For me, it’s screened t-shirts. I have some in my summer rotation that go back 20-30 years and have held up well. They just don’t make cotton shirts like that anymore!
Dan and Dick, It's a matter of context. It certainly does apply to institutional investors, but retail investors can use a total portfolio approach as well. We tend to refer to it as "asset location." It is not solely an institutional approach; retail investors use it every day to maximize tax efficiency.
Hi Chris. It has to do with your asset allocation. A total portfolio approach applies a holistic asset allocation across all your investments. Say you choose a 60/40 asset allocation, each individual account might not be strictly 60/40, but the overall result when accounting for all accounts would be 60/40. For example, you might hold more bonds in your tax deferred accounts and your brokerage account might be more heavily invested in an index fund or other tax efficient investments, but when considered together, they still result in a 60/40 allocation. That's a total portfolio approach.
There is truth to this stateside, too. Unfortunately, young families are shut out when a starter home is more valuable as a "Disney Dream House" marketed on Airbnb or VRBO. "Close to beaches and the best that SoCal has to offer . . ."
I also try to avoid the big U.S. chains when overseas, Kathy. I like to get off the beaten path a bit. When I traveled Europe years ago, B&Bs and boutique hotels were my go-to and the breakfasts they offered were good for my tight budget, too.
Mike, I could do without the blaring TVs as well. On our last trip, the breakfast room was tuned to The Weather Channel and, thankfully, the hurricane they were covering was not anywhere near us.
I enjoyed hearing about your "short-term study" this summer, Dana. Interesting how we tend to use what we pay for, isn't it? I'm just glad our vacations tend to be very active to counter those extra calories.
I like your thinking, Andrew. Those restaurant meals often leave a good amount for carryout---and a tasty snack later. I don't like it when food goes to waste.
So true, Kristine. Free breakfast is definitely not a one-size-fits-all amenity and you've shared some good reasons why that's true. We all have different tastes and expectations.
Comments
For me, it’s screened t-shirts. I have some in my summer rotation that go back 20-30 years and have held up well. They just don’t make cotton shirts like that anymore!
Post: The Art of Making Do
Link to comment from September 26, 2026
Dan and Dick, It's a matter of context. It certainly does apply to institutional investors, but retail investors can use a total portfolio approach as well. We tend to refer to it as "asset location." It is not solely an institutional approach; retail investors use it every day to maximize tax efficiency.
Post: Total portfolio approach?
Link to comment from September 14, 2026
Hi Chris. It has to do with your asset allocation. A total portfolio approach applies a holistic asset allocation across all your investments. Say you choose a 60/40 asset allocation, each individual account might not be strictly 60/40, but the overall result when accounting for all accounts would be 60/40. For example, you might hold more bonds in your tax deferred accounts and your brokerage account might be more heavily invested in an index fund or other tax efficient investments, but when considered together, they still result in a 60/40 allocation. That's a total portfolio approach.
Post: Total portfolio approach?
Link to comment from September 14, 2026
That's too funny, Dana! Maybe the next HumbleDollar gathering should be at a Dunkin.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
There is truth to this stateside, too. Unfortunately, young families are shut out when a starter home is more valuable as a "Disney Dream House" marketed on Airbnb or VRBO. "Close to beaches and the best that SoCal has to offer . . ."
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
I also try to avoid the big U.S. chains when overseas, Kathy. I like to get off the beaten path a bit. When I traveled Europe years ago, B&Bs and boutique hotels were my go-to and the breakfasts they offered were good for my tight budget, too.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
Mike, I could do without the blaring TVs as well. On our last trip, the breakfast room was tuned to The Weather Channel and, thankfully, the hurricane they were covering was not anywhere near us.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
I enjoyed hearing about your "short-term study" this summer, Dana. Interesting how we tend to use what we pay for, isn't it? I'm just glad our vacations tend to be very active to counter those extra calories.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
I like your thinking, Andrew. Those restaurant meals often leave a good amount for carryout---and a tasty snack later. I don't like it when food goes to waste.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026
So true, Kristine. Free breakfast is definitely not a one-size-fits-all amenity and you've shared some good reasons why that's true. We all have different tastes and expectations.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 10, 2026