RWCMom's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/201248/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/176616-why-bank-of-america-paid-back-the-money?source=feed#comment-796426 796426 1) Continually write our Congressional reps about our expectations, what they get right and what they get wrong.
2) Write the executives and tell them what we think. They may or may not care but we don't know if we don't try
3) Put our money where our mouths are, close our accounts or pay close enough attention that they charge us fees, pay down our credit (we may need to live more frugally but set the example we want the execs to follow).
4) Educate our less financial savvy friends and relatives about the first 3.


On Dec 07 11:01 PM TeresaE wrote:

" We, the people, are paying for these execs Lives of the Rich and
Infamous, with our jobs, our small businesses (largest local taxpayers) and our incomes. Yet, we do NOTHING to change the hurt being leveled daily.]]> Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:10:28 -0500 1) Continually write our Congressional reps about our expectations, what they get right and what they get wrong.
2) Write the executives and tell them what we think. They may or may not care but we don't know if we don't try
3) Put our money where our mouths are, close our accounts or pay close enough attention that they charge us fees, pay down our credit (we may need to live more frugally but set the example we want the execs to follow).
4) Educate our less financial savvy friends and relatives about the first 3.


On Dec 07 11:01 PM TeresaE wrote:

" We, the people, are paying for these execs Lives of the Rich and
Infamous, with our jobs, our small businesses (largest local taxpayers) and our incomes. Yet, we do NOTHING to change the hurt being leveled daily.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/176662-notes-on-the-employment-report?source=feed#comment-793372 793372

On Dec 06 10:36 AM Mike from NYC wrote:

> Your analogy of the present economy to the 1950s is irrelevant. In
> the 50s ONE salary was all that was generally required for a family
> to live on and prosper. Since the 70s as middle class incomes started
> to decline more 'housewives' needed to enter the job market to make
> up for the fall in wages earned by men. The more women that entered
> the job market the further declines/supression in wages for men and
> as a result of the DINCs prices for homes and everything else increased.
> It's a vicious cycle.]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:18:29 -0500

On Dec 06 10:36 AM Mike from NYC wrote:

> Your analogy of the present economy to the 1950s is irrelevant. In
> the 50s ONE salary was all that was generally required for a family
> to live on and prosper. Since the 70s as middle class incomes started
> to decline more 'housewives' needed to enter the job market to make
> up for the fall in wages earned by men. The more women that entered
> the job market the further declines/supression in wages for men and
> as a result of the DINCs prices for homes and everything else increased.
> It's a vicious cycle.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/160071-one-in-two-solar-firms-will-fail-say-analysts?source=feed#comment-663488 663488
Disclosure: long on Sunpower]]> Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:46:20 -0400
Disclosure: long on Sunpower]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/159957-postal-service-set-to-lead-the-way-in-deploying-electric-fleet?source=feed#comment-661788 661788 Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:52:44 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/159736-why-invest-in-oil-over-alternative-energy?source=feed#comment-661163 661163 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:42:13 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/159657-sure-its-legal-but-is-it-right?source=feed#comment-660374 660374
Amen to this. As a CPA I am forced to take bienniel ethics classes that only a lawyer could love for all the inane rules that say everything but, do the right thing. Ethics cannot be legislated, they must come from within but first they must be put there by parents, teachers, friends you choose, groups you affiliate with and, most importantly in business, the management.

I did IRS corporate audits for many years and encountered both ethical and unethical CEOs. The CEO sets the tone for the company. This is not to say that ethical CEO's bent over backwards to pay proposed tax assessments but their tax departments treated us respectfully and their responses were thoughtful. Being Silicon Valley their compensation was generous (all CEO's have egos) but so was that of their employees down the line and rank and file shareholders truly "shared" in their wealth. Comps were generous but not flagrant.

I read proxy statements faithfully, vote "no" if the compensation package does not include all employees and sell the stock when the CEO and Bd of Directors get overly generous with themselves. I vote with my shares]]> Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:38:14 -0400
Amen to this. As a CPA I am forced to take bienniel ethics classes that only a lawyer could love for all the inane rules that say everything but, do the right thing. Ethics cannot be legislated, they must come from within but first they must be put there by parents, teachers, friends you choose, groups you affiliate with and, most importantly in business, the management.

I did IRS corporate audits for many years and encountered both ethical and unethical CEOs. The CEO sets the tone for the company. This is not to say that ethical CEO's bent over backwards to pay proposed tax assessments but their tax departments treated us respectfully and their responses were thoughtful. Being Silicon Valley their compensation was generous (all CEO's have egos) but so was that of their employees down the line and rank and file shareholders truly "shared" in their wealth. Comps were generous but not flagrant.

