Cheap ETFs, AI Bubble Or Not, Flying Tesla Roadster, Amex Platinum Credit Changes

Another TBB post featuring the most eclectic links around the web such as the cheap ETFs, AI bubble or not, the flying Tesla Roadster, the Amex Platinum credit changes, haunted cemeteries, elderly care experts, best bridges, every lighthouse in the world, only the best photography and Thailand links and of course always all of the most important developments in the crazy world of frequent flyer miles and points at the lower half of the post. And much more. Enjoy the weekend.

 

Blog Mission: To Educate. Entertain. Inspire. In That Order!

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This blog started way back in 2012 focusing on my crazy hobby addiction of traveling with frequent flyer miles, hotel and bank points. It has since evolved to curated posts featuring the best web content along with my commentary.

 

BLOG HOUSEKEEPING

This is truly a one man labor of love operation, enjoy it while it lasts.

There will be changes to the blog starting in 2027 because the present format/structure is not sustainable.

On the personal front, I was planning to enter semi retirement in my main job (blogging is NOT it) starting in 2027 but the colleague planning to take over 3/4 of my firm had a sudden change of heart so therefore I am not retiring. Whoever said retiring is hard was right on. I elaborate more about how it will impact the blog going forward in the MY ACTION AND BLOG BUZZING section of the blog.

Serenity now…

The 17th Epson International Pano Awards Running on Salt Aerial. Dead Sea, Israel. PhotoCredit:ShimonPerlstein

 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

 

“Be a free thinker and don’t accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you believe in” – Aristotle

 

PERSONAL FINANCE

Must read: Your ‘Cheap’ ETF Costs More Than You Think. The costs of many popular funds have barely budged even though assets have soared. I have been in the wealth management industry for a long time. And I have been a huge fan of broad based Vanguard ETFs all along. When you can pay 0.03% for, say an S&P 500 ETF while you have an S&P 500 ETF from another company that costs substantially more than that for the same stocks…you are being taken advantage of. Unless that advisor makes it up on service…yeah, I doubt it. Be careful out there!

It’s that time and be careful if this applies to you: Shopping for Your 2027 Medicare Coverage Is Extra Important Now. Be sure to read your mail this fall — big changes to prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage provider networks are coming, and could cost you more.

Another link that deals with aging. Something that we are all hopefully going to experience. Because the alternative being buried six feet under is much worse! These Professionals May Be the Best Kept Secret in Elder Care. They can arrange a move to a senior living facility, deal with Medicare and Medicaid, recommend doctors, drive a client to the dentist, and much more. They used to be called geriatric care managers by the way. And about ten years ago they rebranded and are now known as aging life care managers. Their association’s website is here: AgingLifeCare.Org. Which includes a directory as well.

 

AI/TECH

Interesting quotes: 100 leaders call their shot on work and AI in 2027. I predict most of them will be wrong.

I enjoyed this video. You take an AI fan boy and a guy betting against it and let them go at each others’ throats: Is There an AI Bubble? A Debate. I actually follow the AI guy on Substack and I like the other guy’s arguments better but his delivery is so arrogant.

This is great! SynthID Detector. Identify AI generated media. 

 

SCAMS/CRYPTO

I am adding this one here in this section to mess with some of you Elon fan boys: The incredible flying Tesla Roadster is just for show. It’s OK to marvel at the stunt — it’s pure spectacle. If you are going to bitch here please read the article first. If you were one of the people who paid $50,000 for a deposit back in 2018…lol. Then again, you probably got tired of waiting and bought one of the few hideous Cybetrucks.

Since we are on the subject of Elon, this is a fun interactive site: Spend Elon Musk’s Money. You can always spend some on some obscure blogger blogging away for the love of the craft since 2012.

 

 

 

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3 Comments

  1. Wow, thanks for so much good stuff to carry me through the weekend like always! Sorry the retirement plans got changed but who knows, maybe a better guy will come along to take over. Sounds like the travel for the family is going good too! Thanks for all this, I know it is work and I do not know how you do it but am sure glad you do!

    Me, it is the cardiologist again today and later on a CT scan and then some surgical stuff in February unless they can move it up (unlikely). I suspect no travel until after that. Ugh. I am hoping to be in Italy for my 70th birthday next year though, that is the goal.

    Have a good weekend and my best to you and your family!

  2. George – sorry to hear about your retirement plans. I’m actually trying to figure out my own (far too early) retirement right now also, which is why I’m able to blog again! Whenever I log in, I creep on your updates on facebook lol.

    Thanks for the link. Already up to 5 views from it lol. I’ve been working on A LOT of awesome updates to the blog for a while, which are almost done. I’ll be sharing everything in a post soon!

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