Niagara Falls, NY Trip Report

We embarked on an 8-day/7-night trip to the East Coast mid-July. Unlike the week-long Eastern Canadian road-trip we did last year this time around the trip was more detail oriented as we had company. Grand parents and a great aunt and uncle added to the merriment. The flight tickets from Oakland to Buffalo with Southwest came to around $195 per person each way – Southwest’s “Wanna Getaway” fares varied between $109 and $189 (plus around $34 in taxes and fees) but given our inflexibility in flight schedule this was the best we could net.

Getting good accommodation on the American side of the falls for a reasonable price for one night is an exercise in futility. Our group was a party of eight and reserving a suite was not easy. The imposing Seneca gambling resort is the only newer hotel in the area. If gambling is in the plans (even slot machines) then Seneca Niagara is the best option. The rooms are nice and the pricing especially the week-nights are pretty good – they are the only game in town and hence payouts and service are just average. Some hotels have a two-night minimum stay restriction in place which they were not inclined to waive in favor of a larger group size. Most of the hotels, even the well-known brands, are located in really old buildings and are saddled with age-related problems. Our reservation was at the Crowne Plaza – the location was ideal (few blocks away from the falls), but everything else was below par -

• The elevators and the lobby area were constantly jam-packed with teenagers and luggage (as one of the few available options, this is a popular choice for youth soccer and other teams),
• The suite itself fit six people with two of us having to use portable beds (subject to availability),
• The almost $600 per night tab was lofty for our frugal standards.

In fact, if there is no visa problems (US citizens need to show passport, others need visa) in getting across the border, our overwhelming recommendation would be to find accommodation on the Canadian side even though there are interesting attractions on the US side.

A quick run-down on the naming of the three different falls for the novice:

• What the world identifies as the Niagara Falls is the Horse-Shoe Falls (aka the Canadian Falls) and it carries more than 90% of the water that cascades down into the gorge. The brink measures at 2500 feet and sits about 170 feet high.
• The American Falls that carries less than 10% of the water sits 180 feet high, and the brink measures around 1200 feet.
• The Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest with brink measurement under 60 feet.

The view of the waterfall from land is undeniably better on the Canadian side, but there are a few things that make a trip to the American side worthwhile. We visited the Observation Tower, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, and the Niagara Falls State Park areas. Here is a description of the attractions:

1. Observation Tower: It is a platform that extends over the Niagara Gorge and provides a great view of the falls. Granted this view is not comparable to the one from the Canadian side its beauty is that both the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls, the two narrower falls on the American side can be observed. Admission to the observation tower is a dollar from April through October and free the rest of the time – the Maid-of-the-Mist boat tour (a must in our opinion), includes in its price the admission to the Observation Tower.
2. Cave of the Winds: This tour, located on Goat Island, takes one down to the Gorge. The entire-tour is open May through October and the Gorge-only tour is available in April. A 175-foot elevator gets the visitors to the permanent deck located about 75 feet from the base of the Bridal Veil Falls. The walkway that leads up to the Hurricane Deck, the proximity of which is 20-feet close to the Bridal Veil falls, is reassembled every year in April to avoid damage to the deck due to inclement winter weather. The deck is aptly named for it does simulate tropical storm conditions. This unique experience lets one appreciate the wonders of nature in all its triumphant glory - in our opinion a far better value for money compared to the ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ attraction on the Canadian side as the Hurricane deck gets you closer to the falls. Admission is $11 for adults and $8 for kids over 5 and includes the souvenir yellow poncho and sandals.
3. Maid of the Mist: This world renowned boat-tour takes tourists to the front of the falls. The tour is offered both from the Canadian side and the US side April through October and is priced reasonably at $13.50 for adult and $7.85 for kids over 5 (the US side pricing includes admission to the Observation Tower, Canadian side pricing is slightly higher).
4. Niagara Falls State Park: The most underrated attraction on the US side is the Niagara Falls State Park area around the falls (see the green area in the map). The all-day hop-on/off trolley service that covers the 3-mile loop is again affordable at $2 per adult, $1 for kids 6-12, and free for under 6 (Service Hours: 9AM-10PM, subject to change). The service starts from Prospect Point conveniently located very near the Visitor center. If time and spirit allows, walking the scenic park is a great alternative - compared to the Canadian side, the park area is far less crowded and one gets to appreciate the beauty of the place – American Rapids Bridge, the scenic walk by the side of the rapids in Goat Island, the Terrapin point with one of the best views of the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Three-Sisters Island all make the experience memorable and will be cherished for years. And the icing is, the entire experience comes free and at one’s pace…
5. Others: There is an IMAX 40-minute movie offered at the lower level of the visitor center on a 45-foot screen about Niagara Falls Explorers, Settlers, and Dare Devils. It is $11 for Adults and $7.50 for kids between 6 and 12. For visitors interested in geology, this is a great option, otherwise it can be given a miss.The place is located on Robert Moses Parkway at the tip of Bath Avenue. It also has the Trailhead center which is the starting point for hikes – the trails vary in difficulty and can take anywhere between one and three hours.

