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Jonathan founded HumbleDollar at year-end 2016. Earlier in his career, he spent almost 20 years at The Wall Street Journal, where he was the newspaper's personal finance columnist, and six years at Citigroup, where he was director of financial education for the bank's U.S. wealth management arm. Born in England and educated at Cambridge University, Jonathan now lives with his wife Elaine in Philadelphia, just a few blocks from his daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. In addition to his Forum posts and comments, shown below, be sure to check out Jonathan's writer's page, where his articles are listed.
What Drives You? By Jonathan Clements
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 1/24/2025
FIRST: Michael1 on 1/24 | RECENT: William Housley on 1/24
Limits of Power by Jonathan Clements
69 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 1/17/2025
FIRST: Michael1 on 1/17 | RECENT: mytimetotravel on 1/22
All About Me
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/22/2024
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 7/22/2024 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 1/13
Not Doing It by Jonathan Clements
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 1/1/2025
FIRST: ostrichtacossaturn7593 on 1/1 | RECENT: William Dorner on 1/6
Our Report Card by Jonathan Clements
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 1/2/2025
FIRST: David Lancaster on 1/2 | RECENT: baldscreen on 1/3
No Barriers to Entry by Jonathan Clements
28 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 12/27/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 12/27/2024 | RECENT: baldscreen on 1/3
Too Big to Succeed by Jonathan Clements
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 12/13/2024
FIRST: Jeff Bond on 12/13/2024 | RECENT: John Podsedly on 12/22/2024
Staying Alive by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 12/20/2024
FIRST: William Perry on 12/20/2024 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 12/21/2024
How Quickly We Forget by Jonathan Clements
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 12/6/2024
FIRST: baldscreen on 12/6/2024 | RECENT: smr1082 on 12/9/2024
Didn't Say That by Jonathan Clements
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/20/2024
FIRST: Don Southworth on 9/20/2024 | RECENT: Richard Gore on 12/8/2024
The Stories We Tell by Jonathan Clements
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/29/2024
FIRST: Robert Wright on 11/29/2024 | RECENT: DAN SMITH on 11/30/2024
Taking Stock by Jonathan Clements
33 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/22/2024
FIRST: Richard Gore on 11/22/2024 | RECENT: William Dorner on 11/24/2024
Time's Up
39 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/15/2024
FIRST: Tom Tamlyn on 11/15/2024 | RECENT: R Quinn on 11/17/2024
Don’t Dis Dividends by Jonathan Clements
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/8/2024
FIRST: luvtoride44afe9eb1e on 11/8/2024 | RECENT: Michael l Berard on 11/11/2024
Those Who Follow by Jonathan Clements
45 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/1/2024
FIRST: philip durand on 11/1/2024 | RECENT: Charlie Flagg on 11/4/2024
Eyeing the End by Jonathan Clements
32 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/25/2024
FIRST: zestfulc3bd36fc1c on 10/25/2024 | RECENT: smr1082 on 10/27/2024
Just the Facts by Jonathan Clements
61 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/18/2024
FIRST: Mike Xavier on 10/18/2024 | RECENT: GaryW on 10/22/2024
Dollar Averaging by Jonathan Clements
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/11/2024
FIRST: Dan Wick on 10/11/2024 | RECENT: G Handrigan on 10/13/2024
First Place by Jonathan Clements
63 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: eludom on 9/6/2024 | RECENT: Edgaria Rosabella on 10/5/2024
They Said the Darndest Things by Jonathan Clements
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/4/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 10/4/2024 | RECENT: David Lancaster on 10/4/2024
Anybody Listening? by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/27/2024
FIRST: baldscreen on 9/27/2024 | RECENT: Michael l Berard on 9/28/2024
Getting Rolled by Jonathan Clements
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/18/2024
FIRST: Don Southworth on 9/18/2024 | RECENT: John Kaczka on 9/23/2024
Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 9/21/2024
Booking It by Jonathan Clements
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/13/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 9/13/2024 | RECENT: DrLefty on 9/15/2024
Consuelo Mack WealthTrack
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: Nuke Ken on 9/6/2024 | RECENT: jimbow13 on 9/13/2024
Rules of the Road by Jonathan Clements
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/30/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 8/30/2024 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/31/2024
Committing Ourselves by Jonathan Clements
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/23/2024
FIRST: Michael1 on 8/23/2024 | RECENT: GNeil Nussen623 on 8/25/2024
Nothing to Trust by Jonathan Clements
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/16/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 8/16/2024 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/17/2024
Lines in the Sand by Jonathan Clements
47 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/9/2024
FIRST: bbbobbins on 8/9/2024 | RECENT: kt2062 on 8/11/2024
Staying the Course by Jonathan Clements
51 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/5/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 8/5/2024 | RECENT: luvtoride44afe9eb1e on 8/11/2024
Feeling Lucky by Jonathan Clements
35 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/26/2024
FIRST: Neil Imus on 7/26/2024 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3/2024
When should you claim Social Security retirement benefits?
