? **Any suggestions for online courses I could take (Coursera, Udacity, etc) to get started?** Is Algorithmic Trading like a subfield of Financial Engineering? If so, would it be sufficient to take a few courses in Financial Engineering to get started? +I tried to write some algorithms to find out TA lows/highs based on RSI (14) and MACDs for appx 25 stocks. + +&#x200B; + +Tried, 6m, 1y, 2y and 5y samples with some statistics, but I do not know what is the norm for such historic data. + +&#x200B; + +Can you provide some guidance/input related to sampling size 1 year or 2 years or 5 years for historic data. +Good morning, + +&#x200B; + +Just saw a guy who claims to have an algo strategy that gets him from 5% to 7% montly returns, is this even possible? because in my book that's too much I'm new to all this so that's why i'm asking. What's an real monthly return. +Can ETFs quote prices instantaneously, or is there a lapse in time between say, a large AMZN price movement and the subsequent QQQ response? If so, can it theoretically be exploited with an algo? +Since there was one hot post yesterday and a bunch of people copying them today, how about we just put all these fake stories in here and avoid spamming the sub with this circle-jerk moon-farming nonsense... :D +I want to start daytrading and was just curious how we help the econony. I know it does somehow I'm not sure exactly in which ways. + +Sorry if this is a dumb question! +**Trump is widely expected to be acquitted by Senate after House votes to impeach him** + +President Donald Trump says ‘it doesn’t really feel like we’re being impeached’ at a support rally after his House impeachment + +Investors don’t care about impeachment — and that is unlikely to change unless there is a shift in widely held expectations that President Donald Trump will remain in office. + +Trump late Wednesday became the [**third U.S. president in history to be impeached**](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/house-poised-for-historic-vote-to-impeach-trump-2019-12-18), as the Democratic-led House of Representatives approved abuse-of-power and obstruction-of-Congress charges against the Republican leader, as was widely expected. + +And it did nothing to cool the enthusiasm of stock-market bulls, with major indexes rising [**to trade near or at all-time highs**](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/stock-index-futures-flat-as-investors-continue-to-brush-off-impeachment-2019-12-19) Thursday morning. Equities had weakened toward the end of Wednesday’s regular session ahead of the House vote, with the S&P 500 [**SPX,** **+0.23%**](https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/spx?mod=MW_story_quote)  and Dow Jones Industrial Average [**DJIA,** **+0.33%**](https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/djia?mod=MW_story_quote)  ending slightly lower to break a five-day winning streak that had taken them to a series of records. + +[https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-stock-market-investors-dont-care-about-impeachment-and-what-it-would-take-for-that-to-change-2019-12-18](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-stock-market-investors-dont-care-about-impeachment-and-what-it-would-take-for-that-to-change-2019-12-18) +Some background/numbers, first: + +I've lived in London since 2010 with my partner. She works in the charity sector (read: low pay) doing digital things and I'm a web developer. I earn £60k and she's on £34k. + +We rent a 1 bed flat (and have done in various parts of London since we moved here). We're paying £1250/mo for that (we've had it cheaper, as "low" as £1100 a year ago, but this is about average). + +We earn a good combined income so obviously we're not struggling, but lifestyle-wise we're not particularly excessive. We eat at restaurants (average price ranges, nothing fancy) maybe a few times a month and go to the pub once a week or so, neither of us are into clubbing or big nights out (I feel quite dull writing this...). Throw in some fairly frequent train travel (we don't drive, but see family usually once a month or so) and that's our major expenditure on top of bills/council tax etc. Both of us also support our parents a little (we both have dads who are out of work), although not excessively (~£100/mo each, perhaps). + +The position I'm in: we don't have any savings. We're approaching 30 and starting to think about kids and I can't imagine doing that here in London where every year since we've lived here we've had to move out of our rented flat because either the landlord is selling up, or the rise in rent has been stupid/unaffordable. + +Our (tiny, 1 bed) flat is about to go on sale for £375k. Even if we could afford it I wouldn't buy it because it's small and cramped. I also have no idea how we could save up the £60k or so I imagine it'd cost us for a deposit on this (numbers may well be off, just guessing here). We could live in a cheaper place (eg. a flatshare with others) but I don't fancy this, and I guess we could live super frugally and eat pasta for a year, but likewise, I don't think we should have to do this. + +I'm now leaning towards moving out of London in favour of somewhere cheaper but still decent like Birmingham or Manchester, and doing some proper saving there in order to eventually buy a place. + +My question: should I be giving up on London? It does feel like if my partner earned a little more we'd be able to put away a decent amount in savings each month, but she's pretty wedded to the charity sector, which means having to climb the ladder for quite a long time before getting anywhere near £40k+. + +Advice super appreciated :) +I just got home and did the math and it's ridiculous how much extra money I was spending. On buying a single roll of toilet for $2.50 from the local bodega every week or twice a week. + + +I hat bought a package of 20 toilet papers on sale for $14.99. So if I was buy 20 at that local store it would of been $50. Which honestly I probably bought way more than that over time, sadly. + + +I had put this on hold for such a long time thinking it would cost more. Or it might to heavy to carry (idk why I thought that lol). But glad I finally got this done. I've just saved myself so much money for probably a few months now. Now it's time to get the paper towels next and stop that bad habit of buying single rolls. +I've finally done it after 7 months of struggling, I've gotten a decent job in my field. + +&#x200B; + +The pay is more than I've ever received, finally breaking the $40K/year mark after being in the low-mid 20's all my life. I can't thank this sub enough for all the advice, tips, and support. Thank you guys! + +&#x200B; + +Now, all that's left is: what do I do with this newfound money? +So citadel turn off the sell button for their clients. I wonder if they are surprised or was it expected? + +The ultra rich get a little taste of the receiving end of the megalomaniacs ‘always right’ mentality. + +As much as they have been on the winning end of the abuse we have suffered from over the duration of KG tenure as a villainous sack of potatoes who is an alleged domestic violence advocate - I would still like to welcome these hundred millionaires with open arms in our cause against citadel and the cohorts of cunts he keeps. + +Let them pay their exit fee and stack their millions against the corruption. Buy shares against the illegally shorted GME and know what it is to feel alive. + +Fuck him at his own game. Buy the shares publicly and make it hurt. + +We are on the right side of this and the sooner the clients know it, the sooner they will become richer than KG in a matter of months. + +Become a high society Ape and we will welcome you with open arms. 🦧 + +(Not financial advice - just general advice for cool rich to maybe get around). +Hi, + +&#x200B; + +So I am a Software Dev currently for the NHS (Midlands), coming up to 4 years. My current salary (Band 7) is £42100. (Prior to this I worked for 6 years at a private company, pharmaceutical industry) + + +I've currently received 2 job offers, with the higher one being £55k. This is in the private sector (pharmaceuticals) as a Senior Software dev. + + +I'm not sure whether to take the plunge and go with the new offer for career progression, or to remain where I am, and keep building up the years for the healthy pension. + + +Currently, my take away pay after tax is £2260 approx. Pension deductions (9.3%) a month are £326 whilst student loan repayments are £166. + + +Being in the NHS, the pensions are good. 9.3% from myself, with employer contributions of 20%. And its a defined benefit scheme. + + +This £55k job offer will put me in the higher tax band, but they do offer salary sacrifice in terms of pension with no upper cap from the employee (supposedly). + + +\- Other important facts, I'm 35, single, and looking to potentially buy a house (FTB) in around 12 months or so. That is the main motivator for me to move, to get a higher mortgage offer especially on one income. + +\-This new offer is for a 40hour week, I'm currently on 37.5hours a week. Holidays is 25 + BH vs 27 + BH + +\-This offer is for a Senior position, however I'm not quite sure if I would class myself as a senior - bit of imposter syndrome! + +\-Also work part time in retail, 10 hours a week (total annual pay is around 3.5/4k) + +\-I'm currently remote working since last March, but my office is only 2 miles away. This new position is also remote working, but the office is in London (Around 2hours15 commute by train including tube). They have said it will still mainly be remote working post covid, with the need to go in here and there for training, important meetings etc. So no more then 1 day a month at most. + + +Just after some opinions really, not sure what to do. + +&#x200B; + +Ps- since I have two offers (from recruitment agencys), could I play them against each other, and say company x is offering a higher amount than what they are, in the hope that company y gives me a higher offer? What if they ask for evidence? I only have both offers in email form. + + +Many thanks! +This happened about two years ago, but I figured I’d write about my experience now. A couple summers ago I was at the beach and left my wallet in the glove box of my car. Almost immediately after I left, my car was broken into. I didn’t find out until about 4 hours later, during which time the thief ran up a total of about $2,500 in fraudulent charges on my BoA debit card, BoA credit card, USAA debit card, and USAA credit card. + +Naturally I called both banks to report the fraud charges, here was my experience with both: + +**USAA:** +Called them up, customer service picked up immediately. I explained the situation, the customer service rep was able to cancel all the pending charges across both debit and credit cards, and offered to overnight two new cards to me. The pending charges were removed from my account, the cards were canceled, and I had two new cards the next day. I was on the phone with them for a total of 15 minutes and everything was completely resolved less than 24 hours later. + +**Bank of America:** +Called them up, spent 20-30 minutes on hold, got transferred 3 times before someone was able to help. They were able to cancel my cards on the spot. I was told that I would need to wait 2-3 days for the pending fraudulent charges to finish processing before I could dispute them. From there, it would take BoA 2-3 days to complete an investigation to confirm that the charges were fraudulent. From *there*, it would take 2-3 *weeks* for BoA to reimburse the funds to my checking account and credit card. They also mentioned several times that they were not obligated to reimburse the debit card charges and were only doing it as a 1-time courtesy. Ultimately, this took several hours of my time over the next few weeks, as I had to follow up with them 4-5 times to see this whole process through and each phone call took about 45 minutes. I also tried getting it resolved in a physical branch, but they were unable to help me and referred me back to the phone-based customer service line. + +Going through both experiences at once really opened my eyes to how much of a difference customer service could have on my stress levels during a financial crisis. USAA made it a completely stress free experience that was behind me by the end of the next day. BoA dragged the process out over several weeks, during which time I had to keep an eye on my accounts every day to keep the process moving from one step to the next. If I was not in a financially stable position, and if I was relying entirely on BoA for my banking, I don’t know how I would have gotten through those three weeks. + +At that point, I had been banking with BoA for 11 years, and USAA for 3 years. Ultimately, this experience led me to close my three accounts with BoA, which is a decision I now wish I had made sooner. The purpose of this post is to highlight how we can get used to a certain type of banking experience, and to provide a contrast between two levels of customer service. +I am a parent about to send my son off to university within the next few months and I am worried about his money management. He is not good at budgeting and won't sit down with me to learn basic skills. + +Does anybody have any tips for what the best way to engage young people (18) in personal finance? +So it’s getting to that time of the year when I have to come up with present ideas for family to get me and I struggle every year. I read a lot of finance books (almost exclusively) and so thought this would be the best place to ask for suggestions. I’ve read most of the more common suggestions you see a lot, e.g. Intelligent Investor, Security Analysis, common sense investing, the snowball etc. and so I’m looking to carry on this trend of learning. Also, any stories from the financial world that are just interesting, like Michael Lewis’ books (loved all of these) or When Money Dies - just fascinating accounts of big events. Any help would be appreciated! + +Edit: thanks for all of your responses, I think I’m now sorted for the next few years of present ideas! + +Edit 2: I’ve copied this across and tidied this up so if anyone wants the list sending to them for future reference, drop me a message and I’ll be happy to share +I am going to be moving to London with 2 of my friends, and we will rent a 3-bed apartment. They both work in the centre of London so we require the flat to be within biking distance. + +I will be earning 50k before tax, which comes out to £3,030/m after tax and pension (no student loans). My friends are on similar salaries. + +This is all of our first time renting, and living in London so I wanted to know if people had a London budget plan? Or had advice - maximum I should spend on rent etc. Note that I do not drive and will not require transport (apart from the odd here and there) as the work is remote. +Bitcoin + Lightning being used as payment rails at major US retailers and shopify integration. + +Follow the signal and ignore the noise. Mallers just gave us the brightest signal we have seen since El Salvador. + +Buckle the fuck up, the next few years are going to be very very interesting and if you’ve already booked a seat aboard the best monetary network on earth, congrats. + +Edit: I don’t care that the price didn’t pump, this is genuine adoption and this is what we want for the long term. I’m just pointing out the very obvious signal. + +Gradually, then suddenly. +This is as much question as a strategy I'm sharing but it would seem like this would be a good way to earn decent income in situations where you might be in the red on a trade that left you holding the bag. + +Lets say that you picked up 100 shares of CRAP at $500/share the height of the bull market and things didn't go your way. + +You didn't get out in time and 2 months later your CRAP shares are down to $300 and you're in the hole 20k 😖. You can buy some more CRAP and lower your cost basis but you're not sure you want to sink more capital into CRAP hoping you can time the market enough to get out on a relief rally. + +Instead, you sell an almost at-the-market call on CRAP with low theta (lets say $305 strike) and pocket a decent premium. If CRAP remains below the strike, you keep the premium and count it to lower your cost basis. If CRAP moves above the strike, your call will likely get exercised - you will be forced to sell your 100 shares of CRAP at $305 per share and realize a $19500 loss. HOWEVER once you sell your shares you simple BUY back those same 100 shares of CRAP at $305 (or close) and you will be in the same position you were before you sold that call but now collected a premium. If CRAP moves back to $500/share, your profits will cover the realized loss you just took. If CRAP remains stagnant (or moves lower) you simply continue to sell at-the-money calls against it and pocket the premium. + +On top of that, you can write-off your realized losses. + +Would appreciate your feedback on this approach. +Monzo's losses have risen to £114 million and the startup has warned of "significant doubt” on its ability to continue as a going concern + +https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2020/07/30/monzos-losses-rise-114m-banking-app-warns-slowing-growth/ +Hi everyone! + +Has anyone/ know anyone that has actually made money from company share options? I have been given a significant number of share options on the condition I stay at my company for 4 years but I’m unsure if they are actually worth anything. +My kid is 1.5 yo and has been in and out of doctors offices her whole life due to a genetic anomaly when she was born. We have an FSA, and I just pay what they ask me to when I'm there, or if the bill comes in the mail, I just pay it online really quick. In May, she finally got the surgery she needed. I didn't have enough left on the FSA card to pay the bill with one card online (system only allows one card), so I called the billing department so I could use two cards. Come to find out, **I had a credit of \~$250 they could apply to the totally cause of over payment...oh and also...they could apply a discount because I'm paying in full**! I didn't know this was a thing. So my bill was lowered enough that I only had to use one card, a total of >$600 saved. I would never have known if I tried to pay online. +If you are in this subreddit I don't need to explain my current situation: avoiding going out on weekends to save money. My parents don't understand that and their constant reminders that I'm wasting my life and my free time being at home are making me feel more guilty and depressed. How can I make them understand? + +Some context: my family isn't rich, but they have enough money to enjoy weekends at the cinema or eating out. Because of personal and mental health reasons I needed to move out of my house with nothing more than one month’s rent as savings. Since then I've been trying to save as much money as possible to survive. I can't afford to go out with friends and spend £50 on parties like people my age when that money could be spent on food or therapy/medication for my mental health condition. And no, I can't ask them for money, that's not an option. + +I've tried to explain my situation to my parents but, coming from a relatively wealthy background, they don't understand. Every weekend they make me feel guilty for wasting my life at home. Any ideas will be appreciated, thanks :) +Does it make sense to buy an investment property where a manufacturing plant will be built in 2 to 3 years? For example if a company is going to build a plant in X city, would it be safe to assume it would drive property prices up in that city as a result of new employees moving there? +Below is a recent Michigan court decision where the court ruled the insurer was not bound to paying out on a homeowners policy claim (liability in this case due to an injury sustained on the property) as the trust was not a named insured. + +http://publicdocs.courts.mi.gov/opinions/final/coa/20180410_c337368_35_337368.opn.pdf +Throw away account which probably isn’t necessary but you never know. + +My end game question is, can you buy a duplex as a primary residence, rent out only one unit while not living in the other and leaving it unoccupied and avoid getting charged with mortgage fraud? + +I purchased my first property as a primary residence, lived in it for two years, and recently turned it into an investment property because I moved to a different state. The plan originally was to buy another and repeat this process but I moved states to be with my gf. My point is that I did everything by the book on my first property. + +I would like to do the same thing in the current state I live in but for certain circumstances can not move out of the current place I am living. I would prefer to purchase an investment property outright but prices are very steep here and I can’t afford 20% down (80k and only have around 45). + +My thought was to buy a duplex as a primary residence and rent out one side of the unit to essentially cover the mortgage. I would not actually live in the other side (stay in my current rented space) but I would leave it unoccupied to be my primary residence on paper. After a year I would flip the whole thing to an investment property. I understand this is dumb financially by still living in the rented space. + +If I don’t rent out one side is it still mortgage fraud since I am not collecting rent on the full space? + +Would anyone really know that I wasn’t actually living there? Would tell the tenants I live there but just stay at my gfs most nights etc in case they are ever asked by anyone (insurance). I would also furnish it just in case anyone were to ever come by. + +Could they somehow check the water or electrify bill and see there is no usage? + +I would also live within miles if the duplex so I could go by somewhat often if that makes any difference. + +Obviously there are many other things to think about that would go into this but before taking things any further I wanted to check with you all. + +I really just have no idea if this is feasible or totally outrageous and was hoping someone could tell me I am an idiot or that this is something that is actually doable - although maybe slightly illegal. + +Appreciate the advice everyone. + + + +I’m new to investing in real estate in the US as I’ve recently moved to Minnesota from the U.K. + +I understand returns will vary from city to city, but what would you consider a good return when investing in a rental property? To be specific investing in duplexes and single family homes? +Title says it all. I have a few questions I am planning on asking (i.e. experience with real estate investing tax laws, some personal finance stuff, fees), but would like to see what you guys think should be added? Thanks in advance! +I'm just wondering if someone with experience could lay out the different costs associated with owning and renting out a Single Family home vs a Multi Family unit. Obviously there will be some cost savings with a 2,3, or 4 unit multifamily building (1 roof, taxes on 1 building, time savings of only checking in/up on 1 building) but most likely other expenses such as multiple possible HOA fees, multiple kitchens.. etc. + +&#x200B; + +Just wondering if anyone knew which one had higher expenses and what the major differences would be. Thanks! +Evergrande going down (and way more to come), the Fed abusing QE, 5.9 Trillion dollars of releif bills, Buffet indicator, Elon and his brother selling positions, buffet's cash position highest it's ever been, etc etc etc etc. + +To me, these seem like signs of an impending market crash like no other. The balloon has to be popped. How can anyone tell me realistically that the market can drop at around the Levels of 1930's depression, and recooperate within one year, and reach highs at the end of the year??? + +Maybe I'm missing something but this does not seem as if is natural growth, rather asset inflation caused by consumers having way more cash on hand from stimulus etc etc and producing and working less than ever before. + +I'd sell my position, but don't want to cause any tax implications for year 2021, so I'm kind of stuck holding even if the ship falls, lol. +Remember when MATIC was sweating like a pig just from one sunflower game on its network? ..well same shit is repeating now with Avalanche. According to the users fees are even higher than ETH right now + +[User reports over 14$ gas fee for transaction](https://np.reddit.com/r/Avax/comments/swil2r/fees_what_the_fuck_14_usd_for_a_withdraw/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb3x) + +The reason for congestion? A game with crabs called Crabada. Yes, I'm serious. It's sunflower fiasco all over again just this time it's crabs instead of flowers. And this time too, it's the network that is supposed to bring us extremely low fees and speedy transactions. I'm invested in AVAX but stuff like this really maks me wonder sometimes. + +Crazy what one little game with crabs can do to a network + +^(edit:spelling) +My friend drove my car while he was only holding a Provisional DL, no insurance cover and hit a parked van. Now my insurance company is claiming £7500 towards total loss of the third party van. Can I pay them on a payment plan ? I have now scrapped my car and cancelled the insurance. Please advise as I don’t have so much money to pay at one go. +Do not use Purple Bricks. +Do not not use their preferred lawyers PPL Premier Property Lawyers. +I'm having an awfull experience with my buyer having sold through PB's and him and his buyer both using PPL. It's a shockingly poor set up with mishap after mishap, and awful coms the whole way through. My lawyer equally as frsutrated. I only now checked out reviews on them on Trust Pilot and there are nealry daily appalling reviews. +Do not even except an offer from a buyer selling via Purple Bricks. My selling agent and my purchase agent in agreement to avoid at all costs. + +https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/premierpropertylawyers.com?languages=en&stars=1 +Given the rash of time versus money for happiness themes around here, I thought I'd share something I was appreciating recently about life in early retirement and maybe spread a bit of motivation to keep on rowing the oars to get to FIRE. Nothing as abstract as "freedom" but something concrete = I sleep until I wake up naturally almost every day. In fact I'd take that farther and say I stay in bed until I want to get up. + +I know that sounds like a minor thing but in working years I was up every day at 6:00 am whether I felt like it or not. These days I might be early (I'm an early riser) but I don't have to be, it could be a day where I lay there an extra hour thinking as the light comes up outside the windows. If wife and I tossed back too many beers somewhere it might be a couple extra hours. + +Those occasional frustrating sleepless nights where you dread how few hours you have left to get lucky with sleep before you have to work? Pshaw, I couldn't give a shit now. If I'm up a few hours in he middle of the night for no reason I know I'll just end up sleeping later, no big deal. + +Don't get me started on the after lunch half hour doze... + + +TAWNF hit $5 in March. Currently running hard as I write this, up to .17. There is a meeting tomorrow about if the government should continue to sponser the airline. + +For a tourism country I'm betting they do what they can to keep it healthy. + +A couple of articles: + +[https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/news/21221694/thai-airways-still-in-holding-pattern-after-cabinet-meeting](https://www.aviationpros.com/airlines/news/21221694/thai-airways-still-in-holding-pattern-after-cabinet-meeting) + +&#x200B; + +[https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2109775/thai-union-at-odds-over-survival-plan](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2109775/thai-union-at-odds-over-survival-plan) + +&#x200B; + +Meeting will happen overnight so you gotta enter today if you want the lotto ticket, could easily go the other way. Not finincial advice, GLTA. + +Edit: Morning! Looks like they have to hammer out some details. Vote is moved to May 19th. Still the same play for me. But pushed back. + +New with info: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2114523/thai-airways-creditors-delay-vote-on-debt-restructuring-plan + +Edit2: 5/14 - Second verse same as the first. Heating up again, and still very confident in the vote. If the restructure doesn't pass creditors will only get about 13% of their money back. Looking good. Not sure how many dips are left in this. + +FinalEdit 5/19 - WELP, everything went as planned except the price and the reaction. There were plenty of times to take profits so hopefully most did. After the $5 spike in march it leveled off to a buck and a half, I don't see any reason it shouldn't get back there for full value, but it might be a while till it does. I'll be holding most of position until then, as I got in early enough I'm still up with feeling it has room to grow. +Hey guys. I was given an opportunity by a real estate agent over the weekend to put an offer in for a house before it was put on the market. I made an offer over the top end price guide. They have rejected my offer stating the current market conditions etc etc. Could this be considered under quoting? I feel quite annoyed and disheartened from this recent experience. +It was mid-March — in the depths of the corona panic — and I was in our weekly editorial meeting. + +Something weird was happening at Barefoot. While the headlines were full of people hoarding toilet paper, we were seeing a huge spike in people asking me how they could buy … shares? + +A few weeks ago ASIC solved the mystery: + +The regulator found that daily share trading volumes exploded during the lockdown, driven by a “sharp increase in the number of new retail investors to the market – up by a factor of 3.4 times”. + +The same thing has been happening the world over, as virgin investors try their luck trading. In the US, the three biggest brokers signed up over 1.5 million brand-new customers in the March quarter alone. + +Where are they getting their money? + +Well, “trading stocks” was cited as among the most common uses for the recent US government stimulus cheques in nearly every income bracket, according to CNBC. + +So are they little lambs to the slaughter? + +Heck no, these first-time traders are swaggering around like big daddy rams! + +This week the S&P 500 had its biggest 50-day rally in history, climbing a staggering 37.7%. + +And that’s ... + +Despite the largest global economic downturn in our lifetime. + +Despite record unemployment in the US, with 40 million people out of work. + +Despite rising trade war tensions between China and the United States. + +And despite the largest civil riots since the 1960s. + +One more time … what the hell is going on?! + +Well, share markets around the world are being driven by two acronyms: + +FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), as the US Federal Reserve does everything it can to prop up asset prices. + +And TINA (There Is No Alternative), with interest rates low … where else are you going to put your money? +The US economy is growing, personal income is up, and unemployment is low. + +[https://www.bea.gov/news/glance](https://www.bea.gov/news/glance) + +Since its obvious the US economy is doing fine, why wont the fed raise interest rates back to 5% like used to be? +It's been five years since we moved into our first home and our fixed rate of 3.48% is ending. I mentioned this in a passing conversation with our neighbour who replied "I'm a mortgage advisor, I'll do all the paperwork for you. All free of charge with free legals and valuation." + +Don't worry I know nothing is free in life but I thought what the hell, he may provide a better rate than MSE, moneysupermaaaaaaaarket etc. + +Quotes appeared a week later and it's safe to say the offers weren't the cheapest on the market by a long way, had £2000 product fees attached and no portability making them even worse. This immediately made me feel that he was "recommending" a product because they perhaps offered the highest commission. Bit of an awkward situation but I sent them into the long grass with their crap offers, compared rates online and then rang the banks myself. + +Since DIY is very easy, the banks provide their own free mortgage advisors and it works out cheaper, my question is what are the benefits of independent mortgage advisors or is it a redundant profession? + +The only instance I can think of where they can help is for a person unfamiliar with technology. + +EDIT: Thank you all for your responses and the discussions taking place. The common theme seems to be that if you have straight forward circumstances DIY can be cost effective. However brokers are helpful for those with particular circumstances or issues that enable brokers to use their experience/access to get particular rates or mortgages for those who need it. + +Edit 2: As this is my first post on Reddit on either of my accounts I feel compelled to say "long time lurker on this sub" and "wow this really blew up!" +Hello everyone, and especially hello to anyone browsing the sub with the stress of problem debts weighing on their mind this bank holiday. + +In just under a couple of hours, [The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1311/contents/made) will mostly come into force in England and Wales, which creates a new scheme to give those weighed down by problem - perhaps not unsustainable, but serious - debts, a little bit of time to get their headspace better and to be put in touch with debt advice providers. + +There are two types of breathing space - a normal breathing space which gives a 60 day moratorium, and a mental health breathing space, which is for those suffering a mental health crisis that has involved the operation of the Mental Health Act 1983, or "is receiving any other crisis, emergency or acute care or treatment in hospital or in the community from a specialist mental health service in relation to a mental disorder of a serious nature", where you get a moratorium for as long as the treatment is provided, plus another 30 days. + +You can't get one directly though - it has to be via an entity regulated by the FCA to give debt advice, so, for instance, Stepchange. + +You, or, in the case of a mental health moratorium, various people (a long list, which includes your carer, social worker, mental health practitioner, IMHA), make an application to that debt advice provider, and they will decide whether it's suitable for you. + +The effect of a moratorium is threefold: + +* **no action at all to pursue the debt** - that includes no court proceedings, no evictions and most importantly for a lot of debtors, **no contact** (except where required by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 or FCA rules) - except by the order of the court +* **no interest, fees or charges** can arise during the moratorium in respect of qualifying debts +* limitation periods and deadlines get extended by 8 weeks after the end + +Most debts will qualify - including tax debts and most council tax debts and rent - and even sole trader debts if you aren't VAT registered. The usual suspect debts won't (criminal fines, debts incurred by fraud, liabilities from you causing death or personal injury, UC overpayments, student loans, family proceedings obligations etc.). + +No fees can be charged in respect of any breathing space application. + +Some more information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/debt-respite-scheme-breathing-space-guidance/debt-respite-scheme-breathing-space-guidance-for-creditors + +So, for anyone reading tonight who is worried about creeping debts - talk to Stepchange or another regulated debt advice provider tomorrow. +Hello, I'm new to this community. I was looking for a forum to post in to hopefully get some advice and different views on my situation and how to proceed. I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to post this. Here goes... + +In a few weeks I stand to gain about 3.6M (before taxes) in the sell of a family business. While I've always lived quite comfortably (albeit paycheck to paycheck), this amount of money and being debt free is completely foreign to me. + +I feel very happy and blessed to be in this position but at the same time, I'm feeling a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty about what to do with the money. I will just start posting my questions, and I thank you in advance for the commentary. + +My goals are simple, to grow this money. We will pay off our debt of course, but don't have plans to move or make any large purchases. Sure we will travel a bit and may upgrade a car. Outside of that I want to make smart investments and grow my NW to 10M. I plan to keep working and will make about 150k/year. + +* **Taxes** \- As I understand it, this money will be taxed as short-term capital gains (37%). Are there options I should consider that would defer some taxes or avoid altogether? + * I have been asked to take part in a captive insurance deal for a hefty premium and am told that by doing so that money would be initially tax free and go into an investment account and by the time I take it out (at the end of the policy 3-4 years) it would be considered long term capital gains (20%). Sounds great but there has to be some risk I'm missing. +* **Investing & How Much?** \- I've never had investments other than a couple small 401k accounts from previous jobs. I have no idea how much I should set aside or what to do with it. Where do I start? +* **Legal Stuff -** Are there any provisions I should take with this money (or a portion of it) that will protect it from things like lawsuits etc.? +* **Education** \- Any recommended readings, podcasts, peer groups etc? +* **General -** Any other general advice? What not to do, dealing with friends and family etc. Giving to charities. + +I'm sure I'll come up with more, but this is a good place to start. Thanks again! +So the son of a bitch counterfeiting shares like no tomorrow gets to buy the US Constitution? There's no turning back for us. We MUST finish this and please keep #kengriffinlied trending so his purchase is in vain. + +#kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied +#kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied +#kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied +#kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied #kengriffinlied +I am talking about companies like Alphabet and FB. They have 110B and 50B cash respectively, and very little to no debt. Meaning, they'll be able to just buy out bunch of companies / assets for a very good price during tough times. The reason I am asking is because I've always heard that tech giants take the biggest hit during the downturn, but why? I am newb. Thanks a lot. +[Most S&P 500 stocks are deep in correction territory](https://www.reddit.com/user/Fatherthinger/comments/9ntd5o/most_sp_500_stocks_are_deep_in_correction/) + +Was It a Dead Cat Bounce on Friday? +[https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/4sc9qp/first_day_of_fire/] + +[https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/4zhgfp/update_6_weeks_into_fire/] + +I'm ignorant about linking stuff, hopefully that works. + +Well, it's been 6 months since my wife and I FIREd - actually 7 months now, but the numbers here are as of 12/31/2016. + +Assets: $4.5M + +2016 expenses: $175K (includes ~$42K of one time expenses $13K down payment on second home, $15K charitable contributions above budget, $14K furniture and stuff for second home) + +FIRE is still awesome. First I'll get some questions out of the way in case anyone cares. + +Our budget in retirement is ~$150K/year, while we were working it was ~$120K/year, so with 6 months of work and 6 months of FIRE, it would have been $135K for 2016. Our total expense for 2016 was substantially higher as you can see, but it included about $42K of things that are only going to happen once, so we spent about $132K in regular ongoing expenses compared to the $135K budget amount. I was happy with that. + +The $15K of extra charitable contributions needs some explanation. We made normal contributions of $24K, but then I realized that our income was going to be MUCH higher in 2016 than in any subsequent year, so charitable deductions would be worth more. Also, we owned some appreciated stock, so at the end of December we donated that to get the 2016 deduction, but in my accounting that covers our 2017 contributions to charity. It's just accelerating the gift, so 2017 expenses should be $15K lower. + +Now to the more interesting stuff. + +The first couple of months I was having a hard time feeling anxious about spending money. Got over that. Now I just happily spend money we have budgeted and don't think much about it. It has helped that the markets have performed so well these past few months. It's good to start FIRE with the market up. + +I'm still not finding it hard to fill my time. My wife and I both like to play computer games (CIV, EU4, ESO for those interested), but we actually don't spend that much time doing it. Well, we've clocked a couple of 8 hour days on ESO, but mostly it's a couple hours most days and some days not at all. + +I did a project for my church where I spent about 20 over a couple weeks doing a review of staffing. I just had a meeting to discuss my written report. Felt like I was back in the business world for a bit there, but it was kind of fun. + +We just got back from a 2 week driving trip to visit my aunt and uncle in Phoenix (I'm near Fort Wayne, IN). We spent a couple days in Albuquerque and stopped off to see a few other things along the way. It was a pleasant trip, and we've got a similar trip scheduled to San Francisco in March to visit wife's cousin. + +In two weeks we are going on a cruise from Rome to Barcelona with my sister and brother in law. That should be a good time. We've never traveled with them before, but we can now because we can be flexible around their schedules. + +A typical day when we're not on the road consists of going for a walk first thing in the morning, usually leave the house around 7:30 or so. We try to run any errands we have for the day right after that like buying groceries, filling the gas tank, banking, whatever. Reddit/game/read news until noonish, then make lunch. Monday is lunch at a restaurant, the other days we make sandwiches/salads at home. After noon we do projects like cleaning, dealing with financial stuff, doctor appointments, etc. Usually that only uses up a couple of hours, then we can watch an episode of GoT, play games, correspond with people, stuff like that. Evening is usually movie or more messing on the computers. + +We haven't been to our second house since right after Christmas. I feel a little bad about that, but really we will use it a lot more when the weather is nice since it's located in Michigan. It is near my family though, so we'll definitely use it. All this traveling though is keeping us away. It's kind of amazing how hard it is to keep up with people even when I'm not working. + +The biggest downside I've noticed is that I'm not as motivated as I would like. I've always wanted to write a book for instance and I've not been motivated enough to get past page one. I thought I would volunteer more at my church and at the food bank. I did the project at church back in December, but I've not done much at all this year. It's hard to schedule volunteering around the travel schedule. First world FIRE problems. + +Any questions, please ask away. + +Edit: Crap, I forgot to mention time being weird. The days go by really fast for me. Yet, the 7 months I've been retired feel like forever. Truly it seems like I've been retired for ages. +Hello new to this so please bear with me, Im sure this aort of thing happens often. + +Why is everything rising? Corona virus is spreading across and Has killed 2 people in the US. Some infected are even near MSFT headquarters yet companies like these and even ones that source their inventory from china are high up e.g NVDA. Just need an explanation for today because before the market opened i was completely expecting it to drop. +You’ll be seeing a lot of gain porn throughout the entirety of today. For those of you who paper handed, I’m sorry. Although maybe it opened your eyes to realize that WSB runs the market. We’re bigger than investment firms, hence why there’s still a play to be made. + +PLTR. Yet to explode, yet held on by all the same diamond hands of $GME. There’s a presentation at the end of this month for Palantir and it’s for showcasing their technology so shareholders and people who haven’t gotten in yet can better understand the product they’re providing. Although you don’t want to get in after the presentation, you need to get in before. If you think that $GME is exploding, just wait because $PLTR is known by everyone. I’ve even heard random idiots at bars talking about it. The amount of diamond 💎 hands 🖐 in PLTR is catastrophic, there’s no doubt that this company will succeed in the future. + +Lockup. + +Lockup period is coming to an end, and shareholders will be selling their stakes. It’s inevitable, but that’s why you make a play on PLTR now because the drive up before lockup will be something extraordinary since shareholders will try to maximize their gains upon lockup ending. Take those GME tendies and put them straight back into the market with good ol’ Palantir. + +Make some money now, sell before lockup and screw over the shareholders by forcing them to hold their shares once again. The amount of volume upon lockup ending will be tremendous and quite possibly the biggest shit show of 2021. I’m in for the ride and hope you guys are too. + +TL;DR: Presentation end of month = Drive up in stock price. Lockup in early February = Drive up for shareholders to capitalize their gains. + +Positions: 400 Shares @ 26.4, 1/15 27c , 1/22 28c + +Edit: 🚀🚀 +Hi everyone, throwaway account here. I'd love to hear from anyone that has experience with managing large family wealth into the second generation of older children and their families. + +I am in my 40s with a young family and have a siblings in similar positions. Our father made a lot of money, retired 10 years ago, and is now worth a few hundred million dollars. His expressed wish for us was to enjoy our lives and work for pleasure not money, since his money will be ours, and that he doesn't want us to wait until he dies to enjoy life. Each of us took our own course (I started and sold a few companies, siblings don't work), and for the last few years as our lifestyles became more expensive he has been giving each of us money on a semi-regular basis. + +We have some mechanisms that are working, for better or worse, in making decisions on how to invest as a family. But for withdrawing money from the fund, it essentially comes down to asking for it from our father. There's a lot of emotional baggage for everyone attached doing that, mostly guilt. I'm wondering what structures people have in place in a similar situation? + +TL;DR: Family fund, will be passed along as inheritance one day, how can grown children start enjoying some of the money today before the parents die. +I ran some numbers using monthly historical data from Yahoo Finance to compare results ofdollar cost averaging(DCA) across SPY for various time periods to see how DCA'ingmanaged to perform over the years through various crashes and investment time periods. My goalwas to see + +1. end resulting performance of the investments over time +2. longest period of net negative returns for the positionDCA = investing a fixed amount of money on a fixed time interval regardless of price or marketconditionsMethod: allocate a fixed amount of cash to position every month. Whenever the cash on hand is enough to buy at least one share of the asset, purchase the asset at the Adj. Close price listed from Yahoo Finance historical data. + +I chose investing period start times of 2000-04-01, representing someone starting investing at the peak of the dot com bubble, 2006-01-01, representing someone beginning their investments leading up to the financial crisis, 2007-10-01, representing someone starting investing at the top of the market in 2007, and 2009-03-01, representing someone nearly perfectly timing the bottom of the financial crisis. + +Results: + +|DCA start period|Longest negative ROI|current day ROI(%)| +|:-|:-|:-| +|2000-04-01|2000-09-01 to 2003-11-01|219| +|2006-01-01|2008-06-01 to 2010-03-01|162.5| +|2007-10-01|2008-06-01 to 2009-09-01|150.23| + +Takeaways and other info: + +\- if you can stomach a 1-3 year period of negative returns, you should not be shaken even if you started investing at the peak of the latest market cycle. + +\- The reason for the period of negative ROI for the investor who started at the peak of the market is because of the nature of DCA, where earlier investments have a more significant impact on the overall average compared to later additions. Investors who felt the most pain were the ones who had invested substantial amounts of money during the bull runs leading up to the crashes. + +\- if you started investing near the peak of the market, DCA is a powerful tool to quickly get back to a positive ROI for the market. The stock market peaked in 10/2007 and didn't reach that price again until 04/2013. If you had DCA'd your way through the crash if you started investing at the top, you would be sitting at a ROI of 43%, with an equivalent cost basis of the market price from mid 2003. + +\- if you're fearing the market may not reach it's 2021 highs for years, it's still in your best interest to keep averaging in to the market in the meantime. +I was looking at the S&P500 Index. Looking at this graph, it seems the economy is going straight up since the plunge in Jan 2009. Are the indices supposed to be even higher, what would a thriving economy look like? Is this index a good way to judge the overall health of the american economy, over large periods of time? (note: I am not American) +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +Here is my advice: when it is Friday and you are trying to close or roll your positions before the market closes...kick the dogs outside so they stop pestering you with every little thing, making you lose concentration and hit the wrong button... +Here is my advice: when it is Friday and you are trying to close or roll your positions before the market closes...kick the dogs outside so they stop pestering you with every little thing, making you lose concentration and hit the wrong button... +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. + I have read innumerably that theta kicks severely with less than 30 days to an options expiration. But is there any data to back this conjecture? Is there any math paper you know with evidence of this? Is there a way to graph theta from, say, thinkorswim or Bloomberg Terminal (access to both of which I have)? + +I am attempting to determine the best strike and expiration pair to sell calls in my PMCC. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +Hi All, Need your advice.. + +anyone here with loss from $fbrx.. + +I sold put csp for fbrx 20$ strike expire on sep 17, when i sold stock was trading on 28, i looked into analyst rating all were good and preimum was very good 5.50$. made a mistake with greed of high premium. + +Last week after market hours stock went from 28$ to 5$ super down 82%. Now the 20$ put option i sold is 15$ and brings loss of 1000$. + +i am new to option and experiencing 82% drop for first time. I was thinking to sell additional 2 contract 7.5$ put expiring sep 19 to collect premium for 2.20$ each. + +if the 7.5$ option expires OTM, i get to keep 2× 2.20 × 100 = 440$ which will reduce the overall loss or if it get assigned i still get to keep 440$ and buy the stock at lower price and overall average cost of stock will be around 8$ after all preimum collected- 2 contract from 7.5$ strike and one from 20$ strike total 300 stocks. + +then i can close once stock reaches 8$. +but i am afraid fbrx has only one drug and ceo said they may not proceed futher with same drug. + +also lawsuit is strated against fbrx on behalf of investors. the stock may go to zero... + +I am thinking of converting short put into strangle but cant reach breakeven price. + +all your opinions will help me, i want to reduce the loss or break even possible. thank you in advance..it is lesson learned for me.. stupid mistake. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +2 weeks ago i was looking for a documentary on hulu and saw The Rise & Rise of Bitcoin. It started me down a rabbit hole that ended with me putting all the money in my savings account into bitcoin. Its my way of joining the movement. Now my best friend just bout 4 and soon my dad! +Hello, + +I am trying to better understand mortgage overpayments. I know these will eventually help me reduce the total interests paid to the bank. But will they also help if I decide to sell the house before I finish to pay off the loan? + +I am referring to a 30y-fixed rate (not sure it's relevant). + +Thanks! +We have DRS-ed many shares, much more are on the way to ComputerShare and their corner is getting smaller and smaller. Some oxygen has been left just to survive another week/month. Each day they are getting weaker. I bet they were collecting shares to short today for a month and that they orchestrated their attack with other hedgies (even it is not legal). But nothing works for them. THEY R FUKT. Keep you shares in your name, DRS to CS and wait for fireworks!!! +There was a Kuvera Post which said use KISS principle in investing, which means lump-sum is better than SIP which in-turn is better than timing the market. + +SIP is better than Timing, as I understand because, an average retail investor cannot time a market and SIP has Rupee Cost Averaging. + +But, how is lump-sum better than SIP? An investment principle should be kind of all weather right? Assuming market is not just growing, lump-sum has some disadvantages right? If you invest just before 2008 bubble burst, you would have gained less than SIP during that time, since you'd be investing even after the bubble burst? + +I do not know how Dividend reinvestment works, but, if it works like, as much profit you get everyday, gets reinvested, then before bubble burst, the huge profit you got will buy you more units. Is this why lump-sum is better? + +How does the dividend reinvestment work? Can anybody elaborate? + + +Edit: + +[CH 4 of Zen and Art of Investing. ](https://kuvera.in/blog/ch-4-first-they-sell-greed-then-fear-and-then-they-sell-complexity/) + +The blog in I mentioned. + +Edit 2: + +How does TER affect the Dividend reinvestment? Does TER affect every dividend or only during withdrawal? Or not just on profit but on whatever is present in the Investment account during the time where they collect money (the AMC)? If they collect money wherever is the status (profit or loss) does it mean I'm losing money even though the fund is in loss? +What in Christ's name is going on? Getting yourself taken to bankruptcy court over single digit crores seems absurd. And the stocks taken a beating, too. How bizarre! +What are the forum's thoughts on suggesting physical gold as an asset to save, instead of liquid cash for retirees. + +1. Physical because, it can be easily purchased with cash month on month in small amounts and can be stored at home. +2. Atleast in India Gold can be easily liquidated in a day or two . +3. It eventually grows in value over a period(not sure if Gold gave return better than FD/Savings account) +4. If they never needed to liquidate it, it can be passed on to future generations as they will value it for sure. +It's that time of the month. Some of us just received cash from salary or business income. What are you planning to invest in? What did you sell, and why? If you are continuing to hold onto existing investments, what are they and why do you hold them? Are you avoiding anything? Again, why? + +The discussion is not just for individual stocks of companies, but also for mutual funds and other investments. Feel free to share your investment rationale. This thread does not exist not only for disseminating knowledge on investment decisions (the why?). Others are free to assess your rationale. + +Be aware that these answers are just opinions of Redditors and should be used as a starting point for your research. None of this is investment advice or a stock recommendation. Kindly do your due diligence and/or consider seeing a registered investment advisor before making any financial decisions! + +Previous [Links](https://www.reddit.com/r/IndiaInvestments/search?q=monthly+discussion+thread+&sort=new&restrict_sr=on&t=all) + +PS: Be friendly. Be civil. + +Get Food Stamps. Go to Food Banks, Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens. + +Check out the nextdoor app and you can ask for necessities. People will deliver what you need to your house. + +If you go to college, some colleges will have a food pantry for their students. + +Don't let your pride stop you from eating. You need to eat food. + +Contact churches and see if they can help find something for you. + +Check out r/Food_Pantry and r/assistance (you'll need a certain amount of karma), and you'll have to register. But once you do, you can create an Amazon Wish list and add food and other necessities that you need. + +Check out Lasagna Love and other similar places to get food. They will deliver food to you. + +Some fast food places will have $1 menu on their apps and similar. + +There's DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, many grocery places deliver, many fast food places and even some restaurants deliver now. + +There's also: r/assistanceanimals for when you need pet food for your animal friends. Also check out: https://www.thehumanesociety.org/services/emergency-pet-food-bank/ + +Check out r/eatcheapandhealthy + +https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/hunger-relief-programs/mobile-food-pantry-program + +https://www.foodshuttle.org/findfood? + +https://littleupgrades.com/groceries-without-car/ + +https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/3cwupj/how_do_you_shop_for_groceries_without_a_car/ + +https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/find-meals + +https://10bestmealdeliveryservices.com/go/tmealdelivery-usa-eng-d-g.html + +https://www.momsmeals.com/ + +https://www.self.com/story/the-12-best-meal-kit-delivery-services-for-easy-pre-prepped-dinners-and-smoothies +In [block 124724](https://blockchain.info/block/0000000000004c78956f8643262f3622acf22486b120421f893c0553702ba7b5) you'll find txid [5d80a29b](https://blockchain.info/tx/5d80a29be1609db91658b401f85921a86ab4755969729b65257651bb9fd2c10d) which has a payout of 49.99999999 BTC at a time when the block reward was 50 BTC. A transaction fee of 0.01 BTC was also forfeited. This bitcoin no longer exists anywhere in the network, as opposed to "burned" coins which technically still exist in a wallet which no one can ever access (ex: + [1BitcoinEaterAddressDontSendf59kuE](https://blockchain.info/address/1BitcoinEaterAddressDontSendf59kuE)). + +On bitcointalk user midnightmagic [explains a deeper meaning behind this] +(https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=7253.msg184414#msg184414): +> I did it as a tribute to our missing Satoshi: we are missing Satoshi, and now the blockchain is missing 1 Satoshi too, for all time. + +EDIT: +Users have pointed out in the comments that this isn't actually the only time coins have been destroyed, there are actually several different ways coins have been destroyed in the past. /u/sumBTC also [points out](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/7mhoks/til_in_2011_a_user_running_a_modified_mining/dru6wj0/) that the satoshi wasn't destroyed-- it was never created in the first place. + +Another interesting way to destroy coins is by creating a duplicate transaction. This is again done with a modified client. For example see [block 91722](https://blockchain.info/block/00000000000271a2dc26e7667f8419f2e15416dc6955e5a6c6cdf3f2574dd08e) and [block 91880](https://blockchain.info/block/00000000000743f190a18c5577a3c2d2a1f610ae9601ac046a38084ccb7cd721). They both contain txid [e3bf3d07](https://blockchain.info/tx/e3bf3d07d4b0375638d5f1db5255fe07ba2c4cb067cd81b84ee974b6585fb468). The newer transaction essentially overwrites the old transaction, destroying the previous one and the associated coins. This issue was briefly discussed on Github [#612](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/issues/612) and determined to not be a big deal. In 2012 they realized that duplicated transactions could be used as part of an attack on the network so this was fixed and is no longer possible. + +Provably burning coins was actually added as a feature in 2014 via [OP_RETURN](https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/OP_RETURN). Transactions marked with this opcode MAY be pruned from a client's unspent transaction database. Whether or not these coins still exist is a matter of opinion. + +Finally, at least 1,000 blocks forfeited transactions fees due to a software bug. Forfeited transaction fees are lost forever and are unaccounted for in any wallet. +> * Between block 162705 and block 169899, 193 blocks claimed less than allowed due to a bug, resulting in a total loss of 9.66184623 BTC. + +> * Between block 180324 and block 249185, another 836 blocks claimed less than allowed, resulting in a total loss of 0.52584193 BTC. + +Further reading: +https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/30862/how-much-bitcoin-is-lost-on-average/30864#30864 +https://bitcoin.stackexchange.com/questions/38994/will-there-be-21-million-bitcoins-eventually/38998#38998 +Check the comments of user posts on their Facebook page. Additionally, there are posts on whirlpool reporting that they've been told the rebate will be ending in September. + +Unfortunately, it looks like their once extremely competitive savings account has fallen to the wayside. The friends I just signed up are gonna be a little ticked off. +Have a house we bought for 295k, now valued at 695k despite it being a dump. We've done nothing to it and we owe 100k on it. House is 3br, needs lots of work. We have 4 kids, work and school are an hour round trip away. + +Found a house that is walking distance to kids school and work, 5br, owners accepted 970k on original listing of 990k. House next door is the same, listed 990 sold for 1 million same week.Both houses on the market less than 2 weeks. + +Have to do bridging finance to get in as I can't sell mine 1st and live with family/friends or rent. + +Very nervous about buying, the arse falling out of everything and having to pay 2 mortgages on houses now valued substantially less. However moving would save shitloads in fuel, can probably get rid of a car, we have some room to live, and I get back about an extra 1.5-4 hours a day not spent commuting (sometimes have to go to work multiple times a day). + +We have a decent household income and could ride out some more rate rises and a sizeable house price reduction so long as current house sold within 9-12 months or so and kept >70% of its current value. + +*Edit* thanks to everyone who took the time to read and reply. + +I'm going to go over some sums a bit more in-depth and look at how far things would need to move house price wise and interest rate wise to find our point of unservicability to guide our next steps. + + Selling now and renting for 6-12 months while waiting to see what happens and/or engaging a second broker seem like the less risky options depending on how drastic a house price/interest rate movement we would be able to reasonably survive. +Due to the recent bitfinex bug, my investment has lost a large amount of value. + +I think it is appropriate that all exchanges cease operation until We can implement a hard fork giving all of us investors more bitcoin to make us whole. + +I also think anyone who shorted this fall, or somehow otherwise profited from the fall should have their addresses blacklisted. + +That is all. + +(tongue in cheek) +I'm a scientist and this is a brain dump of what I've read in scientific articles and books. + +There's papers in game theory (that I cannot be bothered to find, sorry is Saturday and I'm still in my PJs) which have found that there are always some that cheat. + +Paperhanders=freeriders=cheats + +Part one: game theory and freeriders + +It's advantageous for some people to cheat, but if everyone cheats the system breaks down (see 2008 crash and the current naked short selling crisis!), And there's work in evolutionary biology suggesting that a certain percentage will cheat. There have been freeriders since we were bacteria! + +Now this is why in game theory, a group of humans will take the less advantageous position for them purely to punish cheaters. See also the concept of fair play, being sporting, not being an arsehole, and rules for behavior in every major religion, etc + +Paper hands will rise on our work and paperhand out some of their shares to cover their bet, which is cheating, and we can't punish their behaviour cos we don't know who they are. (And if we could punish them we'd now be guilty of collusion, there's DD about that). + + But humans often behave how they behave even when there isn't a mechanism to catch them, largely cos the cognitive load of checking for such a mechanism is too high (in non psychology terms, we're too lazy to check how we might get caught that it's often easier to obey the rules). So most people won't paperhand. We'd feel we were letting the community down, and we've spent our lives in communities where we don't let them down as we don't want to be known as the arsehole. + +But by paperhanding, they reduce their risk, but also their potential profit. If you've only bet what you can afford to lose and you're commited to this bet, then you don't need to reduce your risk. + +Anyway, there will be paperhanders because some humans will always do it (perhaps because of selection pressures), but most Humans won't do it. + +A minorty are freeriders? Always have been. Earth 🌎 astronaut gun. + +Addendum: our actions make evolutionary psychology sense, we're punishing the cheaters, the hedge funds doing the naked short selling that is cheating, and it makes socialogical sense as if we don't punish the cheaters, the system collapses and we're all hurt. This is why we're confusing the hedges we are literally following a different evolutionary strategy to them! + +Part 2: Nash equilibrium (Google it or watch A Beautiful Mind). + +Ok a Nash equilibrium is where a group takes the less than optimum option for themselves for the group to get the optimum option. + +I.e. if you paperhand some shares on the way up, you reduce your risk and can still make out on the backs of others (freerider!) +But if everyone does it, no squeeze. + +But if we all go for a Nash equilibrium, we all take the risk on the way up, we all make out better. + +John Nash won the Nobel prize in economics for this. + +So yeh, a Nash equilibrium is what we want. + +Part 3: combining part 2 and 3 + +The optimum for the group is a Nash equilibrium. But there have been freeriders since time immemorial. But if the majority go for a Nash Equilibrium +Literally 💎 ✋ +Even if there are freeloaders (paper ✋) +It will squeeze. (Not necessarily as much as it could, but nothing in life is perfect) + +Why? Cos human progress has not been completely retarded by freeloaders before, and we have socialogical and psychological training in how to deal with this. +Push the community, +Literally APES TOGETHER STRONG +Push the Nash Equilibrium solution +Appeal to greed by explaining selling on the way down +Push the description of hedges as cheaters + +Because I'm too lazy to find said research, I'm going to pick a number out of my arse and say I'm expecting 10% paperhanding. (You could get 20%if you like Pareto stats). + +NB. Don't be offended, Humans are 'lazy' cognitively cos it's costs a lot of energy to run our big brains and there's only so many bananas, so we look for shortcuts. Without that, we'd never have invented the wheel or computer programming. + +Some papers +https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC137873/ +https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsif.2016.0967 +Google Nash equilibrium, game theory+free riders + +Edit: TLDR: +There will always be a small percentage of cheaters, but they won't stop the squeeze because it's a small percentage and the freeloaders haven't managed to retaed human progress completely thus far. Pushing the community naritive is the best way to stop potential fomoing in paperhanders. But I've been to lazy to find all the articles for you. soz. + +TLDR of the tldr + 💎✋+ Apes together strong = 🚀🚀🚀🚀🌚 + +(Sorry for bad writing am on my phone and have fat fingers) +Hit me with your best shot, fire away! I personally like many others jumped in on some LRC when i started to hear the rumblings about the Gamestop deal. Whether or not that ever becomes reality who knows, but I bought in at around $1.20 so so far so good. I hear rumours every other week about Cardano and what amazing thing is coming there next, but so far since they haven't delivered much in my opinion I am not holding my breath. + +What about everyone else? What juicy rumours has everyone heard lately that they're buying up? +TL;DR: I found that my family and I have been “dreaming” much more because of GME. We talked A LOT about what we want to do with our tendies and after a few months it struck me: we’ve really not been “good” at dreaming and thinking big thoughts for a long, long time, huh? + +Have you noticed? At first, back in January / February, we had all the “wen lambo” posts and I’m sure many of you, like me, have been watching YouTube videos about expensive watches, awesome travel destinations, jewelry etc. + +It’s like we have been flexing our “dream muscles” and they have been really weak for many, many years (for me, decades) because we’ve been caught up in the rat race just trying to survive. + +And then, after thinking about BUYING all that stuff, many of us already realized, that it’s not all. Sure, we need to try “burning” off some fun money on cars etc. but I see from the posts since January, that many of us have been dreaming more and more, almost to the point of knowing that the dreams will not STAY dreams for long. + +And then it hit me - wow ….. it’s actually super sad, that we’re used to not dream that much. Not used to think “out loud” and put words on it. + +But also, it’s so “big” that we’ve had this part of our lives brought back. This is so much more than just the money. +EDIT: I called TransAmerica and they told me they will not charge me this month, and they will send a surrender form in the mail. They were very easy to work with, a lot more than the insurance agency guy! if they are indeed a pyramid scheme and I continue to get charge, I will call the bank and tell them to stop the debit. + +Thank you all for the helpful advice and for showing me the course of actions I can take +---- + +6 months ago, my mother-in-law came over with her "Financial Adviser". Financial adviser was this well dressed Vietnamese gentleman in a suit. He sold her life insurance 5 years ago and she(MIL) has been paying ever since. + +Background information about our family, we are first generation (Vietnamese) Americans who are bad at English, so we don't know much about how life insurance works. He showed us graphs and charts about how our investment grows, and how compounding interesting works and how rich we'll be if one of us dies, and about this and that. + +My MIL with this gentleman convinced my wife and me to both get life insurance policies through "oh if you die, what will happen?" this and that. + +Fast forward to two days ago, my coworkers convinced me to cancel my insurance, and he(guy who sold the insurance) absolutely refuses when I made the call! + +I said " I cannot pay because I have kids, a mortgage, car payments. his reply "Oh, that's exactly why you need life insurance! if you die who will pay those bills". then I tried to get him to cancel and he said "Oh, 65$ a month, that's only a beers and meals, you just have to go without it" . + +I said "Please sir, can you cancel the policy for me" and he said "OK, just wait for the forms, ill send them to you". I said "How long will it take for the cancel forms to reach my house?" he said "Who knows really, it can take be whenever." and I told him, please send the forms as soon as possible or I will call the CORPORATE OFFICE to do it. + +Yesterday he actually went behind my back and called my wife to talk to her to convince her this and that! + +Today I called him back, and after a lot of "oh, you make me feel so sad.. why must you put your family at risk" and he said "Oh, can you please keep the policy for another 6 months so you would have hold it for at least a year? till then, we can talk about it." and so now he still refuses to do any policy canceling. Right now I have the autopayment through my bank account and it is withdrawing the premium in two days and I really don't want to pay for this policy for the rest of my life (I ALREADY HAVE certain insurance through work, which I think are better than his) + +Our policy is with TransAmerica, I am 35 years old, and my policy is for $100,000, and my payment is 65$/mnth. + +Can I cancel straight through TransAmerica? My wife is afraid that he'll talk bad to my MIL if we cancel with him. + +I am bad at english so I have my nephew type this. He'll translate the replies. +Hi guys I guess this is just a vent but I’ve recently posted in here about how I’m living in the car with my family & how I’m going to document it the whole way through until we’re back on our feet, But this is getting exhausting. Every thing requires money. We have no friends or family we can even go hang out with during the days we’re not working & the process has been mentally draining. I’ve been in non stop work mode trying to save money but I’m spending so much just accommodating us being in a car. Sometimes I don’t even get more than 3hrs of sleep because I can’t get comfortable in the drivers seat, the car is constantly running & I’m afraid it’s going to break down half the time because of it even though it’s a decent vehicle. On top of that the trunk is so packed with stuff it’s hard to find anything we have! & we have bikes on the back which I constantly have to remove to even open the trunk 😡Today I’m going to attempt to take a shower because we just signed up for a gym last night but I have so much anxiety that someone’s going to kick us out for some reason just because we’re homeless & using it for showers. Probably my own issue but living like this your mind starts running rampant. I’m exhausted. +Recently, I got myself a job as a delivery driver. I make enough in tips that I don't touch my paychecks. At this point I have about $1000 saved up and since I don't use it I thought it would be smart to invest in stocks and watch it grow. I was wondering what would be the best methods for maximum profit. I was thinking of investing 80% in a company projected to grow over time and holding for a few years and invest the other 20% in day to day trading. + I did some research on day to day trading and a source said to have a minimum of $25,000. I would only have $200 so would day to day even be worth it? Any tips or advise would be greatly appreciated. + +Edit: Everyone was extremely helpful! Thank you guys so much! +I've received my offer letter from my new job, signed it, and am awaiting further paperwork. I'd like to submit my resignation as soon as possible in order to have a 'buffer' period between jobs to ensure some personal affairs are in order. + +However + +My new job has a background screening process and some onboarding paperwork that needs to be filled out that I have yet to receive. There is no reason I would fail the screening process, but I'm a cautious individual and don't want to find myself unemployed entirely because I acted too fast. + +Some further background - I worked for this new employer as a contractor 3 years prior and I passed my background checks then and very little has changed in the past 3 years. + +Am I overthinking things? Am I being excessively paranoid? + +EDIT: Got the answer I needed: Wait until background checks are cleared and the start date is formally set rather than tentative. +It's crazy how convenient the timing is on FTX getting destroyed. Binance attacked them, then claimed they were buying them, and then dumped the deal entirely. This past week all of crypto fell far off a high cliff. The sell off across all the coins was so shockingly fast and abrupt, that you would have thought there was some greater economic event going on! But there wasn't. It was a pure scam run by algo control of the coin markets. The paid for crime media used two main stories for everyone and their brother selling off all of their crypto holdings. One was fear of government regulation, and the other? You guessed it, they sold their holdings because the Binance buy out of FTX fell through! 🤣🤣 + +&nbsp; + +It's getting harder and harder explaining away the absurdity of this shit. And to all of my crypto bros, I hope by now that you realize that those markets are under massive control by powerful people (cit, virt, point, and others), and constantly getting pumped and dumped in unison for liquidity, as well as being able to attack their enemies with it. And yes even though this arm of FTX isn't the same as the FTX that is directly involved with GameStop, it still is an attack against that company, because of it. The criminals are sending out messages. +My ex and I were together for nearly a decade and owned our home together. When I originally bought the house, I put both of our names on the mortgage, but paid for everything myself, and have continued making mortgage payments entirely on my own. + + +Unfortunately, we've decided to split up, and because I paid for 100% of the house so far, she said she'll sign whatever she needs to in order to give me 100% equity in the home. + + +I've spoken to our mortgage lender, who said that unfortunately, an FHA loan like ours only allows us to remove a name if we can provide a divorce decree, which we don't have due to us never being legally married. Our only other option would be to sell or refinance, which is an absolute last result right now due to how bad the market is doing. Finally, we could obviously stay as is, but that adds risk in the sense that she could eventually decide she wanted half the house, or at bare minimum she may have trouble renting her own place due to her name still legally being on the mortgage. + + +Right now we owe \~400k and have a 3.5% interest rate. Looking at the math for refinancing right now seems like it would be financial suicide to refinance. Sale wise, I'd love to keep the home, but I'm not sure if I have any other real options. The home has appreciated in value, Zillow estimates it's worth \~600k now, but I'm not sure what sort of tax implications I'd have if I sold the home and didn't immediately put the money into a new property. + + +Would love to get advice on if there are any other options for us? +I'm thinking about investing in Mallinckrodt. The company is going through bankruptcy proceedings due to the opioid crisis. It's a company that still makes money - got approval last year from the FDA for Stratagraft and has an upcoming meeting with the FDA for Terlipressin - they were given a CRL last time. Do you think it's worth to invest in this company at this point? +My husband and I are reaching the point in our careers where we can afford to spend some money on services that will ultimately help us get further without the burden of dealing with some of those tasks ourselves. + +We've talked about hiring a cleaner to come once a week or once every other, and while we realize that they won't be dealing with the actual clutter and organization, it will mean that we will never really have to spend our time on deep cleaning... that... at the moment, either doesn't get done or takes a significant amount of time out of our weekend, leaving us feeling like we didn't get enough relaxation ahead of the workweek. + +The second service that I'm wondering about is a laundry service that handles both washing and folding. We have an in-unit washer but not a dryer. We live in the UK where this is the common setup and everyone tends to just line-dry their laundry. Laundromats aren't as common as they are in the US. This is a frustration because, for some items, it takes ages to dry, it feels like we almost constantly have the drying rack present in our home, and then there's the time that it takes to fold and put everything away. I totally understand that this is just a part of life but I feel like the amount of time and energy that this activity takes would be worth the investment to offload to a service in order to gain some time and energy back. + +Are any of these services *actually* worth it in terms of translating your money into time that you ultimately gain back from the expense? What are your personal experiences with these services? Did they benefit you? Or did you find them not to be worth it? Are there any other services that have benefited you! + +&#x200B; + +Edit: Wow! I didn't expect this post to get some much attention! Thank you for all of your detailed responses, I hope this helps others too! +🌵 This Microcap Gem has HUGE potential. Releasing a physical Tequila with NFT complement. Doxxed dev, locked liquidity, and the best community in crypto. 765 holders, and a passionate community of 954 in the Telegram Channel. + +The revenue from Tequila sales in the US, Hong Kong, and UK will flow directly back into the project and create constant buy pressure. + +Market Cap: $990k + +➤ Official Telegram channel: [https://t.me/TequilaParty](https://t.me/TequilaParty) + +Lead Dev Jameson Huckaba (@RossBrentwood) from #TequilaParty ($tequila)’s LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonhuckaba/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesonhuckaba/) + +There's tremendous community energy (and probably Tequila) behind Tequila Party, and for good reason. $tequila isn’t a meme coin, but you’d be excused for thinking so; it’s a real, genuine project with doxxed developers and an incredibly transparent, awesome team. Tequila Party is excited to announce that they’re releasing an actual Tequila. This will be the first crypto-focused distilled spirit, and it's going to be amazing. Distribution is being lined up in the US, the UK, and Hong Kong to begin with, and each bottle sold will have a NFT complement. + +Tequila Party ($tequila) on BSC is the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for. They’ve built a great community of passionate holders who understand the long term vision. A pump and dump this is not - they’re aiming for organic, sustainable growth. The chart for the past week demonstrates exactly that. All the things are locked, and if we play our cards right, we just might have a tequila party on the moon. + +The project is a week and a half old, and they’ve demonstrated steady, consistent growth from day one. $tequila weathered the storm of May 19th well, because of their passionate, committed community. + +Updates on our physical product! TequilaParty is in discussions with three distilleries in Mexico, and shooting to do a valley style Tequila with its volcanic soils. These groups are currently sending samples, and Jameson (dev, tequila fan) will go visit to start production and wrap up details. They’ve arranged for US importers and distribution, and working on the UK and Hong Kong, as they have connections in the distilled spirits industry in both of those markets. + +The next big hurdle is branding and regulatory label approval, for which the process has been started. Branding is going to be key, as this product builds a bridge between the real world and the cryptosphere. SO cool! + +Other goings on: New logo and website which should be ready in a few days. TequilaParty has a legit PR firm which will send out releases soon with announcements and memorandums of understanding for their partnerships. Jameson has meetings nearly every day with people in the tequila industry, talking about the project and how to work together for mutual benefit. + +=== + +Want to finally have some fun on BSC? This is the project for you. Have a margarita and relax, and watch your balance grow. Get serious benefits if you are a LP token holder. + +Tequila Party is looking to deepen their liquidity pool, and has serious incentives to do so, because liquidity is important to the long term success of the project. Ask about this in Telegram! + +Tequila Party ($tequila) is indeed fun, but it is also so much more. They’re partnering with organizations that promote sustainable, traditional agriculture in Mexico, big tequila producers to educate and inform, and most importantly, we’re releasing their very own crypto-focused tequila to the wild. + +Marketing efforts have been constant and persistent across channels including reddit, twitter, tiktok, and other channels. The goal of course is to have sustainable, organic growth, which they’ve absolutely done in their first ten days of existence. + +$Tequila trades on PancakeSwap on the BSC network. You can buy it here: [https://exchange.pancakeswap.finance/#/swap?outputCurrency=0xf459693e9f45f432ecb48afe1bd0ccaa4ad82959](https://exchange.pancakeswap.finance/#/swap?outputCurrency=0xf459693e9f45f432ecb48afe1bd0ccaa4ad82959) + +The future is bright! Tequila on the Moon is in sight! + +➤ Website and roadmap \[[https://tequilaparty.space/](https://tequilaparty.space/)\] + +📑 Tequila Contract: [https://bscscan.com/token/0xf459693e9f45f432ecb48afe1bd0ccaa4ad82959](https://bscscan.com/token/0xf459693e9f45f432ecb48afe1bd0ccaa4ad82959) +🌘 MoonDisco $DISCO is a community crypto currency token dedicated to solar energy based on the Binance Smart Chain. In the face of climate change environmentally friendly energy production is one of the keys to our future. DISCO is focussing on solar power development, research and charity projects around the globe. To make the world more DISCO means to unleash the full potential of solar power for our and future generations. + +🚀 Presale on 2 May 1 PM EST 🚀 + +💎 IMPORTANT LINKS 💎 + +📲 Website: https://moondis.co/ + +📲 Telegram announcement: https://t.me/MoonDiscoBSC_An + +📲 Telegram: https://t.me/MoonDiscoBSC + +📲 Presale: https://dxsale.app/app/pages/defipresale?saleID=203&chain=BSC + +📲 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MoonDiscoBSC + +📲 Contract Address: https://bscscan.com/address/0x81FB405271219FFAC8221d2d10c2FCE4F7a7886F + +📲 Pancake link after launch: https://exchange.pancakeswap.finance/#/swap?outputCurrency=0x81FB405271219FFAC8221d2d10c2FCE4F7a7886F + +🔥 TOKENS BURNED 🔥 + +https://bscscan.com/tx/0x704d0cf1c394dd6e0d2ebaa37ad0196281c90bb0923405f87564d61bd7c65d49 + +🔒 DEV TOKENS LOCKED 🔒 + +https://dxsale.app/app/pages/dxlockview?id=0&add=0x1c913B9A460f19820F168d265aC0a69bA337A98C&type=tokenlock&chain=BSC + +🌕 PRESALE DETAILS 🌕 + +Presale price | 870,000,000,000.0000 DISCO per 1BNB + +Listing price | 870,000,000,000.0000 DISCO per 1BNB + +Soft/Hard cap: 200/300 BNB + +Liquidity: 70% (will automatically be locked by dxsale.app after presale finished successfully) + +Min/Max Buy: 0.1/3 BNB + +Duration: 3 hours, and list on V2 PancakeSwap 1 hour after the hard cap is reached + +🌒 TOKEN DETAILS 🌒 + +Total supply | 1,000,000,000,000,000 + +Liquidity | 182,700,000,000,000 + +Burn | 500,000,000,000,000 + +Presale | 261,000,000,000,000 + +💵 10% tax on each transactions 💵 + +🏦 5% will be added to the liquidity pool + +💸 5% will get distributed proportionally between all holders +This is not FUD and Im not trying to scare anyone. Please read. + +Biden is going to propose a $4 trillion budget today. + +It is pretty much a guarantee he will be proposing higher cap gains taxes on the very wealthy. + +This news leaked a few weeks ago and the stock market and crypto market tanked hard. + +If capitol gains are raised on the wealthy they will sell crypto and stocks to avoid paying the higher taxes. + +There is some speculation that Biden might make it retroactive to April to avoid sharp market selloffs. In that case there might not be a big dip. + +If you're planning on buying crypto today it might be a good idea to wait until after his budget proposal. + +Again this isn't FUD. No one should panic. If you're in it for the long haul this doesn't really matter. +Imma be honest, I only partially DRS'd my shares. Some XXX of XXXX. The rest are in my brokerage. + +Why? Well, DRS seems a little slow/clunky to execute, and my broker doesn't have a track record of sending great tax basis info, so it means more work at tax season. If I can hold in DRS, I can hold in my brokerage. + +Holy shit was that wrong. + +I should have seen the writing on the wall. Nothing had yet convinced me, including GameStop actually listing the DRS numbers on their reports - which should have been a massive red flag. + +But lower DRS numbers. That's it. + +We're not selling from ComputerShare. We all know that. And most are buying constantly (when they can). So the small amount it increased is obviously a larger player buying/selling in a format they never need to use, for the sake of messing with the report and our expectations. + +Why do that? Because DRS is causing them problems, and that's all the info I need. I'll be contacting my brokerage today to fully transfer my position to ComputerShare. Will post here in a few days when its done. + +I'm done giving them just the tip. Time to fuk these hedgies. +Hi all, I had a 401K with an employer that became a rollover “Vanguard Cash Reserves Federal Money Market Fund Admiral Shares Prospectus.” What the heck kind of account is it now? And why has it only made $300 in 6 years? Can I do something to make it grow more? Should I pull it out and invest elsewhere? The amount of the 401k before rollover was at 4k. TIA for you help!!! I appreciate you all! + +EDIT: Thank you guys! I really (clearly) did NOT understand what happened when 401Ks rollover or all the lingo associated. Big oof, lesson learned. + +EDIT: Tldr, “user does not realize 401k rolling over into an IRA means *they* needed to pick new investments, and that the 401k investment picks did not transfer to the IRA automatically. More news tonight at 6. “ +Would there be any consequences to the overall economy? How would industries that require very little education be affected? Would this situation be any different than the current state of affairs in the US, or would we just see even more college grads working at low-paying jobs unrelated to their degrees? +I have a few friends who finished their economics degrees and masters. They now work for investment banks in the city. I sat down with them last night and one of them made a basic point and everyone seemed to agree "If the banks were left with out the bailouts the recession would have lasted roughly 2 quarters" + +Everyone of them agreed pointing out that the banks were not expecting the bailout and started firing the idiots who lost them money left right and center. Saying "That in the short run, alot of banks would crash and burn, however in the long run there would be the people to go pick up the peices and the economy would have continued to chug along. " + + +> +> Edit: Thanks for all the replies so far guys, its quiet interesting what other people think. I my self was sceptical on the statement and figured i'd throw it out here to see if anyone agreed with them even if on a basic level. +> Edit 2: Please also note I am playing devil's advocate in a lot of my questions because I am truely interested in why people form the opinions they have. + +> Edit 3: I am trying to answer questions as fast as possible but I have work to do ;) + +> Edit 4: For the people putting statements like "it is impossible to know and anyone that makes this claim is reckless and moronic." Please leave, thats not a discussion thats you being a troll. (Well people are unhappy with this. So here. I have no issue with statement itself, aside from the personal attack. What I have issue with it not explaining why they think that. At lest back it up with personal opinion or some evidence so you can have an actual discussion about it) + +> To clarify some points + +* The people invovled are smart (but young people) who said this +* Only 2 of the 4 said 2 quarters, the other two stated longer then that, but shorter then our current reccession +* **This is a dicussion not a place to post one liners for quick karma** +* Please keep the personal statements away from the post, comment on the statement not on how you feel about the people who said the statement. Once again its trolling and makes you look like a tool. + +Edit 5: Wow this totally turned into a bigger discussion then I had assumed. Thanks for the continued interesting responces. Please remember to keep the responces on a less personal level, whilst you may not agree with these people don't act like children ans resort to name calling :). Some great answers here and only a few trolls. + +> Edit 6: Changed edit 4 to explain what i meant more clearly as people seem to be angered by me calling it trolling. +The links below are from, "Social Democracy for the 21st Century" a Post Keynesian blog. + +**Inflation** + +[Austrian Theory of Inflation](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/04/austrian-theory-of-inflation-myths-and.html) + +[Where's the inflation?](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-2011-and-still-no-hyperinflation.html) + +[Hayek on Secondary Deflation](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/01/hayek-on-secondary-deflation.html) + +[Rothbard on Deflation](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/01/rothbard-refutes-rothbard-on-effects-of.html) + +**Banking** + +[Fractional Reserve Evil?](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/06/fractional-reserve-banking-evil.html) + +[Free Banking](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/06/selgin-on-fractional-reserve-banking.html) + +**Praxeology** + +[Mises' Praxeology](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/mises-praxeology-critique.html) + +[Flaws of Praxeology](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/01/mises-on-ricardian-law-of-association.html) + +[Limits of Human Action](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/02/limits-of-human-action-axiom.html) + +[Hayek on Apriorism](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/05/hayek-on-mises-apriorism.html) + +**Say’s Law** + +[Debunking Say's Law](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/myth-of-says-law.html) + +[Say's Law and Demand](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/05/says-law-presupposes-aggregate-demand.html) + +**Ethics** + +[Mises and Utilitarianism](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/rothbard-on-mises-utilitarianism-why.html) + +[Economics and Ethics](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/economics-and-ethics-brief-survey.html) + +**Austrian Business Cycle Theory (ABCT)** + +[Debunking ABCT](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/austrian-business-cycle-theory-its.html) + +[Kirzner on ABCT](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/05/kirzner-on-austrian-business-cycle.html) + +[More ABCT](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/06/australian-business-cycle-in-19th.html) + +[Idle Resources](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/06/abct-and-idle-resources.html) + +[Epicycles](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/06/austrian-business-cycle-theory.html) + +[Garrison on ABCT](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/06/roger-w-garrison-on-austrian-business.html) + +**Austrian Economics and History** + +[Recession of 1920](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/us-recession-of-19201921-some.html) + +[Mises on Fascism](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2010/10/mises-on-fascism-in-1927-embarrassment.html) + +[Mises and the State](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/03/mises-hypocrite-when-reality-trumps.html) + +[Hoovenador](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/05/herbert-hoovers-budget-deficits-drop-in.html) + +[Mises on the Great Crash](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/05/mises-did-not-predict-us-stock-crash-of.html) + +**Equilibrium** + +[Equilibrium](http://socialdemocracy21stcentury.blogspot.com/2011/04/full-employment-equilibrium-is-not.html) + +Learning Post Keynesian economics can be difficult... and expensive! Here are some books I would recommend. + + +1. Financial Markets, Money and the Real World. + +2. The Elgar Companion to Post Keynesian Economics + +Filing was made on 7th of May and accepted on the 10th. + +https://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=202105101441091237Y + +According to the filing it‘s because of a share purchase plan and in no way a buyback, but maybe it‘s interesting to some. +One of the biggest issues new traders (and some experienced traders) have is - position sizing. Our mindset tends towards wanting larger positions (more shares/contracts = more potential profit), but with that inclination comes more risk. At a certain point we being to make decisions based on fear rather than strategy, which is never where you want to be. + +The notion of using limits like 1% or 2% of your portfolio on a trade makes little sense, as your risk is only defined by where you will stop out of a trade. You could use your entire account (and margin) on a single trade, but you are not *risking* the entire balance. + +Similarly, predefining your risk tolerance at 1% to 2% of your portfolio also makes little sense, as you are calculating where your stop will be based based on your P&L, and not on the price action of the stock. + +So here is a systematic method to use in determining your position size. The following method can be put into any Excel document fairly easily. + +To begin with, you need to know your stats - whether it is through Tradervue or Edgewonk or your own method - Win Rate % and Average Number of Trades per day are the important numbers to know. And of course, you need to know what your monthly income goal is in order to also know what your daily goal needs to be. If you trade for a living than you know these numbers off the top of your head, and most of this method becomes a quick mental calculation. + +So to start with, let’s say your average win rate is 80% over the last year. Obviously the more trades you have done over the past year, the more confident you can be in this number. If you have done 6,000 trades and were profitable on 4,800 of them, that is a reliable average to use. Conversely if you did 10 trades and were profitable on 8 of them, you might want to get more trading under your belt. I consider anything +/- $50 a wash, or scratch trade, but each person has their own range for that definition (i.e. if you have an account of $1,000 than a win of $10 *should* count, where a win of .25 cents would be a scratch). + +Now, you want to trade Stock XYZ , which is $50 a share (using easy numbers for the sake of math) - and looking at the charts you know your mental stop is $48.50 (e.g. just below major support level). As long as the stock stays above $48.50, you are staying in the trade. + +Thus, you are willing to lose $1.50 per share on the trade, now you may exit sooner (i.e. XYZ begins to lose volume), but currently your stop (hard stop or mental) is at $48.50. Now based on your average win rate (80%) your breakeven Risk|Reward is at 50.375. Meaning if you did this trade 100 times, and 20 times took a loss at 48.50 (20 \* $1.50 = $30), but 80 times took profits at 50.375 (80 \* .375 = $30), you would be even. + +Ok, so now you know your profit target needs to be above 50.375. Sticking to the "easy math" concept, if you made the target 50.75, you would have a Reward ratio of 2:1 (e.g. after 100 trades of 1 share per trade, 20 times you exited at 48.50, but 80 times hit your target at 50.75, you would lose $30 on the losers, and make $60 on the winners).  + +*Note: If at this point you notice a resistance point below your profit target (so let’s say it is at $50.50 and your target is $50.75), meaning you’re capped below you’re desired target, you want to rethink the trade.* + +So the question now is - knowing that your target is at 50.75, and your looking at a 2:1 ratio, how many shares should you trade? Well that takes us back to the average number of trades you do in a day and your daily/monthly goal, so for the sake of these examples, let's say it is, 20 trades a day. And you want to make $60,000 a month, or $2000 each day. If your win rate is 80%, and you did the same risk-reward as above, you would need 334 shares - (334 \* .75 cents for the winners = $250.5, 334 \* 1.50 for the losers = $501, because if you did this trade 20 times, on average you would win 16 times (80% win rate) which is $250.5 \* 16 = $4,008 and you lost 4 times which is $501 \* 4 = $2,004), your total at the end of the day would be $4,008 - $2004 = $2,004, which is pretty much your goal of $2K.  + +***Using this idea in excel you can enter in your relevant stats which I suggest updating every month (win rate %, average number of trades, etc) and then you can just input the trade price, and your mental stop point based on the technicals, and the formula would return the suggested trade size.*** + +This is obviously a very standardized way of doing it, but it is a great example of how knowing your personal stats can help your trading.  It also shows the important of win rate % on your strategies.  The higher your win rate, the smaller the position sizes you would need to hit your monthly goals.    + +You'll also notice that as you adjust some numbers, other adjust as well - if you take trades where you can set your profit target higher, or you can reduce the amount of risk on where you will cut the trade, you can lower the amount of shares needed to hit your goals. The only thing I do not recommend is increasing you average number of trades a day - because yes, technically the higher the average number of trades per day, the less you need to make per trade to hit your goal, *but* after a certain point, as your average number of trades go up, *your win rate will most likely go down.*   + +You can really go down the position sizing rabbit hole from here with more advanced strategies where you look at your monthly stats and find out which type of trades are high probability trades (i.e. OTM Bullish Put Spreads, Relative Strength/Weakness trades) and other are lower (i.e. Scalps, Gap n' Go).  You see might see that your average a win rate for some types of trades might be over 90% and for Gappers it is 65%, this can allow you to further adjust based on the specific type of trade.  So in Excel you can expand the formula to choose which type of trade you are doing, thus changing your projected win rate, and changing the suggested position size. + +*The key here is to have enough trades to be able to accurately and confidently know what your win rate will be - which means you need to have an average win %, with a low variance. If you have a bunch of days where your win rate is 100% and an equal number of days where it is 40%, and there are an equal number of trades every day, you will have a win rate of 70%, but is that an accurate reflection of your trading? No - because clearly you either have really good days or really bad ones. You would have a wide distribution around that average, indicating an unreliable mean score.* + +***This is why it is essential to work on your strategy and win rate using small position sizes at first. And then you need to ensure that as you increase your position size emotional choices do not alter your win rate.*** + +If you can consistently depend on these averages, then position sizing becomes almost like muscle memory and you won't even need a spreadsheet to calculate it. But until then, using this method can eliminate one of the bigger issues Day Traders face. + +I just put this together so feel free to adjust it as needed, but it may help some of you: + +[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GD24EGFs63ScDY0yWmJUDI5e1QhIK7bHaYue6eCVQi0/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GD24EGFs63ScDY0yWmJUDI5e1QhIK7bHaYue6eCVQi0/edit?usp=sharing) +When my NW reaches $1 and is no longer negative. It's rather aggravating to be using every last discretionary dollar to get out of debt since paying off debt doesn't "compound" exactly. Yes, paying off interest-bearing debt means I won't have to pay extra in the future. But I'm really getting frustrated with the 1:1 ratio. Put one dollar in, NW goes up by $1. Whereas with investing, that $1 means other dollars in the future. + +Rant aside, I have to thank this sub. I've been going above and beyond with increasing my NW for the past year or so. But my "savings" have been pretty subjective. I never quantified it as 50% of take home pay. But seeing all the flairs on here with saving/investing rates around 70% and sometimes even higher? Man, you guys have really challenged me to step it up, I love it. +There are two things that frustrate me about the wealth accumulation phase of obtaining financial independence. One is the "waiting" feeling. We've discussed that in other threads. + +BUT, the other thing that really frustrates me is not being able to really talk to anyone about this other than my spouse and close family, and a few close friends. Even among friends and family there are some people you just can't tell for one reason or another. We have a family vacation coming up (we're all in our 30s but occasionally go on vacation together), and I have one sibling who has an income similar to mine, and I'd love to talk to about FI, investments, etc., but my other sibling is in a low income job and thinks only the government can save money for you so that conversation will probably just not happen. + +I have a lot of close work colleagues that I talk to about everything, but I don't feel comfortable sharing any of this discussion with them because (1) knowledge that my expiration date is much sooner than expected may devalue me in the company's eyes and (2) Its hard to negotiate for a raise when your boss knows you save 65% of what you are paid. I'll keep playing the new baby, mortgage, student debt, life is hard card instead. + +Anyone totally "out of the closet" on FI? Anyone do anything particularly interesting to hide things from others? Any other thoughts on the "stealth wealth" frustration? + +Just put my numbers into a mortgage calculator and I'm concerned. 4%/6% employer/employee on £60k at early 30s and 67 retirement age gives... £16k per annum retirement per HL retirement calculator. + +That's not good. + +To get the recommended 2/3rds salary figure I need to be putting in nearly a grand extra a month. How the hell is that affordable? + +My question is do these calculators have any value when we're talking 35 years away for retirement? +OK people, strap in. First of all, let me assure you that everything below happened exactly as I’ve written it. I’m a former journalist; I love chatting with interesting people and kinda letting them talk. Today has left me shook, but thoroughly entertained. + +So, I’m in Las Vegas today on a post-Covid vacation with my wife and son. We hop in an a taxi to go to an arcade; my son wants to game, damnit. + +Driver asks me, “What do you do for a living?” + +I tell him I’m an author. + +He says, “I’m a writer too, but my book is only 25 pages. It’s about cryptocurrency.“ + +I avoid talking much about crypto in real life, but I’m always interested in what people are thinking, and he says he’s writing a book. I lean forward as he turns out of Caesar’s Palace onto The Strip, “Interesting. Tell me more about that.“ + +He drives strangely: a kind of herky-jerky, gas on, gas off, gas on, gas off, like a drummer in a band keeping the beat with his feet. + +He starts with the big reveal of his book: “Satoshi is 6-7 Asian guys.” + +I’m thinking, “Okay, I’ve heard that theory before,” but I don’t say anything. + +He goes on, “You’ll never guess who hired them. It’s a name you’ve heard.” + +The whole interaction is strange as hell already, but keep in mind, this guy is around 65, with a kind of washed-out face caked with spray tan that makes him look like a corpse ready for viewing. + +He stares right at me in the rearview—eyes nowhere near the road, but he gave up caring about roads long ago—“Allan Greenspan hired 6-7 Asian guys to create Bitcoin.” + +He goes on to explain that Greenspan—who was the Chairman of the Federal Reserve for 20 years, including the years just before Bitcoin’s launch—wanted Americans to be able to save money, given the weakening dollar. He was pissed about the financial crisis, so he hired the 6-7 Asian guys to create it. He concludes, “I’m not 100% sure about Greenspan, but the 6-7 Asians is definite.” + +“How do you know for sure about the 6-7 Asian guys?” I ask. + +He looks at me in the rearview again—missing a turn in the process, and says the following as though I’m the dumbest bastard on earth: “America’s best-known psychic, Michelle Whitedove. She’s sure of it.” + +I stare back to see if he’s trolling me, but he’s not. This guy is dead serious. + +So now I’m pretty curious. I mean, if I’m chatting with a psychic who knows the identity of the real Satoshi, what’s my next question gonna be? Same as his was: What coins will moon? + +“Get out your phone,” he says. “It doesn’t matter how much you have to start with. Take notes if you want to be a multi-millionaire in 5 years.” + +He goes on to tell me how the next few years will go, according to this psychic, staring me down after each sentence like he might shoot me if I don’t write it down. And as a former journalist, writing down batshit crazy quotes comes naturally, so I type as fast as I can. + +Here’s a small selection: + +“Anytime a currency starts with an X that’s a world currency. Buy as much as you can even if you have to live like a pauper. Why the hell do you think I’m driving this taxi?” + +“Most say Bitcoin will be half a million dollars. I have it from two good sources that it will be 1.5 to 2 million.” (I assume one source was the psychic. For the rest of my life I’ll regret not asking who the second was.) + +“Bitcoin Cash will be way bigger than Bitcoin.” (I asked whether he thought that was due to BCH becoming more of an everyday transaction coin, which I still wouldn’t agree with but at least it would have had a theory behind it. He shook his head like I was a tool. “Michelle Whitedove.” + +On Dogecoin: “shouldn’t be worth what it is but people love dogs and e-coins. So you take the word ‘dog’ and add an ‘e’ for ‘electronic’ and that’s why.” + +“XRP is going to at least $1200.” + +“Theta is is the big one. Combine Microsoft, Google, Apple and eBay. Bigger than that. Easy. It’s the Godzilla. It’s market cap will be 100x all those companies combined. Sell everything you own and put it in Theta.” + +“Stellar Lumens. Easy 10,000x. Imagine buying the whole internet. Ethereum is dead. XLM was at 5 cents on March 3 and already at a dollar.” (Spoiler alert: neither of those prices are even close to correct). + +Toward the end I asked him about Cardano, just because it was the biggest coin he hadn’t talked about. “I don’t have time to research everything.” + +When we got to the arcade after another few wrong turns, he didn’t want me to leave. He was staring at my phone just to make sure I’d captured his words. I thanked him for the advice and stepped out into the 105-degree heat and asked my wife, “Should we drop all our savings on Theta?” + +We got pretty lucky at the arcade. Won a lot of tickets. Exchanged tickets for some toys. + +TLDR: Las Vegas cabbie and well-known psychic are bullish. +Hey UKPF! + +My current employer has stung me with a new job opportunity that almost seems to good to be true. + +Some background information: I am 23 years of age currently living in the UK and have done all my life. I don't have an amazingly paid job at the minute but it's getting me by for saving for what I want to achieve. I work for an automation company that distributes tubular motors and radio controls across the UK that's currently one of the largest \(automatic garage doors, roller shutters, window shutters, blinds. control system to operator with etc.\), and we're looking to expand into other continents. I started this job back in late July 2017 as an internal sales person but have had many different role changes, and right now I am the internal sales/outbound sales person. + +My director has recently been to Dubai and has decided to open an office there due to how massive the market is. The plan is to have someone from Dubai run the office and manage the on the road sales person, and my director has asked if I want to be that person. My job would be on the road trying to bring in new business, visiting current customers \(for when we get them\) and everything else a sales person would do. My accommodation would be paid for, for the first couple of months and so would the company vehicle for a couple of months until I'm properly settled in. The job will be long hours and I will most likely have minimal time to spend on myself, as I will need to liaise with the office back in the UK to gather pricing/quotations although I'd be 3 hours ahead which would mean late evening work. + +My director has said I will earn £3,000 to £4,000 a month with an additional £12,000 on top from commission, basically the more business I bring in, the more I will earn. If I bring in £1,000,000 for the business then I will have my basic salary \+ commission as my next years basic salary with commission. For example, if I earn £100,000 for my first year from basic salary/commission, the following year the £100,000 will be my basic salary and I will earn commission on top of that. + +Now the scary part. I have never been to Dubai, I have left the UK about 3 times in my lifetime, and I have little to no experience of being an on the road sales man. Oh, and I have been in a relationship with my loving girlfriend for around 1 year now \(she's uneasy with the idea and doesn't know what to think\)... Also, if I accept this job role but it all turns out to be a failure, then I risk having the company not taking me back on for when I'm back in the UK for wasting their time but obviously I intend to put my 100&#37; all into it. + +I know Dubai has very strict laws, I know the heat will be unbearable for me to begin with and I have never lived in another country on my own before. I don't know what people from Dubai would think if they see a foreigner trying to move them over from another company to my company, I don't know how people from Dubai would treat me if I walk onto a construction site attempting to gather information on who will be supplying their tubular motors etc, and if they will provide me contact details for the correct person to speak to. A lot of companies aren't registered through Google. + +I would appreciate someone's input on my current situation. Would I be stupid to accept this without any on the road sales experience, is this country easy to for sales people, would I be able to sell on my first day with the right negotiations? Would this job suit someone from Dubai who isn't a foreigner? Would this job risk my job back home within for when/if I return to the UK, if it fails? + +tldr; Been offered an on the road sales person job in Dubai with my current employer, accommodation/vehicle would be paid for, for the first couple of months. However, I have no on the road sales experience and I have never lived in another country before. A lot of money can be earned in this job role if done correctly. +[Source](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/bcreg20221014a1.pdf) + +>[The Federal Reserve Board on Friday invited public comment on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to enhance regulators' ability to resolve large banks in an orderly way should they fail.](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20221014a.htm) +> +>Recent merger activity and organic growth have increased the size of large banking organizations. **If they were to fail, their large size could complicate efforts by regulators to resolve the firms without disruption to customers and counterparties.** +> +>**As a result, the advance notice of proposed rulemaking asks for comment on several potential new requirements and resources that could be used for an orderly resolution of these large banking organizations, including a long-term debt requirement.** +> +>"As the banking system changes, policymakers must continuously evaluate whether resolution-related standards and prudential standards for large banks keep pace," Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr said. "That is why we welcome comment on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on resolution-related standards, and are evaluating whether capital requirements for large banks, including global systemically important banks—as well as other elements of the prudential framework—should be updated." +> +>The advance notice of proposed rulemaking was jointly developed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Comments will be accepted for 60 days after publication in the *Federal Register*. +> +>Also on Friday, the Board announced its approval of the application by U.S. Bancorp, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to acquire MUFG Union Bank, National Association, of San Francisco, California. In connection with the Board's approval, U.S. Bancorp has committed to provide the Board and the FDIC with an interim update to its resolution plan reflecting the combined organization, and implementation plans related to heightened prudential standards. + +[https:\/\/www.federalreserve.gov\/newsevents\/pressreleases\/files\/bcreg20221014a1.pdf ](https://preview.redd.it/b9m393rurst91.png?width=827&format=png&auto=webp&s=c7b19559ee2d13d9516986ce5d7e6ff2e571cbd9) + +[*Federal Register* notice: Resolution-Related Resource Requirements for Large Banking Organizations (PDF)](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/bcreg20221014a1.pdf) + +[Board memo (PDF)](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/bcreg20221014a2.pdf) + +[Order Approving the Acquisition of a Bank (PDF)](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/files/bcreg20221014a3.pdf) + +[Statement by Vice Chair Brainard](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/brainard-statement-20221014.htm) + +>**As I have noted previously, the increases in banking concentration in the $250-700 billion asset size category raise concerns. Since we know from experience that even noncomplex banks in that range can pose risks to the broader financial system when they experience financial distress, I am encouraged that the Board is seeking comment on an advance proposal to improve their resolvability through long-term debt requirements and is undertaking a serious review of large bank capital requirements.** + +[Statement by Governor Bowman](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bowman-statement-20221014.htm) + +>Today, the Board acted on two matters: (1) the publication of an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) soliciting public feedback on changes to the large bank resolution plan framework, and (2) approval of an application filed by U.S. Bancorp. **While I generally support both actions on their individual merits, I believe these matters should not be expressly linked, and there are elements of these actions that raise additional concerns.