Once upon a time there was a good family man. He paid his bills, saved diligently, and planned for the future. What he couldn’t anticipate was medical bills that pushed him to the brink of bankruptcy. When they finally ended he was down to $70 in the bank…
retirement
Horse Laugh Time
Bashing index funds is a popular theme, but do the criticisms have value?
There are reasons to prefer index funds (now 18% of funds):
- Supported by academic research.
- Supported by history.
- Most active managers don’t beat the index.
- Index funds have tax advantages and lower fees.
A well-meaning blogger touts the CGM Focus Fund as being spectacularly better than the S&P 500. Let’s give him credit for courage, and then demolish his ideas.
Who’s on my side? – Part 2 – Custodians
Admittedly, a guard cat is ideal in many ways. We rescued a feral cat who takes the business of defending her house very seriously. She growls and runs to the door when the doorbell rings.
Not everyone has Smoggy the Death Cat, so whom should you entrust with your investments?
Powerball: Threat or Menace?
How should we think about Powerball?
- Harmless indulgence?
- Best option for retirement?
- Self destruction 2 bucks at a time?
- At least it helps the schools?
- Preys on the poor?
Who’s on my side? – Part 1 – Financial Advisors
Do you need a financial advisor/broker/expert?
What is an advisor for?
What is an advisor obligated to do for you?Do you even need an advisor?
What is an advisor for?
What is an advisor obligated to do for you?Do you even need an advisor?
Shouldn’t Investing be Fun?
Should investing be fun or a grim, relentless, chore?
There’s a lot at stake depending on how we answer:
- If it’s unpleasant, maybe we won’t do it.
- If it’s fun, maybe it’s a waste, like lottery tickets.
Is it Hard to Start Investing?
Do you have problems getting started? Most people do, so the same solutions that work for them should work for you. Don’t feel you have to begin perfectly and accomplish everything immediately–that’s not how anything else in your
life has ever worked.
How Do I Start Investing?
Saving enough for retirement, putting money aside for your kid’s college education, figuring out what you need when and how to get it – these are daunting. Where do you begin?