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Greg Burch

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    • I prefer using the XIRR function offered with Excel. It allows more flexibility with cash inflows and outflows and also handles multiple years. It's been a helpful tool for analyzing both traditional investment account returns and also real estate investment returns.

      Post: What’s the Best Way to Measure Investment Performance?

      Link to comment from June 4, 2025

    • Thanks for sharing sound advice, Dennis. One more preventative tactic to consider is a Coronary Calcium Scan. Due to both my parents passing from coronary heart disease, my internist recommended I take the test. After three years of procrastinating, I had the scan done. It was inexpensive at less than $100. I wasn't really concerned as I have been a lifelong exerciser including both aerobic and resistance training. Additionally, I tried to eat a heart healthy diet the majority of the time. Low and behold, I had a score over 5000 (normal low risk score is 0 and high risk is 400) and my internist immediately set up a visit to a cardiologist. After learning I had experienced shortness of breath on a recent bike ride climb, he ordered an angiogram. After researching, I thought the worst-case scenario would be a stent or two. Instead, extensive blockage in multiple vessels including the widowmaker was discovered and my cardiologist immediately set up bypass surgery. I was the victim of family DNA history that is a major risk factor that cannot be controlled of changed. Seven months later, I feel terrific and just welcomed grandchild 7 yesterday. My cardiologist has become a good friend and has shared my story in various mediums advocating the scan. Here's a link to more information about the scan: Calcium Score Screening: What It Is, Who Should Get It, Results (clevelandclinic.org). I highly encourage HD readers to consider.

      Post: Staying Alive

      Link to comment from March 8, 2023

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