** +> +>*Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking*While the resolvability of large banking organizations should not be considered in connection with an individual application, it is an important issue that could benefit from public discussion and feedback. It is possible that changes to the existing regulatory and supervisory framework could enhance the resolvability of large banking organizations. In considering any changes, however, it is important to consider possible costs and unintended consequences. For example, the ANPR solicits feedback on whether large banking organizations should be required to issue more long-term debt, which could be "bailed in" to improve resolvability. Increased reliance on long-term debt funding could adversely impact the cost and availability of credit. +> +>I look forward to reviewing public comments on the approaches discussed in the ANPR, including on the costs and benefits of these approaches. While I voted in favor of seeking public comment on the ANPR, this vote does not indicate my support for future rulemaking proposals. I will evaluate future proposals on their merits. +> +>*U.S. Bancorp Application*I support the Board's action to approve the U.S. Bancorp application, but I am concerned about several aspects of the approval. I am concerned that the commitment that could impose heightened prudential standards at a fixed date in the future is inconsistent with the Board's existing regulatory framework, which imposes tailored requirements based on clear, quantitative measures of the firm's underlying risk. +> +>The Board has tailored the application of its large banking organization regulatory requirements to match their respective risk profiles based on objective, quantitative thresholds of asset size, cross-jurisdictional activity, reliance on short-term wholesale funding, nonbank assets, and off-balance sheet exposure. As described in the order, both before and after consummation of the proposed transaction, U.S. Bancorp would be classified as "Category III" under the Board's regulations. This imposes specific requirements and expectations that are established by rule. Of course, the firm may grow beyond its Category III designation and therefore be subject to these heightened standards. +> +>Notwithstanding the clear category thresholds established through notice and comment rulemaking, the Board's order suggests that it may require the firm to comply with Category II standards by the end of 2024, regardless of whether the firm would be subject to these requirements by regulation. This determination does not appear to be driven by any specific concern about financial stability. If the Board believes that the firm should be subject to heightened prudential standards in the future to address financial stability concerns, the Board's rules and regulations provide a means to do so[1](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bowman-statement-20221014.htm#fn1). + +[Statement by Governor Waller](https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/waller-statement-20221014.htm) + +>While I support issuing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit public comment on the appropriateness of certain resolution-related requirements for large banks, that does not mean I support or oppose applying such requirements to those banks. **I look forward to reviewing the comments received.** +Context: I am mid 30's, have a decent job, renting (currently 45% of weekly income), a small chunk of savings (about half way to a deposit for a very modest home, no partner or dependents. + +Feelit very discouraged about the state of things and almost certain I'll never be able to retire. +Let me start by saying none of this is intended to be financial advice. This is written in an attempt to explain in simple terms and wording a financial strategy involving superannuation that is available to any Australian taxpayer. It is written using information available on ATO websites and assembled by someone who has a few years experience in the industry and is pretty good when it comes to knowing and explaining facts. Which is what this is intended to be an assembly of. Facts. Not advice. + +Before I explain the strategy some backgrounding for anyone who might have heard of this but isn't familiar with the mechanics of it. Firstly, what money can be subject to tax in super? Money that you receive into superannuation is divided into money that is considered taxable & tax-free. Anything you get from an employer, or put in yourself via salary sacrifice, or put in after tax & claim on your tax return - is added to taxable component. + +Anything you put into super as an after-tax contribution (money from your take-home pay, or left over from selling assets after CGT for example), is added to tax-free component. + +Components exist together within either an accumulation or an income account. Component amounts remain the same if you move the money between either of these accounts. + +You cannot add money to an existing income account - any money received into super has to go into an accumulation account initially. But you can restart an income account (move it back into accumulation with the money you've added or received - and then turn it all back into one income account) or you can commence another income account using the funds added back into accumulation to run alongside one you already have. + +Any withdrawals made are taken in proportion from taxable/tax free components within an account. Ie. if someone had 95% taxable/ 5% tax free within their super and drew out $10,000, $9500 would come from taxable and $500 from tax-free components. + +Super will be tax-free to use yourself on reaching preservation age (60 for anyone born after 01/07/1964), retire from work at that point or anytime after and you can start accessing super, without having to pay any tax on it or limits on what you can withdraw, **regardless** of whether it comes from taxable or tax-free components. + +Earnings in accumulation accounts are always taxed at 15% but don't require withdrawals each FY. + +Earnings in income accounts are tax-free, but come with a requirement to draw an age-based minimum % from the account each FY. + +While money is in accumulation mode, all earnings add to taxable component, and while money is in income account mode, earnings add to each component in proportion. + + +Finally, your super when you die - If you don't spend it all in your lifetime and leave it to your spouse and partner, they won't have to pay tax when they receive it, whether as a lump sum or as a reversionary income account. But if they predecease you, or either way - you and them are both dead and the money is still in super - your adult children or anyone else you've left money to are now up for 15% tax plus medicare on the taxable component, deducted before they receive it. + + +Essentially the ATO's view is that money was discounted for your retirement - if it's a windfall for your adult children, they have their own allowances, caps, wages etc and they can pay tax if they receive mum and dad's concessional cap funded super. But if money paid to adult children comes from tax-free component, or after tax contributions, no tax is deducted. + +\*\*\*\*\* +I'm going to take it that's all understood and will now explain the mechanics of recontribution - changing money in super from being taxable component money to tax-free component money. Any questions I'll try and answer below. + +What recontribution is about, is about withdrawing money out of super, after 60, when taxable money is tax-free for you to use, and then turning around and paying it back into super, using the non-concessional, or after tax contribution amount. This is currently $110K/year with an option to use up to 3 years worth in a single financial year (you're using the next 1-2 years up in advance). + + +The money that you are paying back in is all added to tax-free component, not taxable, meaning it does not attract death benefit tax, despite it being the exact same money that was in the super fund only a week ago. + +The general approach to do this, is for someone to commence an income account on retirement to get all their taxable money into one account, make a lump sum withdrawal of the non-concessional amount they want to utilise, pay that money back into an accumulation account and then turn it back into a new income account that is separate from their existing income account. + +The key factor in recontribution is ensuring that the money you're adding back into super (that will all be tax-free component money) doesn't get put back into an account that contains mostly taxable component. This will 'mix' the funds together and mean that due to how withdrawals work as outlined above, you will always and forever be spending a portion of money that is already tax-free on your death once done. + +By setting up funds already held at the start of retirement into an income account and keeping any recontributions separate, this ensures that the existing money in super that is mostly taxable remains so, for purposes of repeating the process in 3 years time perhaps, if the individual has more than 330,000 in super. By that I mean, make another lump sum withdrawal from original income account, recontribute, start a 3rd income account. + +They can also utilise a spouse or partner's non-concessional allowance as part of this process in terms of where money that is drawn out can be recontributed to. Finally this process allows an individual to prioritise spending taxable money if more funds than minimum is required, while keeping tax-free income accounts set at absolute minimums - ie. spend the money first from the income account that would attract tax when you're dead, and move onto the tax-free money after the taxable money is all spent if still alive at that point. + + +Hopefully that all made sense. In terms of doing it yourself, it requires you to undertake the necessary administration (open an accumulation account to receive money, locate bpay details for making payments, open new income account, make withdrawals) - which should all be available through your super fund's website - they all have options for online access so you can do it all yourself, and understand how and why it might be worthwhile to your situation. The main consideration you're weighing up is if you're using your non-concessional allowance to recycle money already in super, you're not using it to add money in from outside ie. from selling property for example - if you're getting close to age 75 you may run out of time to contribute all the funds you wanted to. + + +But otherwise it's an allowance of money you can contribute that everyone gets now each year if you have less than 1.7 million in super and it's far more generous now - until July 1 2022 you had to be working after age 67 to use it and you were limited to 110K max after 67 as well - now it's wide open until age 75, fully retired or otherwise and they can use 3 years worth at a time. If you do the math, if someone started at 60 they could easily churn through close to 1.5 million bucks of super by the time they're 75 - there's no reason for anyone to mathematically pay this tax again, really. If you don't have any other use for the non-concessional allowance, well - consider it. + + +When it comes to tax I feel everyone deserves to know and understand what they can lawfully do, and superannuation death benefit tax can sometimes be a not insignificant amount of money. I hope this was of benefit and taken in the educational spirit in which it was intended. +So, there's all this talk about the Federal reserve and rate hikes, which I don't completely understand. Why is it affecting the Australian stock market so much? + +But then there's also the talk of Trump possibly shutting down the US Government, which would also affect the Australian Stock Market too, I assume? + +Can anyone explain these politics to someone who doesn't really know much about politics and anything else that's involved here too - and how all of this then impacts on the Aus Stock Market? + +Cheers! +I am in the garage again for the second time this month. My car (Fiat500) seems to always have issues. I just paid 400 for the MOT two weeks ago but was told to get the brake pads changed soon. I have just come to a different garage to get that done (Kwik Fit offers a lifetime warranty on brake pads) and they have told me about 4 other things that need fixed "asap" including brake discs, new tyres etc. + +I am probably being really childish about this but it's really upsetting. I can never get a hold on my finances because of this car. My bill today is 200, that's 600 this month on repairs alone. My yearly repair average is about 1500 but that's obviously not including insurance, tax, breakdown cover, fuel etc. I need the car to travel to work so I have no other option, but I'm wondering if this is normal? Should I get a more reliable car? I don't know anything about cars and I hate this feeling of helplessness. Anytime I get ahead with my savings, something goes wrong. I recently started a sinking fund for the car but it didn't even cover the repair costs. What should I do? +Somewhat \*educational\* post using TSLA, on directional spreads vs OTM outright options. I compared buying ATM spreads (with the short leg at the expected move) vs calls and puts at those expected moves (25 delta-ish) and how close they are in price. This is useful not just in TSLA but in any stock where options prices are expensive (dollar wise) and people ending up making bad decisions because of that. Full post here, no paywall as always. Let me know if you want to see other examples: https://www.optionseye.com/higher-probability-trading-in-tesla-tsla/ +https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-04-26/home-capital-gets-c-2-billion-loan-will-miss-financial-goals + +EDIT with the loan details: + +* C$100M non-refundable fee +* 10% on outstanding balances +* 22.5% on first C$1B +* Rate declines to 15% if line of credit is fully utilized +AMD was another stock targeted in Robinhood's restricted stock list late last week. This is absurd as AMD is a major player amongst the chip-makers recently seeming to have surpassed Intel in marketshare. It's chips are used in both the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, showing that it is a major player on both sides of the gaming community. + +Robinhood has created artificial selling pressure on AMD, while AMD's short interest has increased to 5.9% Not a ton of short interest, but this number has only recently grown in correlation with the limitations put into place by Robinhood. Coincidence? I think not! Corruption? Maybe a little bit. + +There are also clear indicators that AMD will continue to gain market share in the GPU/Chip industry. As recently they had to diverge some production to Samsung as Taiwan Semiconductors could not produce enough fast enough. (Source: [https://www.techradar.com/news/amd-might-solve-gpu-stock-woes-by-outsourcing-some-production-to-samsung](https://www.techradar.com/news/amd-might-solve-gpu-stock-woes-by-outsourcing-some-production-to-samsung)) + +Along with these basic facts reflecting on AMD's product portfolio, something essential to do; one can see they are boasting their strongest product portfolio line in years including their new 7 Ryzen 5000 chip that is for both mobile processors and desktops. Sales of the Ryzen chip grew 18% YoY, this had assisted in amazing earnings growth. + +AMD's Earnings Summary 2019 vs. 2020 showed Record revenue of 9.76 Billion up 45% from 2019. Their gross margin of 45% increased for the 5th straight year. Along with this Net Income and EPS doubled from the prior year. Finally operating cash flow was up to 1.07 billion a 117% increase YoY, and they had record free cash flow of $777 Million a 182% increase YoY. All together this makes for an extremely strong balance sheet with 2.29 Billion in cash, cash equivilants and short term investments. + +The one major risk I see in AMD is that Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple all want to begin to create their own in-house chips. Along with this while AMD has surpassed Intel and is competing with Nividia, it could lose market share and fall behind. This company faced bankruptcy twice once in 2000 when the tech bubble popped, and again in 2012. However, I believe that this company will continue there exponential growth and have major gains in it's stock over the course of 2021 and see $100 by the end of February. + +Hope this is all helpful! + +Disclosure: I own 30 shares of AMD and will continue to hold for the years to come. +*By* [*Liz Hoffman*](https://www.wsj.com/news/author/liz-hoffman) Follow *and* [*Melissa Korn*](https://www.wsj.com/news/author/melissa-korn) Follow + +March 19, 2022 10:00 am ET + +> +> +>A federal criminal investigation into short sellers has spawned a behind-the-scenes feud between a law professor whose research is helping to guide prosecutors and one of the most prominent investors in their sights.Carson Block, known for public broadsides against companies he suspects of fraud, has been waging a campaign to discredit Joshua Mitts, a Columbia University law professor who has been aiding the U.S. Justice Department in its investigation into whether short sellers use illegal trading tactics to drive stock prices down.Prosecutors have subpoenaed trading records and electronic communications of several hedge funds, and FBI agents seized Mr. Block’s phone in October, The Wall Street Journal has reported.Since then, Mr. Block, the founder of Muddy Waters LLC, has publicly accused Mr. Mitts of academic shortcomings, privately urged Columbia to investigate him and challenged the professor’s findings in a research paper of his own. It is a tactic from Mr. Block’s investing playbook: Launch an attack highlighting alleged corporate wrongdoing, get regulators—in this case, Mr. Mitts’s bosses at Columbia—to take notice, and see if any of the claims stick.Mr. Block wrote last month to Columbia’s head of human resources urging the school to investigate Mr. Mitts’s research, as well as his paid consulting work for companies targeted by short sellers.Columbia law professor Joshua Mitts has researched whether short sellers use illegal trading tactics to drive down stock prices.PHOTO: HANDOUT/REUTERSIn the letter, viewed by the Journal, he attacked a paper Mr. Mitts wrote in 2018, which found that bearish posts on the investor website Seeking Alpha were often accompanied by unusual trading activity. The paper has helped guide prosecutors in their investigation, the Journal has reported.Mr. Mitts’s research “lacks academic integrity and is wholly wrong,” Mr. Block wrote. He also said Mr. Mitts’s consulting work may violate the university’s ethics policies.It is common for business and law faculty from prestigious universities to advise companies or government groups, often charging hundreds of dollars an hour for their expertise. Columbia allows faculty to spend up to one day a week on external consulting projects.Messrs. Mitts and Block declined to comment.A Columbia spokesman declined to comment on the matter. He said the school “recognizes the importance of relationships between researchers and external entities, and seeks to encourage such relationships, but also has rigorous standards and policies about conflicts of interest.”Mr. Block published his own analysis of the Seeking Alpha posts last month challenging Mr. Mitts’s conclusions. He said most of the stock-price declines could be explained by bad earnings announcements; that Mr. Mitts engineered his result by focusing only on larger companies; and that the vast majority of the posts’ authors didn’t say they were short the stock. The website requires commenters to declare if they are short a stock.Disagreements over research aren’t uncommon in academia and petty sniping can escalate to public rebukes, but behind-the-scenes lobbying by outsiders is unusual. Whether or not Columbia acts on his complaint, Mr. Block risks inflaming prosecutors by attacking their expert witness.Mr. Mitts is up for tenure next month, and Mr. Block appears bent on ensuring he doesn’t get it.In addition to the formal request to Columbia, Mr. Block sent an email last month to John Coffee, a chaired professor who has taught at Columbia Law School since 1980. He called Mr. Mitts’s research “outright deceptive and misleading” and attacked his work for companies that have been targeted by short sellers.“You have been bamboozled into assisting him in his campaign that serves his clients’ interests,” Mr. Block wrote in the email.“I do not think you are a fraud and I like what you have done,” Mr. Coffee replied, citing Mr. Block’s work exposing accounting problems at a Chinese coffee chain. “I also do not think Joshua is a fraud. Maybe I am just soft-headed.”SHARE YOUR THOUGHTSWhat is your outlook on the federal criminal investigation into short sellers?In an interview, Mr. Coffee called Mr. Mitts “one of the best young scholars in the country” and his case for tenure was strong. He also praised Mr. Block as “an entrepreneur par excellence.”“They’re both talented people,” he said, “but now they’re like the Capulets and the Montagues.”The two men were once friendly, at least professionally. In 2019, Mr. Block visited Mr. Mitts’s class at Columbia, where he spoke admiringly of the professor’s work, according to correspondence between the two viewed by the Journal. They discussed co-authoring an article about short selling, agreeing that it was key to policing corporate fraud and raising concerns about the possibility of manipulative trading.A few months later, Mr. Mitts was hired by a British asset manager, Burford Capital, after Mr. Block accused it of dodgy accounting. The matter eventually ended up in a U.K. court, where a judge was unswayed by Mr. Mitts’s claims that suspicious trading around the time of the report tanked the company’s stock price.Last week Eric Talley, another Columbia Law School professor specializing in corporate law and finance, waded into the spat by publishing a short paper concluding that Mr. Mitts’s research on the price movements of shorted stocks was on sound theoretical footing.“My interest in this was kind of as a boring academic,” said Mr. Talley.In his paper, Mr. Talley said he wasn’t weighing in on Mr. Block’s other criticisms of Mr. Mitts and his work. However, he wrote, Mr. Block’s “more ‘colorful’ allegations—entertaining though they may be—do little to clarify (and much to obscure) genuine academic discourse.” + +Write to Liz Hoffman at [liz.hoffman@wsj.com](mailto:liz.hoffman@wsj.com) and Melissa Korn at [Melissa.Korn@wsj.com](mailto:Melissa.Korn@wsj.com) + +Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. + +*Appeared in the March 21, 2022, print edition as 'Columbia Professor Is Latest Short Target.'* + +&#x200B; +**Edit: To clarify, there is no one else that should have my son's SSN or other personal info. The other parent is not in the picture and my own parents have never claimed my child nor do they have access to any of his info.** + + +Sorry for the long post guys, my head is still spinning... + +So I filed taxes for the first time in two years today (previously unemployed) and went to H&R block at the recommendation of a family member. I'm self-employed so the tax preparer did what seemed to be a fairly straight forward Schedule C. My federal refund came out to $1001 and I owed $353 in state taxes, so I was coming out better than I had anticipated. Then, as we were wrapping up, I was told that my H&R Block fees were $567.95 - yikes! Still, I was coming out a little ahead and took that as a hard lesson learned that I should be better prepared to do my own taxes next year or at least take advantage of other resources that wouldn't take such a huge chunk of my return. + +A couple of hours later I get a phone call from H&R Block to inform me that my refund was rejected because someone else has already claimed my son for the EIC/Child credit. The lady who had prepared my taxes told me that I needed to bring in some documentation proving I was the sole caretaker of my son (she suggested social security card and daycare statements) and she'd give me a letter to send to the IRS along with them. She warned me that my refund would take a "very long time" to come through and that I needed to go ahead and bring her fee this week when I come from the letter. + +Right now I'm panicking and don't even know where to start.. I'm just getting back on my feet and as the sole provider of my kid I don't really have a spare $600 laying around. I guess I have three questions: + +**Is there anyway to get out of paying the H&R Block fee at this point?** I'm thinking the answer is no. I'm going through the paperwork and looking to see if I've signed anything stating that I owe them even if my refund is rejected. I haven't seen anything stating that yet, but I'm sure there's something along those lines in the fine print. Do I have any options other than trying to negotiate for a reduced fee? + +**What do I need to prove that I'm the sole provider for my son?** Any specific documents that would be of help? Is there anything I can do to speed up this process? Can I keep this from happening again? I'm really curious about how my son's information was found in the first place... his father has never been in the picture and has no knowledge or access to any of our personal info. + +**How worried to I need to be about my son's financial identity being used in other fraudulent ways?** As soon as I post this I'm going to pull his credit reports and look for anything suspicious (he's four, so they should be totally blank right?) and I'm considering putting a freeze on them. Are there any other steps I should take to protect his identity? + +**tl;dr Someone has claimed my son as a dependent on their taxes so H&R Block is asking for their filing fees upfront - which I don't have. How do I prove that my son is my dependent, protect his identity and wiggle my way out of the outrageous fees H&R Block wants?** +VeChain announcement: +https://twitter.com/vechainofficial/status/973521505509191680 + +https://medium.com/@vechainofficial/vechain-and-yunkean-logsafer-a-leading-supply-chain-risk-management-platform-enter-into-47cc11694674 +__________________________________________ + +Logsafer article: +http://logsafer.net/hbbriskinfo/listHbbRiskinfoDet.html?riskid=261 + +(If any native Mandarin speakers can do a proper translation, that would be amazing) + +_______________________________________ + + +Note: Go on baidu and search for "货保宝" for more information + +_______________________________________ + +### VeChain and YunKeAn (LogSafer) a leading supply chain risk management platform enter into partnership to develop blockchain solutions for logistic insurance industry, a ~ $50billion global market + +On March 13, 2018, VeChain entered into a partnership with LogSafer, a leading supply chain risk management and a major logistics insurance platform in China with over 2,500 corporate clients. In the agreement, the two parties will work together to integrate big data and Internet of Things technology into existing and future solutions. The combination of VeChain’s proprietary IoT sensors and the VeChainThor blockchain applied intelligently to the supply chain risk management industry will assist in revolutionizing insurance and value protection services for shipping, logistics and trading companies of every size. The logistic insurance market is estimated by Grand View Research to be approximately $50 billion globally. + +edit: Google translated version removed since Medium article uploaded. + +_______________________________________ + +edit2: Thinking about this... + +Remember this? If you zoom in, you'll see VeChain Intelligent Temperature Control Display System on the monitor +https://twitter.com/DNVGL/status/970852759615475713 + +I believe that VeChainThor cold-chain technology is already beyond the proof of concept stage. It is already a working product, being showcased and sold at international trade shows. How is this relevant to this partnership? + +See the following articles for information about Supply Chain and Insurance +http://www.rmmagazine.com/2014/11/12/protecting-shipments-with-supply-chain-insurance/ +http://www.aimuedu.org/aimupapers/Cold_Chain_Loss_Control_in_the_Supply_Chain.pdf +https://www.sdcexec.com/warehousing/article/11430686/the-role-of-insurance-is-global-supply-chain-risk-management + +From the Medium article +>Example: A fish farmer sends a cargo of fish from Japan to California, and buys an insurance policy from our partner LogSafer to cover this cargo of fish. Something happened enroute and the data grabbed from the VeChain sensors strategically placed within the fish cargo had indicated a certain high temperature reached and an extensive exposure period, a condition which is impossible for the fish to stay fresh. VeChain sensors retrieve that data, and upload that data on chain, and the state of the data triggers a smart contract execution, then the client automatically files a claim and receives a payout by the insurance company. + +The VeChainThor cold chain solution combined with big data analysis and real-time feedback is going to be truly disruptive in the exponentially growing industry that is supply chain insurance. Any international supply-chain insurance company working with enterprises would be foolish not to adopt a blockchain/IoT solution in the coming years. The cost savings and increased efficiencies will change the industry. The strategic partnership with DNV-GL makes VeChainThor the de factor market leader in this field. +If you have a bit of nostalgia for early internet before it got whored out to govs and corporations, where there were no boomers/facebook Karens and influencers, just nerds on websites with absolute atrocious design if any and degen forums you better realize this is the short lived state that defi is going through right now but you can bet it won't last. + +The fact that only a handful of regulators understand the extent of defi gives it still some room of absolutely unregulated freedom. Regulators are going after ICOs not even realizing IDOs, IFOs and all other non-KYC ways of bringing investors to a market start popping up. Enjoy those as it might not last forever that you'll be able to invest in a project based solely on your own risk tolerance. Sooner or later SEC or something else will come to protect you as an investor and guarantee you can only participate in approved offerings. + +Doesn't matter what projects you choose, but do cherish the freedom of choice and digital movement you are enjoying right now. +Okay so I’ve been working at this local, family-owned deli for about 8 months. I work as a delivery driver and I work Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5-8:30ish. I say 8:30ish because we close at 8 but I stay after to clean up the restaurant which can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes. +So, onto the problem. As I’m graduating high school in less than a month, I’m going to be very busy with senior week, grad parties, and vacation. I texted my boss a month in advance for the grad parties that I am taking off for, which is only two dates, June 15,16, for my really close friends. Now my boss says that I can’t take off for those days because they aren’t legitimate reasons to take off. He also told me that this is real life because it’s a real job. While I understand that to a degree, I’m still a high school senior, I have a lot going on in my life and I can’t keep a steady 4-day schedule forever. I’m also 95% certain that a friend that works there, my classmate who is also a senior, requested off for grad parties and he had no problem with it. So basically I’m confused because I really don’t want to miss the grad parties but I also don’t want to get fired. What do I do? + +Edit: pretty much everyone is telling me to quit, but it will really hurt their business for a bit if I quit because they do not have a replacement for me as there are many cashiers and such, but only 3 delivery drivers including me. I also am friends with everyone there and would like to leave on... idk the right word... better terms? +So my wife's mom and her husband asked me during Thanksgiving to invest in penny stocks for them because they want to retire at 65. They are 59 and 58 respectively, no savings, no 401k, no investments. They spend as fast as they get it, they do own their own house which on current market is maybe $80k in value and paid off. I know that 65 wouldn't be an option but I'm at least hoping to get them to start any kind of savings but would appreciate any other advice to help them. Also they both work as open road truckers so they do work and could start a retirement plan. + + +**Edit** I just want to say thanks for the overwhelming amount of comments and support. A lot of you are echoing what I knew/assumed and I really appreciate all the feedback. + +**Edit 2** a text went to my wife and brother in law calling for a mandatory meeting tonight where we're going to talk about potential support in long term +STOP POSTING MUSK BS. No one cares. and it is not good for business + + +Asking billionaires for there opinion is the same cult of personality that every other industry falls in to. +Stop it. + + +Stay humble . +Stack sats. +Live a good life. +Hello everyone, + +currently I am in the process of creating a good long-term ETF portfolio. + +When I‘m searching for the perfect „match“, I can’t unsee that the TECH ETFs have been performing extremely well in the past 10+ years. Examples: S&P 500 Technology Sector, MSCI World Information Technology. + +And when I speak to other people about putting my money there, everybody says „Ooh, you are betting only on technology, be careful.“ + +Maybe it‘s a difficult question to answer, but what is wrong with „betting“ on technology only? In which scenario tech is going to stop growing? Is this even possible? + +Thanks. +They can be as big or as small as you'd like. For instance, i just hit 4 digit returns in my rather small portfolio and I'm pretty stoked! + +I'd love to hear what other milestones you guys get excited about. + Hi All, + +My wive and I (both 33, from the Netherlands) have never done any investing and have quite some savings doing nothing in our saving accounts. We are planning (for starters) on shifting at least 10-20K from our saving accounts to a mixed ETF portfolio in 2022. I have a degree in business and economics, but investing needed some reading up. + +We are now planning on an ETF portfolio of roughly 60% S&P 500(tech) ETF, 40% All world. Possibly including adding a position in an Emerging market ETF as well. the horizon is to use the most for retirement and a bit to help our kids out when they will go to college/uni (first one is currenlty on her way ;-) ) + +Now the question that we can not land on with the current market volatility: How would you approach the buy in? and should we wait a few months for the market to stabalize? + +Any other tip is always welcome! + +Thanks! +I've seen AVUV, IJS, and other similar ETFs come up frequently here. The evidence for the small cap value premium is convincing. If too many people tilt their portfolios towards it, however, wouldn't that raise prices now thereby eliminating or reducing the expected high returns? +I thought about getting in at $8 in October but forgot about it. It still seems really cheap though. + +The top 10 holdings are legit, but they also account for 50% of the entire fund which im not sure is a good thing. Also, I think that semiconductor companies are going to continue struggling with supply chain issues, slowdonwn in crypto mining and etc.. + +Regardless, it still seems like there is potential here. I'm just curious if anyone cares to share their thoughts, thanks. +Hey guys long term VTI/VXUS dude here + +I am looking to expand my portfolio into another ETF. I was wondering how are you guys investing these days. + +People told me to add at least 20% of schd into my port. Is this a wise move? I’m 26 and looking to build long term wealth. + +Thanks! +A 10 year portfolio with annual rebalancing VTV VIOV VBR IVOV IGR TQQQ SPYD EFV HSCZ IEFA EWI ICLN ARKK ARKQ ARKG ARKW ARKF ARKX with equal weightage on all. +Im hoping to have a down payment for a house in about 5 years. I'm going to keep a good portion of my money in CDs, but I want to keep a portion in ETFs as well that will hopefully outperform the lame CD rates. A small enough portion that i can just keep holding instead of taking a loss if something spooks the market when the time comes. Would mostly VOO or VTI with a little VGT be good for this? Thoughts on the idea? +*Disclaimer: Any commentary is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal or accounting advice nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities referred to. For proper financial advice, seek professional guidance from an accredited and registered professional outside of Reddit.* + +If you are new to r/ETFs, please familiarize yourself with the rules listed in the sidebar. + +**Discuss your favorite ETFs of the week!** + New to stocks and all this, for a safe long term is QQQ a good choice? Been doing research and getting advice and it seems like a good investment to pour a lot of money into and get a lot out of it in the future. Any advice is helpful! +Today, I just invested in: + +XSD +LIT +ARKK +PNQI +TSLA + +Because like an idiot I got stuck looking at their past year and 5 years solid performance. + + +However, their performance the past three months, respectively: + +-7% +-11% +-22% +-4% +-21% + +So I definetly jumped the gun here. Should I just bail out now and wait till they bottom out, does anyone even know more or less at what point they would bottom out before going up again? +So I went YOLO with TAN the other day with Biden being up so much in the polls. Currently experiencing a correction. +Is anyone else in on this $2trillion Biden Renewable Energy play? + +I understand there are a lot of Trump people in here-please be respectful. +So I went YOLO with TAN the other day with Biden being up so much in the polls. Currently experiencing a correction. +Is anyone else in on this $2trillion Biden Renewable Energy play? + +I understand there are a lot of Trump people in here-please be respectful. +I am quite new to the scene of ETFs although I do follow SPY as a instrument. My question while I was viewing the markets today was. What happens when I buy a share of SPY? My order would route to the exchange and execute but from my knowledge the shares outstanding from ETFs have been growing(1). Does this mean that if there is more demand than supply, supply would be created? But this is quite confusing, at what price would the ETFs execute if supply were to be created. Is supply created on demand(the instance I buy) or how is creation of new shares allocated? Also I would be happy if anyone could point to resources on how ETFs work. I am looking at many books but most don't talk about minute things only broad(based on table of contents). Mostly I am looking for the structure of ETFs and how execution works(I understand the execution of stocks. There is a total amount of shares and execution means that you are trading with a individual but with ETFs maybe I am getting confused and it is quite simple). + +In the SEC Files(1) it says **UNITS OUTSTANDING (UNLIMITED UNITS AUTHORIZED)** main question is as above, how is a unit(share) created, who is ownership given to, is it during trading, or is it after? + +I notice I am all over the place but if someone is willing to help it would be appreciated. + +Sources: + +(1) [https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0000884394&type=N-30D&dateb=&owner=include&count=40](https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0000884394&type=N-30D&dateb=&owner=include&count=40) +I want to invest in some clean energy ETFs. Does anyone have any recommendations? Also, what are some good resources online to learn more about this industry / companies in this space? Thanks in advance. +Is this the correct time to invest in Tech ETFs owing to the fall of tech stocks in Nasdaq or should we stay away from it? I have SCHD and XME in my portfolio, looking to add tech ETFs. +I'm a young investor (22) doing what I can to learn about investing. I'm starting with a pretty small amount of investments, but I want to understand my investments before contributing more as I age. + +I've been pointed in the direction of REIT ETF's through some of my research. They seem to be a fairly safe investment, and have low correlation to stocks which could provide nice diversity. I'm wondering if REIT's are a worthy choice for a young investor. I was thinking of only setting 5-10% of my portfolio towards REIT ETF's as I still am fairly okay with volatility and want my main focus to be growth over a very long period of time. This is what my portfolio would look like: + +VTI: 60% +VGT: 20% +VXUS: 10% +REIT's: 10% + +I don't expect REIT's to match the growth of something like VTI, but I also think it would be a pointless investment if it's barely increasing in value. In the past 5 years I see VTI at 104% increase where VNQ is 12%, things like this push me await from REITs. But at the same time I find some articles ([https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-investing/articles/real-estate-vs-stocks-which-has-better-historical-returns/](https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-investing/articles/real-estate-vs-stocks-which-has-better-historical-returns/)) that show real estate has actually competed with the S&P 500 in the past. I'm having trouble finding specific performance charts for stocks vs real estate in the very long term, so most of the things I see are just VTI destroying VNQ in the past decade. But if REITs have performed well prior to the 2000s, maybe it can a worthy investment for somebody like me with a 30+ year time frame. + +Again keep in mind I don't expect something like VNQ to match VTI growth, it's mainly a pick to add diversity to my portfolio. But maybe I'm simply better off focusing on as much growth as I can, and not worrying about the volatility at a young age. Any thoughts towards the subject is appreciated. +Hi all! I’m a newbie to investing and im currently reading Jack Bogle’s Little Book Of Common Sense Investing. Theres a section which I am unclear of and was hoping i could get some clarification. + +Jack Bogle mentions that out of the 20 best performing ETFs from 2003-2006, only 1 earned a better return for its shareholders than the return reported by the ETF itself. + +Im just unsure how this even feasible. Any explanation would be greatly appreciated :) +I could use some help/advice with my Roth IRA portfolio construction for long term. I’m relatively new to investing and have been learning a lot thanks to everyone here. + +\--- + +**After some deliberation, I had the following in mind:** + +**Without international, one of these perhaps:** + +**(1)** 50% VTI, 30% QQQ, 15% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR more conservatively: + +**(2)** 55% VTI, 25% QQQ, 15% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR even more conservatively: + +**(3)** 60% VTI, 25% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR even more conservatively: + +**(4)** 65% VTI, 20% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +&#x200B; + +**With international, one of these perhaps:** + +**(5)** 45% VTI, 15% VXUS, 25% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR more conservatively: + +**(6)** 50% VTI, 15% VXUS, 20% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +\--- + +**Do any of these seem good? Which allocation %'s would you recommend? Or otherwise, how would you recommend improving it?** + +**If you had to pick 1 portfolio overall, 1 portfolio from without international, and 1 portfolio from with international, which ones would you pick?** + +Thank you!! +I like SCHD but I've heard conflicting views on using it for a taxable account. Some say no because of dividends being taxed. Others say that's fine because the dividends are qualified. Just looking for some thoughts. +I could use some help/advice with my Roth IRA portfolio construction for long term. I’m relatively new to investing and have been learning a lot thanks to everyone here. + +\--- + +**After some deliberation, I had the following in mind:** + +**Without international, one of these perhaps:** + +**(1)** 50% VTI, 30% QQQ, 15% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR more conservatively: + +**(2)** 55% VTI, 25% QQQ, 15% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR even more conservatively: + +**(3)** 60% VTI, 25% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR even more conservatively: + +**(4)** 65% VTI, 20% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +&#x200B; + +**With international, one of these perhaps:** + +**(5)** 45% VTI, 15% VXUS, 25% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +OR more conservatively: + +**(6)** 50% VTI, 15% VXUS, 20% QQQ, 10% SCHG, 5% SOXX + +\--- + +**Do any of these seem good? Which allocation %'s would you recommend? Or otherwise, how would you recommend improving it?** + +**If you had to pick 1 portfolio overall, 1 portfolio from without international, and 1 portfolio from with international, which ones would you pick?** + +Thank you!! +Im hoping to have a down payment for a house in about 5 years. I'm going to keep a good portion of my money in CDs, but I want to keep a portion in ETFs as well that will hopefully outperform the lame CD rates. A small enough portion that i can just keep holding instead of taking a loss if something spooks the market when the time comes. Would mostly VOO or VTI with a little VGT be good for this? Thoughts on the idea? +Looking for feedback on your portfolio? This is the place to share, rate, and discuss ETF portfolios. + +To facilitate the discussion, please provide some context for your portfolio selection, for example, investment goal, timeframe, risk tolerance, target asset allocation, etc. + +A big thank you to the many [r/ETFs](https://new.reddit.com/r/ETFs/) investors who take the time to provide others with feedback! +Bit of an odd question maybe but I've been curious. I have a few ETFs, one example being the iShares S&P 500 Financials (£UIFS), which are UK-listed and £-denominated but obviously seek to track exclusively the US market, in this case the S&P 500. + +How are these funds priced on the UK market between 8am-2:30pm given that the US market is closed at that time? Bearing in mind they are ETFs and not investment trusts like SMT whose price reflects supply/demand? + +I did Google this but didn't find anything helpful! + +Cheers! +Hello everyone, I’m 27 years old, pretty new to investing. I’m building a portfolio for my brokerage account. My plan is investing ~$600 every month for the next 5 years and I need to cash out after that. Have done some research but more I read more questions accumulate and get confused, can’t choose anything. I use Fidelity platform for investing. + +So I ended up with the next +50% VOO +30% QQQ +5% ARKK +5% ARKG +5% ICLN +5% QCLN +And something else. + +VOO and QQQ seems like overlapping. Had a hard time deciding between VTI and VOO. + +What do you think about that? How aggressive is this? Should I go more aggressive? Please go easy on me it’s my first time posting on Reddit :) +I appreciate your help and opinion! +How far down do you figure ARKK may go down? Looked to be mounting a recovery Friday but seems like we will have more of the same (down) today. I'm an Arkk holder, hence the quesitons. Thanks. +Hello, I am a new investor and I am looking at contributing $18000 to buy some ETFs. I'm 21 years old if that helps. + +I see a lot of people recommend VXUS and VTI, is there a good ratio? Should I add some VOO or other ETFs? + +Thanks in advance! +Of course the market is unpredictable. If you had it would you toss $20k to VGT and $20k to SCHD and let it ride for a few years? Or would you wait until the new year? Would like to hear different perspectives with risk management and profits of what other's say. +Hey guys! + +I'm 24 and just recently started investing some money that I have saved up from various means in M1 Finance. Below is my current portfolio I have built with them. + +VUG (Vanguard Growth) - 20% + +IWM (iShares Russell 2000) - 20% + +SCHF (Schwab International Equity) - 20% + +SPY (SPDR S&P 500) - 20% + +XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech) - 15% + +BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market) - 5% + +&#x200B; + +After doing some research, I did want to diversify in both Small to Large Cap ETFs as well as internationally. + +I do believe in the tech and biotech space, but do you think that this too focused on tech? **Should I be looking diversify more with the real estate, gold market, etc?** + +Since I am 24 (with no debt), **should I even be concerned about the bond market?** I don't think I should be particularly focused on high dividend ETFs. However, after going through a lot of information online and on reddit, it has made me second guess myself. + +In addition, I saw that there was some strategies that followed the hedge-funds on M1. Is this a trap? Looking at Tiger Global Management and Coatue, their 1yr and 5yr returns are just insane... almost too good to be true. + +I appreciate any advice!!! Thank you +I have a simple question for those of you who are more experienced. + +I hit a point in my life last year around August I think, where I finally made the move from saving ten percent of my wife and my income (401k’s) to saving twenty percent of our income (Roth). I’ve read and I’ve studied and I’ve gained, but not as much as the general market, obviously. I think I’d like to move to ETF’s as a more passive approach to at least meeting the market’s returns. + +So here’s the question. What do I do with all of my stocks? I’m happy with the position I took in most of them. Most of them are dividend stocks with good fundamentals. But I’m still too new to know if it’s advantageous to keep them. + +VTI was the first ETF I invested in, and that was this month’s contribution. Do I just keeping adding to VTI (or other ETF’s) until my portfolio is more heavily balanced to ETF’s, or do I sell the stocks that I have and put the gains towards ETF’s? + +Thank you for your opinions. +I’m 19 and new to investing. I’m looking to hold 10 years and from I’ve been reading many of these posts I have decided on the following . +VTI 50% +ARKK 25% +ICLN 25% +Please give me any feedback and thoughts. +Much appreciated. +I own a small business and we are extremely popular in my area. But it still isn't enough...with having to pay my employees a livable wage (I do not mind this!), inflation, having to move 3x due to renovictions, gas, student loans and medicine I am drowning. I feel very privileged that this is the first time in my life that I have had these problems. But I feel so alone. I work 60 hours a week living should not be this hard. + +Any advice on how to move past the shame? I know logically I should not feel like this but in society's brain washed fuckery I am now deemed as a failure. + +Any advice is appreciated. +I've reviewed our past spending for the past 6 months or so and noticed that we've been consistently spending around $1,500 a month on food and groceries. It's around $1000/month on groceries and $500/month on restaurants for just myself and my wife. + +We typically go grocery shopping once a week and buy everything we need for that week, and then eat out twice a week (usually Friday and Saturday nights). We don't really buy anything out of the ordinary. The more routine items we buy are eggs, chicken thighs, pork, vegetables and staples like rice and pasta (we buy these two in bulk and it lasts for several weeks). We also buy those big bags of frozen salmon fillets and those last for 1 month at least. This also includes household products like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc, but excludes pet food as that is it's own category. + +I was speaking with some of my friends and they mentioned that this is an insanely high amount to spend on food. Are they correct that this is an absurdly high amount to spend each month for food/groceries? +Following moves by ASIC most of my favourite Australian finance Instagram accounts and bloggers are cleaning up their posts or changing direction completely to more general money saving and budgeting advice. + +I’m not much of a fan of these changes (prefer investing content) and will miss following their investing/portfolio/FIRE progress. I hope they can continue in some way moving forward. +Spoke to my bank and they are happy to let our payments go into arrears, but then they said it will effect our credit rating due to the no payments. + +When questioned why I would want to do that, their reasoning was that lenders would <i>hopefully<i> take into account the pandemic and ignore that blemish against my credit rating. + +What are our thoughts? Whats the point in freezing repayments if it is going to probably be detrimental in future??? And then afterwards the payments woukd be higher also? Should we all just eat into our savings if we have any? +Brief Overview, + +* Ammo, Inc designs and manufactures a variety of products, that includes products for law enforcement, the military, sports shooting, and self defense. Ammo, Inc operates their business through two segments. The first being ammunition, which is their manufacturing business. Their manufacturing includes the design, production, and marketing of ammunition. The second segment being, their marketplace segment, which consists of the GunBroker.com marketplace. GunBroker.com provides the support of lawful firearm and ammunition sales, as well as hunting/shooting accessories. + +Leadership, + +* CEO - Fred Wagenhals + * Investor and entrepreneur, having a career span across five decades, establishing himself as an innovator, Fred Wagenhals has designed, built and patented various inventions. Founding Ammo, Inc. in 2016 with the goal to innovate and invigorate the munition industry. +* President - Robert GoodManson + * Appointed President in March of 2021, previously a Director since May of 2019. Mr. Goodman has more than 30 years of experience in the investment industry. Founding and operating as CEO of Maxwell Simon Inc, a FIRNA registered full-service Broker-Dealer and a licensed registered investment advisory firm. +* Executive Vice President - Tod Wagenhals + * Being an Ammo executive Vice President since 2016, providing significant experience in marketing and contract manufacturing. Overseeing the construction and completion of Ammo’s, 185,000 sq/ft manufacturing facility. +* CFO - Rob Wiley + * Appointed CFO in January of 2019, previously serving as the controller since May of 2018. Responsible for the accounting department, including external financing reports, compliance, accounting policies, and tax accounting. +* Vice President of Sales & Marketing - Anthony Tate + * Joining in March of 2020, with over a decade of experience in the shooting sports industry. Mr.Tate is responsible for managing all brands, distribution channels, and deployment of sales. Mr. Tate has developed thousands of relationships throughout the nationwide network, ranging from distributors to big box retailers. + +[https://investors.ammoinc.com/governance/executive-management/default.aspx#Anthony-Tate](https://investors.ammoinc.com/governance/executive-management/default.aspx#Anthony-Tate) + +News Recap, + +* Began both manufacturing and domestic distribution of their .50 BMG (M33) High Accuracy ammunition out of their newly opened Wisconsin plant. + * At their current capacity and subject to product mix, AMMO’s .50 BMG line is capable of generating an additional $80 million in annual revenue to the top line. +* Celebrated the grand opening of their new 185,000 square foot world-class ammunition manufacturing facility in Manitowoc, WI, on September 22nd. +* Announced the rollout of their full portfolio of loaded ammunition, including their STREAK™ Visual Ammunition, brass casings and munition components, to an additional 440 retail stores in the first two quarters of the Company’s fiscal year throughout the U.S. Included in the rollout were Turner’s Outdoorsman and 5 new distributor partners. +* Announced that the holders of record of the Company’s 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock as of the close of business on August 31, 2022 will receive a cash dividend equal to $0.55902778 per Series A Preferred Stock share. The cash dividend was paid on September 15, 2022. +* The Board of Directors unanimously approved a plan to separate its ammunition and marketplace businesses into two independent publicly-traded companies. Consummation of this transformational transaction is anticipated to close during calendar 2023. Ammo, Inc. expects to create these companies through a tax-free spin-off by AMMO of AOS. + * Outdoor Online, Inc. will be GunBroker.com and its related online businesses. Current AMMO Chairman & CEO, Fred Wagenhals, will assume the Chairman & CEO role in Outdoor Online. + * The second entity, Action Outdoor Sports, Inc., will retain the Company’s current ammunition and munition components business, including its well- established STREAK™, Signature™, Blackline™, /stelTH/™, Blueline™, AMMO Brass™, and Hunt Ammunition™ brands. + +Distribution, + +https://preview.redd.it/631d25scfet91.png?width=1274&format=png&auto=webp&s=2b62d2cbe1f5b7a9baebbcd8c6234c519d326b31 + +Financials, + +* Market Cap: 347.374M USD +* Current Price: 3.100 USD +* Avg. Volume: 1,548,398 +* 1y Target Est: 8.00 + +(As of October 12th, 2022) + +[https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/POWW/](https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/POWW/) + +Summary, + +* Ammo, Inc experienced explosive growth heading into 2022, and expects the growth to continue well beyond 2022. From being listed as an OTC stock to now being listed on the NASDAQ, the uplisting is a representation of the steps Ammo, Inc. is taking to expand their company operations. From reporting revenue of $2M in 2016, to having their annual revenue for 2022 projected at $250M, Ammo, Inc. has a very strong argument for being the invigorating force, driving the munitions industry. +* What are your thoughts after reading this DD? + +Investor Presentation: [https://s201.q4cdn.com/721041701/files/doc\_presentations/2022/09/Sept-'22-Investor-Presentation.pdf](https://s201.q4cdn.com/721041701/files/doc_presentations/2022/09/Sept-'22-Investor-Presentation.pdf) + +\*not financial advice, always do your own research\* +I will never understand why some people put few k $ or even much more in some random shitcoin. Some of them even go all in one coin and ignore everything else, cause they think it will make them multimilionaires. It is terrible idea to do it. I am risking 10/20$ if I gamble on shitcoins or memecoins ( also not more than 10% of my portfolio). I like it, cause at worst case I lose 10/20$ and at best I will find next x100 or x1000 coin. I would never put everything in it, like unfortunately many people do. If you have few k$ or more then invest in safe coins, divide it into BTC, ETH and some altcoins. At least you do not risk they will be rug pulled or go down -99%. + + +I think those people wake up one day, accidentaly read about some shitcoin in the internet and decide it is good to put everything they have into it. And later they act suprised if coin is scam, rugpull or just go down like most coins do. Sometimes of course it work. But either oerson that put few k are milionaires, so they do not risk much or they had dumb luck. Many people YOLO their homes or lifesavings into shiba over last few months. They are rich as hell now, but it doesn't change that they acted like gambling addicts or idiots. For every dumb luck milionaire is hundred dumb people that lost everything. +And no, no one in crypto will feel any empathy if you will do anything like that. We saw it too many times. It is natural selection. If you are bad investor or have no experience you should learn more, not put more money. It should be obvious for anyone. + + +I understand sometimes we are curious about some coin or have good feelings about it without any reason. Doing this instead of proper DYOR is bad strategy in crypto, but if you really want to check what will happen invest 10/20$. In worst case you will learn a lesson to never listen to hour feelings when you invest. Or you will be lucky. If you will be lucky it doesn't mean you should put more money into it. No one know future, everyone would be rich if we could predict future profits. +So this morning we announced uber was sponsoring #BitcoinBeltway with free rides using promo code BITCOIN. + +Our UBER contact emailed shortly after that she was shocked at how many people were already using the code. I told her she has no idea how much bitcoiners love UBER. + +Think we could turn the heat up on that promo code? + +Uber.com/go/bitcoin +Because they got bailed out in ‘08 I figure they feel they can just get away with it all over again. + +But my question is, the trigger for the subprime crisis was home owners being unable to pay their mortgages. I’m not seeing what would be the actual trigger for the MOASS. Not a FUD question. Genuinely asking. +I have been trading penny stocks by picking 10 during market close that I then buy at market open on the dot (unless there's a crazy drop that might keep riding from AH). + +So far, I've been generally successful. Anytime I lose over 10% on a stock, I cut it off and sell all of it. This happens to maybe 2-3 of the 10 on average. The majority of them end up gaining me 10-20+% that day. I put stop losses in place so that I will walk away with at least 10-20% of returns if the stock gets too too volatile in the day. I don't look back to check if it mooned. However, sometimes a stock or two a day does moon - and these stocks carry my earnings. Stop losses are set in proportion to how much it moons. Just shot up to 70%? I'll cap it off and sell all of it if it goes back to 50% etc. Everything else is just a nice trickle of money; I depend on the every now and then moon to pad out losses in the week so I can consistently shoot for a nice 10-20% overall weekly gain. + +All I am doing is really scouring reddit twitter etc and just cram studying other people's DD. I also will look at the stock's history and see if its been mostly green the past week or so, patterns of dips, is it at an all time high and likely to fall, catalyst, trader sentiment, possible meme potential, etc etc. Just really basic stuff tbh. I start each day with 5k and split it evenly into the 10 stocks. + +What can I learn to further refine my strategy? Nothing too complex please, I don't know how to read advanced stats or graph analysis. Something like "check the ratio and if its xyz then abc" would really really help. You don't even have to explain it just point me in the right direction. I am finding that I am compiling a list of like 20 stocks a night and have no way to narrow them down to 10 because I do not have strict enough personal guidelines or even the knowledge of what I might want to look for. I know some stocks just boom for apparently no reason and at times that don't make sense. But in the long run I know I have to rely on very strict principles, especially if I am to survive the eventual days of all red. + +Thanks for helping out a new gambler I mean trader! + +Update: the day after I posted this, I had my first day of all red. I have only been trading with substantial money for like a week or so and this day of red was fucking scary I wanted to throw up. Imagine buying 10 stocks and they ALL begin to plummet haha. Of course I realized the market was acting funny after the great streak. But I stuck with my game plan. Cut anything that dropped more than 10%. Investing 5k at open, I lost $600 within 30 minutes. But I just moved on - waited the dips out by eyeing the watch lists, and when things seemed to settle around noon I started buying back in on upward trends. Cut a stock or two here and there, picked up different ones (sometimes even the same stock I sold at a loss earlier), and ended the day $300 in the green, accounting for the losses. So +$900 if I had timed things better but hindsight 20/20. Lesson learned? Let shit settle if the entire market is shitting itself haha. And to not panic in losses. Stick to the game plan. Stick to the game plan. Stick to the game plan. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +It's really tiring to see posts about how this bull market cannot continue **every single day**. Hell, I know the contents of the thread even before opening it: + +>Prompt: This bull market cannot continue / I'm scared / Don't want to buy all-time-highs +>Answer 1: Cannot time the market, VANGUARD MASTER RACE. +>Answer 2: Well, short the market then! +>Answer 3: I concur, been holding cash since 2010, hehe. + +To me, those are posts asking for **advice** and should be restricted to the daily threads, unless they contain a thesis we can all discuss. + +What are your thoughts? +**THIS IS A REPOST!** +Since eToro (finally) has got some more attention lately, i shamelessly decided that i should repost my original post about eToro’s shady Terms and Conditions. Happy reading! + + +eToro has been a hot topic on Superstonk for a long time now, and we already know that there are a ton of apes that have shares on their platform. Some time ago i started investigating how eToro handles our shares, so i went to read their Terms and Conditions (TaC) since nobody at customer service bothered answering my questions. This post will bring to light some of the shady statements in their contract, and how it could potentially be used to rob people of their money during MOASS. + +Note that this is the TaC for eToro Europe (which is regulated by the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission) and i have not read what's stated in the US and Australian versions. I also don't have any formal education in law, and this only what i've been able to gather through my own research, so feel free to correct me if there's something i missed. This is definately not financial advice, i have *severe* brain damage. + +SO, where do i start? I guess a good place to start would be the area where they describe: OUR RIGHTS AND YOUR RIGHTS IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES. This is the section in their TaC where they describe what rights their platform (and yours, but that's not important) has if something out of the ordinary should occur. + +> In section 26.4 they state: We may also freeze, block, or terminate our Services and/or your eToro account if: + +> e) an "Exceptional Event" occurs. We explain what an Exceptional Event is in clause 29 – "Exceptional Events". + +There are other circumstances than this one, but this is the one i'm going to focus on. If we go to clause 29 like instructed above we are provided with several instances that could be counted as Exceptional Events, like: + +> d) "any act or regulation made by a government, supra national body or authority that we believe stops us from maintaining an orderly market in relation the instruments traded on the trading platform" + +or + +> i) "excessive changes to the price, supply or demand of any product. We may also call an Exceptional Event where we anticipate this change (within reason)" + +Now both of these seem like they could cover some grey areas that could be exploited by bad actors during a squeeze, **but here is the one that i really want you to take note of:** + +> m) "an event which significantly disrupts the market, which could include (but is not limited to) the premature close of trading in the market of a product, excessive movements in the price, supply or demand of a product, whether regulated or unregulated, that our Services relate to." + +Notice that there are two parts of this section that can occur during an event like MOASS - an event which siginficantly disrupts the market, and **excessive movements in price**. Now what exactly does this mean for the average shareholder over on eToro, should something like this occur? Luckily, they've got us covered here aswell if we look at the very next point - 29.3 which states: + +"If we think, in our reasonable opinion, that an Exceptional Event has occurred or is occurring, we may make the following changes to your eToro account **without telling you**: + +> a) change your margin requirements which might mean that you may have to provide more margin (we explain what margin is in Schedule A – Trading CFDs, as well as in Schedule C – Trading Cryptoassets in relation to cryptoasset Margin Transactions); + +> b) limit the availability of instructions that you can give in respect of an order or trade; + +> c) close your open transactions at a price that we reasonably think is proportionate; + +> d) change the trading hours for a product; and + +> e) cancel all open orders or trades which are affected by the exceptional event. + +Now, one could argue that "all exchanges have these kinds of statements in their Terms and Conditions, it's not big deal!", but at what other time in the history of the stock market would an exchange *actually* act on some of those shady statements in their TaC? If i were to take a wild guess, MOASS would be one of them. + +Anyways, the two most important points here is b, c and e - which all have to do with either your positions in your portfolio or your open transactions. In the case of eToro, an open transaction would be something like a take-profit or stop-loss that you have set for any of your positions, which we know are the only way of setting a limit order on their platform. This means that they can close your position which has a take-profit or stop-loss set at the price they see appropriate. Starting to see a problem here? + +Next up is the cancellation of open orders or trades which are affected by the exceptional events. If you go to your profile on eToro and click any of your positions in your portfolio, it says "close trade". This is because as it stands in your portfolio, it is considered an open trade - which in turn would fall under point e) about cancelling all open orders or trades. + +My understanding of this is that if eToro decides to during MOASS, they could legally either restrict you from selling all together, close your positions or trigger your stop-loss/take-profit early **WITHOUT TELLING YOU**. Chew on that for a while. These are *their* words, not mine. Anyone can verify that this is stated in their TaC, clear as day. + +Now i know that this could cause both outrage and fear, which is not the intention of my post. I am writing this post to inform you about the power that this platform have over your shares should something like the MOASS occur, and i would hate for thousands of apes to be fucked in the ass *once again* by eToro. + +I still have the majority of my shares in eToro, but this might just have been the final straw for me. The only safe place to keep your shares are in Computershare. No question about it. + +I have already opened an account there, which took me over 4 months of waiting as an europoor - and if i can do it, SO CAN YOU! I am looking into the best way for me to "transfer" my shares out of eToro would be, but for this to happen i would have to sell on eToro and rebuy directly on Computershare, which pains me as i've held these shares since late January. + +Take what you will from this post, make up your own decision on how you want your shares to be handled, but know that DRS is definately the way. + +If anyone finds anything that contradicts what i've written in my post, you are very welcome to debunk or correct any of the points i've listed above. Education is key, and we should always strive to become more informed about how our shares and hard earned money are being handled. + +Peace. + +Edit: i have now sold all my shares on eToro for a lower price than what i bought them for (thus avoiding any tax-implications for my sale), rebought the same amount of shares instantly at IBKR and DRS’ed them from there. Totally painless process, which in turn ensures that your shares are 100% yours. I’m sure as hell not letting some ‘investing platform’ which closed positions and limited trading in GME back in January decide the fate of my shares. Will you? +NFTs, GAMING, STAKING, CASINO, MARKETPLACE RUN BY A GIRL DEV + +&#x200B; + +Why should I own Solanyx? + +Solanyx NFTs + +3,698 uniquely generated 3D NFTs will be minted on the Solana blockchain. The collection contains 250 completely different attributes, which gives each Solanyx a different and unique look. + +Zombie Apes airdrop to Solanyx holders + +3,698 uniquely generated Zombie Apes 3D NFTs will be airdropped to Solanyx NFT holders. + +By owning one (or more) Solanyx NFT, you will not only become the proud owner, but you will also gain many other benefits. +Solanyx will have multiple applications, and each of them will provide you with passive income. Zombie Ape 3D NFT collection will be airdroped to all Solanyx holders. + +Solanyx Casino + +The Solanyx Casino platform is being prepared, and will be available after the collection is minted. Solanyx token will be launched to be used to play all games at the casino, such as: multiplayer poker, slots, betting, etc. In addition to being a place to have fun, and hang out with friends, all Solanyx owners will receive 25% of the tokens from the casino profits on a weekly basis. Another 25% of casino profit will go to the charity wallet. + +Solanyx vs Zombie Apes shooter game + +Pick your side and team. Comming Soon + +Virtual Reality Game Return to Solanyx + +Solanyx will work on developing the VR game next year. This is a game in which your NFT will be your avatar in the game and will be necessary to start the game. By playing this game, in addition to the fun it provides, you will also be able to earn Solanyx tokens by solving various missions. The idea of this game is still being developed and more details about it will be announced soon! + +JOIN US NOW AND LET'S BUILD AN AWEASOM COMMUNITY ! ! ! ! + +Website: [https://solanyx.com/](https://solanyx.com/) + +Twitter: [https://twitter.com/solanyxnft](https://twitter.com/solanyxnft) + +Tg: [https://t.me/solanyxofficial](https://t.me/solanyxofficial) DO NOT JOIN TO SPAM AND OFFER PROMO AND MARKETING! ! ! + +Chart: [https://birdeye.so/token/BBdrgbSeqcQsMP7Wo9Nv2Xac94UPiKjR9tEBS6Kz7NFp](https://birdeye.so/token/BBdrgbSeqcQsMP7Wo9Nv2Xac94UPiKjR9tEBS6Kz7NFp) +R2 Has been Released! [https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/nbdvii/moass\_checklist\_for\_apes\_things\_to\_think\_about/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/nbdvii/moass_checklist_for_apes_things_to_think_about/) + +It's the weekend again! I've revised and updated the content to integrate new items the HiveMind has identified in the past 2 weeks. + +New content addresses or elaborates upon: Electronic Security, Recordkeeping, Physical Protection, Exit Strategies, Negotiation, Finance/Tax/Wills and Making the World Better Post MOASS. + +🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 + +Ok Apes! I know what you are thinking - 'I'm so bored, the weekend sucks, how much longer to Monday?'. Grab your crayon sticks and let's try and grow some brain wrinkles in the process. I have just what the Dr. ordered - a shiny newly revised MOASS Launch Checklist! + +There are *responsible* things you need to start thinking about before, during and after the rocket takes off. Why? Because people who are known to have $$$ (e.g. announced they won the lottery) have grandkids kidnapped and threatened and worse. Some winners are killed. You probably want to read [this](https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/-/5-749519/?page=1) and start taking it seriously. Yes it's long, but don't worry, I summarized... but then needed to add good stuff so it's still long! No TLDR either. Sorry, not sorry! This is **IMPORTANT.** + +🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 + +# Before Rocket Launches + +**ONE.** **Don't tell anyone you haven't already.** Anoymity is your first and best defence. Be the millionaire next door that no one realizes is a millionaire. A Lambo, other than a rental experience, does not help here. + +Have a look at this 20s video: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/n1t3xo/this\_is\_how\_i\_picture\_the\_mods\_when\_a\_particular/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/n1t3xo/this_is_how_i_picture_the_mods_when_a_particular/) + +This was an attempted kidnapping. Would you be able to respond like that? Would your spouse? Your kids? Do you want to live in a mindset where you need to be constantly aware of a building's entries, exits and where your back is facing? Proper security for **known** ultra-high net worth people includes things like bullet proof armored Merc with entourage picking up kids from school, significant home security, alarm dog, personal weapons and people watching (behaviours). +So my mom passed away today and she had all of our banking information. We're both on the bank account but she had the login info and all of our bills are auto drafted. How can I get access to the account. What do I do now? EDIT: I live in the United States. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. + +This was brought up in a conversation with a coworker today. I feel like I am 40 years older than I actually am because I still reads newspapers. I am actually baffled people think they can replace their news source with social media or some other form that has zero quality control or commitment to inform the truth. + +Anyways got curious what this selected group of individuals read, if anything. I personally subscribe to the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and a major newspaper from my home country. +A little big about me: + +I’m 30yrs old, 1 year married w/ no kids, and have a NW of roughly $5MM. I live in the SE USA and have hopped from tech company to tech company in sales and project management roles over the past decade. I have a degree in finance and have dabbled here and there with small residential and commercial real estate investments, and one angel investment in a tech company that has not yet failed or succeeded. + +My current net worth is a combination of inheritance, salary, and aggressive investments working out. I am extremely fortunate to even have an inheritance. I realize I got lucky, and it’s something I never lose sight of. I’ve worked hard for the salary portion, so there’s that. + +In addition to my salary, my stock portfolio generates me ~145k/yr and my wife has a salary of ~60k/yr. In the next 10-20yrs I stand to inherit an additional windfall of $5-$15MM (again, lucky) but there is no guarantee. As of now, we jointly spend ~$120/yr across necessities, vacation, mortgage etc. + +I hope this doesn’t come off the wrong way but I’m tired of working for someone else when I know I don’t depend on it. I’m tired of the quotas, performance tracking, presentations, travel, and weekly 1:1s with my manager. Even though the company I work for (San Francisco tech company) is inspiring with great benefits, I’m over reporting to someone else and being a cog in the wheel. I feel like I’m wasting my short time on this earth sitting behind a computer 40-50hrs per week when I could be experiencing and doing more with my family. + +The problem is, I don’t have a side gig or special talent (sad face) that would allow me to replace a portion of my current salary or the health benefits for me my family. I feel stuck knowing I won’t quit with nothing to supplement my salary but I’m ready as ever to no longer live on someone else’s agenda. + +Has anyone who is FI with a great job quit with nothing in sight? +For those who live off investment income (primarily), how do you manage your withdrawal and payments to yourself? + +For instance, do withdraw / sell off a large chunk to use for the remainder of the year? Do you use PAL’s and then pay it down over the course of the year when it makes sense? Do you live off dividends and income producing investments only and leave capital investments to grow? + +Just trying to learn about different strategies and the pros of each. Please, replies from personal experience only. Thanks in advance! +I just started a new job on a Helpdesk for a large company, contracted through a recruiting agency. Everyone else on the team was also recently contracted through a recruiter as well. I was chatting with the rest of the team and found I am making at least $10 less an hour than everyone else. + +I'm considering calling my recruiting agency and demanding a pay bump, or I will find another opportunity. I could probably just contact another agency and be recruited for the same position. + +Has anyone here had experience with this before? What are my options? + +EDIT: Oh no, I have become the very thing I hate! Sorry for the trending notifications! +I'd make an insulting remark about Russian stonks but I'm pretty the market will do it for me. + +(Update Post 24 March Opening) + +Instead of ripping off the bandage and letting the market decide, Putin and his infinite wisdom has artificially propped up the major stocks using funds from the Central Bank so that it appears that the market is rising, but only upon first glance. They banned short selling and foreign stock sales and only allowed trading of a very small amount of stocks in a very small window of time. + +[https://www.yahoo.com/now/russian-stocks-jump-much-12-102052318.html](https://www.yahoo.com/now/russian-stocks-jump-much-12-102052318.html) + +[https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/24/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/24/investing/premarket-stocks-trading/index.html) + +[https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/limited-russian-stock-market-trading-resume-march-24-central-bank-says-2022-03-23/](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/limited-russian-stock-market-trading-resume-march-24-central-bank-says-2022-03-23/) +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +Moving into an older house that I will own outright and wondering if anyone has break downs of returns on investment for making parts of it greener. + +The no brainer seems to be north facing solar I have space for 6kw of North facing solar. This pays itself of with self consumption in 4 years. I work from home most of my usage is when the sun is highest. + +I've got gas for stove top and hot water. Finding it hard work out numbers for flipping them to electric and disconnecting gas. The biggest saving seems to be the gas connection fees which is about 300 bucks a year. + +Also finding it hard to find numbers for things like double glazing existing windows - we don't use heating or cooling at night and just seems cheaper to throw south facing panels on and run aircon a little more in the day. We are in Melbourne so have a pretty moderate temperatures, we also have a dog so the back door is constantly open so it seems to negate the benefits of adding insulation etc. + +I can do 10kw export to grid but if do a bigger solar system than 6 kw it's all export with current usage. This gives us some room for hot water to be run of solar, but blows the payback period right out to be 10 years. + +Electric car might on the cards in the future and more panels would help in winter but being south facing for the ones over 6kw is going to limit return. + +Battery for house vs electric car is also up for debate. It seems like the car is better investment at the moment but the numbers are difficult especially as we only average about 10,000 kms a year in fuel efficient Honda Civic that still drives like new after 7 years. We are also driving much less than 10kms a year since covid it's probably halfed. + +In most of my calculations I assume 0 feed in tarrifs as it's dropping so quick as we get more solar on the grid. + + +Would love any advice on getting my house/life greener and saving some money. + +Battery vs car vs moving off gas vs insulation etc. +I know the answer is crime but this is two days in a row where it really feels like the volume is legit being suppressed or something. I know that’s impossible I think, but seriously NO ONE is buying in over the past two days? It’s barely passing 5k every five minutes a bunch of times. I’m sure the answers will all be crime and of that nature, but this seems real batty to me.. +This evening I was contacted by someone politely recommending that I take more interest in Litecoin, specifically for my company, Coinapult. I felt it'd be good to share my response to him with the community, because I think this continues to be a hot topic of discussion. + +------------ +Hello [redacted], + +Thanks for reaching out. Now, hopefully I don't come across as rude or elitist, but I need to be honest. Litecoin is not interesting to me. It offers no significant benefit over Bitcoin whatsoever. It has a little value purely as a backup blockchain in case some critical flaw destroys Bitcoin's blockchain (assuming the same flaw doesn't affect LTC). Other then that, why should anyone care about it? Don't tell me it has "faster confirmation times"... zero-conf Bitcoin transactions work for just about everything, and for those times when security is important, waiting for the 2.5 min LTC block is only 1/4th as secure, so the "advantage" is trivial. Does that justify a $350 million market cap? Consider me skeptical. + +Understand that there is huge advantage - a massive technological and societal utility - in the current world moving toward Bitcoin. There is no advantage in a Bitcoin world moving toward Litecoin. I know Litecoin fans like to say it's silver to Bitcoin's gold, and while it's a cute comparison, it doesn't really mean anything. Bitcoin's divisibility eliminates the need for a less valuable unit to partner with. In other words, the mBTC is the silver to BTC's gold. + +Here's my suspicion... the only reason you are suggesting to me that Coinapult (or any business) should accept Litecoin is that there's a chance the announcement of the acceptance will drive the LTC price higher. There's no significant added utility for the company, for me, or for you, beyond that speculative interest. + +Litecoin, and the other alts, are 99.9999% speculation. To be sure, much of Bitcoin's price is also due to speculation about future value, but at least this is based on a reasonable assessment of the potential of the system vs. its competition (fiat currency and the global banking network). Speculating on altcoins, in general, is pure greater fool theory in action, because there is no significant fundamental utility, no "improvement delta" over Bitcoin itself. People are going to get burned with them, and it's unfortunate because Bitcoin is seeing returns of 10,000% per year and apparently that's just not enough for some people =) + +Altcoins are the penny stocks of the Bitcoin world, and perhaps their greatest virtue is that they distract the most superficial speculators away from Bitcoin itself. Should they exist? Yes. I'm glad people experiment in every way with this technology. But don't let speculative experiments at the margin distract from the most mind-blowingly awesome monetary system mankind has ever seen - Bitcoin proper. + + +Cheers, +-Erik +I see a few others here are trading CCs. Who has some good ideas for CC candidates right now? Let's share some ideas with the numbers. + +I trade well-known companies with low stock prices and relatively low margin requirements. I look for stocks where the bid for the weekly option is 1% or more of the current stock price. + +As always, stocks and options involve risk and CCs are no different and this is not advice, just discussion. + +Right now, X is trading at $28.66. The margin requirement (Etrade) is 35%. 100 shares would require about $1000 in capital. The $29.00 call expiring on 6/18 has a bid of .97. This is almost a 10% return instantly and another 3% or so if it assigns. The caveat here is that this is a near term high level for X and may come down. I would caution against a large position here, but X always pays a relatively good premium if you wait for it to come back down a bit from here. + +AA is another one of my regular CCs. It is trading at $37.36. The margin requirement is also 35%, meaning a 100 shares would require capital of about $1300. The $37.50 call has a bid of .88. This is around a 6.5% return and another 1% if it assigns. Even though it pays a little less than X, this price level is less elevated than X right now. + +I know these returns sound like nothing compared to WSB short squeezes, but these are weekly returns and they add up quick. I usually have 2000-3000 shares of X in my portfolio and regularly collect $1000-$2500 in premium and extra when it assigns. I use it to pay for some options and shares in WSB stocks like WKHS. + +I think it is important to have an income strategy as well as a capital gains strategy. Use your income strategy to pay for the more speculative plays, it hurts less if they don't work out! +The past few weeks of red have destroyed my holdings. My portfolio went from being up 55% down to only up 2% in less than a month. Many people are saying this "correction" could only continue the next couple weeks. I'm shutting my apps off until April or until the stimulus passes. Whichever comes first. Seeing all of this red and the losses sucks and it's doing me no good to continue looking at red every day. I've already averaged down what I could with what money I had. I know they'll rebound eventually. And that's why I'm not looking. I can't do anything about it so I'm just going to let it do what it's going to do and focus on other things until then. Just gotta wait for those greener days ahead. They're coming, just gotta be patient. +I have been watching alot of YouTube videos with examples of people who have managed to go from dead end jobs to working as coders and making decent money. I am hitting 40 soon and I am working as a housing officer role for the local council. I have tried to progress but there really isn't much happening in my area. My salary is about mid £20k and I don't even own a house. I feel like training as a programmer might be a silver bullet that I need. Many youtube videos say that you need to devote 3 - 4 months of solid self study (6 hours a day) to become component to get an entry level job. + +I have some savings and I am starting to think that what i need is 3 - 4 months off work to self study or attend a boot camp (prob self study). My employer offers a career break, I won't be paid whilst i am off work but the job will be mine when i return. + +From what I have seen this is possible, reading stories on reddit etc. If i can double my salary, which should be possible, we'll be sorted. + +But i have a nagging doubt in my mind that at 40 years old i have left it too late and after 3 months i will return back to my normal job. How hard will it be for me to get a job programming after just 3 - 4 months of self learning. I currently know very basic HTML and that is about it. I am planning on learning javascript;, python and sql. +I seen few people on my social media share an article from the Daily mail about this. I wont link the daily mail article but a google search show this is something which has been in the pipeline for years. I do recall an article years ago mentioning this. As we move to electric cars, the tax receive from fuel duty will need to be replaced. + +Fuel duty is on borrowed time. + +[https://www.petrolprices.com/news/forget-ved-we-could-soon-be-paying-per-mile/](https://www.petrolprices.com/news/forget-ved-we-could-soon-be-paying-per-mile/) + +**How would this impact you?** + +I drive 15,000 miles per year. I cannot afford to live in the city I work, and taking public transport will cost me more than my driving my car. Further more it means using a bus and train, so it adds an extra hour to my journey. Public transport will cost me £2,000 a year. Where as driving costs me £1400 per year for insurance, fuel and service costs. + +for instance if the charge is 10p a mile, it will cost me £1500 a year. + +Personally I hate driving, but if public transport was cheaper and faster I would use it. +Earlier this year, my company sent out an internal memo notifying all employees that company stock would no longer be an option in the company-administered 401(k) plan, and that by a certain date in September, no company stock could be held in employee 401(k)s. + +My first question is, who benefits from this move? What are some reasons this policy would be put in place? + +My second is, can they do this? Our stock price has dropped precipitously over the last few years, and so speaking personally, stock I invested in through my 401(k) is at a significantly lower price now than what I bought it at, but it has been rising steadily and is expected to surpass its previous high in the next few years - basically, I'll be taking a bath on what I saw as a long-term investment, because I am being forced to sell at a time when I would hold. Can they do this? It doesn't seem like the sort of thing that should be allowed, and I have a suspicion that I (and my fellow employees) are being shafted. Thoughts? +Both of my parents were homeless for most of their 20s. They found each other during that time and were able pull each other out of that situation. They got terrible jobs, got an apartment together to pool resources before they were even together, life happened and I came along along, they bought a house by the time I was 15 and life was pretty much perfect. I literally never not had something I needed, and if I asked for something, I would either get it if it was a reasonable request or told to grow up faster, get a job and buy it myself. + +I was never really included in discussions about money and always assumed that we were not middle class because I knew the backstory of where my parents came from and how much were they were both putting in to support the family. But then last year, both of them died unexpectedly. Not going to get into that because feelings still raw. I was 17 so I lived with my aunt for a year and I just turned 18. + +A lawyer for my parents' estate contacted my aunt last week because there were funds available that had not been "freed", whatever that means. We assumed it was a few thousand dollars from the sale of our house but it was a small house in an okay-ish part of town and we only lived there a few years so there wouldn't have been a lot of money into it. + +So yeah, it wasn't about the house. We met with the lawyer and he handed me a hand-written letter from each of my parents. They had been written when I was around 14. It was just really amazing to hear from my parents like that and I just cried for hours. + +It turns out that before I was born, my dad was supporting my mom for years so she could go to college and get a degree. When she was done, she got a good job with benefits and then my dad went to college to get and a degree while my mom supported him. So by the time I came around, they both had really good jobs and zero debt. I had no idea this even happened so now I have mad respect for them. + +The lawyer explained to me and my aunt that the funds were just now made available because I turned 18. My parents bought a small house on purpose and used all their money to max out retirement accounts for almost 30 years. I don't know how it all works but they said in the letter that they never intended to retire and they meant for me to have all of that money from the start so I never had to live on the street or sell my body like my mom had to do when she was younger. + +My parents literally bulletproofed my financial future from the grave. I've never even had a job and my aunt made it clear that I will never need to. + +If you got this far, thank you for sticking with it. Here's what I need to know. First, how do I make this money last? The last thing I want to do is waste what my parents spent a lifetime building for me. Second, how do I find someone who can help me with money and won't scam me? I googled around and lawyer gave me some referrals but I don't know who to trust. And finally, I know that I don't really need to work but I want to do for my future kids what my parents did for me. I don't have a specific field that I'm interested in, I'm a B student on a good day. I do want to go to college, especially now that I can afford it. I want a job with benefits and possibly working from home so what industry should I be going for and what degree should I get? + +I know a lot of these questions are vague-ish or can go in a lot of different directions so I will answer any questions that help to narrow things now. + +I'm currently in Maine because that's where my aunt lives, originally from Vermont. I'd like to stay in Maine with my aunt for now because she's the only family I have left. + +Thank you to whoever reads this and helps me. +This is from their quarterly reports. + +I don't get it. I didn't do the detailed math on their debts, their maturities, interest rates, etc BUT the big picture doesn't make sense for me. + +Carnival owns 27 ships. + +Royal Caribbean owns 26. + +And yet the expected monthly cash burn rate of Carnival is 4x that was Royal Caribbean. Why? +My 5yr old small business crashed and burned in December of 2016. I managed to shutter it without taking any hits to my credit, but only had $5500 in 2015 Roth IRA contributions left to my name. + +Since then I have aggressively saved and invested. I've maxed out my 2016 and 2017 IRA contributions and put $8k in an emergency fund (needs to be at least twelve). I have $800 of 0% interest debt remaining on some medically-necessary dental work. + +It sounds good and all, but I will need a new (used) car soon. My 12 year old Civic is slowly dying. The suspension is royally fucked. Gas mileage has plummeted. It smells like oil after my work commute. Speakers are going out and the brand new battery seems weaker than it should be, so there's probably a short somewhere. I do all my own work on it but I'm basically at the end of my abilities and know how. I'm just crossing my fingers that it will pass inspection later this month. + +On top of that, my gf of 3 yrs is starting to talk about marriage. About wanting to own a house. We've begun discussing the possibility of children a few years from now. + +It just feels like it's never going to end. That I'll always be desperate to save more and more. That I'll never be able to buy the things I want. As soon as the EF is up to par I'll have to save for a shittier car than I'd like (or maybe before then if the catalytic converter is toast). As soon as the car is purchased I'll still need to max my IRA for 2018 before I can start saving for a downpayment on a house, and by then I'll already have to max my IRA again for 2019. At some point I'll have to buy a ring. She's not interested in a fancy/elaborate wedding, but that'll still cost a few thousand. Kids will be costly (I don't know that I'd want them in the care of my parents due to ideological reasons). + +How do y'all keep going with this? I'm not content with living like a hermit. I want to own nice footwear and clothes. I want to buy $100 bottles of bourbon and eat $30/lb prosciutto. Do I need to find a higher paying job? Is $27k saved by age 31 better than I think? Because I feel like it's not enough. I feel it should be double that. I feel like I'm always going to feel like I'm behind. Like buying a house is just a pipe dream. + +I can't even imagine how fucked I'd feel if I'd taken out loans to finish college. I just want to say fuck saving for the rest of the year. I want to add a zero to my clothing budget and buy a $30k car. It's not even about the Jones's. It's about not wanting to perpetually sacrifice for some day and age I may never even reach. +For all the "Just buy an S&P 500 index fund" folks. Even Vanguard thinks that's inadequate for a retirement plan. + +"We believe the Total Stock Market Index Fund is the best proxy for the U.S. market, offering exposure to large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks, whereas Vanguard Institutional Index Fund concentrates on large-cap stocks" said a Vanguard spokesperson. + +Anyone working at Vanguard who does hold VINIX and doesn't exchange out of it will be moved to a target-date fund instead. I'm assuming an age-appropriate one. + +Note that in exercising that fiduciary responsibility of putting "non-deciders" into a target fund, Vanguard is implicitly saying that retirement portfolios need small cap stocks, fixed income, and non-US exposure. +They bumped up mine by £150+ this year for renewal. I phoned up saying I was cancelling and surprise surprise, I get a 'loyalty discount' of £110. Which took the total to £2 per month less than the best quote I got elsewhere. + + +Prepare for the first interest rate-led business default cycle since the 1991 recession. + +This column has been much more constructive on risk since late May when we determined that interest rate markets were finally pricing in the monetary policy tightening required to deal with the near-term inflation threat coupled with our central case that consumer price pressures would start dissipating as supply chains normalised. + +I want to make clear that we are not, as a consequence, bullish on the macro outlook. Our core view remains that the US economy tumbles into some sort of recession and that global activity data continues to sour. + +It would appear that while equities have appropriately responded to the regime change in long-term interest rates (or discount rates), there are continuing vulnerabilities regarding earnings expectations. + +The long and variable lags inherent in monetary policy tightening cycles mean that it is inevitable that in the first phase of that process we see large cross-currents in data releases that have something for everyone. + +This has been evident in Australia in the contradictions in the household and business survey data. If you are myopic and have your head buried in the sand, you will attach more weight to the business surveys that suggest the economy is just fine. + +If you are half-smart, you will focus on the fact that borrowers have only experienced one to two of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s four interest rate increases since May due to delays in the banks’ operational implementation of changes to borrowers’ actual repayments. This explains why consumer spending seems OK — and hence business revenues remain robust — while consumer confidence is at recessionary levels. + +Pain still to come +While borrowers know that the wolf is at their door, they have yet to have their cash flows materially impacted. The disappointing official wage price index data released this week confirmed what this column had been arguing for months: there is no evidence of either a wage-price spiral or generalised wage growth that would give the RBA pause in relation to its future inflation expectations. + +In the June quarter, the wage price index disappointed market forecasts, printing at only 0.7 per cent (compared to the 0.8 per cent prediction) and by just 2.6 per cent over the last 12 months (underclubbing consensus calls for a 2.7 per cent outcome). The broader market or trader bias was towards an upside surprise with the wage numbers, which failed to materialise. + +While some economists will criticise the compositionally-adjusted office wage results, they crucially conform almost exactly with CBA’s wage index, which tracks actual income payments into 300,000 bank accounts. + +Since the pandemic, the RBA made a big deal of the claim that it needed to see wage growth of 3-4 per cent annually to be confident it could secure “sustainable” inflation within its target 2-3 per cent band. + +And yet since the actual wage outcomes do not conform with its new narrative around pre-emptive, forecast-based interest rate increases motivated to combat an ephemeral and nebulous inflation expectations threat, Martin Place has simply stopped referencing the official wage data. Instead, it keeps on referring to its internal “liaison” data, which is code for “fake it until you make it”. + +The best real-time, daily data that we have on the macroeconomy are the compositionally-adjusted (or hedonic) house price indices reported by CoreLogic. And the story they are telling is crystal-clear: the entire east coast of Australia, which accounts for the vast majority of the population, is experiencing a record housing collapse that is only likely to get worse given most borrowers have yet to feel much in the way of mortgage repayment pain. + +The big news in August is that the Brisbane and Gold Coast housing markets have given up the ghost after defying gravity for a few months. Adelaide is not far behind. In the first 18 days of August, the 0.74 per cent decline in Brisbane house prices has outpaced the 0.67 per cent loss suffered in Melbourne. + +Sydney remains the epicentre of the housing crash, with dwelling values slumping another 1.24 per cent in the first 18 days of the month. Home values in Australia’s largest city have plunged 6.5 per cent in 2022. They have been falling at a 19 per cent annualised rate since the RBA’s first rate increase at the start of May. + +I know these facts are uncomfortable for property spruikers to hear, but there is little point denying that Aussie housing is likely to weather its largest correction since records began in the early 1980s (as we forecast in October last year). Banks like ANZ have belatedly arrived at the same opinion. + +Across the five biggest capital cities, house prices are only melting at a 12 per cent annualised pace, which is orderly in the scheme of things, although this should accelerate as conditions in cities like Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth inexorably weaken. + +Another silver lining is that Melbourne dwelling values are only losing altitude at a more modest 13 per cent annualised rate compared to deeper drawdowns in Sydney. Since its peak earlier in the year, Melbourne housing has lost 4.1 per cent while the national market is off about 3.6 per cent. + +As this column asserted last year, this is only modest payback compared to the 37 percentage points of capital gains homeowners earned in the period following June 2019 when the RBA’s cash rate was 1.5 per cent (it was slashed to 0.1 per cent by November 2020). But what Martin Place giveth, it now taketh away. + +In our own portfolios, the strategy has been pretty straightforward. We monetised about $8.2 billion of shorts between late 2021 and mid-2022 in US, European and Australian credit based on the belief that credit spreads would push about 100 basis points wider. After this came to pass, we have shifted to buying credit once again, focussing on the cheapest sector we can identify, which has been bank-issued Tier 2 bonds. Since May, we have bought about $815 million of Tier 2, which has started to perform. + +Zombie risk +The outlook nonetheless remains complex given our dour forecasts for a sharp further deceleration in the real economy. Since December 2021, we have argued that investors should prepare for the first inflation- and interest rate-led default cycle since the 1991 recession. There are hordes of zombie companies that have had their business models predicated on the availability of cheap money, which no longer exists. + +Many of these borrowers relied on the high-yield or sub-investment grade bond markets for liquidity. As the cost of capital associated with sub-prime finance soars, many borrowers that could not get finance from the traditional banking system will face the spectre of default. + +A parallel problem for the high-yield bond market is the outright level of credit spreads and interest rates in the much safer and more liquid investment-grade market. If you can get 6 per cent interest rates on five-year, BBB+ rated bonds issued by NAB and ANZ, why would you bother buying much riskier and less liquid high-yield securities offering similar returns? + +We have also been quite negative on the residential-mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) market since last year. RMBS will be very adversely impacted by the record decline in house prices, which mechanically forces up the loan-to-value ratios (and risk) of the home loans backing these bonds. RMBS will also inevitably suffer from a material spike in mortgage default rates, which will probably not emerge in the data for another six to 12 months. Finally, the complexity of RMBS cash-flow repayment profiles means that secondary liquidity for these bonds is poor. + +What we need to see is a big repricing of the illiquidity risk premia associated with RMBS in the form of wider credit spreads. At some point, these spreads will become sufficiently compelling to attract new capital. But there is much wood to chop in the meantime, especially because most non-bank lenders have no other way to raise money to finance their operations. + +The truth is that some of these zombie non-banks will have to disappear, merged into banks or more profitable non-bank peers. Their business models may not be viable in a world where their cost of capital is being properly priced. + +https://www.afr.com/wealth/personal-finance/hordes-of-zombie-companies-are-about-to-die-20220817-p5bajz +Hey I was just wondering about some of the ways people are making passive income, I have invested in stocks but was wondering what other opportunities might be out there +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +I WANT YOU ALL TO LOOK AT THIS + +[https://imgur.com/a/0C748cH](https://imgur.com/a/0C748cH) + +look at the difference in volume as of today. + +THIS IS JUST TODAY + +[https://www.theoptionsguide.com/synthetic-long-call.aspx](https://www.theoptionsguide.com/synthetic-long-call.aspx) + +Now this is what a synthetic long call is + +This is what a synthetic long call is. Basically. When you short a stock. You are take 100 shares and selling them from an institution even if you dont have them. You have to cover that 100 shares at some point. + +however. If you make another contract to -buy- 100 shares. You have in effect cancelled out your 100 shares you sold. Because you wrote a contract to buy 100 shares. + +Now! Look at this + +[https://www.ortex.com/symbol/NYSE/GME/short\_interest](https://www.ortex.com/symbol/NYSE/GME/short_interest) + +The ortex short interest has been falling all last week along with the price. When GME is falling 100$ who is going to be looking at 800$ calls + +which tells me that they have been buying 800$ call this whole time in order to cancel out their short positions. Because as the stock price falls those 800$ are going to get dirt cheap. Even when GME was going up 800$ were like 4$ + +i even have proof of one of the HFs doing it! + +[https://www.holdingschannel.com/bystock/?symbol=gme](https://www.holdingschannel.com/bystock/?symbol=gme) + +look at seqouia or whatever. + +they have like 1.8 million puts and over 6 million calls + +I am trying to get this out there for people to see! + +Thanks for all the awards! I really dont use Reddit but I dont want the shorts to win! + +EDIT: I just got into the office and I have been reading some of what people have been saying. Yes it might be ITM for synthetic calls. However there are other plays such as a short cal as well. Where you cans short a stock using a call + +This is called a short call: + +[https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/short-call.asp](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/short-call.asp) + +With that said. Its not HFs using those calls to hedge their bets. If that is so. Why is the volume for 800$ calls almost 9300 in volume for THIS WEEK. There is no way GME will get to 800 even if we go to the moon. I feel they are buying these contracts and exercising them in order to mess with the short interest numbers. If they were covering under normal circumstances. WE would not be seeing these massive drops in the morning followed by an entire day of trading sideways the rest of the day. We would see diagonal line downward as people give up and sell and shorts by the shares up to slowly cover at a lower and lower price I have seen this slow bleed happen with many stocks that have been shorted. GEVO BNGO and IDEX come to mind. + +No matter what the volume on these 800$ contracts is sus and is the HFs using them in order to distort the perception of the stock. Take it for what you will. I did all of this DD over many hours last night and I was pretty exhausted by the end of it. the screenshots i have are pretty damning proof of some fuckery going on. + +TL:DR: Ooo Ooo Ahh Ahh Ape hold, Ape Buy, Ape buy many Banana! + +EDIT 2: And those calls continue to be bought even for today. Go look at 800$ call options today. The volume on those calls are already at 2,767 as of this post and climbing. The 780$ calls are no where near that volume and who would buy those calls when you can get much lower calls for either the same price or cheaper! + +EDIT 3: To prove my point to you all. We are being shorted currently and I want you to see the volume of 800$ calls that have been made so far + + +[https://imgur.com/a/RLwxUVM](https://imgur.com/a/RLwxUVM) +Nationwide has just launched a new switch offer. + +Existing Nationwide members will receive £125 and new members will receive £100. + +An account switch using Current Account Switch Service is required and must include two active direct debits. + +Full terms: https://www.nationwide.co.uk/current-accounts/help/terms/current-account-online-switch-offer-terms-and-conditions/ +Hello, + +I was due to be flying to Indonesia next Month. My airline (Emirates) have cancelled all of my flights, so the trip won't be going ahead. I have had to contact my travel agency to ask for a refund on this however they state that Emirates are ONLY providing credit notes and will not be providing any refunds. + +I see this page from the BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52105526 with the first bulletpoint "If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund to the original form of payment within seven days, although many airlines will be struggling to meet that deadline. You can accept, or refuse, vouchers or a rebooking but a voucher will probably be invalid if the airline later goes bust". I have said to my rep that I am not looking for a voucher, only a refund, but she says that I have no other option. + +Can anyone provide me the law or regulation that states this is the case? Or am I snookered and will I have to take a voucher? + +Thank you so much! +I just turned 18, and just opened my first brokerage account. I’ve been learning day trading for about a year, and paper trading for about 6 months. As for profitability, I’ve been profitable for about 2 months, accounting for commissions. + +I still live with my parents and will be for at least the next 2 years, so I don’t have to worry about expenses for now. However, I am still a full time student and have 0 income besides allowance. I can survive losing all my money in these 2 years if it comes to that. + +I have about 8k in long term investments, and about 5k in cash. I plan on putting all 5k into my trading account. Am I ready to start trading? If so, is 5k too little or too much? +I understand that almost no one is going to give away a strategy/edge/setup that theyve spent significant time to develop, especially if it's highly profitable. I also understand that anyone promising to sell you one should be avoided like the plague. + +I'm not asking anyone to give away their secrets, but to the highly consistent/successful traders, I am curious how you developed the strategy you are using today, and how long it took you to do so? +I have a friend whose account is being closed in the UK because she moved to her home country and didn't bring the money back with her yet. The amount must be around 20K. + +She doesn't want to transfer back the money yet cause the exchange rate is low and is asking me if I can hold her money for a bit and send it to her later. I have no problem doing this as I know this person is legit but I am afraid my bank may flag it as fraud and freeze my account or ask me to pay taxes on it, etc. + +Has anyone had a similar experience or know the law around this? + +Thanks in advance! +TL;DR: I just gotta find some more hobbies/fun activities to go after; I do believe that these kinds of activities will be more prevalent, now that my city is opening back up again. + +I’ve credited this detailed budgeting spreadsheet, that calculates a slew of different financial metrics that are good to keep track of. Currently, however, it assumes that everything that I’m able to SAVE (as of right now, around ~$30-31k per year), goes right into general savings, stocks/ETFs, Roth 401k, HSA (gross salary of ~$73k). The spreadsheet does NOT consider budgeting for fun things. And, unfortunately, that’s actually how I’ve been living my life since I started working full-time, as the pandemic shut everything down, and all I had was Netflix (I’m 25, single, finished my BS + MS back in December 2019, started my first full-time job out of school in January 2020, and then the pandemic came and f’d us up… I have around $76k saved up right bow, in the aforementioned savings-vehicles. + +Overall, I’ve just been throwing all of the money I have left over after I’ve taken care of my necessary expenses, into the aforementioned savings-vehicles. It’s safe to say that it’s been a boring 18 months! + +Have y’all felt the same thing, at all? I’m just fortunate I’m able to save so much, it’s just been pretty boring in the process. +I have so much more money now, I was able to start a savings account. I'm way too old to be starting now, but better late than never! If you're poor, and you smoke, you're making it worse. It's so hard to quit, but you can do it! To be completely honest, I did buy one of those vape things, but the savings is ridiculous. + +The vape pens from gas stations are terrible. Invest in something decent that tastes good to you. That's where I failed all those other times. Just a tip. I spent $60 on my vape device and a bottle of oil, versus $80/carton twice a week. The juice stuff lasted about a month so far. It has literally changed my life. +I'm having a great day today. Everyone around me has gone into full panic mode over the Bitcoin price and I think it's hilarious. + +Last week everyone around me was asking how to buy in and that Bitcoin was the easiest way to make money ever. Today they're all panic selling their portfolios and screaming it was the worth decision ever. + +This is normal! **We're still up 4.6% compared to last week Monday** + +I didn't get worried at 3k, I won't get worried at 20k either. Buy and hold. Take a day away from checking Blockfolio, maybe even een week or a month. The price will recover, it can't go up every single day just because we want it to. +I’ve sent DD which is too long to read and he says “I’m on your side! So don’t worry!” Which I’m super frustrated about since he won’t care enough to read there thing that’s so important to me. He understands how shorts work by now but says we are to blame since we know what we are doing by holding. Every analogy I give isn’t enough since I’m too stupid to convince him. Help me wrinkled DD experts in the more ELI5 way because I’m going to punch him lol. + +Like idk what the fuck there is to not understand but he needs the most convincing apparently. Making me doubt his intelligence on the subject and I don’t wanna fight. + +Edit: thank you so so much for taking time out to help give information and analogies everyone. He actually took the time to read everything, apologized and now 100% understanding of everything. He just felt guilty about hurting others, he’s a really good egg I promise. I’ll still wait to DRS him in case… jk jk 😂❤️ +Out of curiosity, at what point should someone look into alternatives over simple index or target funds? Like, if you had 50 million, are index funds a bad idea? What is the cut-off? What are the drawbacks at that point? +I have the option to install a node into my carriage house, and create a separate internet network for my tenant without much of a cost to me. I have the cat 6 cable, and a spare node. + +Is this a bad idea? Any reason to do this or not to ? +Hello all, + +I’m 21, finished school and currently at home. In the next 4 months I’m looking to payoff the small amount of debt I have and move out. I’m thinking either to rent an apartment or buy a condo. + +The biggest reason I’m thinking about buying instead of renting is because the PITI ( includes his fee) payment will be tremendously less than rent. About 500 dollars. + +There are definitely pros and cons to this, I know. The reason I’m asking here is after a few years I may need more space and want to upgrade spaces and is the condo as a rental. + +Do condos make good rentals? +What’s it like being an investor and working with the condo association? Would it be better to sell off the condo and put the money to a better investment? +Or is it better to just rent? + +Thanks for all your insight! +I've asked around and it seems no one has a plan for this worked out yet. I've been trying to figure out some sort of needs-based forgiveness or loan policy. I'm lucky to be in a position where I can cover the mortgage and carry a few months of debt but curious how you're dealing with it. +I recently put my primary residence on the market and accepted an offer the first weekend. Buyer is from out of state (property in MO, buyer from TX). At this point projected close date is Dec 21, but we all know the propensity for delays in that process. Buyer is already committed to moving to the area on Dec 16 and has asked for early occupancy beginning on that date so as not to be displaced for a handful of days. + +The property is empty as we've already moved to our new home. So it's not a huge hassle for me to accommodate. I understand there would be some sort of deposit and daily rate involved. But the revenue is not what concerns me. I'm more worried about the unforeseen items (buyer remorse, catastrophic incident, etc) that could arise with someone in my property that hasn't paid for it yet. But I also understand the human element and wanting to help the buyer since I'm in a position to do so without causing much grief to my family. + +Have any of you had experience with occupancy prior to closing? If so, am I overly worried for no reason? What clauses should I have in place in order to do this? Or should I avoid it like the plague since it's not really my problem? I welcome your feedback. Thank you. +I stumbled upon an area that is showing excellent CoC returns on paper. Its a low crime and LCOL area where houses are very reasonably priced with some section 8 housing mixed in. + +The numbers I'm seeing work well, but I am worried about the liability aspect of owning assets in an area with a small but steady decline in population, LCOL and no real industry. I can't imagine properties in this area appreciating more than <1% per year in the current market, and once this boom slows down I imagine values will take a step or two back. + +Have you purchased investment properties in areas you know are only going to generate cash and not really appreciate much, if at all? If so what things did you look for, what did you look out for and what is your exit plan if/when we have the next economic downturn? TIA +Pulled this from u/Dismal_Jellyfish 's post "[https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/yx5bum/finra\_alert\_finra\_has\_published\_short\_interest/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/yx5bum/finra_alert_finra_has_published_short_interest/)" + +&#x200B; + +Seriously, all those shorts that we saw them moving to Brazil? . . welp, they don't have to report on a single fucking one of them!!! (At least, that's my undertstanding). + +\----------------------------------- + +Q8. Is a firm required to report short interest positions that are held overseas at a separate legal entity and are not reflected on the firm’s books and records? + +A8. No. FINRA member firms only are required to report all short positions that are held in each individual firm or customer account, including the account of a broker-dealer, that are reflected on the firm’s books and records, as described in Rule 4560. + +Posted on 10/27/22 +I think this may be the beginning off a turnaround for GE. Here is my full analysis. + +# Key Articles +- [GE Stock Can Hit $15, Says Goldman. It’s the Highest Call on Wall Street.](https://www.barrons.com/articles/ge-stock-can-hit-15-says-goldman-its-the-highest-call-on-wall-street-51614009185) + +- [GE is cutting dead-weight production](https://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/story/news/2021/02/23/ge-savant-moves-a-19-production-layoffs/4560948001/) + - Supposed to be bearish? Shows the cogs moving in GE in my opinion. **Bears are struggling to find bad news x1** + +- [YAHOO publishes misleading bearish "unusual option activity."](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/understanding-general-electrics-unusual-options-143946211.html) + - Really 115 puts? lol. **Bears are struggling to find bad news x2** + +- [Offshore wind farm international deals. Green Power v.s. Coal](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/23/business/corporate-business/toshiba-ge-wind-power-equipment/) + - "Toshiba has set a goal to expand its renewable energy business to ¥650 billion ($6.1 billion) in fiscal 2030 from ¥190 billion in fiscal 2019. It has stopped taking new orders to build coal-fired power plants." + -**Wind power (GE's specialty) is BEATING COAL** + + +## My play +I played Omega Shotgun calls on GE. The excess gamma is mooning these bad boys today. I opened my calls despite the theta after reading about this. + +### [Big, sexy windmills:](https://renewablesnow.com/news/ge-installs-12-mw-wind-turbine-prototype-in-rotterdam-673053/) (click to see picture) + +> October 18 (Renewables Now) - GE Renewable Energy has installed the prototype of its 12-MW Haliade-X offshore wind turbine at the port of Rotterdam, the General Electric (NYSE:GE) unit said on Thursday. + +### Very Electric + +> According to the manufacturer, a 12-MW turbine can generate 67 GWh annually, or enough electricity for about 16,000 European homes, and avoid up to 42 million ~~tonnes~~ **kg** of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions(edited to reflect error pointed out in comments). The first orders for the new machine have already been placed, coming from SSE Renewables and Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) for the Dogger Bank offshore complex in the North Sea. Also, Denmark’s Ørsted A/S (CPH:ORSTED) has selected the Haliade-X turbine for the 120-MW Skipjack project off Maryland and the 1.1-GW Ocean Wind complex off New Jersey. + + +### Disclaimer: + +Please note I am untrained in finance and potentially mentally handicap. Not advise just what I have been seeing +If you are reading this, do not feel bad, it is actually a very common mistake. I will confess that early in my investing career something very similar happened to me. + +Its too bad you deleted the post, it would have served well as a warning to others. + +I will repeat it here for those that missed it. + +Summary of OP's tale of woe: + +Guy buys EVCA at $0.0002 (he says 0.0001, but that is highly unlikely). The common thought process here for the uninformed is that the stock can not possibly get any cheaper. + +Well, it turns out that it can. + +EVCA does a reverse split, (1:20?) and the stock now trades at $0.03. OP does not keep up with news events, misses all the press releases and checks stock price today to see that his investment *should* be $29K! Woohoo! \o/ + +First reaction is to post to r/investing that you are a $29thousand-a-niare! For this we thank you for thinking of us first, even before you checked your account balance! + +What happened here is EVCA (currently EVCAD, the fifth letter "D" indicates a new issue, in this case it means the stock has reverse split and new dumping of shares will commence) reverse splits, then issues a mess more shares, diluting existing shareholders to nothing. Insiders then issue themselves new shares at the new price and proceed to dump it on unsuspecting buyers. And so the cycle repeats in the world of penny scams. + +Charty goodness: http://www.profitspi.com/stock-chart-str.aspx?id=EVCAD&ca=24062939 + +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +OP: + +you might have already heard about BioLargo or seen the post [USA Today: BioLargo technology tackles water crisis caused by ‘forever chemicals’](https://www.reddit.com/r/pennystocks/comments/n0e5o8/usa_today_biolargo_technology_tackles_water/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) on this board that got some attention. I want to use the opportunity to share some more information as IMHO BioLargo is one of the best investing opportunities out there - the perfect combination - investing in the “clean” future while going for the big bucks. Especially as the Clean water Bill just passed that guarantees $168 Billion for clean water. + +It is just a question of time (and Good News) until a big wave of new investors and money will come to join this Clean Water, Clean Air, Cleaner Earth (and wound care) investing opportunity. + +The share price is very low as BioLargo paid off almost $7.6 Million in debt in the last years and some of the projects were delayed - but it is all happening now = we are already deep into the BLGO paradigm shift. + +The progress is accelerating: the partnerships/ California engineering office opened/ + +record growth/ record revenues/ amazing study results/ team ups/ + +biggest contracts yet/ AOS commercial units built/ promising acquisition happened/ + +AEC improved/ new patents filed/ trials at municipalities scheduled/ almost debt free / Asia joint venture showing First adaptions/ Cupridyne/ + +Cannabusters starting to take over Cannabis Odor Control space/ big minerals contract expected next Q/ new studies released/ more studies coming/ + +2000 new shareholders in past months/ + +cash flow positive on the horizon / 1.2 Millions in contracts signed within weeks/ working on Lithium extraction/ 10 Billion Dollars for PFAS solutions from administration announced etc. etc.. + +**This clean tech / Cannabis/ wound care / minerals / water play seems to be the perfect place to be invested in.