I’m sure you are aware of the risk of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
I’m sure you are aware of the riskS of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
75 years old. 76% in equities (large % in US) 8% short term bonds (VUSB), and 16% VG money market. We have a mixture of 8 ETFs and 7 long held stocks. We have no pension and each have SS. Fortunately the portfolio is very large so the cash position can carry us through any downturn, along with SS. We have no debt either.
I was in the financial services industry starting in the 1980’s and was compensated from product sales. Then I became manager of one of the world’s largest financial firms in a wealthy retirement city in florida. Compensation came from selling investments. I read a lot and studied the CFP materials but did not go for the title. I didn’t need it, but the knowledge was helpful. I retired in 2015. Now at age 75 I manage our investments at Vanguard, and they are set up so that my wife doesn’t have to do anything if I am not around. My wife is not involved and does not want to be. I don’t see the value of using Vanguard managers because of the way the portfolio is set up. Income needs are taken care of and market ups and downs can be ridden out. CurrentlyI am bored and about to sign up for the RICP program just to keep busy and to stay abreast of any new things that come up. Maybe I’ll volunteer to help retires with their income strategies.
One reason financial planners aren’t reaching those who need it most may be that those who need it most don’t have enough money to interest the financial planning firms. If you look at the average net worth of individuals or families, it is not worth it financially for the planners.
We can raise taxes without punishing wealth accumulation or attack success. Many of the extremely wealthy pay little to no tax. Many with huge equity portfolios borrow against those and never pay taxes.
Comments
I’m sure you are aware of the risk of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
I’m sure you are aware of the riskS of a margin loan. If for some reason the market drops and you go below margin requirements, you have to add money to the account, or sell stocks to pay it down. Just an FYI
Post: Leverage
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
75 years old. 76% in equities (large % in US) 8% short term bonds (VUSB), and 16% VG money market. We have a mixture of 8 ETFs and 7 long held stocks. We have no pension and each have SS. Fortunately the portfolio is very large so the cash position can carry us through any downturn, along with SS. We have no debt either.
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
Why not raise the SS contribution level from $184,500 the way it is for Medicare? Remove the income limits
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
What do you consider very high income? The super rich?
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
Really?
Post: Just the facts about Social Security
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
I was in the financial services industry starting in the 1980’s and was compensated from product sales. Then I became manager of one of the world’s largest financial firms in a wealthy retirement city in florida. Compensation came from selling investments. I read a lot and studied the CFP materials but did not go for the title. I didn’t need it, but the knowledge was helpful. I retired in 2015. Now at age 75 I manage our investments at Vanguard, and they are set up so that my wife doesn’t have to do anything if I am not around. My wife is not involved and does not want to be. I don’t see the value of using Vanguard managers because of the way the portfolio is set up. Income needs are taken care of and market ups and downs can be ridden out. CurrentlyI am bored and about to sign up for the RICP program just to keep busy and to stay abreast of any new things that come up. Maybe I’ll volunteer to help retires with their income strategies.
Post: The Quiet Failure of Good Advice
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
One reason financial planners aren’t reaching those who need it most may be that those who need it most don’t have enough money to interest the financial planning firms. If you look at the average net worth of individuals or families, it is not worth it financially for the planners.
Post: The Quiet Failure of Good Advice
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
I read an article yesterday that said the IPO is extremely overpriced. Best to wait to buy
Post: SpaceX IPO: Is Margin Optional?
Link to comment from June 6, 2026
We can raise taxes without punishing wealth accumulation or attack success. Many of the extremely wealthy pay little to no tax. Many with huge equity portfolios borrow against those and never pay taxes.
Post: Billionaires, taxes and you
Link to comment from May 30, 2026