I read proxy statements faithfully, vote "no" if the compensation package does not include all employees and sell the stock when the CEO and Bd of Directors get overly generous with themselves. I vote with my shares]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/155964-the-facebook-death-star-moves-through-the-web-universe?source=feed#comment-629853 629853 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:51:51 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/156124-vmware-reaches-for-the-clouds?source=feed#comment-629736 629736 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:17:46 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/148469-six-myths-about-smart-grid?source=feed#comment-587994 587994
On Jul 13 06:18 PM ruval-dee wrote:

> Yes!! I want more of those really smart central planners from DC
> controlling my life. Oh, and please tax me some more to pay for
> all of this.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:22:42 -0400
On Jul 13 06:18 PM ruval-dee wrote:

> Yes!! I want more of those really smart central planners from DC
> controlling my life. Oh, and please tax me some more to pay for
> all of this.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/148583-a-short-trip-for-garmin?source=feed#comment-587948 587948 Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:55:36 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/147083-here-s-an-unconventional-idea-sell-apple?source=feed#comment-577925 577925
"Idiot" and "stupid" are the two most overused words in every comment on every stock on this site (can we have a filter moderators?). These words do not give useful information, they indicate a limited vocabulary; they do not encourage dialog but result in testoterone-fueled bullying that changes no-one's mind.


On Jul 06 05:24 PM MikeSX wrote:

Come to think of it I hope
> he succeeds at least for the short term.
>
> On the consensus that this guy is an idiot, I don't think so, but
> he will sure look like one in a few months.]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:48:12 -0400
"Idiot" and "stupid" are the two most overused words in every comment on every stock on this site (can we have a filter moderators?). These words do not give useful information, they indicate a limited vocabulary; they do not encourage dialog but result in testoterone-fueled bullying that changes no-one's mind.


On Jul 06 05:24 PM MikeSX wrote:

Come to think of it I hope
> he succeeds at least for the short term.
>
> On the consensus that this guy is an idiot, I don't think so, but
> he will sure look like one in a few months.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/147297-an-investment-thesis-that-s-right-on-target?source=feed#comment-577228 577228 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:08:56 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/147297-an-investment-thesis-that-s-right-on-target?source=feed#comment-577223 577223
As a TGT shareholder and shopper I pay attention to product source when I shop there. There does seem to be a broad range of countries from which TGT mdse comes but still too little from the US. That being said, I'm happy to buy the TGT generic Archer Farms Fair Trade and organic coffees. What is more important to me that country of source is how the employees that make the product there are paid and treated.

There is an inherently big contradiction between paying the least for a product and the person actually manufacturing the product being fairly paid. The conscience of a shareholder is always compromised.

I find myself shopping at farmers markets, making more food from scratch. Arts & crafts fairs sell many local products; I've had to make the decision to buy less and pay more to know that more of my dollars go to the individual that produces the item. It is, however, hard to replace a crockpot or light bulb from a locally made source, and a bad job in China or Vietnam or elsewhere is usually better than no job. I usually start at Target and am happy with the service and selection. Personally, I don't like supercenters because they overwhelm me; I hope Target continues their commitment to their smaller venues.

Where is this going? Think about each purchase: Do you need it? If so, are there local or fair trade sources for it? How do you want to see the retail profits split? Do you see more products (at TGT or any other store) made overseas than you are comfortable with? Write them, stop buying there and tell them you are doing so. Buy a little stock so you have some clout: I start each letter to Target with "As a shareholder in TGT..."


On Jul 07 10:00 AM madmilker wrote:

>> People…its all about the currency and to keep a currency strong you
> got to keep it floating around the country you live in so it can
> work for you. For the past 12 years all them US dollars are being
> shipped overseas to a foreign bank and with the American worker not
> making anything for the foreigner to buy ...... Wake up! America
> and think “MADE IN AMERICA.”

> tat is $9 billion a year in hidden taxes to all Americans...
> cheap ain't chic and it cost America............jobs!]]> Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:06:45 -0400
As a TGT shareholder and shopper I pay attention to product source when I shop there. There does seem to be a broad range of countries from which TGT mdse comes but still too little from the US. That being said, I'm happy to buy the TGT generic Archer Farms Fair Trade and organic coffees. What is more important to me that country of source is how the employees that make the product there are paid and treated.

There is an inherently big contradiction between paying the least for a product and the person actually manufacturing the product being fairly paid. The conscience of a shareholder is always compromised.

I find myself shopping at farmers markets, making more food from scratch. Arts & crafts fairs sell many local products; I've had to make the decision to buy less and pay more to know that more of my dollars go to the individual that produces the item. It is, however, hard to replace a crockpot or light bulb from a locally made source, and a bad job in China or Vietnam or elsewhere is usually better than no job. I usually start at Target and am happy with the service and selection. Personally, I don't like supercenters because they overwhelm me; I hope Target continues their commitment to their smaller venues.