** + +Some might have bought in early But At around $40 Million Market cap this makes for an incredible investing opportunity. + +A like-minded investor strongly believes In a bright future for $BLGO as well. I like his post “WHY BLGO MAY NOT REMAIN UNDERVALUED AND UNDISCOVERED MUCH LONGER” + +Also it is good to know that investors close to the company just invested hundreds of thousands of dollars more, directly into the company and just a couple days ago they announced that they signed contracts worth $ 1.2 Million within a couple of weeks. + +BTW- don’t forget that the BLGO CFO decided to solely get paid in options for the next years that have an exercise price around today’s levels (.174) That means you can currently buy shares cheaper than what the CFO will have to pay for shares - as his SOLE payment. + +From article: + +\* Biden plan on removing PFAS from water and the environment is a industrial high priority for the new administration + +\* Rosa Gwinn, PFAS leading expert for AECOM, gave a staggering figure for the total cost of global PFAS clean-up - Up to a trillion dollars worldwide + +\* BioLargo has developed an unrivaled solution for PFAS removal that is low-cost, high-efficacy with low carbon footprint that is called the AEC, Aqueous Electrostatic Collector + +\* Testing at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville showed that BioLargo’s AEC PFAS Removal system removed over 99.995% of PFAS in a single pass such that less than one out of 50,000 PFAS molecules was able to penetrate the system + +https://preview.redd.it/lhd9wo9prq871.png?width=1530&format=png&auto=webp&s=da6a5ad35618ec6bc5936c7a4719da1e504c4850 + +\* BioLargo has agreed to install the AEC in pilot studies with large industry users that could lead to extraordinary revenues if trials are successful + +\* AOS broad spectrum water treatment system is low-cost, high-impact, and is being delivered to large users for pilot projects that could lead to extraordinary revenues + +\* Disruptive odor control CupriDyne Clean being adopted by the biggest waste management companies in the world + +\* World class environmental expert engineering division provides turnkey solutions for big industries + +\* Disruptive disinfection products already approved 510K being readied for giant healthcare industry + +\* Company is within a few months of achieving positive cash flow + +\* Revenues setting record growth with very large potential for short and long term + +\* Convertible debt is gone removing potential overhang selling from share market trading + +\* BLGO share price of $.18 with market cap of only $42 million. Several recent press releases point to an extraordinary sales potential suggesting it may not be long before investors discover BLGO and revalue share price + +BioLargo, Inc. (BLGO: OTCQB) has been slugging it out for over a decade to develop broad-reaching technologies to improve water and air quality. Based on a plethora of press releases and company communications through interviews, it appears that efforts are rapidly shifting from R&D to commercialization that could generate unusually hefty revenues, especially if the company executes big licensing deals with major partners. The long wait appears to be quickly fading in the rear-view mirror, while the road just ahead is coming into clear focus as the shiny yellow brick road that management has been pursuing for a decade. + +&#x200B; + +BioLargo shares may only trade at $.18 and support a very small market cap of about $43 million, but their products that are unrivaled in both cost and effectiveness are very close to starting what could be game-changing pilot studies for several large industries. The needs for BioLargo’s products like the AOS and the AEC are so enormous that if the pilots are as successful as prior testing has demonstrated, the company revenues could surprise even the most optimistic forecasts. + +Timing is always a major factor in any investment decision. BioLargo has earned a good hard look by investors as it appears the long wait is finally over. The company is within weeks or just a couple of months of delivering game-changing products for major pilot studies to some very big users and markets that could have a big impact on the price of BioLargo shares. Investors are encouraged to pour through a rich offering of information about the company’s technologies, management, financials, products and news which is available on their homepage + +Dennis P. Calvert, President and CEO of BioLargo said, "We are now in a strong cash position, have reliable financing resources, and have retired all but $456,000 of our convertible debt. With our financial condition continuing to improve, our team of highly qualified engineers, scientists, and business professionals are uniquely positioned to commercialize our expanding portfolio of innovative environmental technologies, like our AEC system that removes PFAS chemicals from drinking water." + +According to Environmental Business International, the market for PFAS treatment, which BioLargo's new AEC technology aims to address, will grow to be an $80+ billion market in the US over the next few years, and that there are more than 200 contaminated military sites which urgently require PFAS remediation. Mr. Calvert commented, "Our hard work to develop and commercialize an economical and eco-conscious solution to this huge problem puts us ahead of the curve to address this burgeoning market. Our PFAS remediation technology represents a massive and timely commercial opportunity, with its first commercial pilots starting soon." + +Financial highlights from the 10-Q: + +\* Consolidated revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $571,000, a 30% increase compared to the prior year's period. + +\* Due in large part to an almost 90% decrease in interest expense as a result of payment and conversion of debt instruments, the company's net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2021, decreased by 28% as compared to the prior year's period. + +\* In 2021, the company has retired $650,000 in debt. Since December 31, 2019, the company has reduced its debt by over $3.6 million. Other than debt owed by its partially owned subsidiary Clyra Medical, only SBA/PPP loans and fixed-price convertible debt now remain on BioLargo's balance sheet. Of the fixed price convertible debt, we are currently negotiating the payoff and partial conversion of the $406,000 due in August 2021, and $50,000 is due in two years. + +\* As a result of the company's improved balance sheet, its total stockholder equity is now approximately $772,000. Management expects this trend will be critical to the company as it continues to evaluate the opportunity to uplist its stock to a national stock exchange. + +Commercial, operational, and R&D highlights: + +\* Established a partnership with Garratt-Callahan, a national industrial water treatment company, to develop and sell custom wastewater treatment and recycling equipment. This dynamic partnership is expanding to include the sales of other BioLargo products and services to Garratt-Callahan customers. + +\* The first commercial-scale unit of the company's Advanced Oxidation System (AOS) water treatment technology began a pilot project at a municipal wastewater treatment plant near Montréal, Québec. + +\* BioLargo's treatment technology for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) underwent a technical advancement, which was the subject of a recently submitted patent application, that improves the lifespan of the AEC's membranes and the technology's overall commercial outlook. + +https://preview.redd.it/l8pev0vxrq871.png?width=2182&format=png&auto=webp&s=332a22d07d961bc79ebd72a274300157879c4189 + +&#x200B; + +\* The company is working with prospective partners to plan and schedule the first commercial pilots for the AEC technology as soon as possible. + +\* BioLargo Engineering's just signed additiona contracts for 1.2 million while their project backlog grew to a value of over $3 million, to be executed over the next 12-18 months. + +\* ONM Environmental added a new air quality control product technology called EcoMist®, a technology that sprays trash bins with odor control products during trash collection. + +About BioLargo, Inc. + +BioLargo, Inc. invents, develops, and commercializes innovative platform technologies to solve challenging environmental problems like PFAS contamination, advanced water and wastewater treatment, industrial odor and VOC control, air quality control, and infection control. + +With over 13 years of extensive R&D, BioLargo holds a wide array of issued patents, maintains a robust pipeline of products, and provides full-service environmental engineering. Our peer-reviewed scientific approach allows us to invent or acquire novel technologies and develop them to maturity through our operating subsidiaries. + +With a keen emphasis on collaborations with academic, municipal, and commercial organizations and associations, BioLargo has proven itself with over 80 awarded grants and numerous pilot projects. We monetize through direct sales, recurring service contracts, licensing agreements, strategic joint venture formation and/or the sale of the IP. Several of our technologies are commercially available and are advancing as disrupters in their respective markets. See our website. BioResearchAlert has been compensated for this article. + +OP. + +With BioLargo’s AEC technology, “at the end of a treatment cycle, instead of having 80,000 pounds of waste, we might have 85 pounds,” says Moore. BioLargo is also working on a sustainable way of extracting PFAS from the spent membrane, destroying the PFAS, and sending the membrane residue to a landfill. + +Imho This has the potential to be the game-changer for BioLargo. Projects are estimated to have a volume between 250k - 30Millions. They just improved the technology and filed another patent. + +[BioLargo's Sustainable PFAS Solution Hits Major Technical Milestone, Paving Way for Commercial Trials](https://www.accesswire.com/641743/biolargos-sustainable-pfas-solution-hits-major-technical-milestone-paving-way-for-commercial-trials) + +https://preview.redd.it/cfqi2r7urq871.jpg?width=950&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eb2e8e87121d2167f309c8fd3c0a40cada24cbd7 + +They already have another project in the works with Garratt-Callahan (GC has 5 manufacturing locations across the USA) and have already established a Joint Venture with big water companies- Tomorrow Water and BKT regarding their Odor elimination. + +Biolargo goes Global. DD update on ODIN. Joint venture with BKT a leading wastewater treatment service provider in South Korea and Tomorrow Water. + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +Do your own DD and invest accordingly! + +So if you would hear about a company that has solutions for two of the massive global water problems and a bill just passed that is going to invest $168 Billion into clean water in the USA and the entire company is worth just around $45 Million- what would you think? + +Right, It would sound too good to be true. + +But folks it is not. We have been following BioLargo closely and what they set out to do is actually happening (with some delays). + +It is a great time to discover this. Do your own DD! + +Another Good Read: [**From Clean Air to Clean Water, BioLargo Aims to be a Leader in Cleantech**](https://www.benzinga.com/node/20842493) +I'm in a fortunate position that I'm able to contribute such a high percentage of my income but I can't help but feel that money might be better spend elsewhere since my company only matches to 3%. I would probably use that money in my own personal investment account. +Hey there guys this an update from [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/b3vw9s/about_to_be_homeless_and_i_dont_know_what_to_do/?st=JURSBNRK&sh=f231e667) post. + +So my girlfriend now has a job! While it’s not the best job it does bring in extra money. So we’re not facing homelessness anymore. However, things still aren’t looking great. A week after my initial post my car broke down. Then last week the hotel we were staying at raised there price significantly when it was supposed to get lowered so now I can’t save money to get an apartment or fix my car. + +My girlfriend and I really want to get somewhere where we can save money, but we are stuck at the hotel. We get payed every other week which means we get payed 5 days after our payment for the room which they give us lead way on since we’ve been there for a while. So by the time Friday rolls around we already owe for the whole week and then there isn’t enough money to go anywhere else at that point. + +I could really use some recommendations or ideas. We’re new to Denver and don’t know people so couch surfing isn’t an option exactly. We also have our pet so we have to keep her with us. +Somewhat embarrassing post, but in need of advice. + +My husband bought 2K worth of AAPL in roughly 2008 in an Etrade account. He then pretty much forgot the account existed for the next, say, ten years. Fast forward to me doing our taxes and asking for locations of all investment accounts. Something to the effect of "Oh, and there's a little in Etrade, I think." After I managed to get into this Etrade account, I find (not too surprisingly) that there's now roughly 75k in this account, almost entirely in AAPL. + +So, both AWESOME and SHIT! If we sell to diversify this incredibly risky position, we'll pay capital gains. If we hold, we get to watch our account lose/gain thousands each day and it's wigging me out. Am I missing a better option? +Turning 16 next year which could arguably be considered in the late phase of ones 10s and approaching the 20s decade. Wondering what advice people in their 20s would have to people like me in their 10s. How can I set myself up to own IPs early and get a hot gf early on. I currently feel heaps of pressure to finish high school and to start working but I genuinely feel like it’s impossible for someone like me to ever own a house or an IP in Sydney. +Also I feel like I still haven’t explored fully my teenager phase before I settle down as an adult. +Currently on 100% variable @ 3.07%. CBA have offered: + +250k fixed @ 1.99% for 4 years +240k variable @ 2.69% (variable basic) +1st year Wealth Package waived ($395 per year) +Thoughts? +So a lot of people asked me to recount this, God knows why, but I'm happy to do it if I can get it done before the Astros game. + +In 1987 I was at UT, having just finished my freshman year. I was interested in the markets, so I applied for an internship with Dean Witter. + +They didn't take anyone who wasn't going into their junior year, but the broker who was looking (Ken) really dug my interview and recommended me to the manager for a second interview, because he wanted to go against the custom to get me. + +That interview is a whole other story but when he asked "why shouldn't I give you this position", my answer was "because if you do, one day I'll take your job". He was aggressive, loved that, and let Ken hire me. + +I went in after class three days a week and made cold calls and stuff. It wasn't selling, that wasn't legal because I had no license. I was gathering information and trying to get people to talk to Ken. + +I was good at it and into it. My parents bought me some ties and nice shirts and slacks and so forth, and I dug in hard. I was putting up big numbers. + +Ken was a giant broker with his own little suite in the office on one end. Had his own reception area, conference room, and giant office. He was also as cool a 40 year old dude as my 18 year old ass had ever met. + +Anyway, one day I get out of class and head to the office as per usual. + +I walk in and there are women running everywhere, literally like the building was on fire. I thought there was a plumbing leak, fire, or fight or something. Back then we didn't think about active shooters. + +As I walk past the empty reception desk I see the first glass-walled office and this older dude, probably my current age (55) literally sitting at his desk crying like a fat kid who dropped his ice cream. I mean sobbing audibly through the window. + +I turn right to head to Ken's office suite and I see the same. Guys screaming into their headsets (we had wires attached to our phones back then), some crying, and the assistants running around. + +I found out the pneumatic tubes we used to send orders (they were handwritten on tickets back then) were overloaded and broken. They were running orders to the cage for processing. + +I get to Ken's office and walk in and he's on he phone and he literally waves his hand at me and screams "GET THE FUCK OUT!!!!!" + +I'm in complete shock. + +I go to leave and his assistant runs past me back to his office and I keep going to the door. + +She runs back and grabs me and says "wait... he needs you to call all these people and tell them to relax and answer the phone because Ken's gonna call them soon." + +She hands me his "B book", which is the way he kept his clients. They were on paper with ticket copies behind each person's page. They were arranged usually by size of account and activity. He was calling the "A book" and I was letting the B people know he was going to get with them. + +So the actual Dean Witter computer system got overwhelmed and pseudo-crashed. + +When we were placing orders they were coming back all fucked up in batches. So 10 people would sell IBM, and the trades were so fast and furious and everyone was selling that you couldn't match a sale to a ticket. + +At the end of the day the floor sent us massive notices that said shit like "your branch sold 10,000 shares of IBM at $100 (no idea if that was the price - just an example), 8,000 at $90, 15,000 at 87 5/8 (that's the way the prices used to be, in 1/8s), and 23,000 at 84." + +We all met in the conference room (I was there to find Ken's client pages when he asked for them) and literally, I shit you not, argued over who would get what price for which client. + +The manager would say "we've got 27,000 shares of Dell at 4 and 5/8 gone, 18,000 at 3 7/8, and 50 thousand at 2 7/8. Make your pitch." + +Ken would say "I need 10,000 of those at 4 5/8. My guy has 2.4 million with us, he's been my client for 5 years, and he fucking deserves it." + +Then other guys would ask for shares and the manager would ask who they were for and why they should get them. + +We were there all night. These guys cussed each other, cussed the manager, threw shit, stormed out and came back... it was a fucking war. + +Basically the bigtime brokers got the best prices, and they gave their best prices to their best customers. + +The thing is, that practice is illegal. It's called allocating trades. It what made Hillary Clinton a PILE of money in futures. She always got the lowest buy price and the highest sale. Not in that crash, way later. Long story but check it out. + +Anyway, that was all kinds of fuckery. Guys quit over it. If the manager didn't like you, your customers got raped. + +So we were there fighting for pricing til like 9 or 10, and calling clients to deliver the bad news until almost 1 a.m. + +So that sucked, but the weirdest was yet to come. + +Ken asked me to skip class the next day to help him call everyone he couldn't get ahold of, help the assistant field incoming calls, and work the paperwork for his books. I did it. Screw it. This was gonna be my career. + +I get there at like 7:30 and there are two effing armed guards at the double doors, which were closed and locked. + +I ask if we're closed (I just assumed the whole firm had gone under - I was still in a half daze), and got ready to leave. Security guy asks my name. I say "Bob Wheeler. I work for Ken." + +Dude knocks on the door and says "Bob Wheeler. Kid who works for Ken." + +The door opens and another armed guy lets me in. He takes my backpack and empties it on the reception desk. Says "okay, take your stuff." + +I get back to Ken's suite and find out from his assistant that we're all getting free breakfast. It was massive and badass. Like everything you could ever want. Bacon, eggs, biscuits, juices, fruits. I mean a major spread. + +So I ask her if it was bonus for some kind of great job and she shocks me to death. + +She says "no, and we're getting lunch too. We're locked in. We aren't leaving til the market closes and no clients are allowed in. There've been several death threats to basically everyone. When you leave you'll have an armed guard." + +I about shit my pants. It wasn't the same for a LONG TIME. The guys didn't go out for drinks together anymore, people didn't walk into each other's offices, nothing. For six weeks it was like working in a fucking cemetery. + +To Ken's credit he had people buying with both hands and I'm sure everyone who listened ended up rich, but it was a goddamned bloodbath and lots of brokers never recovered. + +So that's the story. When the market goes down 5% I'm not fazed. +TL;DR - How do I decide between becoming an entrepreneur as a path to FI vs using a secure high salary as a path to FI? Assuming one path is preferred, what are the best "next steps"? + +I'm 34 years old. I make a good salary, $150,000 base, amazing benefits, and a 15% bonus 3/3 years so far, I've heard this year the bonus might be reduced due to company performance goals, though the company is not hurting and my job will probably never be in jeopardy at his 100 year old firm that nobody ever seems to quit from it's so nice. Due to past personal issues (which have gone away since I made the decision to divorce) I have no savings, an underwater mortgage, 2 dogs, $14k in credit card debt, and a 401k worth $90,000. I have worked all year getting in a better position to prepare for a better future once the divorce finalizes, and am confident I won't have the same financial issues I had the past that caused me to not be able to save like I should. I bring home $8,000 or so per month. I should be able to save/invest $4,000 of that bring home each month depending on some expenses, possibly a bit more if I decide to rent a room out in my house, and after June or so when my car gets paid off too. + +I currently specialize in a niche IT software field, where there is huge demand, though i have other IT skills as well, but this software / mindset is my main skillset. Industry demand along with my personal knowledge/network is such that I can make 1 phone call to any number of my contacts and get a job even without an interview. It remains to be seen if I can land the same work as a contractor/consultant, but it's probably doable. + +I used to do consulting in this field, and helped grow a consulting firm from 5 people to 65 when i left (180 people there now). My job is cushy. I work 40 hours or less of real work (usually) with the occasional firefighting period for a month of two of lots of extra hours. The worst part of my job is a 1 hour commute each way (driving). + +I've considered starting my own consulting firm and growing it from the ground up as a means to achieve FI in the future. This could mean anything from being an independent consultant only making money on the hours I personally bill, to creating and staffing up a legitimate consulting firm over time and reaping a % of the entire firms billable hours and not just my own. + +I know if I do that, it's going to be a tough road for awhile, lots of long hours, weeks spend on the road at client sites, etc... to maybe make a little bit more money once you take into account taxes, benefits, etc... that'd I'd be losing if I left my nice cushy job. My personal life would definately suffer, and much like FI - I don't want to "live to work", though I know its necessary in short bursts. + +If I did it right, maybe I end up making a ton more money in 3-10 years and then sell the company or retire early and severely cut back my role in the company, who knows. + +But, I know I make great money now, an income most people would figuratively kill for, and perhaps I can use that money outside of work to fund other ventures that subscribe to a "4 hour workweek" model to make additional income, or smart investments and still achieve FI without the same hardships the other option entails. + +On a personal level, I'm just wrapping up a divorce, and it's going to take me until June to wipe out all my debt (besides the underwater mortgage - another 9 months or so to bring that to parity I think) and be in a good spot to invest in my future again. I also know I eventually want to get married again and foster that relationship nad have a good family life. That might be hard to do if I'm working on building a business / my consulting work, especially if I am on the road every week. + +I'm looking for advice, people who chose one path or the other in their own life, or ways to somehow "have it all". + +I am fairly clear on next steps if I take the "start consulting again" route, but I really worry about my quality of life over the next 3-10 years if I do that. + +I'm less clear on next steps with the "stay in my job, use this fat income to prepare for FI" route, though I'm sure this gives me a better personal life if I can make it work and still work towards FI. + +Thanks for reading and your advice! +I'm one of seven children in my family. My mom was recently diagnosed with Leukemia (AML) a few months ago. She's been in the hospital ever since receiving chemo, radiation, etc. Most recently, she's undergone a bone marrow transplant. However, now that the transplant has happened she has to remain under constant care for the next 100 days. + +We need someone to stay with my mom and care for her 24/7 for these next 100 days. + +We've already racked up $20k+ in medical bills that we cannot afford, so we can't afford to hire someone. All seven children are still in school. + +My father is our family's only source of income and health insurance so he needs to continue working and keep his job. + +Are there any accommodations that can be made? Why isn't there family medical leave or something of the sort? I'm really open to any suggestions right now. +After 4 years of of negative remarks on my credit report from former landlords i finally paid off everything and made a downpayment on a new apartment. Finally my dog and i have a real home. We are so happy. +Cathie bought 560k shares on the first day. She seems to start a position and then keep growing it over months. I think this is just the start of her big buy. Should I buy & hold long? + +https://www.google.com/amp/s/247wallst.com/investing/2021/03/10/cathie-woods-ark-invest-buys-over-500000-shares-of-roblox/amp/ +It's a lot of items I've been watching for months. And a lot of them I've seen with the sale price they've done had maybe weeks ago. But you'll see places like Amazon and others trying to label it as a "Black Friday" sale. + + +It took me a while to really catch on to when people will tell me Black Friday is a scam. But each year I really start to see it more and more. + + +Like one thing I've noticed about Amazon specifically with having items saved in my Wish List. Is they like to play around with prices all the time. You can have something like a set of towels. That when you initially found it was maybe $24. But then a few days later it's $15 then next week it's $30. + + +So be careful out there this year if you are Black Friday shopping. Don't get fooled by these big corporations and their fake sales labeled as a Black Friday sale. Just to draw you in and get your money. It's a dirty game they like to play. +Buy the rumor, Sell the news. + +Yes, the House is voting on the MORE Act and it’s most likely going to pass. This legislation is sponsored by VP elect Kamala Harris. Democratic leaders and some Republicans leaders are showing support. + +HOWEVER, in the long run for full federal legalization the Senate still has to pass on it and it most likely WILL NOT. Not to get political but Mitch McConnell the Majority leader has repeatedly said he would kill any marijuana bill. + +I’m as stoked as the next trader for $SNDL but please remember to lock in profits. + +Don’t get left holding bags 💼 + +Good luck and cheers 🍻! +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +I have still some shares with PostFinance and asked them about the split and they just told me, that it was a regular split. I told them that this has to be a mistake because it was supposed to be a split via dividend but they don't seem to care. + +https://preview.redd.it/p61kibmo2hf91.jpg?width=722&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=049ddaa74717032b2beabb14208706de68582616 + +Translation: *In a split, the whole quantity is usually booked out first and as soon as the corrected quantity arrives from the depots. This is correctly listed in the corresponding document: GAMESTOP CL A ORD ISIN: US36467W1099 NKN: 2274310 -xxx GAMESTOP CL A ORD ISIN: US36467W1099 NKN: 2274310 1 : 4 +xxxx Do you have anymore questions? Contact us. We are glad to be here for you. With kind regards* + +&#x200B; + +Another swiss ape called Swissquote and recorded the conversation, he was speaking to a specialist and he basically told him the same thing... They think that we don't care because it doesn't change the value... And even if they handled it as a splividend we would still have the same amount of shares with the same price as now. + +In an ideal world where all shares are real this would be true, but we know that this isn't the case. They are diluting the float with fake shares and therefore they are financially harming us, the investors of this company. + +If you have still some shares with PostFinance or Swissquote, I ask you to take action now and report this to Finma (Swiss SEC) [https://www.finma.ch](https://www.finma.ch) + +If you have shares with other institutions in Switzerland, please ask them how they handled the Split. + +Be kind but ask questions, it's your investment! +Just like the title says. I recently discovered the mega backdoor Roth and was ecstatic to learn that such a thing existed. Unfortunately my 401k provider doesn't allow for after-tax, non-roth contributions. Nor do they allow for in-service distributions. I was told that in order for this to change my employer would have to change the 401k plan for my entire company which would be too arduous for them to consider. Do I have any other options? Or should I forget about mega backdoor Roth and move on? + +My tax-advantaged savings currently consist of maxing out my $18.5k personal 401k contribution, employer contributes additional $6k, and $5,500 backdoor Roth IRA. +As a complete noob to kriptoes, NFTs and all that jazz, if I got a nice new shiny NFT thing I'd get curious and probably want to build upon it. I am sure I am not alone in that sentiment. + +I think that it could be a very good advertisement/ marketing strategy for Gamestops new NFT marketplace, could also pull some good coverage in different places due to its uniqueness. + +Makes me feel bullish for the future. +I have basic knowledge and understanding HFT work. I am looking to develop my quant trading skills, specially how to back-test a given idea and micro-structure based indicators. Pundits in the field, please suggest which of the following books should I start? Please suggest any other books/ research papers/blogs which I can follow. + +Thanks a ton :) + +Have a profitable day! + +&#x200B; + +Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading (Mathematics, Finance and Risk): [https://www.amazon.in/Algorithmic-High-Frequency-Trading-Mathematics-Finance/dp/1107091144](https://www.amazon.in/Algorithmic-High-Frequency-Trading-Mathematics-Finance/dp/1107091144) + +High-Frequency Trading: A Practical Guide to Algorithmic Strategies and Trading Systems: [https://www.amazon.com/High-Frequency-Trading-Practical-Algorithmic-Strategies/dp/1118343506](https://www.amazon.com/High-Frequency-Trading-Practical-Algorithmic-Strategies/dp/1118343506) + +Inside the Black Box: A Simple Guide to Quantitative and High Frequency Trading by Rishi K. Narang: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LP2IGD4/ref=dbs\_a\_def\_rwt\_bibl\_vppi\_i3](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LP2IGD4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3) + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; +I’ve recently finished taking an introductory course on python to get familiar with the language. I have several strategies I would like to automate since I am currently trading options but have a hard time planning what tools to use and setting up a roadmap. The strategies I have in mind are price action+order flow and technical analysis driven with choosing x delta call/put options contracts in pre determines basket of stocks. Tradier seems like they offer a great API for options. My questions are: + +1) Would I still want to gain competency in Zipline to backtest strategies? Would I be able to backtest options strategies with Zipline? Could not find anything to answer this. + +2) Upon looking at Tradier, it doesn’t seem the option chains include Greeks where I would like to choose x delta call/put contracts based on a risk score. Would I still be able to script something to choose a particular contract based on what I’m looking for? + +3) Cliche question: what’s the more robust option for historical option price data? I wouldn’t mind paying monthly subscription for data but not $200 monthly either. + +Im generally new to all of this but I’d like to have a roadmap to evaluate the most efficient option going forward. + +I made a strange observation on some crypto exchanges. When price of a certain instrument moves, there was no previous order for that particular price in the order book. I record a video from a BKEX exchange on the random market with this process and took three sequential frames showing what I mean. I can provide the video itself if anyone would be interested. + +On pic 1 we see the ask = 0.001016 and bid = 0.0009908. + +On pics 2 and 3 we see that price moved a little bit and became 0.0010034 which means the trade was made by this particular price. + +But there is no order with the price of 0.0010034 in the order book on the first pic! + +How this could be even possible? Where the trade price of 0.0010034 was coming from? + +https://preview.redd.it/aqru4dzk3et91.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=9f0a40c88ab29e2bc64996673141017518eae6c1 + +https://preview.redd.it/o3v3qfzk3et91.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=29af970345a1e314229275686c7aba30c138bbb0 + +https://preview.redd.it/2qrz6gzk3et91.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=d6d39551b7d4f2e823aa0d4479268d5fc88ea3f4 +I have basic knowledge and understanding HFT work. I am looking to develop my quant trading skills, specially how to back-test a given idea and micro-structure based indicators. Pundits in the field, please suggest which of the following books should I start? Please suggest any other books/ research papers/blogs which I can follow. + +Thanks a ton :) + +Have a profitable day! + +&#x200B; + +Algorithmic and High-Frequency Trading (Mathematics, Finance and Risk): [https://www.amazon.in/Algorithmic-High-Frequency-Trading-Mathematics-Finance/dp/1107091144](https://www.amazon.in/Algorithmic-High-Frequency-Trading-Mathematics-Finance/dp/1107091144) + +High-Frequency Trading: A Practical Guide to Algorithmic Strategies and Trading Systems: [https://www.amazon.com/High-Frequency-Trading-Practical-Algorithmic-Strategies/dp/1118343506](https://www.amazon.com/High-Frequency-Trading-Practical-Algorithmic-Strategies/dp/1118343506) + +Inside the Black Box: A Simple Guide to Quantitative and High Frequency Trading by Rishi K. Narang: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LP2IGD4/ref=dbs\_a\_def\_rwt\_bibl\_vppi\_i3](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LP2IGD4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i3) + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; +I've recently started to mess around with making indicator and robots with pine script, and I'm just looking for some feedbacks and curious to see what people think of it. Let me know if it useful to you guys and gals! + +https://www.tradingview.com/script/NyWddGwl-LetsTrendShort/ + +Thanks for looking! +Hi friends, + +I am writing up an essay/survey/study for school about algotrading and wanted to see if anyone would like to share their experience with it such as how you got into it, what you used to become a better trader (YouTube, this sub, books), and what you’ve learned. Any help or interesting stories would be worthwhile. + +Thanks so much in advance! 🙏🏻 +Edited to add: thanks for these comments. We're still not totally aligned but the comments here have helped clear some things up. + +My spouse and I disagree, and of course I figured the internet could solve it for us. + +When using the phrase "I have no credit card debt", are you saying: + +A) Each month, I pay the "statement balance" on my credit card + +or + +B) Each month, I pay the "total balance" on my credit card + +Please solve this for us, internet! + +David +We all knew Solana was pretty centralized even before last week's bug. But that didn't prevent people from FOMOing into Solana as it was skyrocketing the past few weeks. Just to remind you, Solana pumped from around $25 to almost $220. + +After the developers had to shutdown the network to fix the bug, the FUD around Solana was enormous! There were dozens of posts in this subreddit claiming that SOL is about to die and that its run was over! + +However now after a few red days, SOL is almost 15% up since yesterday. There are many upcoming conferences. Whales are jumping in. Companies are building on Solana because it is fast and cheap. According to most predictions SOL is about to reach $250 soon (not a financial advice though). + +In my opinion all that shows that people put profits over decentralization (suprise! /s). Most people would probably even betray their values just to make some quick money! +At this point with Gamestop venturing into NFT and blockchain technology and a potential partnership with Loopring, it may be about time for investors to start your homework on what this means and reading up on how this works if you do not already have experience. + +I always had "an idea" of how blockchain works but I decided to spend some serious time from the beginning, reviewing blockchain, then to E/T/H networks, then level 2 scaling and ZK-rollups based on the Loopring tweets that we have seen pop up several times on this sub. (If this sounds like gibberish to you, spend some times and watch these videos below) + +Blockchain explained and why it's secure, unable to be manipulated and the controlling elite's worst nightmare: + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo\_EIwHSd4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo_EIwHSd4) + +Proof of work vs. Proof of stake and why the second is the future: + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3EFi\_POhps](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3EFi_POhps) + +Explanation on the E/T/H network and why so many people are using it and how its only in the early stages: + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxLkbJozKbY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxLkbJozKbY) + +E/T/H 2.0 and how it is currently being implemented and addressing many of the major drawbacks of the original network framework. + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctzGr58\_jeI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctzGr58_jeI) + +&#x200B; + +**If you made it this far, you have enough of a background to start to understand what Loopring actually is doing and are beginning to understand just how disruptive to the status quo this technology is going.** + +Level 2 scaling, rollups and other methods to drastically improve the speed and efficiency of the E/T/H network and greatly improve the applicability to **any part of our society that can and will be decentralized.** + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgCgauWVTs0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgCgauWVTs0) + +&#x200B; + +**By now I hope that people who have watched these videos and are reading this are starting to grasp the magnitude of what's happening.** + +&#x200B; + +We have always lived in a fully or at least partially centralized world. We are told what to do and what to think by larger entities, not being trusted with information, money, or even our own opinions. We hardly ever really own anything ourselves. + +Everything from your bank account to your debt, to your mortgage, to your car loan....everything is owned by centralized entities which heavily control these financial avenues. We are so used to it as the way the world works, that we never even stopped to ask whether there was any other way. + +The full adoption of blockchain completely eviscerates the power of the elite. With a decentralized stock market/banking system/voting system you will no longer be required to sign a contract with a large fortune 500 company. They will no longer have their elite finger on the pulse of all of these systems. They will lose their ability to manipulate markets, jack up interest rates, or bribe politicians. + +Blockchain DeFi is coming and it is going to fundamentally change the way the world works as drastically as the invention of the steam engine in an era of horse-drawn carriages. We are about to experience a drastic and fundamental change in society only seen once in several generations. + +You are investing in a company that will help bring about the fall of the centralized elite and play an important part in bringing in a new golden era of humanity. +I'm going all in, if I loose 75% of what I invest i don't fucking care, why is that because I've been poor my whole life and i can handle being poor for the rest of it, im fucking use to it. This is my chance to change that and like fuck I'm not taking that chance because of a little bit of fear or doubt. These big man balls of mine are going to make me a millionaire whats your balls going to do for you, hang low or shrivel up like little budgy balls +So the total vote was 55 million shares. There are around 75 million total that are supposed to exist. So someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but if people can't vote for themselves (eg, Ryan Cohen), then that's pretty much every single legal share voting. Adding the people who couldn't vote due to brokers or people who just didn't vote (Etoro said around 37% didn't), then we have over the float in votes. +This was supposed to be all too easy for them, like taking candy from a baby. They hired the best and brightest quants and wrote "Artificial Intelligent' systems and plugged it into the trading matrix. "Oh we are so smart", they said to themselves. Unfortunately, their genius robbery machine only works if one variable called X = "SELL". The value of this special variable isn't fully under their control. One day, some crayons fell on a wrinkle-brain Ape while he sat in the zoo (i.e. work). After eating all the crayons, he shouted "Eureka!'. He stood up and wrote this formula with his last crayon -- Trendies = (NOT(X) + BUY ^2) * DRS. The rest is history. +I was wondering if anyone here has used a fee-only financial planner on a flat fee or hourly basis and if so 1.) How much was it? 2.) Where did you find him? And 3). Was the service worth the price? +I was wondering if anyone here has used a fee-only financial planner on a flat fee or hourly basis and if so 1.) How much was it? 2.) Where did you find him? And 3). Was the service worth the price? +So a little while ago I bought ENPH call at $140 for $26. + +Two weeks ago, I sold a call against it for $4.20 at $197.50. + +Well that REALLY moved against me. I was told it would be really bad for me to wait until Friday and let it get called away because I would be -100 shares, and I am underprepared for what could happen to me. (I am on Robinhood) + +I feel a little stuck because buying it back and trying to roll it is a really losing position because it is so ITM. + +Edit: I ended up buying the 197.5 call for $18 and sold the 140 for 75. Thank you! +https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nasdaq-fear-gauge-flashes-warning-143534357.html + +(Bloomberg) -- There are more signs of possible trouble ahead for high-flying technology stocks, this time from gauges of expected volatility. + +One alert stems from the widest spread since 2004 between the Cboe NDX Volatility Index, a measure of implied equity swings for the Nasdaq-100, and the counterpart so-called “fear gauge” for the S&P 500. Another comes from unusual simultaneous gains in the technology index and the NDX recently. +Small businesses are more optimistic when a Republican is President. Whenever any data point makes a 45 year record or something of similar proportions there needs to be a confluence of factors to make it happen. Small businesses love the growth rebound, the tax cuts, the regulatory reform, and they are politically biased to favor Republicans. + +It’s interesting to see how the metric of saying times are good didn’t get that high during the peak of the housing bubble as Americans weren’t necessarily euphoric about the economy even though they were euphoric about house prices. In conclusion, buying conditions are poor because prices aren’t affordable, but it’s a good time to buy a house because the economy is strong. You would think if the economy was very strong, people would be able to afford expensive housing. + +[Optimism Doesn’t Match Economic Growth](https://upfina.com/optimism-doesnt-match-economic-growth) +I plan on investing soon in the stock market and I would really appreciate it if you can be me books or sites that teaches you the basics and tips on starting. All help is greatly appreciated. + I (M28) have been virtually homeless since I was kicked out. I finally am getting a stable home with my high school sweetheart (F27) who promised me she would help and support me and love me. she is the only person in my life who has been in my corner who believes I can do more for myself even more then I think of myself. This has motivated me to want better for my life and to enhance hers vs being a leech. I want to get a car, I want to marry her and I want to make her dream come true and get us a house. How should I start? What should I do? I'm used to working fast food jobs and any job I ever apply for always has a take it or leave it type deal with the lowest pay. I want skills that I can sell myself. This is a turning point in my life and I want to finally live. + +Edit 1: Woah I just joined reddit and my first silver! Thank you Kind stranger. + +Edit 2: woah gold also for the first time! And all these awards . Thank you so much. Due to everybody's overwhelming advise, my gf decided we are going to move to the Dallas texas area to help me pursue one of these trade jobs! +http://seekingalpha.com/news/3166973-tesla-filing-notes-immaterial-172m-error-supercharger-valuation + +I mean, it won't really matter considering half the people invested in Tesla don't care about such silly things as "valuation" and "book value". + +Disclaimer: I'm short Tesla. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +I have been scalping spy for a few weeks ago. I’ve been profitable almost everyday. BUT, it’s always greed that gets me. I have a target of $500 a day. But I’ve been up $2000 before, only to lose it on a trade and be down like 400. I always tell myself that I’ll stop and walk away. But my greed always says “just ONE a more”. And that one more is always the death blow to my profits +Or do you still feel that the valuations are too high? + +If so, then do you think "hype" and "fads" will continue to lead to higher investment in the tech sector, and fundamental analysis will continue to be ignored? Keep in mind bond yields are still at historically low ranges. +So apparently an old employer of mine setup a 401k for me with Fidelity that I didn't know about. Not only, they also put the wrong birthday. So every time I tried to setup a brokerage account, it said I was entering the wrong credentials. + +I called Fidelity and they told me I was going to have to submit a paper application to correct the incorrect birthday. I said I'll do that, but I'll probably try to find someone else, because I'm trying to get my assets out of my Robin Hood account. He asked to put me on hold to see if there was something he could do in the back office. He put me on with someone with the 401k department (he stayed on the line while I talked to her). In the end, she told me I was going to have to do a paper application too. He thanked her for her help and told me to stay on the line so he could see if he could try something else. Best fucking customer service. He helped walk me through creating an account, changed my birthday, and walked me through get a transfer set up for my assets at Robin Hood. The customer service is such a refresher from the nightmare we've had to deal with with Robin Hood. + +I love capitalism. The power of competition. Fuck Robin Hood. + +Edit: Anyone know how to fill out a customer service survey? I got the guy's name and want to let Fidelity know how impressed I was with him. +Hi all, I'm a 22 yo grad currently living out in Bristol, about half a year into my first job after uni. It wasn't billed as a graduate job specifically but caters to my degree (studied International Relations) and is the right level for me, and have enjoyed my time here so far. + +At the start of the week, my boss called me in for a meeting and basically asked if I wanted to relocate to London. She said it was entirely voluntary and that if I said no I could carry on in Bristol as is, but also spelled out the numerous benefits there'd be to moving. Basically, I'd be working from head office and career progression would be likely much quicker. I've always thought I'd move to London eventually, but not for a year or so still yet! + +I've got another meeting to discuss in a week or so, and am basically unsure of what I should be looking for - in the initial meeting the words 'relocation package' were mentioned a couple of times. I know I'm only at entry-level so am hardly expecting the world, but equally would be moving something like 115 miles away from home! Should I be asking for time off? Some form of lump sum? + +I already know that I'd get a decent payrise if I moved - in Bristol I'm currently only on 18k, but have been told that London premium + a general payrise would put me onto about £23k. This seems a fair jump from where I am, but equally am aware that my starting position salary wise isn't too great! Should I push for more here too? + +I also know there's loads of other stuff I'd need to consider - I moved into a house share recently which is a 20 min walk from work, and know that any move would mean higher rent and the sudden emergence of currently non-existent travel costs! Finally, I wonder if I've read into 'relocation package' too much, and maybe it was a throwaway reference to a pay rise - should I expect anything at all> + +Any advice appreciated, thanks! + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; +So as a bit of background I'm nearly finished a conversion course in accounting and I'm pretty certain I'll pass everything with good marks. I'm supposed to start work at a big 4 firm in September in tax. + +The problem is that I'm not even sure if I enjoy the subject. At times I do get satisfaction from working through the problems but on the whole I can't say I have any passion for it. So far all of my marks have been in the top 10% of the class so at least I seem good at it. + +Anyway, that's just the background info. If I do decide to quit the grad scheme, the contract says I have to pay back all my tuition fees along with the allowance they gave me to live on. At 22 this is a fairly significant amount of money and I couldn't pay it back at the moment. Does anyone know how this sort of thing is usually handled, is it just an empty threat? + +Just reading this post back to myself, I'm aware I come off poorly. I've got myself into this mess entirely of my own doing and had plenty of time to back out. I sort of felt like this at the start of the course but I thought I'd be better sticking it out to see if I got better. I think when I was wrapping up my undergrad I got into the mindset of "shit, I need to get a proper job" when I would have been better working in retail for a year and figuring my life out. +My boss just told me I'm getting a 10% pay cut. + +Is this legal ? + +Is there anything I can do to prevent it ? + +Edit: They say they've been accidentally overpaying me for 3 years and now they're going to correct it starting in October + +I've asked HR for a meeting for more clarification but I haven't heard back yet. + +Edit: HR didn't know about it and they'll get back to me. + +EDIT: I worked out what's going in to my bank compared to my stated salary, [https://mozo.com.au/calculators/tax-calculator](https://mozo.com.au/calculators/tax-calculator) It turns out what was going into my bank was 10% more than what was on my pay slip. So I guess I don't have any argument. They said they won't charge me back-payments. I'll try and get it in writing. + +Thanks everyone for your help. +Just wondering what everyone's fixed rate is and for how long? + +I'm thinking a 2.19% 5 year fixed rate with NAB is fairly attractive considering what could happen with the economy in those years. + +Who knows right? +Earlier this week, Palantir bought 50 million dollars worth of gold bars to prepare for a coming "black swan event". + +If this was any other company, it wouldn't mean very much to me, but Palantir is not an ordinary company. They are a big data intelligence firm that the United States uses in their military, the NSA, CIA, FBI, etc... While most of the exact uses in government are classified/secret, it is known that their data was responsible for locating Osama Bin Laden that led to the 2011 raid. + +They are essentially a worldwide intelligence network that has access to so much data that the rest of the world is not privy to. So when they are prepping for a "black swan event", it's because they see something coming that the rest of us don't see. Something in their data is suggesting something is coming, and I think people should be paying attention. +Elon Musk's goal with every project he ever got into was to hijack it and say he founded it. He got kicked out of PayPal trying to hijack it. He's still mad about that. He hijacked Tesla and said he founded it. He's trying to hijack crypto using Doge. + +Remember he said exchanges can be second layer for Doge? That's Robinhood. All this time the smartest minds were trying to scale blockchains and nobody came up with this idea. What a genius! + +Everytime he talks about crypto he makes it clear he hasn't got the first clue about it. Elon wants to turn Doge into PayPal. Mark Cuban is going to be his sidekick. + +Poor Doge was at least decentralized when it was a joke. It's about to become a plaything for a couple of narcissistic billionaires. Now it's a bad joke in the most evil sense. +Apes, I used to be a scientist. I have a PhD in a non-finance field and used to do research and write scientific publications. + +A keyword that you might have already heared as a scientific principle is "peer review". This means if you want to publish your research in a prestigious journal that many scientists read, your research publication needs to get reviewed by an independent panel of experts in the field. For GME, e.g. Atobit had HoC2+3 reviewed by Dr T, Dave L, etc. + +A less known scientific principle (maybe because there's no specific name for it) is what I wrote in the title: + +Collective DD is much more reliable as any single DD! That's why our overall thesis is very likely to be true! + +Even with peer review many scientific articles turn out to be wrong over time. This can be because of methodologies used evolving over time allowing deeper insights or simple mistakes in experimental set up or interpretation. + +But what holds much stronger than any individual finding is the overall big picture of how things work for a particular topic, since this is a mosaic of independent viewpoints re-enforcing the overall direction. There can be bias, that's why counter DD and myth busting are important. + +But overall I feel the de-centralized nature of our DD is exactly what gives it high confidence. If it were just a few people it could be a scam. Also importantly, public data like FTDs, buy ratios, short volume all also are supporting the different DDs. + +The reason I wrote this is I sometimes see apes getting worked up over details of this or that DD or blaming mods or other individuals for getting something wrong. My message: It's ok to be wrong on individual points occasionally. What's much more important is the big picture which gets supported by many pillars! + +TL;DR see title +Just gave his penultimate post my free award. I'm just saying it would be cool for him to hit 5m on his cake day. I mean we've crowd-sourced a ton of other awesome shit. Just seems fitting that we make this happen. I was reading the comments on the triple down and they are legitimately hilarious. Me and Peppridge Farm both remember...it was a good day. Reddit won't let you award the final update,...but it will let you award the one before that. Happy MOASS Eve to all and to all a good night. + +Edit: u/deepfuckingvalue + +Edit 2: It's his actual birthday not cake day. +Again, same herd mentality in WSB. The same echo chamber phenomenon. + +Yes, some sort of delta squeezing happened yesterday. Lots of nice DD posts out there. + +Still, we could perhaps guess that on 02/26 those call options might be squozen. + +Or... it could not happen. + +We don't know the delta on those calls, maybe they sold them real cheap when GME was at 200, just to hedge. We also don't know if they are covered or naked calls. + +It's clear that redditors money is not moving the needle and that the spike was caused either by covering shorts or call options being delta-hedged. In any case, don't be reassured by other people buying. Accept a squeeze like yesterday's can happen, but **it's completely out of your control or other redditors'. So TRADE ONLY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE.** + +Right now WSB is *again* showcasing posts of people putting their life savings on GME near the top, and **not a single comment with a hard, concise, word of caution.** + +It's just sad at this point. + +**I've got my 2 shares in**. Idgaf, I can hold. **But I might just as well sell at 150, 200, 300** and buy something nice for a member of my family with the free cash. Realize that is the case with a lot of people. + +There might be the possibilty of a historical squeeze and 10k, 50k, blah blah. But it's a possibility. It's not worth your life savings and your loved ones wellbeing. What if there still is a lot to squeeze yet, but funds keep repeating the cycle of bringing the price down for weeks? Are these people putting their entire savings in GME going to hold until then? No. They will panic and cash out with a loss. + +**TL;DR: Only trade money that you can afford to lose. Herd mentality is very, very scary. Let's be responsible and award comments issuing caution, or report posts that show self-destructive financial behavior.** +Article: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-uber-layoffs/uber-to-cut-3700-full-time-jobs-ceo-to-waive-base-salary-idUSKBN22I20C + +This is about 14% of their staff. +Hey all, + + +Just a quick one, and a bit of a rant. + + +I've been keeping my emergency fund as cash split between a few old back accounts i don't particularly use since switching to monzo as my main. A few weeks ago i got an email from HSBC saying my account has been dormant and do i want to keep it, if so, do some transaction or it will be closed. Fine i thought, i'll just move that cash (1k) out to another account. Well that kicked off fraud protection, no worries, i called to resolve it, now my account has been locked for over a week. + + +Why bloody bother, that isn't emergency cash any more! Now im starting to get annoyed and i'm chasing them up to resolve it, its not exactly mind bending money, and its moving between 2 of my accounts (admittedly they haven't transacted before). sigh.. + + +I guess for anyone else doing this, make sure your accounts have transacted and cross added as trusted payees first with smaller amounts. + + +Where do you guys keep your emergency funds? +Hi [redacted]: + +With the IRS Free File program surpassing its founding goals of e-file and tax preparation, Intuit has elected not to renew its participation in the Free File Program for the upcoming tax season. This decision will allow us to focus on further innovation and to continue exploring how to best serve the complete financial health of all Americans through our products and services. Learn more. + +In the past, you have used TurboTax through the Free File program to prepare and file your taxes. Although Intuit is no longer participating in the program, if your Adjusted Gross Income is $73,000 or less, you may still qualify for other IRS Free File Offers at www.IRS.Gov. + + +------------------------ +I've used the free file for the probably the past 10 years. TurboTax, you have just lost a loyal customer. +Let’s break this down for everyone who is worried or wants to know what to expect in the coming week: + +AMC current status (30JAN2021) : +AMC has 44.6 million shorted shares and a grand total of 52 million shares. That means 86% of shares are shorted (by hedge funds) and 14% are being longed (all of us) + +Now what everyone is waiting for is when it’s time to close the positions of shorted shares and they (hedge funds) have to cover what they bet on. Keep in mind not EVERY share will expire on Monday. So we MUST hold beyond that. + +Today’s target (1/29) was to beat $8.63 (what hedge funds were betting it would be come Monday) and we did that closing at $13.29! AWESOME. This short position will have to close in 0.5 trading days (Monday) + +So Monday when they’re forced to cover ($8.63) they will have to buy it at its current price to cover their bet. Raising the price up even higher. + +But this isn’t even the best part. All of their other shorts are SIGNIFICANTLY lower. There are 9 different short stocks between $1.98-$5.96. Some of those shorts are 1.9 days away (Tue) 2.5 days (wed) 3.2 days (Thur) so the longer you hold, the higher the price gets and the more they have to cover. + +Over the next few trading days it is going to be a vIolent squeeze. We are at the starting line of what GME did. Hold your ground. Gains Monday are inevitable. But the gains on Tuesday-Thursday will be much higher. + +Short squeezes are historic: and to give you an example Volkswagen had a 46% short at $6 share price which squeezed to $110 a share back in 2008. And, who can forget our grandson GME? + +AMC is at 84% short at $13 The percentage is significantly higher and there’s a lot more room to grow. On the high end we’re talking the possibility of hitting $150-200 a share if everyone is smart and holding until Thursday. + +1. HOLD +2. Buy more on Monday if you can afford it because it’s going to violently rise +3. Enjoy the ride until AT LEAST Thursday evening when shorts have to close their positions and as a result of that they themselves take the price higher. +The fear and greed index is at "extreme fear" and bitcoin's value has plummeted from 350K to 65K which is below its previous ATH from the 2022 bull run. + +Thousands of new investors who entered the market in the 2025 bull run are googling the word "capitulation" for the first time. + +Elon Musk has announced he's running for president as a Republican in 2028, and has a pro crypto platform. Despite falling over 90% from its ATH, Elon continues to shill Dogecoin as a valid form of currency. His tweets no longer seem to have an effect on the price of Dogecoin as most investors now see his long lived obsession as being out of touch. + +Centralized exchanges now only able to offer rates around 1 - 2% after all the SEC regulations that were put in place to protect consumers after the 2022 crash. This still attracts new investors looking to make some passive income on their bitcoin, despite the recommendation of seasoned crypto holders still bitter about having their funds frozen by Celsius. + +The top posts on r/cc are mostly meta posts about the community, criticizing other posts and judging perceived sentiment from members of the community. People will comment "I bought bitcoin at 40K in 2022 and I'm doing fine". Others will reply "Wow, you have a lot of willpower not selling at 350K". For some this is true, and for others they just did a poor job taking profits and are content to wait it out until the next bull run. + +"At least I learned some important lessons". They tell themselves. "I'll change my strategy and do better next time". +I’m sure there is a good reason but I was thinking about how simple it is to finance a $1000 phone for $20/month (additional to my non-contract phone bill) but I can’t get an auto loan for a car that costs about the same. I tend to imagine that the likelihood of defaulting on loan repayment is about the same for a phone bill or a cheap vehicle. I’m genuinely curious why I can get a $1000 phone with a $200 down payment and no credit check yet there is not a bank service that will provide a loan for an inexpensive car. And just for reference, my credit ranking at the time would be ranked as “needs work”. +Just moved into a new house and had a new boiler fitted, and looking to get a smart thermostat. Which one is the best to use and how much am I likely to save? +How long have you scalp traded? What percentage stop loss do you use? After what percentage gain do you take profit? Question comes from a new scaler who is keen to see how others approach it. Thanks in advance! +Helllo, +I am Oleg, and I am running Nexchange.io. +At Nexchange we aim at making things better than they currently are. + +Yesterday we had a trade of 165 BTC on our platform (around $1m). +https://nexchange.io/order/OSMQ6L + +Our algorithm decided to use uphold as a liquidity provider for this tx, as they had a good market rate with only 2% fee including the slippage. + +Once the money was deposited to Uphold, they immediately froze the account, asking for 'source of wealth' 'due diligence' and 'KYC'. + +The exact quote from the email would be: +"When you initially created your account you have indicated an estimated volume of 100 000 USD per day, today you have exceeded this estimation, thus your account is frozen until you provide further documentation" (all trades were crypto to crypto) + +To this email I have responded with the link to trade which is above, as well as full audit-able list of orders on our platform via our API +https://api.nexchange.io/en/api/v1/orders/ + +I have a verified business account with this firm for 2 years. +Naturally when I was starting Bitcoin was much cheaper, the volumes were lower, and my business grew since then. +In fact their claim that I've exceeded my stated volume is incorrect, since none of my transactions were in fiat, and quoting by the BTC price at the time of signing the forms, $100k are actually 250 BTC! + +By reviewing their terms and conditions there are no limits to neither crypto funding and crypto volumes. + + +I even had a face to face meeting with the technical team in Braga demonstrating my product earlier this year, followed by a Skype call with the business executive to try and negotiate better fees for my high volumes. +On neither of those instances any problem with my way of operation was brought to my knowledge by the team. + +I wrote their support, explaining the situation, but there is no response. + +So far there is more than $1.5m hanging funds on their exchange and no-one to talk to. + +On the accumulated position size (200 BTC) my customers are losing thousands of USD every hour, but nobody in uphold seems to care, despite the fact they made 50 000 USD on fees from my company this week alone. + +Stay away from those guys, +They are thieves! +This will just be a short opinion. I saw this ComouterShare post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/rh62de/computershare_opened_a_dedicated_gme_helpline_as + +As you can see it seems like GME has asked CS to open dedicated lines for apes all over the world to help them DRS and for people who have questions about DRSing. Now why would a company ask CS to do that for their shareholders? + +Also in their latest report they reported the amount of shares that were DRSed. This is definitely not something that is the norm when it comes to financial reports. I have never seen this before and I have been in this "game" for years. I am not sure it has ever be done but someone please correct me if I am wrong about this. + +Now we know that GameStop can't come out and tell everyone to DRS but I believe that indirectly and without facing legal consequences this is their way of telling us that this might be the way. I can't imagine any other way they could be more clear without breaking the law or entering gray zones. + +Some people (shills probably) who say "GmE doN't CaRe aBoUt ItS ShArehOldeRs" can't say anything like this anymore if you ask me. I believe GameStop is telling us that DRSing is the way. + +I would like people who didn't DRS already to think hard and long about why they didn't yet. If you ask me DRS is the way. It took me as a Europoor more than two months to get access to my CS account. I also made the choice to buy shares in a taxable account instead of capital gains tax exemptioned account to be able to DRS. So if I can do it, you can do it too. + +Edit: also don't forget the computer chair post that RC tweeted some months ago... +This will just be a short opinion. I saw this ComouterShare post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/rh62de/computershare_opened_a_dedicated_gme_helpline_as + +As you can see it seems like GME has asked CS to open dedicated lines for apes all over the world to help them DRS and for people who have questions about DRSing. Now why would a company ask CS to do that for their shareholders? + +Also in their latest report they reported the amount of shares that were DRSed. This is definitely not something that is the norm when it comes to financial reports. I have never seen this before and I have been in this "game" for years. I am not sure it has ever be done but someone please correct me if I am wrong about this. + +Now we know that GameStop can't come out and tell everyone to DRS but I believe that indirectly and without facing legal consequences this is their way of telling us that this might be the way. I can't imagine any other way they could be more clear without breaking the law or entering gray zones. + +Some people (shills probably) who say "GmE doN't CaRe aBoUt ItS ShArehOldeRs" can't say anything like this anymore if you ask me. I believe GameStop is telling us that DRSing is the way. + +I would like people who didn't DRS already to think hard and long about why they didn't yet. If you ask me DRS is the way. It took me as a Europoor more than two months to get access to my CS account. I also made the choice to buy shares in a taxable account instead of capital gains tax exemptioned account to be able to DRS. So if I can do it, you can do it too. + +Edit: also don't forget the computer chair post that RC tweeted some months ago... +I don't have any cash nor credit cards with me. I have some bitcoins that I can access with my phone though. + +I'm about to board a plane that will land in Warsaw. + +Does anybody have an idea how I could eat there and get some cash with my bitcoins? + +It's either going to be fun or a horror... + +Thanks in advance! +As the title says. Have you ever bought into companies +that are at all time high prices. For example, Microsoft right now is at an all time high. Would you wait for a dip to occur or would you invest no matter what the price is. +I’m about to leave my career in the US Army. I will have enough (relatively) liquid capital to purchase a property for cash, but I would prefer to use a mortgage instead. How can I convince a bank to lend to me if I have money on hand, but no W2 income? + +I plan on attending college using the GI Bill. This will provide me with roughly $1500 a month while I’m actively attending classes, however I don’t believe a bank will count that as income. I also anticipate roughly 20,000 in dividends from my investments, but I would prefer reinvest this in the stock market. + +Thanks for your insight! + +Edit: Thank you all for the input. I’m loving the creative ways to get involved in real estate. It’s definitely a lot more interesting and hands on than just dumping money into a 401k. +I got pretty lucky and was given a 100,000 dollar house after college to live in. I've moved out of the house and have had it up for rent the past year. I've been using a property management company so that I can focus on my career and have managed 9/12 months rented (slow start and switched tenants once which cost a month). After expenses and everything I believe I made around 4,000 dollars net this year from the rental, before taxes. This is only 4% ROI, which doesn't seem that great. + +&#x200B; + +My question is, am I missing a huge chunk of rental income by not being able to depreciate the cost of the residence over 27.5 years because I didn't pay anything for it? Is that even how it works? I don't have a mortgage or anything on it and it was passed down my from my parents to me. Could I claim their original purchase price as the depreciation? They also originally fixed it up for me, but I have none of the receipts or anything, so I doubt I can use any of that for tax purposes. + +&#x200B; + +Does this make it worth selling? I could take the $100,000 and buy two properties that could probably rent for 150% or more of what I am renting the single house for now. + +&#x200B; + +I like the location though. It seems shady, but the idea of selling it to my fiance so that she could tax the depreciation also came to mind. +The Bigger Pockets podcast has sooo many episodes, I don't know whether I should start from the beginning or what. Do you guys have suggestions for which episodes to listen to first? + +Or are there other podcasts that are more newbie friendly? +A couple weeks ago a tooth was starting to bug me a little at night when the air got colder. I went to the dentist the next day and he glanced at the tooth, but told me I had a huge crack in my front tooth and even showed me with a light and a mirror. I was devastated. I take really good care of my teeth. He told me I would need a 900 dollar per tooth veneer. Right after he said that, I was swarmed by another dentist, and a lady with papers to sign, while in the chair, to get me to pay at least 900 per tooth, probably for at least 2 teeth to keep it symmetric. I'm super broke right now, and I cant afford that, so I walked out, but not before being told "Dont bite into any apples!" I spent the next week avoiding biting anything. I believed my front tooth was totally screwed and it could split down the middle like a 2x4 at any moment. + +A few days later, when my anxiety cleared a bit, I got curious and started Googling tooth cracks. After a bit of that, I had a friend recommend a good dentist and I went for a second opinion. Turns out I have a 'craze line' which is a totally harmless and benign condition that does not mean my face is falling apart. My teeth are fine. + +The first guy used high pressure sales tactics and preyed on my lack of knowledge and general fear of not having a front tooth to almost get me to sign up for a crazy expensive and permanent procedure that I didnt need. I expect this stuff from used car people, but not dentists! Maybe I should from now on. + +The moral of the story is, your health is a major investment, and you want to make sure you make the best decisions possible, so get that second opinion, even if it costs you more money up front. You want to make the RIGHT call, and it can save you a bunch of money. Having your natural teeth is optimal if possible, and veneers can require maintenance later in life. I saved myself 1800+ dollars by spending 35 on a consultation. So worth it. + +So even if you can afford to sign up right away, if you dont know the dentist or doctor well, and you're not bleeding out, take a second to google and get a second opinion. It could save you money, and who knows, maybe save your life. + +I have since reported him to the California Dental Licensing board, as well as leaving 1 star reviews on Yelp and Google. +I understand it only affects a few companies at the money but it’s potentially only a first step. What happens to ETFs like NASDAQ when a company like Alibaba gets removed from the ETF and it’s re-balanced +https://1drv.ms/x/s!AjW8_7TPeT0GgQOVi7d2T21Yrqca + +Looking to build a solid DDM model, can't think of any better way than to get as much input from people as possible. Any feedback is appreciated! +I'm doing research at the moment on the Accredited Investor standard and possible changes that should be made to it. I'm assuming most people responding will understand the premise of how the Accredited Investor standard applies/works. Essentially, what I've found is that the policy/rationale for the Accredited Investor standard has pretty much never been stated, nor has the standard been empirically shown to have a positive effect. I understand that the rough basis of the standard is to protect unsophisticated investors from losing their money to fraud and other bad investments while preserving their relatively small amount of money for "socially desirable" actions like home buying etc. + +There are a few problems I see with the standard: + +(1) Wealth is an poor proxy for sophistication - For example Lady Gaga, who would be considered an Accredited Investor (via net worth or annual income), whereas pretty much no 2nd year investment banker or PE guy will be an Accredited Investor (assuming no family wealth, on the basis that they haven't had 2 years of $200k+ income, unless there's some special exemption for them that i'm missing here?) + +(2) I get the argument that these wealthy people can afford to hire investment advisors and so they can basically "buy sophistication" by hiring someone. But even most lay people can hire an investment advisor of some kind and besides, that's the point of many of these investments in the first place, (hedge funds or VC funds for example) that they will use your money in an area they are sophisticated but you are not. + +(3) $1MM is a very low number that leaves in a lot of people that are not going to be very financially sophisticated (on average) such as late career doctors and lawyers. + +(4) We have many financial certifications (and other practices such as Law and Medicine) that require the passing of tests to demonstrate ample sophistication to practice, why can't something like that be permitted here? + +It also occurs to me that the standard probably contributes, at least a little bit, to wealth disparity, by preventing the "poor" from having access to the earning mechanisms of the "wealthy." + +Thoughts? Comments? Tell me why I'm wrong and this standard is absolutely critical to the global economy? + +EDIT: Thanks so much to everyone that has chimed in with their thoughts. I'm actually working on a 40+ page research paper/academic article on this topic (I picked the topic, so I'm also genuinely interested in discussing it, not just using people to help me write my paper) and this has already helped me significantly in uncovering a lot of arguments both against my proposition and even some for it (that go even further free market than my thoughts). I'm not done discussing or anything, just wanted to say thanks to everyone that has chimed in for taking the time to do so, in a place that people will see it. +Any insight on the companies that pay shareholders the best dividends? I imagine it’s the really old companies with good moats and thus expensive stock. Is there a comprehensive list out there? + +Share your personal list / experience? +Dr. Trimbath recently [tweeted](https://twitter.com/SusanneTrimbath/status/1562962746487894016?t=UsTSZbE-9koNBDnv83jlNA&s=19) that "[The European Central Bank is] trying to undo European Commissiom Regulation [EU] No 909/2014 for mandatory buy-ins on FTDs. Not just delay implementation like ESMA got, but outright over-turn the reg." + +She links an [article](https://www.securitiesfinancetimes.com/specialistfeatures/specialistfeature.php?specialist_id=567&navigationaction=features&page=&newssection=features) where the journalists notes, + +>In a proposal released in March 2022 (amending Regulation [EU] No 909/2014), the European Commission put forward a “two step approach” to finalising CSDR settlement discipline provision, combining steps to clarify settlement discipline rules and to revise the timeline for implementation of mandatory buy-in provisions. [...] Significantly, in advancing this proposal, the Commission rejected the option to suspend the MBI framework entirely. + +While this is seemingly good news for apes [the proposal](https://www.esma.europa.eu/sites/default/files/library/esma70-450-1173_consultation_paper_-_amendment_of_article_19_of_csdr_rts_on_settlement_discipline.pdf) indicates that, + +>ESMA shall [...] develop draft regulatory technical standards to specify [...] the details of operation of the appropriate buy-in process [...] including appropriate timeframes to deliver the financial instrument following the buy-in process [...]. Such timeframes shall be calibrated taking into account the asset type and liquidity of the financial instruments. + +The security delivery timeframe can therefore be extended because of illiquidity, since liquidity is defined by[ [EU] No 600/2014](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014R0600) as "ready and willing buyers and sellers on a continuous basis". + +So while the European Securities and Markets Authority seemingly wants a mandatory buy-in framework that forces delivery of FTDs it only wants it enforced so long as the relevant security is sufficiently liquid. What if an EuroApe is not a "ready and willing seller" of his or her GME IOUs driving price formation through the roof? Sorry, but no mandatory buy-in for you it seems. This is reminiscent of the NSCC's rule to clear FTDs via buy-in that can be postponed in the event of a "disorderly market", presumably via illiquidity. + +What do? [Respond](https://www.esma.europa.eu/press-news/consultations/consultation-paper-amendment-article-19-csdr-rts-settlement-discipline#registration-form_consultation). ESMA prefers responses to the specific questions specified in Annex I of the proposal but those questions don't pertain to mandatory buy-ins. I would suggest a response referring the specific areas I've highlighted above with a focus and emphasis on accurate price formation over the misguided focus and emphasis on liquidity. + +Also DRS, natch. + +*Edits 1 & 2: added link and DRS comment +Nothing is more condescending and unhelpful than to be told that your financial woes are due to your poor money management skills. This is the poverty finance subreddit.. you’d think of all the places for people to understand that it would be here. Bad luck happens! + +Regarding my previous post, many people told me that an inheritance would not help me because I’m likely struggling due to my own mistakes. That’s simply not the case. + +I make enough to put away about $1000 each month because I live below my means, but due to circumstances entirely out of my control about a year ago I had some major expenses that set me back thousands of dollars. Think medical, car troubles, vet costs, etc. All surprise freak incidents that happened in succession and completely ruined me. + +Some of us just need a hard reset. Sometimes budgeting and getting a slightly better job is not enough. Sometimes once you fall it’s just not possible to get back up. We’ve all read stories of people being bled dry by medical expenses especially, completely unable to recover for the rest of their lives. It happens. + +Stop pointing the finger and have some sympathy for one another. +Quick background I hate spending money, and try very hard to save almost everything which in part has resulted in me being financially I’m well off, no debt and a fairly decent net worth for my age. Today I drove by Jamba Juice and thought that sounds really good, but I said no I’m not going to spend $6 on a smoothie, I can’t justify spending that on myself because it’s not a need based thing, it’s a luxury in my opinion. The more I thought about it I started to wonder if I’m a slave to my own bank account, so I figured I should ask you guys as I’m sure some of you high savings individuals struggle with this as well and splurging once in a awhile? Curious to get your take. +I'm not entirely sure if this is the right sr for this kind of post but it seems to be the only good one I kind find. (Currently sitting at work waiting for a ride so I'm voice typing while working) + +OK, so I'm 18 years old and I live with my mom and her boyfriend. But before I get into my own financial situation let me go ahead and give you some specific detail as to why my family is not making enough. + +My mom and her soon to be ex-husband (who I hate because he was an abusive prick) never really got along, besides of course when they got married. A few months ago my five-year-old brother was kidnapped by my mom's ex-husband. my mom's ex-husband lives in Chicago and we live in Oklahoma, and the deal was that he was to sign the contract that basically said "Brother will be picked up in this location at this date, and brought to Chicago with dad, and at this date (3 months later) mom will meet at this location to pickup brother and returned back into the hands of mom, where this visit ends". Apparently, the reason as to why he kidnapped him, was because that he thought that there was an emergency order that my mom was abusive and a druggie (she's never done drugs before, at least while I've been alive) and this was his way of trying to get what he wanted, which was him having leverage against my mom for whatever reason. We have him back now but had to pay A LOT of money for an Attorney, and various Court Case related stuff. + +tldr; Dick stole brother &amp;amp;amp;amp; we lost a lot of money. + +Right now I'm working part-time at D&amp;amp;amp;amp;B, where at first I was making $10-$13 an hour working at the front desk, host, or working local events. But now I'm working as a server at the same place, so my money is not always guaranteed. Right now I am the difference (apparently) between a roof over our head's or living out on the streets. Every time I get paid, my mom always takes out about 60% to 80% of whatever I've earned that shift. Which usually only leaves me with about $20 to $60, but when I get paid the next day in tips, she takes 60% to 80% of what's in my wallet as a whole. And she tells me to not spend ANY of my money on anything, unless it benefits her in someway about bills or payments. + +tldr; Mom takes my earnings, meaning I only have about $60 at all times. + +I've never been told about making a savings account from my mom, and she won't let me save any at the moment. The reason why I say that is because not only literally she won't let me, but I've asked to get a second bank account to put some money in over time, "My own card" basically. I have a debit card with Chase, but it's connected to hers, and she can take it out at will, and put some in at will. (Which she never puts any in). I'm wanting a savings account so that way I can save up for a car. A method of transportation. She says that I can't drive her car unless I'm on her insurance which would cost me about $130 to add my name onto her insurance. But she won't let me pay that at all until she gets caught up with bills (which has been the cycle the last 3 months). She once told me to get a second job, which I went into a Dominoes about a 5 min walk from my apartment, and asked for an app, filled it out, gave it back, and they liked my attitude so much, as soon as my background check went through, they hired me on the spot, and asked when I could train. That was awesome until my mom then said "You can't get a second job anymore. Not only because I recently got a job, but your existing work schedule won't allow it." Which is true, so I told them basically how it was and was kinda down that I had to turn them away after the good first impression I made. + +tldr; Mom won't let me save, get my own card that's not attached to hers, OR pay for a method of transportation (She says "Try Lyft to get to college" but that costs $17 minimum to get there, and that's not counting back home) + +My work right now is about a solid 10 to 15 minute drive from where I live, and I absolutely love my job. Although I have another dream job in mind, it's the best place I've worked at compared to any other restaurant I've worked at. I need a method of transportation to get to school, and to get to work. But my mom won't even let me save up for any of it. + +I just had a talk with my friend not to long ago, he's a former navy man who's 27 years old. Loves video games, YouTube videos, streams, and his girlfriend is the same way, they both work here with me. He hasn't been in the situation I have been in before but from what he understood he suggested that I secretly open a private account on the down low to start saving up money and lie about what I make to my mom so I can start saving. He mentioned that I was 18 and could do that. He also mentioned that if need me, if things don't work out between me and my mom (she currently is mad with the amount of time I spend playing games, but doesn't have a problem if that time was instead reading a book, which makes me want to move out cause it makes no sense) that I could move out and crash at somebody else's place for some time, although it would be a disadvantage to my mom, he mentioned I need to have a life of my own, and my mom should be taking care of me, not the other way around. I'm just so lost. + +I'm sorry if this is wayyyyyy longer than the average post, this is my first time posting on this sub Reddit, but I don't know where else to post or look for help. If you have any advice or knowledge on what to do in this kind of situation, please let me know. And I don't need any kind of "Well you dumb s**t, you should've done this this and this". Just, if you have any good insight, let me know please, I need advice and fast. Thank you. + +EDIT: I wanna thank you all SO MUCH for the feedback you all have given me. I've seen stories on this thread and have thought about posting here for awhile, and wasn't sure if this wasn't the appropriate subreddit. I really didn't think I was going to get a good response, let alone a response at all. (No offense lol) I really do, from the bottom of my heart, appreciate the responses I've gotten. Thank you all. + +EDIT #2: Good morning! I hope you all are doing well. As of right now, I can steadily say that I'm going to try and talk to my mom one last time, kindly but firmly, and if it doesn't work out, my course of action is to slowly start taking what's mine out and away from her. (Sendimentals, documents of mine like SSC, Birth Cert., Etc.) and I just got paid a little extra last night simply being because the party I worked ended up being miscalculated regarding the final tab, so I am hiding my $80 right now in my phone case. She won't be able to tell the difference. Also, to the gentlemen who suggested getting a Ruckus, I have done some research and it looks like that's what I'm going to be saving up for, for the time being, so thank you for changing that perspective specifically. And last but not least, is once I have enough saved up, my friend said that here in a few months, he'll have a room open and doesn't mind me at all coming to move in. So I believe it's a well thought out plan, I just have to get the ball on it moving, very slowly moving. Thank you all! I'm still going through all the comments atm, but trust me, I will read em all. + +Also, can someone please inform me, if it's normal to have over 200 comments on a post? This is my first time posting text ever, and I am not used to seeing the numbers haha. + +UPDATE: So I talked to my moms boyfriend about it and basically he told me that if I want a specific amount of money I need to give each month, I need to be able to meet that amount each month, otherwise I'm kicked out. It seems a bit harsh but it makes sense. He said sometime tonight, he'll grab my mom and me and hear both sides of the story and come up with an agreement. He did agree that not being allowed to have an account for savings is bullshit. So here's the start of either an amazing thing or an ugly thing. + +Also, I checked my credit score, thank you for the people who suggested it. It seems that I don't have one yet, but before I actually got to see the scores themselves, basically it told me that my name was potentially put on a mortgage about 4 years ago, as well as on an auto (didn't say specifically) this may. Is that a red flag? Or is that to be expected? + +UPDATE 2: Hey there guys! Sorry for the delayed response, me and my mom delayed the convo for tonight and it was actually just me and here talking it out. There were some misunderstandings on her part which she felt bad for and admitted she was wrong in most areas, and the issue is RESOLVED! I just wanted to say I never thought that I would get this much response and honestly thank you so much for the feedback. As of right now, I'm contributing a solid $100 a week, and being able to hold onto my own money. I'm saving around $20 - $50 a shift and my mom knows. She just kinda changed herself from being kind of narcissistic and is kinda chill now, it's like it happened over night. Also, I know where all my documents are, regarding personal info (SSC, Birth Cert., Etc.) and am kinda happy now. I honestly was very afraid of moving out as a potential outcome, but I'm glad it didn't come to that and I don't think it will anytime soon. I'm gonna be starting a second job here this week, so that's some increased income. So everything for the most part is resolved! I can't help but say it one last time, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank you, for helping out a total stranger like me, in my real life situation. Thank you. Now it's time to find myself a recruiter. :3 + +(This may be a bit off topic) If you found me as a kind and outgoing person, and wouldn't mind chatting a bit with a guy like me, feel free to add me on XBL @ That Other Bro, I don't really play PC anymore, but I do have steam. Pm me if you want that because I'll have to look it up. Just tryin to make some friends with some cool dudes. (Or girls) +Is this a good idea? + +Like if say I bought a 100 shares of XOM (not that I have) and then sold a Jan2023 LEAP. So I would get the money from the LEAP and collect the dividends. + +If you made it deep ITM you would get the money from that to be able to reinvest in something and still collect dividends. + +Any advice or input is appreciated. +Can anyone explain the difference in pricing for buying shares of RIOT vs holding crypto? + +I have about 5K in crypto, but I'm giving thought to selling it and using that money to buy 100 shares of RIOT, so that I can sell covered calls against it. If they are in perfect correlation in terms of price movement then it seems like the better play since I can milk some extra money out of it with options, but I'm not sure if they are functionally identical in terms of exposure or not. +So I've been dabbling with options for a few months now with little success (learned not to play with naked calls). I recently came across the put credit spread strategy. + +Of course, the total newbie in me feels that this is an absolute goldmine! + +Consider this: + +Current price of $MSFT: $289.50 + +16 spreads on $MSFT. $277.5/275.0 at around .25 delta. 2 weeks till expiry. + +$4000 collateral with a credit of $640 (0.40 per spread). + +If I were to let these spreads run to expiry, this would equate to a 16% ROR, however I do not plan on letting this happen. I plan on closing positions the second I make 50% of the total credit I could have gotten ($320) to be even more conservative. + +&#x200B; + +So here is my question: + +Would it be unreasonable for me to rely on this strategy to generate $300/week to pay for bills/living expenses? + +Something I hear frequently on here is that put credit spreads "work until they don't". The thing is...unless the market crashes...I just can't see how this can fail. This is $MSFT! Lets say that there is another big move in the market... I'll just roll the expiry. + +Appreciate all feedback! +Are there any low share price ETFs with decent options volume that track the SP500 (or SP100/Dow/some closely correlated alternative)? + +I've looked at a few of the sector ETFs (XLF, etc.) but I'd like to limit my exposure to single sectors if at all possible. + +Looking for sub-$50 if possible. + +Thanks +When selling covered calls, the closer your strike price to the current price the more premium you will make, but the farther out you go the less premium until it becomes useless. + +But during a bull market run, you are bound to hit your strike price and have your shares called away at some point, just from unexpected rises and volatility, even if you sell at an extra 1 or 2 strike prices away and are careful. + +There doesn't seem to be much options or science behind it when deciding what strike price to sell at, more like 1-3 strikes out if stock is not moving much, and up to 10 strikes away if volatile. + +At that point I understand you can buy the stocks again hopefully at the same price they got called away and continue. + +On the other hand, an advantage of having a low cost basis is that even if the stock crashes 10+ percent, you can still sell covered calls without being forced to sell them below your cost basis. + +I've researched this topic, and still wondering how the more experienced approach this problem or if you try to find some balance. + +Thanks. + +Edit: Thank you all for sharing your ideas, I appreciate it so much, so much to consider. +I use a majority of my buying power in my account to run leaps/pmcc and hold stocks and ccs. + +The remainder I dedicate to trading naked puts. Is this feasible as long as I keep rolling my naked put? +I just had an idea that's wsb level retarded but that I also can't fully shake. + +I know all about and fully agree picking up pennies in front of a steam roller is a bad idea. That said, there's arguably a way to make doing that as safe as possible. + +The lowest price for which an option can be bought back (at least as far as I can tell from my retail platform) is $0.01. That means the most opportunity for taking advantage of that is in selling options priced at $0.02. (not $0.03 or any other price - $0.02 gives us the best ratio to exploit that quirk) + +Quite often, there will be multiple strikes and dates where the ask is $0.01, $0.02 etc etc. + +If we study the chain and live in the land of options that are just teetering on the edge of being repriced from $0.02 and $0.01, and sell those options for $0.02, we can buy the option back potentially in minutes, hours, or a day or two for literally half the price. + +In the worst case scenario that there's a change in price or volatility, and the price to close goes to $0.9 or whatever, it's still extremely unlikely that the option will ever actually become in the money, but in order to limit the duration of time we're underwater on that option, we'd be looking at short duration options - weeklies or dailies or even an hour before close or what have you. + +The only problem is you need a lot of money and leverage to make it work. For kicks, I'll use GME as an example (for obvious reasons, it would not be a good underlying for this strategy, but whatever, it's just a fun example) + +The 7/16 $25 put is priced at $0.02 and is probably teetering on the edge of being priced at $0.01. Selling 500 of those gives us a credit of $1000, but we need $1,250,000 to sell them. Successfully selling options like that and buying them back for half the price 52 times per year makes us $52,000 on $1,250,000 which is 4.16%. God knows what the risk adjusted return or percentage is, I have no idea how stuff like that works, this is reddit, curb your expectations. + +If the option does go in the money, or if the underlying goes bankrupt or whatever, you would be destroyed. No matter how much I think about it, this is the only flaw I can see in this strategy. + +So if rather than GME we stuck to SPY junk options that are just teetering on the edge of being repriced from $0.02 to $0.01, which will never ever go in the money, ever, and we had enough money and leverage, this is literally a foolproof strategy, it literally can't go tits up. + +EDIT Thanks everyone for all the replies! + +Please note that the talk about this being a "strategy" that is "foolproof" and "literally can't go tits up" is more than a little tongue in cheek. That said, I was hoping to hear why it wouldn't work, and what similar ish actual strategies that could be done instead that actually could work, which is exactly what we got! I will have a look at those and see if they would work for me. Cheers! +Just curious how many DTE others typically try to sell CCs / CSPs. Obviously we're all interested in the 0-45 DTE as that's where Theta really shines, but do people generally try to sell the whole 45 days out, or aim for quicker cycling on weeklies by selling at 1-7 DTE? + +The advantage I see on weeklies is that you could collect more total premium doing 5 or 6 weeklies than one 45 DTE (since theta is highest in the last week), and it means if you decide you no longer like a particular underlying, you can adjust rapidly. On the other hand, it also means you take 5-6 times the number of chances for assignment, and when you need to roll, you're probably rolling at least 2 or 3 weeks out just to get any chance of doing so at a credit. I can see the benefits of either approach. +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +I was looking through the research section of AQR's website this morning, and I found this interesting paper titled [Covered Call Strategies: One Fact and Eight Myths](https://www.aqr.com/Insights/Research/Journal-Article/Covered-Call-Strategies-One-Fact-and-Eight-Myths). + +The authors brought forth some interesting perspectives I had not considered before, and I thought some of you might benefit from it as well. Also, I have found [AQR's research](https://www.aqr.com/Insights/Research) to be helpful in general, and it covers a lot of different topics related to capital markets if you are interested. +I've started wheeling since January. I decided to spin the strategy and instead of just selling CSPs, I decided to also buy some stocks and sell CCs. + +Now, after 3 months, I made around 10k in options premiums, but my underlying are down 12k. + +That's very disappointing as I put quite some effort in looking at the stocks. I am overexposed on growth stocks and since February they've been bleeding like crazy. + +I am losing some of the motivation that I had when I begun...:( +I have been putting a significant portion of my paycheck into a portfolio that's divided into US stocks, international stocks, and US bonds with a 60/20/20 ratio. Basically following the passive, whole-market investment approach that is espoused by this subreddit. However, I feel like this is essentially putting blind faith into capitalism and the free market. The justification is that the stock market has grown on average 7% a year over the past 100 years or whatever, but isn't judging future gains based on past performance one of the cardinal sins of investing? + +&#x200B; + +Of course I still believe that investment in the market will give me a positive return overall, however I am hesitant to believe these calculations that I'll be able to retire in X years based on a consistent healthy return. I believe it's possible that growth will slow down, or even be negative for years or maybe decades. This sub is reminding me of /r/CryptoCurrency in the heyday of last year, albeit much much more sane and measured. It's easy to be optimistic and confident in your model when times are good, but I am starting to believe that we're being TOO optimistic. Thoughts? +Working on putting together my six month emergency fund for a rainy day, but it is quite a bit of money for me. I'd rather have that money gaining interest instead of just sitting somewhere. + +Do those of you who have this have it in an investment that you can access easily if you need to but still has decent interest or do you just let it sit in a conventional bank account so you can access it any time if you need it? +My best advice would be that if you are with a bank that charges monthly fees you should join a credit union. I personally use Alliant for a checking and savings account but you can look into your local ones. I have personally had too many times when I've had 8 dollars in my bank account and the monthly fee would come through and I'd have to also pay an over draft fee. + +Also, more advice is that I've learned if you're hit with an overdraft fee call your bank and ask if they can reverse it. When I learned most will do this I've saved so much money and stress. +Does anyone out there have a chronic health condition they have to work into their FIRE plan? + +In my case, I have an autoimmune disease that is very expensive to treat. Currently the retail cost of the medication is \~50k. My current commercial insurance through my employer covers most of the expense, and the manufacturer offers copay assistance to cover the rest. However, I'm trying to figure out how this would work in a FIRE scenario. Trying to plan ahead to get a more accurate FI number, but also want to find options if the present economic/pandemic environment forces me into early retirement sooner rather than later. + +The manufacturer offers assistance for uninsured patients as well but I would hate to be dependent on a program that may not always be around, plus I'd have no insurance to cover anything that could happen in addition to this condition. + +Many of the ACA plans do not cover this medication (Enbrel) from what I've read, or they charge you close to full retail price for it. ACA will very likely not be an option, though it would still let me use the co pay assistance which can offset about \~12k per calendar year. + +At the moment, I think my best option is to not retire full time and try to find a part time job with benefits. + +Edit: Thank you everyone! All the feedback has been amazing. It's great hearing from others going through something similar. Seems I might actually be better off looking into ACA after all, but budgeting for big premiums/out of pockets expenses. The manufacturer might help offset that. + +As a back up in case ACA goes away, I may seriously look into retiring in another country. Something I had been considering anyway. + +Also, I went back and added more details since the wording of my post was causing some confusion. That's what I get for hastily typing up my initial post on my phone. Hope this helps! +### Intro + +Many people on this sub swear by keeping a spreadsheet of their financial history rather than relying solely on outside trackers such as Mint, Personal Finance, or YNAB. I am solidly in that camp, since I feel the process of making my own spreadsheets gave me strong insight into how all the gears of my personal finances mesh together. But there's definitely a learning curve. + +This post is to present 3 tips and tricks that you may find useful when putting together your own spreadsheets that are specifically relevant to the pursuit of FIRE. They all work in both Excel and Google Docs. + +I've created a companion Google Docs spreadsheet with implementations and descriptions of all of these for you to follow along: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_rNLXoZx06P2RJRwsO9RDeXKfxAV_ZdbJRpoCGkL6kQ/edit?usp=sharing + +Let's get started! + +---- + +###1) How to Find Monthly Interest From Yearly Interest + +This is a mistake I see over and over again. If your yearly interest is 10%, your monthly interest is just 10%/12 = 0.83%, right? Wrong.