If the plan includes all six major attractions on the American side (Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, Scenic Trolley, Adventure Theater, Discovery Center, and the Aquarium), taking advantage of the discount using the Discover Pass is recommended. But, keep in mind that only the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds involve the Falls per se...

Last Updated: 02/2011.

Added Plum Creek Timber (PCL), CPFL Energia S.A. (CPL), and BP plc (BP)

As twittered previously, we added three new names to our portfolio over the last month. We also did a round-trip on ConocoPhilips (COP) which realized a small gain along with dividend capture. The purchase details follow:

1. Plum Creek Timber (PCL) on 7/23/2009 at $30.50 with around 8% of our overall portfolio. This was a long-term holding in our portfolio until last year when the shares were called away at $35. The dividend of around 5.5%, timber business fundamentals, and its status as the company with the largest holder of land (close to 7.5M acres) should make this a good defensive holding.
2. CPFL Energia S.A. (CPL) on 7/28/2009 at $50.45 with around 7% of our overall portfolio. The purchase simultaneously fills the slot for an energy utility and exposure to Brazil. The company is one of the largest distributors of Electricity in Brazil. Here again, the company’s commitment to distribute at least 50% of its net income in dividends (current yield is around 7.5%), electric utility business fundamentals, and the chance that the investment will act as a hedge against weakness on the dollar should make this a good defensive holding.
3. BP plc (BP) on 8/5/2009 at $51.49 with around 7% of our overall portfolio. BP is an oil & gas major with a current dividend yield of close to 7%.

With these purchases, our cash position has gone down to just under 10%. Below is our updated portfolio – it is about 18% in the red:

Stock	Buy Date	Buy Price	Current Price	Current % Of Portfolio	Unrealized % Return	Yield as % of Portfolio Value
Altria (MO)	Various	16.69	18.04	3.57	8.12	0.38
Philip Morris International (PM)	1/4/2005	32.19	46.87	7.38	45.59	0.45
Kraft Foods (KFT)	Various	24.03	28.81	3.80	19.87	0.23
Pfizer (PFE)	Various	24.37	16.64	5.49	(31.71)	0.30
ICICI Bank (IBN)	5/18/2006 and 08/01/2008	25.28	31.07	10.25	22.92	0.30
Advantage Energy Fund (AAV)	11/2/2006	11.22	5.60	1.85	(50.11)	0.17
Central Europe & Russia Fund (CEE)	Various	39.23	28.06	6.48	(28.46)	0.03
Patni Computers (PTI)	8/10/2007	20.85	16.65	5.49	(20.20)	0.08
Itron Inc. (ITRI)	11/07/2007	85.01	53.38	3.52	(37.28)	None
Anthracite (AHR)	11/09/2007	7.97	0.70	0.23	(91.22)	0.00
Harvest Energy (HTE)	11/28/2007	21.01	5.86	1.55	(72.11)	0.22
iRobot (IRBT)	12/18/2007	18.65	12.70	3.35	(31.32)	None
LDK Solar (LDK)	01/22/2008	30.49	8.94	1.77	(70.68)	None
Aegon N.V. (AEG)	04/28/2008	15.99	7.66	1.52	(52.08)	0.00
TD Ameritrade (AMTD)	05/21/2008	17.68	18.72	4.94	5.85	None
Costco (COST)	08/01/2008	62.28	48.56	3.20	(22.03)	0.07
Frontline Limited (FRO)	10/06/2008	36.95	23.83	2.36	(35.51)	0.17
DryShips Incorporated (DRYS)	02/09/2009	6.96	6.02	2.78	(13.56)	0.00
Plum Creek Timber (PCL)	07/23/2009	30.50	31.37	8.28	2.85	0.46
CPFL Energia S.A. (CPL)	07/28/2009	50.45	54.32	7.17	7.67	0.55
BP plc (BP)	08/05/2009	51.49	52.25	6.90	1.48	0.45
Cash				9.32
Total Portfolio					(17.42)	3.80

• For Altria and Philip Morris International, assumed spin-off ratio of 30.83:69.17. Altria is yet to supply the cost-basis info

Below is a summary of transactions during the year:

