Posts by BenWilson

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  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    Rob, at some level savings are good for the economy. I'd much rather we were as rich as the Japs, however much of a recession they are in. And obviously a nation of bankrupts is bad - if economic indicators can't capture this then they are broken.

    But my point was more that what's good for individuals is not necessarily good for the group, and yet I would not urge people to do what is good for the group to their own cost. When you're in front of a hurricane, burn rubber to get the hell out, and bugger whether the extra gas burned leads to global warming and more hurricanes.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: All your copyright are belong…,

    Old xbox (not 360) does a pretty good job, a lot quieter too. YouTube actually looks OK.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    So with the economy: save a little bit more, if and when you can.

    Um, that's good advice on a personal level but I'm not sure the economy benefits, per se. Not saying it doesn't, just not convinced either way. What Kyle said.

    I personally don't feel any responsibility to the 'economy'. When I save, it's for me, not for inflation or balance of trade etc. I don't get down on others for excessive debt or profligate spending - these are not moral issues, just practical ones.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    IO, face it, you've been unlucky. Thinking you have a talent for finding dogs is just as irrational as thinking the opposite. It would be a sweet talent, in fact, you could just reverse what you say and avoid the dogs.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    When did the financial management mob take over the world (and this blog)???

    I'm betting it wasn't long after counting was invented.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • 08 Internet NZ: Where now?,

    No high hopes here. Broadband will remain wretchedly expensive.

    Predicting technological advances is a mug's game. Even Moore's law may fail us.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Spin Spun,

    And I got it because ... I'm a freak for that stuff?

    Did you instantly think "Hmmm, I wonder if she's saying it was zero, or infinitely negative?"

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    To me it just looks like a good time to buy. I'll wait for the US to hit rock-bottom though.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    Oh no. The last guy who made me that offer ended up standing over me in a car park wearing a zebra-skin hat screaming 'Don't make me go upside your head'.

    Sounds like a story worth hearing. Last guy who made me that offer was from AMP. I gave them about $1500, then realized I actually wanted my money before I was 60. At which point it was made clear that the penalty clauses meant I would get about $400. Fortunately AMP demutualized a year later and I got $3000 worth of shares. A lucky escape.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

  • Hard News: Theories, please ...,

    I don't have anything like the discipline required to accumulate 5k in the bank. I'm impressed and a little frightened by people who can exercise such self-control - who knows what else they're capable of?

    I thought that, then I tried it, and it's surprisingly easy. Set up an A/P to yourself. If your lack of discipline stems from the temptation to withdraw, get one of those accounts that only lets you put money in, and charges horribly for withdrawals. They tend to pay higher interest anyway.

    Then you too can be capable of anything.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 7147 posts Report Reply

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