Where is this going? Think about each purchase: Do you need it? If so, are there local or fair trade sources for it? How do you want to see the retail profits split? Do you see more products (at TGT or any other store) made overseas than you are comfortable with? Write them, stop buying there and tell them you are doing so. Buy a little stock so you have some clout: I start each letter to Target with "As a shareholder in TGT..."


On Jul 07 10:00 AM madmilker wrote:

>> People…its all about the currency and to keep a currency strong you
> got to keep it floating around the country you live in so it can
> work for you. For the past 12 years all them US dollars are being
> shipped overseas to a foreign bank and with the American worker not
> making anything for the foreigner to buy ...... Wake up! America
> and think “MADE IN AMERICA.”

> tat is $9 billion a year in hidden taxes to all Americans...
> cheap ain't chic and it cost America............jobs!]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/146874-petsmart-is-a-good-purr-chase-barron-s?source=feed#comment-574395 574395 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:05:30 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/147008-the-congressional-bailout-of-madoff-s-investors?source=feed#comment-574390 574390 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:01:34 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/146403-madoff-s-investors-don-t-deserve-compensation-or-sympathy?source=feed#comment-570166 570166 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:54:31 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/139773-justice-for-tween-brands?source=feed#comment-570145 570145 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:45:43 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/143886-forever-21-is-redefining-retail?source=feed#comment-551900 551900
She operates like I do. Watches for successful, well run businesses and researches them further. Hitting a brick wall and discovering that a successful company is privately held in not unusual; I've hit that roadblock many times. She took the next step and started looking at the competition for possible investment opportunities.

I like the current snapshot of the women's retail market that she presented and if I were investing in retail would be very happy with that information and would use it as a standard against which to judge other similar companies. Women tend to buy stocks what they can see, feel, touch and understand. That also gives them a second sense for when to pull out.]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:14:14 -0400
She operates like I do. Watches for successful, well run businesses and researches them further. Hitting a brick wall and discovering that a successful company is privately held in not unusual; I've hit that roadblock many times. She took the next step and started looking at the competition for possible investment opportunities.

I like the current snapshot of the women's retail market that she presented and if I were investing in retail would be very happy with that information and would use it as a standard against which to judge other similar companies. Women tend to buy stocks what they can see, feel, touch and understand. That also gives them a second sense for when to pull out.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/138176-the-virtue-of-the-republic?source=feed#comment-508854 508854 Mon, 18 May 2009 18:01:46 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/137636-review-of-safeway-s-2009-annual-shareholder-meeting?source=feed#comment-508690 508690
What Safeway has to offer is broad inventory, quality house brands and locations. I have close access to Target, Trader Joe & Whole Foods (across from Safeway) and shop at each of them for different items. I can depend on Safeway for branded products my family demands and one-stop shopping when time is at a premium.

Although I commend Safeway for entering the organic and green markets, they are charging too much of a premium for those products; I can pay the same price and get better selection of meats and specialty organics at Whole Foods. I can get better priced recycled paper products and quirky selection at Trader Joe. However,for working moms, the premium may be worth the convenience.]]> Mon, 18 May 2009 15:47:52 -0400
What Safeway has to offer is broad inventory, quality house brands and locations. I have close access to Target, Trader Joe & Whole Foods (across from Safeway) and shop at each of them for different items. I can depend on Safeway for branded products my family demands and one-stop shopping when time is at a premium.

Although I commend Safeway for entering the organic and green markets, they are charging too much of a premium for those products; I can pay the same price and get better selection of meats and specialty organics at Whole Foods. I can get better priced recycled paper products and quirky selection at Trader Joe. However,for working moms, the premium may be worth the convenience.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/131170-home-healthcare-industry-systemic-breakdown?source=feed#comment-499532 499532 Mon, 11 May 2009 17:50:17 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/135984-mobile-e-learning-stocks-u-s-education-unemployment-and-baby-boomer-evolution?source=feed#comment-494661 494661 Thu, 07 May 2009 17:56:44 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/129008-analysis-of-the-pershing-square-vs-target-proxy-fight?source=feed#comment-485775 485775
They suggested that credit card operations be managed by an outside entity, a la Walmart. I ownTGT because they are the anti-Walmart. We need more operational choices not fewer.

I like diversity on my boards. Of the 5 board positions, Target offered one woman. Pershing offered none. Do men or women make most TGT purchases?

Though there are some Target supercenters here in Northern California, I prefer the regular smaller stores that don't overwhelm me. I can always find a helpful employee that doesn't resent my asking.

I've written management on several occasions and always get a personal response. They offer fair trade and organic merchandise. They give 5% back to the community and know our school district has been helped. I'm quite willing to give up part of my dividend for the benefit of my community.

Target is not perfect but it meets many of my criteria for a socially responsible investment and I will be supporting the current management and it's board choices.