Stock	Buy Date	Buy Price	Sell Date	Sell Price	% Gain (Loss)	% Portfolio Return*
DryShips (DRYS)	Various	11.66	01/29/2009	8.96	(23.29)	(1.39)
DryShips Feb 15 Calls (OOCBC)	01/29/2009	0.20	01/16/2009	2.50	922	0.58
Companhia Siderugica Nacional (SID)	Various	11.03	01/29/2009	16.01	44.86	1.73
Taiwan Semi Feb 7.5 Calls (TSMBU)	Expired	NA	01/09/2009	0.90	NA	0.77
Taiwan Semi (TSM)	7/27/2006	8.70	03/03/2009	7.76	NA	(0.78)
Direxion Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS)	03/16/2009	5.09	03/19/2009	6.53	28.31	1.26
Direxion Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS)	03/23/2009	5.94	03/23/2009	6.22	4.63	0.19
Direxion Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS)	03/24/2009	6.45	03/24/2009	7.12	10.30	0.44
Direxion Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ)	03/26/2009	19.67	03/27/2009	19.91	1.22	0.05
Direxion Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS)	03/30/2009	5.49	03/31/2009	5.20	(5.35)	(0.23)
Direxion Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ)	04/09/2009	10.47	04/13/2009	11.03	5.40	0.22
RQCDU – Ericsson April 7.5 Calls	1/21/2009	NA	04/18/2009	7.50	NA	0.65
Ericsson ADR (ERIC)	5/5/2008	11.83	04/18/2009	7.48	(36.80)	(3.04)
FASEB – May 10 calls on FAS	4/27/2009	0.58	04/22/2009	0.90	NA	0.14
FASEJ – May 8 calls on FAS	5/01/2009	0.93	04/30/2009	1.47	NA	0.14
Direxion Financial Bull 3X (FAS)	4/13/2009	9.86	06/18/2009	8.78	(10.95)	(0.47)
FASFI – June 9 calls on FAS	6/18/2009	0.28	05/18/2009	1.52	NA	0.54
Trina Solar (TSL)	Various	24.90	6/20/2009	22.50	(9.65)	(1.05)
TSLFX – June 22.5 calls on TSL	6/20/2009	0	05/27/2009	2.77	NA	1.21
ClickSoftware (CKSW)	11/09/2007	4.61	07/01/2009	6.84	48.37	1.95
ConocoPhilips (COP)	7/29/2009	43.08	08/05/2009	44.44	3.16	0.24
Realized Gain/(Loss) YTD	-	-	-	-	-	3.54

• % Gain/Loss Relative to Portfolio Value at Beginning of Year + Deposits
• The table assumes realization of profits associated with selling options only after the option is exercised or expiry.

Australia Stamps Profile

Australia, a country in the Southern Hemisphere is comprised of the main island, the Island of Tasmania in the South East, and several other smaller islands. Neighboring countries to the North include Indonesia, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea - Australia is pretty much isolated otherwise with only New Zealand to the South East and few other smaller Island nations as neighbors. Indigenous Australians (Aborigines) are known to have inhabited the place as early as 40,000 years ago. The eastern part of Australia was claimed by the British in 1770 and population has grown at a rapid pace ever since – it is estimated that the whole country which is slightly smaller than the size of the 48 contiguous states of the United States was less than 500,000 before European settlers came in – by 1900, the population had grown to almost four million. Even now, despite an aggressive immigration program over the years, the population stands at just under 22 million, making it one of the most scarcely populated countries of the world (~eight per square mile). The commonwealth of Australia was formed on 1 January 1901, when the six colonies (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania) became a federation. The colonies issued their own stamps and these stamps were used until 1913.

The first stamps of Australia were a definitive set of 15 stamps with a “Kangaroo and Map” design with denominations from half-penny to two pounds (Scott #1 to #15) released on 2nd January 1913. The issue is significant in that the design does not incorporate any reference to the Monarch as the Fisher government at the time was opposed to the idea. The set is very valuable with the lower denominations valued at a tens of dollars to a few hundred dollars and the higher denominations valued in the 1000s. The two pound stamp in rose & black (Scott #15) in MNH condition catalogs for almost $9000 – Used copies catalog for about one-third while hinged unused copies go for about half that price. The change of government in June 1914 promptly resulted in the issue of short set of two stamps with a KGV & Kookaburra designs (Scott #17 & Scott #18). The KGV stamp catalogs for around $5 for either Used or MNH while the Kookaburra stamp catalogs for almost $200 for MNH and a one-fourth that for Used. From 1914 to 1927, Australian stamp issues consisted of just two designs – the “Kangaroo and Map” design and a slightly different version of the KGV design. Most of the “Kangaroo and Map” stamps from this period are highly valued especially in higher denominations. Many of the KGV designs and certain varieties also fetch a heavy premium.

On May 9, 1927 Australia issued their first commemorative stamp to mark the opening of the first parliament house in Canberra (Scott #94). The stamp catalogs for under a dollar for either MNH or Used. Vertical & Horizontal Imperf Pairs of this stamp exists but is very rare. Those catalog in the 1000s. Australian flaura & fauna along with the Monarch theme dominated the Australian stamp issues for several years. One significant issue outside of this theme was the “Nurse, Sailor, Soldier, and Aviator” design issued on July 15, 1940 in a set of four stamps (Scott #184 to #187) to represent Austalia’s participation in World War II. The set catalogs for around $20 for either MNH or Used. A set of three stamps with a Peace theme followed after World War II (Scott #200 to #202). This set is fairly common and catalog for around a dollar for either MNH or Used.

