Recent content by RAVL

Sorry to hear this. I doubt you will have any luck with Volvo given the age of the car. Maybe try to find a good used motor.

Problem is deficits are 6 percent of GDP. That is inflationary so the fed would have to be ridiculously tight.

In my opinion, the forecasts about the economy have been too rosy. Not saying we are headed for Hreat Depression II, but spending has been supported with credit cards and inflation has been driving that spending as people go into debt to buy daily items. We have seen our household increases go...

I don’t do it. I would recommend against it for the average investor. Leverage increases your gains and losses, but if you are dollar cost averaging into large cap indices over a 30 year or more period, it is unlikely you will beat the averages. Also in a margin call, the firm gets to choose...

Understood. This car is out of warranty so there is not the concern about having a Lincoln-Douglas debate with a service writer who could care less that an Internet forum told the owner that 0w40 Is as suitable as the factory recommendation. But again, what is there to be gained here other...

What does the car manual spec? 5w30? If so stick with it. 0w40 is a blanket recommendation here but candidly I would always start with and end with the manufacturer specification unless there is a good reason to depart (e.g., heavy track use?).

Don’t overthink it. If the engine runs well with what you have been using, I would keep using it. Keep it clean and keep it full otherwise.

It happened to friends of ours with a 2011 Pilot. Recall these were the VCM motors where the rings on the deactivated cylinders could coke up. Several dealerships denied coverage of the ring replacement under the extended warranty campaign because the service invoices showed repeated use of a...

They aren’t bad. The problem is that mileage estimate's for tires are inherently optimistic. Rough roads (potholes), stop and go traffic, high ambient temperatures, and driving style all contribute. This is why I would never pay for tires that claim to last 60-80k miles - they never will...

What do you make of Stephanie Pope? The WSJ had an interesting profile of her. She is finance type which is strike against in my mind, plus from McD, which in mind is where the problems started - strike two in other words. But her dad and grandfather worked at McD, in what appear to be line /...

I see I hit a nerve but that was not my intention. I have learned from reading of your experiences but I noted that the comments about voting your stock could come off the wrong way. That is really all. As far as leadership goes, I don’t disagree with you but the problem is that neither you...

You need to both develop internally and bring in outside eyes because all organizations develop blind spots that long time insiders don’t necessarily see. When we look at boards, we are looking to get people who have the experience in the constituent components of a business. So, to your...

It is a question of what makes you sleep better at night.

Your trading is of the sort that a live body would be helpful. I would look into Merrill or Wells Fargo. You are savvy enough to steer clear of the BS but these firms have actual broker reps. Try them with a slice of assets and see how it goes. Opt out of any fully paid lending programs...

Understood. But for reasons Dave Hess mentioned above, it is not clear why you wouldn't ride the horse that got you here, so to speak. Also that fact didn't jump out at me because people looking at IB aren't generally buy and hold types. That is where my confusion came from so I can...