^* + +This arises from forgetting that interest is compounding, and builds upon itself exponentially. Let's look at it in reverse. Here is the well-known compounding interest formula: + + 'Yearly Interest Rate' = (1 + 'Monthly Interest Rate)^12 - 1 + +Once that makes sense, going from yearly interest to monthly interest is the exact same formula shifted around. In the end, you get your monthly interest rate as: + + 'Monthly Interest Rate' = (1 + 'Yearly Interest Rate')^(1/12) - 1 + +If your yearly interest rate is 10%, the monthly comes out to 0.80%, which is roughly a 0.04% difference. Now this doesn't seem like much, but if you're projecting growth out 10 years then the difference at the end of those 10 years can be huge. Check out the spreadsheet to see how this plays out ([pic](http://imgur.com/U7wxb9k.png)). + +\* As /u/shinypenny01 pointed out [below](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/comments/5cmanl/tips_and_tricks_for_your_fire_spreadsheets/d9xvoms/), this doesn't apply to APR. For that you would simply divide the annual rate by 12 to get the monthly rate (if interest accumulates monthly). + +---- + +###2) How to Find the Time to Hit Your FI Number + +Assume you have $100,000 sitting in an investment account. You want to know when it will hit a target balance such as your FI Number. For this example let's say you want to reach $1 million. Let's also assume the investment returns 7% each year after inflation. How long will it take for that investment to reach the target balance? + +**Case 1:** You're not going to touch the investment at all and will let it "coast". + +Since this is simple exponential growth, you can start with the formula for compound growth: + + 'FI Number' = 'Initial Net Worth' * (1 + 'Yearly Rate') ^ 'Years to FI' + +By doing some algebra to solve for time, you end up with the formula: + + 'Years to FI' = LOG('FI Number' / 'Initial Net Worth') / LOG(1 + 'Yearly Growth Rate') + +In this example, you'll see that it will take 34.0 years to coast to FI. + +**Case 2:** You are in the accumulation phase of the FI path and are adding money to the investment every year. + +The above approach won't work here because there is a jump in value of the investment each year when you add money. Luckily, there is a built in function NPER() which will solve this for us. NPER() stands for Number of Periodic Payments, and was designed to calculate time to pay off a loan that is accumulating interest. Thankfully, with a few tweaks to the inputs it works just as well for calculating time for an appreciating asset to hit a target value under periodic contributions. The way to use this function to find the time to hit a FI Number is like this: + + 'Years to FI' = 'NPER('Yearly Growth Rate', -'Yearly Contribution', -'Current Net Worth', 'FI Number') + +Note the negative signs in the function. This will also work for Case 1 by setting the yearly contribution to 0. + +If you are contributing $30,000/yr, you can see that in this scenario it will take 14.7 years to hit FI. See how both these cases work in the spreadsheet ([pic](http://imgur.com/oWq4xNo.png)). You can scroll down to check that the years to FI are calculated correctly. + +---- + +###3) How to Find the Average Market Return for Your Investment + +Say you have $100,000 sitting in an investment account at the beginning of the year, and you contribute $2,000 to it each month. The market will fluctuate, and since your investments won't exactly track any one market index, you want to know what it has been returning for you. There are two ways to do this. + +**Option 1:** + +You can calculate the change in the investment balance each month, and subtract out your contribution to find the change due to market movement over that month. From there you can simply divide the monthly starting balance by the market movement to find the monthly return. The annualized return for that month is then (1+'Monthly Return')12 - 1. This approach is more 'human readable'. + +To find the average return, you need to take the geometric mean (not the mean!) of these returns. GEOMEAN() does not work for negative numbers, so you need to add and subtract a 1 to the returns for this to work. And in order to add a 1 to a range of numbers, you need to make this an array formula. In Google Sheets this is: + + 'Average Return' = ARRAYFORMULA(GEOMEAN(1 + 'Range of Returns') - 1) + +In Excel, array formulas are entered differently. Type in the following formula and press ctrl-shift-enter: + + GEOMEAN(1 + 'Range of Returns') - 1 + +**Option 2:** + +The function XIRR() (Irregular Internal Rate of Return) is built specifically for this. It does however requires a column with some varying formulas. See the rightmost column in the linked spreadsheet for how to set this up, since it's hard to communicate in prose ([pic](http://imgur.com/nigHfSX.png)). Once you do, the formula is simple: + + 'Average Return' = XIRR('XIRR Column', 'Date Range') + +These two options won't give identical results, though they are very close. XIRR() is more accurate since it doesn't assume each month is exactly 1/12th of the year. You can refresh the spreadsheet to regenerate the random market returns and see the differences. + +---- + +### Conclusion + +I've gotten a lot from this sub, and I hope people find this bit of giving back to be useful. If I've messed up any formulas here or in the sheet, please comment so I can go back and fix them. +She raised me by herself, it was the two of us alone. Some nights we slept in the car, stayed with relatives, whatever it took to keep a roof over us and keep me in school. She's 70, came to this country with nothing and worked hard her entire life to give me a chance. I moved away for a job and to go to college, the first one in my family to do it. I can't afford the ticket home or I won't make rent and tuition, everything is tight. I just feel broken inside, I miss my mom. +I started investing just around the bottom of the 2008-2009 market crash, and have been investing steadily ever since (until 03-2017). Now I'm thinking of cashing out. + +I know that trying to time the market is generally discouraged here, but if one feels a market dip is coming with 0-2 years, then why exactly not? + +I live in Denmark, by the way, and invest mostly in various mutual funds. I don't consider myself to be an investing expert in any sense of the word. I don't think I can perfectly time the bottoms or tops, of course, either. + +Basically, at what point is it justified to cash out? (and then wait to re-invest) +I have seen the same post over and over on this sub, as well as others. Jp Morgan, citi group, all those banks not allowing that purchase of crypto with a credit card. + + +Im not scared by that. Why would i be? What scares me is the absolute chaos found in those comment sections by people who either aren't reading the title of the post, or just do not have the financial sense to differentiate between credit, and any other form of payment. + +Firstly, credit is NOT your money, it's money that the BANK is loaning to you. So stop freaking out and saying "THEY CAN'T TELL ME HOW TO SPEND MY MONEY!". They can however tell you no to a loan you are trying to take out to buy an extremely volatile asset. The fact that they ever let us use credit is actually astounding. + +Secondly, if you don't know how credit works, need credit to invest, or frankly are so financially illiterate that you actually got upset by those posts, YOU SHOULD NOT INVEST IN CRYPTO. You will be eaten alive, you will put money into the tron, verge, and bitconnect of the sector. And you will lose. + +And lastly, because I'm sure at least a percentage of people that freaked out DO in fact understand why they would revoke the PRIVILEGE of credit on an asset like crypto, I urge you to READ AND COMPREHEND. Not just the title, but at least the title. More people these days are getting 100% Of their news and info through headlines. I'm actually disgusted by it, as it makes our people as a whole entirely too malleable by the media. But for the love of fuck, AT LEAST READ THE ENTIRE TITLE, it says it right there, credit cards only. + + +Tldr: READ THE ENTIRE THING YOU LAZY FUCK, THIS IS WHY YOU ARE POOR. YOU GET SUCKERED INTO STUPID BY THE COMBINATION OF YOUR LAZY RESEARCH AND WELL CLICKBAITED HEADLINES! +Been slowly selling my gold coin collection over the past couple years and changing it into Bitcoin. Usually at the spot price, sometimes over spot, but this last time was UNDER spot. The store owner says that he has too much gold now that people are dumping it for this "Bitcoin thing." I chuckled a bit, but it worries me because I still have 16 1oz gold coins to still need to dump. +Something is behind $350. I'm guessing that's the price at which margin calls might start to domino, and they're trying their dead level best to stop that from happening. Problem is they're running out of ideas. These aren't normal people we're dealing with. They're likely psychopaths with unchecked egos who have always been able to buy themselves out of their mistakes. We aren't like that. We're real, good people. People who don't want to horde wealth like a dragon, but who want to fix a totally broken system and make the world just a little bit better. And we were RIGHT. We were right. Everyone who said we were idiots, that the squeeze was over, all the news sites that claimed GameStop was dead. They were all wrong. We are right. We'll look back on this as the single ballsiest thing we've ever done. Thank you all for taking me along for the ride. +Here's the thing: the world operates on fiat right now. You cannot put food on the table using crypto as currency (yet, in 99% of places). I'm willing to bet most people on here saying they are invested and "fiat broke" aren't actually in that situation and just use that terminology to say they can't invest any more, and that's fine. But for the 1 person reading this who IS (somewhat deeply) invested in crypto and is literally fiat broke, you are overleveraged. + +We love to make our jokes and memes, but if you literally cannot put food on the table because of crypto, then you are not feeding an investment, you're feeding an addiction. Now, to make sure this message isn't misconstrued, this isn't to say "poor people shouldn't invest in crypto." This is to say "put food on your and your family's plates, THEN invest in crypto". + +Be smart. Because you can't eat a Bitcoin. At least I hope not. +*NOTE: NOTHING IN THIS POST IS FINANCIAL ADVICE* + +**EDIT: TLDR of TDLR:** + +Huge near-term catalysts for $AMRS. Large deals getting announced this week. Stock going to the moon. **Buying the stock and April 16 calls is the play.** + +**TLDR:** + +Amyris ($AMRS) is a synthetic biotechnology company that engineers, manufactures, and sells sustainably created ingredients and products. $AMRS’s proprietary technology has a near-endless number of applications and a staggering total addressable market potentially in the trillions of dollars. After a decade of heavily investing in R&D to advance their platform, both the company’s technology and business model recently turned the corner, laying the foundation for incredible value creation over near and long-term horizons. ***Within the next three trading days,*** ***$AMRS will announce the completion of two strategic transactions worth more than $500 million, sending the stock to the fucking moon.*** This is a deep value play, but for all you short squeeze junkies, $AMRS does happen to have relatively significant short interest at 16% of the float. I expect that the jump in price from $AMRS’s upcoming transaction announcements to dump gasoline onto a raging fire, sending the shorts to an early grave while raining tendies from the sky for the longs + +***The play – buying shares of the $AMRS stock or April 16 calls with strikes above $20*** + +**MY POSITIONS:** + +I believe in this company over both long and short time horizons. See below for current positions. + +[Positions](https://preview.redd.it/b7u4okrgfup61.png?width=859&format=png&auto=webp&s=7d13644c0e3bae68378c1e440dc6fdcaaf5f412e) + +**BACKGROUND:** + +I was a relatively early investor in $ENPH, and after the success of that investment (sub $2 share price in 2018, now trading above $150 a share), I was looking to invest in a company with a similarly checkered past with a catalyst to turn the corner quickly. As with $ENPH, the company needed to have invaluable technology with the potential for huge near-term gains to compensate for the risk. I couldn’t have been more elated discovering $AMRS, which checked all the boxes. $AMRS has performed well this year so far, but we are light-years away from the company’s potential both over the short and long term + +**$AMRS BUSINESS:** + +This business is complicated, but I’ll do my best to summarize some key points. Founded by a group of Berkley scientists, $AMRS is a synthetic biotechnology company that engineers, manufactures, and sells sustainably created ingredients and products into several markets, including Health & Wellness, Clean Beauty, and Flavor & Fragrance. Within Health & Wellness, $AMRS focuses on alternative sweeteners, vitamins, and food ingredients. In Flavor & Fragrance, $AMRS produces natural oils and aroma chemicals for a range of applications. In Clean Beauty, $AMRS focuses on clean skincare and cosmetic ingredients. For all you tree huggers, their production and products are totally sustainable, and by creating otherwise naturally occurring molecules in the lab, $AMRS saves the destruction of animals and other natural resources (as an example, they produce a skin-care molecule called squalene that otherwise requires killing sharks to get it) + +$AMRS generates revenue from a combination of a partnership model and a wholly-owned direct model + +In the partnership model, $AMRS creates a molecule/ingredient in the lab and scales it on a commercial level on behalf of a partner, who then uses the molecule/ingredient in one of its products, which the partner markets and sells to its own customers. $AMRS captures revenues from producing and selling the molecule/ingredient to the partner + $AMRS receives royalties from the partner’s product sales that contain the ingredient created by $AMRS. $AMRS has many commercial, industrial level partners including Firmenich, Givaudan, DSM, Yifan, the US Department of Energy, and DARPA. On the retail side, $AMRS has recently announced partnerships to create new brands such as [JVN](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-01-11-Amyris-Creates-Partnership-With-Jonathan-Van-Ness-To-Launch-Leading-Clean-Haircare-Brand) (Johnathan Van Ness clean haircare brand launching Summer 2021), [Rose Inc](https://investors.amyris.com/2020-10-30-Amyris-And-Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley-Announce-Creation-Of-New-Clean-Beauty-Brand-And-Business-Partnership) (Rosie Huntington-Whiteley high-end cosmetics brand launching 3Q 2021), and most recently, they announced a partnership with [Minerva](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-03-16-Amyris-Enters-Partnership-With-Minerva-Foods-For-Zero-Carbon-Protein-Production) (focusing on zero carbon protein production) + +In the wholly-owned direct model, $AMRS sells its developed ingredients through brands that $AMRS currently owns, including [Biossance](https://biossance.com/) (high-end skincare), [Pipette](https://pipettebaby.com/) (skincare for babies), [Purecane](https://purecane.com/) (synthetic sugar similar to Splenda) as well as brands it has recently acquired, such as [Teresana](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-01-22-Amyris-Acquiring-Terasana-Brand-To-Offer-Clean-Cannabinoid-Consumer-Products) (sustainably sourced cannabinoids launching Q2 2021), and [Costa Brazil](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-03-01-Amyris-Acquiring-Costa-Brazil-Clean-Beauty-Brand-Francisco-Costa-To-Join-Amyris-As-Chief-Creative-Officer) (clean luxury skincare acquired in Q1 2021). Separately, the company has also recently [made headway using its technology in the production of RNA for use in MRNA vaccines](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-02-22-Amyris-Announces-Positive-Pre-Clinical-Results-For-COVID-19-RNA-Vaccine-Platform-With-Advantaged-Manufacturing-Storage-And-Distribution-Characteristics), though this is in its early stages + +$AMRS’s consumer brands are distributed through many high-profile channels, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Sephora in addition to their own direct-to-consumer websites. **It is no surprise that they have demonstrated ridiculous revenue growth of 197% in 2020 alone** + +[4Q 2020 Earnings Investor Presentation](https://preview.redd.it/0i2sigct5up61.png?width=1693&format=png&auto=webp&s=f5adddb33f2fba374819bb1a7978567d539de69d) + +[4Q 2020 Earnings Investor Presentation](https://preview.redd.it/elg9yw6i7up61.png?width=1723&format=png&auto=webp&s=c6aa48fdd57967c48d2474a2db7975fde4f63e98) + +**NOTABLE RECENT INVESTORS:** + +No doubt, $AMRS’s progress has captured the attention of some incredibly famous investors, the most notable being the billionaire venture capitalist John Doerr, whose current portfolio of investments includes Alphabet/Google (where his investment is worth over $2.2 billion alone), DoorDash, Bloom Energy, Quantamscape, and of course, Amyris ($AMRS), where his investment is worth about $70,000,000. Doerr currently serves on the Board of Directors at Google and $AMRS and previously served on the board of Amazon + +[John Doerr Ownership \/ Other Investments](https://preview.redd.it/zq3bts856up61.png?width=527&format=png&auto=webp&s=21ac19937f3e728e1761e8b26a513ce6b35f0138) + +**SHORT INTEREST:** + +As shown in the below ownership statistics, over 16% of $AMRS’s tradable float is sold short, which amounts to approximately 21.7 million shares as of 3/26/2021. With a 90-day average daily trading volume of just 4.9 million shares and just 2.3 million shares traded last Friday (3/26), I suspect that when the company delivers on its upcoming transactions this week, trading volumes will increase from intense buying. A rising share price will put tremendous pressure on short sellers to cover their positions, leading to a classic short squeeze and an increased pop in the stock + +[Source: FactSet](https://preview.redd.it/zaj7ak6l6up61.png?width=341&format=png&auto=webp&s=ee15407674b13c2d45207fde230d9654f18f54ff) + +**UPCOMING TRANSACTION ANNOUNCEMENTS / NEAR-TERM CATALYSTS:** + +Beginning last November, $AMRS began discussing a series of three upcoming strategic transactions that have truly changed the game for the company. Each transaction is different, but effectively involve the monetization of a molecule/ingredient whereby a partner pays $AMRS a significant upfront cash payment as well as licensing fees / royalties over a multi-year period. **The significance of these transactions cannot be understated as they provide cash to the business while creating recurring revenue streams. In effect, these deals allow $AMRS to self-fund its business without diluting existing investors from new equity offerings or extremely expensive debt. This is what the market has been craving** + +The first of the three closed last December with a transaction value of just [$50 million](https://investors.amyris.com/2020-12-21-Amyris-Closes-50-Million-Strategic-Transaction) and the stock has flying ever since, gaining over 200% so far this year. **The remaining two transactions are set to close within the next three days with an expected total value of over $500 million for JUST ONE OF THE TWO TRANSACTIONS** + +Here is the CEO on the 4Q 2020 earnings call dated March 3, 2021: + +[4Q 2020 Earnings Transcript, dated March 2, 2021](https://preview.redd.it/w4mhtjjv6up61.png?width=1259&format=png&auto=webp&s=0be49c2e03f7fb240f5b05c77cdc79574078d6ba) + +The CEO re-affirmed that the transactions will close prior to the end of the first quarter several times thereafter, including an industry conferences on 3/4 (Cowen) and 3/15 (Roth) [as well as quietly in the last sentence of an unrelated press release on 3/25](https://investors.amyris.com/2021-03-25-Amyris-Delivers-Record-Production-Of-CBG-For-Consumer-Skincare-Formulations) + +To those that would argue it is already priced in - you are wrong for several reasons. First, this company has almost no intuitional coverage and is paid very little attention relative to more established biotechnology companies. Said differently, the institutions that really set valuation and move the stock don't care enough yet to pay attention. But they will. $AMRS's investor base only continues to expand as more people wake up to it's incredible potential. Second, prior to the recent turnaround, the company overpromised a few times, just as companies that later mooned like $ENPH did. It happens, particularly with early stage companies. So even in the "efficient market" fantasy world, the company's public disclosures would have a credibility discount, leaving substantial upside for investors today when the company inevitably delivers + +**CONCLUSION:** + +These strategic transactions will announce by no later than Thursday morning (4/1), and $AMRS will be off to the fucking races. For some context, the suits at HC Wainwright and Roth Capital Partners currently have price targets of $33 and $35. I like the stock, and I think it is worth even more + +***The play: $AMRS shares + April 16 calls with strikes $20 and above*** + +Good luck and godspeed +### TLDR: + +Simplex Trading LLC is the last remaining financial entity listed in the Bloomberg Terminal’s list of PUTs for GME maintaining a file date for their positions of **3/31/2021**. They also hold the largest number of PUTs (80,702 contracts), twice as many as second in line Susquehanna, and are the highest percentage out (10.550%) among those listed. All other PUTs have since been re-filed on **6/30/2021**. + +I believe these dates indicate historical Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) activity associated with GameStop and provide an indication of what to expect as we move towards **9/30/2021** and onward. + +### Background + +In January, February 2021 $126.6 billion of loans were said to have been repriced ([S+P Global - March 12th, 2021](https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/quick-take-us-clo-refinancing-and-reset-activity-surges-63108875)). + +Archegos was liquidated between March 12th and March 26th, 2021 ([Credit Suisse - July 29th, 2021](https://www.credit-suisse.com/media/assets/corporate/docs/about-us/investor-relations/financial-disclosures/results/csg-special-committee-bod-report-archegos.pdf)). It’s been said that the firm turned **$10 billion into an estimated $100 billion** worth of assets ([Bloomberg - April 3rd, 2021](https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-04-03/the-number-of-the-week-is-100-billion)). + +> “Typically, for new-issue transactions, the CLO debt tranches are collectively 10 times the size of the notional amount of the equity interest.” - https://www.stout.com/en/insights/article/primer-valuation-clo-equity-financial-reporting + +On March 26th, 2021 the Fed reported a daily Reverse Repurchase amount of $11.4 billion. By March 31st, the daily Reverse Repurchase amount skyrocketed up to $134 billion. An increase of $124.297 billion. ([St. Louis Federal Reserve - RRP Chart](https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/)). This was notable because the Fed’s RRP activity had been effectively dormant until this uptick. + +### Hypothesis + +As evidenced by the volume of CLO repricing in Jan/Feb, the end date of the Archegos liquidation, proportion of equity compared to total Archegos assets and uptick in RRPs on March 31st, 2021 my reading leads me to believe that Archegos was more of a CLO Manager than Family Office and that some of their positions (illiquid investments in junk-grade CLOs) were auctioned off and then repriced to SOFR at the end of March 2021. + +Historically CLOs were priced off 3-month LIBOR but, out of concern the benchmark was being manipulated by financial institutions, the Federal Reserve is in the process of transitioning CLOs to their own rate called SOFR that is based on the daily RRP amounts ([Bloomberg - July 8th, 2021](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-08/growing-clo-market-has-a-libor-transition-problem-on-horizon)). + +9/30/2021 is 3 days away and represents the 2nd-ever quarterly refinancing of CLOs after the formal recommendation of SOFR was made by the Alternative Reference Rates Committee ([AARC](https://www.newyorkfed.org/arrc)) on July 29th, 2021. + +There is a process called “Warehousing” in the CLO world where “CLO Managers purchase initial collateral before the closing date” which typically lasts 3-6 months ([Pinebridge - September 19th, 2019](https://www.pinebridge.com/en/insights/clo-beyond-the-complexity)). + +**9/30/2021 represents the 6-month mark since Simplex filed their 80,702 PUT contracts**. + +GME close on 3/31/2021: $189.82 + +GME close on 6/30/2021: $214.14 + +GME close on 9/30/2021: ??? + +### Conclusion + +While many of my posts have historically shied away from dates I believe the evidence here is too clear and strong to avoid mention. Worth noting 9/30/2021 is just *a* date and, given the fact the average tenor of Archegos’ contracts was 24 months, there could be many other interesting ones as well. + +Just a Retail Investor, not a financial advisor. +I've discovered that the CEO of Apollo Stephen McCullah has been involved in several scams in the past including a $29,000 kickstarter scam where he claimed he was raising funds for a documentary expedition to Congo in the search of living dinosaurs. He later disappeared with everyone's money and never completed the expedition. This can be verified by looking at the comments on the kickstarter. See here: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/817864170/new-species-expedition-to-congo](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/817864170/new-species-expedition-to-congo) + +On top of that, this guy went from supposedly being into biology/zoology to suddenly being a cryptocurrency expert who is gonna create code that changes the world. lol Another side note: the Apollo website is a wix site according to the source code. Perhaps their CEO should master coding his own website before he writes this revolutionary world changing code he's promising. Please do yourself a favor and don't buy into this BS scam. +Preface- If this is a problem you face, you are more fortunate than most. That being said, keeping your AGI below 75k for single filers and 150k for joint seems like the magic number for recent legislation and cost my wife and I 5k in COVID relief payments as well as Child Tax Credits. + +Story- This last tax season wife and I had AGI of about 145k for tax season. Called up Vanguard and converted our traditional IRA contributions to Roth for the year which put us at a total AGI of 158K. 2 Weeks later Congress passes a COVID stimulus bill with stimulus relief that start to phase out after 150k until being fully gone at 160k. So we lost out on about 5k of stimulus payments. On top of that with the child tax credit payments starting to hit bank accounts, again the full value begins to be phased out after 150k AGI. For us it was all to save paying taxes now on 12k of IRA funds.. + +**TLDR Was below stimulus payment cap, then converted IRAs and lost out on over 5k of relief payments.** + +Just another thing to keep in your scan when thinking about which retirement funds to contribute to and some unforeseen consequences in converting Traditional funds to Roth. +Im currently 32, living in the UK (close to London). I've worked for the same company for the last 10 years. Its a construction company. Started off as a labourer, then moved onto the tools, now for the last 4 years I've had an office role as an estimator. + +I started on 20k, and I've worked my way up to 40k. + +Since becoming a "professional" I've joined LinkedIn, and I have been inupdated with job offers. These generally range from 50 - 70k. + +I practically had to beg for my last pay rise, which was from 35k to 40k at the start of the year. I don't think I'll get a big jump in pay for the next few years. My director has already told me, that he can't promise me anything in regards to further promotion. This is not that he does not see potential in me; its that its a growing company, and promotion will be based on if there is successful growth. + +I'm finding it difficult to stay productive knowing that I could be making much more elsewhere, but after being with a company 10 years I feel loyalty is holding me back. I'm currently 32 and feel this is the time when I should be really earning. + +Anyone else been in a similar situation? + +UPDATE: +Thanks for all the responses, it's much appreciated. Wow, pretty much everyone is saying jump ship. I think another factor which is holding me back is job security. Not having the confidence to take that chance with another company in case I can't perform as they'd imagine and I get let go. I think this is something which has held me back all my life actually. + +FINAL UPDATE: + +Wow, the responses have been overwhelming, thank you. I've decided to go ahead and openly explore any opportunities which come my way. As I'm still currently in a job, I've got the upper hand, and can seek out the right career path without being forced in any hasty decisions. I have taken alot of your advice on board and I will ensure to safeguard any potential moves with contract agreements. It seems that switching jobs regularly, is not only beneficial for financial reasons, but also for expanding my skillset and network. Its opened my eyes to the actual risks of staying in the same place for too long. Anyway, thanks guys. +I've been analysing Heikin Ashi charts from last week, and it seems to me like they're very Effective for identifying peaks/dips in the market, even on the 1 min candle scale. + +Does anyone here use these? If so, how have they helped your trades? +As for now I am holding my eyes on some charts, which are on there way to give me a buy signal. Most of the time I am finding my self bored while waiting for my bug signal. + +So how do you people spend your time, waiting for your bug signal, which is not trading related +Been 40/60 profitable on my account since I opened it 4 years ago. + +I've lost a fair chunk of money (that i accepted I could lose) +but while I was effectively haemorrhaging money through day trading i was still pulling in enough profit to keep me interested. + +I seem to be one of those day traders in which sits on the line of profit and loss and over a long ass time even though it became more and more depleted. + +So from this moment forth, i'll be sticking with my DCA investments as they are far out performing my day trading ability by any stretch I was hoping for on a shorter time scale. Which is obviously great! + +My advice to anyone sitting in the mix of profit and loss... + +Tally up your entire profits and losses and check which one has the high percentage. If it's losses, do yourself a favour and close your account and go long term investing instead. (Or atleast go back to paper trading) + +That being said, power to you all. I'm done. +My currently job is being downsized and finding a new job will probably require moving. My wife and I are on track to achieve FIRE in about 10 years (at age 42). So I am trying to decide on the best places to relocate to. So what are the best states to live in with the goal of achieving and living out FIRE? +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +I was accused of something at work today that really got me upset. My boss makes fun of me and talks disparagingly about gme and sent an email to other senior members of the +Organization speaking negatively - and offensively +About my personality and Included me on the email unintentionally. +It was humiliating and just awful. I’m in tears now just thinking about it. + +I wish gme would MOASS so +I could leave. It is incredibly humiliating, and I’m not in a position to walk. + +Thank you for listening and being my gme fam. + +/brokenheart + +Edit - thank you all for the perspective and for allowing me to share. It’s easy to go down the road of victim think ,as one of you mentioned and I was headed down there. I don’t see this as recoverable, but I have faith in gme and will put my head down and deal with it. It’s likely gme will moass in the next 4 months or I’ll find another opportunity. Thank you again. +I’m in the SF Bay Area and I don’t wear suits very often but I want to splurge and pick up something special. I like some off the rack suits, but I want to take the next step. + +I don’t need specific location necessarily but what do you look for in buying a custom suit? + +(Please nothing from the guy who dressed Don Cherry.) +Not yet on the FATFire range but started seeing some worrying signs in life… + +How do you balance earning more money versus being thankful/satisfied for the one that you have earned? With less than $400k net worth in 2015, we will close just above $5m by end of 2021. I have noticed couple of things: + +1. The amount of excitement, thankfulness etc I had has gone down significantly. For example, my personal TC in 2015 was $200K and all I wanted was a job for $300K. Now I have an offer that pays me around $1.1m but I do not feel thankful about the journey. I am thinking how do I push to move to 2M+ TC in couple of years. Even last year, I would have been happier with a job that paid $600K but now I keep thinking maybe I should have pushed for $1.2M or 1.3M instead of $1.1M while the incremental money does not add any material difference in day to day life (spouse will pull in another $700-750k this year). This is troubling me now. Am I associating my "Achievements" with TC? I work in tech where there is a constant push towards increasing/ talking about TC. Is is better to seek guidance from a therapist? + +2. I do not splurge on a day to day basis (compared to our income) - so most of the things seems normal. Except for electronics, I do not have expensive tastes (cars, accessories etc) - I do not realize the value of comfort $$ has given our family on a daily basis. I donate around 1.5K per year to charities and do some gofundmes for couple of hundred bucks now- that's it. It is almost same as I did 8-9 years back. + I am a skeptic on everything now - don’t trust anything including non profits (along from government, ‘mainstream’ media etc etc). I live in a “liberal”/ “left” city but have completely moved economically right over last 5+ years. + +All these have changed in the last 5 years. I was a completely different person in 2014 with way lesser $$$ but now becoming more self centered. What are some suggestions to keep me, my family grounded? +The fear is real these days with many people calling that the bull market is over. Nobody knows that is going to happen but personally I don't think so and in any case I am not selling at all. If anything, I am buying more as I have not invested more than I can afford to lose so I don't care what happens. + +Of course nobody wants to lose money but you have to decide. Imagine you sell now and later this year we break 100k. I would rather lose all my money than not being invested once this happens. The risk of NOT holding is just too high in my opinion. + +Crypto is the only chance to achieve financial freedom and escape the hamster wheel we are all stuck in. I am gladly taking the risk for this possibility. If the money is gone, nothing changes anyway and we keep hamster wheeling. + +&#x200B; + +*Not financial advice as usual, only my personal opinion.* +Shares of the major pharmaceutical companies behind the Covid-19 vaccines decreased Monday due to a variety of pressure points. + +Numbers: The declines on Monday included: 0.72% for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), 0.86% for Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), 2.70% for AstraZeneca (Nasdaq: AZN), 4.95% for Moderna (Nasdaq: MRN), 6.90% for Novavax (Nasdaq: NVAX), and 7.91% for BioNTech (Nasdaq: BNTZ). + +Bigger Picture: The likely culprit for Monday’s decline was due to Singapore reporting its highest Covid-19 cases since last April. Most of the population is vaccinated, so there may not be as many hospitalizations. The country uses the same vaccines that are available in the U.S. + +Potential Factor: On Sunday, the CEO of Pfizer said on ABC News that “normal life” will return in a year. This may have prompted some profit-taking from investors who fear that the vaccine stocks won’t be growing in the future. + +Final Thoughts: Most of the vaccine stocks have performed well in 2021. If you are bullish on the vaccine stocks, Monday’s pullback is an opportunity to buy. + +Hope you enjoyed this commentary. Please subscribe to Early Bird, a free daily newsletter that helps you identify investment trends: https://earlybird.email/ +I've been talking to a trader friend of mine. The market these days doesn't give a f\*\*\* about fundamentals. It's mostly driven by events and the technicals. Companies beat earnings and drop by 10%. Companies miss earnings and go up by 5%. It's a mess. + +The only stable companies are the likes of $FB $GOOG $MSFT etc. Small and mid-caps are being stomped. A conspiracy theory floating on the web: hedge funds are trying to show the retail investors "who's the boss". Therefore, retail favourite stocks like $CRSR $TTCF and others are being thrashed. Particularly outside of regular trading hours. + +Obviously the market is extremely volatile right now and we can see that by getting mini crashes and selloffs whenever J Powell is scheduled to speak. Just gotta stay strong, keep some extra cash on hand to buy any good dips and manage expectations. We can probs expect the same conditions (or worse) for at least 6 months IMO (due to taper, interest rate talks, etc.) + +Thoughts? I really want to hear other opinions. Are you guys bullish / bearish? What are some ways that you cope with the current market (if you've changed your strategy at all)? + +P.S. This is an amazing learning experience IMO although it's likely to cost me (us) a decent chunk of cash. That's the way I'm looking at it :D it'll just make my investing better in the long-term. +I've been talking to a trader friend of mine. The market these days doesn't give a f\*\*\* about fundamentals. It's mostly driven by events and the technicals. Companies beat earnings and drop by 10%. Companies miss earnings and go up by 5%. It's a mess. + +The only stable companies are the likes of $FB $GOOG $MSFT etc. Small and mid-caps are being stomped. A conspiracy theory floating on the web: hedge funds are trying to show the retail investors "who's the boss". Therefore, retail favourite stocks like $CRSR $TTCF and others are being thrashed. Particularly outside of regular trading hours. + +Obviously the market is extremely volatile right now and we can see that by getting mini crashes and selloffs whenever J Powell is scheduled to speak. Just gotta stay strong, keep some extra cash on hand to buy any good dips and manage expectations. We can probs expect the same conditions (or worse) for at least 6 months IMO (due to taper, interest rate talks, etc.) + +Thoughts? I really want to hear other opinions. Are you guys bullish / bearish? What are some ways that you cope with the current market (if you've changed your strategy at all)? + +P.S. This is an amazing learning experience IMO although it's likely to cost me (us) a decent chunk of cash. That's the way I'm looking at it :D it'll just make my investing better in the long-term. +Can someone explain to an Autist what the TLS on-market buy-back is all about? I see it's generating some hype, they are buying back $1.35bil worth of shares by selling some towers - but does it mean we as shareholders have some chance to opt-in to some deal? I have absolutely no idea what's going on. +Your markets are run by bots. Now your daily threads are too. + +Welcoming u/username-taken82 to the Mod team. + +If you're reading this, it finally fucking worked. + +[We have an active official/unofficial discord. It's open to all discussions, stonks related and non-stonks related.](http://discord.gg/2sQBNuM) +Hey ASX\_Bets, + +I'm a loser at trading CFD's, I decided to shift my game to purchasing companies instead. During my back testing my analysis had always prove that IPO's tend to have a massive rally and when the time is right it get's dumped. I decided to join the train ride on LGP but I was the idiot who purchased at the top and this has never recovered back. Perhaps I was too high when buying this stock. This is my month's pay check. Still holding till the day my ball sacks sags to my knees while my back hunches down to my grave. + + +I will submit another post about OOO on MONDAY. FUCKING CONTANGO screwing me balls deep! + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/new4lkhxmjt41.png?width=2034&format=png&auto=webp&s=c87fb2f04b5d567dc27914fa30b9b87573e345e7 +So I’ve been watching IOU and it seems as though the additional shares that have been added on haven’t actually affected the stock price and that the increase of funds for the company is going to be a legitimate boost to the expansion of this company. +Very excited for this company. +Traditionally, As we know that as bond yield goes up, It is supposed to pull money into bonds since they are safer and less riskier than equities ( shares, yes another name, we need at least 10 different names so as to confuse the fuck out anyone not cluely enough). + +but as interest rates go up, harder to borrow or pay off debt. This tanks the economy. Just imagine Joe blow trying to pay off a loan after he got kicked out of his shit paying job or lower pay due to less shifts. He spends less at the local shops. This cascades to other shop owners earning less. AH but you claim. What of the Federal government printing? Did they stop? They pushing cash out the door to counter that. Yes in some way that is true, the question is does it feed back into the economy or not? Who gets the money and who doesn't? + +When using the Discounted Cash Flow model ( or some variation of it for companies without a profit) , when the bond yield goes up, it pushs the value of a share down. This is based on Buffet. + +Credit due source on explanation: ( DCF model according to Invest for the future). + +[View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/lyq0oh) +Your markets are run by bots. Now your daily threads are too. + +Welcoming u/username-taken82 to the Mod team. + +If you're reading this, it finally fucking worked. + +[We have an active official/unofficial discord. It's open to all discussions, stonks related and non-stonks related.](http://discord.gg/2sQBNuM) +Where do you go to find reliable information on cheap up and coming cheap penny stocks? Where can I get the inside scoop on the high risk high reward up-and-comers? America & Australia. Cheers! PS who is holding LIT? My one good punt 😂🚀 +FFT - FUTURE FIRST TECHNOLOGIES LTD + +This will be the next 10 bagger. 1derful will be released to the market sometime soon in the next month or two. Company offered to purchase shares of people for $0.05cents... + +Stock peak used to be $0.56 prior 2016 now trading at $0.045. Current operating profit little bit low around $1.Mill but with future softwares and apps will increase their revenue more... + +I don't gamble on penny stocks, but this is considered a blue chip penny stock. If I'm wrong I will eat my own pubes. + +Remind me back in 6 months time. +**FYI** resources...to avoid any confusion...its an ASX ticker code and **doesn't** stand for 'for your information' + +Current SP $0.48, MCAP $150m + +**Disclosure**: I'm overweight on these and love the stock so my smooth brain ramblings are no doubt biased but ill try to provide the most objective analysis I can. + +**HOLDINGS** + +https://preview.redd.it/v2v6xpwersl61.png?width=974&format=png&auto=webp&s=ae2a9c7679c1a997dd2209821664a906fcada3fa + +The company is based in Perth and are developing a high purity alumina (**HPA)** project in WA. + +They are the 100% owners of the Cadoux Kaolin project, Cadoux contains high quality HPA feedstock from Kaolin clay at an average 24% Alumina, they have a measured resource that can support over 50 years mining with a proven resource for the first 25 years, DFS is based on 25 years. Results from drilling can be found [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20190515-FYI-reports-quality-HPA-analysis-updated.pdf) and [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20190418-FYI-drilling-update.pdf) + +The deposit is an average of 17m thick and starting from 5-8m deep so very little overburden to strip. + +The project area has excellent infrastructure only 220km from Perth with major arterial sealed roads and rail siding less than 1km from site, water and power all at the site boundary. + +The DFS was completed 12 months ago and based on 25 year mine life with 8000 ton per annum(tpa) of 4N HPA output ( 4N is 99.99% purity and has a market price of $25000 USD per ton)...DFS can be read [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/DFS-and-funding-announcement-2020.03.11.pdf) + +The NPV is $545m USD after tax at 10% discount for risk, this equates to approx $740m AUD at todays rate. EBITDA of $133m USD, Capex $189m USD, 3.6 year payback. + +$80m equity financing facility secured and first tranche drawn down recently from GEM Global, this is being drawn down in stages so expect the next draw down at a much higher share price. Details of the financing are outlined in the DFS above and first tranche drawn down [here](https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/ann-international-fund-initiates-strategic-interest-in-fyi.5906426/) + +Current SOI 310m, fully diluted 350m + +Cashflow after finance and tax $88m AUD equates $0.25 EPS. this is fully diluted after the equity financing draw down so 350m SOI. + +Industry standard dividend yield for mining stocks is approx 6% so PE of 15-16, so fully de risked and producing HPA and paying dividends this should represent a SP of \*$3.50'\***ish BEWARE THIS IS STILL A WAY OFF AND IS NOT A SHORT TERM TARGET** + +FYI has already secured site approvals in WA's Kwinana industrial area for the planned processing facility and details can be found [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20191204-FYI-Kwinana-refinery-site-approval.pdf) + +So now we get to the juicy part, in September last year FYI signed a MOU with ALCOA to establish a pathway to progress to a project development joint venture. details of which can be found [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20200908-ALCOA-FYI-MOU.pdf) One of the major conditions to be met in this MOU was to conduct a joint pilot plant trial with ALCOA which was completed in December and with results coming back recently showing they achieved 5N HPA (5N or 5 nines is 99.999% purity and fetches a market price around $45000-$50000 USD per ton) details of the pilot plant trials can be found [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/2020-12-22-Alcoa-pilot-plant-trial-successfully-completed.pdf) and results [here](https://hotcopper.com.au/threads/ann-joint-pilot-plant-trial-delivers-outstanding-results.5900291/). and more [here](https://aluminiuminsider.com/alcoa-of-australia-and-fyi-resources-plan-week-long-test-of-high-purity-alumina-plant/) + +The great thing about this company is there is no fluffy bullshit in their announcements they are not trying overly hard to Market the company and pump the SP as the results will do the talking for themselves, the strategy is to JV with ALCOA and in my opinion this is the kind of deal where 1+1=3 due to the de risking that ALCOA provide plus their huge customer base most notably in the global car manufacturing Industry as a supplier of Aluminum to many of the majors. + +The MD Roland Hill a top 20 shareholder and as far as I can see has never sold a share, I know he is a straight talker no bullshit from experience having exchanged emails with him, he responds swiftly to shareholders emails and responds to most regardless of the size of your holding, I take this as a massive vote of confidence in what he is delivering as he is not afraid to answer tough and critical questions (within reason). + +Andrew Spinks MD of Ecograf **EGR** is one of the largest shareholders + +word on the street is there could be a collaboration of battery tech announced between EGR and FYI but I take this with a giant pinch of salt...could be absolute bullshit. + +MD and the Board recently unanimously exercised options options and have never sold a single share. [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20201124-FYI-_Director-options-excercise.pdf) + +Current cash in the Bank $9.5m AUD and not expecting any further CR as the equity finance facility has been initiated. + +The downside to the ALCOA JV is they will obviously take their percentage of the profits meaning reduced EPS for FYI shareholders, the upside is the expertise and market knowledge plus project capital and de risking will far outweigh the downside, the day a binding term sheet is signed this is no longer a speculative stock and I expect to be leaving shares to my kids one day....unless my wife's boyfriend spends it all first. + +A revised DFS is expected to be released within days/weeks and small adjustments could possibly double the NPV, **for example:** + +\- Add 1000 ton per annum of 5N output means an extra USD $38m EBITDA + +\- Add an extra 1000 ton per annum 4N and an extra US $21m EBITDA + +these 2 additions alone would take the NPV 10% risked to over USD $1B + +with increased output with ALCOA on board the EPS(Div) stated above could end up being higher. + +The market reach that ALCOA bring to the table means these figures are achievable, but of course **nothings sure until offtakes are signed**. + +Samples from pilot plant trials have been sent to multiple offtake customers in Europe, US and Asia and so far feedback has been outstanding and clients have requested further samples which is why ALCOA and FYI are undertaking a second Joint Pilot plant trial in March details of which were talked about in the last quarterly activity report [here](https://www.fyiresources.com.au/media/files/20210129-FYI_Dec_2020-QR-and-5B.pdf) + +**SO WHY HPA** + +HPA or High Purity Alumina has been traditionally an energy intensive and very expensive product to make from bauxite as it requires refined aluminum to be put through a hydrolysis process which has a very bad carbon footprint, the process that FYI are using in their Pilot plant trial extracts the Alumina from Kaolin clay as opposed to bauxite and although it uses Hcl Leach method, the system is a closed system whereby the Hcl is fully recoverable, the temperatures required are much lower and much less energy intensive meaning ESG certification can be achieved. + +HPA is used a separator in Lithium ion batteries and demand is expected to grow between from 65000 ton pa last year to 145000 ton pa in 2025 reports on HPA found [here](https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/high-purity-alumina-market) and an interesting [here](https://www.ftadviser.com/Partner-Contents54/2020/12/29/Baker-Steel-Could-2021-be-a-transformational-year-for-precious-and-speciality-metals) + +With Tesla expecting to be producing 20m cars per year by 2025 [here](https://www.businessinsider.com.au/elon-musk-tesla-likely-20-million-electric-vehicles-year-2030-2020-9?r=US&IR=T) and up to 5 kg of HPA needed as separator material in each battery that alone would amount 100,000 tons per annum demand from tesla alone with every single car manufacturer in the world moving to EV's you can see how these figures could increase the demand for HPA dramatically more than even the base case in these reports. + +**RISKS** + +There is of course the obvious risks with any new tech + +\-Will the tech change and our product become superseded ---There is no better separator material than HPA, all batteries require a separator...cant see this changing in the near future. + +What if another miner gets the offtakes before us + +\-The 2 major hopefuls for HPA on the ASX are A4N and FYI, with a third outlier call ATC. + +\-ATC have fallen far behind and are planning on running a plant in Malaysia and shipping their feedstock from Australia, economics look shit. + +\-A4N are sitting on twice the market cap of FYI due to some fluffy presentations but nearly exactly the same NPV and they have a planned output of 10,000 ton per annum and are getting their feedstock as a by product from Orica, meaning although their process can reach ESG credentials too it is 1 step removed and the process by which the feedstock has come from is far from ESG. Also the uncertainty of supply from Orica poses a huge risk. + +Both FYI and A4N are at similar stages with multiple offtake customers trialing the product, I believe FYI and the JV with ALCOA and the fact we have our own deposit in the ground has much more significant upside than A4N and still at half the market cap with half the SOI and no further dilution bar the equity financing shares that have already been added into the EPS calculations. + +Regardless of this with the market for HPA to grow at a CAGR of 20.7% from 2020 -2026 there is plenty of room for both to succeed + +The last main risk that I see is ALCOA walking away from the JV, although I am very bullish that this is practically a done deal at the moment due to my research + +I have been through ALCOAS most recent Financials and they currently have cash balance of $2.2 billion, in their most recent AGM they discussed keeping a reserve balance of $1 b through FY 2021 with expected Capex of $450, leaving $750m which they intend to use for "investing in low capex high return projects" the JV with FYI fits perfectly for their strategy, they are progressing nicely in negotiations, FYI ticking the boxes with pilot plant trials, zero political risk, ESG project, great economics and relatively low capex, short repayment time. + +ALCOA have a strong focus and commitment to moving to low carbon footprint which is demonstrated throught their most recent projects sustana tm and elysis tm projects. more info on that [here](https://www.alcoa.com/sustainability/en) + +&#x200B; + +Finally..... Fundamentals alone aren't enough, technical analysis alone isn't enough both need to be right, last night I posted charts for FYI but was too dumb to work this Reddit posting out... and ended up deleting all the DD. so here's the chart after todays action looking good, so long as it stays above that sloping trendline its prime for a breakout over the ATH of $0.50. + +&#x200B; + +[Butt and Dildo candlestick pattern \(insert rocket\)](https://preview.redd.it/2xsa0phvosl61.png?width=1831&format=png&auto=webp&s=65157180816d875e7e31c491ff4327160b5e2a2e) + +&#x200B; + +FYI also trades on German stock exchange and had a couple of high volume days last month where it was trading at 58 cents equivalent unfortunately the retards over here on the ASX didn't want to reciprocate and dumped at 50 cents so we didn't see the corresponding strength in price here, those paper hand motherfuckers are gone now and only long term holders looking for the real value now so getting through 50 cents this time should be much easier, fuel stop from there is circa 75c. + +Checkout trading on the German exchanges [https://www.ariva.de/fyi\_resources\_ltd-aktie/kurs](https://www.ariva.de/fyi_resources_ltd-aktie/kurs) + +&#x200B; + +Currently trading in Germany at equivalent of 50.5 cents AUD on approximately 600m volume + +https://preview.redd.it/pbpxz0meqsl61.png?width=975&format=png&auto=webp&s=644c462b5a4f70b281cc0c938fadc24856b2bfb4 + +Definitely not investment advice as I haven't got a fuckin clue about finance and will probably lose all my money sooner or later, I just like the stock +Where do you go to find reliable information on cheap up and coming cheap penny stocks? Where can I get the inside scoop on the high risk high reward up-and-comers? America & Australia. Cheers! PS who is holding LIT? My one good punt 😂🚀 +A single piece of paper with 24 random words written on it can do the same thing as an entire banking franchise that consists of 10 HQ buildings, 1000 branches and 100,000 employees. +I asked about the current rates and likely rates I would get with my credit score at other lenders specifically Sofi, and what to do if I get quoted a better rate elsewhere if I can bring back documentation, can he beat it. He told me that he doesn't play that game. I then asked how are you paid and he said he can't tell me that. + +I had thought this is a very important question especially for financial advisors and whether they are fiduciary. I wanted to know whether he has any wiggle room in the rate and if he is incentivized to not give me the best rate. Was my question out of bounds? +At a certain level of wealth where you can buy more time and influence, I'm curious how folks here spend their personal time and/or money to give back to their communities or make the world a better place. + +Do you donate a percentage of your income? Mentor or volunteer somewhere? Do you find it more or less fulfilling than your income producing ventures? +Basically fresh out of Uni and got into a bottom of the pile role at this media company, however they have promised possibilities of progression through the ranks and it's a really great place to work for! + +On 15k a year we get by but always seem to have envy of other graduates on say 27k a year or people also at 21 years old who have a solid 22k+ salary. + +Any else find they do this and have any advice for getting out of that mindset? + +EDIT: Cheers for all the responses guys, self worth is a key thing and I think I'm beginning to understand what I'm worth, but also not to compare as I'll never really know if others are as happy as I am right now. I mean I've got a job, a great mrs, understanding parents etc... so thanks for the messages! +Aimed at first time buyers, the Gov has [released guidance for the new first home scheme](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/first-homes#first-homes-qualifying-criteria) + +First homes will be a new “affordable” type of housing, discounted at a minimum of 30% the market value. + +To qualify, you’ll have to be a first time buyer with a combined household income of up to £80k. + +Prices of first homes are to be capped at £250k outside London and £420k inside London. Note that these price caps are applied AFTER the 30% discount. +I’ve recently turned 18 and have been using paper trade sites on and off since middle school. I eagerly made an account and wanted to try my first real trade. I bought ALF to see how buying works on the platform. A minute later I sold for 17 cents profit to see how that works. I forgot that taxes exist, will I need to fill out taxes for 17 cents? I don’t know exactly how that works. I looked online and apparently if you make under 40,000$ it’s 0% tax but honestly I don’t know what I was looking at or if that information is accurate. Any information would be helpful, thank you. +Lately I’ve been obsessed with financial independence and early retirement. I’m reading articles, blogs, books… it’s bananas! + +What I’ve discovered is that there is a secret underground network of people in the exact same pursuit! I had no idea! They even have a term for it: FIRE. + +Let me share some of what I’ve learned.. First is FI/RE. + +FI stands for financial independence. And RE represents early retirement. + +A couple of weeks ago I yelled to my bride, “Let’s sell it all! We’re pulling the ripcord!” + +This is not a new exclamation, I’ve said it many times before. My bride, Stacey and I own a couple of small businesses. For those that are entrepreneurs you understand completely when I scream SELL IT ALL! + +For those who work for others let me explain. + +First let me say that working for myself was always the plan. For one, I’m very unmanageable. And secondly, I saw entrepreneurship as a path to freedom and autonomy. + +Now sixteen years into working for myself, there is more to it than the green grass makes it appear. Having people work for you is both a blessing and a curse. I’m proud to provide jobs for more than thirty people (most of them are part-timers at the Dairy Queen). But it’s also a huge pain in the ass. + +People for the most part are good. I always tell my kids that there are two types of people in the world. Good people and bad people. The good people far outweigh the bad, despite what the media leads us to believe. + +However, even the good people are flawed. Most of their flaws they come by honestly. We all suffer from the human condition and most never become aware. + +The human condition is a series of intertwined traits and commonalities that we all share. We all have a inner voice that treats us like shit. We all feel the universe revolves around only us. We are jealous, crave attention, feel underappreciated, and are grounded by fear. + +Because of these conditions, most people exhibit degrees of assholery. + +When you are the employer of said humans, assholery is commonplace. And unfairly stressful. + +One of the many advantages I’ve developed over the years is the ability to see the big picture. This vision provided me with an unfair advantage in the real estate sales business. When other agents focused only on commissions, I focused on providing the best possible service to my clients. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? You’d be surprised. + +When my competitors negotiated from a Win/Lose mindset, I patiently stayed the Win/Win path. When a client overreacted emotionally I would humbly redirect, and paint the big picture. + +Please don’t think I’m speaking from the soapbox. It was only after making mistake after mistake that I began to develop the big picture superpower. + +These days I unfortunately detect an increased level of assholery. With the explosion of social media feeding the, “Look at me Look at me!” ego and the constant and consistent reaction of OUTRAGE… people are becoming just a little bit more difficult to deal with. + +So this time when I yelled, “Sell it all!” it felt different. Stacey looked over with sincere ponder. As our eyes met with a twinkle, brows furrowed and lips pursed… both thinking, “Hmmm.” + +Within a few days of this proclamation my father passed away unexpectedly. He was 73 years old. Seventy three used to be old. Now that I’m forty-five, it’s not. + +Funny thing about funerals, they slow down time. We consider life from a bigger picture perspective. We acknowledge the fundamentals: family, friends, health, and happiness. And we typically vow to stop more for the roses. Then after a couple of days we unwittingly hop back on the treadmill of life and continue our herded path. + +But here I am a few weeks into my dad’s passing… and the fi/re in my heart and belly are growing! + +So it is with much fear and trepidation that I announce my early retirement! + +As of today my projected retirement date is December 31, 2017. That is exactly 607 days away. + +My goal over the course of these six hundred and seven days will be to share with you all of the financial and life mistakes I’ve made. Along with the lessons I’ve learned, how I applied them, and the impact they’ve had on my life… and more importantly my happiness. + +Currently I have no idea how much money I spend each month. Well I have an idea, but I faint every time I begin to think about it. + +I’m going to gather all that information. Share the intimate details with you. Along with that I will openly disclose the details of what will need to be accomplished in order for me to successfully pull the ripcord and officially and permanently retire from the rat race. + +Now if you will excuse me, I just pooped my pants. +Hi All, + + +Quick post during my work break. With GME sub 100$ I still have a 10% return in GBP despite my cost basis been around 116$. I am going quickly to skip that and mention that in UK there was a mortgage boom in 2020-2021. These mortgages mostly have fixed rates for 2-3 years. The rates were about 1.3%. +When you was about to sign the mortgage the bank will warn you that the rate can go up. Their scary example was rates at 3.85% where the repayment was increasing by 30%. + + +Well now we are about 5% the moment everyone is screaming to BoE for 200 bps rate hike. Long story short UK people are fukd... fukd... These low rate 30year mortgages that allowed people buy million pound homes will come and bite the overstrected buyers + + +Most remortgages are 1-2 years away, hence, nobody is watching except for the folks on floating rates (RIP) . On 6-7% mortgage rates I would assume 25% defaults as nobody was even thinking these rates a year ago. Lowest rate I ve seen was .89% back in 2021. The average monthly mortgage payment in London could hit \~4K£ which is >100% of the average post-income-tax salary. + + +This is scary. +Ok, I’ve just finished The Intelligent Investor for the first time. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with investing as Graham defines it (as opposed to speculating) and the current situation with bond yields with his advice that you should keep at least 25% allocated because of the potential for things to change in the future. + +I’ve also been a fan of Ray Dalio’s advice, and recently read his post on avoiding bonds altogether.(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-world-would-you-own-bonds-when-ray-dalio) + +These two thought streams are seemingly at odds, and the best I can come up with is that Graham’s advice didn’t take into account such low bond yields ever existing, and I’m probably better off following Dalio’s advice: + +“ I believe a well-diversified portfolio of non-debt and non-dollar assets along with a short cash position is preferable to a traditional stock/bond mix that is heavily skewed to US dollars. I also believe that assets in the mature developed reserve currency countries will underperform the Asian (including Chinese) emerging countries’ markets. I also believe that one should be mindful of tax changes and the possibility of capital controls.” + +I’ve gotten rid of bond ETFs completely from my portfolio, and now have some gold, emerging Asia markets, commodities, foreign value ETFs to replace them. + +I’d love to hear all of your thoughts on both reconciling Graham’s investment approach with current bond yields and on Dalio’s thoughts. What do you think? +The chairman of the $162 billion Future Fund, Peter Costello, says the recent stock market rally is "optimistic" and investors may have failed to factor in that the economy won't bounce back to its pre-coronavirus state. + +The local S&P/ASX 200 Index is up almost 19 per cent from its March 23 low. + +"Markets have decided the crisis is over," Mr Costello said. "I’ve got to say, its a pretty optimistic view that it’s all over now. + +"I don’t know that it really makes a big enough allowance for … that even when we do come back, we’re not going to come back to 100 per cent of where we were. + +"There will be an ongoing economic downturn which will take some time to overcome." + +Mr Costello, the country's longest serving federal treasurer, encouraged state governments to lift their lockdown restrictions as quickly as health circumstances permitted. + +"Every day we remain closed makes the bounce back harder," Mr Costello said. + +"Obviously, there’s a public health issue. But, my view is we don’t want to stay closed a day longer than we need to. Each week and each month means the number of businesses that will come back will be fewer." + +Mr Costello said once restrictions were eased, much of the business sector would recover. + +However, the "destruction" from the coronavirus containment measures meant some businesses would never come back. + +"This is going to bring some, in my view, permanent destruction in its wake," he said. + +"We will bounce back, but it won’t be a 100 per cent of businesses that bounce back. + +"To that degree, it’s going to take some time to get unemployment back to 5 per cent. + +"If we peak at 10 per cent or 11 per cent, I think we’ll get back to 7 [per cent] pretty quickly, but I think it’s going to be a long hard grind to get back to 5 per cent unemployment." + +Retail and hospitality will be among the most challenged to reopen their doors. + +"Some retail businesses which have adjusted to online sales will decide that they won’t reopen stores," Mr Costello said. + +"Some hospitality businesses that were on a week-to-week cash basis will find that, having been closed for eight weeks, they just can’t open. + +"Some rural and regional newspapers were being structurally challenged already by the internet digitisation and closed, they won’t reopen again." + +https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/market-rally-is-optimistic-says-costello-20200513-p54slx +I listened to the sbux earnings call and they said they’re raising prices again for a third time in several months. They raised it in October of 2021, January of 2022 and now they’re planning additional price increases across the board for 2022. I get that they’re considered a premium coffee brand but as shareholder I’m a little nervous that at some point demand will drop off at a certain price point for a cup of coffee. Did anyone else think the same thing or am I over thinking this? I do think there’s a lot of competition in the coffee space at the moment and it makes me nervous that raising prices several times in a small period of time like that could drive people to another place. I was thinking about buying stock but now I’m thinking about holding off. Anyone that’s wiser then me have any thoughts on this or are my concerns warranted? + + +[This is the official $GME Megathread for r\/Superstonk.](https://preview.redd.it/gzy9yfftoov71.png?width=778&format=png&auto=webp&s=7ce125aa2d7455f994d74a4192f1a04b7d14448c) + +**Please keep ALL conversations contained to Gamestop and directly related topics.** + +\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +# Brand new to the sub? Start here! + +***You must read the*** [***Superstonk Rules***](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/wiki/index/rules) ***before commenting or posting on*** [***r/Superstonk***](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/)*.* + +https://preview.redd.it/u7nzd0m0pov71.png?width=1651&format=png&auto=webp&s=df5232178c4035ba1c069f9306b30453b42946cd + +The extremely talented and dedicated [u/zedinstead](https://www.reddit.com/u/zedinstead/) has created this beautiful collection of the most important, groundbreaking **D**ue **D**iligence in PDF format that can be easily accessed and shared. If you're looking to familiarize yourself with the GME bull thesis or the underhanded tactics of the short sellers involved in this trade-- then this is for you: + +# [GME.fyi](https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/kosyg) + +[r/Superstonk](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/) employs strict posting requirements to ensure our community stays moderately free from trolls and other such bad actors. As such you may find you have trouble posting if you haven't fully read and understood our rules. + +**Posts keep getting removed?** [Find out why.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/wiki/index/rules) + +**Not enough** [**karma**](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/204511829-What-is-karma-)**?** Here's a [quick guide](https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-get-karma-on-reddit/) on how to get it. + +**Want to learn more?** [Check out our extensive Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/wiki/index) and [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/wiki/index/faq) + +**Eager for more even more GameStop info?** [gmedd.com](https://gmedd.com/) is a spectacular resource. + +\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +# Flair Links + +[📚 Due Diligence](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%9A+Due+Diligence%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [📚 Possible DD](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%9A+Possible+DD%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [💡 Education](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%92%A1+Education%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) |[📈 Technical Analysis](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%88+Technical+Analysis%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on) | [🗣 Discussion / Question](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%97%A3+Discussion+%2F+Question%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on) | [🤔 Speculation / Opinion](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%A4%94+Speculation+%2F+Opinion%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [💻 Computershare](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%92%BB+Computershare%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [📰 News](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%B0+News%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [🤡 Meme](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%A4%A1+Meme%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [👽 Shitpost](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%91%BD+Shitpost%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [📳 Social Media](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%B3Social+Media%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [☁ Hype fluff](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%E2%98%81+Hype%2F+Fluff%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [HODL 💎🙌](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22HODL+%F0%9F%92%8E%F0%9F%99%8C%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) + +You can also find the main flairs in the sidebar on New Reddit and under the "About" page on mobile. + +**Mod Flairs** + +[📣 Community Post](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search/?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%A3+Community+Post%22&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=all&sort=relevance) | [📆 Daily Discussion](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%86+Daily+Discussion%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [🏆 AMA](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%8F%86+AMA%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [🚨 Debunked](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%9A%A8+Debunked%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [📖 Partial Debunk](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%93%96+Partial+Debunk%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on) | [🔔 Inconclusive](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%94%94+Inconclusive%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [⌚ Pending Review](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%E2%8C%9A+Pending+Review%22&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all) | [🥴 Misleading Title](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search?q=flair%3A%22%F0%9F%A5%B4+Misleading+Title%22) + +**No CS/DRS Mode** + +[New Reddit Filter](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search/?q=-flair_text%3A%22%F0%9F%92%BB%20Computershare%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=) | [Old Reddit/Mobile Filter](https://old.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/search/?q=-flair_text%3A%22%F0%9F%92%BB%20Computershare%22&restrict_sr=1&sr_nsfw=) + +To filter out CS/DRS posts, click the links above or type `-flair_text:"💻 Computershare"` into the search bar. + +\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ + +***What's This Post All About?*** + +The first thing you'll notice is a stickied comment right at the top. We call this the "Front Desk". Every day a moderator will create a new sticky comment that includes links to community announcements, fantastic posts that deserve more attention, and generally the simplest and easiest way to interact with the moderators of this community. The rest of the post is designed for general discussion and content/questions that might not need their own post. + +If you are new please mention that when you comment. There are no stupid questions but "shills" (paid accounts with the intent to disrupt the sub) are real. This community sees a lot of trolls. If you do not distinguish yourself as someone with genuine questions it is likely that members of our community will assume you are just spreading "FUD" (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt). I hate that I have to give you this warning but it is just the nature of the beast at this point. + +Please have fun, play nice and be civil. Many of our rules are heavily enforced. Debate is welcome but if it devolves into personal insults please report the comment. *Ape no fight ape!* +Posting some info on Corsair. Corsair manufactures and sells parts for computers, especially gaming computers, as well as the peripherals used in streaming and gaming. Covid has understandably provided a large uptick in sales and we are coming up on Q4 earnings in 8 days, which will include holiday sales. The stock traded as high as $51.37, and has traded between $35 and $45 for some weeks. + +What you need to know: + +\-Relatively small market cap (3.43 Billion) + +\- Earning's release for Q4: Feb 9th. + +\- Announced release of new product (solid state drives) on Jan 28th + +\- Expected earnings were recently adjusted, higher: + +Net revenue: $1,651 million to $1,666 million. + +* Operating income: $186 million to $192 million. +* EBITDA: $194 million to $200 million. + +\- Tied for first place in the 'computer hardware' category, alongside Logitech + +\- Last quarter Corsair reported a 100% earnings surprise (0.52 vs 0.26 earnings per share) + +\- Lockup period for sale of insider shares expires late March, though the recent announcement to sell non-diluted shares direct to institutions at $35 is promising. + +Christmas sales will likely be focused around peripherals, like head phones and streaming gear. + +A number of Corsair execs announced they will be selling shares direct, ie. will not dilute common shares, direct to institutional investors at $35 per share. This will, hopefully, reduce volatility in the stock, as there is relatively little available for trade, most of it being locked up with execs and institutional owners. It should also set a floor on near term pricing. + +Analyst currently give the company a 'Buy' and 'Strong Buy' rating. + +TLDR: buy CRSR. + +Earnings date: February 9th. + +All time high: $52.37 + +Current: $38.13 + +Edit: For people asking about the dip a few weeks ago and for those concerned about the announcement of non-diluted share offering at $35, here is my two cents: There are a lot of reasons for a company to issue shares: to raise money, to decrease volatility, to enrich themselves. That Corsair's execs have decided to sell some of their own shares at $35, is in my mind, a better alternative as it will not necessarily dilute the value of existing stock and it puts it out 'on the market', even if these institutional investors are unlikely to trade these often. This sale could mean the execs think it's not going to $50, but its just as likely they see $35 as a good price, attractive to both them and institutional investors, and they want to both take some money off the table , while simultaneously decreasing the volatility of the stock. The fact that the stock was $38 when they announced this, and that most investors bought in at $12 when CRSR IPO'd 6 months ago, is actually fairly bullish, to my mind. It basically indicates that institutional investors think CRSR is worth more than twice what they paid for it. My 2 cents. + +Q3 Report: [https://ir.corsair.com/news-releases/news-release-details/corsair-gaming-reports-third-quarter-2020-financial-results](https://ir.corsair.com/news-releases/news-release-details/corsair-gaming-reports-third-quarter-2020-financial-results) + +Share sale article: [https://www.fool.com/investing/2021/01/22/dont-worry-about-corsairs-public-offering/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm\_source=yahoo-host&utm\_medium=feed&utm\_campaign=article&yptr=yahoo](https://www.fool.com/investing/2021/01/22/dont-worry-about-corsairs-public-offering/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article&yptr=yahoo) + +Not financial advice. Positions: 2000 shares, $38 price average. +I just learned my father generously me up with some Morgan Stanley account way back in 2006. No one, including him, has touched it since it was first created. I setup an online account for the first time and took a look at it. It's unbelievably cryptic (in that I have no idea what the investment "is") and also horrifically disappointing to see. + +In December 2006: + +* Net Invested Capital: $32,733.36 +* Total Value: $32,733.36 + +Today it says: + +* Net Invested Capital: $18,633.36 +*Investment Earnings: $9,599.04 +* Total Value: $9,034.32 + +*Screenshots: https://imgur.com/a/RyAGX9C* + +So all I know is, somehow this account started with a lot of money, and now it's got about 1/3rd of that money in it. + +I have no idea what I'm supposed to do here. I have my own personal savings account which I've been paying into and managing my whole career. I've got plenty of money in it. I'm not desperate for a winfall here, and I don't need more liquid cash. I live a very simple life and literally just work and put most of my money into savings. I like it that way. I don't pay financial advisors, I do my own taxes, it's literally the most simplistic lifestyle you can imagine and it works well for me. + +The last thing I want to do is have to actively "manage" this account, hire or pay some financial advisor, or make my life any more complicated than it needs to be. But I also feel awful that somehow something my dad setup for me was $32,000 and now it's $9,000. I don't want to squander whatever my dad had tried to create for me. + +The graph shows this money has just steadily declined for years and never once spiked back up. So, I imagine if I just sat back for another 15 years to "see what happens", one day I'll log back in and this thing will say $0. + +What the hell do I do? I know nothing about this universe, how investments work, etc. I don't even know what this money was invested in! Their portal doesn't seem to contain any sort of meaningful information or breakdown for me to even scratch the surface of... +**EDIT: I updated the data to also include dividends. The returns are much more realistic now (though, still no one matches an index fund). Splits are a little harder to account for but I will keep that in mind the next time I want to do an analysis like this.** + +Hey all - long time lurker. + +Since I’ve been getting interested in the stock market and investing, I thought it would be an informative experiment to see how well the annual “Best Stocks” lists did in 2016. + +None of the top lists actually even came close to SPY, or QQQ or DIA. Worst was Jim Cramer's picks! + +https://medium.com/@karan/how-did-various-best-stocks-of-2016-lists-actually-do-c71d383c731f +Sources: + +http://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-tip-toes-into-banking-business-1469093403 + +http://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-com-wells-fargo-student-loans-idUSKCN10125S + +WFC and Amazon entered into this partnership today -- "Wells Fargo, the largest U.S. bank by market value and the second-largest private student lender by origination volume, will shave a half a percentage point off the interest rate on student loans it extends to applicants who are members of Amazon’s Prime Student." + +"Wells Fargo had $12.2 billion in student loans outstanding at the end of 2015, compared with $11.9 billion at the end of 2014. One of the largest private lenders, the bank sold substantially all of its government guaranteed student loan portfolio in 2014." + +As a huge fan of WFC, I am worried by their pursuit of the student loan market. I don't know how competitive they can remain with the rise of smaller innovative business models like SoFi. Moreoever, I'm also worried that the bank sold substantially all of its government guaranteed student loan portfolio -- I think this was a risky move granted student loan repayment is so dependent on the economy, and that millennials, as as a group, aren't doing too well. + +In regard to the actual partnership with Amazon - I think it will largely be a wash. I don't think it will have much of a dent on bringing in new customers. As a former student loan borrower myself, half a percentage point in interest was not enough incentive for me to make any significant decisions on choosing lender, if other terms (like deferral) were not the most favorable. Still, its nice to see my favorite bank partnering with amazon. + +Thoughts? Comments? + + +I know this is a little unusual for /r/pf, but [$10,000](http://money.msn.com/auto-insurance/dui-the-10000-dollar-ride-home) is a significant amount of money and paying this amount can be easily avoided, so it seemed appropriate, especially with New Year's Eve just around the corner. + +I live frugally and save heavily, so when I learned that the *average* cost of a DUI is $10K it really woke me up. That's twice the cost of my car! + +I realized that I just don't know what the legal limit in my state (0.08% BAC) feels like, or how much alcohol it takes to get me there. I bought a well-reviewed breathalyzer on Amazon for about $120. This has two benefits: I now know what various BACs feel like, and more importantly, I have an objective yes/no decision maker for whether I'm good to drive. + +I'm a big guy (6'3"/190lbs), so I was shocked to learn that 3 drinks puts me over the limit. I feel completely fine to drive at that level and have definitely driven at that level in the past. I'm just glad I never got pulled because I would have been out 10 grand. + +I encourage anyone reading this who drinks to either be *extremely* conservative about driving after any alcohol or to get a breathalyzer so you can know for sure whether you're safe from a financial disaster. + +Obviously driving drunk has other dangers, but this is still /r/pf. + +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +Obviously everyone has different goals, time horizons and risk tolerance but curious to know what would you consider to be a good annual return on your self directed accounts. Are you satisfied with 5%, 10%, 20% returns ? Do you have different goals in your non-registered vs RRSP vs TFSA ? +I'm 29 and about 140k in debt from law school. The majority of this debt is held in a line of credit that will soon go into repayment. I have some money saved up, about 30k total. My line of credit interest rate is 0 + prime. I have most of my savings in TFSA but some is just lying in my chequing account. I have never bought stocks and would like to start. + +I heard about the interest tax break for borrowing to invest. I was wondering if it makes sense to take 1 or 2k of my savings, "pay off" that much of my line of credit, and then take it out of my line of credit again to invest in stocks. I spoke to my accountant about this but he was not particularly helpful as he is very anti-stock market investing after getting badly burnt himself. + +My questions are: + +1. Should I do this? Overall my debt would remain the same but then I would be able to take advantage of the tax break. + +2. I understand I'd have to pay taxes on the capital gains from my investment but would I have to pay more taxes if it's money I borrowed to invest? + +Edit: I'm not really considering using the extra money to pay off my loan, I want a sizeable emergency fund just in case. More wondering if I should do the line of credit investing thing to take advantage of the tax break or just invest from my account. +I just read that « Three Beijing hospitals have started treating patients with the anti-HIV drugs Lopinavir and Ritonavir » + +That does not sound like its a nice virus. Next week I expect the panic will get pretty bad. What businesses in Canada are affected by the Chinese situation? Clearly Starbux will go through a tough period since who wants to have a coffee made by someone who could be infected. In Canada, no idea. Energy companys, no. Weed companies, no. Banks? Don’t see how since their primary business is lending here. Any idea? +Cant seem to find a definitive "guide" per se + +I.E. when buying US stocks, do it in your RRSP to avoid withholding taxes + +Along these lines. Does anyone have a short and simple one? +The idea of global diversification seems to be relatively new (mainstream in the last \~20 years), and I'm wondering if there's any data out there comparing specifically NA (Canada & US) markets to global markets. + +I don't love the idea of owning European and Emerging market stocks. I don't understand their economies, their politics, or their companies. I'm much more comfortable investing in Canada and the US, mainly because I understand them, and also because the companies in NA are already global, so it's more than enough diversification in my mind. + +So, how risky is it to not own a global portfolio? Would owning 70% US and 30% CAD equities be too risky compared to a total world approach? +I contacted the BaFin about the stock split dividend. They send me the statement of DeGiro saying that the stock split dividend is a rumour. + +Don't know if this is already posted on SS +Last week I opened a Roth IRA account with Fidelity and linked my bank account to transfer funds. Fidelity sent a couple deposits to my savings account, which I verified, and then moved $6k over. The next day I get an email notice from Fidelity stating " Your bank has notified us that it will not complete your transaction request because your bank account does not allow this type of transaction. " + +&#x200B; + +OK. The credit union says that ~~ETF~~ EFT (correction) are not allowed on savings accounts. I then link my checking to Fidelity, they send a couple deposits and I log in to Fidelity to verify. Fidelity website tells me that my account is locked and I need to call to reset my password. I call and reset my password. Now I sign in and the verify account page gives an "something went wrong" error. + +&#x200B; + +I call Fidelity again and after a bunch of back and forth I am told there is a restriction on my account and they cannot tell why. I then hold for over an hour to talk to someone in the "back office." They ask me tons of questions to both verify my identity and then questions like 'where did I hear about Fidelity', 'what type of funds were I planning on putting in the IRA' and 'what was I planning on using the IRA for' (uhh.... retirement savings??). I am then placed on hold again for \~20 minutes. + +&#x200B; + +The rep comes back on the phone and tells me **"Fidelity has decided to decline to do any business with you. Your accounts will remain frozen and disabled. Those are the only comments I have."** Why have they decided that they want nothing to do with me?? What looks fraudulent about creating an IRA? + +&#x200B; + +I did not even think about my 401K. It is serviced through Fidelity, when I try to log into that account it now responds "you are blocked" + +&#x200B; + +Edit: I called the Fidelity retirements arm and was told that they essentially can't see why but that I have been marked as "do not do business with." Accounts cannot be unlinked so I must forever do any transactions/changes/checks on my 401K by phone. + +&#x200B; + +**Edit 2**: There is a lot of thought that I may have triggered some sort of money laundering/"KYC"/ Patriot act violation. I make \~$130k/year as a mechanical engineer, however, I did just refinance a house that I bought for a little over $100k \~10 years ago as a foreclosure in a high growth area where the appraisal is now nearly $500k to get a lower interest rate and withdrew $100k cash (bringing my new 15 year mortgage back to \~$150k.) + +I've had some "not terrible/not great" spending habits over the years. So while I have money in 401ks and saving accounts I've never opened an IRA or a any other investment account. My goal here was to drop $6k into the IRA for 2021, then $6k in for 2022. In addition this month I also paid off most my other remaining debt (student loans, some equipment purchases that were low interest rate, etc.) I do know that the credit union only reports mortgages to one of the credit reporting companies (Experian). **Is the issue here that they see me having/spending money that they don't think I should have and won't tell me?!** If so is this something that will quietly solve itself in the background and one day I will magically have access back to the 401K online? + +&#x200B; + +After the conversation I am also wondering if I got one of the security questions wrong. They wanted to know my ex-wife of 10 years birthday and I'm 50/50 I got the month off by one. + +&#x200B; +I'm 26, have been interested in FI/RE for awhile and am track to have my age 55+ retirement savings accounted for by 30. Saving, living below one's means, and striving for high earnings have been relatively straightforward. The hard part, I realized, is figuring out what you want to do with your time once you achieve it. Turns out a full time job is pretty good at keeping you busy. + +I thought this would be easy. I took my first mini-retirement, traveled to a few countries, which was great, many adventures were had. The first month off work felt so freeing. By month 3 I was so bored at home. Everyone my age was going out with their coworkers, had work Christmas parties, etc, while it felt like I didn't have that anymore. It made me realize that what I wanted wasn't really to retire early; I like working - it was balance. After crossing off a lot of bucket list items I never thought were possible, I hit this point where I had done the thing I thought I would be near impossible to ever do in my lifetime way earlier than I had expected. I realize I now still have a long way to go in figuring out what I really want. I get so frustrated with retirement estimators, because I know I *don't* need 85% of my current income to survive (I currently live on less than half) - and I don't really know what I want in 40+ years, so it's difficult to budget for it. All I really know is that I am capable of living on a limited budget, but also enjoy spontaneity. (Most of the travel I do is very economical - I mainly go low cost places when I find insane deals / airfares). + +Has anyone had any "Aha!" moments in their FI/RE journey that helped them figure this out? I know it's just part of life, but what has helped narrow it down for you? +Hey, I recently told a friend I spend roughly $200/week on groceries living alone, and they looked at me like I'm some kind of madman. I acknowledge that my grocery bill is about $50/week higher because I buy more expensive meats for my own meals, But I can't honestly imagine dropping my total grocery bill under $150/week. How much do you guys spend? + +When I say groceries I mean everything you buy from a supermarket: Toilet paper, cleaning products, shampoo, panadol/basic medicine etc. +I recently purchased an apartment for myself to live in and it's due for settlement in 10 days. Today, the loan bank rep suddenly said: "Oh my boss just said your borrowing amount exceeded our quota this month, so we'll have to let you borrow $30k less." (or something like that) + +My mortgage broker said this is the biggest fuckup on the bank he's seen in his career because my loan was unconditionally approved 2 weeks ago. But going back to the bank, disputing this decision will likely take longer than 10 days so this probably won't work. + +My options, according to my broker, now are: + +1. pay $30k more upfront and get less tax return (about $300 per year) in the future when I turn this into an investiment property. (Capital Gains Tax) +2. find another bank to settle the loan within 10 days with a much worse fixed rate +3. find another bank to settle the loan within 10 days with a variable rate, then look for a third bank with a good fixed rate within the next few months + +So option 1 is $30k upfront into the deposit + long term $300 loss. Option 2 means for the next 2-3 years I lose around 0.3% pa of the loan (about $1000 more interest to pay pa during the fixed term). Option 3 means I'll pay a very high rate for 1-2 months until I find a good deal. + +I would probably choose option 3 if these are my only options. So my actual question is, are there other options for me? + +Thanks +Sorry if this gets posted often, but I am moving out for the first time soon (Sydney) and could really use some help with budgeting, especially ongoing costs. + +Firstly, I earn approximately $800AU per week. Is renting somewhere $300/week too much for my salary? I am cautious with my money and don't spend too much money on stuff i don't need like products (i rarely buy clothes unless i have to). + +Also i'm trying to think about what ongoing costs would be. + +E.g. + +Rent 300/week + +Food 100/week (Unsure of how much this would cost but assuming $100 is enough) + +Petrol 50-70/week + +Utilities 30-40/week? (Again unsure) + +Spotify 3/week (12/month averaged for each week) + +Mobile 7/week (I pay $80 for a 90 day Kogan prepaid service, so I've averaged this cost again) + +Car rego and insurance and private health insurance are obviously not weekly costs but I was wondering what you would budget for them. + +Also discretionary costs like going out (alcohol + uber). + +I'm hoping to save $6000 for all moving out costs. Bond, 2 weeks advance rent, furnishings if needed (gumtree and fantastic furniture + whatever I can take from home) anything else I need comes from kmart. + +Is this plan solid? Please advise where needed and let me know if I am delusional or not. Thank you! +The posts on the front page about Cardano right now are bipolar as fuck. It's true...most people would probably agree that Cardano is one of the most divisive topics of discussion on this sub. I'll admit my bias for the project, but my opinions have not been formed based on rampant, baseless speculation. Let's look at the facts and the data. I believe I've been able to leave my bias out of most everything below... + +&nbsp; + +[Here is the Messari table for most active coins](https://messari.io/screener/most-active-chains-DB01F96B) + +You can sort this table in all sorts of ways. As of today, if you sort by "Real Volume", "Transaction Volume", or "Adjusted Transaction Volume", you'd see Cardano ranked 3rd behind BTC and ETH. Now, some will refute this evidence of Cardano's utility by saying that Messari skews these numbers for UTxO platforms because of "change" UTxOs. Fair enough...let's sort by "Active Addresses" and we see Cardano ranked 4th at ~383k addresses, 80% of ETHs active addresses and about 42% of BTC...and this is without any DeFi projects having launched yet. You can see [here](https://messari.io/charts/cardano/act-addr-cnt) that is a growth of about 250% over the last week. +TheDeFi project with the biggest reputation at this point, SundaeSwap, will most likely launch before the end of the year. People LOVE to measure the value of a chain based on TVL, which many Cardano bears will correctly state that there is currently zero TVL. Yeah, no shit...you can't measure something before it's been created. It's like trying to say somebody will be a shit athlete before they're even born, they have to at least grow to an age where they can start participating (analogies not always my strong suit, bare with me...). Anybody calling Cardano "vaporware" is lying, and anyone saying it "has no dapps yet" is not paying attention to the activity in the community and, while true at THIS VERY MOMENT, is basically ignoring the state of current DeFi projects. Ethereum took far longer than 11 weeks for good quality dapps to get going, Cardano will have them in about 4 months time from launch of smart contracts. + +&nbsp; + +Ok...so Cardano is being used A LOT right now...how is it handling the load? Well, you can see [here](https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/3136c55b-635e-4f46-8e4b-b8ab54f2d460/page/p_59kxcdtwnc) that the blockchain load has been steadily increasing since October. And you can see [here](https://datastudio.google.com/reporting/3136c55b-635e-4f46-8e4b-b8ab54f2d460/page/s0XCC) that the number of transactions is spiking greatly. (You can adjust the graphs to an earlier date to see that the trend is increasing but I can't link directly to it). Best thing about Cardano? It was built to BEND NOT BREAK!!! There are many parameters that can be adjusted on an epoch's notice to accommodate more transaction volume. In fact, [that is exactly what is being done](https://iohk.io/en/blog/posts/2021/11/22/slow-and-steady-wins-the-race-network-evolution-for-network-growth/). At the moment this is controlled by IOG, but when we eventually get full on-chain governance we, the community, will be in control of how Cardano adapts. + +&nbsp; + +I'm hoping I've laid out the facts with evidence pretty clearly here and I think I've avoided bias. I'm not trying to convince anybody to buy or sell, I want everybody to make up their own minds based on the data. It's exactly what attracted me to the Cardano project. There are ups and downs in the market, but Cardano's design will allow it to stand the test of time because of its "bend don't break" approach. The demand for its use is pushing up against the flood gates and they will be opening over the next few months. + +&nbsp; + +Edits for grammar +**Latest news regarding Devcon 2 and the Blockchainweek 2016** + +* First of all, tickets are [sold out](http://blockchainweek2016-usd.eventdove.com/) (maybe still a few available via the [Ethereum Foundation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/#tile_registration)) +* The day after Devcon there is Demo Day (22 sep) +* 100 project applied to demo at Demo Day, 30 where selected. +* After Microsoft, a 2nd Gold / Premium sponsor is introduced, the Spanish bank, Banco Santander (yearly revenue > $12 billion) +* [Xinhua, China’s Biggest News Agency, Will Cover the Global Blockchain Summit](http://www.trustnodes.com/xinhua-will-cover-global-blockchain-summit) (including DEVCON2) + +**Some of the stuff that will be featured during these days are** + +* Heiko Hees will demo the [Raiden Network](http://raiden.network/), Ethereum’s Lightning Network +* Vlad Zamfir will give an update on sharding which aims for unlimited scalability +* Zooko Wilcox will present [Zcash] (https://z.cash/), which adds privacy to Ethereum +* [Metamask](https://metamask.io/) will release a stable beta +* Introduction to [uPport](https://uport.me/#home), Self-sovereign identity and key management +* [Augur](https://www.augur.net/) Platform is featured. Augur Reputation tokens are distributed +* Crowdsale of [Gnosis](https://www.gnosis.pm/) +* Release of Digix 2.0 platform : [Preview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWbgMoJVIzk) , [Homepage](https://digix.io/) +* [The Golem Project](http://golemproject.net/): Ethereum-based market for computing power +* Presenting the [Lightclient](https://github.com/ethereum/wiki/wiki/Light-client-protocol) & geth as an ios/android library / [Devcon talk](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=22-building-the-light-client-ecosystem) +* [Swap, Swear and Swindle. Swarm Incentivisation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=swap-swear-and-swindle-swarm-incetivisation) / [Github link](https://github.com/ethersphere/swarm) +* [Benefactory ](http://www.benefactory.cc/) A mixture of crowdfunding combined with charity and social good +* [Ujo Music](http://ujomusic.com/) Music rights distribution platform +* [Decentralized Capital](http://www.decentralizedcapital.com/#/) new project which converts fiat currencies, such as dollars or euros, into their own digital currencies +* [DeVita](http://devita.io/#section1) A Decentralized Bounty Market on Ethereum + +And last but not least, just 17 days left ;-) +test +**Latest news regarding Devcon 2 and the Blockchainweek 2016** + +* First of all, tickets are [sold out](http://blockchainweek2016-usd.eventdove.com/) (maybe still a few available via the [Ethereum Foundation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/#tile_registration)) +* The day after Devcon there is Demo Day (22 sep) +* 100 project applied to demo at Demo Day, 30 where selected. +* After Microsoft, a 2nd Gold / Premium sponsor is introduced, the Spanish bank, Banco Santander (yearly revenue > $12 billion) +* [Xinhua, China’s Biggest News Agency, Will Cover the Global Blockchain Summit](http://www.trustnodes.com/xinhua-will-cover-global-blockchain-summit) (including DEVCON2) + +**Some of the stuff that will be featured during these days are** + +* Heiko Hees will demo the [Raiden Network](http://raiden.network/), Ethereum’s Lightning Network +* Vlad Zamfir will give an update on sharding which aims for unlimited scalability +* Zooko Wilcox will present [Zcash] (https://z.cash/), which adds privacy to Ethereum +* [Metamask](https://metamask.io/) will release a stable beta +* Introduction to [uPport](https://uport.me/#home), Self-sovereign identity and key management +* [Augur](https://www.augur.net/) Platform is featured. Augur Reputation tokens are distributed +* Crowdsale of [Gnosis](https://www.gnosis.pm/) +* Release of Digix 2.0 platform : [Preview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWbgMoJVIzk) , [Homepage](https://digix.io/) +* [The Golem Project](http://golemproject.net/): Ethereum-based market for computing power +* Presenting the [Lightclient](https://github.com/ethereum/wiki/wiki/Light-client-protocol) & geth as an ios/android library / [Devcon talk](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=22-building-the-light-client-ecosystem) +* [Swap, Swear and Swindle. Swarm Incentivisation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=swap-swear-and-swindle-swarm-incetivisation) / [Github link](https://github.com/ethersphere/swarm) +* [Benefactory ](http://www.benefactory.cc/) A mixture of crowdfunding combined with charity and social good +* [Ujo Music](http://ujomusic.com/) Music rights distribution platform +* [Decentralized Capital](http://www.decentralizedcapital.com/#/) new project which converts fiat currencies, such as dollars or euros, into their own digital currencies +* [DeVita](http://devita.io/#section1) A Decentralized Bounty Market on Ethereum + +And last but not least, just 17 days left ;-) +test +You're the real MVP this month coinbase. Helping onboard users into crypto and now causing this huge pump up. I will buy your stock tomorrow... please don't instantly dump! +**Latest news regarding Devcon 2 and the Blockchainweek 2016** + +* First of all, tickets are [sold out](http://blockchainweek2016-usd.eventdove.com/) (maybe still a few available via the [Ethereum Foundation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/#tile_registration)) +* The day after Devcon there is Demo Day (22 sep) +* 100 project applied to demo at Demo Day, 30 where selected. +* After Microsoft, a 2nd Gold / Premium sponsor is introduced, the Spanish bank, Banco Santander (yearly revenue > $12 billion) +* [Xinhua, China’s Biggest News Agency, Will Cover the Global Blockchain Summit](http://www.trustnodes.com/xinhua-will-cover-global-blockchain-summit) (including DEVCON2) + +**Some of the stuff that will be featured during these days are** + +* Heiko Hees will demo the [Raiden Network](http://raiden.network/), Ethereum’s Lightning Network +* Vlad Zamfir will give an update on sharding which aims for unlimited scalability +* Zooko Wilcox will present [Zcash] (https://z.cash/), which adds privacy to Ethereum +* [Metamask](https://metamask.io/) will release a stable beta +* Introduction to [uPport](https://uport.me/#home), Self-sovereign identity and key management +* [Augur](https://www.augur.net/) Platform is featured. Augur Reputation tokens are distributed +* Crowdsale of [Gnosis](https://www.gnosis.pm/) +* Release of Digix 2.0 platform : [Preview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWbgMoJVIzk) , [Homepage](https://digix.io/) +* [The Golem Project](http://golemproject.net/): Ethereum-based market for computing power +* Presenting the [Lightclient](https://github.com/ethereum/wiki/wiki/Light-client-protocol) & geth as an ios/android library / [Devcon talk](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=22-building-the-light-client-ecosystem) +* [Swap, Swear and Swindle. Swarm Incentivisation](https://ethereumfoundation.org/devcon/?session=swap-swear-and-swindle-swarm-incetivisation) / [Github link](https://github.com/ethersphere/swarm) +* [Benefactory ](http://www.benefactory.cc/) A mixture of crowdfunding combined with charity and social good +* [Ujo Music](http://ujomusic.com/) Music rights distribution platform +* [Decentralized Capital](http://www.decentralizedcapital.com/#/) new project which converts fiat currencies, such as dollars or euros, into their own digital currencies +* [DeVita](http://devita.io/#section1) A Decentralized Bounty Market on Ethereum + +And last but not least, just 17 days left ;-) +test +Hey folks - + +Confirming FunFair has today burned more than half of the tokens that were originally allocated to a Phase 2 token sale that we decided not to hold. Instead we've burned most of the tokens and put the balance in long term cold storage (releasing a max of 1B each year). + +The BURN was in two transactions + +Proof of Burn 1 - 3.173B FUN tokens + +https://etherscan.io/tx/0xe13d10ae0778d050923bb7158cedca06735ecf153b42f9be705027380a2372d1 + +Proof of Burn 2 - 3.00B FUN tokens + +https://etherscan.io/tx/0xb675a7f2ee3921fd1afa272c0866fd2a24970171139553b814d5c6f70fb6c219 + +Final FunFair token contract, whose balance is now < 11B tokens (was 17B) + +https://etherscan.io/token/FunFair + +We didn't hit exactly 11B because some other generous souls burned their own personal tokens too. + + +I will be heading to the DR to go on a surfing vacation (never been surfing before)....when I get to the airport I will be deleting all my Price Tracking Aps. Over the last 15 months I have been completely obsessed with checking the prices anywhere from 8\-50 times a day. I need a break from that and will not look at the price of anything until I return. And truthfully, looks like the perfect week to do so with the sudden drop again. This will be a good week to reset my brain and not obsess over Crypto. Wish me luck :) +So quite in the red on IAG bought at 280p in for the longterm, rather than short term gains. + +Wondering on what peoples thoughts on the rights issues, is it a good idea to invest more and lower my average cost per share & potentially shorten return period or just sell my rights? + +What are other people doing? +Thanks to /u/DearTereza for their efforts before automoderator got involved. + +Use this thread to share your portfolio, purchases, sales, ideas, concerns, and anything else! + +How do you handle FOMO? + + +I started investing last year, with my entire investment currently being in Vanguard Global All Cap, as it seems a good place to start and it’s easy to just fire and forget, which works for me. + +However, seeing how the market has acted this year, with things being valued at what they’re valued seemingly being pumped up through hype, it always brings that what if feeling when looking through them (e.g. Tesla, NIO, PLUG) + +How do you deal with this? Have you joined in on the rallies and profited? Or do you stick to your plan for the long term and take advantage when opportunities are clear? +Hey. I’ve done a search for discussion on this particular Vanguard tracker and can’t find anything. + +I’m looking to put money away for the next 5-10 years, into a fund that I can deposit and forget about until I need the money. + +Initially I was looking at Vanguard Life Strategy 80% (LS80) because I like the security provided by 20% bonds. However it seems like bonds aren’t doing great at the moment and as I’m young I’m not too adverse to going 100% equity (although it does make me a little squeamish). However, I personally don’t like the UK bias, so have settled on the FTSE Global all cap instead. + +I have seen that some people get the Global All Cap and then a separate bonds fund to mimic the Life Strategy trackers without the UK bias, however, I want to be able to forget about my investment without having to go back and rebalance it. + +So last night I saw the “Global Balanced [Fund](https://www.vanguardinvestor.co.uk/investments/vanguard-global-balanced-gbp-accumulation-shares/overview?intcmpgn=blendedglobal_globalbalancedfund_fund_link) ” which is 30% bonds and 70% equities. And thought this might be a good solution for me (if I decide I want some bonds too). Is it almost like the Global All Cap but with some bonds and no UK bias? However, I can’t see this fund discussed here at all, so feel like I’ve got something wrong/am missing something key? + +Thank you +Hi all, thought I would post this here instead of a global subreddit, as the advice might be more useful from fellow Brits. + +I'm a 26 M. I work in an entry-ish level job and in 2021, I made more from stocks (and crypto) than I did from working. + +I try to be an active investor. As the nest egg increases, I feel I need to spend more time looking after it and be more knowledgeable. + +So the million dollar question. + +What can I do to be a better investor? + +- I already spend a lot of time reading and watching online +- Is there a real benefit from seeking serious education? Like a bachelor in finance? +- Should I look to enter the finance industry (if possible) or would this hurt my personal investing capabilities +- Would my investor history in any way help me work in finance? Or is it no substitute for a degree + +I'm curious how everyone else is improving themselves +Whether or not a stock market correction or even crash is on the horizon, is a divided debate. Regardless of which side of the fence you stand, one thing is certain, we all know that it can happen. + + +Corrections or crashes, create excellent buying opportunities so it seems sensible to me to always have a crash list prepared. + + +There are a number of stocks that I would really like to own, great businesses with great management and great business models. The only reason I don't own them is that they are heavily overpriced. + + +Surely most investors must have a similar situation, my suggestion is to be prepared. Make a crash list now, do the research now, see what price it would make sense to buy at etc. That way, if/when a correction/crash occurs, you'll be fully prepared to take advantage straight away. + I'm currently building a high growth ETF portfolio which contains Baillie Gifford US/EU/China growth and Han E-Comm. The objective is to mainly focus on building a growth portfolio. Though would I be missing out by not having say 50% of the portfolio made of something that is slower growth but arguably more reliable on the long run like Vanguard World Cap/S&P 500. +With case numbers quickly rising across Europe, I think the chances of a second national lockdown in the UK are increasing. + +While we do not know what form a second lockdown would take, how long it would last, or indeed when/if there will be one, I think it's fairly uncontroversial to suggest that if there is a second national lockdown there will be a significant impact on the market again. + +This has got me wondering which companies or sector are likely to benefit most from a second lockdown and are likely to see their share prices take off. I thought therefore it was worth making a post to hear people's thoughts on this. + +I appreciate this is all speculative (tbh what isn't when discussing future share performance) and much will depend on the finer details of any lockdown (date, length, restrictions etc) but I suspect there will be general trends if there is any national lockdown again. Personally, my first inclination is to look at tech based stocks given recent performances but I'm wary these might already be in a 'bubble' and unlikely to kick on much further. I also thought supermarkets might benefit due to increased grocery shopping but then the big players seem to be all down compared to pre-covid. + +Keen to hear people's thoughts. + +[note: I don't intend this to be a political discussion over whether there should be a national lockdown / what form it should take, but rather an investing discussion on hypothetically if there is a national lockdown which companies share prices are likely to increase] +I know I know it's a boring stock. I have been looking into Tesco as I believe it is starting to trade below a fair value and for that below the relative market climate. Many people holding as a long term dividend stock? + +I know it recently had the 50p special dividend which took out a fair amount off its share price however it has continued in a down trend there after. My thoughts are that as things return back to normal so to speak Tesco will see a boost in business to its express type of stores which might of seen lots of commuter/business traffic disappear. With a pretty tasty looking dividend yield and a relatively low current trading price Im seeing this as a good time to start a solid long term stress free position. Sit back and hopefully they get back selling meal deals all day for the next 10 years. Personally I predict a good 10-20% growth in over the next few years even while holding a steady dividend. + + Anyone's thoughts? What's the general consensus on tsco? Any big red flags with the company? + +Cheers +Everyone seems to be talking about rapid rises in inflation and potentially the biggest inflation scare in at least 40 years. This will inevitably hit investments in the stock markets and elsewhere, as has been well discussed in the financial news. Where will you be putting your money? +Thoughts on Unilever at the moment? Long term prospects seem good but they've been struggling with sales growth the past 2 quarters. Do you think that coronavirus will exacerbate their stagnation? Marketing spend has been pulled back despite struggling sales growth. Widely heralded as a defensive stock but people would have said the same about Kraft Heinz in 2017... +I think we all know the mantra about passive funds beating (on average) active funds due to lower fees, can't guarantee active fund will out perform the average market return. This made a hell of a lot of sense when I first heard it 15 years ago when an average mutual fund might have 2-5% entry fees and a management charge of 3-7%. +Now, however, fees of active funds have dropped to meet ETFs. Baille Gifford managed is 0.27% on HL. Some sectoral managed funds are the same fees or cheaper as passive (Smith and Williamson AI at 0.52%). Compare with fees on ishares thematic/regional ETFs of 0.65 - 0.74%. + +I'm also hearing more and more of market distortion by ETFs - failing companies having their share price propped up as they're still part of an index - or not working for exposure to emerging markets where the state bank and state oil company make up the majority of the index (e.g. the Russia ETF i own). + + +Thoughts? While I was sold on ETFs for a long time, when fees are the same between ETFs and active it opens up old questions again... do I think Baille Gifford can beat an index I know has a lot of dogs in it? Would a hybrid approach work - cheap world tracker for majority, something like Smith and Williamson AI for cheap, active exposure to sectors/regions? +I just wanted to know what people were doing to increase their exposure to certain sectors + +Are you pursuing biotech/clean energy/technology/healthcare etc? + +If you are, then which sectors and how much exposure do you have? + +If you aren’t why not? + +I have recently seen the L&G Global Thematic fund, has anyone taken a punt on this? + +I am quite new to investing and Reddit, looking forward to your insight +Use this thread to share your portfolio, purchases, sales, ideas, concerns, and anything else! + +This thread is also for asking questions about which is the best broker for you, which broker offers \[feature\] and other basic questions about platforms and their functionality. +Use this thread to share your portfolio, purchases, sales, ideas, concerns, and anything else! + +This thread is also for asking questions about which is the best broker for you, which broker offers \[feature\] and other basic questions about platforms and their functionality. +Have been in a UK gold ETF for a while now and it's done quite well but mostly down to USD strength. + +I can't see this going on for that much longer and a lowering of US rates would be bad for the dollar/good for gold. + +Does this make sense? +This sub is pretty quiet, but I bet those of us who are here would all benefit from simply sharing a list of the companies we're holding at the end of each week. Would anyone be up for this? + +We can add commentary or answer each other's questions. We all have unintentional blind spots, and pooling our knowledge could be lucrative for us all. + +Those who only use tracker funds, this isn't really aimed at you, but you may be curious as to what the stock pickers among us are holding. I'm no stock picking guru myself but I've done pretty well the last year and a half following quality tips on shares, and my stocks are ahead of my funds. It can be done, caveat emptor. + +EDIT: I have added mine for this week as a comment below. +I'm looking at dividend stocks at the moment - in particular Barclays bank... + +They're listed as Barclays PLC (BARC.L) on the London exchange at around 120 a stock however appear to be listed on the NYSE as Barclays PLC (BCS) priced around 6 a stock, this the same company right? Whats the difference? +I'm a young professional, started working a year ago, and so far I've been placing 25% of my monthly salary into crypto (only crypto). + + I understand that it's risky, and would like to save in other ways too. But then, whenever I start deciding.. + +\- savings account offers 0.65% APR, meaning I'd be saving liquidity but also losing due to inflation + +\- traditional markets have less fluctuation but are risky anyway, so may as well stick to BTC and ETH no? + +\- can't think of any other investment type that yields more than 10% py, enough to cover inflation.. + +Any suggestions that could help change my mind? Or are you all deep into crypto only, like myself? + +Thanks! +This is your safe place for questions on financial careers, homework problems and finance in general. No question in the finance domain is unwelcome. + +Replies are expected to be constructive and civil. + +Any questions about your *personal* finances belong in /r/PersonalFinance, and career-seekers are encouraged to also visit /r/FinancialCareers. + +If the premise that sequence of return risk is wrong, can someone ELI5 why it's wrong? Answering my own question, it seems comparable to a roulette table hitting blacks in a row and assuming the chances of it hitting red is now higher as a result. + +If my premise is correct and the sequence of return risk is higher because of the higher market, do you simply reduce your SWR to compensate? +So far I'm familiar with Black-Scholes, Merton Jump-Diffusion and Heston's stochastic volatility model. + +Are there situations when one is better than the others and are there other option pricing models out there that are worth looking into? +I own a variety of foreign stocks, including Russian and Chinese stocks. + +I was thinking, hypothetically what would happen to my ownership if the US went to war with either Russia or China st some point in the next couple decades. + +Historically, what has happened in the past? What happened to US shareholders of Iraqi stocks back in the day? What about US shareholders of German stocks back during the world wars? + +I'm not asking about how the stocks performed. I'm asking if anybody had ownership in "enemy" companies revoked or criminalized. +So. I was talking to my dad (he is in his 50s) today when we started talking about my financial plans. +When i brought up the idea of early retirement and saving around 60-70% he became sort of mad and said that it was impossible and ‘not realistic’. He also started bringing up things like ‘go have some fun’ and that sort of stuff. + +Anyways, sorry if this is random (I just wanted to write this cause it triggered me somehow) but my question is; how do you deal with people who don’t see the point in FIRE/dont find it realistic? I know the answer ‘just dont care’ is a option but this is very hard with close people. + +Edit: Thanks for all the advice! +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +By now, you should all be primed to hold to ridiculous, but yet rightful, numbers of dollars. Remember, this is literally a ONCE in a lifetime opportunity. We're closer than ever at this very moment. Believe and your fellow apes, NO ONE is selling till we hit millions of bananas for us apes. I trust all of you. Have a great rest of the weekend. +I’m a 21 year old who just graduated from college (ironically with a CS degree) and fell for a bank scam like an idiot. A few days ago, I received a text message from what appeared to be my bank saying that my account was locked due to suspicious activity and has a link. The message had really solid grammar and looked super legit – even the link. What made this even more convincing was that my card actually declined/deactivated from transactions when I went to get gas last week because I entered my pin wrong a few times before realizing my mistake. Because of this, I thought my bank was finally reaching out because of this event. + +I filled out my credentials/banking information and I think I even included my SSN (Not 100% sure)? This morning I noticed a fraudulent transaction was made late yesterday and immediately called up my bank to cancel my debit card and issue a new one as well as changed all of my credentials (user/pass/security questions). + +Could there be any more harm done that I should look out for or work on doing to mitigate right now? I’m really nervous and face palming right now. I don’t have any credit or credit cards. + +Edit - I don’t understand why this is getting downvoted. It’s not very helpful in this serious situation. + +Edit 2 - It’s been a stressful couple of days and has felt like a whirlwind but a huge thank you to those who have been sharing their stories and providing actionable steps to do. It’s been super helpful for not only me but for others who have stumbled upon this post I’m sure. + +I tried to do a credit freeze and fraud alert with the 3 major credit bureaus as suggested but was unsuccessfully even with phone calls because I have no credit history or credit cards (I was informed no credit lines have been opened though, thankfully). I also wasn’t able to get a PIN from the IRS for what seems to be for the same reason. After thoroughly researching credit cards, I have finally landed on which one I will be getting to build credit and revisit credit freezes with. I also did a security freeze with Chexsystems and created my SSA account. +Currently, I rent out a condo for $1600 a month. Monthly expenses are: +Mortgage - $695 +Strata Fee - $250 +Property Tax - $100 +Insurance - $40 +Rental Management - $70 +So each month I will net $445 and about $400 from the mortgage payments go to the principle. + +If I sell the condo, after fees, loans, etc., I will net $200k. + +Should I sell the condo and use the 200k for a diversified portfolio that pays 8.5% dividends to receive $1417 a month? Or keep the condo and keep renting it out? + +My goal is to have a good monthly cashflow but how would each scenario look like in the long term? + +Edit: when I said diversified portfolio I meant ETFs. +I'm new to investing, have a decent chunk of change to invest but have not started just yet. I want to consume information to be better equipped for actual investments. +My biggest concerns: +Should I be using this wealthsimple app everyone seems to be hopping on? +Where can I learn all the abbreviations for stock names and what those stocks are exactly? +I would like to diversify slightly into crypto, is that completely separate or is there a way I can manage both in the same place? +I have my money in TFSA account, what now? + +Any and all advice is welcome +Hello, +I am a relatively new young investor with some cash waiting to deploy on some companies in my watchlist . Alibaba is one of them, after the recent dip I am ready to load up on some shares . I have done my homework to the extent that I am able to with my rather limited knowledge and the business itself seems to be rock solid. I am worried about the regulatory and political risks. +Any insight that could be provided on those risks would be greatly appreciated. +Apologize if this comes off as uninformed, but why is the $SCR stock tanking after the announcement of bill c-13? I thought this would positively impact the stock so what am I missing? +What happens if I invest in an ETF and the provider of that ETF decides to unlist it? What happens if they provider of that ETF for some reasons closes shop or something (I really have no clue if these things are even possible). + +ELI5. :) +https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/07/gamestop-cfo-is-leaving-the-company-retailer-announces-layoffs.html + +GameStop said Thursday its Chief Financial Officer, Mike Recupero, is leaving the company and that it will make staff cuts across departments as part of an effort to turn around the videogame retailer and drive growth. CEO Matt Furlong announced the changes in a memo to employees, obtained by CNBC. +Hello all! + +To start, I know very little about actual investing. In fact, the culmination of my experience is reading "A Random Walk Down Wallstreet." + +I'm a hobbyist coder, and I've been tinkering with an algorithm that's netted me between a 136% and 172% return for the past 8 months. I'd like to know what steps to take to turn this into any real money. + +For me the biggest thing is broker's fees. Investopedia doesn't charge anything, and while what I wrote isn't a HFT program per se, it does make many daily trades. + +To be honest, after testing this enough to be confident in it, I'm at a complete loss at what to do next. Any advice would be appreciated wholeheartedly. + + +Ronald Redfield’s notes to Jim Cramer book, ‘Get Rich Carefully.’ 