Australia issued an Arms set of four high-value stamps in 1949-50 with denominations from five shillings to two pounds (Scott #218 to #221). A MNH copy of this set is valued fairly high at around $200 while a Used set catalogs for just $20. Other significant issues over the years include:

1. A set of two stamps issued in September 1950 to mark the hundredth anniversary of stamp issues in Australia – the stamps (Scott #228 & #229) have the same designs that were used in 1850 by the colonies of Victoria & New South Wales (Queen Victoria & Seal of the Colony respectively). The pair is very affordable and catalogs for about a dollar for Used or MNH.
2. Two separate issue to mark the Melbourne Olympic Games of 1956. The first was a single stamp issued on December 1, 1954 with a design that combines the Olympic Circles Emblem & the Arms of Melbourne. The issue in dark blue (Scott #277) catalogs for less than $3 for either MNH or Used. The second was a set of four stamps (Scott #288 to #291) in three different designs issued on October 31, 1956. The designs were Melbourne Coat of Arms, Olympic Torch, and a beautiful multi-colored design of the Collins Street in Melbourne across the Yarra River. The issue was significant also by the fact that this was the first multi-colored stamp issue of Australia (production was outsourced). This set is also fairly affordable and catalogs for a few dollars. A lithographed miniature version of the set also exists and that has very little philatelic value, as they were not valid for postage and was of private origin.
3. The September 5, 1962 issue to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Australian Inland Mission founded by Rev. John Flynn. This stamp (Scott #346) is also very affordable at under a dollar. The stamp is significant also by the fact that it was the first multicolored issue that was printed in Australia. There is a very scarce error variety of this stamp (Red omitted) and that catalogs for around $400.
4. A set (Scott #375 to #379) of 5 stamps issued in two designs between 1963 and 1965 to honor early European explorers of Australia. The first design incorporates a portrait of Abel Tasman & his ship - the Dutch explorer is credited to have led the first known European expedition to reach Tasmania. The second design incorporates a portrait of George Bass and his Whaleboat – a British surgeon who explored Victoria & Tasmania in 1797. The high-value set (denominations from five shillings to two pounds) catalogs for around $150 for MNH and around $100 for Used.
5. The Foods set of 1972 (Scott #519 to #522) depicting different basic foods (Apple & Banana, Rice, Fish, and Cattle). The set catalogs for around $10 for MNH or Used. A similar set showing themes of Australian Economic Development was released in 1973 (Scott #550 to #553) and this set also catalogs for around $10 for MNH or Used. The designs show Iron Ore & Steel, Truck Convoy, and Aerial Mapping.
6. The animals set of 1981-83 (Scott #784 to #800) depicting 17 different animals. The beautiful set is very affordable at around $10. A sister set depicting sea life was also released 1984-86 (Scott #902 to #920) and is similarly valued.

Australia has a well-developed philatelic community and Australia Post issues several philatelic souvenirs and related items to cater to this community. Within philately per se, such items have limited value.

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Last Updated: 07/2011.

Carnival of road to financial independence #10

Welcome to the August 18, 2009 edition of road to financial independence.

Frugal Living

Kinigirl presents $$ Financial Freedom $$ - Words on Wendhurst posted at Words On Wendhurst.

oneadvice presents What is Good Debt? What is Bad Debt? posted at One Advice, saying, "What is Good Debt? What is Bad Debt? - Understanding the key difference between the two types of debt could help you sort out your finances..."

Stingy Student presents Best Amazon.com Discount Sale - 90% off for Back To School Shopping posted at Stingy Students, saying, "Get up to 90% off at Amazon.com for back to school shopping!"

Finance Tips 101 presents Saving Cash With Coupons ? Three Tips To Keep More of Your Money posted at Finance Tips 101.

PFCreditCards presents How to Save Money With 0% Balance Transfers posted at PF Credit Cards, saying, "0% balance transfers are a great way to save money."

Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents Unexpected Ways Having a Baby Changed Our Budget posted at Cash Money Life, saying, "Having a baby changes your budget in many ways - some of which are unexpected and difficult to plan for."

Renee V. Rouse presents Frugal Business posted at Frugal-Living-Skills Blog, saying, "First, we don’t know how to do math today… People will often spend money to save money
(which is a paradox) or spend money to make money
. We seem to forget that every penny spent has to be earned back. If you spend $1000 to save $500, you’re in the hole for $500."

Mr Credit Card presents Walgreens Online Savings ? Get 5% Off posted at Ask Mr Credit Card.

Barbara Williams presents 100 Money-Saving Hacks for Living Large on a Student Budget posted at Online Courses.

Tyler Tervooren presents Improve Your Water Heater Efficiency And Save $125 A Year posted at Frugally Green, saying, "Don't let your electricity bill get you down. If you spend the next weekend implementing a few really simple changes to your water heater, you could improve its performance by 25% or more. That's cash in your pocket, bank account, or investment portfolio, not to mention less carbon in the atmosphere."

