AUTHOR: D.J. on 4/29/2026 FIRST: Nick Politakis on 4/30 | RECENT: D.J. on 5/3
Comments
I hope your grandchildren listen to your wise recommendations, William. We can’t control all life throws at us, but we can do our best to save and stay invested in the market so compounding can perform its magic.
You are right. It was a gradual shift to the indexes, Ed. I’m no investing wiz, but I am glad I managed to steer clear of high-expense and loaded funds altogether.
Dan, things just seemed to align in those early years. One reason I was able to contribute 15% so early was the drugstore job. I was still working weekends there while I was at the magazine during the week. Another reason: my parents allowed me to live at home while in grad school at the time. It was an intense, busy, period and I was very fortunate for their generosity with the offer of shelter.
I was just easing into Bogle’s writings at this point, David. I remember first reading his thoughtful investor letters in the funds’ annual reports. (I now wonder if HumbleDollar’s Greg Spears had a hand in those letters.) It was an interview with Bogle, though, that moved me from hesitation on the taxable account. The total market index was still relatively new then, if I recall, and Bogle said something like this: Choose one or the other but invest. You may even do slightly better in total stock.
It is indeed, Mark. I have to say, I kind of stumbled into the tax diversification thing—and am still likely over allocated to the tax deferred account despite it all.
A little bit of Hollywood trivia for any film buffs at HumbleDollar: The Los Angeles intersection where the drugstore and McDonalds sit is where Henry Fonda’s Tom Joad is seen walking at the start of The Grapes of Wrath.
That's too funny, Greg! My memory is pretty sharp, but I also saved a copy of the union contract booklet from all those years ago and was able to confirm those hourly rates.
There is indeed something special about always having money in your pocket, William. I’ve slept better knowing that there’s savings, over and above whatever’s in the checking account, to draw from in an emergency.
Comments
I hope your grandchildren listen to your wise recommendations, William. We can’t control all life throws at us, but we can do our best to save and stay invested in the market so compounding can perform its magic.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 24, 2026
You are right. It was a gradual shift to the indexes, Ed. I’m no investing wiz, but I am glad I managed to steer clear of high-expense and loaded funds altogether.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 23, 2026
Good reads, indeed.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 23, 2026
Dan, things just seemed to align in those early years. One reason I was able to contribute 15% so early was the drugstore job. I was still working weekends there while I was at the magazine during the week. Another reason: my parents allowed me to live at home while in grad school at the time. It was an intense, busy, period and I was very fortunate for their generosity with the offer of shelter.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 21, 2026
I was just easing into Bogle’s writings at this point, David. I remember first reading his thoughtful investor letters in the funds’ annual reports. (I now wonder if HumbleDollar’s Greg Spears had a hand in those letters.) It was an interview with Bogle, though, that moved me from hesitation on the taxable account. The total market index was still relatively new then, if I recall, and Bogle said something like this: Choose one or the other but invest. You may even do slightly better in total stock.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 21, 2026
It is indeed, Mark. I have to say, I kind of stumbled into the tax diversification thing—and am still likely over allocated to the tax deferred account despite it all.
Post: A Time to Save
Link to comment from May 21, 2026
I appreciate the encouragement, SCao!
Post: First Job, Lasting Impact
Link to comment from May 18, 2026
A little bit of Hollywood trivia for any film buffs at HumbleDollar: The Los Angeles intersection where the drugstore and McDonalds sit is where Henry Fonda’s Tom Joad is seen walking at the start of The Grapes of Wrath.
Post: First Job, Lasting Impact
Link to comment from May 16, 2026
That's too funny, Greg! My memory is pretty sharp, but I also saved a copy of the union contract booklet from all those years ago and was able to confirm those hourly rates.
Post: First Job, Lasting Impact
Link to comment from May 16, 2026
There is indeed something special about always having money in your pocket, William. I’ve slept better knowing that there’s savings, over and above whatever’s in the checking account, to draw from in an emergency.
Post: First Job, Lasting Impact
Link to comment from May 16, 2026