2013 + +January 15, 2014 + +I was surprised how much I enjoyed the book, and how I agree with many (not all) of Jim Cramer’s discussions. I gave this book a 10/10 rating. I rate each book I read, and am up to 271 books read since I started tracking. I have read quite a few books more than once and some more than twice. Please let me know if you would like my spreadsheet of the books I have read. + +These notes are hardly all inclusive. I merely am identifying several of the sections, which I will perhaps refer to in the future, or will use as a reminder of sorts. I have occasionally put in my own explanation or thoughts after citing what Jim Cramer wrote. Please excuse any unintentional errors. + + +1. If there is just one conference call to listen to it would be Caterpillar. CAT gives you the entire view of the world economy. If CAT can’t sell their wares, then perhaps no one is buying. He writes, “CAT works as the perfect “tell” of the world economy, because it makes the world’s best product and it is acknowledged globally.” I am certainly going to try this in the future. I monitor world economies and freight loadings. I primarily do this via subscriptions at aar.org, daily readings and Barron’s. + +2. He also likes to read about the electricity usage in China. He does this via Joy Global. JOY is CAT’s biggest mining equipment competitor. He likes to use it as a proxy to China’s economy, especially since many do not trust the Governmental releases of China. + +3. Alcoa also gives a fantastic read of how the world is doing. + +4. Four other companies to judge the global economy are General Electric, Honeywell, 3M and United Technologies. These companies fill in the blanks from the others previously mentioned. + +5. Of course he likes to pay attention to UPS and FedEx. I say of course, because we pay close attention to shipping and freight loads. We also pay attention to electricity usage. + +6. He proceeds to build a large list of companies you could follow. Basically he mentions the leaders of each industry. + +7. Measure a company’s growth with that of its own sector and the rest of the world. +8. You can buy a company after analysts cut estimates. Not all earnings estimate cuts are a signal of bad things to come. Some cuts signal market bottoms. + +9. Don’t touch that core holding. He has learned often from his mistakes, whereas he has strategized that he would keep a company through thick and thin, and then often violates that rule. He claims it is almost always a mistake. I concur on all counts. Yet, sometimes a sale of a core holding is done to make room for other holdings. Most of our holdings are intended to be held “forever,” yet of course that is impossible for all holdings. + +10. Buy the best of breed. + +11. Be opened minded. + +12. If your thesis changes, sell the stock. Yet, I ask, what if it is a core holding (see above)? Don’t create a new thesis. I always try to practice this. Yet, you need to invert and always question potential subconscious internal bias or unknowingly kidding yourself (remember Aesop and ‘The Fox and the Grapes.’ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fox_and_the_Grapes . We use a checklist and always check to see if the thesis is changing. + +13. Watch for ETF induced volume and hence price swings. You can take advantage of that. + +14. Sector woes = Sell + +15. Retailing: Bad comparable store numbers mean sell. The exception to this is when the entire sector reports negative numbers. “I can count on one hand the retailers that were able to pull out of extended periods of negative comps.” Watch out for sudden deceleration of from a high comparable sales level to a low one. One month can be explained, extended periods are concerning. Another thought of mine is that same store sales are sometimes masked with different methods of computing or the determination of same store sales when the retailer is in the midst of many stores opening during the year. Just something to watch. + +16. Keep your emotions out of investing. + +https://www.facebook.com/RedfieldBlonsky/posts/630964540272891 + +http://rbcpa.com/Notes_to_Get_Rich_Carefully_by_Jim_Cramer.pdf +The Gods Unchained team has just announced a "Genesis Raffle" where players who win games and refer friends now earn raffle tickets that can be spent when the game launches to win collectibles (board cosmetics) or a very rare card. The beta is free to play so players can earn these items without having to spend anything. The coolest thing about all of this is that the raffle tickets and collectibles are all ERC20 and ERC721 tokens, so if you earn the raffle tickets but don't want to gamble for the prizes, just sell them for ETH. If you can't play as many games but want the collectibles you can just buy them from other users after the raffle. Marketplaces have already opened up to trade these. ([GUDecks](https://gudecks.com)) . This is such a great example of why Ethereum is the future, especially in gaming, and of a company taking full advantage of the blockchain's strengths. If you haven't played the game yet, you should give it a try, it has improved tremendously in the last couple of months and they now also have weekend competitions where the best players are earning up to 1 ETH worth of packs. + +&#x200B; + +[Beta Invite Link](https://godsunchained.com?beta-key=tbRivpsvsz) + +[Official Blog Post](https://blog.godsunchained.com/2019/08/13/the-genesis-raffle/) + +&#x200B; + +https://i.redd.it/t5a2w78yn7g31.jpg +>Stock futures rose slightly in overnight trading Sunday, following the S&P 500′s worst week since March 2020, as investors awaited more corporate earnings results and a key policy decision from the Federal Reserve. +> +>Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 120 points. S&P 500 futures climbed 0.5% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.9%. +> +>The overnight action [followed a brutal week on Wall Street](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/20/stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html) in the face of mixed company earnings and worries about rising interest rates. The S&P 500 lost 5.7% last week and closed below its 200-day moving average, a key technical level, for the first time since June 2020. The blue-chip Dow fell 4.6% for its worst week since October 2020. +> +>The sell-off in the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was even more severe with the benchmark dropping 7.6% last week, notching its fourth straight weekly loss. The index now sits more than 14% below its November record close, falling deeper into correction territory. + + [Stock futures rise following S&P 500's worst week since March 2020 (cnbc.com)](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/23/stock-market-futures-open-to-close-news.html) +Dr. T brought our attention to [shareholder proposals](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/s5o5k8/what_is_a_shareholder_proposal_the_article_shared/) 9 days ago. + +TigranMetz came up with a brilliant proposal and shared his [final draft](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/s5ioe3/shareholder_proposal_gamestop_corp_should_open/) with the sub: + +> Shareholder Proposal: GameStop Corp. should open both Roth and Traditional IRA Shareholder Investment Programs at Computershare + +as far as I know it has not been submitted yet, and TigranMetz [said he can't](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/s8ppey/apex_is_deregistering_ira_shares/htiqhen/?context=3): + +> I wrote up a draft Shareholder Proposal last weekend and posted it here for any enterprising apes to pick up and run with: https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/s5ioe3/shareholder_proposal_gamestop_corp_should_open/?sort=top + +> Unfortunately, I don't meet the share threshold to submit otherwise I would do it myself. + +Deadline is [February 9](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/s99i5s/shareholder_proposal_is_the_way_to_iraroth_ira/): + +> However, there are procedures that dictate that a Shareholder Proposal must be received 120 days prior to the annual meeting in order to be included on the Proxy Card for a vote, which is February 9, 2022. + +between the Jan 28 anniversary and Cramer's latest meltdown, the proposal is not really getting the attention it should. Apex just shut down DRS and we suspect the custodian shares [are their locates](https://i.imgur.com/r1GOU1t.jpg) aka their Achilles heel. which means the proposal could be an absolute game changer, if we manage to submit it and not give in to the bystander effect. + +💎🙌 + +edit: pink checked with Computershare and got [this reply](https://i.redd.it/1wqz6w0ii2e81.jpg), hm. wut mean? + +edit2: update + +> me: does that mean the shareholder proposal for GameStop to support it is impossible? + +> pink: It would be up to Gamestop and the BoD to implement an IRA program at CS so without knowing the details, it wouldn't be an unreasonable request. Not impossible! + +not impossible! LFG🚀🚀🚀 +Thanks to everyone that has been around for more than a year that puts our current situation into perspective. There are a hundred guys for every one of you that started putting money into crypto in November of 2017 who are now crying about the end of crypto. Unfortunately they have a platform, and because they have been doing this for 4 months they are "experts". Thanks for adding your points of view, for people like me, who also got in in November, but actually listen to those that have a little experience and have been around a while. You have no idea the impact it makes to help us keep things in perspective among all the doomsday idiots. Honestly, you have no idea how much your "back in 2015..." stories help. Thank you. +Ok so before you downvote let me explain... + +I've been part of both communities for years, I'm seeing the transformation in both and it worries me. + +WSB is fighting hedge funds that are short selling a GME at 120% basically pinning them down and making them go bankrupt by driving the share price up. Kind of a catch22 since shorts don't expire and they have to pay interest on them or buy share to close their positions given that the share price remains high. But investing at this point is activisim or greed depending on your intention, most of the money has already been made. + +This story got international attention and I see people got jealous trying to do a pump and dump with DOGE and MOON not understanding that doing so will screw the PEOPLE not the hedge funds! + +Our cause is greater, BTC was created as a response to the 2008 crisis denouncing FIAT and the manipulation of currencies through debt, bonds, money printing etc...We have the opportunity to give back the financial freedom that banks took from us, bank the un banked, make transaction cheaper and much more.The difference with most crypto is that they have opportunity to change the world, but we can't be taken seriously when people try to reproduce pump and dumps and then cash out in FIAT not caring who they leave holding the bag. ( spoiler alert it won't be Melvin capital) + +It's our responsibility as a community and movement to avoid the mistake that we made in 2017.Invest in projects you believe will work and have value, don't invest out of greed, ask yourself who is this benefiting and does it truly help the world. + +Cryptos will go up in FIAT value but I believe they will be actually mainstream currency and will make the world a better place. Patience is key, good luck all! +[Here is a link to the previous post from yesterday.](https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/9p1gyd/cooperative_bank_have_accidentally_passed_my/) + +&nbsp; + +I had a call with one of the financial service managers this morning who told me that it's the Co-Operative's right to hand over career development loans to a third party for any reason. "Even when my account isn't in arrears?" I asked. Yes, he said. He did however claim that this would not affect my credit score in any way. The debt is being handed over to Wescot, and he claims because they're a government run agency my credit will not be affected. I asked for this to be provided to me in writing. He also offered me £50 as compensation for the inconvenience. I said I needed to think about everything, but that I really wasn't happy and wanted to escalate my complaint higher. He said beyond the complaints team I'd have to go to the Ombudsman, and that he'd provide info on this in writing too. + +&nbsp; + +Thirty minutes later I received a call in which the man retracted the offer of £50. He claimed to have spoken to their financial complaints team again and that they were willing to admit it was their error. Again, he said this couldn't be reversed, but is now offering £150 in compensation for the error. He claims I will make my remaining payments to Westscot and that'll be the end of it, and that my credit score won't be affected. I said, once again, that I needed to think about it, but still wanted all of the literature I requested before. + +&nbsp; + +What should I do? Is what he says about my credit score legit? And if he is right - that my credit won't be affected - should I just take the £150 and finish off my loan? + + +Obviously I’m not sitting at a board of directors level or anything but am I free to buy shares for the company I work for? I’ve tried to Google this but it isn’t very clear. + +This wouldn’t be massive amounts of money or anything. I would just be adding to my overall portfolio. +(I also posted this on r/askuk) + +Please be patient with me, I feel a bit thick about this, but I've been working in the UK for over 10 years and I still don't fully understand what National Insurance is for. + +Today, I managed to log-on to the government website to check what national insurance I have paid in my working life, I thought this would clear things up. It says I have '7 years of full contributions' and '4 years when you did not contribute enough'. How does this information impact me? + +From what I can gather, national insurance has a something to do with pensions. So could someone explain, lets imagine person A, Bobby, is reaching pension age this year with '40 years of full contributions, meanwhile, person B, Eric, is reaching pension age this year with only '5 years of full contributions', can anyone give a ballpark figure of how their basic state pensions might be different? + +On the government website I am advised that I can make some voluntary payments to make up for some of the years when I did not pay enough, and so I will get a higher number of 'years of full contributions'. Is that something which is quite important to do? + +Thanks in advance. +I know it's a bit morbid but will there be any positives to look forward to for any particular situations? For example I've seen farms advertising on here for workers in the UK... + +Edit: long time not long but! +This is effectively a small rant / excitement for the project that I’ve been doing. + +After spending most of yesterday figuring out what data I do and do not have, I have come to one major conclusion. + +I am missing about 50% of posts from the backup. This sounds really bad , but this number reduces to just 12% if I only count posts over 50 comments. + +What’s worse is I’ve written just shy of 6tb of data in one month to my ssd array and I will need to upgrade my array within the next 8 months for sure. + +It’s going to take a little bit of time to pull and re-pull all data, please be patient. But I will get to 100% coverage + +I ask that if anyone does download my torrent files with the list of posts from the website- please do submit those to archive.today. + +Thank you for your support + +Ape historian, creator of apehistorian.com and destroyer of free disk space +This was only just announced by the CEO, Dr Steven Quay during the Precision Medicine World Conference. + +I'll update the post once there is written proof. + +The stock took a dip so now's the time to buy some before news outlets report on this! + +Edit: We've a community if anyone invested before close: r/AtossaTherapeutics +Position: 1245 shares @2.80 +At the moment the Chinese government is whining about QE2. The Fed is going to buy bonds which will force down their value and devalue the US dollar too. So QE2 is not really in their interests. + +Now it seems to me that they bought US T bills because they wanted to stop the RMB rising against the USD which would make their exports appear more expensive in the US. + +Still if their plan was to prevent RMB appreciation against the USD it would seem like any USD denominated assets would have done the trick. + +So they could have bought bonds, equities and some gold for example. Of course buying gold wouldn't decrease the value of the USD, but it would immunize them somewhat if the value of the USD fell in future as that would tend to make the value of gold increase. + +So their problem is that they were insufficiently diversified. Actually it's been clear for years that the Fed would quantitatively ease as soon as interest rates were near zero if CPI kept falling - in fact with a bit of imagination that possibility was clear from the advice US economists gave to Japan back in the 90's and the internet and property bubbles that inflated in the US economy from that point onwards. Clearly if there was ever a point where there was no new bubble to replace the last one to burst the US economy could easily deflate. If that happened the consensus advice would be to drop interest rates until the hit zero and if the CPI kept heading for zero start quantitative easing. + +More to the point imagine if inflation had gone up - then a 100% bond portfolio is a bad idea as it can't grow fast enough to protect against inflation. So even if there had been no bust it would have been a bad idea. + +tl;dr - 100% bond portfolios are a bad idea - why did the Chinese not realize this? + +Edit "The Fed is going to buy bonds which will force down their value and devalue the US dollar too." should be "The Fed is going to buy bonds which will force down their yield and devalue the US dollar too." Buying bonds increases their price but that makes them a less attractive investment. D'oh. +[Link](http://hercules.gcsu.edu/~jswinton/ECON%204990/2012%20critique%20articles/Kaushal.pdf) + +**Abstract** + +> The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act denied legal noncitizens who arrived in the United States after August 1996 access to means-tested federal benefits for the first 5 years. However, using state funds, a number of states restored some of the benefits. I use this state-level policy variation to study whether newly arrived immigrants make location decisions on the basis of benefit eligibility and generosity. I find that safety-net programs have little effect on the location choices of newly arrived low-skilled unmarried immigrant women. +Ok I'm only a casual fan of economics, but this is something I've always wondered. For a layman it would seem to be incredibly beneficial for the world to switch over to just one currency. It would seem to simplify things, make banking easier and it could also help to eliminate manipulations of economies. + +My question is essentially what would I expect to see in the upcoming days, months and years after all the nations in the world switch to a "Geo" or a one world currency? This is a total thought exercise, and I understand this would never happen, which makes me all the more curious as to the effects of this. + +Thanks in advance for those who spend the time to give well thought out responses. +I've read both Fool's Gold by Gillian Tett, and The Big Short by Michael Lewis. One thing that both books make very apparent is the toothlessness of Moody's, S&P, et al in rating the CDOs which caused such havoc. Specifically, it was a common practice for the big firms to package the triple B tranche of mortgage bonds into a CDO, which the ratings agencies would rate as triple A on the basis that it was diversified enough. Much of the market accepted the triple A on these and acted accordingly, thus creating the crazy exposure that blew up. + +The ratings agencies appear to have encountered two major difficulties: 1) being commercial entities incentivized them to push through as many of the deals as they could without rocking the boat too much; the focus was on quantity (they charge a fee per certification), not quality; a ratings staffer is quoted in the Lewis book as complaining that she wasn't allowed to give B or triple B ratings to as many of the deals as she would have liked to; 2) the complexity of the financial instruments was challenging for the quality of staff they could afford to pay; the ratings agencies pay high 5 figure salaries compared to the 7 figure salaries of their bond trading brethren at the Wall Street firms, thus creating a brain drain, and thus stacking the deck against the agencies. + +So, what's the answer? + +a) Should a federal agency push the private companies aside and rate all deals instead? (The "quality of staff" problem might remain; also, seems politically infeasible.) + +b) Should a federal agency perform random sampling of the ratings by the agencies, and have the power to decertify a given agency? (This would leave it up to the agencies to deal with their staffing problem by, I suppose, raising their prices to Wall Street. It would create a feedback loop, allowing the feds to find holes in the models used by the agencies, and to perform deep analysis on given deals to check if the risk has been properly analyzed.) + +c) Should the agencies be marginally on the hook for triple A rated deals that go bad? Perhaps as balance they could receive a marginal short on triple B rated deals; possibly this would give them enough revenue to lower or eliminate their fees altogether. That would incentivize them to rate appropriately, and also maybe prevent the Wall Street firms from disingenuously sending disguised toxic assets for rating. + +d) Other? +#Important Final update#: After weeks of work this has proven to be a giant nothing burger🥺. After receiving my letter with medallion guarantee I called in and escalated only to end up with a manager who insisted that CS has never pulled shares from brokers and that the agents that I had spoken with had been mistaken. I was more than happy to investigate this process but I am disappointed in the final result. Buy, buy more, hold and DRS. +—————— +##Edit 1: could be very helpful for etoro and TDA users that are experiencing the run around. ## + +TLDR: If you already have an account with CS and you want to transfer more shares from a broker quickly and with very low fees you can initiate the transfer from computershare. To do so you need to submit a letter with your Name, Address, brokerage account number, your broker’s DTC number and the exact whole number of shares that you want to transfer. You then go to your financial institution and request a medallion guarantee (Easily obtainable from a Canadian or American financial institution). Apes from other countries may have difficulty obtaining the medallion guarantee but may be able to do so if there is a branch of a Canadian or American bank where they live. + +Edit 2: Thanks /u/veganic for finding the following link that shows how to get the medallion guarantee outside the US. + +https://medallionguarantee.co.uk/single-post/2017/08/11/obtain-a-medallion-guarantee-outside-the-us/ + +--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +Good morning Apes and Appettes, + +Yesterday I spent a little bit of time doing what I love and digging into all things GME related. I saw a few posts where Apes were frustrated about paying high fees to transfer and that the time it was taking was significant. The question that I wanted to explore was: Is there a more cost efficient/ time efficient way to DRS shares? After researching for a while and speaking with a CS representative for over an hour I believe that I have stumbled upon a great plan B for apes. The answer is there is a faster and more cost effective way but only after a computershare account is generated. For Canadian apes (and some other international apes) this means that you will have to do your first transfer the regular way by initiating it through your broker but any further transfers can be done using the following expedited method. + +Apparently once you have established an account with CS you can complete a transfer process by initiating the transfer from the computershare end. A written request from the shareholder with a medallion stamp which can be obtained at most financial institutions such as banks or credit unions, stock brokers or commercial banks. Please see the following vide on medallion guarantees which was found on the computershare website. + +https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P0UANdxeaVQ&feature=youtu.be + +Thanks to u/raoots a fellow maple ape for finding this medallion guarantee locator + +http://www.msglookup.com/index.html + +The written request needs to include the brokerage account number, the exact registration (complete name and address on the brokerage account), the exact number of whole shares to be transferred, the broker's DTC number (4 digit) and your CS account number. The request must also have the medallion stamp. + +Questions that I had for the CS representative: + +Q: Once the written request is received by computershare, how long will the transfer take? +A: Once this is received, typically it will take 2 to 3 days to complete the transfer process. + +Q: Is a CS initiated transfer possible for investors that do not currently hold an account with computershare? +A. NO. In order for Computershare to initiate the transfer (pull shares from another institution) a CS account first needs to be generated. + +Q: Is it possible for international investors to use as CS initiated transfer request? +A: YES it is however it may be difficult for investors outside of Canada or the US to obtain the medallion stamp. (If there is a Canadian or American bank try there). + +Q:Are there any fees associated with this on either Computershare’s end or on the end of the existing broker? +A:No + +Who could use the CS initiated DRS process? +It is my personal opinion (not Financial advice) that certain GME investors may benefit from using a CS initiated transfer. The following are cases where I think it may be helpful. + +1)An investor has shares at numerous brokers, wants to transfer over but doesn’t want to pay large transfer fees for each. Instead they pay the transfer fee for the first transfer and then use a CS initiated transfer for the rest of them. + +2)In the case where there are exceptionally long delays you could open an account with a broker who has been quick to DRS and then use the CS initiated transfer to move over the rest of your shares. + +3)Would this work for brokers that are refusing to initiate a transfer (etoro)? Could an international ape buy a share on IBKR, transfer to CS and then pull their shares from etoro by initiating the request with CS. + +Important Note: CS is not a brokerage and does not have the number of backend staff that a brokerage like Fidelity would have. Perhaps it is a good idea to think of this method as a backup to circumvent delays caused by resistant brokers or to avoid paying excessive fees. + +The practical test: + + Normally I would like to test the process myself before I release it to the rest of the apes but with the AMA coming up tomorrow I think that it is important to have it out there so we can ask any questions that may come up. + + In order to ensure that the process works I will conduct a field test. I verified with my local bank that they can verify the letter and provide a medallion stamp. They have not been able to tell me if there will be a fee for this service. It should be noted that I already have an account with CS. I decided to transfer some of my TFSA shares to computershare. I planned ahead and transferred the shares from the TFSA to my cash account as I am assuming that CS will not be able to pull shares directly from a registered account (This is Maple Ape specific). + +Note: the following is the extract that I took from the CS website about Medallion and Signature Guarantees. +https://www.computershare.com/ca/en/insync/fall-2017/settling-estates + +About Medallion and Signature Guarantees +Depending on your financial institution you will need to have your signature verified with either Medallion Signature Guarantee or a Signature Guarantee. Many commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, and all broker dealers participate in a Medallion Signature Guarantee Program. The Guarantor must affix a stamp bearing the actual words "Medallion Guaranteed." + +A Signature Guarantee can only be obtained from the Royal Bank of Canada, Scotia Bank or TD Canada Trust. The Guarantor must affix a stamp bearing the actual words "Signature Guaranteed," sign and print their full name and alpha numeric signing number. Additionally, as Computershare must validate the signature that we receive, the bank must have the Guarantor's signature on record. + +You can watch this short video for more on obtaining Medallion and Signature Guarantees. + +For holders of Canadian securities that reside outside of North America, it can be a challenge to obtain a Medallion Guarantee. These securityholders must contact a broker or financial institution that has a North American affiliate to obtain a Medallion Guarantee. + +Computershare has partnered with IWC Estate Planning and Management Ltd to provide Medallion Guarantees to securityholders outside of North America. You can contact them with the promotional code listed below to obtain a preferred rate for your Medallion Guarantee. + +Update 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/qei494/trial_run_of_initiating_a_transfer_from_cs_has/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf +Crypto currency and bitcoin specifically is a game changer though we still are in the early phases of adoption. Transaction fees really aren't that much, especially when the transaction queue's aren't kept artificially high. As more people start to use bitcoin, this will stabilize. + +Regardless though, I am just trying to show perspective. When you say that bitcoin transaction fees are too much, consider what merchants have to pay for credit card fees and the potential loss from chargebacks. And let's also think about cash usage. Just because a business accepts cash doesn't mean that they don't also incur additional costs such as armored trucks, security systems, etc that they need to use as a precautionary measure for security. + +Bitcoin would alleviate so many of those costs and give businesses more security over time. As Bitcoin continues to evolve such as Lightning we can expect to see faster and cheaper transaction times. + +Don't buy in to that Bitcoin is a terrible currency. As a matter of fact, it is a brilliant one and as time goes on, it will become more efficient and resilient. + +*(TL;DR at bottom of post)* + +***Short post, but hopefully some timely and helpful things for all of us to think about:*** + +I'm not a huge fan of ringing the "THIS IS FORUM SLIDING! GTFO!" bell, which to be sure *is* justified at times, but I think happens more often than it should. + +I don't know if this is one of those times or not- maybe it is, maybe it isn't. + +BUT, IMO we all should be aware of that possibility, and what that would mean for our ability to spread awareness of, and focus on the most important news/developments/DD/etc. (Side note: Yes, in my opinion, lethally effective memes & shitposts are important). + +The net ROI if you will of 2021's Korean "Ants" wave *(again whether started with intent to forum slide, naturally grew to have the same effect, or a mix of both)* for anyone who was around to experience firsthand, was not nearly as meaningful/impactful as it should have been to justify the amount of time/space/attention that post after post after post took up in total. + +# TL;DR + +* **In no way am I trying to shit on this "1.2 Million Chinese investors on FUTU and they're DRS'ing their GME in droves!" wave if it's legit** +* **BUT, even if it is, I think now is a great time for a reminder to think about what other types of highly valuable posts/info/etc can be crowded out if everyone runs to jump in without considering the overall impact to the sub** + +***EDIT: AWESOME REMINDER BY*** u/Firetorpedos ***AND*** u/bowls4noles ***IN THIS LINKED COMMENT:*** + +***The "Ants", the "Crypto Bois", and any other out-of-nowhere new incremental GME investor campaigns have generally coincided with, and been falsely credited for NO-OTHER-REASON price spikes/run-ups, that turned out to be factually unattributable to possible GME share purchases made by any of those groups:*** + +[***https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/siwcs4/comment/hvb9m8d/***](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/siwcs4/comment/hvb9m8d/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) + +[https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/Superstonk\/comments\/siwcs4\/comment\/hvb9m8d\/](https://preview.redd.it/kew5it647hf81.png?width=1744&format=png&auto=webp&s=a532b12785736c67effc8ad146005d2e354e40d9) + +&#x200B; + +**+++++++++++++++++++++++++++** + +&#x200B; + +***EDIT, TO BE CRYSTAL CLEAR:*** + +* *1) For anyone not familiar with the Korean "Ants" campaign last year, please know: I have nothing against any human beings, regardless of their DNA, beliefs, citizenship, etc* +* *2) The nationality/origin of the investors was irrelevant, and would have made no difference to the point of this post* +* *3) It could have been the Martian "Water Bears", and still would have been forum sliding* +* ***4)*** **I, and EVERYONE here, wholeheartedly welcome ANY and ALL newcomers to investing in GME, regardless of where you call home!** + * ***A)*** **This post is NOT taking away from those investment decisions, in any way, shape, or form!** + * ***B)*** **This post is NOT taking away from your perseverance HODLING right alongside every other GME shareholder, through every spike and dip!** + * ***C)*** **This post IS simply an objective observation that none of these campaigns has "moved the needle" in the sense that any measurable impact on the charts took place** + * ***D)*** **This post IS an indictment of the criminal fuckery market manipulation by the GME shorts, who have overcome buying waves, and have used those subreddit campaigns to opportunistically and falsely attribute their momentary loss of grip, FTD buildups, rollover cycles, etc to ANYTHING other than their inability to hold GME down 365 days a year** +Welcome to the Daily General Discussion thread of /r/EthTrader. + +*** + +Thread guidelines: + +- Please refrain from discussing non-Ethereum related tokens here. You are welcome to discuss altcoins in the Daily Altcoin Discussion thread. +- All [sub rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/about/rules/) apply here so please be familiar with them. + +*** + +To view live streaming comments for this thread, [click here](https://reddit-stream.com/comments/auto). Account permissions are required to post comments through Reddit-Stream.com. + +*** + +Enjoy! +Welcome to the Daily General Discussion thread of /r/EthTrader. + +*** + +Thread guidelines: + +- Please refrain from discussing non-Ethereum related tokens here. You are welcome to discuss altcoins in the Daily Altcoin Discussion thread. +- All [sub rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/about/rules/) apply here so please be familiar with them. + +*** + +To view live streaming comments for this thread, [click here](https://reddit-stream.com/comments/auto). Account permissions are required to post comments through Reddit-Stream.com. + +*** + +Enjoy! +I noticed something really strange when looking at SNOV token on Etherdelta earlier. There appears to be wash trading and painting the tape activity to depress the price of the token. + +For instance, here you can see a few buy orders at around 0.002 and a few sell orders around 0.0011 on the EtherDelta trade history. + +https://imgur.com/YhHBVZh + +However, all of these orders were made within minutes of each other, made by the same address, and all using the same high gwei price of 50: + +https://etherscan.io/address/0xd3a58c6f9721b89667add9cbf3b009bae925cc14 + + +So why would someone buy a token and then turn around and sell it for half price within minutes? This is a market manipulation tactic known as wash trading, in which a person buys their own orders in order to increase the volume and make it appear that a security is pumping or dumping (here dumping). The manipulator is using a high gwei price to make sure no one else fulfills their orders before them. + +Another example of manipulation can be seen here: + +https://imgur.com/PR9XWHd + +Most of us are familiar with this technique being used on GDAX on the ETHUSD pair. The manipulator makes many tiny buy or sell orders in order to make it look like order flow is going in their desired direction. All of these orders come from the same address: + +https://etherscan.io/address/0xc722f4f57a1d3e78abc74ea1bcf8d6606e957376 + + +Here’s a link to SNOV on ED if you want to see it happening for yourself - it looks like the 'painting the tape' guy is back: + +https://etherdelta.com/#SNOV-ETH + +Read their SEC filing here: [https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1771087/000147793219001281/paragon\_1012g.htm](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1771087/000147793219001281/paragon_1012g.htm) + +Another example of an ICO going wild + +3.5mm spent on marketing + +"During 2017, we paid $463,000 to an entity owned ultimately by Egor Lavrov, a related party, for marketing services related to our Token Crowdsale." +Welcome to the Daily Altcoin Discussion thread of /r/EthTrader. + +*** + +The thread guidelines are as follows: + +- All sub rules apply here so please review our **[rules page](https://www.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/about/rules/)** to become familiar with them. The rules page is also linked in the announcement bar above. +- This thread is intended as a welcome place for discussion of all non-Ethereum related crypto. + +*** + + Resources and other information: + +* Newcomers who have basic questions about Ethereum can find answers by visiting /r/EthereumNoobies or our Ethereum Education wiki page, [see here](https://www.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/wiki/education). + +* To view live streaming comments for this thread, [click here](https://reddit-stream.com/comments/auto). Account permissions are required to post comments through Reddit-Stream.com. + +*** + +Enjoy! + +I'm a single father with full custody of my 4 year old son. His mother and I are split up. We were never married. She wants to claim him on her taxes even though he stays with her 1.5-2 days a week at most, and spends the rest of the time with me. My work is usually pretty slow with getting the w2's out so I don't expect to see mine until the last week of the month. She already has hers. She hasn't filed yet because you can't file electronically until the 20th. We are going to court in a little while to hash out some things that weren't specifically outlined in the first order of custody, the tax situation being one of them. I'm gonna file my taxes claiming my son regardless of whether or not she does first. This doesn't help me right now though. + +My questions are: + +1.) Is there anything I can do proactively to give the IRS a heads up that she may be sending in her tax return fraudulently claiming our son, to keep her from doing so? If I can, how? + +2.) What are the legal repercussions that she will face if/when she fraudulently files claiming him? If I can't let the IRS know before hand, how do I let them know after the fact? + +3.) What will happen when I file my taxes if she's already filed hers claiming him? I imagine at the very least, both of our returns will be held up and take longer to process, how long of a hold up am I looking at? + +4.) Let's say she claims him and gets the money and there's nothing the IRS does about it (I understand this is probably unlikely.), could I take her to small claims court/sue her traditionally to recoup the money I would have lost out on? Since we are already going to court to hash things out for future years, is this something that could be handled at the same time? +I want to point out that I'm not shilling CRO, I have a tiny bag of it, not even enough to get the first tier of their debit card. I also want to add that they are far from perfect, their app is so ridiculously slow and I hate that I have to use a mobile phone instead of a desktop, both drive me mad. Also I know it's not decentralised so a lot of the crypto 'purists' are not going to like it (even though no crypto coin where you can just buy a controlling quantity with the only limitation being having enough money was never truly decentralised in my opinion). + +&#x200B; + +That said I think they have structured their business model perfectly towards the average person: + +1) You need to have almost zero knowledge to buy CRO and stake it. + +2) Their pre paid debit card is the best bridge I've seen so far between fiat and crypto, you just spend your fiat and get crypto in return. It doesn't require all the world's companies to change their payment systems and pricing structure. Everything stays in fiat and the user gets the reward. Also it looks super cool and makes people want to show it off. + +3) Their daily missions encourage a repeating $20 daily DCA which is perfect for teaching new investors to put in gradually and repeatedly rather than dumping a 4/5 digit lump sum all in on one price point, often near ATHs. + +4) They offer decent staking rewards although you do need a large bag of CRO to access it which I feel is a bit off-putting. + +5) They are doing real marketing, buying stadiums and paying Matt Damon to be in their adverts. Compare that to someone like LRC who also have a fait on ramp and wallet system and their marketing consists of a guy posting laser eye memes on twitter and discord and saying things like "WAGMI". I know Matt Damon was just paid to be in an advert but I still trust any company that can actually afford to hire him far more than a company that cannot / will not spend that money. + +6) The coin price point is something that retail can understand, it's not a scary large number like BTC but it's also not 6 0s after a decimal like a lot of shitcoins. + +7) Their model is built around buying and holding their coin for other rewards which is, again, great at teaching retail to HODL rather than the only means of value to try and sell at a higher price point that pretty much the rest of the crypto market exists on. +Looking for loose information as Covid has relocated me from my very high tax jurisdiction for majority of 2020... to a place where I’m a millionaire after translating my US income. +Figured if anyone has experience with this it’s this sub. I will seek professional advice of course, just wonder what to look out for and what to ask. +Hi all, + +I recently got bumped from 55k to 65k. However post tax, it’s only a £200 increase per month. + +Should I be sacrificing a higher % of my salary to my pension? + +Im mid 20’s, with plans to buy a house in 2-3 years. Have about 50-60k in liquid investments/savings. First house/flat goal around 450k. + +Is there a more tax efficient way to make use of the nominal ‘10k’ salary bump since it’s minute post tax? + +Have already got 5% employer matched. + +EDIT: Student loan both undergrad and postgrad, new plans + +EDIT 2: No loans/debt other than student loans. Manic saver around 3/4 each month. No kids either/dependants. +I've been looking at the classic young Australian dream of getting their parents to go guarantor on a mortgage because the deposit keeps getting eaten up by price increases. + +My understanding of being the guarantor is that there is certainly some level of risk but assuming that in a worst case scenario the my property can be sold for at least the outstanding balance of the mortgage that's pretty safe. So for example, in a scenario where I was looking at a $1m mortgage and will have a deposit of about $170k after taxes and fees are paid, if I wasn't able to manage repayments as long as we're able to sell the place for more than $830k the guarantor wouldn't be at any risk. + +The problem I'm facing is that every single person that my Mum has talked to has been wildly against the idea, utterly confident that it's almost certain that the banks will end up taking her house and bankrupt her. + +What am I missing? From what I can see it seems like an awful lot has to go wrong before her assets would be at any risk but the advice she's getting, including from an accountant, is to stay as far away as possible. +> # 6.2 Land tax and conveyance stamp duty +> Stamp duties are a highly inefficient tax on land, while land tax could provide an alternative +> and more stable source of revenue for the States. + +> When applied uniformly across a broad base, land tax is one of the most efficient means of +> raising revenue. This efficiency arises from the immobility of the tax base and, unlike most +> other taxes, levying different rates of land tax in different States has very low efficiency costs. + +> Existing land taxes are narrow, which make them less efficient and fair than they could be. +> Levying higher taxes on larger holdings discourages land-based investment by institutional +> investors, such as in rental housing. As owner-occupied housing is exempt, land tax on +> residential investment properties is probably passed through to renters as higher rent. + +> The structure of land taxes could be improved by broadening the land tax base to eventually +> include all land. Land tax rates should be based on the value of a given property, so that the +> tax does not discriminate between different owners or uses of land. A tax-free threshold +> based on the per-square-metre value of the land could be set such that there would be no tax +> liability on most agricultural and other low-value land. Higher-value land could be taxed at +> differentiated rates based on the per-square-metre value of the land. + +> Stamp duties on conveyances are inconsistent with the needs of a modern tax system. While +> a significant source of State tax revenue, they are volatile and highly inefficient and should +> be replaced with a more efficient means of raising revenue. + +> Conveyance stamp duty is highly inefficient and inequitable. It discourages transactions of +> commercial and residential property and, through this, its allocation to its most valuable use. +> Conveyance stamp duty can also discourage people from changing their place of residence +> as their personal circumstances change or discourage people from making lifestyle changes +> that involve a change in residence. It is also inequitable, as people who need to move more +> frequently bear more tax, irrespective of their income or wealth. + +> Reforming land tax and conveyance stamp duty arrangements, along with the proposed +> changes to the taxation of rental housing and Rent Assistance, will go some way toward +> improving housing affordability. However, to a significant extent housing affordability is a +> supply issue + +https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-10/afts_final_report_part_1_consolidated.pdf +I've been involved with bitcoin for over three years now. My initial involvement had nothing to do with money, but more of a fascination with "decentralized network tokens". Something has changed recently though and I wanted to share it. I've never said "to the moon" or imagined that bitcoin would really go "mainstream", but as I watch the cryptocurrency ecosystem develop I'm struck by the realization that bitcoin is going big. + +Here are my top indicators. You may think some of these are no big deal, but remember it was only four years ago that [Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas](http://i.imgur.com/WJWxFx3.jpg) **JUST** to demonstrate that it was possible. + +I used Mainstream Media references with actual headlines where possible. + +**In no particular order** + +* Apple Takes a Cautious Step Towards Bitcoin; [Time](http://time.com/2817799/apple-bitcoin/) + +* BitPay to Sponsor St. Petersburg Bowl in First Major Bitcoin Sports Deal; [WSJ](http://online.wsj.com/articles/bitpay-to-sponsor-st-petersburg-bowl-in-first-major-bitcoin-sports-deal-1403098202) + +* U.S. Marshals Service to auction off $18 million in bitcoins; [USA Today](http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/06/12/us-marshal-bitcoin-18-million-silk-road/10398433/) + +* Venture Capitalists expect bitcoin to bring in $250,000,000 in VC funding in 2014; [Money Morning](http://moneymorning.com/2014/06/16/venture-capitalists-are-investing-in-bitcoin-at-the-fastest-pace-to-date/)(? unrecognized source) + +* CNBC Names Coinbase a top 50 disruptor; [CNBC](http://www.cnbc.com/id/101727171) + +* MIT offers about ~0.16 BTC ($100) to every undergrad in the fall of 2014; [MIT](http://bitcoin.mit.edu/mit-bitcoin-projects-bitcomp/) + +* Top tier companies accepting bitcoin for payment (Dish Network, TigerDirect, Overstock.com, Expedia, Yelp); [WSJ; DISH Network](http://online.wsj.com/articles/dish-network-to-accept-bitcoin-payments-1401363621) + +* Multi-Signature Transactions and P2SH have improved the security and reliability of transacting bitcoin; (Succinct source unavailable) + +* Distributed Autonomous Corporations (DACs) are on the very near horizon and will utilize bitcoin as a unit of value; (several potential vendors) + +For the first time in my involvement with bitcoin, I'm not wondering if it's going to go big. Now I'm just wondering when and how big. +Was recently offered by AMEX their Centurion / Black card. + +So, who here has it or had it previously, and is it worth getting for the benefits? Why are you keeping it, or why did you get rid of it? + +As an FYI for 2021 they bumped up both the card initiation fee to $10K and the annual fee to $5K (previously $7500 and $2500). + +Edit: Biz version is available too, which would reduce above cost(s) by top marginal tax bracket as deductible through our business. + +Edit 2: Listed most of main card benefits in thread below. + +Edit 3: To clarify, this is for US version of the card. Initiation and annual fees are different in non-US countries. And I’m guessing card perks may be somewhat different elsewhere too. +Let's say you've pulled through this shit and you're finally in a place in life where you're financially safe and stable and have free time. Are you guys planning on getting into politics in any capacity once you feel you've got time to spare? + +I'm not a fan of politics, I don't trust politicians and I've never expected them to do anything that would help me, but I think it's important for working-class people to get involved. Take a look at your politicians, wherever you live. Who are they? What are they like? Wealthy people, in 99% of the cases. We're under-represented. We need to do something about it or our interests will never be addressed in a relevant matter. + +How do you guys feel about politics? Are you guys politically active? And are you guys planning on being active once you're in a better position? +https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/algonquin-power-amp-utilities-corp-announces-10-common-share-dividend-increase-declares-second-quarter-2021-common-share-dividend-of-u-s-0-1706-c-0-2094-and-declares-second-quarter-2021-preferred-share-dividends-879325720.html + +Its dividend is paid in usd then i assume converted to cad +Hey! I often find myself explaining basic Canadian finances to friends and coworkers, and would like to refer them to a good book. I don’t want to teach them A-Z, they need to learn on their own *especially* when it comes to investing. I’m hoping to find a book that covers at least these topics in a concise manner: + +-TFSA +-RRSP +-Investing in ETF’s/Index funds +-Emergency funds + +Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! +I'm looking to take a risk and invest into airlines, however I'm torn between Air Canada, Chorus Aviation and Exchange Income Corporation (EIF) Stock. Any advice on which I should go with? +How has your position with Oil and oil companies progressed since the onset of the pandemic in February. + +Pick the option that best represents your activity. ex 1) you owned 5k Shares shares in Feb and added 1k shares in June: bagholder; 2) you owned 1k shares in Feb and added 5k shares in june: buying the dip. + +Please ignore company pension and CPP holdings. Feel free to share your perspective and insights in the comment section! + +[View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/j47mb7) +Hi +Like many others have a retirement portfolio which has tanked about 20% last time i checked a week ago. Afraid to check more recently! Luckily I have a 10 year time frame so fairly confident i will have time to recover, + +Since i face the strong possibility of being layed off in the next few months and I was wondering if it wouldn’t be a wise decision to stop any current RSP TFSA contributions and build up an emergency cash reserve instead? +Painful seeing my monthly $500-1000 contribution disappear into the ether! +I am looking into getting a bit of small cap in my portfolio but I want to know what people's experiences have been so far? I find it a bit confusing where some advisors tell you to do total market ETFs but then say no to the small cap ETFs but then you have a guy like Paul Merriman who has been in the business a long time trumpeting the value of small cap investments. Then you have Jack Bogle saying that S&P is all you need. + +The ETFs are AVDV and AVUV. +I'm just starting out, so would love to hear from you folks. + +* I currently just use finviz but don't know if there's anything better out there +* I have a pretty robust DCF model template, but I already dread copy-pasting the data from 10Ks especially since most companies have different formats for their P&Ls and across industries. How do you make sure this doesn't take up too much of your time? +* When working the assumptions, do you just switch back and forth between news and create ad-hoc tables for scenarios to plug into the model? +I have seen many people not buy stocks due to the price being too high or vice versa. I have also seen many people think that stocks will go up a lot because the price is "relatively" cheap and has room to grow. For example, I recently read a Reddit Post where the author said that they believe TSM will easily go to a price of $500-600. However, the market cap is already 591 billion meaning they expect they will be more valuable than Amazon or Apple. I am not saying this is not true, but market cap is extremely important to take into consideration. + +Apple's current price is $121.26 and Enphase's price is $176.06. Does this mean Enphase is the more valuable company? No. + +A company with a smaller cap has more room to grow than companies with bigger market caps regardless of the price they trade at. For example, it is more feasible that a 1 billion dollar company grows 10X than a company with a market cap of 50 billion to grow to 500 billion. + +If you think a stock is a good buy, don't become too fixated on the price and buy it. On the other hand, don' think a stock is a good deal because it is a low price. There could have been massive dilution. + +Good luck in picking your next winners! +In light of the news that the blackout in China cause the overall hash rate dropped 45%, and it was just one Province in China which means the overall hash rate by Chinese mining farm and pool is well over 50%. + +https://news.bitcoin.com/bitcoin-hashrate-drops-xinjiang-blackouts-blamed-btc-price-slides/ + +I can't help but feel a bit uneasy with this. I always knew China has a centralized hashing monopoly but didn't really click with me until the blackout. + +Utlimately BTC is China. + +And China is the CCP government. + +As much as we think crypto is decentralized but ultimately the chinese government controls the very nature of how the blockchain is being secure is a bit frightening. + +Thoughts? +So I’m a retard who just buys random things after doing zero research. I bought a fuck ton of eth recently. Anyone have some fancy technicals or comforting dd so I can buy the dip? Or will it keep tanking? I’m all for having diamond hands I just want some friendly guidance :). +Welcome to the **/r/EthTrader** Daily Discussion thread. The thread guidelines are as follows: +*** + +- Discussion topics include but are not limited to general discussion, details related to events of the day, technical analysis, Ethereum Classic, and minor questions. +- Important content should be posted as a separate thread. +- Be excellent to each other. + +*** + +Thank you in advance for your participation. Enjoy! + +I am struggling to see the value in this Firstblood crowdsale. I've spoken to multiple founders and they both said different things. One said no one's likely to make any real money from being a juror but the value comes from an increase in price in the 1ST token. The other said the exact opposite, that he expects massive adoption and the money comes from being a juror. So I decided to run some numbers based on the assumption they raise the $5.5M cap (which they will). From my calculations if there are 5000 matches a day at an average stake of $5 ($5 each so $10 total per match), someone who invested $5k would be making $2.27 cents per day. There's certainly a chance I am off on these calcs, especially because I'm not sure the exact fees are out yet. Please correct me and/or provide your input. + +EDIT: Me in my head, "Ok play it cool, play it cool. Act like you've received gold before. No one will know this is your first time." + +EDIT: They claim no one ever said anyone should expect the 1ST token to go up in value. I guess there is a possibility I made a mistake but I can assure you I didn't just make this up. +In the spirit of generating tax efficient passive income, I have executed a dividend stock carry forward trade (essentially using margin loans to purchase dividend stocks to make money on the spread).  I would like to get this group’s opinion on the strategy. Please let me know your honest feedback and any big issues you see with this. + + +So here is the trade: + +* I took out a $500k margin loan at Interactive Brokers (“IB”) +* The interest rate is roughly 1.25% (yes, that is correct, 1.25%) +* I used the proceeds from the margin loan to purchase $500k in ETV (Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Buy-Write Opportunities Fund) which is a Closed-End Fund +* My purchase price in ETV is $14.80 +* The fund pays a monthly dividend of $0.1108, which equates to a 9.0% yield +* The interest on the margin loan is \~$520/month +* The dividend income is $3,743/month +* This nets me $3,223 in income +* Now most of the dividend payment is classified as ROC (“return of capital”), which means it is not taxed (more [here](https://funds.eatonvance.com/media/2551.pdf) on how this works) + +So here are the pro’s and con’s of this trade: + + +Pro’s + +* **Incredible return** \- I’m making \~7x my borrowing costs on this trade ($3,743 / $520  = 720% return) +* **Passive income** \- I would categorize this as a “set it and forget it” strategy as the income is completely passive; all you need to do is monitor the ETV dividend and stock price each month +* **Tax efficient** \- because most of the dividend payment is classified at “ROC”, the majority of the dividend payment is not taxed at all + +Con’s + +* **Margin Call** \- If there is a sudden drop in ETV’s value or if IB changes their margin requirements there will be a margin call. To mitigate this, I have only taken a margin position where a 50% drop in the security will require a margin call. I can’t do anything about IB changing it’s margin requirements. +* **Margin Loan Rate Changes** \- This rate is variable and can change at any time. Because IB margin loan rates are based on the Fed Funds rate, this is likely to go higher in the future (as we have historically low rates today). Looking at the fed funds rate [over the past 20 years](https://www.macrotrends.net/2015/fed-funds-rate-historical-chart), they have been as high as 4%-5%.  However, even if the margin loan rates go to 4% the return is still 200%. Also, IB has never had rates this high as far as I can tell. +* **ETV share price can fall** \- ETV stock price can fluctuate up and down; given the volatile stock market this is a big unknown; if you look at ETV’s performance since inception (June 2005) the stock is down 1.9% annually.  What got me comfortable is I ran a few scenarios and if ETV’s stock price drops 3%/year for the next 5 years, the return is still 478% +* **ETV can cut their dividend** \- There is no guarantee that ETV will continue to pay a dividend; the last time they cut their dividend was in Sept 2010 (a 17% cut), but it has been steady ever since. I ran scenarios and even if there is a 22% cut in their dividend the return is 547% +* **Worst Case Scenario Can Happen** \- Suppose IB raises its margin loan rates to 4%, ETV’s stock price drops 3%/year AND they cut their dividend by 22%. I would consider this the doomsday scenario. Even if that happens, the return on this trade is 100% + +I would love to hear this group’s opinions on this. I used this [spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TbnLYuqJAN1E_uv8_Tlxeyp3D5Bi83F-gdE2MQ_cGA0/edit?usp=sharing) to run the scenarios. I’m sure I have not thought about all the angles on this. Thank you. +Here we are in 2018.. The year I personally feel will be known as 'the biggest year for cryptocurrency'. For an intelligent investor this is great news because gains are most likely inevitable.. However most investors still struggle with one thing... patience.. Even many of you reading this post right now can probably say "If I was patient I would've been better off." Yet despite these repeated warnings and facts, a lot of investors continue to struggling with patience.. Well the last thing we want is to be impatient in 2018, so let's get to the bottom of this... + +If I was to ask you what your long-term assets are, do you have any? I am not talking about holding for 1 month or 3 months... I'm talking about years.. Do you have an asset that you are extremely confident in, that you are holding for the long-term? If you don't know the answer to this question then that's the first problem.. Everything you invest in should ALWAYS be for the long-term, if you buy an asset at $1 you should not have the urge to sell at $2 a couple weeks later.. If you continue to sell short, you are going to end up like a lone wolf. + +A lone wolf in crypto i'd say is someone who has bought and sold short so many times, they have run out of investment options. At this point, the idea of buying assets higher than what they previously sold them for will prevent them from getting impressive returns. Psychologically they feel like they have nowhere to go and nowhere to invest. + + +**You Must Be Confident** + +You see most people who are impatient or do not hold assets for the long-term I feel lack confidence and knowledge. Someone who does not 'believe' an asset can be worth $20 will sell short at $3.. For example let's say you buy an asset for .50 cents with a $5m market cap, you must understand that if this company is truly a 'good company', it should easily exceed $20 per asset long-term. Easily.. Heck, if it was a good company it would exceed $50.. If you do not believe this, you will not be able to utilize this knowledge to your advantage. How do you know if these kinds of returns are even possible? You must know your numbers (see below). + + +**You Must Know Your Numbers** + +If you were to tell me "In a couple years Ripple will be the price of Bitcoin" then it would be clear to me you don't know your numbers. In fact, if you don't know your numbers, then everything your buying is a waste of time and any returns you've made were based on pure luck. Without knowing your numbers, you will have no idea on how to achieve goals, what goals are even possible, or what your potential losses could be. + + +I wrote a post 5 months ago called '[Making a Million Dollars](https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/6nhl0q/making_a_million_dollars/)' and in this post I said... + +> *There are a lot of assets out there with great technology that I think are severely undervalued. I think if you find a solid promising asset, it should have no problem achieving a $2b+ market cap long-term. You have to also remember that as the overall total market cap increases, more and more assets will join the $1b club... and as time goes on $1b will seem all too common and you'll watch assets join the $5b market cap club, then $10b and so on..* +> *There are even assets under a $15m market cap that will likely reach a billion dollar market cap in the future. These kind of investments will yield massive returns for long-term investors.* + +Today there are now over 40 assets with over $1 billion market cap and 15 assets over $5 billion.. So if you did not believe me before, well maybe you will today. A solid long-term company should have no problem reaching over a $2 billion market cap.. In comparison to the stock market, it's peanuts. (Apple's market cap hit $900 Billion) + +So with that said, let's say you found an asset you really like.. You did your research, you love the team, the service, the vision and you are ready to invest. Everyone want's to make a ton of money, but let's be realistic.. You must know your numbers, without numbers you will be clueless and lost. How much you're willing to invest also dictates how much your potential returns can be. + +To get the concept started, let's say... 'At **minimum**, ALL long-term assets will reach at least $2+ Billion market cap'. Now that you have come to this realization, let's make an example. If the market cap of your coin is currently at $100 million, then you are looking at 20x profits by the time it hits $2 billion. But wait.. Just because an asset hits a billion dollars does not mean it's time to sell.. A reputable asset should have no problem exceeding multi-billions long-term. + +> *If you were holding 5,000 assets at $2.39 each ($189m market cap) and the market cap reached $5 Billion.. How much would your assets be worth?* (see end of article) + + +**You Must Think Long Term** + +If you want to make serious money you really need to be involved. Don't just glance at a website and say "It sounds good, I'm in!".. Actually research, learn the fundamentals of the project and imagine where it can be 10 years from today. If you can't imagine the asset surviving 10 years from now, then why are you holding it? Holding onto assets for the short-term is going to make you a lone-wolf in the long term. You don't want to be sitting on the sidelines watching well-established undervalued companies grow because you sold. + +The bottom line is you must know how much you can realistically make (at minimum) off your investments (ROI). By knowing the numbers, you can realistically set goals like "I want to make a million dollars." In order to achieve this goal, you must research and acquire enough assets while they are undervalued. Once you have acquired enough assets to 'realistically' hold a million dollar portfolio, all you need to do is be patient. + + +Regards, + +BTC2018 + +----- + +> *If you were holding 5,000 assets at $2.39 each ($189m market cap) and the market cap reached $5 Billion.. How much would your assets be worth?* + +> Answer: $316,137 @ $63.22 per asset. + +> Equation: Initial Investment of 5,000 assets @ $2.39 = $11,950 + +> 5 billion (goal) / 189 Million (current market cap) = 26.45 (ROI Goal) + +> 26.45 (ROI Goal) * $2.39 (Current Price) = $63.22 (Price per asset at $5b) + +> $63.22 * 5,000 (your holdings) = $316,137 + +----- + +Remember no matter what I post or what I say, you should always do your own research, come up with your own assessment and talk with your financial adviser before making any investment decisions. + +Ok, I’m completely confused and need help understanding. I can’t possibly understand how Ford motor company has been around for so long and has an established business model that is progressively going to change here in the next couple of years to electric vehicles. Since Rivian hit the market all kinds of questions have come to mind especially the market cap of these companies and how they’re surpassing other companies that have been around for decades. + +Can someone explain to me how Ford stock is $19.00 a share at $100B market value and the most sold truck in America…Yet, Rivian sold 156 trucks to date and the stock is $124.00 ish and $120B market. This makes so sense. +Hello! + +I sold 14000 stocks of AMD, and waiting lower price to buy back. + +Instead of waiting for lower price (let's say my plan is to buy back at 35$) can I sell $35 140 puts contracts expiring this week? If it drops below and I get assigned, I get shares that i wanted anyway, and if not, i keep the premium. Did i get this correct? + +&#x200B; + +Thanks! +In Feb 2007 subprime mortgage lenders started declaring bankruptcy. By this time the smart people knew we were in a recession. + +The US government first took serious action in August 2007 by cutting rates and injecting $100B into money supply to banks yo borrow at a low rate. + +In September 2007 Greenspan said "We have a bubble in housing" and Jim Cramer warned people on The Today Show to not dare buy a house because you will definitely lose money. So it's safe to say the public knew there was a housing crisis. + +In October however the Dow Jones hit a historic high of over 14,000. So the Dow had risen 12% from Feb to Sept 07 even though more and more people knew we were in a recession. + +From October 2017 it took the Dow one year and five months to reach it's lowest point during the crisis of aprox 6,600 in March 2009. Decreasing over 50% in that timespan. + +To note: The first two stages of grief are shock and denial. People are in general optimistic and will initially react to bad news with disbelief. This recession is not going to happen over night it will be a slow grind to the bottom with some death rattles sprinkled in. +**The Key to Success has Been Underneath Your Nose the Entire Time** + +The key detail that every new trader seems to miss is that volume ultimately controls price movements because the presence of adequate volume validates the price movement. If a price movement fails to be validated by adequate volume , then there is going to be an equal an opposite reaction. There exists a variable that satisfies both quantitative and fundamental analysts. That is the Volume Weighted Average Price ( VWAP ) and it is complemented by the Volume Weighted Moving Average ( VWMA ). When you do not consider the weight of volume in price movements, you are at the mercy of manipulative, high volume whales that seek to sink Simple Moving Averages ( SMAs ) during times of low volume in the interest of accumulation of the asset. + +VWAPs can be treated as the "true" price of an asset on any given resolution, but become less sensitive to change as you zoom out. These ever-shifting values can be treated as floors, in bullish times, and ceilings, during a bear market. You can always expect a "bounce" off of the VWAP in the opposite direction at least once as price attempts to cross over it. These resistance lines are useful to every audience, the soon-to-be long holders who would like to plan a decent entry, the short sellers trying to make a quick buck, and the swing traders who like to make money regardless of who controls the market. One should always keep in mind that price never strays too far from the VWAP before attempting to violently correct itself in the other direction. + +There is a measure of movement around the VWAP , which we'll call volatility , and it masks the true price of the asset and its direction. By following the VWAP , you can see accurately whether the asset is going high or low. I'm using these customized bands to look for long entries (in the green or below) and short entries (in the red or above) to make short term profits to be accumulated in my spot balances. Ultimately, by building your position you can ensure a long-term profit but it doesn't mean too much if one simply never takes profit. + +Longs can be slept on. Shorts must be monitored. Set a budget, craft a plan, and stick to it. Remember to remove your principal investment at some point to reduce your risk. + +In a bull market, buy at the monthly VWAP (Purple Line) and in a bear market, sell there. + +Happy Hunting!- Patch Hemlock + +[https://www.tradingview.com/chart/GME/ApPTU3cw-Keep-Your-Eyes-on-the-Volume-Behind-the-Movement/](https://www.tradingview.com/chart/GME/ApPTU3cw-Keep-Your-Eyes-on-the-Volume-Behind-the-Movement/) + +Proof of Institutional Use of VWAP: WATCH LIVE: GameStop hearing: Robinhood, Citadel and Reddit CEOs testify — 2/18/21 by CNBC Television on YouTube (Timestamp 4:55:34) + +EDIT: For any would-be quants out there, I've developed an open-source pine script to act as a springboard for you + +[https://www.tradingview.com/script/kJqBZ6s8-Realtime-All-Time-High-and-All-Time-Low-Tracker-WIP/](https://www.tradingview.com/script/kJqBZ6s8-Realtime-All-Time-High-and-All-Time-Low-Tracker-WIP/) + +&#x200B; + +Reposted due to automoderation of youtube links + +&#x200B; + +DECLARATION OF BIAS: + +purchased GME at $13 and AMC at $4 + +doubled down after the crash at $50 and $6 respectively + +never sold +**TL;DR:** + +* **Unlike Europe, the US market for CMBS is much more uniform making it easier to set up. It’s hard to set up commercial real estate bundles across countries/jurisdictions vs. plain ol’ US states. This helps explain why the US market at one point in 2019 ($171 Billion) outpaced Europe’s ($4 Billion).** +* **CMBS bundles offer up a specific workaround for anyone who wants to pay their loan/lease off early: defeasance. Defeasance = substituting collateral A for collateral B, just like how Indiana Jones swapped out the Golden idol with a rock in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. You can defease entire CMBS loans, like the Village of Merrick Park deal did (WFRBS 2011-C3).** +* **Defeasance is meant to make the entire CMBS bundle more stable by swapping it out with a SPECIFIC type of collateral: US Treasuries.** +* **If CMBS loans are swapping out collateral like store loans (like GME) in commercial real estate, then it overcomplicates our picture of the CMBS market, especially when we know that the same Treasuries are being rehypothecated (copy pasted) into different bundles to keep them kickin. 2021 saw the biggest boost in defeasance in 13 years…and 13 years ago was 2008.** + +EDIT 2: Finally got this under the 40K word count so editing should be easier. Hopefully it flows more smoothly! + +EDIT 3: Good call from Dr\_Gingerballs, here's a shorter thesis: + +**TL;DRx2: Treasuries are being pushed into CMBS loans not just when things go wrong short-term, but even when things go right long-term, meaning even more treasury rehypothecation is probably going on than we think including last year's ATH matching the 2008 crash.** + +For the culture: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gU35Tgtlmg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gU35Tgtlmg) + +**Sections** + +**0. Preface** + +1. **Europeland** +2. **On the Way Up** +3. **Rate Me Harder Baby** +4. **ABS: Compare & Contrast** +5. **WFCM: Wet Fart Crime Managers** +6. **Press Pause** +7. **Indiana Jones & the Ol’ Switcheroo** +8. **ELI5: Defeasance** +9. **Enhance!** +10. **What to Expect When You’re Expecting: A Bad to Worst Case Scenario** +11. **The Temple of Doom** + +*Previously, on “The Big Mall Short”:* [https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/t5br7k/the\_big\_mall\_short\_7\_from\_the\_window\_to\_the/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/t5br7k/the_big_mall_short_7_from_the_window_to_the/) + +**The Big Mall Short #7: From the Window to the Walmart, till the Sweat drips down my Ballmart** + +# 0. Preface + +This is the Big Mall Short. + +If you recall from Pt. 2, CMBS--or commercial mortgage backed securities--are a grab bag of loans to different offices, retail stores, and commercial real estate that you can buy or sell, or bet whether the price of all those leases will be paid off as those spaces do business. They’re often tied in with signed leases to these spots. **If many of those offices, retail stores, and commercial real estate spots fail, welp then they can’t pay their lease and the entire grab bag (CMBS) might go down. These leases can be made to offices or factories, but they can also be made to retail stores like Tuesday Morning or GameStop.** + +In our previous episode, we talked about Walmart’s history of being welcomed to new towns with open arms, before it often runs off into the night and leaves “dark stores” in its wake. **When Walmart leaves, it also has an effect on the commercial real estate bundles that it is a part of.** + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/2abu10ex69n81.png?width=2774&format=png&auto=webp&s=7103b77179df63ee82efe0f61a939bb1ea49d954 + +**We also caught wind of how Ladder Capital (talked about in TheIntercept’s whistleblower-led “The Bigger Short” on CMBS fraud) had originated all of the Walmart-linked GME loans we saw with Wells Fargo (WFCM). This might have meant that Ladder Capital may have been engaging in similar shady dealings with GME stores, as it was with other stores in its portfolios as uncovered by that whistleblower.** + +In this post, we’re diving into the more nitty gritty language and complexity behind some CMBS mortgages **(Warning: this will probably be the most “relatively” boring topic of those covered in this series). In particular, we are looking at 1 term: defeasance.** + +&#x200B; + +# 1. Europeland + +For our story thus far, you might notice that it’s largely an American story. **Now this can’t just be random, right? Why haven’t we seen any storylines like “The Big Mall Short” in Europe per se?** + +&#x200B; + +**You can see some hints when you compare the number of CMBS deals between the states and Europe. In 2017, American CMBS deals hit nearly $171 Billion. Europe barely got to $4 billion**. + +Now that is a crazy gap. Part of the reason for the bigger appeal is that the American market is a lot more uniform or consistent, than the European one: + +&#x200B; + +>“**European CMBS is secured by properties in various jurisdictions and, therefore, the legal frameworks and requirements, in addition to the associated risks, may vary from transaction to transaction.** + +&#x200B; + +>**However, the size and consistency of the U.S. market and the presence of significant loan sponsors** (which often have growing European operations) mean that developments in U.S. CMBS will have a strong influence on structural features that are incorporated into European CMBS.” + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +So while you physically might have a landmass the size of the US cover almost the same space as Europe, bundling a mall in Oklahoma with a mall in Maine into a CMBS is way easier than bundling one shopping centre in Portugal with one in Denmark. + +&#x200B; + +**Legalese and “structural influence” aside, this might make American CMBS products the way to go.** And this was especially the case going into 2019 and 2020, as falling interest rates meant the number of “private-label” CMBS deals kept going up. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/1onbd67579n81.png?width=958&format=png&auto=webp&s=3c211b9a418a2b7e367b77745c646318ba6cc568 + +For me, this meant if I wanted to understand some technicalities of how CMBS bundles operate, I should just focus on the American deals. + +# 2. On the Way Up + +Since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, CMBS deals dropped off immediately after, before slowly building up to higher highs up until 2019: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/yatr86af79n81.png?width=743&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9a69b5c56493e2761f3a773bd619f911fe07492 + +Before Covid was on the minds of many, ratings analysts thought that more CMBS deals would come through going into 2020. **Reasons included that commercial real estate valuations stood roughly 30% above their August 2007 peak and that high demand from investors remained while interest rates were low.** + +&#x200B; + +But that picture is a very rosy one compared to what we know now, especially about CMBS valuations: that originators and financiers like Ladder Capital, UBS, Starwood, and Goldman were lying about just how good those CMBS loans really were. + +# 3. Rate Me Harder Baby + +I wanted to get an idea of how these pre-Covid deals looked like, to see if I could figure out if there were any signs of bad news. + +Back in 2019, Fitch was going to rate/grade about 186 new CMBS loan deals (“structured finance transactions…engaged to rate”) from Jan. 7 to Dec. 18th of that year. (By comparison, about 145 RMBS loans were to be rated) SC loans were included (no idea what the fuck that is.) + +Here’s an example of what their rating schedule looked like: + +&#x200B; + +[shoutout to that Margaritaville CDO lol](https://preview.redd.it/p87gfuzk79n81.png?width=811&format=png&auto=webp&s=44db9f624545cdb0aac94f2734db643173a47dab) + +That highlighted Credit Suisse CSAIL deal actually includes a GME store in Fontana, CA (Cardenas Market Center). + +&#x200B; + +That deal was worth \~$790 million GME made up a tiny bit of that, just 2.4%. (That GME lease was meant to expire 3/31/21. **I’ll cover more of this soon in another post, from our previously mentioned small sample of GME loans, almost all but 20 expired in 2021.)** + +Now who was the loan originator? AHH FUCKING STARWOOD, from my ol' faithful chart of CMBS originating crime: + +&#x200B; + +[the big mall short's ol Faithful](https://preview.redd.it/d9bhrl3s79n81.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa0a4f6b0a226a07810af77e5b5c6dbf26b75857) + +That CSAIL deal was done alongside Midland Services (master servicer here, vs. Wells Fargo in our Walmart deals) and Special Servicer (LNR Partners). So many of the same shady players featured in "The Bigger Short" were still setting up new CMBS deals, up through 2019. It wouldn't be too unlikely to imagine that there might have been some shady valuations of the collateral inside those loans as well, based on what we know now. + +# 4. ABS: Compare & Contrast + +While digging into those ratings, I was able to leaf through other bundles that they were rating. These included other ABS products, or asset-backet securities. (Remember: CMBS are technically also asset-backed securities, but the assets only really include commercial real estate.) Examples of what Fitch was rating back then included: + +Cars! + +* Ford Auto Securitization Trust,Series 2019-A (Apr. 11) +* HUI JU TONG 2019-1 Retail Auto Mortgage Loan Securitization Trust (Nov. 28) +* CarMax Auto Owner Trust 2019-1 (US ABS) (Jan. 9) + +Credit cards! + +* Evergreen Credit Card Trust, Series 2019-3 (Oct. 21) +* Master Credit Card Trust II, Series 2019-2 (Aug. 19) + +Planes ! + +* Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust 2019-1 +* Pioneer Aircraft Finance Limited (May 13) +* Thunderbolt III Aircraft Lease Limited (Oct. 21) + +Farming stuff! + +* John Deere Owner Trust 2019 + +Student loans (cry cry!) + +* ECMC Group Student Loan Trust 2019-1 (Jul 29) + +&#x200B; + +Because I had both ABS and CMBS loans to leaf through, I tried to see if there were any items of interest or overlap between some of the different products. + +&#x200B; + +While reading up on these, i**t reminded me of one near-2008 crash study I found for another post that said sometimes tracking CMBS indices (CMBX) is a good enough counter to track ABS indices (ABX) to see how the market as a whole moves as it might move in tandem. You might even remember this ABX index being mentioned in "The Big Short":** + +&#x200B; + +[Vinnie Daniel: What's the ABX at? Porter Collins: What's ABX? Vinnie Daniel: It tracks mortgage bond value. Go back to sleep.](https://preview.redd.it/ywh9ina289n81.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=44dcc764374b53472238a8219019568c3b29c37d) + +However, there was 1 thing that I found out stood as a marked difference from the other ABS products. + +&#x200B; + +And it’s something familiar to many of us. + +# 5. Wet Fart Crime Managers + +Let's imagine a bank that deals with CMBS loans that's called Wet Fart Crime Managers, or WFCM. (Let's just say that they are also known for things like, oh... opening credit cards without people knowing.) + +[Now I'm not saying that Wet Fart Crime Managers have this logo...theirs only has 5 horses.](https://preview.redd.it/a0d2ji0889n81.png?width=827&format=png&auto=webp&s=eaf99a843bdf0cca6b5d39d5978c2a0ab9d4c83c) + +**Now let’s look at a VASTLY oversimplified picture of what they might do when setting up a bundle of commercial real estate loans for investors. Let's call that bundle Jenga tower #69.** + +&#x200B; + +**It’s made up of these 3 leases from 3 retail stores, that pay a certain amount of money each month under what’s called a lease. Here’s what that monthly payout to WFCM’s tower #69 looks like:** + +>Retail Store Lease 1: $100 +> +>Retail Store Lease 2: $100 +> +>Retail Store Lease 3: $100 + +&#x200B; + +**WFCM might tell its investors to put money into this deal, saying “You can invest in this and get regular monthly cash flow for a decade!” Investors buy in in droves.** + +&#x200B; + +[CMBS investors chomping at that WFCM titty](https://preview.redd.it/dsv5ae8d89n81.png?width=680&format=png&auto=webp&s=25c2b0800502e00f50a08d4756eeb7a6b1ff6fae) + +We can also say maybe all these stores signed on for 10 years, so that’s 12 months x 10 years or 12 x 10 = 120 months of dollar dollar bills floating on these investors’ jacked up titties and ballsacks. **Every store then is paying $12,000 to WFCM over those 10 years EACH.** + +Remember, this presupposes that the retail store pays $100 a month for their monthly lease and only pays out once-a-month and doesn’t pay ahead. **But what if they were doing really well, and decided to pay their $12,000 all at once?** + +**Well, fun fact! Many commercial real estate loans actually FORBID you from prepaying your loan all at once.** This roadblock comes up in many CMBS loans, stopping ppl in their tracks from being able to pay these leases/loans off early. + +# 6. Press Pause + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/9n9hxawj89n81.png?width=513&format=png&auto=webp&s=e8342da881f828168d27aeee84c31eef802eac4a + +**So wait, why can’t a Retail Store pay all at once?** + +**Well, here’s the thing: WFCM wants to hustle and sell a dream to its investors: “I promise you regular payments of $10 a month every month for 10 years!**” (In this scenario, let’s say $10 a month is the interest/return they get for investing in CMBX #69.) + +When investors hear this, they get hyped and yell out “Sold!” . They buy in. **But remember, they said “regular” and “monthly” as part of the appeal. Every. Month. Not just all at once.** + +Investors now signing onto the dotted line means **“Yes, we are “Moneytaint LLC”, we want to get $10 a month every month for 10 years straight…for these 3 retail store loans bundled together into $300 together.”** WFCM does not want to violate that contract spanning 10 years which in legal terms is a no-no. This is all the equivalent of a very serious pinky promise among adults.) + +So their moral of the story is, you better damn well hope they give investors their $10 a month every month for 10 years like they promised! + +Retail Store #3 argues that there must be a way to do this, right? But how? + +# 7. Indiana Jones & the Ol’ Switcheroo + +So what if Retail Store Loan #3 can be paid off ASAP because they’re the fucking tits? Well, WFCM can still make the bundle work and payout by redoing its tower: + +&#x200B; + +>Retail Store Loan 1: $100 +> +>Retail Store Loan 2: $100 +> +>**SOMETHING ELSE: $100** + +&#x200B; + +Something else, eh? WFCM has a dilemma that might have an easy fix: **if you can replace it with something else that costs $100, maybe another item, you can do the ol’ switcheroo on the “something else”. That “something else” then can serve as the collateral instead of the money you were getting from Retail Store #3.** + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/w5tvpkmp89n81.png?width=354&format=png&auto=webp&s=e8be1d888395fd5882c8ffa3ec24a85cdf5b68f6 + +**If you’ve ever seen the Indiana Jones movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, there’s a famous scene where Indiana Jones switches out the Golden Idol with something else that weighs the same amount so that it doesn’t trigger the entire temple crashing down.** + +Does this sound familiar for our example? It should! + +&#x200B; + +In the case of a retail store #3 wanting to pay something off early, this is not normally allowed. But if you pull an ol’ Indy switcheroo, then shit keeps on chugging. + +&#x200B; + +**​​Hm, now where could I get another “something else” easily, that–oh, I don’t know–that you know won’t just disappear, because the thing backing it probably won’t disappear, and usually lasts 10 years perfectly too!** + +&#x200B; + +[\\"fuck did I leave the oven on? Oh no, sorry that was the printer\\"](https://preview.redd.it/iy7cre0s89n81.png?width=500&format=png&auto=webp&s=9c726d2a1fac1716e6677f1969126f7d0ffc833d) + +Yup...**You can use Treasuries!** + +**This, my dear apes, is what is known as “defeasance”.** + +# 8. ELI5: Defeasance + +**Defeasance = collateral substitution, swapping out A for B.** + +**In defeasance, you swap out collateral in a CMBS for a Treasury bond that's considered less risky. This makes the entire tower more “stable”, while still paying out regular amounts to investors (their “yield expectations”).** + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/5w4pa0r999n81.png?width=480&format=png&auto=webp&s=34a1eb51213eb181d83b42e7adbe2bf2d70b7bd7 + +Know **that it doesn’t necessarily have to be 10-year treasuries. I’m using that just to simplify the math in our example and throughout the post.** + +**But despite that smoothbrain take, you can see here how this might explain our example: if you swap out a 10-year treasury so that Retail Store #3 holds up its end of the bargain and pays everything off, then everything keeps moving and the investors are none the wiser! So that your tower that used to look like this:** + +&#x200B; + +>Retail Store Loan 1: $100 +> +>Retail Store Loan 2: $100 +> +>**SOMETHING ELSE: $100** + +&#x200B; + +Now looks like: + +&#x200B; + +>Retail Store Loan 1: $100 +> +>Retail Store Loan 2: $100 +> +>**10-Year Treasury: $100** + +# 9. Enhance! + +&#x200B; + +[preach motherfuckers](https://preview.redd.it/4130h4hh99n81.png?width=1279&format=png&auto=webp&s=c320b9613bc35d41f85f34d9e59becd1e3096944) + +What might a defeasance look like in a rating like Fitch's from earlier? + +Here's one example: Moody’s rating of COMM 2015-CCRE: + +&#x200B; + +>Rating Action: Moody's affirms six classes of **COMM 2015-CCRE27** +> +>Global Credit Research - 11 Mar 2022 +> +>Approximately $631 million of structured securities affected… +> +>**FACTORS THAT WOULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS: Factors that could lead to an upgrade of the ratings include…an increase in the pool's share of defeasance** or an improvement in pool performance +> +>DEAL PERFORMANCE: As of the February 11, 2022 distribution date…**Ten loans, constituting 11.4% of the pool, have defeased and are secured by US government securities.”** + +&#x200B; + +**Here, they reiterate that more defeasance = upgrade in ratings.** + +In Pt #7, I talked about how Ladder Capital had one GameStop store in Idaho that was part of 2 separate leases (all 33 of the GME stores were pretty much split into either of those 2 leases). One of those was WFCM 2016-C37. + +&#x200B; + +[from pt. 7, the ballmart post](https://preview.redd.it/rty0pu2m99n81.png?width=921&format=png&auto=webp&s=ca39d912425bafe52ada1f64301553b4bf63a7c6) + +Here’s the defeasance details on that loan bundle: + +&#x200B; + +>**“Four loans, constituting 6.5% of the pool, have defeased and are secured by US government securities”...** + +&#x200B; + +Like some of the bundles above, you can defease small slices, but you can also do so for larger chunks: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/qkr09buq99n81.png?width=997&format=png&auto=webp&s=7b7760c1b3802f04ba2721f204587295228b1433 + +**Here, one whole loan got defeased (its entire collateral swapped for treasuries) for its ENTIRE balance.** + +&#x200B; + +This operates all fine and well as long as the market is functioning fine and well too. So based on what we know so far about CMBS loans, CMBX towers, defeasance and–yes–treasuries, what might we expect? + +# 10. What to Expect When You’re Expecting: A Bad to Worst Case Scenario + +Examing a deal like the one below, you might catch the following language: [https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1332551/000129415412000038/exh99\_1.htm](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1332551/000129415412000038/exh99_1.htm) + +&#x200B; + +>U.S. $150,000,000 +> +>MASTER REPURCHASE AND SECURITIES CONTRACT +> +>by and between RCC REAL ESTATE SPE 4, LLC, as Seller and WELLS FARGO BANK, as Buyer +> +>Dated as of February 27, 2012 + +&#x200B; + +>**Buyer or its designee may engage in repurchase transactions with the Purchased Assets or otherwise sell, pledge, repledge, transfer, hypothecate or rehypothecate the Purchased Assets**, all on terms that Buyer may determine; provided, that no such transaction shall affect the obligations of Buyer to transfer the Purchased Assets to Seller on the applicable Repurchase Dates free and clear of any pledge, Lien, security interest, encumbrance, charge or other adverse claim. + +&#x200B; + +**In legalese here, you find that you can rehypothecate the entire purchased asset inside this loan bundle.** + +Here’s another angle. Let’s look at Western Asset Management that deals in mainly MBS (homes) it seems, but also CMBS: [https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1465885/000162828019002555/wmc10k12312018.htm](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1465885/000162828019002555/wmc10k12312018.htm) + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/g5xehsp4a9n81.png?width=1586&format=png&auto=webp&s=e6b0fed021b3dd5336d7ceb8a77cd8aa804969d0 + +&#x200B; + +>**The Company primarily finances its investment acquisitions with repurchase agreements...ranging from one month to three months...A reduction in the value of pledged assets requires the Company to post additional securities as collateral...** +> +>**Under the terms of the repurchase agreements the Company may rehypothecate pledged U.S. Treasury securities** it receives from its repurchase agreement as incremental collateral in order to increase the Company’s cash position. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any rehypothecated U.S. Treasury securities. + +&#x200B; + +[sure, why not](https://preview.redd.it/ybs5loaca9n81.png?width=1024&format=png&auto=webp&s=a6161002372ac83431e290e634fae8b167f05ced) + +So treasuries can be swapped into these CMBS towers via defeasance for long-term changes, but in case the assets aren't doing too hot then they can also have the assets swapped out with treasuries to prop the towers up? + +But remember, we know that one of the big issues in this GME saga is that there is not enough good collateral to go around, so treasuries end up in more than one spot. Might we see that here as well? + +&#x200B; + +>“**After a pause in 2020, borrowers once again gravitated toward defeasance in 2021, which jumped 67% to its highest level ($12.1 billion) over the last 13 years,** while supplemental debt fell 28% to $1.2 billion.” + +**Wait, the highest level of defeasance in THIRTEEN YEARS? WAIT APES, PULL OUT A CALCULATOR WHAT’S 2021 - 2013?** + +&#x200B; + +[hold on this is gonna take me a while](https://preview.redd.it/4blz3p3ga9n81.png?width=612&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a6108f56b1ad41449e46340a39306228a477d65) + +**FUCK. So the last time that defeasance was this high where good collateral (treasuries) was swapped out at these numbers was right up until the 2008 crash.** + +# 11. The Temple of Doom + +In "Indiana Jones & Raiders of the Lost Ark", Indiana Jones manages to swap out the idol. But the temple still collapses. + +Looking back at 2019, we see that part of the push for more defeasance was the reduction in interest rates, as well as a marked increase in property values. This led to more borrowers refinancing through defeasance. That year also saw the greatest amount of defeasance in the office sector (37%). + +Certain markets were also more heavily pushing these defeasance swap-outs in different georgraphic areas: + +>New York had the largest share of defeasance volume at 26 percent (cough cough u/Hellshield), followed by California with 17 percent and Texas with 8 percent. Analysts noted that each of these states includes at least one major market where property prices have skyrocketed. + +Once you know that treasuries--many of which we've seen as rehypothecated from earlier DDs--show up in this way in our CMBS towers--it leaves you feeling a lot like Indiana Jones after the idol swap. Many in the CMBS market might have just one move left to do at this point. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/bbkt35sip9n81.png?width=450&format=png&auto=webp&s=0e17cb3b60e6cf5a209b411f9b8d579937e194aa + +Turn. + +And run. + +&#x200B; + +**TL;DR:** + +* **Unlike Europe, the US market for CMBS is much more uniform making it easier to set up. It’s hard to set up commercial real estate bundles across countries/jurisdictions vs. plain ol’ US states. This helps explain why the US market at one point in 2019 ($171 Billion) outpaced Europe’s ($4 Billion).** +* **CMBS bundles offer up a specific workaround for anyone who wants to pay their loan/lease off early: defeasance. Defeasance = substituting collateral A for collateral B, just like how Indiana Jones swapped out the Golden idol with a rock in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. You can defease entire CMBS loans, like the Village of Merrick Park deal did (WFRBS 2011-C3).** +* **Defeasance is meant to make the entire CMBS bundle more stable by swapping it out with a SPECIFIC type of collateral: US Treasuries.** +* **If CMBS loans are swapping out collateral like store loans (like GME) in commercial real estate, then it overcomplicates our picture of the CMBS market, especially when we know that the same Treasuries are being rehypothecated (copy pasted) into different bundles to keep them kickin. 2021 saw the biggest boost in defeasance in 13 years…and 13 years ago was 2008.** + +EDIT 3: Good call from Dr\_Gingerballs, here's a shorter thesis: + +**TL;DRx2: Treasuries are being pushed into CMBS loans not just when things go wrong short-term, but even when things go right long-term, meaning even more treasury rehypothecation is probably going on than we think including last year's ATH matching the 2008 crash.** +Hey guys, + +I am a software engineer so I have no problem in implementing trading algorithms. However, I am weak on the stats part and was wondering what the best resources are to learn stats (as it relates to algo trading). + +For example, let's say I have a hypothesis that says, natural gas prices go up when it is cold and vice-versa. I then collect the temperature data and price data. Now, I want to go about testing this hypothesis to see if it is actually true. How can I go about doing this? What is this kind of analysis called in statistics? + +Quant researchers would probably have the best answer to this question but obviously looking to hear from anyone who has insights. +Hi algotrading, I'd like to share an automated strategy I came up with that shows some promising results. I'd like to quickly just share a broad overview of the mechanics of the strategy, followed by a look at the risk and return characteristics of the strategy. I am by no means a math whiz or investing expert, so all manner of critique is more than welcome. + +# Mechanics + +The strategy is pretty brain dead simple: at the end of every year, take an index (the S&P 500 in this example), filter out a basket of high quality stocks, equal weight those stocks, and hold for one year; rinse and repeat every year. The filter is an equity screen I made that I believe crystalizes a group of companies with best-in-class management, economic moat, and financial stability while also trading at an attractive valuation. This is *not* a predictive model, I cannot tell you which of these stocks will shine, nor by how much; but I *can* say that the underlying qualities these stocks were selected for will perform strongly. The final list of stocks is equal weighted to gain equal exposure to these qualities. + +# Edit: Details missed and caught in comments + +* The portfolio holds between 25-40 stocks year over year with annual turnover of about 85% (remember though that it only trades once per year). +* The portfolio is sector neutral. +* Sortino for the total period is 1.89. + +# Performance + +To evaluate performance, I backtested this strategy using a Bloomberg Terminal for the longest time period allowed, which is December 1999 to present. In breaking down performance, I'll be showing the total return, as well as rolling five and ten year returns compared to the S&P 500. + +&#x200B; + +**Total Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/3h6pgbrx29c21.png + +https://i.redd.it/yplo6hxz29c21.jpg + +Over the 19-year period, the Strategy showed a total return of 866.3% versus 161.9% for the index with a market beta of 0.95. On a compounded annual return basis, the strategy returned about 12% per year versus 5.1% for the S&P 500. Regarding risk, the strategy showed a standard deviation of 16.3% versus 15.0% for the index. Maximum drawdown was also slightly higher for the strategy at -53.8% versus the benchmark of -47.8%. + +&#x200B; + +**Five Year Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/muwrgs7539c21.jpg + +Regarding performance over five year holding periods, the strategy has outperformed the index during every single five-year period from inception to December 2018. The degree of outperformance was most dramatic during the first five-year period, while subsequent periods cluster around an average cumulative outperformance of 39.1%, or about 7.8% per year. + +&#x200B; + +**Ten Year Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/ns4fyzb939c21.jpg + +Regarding performance over ten year holding periods, the strategy has outperformed the index during every single ten-year period from inception to December 2018 .The degree of outperformance was again most dramatic during the first ten-year period, while subsequent periods cluster around an average cumulative outperformance of 86.6%, or about 8.7% per year. + +# Bonus Round: Factor Models and Warren Buffet + +Some may be wondering how the returns look when run through various factor models. Below are the stat outputs from CAPM, Fama-French 3 Factor and Fama-French 5 Factor. For bonus points I'll also throw in a comparison to one of my favorite investors of all time, Warren Buffet. + +&#x200B; + +**CAPM** + +https://i.redd.it/2e3gex3p49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Three Factor** + +https://i.redd.it/pz0zgznu49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Five Factor** + +https://i.redd.it/8xvhdfex49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Warren Buffet** + +https://i.redd.it/cxcwpzb759c21.png + +https://i.redd.it/746t8fpf59c21.jpg +Hey algotrading. I was frustrated at not being able to find a comprehensive list of delisted stocks that wasn't either free or transparent in how the data was gathered. I am 75% done in writing an program that collects delisting data to provide a universe of tradeable stocks for analysis. I was wondering,is there any interest by you all in this data? Because I would love to share it and get some feedback when I have cleaned it all up. +So is anyone making money at this Algo trading? Why is it all I get for adverts are people trying to get me to buy "their system". If they are making so much why try an sell the snake oil? +&#x200B; + +I am looking for a broker that allows me to trade (exchange traded) Equities, Forex, Futures, Options (US, European, Asia) via an API. I am looking for a no-nonsense, "no-frills" brokerage service for experienced traders - and I'm leaning towards Interactive Brokers (because they seem to have the largest product scope - and are not interested in selling "advisory services" and other crap like that), but I can't seem to get the information I need from their website/forums etc - so here goes: + +&#x200B; + +1. Is spreadbetting and/or crypto trading possible with IB? + +2. Can I make historical market data requests through the API? + + \- US, UK, European and Asian stocks + + \- US, UK, European and Asian futures + + \- US, UK, European and Asian options + +3. How far back can these requests for historical data go (and what - if any, are additional fees for requesting said data)? + +4. In the case of Futures and options data, is the historical data resolution intraday? + +5. What fields are available in the returned data for futures and options? + + +FWIW, I'm based in the UK (regarding spreadbetting) +Hi algotrading, I'd like to share an automated strategy I came up with that shows some promising results. I'd like to quickly just share a broad overview of the mechanics of the strategy, followed by a look at the risk and return characteristics of the strategy. I am by no means a math whiz or investing expert, so all manner of critique is more than welcome. + +# Mechanics + +The strategy is pretty brain dead simple: at the end of every year, take an index (the S&P 500 in this example), filter out a basket of high quality stocks, equal weight those stocks, and hold for one year; rinse and repeat every year. The filter is an equity screen I made that I believe crystalizes a group of companies with best-in-class management, economic moat, and financial stability while also trading at an attractive valuation. This is *not* a predictive model, I cannot tell you which of these stocks will shine, nor by how much; but I *can* say that the underlying qualities these stocks were selected for will perform strongly. The final list of stocks is equal weighted to gain equal exposure to these qualities. + +# Edit: Details missed and caught in comments + +* The portfolio holds between 25-40 stocks year over year with annual turnover of about 85% (remember though that it only trades once per year). +* The portfolio is sector neutral. +* Sortino for the total period is 1.89. + +# Performance + +To evaluate performance, I backtested this strategy using a Bloomberg Terminal for the longest time period allowed, which is December 1999 to present. In breaking down performance, I'll be showing the total return, as well as rolling five and ten year returns compared to the S&P 500. + +&#x200B; + +**Total Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/3h6pgbrx29c21.png + +https://i.redd.it/yplo6hxz29c21.jpg + +Over the 19-year period, the Strategy showed a total return of 866.3% versus 161.9% for the index with a market beta of 0.95. On a compounded annual return basis, the strategy returned about 12% per year versus 5.1% for the S&P 500. Regarding risk, the strategy showed a standard deviation of 16.3% versus 15.0% for the index. Maximum drawdown was also slightly higher for the strategy at -53.8% versus the benchmark of -47.8%. + +&#x200B; + +**Five Year Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/muwrgs7539c21.jpg + +Regarding performance over five year holding periods, the strategy has outperformed the index during every single five-year period from inception to December 2018. The degree of outperformance was most dramatic during the first five-year period, while subsequent periods cluster around an average cumulative outperformance of 39.1%, or about 7.8% per year. + +&#x200B; + +**Ten Year Performance** + +https://i.redd.it/ns4fyzb939c21.jpg + +Regarding performance over ten year holding periods, the strategy has outperformed the index during every single ten-year period from inception to December 2018 .The degree of outperformance was again most dramatic during the first ten-year period, while subsequent periods cluster around an average cumulative outperformance of 86.6%, or about 8.7% per year. + +# Bonus Round: Factor Models and Warren Buffet + +Some may be wondering how the returns look when run through various factor models. Below are the stat outputs from CAPM, Fama-French 3 Factor and Fama-French 5 Factor. For bonus points I'll also throw in a comparison to one of my favorite investors of all time, Warren Buffet. + +&#x200B; + +**CAPM** + +https://i.redd.it/2e3gex3p49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Three Factor** + +https://i.redd.it/pz0zgznu49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Five Factor** + +https://i.redd.it/8xvhdfex49c21.jpg + +&#x200B; + +**Warren Buffet** + +https://i.redd.it/cxcwpzb759c21.png + +https://i.redd.it/746t8fpf59c21.jpg +I have some time to myself, and want to spend it learning trading...I was a statistics major in undergrad, and know quite a bit of R and a little Python + +Doing it on my own is fun, but are there others like me out there I could interact with and ask questions? +Hi all, + +Coming back here after a long time; 4 years in progress working on an RNN to automate Ethereum trading. The attached backtest is about 14 months worth of Eth data at hourly intervals. I am not sold on it because I have overfit backtests too many times. How can I make sure I'm not overfitting on the backtest? + +The model made a total of 40 trades, 50% win ratio but my avg win amount % per winning trade far outweighs avg loss amount per losing trade. Starting balance in the test is 2000 and ending is 4850 with coinbase pro fees accounted at .35% per trade. + +I have 2 more months of unseen data before the big drop to test on. What are some additional tests/measures that I can use to make sure this holds up in real time? + +https://preview.redd.it/2ruqonlto7891.png?width=2878&format=png&auto=webp&s=7642baa7cb80dedf68cb2f9161fdf30c38b6f7b2 +https://news.yahoo.com/employer-pay-5-250-annually-153402898.html + +According to the provision, an employer can make up to $5,250 in student loan payments for an employee within a year either directly to the employee or the student loan servicer. This money is considered tax-free, meaning that the employee doesn’t have to pay income taxes on up to $5,250. Additionally, the employer also receives a payroll tax exclusion on that amount. + +Originally intended to end in 2020, the program was extended through December 2025 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. +What are your thoughts on section8? Is it worth it? I have seen some decent numbers in the states I’m looking at. + +If you do section 8- what’s your screening criteria? I’m sure it’s different than regular? Or is it not? + +I have a rental I’m thinking about trying it on but want some advice. + +Thanks guys +Hello, + +I am an unemployed(self quit), US residing accredited investor(per Investopedia), and currently have one mortgage for a primary residence. + +I'm trying to get into rental properties, but I've been told by my current mortgage provider that the best to way get additional mortgage for investment property is by having 6+months work history(via W-2). + +What options do I have when it comes to getting additional mortgages? + +Thanks! +I’m being told that I can’t see the hoa financial statements unless I’m an owner. But I don’t feel comfortable buying until I know what state the hoa’s finances are in. Do people really buy condos without knowing if the hoa budget is stable?? +My brother is trying to help me with buying a car so I can easily move around the city this winter. I recently moved to Canada and I have struggled to adapt to the weather here. He gave me some money as a Christmas present with the condition that I use it to buy a specific car model that he thinks is a great value. I was very happy for it and grateful for the great brother that I have. The problem is that the amount of taxes and insurance that I would have to pay for the car ($2000 CAD ) in taxes and (~$500 CAD monthly ) in insurance is excessive for me  and it will consume almost all my already low savings (because of me been laid of during peak covid). I really don't feel comfortable with no saving and I would barely afford the monthly insurance which is extremely high for newcomers in Toronto, so I won't have much left for my savings account. I would love to use the money for my apartment instead since I still don't have all the furniture but my brother is convinced that a car would be very helpful for me and that he gave me the money for a car and not my apartment. I don't want to be ungrateful so I don't know what to do.  +I just got social engineered and all the stuff in my GameStop wallet taken. Go to GameStop Wallet and look up - ChongNeeradi (0x317d5276f18030a688d61a65c0046948f6f2253e).... Clearly this person is going around and taking everything of value from others and transferring it to themselves. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS? Can GameStop block the account or what? + +Link to ChongNeeradi - check out the History section... Entire sections of assists being dumped into their account. + +[https://nft.gamestop.com/user/ChongNeeradi?tab=owned](https://nft.gamestop.com/user/ChongNeeradi?tab=owned) + +&#x200B; + +EDIT: This was my fault - (at)GameStopNFT is the real twitter address and anything else is a scam. Now I'm gonna disconnect and wallow away the weekend thinking of how stupid I was. Fuck. + +&#x200B; + +EDIT EDIT: Wow, this blew up. I posted after work yesterday and then shutdown for the weekend... Well the SCAMMER doesn't like the attention this has given them. They've changed their user name to CRUST, changed my old wallet user name, and unfortunately have scammed 2 more people since me yesterday. They also SELL the stolen NFT's and someone just bought one from them. Here's a new link to their profile - [https://nft.gamestop.com/user/CRUST?tab=history](https://nft.gamestop.com/user/CRUST?tab=history) I've reported this to GameStop Blockchain and will update once there is an update. I'm also working with someone else who knows more about blockchain and they said that they will dive deeper into the transaction history and such. Sorry for a lame update but please - DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH WALLET address 0x317d5276f18030a688d61a65c0046948f6f2253e +As a traditional investor, 10% return over a year is considered "good". That's right, an entire fucking year for a tiny 10%. I have held stocks for fucking years waiting for the market to catch up. You think 4 months will make me paperhand? I don’t care how long this takes, months, years or even decades. Ken Griffin is already 52 years old and believe you me when I say I’m a lot younger. Let’s see who out lasts who, eh? + +Note: I don’t personally think the squeeze will take that long. I think it’ll happen towards the end of May, but I just want to let everyone know that 4 months is fucking peanuts compared to the wait investments usually need to pay off. Put things into perspective. +Back in January when GME was going crazy my life was doing just the same. My sleep schedule was non existent. I spent all day looking at the ticker and all night reading every post on here. Then they dropped the price to $40 and I went and focused on the rest of my portfolio. Life went back to normal for the most part. Then here comes the end of March and GME is going crazy again and so is my life. Sleep was non existent and again all day reading DDs and looking at memes and the ticker. + +Now, I'm over it. I know the DD is solid. I know they haven't covered and no matter what I read it changes nothing at all. If the ticker isn't sky rocketing then I don't care. My life has gone back to normal but I think this is where the hedgies fucked up. They dragged this out so long that I no longer expect to get rich tomorrow so now I can go about my normal day to day activities not expecting anything. I know the DD is solid so I feel comfortable buying more shares every chance I get and more importantly price drops don't affect me in the least. Shit I wish it went back down to $40 I'd sell my 3rd nut to buy more. + +So here I am raising my hand 🙋 who else feels the same way? + +👐🤦‍♂️👐🚀🌕 +It’s the same thing Monday-Friday. They spend 10-15 minutes every couple hours talking about popular names on this sub in such a condescending way. I’ve been trying to figure out what their end goal is with this narrative. + +For example, this morning Cramer was talking about how “redditors” don’t understand what a rotation is and will hold securities for too long hoping for Cathie to buy more, like seriously? What does that even mean? So they’re not supposed to have long term views on investments now? + +Then they go on a spiel about how mall’s will make a comeback and people should consider investing now. They could not be more out of touch. + +Does anyone else feel like it’s unwatchable when they do these segments? +I don't know about you, but I haven't bought pizza hut in about 10 years, and I don't know anyone who has. I am not saying they have zero sales, clearly they still have some buyers, but my general sense is this is a poorly performing business. + +Pizza Hut is currently owned by Allegra Capital, who are "mulling" an IPO, see [https://qsrmedia.com.au/legal/news/pizza-hut-australia-owners-mull-ipo-report](https://qsrmedia.com.au/legal/news/pizza-hut-australia-owners-mull-ipo-report) + +I would say it's likely they have already decided to IPO, the question is when. + +So far so good, a mediocre business, that would perhaps IPO for a mediocre price. + +However, over the past 6 months pizza hut have been running a series of dubious promotional offers, effectively giving away large volumes of free or half price pizza, a tactic which is generally considered self-defeating and economically pointless, e.g. + +[https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/625927](https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/625927) + +I am suspect this is a classic case of cooking the books. You redirect your marketing budget away from longer term brand building activity, e.g. stop running tv ads, and into short term, loss making promotional offers, which drives immediate sales growth, inflating that quarter's sales in an unsustainable way. + +This is pretty similar to what happened at Dick Smith prior to IPO, with stock dumped at lower than cost price to inflate sales, depleting inventory, but boosting their sales and apparent cashflow, and we all know how that turned out. + +I am not saying this is certainly what is happening with Pizza Hut, but I would suggest a great deal of caution if they do IPO and tout their great digital sales trajectory. +ie in jobs where you have a contract for say 20 hours and are paid hourly. + +Know of a case where someone is left in an awkward position when it’s time to clock off, where they have to work overtime (they can’t leave and drop everything) and when they raise the issue they are threatened with under performance or being performance managed. They do no get paid for the overtime either. (it as if the employer is looking for free work by lumping more work onto their shoulders and then issuing threats of performance management) + +Any advice what they can do? Should they just drop everything and leave at their contracted finish time? + +Or is it reasonable and legal for someone paid hourly to work unpaid over-time? + +Cheers +For the two-thirds of households that own their home, with or without a mortgage, the prospect of surging house prices must be a pleasant distraction from COVID-19 case counts. + +Too bad for the other growing third, which will shortly find it much harder to buy one. + +Labor might have picked the wrong time to consider dumping the controversial set of negative gearing and capital tax changes it took to the 2019 federal election. + +When Chris Bowen announced a plan to stop interest costs being written off against wage and salary income back in 2016, potentially giving a leg-up to first-time home buyers, every pet shop galah was talking about housing affordability, or lack thereof. + +The share of 35-year-olds who owned homes had fallen steadily from 70 per cent in the mid-1980s to around half. The ratio of dwelling prices to income was among the highest in the world. + +By the time the election came around, the economy was stagnating and prices were falling — a risky time to tamper with time-honoured tax principles, the ­Coalition successfully argued. + +If younger and less well off households were struggling to get a foot on the housing ladder pre-COVID, it’s about to get much harder. Even if you didn’t lose your job, or a big chunk of your income in 2020, dwelling prices are set to soar, experts say. Westpac has pencilled in capital city house ­price increases of 10 per cent both this year and next. + +The Reserve Bank’s promise of ultra low interest rates for longer has induced a tidal wave of home lending that will push prices higher still. Loans worth $26bn were granted in December alone, 30 per cent higher than a year earlier. + +Beyond Homebuilder, which has given about 90,000 ­middle-class Australians a $25,000 or $15,000 subsidy to buy, build or renovate a home, the federal government has ignored the problem. + +Josh Frydenberg last week said home ownership “was the most important factor in alleviating hardship in retirement” but not seemingly important enough to respond to the retirement income review. That report, finished in Nov­ember, clearly implied that siphon­ing more money out of workers’ pay packets would make home ownership harder, yet the superannuation charge is on track to rise to 10 per cent on July 1. + +NSW has talked a lot about land tax reform, which would alleviate buyers from having to fork out exorbitant sums on stamp study, without setting a start date. + +Despite the clamour to get into the market — auction clearance rates are above 90 per cent — those who miss out might be lucky after all. Immigration has collapsed, birth rates are set to plunge, and rents are down. That’s not an obvious recipe for a price boom. + +ADAM CREIGHTON, ECONOMICS EDITOR + +https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/little-foundation-to-housing-boom/news-story/19ea46c3aac601f4b88ccbe82e201270 +I believe VGS has around 1500 stocks while VT has nearly 9000. For true diversification across the global, by countries’s market capitalisation is only captured by VT I believe. + +Can someone please throw more light on it? + +I am seeing lots of recommendations of VGS in this sub. +The temporary insolvency laws allowing businesses to effectively run as mini (Or perhaps not so small, we will see) Christopher Skase's and continue trading while insolvent come to a close tomorrow. +There seems to be a lack of news or media about this and with the huge decline over baseline levels of insolvency nationwide since the exemptions were passed I am left wondering just how many businesses big and small are going to declare they are belly up over the next few months? + +While smaller businesses being liquidated will hurt their owners, communities and a small percent of the workforce, I wonder just how many larger operators, like say some of the major travel operators will be in a position to continue after this kicks in midnight tomorrow. +Just how do you think this will affect the markets and the economy in general? Will we perhaps see a domino effect as businesses declare bankruptcy and take down their suppliers with them? +People don’t seem to realize the true value of data. It’s literally the main thing powering all media platforms. + +Companies like Google and Facebook use personal data to tune their ad display algorithms to try target the largest audience they can. + +What’s stopping us from taking full control over that data? This is exactly why I’m so bullish on Ocean protocol and other similar projects working on creating a completely decentralized data platform. + +The more we see similar projects launching the more we’ll be able to put pressure on these big tech companies taking advantage of us. +I was thinking about researching a bunch of random coins just to expand my knowledge on the space, as well as the potential to finding some gems out there. The idea hit me that I should ask reddit what their favorite coins are. To make it that I actually do the research, ill try my best to research each coin in the comments and give my thoughts on them. I will not however research any shitcoins, meme coins, food coins, or anything that looks like a blatant scam! Now please tell all about your favorite coins! + +&#x200B; + +Edit: It will take a while(weeks, if not months), but I will do my best to reply to each and every comment :) + + +Edit 2: What im giving here is just my personal opinion and by no means am I a crypto expert. Im just your average guy who is very much into crypto. Please don't take my opinions to the bank as I am a flawed human being and could objectively be wrong on my points. DYOR at the end of the day. Im just doing this for fun. + + +Edit 3: I will only reply to a coin once. +Love this subreddit! + +It's time this country acknowledge that the path to financial stability when you are from the bottom is different from the path those in the middle take. When you are from the bottom you WILL make mistakes. So since this subreddit is about building and sharing let us play a game to hopefully help out others like us + + +Name: + +1) Name one financial mistake you made + +2) The way you overcame it + +3) And your recommend way of over coming the mistake (dont cop out by saying never getting in the situation in the first place or just saying "paid the bill".. this is about overcoming) + + + +For example mine; + +1) Bought a car that although I could afford months later I really wished I had not.. I wasnt happy with my purchase not the financing.. Also found out I paid too much.. This is after doing months of research. + +2) I made the payments by renting cheap and luckily had a girlfriend to split living expenses. + +3) varies depending on situation + +Young person starting out, only need acar for work and doesnt want to keep it- lease. + +Everybody else, a good used car 5-9k range. Use make model plan will vary but if you can get 5 reliable years out of it and pay it off in 3 then you win. + + +Edit: Why is this getting down voted... do people not want others to learn from their mistakes? + +Edit: typos +From what I can tell, it seems to be an upgrade of BitCoin? + +SegWit is not activated until 75% of miners approve?? + +SegWit performance will have significant impact on Bitcoin, Lit Coin, and ETH price?... + +What is going on and what could happen? +I purchased a few Ethereum at around 2700 when it was on its major bull run. However, like many others I got too invested (quite literally) in the run that I purchased a couple more during its peak at 4k thinking that it would hit 5k. As we all know it has been on a bearish rut for a while now and I am aware that ETH 2.0 is coming out real soon but I just can't help but think if maybe I shouldn't hodl. I still have hope for ETH and a new all time high is inevitable but I am currently down well over 5k in total losses. This only intimidates me due to my average ETH being at such a high price ($3400) and I am hearing some news that it will not reach anywhere near this price for months or even years to come. I am getting mixed advice from others with some saying I should hodl while others saying to take the losses and buy back in during the dips. My question for all my fellow Etherians is the same. In my situation, do you feel hodling is my best bet or should I take my losses and buy back in? +DigixDAO value is pegged to the price of gold, as far as I understand. + +What makes this asset a good long term hold? Wouldn't the upside be determined by gold price? + +Not criticizing, just trying to understand. +So there is this thing called the [scalability trilemma](https://multicoin.capital/2018/02/23/models-scaling-trustless-computation/). It says that there is an inherent tradeoff between the three defining properties a blockchain has: distributed block production, safety, scalability. + +EOS is a dPoS blockchain which sacrifices much of it's distributed block production properties (decentralization) for its scalability (which is high). So we have a blockchain which has only 21 block producing nodes but has high vertical scalability. This as a root blockchain for various ecosystem which attach to it like Plasma subchains, state channels, decentralized supercomputers (golem), stablecoins (maker) and things like [Loom](https://medium.com/loom-network/loom-network-plasma-5e86caaadef2) doesn't make much sense. It's a weak foundation because we might see cartels and plutocracy like structures evolve around those 21 block producing entities. Those unfavorable structures directly affect every ecosystem on top. + +But you can use the EOS consensus and security model inside a plasma chain or loom chains, so u get the scalability without sacrificing decentralization. When Plasma-like system become fraudulent we just exit it through the Ethereum main chain. + +My point is: the deeper we go into the blockchain stack the more important things like censorship resistance and cartel resistance becomes. We should trade decentralization for scalabilty on higher level subchains but we should absolutely not do that at the foundational layer. With Plasma like systems we can make the decentralization properties available to ecosystems that attach to it (for exactly that reason!) + +**Tl;dr:** EOS like systems which sacrifice decentralization for scalability don't make much sense as a bottom layer blockchain but are perfect for achieving scalability in higher level subsystems like Plasma, Loom etc. Subsystems inherit decentralization properties with Plasma like systems through an exit mechanism and can comfortably trade scalability for decentralization. EOS dPoS as consensus for Plasma rocks. +Welcome to the **/r/EthTrader** Daily Discussion thread. The thread guidelines are as follows: +*** + +- Discussion topics include, but are not limited to, general discussion, details related to events of the day, technical analysis, and minor questions. +- Important content should be posted as a separate thread. +- Be excellent to each other. + +*** + +Thank you in advance for your participation. Enjoy! +Backstory. I’m a 21 year old single mom to a two year old. I’m not really looking for judgement on that because, trust me I know, but I can’t go back in time and to be honest, cheesy as it sounds my daughter is really what motivates me for everything. + +I was raised in poverty. My dad was a single dad who has *never* had a job minus four years in the military. He lived off his mother until she passed away and now lives off benefits he gets for his veteran status. As poor as I am now, I currently make more than my family did growing up which says a lot. + +I was with my daughter’s dad until she was six months old. He decided to literally beat me in front of her and I decided I wasn’t raising her in front of that and left. I lived with my dad for about six months after. I’ve had no contact with her dad since. + +I applied to an LVN program a month after I left because I’ve always been interested in nursing and felt like I could get through 11 months with my current income, but two years for an RN wouldn’t work. My plan is to bridge once I’m more stable. + +Anyways, I got accepted and started last January. I work about 30 hours a week at my current job, making $12.25 an hour. I’m in school 40 hours a week. I do not have days off, two total for the past three months. + +My daughter and I live alone in a shitty one-bedroom apartment. My dad’s place was not safe for a child and I know no responsible adults to roommate with, and I’m not comfortable finding a stranger to live with. Most of my income goes towards rent but I make enough for bills, groceries, and diapers so that’s fine for now. I cook every meal we eat, which is usually some variation of chicken, rice, and beans. I hand wash our laundry a few times a week. + +The entire length of the program, I’ve had a thought in the back of my head that SOMETHING would come up and I wouldn’t be able to finish. But I finish in the beginning of November. I’ve realized how close I am now. My job has already offered me a position starting at $20 an hour once I finish. I know that’s not a lot of money compared to a lot of Reddit’s demographics but that is a HUGE jump for me. The idea is starting to freak me out. + +Has anybody here experienced a huge lifestyle change? Making that much money means I might be able to soon live in a two-bedroom apartment with a laundry facility on site. I might be able to afford gymnastics for my daughter. I might be able to afford a car. But I’m currently making more than I ever have in my life, it’s terrifying because I don’t know anything other than being dirt fucking poor. +JK its 422.532 miles or 680 KM + +This would be better than the current 400KM they have essentially. + +https://electrek.co/2020/08/12/tesla-researchers-show-path-next-gen-battery-cell-breakthrough-energy-density/ + +For the WSB's who don't understand this, HLD TSLA +Hello! I've been interested in the stock market for a while now but I don't really know who to learn of or what to learn of so I'm here to ask if anyone knows any book recommendations? I don't have the most money right now so I can't buy books that are too pricey but anything is appreciated! +They’re deliberately misspelling the name so that anything posted on Twitter by our special apes is misdirected. + +We must report/downvote any misspellings! Also, report anything that mentions any personal threats towards him - they’re doing this to paint Reddit as the bad guys and potentially take legal action. +I'm an OG reddit retard (yes, I know this is a new account, see the account name). I hang around in a lot of the big subs, niche subs, and stock subs. I'm going to try and keep track of these things I'm seeing moving forward and build a link database, but just today with some casual browsing I've noticed front page topics on various subs discussing market collapse and/or impending socioeconomic issues. + +/r/nottheonion + +/r/news + +/r/politics + +/r/collapse (duh, that's what they're all about) + +/r/sales (When the money hungry salespeople are getting nervous, you know something's up. These folks are pretty cool though + +/r/ABoringDystopia + +/r/investing (they don't like me because I argue with them, but they see tremors in the water) + +/r/WhitePeopleTwitter (They're kind of like /r/collapse. That's just kinda what they do, but it's popping up more and more) + + +Point being, social sentiment definitely *feels* that something is happening even if they can't put the whole picture together. + +What does it mean? I dunno. I just like to invest in companies I believe in. I'll see if I can grab some of the thread links and turn it into something useful over the next few days. One thing I've noticed is that while the undertones were always there amongst many of these subs, the concerned financial topics are gaining a lot more interest as of late. + +Have a good night, and I'll be up with the rest of the people that like the stock to check pre-market. West Coast best coast. +I am not retired yet. Still 10-15 years off. But i often wonder what paying myself using my investments will look like. Currently i am payed monthly, wife paid bi weekly. And i settle the budget monthly. Ill be using realistic-ish numbers for myself in my examples. + +Do you pay yourself monthly? Do you withdraw 4k every month. And live on it? + +Do you take out 50k in January and just dwindle it down through the year? + +Do you just put everything on a CC and then withdrawl the balance for the payment every month? +*This is* ***NOT*** *financial advice! This is for educational purposes only!* *^(never thought i'd ever get to say that)* + +# Algorand History + +Algorand was founded in 2017 by MIT Professor, computer scientist, reincarnation of christ, Silvio Micali. He's been in the cryptography game for a long time and is known for + +* Blum-Micali Algorithm +* Goldwasser-Micali Cryptosystem +* GMR Algorithm +* Zero knowledge proofs +* Claw-free permutation +* Psuedorandom Functions +* Peppercoin +* Algorand +* Semantic Security +* Verifiable secret sharing + +that's quite a list. + +In June 2019 the Algorand Foundation launched the mainnet and announced the first token sale. Algorand was the first blockchain to provide instant transaction finality! + +The Algorand team consists of more brilliant people including + +* Steve Kokinos, CEO -- Before Algorand, Steve was the CEO of Fuze, global enterprise communications platform. +* W. Sean Ford, COO -- Before Algorand, he was the CMO at LogMeIn. Another Sean’s executive roles included CMO and COO of Zmags, CMO of Syncsort, and others +* Keli Callaghan, Head of Marketing -- Had a collaborative marketing partnership with Microsoft nd other roles + +and probably many more. + +&#x200B; + +**Peppercoin** + +Now this doesn't have much to do with Algorand itself but this was something I stumbled upon. + +>Peppercoin is a cryptographic system for processing micropayments. Peppercoin Inc. was a company that offers services based on the peppercoin method. +> +>The peppercoin system was developed by Silvio Micali and Ron Rivest and first presented at the RSA Conference in 2002\[1\] (although it had not yet been named.) The core idea is to bill one randomly selected transaction a lump sum of money rather than bill each transaction a small amount. It uses "universal aggregation", which means that it aggregates transactions over users, merchants as well as payment service providers. The random selection is cryptographically secure—it cannot be influenced by any of the parties. It is claimed to reduce the transaction cost per dollar from 27 cents to "well below 10 cents."\[2\] +> +>Peppercoin, Inc. was a privately held company founded in late 2001 by Micali and Rivest based in Waltham, MA. It has secured about $15M in venture capital in two rounds of funding.\[3\]\[4\] Its services have seen modest adoption.\[5\]\[6\] Peppercoin collects 5-9% of transaction cost from the merchant.\[7\] Peppercoin, Inc. was bought out in 2007 by Chockstone for an undisclosed amount.\[4\] + +# Why choose Algorand? + +Algorand's mission is to create a borderless economy through a permissionless blockchain. + +The Algorand protocol is designed for speed & decentralization. The developers have been able to to finalize blocks in just one round of voting. This means that transactions are finalized instantly and that the Algorand blockchain can handle 1000 transactions with a latency of 5 seconds. + +Algorand uses a form of the Byzantine Agreement (Pure Proof of Stake) for their consensus. This means that if more than 2/3 of the network is honest then the network will be secure. Participants do not need to be synchronized on the Algorand blockchain in order to keep the blockchain secure. This way the protocol can stay safe during network partitions without an end in sight. This near-instant recovery from partitions makes it expensive for an attacker to stall the network since the attacker would need to frequently pay the cost for disrupting the network. + +&#x200B; + +[Algorand Consensus Mechanism](https://preview.redd.it/iv2kfd8hp5n71.jpg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb304286c9cd0bdb661fc56f505e7ed5fb2d4dbb) + +On top of that, the Algorand blockchain doesn't fork which ensures it is always fast and stable. + +The Algorand blockchain has two sets of nodes to achieve their high transaction throughput + +* Relay Nodes -- Relay nodes are where other nodes can connect to, as a relay node you need to be able to handle a large number of connections at a time. You are the "connecting point" for other nodes. +* Participation nodes -- A participation node participates in the Algorand Consensus protocol, participation nodes are eligible and available to be selected to propose blocks to the blockchain. + +To keep up with a large amount of nodes, Algorand has developed their own mechanism based on VRF (Verifiable Random Functions, ^(Chainlink brings VRF to ETH!)). This solution allows a participant to check privately and see if they have been selected to participate in agreement for the next block, and then include proof of selection in their network messages. + +The Algorand protocol doesn't require users to keep anything secret other than their private keys, this allows for re-choosing participants very quick as users don't have to do anything. + +# Ecosystem + +The Algorand ecosystem is still very small but there have recently been a bunch of projects popping up that are working on Algorand, some of these are: + +* Yieldly -- Algorand's first DeFi suite +* [Lofty.ai](https://Lofty.ai) \-- Tokenized real estate(they send NFT's as proof of ownership on Algorand) +* Tinyman -- DEX & AMM currently in testnet +* Algobank -- Lending & borrowing on Algorand, in development + +Here are some more participants in the Algorand ecosystem + +&#x200B; + +*Processing img p1cbs4uer5n71...* + +&#x200B; + +*Processing img dyc1arpgr5n71...* + +&#x200B; + +*Processing img 0tij4usir5n71...* + +&#x200B; + +*Processing img 6dgpilhlr5n71...* + +# Tokenomics + +A lot of people have been criticizing Algorand's tokenomics. They did a large VC sale at the beginning of the project and for a while this surpressed the price of Algorand as everytime the coin pumped there'd be massive sell offs. Since then they have changed their vesting model & even set up a [$300M fund for DeFi applications](https://smartliquidity.info/2021/09/10/algorand-aims-to-attract-defi-builders-with-300m-fund/). + +Other than that, currently most people hold Algorand to stake and get a 5% APY automatically. With the limited amount of applications on Algorand not many ALGO is getting used in transactions. + +**General Stats (data is accurate as per writing this post)** + +* **Price (USD):** $2.41 +* **Marketcap (USD):** $12,619,507,700 +* **Circulating supply:** 5,232,848,288 +* **Total supply:** 5,771,636,648 +* **Max supply:** 10,000,000,000 + +*The difference between circulating and total supply means that there is Algo locked up for a period of time. These Algo's are in "circulation" but cannot be used/sold/accessed as they are locked (e.x VC's had their tokens locked for* ***X*** *amount of time)* + +Read more about tokenomics here: [Algorand Economic Evolution Report](https://prismic-io.s3.amazonaws.com/algorandfoundationv2/dcbe6c89-251a-41b3-9c78-23d8ecabd6c1_Algo+Economic+Evolution+Report+Sept+2021.PDF) + +# Sources + +Ofcourse I don't know all of this of the top of my head! + +* [https://algorand.foundation/](https://algorand.foundation/) +* [https://guarda.com/academy/crypto/what-is-algorand-review](https://guarda.com/academy/crypto/what-is-algorand-review/#algorand-history-in-brief) +* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvio\_Micali](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silvio_Micali) +* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppercoin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppercoin) +* [https://www.coinbureau.com/review/algorand-algo/](https://www.coinbureau.com/review/algorand-algo/) +* [https://www.undervalued.top/cryptocurrency-reviews/algorand-review](https://www.undervalued.top/cryptocurrency-reviews/algorand-review) +* [https://reviewmr.com/algorand-review/](https://reviewmr.com/algorand-review/) +* [https://cryptoandfire.com/algorand-review/](https://cryptoandfire.com/algorand-review/) +* [https://exchangesoftware.info/algorand-review-algo-worth-it-everythin-you-need-to-know/](https://exchangesoftware.info/algorand-review-algo-worth-it-everythin-you-need-to-know/) +* [https://developer.algorand.org/docs/run-a-node/setup/types/](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/run-a-node/setup/types/) +* [https://developer.algorand.org/docs/run-a-node/participate/](https://developer.algorand.org/docs/run-a-node/participate/) +Hey all! Switching up my strategy for 2020, getting back into dividend payers. On my watch list it seems only NTR is at a 52 w low, pretty much everyone else are hitting or close to their 52 w highs. Any other quality picks at 52w lows atm? +Hey all! I am 22 years old and I've been researching on ARK lately and looking at their holdings, reading fact sheets and all and I really like their vision and I sense a long-term good growth for the ETF's they offer. Now I know people usually say try to go for ETF's listed on TSX but given that I want to hold ARK ETF's for 20 years minimum and focusing mainly on capital appreciation rather than dividends, is it a good plan to go for it? Of course ARK ETF's won't be 100% of my portfolio but I am planning to hold a portion of my portfolio dedicated to ARK and then all others would be ones listed on TSX. Note: It will be on TFSA, I know it's subject to foreign withholding tax with US listed ETF holding international equities but as I said, I'm looking for capital appreciation not dividends for ARK. +I’m wondering if anyone here can shed some light on something for me? I want to transfer my RRSP from Wealthsimple Invest to Trade, where I’ll obviously have to manage it myself. I’m planning to go all in on XEQT as I have a 20+ year timeframe. I’m fairly new to investing so I apologize if this is a dumb question, but as I get closer to retirement and my risk tolerance changes, how would I go about rebalancing my portfolio? + +Would I sell some XEQT and buy some bonds? Or would I gradually stop buying XEQT and start buying more bonds over time? Does trading stocks/ETFs within an RRSP account have any affect on contribution room, or have any tax implications to be aware of? +Hey there, I have a question regarding capital gains. Lets say I am buying/selling stocks in a non-registered account. A year after purchasing I sell a stock and realize the gain and the money is still in my investment account. Do I have to claim the gain on my income even if I do not withdraw the money or do I still claim it even if I choose to reinvest the gain, never leaving the investment account? +Recently transferred my investments to investors edge and I can't for the life of me figure out where to go to setup drip? Can this be done on the webpage or app? Kind of a pain in the butt if I have to phone them to do so +I know saving is hard. It seems like the Monday after payday all our hard earned checks are gone. If you happen to work for a company with 401(k) and they match a percentage please take advantage. Even if it's only 3%. The earlier we start the better and the next best time to start after yesterday is today. Some people may believe that a Roth IRA is a better option however this is just an easy way to get paid to save if it's available to you without much research/time/energy on your part +A lot of people here are wondering if the equity bubble is going to burst but you're failing to realize it already has in many aspects of the market. High flier mid-small caps are all down over 50% + from their highs in an extremely short period of time and the only equities left are large caps which will be the last to fall. The only reason we haven't seen this bubble burst in a similar fashion to 2000 is that the large caps which make up the majority of indexes are barely holding up even though they are over valued. + +Here are some example of stocks this sub loved before and they've now gotten obliterated. + +PLTR - 70% from it's highs + +PYPL - 66% from it's highs + +NFLX - 43% from it's highs + +SQ - 65% from it's highs + +NVDA - 28%, MUCH more to come + +And there is a lot more. + +The bubble has already burst in most places just some of the large caps are left. + +Good luck everyone. +[https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/20/tesla-tsla-earnings-q1-2022.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/20/tesla-tsla-earnings-q1-2022.html) + +&#x200B; + +[Tesla](https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/TSLA) reported earnings after the bell. Here are the results. + +* **Earnings per share:** $3.22 vs $2.26 expected +* **Revenue:** $18.76 billion vs $17.80 billion expected + +Shares rose as much as 5% in after-hours trading. + +Automotive revenue reached $16.86 billion, up 87% from the same period last year. Automotive gross margins jumped to 32.9% with Tesla reporting gross profit of $5.54 billion in its main segment. Regulatory credits accounted for $679 million of automotive revenue for the quarter. +Hello, r/fi + +I had posted this earlier and then removed it as I thought that it sounded too boastful. I’m just sharing to feel included. I can’t tell this to anyone I know IRL so sharing here with people who maybe understand some of this. + +Yesterday was rebalance day, I got rid of some funds and simplified my portfolio a bit and also reallocated some cash and bonds towards equity, and, found that for the first time in my life I have more than 500k in the markets. + +I’m also almost half of the way there with my goal. So it warrants a milestone post. + +I feel a bit queasy at this milestone. I don’t know if this is good or bad or if it will pass. People with larger sums in the markets, does the anxiousness go away? + +Im a regular 35 something software engineer drone at a megacorp. Job is a drag but pays well. I’m in the eu so all numbers are in EUR and represent the combined assets of me and my wife. + +I Started 8 years ago with less than 10k. + +2010-2013 + +Got introduced to r/fi and read the ERE book. +Saved on average 50k and got rid of expensive stuff and hobbies, got into minimalism for a bit and lived in extreme simplicity. + +This period was the most frugal I have ever been. Lived with one pair of jeans and only wore swag, ate at campus, packed food to home didn’t go out or on dates etc etc. found a likeminded woman so was easy to not go on expensive dates or vacations. + +2014-2015 + +Got married and became a bit more reasonable about expenses, income doubled with combined finances and frugal lifestyle. Saved about 70k per year(we decided to live within one income and saved the other). I bought a small studio, which is now completely paid off. + + +2016-2017 + +I got lucky with a startup exit and got a 300k pay off. Also started saving about 80k from regular salary plus bonus each year. + +2018 + +A bonus and Some stock sale round up the numbers. Total 800k. Equity:500k + +I’ve not spent a single day when I don’t worry about not making it to the FI number. Or what the number should be. I worry about the value of stocks and the interest rates and macroeconomics and the trillions of QE by ECB and FED and what it means for my next 50 years. I worry about my peers who seem to be grinning endlessly about some joke that I don’t understand. + +Thanks for reading. + +Numbers: https://imgur.com/a/pIGUVpO +Any wrinkly brains already on this? Possible connections with Credit Suisse? The one I found is with VFVA. However I did notice Citadel bought close to the bottom in May 2020 and UBS 03/20 and sold near top around 02/21. +This is your safe place for questions on financial careers, homework problems and finance in general. No question in the finance domain is unwelcome. + +Replies are expected to be constructive and civil. + +Any questions about your *personal* finances belong in /r/PersonalFinance, and career-seekers are encouraged to also visit /r/FinancialCareers. +Could someone please explain the rationale behind negative interest rates in layman terms? I have a really hard time understanding why would anybody pay to take the risk of loaning money to someone else. +We've all been hearing (for quite some time now) about Apple's large amount of cash-on-hand. I've seen tons of articles talking about all the things/entities that they could buy in cash if they wanted to. Its almost as if Apple is bragging about how much cash they have. + +Maybe I'm missing something, but isn't this a bad thing...? Isn't there a reason why we use discount rates when valuing future cash flows (because there is a time value of money)? I don't understand why it would be good for Apple to have tons of cash-on-hand rather than investing it. Someone please explain this to me... + +**TL;DR Why would it be good for Apple to have tons of cash-on-hand?** +It seems like the argument is that short term volatility should not have a bearing on long term (years and years) price predictions. + +Do we see these "wildly inappropriate values" in warrants or LEAPs or is it just in the 15-20 year put options sold by Berkshire (as described on [page 16 of the 2007 annual report [PDF]](http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2007ar/2007ar.pdf)) + +[exact quote from 2010 annual report [PDF], page 21](http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2010ar/2010ar.pdf) + +>**Both Charlie and I believe that Black-Scholes produces wildly inappropriate values when applied to long-dated options.** We set out one absurd example in these pages two years ago. More tangibly, we put our money where our mouth was by entering into our equity put contracts. By doing so, we implicitly asserted that the Black-Scholes calculations used by our counterparties or their customers were faulty. + +>We continue, nevertheless, to use that formula in presenting our financial statements. Black-Scholes is the accepted standard for option valuation – almost all leading business schools teach it – and we would be +accused of shoddy accounting if we deviated from it. Moreover, we would present our auditors with an insurmountable problem were we to do that: They have clients who are our counterparties and who use Black-Scholes values for the same contracts we hold. It would be impossible for our auditors to attest to the accuracy of both their values and ours were the two[sic] far apart. + +>Part of the appeal of Black-Scholes to auditors and regulators is that it produces a precise number. Charlie and I can’t supply one of those. We believe the true liability of our contracts to be far lower than that calculated by Black-Scholes, but we can’t come up with an exact figure – anymore than we can come up with a precise value for GEICO, BNSF, or for Berkshire Hathaway itself. Our inability to pinpoint a number doesn’t +bother us: We would rather be approximately right than precisely wrong. + +The "absurd example" is on [page 20 of the 2008 annual report [PDF]](http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/2008ar/2008ar.pdf) + +>So let’s postulate that we sell a 100- year $1 billion put option on the S&P 500 at a strike price of 903 (the index’s level on 12/31/08). Using the implied volatility assumption for long-dated contracts that we do, and combining that with appropriate interest and dividend assumptions, we would find the “proper” Black-Scholes premium for this contract to be $2.5 million. + +>To judge the rationality of that premium, we need to assess whether the S&P will be valued a century from now at less than today. Certainly the dollar will then be worth a small fraction of its present value (at only +2% inflation it will be worth roughly 14¢). So that will be a factor pushing the stated value of the index higher. Far more important, however, is that one hundred years of retained earnings will hugely increase the value of most of the companies in the index. In the 20th Century, the Dow-Jones Industrial Average increased by about +175-fold, mainly because of this retained-earnings factor. + + +>Considering everything, I believe the probability of a decline in the index over a one-hundred-year period to be far less than 1%. But let’s use that figure and also assume that the most likely decline – should one +occur – is 50%. Under these assumptions, the mathematical expectation of loss on our contract would be $5 million ($1 billion X 1% X 50%). + +>But if we had received our theoretical premium of $2.5 million up front, we would have only had to invest it at 0.7% compounded annually to cover this loss expectancy. Everything earned above that would have been profit. Would you like to borrow money for 100 years at a 0.7% rate? +Let’s look at my example from a worst-case standpoint. Remember that 99% of the time we would pay nothing if my assumptions are correct. But even in the worst case among the remaining 1% of possibilities – that +is, one assuming a total loss of $1 billion – our borrowing cost would come to only 6.2%. Clearly, either my assumptions are crazy or the formula is inappropriate. + +>The ridiculous premium that Black-Scholes dictates in my extreme example is caused by the inclusion of volatility in the formula and by the fact that volatility is determined by how much stocks have moved around +in some past period of days, months or years. This metric is simply irrelevant in estimating the probabilityweighted range of values of American business 100 years from now. (Imagine, if you will, getting a quote every day on a farm from a manic-depressive neighbor and then using the volatility calculated from these changing quotes as an important ingredient in an equation that predicts a probability-weighted range of values for the farm a century from now.) + +My main role is now in research and strategy development. The majority of trading is quantitative and automated, ranges between high-mid frequency, and targets equities, but we have consistently growing volume in other asset classes. + +Ask me anything, I might answer. +Hey guys, let me first thank you for reading this. + +I am currently a computer engineering student about to graduate with a minor in math and a focus on software. I have found though that without being applied somewhere, software design can get tedious and old, so I have began to look for specific applications of where my mathematical and software skills can go. I recently found a masters in quantitative and computational finance program that I feel I am very qualified for. + +So here are my questions: How difficult will it be moving into a finance having nothing more than a rudimentary understanding of economics and some options experience? + +Are there many computational finance jobs out there? If so, are they highly competitive? + +Lastly, what kind of firms could potentially hire me if I were to go through with this program. Would it be smaller businesses, or larger banks and trading firms? + +Thanks for your time! + +Edit: Thank you all for the advice and replies. Will post back here if I get in and decide to go! +Let's get a list of essential books to read for people of all knowledge levels. These don't have to be hardcore academic books or "how to make $$ trading 20 minutes a day" books. +I'll start with these: + +* [When Genius Failed - Roger Lowenstein](http://www.amazon.com/When-Genius-Failed-Long-Term-Management/dp/0375758259) + +* [Den of Thieves - James B. Stewart](http://www.amazon.com/Den-Thieves-James-B-Stewart/dp/067179227X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287432863&sr=1-1) + +* [The Big Short - Michael Lewis](http://www.amazon.com/Big-Short-Inside-Doomsday-Machine/dp/0393072231/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287432902&sr=1-1) + +* [Barbarians at the Gate - Bryan Burrough & John Helyar](http://www.amazon.com/Barbarians-Gate-Fall-RJR-Nabisco/dp/0061655554/ref=pd_sim_b_2) + +Please add your own! Once we have enough compiled, we can make a master list and set it aside as reading material for Finance 101. +Hey guys, let me first thank you for reading this. + +I am currently a computer engineering student about to graduate with a minor in math and a focus on software. I have found though that without being applied somewhere, software design can get tedious and old, so I have began to look for specific applications of where my mathematical and software skills can go. I recently found a masters in quantitative and computational finance program that I feel I am very qualified for. + +So here are my questions: How difficult will it be moving into a finance having nothing more than a rudimentary understanding of economics and some options experience? + +Are there many computational finance jobs out there? If so, are they highly competitive? + +Lastly, what kind of firms could potentially hire me if I were to go through with this program. Would it be smaller businesses, or larger banks and trading firms? + +Thanks for your time! + +Edit: Thank you all for the advice and replies. Will post back here if I get in and decide to go! +It seems private equity funds usually have their 5 year horizon in which they get paid at the end after selling off their holdings and returning their money to their partners. In hedge funds though when they charge their 2% management fee and 20% on gains how do they fund these fees? Do they collect these fees at the end of the fund or do they sell some of their holdings at the end of each year to collect their fees? I feel like the latter option would diminish the returns for the clients as it would be taking out capital earlier that could be growing until the end of the fund. I have tried to research this everywhere but the only articles I can find basically explain the 2 and 20 structure that I'm already familiar with. +These fuck sticks lost this trade YEARS ago. Despite that, they have continued living lives of opulence. They're doing this, by stealing from me and every other investor. + +But what really pisses me off? They know what I know. MONEY IS NOTHING. It's resources that matter. Nice houses. Cars. Private Jets. Luxury vacations. Money has no value until it is converted into a resource. + +They've continued to consume those things. But those things don't belong to them anymore. They lost those things. Every minute they keep them is a minute they have stolen from you. Your life should be improved with those resources. But they continue to steal them. They buy houses. They take their employees to Disney World. They're doing this with YOUR resources. + +Remember this. Be Vengeful. Be Ruthless. I sure as fuck am. + +oh, and if you somehow haven't gotten the message yet...DRS yo' shit. +As the title suggests, I’m pretty young. Unfortunately, over the last three years I’ve racked up quite a substantial amount of debt. I haven’t got much family support and the support I do have isn’t exactly solid. My family aren’t exactly big on personal finance. My dad is bankrupt and my mom has no savings, living pay check to pay check. With a combination of being uneducated on what or how the bloody hell to sort this and generally burying my head in the sand, I let extra fees pile on top and debt collectors have been sent to my address. So things really need to change and I really want to work at getting these debts down. But, I haven’t got a clue where to start. + +Can anybody recommend any tips and tricks on how to get started? Are there any, like, free courses on how to sort this out? Or any younger YouTubers or Instagram accounts that could educate me. Podcasts? Books? Literally anything to help. Thank you. +Imagine an asset that has performed so well that there is literally a denial page of dedicated non-investors to discuss all of their non-investments. + +I'm curious what other assets have done well enough that they have active pages of people who waste their time to discuss NOT investing into it? Anything? + +Is it the psychological damage that takes place knowing you could have put a few dollsrs into something when the page was started and have been retired many times over by now? + +I found BTC to be exciting, but having a page like that speaks to its insane reach and affect on people's daily lives who both invest, or choose to reject it to the point that you need everyone to know your about your rejection and theories. Severe insecurities, denial, misinformation and outdated comments or not, Buttcoin is a part of BTCs continued publicity whether you like it or not. In my eyes, we should be thankful for their heavy lifting in a way +Hey AusFinance team! + +I work full time (9-5) in an office, but am looking for a side hustle to supplement my full time income during these uncertain times. I figure, why not have a bit more buffer by topping up my savings and/or also have a bit more money to spend on a holiday/some toys whilst the borders are closed. + +So tell me AusFinance, what's your side hustle? +I’m a 23 yo male and I’m terrible with money. I have next to no savings and every time I get paid I find a way to waste it on stupid sh*t like shopping, gambling, takeouts, etc.. +I earn roughly 1000$ a week and my living expenses account for about 500$ of that. But I spend 200$+ on takeouts (not that I’m obese, I just find it hard to get the motivation to cook for myself), and the rest goes on the stupid stuff I mentioned above. +I declared bankruptcy in 2019 at the age of 20 because I borrowed over 100k for stupid purchases when I was 18-19 and had nothing to show for it. As a result my credit is shot and I’m financially excluded meaning I can’t borrow money from anywhere anymore, not even payday lenders or afterpay. + +I’d like to be able to stick to a weekly budget and save a consistent amount each week so that one day I can get a mortgage and buy a decent car again. +Ive tried to stick to a budget but I never make it past 1-2 weeks. How do you guys manage to make and stick with a realistic budget and avoid the temptation of wasting money on unnecessary purchases or taking out credit to buy things you don’t need? + +Any input or personal experience is appreciated. +I don’t care if it’s harsh cause I probably need to hear it. +Hi all as the title states I’m in debt with payday loans and the reason for this I’ve taken out it out due to helping family and friends and was not paid back and I’ve incurred all this myself. I’ve only got myself to blame I’m currently working full time and work as a driver in the evenings but even then I feel like I’m stuck and cannot pay anything. I’m wondering what are my best options I wanted to apply for a debt consolidation loan but I’ve been rejected I’m wondering would it be best to go into a part 9 or is there any other solution that could work? Any advice is appreciated I’ve spoken to these lenders but even with reduced repayments it’s just ridiculous to keep up and it’s screwing with my mental health as I feel I cannot hold my chin up anymore. + +Open to suggestions and advice thanks in advance + +TLDR took multiple payment payday loans to help friends and family now suffering from the interest work full time and part time at night still not enough to get by struggling to meet repayment to pay food and cover rent. + +Edit: thinking of going part 9 what are pros and cons? +In the Brisbane apartment market developers have been offering inducements to move apartments, such as paying stamp duty, offering holiday packages etc - all in an effort to keep the 'sticker price' of apartments high - while their true value decreases. + +It's interesting that Geocon states that "It’s not necessary for us to do it," Mr Micalos said of the deposit-matching scheme and "The Canberra construction giant says it could comfortably fill its ever-growing number of complexes without chipping in to help first home buyers, but is offering the incentive to help people transition from renting to home ownership." + +The above statements from Geocon seem disingenuous to me. I wonder what the true picture of the Canberra apartment market looks like? All the focus is on how Syd/Melb is overpriced and that Bris/Perth has cratered - but good data is lacking on CBR.. +1. Bitcoin price rises for weeks, and the fear and greed index shows extreme greed (lots of buying pressure and buying on margin). Expectations of positive news may increase F&G. + +2. Bitcoin whale dumps ~2k bitcoins on a big exchange, and the price plummets. They still get a pretty good price for their bitcoins - as they were selling at the top and on the way down. But this eats up the buy wall and prices plummet. + +3. This fast dip liquidates a ton of longs (aka positions bought on margin, bitcoin bought with borrowed money), which means forced bitcoin sales, which further drops the price. Which liquidates more longs - a domino effect. + +4. The temporary bottom is reached very quickly as all those longs are shaken out. Sell pressure drops to zero, and attentive folks with money on exchanges buy the dip in a hurry, resulting in a dead cat bounce. Price recovers about halfway from where it had been before the flash crash. + +5. All those buys slowly wane, as everyone with money available has bought the dip. More buys trickle in as people move money to exchanges to take advantage of the dip but that just keeps the price fairly stable for a while (we are here right now). + +6. The dip shakes confidence and some weaker hands sell because they are afraid that the bull run is over. Whales may encourage this by dumping some more big chunks of BTC. Price continues to decline, recover a bit, and decline some more over the next week or so. + +7. Whale who sold starts buying back the bitcoin they sold (around ~$50k average this time) for a steep discount (likely low $40k's this time). They do this slowly though, not all at once, so they can keep getting it at the discount price. Meaning the price stays relatively stable but generally rises a little. + +8. Sell pressure wanes almost completely, normal buying pattern returns to the bull market norm, and prices recover. + +9. A month, month and a half go by and the bitcoin price is ~20% above the price it was at step 1. + +10. Go back to step 1. + +It's likely that the whale didn't even sell their own bitcoin to begin with, but borrowed it (shorted bitcoin, tanking the market with the bitcoin they shorted). +This is something I've been invested in for over a month now. This is an excerpt from their latest post + +*"The project has quite a few ambitious products in its sight. Be it* [*Rocket Drop*](https://rocketbunny.medium.com/rocket-drop-a-fresh-approach-to-yield-rewards-and-opportunities-97b31478558)*,* [*Rocket Labs*](https://rocketbunny.medium.com/fun-times-at-rocket-high-4c6501c89657)*,* [*PocketSwap + Rocket Bridge*](https://rocketbunny.medium.com/pocketswap-were-almost-there-d12a4a06620f)*, or Bomb Shelter, they're all designed to do things a bit differently. They're also all designed to work in tandem for both $BUNNY and $PBOM holders. With that in mind, the cryptosystem umbrella under which these all fall has been dubbed the "Rocket Sphere". As time goes on and more functionality is enabled between all the moving parts, a fully-fledged rocket will slowly take form, taking all $BUNNY and $PBOM holders for quite the ride. "* + +Price wise were currently at .00000000001735/bunny, and bunny is being burned and distributed with every sell. At first it looked like a useless money grab coin but I stuck with it, read more, participated more in the telegram, and talked to the Devs. This isn't just a coin, its an ECOSYSTEM. This system will have its own coins, bunny/pbom on BSC, but also launch new coins on its platform with liquidity advancements. They've partnered with [Leslie David Baker](https://www.instagram.com/p/CNZPi44nl-U/) to launch his charity coin "Stanley Nickels" based on a meme from his character in The Office. Not only will new coins launch off this platform, it will also launch an exchange called PocketSwap to rival uniswap and its competitors. Once Rocket Bridge is launched (another project!) you will be able to swap coins from different chains seamlessly on the exchange, like ADA->ETH etc... + +I just cant stress enough how good of a long term investment this is going to be. The price is fluctuating now because of low liquidity and market cap, due to the coin being so new. This is the time to step in a get a million, or a billion tokens. Once this all launches and is working like a well oiled machine you will be sitting on returns that will surpass DOGE, SHIB, AKITA, and all the other coins that have very little utility beyond making a few people very rich. + +Do you want to be one of those few people? now is your opportunity. Here is all the relevant links, the first one will be to their latest update post on their reddit. Full disclosure that I'm invested in this project to the tune of 26,864,898,892,199.00. This balance has changed dramatically with portions of all sells going to holders. So to me its a set it and forget it type deal. ill check in every few weeks, + +Latest reddit update - [https://www.reddit.com/r/RocketBunnyCrypto/comments/mskr8r/so\_whats\_going\_on\_at\_rocket\_bunny/](https://www.reddit.com/r/RocketBunnyCrypto/comments/mskr8r/so_whats_going_on_at_rocket_bunny/) + +Website (whitepaper)- [https://rocketbunny.io/](https://rocketbunny.io/) + +Medium articles- [https://rocketbunny.medium.com/](https://rocketbunny.medium.com/) + +Twitter- [https://twitter.com/RocketBunny2021](https://twitter.com/RocketBunny2021) + +Telegram- [https://t.me/RocketBunnyChat](https://t.me/RocketBunnyChat) + +Staking Dapp- [https://drop.rocketbunny.io/](https://drop.rocketbunny.io/) + +Please read up and if you think its for you? invest and come join us in the TG channel, if not I wish you the best of luck in your investing adventures! +My favorite author, Morgan Housel, released his new book, The Psychology of Money, last week. In the book, Housel discussed many interesting psychological phenomenon, through the lens of finance. As I flipped through the pages, I started to realize so much of what's happening in r/investing are examples of what's discussed in the book. + +**No One's Crazy** + +The book begins with how your personal experiences with money make up maybe 0.000000001% of what's happened in the world, but maybe 80% of how you think the world works. + +For example, if you were born in 1970, the S&P 500 increased almost 10-fold, adjusted for inflation, during your teens and 20s. That's an amazing return. If you were born in 1950, the market went literally nowhere in your teens and 20s adjusted for inflation. Two groups of people, separated by chance of their birth year, go through life with a completely different view on how the stock market works. + +*Takeaways for* r/investing: + +When you read other posts and comments about what stocks to buy, when to sell, what's likely to happen next, what's the best asset allocation, etc., remember that is just a single person's point of view. That person may be from a different generation, earns different incomes, upholds different values, keeps different jobs, and has different degrees of luck. + +And remember, don't be mean to others. A view about money that one group of people thinks is outrageous can make perfect sense to another. + +**Luck & Risk** + +The next chapter discusses the big role luck and risk plays in someone's life. Luck and risk are two sides of the same coin. + +Examples from the book: Countless fortunes (and mistakes) owe their outcomes to leverage. The best (and worst) managers drive their employees as hard as they can. "The customers are always right" and "customers don't know what they want" are both accepted business wisdom. The line between "inspiringly bold" and "foolishly reckless" can be a millimeter thick and only visible with hindsight. Risk and luck are doppelgängers. + +*Takeaways for* r/investing: + +Be careful who you praise and admire. That commenter who bought $SHOP at $30 may look like a genius on the outside, but they may just be lucky and cannot repeat it again. + +Be careful who you look down upon and wish to avoid becoming. That poster who put a bull argument for Luckin Coffee may look like a fool, but they made the best decision based on the information they had at a time. They took a risk and got unlucky. + +Therefore, focus less on specific individuals and case studies and more on broad patterns. + +Furthermore, when things are going extremely well, realize it's not as good as you think -- like the stock market right now. + +On the other hand, we should forgive ourselves and leave room for understanding when judging failures -- like the stock market in March. + +**Never Enough** + +The hardest financial skill is getting the goalpost to stop moving. It gets dangerous when the taste of having more -- more money, more power, more prestige -- increases ambition faster than satisfaction. + +Social comparison is the problem here. A rookie baseball players who earns $500k a year envies Mike Trout who has a 12-year, $430 million contract envies a hedge fund manager who makes $340 million a year envies Warren Buffett who had a $3.5 billion increase in fortune in 2018. + +There are many things never worth risking, no matter the potential gain. Reputation is invaluable. Freedom and independence are invaluable. Friends and family are invaluable. Being loved by those who you want to love you is invaluable. Happiness is invaluable. And your best shot at keeping these things is knowing when it's time to stop taking risks that might harm them. Knowing when you have enough. + +*Takeaways for* r/investing: + +When you make a big gain, it's totally okay to take profit, as long as you keep your ambition down and acknowledge the possibility that it may go higher. If that happens, no need to play the would've should've could've game, because it very well might've gone the other way. + +When you see someone who got 20x return on Amazon or bet big into Ethereum in 2016, remember they may envy the pre-IPO employees at Amazon or the genius who held Bitcoin since 2010. + +At the end of the day, do not risk more than what's comfortable in your life for the sake of making huge amount of money, because even if you do make it, you may not find it worth it. + +**Tails, You Win** + +Skipping a few chapters to talk about the prominence of tail events. + +At the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting in 2013 Warren Buffet said he's owned 400 to 500 stocks during his life and made most of his money on 10 of them. Charlie Munger followed up: "If you remove just a few of Berkshire's top investments, its long-term track record is pretty average." + +In 2018, Amazon drove 6% of the S&P 500's returns. And Amazon's growth is almost entirely due to Prime and Amazon Web Services, which itself are tail events in a company that has experimented with hundreds of products, from the Fire Phone to travel agencies. + +Apple was responsible for almost 7% of the index's returns in 2018. And it is driven overwhelmingly by the iPhone, which in the world of tech products is as tail--y as tails get. + +And who's working at these companies? Google's hiring acceptance rate if 0.2%. Facebook's is 0.1%. Apple's is about 2%. So the people working on these tail projects that drive tail returns have tail careers. + +*Takeaways for* r/investing: + +When we pay special attention to a role model's successes we overlook that their gains came from a small percent of their actions. That makes our own failures, losses, and setbacks feel like we're doing something wrong. + +When you accept that tails drive everything is business, investing and finance you will realize that it's normal for lots of things to go wrong, break, fail and fall. If you are a good stock picker you'll be right maybe half the time. If you're a good business leader maybe half of your product and strategy ideas will work. If you're a good investor most years will be just OK, and plenty will be bad. If you're a good worker you'll find the right company in the right field after several attempts and trials. And that's if you're good. + +**Freedom** + +The highest form of wealth is the ability to wake up every morning and say "I can do whatever I want today." The ability to do what you want, when you want, with who you want, for as long as you want, is priceless. It is the highest dividend money pays. + +Research has shown having a strong sense of controlling one's life is a more dependable predictor of positive feelings of wellbeing than any of the objective conditions of life we have considered. + +People like to feel like they're in control -- in the drivers' seat. When we try to get them to do something, they feel disempowered. Rather than feeling like they made the choice, they feel like we made it for them. So they say no or do something else, even when they might have originally been happy to go along. + +*Takeaways for* r/investing: + +If your job is a thought-based and decision job, your tool is your head, which never leaves you. You might be thinking about your project during your commute, as you're making dinner, while you put your kids to sleep, and when you wake up stressed at three in the morning. You might be on the clock for fewer hours than you would in 1050. But it feels like you're working 24/7. + +If this feels like you, and you do not like it, it is totally fine to switch to a job that pays less but gives you more freedom and independence, because freedom and independence are ultimate form of wealth. + +\--- + +I'm only half way into the [book](https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Money-Timeless-lessons-happiness/dp/0857197681), but I can tell this will be one of the best finance book of 2020. If you guys find this useful, happy to come back next week with more insights once I've gotten to the end. +Link to original post: https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/ou6xue/refusing_to_be_a_guarantor_for_a_family_member/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf + + + +With thanks to everyone’s suggestions last week. I did refuse, despite my hesitance because we grew up together, we’re very close, and I was worried I was losing a friend and most importantly a family member. + +She did find another (much stronger) guarantor but the offer was still rejected by the landlord because she’s self employed. Ultimately it made no difference whether I accepted or rejected to be her guarantor, but she apologised and said she won’t ask me again in the future. + +Sad thing is, in all of this, despite nothing changing and she’s still living her life business as usual, I’m still the guy who rejected helping her when she needed me. I totally get the premise, too risky etc. But I can’t help but overthink about how this is going to look in the future. +Hopefully we remain friends for days to come, but who knows anymore. + +Thanks to you all on this subreddit. You’ve been immensely helpful, and I’m very grateful. +Seems to me this type of rise is unsustainable and prices will crater as soon as Corona news washes through since that’s the only thing this price action is based on but maybe I’m missing something. Thoughts? + + +https://finance.yahoo.com/news/blue-apron-soars-cities-curtail-162639757.html + +**Edit**: Placed a market sell order for half my holdings on Robinhood around $27. Order never executed for unknown reasons. Feeling absolutely dreadful now. +[https://medium.com/@jericho.k.roman/why-elon-musk-will-sell-10-of-his-tesla-shares-849e697ef3d6](https://medium.com/@jericho.k.roman/why-elon-musk-will-sell-10-of-his-tesla-shares-849e697ef3d6) + +TL;DR. Elon has 14.8 billion dollars of tax due when he exercises his options (which he has to do before August 20th, 2022), he can significantly reduce the tax bill by billions of dollars by dropping the Tesla stock price. Selling 10% of his shares covers all of his taxes and leaves him roughly a billion dollars in cash to play with. Basically, he's using Twitter to lower his taxes. + +Positions: straddles. + +Edit: In regards to the question by u/SaladTossgaming on getting puts: I'm thinking about it as well but concerned about IV. Also, the gamma position on Nasdaq is insane, we may be in for a parabolic run. I wouldn't be surprised if Tesla goes to 2k. Would love other's opinions on this. + +Edit 2: not bullish or bearish on tesla price. Simply commenting on the selling. + +Edit 3: Slightly out of context but pertaining to a question in one of the comments. There was $450 million of ITM call buying (January 2024 $1000 strikes) in a single day last week. That's not only a significant dollar amount but also, similar positioning had occurred prior to the SPX inclusion and share split. Sorry if this causes confusion about what action(s) to take but it's part of the reason why I'm neither bullish nor bearish (see Edit 2). Note - option flow isn't the clearest indicator; for example, a large holder of Tesla may have had to sell their shares due to Tesla becoming too large of a % in their portfolio (required to sell per portfolio risk management), however - since they still want to participate in the upside they may have purchased ITM options to compensate for the sale. +I have a few reasons why I think the market is about to tank/correct itself soon, some are my own ideas and some are those of big name investors/ businessmen that I've collected in my research. First off, the DJIA, S&amp;amp;P 500, and the Nasdaq all hit record highs last Monday. The last time that the three indices all hit a record high on the same day was three months before the dot com bubble burst in 1998. Second, if Janet Yellen announces an interest rate hike, investors who are used to the low rate are going to become uneasy and pull their money, at least in the short term, creating a ripple effect. Third, big names have warned that a possible collapse could be coming, (Icahn and Buffet being at odds over when.) Donald Trump has implied it, while Robert Kiyosaki has said it explicitly. Fourth, according to Robert Kiyosaki, 2016 is the first year that the oldest baby boomers will be required to withdraw their 401(k)'s further pulling money from the market. Fifth, the liquidity crisis that the mortgage market may be about to face will further hurt the market. Thoughts? + +TL:DR + +Several factors like record highs, rate hikes, warnings from investors, 401k drama, and a possible mortgage crisis are about to tank the market. + +If at any point I make myself sound like an idiot, or have any ideas that aren't fully developed, please call me out on it. + +Edit 1: Clarification and Grammar. +So my cable company has been charging me for a cablecard that I do not posses. I have called them several times about this and they say its a glitch in the system and that they will get it fixed but they never do. So far I've paid them $40 for this cable card that I do not posses. + +What is the best way to get them to take me seriously on my next call. + +Edit: + +Just got off the phone with a rep who called me because of the FFC complaint. My gosh I had never felt more in control of a situation with a company, the guy never try to say no, he fixed the problem, credited me back and also allowed me to modify my contract to be internet and phone only and I'm just gonna be using PlayStation Vue for service. + +Thank you everyone for your great responses. + +If you have a similar problem just file an FFC complaint like most of the users have said, it seems to work the best. +There are plenty of cautionary tales here about people who devoted themselves so much to FIRE that they forgot to enjoy life now. + +At a personal level, I have had enough shocks to make this lesson poingnant. + +My brother died at 40 from cancer, leaving kids and a widow to manage without him. My Father died of cancer before barely being able to enjoy any retirement at all. My sister died unexpectedly from an accidental overdose of pain medication at only 45, leaving three kids behind. My son took his own life before reaching the age of 30. + +So, while I do plan for FIRE, I also don't count on it either. My biggest FIRE goal is to hit it by around 60, because I have a very low expectation that my 70's are gonna be that hot. + +In the meantime, if you live in seeming poverty watching every penny to save for retirement, are you really living? + +One lesson I learned is that living in a big house with the corresponding big mortgage is just death. So many people I know get as big a mortgage as their salary will allow. They become 'house poor' and do little to accelerate their retirement. + +I live in a very modest home, especially relative to my income, which is completely paid off. So, I won't be on the lifestyles of the rich and famous, but the house is perfectly fine and the sense of freedom not having a mortgage is worth far more to me than a McMansion. + +The one thing I do splurge on that improves my day to day quality of life is that I eat out a lot. Also, instead of having a super expensive vacation, I get theater tickets. Going to nice restaurants and seeing great theater "feels extravagant" but it's​ still far less than a big mortgage payment. + +Finally, my guilty pleasure is sports cars. However, over the years, I have learned how to make even this hobby not too bad. The last two sports cars I owned I bought, drove 20,000 miles, and sold for *more* than I paid for them. Of course you can't always do that, but the reality is that if you do your research you can buy a great classic car that doesn't depreciate by all that much while you still get to enjoy it. + +I think it's important to spend some of your money now so you can enjoy your life today and, most importantly, take the pain out of the stress of your day job which is fueling your FIRE goals. + +**EDIT** + +I'm really enjoying the responses to this thread. Some people have criticized, probably legitimately, my phrasing of the title *'spending money so you don't feel poor'*. I think that is a legitimate critique, but it reflects my own personal bias. I grew up extremely poor, so I have a lot of psychological baggage associated with living frugally. +In December, my husband used his Capital One credit card to get gas from a Speedway. The amount was for $64.05. Life went on as usual. When it came time to pay bills, I checked the account and saw that the charge had gone through four times. We filed disputes for three of the four charges, and was refunded by Capital One for them, easy as pie. + +Except. Last week we got an account message from Capital One that read as such: + +>On your 01/13/2015 statement, a credit was issued to your account for $64.05. However, the merchant, SPEEDWAY 02383 WES, did resubmit the charge along with supporting documentation. Based on this evidence, unfortunately, we must re-bill the charge to your account. This adjustment will appear on your next monthly statement. We have sent you a letter along with the merchant’s supporting documentation. This letter also requests that you provide us with additional information/documentation to support your claim. If we don’t receive your response by the date indicated, we’ll consider your case closed. + +My husband called when we received this message to find out what the hell was going on, and the only information he could get from anybody is that we have to wait until the notice from Speedway comes in the mail. It hasn't come yet. What sort of supporting documentation could they have showing he got gas four times in one day, for the amount of $64.05 each time?? + +And yesterday, we got that exact same notice two more times, presumably for the other two charges that were disputed and refunded. + +What proof do we have besides our Capital One account statement showing the four charges, and then the three charge backs? He bought the gas outside at the pump, and declined a receipt, so we don't even have that. If they do charge us back the $64.05 three times, that will put our card over the limit (only $300, it's his first credit card). Should we pay the card down to $0 to avoid that? If we don't, and they charge the purchases back, and it puts the card over the limit, are we liable for any fees it may incur? + +How do we even fight this? + +**EDIT** @5:23p + +I am going to be a bit red in the face posting this, but I think we have solved the mystery. A couple hours after I made this post, we got our mail, which included the letter from Capital One regarding Speedway's proof of the transactions happening. + +They did happen. + +It just wasn't my husband. + +They were fraudulent charges made by someone using my husband's credit card numbers at a Speedway in Michigan (we live in Indiana), buying cigarettes. When I initially asked him about the charges, he did say that he had gotten gas at Speedway, and he did, but it was a few days before these charges, so it went unnoticed by both of us. Now, we just have to prove he wasn't in Michigan on the 22nd of December... + +While I truly appreciate all the attention this post has gotten, from here on out, I think the problem is much easier to solve! +I had a few bangers over at r/GME before the mass exodus but none were actual DD and none have made me this excited to display what I've just learned whether or not its small so here it is: + +I just got off the phone with Fidelity about transferring my Robinhood shares to my Fidelity account (I know late af to the game but hear me out). I was transferring single digit shares I was holding in RH to my now double digit account over in Fidelity (I had been buying GME strictly on Fidelity following the Robinhood buy restriction but I was scared to transfer in limbo until I researched more about what kind of timeline I personally expect for the MOASS. After digging through tons of comments under transfer posts, I realized that transfers usually took less time than Fidelity states it will take for an average of about 5 business days. + +I could've easily transferred the stock online without calling but I wanted someone to pretty much confirm my assumptions that it was still a good idea. The guy I spoke to was extremely nice and instantly applauded me for having GME after I answered the security questions. After I explained that I wanted a full account transfer and gave him all the details, he began to talk about and reveal something extraordinary. This is where it gets JUICY. IM ABSOLUTELY JACKED TO THE APE TITS TARZAN MOM STYLE. PSA though: I don't have any actual proof or transcript of this call so you're just gonna have to believe my word as an ape brother. I believed his. + +**A Different Perspective into** **the Sheer Size of Retail Population:** + +Okay so let's get down into it like my wife's boyfriend after my 7pm bedtime. This poor employee began going into detail about how he overlooks bonds for Fidelity but he also does at-home customer service. He said they have been absolutely slapped on the cock with how many people have transferred accounts and opened new account just in 2020 and especially 2021. I instantly realized that this guy knows exactly what is going on with GME and what is coming so I asked him a few questions which he gladly informed me on. I didn't have much time to talk so I only got 2 outstanding, amazing numbers from him and here they are in order of importance: + +**1) In a single WEEK following the buying restriction on RH for GME, Fidelity processed more than 500,000 INDIVIDUAL account transfers JUST coming out of RH...ONE WEEK.** + +I find it hilarious that Robinhood lost **3.85%** of their TOTAL customers in a single WEEK that is insane and also fuck them. I don't know exactly which week but given that the restriction happened in late January-early February, the subsequent number of account transfers following that 500k week has to be dick large like yo mama levels. This is obviously speculation, but I would conservatively say that account transfers from RH to Fidelity AFTER the RH restriction is NO LESS than 3 million individual accounts to date. I mean come on 500k accounts in a single week and its been over 2 months (8 weeks) since the restriction? You could probably have a sincere estimate pushing 5 million accounts (not shares, individual accounts!). To back this up u/Philip3110 made a post [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/mkr1u5/rh_users_down_63_in_march_retail_investors_losing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) that shows an article officially reporting RH 63% loss of users (over 8,190,000 users lost). So I think it is definitely possible that 3-5 million migrated to fidelity or elsewhere. Using previously lowball, calculated estimates on average shares of GME held by apes, that is 5 x 3,000,000, 15 million, just for the people that transferred shares from RH to Fidelity in the last 2 months. Sheeeeesh. The extreme support and backing of Fidelity in the comments of r/GME and r/wallstreetbets posts leads me to believe that there had to be other transfers from other brokerages to Fidelity too. I would be comfortable saying that in these past 2 months alone, Fidelity has seen an increase of account transfers containing more than 15-20 million GME shares alone. Other brokerage seeing migrations likely drive this higher. Now this obviously isn't new shares being added but it pretty much gave me a wakeup call about how many shares are really out there in retail if this many are just the ones that got transferred. **AND** on top of that, a ridiculous amount of shares have been bought and held since then too. I believe that retail owns a ridiculous minimum of 80 million shares. On r/GME u/thedav1d also attempted to estimate the retail holdings [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/GME/comments/mduj5t/dd_why_retail_is_holding_far_more_shares_than/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) . I think that the average # of shares held by redditors is anywhere between my estimate of 5 and their's of 10. They concluded that WSB alone holds 70 million. Truly no one knows for sure but I think that this Fidelity dude casually telling me about the true numbers in the mass exodus from RH means its a safe bet that its higher than even our most extreme estimates. Now on to #2 + +**2) In 2020 alone, Fidelity saw an increase in new users by over...wait for it...20 Million users. He said that nearly 50% of this was in the last 3 months of 2020. That's big.** + +The stats for 2021 are likely not available until the end of the year but I know for sure that number of new users for 2021 is already the size of kong's third leg. I was one of the new accounts opened in 2021 (January) and I'm sure at least hundreds of thousands of apes have done the same with at least a few shares. I've held through the $384 spike (at the time my average was $240 ouchie) and watched 80% of my savings go down the drain and then squirt back up in my face (sussy) because I wasn't a paperhanded bitch. I'd say I'm sitting right at or slightly above average for the apes population on shares held and I just want y'all to remember that its far bigger than you think. It always is. Retail is a force no one expected to be this large. From the start these hedge cucks expected paperhanding and it simply hasn't happened. In fact the buying to paperhanding ratio has to be like 100:1 or something ridiculous. + +&#x200B; + +"People hate to think about bad things, so they always underestimate their likelihood." -Charlie Geller a.k.a. the small fish that won big. + +You felt something was off. You researched, you discussed, you looked up, researched more, discussed more, and now you *know*, that you discovered something the rest of the world is conditioned to ignore. + +Hang in there and don't worry about dates. You're at the point in The Big Short where they have nothing left to cover the fraud. It is coming and you are hodling patiently with a smile of excitement. + +Edit 1: This is not financial advice obviously and is complete speculation + +Was on computer making this but now i’m on the phone 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 +Hi new to ETF's i only have a mutual fund in my bank and thought id buy some ETFs myself. I've been shopping around and I was wondering if someone could help me decide on these two ETF categories? + +Renewable ETF. HCLN or ZCLN + +Dividend ETF; VDY, XDIV or XEI +**Preamble:** One of the main questions that I had and I see recurring on this sub is how to identify and invest in emerging stocks before it becomes mainstream news. I did not have the time to actively track social media and decided to build a program that does it for me. + +**How it works:** The program is built using Python and uses both Twitter and Reddit API to stream comments and tweets and spot tickers that are exhibiting accelerated growth. I added sentiment analysis to the findings so as to check the general sentiment (whether what is being talked about the stock is positive or negative). + +Here is the stock picked by the program and my DD + +**Stock:** **Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ($TSM)** + +Week on Week increase in mentions: **130%** + +Month on Month increase in mentions: **324%** + +Average sentiment across mentions: **+29.5%** + +**DD** + +**Core Product** + +TSMC was founded in 1987 by Morris Chang, who previously had worked in Texas Instruments. TSMC can be considered as possibly the most important company in the world that few people have heard of. This is because it is practically a chokepoint of the $470 Billion semiconductor industry and is instrumental in supplying chips to almost all the major players. Currently, the company supplies to Apple for their A14 chips and ARM-based chips for their Mac products, Qualcomm, MediaTek, AMD, Intel, and Nvidia. + +The company is the world’s largest semiconductor foundry. They are in the pure-play foundry business. This means that they do not produce any processors for their own products but they manufacture and sell chips to companies such as AMD, Intel, and Apple. The main reason for which companies such as Apple and AMD source chips from TSMC is that they do not have to build their own expensive silicon fabrication plants (the CapEx of the plans run into 10s of billions of dollars and it takes an extremely long time to set up) to manufacture their chips. TSMC is currently the world’s 11th largest company by market capitalization ($554 B). + +&#x200B; + +[TSMC absolutely dominates the advanced chip market ](https://preview.redd.it/qx1btw29krq61.png?width=624&format=png&auto=webp&s=61ce94bf883480c99f5e74a43bdea79bbf9d4d9f) + +As you can see from the above chart, TSMC absolutely dominates the advanced chip market (<10nm, think phone processors) which also has the highest margins. The company effectively controls more than half (54% to be exact) of the world’s made-to-order chip market. + +**Financials** + +TSMC posted its best-ever quarter in Q4’20 with revenues jumping 22% to a record $12.68 Billion and profits increasing 23% to $5.1 Billion. They are also expected to invest heavily this year with capital expenditure for production and development of advanced chips to be between $25-$28 Billion. (60% higher than the amount TSMC spend in 2020) + +They also have a very strong financial position with $23 Billion in cash vs a long-term liability of only $10 billion (YE 2020). The company has also predicted a record first-quarter revenue between $12.7 Billion and $13 Billion, which is almost a 30% growth from the same period last year. We do have to note that their share price has jumped more than 140% over the past 12 months giving it the current valuation of $554 Billion. + +**Potential and Hype Factors** + +**Technology moat:** Compared to peers, TSMC is easily the leader in chip production technology. The company has delivered over 1 Billion 7nm chips by 2020 whereas Intel is still trying to master its 7nm development process. For those who are unaware of chip manufacturing, in general, the smaller the node size (measured in nanometer (nm)), the better the performance and power management. This is why the companies making the top-end chips want the smallest node size available. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/w6mw9ehakrq61.png?width=624&format=png&auto=webp&s=a70944796b31b7b971e743f497854c29d9b797d1 + +TSMC is currently in the process of producing 5nm chips (20% of their total wafer revenue) and is already ramping up for 3nm production by the end of 2022. It takes a long time to spin up a new silicon fabrication factory (3-4 years is the average time it takes for a factory to go from planning to production). + +This leadership in technology would be one of the key drivers for growth in the coming years. The $28 Billion Capex spending also reflects on the management’s confidence about the long-term demand for the advanced chips. + +**Strong long-term demand:** Even though the current shortage faced by automakers is mainly due to a supply chain issue, cars, in general, are getting more and more complicated and EV’s tend to need better hardware and chips. This will force the automakers to rush to lock in future supply. Even though the margins produced from the auto-chips are not as high as the phones/laptops, the producers of the chips are definitely going to benefit in the long run. + +**Risk and Competition** + +There are multiple risks associated with TSMC. First and foremost, at the current valuation, the stock is definitely not cheap. The current PE ratio is 33 which puts them in the same bucket as Apple and AMD. While this might be representative of their future growth potential, it is on the higher side for a manufacturing company. + +The company might face a short-term crisis in production as Taiwan is currently facing its most severe water shortage in 56 years. Taiwan’s chipmakers have begun stocking up on truckloads of water to prepare for shortages. During a similar drought in 2015, Taiwan was forced to implement water restrictions for industrial companies. This can cause a significant impact on the top and bottom line as TSMC is currently producing at 100% capacity. A weakening USD can also have a significant impact on TSMC’s EPS as \~99% of their sales are in US dollars whereas only 15% of its COGS is in US dollars. + +A long-term risk for TSMC is that their increasingly dominant position in chip manufacturing is starting to attract political attention. The current shock from the auto chip shortage is forcing governments to bring vital supply chains back into their countries in order to make them less vulnerable to disruption. In the US, lawmakers are citing the chip shortage as proof that the country needs to revive more semiconductor manufacturing at home. This has forced TSMC to build a $12 billion plant in Arizona. This political climate can be beneficial for Intel, given their current foray into fabrication. (I do not think Intel can effectively compete with TSMC in fabrication without significant help in trade restrictions. As we can see from the process roadmap, Intel is currently years behind TSMC in the manufacturing process and they could not make their products work even when they had the best process technology years back) + +**Conclusion** + +TSMC is currently one of the world’s largest companies and they are definitely not resting on their laurels. They have been continuously working on building more capacity and advancing their nodes. Even though there are some short-term and long-term risks in terms of their exposure to the US dollar, rising geopolitical tensions, etc., I believe TSMC’s current technological moat, a monopoly level market share in advanced chips, and the rising use of smartphones and IoT devices put TSMC in a very strong position over the long term! + +*Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. I currently do not own any stock of TSM. Please do your own extensive research before investing in any stock* +In 2008, I was in college and engaged. We were married before we graduated in 2009. Together, we had $42,500 in student debt and $9,000 in credit card debt for the wedding--most of which my parents paid for. + +Me and my husband never had equitable incomes. I didn't have my skills coming out of college (***cries and hugs liberal arts degree***), so I ended up moving to my husband's hometown to follow his career. He became a tech at a prestigious recording company making $90K a year. I became a waitress for around $22K. + +That was 2009. By 2013, we were getting divorced; like a Lifetime movie, he was fucking his coworker (who, to put icing on the cake, didn't even know he was married). For those who don't know, divorces are *hard* and *expensive.* After two years, I came out of it with $23,500 in student debt and $6,000 in credit card debt. + +$22K, in the city we lived in, could hardly put food on the table. I couldn't go back to my husband, so I went to my parents. They helped me with my rent (about $8,000 over the course of two years) so long as I pursued something with "real career opportunities." I went back to community college and got myself a specialized degree. By working full time and getting my parents' help, I was able to pay off the loans I took out for that program. I was able to defer my student debt, and could make minimum payments on my credit card. + +So, June 2016. I graduate. My parents offer that I can come back home and live with them for a year while I get on my feet. I decide to take them up on their offer and move across the country. + +I quickly found a job paying $80,000. My parents offered that I could stay with them for a year while I aggressively paid my debts. + +Then, my father, who's 61, suddenly lost his job. + +He used to do quite well ($180,000 a year), so I never worried about him. I found out that he lost his job this morning... along with the fact that my mother has $52,000 in *credit card debt*, they have a $3,500 mortgage and storage payment every month for the next five years, have my sister's in-state tuition payment plan (about $8,000 a semester), and, the kicker, have $0 saved for my youngest sister's college education. She is the family's academic; she is currently #2 in her class and has her sights set on an Ivy, which she has a great chance of getting into. Turns out my parents have been banking on scholarships for school. She's a junior now, and has 0 guarantee that she'll get scholarships at all. + +My parents laid out all of their finances in this way--omitting how much Dad has saved in retirement and how many credit cards Mom has--and concluded with, "You're the only breadwinner now." + +They expect me to pay for everything. *Everything.* + +I found this out this morning so I'm still in a state of shock, but I can't help but feel overwhelmed. They helped with my wedding, my divorce, and are now giving me a free place to stay for a year. However, between taxes, my debt, and my parents' debt, I can't even make monthly payments. Their mortgage alone leaves me with $500 for healthcare, car payments, credit card payments, and student loan payments--not nearly enough. My mothers' credit card debt, at minimum payment, is $1,375 a month. She'll end up paying $87K in interest if she just makes the minimum payments. My sisters need to go to school, and I need a place to sleep. + +I can't let my parents go into destitution, yet I don't know what to do. Help? + + --- + **tl;dr**: My parents have hundreds of thousands of debt that they want me to take on. What do I do, especially when I've benefited from their kindness so much? How do I figure out what's reasonable? How do I keep my own sanity as a grown woman? + +FWIW: My parents' house is worth about $550,000. + +X-posted to [r/relationships](https://rr.reddit.com/r/relationships/comments/4yyh9n/me_30f_with_my_parents_61m_and_58f_i_just_came/). +Ive been on the fi path for about 3 years now and during that time have saved ~65% of take home. It's been great, I still feel like I live a life of extreme luxury and have just made a few smart choices to get where I am. + +Unfortunately I have recently fallen in lust with a road bike worth $3000. I don't mind indulging the occasional hobby, but I know I could get something similar to do the job for ~$1000 or less, however it's so tempting to get this one as it's less than 1% of my net worth. It seems so insignificant, a blip in the stock market costs me more. + +Do any of you have feelings like these? Am I crazy, or should I indulge? +Hello Guys, +I am in late thirties and would love to know if any of you guys do Angel Investing in startups and if so how has the experience so far. +I have been investing in startups for 2-3 years now and as its a long game not much to speak in terms of returns other than a good 5x return on one of the startups I invested a small amount in and few losses offsetting this gain as well. +I do have some interesting companies in the portfolio but I am a bit skeptical how they will end up given current economic conditions and dried out funding. +Do you guys use Angel Investing as an alternative investment vehicle and if so what percentage of your networh do you allocate it towards this and how do you manage and mitigate the risk? + +Cheers +31y $6MM USA. + +Interested in getting into venture capital/angel investing as a way to further diversify myself. What is the best way to begin discovering and investing in companies outside of personal network? +Sorry this might seem like basic stuff but I couldnt find an answer yet. +I baught an option for irnt which 10x my money after I sold it.but why exactly does anybody want to spend 1k on an option that’s most likely worth a lot less in a few hours? +Also i could sell it in seconds. Why do mm want that option? +Since I don’t have the Margin to buy 100 shares of my option I have to Resort to selling it once it’s itm. But can I rely that I can sell those options? +All the videos I saw explaining options just say „you can execute or sell your option at any point“. If anyone give me a better explaination why Someone wants to buy those options I would be really thankful +Is there anything like "Poor man cash secured put" ? Where you won't have to put lots of collateral or will I never get to sell puts on tesla in my lifetime? + +Edit: maybe I should mention this: my account values at 14k with margin, not enough to sell puts for decent premiums in apple, tesla, fb, etc.. +I've heard people say this and how important it is to understand it but I still don't. I think about it all the time, as I fall asleep I'm pretending to make trades and it still doesn't make sense. A CSP means I have the cash for the stock so it's as if I am holding the stock is that what they mean by it? + + +Edit: Awesome answers thank you! Basically it's talking about this: [https://www.investopedia.com/articles/optioninvestor/09/equivalent-positions.asp](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/optioninvestor/09/equivalent-positions.asp) +Hear me out, I have followed this stock for quite a while. Since Direct Listing, they have done nothing but grow in all key metrics including DAU, Revenue, Bookings, Hours spent playing, etc. the company has no debt, and have generated free cash flow. + +When looking at some Wall Street estimates, and noting the revenue estimates they projected, they essentially projected 2.5x revenue growth. That’s 150% revenue growth which is insane. + +The direct listing price back in March 2021 was 64.50 a share. Yet the stock is $10 below that mark following a year of pure growth and good strong growth at that. + +Some investors will point to it being a pandemic play, but I just can’t see that given January 2022 numbers still represented further growth year over year. + +I’m genuinely perplexed at the price action of this stock in particular. I have only been trading options now for just barely over a year and certainly don’t claim to be a genius. However, I work in audit and look at financials pretty regularly. So I’m not new to that arena. I just cannot figure this price action out and it makes me second guess investing in individual equities any longer. I tried to play smart and look at financials of equities to make plays on fundamentally strong businesses. Roblox is a growth stock I’m aware, and relatively new still so EPS is not that paramount given it’s nature and age. So when you focus on key metrics, I just cannot understand for the life of me how a stock could be below direct listing price after last years growth: + +I’m asking for advice on what I’m missing here. So anybody probably much smarter than me, please weigh in. Thanks in advance. +Hi, +i have seen many people recently posting (on these fb groups that i joinied) that they got in these volatile semi meme stocks ( ARKK, RIOT, for e.g.) and have been rolling down and out their csp and collecting more premium. However, what I'm thinking is that, beside the risk of the stock getting delisted, can't you theoretically keep rolling forever and thus " no trade is ever a losing trade"? Cuz I see these people saying "see i got good trade management to minimize my losses". But my concern is then where do you draw the line between admitting that you made a mistake and then cutting losses vs. keep rolling the options. In the latter scenario, how would u know if u r just too scared to take the L and thus soothing urself by saying i can always roll or if u genuinely are following a trading plan. Just random thoughts after work but curious to know what you guys think +I currently work a $20/hr job. I wanted to work with this company for two years so that I could get a good 80% loan from the bank on a single family house later, but I was recently offered a job at a company I really like. I’m wondering if switching to another job—that’s in the same industry—will ruin everything I already have going. +Background: I purchased a condo for 285k back in 2014. Currently have 22 years remaining on the mortgage with 228k @ 3.625% still owed. Current value is ~430k. + +I recently HELOC'd part of the value and turned it into a rental since I bought a new primary residence. Total expenses are about $1940 with ~570$ currently going to principal each month. It is rented out for $2100 until June 2020. I manage everything myself to avoid paying a property manager since it is just down the street. + +Question: Should I hold long term or sell next year once the lease runs out? OR should I try to sell it with the lease & tenants currently in place in order to close the HELOC and take out the money? Will this be possible or will I likely have to come down on price? + +I've ran it through some calculators and it seems like it might be worthwhile to sell before I lose the primary residence exemption on the capital gains since the appreciation so much. If I sold I would use the money to end the HELOC, pay down the new residence or save for another investment. If I hold long term I would need to hold 20+ years for significant free cash flows (~12k a year) until the property is paid off. I've run it through some calculators and cannot decide. + +Any one have advice? + +Thanks in advance! +My wife and I have been debating buying a real estate investment property for some time, we only have roughly 20k saved up. This obviously isn't enough to buy anything outright. + +My neighbor and his wife, who are roughly 30+ years older than us – own 3-4 homes and he said his first method was to buy a home, rent it out and break even for years to build equity in the home, then keep doing the same. Eventually some of them get paid off and you can either sell or continue to collect income. + +Is it a bad idea to buy a home as an investment property, knowing you'll only be being breaking even, to build equity in the long run? +For someone without much experience, young (eg 30 yo), single, male, with nothing tying them down to any single location and ability to work in any city. + +I am looking to house hack (4-plex) or buy something even larger next year, within $1M or so. + +I work remotely and last year moved to a zero income tax state. + +However, multi-families don’t look that promising in my state. + +I used to live in MO, St Louis, and am considering moving back just to buy a good deal (I just know the market is rather promising, don’t have anything particular in mind). + +Where do you think are the best markets? Toledo, OH? Little Rock, AR? I am able to move literally anywhere if the deal is good. + +Or would you just keep business and life separate, and buy out of state with an investment loan, but keep living in your state? 20% down is doable, I am just vary of the higher interest rate. + +Thanks! +I have no clue about real estate. I currently live in Los Angeles but thinking about using my VA home loan to buy a 1 or 2 bedroom unit townhouse/condo in Seattle for air b n b. Any tips and advice would be appreciated. +I bought and renovated a commercial building 15 years ago and rented it to a local restaurant chain. They've been there since day one and I've been good to them on rent increases etc. The current rent is below market value so it affects the overall value of the building. + +The tenant wants to buy the building now and since I'm retiring I think it might be a good idea. I had a friend, owner of a commercial Brokerage value the building and it came back $600,000 at the current rental rate. $700,000 if rented at market rates. The tenant offered $650,000 with me doing seller financing for 15 years at 5%. I don't think it's a bad offer and I'm not against to doing seller financing. They're a solid group and the reason they suggested seller financing is to help me on taxes and keep an annuity. They can borrow. That's not a problem at all. + +I'm thinking of countering at $675,000 because I don't think $700,000 is reasonable since I'd have to vacate the building, re-rent the space and possibly do tenant improvements. I'd also counter at 5 years at 5%. + +What advice would you have for me as I get ready to speak with them tomorrow? +My wife and I have a sfh rental in Naples, FL. We bought it in 2016 for $425K. We believe we could sell it now for between $600K-$625K. We only owe $120K on the mortgage. + +Currently renting it to amazing tenants for $2,500 month and cash flowing about $1,500 after all expenses. + +If we sold the house, we could pay off the $400K mortgage on our primary residence with a few bucks left over. We would then own our house outright with no other debt. + +The rental was built in 2011 and will likely start needing additional maintenance in the coming years. I am highly tempted to sell it and pay off our primary residence mortgage. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. +"Lying Flat" (Tang ping) is a lifestyle choice and social protest movement in China by some young people who reject societal pressures on hard work or even overwork, and instead choose to "lie down flat and get over the beatings" via a low-desire, more indifferent attitude towards life. (Wikipedia) + +Maybe not the indifference but getting over the beatings and rejecting overwork.... sounds familiar. +Hello again apes! + +So a few weeks ago, I got really autistic and dove super deep into the ADF facility, as I had noticed on CBOE Market Share graphs that it accounted for over 40% of \*\*DAILY MARKET SHARE. + +Upon further investigation and digging through its' history, dating back to the early 2000s, its' clear that this facility was nothing but controversial from the beginning. + +Let's dive in: + +&#x200B; + +The ADF facility, what is it? + +&#x200B; + +Well, before we get there, let me introduce you to my exact train of thought that lead me down this rabbit hole: + +1. Market Share Chart on CBOE (Consolidated - MARKET WIDE, meaning contains ALL DARK POOLS, AND ALL LIT EXCHANGE DATA) + +&#x200B; + +[https:\/\/www.cboe.com\/us\/equities\/market\_statistics\/venue\/market\/all\_market\/](https://preview.redd.it/ahohz4c1j0c71.png?width=1432&format=png&auto=webp&s=190a21c980e55f0eca03d53d4b84b4957f99495b) + +It's pretty cool. You can pick and compare market share PER EXCHANGE, and the results are astonishing, and really highlight the *market share crisis* going on in today's markets: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/vasrrewaj0c71.png?width=1038&format=png&auto=webp&s=0a3a71936b1a6371254e64def265b671babca795 + +After you highlight all venues, lit and unlit exchanges, this is the graph. LOOK AT THE GAP. Guess which ones are the darkpools? That's right, the Purple, or the ***ADF FACILITY,*** and the yellow, or the ***TRF CARTERET*** facility. + +This graph dates back to early 2015, and the chart is basically the same the entire way through, with only the dark pools gaining market share, while the lit exchanges lose what little market share they started with. + +Now before we go any further, wtf is market share? + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/o4kymc82k0c71.png?width=571&format=png&auto=webp&s=18a75e5dc633d93ba0c197bfa6a9773f7a0efbd3 + +Basically, market share is the total amount of paired shares that each trading venue reports at the end of each day's reporting period. If you've been following any of the new filings lately, you'd know without looking at the aforementioned graph that there is a ***MARKET SHARE*** both in options, and in stocks in the market. How do I know? + +Dark pools are becoming increasingly popular because it helps institutions hide their intentions, as well as save big on transaction fees. That's why we've seen a plethora of filings surface out of MOST LIT EXCHANGES in regards to ***FEE CHANGES*** , which pertains to market share / liquidity. + +For example: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/che3jtapk0c71.png?width=1573&format=png&auto=webp&s=9fd208b590aed6a0ac9b332d26fe2d389c807460 + +https://preview.redd.it/8z8vnwgsk0c71.png?width=524&format=png&auto=webp&s=d611fc7d56a5c263e89a0b37dce7cc661b35c0de + +"No options exchange has more than 16% of the market share." This is common language in most filings related to ***fee changes*** due to the large gap in market share. + +Here's the percentage breakdown of market share for 07/16/2021: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/3w618n6zk0c71.png?width=1184&format=png&auto=webp&s=550c0a4c580884da8550c9fec1688afeab1931ae + +Now, it's clear, and has been for a VERY LONG TIME, that the two dark pools, the TRF Carteret, and the FINRA ADF, have been DOMINATING market share for quite some time. The only LIT exchange that comes close is the NASDAQ. + +This is what lead me to the ADF Facility rabbit hole. Here we go! + +**BRIEF BACKGROUND** + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/zfcbb9sjl0c71.png?width=560&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ee5a2ef83df73765bea31e47ec7e925aa31bbd3 + +**ADF FACILITY** + +The Alternate Display Facility was initially proposed by NASD, or the National Association of Securities Dealers on an ACCELERATED BASIS, and as a Pilot Program. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/5augxmnim0c71.png?width=569&format=png&auto=webp&s=e67ad28cede539ad7977c9e9fdc66d41f1b592fd + +This gave "quoting ***AND TRADING***\*" permissions to certain "ADF Market Makers".\* + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +[\\"THE PROPOSED RULE CHANGE, HOWEVER, WOULD ESTABLISH A DIFFERENT BID ON WHICH TO BASE THE APPLICABILITY OF THE SHORT SALE RULE\\"](https://preview.redd.it/yohjitlym0c71.png?width=623&format=png&auto=webp&s=90559d4f254bce47bf98cd1cb59faf4fa8ff02af) + +WTF? OOK! + +Moving on.. + +So basically, this Pilot Period was, of course, EXTENDED, and then the NASD, a subsidiary of NASDAQ, filed for the ADF Facility on a PERMANENT BASIS, contingent on the NASD separating from the NASDAQ and becoming its' own entity. + +[https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/content\/pkg\/FR-2007-02-02\/html\/E7-1688.htm](https://preview.redd.it/wm2zuk9cn0c71.png?width=514&format=png&auto=webp&s=4ca4a25b4d2413303e5192df112e5be53b39a460) + +Around this same time in 2007 was when **NASD** merged with the regulation, enforcement, and arbitration arm of the New York Stock **Exchange** to form the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (**FINRA**). + +Soon thereafter, FINRA re-interpreted the ADF's rules, making them way more loose, and then has given basically no information about it whatsoever. + +FINRA CLAIMS NO TRADES OCCUR ON THE ADF FACILITY, AND ACCOUNTS FOR NO VOLUME. + +Explain this, then: + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/b66vs30tn0c71.png?width=1026&format=png&auto=webp&s=c1aa03af3c5dfd678be839ba2663aebdf5e3da92 + +LOL WUT DOING? + +&#x200B; + +After looking into some of the rules, I found this shit: + +&#x200B; + +[https:\/\/www.finra.org\/filing-reporting\/alternative-display-facililty-adf](https://preview.redd.it/4tsk9ws0o0c71.png?width=622&format=png&auto=webp&s=992d6265b9f13571c97d2b84769708f6f4dd04ec) + +&#x200B; + +LOL, don't worry FINRA. I believe you. I didn't click... + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/d91g81j3o0c71.png?width=353&format=png&auto=webp&s=acbdf70c6a42e73f525e73d31f494df85094abff + +Okay, so I clicked. WEIRD. WHICH ONE IS IT? + +So JANE STREET and JP MORGAN are the only two ACTIVE participants? GUH! (Trade Reporting Only) + +Let's look at some of their trade reporting requirements: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/4fhmymxno0c71.png?width=660&format=png&auto=webp&s=81360ad9549c99ef40a27dc7cd862f6141c45b1e + +Okay, sure. Better yet, let's see what's NOT REPORTED: + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/46sb8gqto0c71.png?width=647&format=png&auto=webp&s=ea455b21ce5368b55083c399150157d1e8717d9a + +FUCKING ETFS? ARE YOU SERIOUS? "TRANSACTIONS THAT ARE PART OF A DISTRIBUTION?" + +GUHH!! + +Remember these? + +&#x200B; + +[IWM ETF..](https://preview.redd.it/kxpcv9q8p0c71.png?width=443&format=png&auto=webp&s=de59f91e03d7215b6bd9d2feda40bb0d1ffe8a95) + +Yeah, 70 billion assets. + +GME's ETF.. IJR.. same scenario. GOT EM! + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/q11yd31np0c71.png?width=1843&format=png&auto=webp&s=751fb449a6ed082a191546deb1c1d9ad5f7efbaa + +Bloomberg disagrees with FINRA. This is a market wide survey that agrees with the CBOE graph above. + +&#x200B; + +FINRA, WUT HIDING? + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +[Damn, nice drop.. ADF](https://preview.redd.it/k2oluv8rp0c71.png?width=281&format=png&auto=webp&s=2e68b39b808cc38cbfc4aedc31f6c81170db1eed) + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/udft2dqvp0c71.png?width=1862&format=png&auto=webp&s=d734d3b64cff0350f293f6637368be7104d6f19c + +Damn ! ADF accounted for MOST OF GME'S VOLUME on 07/01, and likely every day thereafter! + +I even reached out to a "Sec Enforcement Lawyer" about this, and he claimed everything that I just presented to be "a glitch." + +Soooo... + +TL;DR + +&#x200B; + +The ADF Facility is an off-exchange venue that takes up nearly 45% of the market share on a daily basis. The only two active participants are JP Morgan and Jane Street. FINRA claims no trades are done, and it's "quote display only" but Bloomberg data, CBOE data, and FINRA's own rules disagree. FINRA owns the ADF, as well as the other monstrosity, the TRF Carteret, as well as has special interests with the NASDAQ. ALL THREE TAKE OVER THE ENTIRE MARKET. Filings have came out from many exchanges who speak of this exact crisis.. no competition for order flow in the market. + +HODL!! THIS IS THE WAY! + +&#x200B; + +I'm just an individual investor, and I like the stock. +I have a clear vision now. + +Basically with time most of the people that hold bitcoin will start being able to use bitcoin to buy things. + +This means people won't exchange it for fiat and so bitcoin will stay in the market slowly being the first thing used to pay. + +This is so fucking huge + + +Edit: Thanks for awards!! +http://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/fed-janet-yellen-july-2017-testimony + +"Is the Fed going to buy student loan securities?" Where does that question even come from? + +Why are savings accounts not paying 1.25%? + +I guess its always like this but i never actually sat down and watched one of these events before. + + + + + + + + + + +I'm sure this will get downvoted but if you have entered crypto with the hopes of making some profit ignore the cult like mentality of holding indefinitely and set yourself a price target at which you would be happy to take some profit. + +Holding long term has always been a solid tactic but to hold with no exit plan or target is just barmy. + +Whether it be a specific price target or a multiplication of your holdings think about which point you would be happy to take profit and stick to it. + +For me personally whenever an investment makes 3x I cash out two thirds doubling my initial investment and then hold the last third in the hope that it does it again. +Are you fucking kidding me? I'm so balls deep on Spain puts since the country is just filled with retards that underestimated the effects of the beervirus, so it was a safe fucking bet right? + +Well now this idiots just fucked it up. + +EDIT: They specifically banned selling calls and buying puts. + +EDIT^2: It's specific to 69 (nice) companies, and only today, it seems. +EDIT: [functionality has been extended to run as a GUI in a web browser](https://www.reddit.com/r/options/comments/gvmluu/thought_id_share_a_project_i_just_finished_3d/fswkka0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x). This is great because now any plots that have been generated in a session will persist. Makes it easier to qualitatively compare different tickers, or see how one ticker evolves through time. Pretty cool stuff. I added a screen capture of it to the linked examples down below. + +I've always thought there's gotta be a better way to 'see' what's going on in the option chain than just scrolling through a wall of numbers, so I wrote a python script that plots option chain information in a 3D space ([code here](https://pastebin.com/GbfbY6eN)). + +This information includes: + +* price +* volume +* open interest +* every greek in [this](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greeks_(finance)#Formulas_for_European_option_Greeks) table (minus dual delta & dual gamma) + +When you run the code you'll be prompted for inputs in the console. The first prompt is to choose plotting mode or single option mode. + +**Single option mode** + +* calculates standard greeks & IV of an option given the usual inputs +* mostly a tool to cross check values with brokerage provided values + +**Plotting mode** + +* you'll be prompted with a series of inputs + * *ticker symbol* + * *which set of parameters to plot* + * standard set = price, volume, open interest, IV, delta, gamma, vega, theta + * nonstandard set = rho, charm, veta, color, speed, vanna, vomma, zomma + * *which price to use* + * mid price or last traded price + * *which type of options to plot* + * puts, calls, or both + * *which moneyness to plot* + * ITM, OTM, or all options + * *risk-free rate* + * *starting time to use in the time to expiration calculation* + * you can just tell it to use the current time, or specify a time (time to exp is calculated at the minute resolution btw) + * example of when you might want to specify a time: it's Sunday, the prices will be from EOD Friday, so the time to exp should be calculated from the starting point of EOD Friday +* option data is then pulled from Yahoo! Finance, and parameters are calculated & plotted in a series of 3D subplots + +[Here are some examples](https://imgur.com/a/njqZ3TS) of what you will see when the plots are generated. + +At the bottom of the examples you will see I've included a guide on how to run this for those who might not be familiar with programming. + +**Here are the (easiest IMO) steps to run this code if you want to but don't know how:** + +1. Download the [Anaconda distribution](https://www.anaconda.com/products/individual) (this is how you get python and the required packages) +2. Open the [Spyder](https://www.spyder-ide.org/) development environment (Anaconda should install it by default -- if it doesn't then just install it from within Anaconda) +3. Install the yfinance package. To do this, in the console just type in: "pip install yfinance" (without the quotes) and hit enter. +4. Paste the code into the default 'temp' file (note - if you save the code, the file has to have a .py extension) +5. Hit the green play button (or the F5 key) + +This was mainly meant to be an educational project -- both from an options and programming perspective. + +For example: + +Even though Yahoo! provides implied volatility, I still calculate it manually using a bisection algorithm. I started with Newton-Raphson for speed, but as I found out, it's really hard to make it converge for *every* deep ITM option. Bisection is technically slower but always converges given that IV is between the two initial guesses. I also thought it would be a good idea to expose myself to the higher order greeks. + +Since I'm used to creating more 'procedural' scripts, I wanted to get familiar with an 'object-oriented' programming style -- writing an 'option contract' class made things so much easier to handle. This was also good practice for handling a lot of data with complex layers. A next possible step would be making the graphs continuously update in real time, but that seems like more work that I don't want to do right now lol. + +I tried to provide good commenting and docstrings, but let me know if something is wrong. This is mainly in reference to the descriptions I gave and the formulas for the higher order greeks -- can't really validate the numbers with a brokerage like I can for the standard greeks. + +Edit: I should also add that if the [yfinance](https://github.com/ranaroussi/yfinance) package ever breaks, then this will stop working. + +Edit 2: [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/algotrading/comments/fy22fe/spy_options_trading_from_150330_pm_blue_call_red/) post was also motivating and gave me the push to start working on this + +Edit 3: should clarify not *every* single greek in the Wikipedia table is plotted, but every Greek has the formula entered into the option class, so the code can be modified to plot any of them + +Edit 4: thanks for the awards + +Edit 5: [helpful comment for Mac users](https://www.reddit.com/r/options/comments/gvmluu/thought_id_share_a_project_i_just_finished_3d/fsrbpbd?