February 13, 2010
Dear Readers
I have some good news and some bad news. Luckily the bad news is behind us. But I still need your help!
The Good
The good news is that we have experienced record interest in the blog. This is largely a function of your continual support (as well as receiving links by fellow bloggers) . I thank you so much. As a guy who spends 3-4 hours a day (blogging) and probably 15 hours on his weekends; your visits (and support) make me feel like I have the best readers in the blogosphere.
The Bad
The recent burst in traffic exposed several vulnerabilities for SimoleonSense. In the past week, readers of this blog experienced numerous problems; mainly slow loading times and frozen email subscriptions. Luckily, many of you emailed me and told me about your concerns. Since then I have worked nonstop to insure that the blog is protected. I’m happy to say that the bad times are behind us. However, given my cautious nature I will take a break today from posting to ensure and double check (yes with a checklist) that the blog and website are operating properly.
How You Can Help!
Please visit SimoleonSense.com and tell me if things appear to be working normally. Then email me at Miguel [at] simoleonsense [dot] com Thanks.
Closing
SimoleonSense now operates on a dedicated sever that can handle the demands of extreme traffic spikes. In other words, unless I end up on the Oprah Show (or better yet have lunch with Buffett) we should be in the clear….
Thanks again for your support, vigiliance, and goodwill.
Miguel Barbosa
Founder of SimoleonSense.com
December 17, 2009
Happy Holidays Readers,
My friends at the Manual of Ideas are promoting a special offer for SimoleonSense readers which includes a free Kindle…Take a look below! The offer lasts until Dec 22nd.
Remember you only get the kindle if you subscribe via the special link and follow the directions below!
-Miguel
________________________________________________________________________
The Manual Of Ideas is promoting a special offer for SimoleonSense readers interested in the Portfolio Manager’s Review -
Offering: —Subscribe To The Portfolio Mangers Review by December 22nd and receive:
Free bi-weekly 10×45 Bargain Hunter (Report) and the monthly
Free Downside Protection Report
Plus each new subscriber will also receive a brand new FREE Kindle Wireless Reading Device, brought to you in partnership with Amazon.com.
Before You Subscribe Here’s A Free Full Sample Issue:
You might be interested in reading an excerpt of the latest issue and an entire recent issue of Portfolio Manager’s Review, the acclaimed monthly publication of The Manual of Ideas. Inside the reports, you’ll find profiles of some of the top holdings of more than twenty respected value investors, along with exclusive interviews and other features.
Directions & How To Subscribe (Must subscribe Dec 22nd for free Kindle!)
Step 1. Subscribe via the following special link.
Subscription must be made by Tuesday, December 22nd. (checks not accepted)
http://www.manualofideas.com/pmr.html
Step 2. To Receive a Kindle you must email your name to support@manualofideas.com and reference the SimoleonSense offer.
Note: Income received by SimoleonSense for this offer will be used to cover operating costs. Thanks for your Support!
November 26, 2009
List Of What Your Editor And Founder Of SimoleonSense Is Giving Thanks For:
1. Winning The Ovarian Loterry (Insert Your Own Name For God Here)- By this I mean having been lucky enough to be born in Europe and moving to the United States. I’m also lucky for being born without any defects and having the opportunity to grow up in an environment lacking any significant socio,economic, or political constraints.
2. My Parents – I truly have the best parents one could ask for. They are supportive of my pursuits and have also consented to support me as I take a year off after school to find job opportunities and run SimoleonSense. These are the people who have invested in me for 24 years and have brought me up to become a citizen of the world. They have taught me how to be an entrepreneur, a thinker, a student of society, and a man. My fathers realistic outlook on the world and my mothers optimism have proven to be an essential balance to understanding the financial markets and getting along with others in everyday affairs. (Si estais leyendo esto os quiero mucho!)
3. My Friends & Acquaintances – Who are scattered throughout the world and are the best people one could hope to meet. Had I met only 1/10th of you I would already be the luckiest person in the world.
