Thursday, May 17, 2012

Investing

 Some time ago, I blogged about my "financial plan."  With the Facebook IPO looming tomorrow, I thought I would post an update.  My plan has evolved some to include a more detailed giving, saving, investing and paying plan.  No plan however well developed is perfect, there are just too many variables, unknowns in the form of market fluctuations, job changes, price point increases ect. 
Here is a brief overview,  beginning with giving, the first thing I pay is a percentage to church and other ministry organizations. I'm looking at a suggestion that I read in a Christian magazine is to give half of your "tithe" to your parish, and half to the world's poor. Interesting concept.  Second, a percentage equal to what is given (as a goal) is squirreled away in savings. This I divide between cash reserve and a personal ROTH IRA that is in a brokerage account. Doing that consistently is key to saving for the future.

Now I also point out that I participate in my companies 403b plan. I place the maximum percentage pretax possible in order gain the employer match.  Due to changes in my employers retirement savings plan, I reallocated my investments from fairly conservative funds and fixed income, placing the majority of funds into a retirement year strategy fund offered by a large mutual fund. I am now placing 75 % into that fund, with 25% into fixed income. So far this year, it has increased my returns significantly.  (at least to me)  I will re-examine this and might add an additional fund later.  
if you can participate in an employer 401K plan I encourage you to do so, it pays off.

Second my Roth is allocated between four funds.  An equity mutual fund, a bond fund, a fixed income cash fund, and "Frank's fund."  I most want to talk about my own fund, which is what I have invested in individual stocks, and ETF's.  These are company stocks I select, that I either know well, do business with,  or have a long reputation. In the near future i will focus on stocks known for paying dividends  consistently.  I have several to choose from already in my watch list.   I buy once a month, unless there is a stock in my watch list with a price to good to resist. I try to buy at least 10 shares of a stock, but often can't.  So I buy at least 4 shares of a particular stock, and if the price drops and funds are available, I buy more. I am in the process of building.  I have a few stocks that are purely short term speculative.  Everything else is a long term hold, perhaps purchase more if the price warrants it.  I wanted to add a commodity fund, but decided against it, due to the volatility of such a fund. I do plan to purchase an ETF that is a commodity index fund.  This limits my exposure to loss because its a smaller portion invested than if I bought into a mutual fund.

In the investment world there are large corporate investors, brokers, there are institutional investors, small investors, and then there is me.  I'm a tiny investor. 

Next post, my plan for Facebook.

Monday, May 14, 2012

A Musical Monday


Good Monday, Here is another Monday mucial selection.  By the group  The Wanted. Hope you enjoy


http://youtu.be/wLMsyZY3oRk
A question, every time I attempt to embed a videa the link I paste, says its broken, so I have to paste the url here instead.  Any ideas?
Thanks

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Happy Mother's Day

To all of you who are blessed to still have your mother with you; tell her you love her everyday.  Enjoy her while you can, honor her as often as possible appreciate her love, and all she has done, and does for you.  There will come a day when you won't be able to go see her, pick up the phone and call her, have  a meal with her on a special occasion.  That day is now for me and my family.  We can still honor her memory, but its not the same as having her with us. 


In memoriam of my Mother, I rise and call her blessed





Thursday, May 10, 2012

A Historic Moment for Gay Marriage

Yesterday was historic, a sitting President let the world know he does not have a problem with same sex marriage!  My how things have changed over the years. I did not expect this to happen for many years.  This came on the heals of North Carolina making it laws in favor of traditional marriage much stronger. They are among 30 states that have such laws.  however there are a few states which have approved gay marriage laws, I hope they won't be overturned.  Times are changing, to marriage whether heterosexual or homosexual can only strengthen family values.  Because marriage civil or religious is about committing to one person for a life of love, challenge, and sticking together through thick and thin. 

What is so wrong with a same sex couple wanting to make that kind of commitment to each other in a way that is official, legal, public, and that others can?

Be prepared for the far right wing, unmovable tea party people to be loud, mean, and discriminatory in the upcoming election season.  I hope the silent majority gets out and votes for reason, compromise, and civility. 

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Lets Talk About Sex...Survey

Several months ago I took part in an online survey by OUT magazine and Gay.net.  It was a survey about sex, first I wanted to see what kind of questions they asked.  Then I decided to respond with my views, I don't put too much stock in survey results because they often are skewed.  Well they have released the results of that survey and I thought I would highlight some points I find interesting here.
I did not see any data about the average age of the respondants.

There were 13300 respondants

Who took it:  88% gay,
10% bisexual,
1% were questioning,
Of respondants 5 were straight, 4 were lesbian.

Relationship status, 59% are not currently in a relationship
55% are single (I wonder a breakdown by age group?)
25% have a parnter/husband (again age group)
12 % have a boy/ girl friend
7% are dating

Coming Out
31% between 18-22
13% 23-26
13% 30+
17% 13-17
17% still have not

Sexual role
52% are Versatile
28% Bottom
20% Top

Now the survey also covered questions about intimacy which I don't care to report. I don't recall questions concerning communication in relationships, or about safe sex.   A question I wish they had asked, is about fidelity in relationships.  I would like to see something about this, even though not sure I believe a lot of survey results.  Anyway I thought this was interesting.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Its May Day!

The first of May seems to have significance around the world.  I remember during the days of the Soviet Union, they had a big military display and parade. I think the remaining Communist countries still do.  The first of May is also known as Law day, a celebration of the laws that govern us, and the law profession.  Its also the International Day of the Worker.  I also understand gay organizations use this day to promote equality.  So the first of May is a busy day!

