State Of The Union: Are You Better Off Than You Were 7 Years Ago?

Investors Business Daily ^ | 01/12/2016 | Editorial

[combat_boots]

I am sorry. I will say a prayer.

[Mears]

“Buy gift cards at double the gas points from Kroger’s -——”

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What does that mean?

/

[catfish1957]

If your portfolio is only up 19% you must be invested very conservatively.

Exactly where I needed to be at age of 52-59. Am now comfortably retired.

[RWB Patriot]

I’m a bit better off for the short-term, but no thanks to dear leader. Long-term, I know I’m walking a razor’s edge.

[GailA]

Kroger’s sells gift cards Chili’s, Olive Garden etc, Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot,they are most always double the gas points, you get gas points with the groceries you buy. Any thing but a Kroger, Credit card or Multiple demonetization gift card doubles your gas points.

Certain times a year Kroger’s will give you 4 times the gas points. They did that after Thanksgiving through Dec 8. Since I can’t shop for 7 grands and 5 great grands that range in age 30+-2, it is easier to buy gift cards, get the gas points, and pay with Discover which is another 1% back. Thus between groceries and the gift cards we had 3000+ pts, that was $1 off a gallon of gas up to 35 gallons x 3. So $3.00 total. Ended up only using 1 fill up, and so gave our eldest 1 and our neighbor who watches the house when we go off 1. On average we save $22-30 on a tank of gas. Cards are then used as gifts or to eat out or Lowe’s. Amazon gets most of my online shopping. Less use of your credit card in the long run. You can’t reload them, they just throw them away. I just buy new ones. Subway, Burger King, IHop, are always good to have on hand. They come in $25 amounts usually, some higher. Amazon goes to $100. Even some places like Penny’s, Old Navy. Some are regional. Good to have when you travel. The less I have to use my credit card on line the better in my opinion.

Kroger’s is our only big grocery store, besides the Navy Commissary and they don’t do gas points, prices are about the same. Only difference is the 5% restock fee vs the State Sales tax, but getting $22 or more dollars off a tank of gas off sets that, and base gas is always higher. With the Kroger App you can down load coupons, and get what ever they give out FREE on Friday. Some of it is not worth much, others are. Hubby got a pack full pack of Oreo’s a few weeks back. You can even load a coupon in the isle while you shop.

[ConstantSkeptic]

Our investment portfolio is up 144% from 12/31/2008.

The S&P 500 is up 122% from when Obama took office.

We’re too heavily weighted in stock of my husband’s mega-corp employer. Its stock has gone up 195% since Obama took office.

We’re too heavily weighted in stock of my former big-co employer. Its stock has gone up 310% since Obama took office.

So yes, we’re much better than we were 7 years ago.

We’ve also moved some of our investments into bonds within the past year to lock in some of our gains. Retirement looms and we want to keep about 6 years of expenses in cash or bonds.

I’ve said it numerous times here: I believe in American business. I believe that companies will find ways to make profits and reward their shareholders (and, of course, their management!) no matter which party is in power. So we will invest in the stock market for the long haul.

[expat_panama]

I believe in American business. I believe that companies will find ways to make profits and reward their shareholders (and, of course, their management!) no matter which party is in power.

Me too.  Tx.  I can't tell you how refreshing it is to find such a competent reality oriented thought like yours on these threads.

[Mears]

Thanks for your explanation.

I’ll have to check our supermarkets for offers like that.

You are saving quite a bit.

I have an Amazon Visa and do tons of shopping with them,but I have nothing else. My Amazon points are most helpful.

Thanks again.

.

[GailA]

Not aware that any other grocery store does this. Only Kroger’s.