In Part XII: Bonds, reader Chronicrants commented: “I’d love to see more on deflation. I’ve always been confused about it and about it’s consequences. It seems like it would be a good thing, and yet….” Great point, and what better topic, I thought, for unlucky number 13 in this series! Unfortunately, I forgot that was… [Continue Reading]
Stocks Part XIV: Deflation, the Ugly Escort of Depressions
In Part XII: Bonds, reader Chronicrants commented: “I’d love to see more on deflation. I’ve always been confused about it and about it’s consequences. It seems like it would be a good thing, and yet….” Great point, and what better topic, I thought, for number 13 in this series! Unfortunately, I forgot that was my… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part XIII: The 4% Rule, Withdrawal Rates and How Much Can I Spend Anyway?
4%. Maybe more. So, you’ve followed the jlcollinsnh big three: You’ve avoided debt. You’ve spent less than you’ve earned. You’ve invested the surplus. Eggs by Sergey Gusev Now you’re sitting on your stash and wondering just how much you can spend each year and not run out. This could be stressful, but it really should… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part XII: Bonds
Well. Here we are in Part XII of our series on Stocks. And the subject is bonds. What’s up with that?? When I first began this series the plan was for maybe four or five segments. Sure enough, those focused on stocks. But then we looked at some portfolio ideas and some other stuff, like… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part XI: International Funds
In Part VI of this series we looked at some portfolio ideas to build and keep your wealth. Last time, in The Smoother Path to Wealth, we did much the same and we discussed the concept of Asset Allocation a bit as well. In keeping with the overall financial theme of the blog, we strive to keep our investments… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part X: What if Vanguard Gets Nuked?
You don’t have to read very far into this blog to know I am a strong proponent of investing in Vanguard index funds. Indeed, you’ll find this in the Manifesto: Vanguard. End of story. Understandably, this raises some questions. Today let’s look at the four most common: 1. What makes Vanguard so special? When Jack Bogle… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part IX: Why I Don’t Like Investment Advisors
During a recent trip to Ohio I caught up with RMak, a fellow member of a motorcycle forum I frequent. Later he posted a report on our meeting and in describing me said: “Out stepped a mountain of a man…this guy looked to be a cross between John Wayne, Justin Bieber and Bigfoot.” Kinder than… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part VIII: The 401K, 403b, TSP, IRA & Roth Buckets
In Part IV we looked at some sample portfolios built from the three key Index Funds I favor, plus cash. Those four are what we call investments. But in our complex world we must next consider where to hold these investments. That is, in which bucket should which investment go? There are two types of… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part VII: Can Everyone Really Retire a Millionaire?
“I wonder if it would actually be possible for every single person to retire a millionaire?” That very provocative question was posed in the comments by reader mmrempen a few posts back. It’s been rattling around in my brain ever since. The short answer is a qualified “Yes!” It is possible for every middle class wage… [Continue Reading]
Stocks — Part VI: Portfolio Ideas to Build and Keep Your Wealth
Today we’re gonna look at the fun stuff. What, exactly, can we use to build and keep our wealth. I’m going to give you three portfolios each using the tools (funds) we discussed last time. First will be exactly what I tell my 20-year-old to do. She couldn’t care less about investing. With this simple… [Continue Reading]