Annette Berlin presents Quick & Frugal Ideas For Summer Fun posted at Craft Stew, saying, "Here a couple of quick and easy ways to keep both you and the kids entertained and satisfied till school starts back again."

Swiftkickinthe.com presents 7 Ways to Save a Little Money Now posted at Swiftkickinthe.com, saying, "I have been doing a little cost cutting on our wedding budget in the last couple of days. And I started thinking about ways to save a little money in our every day budget as well. So why not share the love and write a post on 7 ways to save a little extra money now."

Passive Income

Jimmy Adames presents List Building Tips ? 3 Effortless Ways to Grow a List of Active Subscribers posted at Internet Business Building, saying, "Earning an income using the Internet is much simpler if you have a list of active subscribers. The key to making sure you succeed is to have reliable marketing tools and quality content to provide your customers and prospects. What is holding you back from building a list of active subscribers?"

Online Dividends presents Are Bank Bonuses an ethical way to make money? posted at Blogging Banks.

Pieter presents Introduction posted at FOREX NEWBIE, saying, "The Quest For The Best Automated Forex Trading System"

Patrick @ Military Money presents Is REDUX Retirement Worth it? posted at Military Finance Network, saying, "REDUX is a military retirement option that offers military members a $30,000 Career Service bonus in return for a lower monthly pension. But is it worth it?"

Arthur Pledger presents Blogging as a Side Hustle posted at World Domination with Arthur Pledger.

Rohit presents Dump your savings account..! posted at eMoneyLog, saying, "Thoughts on how High Yield checking accounts have made savings account obsolete."

Outshined presents The Power of Passive Income and Work Ownership posted at Personal Web Guide, saying, "An article that discusses the power of work ownership and passive income. It discusses the most important skills necessary to succeed from the ground up, as well as the mentality needed to start living and working for yourself."

Ray presents Blogging To Make Money Online posted at Money Blue Book.

Reducing Expenses

Ky presents How to Get a Collision Estimate posted at richmond car insurance, saying, "When you car needs service or has been involved in a collision, it can be an anxiety filled process to repair the damage. The price of a collision estimate varies significantly depending on where you get an estimate from, and your insurance company will likely be involved in the process as well. But either way it could be costly, and it's important to do some research to figure out how to go about getting the best deal possible on an estimate."

Wenchypoo presents Wenchypoo's Health Care Proposal posted at Wisdom From Wenchypoo's Mental Wastebasket.

Four Pillars presents 2009 Cash For Clunkers Program - Trade In Your Old Junker For Money posted at Quest For Four Pillars, saying, "A comprehensive look at the new Cash for Clunkers trade-in program."

Miss Bankrupt presents My Deadbeat Television posted at Miss Bankrupt.

BrandonLaughridge presents Credit Scores: How Important Are They? posted at Mortgage Loan Place Blog, saying, "Learn how to improve your credit score and why it matters."

CreditCardAssist.com presents Calculate the Length of Your Credit Card Debt posted at Credit Cards Blog | CreditCardAssist.com, saying, "Post that discusses how to conservatively accelerate paying down the balance on your credit cards to avoid any and all finance charges."

SpendOnLife.com presents College Students: Are You Spending Money Wisely at University? posted at SpendOnLife.ca, saying, "This Canadian post provides tips to college students in on how to pinch pennies during their college days."

Pinyo presents A Game That Will Teach You To Be A Cash Flow Maven posted at Moolanomy, saying, "Learn how to reduce expenses and improve your income with these three classic board games."

Bouch presents My Wife's Spending is out of Control posted at MoneyStance - Money Making Opportunity Reviews.

FIRE Getters presents New Money Rules for Financial Security - #4. Handling Debt posted at FIRE Finance.

Coupon HoundDog presents Simple Savings Rebate Codes posted at Coupon Hound Dog.

My Cool Mommy presents Meals for a month, 30 days of savings! posted at MyCoolMommy.

Stock Investments

MoneyNing presents 401k Plans and My Contribution posted at Money Ning, saying, "The good and the bad of 401k plans and how you should contribute your retirement savings."

Jae Jun presents 2009 Top 40 Best Stocks to Retire On: Part 4 | Old School Value posted at Old School Value, saying, "Analyzed all 40 of Fortune's Best Stocks to Retire on list of 2009. View the results now."

Mike smmrs johnson presents Trading System Intro posted at System Trading | Stocks Trading Systems, saying, "A good trading system is about much more than just selecting stocks. Certainly that is important as well. However, a good trading system will provide the ability for you to protect against losses, manage your money, add proper leverage when necessary, and also select a stock selection maximizing your reward and minimizing your risk."

Vahid Chaychi presents Money Management Is the Critical Part of Forex Trading posted at Forex Signals | Forex Market Analysis | Online Currency Trading Education, saying, "Money management is the most important part of forex trading. Without following the money management rules, forex trading will be nothing but loss."

