Alternative Investments

This Investment Pays Off 100:1 – The Thesis is Sound, but is the Timing Right?

September 16, 2011

I was watching CNBC Thursday when an interesting guest presented what may be the “Big Short” incredible play of 2011-2012.  Bill Ackman, the founder of the Pershing Square Hedge Fund presented his thesis on a currency play that will pay out at 100 to 1 if it occurs.  It’s a binary trade where he’ll lose […]

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I’m Borrowing $50,000 From My 401(k) – It’s My Best Option!

August 14, 2011

There are tons of articles out there waring about the dire consequences of borrowing from your 401(k) – you know, not earning money on the withdrawn amount, double taxation, early withdrawal penalties and having to repay immediately if separate from the company…I’m going to lay out why my particular situation and outline why none of […]

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POLL: Do You Actually Own Gold or Silver? Why or Why Not?

March 30, 2011

It’s tough to turn on the radio or late-night television these days without being bombarded by advertisements for gold and silver.  The commercials usually have the same common themes: The end of the world is near The US dollar has lost buying power against other major currencies Gold and Silver have outperformed equities during the […]

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Life Settlement Investment – Scam or Legit?

March 28, 2011

Life Settlement Investment – Scam or Legit? A friend of mine sent me an interesting “investment opportunity” today which entailed what seemed to be some sort of sales pitch, wining and dining with an investment advisor who has access to life settlement products.  What was purported in the PDF invite letter immediately raised a red […]

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Imagine a World with No Fiat Currency? Here it Is…

February 15, 2011

There’s a rather interesting video from this Dutch big thinker floating around the web where, among other things, he espouses his vision of a world where we have various bartering systems set up that relegate dollars and cents to the trash heap and rather, groups barter amongst themselves, realizing a multitude of benefits. Bartering Schmartering […]

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Arbitrage Pricing Theory – MBA Mondays with Darwin

February 7, 2011

Arbitrage Pricing Theory will be this week’s MBA Monday topic (see full list of MBA Monday posts).   Probably the most common use of the term “arbitrage” is when associated with Merger Arbitrage.  There are other types of arbitrage as well, with entire companies and disciplines dedicated to exploiting arbitrage opportunities. The most common use of […]

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