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share) +So a little backstory. My wife and I lived in FL, Had a kid. When my kid was three, she was diagnosed with leukemia. At this point my wife never went back to work for obvious reasons. We had decided for her to go back somewhere between 2-3 years old but the cancer meant it wasn't possible. I was making about 50K+ a year. This was mostly because of mandatory overtime. We were "ok" with finances, but I couldn't afford the medical bills so they simply stacked up. We decided to move to SC about 6 months before my daughter was done with treatment (she was in her last bit of maintenance phase of chemo so it wasn't as difficult a time) to be closer to my wifes family since my family isn't much of a family. Financially it looked fine on paper. We would even save money. I was going to transfer jobs to a new location, with a small promotion. This was the biggest financial mistake I ever made. + +After moving, while the rent was cheaper, the utlities were upwards of 300-500$ a month. I was used to paying 100-150 a month roughly year round. The amount of driving we were having to do, i was spending nearly $250 a month in gas alone. And then the job. At first they gave me "Oh we need you in [insert grunt work position] for a few weeks until the new position opens up". And then the first paycheck hit. It was FAR lower than my normal paycheck. I immediately went to the payroll lady. Come to find out, I was being paid $2.50 less an hour than what I was making in FL. I told them I was not informed of a pay decrease. Why on earth would I take a job that pays LESS than what I was making? They said it was "cost of living adjustment from the pay in FL". I complained and complained. It fell on deaf ears. Three months in, still no change in job or pay. After about my first month, my hours started getting cut down. I was being made to do stupid random jobs that a monkey could do. Some days working only 6 hours. I was used to working 50-60 hours a week. And then using me as a "backup" incase someone didnt show up. While this is going on, I started having to use my credit cards to get by. + +After 6 months at the job I finally left for another job. Making about the same amount as when I left. At this point, my pay had gone from 50K+ in FL to about 38K. It's been almost two years since we moved, and we finally decided to let the cards go about three months ago when we moved into a new place. It's much smaller and a lot better on the bills. We are finally about breaking even now. My pay has gone up a little, although im only making about 40K. Though we can't save anything. My wife started doing some cleaning on the side. Right now only 1 client, once a week at $40. My daughter is in remission and is doing fine. + +But..we ran up about $14,000+ in credit cards and I have about $35,000 in medical bills. There's no way I can ever pay back that amount. My wife can't work full time, or even part time that can work around my daughters school schedule. So her finding a "normal" job right now is out. + +We decided to look into two things. Debt consolidation (which im not hopeful for) or bankruptcy. Does anyone know what I can expect from going the bankruptcy route? What unforseen restrictions are there? I have zero experience with bankruptcy. The only understanding I have is that you pay a lawyer to do it for you, and it wipes all of your debt away but you are unable to get any kind of credit for five years? But that just sounds too easy. I know it's got to be more complicated than that? +The stock dropped 5% today to an all time low of $7.31. + +This is a P/E ratio of 7x and the company's enterprise value is currently $3.6b with a $1.5b market cap. The company has historically generated $550m ebitda with healthy FCF margins. Even in a declining TV advertising environment, revenues are still predictable over the next few years. Even given the earnings miss in Q1, with a decline of 2.5% over Q1 last year, AND the bullish sentiment around Netflix, I just can't see how CJR.b isn't a great value buy right now. + +Someone change my mind. + +Does anyone have any experience with this exchange? + +It seems the reporting requirements are lax and a ton of weed companies list on it. Is this a scammers/ pump and dump exchange where money goes to die? +Everyone is sh*tting their pants with all the red recently - be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy. + +Following that logic; who are you greedy for right now and are buying up, that has been essentially beaten down but bound to spring back? + +Edit: I’m personally looking at Google and Shopify (might be dumb but that’s what I’m lookin at) +If you were 35 with no rrsp or tfsa but have been contributing to an omers pension through work the past 3 years and now have 1k a month to freely invest with the hope of potentially retiring at 55 where would you allocate these funds? +Everyone is sh*tting their pants with all the red recently - be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy. + +Following that logic; who are you greedy for right now and are buying up, that has been essentially beaten down but bound to spring back? + +Edit: I’m personally looking at Google and Shopify (might be dumb but that’s what I’m lookin at) +Hi! US -> AUS here, been here a few years on a work visa but just got permanent residency! Now that that's sorted I need to sort out private health cover but also start aggressively contributing more to super (I was saving for immigration fees before, and I bought a car in cash last year, so now that % of $$ will be going to super and other savings). I do have enough savings to account for about 6 mos of expenses, so I'm honestly pretty happy with that for now though will be adding a bit more. Bank interest rates aren't terribly thrilling right now, though ING seems to be better than others? I rent now but I do hope of someday owning a house, but also I admit that the systems here are still kinda different and I want to make sure I am understanding what is best for me. + +So besides getting signed up for medicare, and getting my driver's license sorted, trying to make money-smart decisions and be aggressive about it but want advice re where to start next. + +Re private health cover, I'm in the $$ and age range where I'd pay extra if I don't get it, and I do wear glasses (and take some meds every month for a genetic thing). Compared to the US all the options look very cheap but I get very mixed opinions on if it's worth it or not and if so, what's worth getting. + +In the US, you basically need credit cards etc to build up a good credit score and get loans in the future. I know that's not as much of a thing here but like let's say I do 90% of my groceries at Coles, is it worth getting their CC for the points? Are there other cards like that that'd be a better option? Mostly just interested in cashback. + +I do have some $$ invested in the US but have been told that if I try to bring it over here, I will lose a decent % of it so happy for it to stay there for now, but I do want to be aggressive re saving and the UniSuper advisor I have access through work wasn't very helpful honestly. I want to try to be aggressive with savings, but also be sensible about it. + +Anything else I am missing? Super glad to officially get to stay here, I love Australia and I really fell in love with the land and the people, glad I get to stick around! \^\^ +If you filter out all the house price/recession discussions and ETF/investing questions the general path to financial success is earn more, spend less and invest the rest. Of course you can elaborate on each point and go into more detail. However other than that there doesn't seem to be much else. I was wondering surely there is other valuable financial advice out there that has not been mentioned yet. Given this subs younger demographic and well lack of life experience that probably explains why there is less financial advice other than the bare basic beginner steps. So if you ever wanted to say something but never had the opportunity to here's your chance. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +Hi there, + +I am having a frustrating time in the dating world a little bit, especially when it comes to finances. It scares me to go into relationships and marriage in the future because of the past experiences. + +To give you some examples as a guy: + +- I generally seem to meet girls who are educated and good earning BUT they have no clue or no interest in savings. +- The girls will quite casually spend every day £10-20 on breakfast, lunch, coffee etc. +- On top this regular dinner and drinks out which might cost £30-50 a pop x days each week they go out. + + +As a guy I am saving to: +- Buy a home to raise a family in the future +- Save in case there are rainy days and I have to rely on my savings +- because I don't see the value in buying £2-3 croissants, £20-30 dinners, £5 lunch small tubs because most of the ingredients to make it are sub-standard. I'd rather buy £10 grocery shopping which is enough to feed me for the whole week if I cook properly. Plus it's nutritious. + +My problems are the following: +- Because of the above when I am dating I try to be a little balanced, do things my partner enjoys but also enjoy the way I like doing things. Sometimes I fall into the extreme of doing it my way which means my partner feels it's unfair because they like doing it the other way. I forget to compromise is what I am trying to say. I am trying very hard to remember this. + +- Eventually it seems women don't like frugality or savings because it limits life experiences? What's the balance in making the other person happy? + +- The women I date are educated but seems like they rarely think about saving and give thoughts to the idea of why it might be good to save for the future. + + +I am aware that not all women/men/the opposite sex is like this. In the above I give female examples because that is who I date. But it seems like a re-occurring pattern when it comes to dating/relationships/marriage etc. + +So my question is, how do you live with a spouse/partner/gf-bf-date who doesn't manage their finances maybe as well as you? +So I have an elderly relative who is well-off from their late husband. They’ve evaluated their finances and they’re determined to ensure the tax man does not gain significantly on inheritance tax, so they’ve decided to give some away, they hope several (7+) years before they pass to avoid this tax. + +An asset that they wanted me to have is their late grandfather’s house, which I conveniently already rent from them. The property is ancient (1700s), grade 2 listed with multiple extensions and works carried out over the years. The property appears sound, it’s maintained and no obvious problems. + +They’ve presented me with the land registry plans and confirmation the property will be mine, which I’ve of course signed. + +I have no legal representation, they have tax implications that they’re paying for but aside from that it’s a done deal. + +Should I be taking any measures now I’m a homeowner of this listed building? Insurance is obvious but I’ve heard horror stories of compliance issues with listed buildings, I don’t even know if past works had planning. Do I just ride those out and remortgage the house if expenses arise, or is there compliance insurance for instances like this? I understand I’m legally liable now. Usually compliance would be dealt with during a sale, but a sale hasn’t taken place. I’ve tried to find out if they know about previous works and compliance but they “don’t know” and “beggars can’t be choosers”. + +I don’t have the capital currently to approach a compliance officer and let them slam me with any defects, there’s plastic doors/windows on the back so immediately there’s an expensive problem. + +Thanks +Hi guys/gals, not sure if I am in the right sub, but I need help. 3 months ago my wife gave birth to my beautiful baby boy. During the delivery process, the delivering doctor stated that the original doctor that was supposed to be here had a heart attack and was unable to make it. Fine, thats cool, as long as my wife is in good hands. 5 minutes later, my son was out, nice and healthy and with no complications. Fast forward to 2 days ago, i get a bill for $1800 stating my insurance is not covering. I called to ask why and they state that the doctor that did the delivery is out of my network...so i told th lady that it wasn't my concern since i wasn't given a choice of the delivering doctor. Also, i was also NOT aware that he wasn't in my network and i wasn't going to stop him while he was delivering my baby and ask him "hey dude, just to be sure, you're in my network right?". So in the end, the lady on the phone said i would need to pay because my insurance will not. What can i do? + +Update: just got off the phone with the insurance company, they asked me to file an appeal and the board will review it. It seems like the insurance company AND the hospital believe I caused the heart attack for the doctor...-_- + +Update2: Thank you all for for your upmost support and helping me figure out a way around this. I understa,d that $1800 is not alot and I could save myself some time by just paying it but as many US citizens, we are getting by as is. The point is, it was NEVER made clear that he was out of Network and noone ever mentioned it till now. I will file an appeal and also take into account the new law that was passed in NY not too long ago. But i plead to others, save this post. Whether you're an expecting parent or someone who had a routine doctor visit, be aware, this shit happens every fucking day and your insurance that you work so hard to pay, wont give a flying fuck if you get hit with the bill. I will post an update on a later day once I get any confirmation or resolution. :) Thank You Reddit +I'm not talking about moving BACK in. I've never moved out. My social life is non existent and now I'm 30. + +Now, I take care of the bills & groceries and my personal bills (cell phone, internet, etc) (my single mom now retired and the SS money she collects isn't enough to support) + +I'm constantly battling if it is smart to CONTINUE stay with my parents "and save". If so, for how long? How much do I save? How do I know when I'm "ready" to move out or have enough? I can't think clearly anymore what is a good financial path to take here, before I make the wrong decision? + +I am self employed, so much of the time I'm inside. I occasionally go out to hit the gym or sit at a coffee shop to do some work and find other avenues to bring in more income. I take home roughly about 30k a year in profits. Right now i've saved about 60k. + +I feel like if i move out I'd have a social life, my own space, but no money. It would be tight even if I had my own place I'd have no money to do things and be a responsible adult. I get the snickers that at my age, as a man, I shouldn't be with my parents and it's just stressing me out. I attempted to look for an apartment and maybe arrange a co- renting space but I'm not sure if it is/isn't financially smart? Everyone I know lives with a roommate or married. I just want to live alone. + +&#x200B; + +Now, the easy solution is to find a better job or another job, but it isn't that easy. My degree is useless, i have no relevant experience on my resume because i opted to be self employed and "do my own thing". + +&#x200B; + +I feel like it's a lose/lose situation. +Full disclosure: I own Nano. Have been in it since 2017. + + +While Bitcoin, Dogecoin and ETH are getting all the hype right now, it is important to learn about other players in the market with potentially better tech. + +NANO is a direct competitor to LTC and Bitcoin. Nano was created in order to be used in transactions and make them free and instantaneous. + +There are multiple advantages to NANO when compared to other competitors: + +1. Fee-less + +Unlike many other cryptos, nano is fee-less. This is a major advantage to other crypto’s, especially since Bitcoin can get really expensive really fast. In 2017, a Bitcoin transaction could cost over $40 and take 2 hours to complete. This is a major drawback for small everyday transactions. It could be argued that Bitcoin is a store of value, and should not be used for small transactions but it does go against the original thesis of Satoshi. + +2. Instant + +Nano is essentially instantaneous and that is extremely important for small every day transactions. I recommend opening two nano wallets and sending money back and worth to truly appreciate the speed of the network. + +3. Eco-friendly + +I think this is a huge point that many people overlook. With the rise of Bitcoin, more and more power is dedicated to mining/processing transactions, and at a certain point the cost of doing so will be insane. With Nano, thousands of transactions can happen at the same time without the insane energy consumption that we are all used to seeing. + + +Conclusion: + +These are just a few advantages that new people should know about NANO. +If the goal is to truly make a convenient crypto that lets people to freely transact, there is a strong argument for Nano technology. +Additionally, the team is fairly experienced and has been around for over 4 years now. +Good luck, and happy investing. + + + +EDIT: A few people asked, but NANO is a fully built out network. It has been available for use since 2015 (called raiblocks), and has gone through multiple stress tests. + +EDIT 2: There is a lot of healthy discussion going on, but also a few people think I am shilling for the coin. To be honest, I will be holding this crypto for a long time. I did not expect this post to take off, if I did, I would make it more detailed. Anyway, this is obviously just an opinion, and there can be disagreements on whether the technology makes sense or not. +Source: [https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release\_2022/k221220a.pdf](https://www.boj.or.jp/en/announcements/release_2022/k221220a.pdf) + +[ ](https://preview.redd.it/sa7y8q92267a1.png?width=275&format=png&auto=webp&s=39feba01c263d1148b056929cfabe13dfa0f7826) + +The Bank of Japan announced wideng the band of its yield peg that kept the 10-year yield capped at \~0.25%. It raised the upper limit of the yield peg to 0.5%--from 0.25%. It left its short-term policy rate unchanged in the negative, at -0.1%--the last central bank with negative interest rates AKA Free Money. + +Why are they doing this? In its statement on monetary policy today: + +>Since early spring this year, volatility in overseas financial and capital markets has increased and this has significantly affected these markets in Japan. The functioning of bond markets has deteriorated, particularly in terms of relative relationships among interest rates of bonds with different maturities and arbitrage relationships between spot and futures markets. Yields on Japanese government bonds (JGBs) are reference rates for corporate bond yields, bank lending rates, and other funding rates. + +and + +>If these market conditions persist, this could have a negative impact on financial conditions such as issuance conditions for corporate bonds. The Bank expects that the measures decided today will facilitate the transmission of monetary easing effects generated under the framework of yield curve control, such as through corporate financing. The Bank will aim to achieve the price stability target by enhancing the sustainability of monetary easing under this framework through implementing these measures. + +This caused bond yields to rally: + +[https:\/\/tradingeconomics.com\/japan\/government-bond-yield ](https://preview.redd.it/4uru7vpb367a1.png?width=955&format=png&auto=webp&s=aae21b605688dee4b1a310073770ce56dabb3fd4) + +This jump in yield also saw the yen gain against the dollar as well: + +[However, as you can see, the Yen was getting DESTOYED back in September--what changed?](https://preview.redd.it/8rggoc8c467a1.png?width=1427&format=png&auto=webp&s=c88c43398be31bf099e488259d4f6f65ae4e278a) + +What changed? The Bank of Japan starting selling USD in September: + +[https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/markets\/asia\/japan-confirm-size-yen-buying-intervention-eyes-size-war-chest-2022-09-30\/ ](https://preview.redd.it/pr3pzz8b567a1.png?width=1152&format=png&auto=webp&s=d6ef12285f72930a06438de285b403436ef09adc) + +Through October (most recent data available from Treasury), Japan’s holdings of Treasury securities decreased by $121 billion, to $1.08 trillion, and were down $242 billion from a year earlier. + +All of which brings us back to today and things starting to get funky as the reverberations from rate increases felt: + +https://preview.redd.it/eujc0fmw567a1.png?width=745&format=png&auto=webp&s=540a9098a198151a056fda876cecaf3b773d2125 + +Buckle Up! + +https://preview.redd.it/z4lxcik4767a1.png?width=610&format=png&auto=webp&s=10efb693aacaa4d934a963149266e5a52008de28 +My girlfriend and I are renting a 3br house, roughly $2000/month. We had 2 of her coworkers living with us and each paying a quarter of the rent. Yesterday morning, one of our roommates took her own life, and now the other roommate doesnt want to live here because she would be sharing walls and cant handle being in the house. I don't blame her one bit. We have 5 months left on the lease. We could ideally squeeze with one roommate, but just the two of us will be hard due to financial reasons. The other aspect is emotionally, I don't want to be here anymore either...I was the one to find the body, and I get nauseous every time I look at her door, let alone go inside the room. Breaking our lease would result in a penalty of our security deposit as well as 2 months rent. I'm so lost, and have no idea what the right call is to do. None of our friends would feel comfortable moving in based on the news that there was just a suicide here. We also cant really look for random roommates, because my girlfriend works for a zoo and often raises animals at home, so someone who is untrustworthy could ruin her career. + + + +Tldr: we essentially lost 2 roommates that were paying rent with us. Emotionally, its weighing on me to still be in the house, but breaking the lease would be super expensive. We can't search for random roommates because of my girlfriends job. Are there any other alternatives? Has anyone who has experienced this situation found a good way to deal with it? + + +Edit: We called the landlord/company Invitation Homes and they won't let us out, not meet in the middle anywhere. Pretty sad :/ +Ok, this is just speculation but it’s highly probable that Fidelity more than owns the tradable retail float. Etoro has 86k gme holders. Fidelity is nearly 30 times the size (conservative estimate) which would give them 2.58 million gme holders. My estimate is based off comparing the number of employees and revenue between the brokerages among other factors. Keep in mind that after Apex turned off the buy button, Fidelity said they got 4 million new accounts. I don’t have the source on this so someone please link in comments. Now, I also remember a few apes mentioning some small brokers with around 10+ shares per account, so even using those very conservative numbers, Fidelity owns close to 26 million shares in street name. Now, I’m sure this number is much higher, but if there is any way apes can just get this single number from Fidelity would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that counterfeit shares exist behind the float. +https://insight.bitpay.com/address/12c6DSiU4Rq3P4ZxziKxzrL5LmMBrzjrJX + +https://live.blockcypher.com/btc/address/12c6DSiU4Rq3P4ZxziKxzrL5LmMBrzjrJX + +https://btc.blockr.io/address/info/12c6DSiU4Rq3P4ZxziKxzrL5LmMBrzjrJX + +No other block explorer has shown Satoshi's coins move. + +Please remove blockchain.info from your bookmarks and never use them again. + +Do not mention their name to new comers. Let this severely inept company die. + +------------------------ + +Update: It has been found that blockchain.info was accepting and reporting transactions without even checking if they are valid. If you have been using blockchain.info APIs, it has been at your own peril. + + + +I notice a lot of you guys have big plans to, or are already using your retirements to climb Everest, circumnavigate the globe, build NGO's and non-profits, help old ladies cross streets, run marathons, learn languages, and maintain strict self-improvement habits and schedules that would make a CEO blush. + +And there seems to be a widely held opinion that anyone who dares retire without a giant list of heroic goals risks becoming a bored, depressed, alcoholic couch potato who wishes he never stopped working. + +As a lazy retired guy who spends his time on video games, movies, hanging out with friends, puttering around the garden, surfing the internet, going for a hike, cooking, and playing with my cat, I'm pretty darn happy. I just really enjoy day to day life and feel no need to accomplish or improve anything other than my ability to keep a positive attitude and enjoy the simple things as much as I can. Anyone else feel they could enjoy the laid back life or is this sub just too full of go-getters? +Don't be like me. The only reason I'm profitable right now is my high win percentage (90.48% after 63 trades). But as you can see, my average on losers is WAY TOO HIGH. It's not enough to have a high win percentage. You also need to make sure you have a healthy profit to loss ratio. Mine is currently at 0.2/1, which means my average wins are much lower than my average losses. + +I started documenting my trades on July 1st, and I'm determined to improve that metric moving forward. + +My biggest mistake is taking losses that are too big and not letting my winners ride. Until I start doing that consistently, I will never become profitable over time. + +https://preview.redd.it/p9bsrfk2yy991.png?width=2774&format=png&auto=webp&s=6ea06b40514f45fd1e096535aeae99cf04917d65 +I’ve been trading for a year and half now but have recently been going through a burnout. After a month and half of consistent losses and my strategy failing it’s getting consistently harder to get up and want to trade again. Finding myself slacking and not following my plans outside of trading such as journaling and reviewing my live trading. Something I was consistently passionate about and extremely motivated to go after, studying upwards of 6-8 hours after work and I’m starting to feel as if I have nothing to show for it. Previously I was starting to get consistent but my strategy started to fail and I started to slack on reviewing it. I’m at this point where I know it’s what I want to do but have no energy whatsoever to put time into it as it feels as if I get little return in fulfillment, not even referring to it financially. + +Don’t mean to make this sound all depressing lol, want to get others peoples view on what they do when they get burnt out and how to get out of a trading “slump”. +My job wants us to start going back to the office at least several days a week. + +Originally they had us in cubicles which did give us some privacy and I could trade at work. But now they have changed the place up to be open space. I’ll have no privacy at all. + +I trade on my phone but people who sit next to me or walk by will be able to see that I am looking at stock charts +This weeks $PLTR calls that are almost ITM are still only like $.08 or so. I’ll explain in detail more about that in a bit. + +But to start let me be clear- $PLTR is in my long term holding account, it’s technology and it’s growth alone in the past year is unbelievable. If you haven’t heard of $PLTR deff look them up and do some research on the company, promise you’ll be amazed. My price prediction in 5-6 years is minimum $500 (closed at $26 today). *someone set a reminder on here for 6 years from today lol* + +Now I have tons of shares in my long term account but also have my short term options for it in my regular account. Thats where this post ties in lol. + +So why buy the cheap calls expiring in 2 days? $PLTR has been moving sideways for a while now but finally broke out today and smashed its $26 resistance just before closing bell. With that resistance gone it’s now due for fast gap back up to $35+. + +After picking up momentum all week, the buying pressure alone was incredible today which is what allowed it to finally push past resistance. This is partially due to $PLTRs amazing ability to land $100 million contracts like twice a week lol, but more so from the big analysts covering it this week after it started gaining speed. Given all that, there’s no doubt in my mind it’s going to continue ripping straight up this week. + +So whats my plan? Well. This morning I got over 60 of the $30 calls expiring Friday for $.01 each (though I believe they’re at $.02 now lol). Now that $PLTR finally broke that key resistance, if it moves back up to $35+ as fast as the analysts have been saying it will all week, those $30 calls will be making me bankkkkk!! And IMO it’s not too late to get the calls closer to the current price of $26.5 either because they still cost pennies! + +Anyway long story short, it’s set for a quick move up and if it fills the gap, it’ll be around a 40% gain from today’s prices. Mix that with dirt cheap options and you have a decent shot at making some serious cash! + +But who knows, I’m not a financial advisor lol *and if you can’t join me At least pray for me lol* 🙏🤞 + + + +I currently have the following calls for this week: +$26, $26.5, $27.5, $30 +UPDATE: THank you to everyone for your advice, this got far more attention than I thought so I really do appreciate it. I’m the end I sent the money back and offered to go to the local Barclays branch with her as there isn’t one near her. + +Unbelievably, they refused to give her any money despite having ID and proof of address and the letter they sent confirming there had been fraudulent activity on her card. The reason? Because she didn’t have the Barclays app on her phone, which just seems wild to me. (She doesn’t have a smartphone) + +They confirmed the best course of action was to transfer some money to family or w friend, given in the only person who still speaks to me it was me, but I persuaded her to only withdraw 250 rather than 500 and got the handover recorded on my dashcam, as well as the messages plus the withdrawal receipt. + + so it appears that on this occasion all was legit, and Barclays just have very poor processes for when someone’s cash withdrawal get locked. + +Thanks again everyone. + + +ORIGINAL: + +So for reasons I won’t really get into here, I don’t get along with my mum, we speak a couple times a year and that’s it. She just called me saying she needs a favour and is on her way to my house. + +Apparently last week her card got cloned and although all the money has been returned she doesn’t currently have a card and needs to do some shopping. + +She has asked if she sends me £500 for food, petrol and some other things, can I withdraw it and hand it to her. She acknowledges this is probably too much but she doesn’t want to run out before it’s fixed. + +Now, I don’t really know whether to believe her story or not because she’s normally full of BS. That aside, she’s about to rock up at my house and has already sent me the money. + +Is there any conceivable risk to me that you wonderful people can think of? Any well known scams etc. The money has definitely come from her account although I don’t know the source of it beyond that. + +Thanks in advance all for your help! +Hi, + +Had a car stolen off of my drive with the thieves stealing the spare key from inside the property. Although not investment finance, I want to outline some of the steps so far and ask for advice as it does relate to personal wealth regarding valuations. Apologies if this is too off topic. + +Called 101 to report the theft and insurers. Rang the car manufacturer to request activation of the car tracker (only the police can do this). Contacted finance company. Insurers cancel policy on the spot in matters of theft. Even if you have a courtesy car, check that it includes theft and not just for damage/repair claims. I didn't know there was a distinction and I'm without a car. No claims wasn't protected, lost 6 years against my existing 10. + +Next day rang police to check on tracker progress (they forgot), wait until end of day for them to send a GDPR consent form for me to fill to allow them to request access. 48hours pass before manufacturer confirm request and say no sign of signal. + +Get finance settlement quote and all details and give to insurer. Wait weeks for them to collect data before we can move onto valuations + +valuations: insurers use a collection of third party subscription based valuation models. They do not rely on autotrader etc. They provided a valuation > 10% lower than market value + +I emailed them a collection of comparable vehicles to show a fair value as well as a collection of base model vehicles as comparison on price. (from Autotrader) + +They offer a without prejudice settlement on the spot, otherwise you have to escalate a dispute through management. + +Their valuation tool does not include all factory fitted options on a vehicle. Note distinction vs dealer options. This is important as apparently dealer options will not "increase a car's value, but they can make it easier to sell" - Parkers. (tell me how making something easier to sell doesn't increase it's value... something has to be mispriced...) + +You need to be really specific. You can use your car VIN number to do a check (there's some free sites) that outlines all factory modules. I subscribed to parkers as a valuation tool (costs £10) and input as much as you can in there, but that also doesn't include all options. Escalated this to parkers. I was able to show though how the parker's valuation on a base model matches the asking price off of a collection of the Autotrader cars and say how even this is higher than the insurers' provisional quote. + +Insurers asked for me to provide them the VIN breakdown. Asked if they had access to proprietary systems to check their side, which they apparently don't. Seems strange. + +Moving forward, I hope to reach settlement and have been pushing that their model is deficient. It doesn't match Parker or autotrader on base, and doesn't include options. Failing that, escalation through FOS seems likely. + +For the next car, I am installing a 3rd party immobiliser. The car was not keyless, they stole the spare key, there was a security light and cameras which offered no deterrent. Do not rely on factory trackers. + +really interested to hear anyone's thoughts on what i've done, your experiences through valuations and the leg work you through and any general guidance + + +Edit\* post on facebook/next door btw if you have a similar issue. We had a load of neighbours that came forward with footage from that night of the group trying their cars, going into their gardens etc + I just discovered the "Poor man's covered call". I understand the basics. You buy an ITM leap, and sell OTM weeklies/monthlies to recoup your premium. My question is, if your weekly gets exercised while you're well over the ITM strike price of your leap, you still make the difference in option premium in profit on top of all collected premiums correct? Also, assuming you've recouped your LEAP premium by the time the stock tanks, you'll have no remaining risk correct? As MEME stocks find new price floors and greater resistance from MMs, I just feel like PLTR or GME would be ripe for this sort of play. +I don't know who needs to hear this, but please do not buy way OTM options if you're just starting out. Made that mistake too many times and got killed with theta decay and loss in vega. + +This will save you a lot of money, but who knows...you might have to learn the hard way like I did. +I don't know who needs to hear this, but please do not buy way OTM options if you're just starting out. Made that mistake too many times and got killed with theta decay and loss in vega. + +This will save you a lot of money, but who knows...you might have to learn the hard way like I did. +The email claims to be from google services and blockchain.info and has a link where you can "check" to see if your wallet has been compromised. + +picture of the email: http://i.imgur.com/Twn6LAT.png + +The link on the email sends you to a highly accurate recreation of blockchain.info thats beeing hosted on some google drive account. On the page it asks you to upload your wallet file and enter the password for it. + +pic of the website: http://i.imgur.com/Li3wpYR.png + +Hopefully I shouldn't have to say this, but you should never upload your wallet.dat file and password to any website that is asking for it. +I'm seeing quite a lot of posts about these, how do these crypto scams work? + +I'm thinking there are a few possibilities: + +* It like "Initiative Q" where they are simply trying to get millions of emails and personal details to sell on. Especially because all the details they get are gullible people. +* They are trying to build enough critical mass as a multi-level marketing scheme and are actually hoping to get people buying and selling when they reach that point (what happens when they don't succeed? They just eat the ad revenue they made in the meantime?) +* They are using the phone CPU cycles do calculations to mine cryptocurrencies that are actually valuable, then after 1 year they can just conjure up a billion units of their bee coins at no cost to themselves + +My guess is a combination of mostly 2, with a little bit of 1. + +My fundamental problem is to ask: What's the point in this? What does it do? What problem does it solve? Does it do any of these things better than any existing cryptocurrency? + + +It's clearly not a scam where you can lose money *per se*, since it's not necessary to pay anything up front. +But in an age where clicks and seconds of people's attention is worth money and there are a dozen payment cryptocurrencies that are *already* working well, it's naïve at best. It seems like they are trying to target people who think "I have missed out on other cryptos" but somehow think, despite that, that bee is going somewhere. If crypto is going somewhere then bitcoin is still going places and if crypto isn't going anywhere then a garbage non-product is *definitely* going down the drain. +If you received $250,000 EVERY SINGLE DAY since the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776…you still wouldn’t have as much money as Ken Griffin. + +$250,000 x 365 days x 246 years = 22.4B + +Ken Griffin’s estimated net worth is 23-25B + +Throw in a bunch of the extra days from leap years and you still wouldn’t get to 23-25B. + +Point is, don’t let anybody influence your floor or anchor your price. These criminal enterprises - from Citadel to Point72 to Susquehanna to all the investment banks to the DTCC - have plenty of money to go around. This is their system, their rules, their algorithms, their predatory tactics…and they still lost. + +Stay zen, Apes, they’re going to throw everything they can at us in order to try and hang on to their gluttonous way of life and there will be no limits to their desperation. + +Happy MDW! +We have a serial bubble economy. I see no policy changes that would change that, so I'm sure we're headed for Yet Another Bubble. (sigh) + +Commodities seem likely at this point. Over Christmas vacation I watched some TV (rarely do that these days) and saw a commercial about buying some kind of commodity-related thing (usually gold) about two or three times per hour. I'm also getting Internet spam for oil-related scams. Ad hype saturation is a good indicator of a bubble forming. Remember "flip this house"? + +All bubbles seem to have an ideology-- a belief system that convinces many people (including many very smart people) that "it's different this time" and "the present trend is supported by fundamentals." I wonder if the ideology of the great commodities bubble is "peakonomics." I am speaking of all the talk of peak oil, peak gold, peak gas, peak water, etc. + +I think there is some validity to the Hubbert curve theory and it has been shown to be true in practice in several historical instances. But I wonder if it's being over-hyped and over-applied. I also wonder if people are jumping the gun on peak oil. Much of the world's oil reserves are poorly audited and are under the control of secretive regimes. + +Just a thought that I haven't seen elsewhere. The amount of liquidity pumping occurring right now is setting us up for another huge bubble. It seems to me that peak hysteria could be a perfect bubble-driving ideology. It's different this time, we promise! + +We have a serial bubble economy. I see no policy changes that would change that, so I'm sure we're headed for Yet Another Bubble. (sigh) + +Commodities seem likely at this point. Over Christmas vacation I watched some TV (rarely do that these days) and saw a commercial about buying some kind of commodity-related thing (usually gold) about two or three times per hour. I'm also getting Internet spam for oil-related scams. Ad hype saturation is a good indicator of a bubble forming. Remember "flip this house"? + +All bubbles seem to have an ideology-- a belief system that convinces many people (including many very smart people) that "it's different this time" and "the present trend is supported by fundamentals." I wonder if the ideology of the great commodities bubble is "peakonomics." I am speaking of all the talk of peak oil, peak gold, peak gas, peak water, etc. + +I think there is some validity to the Hubbert curve theory and it has been shown to be true in practice in several historical instances. But I wonder if it's being over-hyped and over-applied. I also wonder if people are jumping the gun on peak oil. Much of the world's oil reserves are poorly audited and are under the control of secretive regimes. + +Just a thought that I haven't seen elsewhere. The amount of liquidity pumping occurring right now is setting us up for another huge bubble. It seems to me that peak hysteria could be a perfect bubble-driving ideology. It's different this time, we promise! + +Hi guys this is my first post here! + +I'm no financial expert, but it seems like if you agree to a credit card company's interest rate, and run a balance at that interest rate, that balance should be locked in at the initial interest rate. + +Now if you make a late payment and they raise your rate (like straight from 14% to 29.99% in my case), then first and foremost they should have to notify you of the increase. Second, all purchases made after that rate increase date should be applicable at the 29.99%, but everything before the rate increase date should still accrue balance at the initial interest. + +My reasoning here is that every purchase is like a mini-contract or agreement with the company to pay back the cost of the item plus interest. So why should they get to decide down the road that you have to pay over twice as much interest? That wasn't the agreement. + +And the "cardholder's agreement" is so purposefully daunting that I don't think it holds much sway in this argument. If in the fine print of a software user agreement it said that the software could corrupt your files as it saw fit I think a judge might throw out the agreement. + + +/end rant + +edited: formatting +Chomsky in his book "On Language" criticizes the field of psychology for its apparent refusal to create a coherent model of the human mind. He praises it for its experimental methodology and analysis, but ultimately, psychology seems to be focused on specific, limited phenomena. The psychologist, according to Chomsky, sees only reactions to isolated stimuli and refuses to take into account the undoubtedly complex processes that occur within their skulls. One purpose of the field of linguistics, according to him, is to generate such a model of the human mind from the study of language, a complex and yet coherent behavioral phenomenon that's universal to humans. + +From my point of view, the field of economics suffers essentially from the same problem. It studies correlations between artificially isolated variables, but there is no push to generate a coherent model of any sort of real-world economic system. +I have searched through this forum and have found the outstanding US version. Lots of people asking for a Canadian one. Has one been created? I’d like to find one for personal use and then create a thread for people to discuss it.. unless that already exist. Have a great day everyone!! +I made a comment yesterday on a post that did some technical analysis on GME, and several people asked that I turn that comment into a post, so here it is. + +Obviously I'm going to start by saying all of this is based on my opinion of what needs to happen to spark the squeeze. + +**First, the comment as it was:** + +*I've seen lots of bullish TA on GME. Keep in mind, ALL TA requires volume to play out how it should. We haven't had any volume on GME in over a week. + +Holding shares simply isn't enough - needs constant (all day every single day) buying of shares and IN THE MONEY options. + +If you buy options that are 20-30% in the money they literally can't price pin because they can't get and keep the price 20-30% below current market. So you force immediate share buying by market makers to hedge, and virtually eliminate their means of counter-attack which has been price pinning at the point of maximum pain (price at which most contracts expire worthless). + +If you are intending to help push the squeeze, buy shares throughout the day every day. If you are playing options, mostly buy calls in the money. If you're buying OTM calls, buy as close to current price as you can afford. The more imbalanced OTM calls are, the more they're just going to price pin at maximum pain. They literally cannot do this if there is a ridiculous amount of new ITM call interest that they have to buy shares to hedge.* + +Essentially, we cannot rely on normal technical indicators for movement with Gamestop. There are two major reasons. + +1. Manipulation. We cannot do anything about this really, aside from buy and hold. Technicals actually have a tendencies to work in reverse when a stock is being manipulated at these levels. The shorts, while stuck in a stupid position, aren't stupid. They know when the TA is indicating a bullish setup, and that is the best time for them to attack the stock to break the setup. + +2. Volume. All technical setups require volume to play out. If volume doesn't follow, the technical setup fails and the price action is unpredictable. Except in this case, it goes down because it's being shorted at every chance. + +So what do we need to do? Hold? Yes. But that can't be it. If we are doing nothing but holding, this will be a stalemate that they will probably win as sections of retail gets bored or impatient. They can literally hold us in a stalemate for months/years if volume never shows up to move the price. *Yes, they pay more interest the longer they have to wait. They'll just manipulate other sectors of the market to force gains and cover their losses unless the SEC steps in to stop market manipulation.* + +#Volume + +Without volume, there is no endgame. Look at every day we've had spikes. Look at the volume. Now look at the past week or two. We aren't making progress because nobody is buying shares, aside from some whale algos that are simply fighting off the short attacks. Believe it or not, the whales do need retail support to force the squeeze. The whales are the ones creating momentum from time to time. If it catches on, they can follow it up. But if they just go all out to create a surge and nobody follows behind them to buy, they are literally risking billions of dollars to fail. + +This thing will likely happen in waves over the course of a few days. If you look at any day, there are surges in buy volume, but they're short. That's likely a whale, testing the market. If they see confirmation/follow-up from the market, it's less risky for them to send a second wave of buying pressure. So it will be something like, whale buy, retail confirmation buys, whale buy, runaway effect, gamma squeeze and then finally short squeeze. All of those things have to happen consecutively, fluidly and fairly quickly to beat any kind of counter attack. + +Now this is going to sound counterintuitive, but in order to catalyze the squeeze, we have to stop just buying the dip. When volume picks up and the price is spiking, that's the most important time to buy. That's the point when additional buying pressure is most important. And until the retail market confirms pressure on one of those spikes, we are going to keep bouncing back and forth. + +#Options + +The other side of the coin is options purchases. **Stop devoting the majority of your capital to far OTM lotto tickets.** This helps the short positions, because it forces the market makers to help the shorts. Market makers that sell call options have to hedge their risk. When you buy an $800c, it does two things. + +1. They don't have to buy very many shares up front to remain risk neutral. + +2. In incentivizes the market makers to pin the price. + +You can do some additional reading on max pain price in options, but it is essentially the closing price at which the largest number of options expire worthless. When you buy OTM call options, you're increasing the maximum pain price, which makes it easier for market makers (and shorts) to pin the price there. + +If, however, you're buying a ton of ITM call options, you're doing two things: + +1. Deep ITM calls have a delta of essentially 1.00. This means that in order to remain risk neutral, the market makers essentially has to buy 100 shares immediately upon selling you the contract. + +2. It lowers the max pain price by creating an imbalance towards lower strikes having the most OI. This means in order to pin the price at max pain, they would need to drop it from it's current price. + +Not only do you force market makers to be risk neutral immediately (meaning they don't care where the price goes), you also force them to immediately put buying pressure on the stock price. + +If you must buy OTM calls, buy ones that are at least closer to being ITM. The further OTM you buy calls, the more likely the price will go sideways. You can also sell calls and roll them into higher prices to remain leveraged as the price increases. Once it achieves a runaway squeeze, which will be easy to identify, you can start buying your lotto tickets. + +Tl;dr: In my opinion, if you want to help catalyze the squeeze, you need to buy shares when the price is spiking and buy calls that are at least 10-20% in the money. + +💎🙌🚀🌖 +Literally just read a comment on here that VW locked 74.1% of their float including cash settle options and confirmed via multiple articles?! + +I must’ve missed the post here on Superstonk but RC has literally been saying this the whole time. **741…** + +All we’ve done is compare it to VW. RC has been doing the same. + +TITS JACKED + +Buy, hold, DRS +Literally just read a comment on here that VW locked 74.1% of their float including cash settle options and confirmed via multiple articles?! + +I must’ve missed the post here on Superstonk but RC has literally been saying this the whole time. **741…** + +All we’ve done is compare it to VW. RC has been doing the same. + +TITS JACKED + +Buy, hold, DRS +Everyone of you know about lululemon, **why** did the stock price go up 100x from 2009? Because we like the stock, we like the girls, but most importantly we purchase the goods! More tight yoga pants = leads to more sales of more sheer tight pants, literally cannot lose. + +Support your company through buying their products. + + 🚀 Gamestop 🚀 - why buy games anywhere else? + +[https://www.gamestop.com/](https://www.gamestop.com/) + + 🚀 **Blackberry** 🚀 Cylance - protect your boomer parents from **clicking every link possible** on the internet and get the virtual corona, then call tech support in India and get scammed for $420.69 and then their credit card maxed out when they can buy another share of GME, or 30 shares of BB. + +[promos.cylance.com/](https://promos.cylance.com/en-ca/) + + 🚀 AMC 🚀 - fuck what can we do to help them out, cash infusion already done, can't go bankrupt. + + 🚀 NOK 🚀 - more below. + +**I think we have enough top level people watching this sub, where we can actually move stocks based on our preferences. Literally giving fundamentals where they weren't there before.** + +We at not all retard paperboys like myself who make $3.50 an hour, some of us are top executives who can decide to **switch** tens of thousands of our Cyber protection products from crowdstrike to Blackberry. + +We have the power **change** purchase location everything we play through gamestop and more depending on how papa Cohen directs this ship. + +We have the power to **hit** that AMC theater when it is available and make movie watching great again at AMC. + +I will even go as far to say that we have people here who can **decide** the fate of Nokia's 5G future watching this sub. + + +We like the STONKS! +Hi PF family, + +I'm trying to build a roadmap / outline for my finances moving forward. I am currently reading through the entire wiki but I'm not 100% literate and there's a lot of information to go through. I thought I'd create a post to gather basic advice from redditors as I read. Here's the story: + +For years I had been living without a permanent residence and no primary source of income. About a year ago I was able to secure a $35k/year job and now rent a room in CA. My monthly expenses add up to just under $900, so I've been able to pocket roughly $1,200+ each month. I recently found out I now have $15,000 saved up in my Chase checking account, which is more money than I ever thought I would have. I'm accustomed to spending all my money on survival. A coworker suggested there are ways to have my money make money for me, and that I could learn about it here. + +I am approaching 30 years old with no higher education. Is college a good investment? This job and this living situation aren't going to last forever. I've never had to consider a future since I never thought I'd have one. + +I would appreciate any advice. Ask as many questions as you need. I have nothing but time. + + + +Edit: Thank you everyone for the advice and well wishes. I didn't think anyone would read this post, let alone respond with such an outpouring of support. I read everything you've said here and have taken steps to move forward. I opened a high interest savings account and now my money will grow at 2% annually instead of just sitting there. I'm going to invest that money in myself. I applied through FAFSA for financial aid so I can start going to community college and pursue a degree in computer science. I'm still researching and trying to put together a career path, but this is a field I'm interested in and I believe I will succeed in. +Quick question, I use Wealthsimple but it doesn’t have access to quite a few Canadian stocks I’d like to buy. What’s the next cheapest platform everyone likes to use that has access that Wealthsimple doesn’t? +I've heard a couple of my friends in finance/banking predicting that, with the US tariffs and potential abolition of NAFTA, we could be headed for a recession. One guy said he is going to put the bulk of his investments in money market funds in preparation for a steep decline (he threw around a lot of numbers, but said if it's anything like what happened 10 years ago, we could be looking at a 40% loss). What are everyone's thoughts? What would you do with your portfolios if we hit a recession? Is there a way to prepare for this? +I've heard a couple of my friends in finance/banking predicting that, with the US tariffs and potential abolition of NAFTA, we could be headed for a recession. One guy said he is going to put the bulk of his investments in money market funds in preparation for a steep decline (he threw around a lot of numbers, but said if it's anything like what happened 10 years ago, we could be looking at a 40% loss). What are everyone's thoughts? What would you do with your portfolios if we hit a recession? Is there a way to prepare for this? +I really like how the company invests, and it seems like one of the promising ones in the green energy space, but the P/E ratio is at a crazy 120.50. + +Do you think it is a good buy at this moment for long term (30 to 40 year hold) ? +It appears that the changes to Canadian mortgage rules have been opening up opportunities for private mortgages with borrowers who have good credit but still cant get a mortgage loan from A lender. + +I'm curious about peoples thoughts on this as an investment? +Those who do privately lend, how do you go about minimizing risk and what experiences can you share? + +I know of 2 couples who invest in these through a mortgage broker. The broker is licensed and facilitates the loan and has access to credit history and how much equity the borrower has. Often the borrower is someone self employed with good/decent credit, and they always have a minimum amount of equity remaining in the home. + +They are both making 12-14% interest and its paid monthly. (Is this too good to be true? Is this not discussed here often for privacy reasons?) + +As a private lender they are what's called "2nd in line" to collect on a default from the home or other assets. Where can I a Canadian learn more about this? +It's been 2 months now and after an reissued cheque that also seems to be lost, Sunlife continues to give me the run around. I have confirmed it was sent to the right address and the right RRSP account for Questrade. I have escalated the issue and the Resolution Case Manager said I should wait another 3 business days since the reissued cheque was sent on April 16 (before Easter) and if the money still doesn't show in my Questrade account then they were reissue the cheque but this time through a courier so it should take 3 business days instead of 7-10 business days. I asked them why wasn't it couriered the first time I needed the cheque to be reissued, she gave me some excuse I don't remember as I was really angry at this point. They also refuse to send the money to Questrade electronically because that's not their procedure, all money is sent via cheque to other financial institutions. + +I will update if I actually get my money but this is to warn all of you to regularly check your accounts when transferring your money out from Sunlife and track your conversations when doing follow-ups. They spend so much money upgrading and ensuring they are up to date with using the latest technology but still transfer money by cheque versus electronically. It also sucks because this was only a partial transfer as the rest of the money I have with Sunlife is locked since it's a DPSP with my employer. So when I do end up leaving my employer, I'm going to probably go through the same issue when transferring the rest of my money out of Sunlife. + +2 months wasted trying to transfer this money that could have increased by $1000-1500 already given where the rest of my portfolio is at with Questrade. +“Coming together in person to collaborate and build community is core to Google’s culture, and it will continue to be an important part of our future,” CEO Sundar Pichai said... + +https://www.cnbc.com/2021/03/18/google-to-spend-7-billion-in-data-centers-and-office-space-in-2021.html + +If I’m reading the tea leaves correctly Google’s announcement suggests that companies with a people-centric culture will be looking to acquire more +office space not less. This means office REITs should have a good long term future. + +I may be biased as I’m an investor in AP.un. +Hi , I am fairly new at investing and I am a student. I put 1k on the side , just to start off and test the waters. So far, Ive made 10$ (no big deal I know) but it left me wanting more. I was looking at Cineplex stocks recently and noticing the 70% drop since, you know what ,and so, I was wondering if anyone had invested in them or believes in them? +Please someone help explain why I don’t all-in my retirement portfolio to buy this stock, yielding approx 11%. +I know that income from the retailers was a mere 20% in April, and that dividends were barely covered last quarter. +I know that the dividends could be cut if Covid endures, due to limited/zero mall traffic. +I do not believe that office towers will stop functioning as they do now. +I believe that if the dividends are cut, that it’s a temporary move and that they will be restored, based on previous dividend increases. +BAM has a ton of cash if needed. This company isn’t going bankrupt due to Covid. + +On the upside, at 11% dividend, I could earn 70k+ per year. This does not include the amazing potential return of the stock price itself. +Missing this opportunity, I would need to grow my portfolio to $1.4m to achieve the same annual income (assuming a 5% dividend) when things return to normal. That’s additional YEARS of investing/saving. At 11% I start retirement much earlier (though not immediately, as I would save to purchase other stocks, diversifying with the dividends earned). A secure 11% return seems as though it would be like winning the lottery, and I could lock in now, not concerned about trying to time the market for 13 or 14% instead, for example. + +I’m ok with seeing the share price drop, without selling. I’m ok without dividends (even none) for a while. No carrying costs on my side presently. + +I tried understanding the very lengthy argument on the accounting methods that BAM/BPY use but couldn’t make heads or tails of it. + +Anyone? + +Edit: thanks everyone for sharing opinions. Please keep them coming. +A little background to help explain my thoughts: +I’ve worked for a bank for the past 15 years. My experience with recommended investment strategies from investment advisors has lead me to feel that banks prefer clients to be far too conservative, reducing risk (but most importantly bank liability). +I was an entrepreneur prior to my banking days and recognize that many, many people invest everything they have into just one thing. Most business owners for example. If they lose their business, it’s bankruptcy or losing their home, etc. +Another example is anyone who’s ignoring stocks, and buys rental properties. +In my opinion, buying BPY is buying rental properties, but letting proven professionals decide which ones, and how to best manage them. +With respect to “chasing the dividend”, I don’t necessarily find dividends more important than potential capital gains, but I would take a “secure” return of 11%/yr vs market volatility any day if the week. And that’s not to mention the potential share price doubling in the future, while earning the 11% annually! +So: how secure is the dividend? I would say “unknown” given current retail foot traffic. I could see dividends being cut until covid is dealt with. That’s fine. It’s the potential of earning 11%/yr each year, once life returns to “normal” that’s the huge draw for me. If that takes 2 years before happening, no problem! +With the research happening to create a vaccine, there’s a serious chance that life will return to normal. It’s just a matter of “how long”? +And finally, to those who have commented about how ignorant it is to invest in just one stock: that’s what I did to get from 30k-60k, then pivoted to a different single stock position recently sold totalling 600k. (Granted I’ve been adding cash along the way, RRSPs, etc). And that’s over approx 12 yrs so we’re not talking “all in, fingers crossed, one lucky day trade”. + +Edit:edit: +Lots of great arguments. You’ve convinced me otherwise and I’m thankful for it! +Thanks Redditors! +Good luck with the markets! +Basically, if you prefer to put in money later rather than all at once, that implies you think you will get a better deal in the future. Otherwise, if you think the price will be higher than currently, why wouldnt you put all your money in now? +Year over year revenue growth of 30% +Profit margin around 30% + +This is what Your left with if the pessimistic guidance comes to pass + +Yet the market reacts as if the Titanic just hit the iceberg +WHAT THE HELL + +This is the most insane sellof ive seen in 10 years + + ***Here is some interesting statistics.*** + +The population of the Earth is *7 879 275 500* people. Emission of bitcoin *18 659 618*. The price of bitcoin at the time of this writing is $*58528*. Satoshi per person on Earth: *236,819*, which is $138.6 at current price. +Each year, the price of entry into the 1% of humanity that owns bitcoin will be higher and will soon become unaffordable for most of the population. +It is convenient to look at these statistics [here](https://satoshisperperson.com/). + +By buying Bitcoin for $139 today, you will be, on average, richer than the rest of the world's population. Moreover, the amount of bitcoin per person will decrease every day. And you will become richer. + +*The price of one dollar is 1718 satoshi. Let's save this statistic to return to it in half a year.* + +But the here is the most interesting thing: + +Today, **Bitcoin has become the third currency in the world, bypassing the Japanese yen.** Only the Euro and the US Dollar are ahead. Only money is involved in the calculation, in free circulation in the aggregates M1 and M2, that is, all bills and coins issued for free circulation without taking into account deposits in banks and derivatives. + +https://preview.redd.it/c49gyanyddo61.jpg?width=1211&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=72cbfea269cd96e4085b12f312fe687d6adcdfaa + +In order to catch up with the US dollar and become the number one currency in the world, bitcoin needs to grow only 2 times to the price of $ 120K per bitcoin. + +Who wants a bet that this will happen this year? +I needed a refill on my anxiety medication, but they wouldn't prescribe it without a visit. I explained over the phone that I didn't have health insurance, so I wouldn't be able to afford a visit. They assured me it be very inexpensive. The lady on the phone wouldn't give me an exact price, but told me "probably around $50". When I went to the office they told me I'd get a bill in the mail. Just did - $290. If I had known it would cost that much to begin with, I probably would've just tried to score my drugs on the street. Any suggestions on how to deal with this? I plan on calling them Monday morning. I just went to get all my ducks in a row before then. + +For reference, I live and work in New York state, but not the city. + +Also, I'm going out for a bit, so I won't be responsive for a couple of hours. Thanks for any insight/suggestions you can provide! +*You think trading stock options is complicated? Well, it kind of is, but a good explanation of options is all you may need to get you started. I know I needed one when I started learning options trading. Once I managed to understand the basics, I never looked back. I hope this example will help you too.* + +SELLER: Hi! Listen! I've got petrol coupons for sale. Are you interested? You can buy 100 liters of petrol with it for $1 a liter. The coupon will expire worthless at the end of next month. +BUYER: But currently anyone can buy petrol from you for $0.95 per liter. Why would I need your $1 coupon? I'd rather buy the petrol directly. Although, I don't really need 100 liters of petrol right now, and I don't have $100 cash in my wallet. +SELLER: See? I am giving you the option to buy the petrol at any time in the future, until the end of next month. And you can make money with it. +BUYER: Really? How? +SELLER: Well, if the price of petrol goes up, you can buy the petrol for $1 a liter regardless of the actual price. You can then sell the petrol for a profit. Or, in the case the price remains below $1, you can sell the coupon instead. +BUYER: Gimme the coupon! +SELLER: Not so fast. I am not giving it for free. +BUYER: No? +SELLER: Of course, not. You see, I am obligated to redeem your $1 coupon whenever you choose, and if the price of petrol rises to - let's say - $1.10, I will lose 10 dollars. Your coupon is for a 100 liters of petrol, remember? +BUYER: So, you're saying I need to buy the coupon from you, and hope that the price will go up by the end of next month. That way I will be able to buy the petrol cheaper then the actual price. +SELLER: Exactly. And because I am taking the risk of losing money *if* the price goes up, you need to pay 2 dollars for the coupon. +BUYER: Let me get this staight. If I pay you 2 dollars for that coupon, I will break even if the price of petrol rises above $1.02, becuase I have to take the cost of the coupon into account. +SELLER: Right. And if the price doesn't go above $1.02, there will be no reason for you to redeem the coupon, so you'll lose 2 dollars in total. +BUYER: I see. I'll go for it anyway. I heard on the news, that the petrol price is expected to rise above $1.10 in the next month. +SELLER: So, let's make the deal. +BUYER: Give me a moment. I still might lose 2 dollars... +SELLER: As I said, you can sell the coupon to anyone when you start feeling pessimistic about the petrol price. But keep in mind that the value of the coupon will decrease as it gets closer to the expiration day, so you won't be able to sell it for 2 dollars. But you can moderate your losses that way. +BUYER: Okay, give me that coupon. + +**Outcome Scenario No. 1** + +A few days after the transaction, the price of petrol jumped to $1.05. The Buyer redeemed the coupon, bought 100 liters of petrol for $1/liter (a total of $100) from the Seller, and he sold it immediately for $1.05 (a total of $105). He made a total of 3 dollars, because he had to decrease the cost of the coupon ($2) from the profit. The Seller lost 3 dollars because she moderated her $5 loss on the petrol with the $2 coupon she sold originally. If the Buyer would have been more patient, he could have gained even more, because the price went above $1.10 in the next couple of weeks. + +**Outcome Scenario No. 2** + +The price of the petrol remained below $1. The Buyer sold the coupon two weeks before expiry for 1 dollar, so he lost a total of $1. The Seller kept her $2 she received for the coupon. + +**How all this translates to real world options trading?** + +In the example above the Buyer bought 1 coupon for 2 dollars that *gave him the option* to buy 100 liters of petrol for $100 a liter at any time until the coupon expires, regardless of the petrol's actual price. The Seller sold the coupon, and from that moment she was *obligated* to sell 100 liters of petrol, if the Buyer chose to redeem (or call) the coupon. + +Let's see a real world stock option transaction: + +The Buyer buys 1 Apple (AAPL) call option with a $400 strike price and an expiry date of July 19th. From that moment he can buy 100 shares of AAPL for $400 a share at any time until July 19th. + +The Buyer believes the price of AAPL will soon rise, so he opened a *long* position. The Seller hopes the price of AAPL will not rise above $400 by July 19th, so she opened a *short* position. + +This is just the beginning. Good luck on your journey! +I will not be putting in any facts in this post. GME was 1 in a million. There was no telling what would happen, not even the people on top could. BBBY is no different. We could see it reach $50, $400 or more. There is no telling. We have to remember it won’t all happen in one day though! Buy, hold, and buy more within your risk tolerance. Fill the sub with rocket and moon emojis and we should be good + +TLDR: buy and hodl. It will not happen overnight. +Hi, new to this forum. I'm 55, married, kids almost done with college. If I quit my job today, I could pull $2,700/month with early-penalty from a government pension. At 60, that would double to $5,500. I feel like my current stress level is going to kill me before I collect dollar one. Net worth between my wife and I approx $600K, mostly in retirement accounts. I've been way too cautious with my investments, which looks bad after a market run like we just had. Several long bouts of unemployment in previous decades made me risk averse, burning through my life savings to keep the lights on. + +With current property values, I'd have to either move overseas or to an area of the USA I'd rather not be in. I want to get my kids out of college before any life changes; my parents did Jack Squat to help me with college; I'm glad to get them through State U without debt. My wife also works in a high-stress professional field, and I don't think she would mind hanging up her spurs. + +No debts of any kind, bad because I didn't buy a house when they were cheap. I tried, but you could only get one then in my town if you showed up with cash. + +What thoughts have you? +My parents have a few investments in Stocks and ETFs also recently they asked for my advice about crypto because they got some payouts and want to invest in crypto. So my dad opens up his laptop and shows me his excel spreadsheet where he keeps track of all his stocks etc. He is still doing things the old school way, it appears to be working for him but am sure there is a simpler way to achieve the same thing. + +They just completed a small cryptocurrency investment now, my dad has a crypto app plus his excel sheet. + +I just want to get them something where they can keep track of their investments whenever they want to, and not feel as if it’s a task just to get that done. Something that's safe so they won't have to worry about losing their data or any of their hard earned money. Is there any apps or website where he can have all his accounts together and easily accessible maybe even where he can get news or live updates, price movements, and stuff. + +Can you guys give some advice or recommendations on this? Would be much appreciated. + **KEY POINTS** + +* **It’s time to go back to buying the dips when stock prices fall and the market is “dying,” says Jim Paulsen of Leuthold.** +* **The strategist expects the recent market volatility to last for a few more weeks, but says there’s no sign of a recession, which is making him bullish again.** +* **“Buy the dips” is a strategy that has been popular during most of the more than 9-year-old bull market, but investors abandoned it in droves during the recent stock market correction.** + +\---- + +I did some research and base on his firm’s website. According to the latest data, his funds did not outperform the broader S&P 500 index so far this year. + +**YTD Performance as of 09/30/2018** + +**LCORX** 0.08% + +**LCRIX** 0.21% + +**S&P 500** 10.56% + +**Lipper Flexible** 2.63% + +Wonder how his funds perform after the recent market rout. + +CNBC [https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/jim-paulsen-bullish-on-stocks-again-says-its-time-to-buy-the-dips.html](https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/jim-paulsen-bullish-on-stocks-again-says-its-time-to-buy-the-dips.html) + +Leuthold Group [https://funds.leutholdgroup.com/funds/48-leuthold-core-investment-fund](https://funds.leutholdgroup.com/funds/48-leuthold-core-investment-fund) +Well everyone, We’ve held this long. We have all made it this far. + +Not one single person I know has listened to me. No one I know has taken what I’ve told them about GME seriously. All of these events that have taken place ,especially in the last 6 months, of this journey are indications that were on the right path. + +I remember when I jumped on board in Jan 2021 at $40. The electricity of our combined and focused attention really produced some of the most interesting and unbelievable discoveries about the entities we are dealing with. The further we continue down this road, the more I realize just what a fucking giant behemoth we are actually going up against. This monster we are trying to subdue has claimed the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters. So many of our loved ones. We wake up and slave our entire life , just for the rug to be pulled over and over again. Every angle of our life is met with the creations of these parasitic scumbags. No matter where you turn, the effects of their greed and the depth of their depravity can be felt and recognized by all who inhabit this reality. + +They have said in the past that they plan to “crush” us. This , coming from the people who would literally trade a human life for money, should show us that the level of infiltration of our governing and regulatory bodies is now beyond the limits of our imagination. + +I’m a father of three about to move to a new state. I work my ass off everyday to possibly one day have my children make it out of this machine . + +My truck broke down yesterday in the middle of nowhere and I didn’t get home until 1 am. At this point in time I have devoted every last penny I have to the cause and drs all but one share. + +But now the matrix of control and every avenue of their corruption has reached down right into my little life and is in the process of crushing me as we speak. + +Love all you guys. Except the ones that are just riding the coat tails of this enormous undertaking . I wish everyone the best. No matter how hard you have held, they literally have the playbook of every single dirty trick and scheme that peels us away from our money. And they are tightening the straps as we speak. + + +Edit: glad this hit home where I hoped it would. Thanks for sharing advice and general kindness . +What do you think? + +# The Bears + +**1. Ray Dalio: Expect a 20% sell-off in the stock market if rates keep rising.** + +"With inflation well above what people and central banks want and the unemployment rate low, it's obvious that inflation is the targeted problem, so it's obvious that the central banks should tighten monetary policy. Everything will flow from that," Dalio said on Wednesday. + +"I estimate that a rise in rates from where they are to about 4.5% will produce about a 20% negative impact on equity prices," Dalio said. + +**2. Scott Minerd (Guggenheim CIO): A 20% decline in the S&P 500 could happen by mid-October.** + +"It's really stark to see the price-to-earnings ratio where it is... given where seasonals are, and how far out of line we are historically with where the p/e is, we should see a really sharp adjustment in prices very fast," Minerd said last week. + +"It appears people are ignoring the macro backdrop, monetary policy backdrop, which would basically indicate that the bear market is intact. We may very well already be in a recession... with YoY core PCE now at 4.6% and S&P 500 trading at \~19x, we should see stocks fall another 20% by mid-October," Minerd said. + +**3. Jeff Gundlach (DoubleLine Capital founder): The credit market suggests both the economy and stock market are in trouble.** + +"The action of the credit market is consistent with economic weakness and stock market trouble. I think you have to start becoming more bearish," Gundlach said on Tuesday, adding that he agrees with Scott Minerd's call that stocks can fall 20% soon. + +"You always want to own stocks, but I'm a little on the lighter side...buy long-term Treasurys, because the deflation risk — in spite of the fact that the narrative today is exactly the opposite — the deflation risk is much higher today that it's been for the past two years," Gundlach said. Gundlach believes the Fed should hike interest rates by just 25 basis points next week. + +# The Bulls + +**1. Tom Lee (Fundstrat founder): Inflation has already peaked and that means you should buy stocks.** + +"Even for those in the 'inflationista' camp or even the 'we are in a long-term bear' camp, the fact is, if headline CPI has peaked, the June 2022 equity lows should be durable," Lee said on Friday. + +August's higher-than-expected CPI report "does not mean stocks have to break below the June lows," Lee said, as he reiterated his view that S&P 500 will rally more than 20% to new highs by year-end. + +**2. Jeremy Siegel (UPenn Wharton professor): Inflation is falling and whoever wanted to get out of stocks already has.** + +"It seems like everyone that wants to be out of the market is out, and everyone that wants to be tactical is short. Therefore the surprises are going to be to the upside... when everyone has sold, only the buyers are left, and the shorts are exposed," Siegel said on Monday. + +Siegel said if the Fed says rates will be higher for longer, "That would be a policy mistake. I think they're going to look at the economy, and I hope they understand what the statistics are and what on the ground inflation is." + +**3. Marko Kolanovic (JP Morgan Chief Global Strategist): The stock market will rally as inflation resolves itself.** + +"Given the lag it takes for rate hikes to work through the system, and with just one month before very important US elections, we believe it would be a mistake for the Fed to increase risk of a hawkish policy error and endanger market stability," Kolanovic said on Monday. + +"Our expectation that the global economy will stay out of recession, increasing fiscal stimulus, and still very low investor positioning and sentiment should thus continue to provide tailwinds for risky assets, despite the more hawkish central bank rhetoric recently," Kolanovic said. +Howdy folks, + +**I hope this is the right place for this, if it's not, feel free to let me know. This is way too long and full of health troubles and too few dollars with a request for guidance at the end. A fun read for sure. ** + +I'm having a bit of a rough time here, have been for awhile. I'm 24 years old, and live around Dallas, Texas. I have scoliosis that's been causing me increasing amounts of pain and trouble since I was 7. I can't ever remember not being in pain, it's stopped me from following some dreams but I've dealt with it. However in the past year or so it's gotten dramatically worse. I've lost quite a few jobs from it lately and currently am living off of rapidly dwindling student loans and have no insurance. I'm more than a little concerned about how things are going and could use some advice. + +**Long list of pains and woes ahead** + + +Alrighty, so here's the junk I'm putting up with. First and foremost, a rather frightening amount of back pain that hampers my physical capabilities and makes keeping food down difficult. I can stand for maybe 30 minutes before most of my attention becomes diverted to keeping myself together, and sitting down isn't any better really. It's this lovely combination of feeling like I'm being crushed, yet also someone is sticking a sharp object in my back and just running that up and down like it's trying to color in the lines of my spine. I avoided sitting down as much as I could for years and just dealt with the pains from standing, sitting sucks. + + +I frequently go days at a time without keeping much food down too, sometimes over a week, as that lovely feeling of being crushed and stabbed can upset the stomach it seems. Plus I have GERD so that doesn't help, though it does keep you out of the air force for good or ill. I actually haven't kept any food down whatsoever today, the vomiting itself doesn't bug me anymore but it's rather draining all the same so I can't say I'm a fan. Oh and sometimes I collapse because a pain hits hard enough or in an unexpected way and I actually can't keep standing through it, people always like seeing that one. + + +I had an X-Ray in the past year and it's still a mess, plus I've never had any surgery or corrective procedure. I've been to physical therapy in my youth but no good came from it, maybe because I was a dumb kid who didn't understand I wasn't supposed to hurt like I did and XBOX was really important. I can tell things are getting worse, as not only is the pain intensifying, it's also getting more difficult to breathe and frequently parts of my back tingle or go numb and then moving just becomes hard to do. It's actually doing that as I type this sentence and it's a bit distracting. Those are pretty sure signs of some damage from what I've gathered given everything else. I grimace a lot, it's not a great look. + + +There's also autism, I have some of that. ADHD as well as the 3-4 clinical visits and professional diagnosis I've had throughout my life keep saying. My focus has been god awful for awhile now, something unending pains really aren't helping with. + +**In short: My back hurts but sometimes goes numb and also breathing is hard, plus lots of vomiting and autism. So much.** + + +**How has all that garbage impacted me?** + + +Now the sad results of those issues is that stable employment has been tricky. I think I've lost or left every job I've ever had due to back pain or something resulting from it. I've done construction, IT, retail, commissioned sales, hardware testing, data entry, and so on. Turns out that it's hard to sell things to people when all you can think about is "FUCK OW DON'T FALL OVER", you can't quite see straight, all you hear is klaxons, and also you just can't stop throwing up. I mean I did it for awhile anyway but I wouldn't recommend it. + + +3 retail jobs and one online sales position slipped away in the last year from that, and currently I am living off of subsidized student loans as I wrap up community collage. I'm studying computer science and spend most of my time programming. Well, time that's not spent lying on the floor "writhing", as I've had it described to me; or walking in circles because a stray pain caused me to forget what I was doing AGAIN. I've been accepted to the University of Texas at Dallas, a rather nice computer science school that I hope I'll be attending come spring 2017. I'm looking to go into game programming and already have one small but fun project done, as well as a decent grasp of python and rapidly growing c# knowledge as I study that. But even if games don't pan out, programming is fun and I hear that sort of thing is in demand these days. + + +So my future looks promising, but there's the little problem of not being sure I can actually function for much longer. I've ripped more than one moleskine apart out of involuntary reflex from pain and my knuckles have certainly seen better days. It's a serious psychological drain and can easily lead to deeper self-destruction. My life's plan for years about how to fix myself has been "Get a collage degree, find a job with insurance, stick with that until I am well." But given how I've had to drop multiple classes in the past year because I can't handle how much being there hurts, and how hard keeping employment has been, that idea has gotten shaky. + +**In short: Lost a bunch of jobs from being in too much pain, working on computer science at nice colleges, but running out of cash and also I might break before I finish? Plus more vomiting.** + +**Let's talk numbers** + + +The upside to all of this is that I have a wonderful boyfriend who I've lived with for almost two years and dated for four. We split the bills, he pays for food, he has good credit and a family who likes to pretend I don't exist, we get along great. + +1.Total rent + utilities is something like 900-1000 usually. + +2.My half of all of that is usually around 460. + +3.I own a car outright, and pay 90 a month for insurance. That plus a phone bill, gas, and other such things means that my usual monthly expenditure is around 700-750. + + +4.A couple of months ago, in response to losing yet another job, I took out my first student loan of 5000. Subsidized thankfully, and just enough to last until the next semester. Or it would have if I didn't just need 1500 in car repairs. So now I'm a couple of months short of financially lasting until next semester and getting worried. I have 2700 left in the bank and that number was a lot larger a week ago. I can last until the end of june but not through july on this. + + +My boyfriend has a decently paying job, but it's not enough to safely cover all of the bills plus save for the future. We're both depending on me to carry my share so the clock is ticking. + + +I have to keep the car of course, regardless of the fact that driving is quite painful and it's quite old. It's Texas and if you don't have a car you ain't getting anywhere. Plus my family is dirt poor, sometimes in trouble and my brother is schizophrenic, so if I'm needed somewhere I need to be able to get there ASAP. + + +**In short: Boyfriend pays his half, but I'm losing ability to pay mine. I can make it to July MAYBE. Cars are important in Texas. Student loans~** + +**Some ideas of mine about where to go, AKA disability is hard to get AKA No Good Answers** + + +1. I think maybe I should be on disability? It kinda sounds like maybe I should, I'm not happy about that fact but it is what it is. I can't get medicaid without disability btw, I don't qualify for it as I am a young adult, still make too much somehow, and am not pregnant. The trouble is that I don't actually know how I'm supposed to get on disability if that's the answer. + + +Back pain is a bit hard to take someone's word on apparently and requires a history of recent doctor's visits and extensive documented medical efforts to correct the trouble. I haven't seen a doctor these issues in awhile, it hasn't fit into my budget, but I can't quality for disability without more than one doctor looking at me and saying, "Yup, he's boned", it would seem. I'd hit up a free clinic but I doubt they can help out, and i haven't the foggiest how I'd get a hospital to get me what I need without insurance as this isn't an "emergency" so much as "just kinda awful and probably going to kill me." + + +2. I could just keep getting jobs, suffering through them for as long as I can stand then leave again. That sounds like the thing to do and it's what I've always done, but I really can't stress enough how unpleasant those experiences have been lately. Have you ever cried in a Best Buy bathroom after pain-vomiting something like 10-15 times that day? I don't recommend it, but the handicapped booth is the one to do it in if you must. + + +3. The third solution is to take some unsubed loans and keep doing what I'm doing. Seeing as I know how what compound interest and a hazy employment future adds up to, this is the route I'd prefer not to take. I could get 1600 for this semester and that would hold me, but bite me later on given my situation. But if I must then I must, I'll need more loans eventually anyway. + +**In short: Should I be on disability? If so, how do I get that without insurance? The best place to cry at a Best Buy is the handicapped bathroom stall. Also, maybe more student loans?** + + +**Wrap up, took me long enough** + + +So there we have it, a damn novel about all my woes and my inability to deal with my troubles. I don't even know if personalfinance is the right forum but it's the only one I could find. If anyone has any advice on healthcare, getting on disability given my troubles, what routes to take to maximize my funds, resources I could use, or just to shout at me to go to a doctor, I'd appreciate them greatly. + + +**TL:DR I think my body is falling apart and I keep losing jobs, help? I might not be able to make it through school like this, I certainly won't financially. I think I should be on disability? Car repairs are expensive. Vomiting.** + +# When looking for a coin that is undervalued, then look no further than Monero. + +&#x200B; + +**Monero Succeeds At What It Does Best:** + +Many people like to jump to conclusion and say "it is used for drugs". Monero has no control over what its currency is used for. Monero was made to be private money. Because it succeeded at its privacy features, it started getting used for illicit activities. I do not condone those illicit activities. But that should definitely tell you something. It is really good at what it does. + +&#x200B; + +**Digital Fungibility Is Important For Cryptocurrencies:** + +Monero has default privacy. Why is that important? Default privacy enables digital fungibility. What does digital fungibility mean? Considering tracing companies are doing there best to improve, there are many cases where users get their bitcoins frozen on a centralized wallet or exchange because they didn't like the fact they used those bitcoins in a gambling site. Or simply someone bought the wrong persons bitcoins, because they had no idea what they used it for before. Now imagine being innocent, and losing your funds because of that. A fungible cryptocurrency will make it impossible to taint a cryptocurrency. So 1 XMR will always equal 1 XMR, no matter what it was used for. + +&#x200B; + +**Millions of dollars spent on violating your crypto-privacy:** + +Institutions and corporations spend millions (possibly billions) of dollars building the best software and analytics to track cryptocurrencies. They succeeded in all cryptocurrencies, but one. Monero. If that is not bullish, then I don't know what is. Forget what the media tells you about it, think about the dedication put into it. + +&#x200B; + +**Monero has the third most number of contributors:** + +Now where does that dedication come from? It comes from over 250 contributors in the Monero project. Monero has the third most number of contributors (first place: bitcoin, second: ethereum). Every time there was an technical issue, the monero developers immediately fixed it. All these contributors are working extra hard to provide privacy based cryptocurrency that people can rely on. It can be innocent people from third world countries with a suppressing government. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/gevwf8k3xwg61.png?width=1159&format=png&auto=webp&s=956cad6d51a7bc964dc648cb6656034ec8d2756c + +&#x200B; + +**Average 2 minutes block-time:** + +Using Monero is awesome too! Average block time is 2 minutes, much lower than majority of currency-based coins. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/17am01zowwg61.png?width=1829&format=png&auto=webp&s=f1925e55eb6417f722eeb047edf357dc6420262f + +&#x200B; + +**It costs pennies to transact in Monero:** + +The fee's are extremely low, and do not increase to unreasonable amounts because of sudden usage. The average fees is $0.02 to $0.10. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/isy7km9hwwg61.png?width=1805&format=png&auto=webp&s=fdb4c89f8e5dfef281b4e22471513ac48b67dd54 + +&#x200B; + +**Price action:** + +Since many of you seem to be focused on the price these days. Here is the outlook right now. Most of the pressure is coming from the $200 sell wall. Once XMR buying power breaches that wall, the momentum should start to pick up like the rest of the market. + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/gpyovbtnxwg61.png?width=937&format=png&auto=webp&s=6e3fc229bf71fab8be887de87503f12f9d15b55a + +&#x200B; + +I honestly feel that Monero can easily be priced at $500 to $600. + +&#x200B; + +**Monero (XMR):** + +The initial mission for Monero is to create a secure and private cryptocurrency, and they continue to succeed on developing such a cryptocurrency. + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +EDIT BELOW: I am going to add more things to this post because some users mentioned more things that make it undervalued: + +&#x200B; + +**Monero Atomic Swaps coming soon:** + +BTC/XMR swaps are in the works: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/i1fknt/ccs\_results\_monero\_atomic\_swaps\_research/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/i1fknt/ccs_results_monero_atomic_swaps_research/) + +&#x200B; + +**Mining is decentralized:** + +Monero is ASIC resistant! + +&#x200B; + +**Grayscale is looking into listing a Monero Trust:** + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/u49d848zdxg61.png?width=732&format=png&auto=webp&s=5ce15d6ee9b4a438abec277386d7cd7683412eec + +This will bring massive amount of demand for XMR. + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +EDIT: Wow this post blew up! Thank you for all the awards! +Ignore the sell limit FUD. I remember a post months ago explaining how to manage and stay rich. Get loans from banks and use the CS shares on record as collateral + +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Extra text Extra text Extra text Extra text +Ken Griffin is a financial criminal +I’m 22, full-time student and part-time worker and I’m about to be renting for the first time. + +It’s an apartment, 390 a week, splitting with somebody else. I’m looking for tips on saving while renting. So far I’ve: + +- Cancelled all streaming services ($76 per month total) The person I’m living with has access to their family’s + +- Sworn off Uber Eats and Uber (the apartment is opposite Woolworths) + +- Put together things to sell and a couple things to return that will probably net me a few hundred altogether (Mostly clothes) + +- Planned to start meal prep + +I’m applying to Centrelink tomorrow also. I’m looking for some tips on how to cut corners while renting, any at all would be much appreciated. Thank you! +Hello friends, seeking advice for best approach: + +I've been working full time in a permanent office role for around 8 months. Doing well, have had good feedback and have a good working relationship with all my colleagues. + +I want to drop down to four days a week for quality of life/mental health and to pursue my novel writing hobby. I have a mid-senior role which I'm confident I could successfully keep on top of in four days. + +I know my work offers this kind of flexibility, but usually it's to help staff with parenting demands, that sort of thing. I have no children at this point, which my employer is aware of. + +I'd love to hear advice/anecdotes for good ways to approach this with bosses, justify the drop in days, and still show I'm committed to the role. They'll for sure ask why I'm making this request and I'm afraid "quality of life" and "personal pursuits" will make me sound unprofessional. + +At base line I'm ok with a 20% salary cut, but would also really like to hear advice/anecdotes for ways to maybe not take the full 20% cut, eg increasing my workday hours by +1h per day, so only taking a 10% hit. Also thinking about asking for a raise, regardless. + +Many thanks for any advice you guys can offer! +Hi all, hope this is alright to post as I am not sure if I should accept a job offer I’ve recently received or not. I was wondering if I could get some insight into what working in management consulting in Australia is actually like. I figured there’d be some people on here who have actual real-life experience. + + +I’ve got an offer from a pretty prestigious (read: non Big 4) consulting firm, and it has a generous package for someone straight out of uni. The thing is, I have no corporate experience and no parents or friends with any either, its just a totally different world. I’m worried that the salary means that I’ll be stuck working my life away and I don’t know if all the exit opportunities people talk about are true. Not sure if the travel aspect appeals to me either, I’m scared my life will be consumed by work and not much else. Would it be better to accept something like a Big 4 offer (for about half the pay) if it’ll be a less stressful experience? Is the work life balance really that bad? + + +Would love some insight as I’m lost and not sure what to choose. I don’t know where I want my career to go, but hopefully something ultimately a bit more meaningful than management consulting, eventually. I’m wondering if it’s worth setting myself up financially for a few years first. +Hi wonderful folks, + +I had the following observations to make regarding my on-going stint with searching for my next rental property. Landlord wants to move into their current tenanted (to me) property. + +I am looking for properties in and around Pascoe Vale, Glenroy, Essendon and Thomastown atm. My findings are as follows:- + +Glenroy - applied for a 2BHK unit as a pre-qual to physical inspection. Offered $310 against advertised $340. Qualified for inspection ! (Agent asked whether my low offer is not a typo and I replied it's reflective of current market conditions and price for similar units) + +Thomastown - applied for a 2BHK house and unit. Former advertised at $310 and latter at $340. Still awaiting an answer for both (offered $310 for both). Been close to couple of weeks on the house and a week for the unit. + +Kingsbury - inspected two units thus far. Offered $290 against advertised $320 and $300 against another advertised at $340. Results awaited for both. For the former awaiting since two weeks now. + +Essendon - noticed price reduction in apartments and units from earlier $350 ranged properties to $310-320 range. Applied for a 2 bedder unit priced at $325 and offered $320. Result awaited, probably by tomorrow. + +Epping - offered $310 for a $330 townhouse, got accepted but withdrew my application due to remoteness of property. + +I'd like to state here that despite the current lockdown the inspection process varies drastically across different real estate companies. Some happy for open house inspections, some virtual plus pre-qual, some private inspections and some even currently tenanted inspections (quite risky tbh). + +Would like to know your thoughts and any advice on how to get best bang for my buck. My budget is $300-320 PW for a min. 2 bedder. + +Thanks +I stupidly made a transfer for a large sum of money and put in the wrong bsb number (very stupid, i know). +I immediately realized the error and called my bank who said the money had left my account already and can't be reversed. They've lodged a trace and retrieve request but said they can't make any guarantees and that it would take up to 8 weeks. + +Everything I'm reading online about the epayments code says as long as i lodge a claim within 10 business days I will get my money back in full but I'm still going through a million worst case scenarios in my head. Since I've lodged it within the hour I'm hoping that improves my chances. + +Has anyone had experience that can share how it worked out? Desperately needing some reassurance as my headspace is not great at the moment. + +UPDATE: called bank back again and spoke to a more senior staff member who was able to reverse the transaction. The bank after hours crew apparently weren't trained enough. Thank you everyone for your input. It helped me through this ❤️ +I have been under the impression that $90k is the salary at which it becomes more cost effective to purchase private insurance as this is the point at which your Medicare levy becomes more than what you would pay a private provider. + +However I am having trouble finding relevant information on this, and I'm not sure how the new budget affects this figure. + +For a bit of context, I've just crossed that threshold. I'm a reasonably healthy 40yo who has never had private insurance before. I believe this subjects me to a penalty rate? My health-related outgoings are minimal - glasses, dentist, gym membership. No major health issues. + +I'd love a bit of guidance or insight from anyone who has been in my position or who has interest or expertise in this area. +Lots of banks offer relationship bonuses for high-balance accounts. For purposes of this discussion, let's call roughly $100k+ a high balance account and $1MM+ an ultra-high balance account. What banks are the best for holding large amounts of cash or investments? + +I'm most familiar with Bank of America, where $100k gets you "Platinum Honors" status. That gets you things like bumping their Cash Rewards credit card up to a default 2.625% cash back everywhere (higher in some categories), a free small safe deposit box, and a few banking perks that aren't all that interesting (like 20% bonus interest on deposit accounts, but BoA's rates are so low to start with that this makes basically no difference). Best thing about BoA's relationship bonus is that Merrill accounts qualify, so you don't have to tie up all the funds in straight cash. + +I also happen to know about Credit Union of NJ, where a $75k+ relationship earns you free domestic wires (both receiving and sending). + +What other options are out there? Any consensus on which banks have the best relationship benefits for high balance/ultra-high balance accounts? +29m w/ 1.25m NW. + +Wondering how much cash most fatFIREs hold onto in general and in today’s market? + +I have 250k sitting around doing nothing in my bank account which equates to 20% of my net worth. I’m debating on dollar averaging some into index funds and my main long term investment fund, but this current bull run has me feeling I should keep some cash lying around. Regardless, my investment strategy is 10+ years. Any suggestions? + +Here’s the break down: + +56% in a long term investment fund, +12% in real estate (primary), +12% in TFSA and play investing accounts, +20% cash +I know we have some people in the aviation industry here. Can anyone go through an example purchase, say a used Citation Mustang? + +- Financing +- Offsetting operating costs (looks like $450K/200hrs $670K/400hrs) by chartering it out +- Any other details +Bought some AMC at $6. Does that make me a retard or an ape whatever you guys call it? You guys have made investing fun again. Thanks + +My contribution CRMD +[Article from the NY times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/24/business/brokers-excessive-trading-retirement.html) about a JP Morgan broker who made excessive trades to get the commissions (funnelling 10% of the money in the account to himself during one year). He was meant to manage the money in that account for an aging couple and for their daughter with developmental disabilities. +Another daughter, Ms. Dewart, discovered the unethical behavior. + +Learning points, I think: + +1. If you have aging parents or someone else who can't manage their own investments, check the statements +2. At some point, you yourself may no longer be able to manage your own accounts. Try to avoid being taken to the cleaners like this elderly couple was. + +How it ended? + +> " About five months after Ms. Dewart questioned Mr. Rahn’s handling of the account, J.P. Morgan had canceled 681 of the 1,499 transactions for 2017, crediting about $84,000 in commissions. + +> The firm said it was committed to doing the right thing for its clients, and was “disappointed when any feel their expectations haven’t been met.” " + +Yeah... I would also feel that my expectations hadn't been met, if a broker did *that* with my investments... +###Robinhood + +Don't buy Crypto on Robinhood . The company almost went under on a 3B margin call over illegal GME paper trades. They restricted buying on doge, then Bullshitted their way out of it when officials questioned them. + +###Coinbase + +Had to dish out $6.5 million in fines for using bots to manipulate prices. They have also been forced to report trades you do to the IRS taking away your own responsibility to do it yourself. Yeah yeah. They have to comply. Everyone wants to watch what you are doing. The little guy while the same corporations get away with murder avoiding taxes by use of offshore banking methods. Rules for thee but not for me. + +###Microsoft + +The CIA in 2017 in wake of Trump getting elected turned every windows PC into spyware as if regular citizens were a threat. Just a switch and bam, they have a backdoor into what you look at, who you voted for, your crypto or whatever they want to use for whatever purposes. I'm sure some of it involves a little bit of taking your information and selling it to the highest bitter. + +https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/ + + +###Google + +Actively suppresses innovation of competing app stores. Take AppCoins $APPC. By Aptoide. A perfectly legal appstore out of Portugal that would offer you free apps that you would have to pay $1 for on Playstore. + They have incentives for users if they play or use certain apps the creator awards you more appcoins for your time so you can use that for in app purchases or purchase apps you couldn't previously afford. + +Aptoide took google to court several times for dirty practices and won a couple. + +They also have massive Influence like paying bloggers to tell everyone Aptoide is illegal. + +https://joyofandroid.com/illegal-android-apps/#:~:text=Aptoide,you%20can%20download%20and%20install. + +Illegal because the play store doesn't allow competing appstore apps. Yeah, that's not what defines illegal to have on your phone. It gets downloaded form their site direct. Not play store + +Yeah that doesn't make it illegal. They went as far as deleting it entirely off your android whenever there was an update. + +Aptoide was suppressed so much, and in combination with the crypto market crash, it really hurt their adoption big time. + +Well, they were fishing traction fast in 2018. 300M users. Free crypto. Obviously you can't let your market share tumble while the little guy gets a little more out services. You can lose a few billion if you let Aptoide run free. Especially during bullmarkets. + +So remember.. + +Decentralization. It starts by deleting your popular centralized apps like face book and start using decentralized platforms for social networking like Diaspora. + +This is where it starts. People have the power all they have to do is act. + +These people aren't there for you. They are their for themselves. They don't want the little guy to get ahead on their dime. + +Crypto is our future. Hold BTC, ETH etc. +According to datamish.com, you can visually see the price impact as shorts are piled on, making up nearly 35% of total positions, and you can see how the price stabilizes when these positions stop increasing. + +I don't know if there's some sort of huge expiry happening near the end of the month today, but it looks like the price is being manipulated to stave off losses for existing shorts or cause max pain to some of the longs with greater weight. + +Might be a good time to buy a chunk of BTC if you've got an appetite for risk lately, especially considering the bullish news and likelyhood that microstrategy and other companies will be purchasing near these prices. + +Edit: Using the same Info I would also like to point out that the vast majority of these shorts remain unhedged, almost guaranteeing price movement at time of expiry (Obviously I can't say to what side, gotta ask the magic conch for that). +1. Are some stocks shortable on some brokers but not others? For example on WeBull you can't short LGVN, but I watched one of the guys on tradertv shorting it. + +2. When you short a stock by borrowing it, is the original owner aware? Is there a kind of arrangement where an investor can opt to have his shares lent to short sellers in return for which he/she receives profits from the borrowing fee? +Context +- looking at a $1.3M 2br on the next block +- net worth of $1.5M so 20% down payment isn't over extending +- currently pay $5400 for rent, my analysis shows similar monthly outflows if I buy +- breakeven around 2 years assuming 2% annual application +- quality and size of property are very similar + +Question +- Am I thinking about this correctly? +It basically makes no sense to buy since there's not meaningful upside financially but I have ownership downside due to having to deal with maintenance and losing flexibility of moving easily +I don't know what to do at this point. I am super careful with my credit card usage: only use at reputable retailers, only used on my computer for online purchases (with firewall/anti-malware)... + +What can i do to keep this from happening? At this point I'm ready to cancel the card and get something else. + +Help PF! +Hi all, as I said, thinking about putting up some solar panels which most online calculators indicate pay themselves back in 7-10 years. There's a federal tax credit of 26% of installation costs, which declines to 22% next year. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), as I understand, will set that at 30% for the next decade. Also, there may be some incentives for solar panel manufacturers that will reduce the cost of those by quite a bit. + +&#x200B; + +So the basic question is, should I go ahead and get those installed? Or perhaps wait a bit to see if solar panel prices come down and the IRA gets set into law? +How is this stock still selling off? It seems to me like pipelines are being unfairly treated. Political and environmental factors seem to have settled down lately and the company still plans to raise its dividend next year? Is the market out of whack or am I missing something? +Hey I’m a beginner investor and have been using WealthSimple for investing. I was wondering whether to invest using the portfolio I already have with WS or use a new platform. Any recommendation? +* 29 male single in BC +* Net worth: 67k. No debt +* Salary 60k/year pre tax. Take home roughly 3.8k/month. Not much growth prospects +* **Currently investing 2.5k/month: 500 into XGRO TFSA, 1000 into motive HISA 2.8%, 1000 into mostly btc and minor eth** +* TFSA maxed. RRSP with XGRO maxed only around 1.2k because I'm new to Canada and my 2018 income is low +* Portfolio is 55k total with around half in btc, 12k hisa, 11k tfsa, 5.5k rrsp (over contribute for 5 months so $110 ish penalty) +* No immediate goal of any large purchases. House is very long down the line may be 10 years. + +&#x200B; + +1. I'm not sure if keep putting money into the HISA is a good idea? I think 12k sitting at 2.8% for emergency fund is already a lot so moving forward I want to put the monthly 1k into something else but not sure what? The argument of keep putting money into HISA is to wait for a dip to buy? +2. Is there a better option than maxing my RRSP again this year using a portion of the 1k went into crypto before? Like another investing instrument that's not crypto? (Whatever left of that 1k probably going crypto still) +3. **So monthly I have 1.5-2k that I'm willing to diversify (the 500 to TFSA is fixed). Is my next option limited to non-registered trading accounts?