Thomas Smicklas

Ben Bernanke, Person of the Year

BB was a solid choice in a weak field.

Personally, I would have given our overworked and micro-managed armed forces the Big Salute from Time.

BB doesn't have to do his job with one or both arms tied behind his back.

Will Investors Be Hungry for National Beef IPO?

Informative article. It is useful to have posts of this type on Seeking Alpha, as it gives us a heads up on the IPO provides introductory background.

I am not going to "steak" my investment dollars on this issue, in large part due to the changing dietary habits of the population and consistent and irritating litigation from a variety of bovine-protectors. In addition, one bad contamination may put a beef processor out of the money for a long time.

That said, I have no beef with those who may decide to hoof with this IPO. If they can market a great porterhouse steak, I'll happily make my contribution to National Beef's coffers.

Aol CEO: We Were Missing That Spark

To paraphrase, "you got nailed".

Greece: So What's the Plan?

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, I guess.

JPMorgan Warrants Are Cheap

Very interesting article.

I have been finding mispriced trust preferreds. The efficient market can be pierced with thorough research (and luck).

The WSJ, Obama and Bankers

Interesting post.

At least the WSJ so states that their opinion is an Editorial. How refreshing it would be if all publications (and other media) did likewise. Too often, "editorials" are passed to the public as hard news.

New Chinese Coal Mining Regulations Mean Opportunity for Multi-National Producers

The Chinese are building more coal plants than the rest of the world is closing.

I prefer natural gas for us. China, Inc. will do what is in its best interests, as usual.

Volcker's Wake Up Call: Spread the Word

I wish the same attitude was visable on government spending.

15 Dividend Ideas for an Investment Gift that Keeps on Giving

Which is why the above recommendations are not rated junk. That said, anything can happen, so your comment is to be respected.


On Dec 14 08:33 PM rjswiss wrote:

> "The history of payment on trust preferred securities, as far as
> I know, has been excellent, so long as the company does not crash"
>
>
> The same can be said of JUNK BONDS.

Housing as an Investment: More on the Discussion

I agree that commercial real estate is, at best, problematic for the investor. No one (in the private sector) likes to invest with uncertain government confiscation policies ahead. Driving a hard bargain and renting is the best business option for now, although land acquisition costs and the cost of construction have dramatically lowered since 2008.

As a long time real estate investor, I have never considered a personal residence an investment. It is a life style choice. If you buy a home less than 100x the monthly rental value, you probably negotiated a good deal from a purchase standpoint if the home was in good condition.

If you want to live in a custom home, within a great neighborhood with excellent public/private schools featuring a great climate and close-by amenities (and the wife is happy), that is going to come at a price.

My advice is to enjoy life if you can afford it. Not everything can be measured in dollars and cents. If you invest wisely in yourself and investment vehicles, you can have it all.

15 Dividend Ideas for an Investment Gift that Keeps on Giving

I hold these type securities in both taxable and tax deferred accounts. Check with your accountant to see what is in your best interest.


On Dec 14 10:07 AM SajitK wrote:

> Can trust preferred dividends be held in tax deferred accounts? What
> are the individual income tax implications if help in taxable accounts?

15 Dividend Ideas for an Investment Gift that Keeps on Giving

I attempted to provide a taste of trust preferreds in the article, since they are rarely on the radar screen of the average investor (or financial planners, for that matter). You are correct that foreign companies offer these and like instruments, which I view as very attractive securities as well. Thanks for the comment(s).


On Dec 14 10:14 AM YoYoMama wrote:

> Thank you for highlighting www.quantumonline.com and trust
> preferred securities.
>
> You may also want to alert your readers that there are international
> trust preferreds that are subject only to a 15% US tax rate. Companies
> such as Aegon and ING issue a number of these instruments, all trading
> below coupon rate, and with dividends that are currently 8% and above.

Dividend Progress Report: November 2009

There are numerous Trust Preferred Securities that pay out a handsome yield and trade at a discount from the call price. These will certainly spice up the income of any yield-focused portfolio.

McCormick & Company: Dividend Stock Analysis

My view is that once a CEO becomes absolutely, positively married to a political ideology, their company generally does not do as well as it should.

Immelt was a poor replacement for Jack Welch at GE. I think GE shareholders will continue to regret his putting politics ahead of the business.

Home Ownership: Questionable Investing Idea?

As an investor in real estate, I do not consider a personal residence an investment vehicle. Nor should anyone else. If you buy a home at a price that is less than 100x the monthly rent, you probably have a decent deal.

If you build a custom home, in a great neighborhood and the wife is happy and you can afford it, enjoy life.Don't expect to have it perform as a good growth stock.

Not everything is a pure dollar and cent issue.