4. My Girl friend – Julie- Who is probably second to my parents the most important person in my life. I liken meeting her to buying Berkshire Hathaway in 1970’s and then marrying a witty Salma Hayek the next day. Julie, is the smartest, funniest, and good hearted person I could possibly be with.
5. My Education – Which has always been nonconformist and balanced with self study. Particularly, I am fortunate to have stumbled across the Internet, The Intelligent Investor, Stumbling on Happiness, A Man’s Search For Meaning, The Blackswan, and Warren Buffett. I should probably also take the time to be thankful to my high school guidance counselor who encouraged me to become an avid reader of books.
6. My Readers At SimoleonsSense – We have been in operation for a short 3 months and have already reached the 7000 visitor mark with approximately 110 subscribers (via RSS). Our visitors are from 96 countries and approximately 60% of our readers come back the next day to see what we have to say.
In essence 95% of the time in my life I have been lucky. The other 5% requires being smart enough to realize how lucky I am.
Thank you for being a wonderful audience, I am delighted to have such an intelligent cast of global readers. I promise to continue to deliver content which I believe can make you a better investor.
Have a Wonderful ThanksGiving !
Miguel A Barbosa
November 12, 2009
I just received this message from the SumZero founders. As I have said many times I’m interested in inviting many more people to the community. If you are a buysider (analyst, portfolio manager, researcher) or have compelling investment writeups please email me for an invite to SumZero at: Miguel@SimoleonSense.com
Letter From The Founders Of SumZero
Thanks to SumZero members, SumZero has grown to be the leading online community of buyside investment professionals with nearly 3,000 members and 5,000 companies in the SumZero database – members routinely use the database to set up conversations with other buyside analysts who follow the same names they do and wish to trade notes. ..there are now over 1,500 investment ideas in the SumZero idea database and over 100 financial models (including LBO, 3 Statement, Merger models, etc.). Finally, expect a robust job vault in the coming weeks as SumZero partners with leading hedge fund recruiting firms and hedge fund human resources departments to offer specific career opportunities.
Additional Information On SumZero
The following is a very long article in FINalternatives (a hedge fund trade publication):
http://www.finalternatives.com/node/7348
SeekingAlpha:
http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/103990-zack-miller/10539-expert-investment-community-sumzero-coming-soon-to-a-hedge-fund-near-you
The SumZero guest page for a blurb on the site:
www.sumzero.com/guest
Please email me for an invite to SumZero at: Miguel@SimoleonSense.com
October 29, 2009
Today I had the fortune of speaking with Jack Kahn producer of Nightly Business Report’s latest series “Your Mind Your Money“. I was honored to learn that Nightly Business Report used SimoleonSense to research the field of Behavioral Finance. They have also very kindly linked to us (on their Lessons Learned page).
Again, I am honored and ecstatic! Thank you readers.
Click Here To Follow NBR’s Your Mind Your Money Series
Video Series Introduction
“Are your investment decisions always logical? Or, do psychological and emotional glitches trip you up?”
Behavioral finance teaches us few people always make logical investment decisions. Psychological and emotional biases get in the way. NBR’s year-long “Your Mind and Your Money” series aims to help investors understand those biases and make more rational decisions.
Reports and interviews will appear in the NBR program on select Mondays, and additional information — including companion articles from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance — will appear here regularly. Behavioral finance is a relatively new field of study, so make sure you consult a financial advisor for practical advice about investing.
Favorite Your Mind Your Money Resources:
1. Too Many Cooks Spoil the Profits: Investment Club Performance
Click Here To Follow NBR’s Your Mind Your Money Series
October 19, 2009
Dear Readers,
I’m excited to announce a new offering from the Manual Of Ideas – The European Value Report. Each month, the European Value Report will present subscribers the top two investment ideas in Europe. These ideas will be selected by the Manual of Ideas research team- the team has extensive experience researching international companies.
