Rather than debate the point, I would just note that practically all of the investing and personal finance experts I follow recommend some kind of international allocation. As I recall Jonathan Clements liked holding the global stock market as represented by Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (VT) where international is well more than a third. Adam Grossman says for diversification purposes there’s not much point in holding more than 20 percent. But virtually all recommend some kind of international allocation.
Wherever I am, I try to follow local tipping culture. We spend a good amount of time in the UK (including now) and yet I still feel slightly uncomfortable about tipping. Since a server knows we’re North American, I hope they don’t see what would be normal tipping behavior from a Brit as an indicator that we didn’t appreciate them. Knowing full well that British tipping culture is as you describe, I squirm a bit at being presented with an option to tip 10, 15 or 20 percent. I must say I’ve also been in establishments where the employee scrolls right past the tip screen before presenting the machine for payment. Back to the original post - whatever country we’re in, if I see something labeled a service charge and it’s not clear if it’s a gratuity or not, I ask. If it is, that’s the gratuity they get.
Pretty simple to get a ballpark. (While it’s simple I still made an error earlier, fixed below.) Your brokerage provider should show your total capital gains in your taxable accounts. Reduce the total taxable account balance by 15% of this amount. Reduce your Traditional tax protected accounts by your marginal tax rate. What’s left is your result. Not perfect, and no doubt someone will point out reasons why it isn’t, but it’s a reasonable ballpark.
John this is an excellent article. I’m glad you’re finding your way again. Two things I found particularly instructive: First, “Whether it is conquering a brutal conditioning standard, learning a language, or mastering an instrument, we need something where we can objectively say: I am better at this today than I was last month.” Well said, and I’d suggest even just being able to say trying to get better (or not get worse) can be enough. Second, the notion of several small or even tiny touch points of personal connection is new to me. As nomads we have few ongoing relationships, but we meet new people all the time. Recently we’ve revisited a few places and caught up with some. Nice to know the research. Thanks for the article. Now off to work on my handstand and one of those barista interactions.
Indeed. I’m not sure I’d call myself voracious but I do read a fair amount, including several personal finance books. The most impactful has been Jonathan’s How to Think About Money.
The amount withdrawn isn’t a full loss because it didn’t disappear; presumably it was spent on something. But, it only had 50% of the purchasing power it had before or after the drop; the other 50% was the loss.
Thanks, that’s an improvement. I’d like to also see better clarity in language around survivor benefits, in particular to see any age references stated specifically in every usage as applying to the survivor’s or the decedent’s age.
Comments
Rather than debate the point, I would just note that practically all of the investing and personal finance experts I follow recommend some kind of international allocation. As I recall Jonathan Clements liked holding the global stock market as represented by Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund ETF (VT) where international is well more than a third. Adam Grossman says for diversification purposes there’s not much point in holding more than 20 percent. But virtually all recommend some kind of international allocation.
Post: Do I really need International funds in my portfolio? I say no.
Link to comment from October 29, 2026
Wherever I am, I try to follow local tipping culture. We spend a good amount of time in the UK (including now) and yet I still feel slightly uncomfortable about tipping. Since a server knows we’re North American, I hope they don’t see what would be normal tipping behavior from a Brit as an indicator that we didn’t appreciate them. Knowing full well that British tipping culture is as you describe, I squirm a bit at being presented with an option to tip 10, 15 or 20 percent. I must say I’ve also been in establishments where the employee scrolls right past the tip screen before presenting the machine for payment. Back to the original post - whatever country we’re in, if I see something labeled a service charge and it’s not clear if it’s a gratuity or not, I ask. If it is, that’s the gratuity they get.
Post: Is an 18% Service Charge a TIP?
Link to comment from October 18, 2026
“Not perfect, and no doubt someone will point out reasons why it isn’t, but it’s a reasonable ballpark.” 🙂
Post: Rich or Wealthy?
Link to comment from October 12, 2026
Pretty simple to get a ballpark. (While it’s simple I still made an error earlier, fixed below.) Your brokerage provider should show your total capital gains in your taxable accounts. Reduce the total taxable account balance by 15% of this amount. Reduce your Traditional tax protected accounts by your marginal tax rate. What’s left is your result. Not perfect, and no doubt someone will point out reasons why it isn’t, but it’s a reasonable ballpark.
Post: Rich or Wealthy?
Link to comment from October 11, 2026
John this is an excellent article. I’m glad you’re finding your way again. Two things I found particularly instructive: First, “Whether it is conquering a brutal conditioning standard, learning a language, or mastering an instrument, we need something where we can objectively say: I am better at this today than I was last month.” Well said, and I’d suggest even just being able to say trying to get better (or not get worse) can be enough. Second, the notion of several small or even tiny touch points of personal connection is new to me. As nomads we have few ongoing relationships, but we meet new people all the time. Recently we’ve revisited a few places and caught up with some. Nice to know the research. Thanks for the article. Now off to work on my handstand and one of those barista interactions.
Post: The Number Is Not The Answer
Link to comment from October 11, 2026
Good to note the distinction. I hadn’t heard that guidance from BB so glad you shared it.
Post: Strategic Retirement Income
Link to comment from October 11, 2026
Indeed. I’m not sure I’d call myself voracious but I do read a fair amount, including several personal finance books. The most impactful has been Jonathan’s How to Think About Money.
Post: FINANCIAL MISTAKES
Link to comment from October 8, 2026
The amount withdrawn isn’t a full loss because it didn’t disappear; presumably it was spent on something. But, it only had 50% of the purchasing power it had before or after the drop; the other 50% was the loss.
Post: Why Bonds Matter
Link to comment from October 4, 2026
Just adding to your scenario, I’ve read a few times that once you’re five years into retirement, you can rest easier about sequence of returns risk.
Post: Why Bonds Matter
Link to comment from October 3, 2026
Thanks, that’s an improvement. I’d like to also see better clarity in language around survivor benefits, in particular to see any age references stated specifically in every usage as applying to the survivor’s or the decedent’s age.
Post: Claiming Age Clarity Act
Link to comment from October 3, 2026