Claire Felong CPA (inactive)]]> Fri, 01 May 2009 12:47:03 -0400
They suggested that credit card operations be managed by an outside entity, a la Walmart. I ownTGT because they are the anti-Walmart. We need more operational choices not fewer.

I like diversity on my boards. Of the 5 board positions, Target offered one woman. Pershing offered none. Do men or women make most TGT purchases?

Though there are some Target supercenters here in Northern California, I prefer the regular smaller stores that don't overwhelm me. I can always find a helpful employee that doesn't resent my asking.

I've written management on several occasions and always get a personal response. They offer fair trade and organic merchandise. They give 5% back to the community and know our school district has been helped. I'm quite willing to give up part of my dividend for the benefit of my community.

Target is not perfect but it meets many of my criteria for a socially responsible investment and I will be supporting the current management and it's board choices.

Claire Felong CPA (inactive)]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/132293-screening-3-stocks-for-dividend-income?source=feed#comment-474246 474246 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:26:01 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/130592-bank-of-america-punishes-customers-who-dare-to-have-a-balance?source=feed#comment-461726 461726
You may be able to get great deals on overseas travel right now but Bank of America is ready to jump in and take a piece of that savings. I just got a notice that BoA will be adding a 3% transaction fee (based on $US equivalent) on all transactions processed outside the US. So now they will get not only the 3-5% from the vendor but another 3% from you.

What are your options?
Use your debit card to get cash for transactions
Traveler’s checks
Write Bank of America and remind them that you will not be making purchases with the card and they will not only be missing out on your 3% but also on the vendor’s percentage.

Fiscally yours,
Claire Felong,
]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:52:28 -0400
You may be able to get great deals on overseas travel right now but Bank of America is ready to jump in and take a piece of that savings. I just got a notice that BoA will be adding a 3% transaction fee (based on $US equivalent) on all transactions processed outside the US. So now they will get not only the 3-5% from the vendor but another 3% from you.

What are your options?
Use your debit card to get cash for transactions
Traveler’s checks
Write Bank of America and remind them that you will not be making purchases with the card and they will not only be missing out on your 3% but also on the vendor’s percentage.

Fiscally yours,
Claire Felong,
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/129954-ethanol-woes-continue-pacific-ethanol-short-on-cash-nova-biosource-files-for-bankruptcy?source=feed#comment-456528 456528 Why Brazilian ethanol makers are reaping profits? llower cost of labor, no health & safety standards, ripping out the Amazon rainforest at the rate of a several football fields a day with little or no oversight for long term environmental concerns. That being said, sugar can is a more efficient fuel. Sugar is what keeps Hawaii pretty energy self-sufficient.

On Apr 08 11:09 AM Paul Killinger wrote:

> It's curious why American ethanol producers are struggling at the
> same time Brazilian ethanol makers are reaping record profits. Could
> it be their secret is to make the stuff out of sugar instread of
> corn? You think?]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:36:57 -0400 Why Brazilian ethanol makers are reaping profits? llower cost of labor, no health & safety standards, ripping out the Amazon rainforest at the rate of a several football fields a day with little or no oversight for long term environmental concerns. That being said, sugar can is a more efficient fuel. Sugar is what keeps Hawaii pretty energy self-sufficient.

On Apr 08 11:09 AM Paul Killinger wrote:

> It's curious why American ethanol producers are struggling at the
> same time Brazilian ethanol makers are reaping record profits. Could
> it be their secret is to make the stuff out of sugar instread of
> corn? You think?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/129910-the-slippery-slope-of-declining-petrochemical-demand?source=feed#comment-456507 456507
You, too, have some control over that: buy products with less packaging (if the product is dry there is no need for plastic), buy the largest container possible (lower container: product ratio), buy used and bring your own bag, buy products of recycled plastic, make it yourself, do without, be creative


On Apr 08 10:14 AM yank wrote:

> over 85% of the total products manufactured in the world are petroleum-based.
> So much for your comment that oil will go the way of the dinosaur.
> Some advice for you. Think before you speak.]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:41 -0400
You, too, have some control over that: buy products with less packaging (if the product is dry there is no need for plastic), buy the largest container possible (lower container: product ratio), buy used and bring your own bag, buy products of recycled plastic, make it yourself, do without, be creative


On Apr 08 10:14 AM yank wrote:

> over 85% of the total products manufactured in the world are petroleum-based.
> So much for your comment that oil will go the way of the dinosaur.
> Some advice for you. Think before you speak.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/129814-newspapers-mull-group-trust-fall-into-pay-model?source=feed#comment-455034 455034 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:48:11 -0400 http://seekingalpha.com/article/122060-cramer-s-mad-money-is-the-obama-index-making-the-grade-2-20-09?source=feed#comment-401294 401294 Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:48:03 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/111357-mdu-resources-obama-s-kind-of-company?source=feed#comment-367714 367714 Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:19:12 -0500