One nation, over a cliff...

POSTED BY: SignyM
UPDATED: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 09:20
VIEWED: 7771
PAGE 5 of 7

FIRST PAGE PREV PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NEXT PAGE LAST PAGE

GEEZER

Saturday, March 12, 2005 2:45 AM

Need to do a bit of research before I get into this, but here's a little more of Michael Lind's writings, to put his comments in context.

http://www.newamerica.net/index.cfm?pg=Publications&contactID=57

It's always good to see where folk are coming from.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

RUE

Saturday, March 12, 2005 8:19 AM

So Geezer, where do you keep your money? Foreign currency? Overseas stocks? I'm just wondering if you walk the talk.

SIGNYM

Saturday, March 12, 2005 1:52 PM

Nothing says it like a chart (showing trade deficit)

www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/crisis/2003/curracctab.htm

Here's one showing the Federal deficit (surplus under Clinton)

www.globalpolicy.org/socecon/crisis/2003/deftab.htm

Detail (by the WTO) of the US balance of trade by sector, showing a 1.4% (of world trade) increase in ores and fuel export and a 2.5% decrease in clothing and machinery exports, coupled with a 5.0% (of world trade) increase in fuel imports, a 3.3% increase in FOOD imports and a 5.1% increase in imports of clothing.
www.finfacts.ie/Private/globe_l/wto.htm

Google is your friend.

GEEZER

Saturday, March 12, 2005 4:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rue:
So Geezer, where do you keep your money? Foreign currency? Overseas stocks? I'm just wondering if you walk the talk.

I've converted most of it into the guns, ammo, and freeze-dried food stashed out in the bunker.

Mostly in regular old savings and real estate (an almost paid off mortgage). Even have some U.S. Savings Bonds. We tend to be relatively frugal in the Geezer household, stay out of debt, and save - lessons learned from parents who experienced the Great Depression.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

RUE

Saturday, March 12, 2005 7:46 PM

Thanks SignyM.

Geezer, I was under the impression that "owner occupied homes" were the single largest individual investment, for those who can aford them. But with a little googling, I found those who say it's actually retirement monies. Which, for non-gvt employees, means SS across the board. If I recall correctly, you work in the federal system. What does that make your retirement?

HARDWARE

Sunday, March 13, 2005 3:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Geezer:

I've converted most of it into the guns, ammo, and freeze-dried food stashed out in the bunker.

"...We're advising all of our clients to invest in canned food and shotguns."

The more I get to know people the more I like my dogs.

CAPNRAHN

Sunday, March 13, 2005 6:17 PM

{Note: Not on Topic - exactly}

Hardware: Excellent and appropriate "Gremlins 2" ref!

{We return you to your regularly schedualed debate}

FINN MAC CUMHAL

Sunday, March 13, 2005 6:30 PM

HA! I was trying to think where that quote came from.

OLDENGLANDDRY

Sunday, March 13, 2005 10:40 PM

I heard that Bush was actually very surprised to be re-elected. In fact he was so convinced that he would be leaving the whitehouse that he started his book. Now he is going to have to wait four more years to find out what happens to the Cat in the Hat.

GEEZER

Monday, March 14, 2005 12:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rue:

Geezer, I was under the impression that "owner occupied homes" were the single largest individual investment, for those who can aford them. But with a little googling, I found those who say it's actually retirement monies. Which, for non-gvt employees, means SS across the board. If I recall correctly, you work in the federal system. What does that make your retirement?

I'm under the old Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). I have absolutely nothing in Social Security except Medicare payments. Since 1988, new Federal hires, and anyone who wanted to change over, are in FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) which is is Social Security plus an optional investment system called the Thrift Savings Plan.

TSP lets you put up to 10% of your income, with a 5% match from your agency, in one of five investment funds - Government Securities Investment (G) Fund, Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund, Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund, Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund, or International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund. TSP contributions are not taxable until you withdraw them, sort of like a 401K (?)

We CSRS folk get to invest in TSP, but without the matching funds.

Since I retired in December, guess I'll get to find out how well it all works.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

FIRST PAGE PREV PAGE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NEXT PAGE LAST PAGE