re: $500k to invest. What does the MB recommend?

I got some ocean front property in Arizona ill sell you.

Any or you guys know much about timber? Have plenty in the stock market and real estate. Have also thought about adding rental properties, but I know they can be a pain in the arse. I have a couple now, just don't know that I want that hassle.

Not that I'm against putting more in the market, just looking for some other ideas. What about for land and leasing out the farming rights? I know that's not a great money maker, but seems like a damn good hedge. And farm land rarely if ever goes down in value.

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Any or you guys know much about timber?

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I don't, but if I were you, I'd contact a reputable timber consultant. Could be...may be...a good investment alternative.

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Why is Vanguard so popular around here?

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well, let's see, we have only been through it a plethora of times but one more time:

1) low commissions on stocks

2) no annual fees for their ROTH IRA's

3) low expense ratios

4) no loads

5) great customer service

6) very good funds

Vanguard was started by John Bogle who pioneered the low cost index fund. Some believe that a passive approach to investing is the way to go. His books make the case that trying to beat the market many times leads to underperforming the market. The low turnover rate of an index fund may be more tax efficient also. Also, Vanguard is set up more to be 'owned by its funds' so when you buy a vanguard fund, in a way you own a piece of vanguard. Not on expert on the set up, but it has a better chance of being truly a fiduciary for its customers. Fidelity, on the other hand, although an excellent option, ultimately is owned by the Johnson family for their benefit. When push come to shove, the owners of any enterprise will come first, not the customers, no matter how many framed sayings are hung in the office saying "the customer is always right". It may be the reason they offer the low cost Spartan funds is because of vanguard.

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I've been told

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Why give advice?

Condo owners that use a management company can expect 80-90% year round occupancy.

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would not recommend someone go into deep debt to own a condo. I do think that it may have a place if you can put down 40-50% and sit on it for a while.

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I agree. I have two in Hot Springs that I bought when the market was way down. Making 8-9% after expenses. Not spectacular, but they've increased in value since then as well.

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Stuck in a rut. Wait til the next market correction? Have just started a new business. Not feeling like investing in another just yet. What would the MB gurus do with it?

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When the market is open, every 15 seconds you should adjust your position so that:

1) you are long on the single stock, bond, derivative, or other financial instrument (on any exchange) that will give the highest returns for the next 15 seconds.

2) you are short on the single stock, bond, derivative, or other financial instrument (on any exchange) that will give lowest returns for the next 15 seconds.

You will maximize your profit in this way (you could use shorter time intervals but that would take way too much work).


EDIT - you may need to adjust this strategy somewhat due to commissions and a limited ability to predict the future.