Stock Trading Brokers presents Investing Basics - Work With an Online Broker For The Right Reasons posted at Stock Trading Brokers, saying, "Remember to know why you are using an online broker."

Darwin presents 14 High Yield Large Caps with Steady Dividends posted at Darwin's Finance, saying, "A perfect list of large caps yielding over 5% with steady dividend histories - a potential way to beat inflation - and the market!"

James Williamson presents Growth Stock Mutual Funds posted at Inside Mutual Funds, saying, "Despite being one of the best forms of investment available, mutual funds are a very confusing topic to many people. In this post we will take a look at growth stock mutual funds and explain the risks and benefits of investing in them."

The Smarter Wallet presents Online Stock Brokers With Cheap Brokerage Fees posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, "On stock brokers and investing."

Investing Toolkit presents Forex Trading Basics: What Is Foreign Currency Trading? posted at Investing Toolkit, saying, "It's part of finance and can be complex, but it's an interesting topic -- foreign currency trading."

ABC presents Investment Real Return posted at ABCs of Investing, saying, "A simple explanation of investment real return."

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of
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using our
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Ascension Stamps Profile

Ascension is a small isolated island nation in the South Atlantic (Lower Antilles) about 1000 miles away from the African Northwest coast and about 1400 miles from South America. Its land area totals less than 40 square miles with a population of just over 1,000. The country is of volcanic origin with a barren landscape predominated by remnants of lava flows and craters. The island was first discovered in 1501 by the Portuguese but remained unpopulated till 1815 when the British military used it as a precaution against the chance of Napolean I trying to escape from his imprisonment in Saint Helena. In 1922, Ascension became a dependency of the British Crown Colony of Saint Helena. Its location makes it a great interim point for communication, ships, and even aircraft – the British installed an under-water cable system from Ascension that connected UK to its colonies in South Africa as early as 1898.

The first stamps of Ascension were a set of 9 stamps of Saint Helena (Scott #61 to #64 and #66 to #70) overprinted “Ascension” in Red or Black released in 1922 (Scott #1 to #9). They were KGV designs showing the KGV head & crown on top. The two designs varied only in the picture at the bottom which was either a Government House or The Wharf in Saint Helena. The original set of Saint Helena issued between 1912 and 1916 are valuable at close to $150 for MNH and twice that for Used. The Ascension overprints are even more so at around $600 for MNH or Used. Forged cancellations exist for all denominations and so collectors need to be careful before paying up for a used set. The first original issues were of very similar design with a “Seal of Colony” and KGV design in similar format. The set consists of 12 stamps (Scott #10 to #21) in single or double colors with denominations from 1/2p to 3sh. This set again is very valuable at around $600 for MNH and close to $700 for a very fine used set. Three other sets and several Common Design types dominated the issues during the early period till 1958 – a set of 10 stamps (Scott #23 to #32) released in 1934 in three different designs (View of Georgetown, Map of Ascension, and Sooty Tern Breeding colony), a set of 16 stamps (Scott #40 to #49 and a few varieties) released between 1938 and 1958 as definitives, and a set of 13 stamps with many local scenes of similar design issued in 1956 (Scott #62 to #74). The sets are valuable with the first cataloging at around $200 MNH and about $150 Used, the 2nd cataloging at $350 MNH and around $200 Used, and the last cataloging for around $125 for MNH and around $75 for Used.

Ascension did not issue any stamps during the period from 1958 to 1963. On May 23, 1963 Ascension commenced issuing stamps again but this time with a dual purpose – a) as a source of income for the islands from the sale of postage stamps to collectors all over the world, and b) for postal use. The first issues were a bird set of 14 stamps (Scott #75 to #88) with denominations from 1p to £1. This set is valued at around $75 for MNH and around $50 for Used. Ascension issued close to one thousand different stamps in the last fifty years, a figure comparable to the current size of the population – it is clear that the vast majority of Ascension stamps issued was for philatelic purposes- as such, most of these stamps have limited catalog value. Some prominent sets include:

1. A set of four stamps issued December 1, 1967 to mark the opening of the BBC’s (British Broadcasting Company) South Atlantic Relay Station in Ascension Island. The gold impressed set (Scott #111 to #114) is very affordable at less than $1 for either MNH or Used.
2. The aircraft set of 1975 in four different designs. The set (Scott #185 to #188) catalogs for around $10 and the souvenir sheet for a few dollars more. The aircrafts in the designs were the US Air force C-141A Starlifter, Royal Air force C-130 Hercules, Vickers VC-10, and US Air force C-5A Galaxy.
3. The 40th anniversary set of the US Wideawake Airfield released on June 15, 1982. The set of four stamps (Scott #309 to #312) catalogs for around $5 for either MNH or Used. The Wideawake Airfield was used as an interim point by American aircrafts crossing the Atlantic on their way to Africa & Europe during World War II.
4. The ships set of 15 stamps released on October 14, 1986. The set (Scott #401 to #415) catalogs for around $30 for MNH or Used.

