My favorite investing book: “Winning the Loser’s Game”, because it uses tennis as an analogy. Most points in tennis are lost, not won; the way to win is to avoid unforced errors. This book solidified my conviction that buying index funds, for me, was the simplest, most error-free method to become wealthy.
When I backpacked across Europe for 3 months when I was 27 I carried, and used extensively, “Let’s Go Europe”. Written by Harvard students sent to scout areas the guide was my bible. And the writing was quite good, too! On packing I still follow this gem, “Pack as light as you can, then when you are done, cut it in half and bring more money”.
I think FIRECalc is the best one out there. Allows for many different income sources, timing of those sources, and cost and spending models. And it is free.
What a great memory, Jonathan. I, too, was a competitive distance runner earlier in my life, and I have known similar race emotions.
One of the greatest experiences I would relive is backpacking for three months across Europe, in my 20s, right after the Berlin Wall fell and Eastern Europe opened up to visitors. It was an exhilarating journey!
Another interesting thing about “Pride and Prejudice” is I seem to recall the upper middle classes “living on the four percents”, i.e. interest in long-duration government bonds (consuls). Sort of like our modern day 4 percent rule.
I did something similar 2 years ago, but used CDs for years 1 and 2, the US Treasury Notes for year 3. Not sure if this was any better, but wanted the option to sell the Notes, without penalty, if needed. I also maintain about a years worth of expenses in a high yield money market fund.
I, too, Jonathan underbought my house. And nearly 25 years—and several years paid off—later I am still living in it. Built in 1942, its a “Minimal Traditional” 2 BR, 1BA, just 900 sq ft. But it has a full basement, which I utilized as my work space for my side hustle for 15 years. With even my 15 year mortgage much lower than most of my peers 30 year versions I socked away the extra savings in my taxable brokerage account, leading to early financial independence.
Jonathan,
What a sudden shock to read this. I have followed your sage financial guidance since your “Getting Going” column at the WSJ. I wish you the best as you face this, and perhaps your prognosis is better than you anticipate right now.
Comments
My favorite investing book: “Winning the Loser’s Game”, because it uses tennis as an analogy. Most points in tennis are lost, not won; the way to win is to avoid unforced errors. This book solidified my conviction that buying index funds, for me, was the simplest, most error-free method to become wealthy.
Post: How Not To Invest
Link to comment from October 11, 2025
When I backpacked across Europe for 3 months when I was 27 I carried, and used extensively, “Let’s Go Europe”. Written by Harvard students sent to scout areas the guide was my bible. And the writing was quite good, too! On packing I still follow this gem, “Pack as light as you can, then when you are done, cut it in half and bring more money”.
Post: Is 4.7% the New 4% Safe Withdrawal Rate
Link to comment from August 23, 2025
I think FIRECalc is the best one out there. Allows for many different income sources, timing of those sources, and cost and spending models. And it is free.
Post: Recommendations for Retirement Planning Tools
Link to comment from August 2, 2025
What a great memory, Jonathan. I, too, was a competitive distance runner earlier in my life, and I have known similar race emotions. One of the greatest experiences I would relive is backpacking for three months across Europe, in my 20s, right after the Berlin Wall fell and Eastern Europe opened up to visitors. It was an exhilarating journey!
Post: Hitting Repeat
Link to comment from April 5, 2025
I am glad I found this forum of folks with similar investing philosophies as mine: I am doing nothing in reaction to recent market events.
Post: Tariffs and our retirement assets
Link to comment from April 5, 2025
Another interesting thing about “Pride and Prejudice” is I seem to recall the upper middle classes “living on the four percents”, i.e. interest in long-duration government bonds (consuls). Sort of like our modern day 4 percent rule.
Post: All Hat No Cattle
Link to comment from August 17, 2024
I did something similar 2 years ago, but used CDs for years 1 and 2, the US Treasury Notes for year 3. Not sure if this was any better, but wanted the option to sell the Notes, without penalty, if needed. I also maintain about a years worth of expenses in a high yield money market fund.
Post: Question of Interest
Link to comment from August 10, 2024
Interesting. Something I should look into.
Post: Question of Interest
Link to comment from August 10, 2024
I, too, Jonathan underbought my house. And nearly 25 years—and several years paid off—later I am still living in it. Built in 1942, its a “Minimal Traditional” 2 BR, 1BA, just 900 sq ft. But it has a full basement, which I utilized as my work space for my side hustle for 15 years. With even my 15 year mortgage much lower than most of my peers 30 year versions I socked away the extra savings in my taxable brokerage account, leading to early financial independence.
Post: Turning on a Dime
Link to comment from August 10, 2024
Jonathan, What a sudden shock to read this. I have followed your sage financial guidance since your “Getting Going” column at the WSJ. I wish you the best as you face this, and perhaps your prognosis is better than you anticipate right now.
Post: The C Word
Link to comment from June 15, 2024