You can preview a free copy of the European Value Report by Clicking Here
I highly recommend signing up for a 30-day free trial of right now (click here and then fill out the brief form in the top right-hand corner). You’ll be very happy you did so.
Disclaimer: I personally use the Manual Of Ideas as a source of generating investment ideas and managing my money. I also receive a small payment for each subscriber who signs up for the service, I use these proceeds to run SimoleonSense.
The Special Offer Only Available for SimoleonSense Readers:
If you purchase the downside protection report You Will receive the following special bonus:
1. Your choice of one of the following three investment classics: “The Essays of Warren Buffett,” Ben Graham’s “The Interpretation of Financial Statements” or “Once in Golconda: A True Drama of Wall Street, 1920-1928.”
2.You will also receive Sam Walton’s autobiography, “Made in America.” This is a wonderful insight into the mindset of a true entrepreneur, and every businessman and investor can learn a lot from it.
October 9, 2009
Dear Readers,
SimoleonSense headquarters has moved to Chicago. I am excited to work from here and I look forward to meeting any readers in the area. If you are interested in meeting ( for coffee, beer, etc) email me a Miguel@simoleonsense.com
Best,
Miguel
Founder of SimoleonSense.com “Enriching Ideas For Intelligent Investors”
September 16, 2009
Dear Readers,
Today will be a slow posting day (meaning I will post after 6pm). I am in job interviews all day.
Best,
Miguel
September 4, 2009
Dear Readers,
We are still actively recruiting investors and buy side analysts. To join, email the following: miguel [at] simoleonsense.com . In order to accept the most qualified analysts we ask that you outline your investing background/resume and include an investment writeup (500 words max). Your emails as always will be kept in the strictest confidence.
For those of you visiting SimoleonSense for the first time.
SumZero is essentially like Value Investors Club with a broader focus. Although the network is invite only, it’s not closed to new members. I joined SumZero a while ago and found some interesting investments and contacts. My favorite feature is that analysts from many of the top hedge funds (Baupost, ESL, Bridgewater, etc) post their investment ideas. One last thing though, this network isn’t for everyone, you are expected to have some write-ups or at least quick ideas to share.In case you want additional information below are some articles about SumZero. Let me know if you think of anyone else (students, investors, or analysts) whom I can invite.
1. Fin Alternatives On SumZero: http://www.finalternatives.com/node/7348
2. Seeking Alpha on SumZero: http://seekingalpha.com/instablog/103990-zack-miller/10539-expert-investment-community-sumzero-coming-soon-to-a-hedge-fund-near-you
3. SumZero Guest Page: www.sumzero.com/guest
-Miguel
Founder Of SimoleonSense.com
August 17, 2009
Dear Readers,
I’m happy to report that today is the 1 Year Anniversary of SimoleonSense. Thank you for supporting us. I started this blog as an outlet for my passion and as a means of attracting interesting people into my life. I never imagined SimoleonSense would grow so quickly or that I would meet such high quality people. Many of the friendships I have made through here have become extended family. Thank you again for sharing your precious time.
Cordially,
Miguel Barbosa, Founder Of SimoleonSense.com “Enriching Ideas for Intelligent Investors”
P.S. *Just as Warren Buffett would write to his partners once a year-so will I. Below are the stats for the year. Also, I am very interested in hearing from you. Please email me your stories-as many of you know I enjoy corresponding with each visitor.
What SimoleonSense has contributed:
1559 Posts
41 Weekly Wisdom Roundups
17 Newsletter Issues
180 Nightly Investment Links
Our Traffic Results:
200,000 visits from 180 Countries
50% Retention Rate
300 RSS subscribers (feed burner has some interesting accounting this number is likely much higher)
300+ Newsletter Subscribers
296 Followers on Twitter
194 Facebook Followers
Our Mission:
My ongoing mission remains the same – To deliver enriching content that will make you a better decision maker, investor, & citizen