** +One show I don't mind on BNN is the Weekly with Andrew McCreain 18 - 24 months. He had a TA guy on there the last show calling for a huge move in the TSX (I think it's in part 2 of the attached url) Main reason that the CRB Commodity index is breaking out into a super bullish pattern and this is also exhibited on the TSX. I would love for this to be correct but who freaking knows. + +https://www.bnn.ca/weekly-with-andrew-mccreath +For me it was JNH got in around $.8 bailed at $2. Bought back at 1.35 and then bailed at just past $1. + + +Do I believe they have a good model yes. Do I believe they will grow... Yes + +Why give up on them? +Reviewing their financials they are giving themselves fat raises every year to a point where they are hitting a loss because the majority owner (founders) are much more concerned about a large regular paycheck then their investors return. + +They were claiming they've always been a profitable company but their balance sheet has a massive deficit and I see their switching their focus to promoting revenue growth and move the focus away from the bottom line. Couple this with a lack of sharing of the business plan and how it's progressing. +I trade directly through my banks online brokerage. Years ago I bought a penny stock.... long story short it didn't pan out. Now the stock has been halted for months. I just want to get it out of my TFSA. What are my options here? +I have about 5,500 invested in my Robinhood account, across ATVI, SBUX, GILD, XOM, GIS, SCHD, MFA, and MSTX. + +I just started investing this year on Robinhood. So if I did sell anything I would be paying a 20% capital gain tax on my profits. + +Considering I've never been in the market during one of these times, I'm just not sure what I can or can not do. I don't know of any companies that won't get hurt as bad ? Or what ? + +Just looking for a conversation and some opinions, thank you. +So from 2008-2012 I was married to a gal who, how shall we say, liked to buy stuff we couldn't afford. She racked up 55k on my credit cards by raiding my safe and "borrowing" them. Then she cheated on me, hired an attorney, and I ended up being stuck paying 60k to her in alimony, and ended up with the 55k all stuck in my name. + +So here's what I did: + +1. I immediately sold everything I had that had any value that wasn't absolute necessity. I used Ebay and Craigslist. I found Craigslist better for common items, and Ebay much more useful for niche' products that don't necessarily have local markets. For example, I had a high end microphone preamp that I sold on Ebay. No one within 200 miles had any interest, but on Ebay it sold in 2 hours. You'll be surprised how much stuff you don't HAVE to own. A lot of things you might use a couple times a year, you can simply borrow from a friend or family. + +2. I cancelled every paid subscription I had for everything. Cable, internet, cell phone, silly internet subscriptions. Even the little one dollar a month stuff. It's amazing how fast they add up. + +3. No eating out. Ever. Shopped for groceries in bulk, cooked at home. Saved a good $50-100 a week. + +4. I attacked the highest interest stuff first. Citicard at 29.99% - buh bye. Worked my way down the list in order of interest rate. I called every single card and asked for a lower rate... begged actually. Almost all of them gave me a break - even if it was just for 6 or 12 months, it was a huge help. DO NOT consolidate or default unless you are just physically unable to make minimum payments. + +5. Worked on the side. Everyone is good at something. For me it's photography/videography. I started shooting weddings on the weekends. It was extremely tiring but a great way to add a few hundred a week in credit card payments over what my job could provide. I didn't pay for advertising - I used word of mouth and Craigslist. Not sure what you're good at, but whether it's programming, art, cooking... you can make some extra cash. + +6. I didn't buy anything. No new clothes, no new glasses, no beer :(. I didn't even buy stuff at Goodwill. Chances are you don't NEED anything - except possibly soap. Need internet? Libraries are free. Need TV? No you don't... :) + +7. I kept my eye on the goal. I kept a spreadsheet with all the balances and interest rates, and I watched the number go down. I probably looked at it every day, but at least every couple of days. Having the goal in front of me was the biggest motivator for me. It is like eating an elephant - just take one bite at a time. + +8. Reward yourself with free stuff. Don't give into the temptation to go splurge to celebrate a mini-goal. When you meet the big goal, you can save up for whatever you want... without those CC payments you'll be rolling in cash now that you've learned to live cheap. + +No matter how big a mountain you have, you can do it. Don't be a prisoner to debt! + +Now... what the heck am I going to do with all of this available credit? ;) + +Edit: Because being helpful is more important than bragging, and because grammar is important. + +Edit 2: thanks for the great feedback! And the gold. And for almost all being kind instead of being twats (post by a guy yesterday whose baby died got trolled - made me so mad. You guys rock. Also 55k + 60k is 115k. I'm an idiot. + +Edit 3: Damn, guys. This threat had blown up! Couple comments to address the most common questions. First, my wife's spending was about 6 months into the marriage and she racked up all that credit card debt in less than two months. As soon as I looked at the statements I called and put a stop to all the spending (had new cards sent, and changed my address to my work address). Second, there were plenty of red flags about her... my family and friends all hated her from day one, she always insisted on being pampered... I ignored them, because, well, I'm an idiot. Third, in my state, infidelity is not considered in divorces. Alimony is purely determined by who is the sole breadwinner. That was me, because she quit her job right after we married and never worked again. I'm happy to report she is now making minimum wage stocking shelves at Home Depot in Colorado Springs (she moved out of state). Four, I had a beautiful little baby girl with my new lady and we are now married. It all happened really fast and she's amazing (as is the baby). We did NOT get a prenup because I still subscribe to the "if I can't trust her I shouldn't marry her" philosophy in spite of myself. My new wife makes almost what I make so that takes a lot of the pressure off. Also, she is completely debt free herself, which is a good sign. +Just want to take this chance to thank him for what he has done. That his genius and his life, the latter now against his will revealed by a reporter – it's her job, understandably – is a true inspiration to me. + +Despite his apparent effort to live a normal life with his family, what is to come will not simply be a storm of media coverage. He will have to shut the blinds, stay home, and fear now that his fortune (and presumable access to it) is revealed, different parties will go after him for motives you could imagine. Media, the government, companies, and maybe people who want him to bail out MtGox, if not pay off the money they lost on gambling sites. + +We should respect him as a person – an extraordinary person that created a system that opened many's eyes to not only the a monetary tool that frees us from any central institution, for better or for worse, but also to the idea that has been so empowering and given rise to a host of innovations in the world. He has brought hope and possibility to the community that shares the same believes, and numerous constructive discussions on subjects that extend beyond the Internet. + +Thank you, Satoshi. +I recently cleaned out my grandmother's house, and found a large box of coins and cash stashed in the back of her closet for their "rare" value. Among the coins were 3 90% Pure Silver Franklin Half Dollars from 1955. The three coins just sold for $16, or over 10.6 times their original face value - an awesome return at first glance. + +However, if the $1.50 was put in a very modest Certificate of Deposit and left to sit for the 64 years instead, the CD would be worth roughly $16 today as well. If you consider inflation, the coins did not appreciate in value, at all. And these coins have actual value, as they were minted with Silver. + +The special "rare" Blue Medallion $1 and Red Medallion $2 bills from 1955 fared far worse. I got $33 for $27 worth of $1's and $2's - a meager $6.00 profit. $27 in 1955 would be worth the equivalent of $255.00 due to inflation, meaning a loss of $222. + +So PSA for anyone who thinks coins and currency have special value due to "rarity," they really don't. Those special $2 bills you have and won't spend, you're far better off spending them now, then holding onto them. It's more of a hassle to sell the currency than its worth. +My partner and I have had an offer accepted on a flat in London we really like and have been speaking to a mortgage broker. + +The flat is at the near top of our price range (£600k) and so is also at a price that excludes us from any of the benefits of being first time buyers. + +We've had a deposit of £70k saved for a while with the expectation of buying something in the £400k-£500k range and getting a mortgage at an 85% LTV rate. After we saved £70k, we kept on saving for eventual home improvements and rainy day funds. + +For this flat we had planned on putting up the same £70k deposit and getting a mortgage at a 90% LTV rate. + +Today our broker has told us that because the flat is newly converted the only mortgages available require 85% LTV. To meet this we would need to increase our deposit by £21k to £91k. We can do this but it would mean using nearly all our savings and cashing in our investments and leaving us with about £5k left in savings after paying fees and stamp duty. + +The reduction in cash we'd have on hand afterwards does make me nervous but I still think it's worth going through with the purchase. + +My reasons for going through with the purchase are: + +* We don't have other debts and both have relatively secure jobs. +* Going for an 85% LTV rate and the broker's recommended mortgage does result in lower monthly payments and a lower interest rate saving us money in the long run. +* We'd be paying about 35% of our joint income on mortgage and utility bills, so we'd be able to rebuild our savings. +* If we needed more money in an emergency we could borrow. +* As a new conversion, the flat is in move in condition and we have enough furniture to get by, so we won't need to spend money immediately to live in the flat. + +I think I'm just experiencing a bit of shock and uncertainty at suddenly needing to put up an extra £21k .but are there other factors we should consider before deciding to proceed? +As per the title, I have six or seven defaulted accounts that I’ve just paid off in full today, I should have done a little research first before doing this and attempted to negotiate the removal of said defaults from the record, alas I did not so I will have all defaults officially wiped clean from my credit score within a month or so with today’s date being the last date for all of them before being satisfied. + +I only have one thing in my name which is a three mobile contract, I will be declined for a credit card (and fair enough!) at the moment, so I cannot build credit this way really. + +Can anybody suggest the best action to take in order to raise my score now? I appreciate this will take time, I’m paying in to a LISA each month for a future mortgage, so when that rolls around in a few years I’d love to be prepared with a better score. + +There is a company called loqbox that offers a loan purely on paper to improve the score does anyone have any experience with this? Or any prepaid cards I can use that look as if I’m being lent money when I’m not? + +Thanks in advance everyone, I just want to get my life back on track, please help! + + +I stopped watching CNBC because of this guy. He interrupts people who are far smarter and successful than him, talks a lot and says nothing of substance. Watch him interrupt Warren Buffett in this interview (skip to 10:00) about not tweeting before going on the show: + +[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm0jktMIYlk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qm0jktMIYlk) + +Is he trying to be funny? he needs to shut up a little bit in my opinion. What do you guys think? +Edit: 2-3 less hours per day. Or whatever time signifies a 20% shorter work day. + +I was just wondering how many people would consider doing this. Sure you might FIRE a couple years later, but you'll get to spend more time with your kids/family. You also would probably be working a lower stress job which would affect mental health. + +Just thought it was an interesting subject to discuss. +I often see people here make the mistake of thinking economics and finance are the same thing. They aren’t. + +This subreddit is interested in finance. Economics is much broader and can be broken down into different disciplines. Microeconomics focuses on supply and demand, trade-offs and opportunity cost eg. If I take action A, what else could I be doing instead? It treats resources as scarce. eg. with a limited supply of vaccines, how do we correctly allocate them to the population? + +Macroeconomics refers to the economy as a whole. Taxes, decision making, monetary policy, rate rises from central banks, inflation etc. + +On the other hand, finance focuses on the financial markets. Where people trade shares, bonds, options, commodities etc. The financial markets roughly represent 20-25% of the global world economy. The real economy focuses on the flow of goods and services not all of which happen within large enterprise. + +These differences help explain why over the last 1.5 years the stock market has recovered significantly. Despite this not everyone has benefited. Unemployment has gone down. GPD has gone down then back up, smaller businesses have gone broke, and will they recover? This non-linear growth disrupts the total value of goods and services generated. A potential reduction in economic growth makes us all worse off in the long run. Your portfolio gives you wealth you can utilise at a future point. Economic growth fuels the next wave of innovative products and services making our lives easier. Just imagine if the iPhone came out 10 years later than it did. All the online innovation that relied on it contribute immensely to economic growth. + +I didn't talk about behavioural economics, but you can see that economics touches a lot more areas. While finance has a focus on building wealth, funding companies, and allocating capital. + +I thought I’d post something different for once. I hope some of you found it useful. +Doesn't hurt to ask as I don't have the answer to the question. I have a police report. + +Thanks. + +Edit: thank you all for your kind concerns. I wasn't hurt, and I've had a bit of time to let things go and now look at options moving on. I will go to my local branch to ask and will reply here with the result and hopefully someone else with a similar situation will find the information useful. +I got covid on the 9th Feb before my flight to the US on the 12th. I made a claim back then, through the correct channels, spoke to AXA on the phone and replied giving all relevant documentation to the email they sent me. + +I’ve chased almost every week since. No one picks up the line, consistently told they’re busy and usually just get hung up on immediately after getting through to someone. They don’t reply to emails, and reviews for AXA Travel Insurance on Trustpilot show that this is the case across the board, with scathing reviews. + +https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/axa-travel-insurance.com + +Unfortunately AXA Travel Insurance’s track record is abysmal with people never even receiving their money back. + +Unfortunately, this was the insurance product offered through my bank, otherwise I would have chosen another supplier. I contacted Monzo as I couldn’t get through to them, and they said I’ll likely need to spend over an hour on the line to get through to someone at Axa but said to keep trying as Monzo cannot help me here because it’s “not their product” + +Am I really up the creek for £600 in air fare because Monzo won’t take responsibility for including a faulty insurance product? + +Is there any way I can take action against Axa / Monzo to force a resolution so I can get my money back? + +Any help is appreciated! +After being on here for the past year, it seems the community thinks of $MSFT as a no brainer. Though, when you look under the hood and how it is currently priced, I'd have to say that it may be one I'd stay away from. + +&#x200B; + +I work in the SaaS industry, and I can confidently say that all of our most transformative clients all choose AWS over Azure. Azure is viewed more as a legacy infrastructure, one that configures easily with .NET applications. Almost as if the "safe" option rather than one that can transform how a company looks at its infrastructure. The reason I bring this up is because it demonstrates the loyalty factor with Azure vs AWS: people go to AWS because they believe in the vision of being "best in class". People go to Azure as a cost efficient, safe bet. + +&#x200B; + +Which do you think is stickier? + +&#x200B; + +And, if you look at $MSFT's history, besides their operating system, they have copied an existing a competitive solution/product and brought it to market to gain market share. (Bing, Zune, Xbox, Surface, Microsoft phone.., etc) This is not a company that prides itself on innovation, but rather a company that won the OS battle early and, arguably through predatory actions, maintained it through the rise of the internet. This caused them to be sticky within the tech scene for years and so have utilized their high margins to stay afloat by copying transformative tech. + +&#x200B; + +Enough with sentiment, here are the biggest fundamentals that scare me: + +PEG: 2.02 + +PE: 30.17 + +Dividend Payout Ratio: 39.11% (Way too high for competitive tech industry) + +Azure's Market Share: 16% (AWS: 33%) + +&#x200B; + +(TL;DR) So all in all, you get an objectively overvalued, 2nd rate company that pays out nearly 40% of it's earnings in dividends, which holds it back from fully re-investing into future tech revolutions. In tech, I truly believe in investing in best in breed, and there is virtually no vertical where MSFT is the best in breed. +Currently in uni and thinking about matched betting, but are there any long-term downsides (like mortages and loans) other than the obvious of exposing yourself to gambling? +"***The coronavirus has taught me how important an emergency fund is*** + +*I live in Korea and I have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus. No, I'm not sick, and even if I do 100% of my care will be free. I've always heard of emergency funds, and so forth. I've also always heard of preppers who spend lots of money stockpiling supplies to survive things like the coronavirus. Until recently Korea had the 2nd largest outbreak of the virus. Here are some of the many economic impacts it has had.* + +* *Many businesses are shut down, especially bars and restaurants.* +* *Many schools are shut down (especially private schools)* +* *Many large companies have shut down major parts of their operations* + +*Some real impacts on my life* + +*My income has been slashed due to a massive drop in workload. This effect was essentially immediate. My income for the next few months is going be a fraction of what it normally is. And this is a direct result of the virus. There is nothing I can do to combat that.* + +*My girlfriend is a teacher for a private school. Her school has shut down, the question on her income is up in the air at the moment. Her school isn't receiving tution fees from the students since they are no longer in operation, but we still got bills to pay. So does her school.* + +*Now luckily for us, I literally completed funding my emergency fund in January after saving up for it, I'm laughing because chances are starting in April I'm going start taking money out of it to survive. This is with me drastically reducing what I spend. Some changes I've made* + +* *Not driving anywhere so no parking/gas expenses* +* *Not going out for drinks or dinner* +* *No trips* +* *Not buying anything we don't need, those new pair of shoes? Yea they can wait* +* *Etc* + +*Although we have spent some money, I recently got back into playing online poker I deposited $50 to keep my mind busy, I've also bought two new video games to take up time. My girlfriend ordered some art supplies and is painting a bunch. However those extra expenses are small compared to what we are saving.* + +*Some other examples I've seen* + +***The Bar*** + +*A friend of mine owns a bar, its pretty successful. Recently he did some renovations in preparing for the upcoming spring/summer. His bar is now closed. He had to close it to save money because so many people were staying home it was costing him more money then he was earning to stay open. However, he still has bills he has to pay. He has a mortgage on his home, he has rent on his bill, car payment, and all your other standard bills. He's done the math and if by Mid-April he's not able to open back up he may never have the money to open back up again* + +***The big spender friend*** + +*I have a friend who has lived paycheck to paycheck and never saving. His company has shut down and put him on unpaid leave. He's not earning an income, has next to nothing in savings, and still has living expenses. He's had to go to a bank to get a loan to pay rent. FYI if this virus last long enough (it'd have to be about 6-7 months) I may also have to go get a loan to pay rent, but at least I don't have to do that yet.* + +*You can still go to the store and buy all the food, water, etc what you need. The supply chains are still fully functional and shelves are pretty much stocked. No one is going hungry, but pretty soon people will be going broke. The Korean Govt has said they plan on giving out grants to small businesses, one major fear is that after the virus passes many small businesses (which are an important part of the economy here) will go out of business as soon as they open.* + +*And this just really highlights the importance of an emergency fund.* + +*And FYI my SO and I did some math, with the cut back on our expenses we should be able to survive up to 10-12 months with no income. You'd be amazed at how little money you spend watching netflix all day.* + +*SO seriously folks, get your emergency fund going. I'm seeing people all around me freaking out over lack of financial capacity. And 2 weeks ago everything was normal."* + +&#x200B; + +See actual post here: [https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/ffrf5i/the\_coronavirus\_has\_taught\_me\_how\_important\_an/](https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/ffrf5i/the_coronavirus_has_taught_me_how_important_an/) +As we see the efforts of 2x evaporate we need to come back together as a community. If this doesn't provide everyone in this community a valuable lesson, it's that Bitcoin needs community consensus. Being divisive with political rhetoric doesn't help scale bitcoin and neither do these "signed agreements". + +We need better tools for measuring consensus that extend beyond miners signaling or companies signing agreements. These obviously do not reflect consensus at all. Otherwise we're going to keep repeating these upgrade battles. + +I hope companies have learned their lesson in supporting these forks that have wasted resources they could've been using supporting Bitcoin. +I did a quick perusal of the Verge subreddit. JFC. people are actively speculating about partnerships with AMAZON or MICROSOFT. The sheer credulity of these people is insane. Apparently a major public company has agreed to somehow “partner” with an *open source protocol* and pointlessly open themselves up to god knows how many securities/fraud lawsuits. And apparently this company is somehow cool with an NDA-protected arrangement being ransomed on twitter for $3,000,000???? SWEET MOTHER OF GOD. + +this is so idiotic that i am actually 100% on the developers’ side. anyone that “donates” is so dumb that they’re actually bad people and DESERVE whatever befalls them. The aggressively stupid SHOULD lose their money. the universe demands it. + +the only problem i foresee is potential regulation of exchanges and issuers because of horseshit like this. modern securities regulation came about because scammers were basically securitizing and selling obvious nonsense (“selling shares of the blue sky”) and people couldn’t help themselves from buying + +this is all embarrassing smh. i know this was previously discussed here but i NEED to insult these people in the harshest possible terms. go team verge - rob everyone that “donates” as part of this scheme lmao + +**** + +edit: i absolutely hate that i need to add this, but to be clear, i’m being *facetious* when i say that i’m rooting for people to lose their money. stealing is bad and i hope no one loses their money 🙄 + +Now stop crying m’kay +In the past video technology, such as VHS and DVD have become popular also due to the porn companies deciding to support these formats and bringing out their content on these formats. For years now porn has mainly moved to the internet and although there are enouh places where we can fap for free there are also enough people that pay for their content, be it videos or webcams or other forms of sex via the internet. + +If one of these companies would start accepting Bitcoins as payment I personally think Bitcoin would grow even more as the defacto payment method on the internet. + +Heck maybe we even can get some technical minds together to build a BTC based porn site ourselves? + + +EDIT: Well this blew up far more than I expected. Frontpage on /r/bitcoin, thanks! +https://www.yahoo.com/video/u-tech-sector-sees-highest-180258108.html + +U.S. employers in the technology sector cut nearly nine times more jobs in May than in the first four months of the year as rising inflation and slowing demand force companies to cut corners. Though overall layoffs in the country reported by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas on Thursday fell 14.7% in May from April, thanks to strong demand in the labor market, the technology sector cut 4,044 jobs, up from the 459 between January and April. It is the highest monthly total since December 2020 when tech companies cut as many as 5,253 jobs. "Many technology startups that saw tremendous growth in 2020, particularly in the real estate, financial, and delivery sectors, are beginning to see a slowdown in users, and coupled with inflation and interest rate concerns, are restructuring their workforces to cut costs," said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of challenger, Gray & Christmas. + +The impact of the Ukraine crisis, a four-decade high inflation and rising interest rates has led to forecast cuts by companies such as Snap Inc and Microsoft, while others like Meta Platforms Inc have slowed hiring to rein in costs. Fintech companies also announced 268% more job cuts in May than in the first four months of 2022, the report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas said. +So in a casual conversation, I mentioned to some of my colleagues that I plan on paying off my house early. To which someone said, "You don't want to do that." + +I explained that we plan on putting down 12k towards the house at the end of every year and after doing so, our mortgage will be paid off by the time I'm 57. (Currently 43.) His advice was to not dump all of that into the house but reinvest it. + +His school of thought is investments and later retirement. Mine is debt free and part time work instead of full time, or if possible, early retirement before 60. + +Feedback would be appreciated. Thank you all for the time! + +Edit: Holy Inbox! Thank you all again for your replies. Many of you have stated that more info would be helpful. Here’s some. + +1. Current income 100k year gross +2. House is only debt. +3. House purchased 6 years ago at $555k, currently $725k +4. Financed 471k with down payment. +5. 30yr fixed at 3.875% +6. Roth IRA $6000 annually (currently at $26k) +7. Will receive pension upon retirement. +8. Would love to retire at 60. (17 yrs from now) +9. We do not see ourselves leaving this house anytime soon. +My grandparents have approached my dad with an "investment deal" with them and about 14 of their "friends." After talking with them, my dad wants me to give me $500 a month to THEN give to my grandparents. At the end of 15 months, I'm supposed to cash out $7,500 one month, then $7,500 the next month. To get my total of $15,000. + +I am SO UNBELIEVABLY SKEPTICAL about this. I do not want to do this. But in our Vietnamese culture, it's so hard to say no to your parents. I wanted to meet the other "investors," but my dad told me to just talk to my grandparents so I can be reassured that they're trustworthy. I wanted a contract made up and have someone sign it, but my dad said it wasn't needed (!!!). The worst part is that at the end of the 15 months, my dad wants me to keep investing some of that money that I would (theoretically) get back after the first round. Apparently I can end after 2 1/2 years. This just stinks to high heaven of a scam. He also doesn't want me telling my mom about this (!!! x 1001249042). + + +What can I do/say to him to convince him this is a BAD, BAD idea? I have sent him links about Ponzi Schemes, about various scams. This whole "investment deal" makes me feel so dirty and my dad sound so gullible. Please help me:( + + + +**Edit: Thank you everyone for your replies.** I'll keep everything in mind as I try to absorb all of this information in. Currently, I plan on contacting my aunt who works for a bank, and ask for her advice. She should be able to understand my predicament, in addition to helping me explain the situation to my dad, should I decide to not participate in this savings/partners thing that a few of you have described to me. I still am skeptical, but I'm less freaked out. +So I previously posted about Malaysia dramatically upping the application requirements for the MM2H retirement program. The requirements are quite steep and not aligned with the realities of a middle income country like Malaysia. + +&#x200B; + +* Demonstrable monthly offshore income of $RM40,000 (\~US$9,500) vs 25% of that previously. +* Bank deposit in Malaysia of $RM1 Million (\~US$235K) vs 25% of that previously. +* Must spend at least 90 days a year in Malaysia vs 0 days minimum previously. + +&#x200B; + +What was not clear at the time was that these new requirements were retroactively extended to all existing MM2H visa holders. + +[They’re kicking us out: expats decry MM2H changes](https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/38086/theyre-kicking-us-out-expats-decry-mm2h-changes) + +So basically existing expats who have been living in Malaysia under the MM2H visa for years or decades will be required to meet the new criteria at the time of VISA renewal. This is quite shocking considering that some of those people already bought real estate, cars and are fully settled in and now they will have to meet extremely steep requirements or pack up and leave. + +It is estimated that only 5% of the 57 thousands MM2H expats living in Malaysia can meet the new requirements. +I'm sure lots of other apes will parse the answers, debate whether the questions were right, etc. But one thing stood out to me. + +When RC was asked direct questions, that man has an iron poker face. At first it wasn't clear if he was just trying to avoid the tinfoil or just being professional, but some of the answers made it clear this man knows exactly what he's doing: + +* When asked if there was any meaning about his Arlington, VA store visit, he said "It's self explanatory. When asked about the order of the games, he thought for a few seconds, then said it had no meaning." +* When asked about the comp-poo-chair, he just said "It looks like an efficient setup" +* When asked about the "eew eew llams evah I" tweet, first he made random jokes, then attributed the tweet to the former "high paid consultants" running his Twitter account +* When asked about meeting with Carl Icahn, he made a general statement about respecting him, but when asked about the nature of the meeting, instead of just repeating something like "I wanted to learn from him!" He immediately said he wasn't going to go into it. + +There are many other examples like this. Joe didn't always do the best job following up, and sometimes asked leading questions in such a way that gave RC an easy out, but to me that's irrelevant. What matters are the fact that he did this interview at all, he said everything he wanted to and nothing he didn't, and there was barely even a smidge of a "wink and nod" as he did it. This Chairman f\*cks. + +Looks like I'll need some more shares on Monday! + +EDIT: Link to interview: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN2Dw8AOdMk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN2Dw8AOdMk) + +&#x200B; +Once I bought a coffee at the local timmies and it was cold. +If I stop by every day, buy a donut until they run out of donuts, then tell everyone that they ran out of donuts, leading to everyone no longer trying to buy their donuts, can I make their stock price go down? + +Are there any real consequences to this? +My wife and I both work for a school district and just had a little one in March. My wife is off work until the next school year (end of august) and we are trying to figure out if we can afford her staying home but I really don’t think we can make it work. We already live a low expenditure lifestyle. I make about $2700 a month, my wife about $1600. Mortgage is currently $600 but has went up about $40 every year the last 3 years so I have budgeted $650 for it. Electric/gas is $400. Cell phone is $100. Internet $45. Grocery/household items is $500. Garbage is $27. Health Insurance is $70 a month (yeah I know). Student loans are $340. Gasoline for the month is about $100 right now. We have a few streaming services but I’m assuming we cut those out. That leaves us with about $470 extra each month. Currently we only have one vehicle (paid off) that now has over 100,000 miles and probably should start looking for another (I don’t like the idea of leaving them home alone with no vehicle). The vehicle is also still in my FIL name from when my wife got it as a teenager and they pay the insurance on it. If my wife goes back to work, we found a babysitter that would be about $500 a month. Since we both work for the same school district and my wife is actually on a different contract, her insurance is less and I can deny my insurance. Her insurance is about $28 a month and I get $8000 for denying it. I know my wife would love to stay at home but looking at our finances we aren’t sure if it’ll work. I don’t know if anyone has any ideas of how we could make it work. +basiclly i left my old company for a better pay and because the new position i was offered had more self growth potential , + +but tbh i am not 100% happy at my new job , i have much less in common with most people here and the "working vibe"here is diffrent in a negetive way + +my old job wants to match my new salary and want me back \[ knowing them i know it is a genuie offer \] + +i wanted to know if it smart to talk with my "new" boss about it and my cencerns with my current job + +basicly i want to know if they are happy about my preformance **so far** or not ... i dont want to ask for another raise or anything like that + +the new company i work for is a new company that still learning to build it self up and last 2 months they fierd like 3 key role managers without giving even a notice , so thats why i have my concerns haha + +should i bring it up to my new boss ? + +p.s my "new boss " was my "old" boss for 7 years that recruited me to this new company so im confident he will be honest with his answer + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +**update :** hey guys thanks allot didnt expect this much comments , i have read them all and they did help me to make up my mind i will update in 1 day how it turn out :D <3 +**First of all, what are ZK-Rollups?** + +Well, simply put, zero-knowledge rollups or zk-rollups is a Layer 2 scalability solution that allows blockchains to validate transactions faster while also ensuring that gas fees remain minimal. Zk-rollups manage to perform better than traditional Layer 1 blockchains like Ethereum because they combine on and off-chain processes.  + +Layer 2 solutions and zk-rollups are the beginning of the next era of blockchain technology and advanced cryptocurrency systems.  + +ZK-Rollups work essentially without presenting new security, trust, or assumptions, that would otherwise affect the decentralization of the L1 they are running on. This is pure scaling without any trade-off. It is favoured as a way to scale a blockchain by a factor of 50–100x, at minimum, its literally like saying that Blockchains are going 5G. + +**Why is this important?** + +For one they lower the gas fees instantly (looking at you ETH). Also they boost the speeds by huge amounts. + +But the main focus is scalability. We've been experiencing the lack of scalability in the Top 10 Smart Contract Platforms for a reason, its because they can't handle the amount of transactions being made. + +That's where ZK-Rollups come rollin, in ZK-Rollups the more users use it, the more scalable it becomes, without sacrificing decentralization. + +*If you want a more in-depth information on ZK-Rollups and blockchains* [*read this article*](https://jsidhu.medium.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-rollups-f8c075571770)*.* + +**Where to invest?** + +So you want to invest in ZK-Rollups, there's some projects that are researching and implementing ZK-Rollups, I'll list them here and please do research on them before investing. + +**Syscoin (SYS)** + +**Loopring (LRC)** + +**Immutable X (IMX)** + +**Dusk Network (DUSK)** + +**Polygon (MATIC)** + +Those are my top picks for ZK-Rollup projects, but there are some more that still don't have enough credit to list them here. + +If you have any projects you think should be here feel free to drop in and talk about them. +To start off I am 26 years old, have stable employment, am single and a homeowner. I have been investing with a financial adviser and using standard banking for years but want to consider all my options to most benefit myself for the future. Also of note is I just want to be a coach potato investor, I'm willing to rebalance my investments once a year but I really don't care to do any active trading or investigate individual stocks, I just want to invest my money and expect a reasonable return on my investments. + +My biggest decision is the potential of getting rid of my FA and going with robo-advising or investing myself. Now I am fairly knowledgeable about finances, not nearly as knowledgeable as some people here but better off than a lot of the population, so the FA has been good for general advice about asset allocations, which registered accounts are best for my situation and for helping me invest in value stocks. He is great, but I just wonder is he is worth the fees when compared to managing my own finances and throwing everything in to a low cost diversified ETF/robo-adviser. I compiled a list of the online investing services along with the costs and returns of various diversified funds as well as costs and returns of robo-adviser. [https://imgur.com/a/ztnyyye](https://imgur.com/a/ztnyyye) + +From what I can understand, if I got with the Wealthsimple Trade account and invest in the iShares Core Growth ETF (maybe split with the Vanguard Growth for added diversity), I can pay $0 in ETF and ECN fees due to the Wealthsimple Trade account and have a very low MER and a reasonable 25-Year annualized return. Maybe I'll do better with my FA, maybe I wont, but with the saved fees I should likely come out ahead. With the robo-adviser I would lose on costs, but with the added benefit of auto-dividend reinvestment and auto-rebalancing, along with talking to an actual human to make sure I am on track with my goals and sanity check on my decisions; I don't know if that's worth the 0.5% fee though. + +First off can anyone advise me if I am on the right track or missing anything crucial? Any general recommendations? Are those good ETFs to consider for my situation? Looking for some sanity checks on my decision making process. +Turned 18, and I'd like to learn about options. I don't know if I wanna do anything with them, but I would like to learn about them, what they are? How do they work? Is anything done differently in Canada, compared to the US? + +Any good books? Youtubers(I'd prefer to read books)? + +Are there any dummy accounts one can play with? +Suggestions, please. Is today a good day to buy [BEP.UN.TO](https://BEP.UN.TO)? Also any thoughts on what account should be investing in i.e.: reg or non-reg account? Not sure if there will be any news from CAD and US coming next week about renewables? Any help would be greatly appreciated? +I'm risk adverse when it comes to money (having grown up in poverty), I do squirrel away my money in places I know I won't lose it because I'm worried I will. I've also been unemployed and sleeping on someone elses couch, so I am always heavily guarded when it comes to my expenses/money. + + +I know this is not something or a way to grow my own personal wealth. I would like to start investing more and working through this. + + +Any advice? +Dear smart people ... + +I am late to the O&G small-cap party. Been listening to Eric Nuttall quite a bit ... but boi, looking at that bull run, it seems like a crap ton of money got made in the last 2 years. I shouldn't have put money in stupids like Air Canada. + +I am wondering if there are any good opportunities left in the market right? I mean ... a lot of that 4-10x type run appears to be over ... possibly 1x shots? Maybe 2x? + +I am thinking i3, surge (still low PE), obsidian ... + +Thanks guys! +My TD fund adviser has suggested that I purchase a F series fund (call it xyz, MER is 0.94% ) to lower my MER. Looking at this funds top 10 investments says they are all TD funds, O series, all with high MER's (over 2%). As a novice it seems to me that I'm paying a hidden MER. Is this normal? Any other banks create mutual funds with their own funds as the top investment? +Most Oil stocks have already had some pretty big gains on the year. It feels like we could have a lot more left to run. It's been a long time coming. + +Any hidden gems you guys are holding? BTE and TGL have been doing pretty well for me. +I'm 31 years old. Not married. Rent ($1000 / month). Salary = $72,000 + +My employer is rewarding me with a nice bonus - 145 restricted share units that vest in March (~$10,000) and looking for advice/recommendations on what to invest it in. I have a meeting with my family's financial advisor this week, but curious as to what you guys might think. + +I contribute to my company's pension plan and currently hold $20,000 worth of shares in their ESOP. + +To date I've only been trading weed stocks in my TFSA (started with $10,000): +50 WEED @ $30 +2000 MPX @ $0.93 +200 ACB @ $8.04 +200 TRST @ $8.18 +500 APH @ $12.63 +Value = $15,708.00 +Cash = $6300.00 + +I don't have an RRSP set up. + +I don't mind risk, but looking to diversify with the $10K next month in non-weed sectors or ETF's. Think CN, ENB, some banks, maybe get into oil/energy while it's low or just set up an RRSP... or some more weed stocks. Trying to just max out my TFSA. + +Any advice is appreciated. +Most Oil stocks have already had some pretty big gains on the year. It feels like we could have a lot more left to run. It's been a long time coming. + +Any hidden gems you guys are holding? BTE and TGL have been doing pretty well for me. +# Intro + +Welcome, and I hope everyone is fresh for a new day of holding because things seem to be getting interesting now. My take on this DD is a bit different to my usual format as I've decided to focus on the Technical analysis side of GME this time around. Why? Because you apes couldn't contemplate words so now I'm using colourful crayons and pictures instead. As always, I've inserted a TLDR for the autists but I do recommend reading it since it'll also help grow your knowledge of TA. + +# Pivot Point + +The pivot **point, support and resistance calculations are widely accepted as the simplest yet most effective trading strategy.** They are well trusted by traders, banks and all financial institutions as clear indicators of the strength or weakness of the market. *They are used as the basis for most technical analysis*. **The pivot point is the point in which the market sentiment changes from bearish to bullish.** + +For example, let's look at the candlestick chart for a ticker that I took from tradingview, + +&#x200B; + +[Example Candlestick Chart](https://preview.redd.it/cdv56c1km0m61.jpg?width=873&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83757b1f0769e06ca5f27ffeb1da8ac08bbe8601) + +&#x200B; + +R1 = (2 x Pivot Point) – Daily Low + +R2 = Pivot Point + (Daily High – Daily Low) + +S1 = (2 x Pivot Point) – Daily High + +S2 = Pivot Point – (Daily High – Daily Low) + +*R3 = Daily High + 2 x (Pivot Point – Daily Low)* + +*S3 = Daily Low – 2 x (Daily High – Pivot Point)* + +**LINKING BACK TO GME** + +&#x200B; + +[Pivot Point Data were taken from Investing.com](https://preview.redd.it/rbjrco9nm0m61.jpg?width=976&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3f917346de8cdbbc3f5e333edb8b6073831cd1a9) + +&#x200B; + +GME- + +Resistance Line 1: $195.13 + +Resistance Line 2: 202.33 + +Resistance Line 3: 215.87 + +*While writing this post $GME was hovering around $217* in pre-market (Which is higher than the current R3 value), all though the value is bound to change before the market opens, if $215 can be maintained during the opening; that **will ultimately see Resistance Level 3 becoming the new support line. This would depict a very strong bullish trend that can be aided by the RSI (Relative strength index)** + +*You can ignore the Fibonacci, camarilla etc PP if you're new to TA but they basically show the same trend of the ticker having an uptrend.* + +# Relative Strength Index + +*The relative strength index (RSI) is a* *momentum indicator* *used in technical analysis that measures the magnitude of recent price changes to evaluate overbought or oversold conditions* in the price of a stock or other asset. The RSI is displayed as an oscillator (a line graph that moves between two extremes) and can have a reading from 0 to 100 + +RSI below 30: Oversold, will rebound and may show divergence + +Above 70: Overbought + +&#x200B; + +[GME RSI between march 4th and 8th](https://preview.redd.it/7ropbgzsm0m61.jpg?width=1201&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2c7ae49ff044332e81020f8404647aa973073a99) + +Current GME RSI value: 68 (Neutral) + +*The data shows RSI value continuing in an uptrend (bullish) and is in line with the price of $GME as no divergence could be seen. Coupling it with the pivot points, if the same trend continues today and tomorrow we'll see a breakout and support lines forming around $215+* + +**Disclaimer: My predictions are just me speculating and do not necessarily mean they are right. The increased volatility with low float means the price could go in any directions. But the indicators seem to be showing a healthy direction for a bullish market.** + +**Now comparing this to the RSI before January squeeze:** + +&#x200B; + +[RSI before jan squeeze](https://preview.redd.it/8otntoxum0m61.jpg?width=455&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fda45bc0fd98a78cea2e04d90c88ed9187a36d91) + +&#x200B; + +RSI Value: 72.14 + +As seen from the second image, RSI trend before the breakout was in an uptrend. However, the slope was not as steep as we're currently seeing right now and when the price really started getting high, RSI showed a massive overbought. Comparing this back to the march RSI, that trend is still in the neutral territory and has potential for a more violent uptick as RSI value reaches the 70-75+ region. + +# Volume Weighted Average Price + +The volume-weighted average price (VWAP) is a trading benchmark used by traders that gives the average price security has traded throughout the day, based on both volume and price. *It is important because it provides traders with insight into both the trend and value of security.* Large institutional buyers and mutual funds use the VWAP ratio to help move into or out of stocks with as small of a market impact as possible. Therefore, when possible, institutions will try to buy below the VWAP, or sell above it. **This way their actions push the price back toward the average, instead of away from it.** + +*VWAP calculates the sum of price multiplied by volume, divided by total volume.* + +&#x200B; + +[VWAP January 13th-22nd](https://preview.redd.it/jcps124xm0m61.jpg?width=131&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67dbb4877f7fa69b17429839bfa967c605d2b08d) + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +[VWAP March 1st-8th](https://preview.redd.it/s2sqhq2ym0m61.jpg?width=324&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2916f02390c863ea8b815eaca847d618766f51e) + +&#x200B; + +* Blue Line indicates the volume-weighted average price. **Comparing both pictures, the vwap value in regards to each candlestick seems to show the same pattern.** +* VWAP has been above the average day trading price between 6 and 7th March, this seems to act like the support line for the price. +* **8th march and 22nd January show a similar pattern, both had a relatively significant increase in (=increased volatility and more violent price swings) as well as a positive slope gradient.** + +# Moving Average Convergence Divergence + +MACD is a trend-following [momentum](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/momentum.asp) indicator that shows the relationship between two moving averages of a security’s price. The MACD is calculated by subtracting the 26-period [exponential moving average](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ema.asp) (EMA) from the 12-period EMA. A nine-day EMA of the MACD called the "signal line," is then plotted on top of the MACD line, which can function as a trigger for buy and sell signals. **Traders may buy the security when the MACD crosses above its signal line.** + +&#x200B; + +[MACD january](https://preview.redd.it/akhuo1g1n0m61.jpg?width=311&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32ae04bfcde02eb35d592de58a87f48053cda122) + +&#x200B; + +&#x200B; + +[MACD march](https://preview.redd.it/l0cu7ez2n0m61.jpg?width=553&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b836600d1bb2bac2c97aa6a10a97607381532f8) + +&#x200B; + +MACD is often displayed with a histogram (see the chart below) which graphs the distance between the MACD and its signal line. If the MACD is above the signal line, the histogram will be above the MACD’s baseline. + +* **MACD in January showed a gradual increase till breakout, the march macd value is much stronger in regards to the trend and can see the signal line deviating away from the EM**A. Linking it back to the RSI uptrend, trend seems to be bullish and does not show any signs of divergence. *Outcome? Will probably continue this trend for the days to come* + +# Other Indicators + +Since I ran out of time and probably you apes have ran out of patience as well, I'm just going to list the other moving averages indications to summarise the trends. + +&#x200B; + +[Indicator Values taken from trading view](https://preview.redd.it/dt8dgbo4n0m61.jpg?width=663&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=178b8def7cf54223bb626d78f7be1187159e0bd4) + +&#x200B; + +# TLDR + +**Most (If not all) Moving average indicators show a very strong bullish market on a DAY scale as we can see the trend to continue to follow an uptrend. The Resistance level 3 pivot points may become the new support live if the RSI+MACD trend continues. Neither show divergence which is also a good sign.** + +Anyways hope I've cleared some things out, and if the DD needs correction then please feel free to let me know so i can fix/include the data. **This is my last DD to the series and hope it has benefited people, I'll be taking some time off now to snort coke,** ***bon voyage*** **apes!** + +\*Disclaimer: I'm not a financial advisor, nor am I giving financial advice. DFV is my dad.\*😃 + +&#x200B; + +As always, + +**Lambos or instant noodles.🚗🚗🙌💎🚀** +Italy Is a crazy place right now. With the vaccine policies many activities have pretty reduced profits and are about to close. If I believe in a crash in no more than 1 year, what Is a cheap strategy to deploy with options? Thanks a lot. +Hi, I know this is a relatively new sub, but I feel like the content is turning into /r/Frugal. I know that saving money has to do with poverty, but I guess I'm looking for more actual financial related subject matter? + +For example, there's one about drinking more water and many talking about food. + +There are many other subs for that. + +/r/EatCheapAndHealthy +/r/budgetfood +/r/MealPrepSunday +Say you have an algo that predicts if it will be up or down in 10 candle sticks. + +Wouldn't it make more sense to run that algorithm on multiple time frames, and compile the results into a potential overall trend based on time frame? +I have never seen anyone suggest or talk about algo trading on stock options. To me it seems as if the margin of error would be many times wider then buy low, sell high. I can for sure see how a dividend paying stock could be of double value, or a mid price stock that can be had in bulk. + +Am I just missing something obvious here? +I guess this might be common knowledge and asked a lot of times but I was unable to search up anything relevant. + +I know nothing about automated trading but my understanding was that it's for businesses and banks and so on. It's for people with millions of dollars, such that the profit percentage which is significant to the 4th decimal place actually churns out a realistic profit. At a personal level, with max 10s of thousands of dollars to put in, can algo trading actually be profitable? What with all the fees and commission and stuff. + +Thanks +This is not a shill post, I just stumble upon this new token in TG named $MOONSAFE which really caught my interest since its name is literally the reverse of SAFEMOON so I want to share it. This meme/shitcoin is really in its early stage, it's only around 10k in Marketcap and only has 360 holders. + +&#x200B; + +Disclaimer: this is not financial advice, as always do your due diligence DYOR. + +&#x200B; + +\- Compare to $SAFEMOON which has around 200 million in Marketcap, $MOONSAFE is really low( 10k MC) which is not surprising as it's in its early stage and 1-week old project. + +Doing the math even if this coin does not do what $SAFEMOON did or only does 500k MC, you could literally make a profit out of it. + +\- Its name is the literal reversed of $SAFEMOON, so it will catch the interest of others. Yeah, it's funny to think that this coin emerging nowadays is just a clone of other projects. But it's good tho we're only there to make money. + +\- It's is rug proof as what their community says, its LP has been burned. + +\- The project already has unirocket bot and already applied for CG. + +telegram: [https://t.me/moonsafeofficial](https://t.me/moonsafeofficial) +website: [moonsafe.xyz](https://moonsafe.xyz) + + + + + +**UPDATE: The token did 30x today and I made some huge profit. i'm so happy.** +**the Market Cap is 600k now** + +chart: + +[https://poocoin.app/tokens/0x2C125b09C2DBed3d1669a3183298285e5cf46154](https://poocoin.app/tokens/0x2C125b09C2DBed3d1669a3183298285e5cf46154) +Of course I will do my own due diligence afterwards, but I would like to get some ideas what to research and dig into deeper. A nice weekend to all of you. +I just got one of these random verification code from Afterpay. I’ve never used Afterpay and wondered someone had tried to register an account using my details??or it’s just scam? + +Or maybe a massive database leak? +Anyones? +I am disappointed in this reddit . I cant believe i missed this stock today, all the chart is just perfect. How people find this kind news i dont understand, I never saw anything about this company today +Finally some balance on CNBC in a debate: + +Kevin O'Leary (Shark Tank's "Mr. Wonderful"): + + +"The definition of the market is speculation when you buy and stay long in a stock you are speculating about the profits you hope appear and you take that risk" + + +"The best thing we could do for this market right now is leave it alone and just shine the light of transparency on it. if you are short, let it be transparent and you now run the new risk that these effective social media vigilantes are going to come after you and squeeze you in your short. And that's going to make a lot of hedge funds think a second time before they try and go short in a stock which I think it is great." + + +Paraphrase: We have 100s of millions of people who have nothing set aside for their retirement. And along comes a platform that has millions of investors....And yes, they will lose money as every investor does. Just shine transparency on it. + +And, finally, he made the argument that CNBC ignores, that GME now has a new lease on life: + + +"How do you know that Gamestop executives are not going to take advantage of this situation and make a pivot just like Netflix did when they were shipping out CDS in the mail?" + +Anchor breaks in to say they need to protect "the little guy" from the "big guy" (which is a joke since they only care about the "big guy.") + +"The only person I care about are the people who lost their jobs. . . I really don't care if a few hedge funds go to zero. Who cares?" + + +Anchor: what about the kids who take the stimulus checks and put it on margin and could go to bankruptcy: + + +"They didn't learn investing in high school so let them learn in the real world." + +I got so sick of CNBC yesterday that I ponied up for extra $14 a month for a cable package including Bloomberg and it is so much more balanced and nuanced plus you get a lot more news of world markets and commodities. CNBC really only covers U.S. stocks. Which is only a fraction of the financial/economic picture. +Please use this thread to have discussions which you don't feel warrant a new post to the sub. While the Rules for posting questions on the basics of personal finance/investing topics are relaxed a little bit here, the rules against memes/spam/self-promotion/excessive rudeness/politics still apply! + +Have a look at the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/wiki/faq) for this subreddit before posting to see if your question is frequently asked. + +Since this post does tend to get busy, consider sorting the comments by "new" (instead of "best" or "top") to see the newest posts. +This is a pretty lengthy analysis of the current state of American Retirement Savings. It's interesting to see the contrast between the numbers cited on this subreddit compared to the median retirement savings in this country. + +&nbsp;&nbsp; +"The median family between the ages of 32 and 61 has only $5,000 saved in a retirement account..." + +&nbsp;&nbsp; +"The report’s interactive, embeddable charts break down the growth in retirement inequality by income, race, ethnicity, education, gender, and marital status, showing that: + +* Nearly half of all working-age families have zero retirement savings. + +* Almost nine in 10 families in the top income fifth have savings in retirement accounts, compared to fewer than one in 10 families in the bottom income fifth. + +* Only 41 percent of black families and 26 percent of Hispanic families have retirement account savings, compared with 65 percent of white non-Hispanic families. + +* Only married couples are more likely than not to have retirement account savings." + +&nbsp;&nbsp; +[Press Release for the study findings](http://www.epi.org/press/401ks-have-left-the-overwhelming-majority-of-americans-unprepared-for-retirement-32-charts-show-how-the-retirement-system-has-exacerbated-inequality/) + +&nbsp;&nbsp; +[Detailed study findings](http://www.epi.org/publication/retirement-in-america/) +I was reading this book "Just keep buying" by Nick Maggiulli and there is a data point in there that made me pause: + +*"Just 4% of stocks from 1926 - 2016 created all the excess return for stocks above U.S. treasury bills. Can you be sure you can find the one of these 4% of stocks and not pick one of the 96%?"* Source [here](https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2900447) and [here](https://books.google.com/books?id=GjBlEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT122&lpg=PT122&dq=Just+4%25+of+stocks+from+1926%E2%80%932016+created+all+the+excess+return+for+stocks+above+U.S.+Treasury+bills&source=bl&ots=BUf7Xlqq95&sig=ACfU3U1Ita3DKGPg_lyBiq2k_JM3rH-v-Q&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiHzdKe2Kv5AhUej4kEHdlAAXQQ6AF6BAgDEAI#v=onepage&q=Just%204%25%20of%20stocks%20from%201926%E2%80%932016%20created%20all%20the%20excess%20return%20for%20stocks%20above%20U.S.%20Treasury%20bills&f=false) + +Add the fact that most mutual fund managers/teams, that focus on actively picking stocks for their career, can't seem to consistently beat or even match their respective passive indices/benchmarks (especially after fees). + +Why do people (myself included) continue to try and do stock picking like we could be one of the few Warren B's that can identify the 4%? +My wife was selling a piece of furniture on Facebook marketplace and someone expressed interest. The item was $150 and they buyer said they would pay now to reserve it and pick it up later. This is all pretty normal for previous experiences with Facebook marketplace. + +The weirdness starts when they pay via Venmo but instead of sending $150, they send $1500. "Omg, I sent too much can you send it back and I'll send the right amount!" So my wife does the refund and the buyer disappears. Not even viewing her FB messages or sending the correct amount. She tells me and I immediately think it's a scam and found [this article](https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22128-scam-alert-this-venmo-scam-sends-you-money-by-accident) that pretty much confirms it for me. + +TLDR of the article: You steal a credit card > send money to someone > request a refund > switch the card on your Venmo account to your own > withdraw the funds > close your account. This leaves the person that refunded you with with the fallout when the stolen card gets reported. + +I immediately removed the bank account associated with the Venmo and sent Venmo an email through their support form. The only info I have on the person is their Venmo account and the name on the Facebook account they used to contact my wife. + +What else can/should I do? Am I screwed out of $1500? + +UPDATE: I'm not screwed. Contacted Venmo support via the chat in the app and they created an escalation. 2 hours later it was resolved. I'm grateful for the input even though a lot of it was wrong. My wife has a newfound appreciation for being vigilant for scams so I'd say we came out ahead. She's a kind-hearted and trusting person so it hurt her feelings to go through this but that's the way it goes. Hopefully people learn from our mistakes. +I am aware that eating healthy and eating cheap are not mutually exclusive but they often don't align. I am curious where a lot of the people on this sub lean towards. On one hand, eating cheap will speed up your time to FIRE, but on the other hand the whole point of RE is to be young and healthy while retired. Anyone want to share their philosophy on this subject? +Thank goodness for discovering this sub. Made more in the last 3 weeks doing the Wheel than half of 2020. My strategy for the Wheel is a bit more aggressive in that I WANT to be assigned. Looking for your thoughts. + +For example, I love $TDOC and wouldn't mind owning 200 shares. It's trading at around $230. My strategy has been to sell ATM puts 2 weeks out. I have not been assigned yet but have made around $2500 profit from 3 contracts. If I get assigned, the plan is to sell ATM covered call closest to my buy region. Yes, I'm aware I will miss out on possible stock price growth but I'm willing to give up on it for the amazing premium. + +I use a similar strategy with $HUYA. I already have a core but I'm looking to add. I sell ATM puts two weeks out for decent honey, as well as 25% OTM covered calls on my stock holding. Two pronged approach for two sources of income. + +This strategy can be repeated with TDOC in a dynamic fashion. + +What are your guys thoughts on this? I'm aware that it doesn't allow profits from stock uptrends but I'm okay with that. It also does not work for downtrend stocks which I also acknowledge. + +Any other "aggressive" mode or variant of wheel strategy to maximise gains? +Let me start with a few caveats: + +1) I'm not preaching anything new here. This is just a friendly reminder that if you have a very well-diversified portfolio of CSP and CC, rather than over exposure to meme-stocks (I.e.: more than 15-20% in one meme stock), then the last two weeks are really all not that bad, at least compared to a boomer portfolio. + +2) I sell CSP only on stocks that I already own in my boomer account (I never put more than 2% of my portfolio in one individual stock, so I'm very diversified) + +3) Most of my stocks, while not meme stocks, are still very volatile (I.e.: FUBO, PTON, SE, BILI, NGA, FTOC, etc. etc. etc.) So yes, my boomer portfolio is hurting. + +4) In that respect, all my CSP and CC (except the ones I rolled today) were sold prior to last Monday, so yes, nearly all my positions are currently under the strike prices, which is a healthy mixture of March 19th and April 16th + +5) Yes, it sucks balls to see my boomer portfolio down by close to 20% / NASDAQ down by roughly 10%. It is what it is, welcome to the market. + +6) I currently have in my theta-style account 25 positions, either CSP or CC. Diversification is key, in any kind of strategy that isn't a YOLO play + +7) Most importantly, if the market tanks by another 10%, well shit, my theta-style account will become a boomer account in which I will sell CC with something like 0.50% yield monthly. Again, it is what it is. + +&#x200B; + +Now, with that being said, I'm drawing a direct comparison between my boomer account and my theta-style account. Assuming we do not have a full recovery by March 19th, but rather drawn out over months and months, I'll be assigned on many CSP if I decide not to roll. A few of them I have rolled, because the stock price was down by more than 20% vs the strike price, but most of them I'll take assignment. + +The beauty of CSP is that my strike price is, on average, 10-15% less than pre-correction, and my breakeven is, of course, even lower. At current prices levels, I can easily sell CC at my breakeven for fairly juicy premiums (which would lead to a loss if called away), or at strike price, for still a 1-3% monthly premium. Really, not bad, no? + +What's even better is that as of today, even if many underlying are 10-20% under my strikes, I have **full control** over what I want to do without having an overwhelming loss. I could close out all my positions and wipe out my profit from the last month and a half. Not terrible, but of course not interesting, and I still have faith in the markets, so not an option for me. More interesting to me if I want to limit the number of stocks being assigned, I can simply roll over at a lower strike and further expiry, for either a small debit or a small credit. I've done it a few times, and I suspect I'll have to do it a few more times. The unfortunate side effect is that it ties capital in a lower yield position, but again, it is what it is. Can't win 'em all. + +Now, compared to my boomer account. I had very little cash on hand before last Monday, so I'm pretty much down by 20% overall. And I have no flexibility whatsoever, other than tough it out, or sell at a massive loss. + +&#x200B; + +Lastly, I don't want this post to sound condescending, and I'm sure that it will draw a lot of criticism.. But you know what? The last few days were very stressful for me as well, despite everything that I just wrote. This is my way of rationalizing and calming myself, to make sure that I continue to act in a logical and rational way, rather than let my emotions guide me. + +&#x200B; + +Good luck out there +Are you ladies and gentlemen selling ATVI puts? With the merger announcement, I feel like the price should be more stable than IV implies, in the near term. +I sold 10 at 78, expiry this week and the next. +I just got nailed on my CSP for TWTR yesterday due to the 15% drop after their earnings call, and I’m wondering if the general idea is to avoid earnings if you’re selling puts because the downside is higher than the upside? I suppose I could start using spreads, but I’m pretty new to selling options, and I like the wheel because it’s fairly straightforward. I like the stocks I’m wheeling, but I’m not going to pretend I have any idea how they’re going to fair heading into earnings. Is the smart play just to avoid earnings altogether if possible? +Seeing a lot of popular posts lately with large monthly/yearly returns, crediting heavy use of vertical put credit spreads. I'm sure this has been posted before however this needs to be repeated (and often is in the comments of these types of posts). + +**Put credit spreads, when used for leverage, are** ***exponentially riskier*** **than selling cash secured puts.** + +\- The tendency to think spreads are safer is strong with new options traders. "But risk is defined with a a spread!" I see a lot. Yes, risk is defined with *both* CSPs and spreads, however the chances of max loss in a spread are *substantially higher with the spread.* The probability of a ticker going to 0 are near 0 for max loss with a CSP, however the probability of a 5%-25% drop to wipe out your spread are orders of magnitude greater. Spreads are only less risky if you take the capital you would have otherwise used for the CSP and just sit on it. This is a spread used as for hedging and is the *actual* safer scenario you're thinking of. + +\- You can easily defend CSPs by rolling horizontally for credit, and even rolling diagonally to lower your collateral, costing you nothing but time. You can't do the same with a spread, if you're below the theta neutral point of the spread you can only roll for a debit or be forced to increase your collateral to roll for credit. + +\- Even if you're forced to take assignment with a CSP, you have time to recover because you now own shares. If you drop below the long leg of your spread, sorry you're S.O.L. unless you add more collateral/premium - which you can't do if you've already tied up the majority of your buying power in spreads. + +\- The market post-COVID has been... I don't want to say easy... but atypical? Everything is shooting through the roof, especially since the election. Don't take your recent performance as confirmation bias when you have bad positioning. + +\- All this said, spreads are great. I use them frequently in a variety of positions. You just need to be aware that you could be leveraging and spreads should be used to enhance a position and hedge, ***not*** to use the entire buying power of your account on tickers you can't afford. Leveraging via gratuitous use of spreads is ***not*** thetagang, it's exactly the type of degenerate/risky behavior we're trying to avoid here. Sorry if this is gatekeeping or whatever, I just hope I can help some new folks not blow their account chasing 50% monthly returns. + +If you're doing anything with options, you need to be thinking in terms of the greeks and blocks of 100 shares. If you can't afford 100 shares of a ticker, it's not that you can't play them with spreads but you need to be extra careful and limit your risk to a small portion of your account. Create a goal to reduce your cost basis of a long term spread position (by rolling) below 0 as quickly as possible so that when it inevitably does get blown, your max loss is less than your realized profit. Then sit on the realized profit, or buy shares with it. Don't just turn around and re-leverage your profit. I also suggest getting accustomed to using CSPs on smaller $ tickers that you can afford the collateral. Once you get the experience of using CSPs and see the advantages in action, you'll use spreads sparingly. +Another Edit - So this whole thread is a waste of time, sorry everyone. I misunderstood how options get exercised. I was under the impression that if a contract owner exercised an option that the sale of the underlying stock took place at the time that it was exercised. It turns out that it's settled after market close, so as the seller you'll only find out later. The information I was receiving was clouded by a personal experience where an option was exercised and it appeared it happened in the middle of the day. While it was the middle of "my" day, I'm on the west coast and so it was after market. The time stamps on my email and brokerage were misleading me. Thanks to everyone for your help. I'm new to selling options, but I've bought stock and purchased options before, which is why I was so confused. + +Final update - I ended up closing the positions at $0.90 for a \~$5K loss. Obviously not what I wanted but it's not the end of the world. I'm glad I was able to salvage something (the stock went down from it's overnight position, which I figured it would, it was way oversold). Now I understand the exercise functionality better from the seller's perspective. + +&#x200B; + +ORIGINAL POST================= + +So I did something dumb, and I'm freaking out this morning. + +&#x200B; + +I have a CCS at 357/358 on SPY expiring today. It's currently trading pre-market at 364. + +&#x200B; + +Generally when this happens during the day I will buy my way out of the option that I wrote and hang on to the option that I bought to try and limit my losses (and a couple times I've turned this into a gain). + +My problem is that the stock has jumped $15 since after market on Friday and I'm now deep in the money. I'm really worried about ~~getting assigned~~ *the contract(s) getting exercised*, because if ~~I get assigned~~ *that happens* it will automatically trigger the sale/exercise of the other leg, which is not what I want to do. I've only ~~been assigned~~ *had a contact exercised* early one time before on a penny-stock option, but I've also never been this deep in the money before. I'd like to watch the market today to see what's going to happen for at least an hour or so before I decide what to do. Pre-market isn't always the same as market. + +What are the odds all 60 of my contracts will get ~~assigned~~ *exercised* at market open? I'd like to think this is probably not likely, but I'm also freaking out about it. I could take a 50%(ish) loss right at market open to avoid this, or risk a 100% loss to watch the market + +&#x200B; + +Edit - The reason I was freaking out was because this has never happened before where I went from 7 points ITM to 15 points OTM from previous close to the day's open. The number of options, the amount of money, all of that I'm okay with. + +&#x200B; + +Edit 2 - Lots of people pointing out that assignment happens at the end of the day. I meant to say exercised, and I've edited the post as such. At this point (11:21 EST) the stock has dropped to 359, and I think it's going to fall even further so I'm hodling. It seems that my exercise anxiety was unfounded, but I'm going to update this post at the end of the day for posterity sake, with the results of what happened. +I hold SPY and nothing else. + +I sell a mixture of SPY CC and 30~45DTE ES short strangles and aim to make 1.5~2% a month. I usually use around 50% of my account margin on ES short strangles. I sell 0.01~0.02 delta strangles and have 500% stop loss on the put side of all of them. + +In theory, if ES were to drop 30% or more over the weekends or between the 1hr closing~opening timing on weekdays, I will blow up around 80% of my account and get margin called since my stop loss won't get triggered. + +I only have ES data dating back to 1999 and the max I've seen dip between opening and closing is 3.5%. So I'm wondering in what circumstances will ES drop by 30% in just one hour or over the weekends. + +If WW4 happens the market will prolly be close since that's what happened during 9/11. So how else will I blow up my account with this strategy? +Historical patterns suggest there will be explosive movements either downward or upward immediately after. + +Should I play it safe and not sell any CCs until after the announcement? +Keep it friendly and civil; this is not WSB and automod will censor your posts at will for unsavory and unfriendly remarks. Try to keep shit posting and bragging to a minimum. +I remember I saw this here a while ago and that some people have been able to lower the options commission from the standard $0.65 per contract. For some context, I have been on this account for about 7 months and have probably paid like at least $60 in commissions so far (rough estimate). What price have you been able to get it to? Any tips for me? Also, to even begin the negotiation, do I just call the customer service number? +I enjoy earning a little premium from selling cash secured puts on stocks that I would like to own in the future. Just that I like to do so at a really good price. + +Now what is the downside to selling long term cash secured puts on a stock if you are happy to own it at that price? Is there something I am missing? +**Disclaimer**: This post is just me giving up and complaining. Don't bother reading it, I just wanted to vent and I couldn't handle the guys on WSB. + +&#x200B; + +I began my account 61 days ago on February 13, 2020. I initially added $3.35K USD (I'm Canadian and got destroyed by the exchange rate). Then deposited another $650 USD to make it an even $4K. Before COVID-19 tanked the market, I had major bullish delta. Over the span of my first week I had leveraged my account to the point that a -10% drop in SPY resulted in me losing $1000. + +&#x200B; + +I executed 12-13 trades (I cant stomach looking at my trade history to put my latest positions in to my spreadsheet), mostly theta gang strategies. Every single one was a loser except for one (and one SPY put I swing traded by sheer luck to make $150, which I proceeded to lose later). At SPY $240 I opened a CCS. At QQQ $185 I opened a put diagonal. Those were my latest positions. I went max loss on the CCS. The Put diagonal I opened for $10.14 I sold for about $4. + +&#x200B; + +The moral of story is not that theta gang doesn't work. My account was too small, my positions too big, and most importantly I traded with emotion rather than mechanics. Typing this out feels like the ending in the Big Short when Dr. Michael Burry closes Scion capital. Except I was wrong, I lost a total of $1600 USD (about $2200 CAD). I will open an equivalent version of a Canadian Roth IRA (TFSA) and become a passive investor. I'm only 19, I have minimal expenses, and luckily the money I lost is not needed by me right now. + +&#x200B; + +I know that I probably closed my position at the top of a bull pump. But last night I only slept 4 hours, because all I could think about were my positions. I realized there is more to life than options, delta, theta, IV, and bullcrap Fed money printing. It's a beautiful day outside today, and I think I'm going to go on a run. + +&#x200B; + +Stay small, stay consistent, and don't ever, ever gamble with money you can't afford to lose. No matter how confident you are, you will be wrong eventually. 100%, undeniably, utterly, and massively wrong. + +&#x200B; + +I have a USO $4.5P I am short that expires this friday, I put it on for a measly $12. Once that is done, I am closing my IBKR account. + +&#x200B; + +It was a pleasure grinding theta with you gentlemen. +I've been bagholding CRSR for a while. Fine. Making some premium from it every month on CCs. My September 40 call got to a point where rolling was a good idea, so I rolled at 9:48 to a October 35 call for $0.20. Fine. + +&#x200B; + +Looked at the closing Oct 35 call price: $1.085. + + +Not sure if the market's messing with me or I'm trading like garbage. + + +<por\_que\_no\_los\_dos.jpg> +To me I feel like a theta strategy should reduce a person’s exposure to delta and gamma and maximize the amount of premium collected via theta. + +For example an 11/19 PLTR $21.50p has a premium of .14 vs a 12/23 PLTR $20.00p which has a premium of .39. My understanding is that the extra premium comes from the additional time to expiration (and additional uncertainty of the price ranges at that time). + +Now both options have similar deltas (-.17 vs -.19) but the weekly has a much less favorable gamma (.17) than the 40 DTE (.08). + +My thought is, in beginning a wheel, we want to collect as much premium as possible due to theta (if delta is favorable we’ll take the help, if not who cares theta is king) and then look to roll our put forward for another good premium opportunity on the same underlying when we’re about a week or two away from expiration. + +I feel like this strategy is possible with the 40 day expiration but I’m struggling to see the profit due to theta from rolling weeklies. Additionally, the weekly requires more margin than the 40. + +Am I theta ganging wrong? 🐌🐌🐌 +Hey all, pretty new here with a relatively small account. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I have a CC sold ~ a month ago, that expires in two weeks. It's been eaten away at enough that even though the underlying has moved up considerably, my P/L is still near even. + +My question is now that the underlying has moved up, do I roll the call out to April for almost double the premium/higher strike, or let it ride now that Theta is really starting to take its toll? + +I'm guessing the answer depends on risk tolerance but figured I'd see what the more seasoned traders prefer. Thanks all! + +Edit: Thanks for all the replies. I guess the short answer is "it depends", which is kinda what I figured, but some really good info here, so I appreciate it! +It affected me in that I now only have one share of CBB, whereas before I had 5. The share price has more than quadrupled, too, last I looked. Can someone explain what happened here and why? +Hi all, + +So as the title says, I (23yrs old) filed my taxes alone for the first time and I received a letter yesterday saying “information from either your return or our record indicates the primary taxpayer is deceased”. I used to be filed under my parents until this year. My mom called the accountant who said that this happened because I filed taxes for the first time. Is this true? I don’t really believe him and it’s unsettling to receive a letter thinking I’m deceased. How do I fix this? + +Edit: First off, thank you for the help everyone. I’m taking work off tomorrow to get this done ASAP. Also, the jokes made me smile haha. Second of all, I disappeared from reddit for a few hours and come back to all these replies :p +Snapchat is launching an updated version of Spectacles — glasses with an embedded camera. +The company says its first version of the smart glasses sold over 220,000 units. +That first version also caused the company to take a nearly $40 million write-down in the third quarter due to excess inventory. +tl,dr: I'm going to be balance billed $27k for an emergency air ambulance situation before my heart transplant — what can I do? + +In February 2021, I walked into my local ER unassisted with no pre-existing conditions. Within 15 minutes, I was in complete organ failure, listed in critical condition, and placed on life support. The ER had me lifeflighted to a renowned heart transplant center where I received a new heart within 48 hours (and thanks to my donor and medical team am recovering well!). + +When I was on life support in the original ER within the first few minutes, the ER called my wife (sitting in the parking lot due to Covid restrictions) citing I was going to die and asked her to verbally consent to the lifeflight to try to save my life, which she of course consented to. + +During my recovery in the ICU, we received a letter from the Air Ambulance Provider that they were going to file a claim with our health insurance company, Cigna, for their $35k bill. + +Cigna's EOB cited that the Air Ambulance Provider, despite the emergent life or death situation, was out-of-network and that they paid $8k of the invoice, listed a discount of $25k, and said we owed the remaining $1.5k to the Air Ambulance Provider. + +We heard nothing for six months until we received a letter in September from the Air Ambulance Provider saying Cigna did not pay the full $35k bill and wanted to appeal this on our behalf, which Cigna suggested we approve. + +Then Cigna denied the Air Ambulance Provider's request to provide additional payment. + +Now our understanding from the Air Ambulance Provider is that we will be balance billed for the remaining $27k (Cigna's discounted portion + our What We Owe). What are our options to get out of this financial mess? + +Thanks in advance. + +P.S. The new federal "No Surprises Act" ensures that all patients won't face emergent balance billing practices anymore as of yesterday (Jan. 1, 2022). The act unfortunately does not help my situation as the service was provided prior to 2022. +One thing I often hear people say about the stock market is that "all available information about a company has already been priced in". By this I suppose people mean that, on average, the market behaves "ideally", in the sense that all pieces of available information about how a company is doing have already been taken into account, so that the current price reflects the "real" (expected) value of the company at the given time. + +However, it also seems very common to believe that, in the long term, the market is expected to grow, so that investing in things that e.g. reflect indices such as the S&P500 will usually turn a profit in the long term. + +I don't quite understand how these two things are compatible with each other. If the share price of company X has been ideally valued by the market, doesn't that mean that, on average, one should expect such price to remain steady? + +Of course, new information might become available in the future and affect said "ideal stock price", but shouldn't such surprises again average out to zero? Meaning that there shouldn't be a reason to expect more negative surprises that positive ones, or vice versa. If there was, such information should have already been taken into account into the share price. + +As an example, say the market behaves ideally and thinks that company X will have "net value" 100 tomorrow. That means that the current valuation should also be 100 today, correct? If not, that would mean that the stock is currently undervalued, and thus not "ideally valued" by the market. Similarly, if a company is expected to have value 1000 next month, that should also be reflected into the current price. I suppose such price should then be something that starts at 1000 and is decreased in a manner that takes into account that "money now is worth more than money tomorrow", or something to that effect. + +This would lead me to believe that the only way for the "*ideal market*" and "*indices grow on average*" hypotheses to both hold true, is via the different valuation that different people might assign to an expected return at different points in the future. In other words, I should expect an average return from an ideal market only under the assumption that the market values a return after a time t less than I do. Is this the case? Or am I (as I probably am) completely off-point? +I started investing earlier on in the year and I’ve always been reluctant to average up. + +My plan has always been to buy when the price is low and to only buy when the price goes below my average (thus, averaging down). It has worked ok for me so far, but I feel like I may be missing out on future gains. + +In terms of averaging up, is it always a good idea to do so if you’re fairly certain that the stock will increase in the future, even if it would mean drastically increasing your average price? +What industry are you in? +What qualifications do you have / need? +What’s the stress level? +Pay, and growth potential +Do you enjoy it? +How did you get into it? + +Anything else… just keen to know more about the job from all the different perspectives. + +Also keen to know about it from the perspective of those who aren’t PM’s… maybe you work with them, for them, or employ them… +Hi all, + +I am 26, working FT, living alone, studying. + +I am in a situation... + +I have no defaults, no judgements existing... I pay off every single bill (regular ones) as soon as my pay comes in and depending on the fortnight (monthly debits come out at different times) I have about $200 left (this is for food, petrol anything else). + +I have a tax debt now (yay) and this just adds to my fortnight bill payments. + +I live pretty strictly, I don't go out and I try and plan ahead (meals etc.), but I am finding that I just have this insecurity constantly because no matter what I try, I never seem to have anything left that I could put into savings or for emergencies. Things like car rego, as well, I am even trying to pay off slowly.. but again, that comes down to actually having anything left to put towards it per fortnight. + +&#x200B; + +I am reading the Barefoot Investor and trying to sell things on Gumtree as well... I feel like I am drowning or 'sucking' at being an adult. + +Is there anyone who can offer advice or help (any form at this point)? + +&#x200B; +Basically, I've signed a contract for a house and just got a building and pest done (8 Days left on condition). There were a few minor issues that were noted and now I plan to negotiate to get the problems fixed or to lower the final price. The real estate agent said at the end of the call, that he will see if the vendor wants to negotiate or put the home back on the market. Can the vendor deny negotiations and go back onto the market ? + +Edit: what I'm asking is, if the vendor doesn't want to negotiate, do I still get the option to take the original price the deal was for? Or can the vendor say stuff you and back out without giving me an option to take the original offer? + +QLD +Asking for a friend, he works for renowned tier 1 utility company but got a 25% pay bump job offer in local government? + + +Is the growth good in government? +I'm in a total panic over this. I don't even remember how many months it's been since I got this job, I have terrible memory. I'd say about 8. + +I work at a library as a janitor, I make 10$ an hour but only get 12 hours in a pay period. I'm pretty fond of the job as it's pretty lax, and I also really like the library ladies. It's an ideal job for me, but today my boss asked me if I'd been saving money for taxes out of my paychecks. I haven't because originally she told me not to worry about taxes, which I took to mean it would be taken out naturally and I'd just get a form to help me fill out taxes at the end of the year. + +Now I'm terrified because I make so little as it is that I can hardly survive on what I'm making now, and if I wasn't living in a property my father owns I'd be homeless. I don't want to get in trouble with the government for not doing my taxes right, but I don't know how much I owe or how to calculate it or even how I'll survive losing that money. + +I get paid on the 15th and the 30th, and I make about 125$ in that pay period. I'm getting like 260 a month, I was keeping all my checks until a few months ago, I guess I can check my bank statements to see how long and the exact amounts, but I still don't know exactly how to calculate how much I owe. + +Can anyone please help me so I can find out how much I owe and save it before I have to file? + +EDIT: I went through my bank statements and I've made 1,618$ working here over the past (I think) 8 months. +I don't have all the checks Ive gotten, we had a problem with mice and they got into the checks I had saved and I lost a few. I also threw away the past 2 after voiding them because I deposited them into my Account and didn't think I'd need them. + +EDIT: I work 7-9 am, I didn't fill out any paperwork when I was hired, I can't work anywhere else because I live in a tiny town with very few businesses and I can't drive, I want to get my license but I have no support system, I really don't want to get my boss in trouble, she's one of the only people I know in my town and I like her a lot and I don't want to lose my only source of income if she decides suddenly to fire me +Hi everyone! +I am a new investor and I am seeking some advice. + +I am 40 years old and starting to invest in ETFs to plan for my retirement (I know it’s a little late, but better now than never) + +I am stuck between investing in a High Dividend ETFs like iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (CDZ) or putting it in XGRO. +I plan on leaving my invest and adding to it each month for at least 25 years or more. I like the idea of setting up a CDZ DRIP, but I cannot tell if that would be the wisest move. +Hi everyone! +I am a new investor and I am seeking some advice. + +I am 40 years old and starting to invest in ETFs to plan for my retirement (I know it’s a little late, but better now than never) + +I am stuck between investing in a High Dividend ETFs like iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (CDZ) or putting it in XGRO. +I plan on leaving my invest and adding to it each month for at least 25 years or more. I like the idea of setting up a CDZ DRIP, but I cannot tell if that would be the wisest move. +Why have such a huge percentage of your holdings be allocated to the Canadian market, of which makes up 2-3% of the world economy? I can't seem to fathom why XAW isn't discussed more; similar to XEQT/VEQT, but 0 Canadian holdings and a lot more diversification in developing markets and Europe. Ideally some Canadian holdings would be okay, but this hype over XEQT/VEQT is borderline absurd in my eyes. +Questrade charges no fees for buying and etf, but a fee for selling. Wealthsimple charges no fee for buying or selling. Questrade charges a fee for transferring investments to another institution, wealthtrade charges no such fee either. But I see people keep saying both are very similar, what am I missing here? +There is tons of variables that affect the stock market but due to this virus affecting lots of major companies in China or supply chains of other companies should we expect a decent drop in earnings/sales in Q1 reporting ? Would this be enough to dip the overall market? +Hey everyone, first time poster here. + +&#x200B; + +What are some good cheap hobbies people here have? I know many really enjoy Skiing / golfing, but it seems like the costs in those can quickly add up. Trying to think of ideas on the other side of the spectrum. + +&#x200B; + +Thanks! +After 11 months of total freedom I'm headed back to work next Monday. Fortunately not out of necessity, but out of desire. I'm a little excited to get back to computer programming as I have somewhat missed it. The paycheck and affordable health insurance also don't hurt. However, I'm very comforted by the fact that due to FIRE I know I can quit at any time (of course I didn't tell my future employer any of this) although I have no immediate intention to do so. + +Thanks to FIRE I've been able to take an extended break from working. I know that the more I work the more I will build my savings/investments. Thus the more secure I will be in my financial plan and will even be able to increase my yearly budget. + +For those of you still on the journey, keep at it because once you achieve it, it gives you new freedoms and also reduces the stress of the daily work day. + +Good luck to all. +**TA;DR Here is how/why to either purchase shares with Fidelity routed through IEX or make recurring investments using Computershare. Standard warning. This is not financial advice. I am just relaying my understanding of these tools and giving my smooth brain opinion on what I consider the most effective way to handle this trade.** + +This guide is designed for both new and old US apes looking for the most effective way (in my personal opinion) to buy and HODL shares of GameStop. Before we dig in lets acknowledge and recognize how far we have come. We began with a tool that we thought would carry us through. A broker "for the people". A pretty little app that lowered the barrier to entry and simplified the whole process. + +https://preview.redd.it/xiow0dfq87w71.jpg?width=512&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09689591d71a665f72e0246520159c3ed8d3f4fd + +As the broker who shall not be named betrayed us, we realized how much more complicated the market truly was. Naked shorting, fails to deliver, dark pools, synthetic shares and the worst part? We didn't even own the shares we had purchased. To top it off, they were being loaned out to predatory short sellers to be used against us. As we enter the end game we finally have the knowledge and access to the tools that will actually let us OWN our shares. Enter Computershare and IEX routing through Fidelity. + +https://preview.redd.it/gzw1jg2s87w71.jpg?width=1700&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=285ef57b2f997f17c3df2960ed0b5b2ddd38a753 + +Just in case you have been living under a rock for the past few months lets talk about these companies to give you a better idea of what they are and what they can do for us. + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +https://preview.redd.it/jd3kaxdt87w71.png?width=1280&format=png&auto=webp&s=6eb5ef3fd27c14c638ba592d9f7eb3a7017df738 + +# What is Computershare? + +[Computershare](https://www.computershare.com/us) is the official transfer agent for GameStop and a ton of high profile publicly traded companies. There is [a lot more to it](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computershare) but basically they allow you to purchase shares directly from GameStop or transfer shares and have them registered in your name on GameStop's books. Why this matters is that these shares are impossible to be loaned out in any way shape or form. But isn't that true of shares held in cash accounts with regular brokers? ehhhh kinda. Yes the broker might not be lending your shares out themselves but there is a lot of fuckery that can take place still when the shares are registered in "Street Name" and not "Book Entry". If you would like to read more about this company and how it effects you, give this post a browse. + +[When you wish upon a star - a complete guide to Computershare](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/ptvaka/when_you_wish_upon_a_star_a_complete_guide_to/) + +*TLDR: Computershare is a service that lets you HODL the hardest* + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +https://preview.redd.it/eimj92tu87w71.png?width=1764&format=png&auto=webp&s=bba545de74b53ec54cf942c67d9e34fe577271ff + +# What is IEX? + +[IEX](https://iextrading.com/index.html) is a relatively new stock exchange. It was initially developed to level the playing field and remove the advantage that high frequency trading has over retail. It's a [pretty incredible story](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEX) that is worth reading up on but the important part is IEX is a LIT exchange. Shares purchased on IEX are not routed through dark pools and when you use this option your trades actually impact price discovery instead of just being swept under the rug. Wall street has been pretty slow to adopt this exchange as it removes many of the advantages large firms have over retail. In fact, Citadel Securities is currently suing the SEC over IEX because, "booooo hoooo big bad IEX makes it so we can't fuck retail through latency arbitrage". Routing trades through IEX has been historically difficult to do and the few retail brokers that allowed it had pretty heavy caveats to using it. This is no longer and issue and you can very easily route your trades through IEX using Fidelity + +*TLDR: IEX is a new exchange that you can route your trades through to impact price discovery* + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +https://preview.redd.it/92jmgtgw87w71.png?width=3840&format=png&auto=webp&s=87e23863e2497436ae8b36be9fcce185ff17c87d + +# What is Fidelity? + +[Fidelity](https://www.fidelity.com/) is one of the largest brokers in the world. None of us trust any broker completely but they are widely recognized as one of the safest brokers to work with. They did not turn off the buy button during the sneeze, do not use PFOF (payment for order flow), has incredible customer service and the fastest transfer process of any broker. There is [a lot to catch up on here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidelity_Investments) but basically Fidelity has been our go-to broker during this whole saga. They are still a broker though so they are inherently imperfect. The general consensus at this point is holding shares in CS (Computershare) is better to support the MOASS (mother of all short squeezes) but credit where credit is due. If you are going to use a broker they have continued to be one of if not the best choices. + +They have also done a great job listening to the feedback of the wave of new retail traders that this saga has created. The most recent and relevant change is the addition of IEX routing to their platform. Right now IEX routing is only available using their beta iOS app or their desktop program [ATP (active trader pro)](https://www.fidelity.com/trading/advanced-trading-tools/active-trader-pro/overview?imm_pid=700000001008518&immid=100750&imm_eid=ep29938741447&ds_rl=1263825&ds_rl=1264542&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cG-pCr8_f_KeF9urUD3PvzhcSy_pesDXXxzqtyfqtvnEMj6wmnhrOYaAlkoEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) but more options are expected to be added soon include Android support. + +*TLDR: Fidelity is arguably the best broker for this trade and now supports IEX routing* + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +# Ok, I'm caught up. Wut Do? + +Well, that really depends on what kind of Ape you are. I'll explain the two different ways to go about this trade and you will have to decide for yourself which approach you would like to take. Both accomplish the same goal. Purchase shares on a LIT exchange, impact price discovery and HODL those shares in a way that ensures you are the true owner which gives you the best chance to receive a hypothetical NFT dividend and support the MOASS. + +**Option 1 - Buy The Dip** + +*Purchasing with Fidelity routed through IEX and transferring shares to Computershare* + +Do you like following the ticker all day? Do you have lots of free time? Do you want to get the best price possible and "buy the dip"? This is the route for you + +**Option 2 - CS and Chill** + +*DirectStock recurring investment through Computershare* + +Do you have a busy schedule? Do you just want to set a budget and have a service automatically buy shares for you? Do you think "time in the market beats trying to time the market" ? This is the route for you. + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +# Buy the Dip + +The reason you would want to go through all these steps is purchasing through a broker like Fidelity allows you to time the execution of your trades. This allows you to get the best bang for your buck if you enjoy following rumors and buying "fuck you" shares when the stock is being shorted. The other option is much simpler but many of us really enjoy following the ticker. If you do too, routing through IEX is the way. + +While we are on the subject of routing we might as well discuss your other options. In addition to routing through IEX, you can also route to the New York Stock Exchange by using ARCX or to Nasdaq using XNMS. These are both lit exchanges, but they don't have the features IEX has that prevents HFT Firms from front running orders. The other choices are alternative trading systems aka dark pools. + +So in order of least amount to most fuckery - IEX, then ARCX or XNMS, then the rest + +I need to assume at this point you are an adult capable of [opening a fidelity brokerage account](https://www.fidelity.com/open-account/overview) and [downloading Active Trader Pro](https://www.fidelity.com/trading/advanced-trading-tools/active-trader-pro/overview?imm_pid=700000001008518&immid=100750&imm_eid=ep29930248772&ds_rl=1263825&ds_rl=1264542&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cEGlcKvC_pzy940WZUntodEuwwcwhODYcWiZEmssNA2PTJWh4rrJ6AaAuOUEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds) or [downloading the iOS app and enabling the beta experience](https://www.fidelity.com/mobile/overview?imm_pid=700000001008518&immid=100750&imm_eid=ep29930248772&ds_rl=1263825&ds_rl=1264542&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eOLBhC1ARIsAOzx5cFIQL6sQVdeOcDiKILYMhRVSqcQqoMdRw804yQkyQvxVIzQPelM-8waAhLyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds). If you have questions please feel free to ask them here or search SuperStonk for help. Once you have accomplished those tasks here is a visual guide on how to purchase shares routed through IEX. Lets start with Active Trader Pro first. + +https://preview.redd.it/tq9ddezy87w71.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cde5381cbbd289d1412eed147fa84b80f9e64f6e + +If you would rather use the iOS app here is the visual guide for that. The android beta has yet to be updated with IEX routing but the process should be very similar when it becomes available. + +https://preview.redd.it/bj6hyoi097w71.jpg?width=1273&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=63cbe267702a761c1967dded1b8993618655885c + +Now that you have purchased GME on a LIT exchange all you have to do is wait for that trade to settle. This takes 2 business days and now your shares can be transferred if you wish. This next part is entirely a personal decision. Should you transfer to Computershare and DRS (Directly register your shares) ? Well, most apes think this is the best way to go. Personally I think diversifying your holdings in multiple brokers AND Computershare is the safest route. The whole idea of DRS is to remove as many shares from the float as possible. If you follow this logic then you would want to move basically all of your shares to CS. There are still some kinks to be worked out with CS though. Selling through them is not difficult but its a little slower, has fees and selling shares for silly amounts of money ($1,000,000+) is kind of complicated. + +Hopefully a lot of these questions and concerns will be addressed in the [upcoming AMA with Computershare](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/qcouny/announcement_computershare_ama_question_request/) but until then it's still probably a very good idea to move a large chunk of your shares to them. The personal ratio is entirely up to you. Right now I have about 50% of my shares in Fidelity (mostly because they are stuck in a Roth IRA), 30% in Computershare and 20% in Vanguard. As far as how to DRS and send your shares to Computershare, it's incredibly simple. You literally just call Fidelity on the phone and they do it for you for free in less than 10 mins. There are tons of posts covering this process but [here is one for the lazy](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/pmsq3u/transferring_shares_to_computershare_a_stepbystep/) + +You should not have to take all these extra steps but that is the world we are operating in. Right now if you purchase shares with another broker your order might not be impacting price discovery, your shares could potentially be loaned out and frankly there is a really good chance you are just getting an IOU and not even a real share. + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +# CS and Chill + +Computershare has a program that is designed to make repeated purchase of a stock incredibly simple. Now this does have fees and some caveats but if you just want to set a budget and keep buying shares on a recurring basis then the [DirectStock](https://cda.computershare.com/Content/7e2c2c4c-aeb6-4614-83a3-b67e32756a78) program is exactly what you are looking for. It follows the premise that "Time in the market is better than timing the market". Here are the drawbacks. + +Other than the associated fees the biggest issue is when you choose to purchase shares your order is taken immediately but may not be executed right away. The program batches all the orders together and may not execute your trade for a few days. This means you might be trying to buy 2 shares at $175/share and allocate $350 to the trade. By the time your order is executed the price might have risen to $200/share. This means that you end up with 1.75 shares instead. Now of course the opposite can be true and you end up with more shares but it is important you are aware of this concept. + +If that is ok with you read on and find out how you can sit back and chill while slowly building up a horde of shares to HODL. Once you have gone through the process of [creating a Computershare account](https://www.reddit.com/r/Superstonk/comments/pxc2cn/how_to_create_new_computershare_account_via_new/) you will need to [navigate your way to the DirectStock section or just click the "Search and Buy Stock" option from your portfolio homepage](https://www-us.computershare.com/Investor/#DirectStock) + +Once you search GME you will be taken to [this page which outlines the fees and program structure](https://www-us.computershare.com/Investor/#DirectStock/Summary?IssuerId=SCUSGME&PlanId=SPP1&sv=t) + +https://preview.redd.it/nrbprec397w71.jpg?width=1888&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46adfe07ee601c73b80f952adb3bd454cf427efa + +There are a lot of options here and I can't cover all of them. Basically you just need to link a bank account and then enroll in this program or modify the plan you are currently on to allow for DirectStock. You will be given the option to choose how much and how often you invest. Here is an example screen. + +https://preview.redd.it/5735bly497w71.jpg?width=1888&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=86795b999b7aeb441b9fb618f3de71d9b42fa91a + +From here just click next, verify your account details and now you can just sit back and chill knowing CS will keep buying shares and registering them in your name. + +\--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- + +# WEN MOON? + +Fuck if I know. I am just some dude on the internet sharing with you what I personally think is the most effective tools available to Buy and HODL. Please take everything I say and everything else you read about this trade with a massive heaping of salt. + +We are all figuring this out together. I have read the DD, I keep trying to grow wrinkles on my smooth brain and we are up against a system that was designed to fuck us. Over time we have exposed more and more tactics being used against us. I just like the stock and I personally think this is the best way to go about buying it. + +Please feel free to ask questions or suggest modifications to this guide in the comments below. Our collective intelligence is the only reason we have gotten this far. +I am just curious if it's even possible to become very wealthy after a certain age. I know it takes a lot of work and the right idea, but just wondering if it's even possible for someone who is in their early 30s to work their butt off and become wealthy after the age of 40. I am basically asking for myself as I want to make something of myself, more than I have. I never knew what I wanted to do with my life and still don't really. I am considering starting a business, but I know that's not a simple process. However, it's pretty much one of my only options as I am not particularly talented or well educated in anything else. I mean there are things I've enjoyed, but never took them seriously enough to make money from them. I just wanted a little advice really. +There was a comment in the daily discussion yesterday that an independent adult child who's still covered under their parent's HDHP health insurance is allowed to open their own independent HSA account, and actually contribute the family amount, *even if* the parents also contribute the full family amount. Obviously an HSA is the ultimate tax-free vehicle, and I would like to open one to speed up my path to FI. + +The reddit user provided these links: [1](http://amben.com/demos/HSA/ABG_ABCs_HSAs.pdf) [2](https://www.benstrat.com/downloads/HSA-GPS_HSAs-and-Special-Family-Situations.pdf) + +Intrigued by this as I fit the description, I reached out to both my parent's financial advisor and CPA who does our taxes every year (mine separate from theirs), neither of which had heard anything about this rule and discouraged me from opening one. + +The advisor said that I am not allowed but after sending him a few links he said it is a gray area and the websites seem to support what I'm saying, but he's not sure about it and doesn't want to give me tax advice. The CPA said that he nor anyone in his office had ever heard this before and since my parents already contribute the full family amount every year, I shouldn't open one since it's already been maxed. + +I know I am now trumping two trusted financial experts for Reddit advice, which is hilariously stupid...but the HSA is too good to pass up if I am actually allowed to contribute. Besides they just seemed more uninformed and riding on the safe side than actually saying "nope that's not a rule, here's why." + +Does anyone have any experience with actually doing this and can speak to whether its okay or not? Or is anyone else here qualified to give me some answers and has actually heard about this? + +&#x200B; + +Here are some additional websites where I found further evidence that this is allowed: + +[https://www.bedelfinancial.com/health-insurance-hsas-and-adult-children-your-questions](https://www.bedelfinancial.com/health-insurance-hsas-and-adult-children-your-questions) + +[https://askmrhsa.com/education/hsa-situations/hsas-and-children/](https://askmrhsa.com/education/hsa-situations/hsas-and-children/) + +[https://www.hsaedge.com/2016/08/13/your-adult-children-on-your-family-insurance-can-have-their-own-hsa/](https://www.hsaedge.com/2016/08/13/your-adult-children-on-your-family-insurance-can-have-their-own-hsa/) +Hobbies keep us calm and relaxed in times of turmoil so, with this sub going through its own little crisis, I thought a Fat-hobbie post might be a welcome change. + +Hobbies are obviously about as individual-specific as it gets but I have noticed that there is actually quite a bit of overlap in interests for the FatFired guys I know, though this is probably in part because they are mostly middle-aged white males with professional backgrounds. Still, there are some ‘rich people’ hobbies out there which are not really accessible to the public and some of them are very fun. + +To qualify as ‘Fat’ I would put the following parameters: + + - Can’t be done while also doing a full-time job + - Costs $20k-100k annually or else has a large upfront capital layout + +So here are some of my ideas of good ways to spend that time/money. I would be interested in people who have done some of these, was it worth it for you etc, and then obviously what YOU think would be cool given these parameters. + +1. Get a pilot’s license and do a lot of flying. My dad’s best buddy is a semi-retired pilot and we have done a few very fun trips with him - there are a lot of tiny runways in cool isolated places and traffic is never an issue. + +2. Go sailing. I actually think this is a very underrated FIRE option for full time liveaboards but a nice Fat yacht for sailing a few months a year would be excellent. + +3. Do some very cool skiing. Probably need a season of intensive coaching even for good skiers, then go on some serious heli trips. 5k a day in whistler or similar, several times a year, and go find some out-there destinations (skit touring in Greenland, etc) + +4. Shooting. I live in the UK and pheasant/grouse/partridge shooting is a big ‘upper-class’ sport here. A good shooting day can run well over 1k. To be fair this can easily be done while working full-time but I would like to train my own pointer too, which is a bit more time consuming. + +5. Golf. Im not much of a golfer but my old boss is (according to his not-so-chuffed wife) spending 30-50k a year in golf workshops, playing with pros etc, so there must be some value in it for him.. + +6. Follow Formula 1. But trickier this year but a friend’s FIL is 9-figures fat and does this every year - goes well with his Richard Mille habit. + +Im sure these do not appeal to all or even most - which is kind of the point. Let’s hear some more ideas! +If you regularly spend time at a second home far from your main home, does it make more sense to rent a car, or to buy/lease a car to keep at that location? + +If you buy a car, how do you store it long-term so it stays running well? + +The car would need to be stored outdoors, but the climate is quite temperate (low humidity, no freezing temps/salt). We are generally at second home 6-8 weeks in summer, and 2-3 weeks in winter. +Looking in the next year to possibly hire a live-in someone to full-time cook, clean and run some errands. They'd travel between houses with us too. + +For those of you that have done this: + +---How'd you find them? + +---Annual cost (in addition to the room and board that you're providing)? + +---Pros and cons you've experienced? +As a millennial I feel like the world is against us. Homes cost 10x what our parents paid while wages have barly increased. The cost of living is becoming insane or rather is insane. Even with a well paying job I find myself living check to check and in credit card debt. I invest what I can into crypto while trying to manage my debt the best I can. A 9-5 is never going to allow me to become "well off". I have maybe earned a few nickles from a savings account thanks to the amazing 0.01% interests rates our banks give. I've earned more staking coins this year than the last 28 years of my life in a savings account. My 401k gets about 10% a year but this is nowhere enough to retire with the insane increase of living costs. I hope we can all break free from the corruption the system. Crypto is here to stay and it will save us all. +We live in a first floor flat and we have joint freehold (i think thats the term?) with our downstairs neighbours. + +Financially we are in a good position, but not good enough to buy downstairs in cash by any means. We could certainly service a much higher mortgage. + +Legally where would we stand with something like this? If we wanted to buy to turn back into a full property, would we have to take out a separate mortgage etc? Could we somehow put it on our current mortgage? What if we wanted to rent it out would we need a btl mortage on the whole property to rent out downstairs? + +Any help or advice much appreciated +I'm thinking about opening a LISA. You can put in up to 4K a year and the government will give you a 25% bonus so 1K. This seems incredibly generous so I'm surprised they're not more popular. + +You can use the LISA to buy your first house if it's under 450K. I'm looking in London and I expect I'll be over this limit. + +If you don't use it for property then you can't take the money out (without penalties) until you're 60. As I have other investments in my normal ISA and in a regular account I don't have a problem with this. I figure that I will need at least some money saved for when I'm 60. + +My only hesitation is they don't seem to be very popular. I know an accountant who told me very few of his clients chose to opt into them. Especially for those in the FIRE movement (who are very focused on long term saving) I'm surprised to have not heard more about them and I'm wondering if I've not considered something? + +I've already maxed out my pension so for me the choice is between: + +* 20K in a stocks and shares ISA +* 16k in a stocks and shares ISA. 4K (5K with the government bonus) in a LISA. +Retirement and mental health + +I have a quick question for our FI group. Anyone close to or have already retired thought about how retirement affects your mental health. For example, feeling anxious, guilty, worried, or depressed about leaving the work industry after XX amount of years or worried about if what I have saved/invested is not going to be enough to sustain me for the rest of my life? +Hey guys + +I live in Sydney and am looking to buy in the next 12-18 months (when the prices \*hopefully\* drop). I currently got around 150k saved up and will probably have around 20-30k more in a years time. Earning around the 100k/year mark. + +I'm single (27) and I enjoy my privacy. Therefore, I would prefer not to rent a room out and am instead thinking of buying a studio/1 bed instead of 2 bed. However, my family has advised me a 2 bedroom unit is a far superior choice than a 1 bedder/studio if nothing but resale value alone. + +What is everyone's views? I am obviously going to do my own research but would like to hear your thoughts too! +Apologies if this isn’t the right forum to ask this question. Let me know if it is and I’ll remove it. + +Basically what’s read in the title, I’m a younger worker with about 5 years experience in my field. The potential of redundancy is looking more and more likely in my current role - and with the job market being what it is I’m concerned. + +Would like to know how best to tackle a redundancy when it happens, any words of wisdom or just general advice. + +Thanks guys +Edit: Thanks everyone for your help! The prevailing advice here is for me to just speak to a realtor, get offers via Zillow, Redfin, etc., and have services/programs like We Buy Homes as a VERY last resort. We’re both first time home owners 25-30 years old, 3 kiddos, less than 2 full years into a 30-year fixed mortgage. This post is only a forethought and I appreciate your support and advice. + +I know their offers are usually less than retail, but I bought my house way under market a couple years ago from my in-laws. It needs LOTS of work that I have no experience or budget for. + +The appraisal district says the home is worth just under $160K, we bought it for $112K. + +The way I see it, even if they offered $120K, I’d still have a profit that I could put to a better, newer home. Thing is, I don’t know how low their offers tend to be. Wife is very apprehensive about it. + +Any advice for me? Anyone ever used that program? +This rule change would make the limit on the number of posts a coin is allowed to have in the top 50 be determined algorithmically. Currently BTC is allowed unlimited posts, ETH is allowed four posts, and all other coins are allowed two. + +This rule proposes adopting a formula to determine the limit for all coins based on market cap. The formula I've come up with is: + +\# of posts allowed = floor(10\*R\*(1+R-^(0.7))) + +where R is ratio of the coin's market cap to total market cap, and outside top 10 we still enforce two posts per coin. This would look like for the top 10 (from May 8th when this was originally proposed): + +&#x200B; + +https://preview.redd.it/b5xj8k1z2gf71.png?width=590&format=png&auto=webp&s=f69e679aa05df357ffa5e807de233558efcbb377 + +<Posted on behalf of u/jwinterm, who [originally proposed it here](https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/nb1414/algorithmic_limit_for_number_of_coin_posts/) before Moon Week gave sufficient promotion to polls > + +[View Poll](https://www.reddit.com/poll/oy7mva) +From my understanding, inflation is caused when there are more dollars in circulation than before, and since there is a fixed number of 'goods', each dollar is worth less (or assets are worth more). + +If this is true, doesn't inflation directly benefit people *with* assets, while hurting those without assets? If each dollar is worth less, everyone's paycheck has less purchasing power, but equities raise in price, (usually), along with land, metals, etc. So those with assets get richer, and those without assets, and living pay check to paycheck, lose more and more purchasing power... + +Is my reasoning correct, or am I missing something? +NOTE: Automoderator is being a jerk and so I am manually approving Econofact's answers. - JH + + +**AMA: TODAY! Wednesday April 25th, 3\-5 PM** + +Michael Klein, u/MKleinEF, and the Econofact team will join us from 3\-5 pm on Wednesday the 25th of April to engage with this community. Let's make this AMA awesome. + +***What is EconoFact?*** + +EconoFact bridges the academic/policy divide by publishing short memos by economic professors on policy\-relevant issues including international trade, immigration, social safety net policies, labor markets, tax policy, financial markets, and a wide range of other topics. We launched EconoFact in late January 2017 with 6 memos and 20 economists and today, after 14 months, we have published over 100 memos and have 70 economists in our network. You can see the EconoFact website [here](http://www.econofact.org). The landing page presents a short version of memos, and you can see the full memo by clicking on the title or the “Read More” button. You can also search for memos by topics by clicking on the “Topics” button on the top of the landing page. + +We'd love to chat today about the goal of Econofact, pieces that we have done, the impact we have had, what the role of fact\-checkers is in economics, policy, and politics, and love to hear your questions on topics you'd like us to address today or in the future, what misconceptions about economics we have encountered, what you think we should shoot for doing in 2018, and anything else related to facts regarding economics. + +*Here are some links* + +* For an introduction to [EconoFact](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo3Eyl3x3CM&feature=youtu.be), see this short \(four minute\) video with James Stavridis, Dean of the Fletcher School at Tufts University. +* Michael Klein had a longer [discussion](https://hkspolicycast.org/econofact-da129ca75fc0)\(about 24 minutes\) about EconoFact in an interview for Harvard’s Kennedy School’s Policy Cast podcast +* You can find us on: + +* Twitter : [@EconofactOrg](https://twitter.com/econofactorg?lang=en) +* Facebook : [@Econofact](https://www.facebook.com/econofact/) + + +