I saw on the news that today there is expected to be many protests by what has become known as the 99% movement in recognition of the worker. I have two comments...

First regarding the 99% movement.  I am sympathetic toward this movement and hope it can help move the politics(through the ballot box) of our country away from partisan idealogical bickering to real action for the good of the nation. I am not naive,its just a hope.  However, I am not in favor of any protest which is violent, detroys the property of others, tramples on the rights of others to make their living.  I think it is counter productive to this movement. Also, I have to note there has not been a clear, announced goal of those leading this movement. (if there is indeed any real leadership) I've seen signs protesting a myriad of issues, none related to the other it seems.  Without true leadership it will not be effective.  This movement should promote changes in laws to protect workers rights. Not transfer of wealth or restrict capitalist engagement.  It should promote laws that keep the big and powerful in check so to keep greed on Wall Street,Madison Ave, and Main Street from creating situations that led to the Great Recession.  Just my opinion, hey its my blog.

Second about Law Day, as a gay man I have a vested interest in any legislation, or movement that affirms our personhood, right to marry or be in a civil union, whichever term floats your boat.  As a christian, I prefer the term marriage.  Also I am hopeful for laws that protect those of us in the LGBT communitie's right to not be fired because we are gay, protect our right to live out our lives in a way that is fulfilling. Without fear of or actual retribution because we are "different" from the "norm".  That is what I hope for on this May Day 2012. 

Monday, April 30, 2012

A Musical Monday -Classic

The Downton Abbey theme.  I love this show and look forward to its next season.  A  creative and poetic look at a bygone era.  In the last episode of the current season the New Years 1920, the dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) makes the statement something like this...1920 how things have changed in ten years, how will they change the next 10 years?  her traditional yet a touch progressive character comes out with some very comical lines throughout the program. for instance when Matthew talks about coming to the Abbey on the weekends, she asks "Whats a weekend?" 


http://youtu.be/n7ULKKJ5UpI

Monday, April 23, 2012

A Musical Monday

You can say I have eclectic tastes in music.  It just depends on my mood, what I'm feeling, thinking what I want to listen too. It was not until a few years ago I really became interested in popular music.  I feel like i had been missing out in a sense, just listening to only christian music. Now I listen to everything from classical NPR, to the latest chart hits.  Though I don't care much for country, or "grunge" I don't listen to lyrics depicting violence  or anything offensive to me. I don't hesitate to change the station!  I still listen to the christian stations.

Today's song is  one I listen to at times when I have had a particularly difficult day at work or on call.  Today is one of those days.  I hope you say it to those you love, and never need to say "I wish I had told him/her..."  Please click the link below to listen if you wish. 

  http://youtu.be/dcDkjkxhnpY

Good Musical Monday!

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Musical Monday

Ok I know I have done this before, embed a video in this blog. This time try as I might, it would not work! So if you would like to here Secrets by One Republic, please click the link. This will be a periodic, perhaps weekly post, as I find songs I like to share.

http://youtu.be/qHm9MG9xw1o

Happy Monday!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

The First Sunday

Today is the first Sunday not employed at a church. I chose not to go to church today. I slept in, then had a leisurely breakfast watching morning news programs and reading the paper.  Then I spent time reading Scripture, praying, and singing a few old hymns.  So I had church on my own, just my self and God.  It was nice, peaceful, and worshipful. Yet being in community is still important, but its not always possible.

Now, next week I am going to begin traveling down a list of churches I want to visit. Different denominations, I want to visit a ELCA church, I hear they are open and affirming. I know there is one Episcopal church in our area that is open. As well as several UCC churches.  I'm going to look on Gay church .com (www.gaychurch.com) to see what other churches in the area I might wish to visit.  Not sure where this traveling or church hopping as it were, will lead me. I am willing to be led.  led by the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

How do you cope with the price of gas?

How do you cope with the price of gas?  I'm fortunate to live in a neighborhood where I can walk most places I want to go. I drive to work, and places beyond walking distance. Still the gas price increasing impacts how far I might go that I don't have to.  Here is what I do to help me stay within a budget for gas in my automobile.

 First, there is a Kroger not too far from my apartment that has a gas station.  So I can combine shopping for food with filling up the gas tank.  Plus with a Kroger shopping card, I get .03cents a gallon off. Plus if I have enough points, I can get .10 cents a gallon off. Kroger tries to compete with Sam's club on their gas price.  So planning when to buy gas helps.

Second, I completely filled my tank and don't let it go much below a half a tank before adding fuel. This allows me to spend what I budget and no more.  Where ever that amount of money puts the needle is the gas I have to use.  This allows me to keep a reserve amount in the tank for extra travel I might need for on call etc. When I use more fuel then I expect, I try to refuel when I can maximize the discount.  This has worked for me in the past, and I hope it will continue.  Of course if I had the money etc, I could convert my car to natural gas, which I hope in future will become a more viable solution. I heard a news report that a converted engine which can run on either natural gas or oil gas can get as much or more than 80 miles to the gallon.  So why not promote it and lessen our dependence on the middle east?

So how do you cope with the price of gas?

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Moving On!

Today was the last day of my employment at the church. I won't go into details, no need to. I will say, I am experiencing disappointment, some sadness, but also relief.  As Ecclesiastes states there is a time and a season for evetrything under the sun.  I thank our Lord for grace to handle the change in seasons!

Now my question is...Whats next?

Happy Easter!   He
                               Is
                                  Risen
                                             Indeed!