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Last Updated: 07/2011.
 

Aruba Stamps Profile

Aruba is a small island nation in the Caribbean north of Venezuela in the West Indies (Lower Antilles). Its land area totals less than 75 square miles with a population of just over 100,000. The country is flat and has no rivers. The per-capita GDP is over $22,000. Tourism is the main industry as its white sandy beaches and predictable climate through the year attract close to twenty times its permanent population of tourists every year. The majority come from Venezuela and the United States. Aruba was part of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986 when it earned a separate status within the Kingdom of Netherlands.

The first stamps of Aruba were a set of 16 (Scott #1 to #16) depicting local scenes released following independence in 1986. The designs included Traditional House, Lighthouse, Owl, Pre-Colombian bisque pot, and Aloe plant. The whole set catalogs for around $20 MNH and $15 Used. Aruba has released around 300 different stamps and many were issued as CTOs. This makes it fairly easy to accumulate a complete collection of Aruba. eBay also has listings selling the complete collection for a few hundred dollars, although with patience one can accumulate the same collection from a series of auctions for a little less. The second set also released in January 1986 is the Independence Set of four stamps (Scott #18 to #21) in different designs – Map of Aruba, Coat of Arms, National Anthem, and Flag were the themes. This set is also very affordable at less than $10 MNH and less than half that for Used (CTOs).

Tourism is the mainstay of the Aruban economy. As such, Aruba released a couple of stamps in June 1987 in that theme. The set (Scott #27 and #28) show a Beach & Sea and Rock & Cacti designs, representing the unique features of Aruba (dry with white sandy beaches) that make it a major attraction for tourists. Global designs (Environment, Equality, etc) and local flora & fauna dominated the theme for Aruba stamps during the period till 2000. On January 31, 2002, Aruba released a set of three stamps (Scott #212 to #214) with airport themes - the majority of the tourists fly in and so the airports are of major importance. These catalog for around $5 either MNH or Used.

Aruba earned its place in modern world history because of its prominent role in World War II as a major supplier of refined fuel to the allies from its refineries – German U-BOAT 156 attacked the refinery on February 16, 1942 but was unsuccessful in destroying it due to a blunder by the main gunman. A set of three stamps were released on September 9, 2002 (Scott #222 to #224) to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the event. The designs show the U-BOAT attacking the Lago refinery, the aftermath of the attach that show a tanker in flames and a torpedo ashore, and a statue of “Boy” Ecury a freedom fighter against German occupation in Holand during World War II, born in Oranjestad Aruba’s capital city.

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Last Updated: 07/2011.

Vacationing in Cancun – Gotchas to avoid for frugal travelers

This follow-up article on our Cancun vacation is geared towards frugal minded folks hoping to stretch their vacation dollars in Cancun. Our hints can be summarized as:

