Obama's OffShore Tax Haven Crackdown.

Im all for it.

This one is actually one of my big pet peeves.  We'll see how much actually gets done.  Im guardedly hopefull..whatever that means.

I reccomend the book Perfectly Legal by David Kay Johnston for a primer on how these are being abused.

On a side note, for those of you who worry about the fate of billionaires.  I heard an interesting podcast last week.

It was one of NPR:  Planet Money's  Look for the title about pirates.  They interviewed some diplomats stationed in Africa about how the pirate business model works.

They even interviewed a Danish businessman whos shipping company was hit by pirates recently.  He paid between 1-2 mil (he wouldnt be more specific) and his ship was detained for several weeks during the process..costing him more.  When asked why you would negotiate with pirates he explained how his ships are registered in the Bahama's for tax reasons and the Bahamian government doesnt have a big navy operating off the African coast,  let alone SEAL snipers...so he has to negotiate and pay.

Many people comented on the stupidity of those guys attacking a US registered ship in the first place.  You just dont do that because..well, we all saw what happened.  Not too profitable for the pirates (or their financial backers).  So to all who say you waste your money paying US taxes, here we have an ironclad example of what you get for your money...US shipping should have a long stint of no pirates in its future...Tax dollars at work.  I think the oil guys have had a few black eyes in central/south america over the years when small governments spontaneously declare all the equipment and procedes government property..well, thats what you get when you do business in rinky dink countries sometimes.  Have to factor that into the business model.

 

On a side note, NPR podcasts are decidedly left wing and kinda a noobie guide to money..the podcast Econtalk is much higher up the education scale and way out in right field..I listen to both regularly..good to get both sides.

Posted by RyanFromVegas @ 10:41 pm EDT | Permalink | 0 Comments

Dog Ownership...my path to retirement...

So we got a dog last year.  A Yorkie-Poodle mix (Yorkie-poo).  Its the only dog gayer than Doodi's.  Even my gay friend said he would be uncomfortable owning one.  My daughter picked it out...really.

Anyways, I started taking it down to the local park for a morning walk and ran into a bunch of  dog folks there..a whole crowd.  I hit it off with one guy in particular.  We have a bunch of common interests.  Anyways, he's 61, been retired for over 20 years and used to own a seat on the Chicago Options Exchange.  Very rich...quickly becoming very very rich in this volitile markt.  All self made from investing/trading.  Now, Ive dabbled in the market here and there, but I am all book taught.  Its hard to make the jump without a mentor or teacher or whatever.  Anyways, this guy decides to take me under his wing and teach me his system which I have to say has done pretty good by him.  Alot of your success is mental...can you keep up the discipline and not get emotional...so even with the best coach, it may turn out I dont have what it takes to do well on my own...Im willing to try it out though.

If it all works out, what dumb freaking luck that is.

 

So buy a dog..you never know who you will meet.

Posted by RyanFromVegas @ 11:23 pm EDT | Permalink | 1 Comments

House Hunting.

Im looking to pick up some rental properties, and spent the morning with my realtor checking out a few places.

Holy cow is it a buyers market.  Its a price war in the down direction.  Everyone is scrambleing to be the lowest cost house so it will move faster.

Ive been waiting on an answer to a  short sale offer I made 3 weeks ago and Im now starting to feel like my offer is too high.

If it were possible to get 100% financing, you would still be positive cash flow from day one...and prices are still going lower.  I would buy 50 houses if I could get the financing.

Its a weird feeling to be looking to make a killing off other peoples pain.  Saw several families moving out while we were looking at the house next door.  Very sad.

On the other hand, I remember all the funny looks I got from people when I was the idiot who wasnt funding toys with home equity or leasing a beamer...

My guilt doesnt run very deep.

Posted by RyanFromVegas @ 5:34 pm EDT | Permalink | 3 Comments

No Gears 2 for me yet :(

My sisters best friend works for MS and she has ordered me a copy through the company store..$35 delivered to my front door..I just have to wait a couple days...its worth it to save $30 right?  sure it is...It really is worth it...Its really worth it...Its really worth it...nope...not buying it yet...

I guess Ill have to keep repeating it till I believe it...

 

*walks away muttering to self*

Posted by RyanFromVegas @ 6:09 pm EDT | Permalink | 1 Comments

Life in a Battleground State

I've been home from work for less than 5 hours and I've had 3 people from Obama's campaign knock on my door.  Thankfully, no calls....yet....today.....

This sort of thing has been going on for quite awhile now.

My friends mom lives in Utah and is getting the same treatment from McCains folks.  She's is getting really pissed because she donated to McCain and now feels they have spent more money than she donated papering the front door of a vote thats already in the bag.

Nevada and Utah are measly 5 vote states.  God help you guys living in important 20+ vote states.

Posted by RyanFromVegas @ 7:55 pm EDT | Permalink | 0 Comments