I finally looked at all my retirement accounts today. While not totally decimated, the 30% + drop in some of them made the 22% drop in others seem not so bad even though it is. The worst hit was Vanguard and the second worst was my work account with Merrill Lynch. I left Vanguard alone for now and reallocated ML and then decided to contribute another 2% per check to try and buy low and save high for that elusive future retirement. I'm glad I'm not retiring today because it wouldn't happen.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Most Hobbit minded people have already seen the latest installment so this is for those of you waiting for the crowds to go down. Part 2 is much better than part 1. This applies to all viewers. Where the gap happens if you have not read the book (including the appendices) you will probably like the whole movie. If you've read the book and taken the time to read the appendices, then you'll appreciate the back story that's presented here. The spirit of Tolkien is present and Desolation of Smaug fits well within what will become a 6 part movie. What I liked....The opening sequence. This is not in the book and I had to look it up in the appendices and sure enough, Gandalf and Thorin did meet in Bree. Thranduil and Legolas father/son relationship. I liked it. While only a mere mention in the appendices, in this movie we see Legolas loyal to his father. That Legolas doesn't mesh with the person he becomes and it will be interesting to see what happens to Legolas in the nex...
I am ignoring all my bank statements - it is too depressing, but I might also move some money from a money market account into the Vanguard funds knowing that in 10 or 20 years it will be a good investment.
ReplyDelete