10% annually over the last 5 years is a no brainer (had I known about this or this at the time) - US market has been on a tear.

Heckler, are you investing in the CAD indexed funds? If not, how are you hedging against the currency risk?

Oh, now you've gone and done it…

Sorry to derail… I am just tired of the same old IT work and how it seems to have become a race to the bottom in terms of work levels / wages.

This is the goal of FIRE- save enough so you can do the work you want to even if it can't pay the bills. Financial Independent, Retire Early.

I was thinking about TAP for you, but it won't pay the bills.

it blows my mind that guys are gettn paid to build on the shore…meanwhile bums like me are still begging for shovels…

christmas miracle

christmas miracle

It's not a miracle, it's a lot of hard work by several very dedicated volunteers. #votebond.

It's a model that can be applied in any area that has these dedicated volunteers willing to create a trail organization and push paper instead of rocks.

http://nsmba.ca/content/2013-05_tap-expands-fvmba-wmbc

Heckler, are you investing in the CAD indexed funds? If not, how are you hedging against the currency risk?

I was going to reply with my entire financial plan and statement, but it's still a work in progress. I'm about 10% implemented to a tax efficient, buy and hold indefinitely, extremely low MER, growth allocated portfolio. All based on internet learning in the past 6 months.

Until now, we've been frittering away our savings with work sponsored RSP (5% match, so I contributed 5% to Nesbit Burns, who took away 6% in "architect" fees) and a personal RSP in mutual funds with 2.8% MER, 6% DSC/5%FEL (read that as - the mutual fund company takes 8% of any return if you don't hold their funds for at least 10 years). No more!!!!! I'm pissed and am doing something about it!

First, know about asset allocation and more importantly, location.

http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2010/03/05/put-your-assets-in-their-place/

Then learn about asset location and tax implications.

http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2012/09/17/foreign-withholding-tax-explained/

Then figure out what currency hedging means. I'm still working on understanding the full implications.

http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2014/01/16/currency-exposure-in-international-equity-etfs/
http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2014/03/06/why-currency-hedging-doesnt-work-in-canada/

Then make a tax efficient allocation and location plan for your accounts. Back to:
http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2012/09/17/foreign-withholding-tax-explained/

Then learn how to buy US listed funds at a low cost. (I haven't done this yet, and am not yet sold on buying VTI over VUN).

http://canadiancouchpotato.com/2013/12/03/norberts-gambit-the-complete-guide/

I think I'm now at the point of your question Bondo - whether to buy VUN, VUS or VTI.

To date, I've only bought 6% of my funds in VUN - the TSX listed unhedged version of total US market. I'm not 100% sold yet on committing to VUN and am looking into buying VTI (the US listed version) via Norberts Gambit.

The plan is to be transfered to 30% VAB, 25% VUN/VUS/VTI (not sure which one yet), 25% VCN and 20% of a undetermined international index in the next 3 months.

blanket meet wet….

no, you're right. I hope Santa will come through for you!

blanket meet wet….

Don't take this personally, because this is a very typical response when talking to people about finances. But … this really is the reason that so many people are in trouble financially. Money is the basis of our economic system and understanding it and what it can do for you WILL make the difference between sweating under a blanket of debt or living comfortably. Yet most think it's just too complicated or boring to learn about.

It's a terrible disconnect.

Don't take this personally, because this is a very typical response when talking to people about finances. But … this really is the reason that so many people are in trouble financially. Money is the basis of our economic system and understanding it and what it can do for you WILL make the difference between sweating under a blanket of debt or living comfortably. Yet most think it's just too complicated or boring to learn about.

It's a terrible disconnect.

whoosh!

I'm pretty sure he's talking about trail organization..

On the upside DY you get to do your own thing and not deal with the paper pushers and bureaucracy..for me, that's the stuff that would ruin the whole thing :/

but yeah, dream job = getting paid to build singletrack

whoosh!

Ken's statement still applies though. Understand and make the things happen that you want to happen. Don't wait for the lottery or Santa.

Don't take this personally, because this is a very typical response when talking to people about finances. But … this really is the reason that so many people are in trouble financially. Money is the basis of our economic system and understanding it and what it can do for you WILL make the difference between sweating under a blanket of debt or living comfortably. Yet most think it's just too complicated or boring to learn about.

It's a terrible disconnect.

I doubt he would take it personally, he's been living the dream for the last 10 years while we have been sweating it out in offices.

Ken's statement still applies though. Understand and make the things happen that you want to happen. Don't wait for the lottery or Santa.

well I thought the Sunshine Coast Trailbuilding page was a good move. Hoping it will snowball.

It needs a "donation" link though. Where can I send some $$ for some 6-pack support :)

i was just festivus moaning.. i am now going to go shuvl some gold.. at least i don't have to deal w no bureau crats…