• Exchange Rate: In mid-June 2009, the exchange rate stood at 13.60 pesos per US dollar. We opted to exchange US dollars for Pesos at the hotel every morning and their rate averaged at 12.90. The exchange rate at the Hotel is comparable to that at the airport, banks, and other places and no particular advantage is gained by choosing one over the other. Several suggestions indicate currency conversion as unnecessary since US dollars is accepted most everywhere. Further, barring groceries and similar small items, prices are listed in Pesos and USD. In our experience, dealing in Pesos stretched the dollar – though the exchange rate varied among stores it was almost always less than 12 pesos to a US dollar. Change is given back in Pesos and more than 50% is lost on small items with US dollars as no change is returned for items priced between six to twelve Pesos – a classic example is the bus ticket where no change is given in Pesos by paying with a dollar.
• Bus System: Local bus fare is 7.5 pesos and is independent of the distance as long as the travel is within the hotel zone or Cancun proper. The transportation system is very efficient with buses every few minutes. Using taxis for transportation purposes is comparatively more expensive and is almost never a choice for frugal travelers - the bus operates 24 hours in the hotel zone. Of the four routes that service the hotel zone, Route 1 and Route 2 are downtown bound and hence more frequent. There is a caveat though - avoid using it like a hop-on, hop-off service. Every trip counts and it makes sense to plan your route beforehand. There is no need to tip the bus driver but giving back the ticket intact as you exit acts as one.
• Gratuity: Tipping is expected for everything with even a resemblance of a service. US rates (around 15% to 20%) are the norm for restaurants – sometimes restaurant include tip in the bill so be on the alert to avoid double paying. The frugal approach with respect to trivial services is to go along with it to prevent unpleasantness but focus on avoiding situations that calls for a tip as much as possible. For example, the airport is crowded with sales people and others eager to provide a service. Not engaging in a conversation with any of them helps to stay ahead of the game – book transportation to the hotel online before-hand and their personnel will get in touch with you.
• Hotels: There are plenty of rooms with ocean views and from our experience, getting into one of them at a reasonable price is possible by reserving early. However it pays to do comparison shopping across sites, and exercise patience before committing. The only decision to be made before reserving is whether or not to go for an all-inclusive option. Unless one is into imbibing a lot, it is easy to get around on $20 or so per day by making frugal choices on where to eat. Further, the benefits of the ‘all-inclusive’ option are diminished should one venture out of the hotel zone. For our purposes, the Cancun Caribe Park Royal was ideal. It was not all inclusive but as the facility, the view, and the service was well above par for a 4-star hotel.
• Food: Usually a mall or a restaurant is accessible within half a mile of one’s hotel location. In general, restaurants outside of the hotel are a better deal than those located within one. We used room service twice for breakfast but watched out for what we ordered. Full-service and other chain restaurants are priced at double the food-court prices in some of the malls. For example, at the Forum-by-the-Sea mall (Km 9.5 -a smaller mall within the first mile from the hotel) a pharmacy cum convenience store in the 2nd level housed an array of drinks and ice-cream priced for under a dollar. The food court (upper level) had fast food options, a burrito station (good), and Hong Kong express (worth a miss). In addition to open seating in the common area, “balcony” seating was available with great views of the beach and ocean – right above Chili’s seating at ground-level.
• Shopping: For Cancun/Mexican themed items, the hotel gift shop, premium stores at the malls, outlet stores at Kulkulcan, and Mercado’s all carry similar products the difference being the price. For those lacking excellent bargaining skills, the best bet is the outlet stores. We found good quality T-shirts and hats priced in the $7 to $20 range at the “Mexican Outlet” store in Flamingo plaza.
• Tours: It is best to book your tours online before embarking on the trip. This allows for the vacation to start early. Also, one can bypass sales pitches for time shares and other things. Though many choose to reserve after reaching Cancun for the flexibility it provides - the chance of last minute deals, the chance of earning a free tour as reward for sitting through a sales presentation of some kind (mostly time shares and variants) – the majority is left disappointed for one reason or the other…

Last Updated: 02/2011.

Related Posts:

1. Cancun Trip Report.
2. Day tour to Chichen-Itza.
3. Vacationing in Cancun - Gotchas to avoid for frugal travelers.

Armenia Stamps Profile

Armenia is a land-locked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. Its land area totals less than 12,000 square miles with a population of just over three million. The country mostly consists of mountainous terrain – nevertheless, it is densely populated at over 250 per square mile. The per-capita GDP is around $5,000. Armenia is considered the first state to adopt Christianity as its religion on 301 AD as the Kingdom of Armenia. As a Christian dominated country controlled by the Ottoman Empire, Armenia has a bloody history that culminated with the Armenian genocide in 1915-16. After World War I, Russia started its control over Armenia with brief interruptions in the early years. Armenia became an independent country on August 23, 1991 as the first non-Baltic republic to secede.

The first stamps of Armenia were Russian stamps of 1902-12 (Scott #73) with two different types (black & violet) surcharge overprints issued in 1919. It is a coat of arms design with the Imperial Eagle and Post Horns. Both the Russian stamp and the overprints are fairly common with the former cataloging at just 20c and the Armenian overprints in the $1 range. Several other overprints on different varieties of the same design were used in the first two years. The first original designs were prepared in 1920 and consisted of ten stamps in three designs. They were issued only for fiscal use – SPECIMEN overprints & imperf varieties also exist. They are valued at about $5. The period through 1923 saw issues in 25 different designs in a series of sets. The original issued sets are common while the surcharged overprints are much more valuable. Here again, collectors need to be careful as counterfeits exist. Also, some sets were not officially issued. The most valuable stamps during this period is a long-set of overprints on Scott #300 to #309 with handstamped surcharge of new values in Rose, Violet, or Black. The set (Scott #310 to #333) catalogs for around $1000 MNH or Used but collectors have to be very careful as forgeries exist.

1923 saw stamps of the Transcaucasian Federated Republics which consisted of the former autonomies of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia replacing Armenian issues. The designs were mostly Russian symbols and overprints on certain Armenian stamps. The first stamps issued in a set of 8 consisted of Russian stamps of 1909-17 overprinted and surcharged in Black or Red. The set catalogs for around $50 MNH and a little less for Used. The republic existed only till October of that year and Russian stamps were used from that point on till 1991.

The first stamp of Armenia after independence was issued on May 28, 1992 (Scott #430). It depicts Mount Ararat which has great geopolitical significance for Armenia and their irredentism – the mountain is located in Anatolia which is a Turkish province, but Armenians revere the mountain as symbolizing their national identity – it is also featured in their coat of arms. The stamp catalogs for about a dollar. A souvenir sheet depicting Eagle & Mount Ararat was issued soon after (Scott #431). This catalogs for around $50 either MNH or Used.

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Last Updated: 07/2011.