34 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3/2024
If money were no object, what life changes would you make?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 7/29/2024
Should you prepay a mortgage?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021 | RECENT: JGarrett on 7/28/2024
What financial lessons did you learn from your parents?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/24/2024
What are the smartest financial moves you’ve ever made?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Marc Bisbal Arias on 4/8/2021 | RECENT: Rick Connor on 7/23/2024
What’s your biggest financial regret?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Anika Hedstrom on 4/19/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/23/2024
What steps have you taken to simplify your finances?
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5/2024 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/22/2024
What’s your favorite financial quote?
91 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: dorisn18 on 7/20/2024
Humble Bragging
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 7/12/2024 | RECENT: Sharon Edwards on 7/18/2024
Scroll Down
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Winston Smith on 7/12/2024 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 7/14/2024
They're Sunk by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/8/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 7/8/2024 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/11/2024
Four Mantras
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/1/2024
FIRST: 1PF on 7/1/2024 | RECENT: steve abramowitz on 7/10/2024
My Shame
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/3/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 7/3/2024 | RECENT: Matt Sherman on 7/10/2024
Selling the Sizzle by Jonathan Clements
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/4/2024
FIRST: William Perry on 7/4/2024 | RECENT: Nuke Ken on 7/8/2024
What percentage of your salary do you need for a comfortable retirement?
51 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5/2024 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 7/7/2024
Is buying long-term-care insurance a good idea?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Richard Hayman on 7/6/2024
What do you need to feel financially secure?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/13/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/3/2024
When is it okay to go into debt?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/9/2021 | RECENT: R Quinn on 6/29/2024
What’s the best financial book you’ve ever read?
72 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/24/2021
FIRST: Roboticus Aquarius on 3/24/2021 | RECENT: Jack Hannam on 6/29/2024
Which financial tasks do you find most irksome?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: David Powell on 6/29/2024
What do you wish your younger self knew?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/28/2024
What popular financial advice do you ignore?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/27/2024
What should be the top priorities for those in their 20s?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: jay5914 on 6/27/2024
What are your favorite charities?
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/27/2024
If you could buy just three funds or less, what would they be?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: jay5914 on 6/27/2024
What do you consider your greatest financial achievement?
48 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/29/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/29/2021 | RECENT: baldscreen on 6/25/2024
Is a good financial advisor worth 1% of assets per year?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: DAN SMITH on 6/25/2024
What dangerous financial myths do you regularly hear?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: H S on 6/24/2024
What’s the best strategy for generating retirement income?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Kevin Lynch on 6/24/2024
What’s your favorite actively managed fund—if any?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 9/10/2021 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 6/24/2024
What everyday purchase do you consider a bargain?
41 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021 | RECENT: Purple Rain on 6/24/2024
Is it better to give away money now or upon death?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: JSRMD on 6/24/2024
How would you summarize your financial philosophy?
32 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 6/23/2024
Which financial companies would you recommend?
33 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: achnk53 on 6/23/2024
Why do many folks fail to save enough for retirement?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5/2024 | RECENT: Lizbeth on 6/22/2024
What’s your most prized possession?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22/2024
Who most influenced your financial thinking?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: David Sayler on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Bobby Joseph on 6/22/2024
Is it okay not to leave a tip at a full-service restaurant?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22/2024
Do you favor Roth or traditional retirement accounts?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: Matt McGuinness on 6/22/2024
What everyday purchase do you consider most overpriced?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 5/1/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22/2024
What should investors do about possible higher interest rates?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 6/22/2024
When have you regretted paying the lowest cost possible?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22/2024
If you couldn’t buy index funds, how would you invest?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22/2024
What’s the best way to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Gary Cahn on 6/22/2024
What do you do that’s financially foolish?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/19/2021 | RECENT: Ben Rodriguez on 6/22/2024
Are annuities ever worth buying—and, if so, which type?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22/2024
What do you consider your greatest financial mistakes?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22/2024
Is there a downside to the current popularity of indexing?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Gary Cahn on 6/22/2024
When have you taken frugality too far?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5/2024 | RECENT: Michael Werner on 6/22/2024
What’s the most important financial concept?
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22/2024
Getting to the Point
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/20/2024
FIRST: DAN SMITH on 6/20/2024 | RECENT: Aaron Hayes on 6/22/2024
When were you happiest—and what role did money play?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: R Quinn on 6/22/2024
Is bitcoin an investment or a speculation?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: John Yeigh on 6/19/2024
Which financial figure would you most like to spend an hour with?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
What financial topic do you find most confusing?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
What are your top financial worries?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
Should our values guide our investment choices?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
Is it possible to have too much money?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
If you inherited $5 million, how would you use the money?
28 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
If you lived your financial life again, what would you change?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
How would you define "enough"?
27 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
How has your financial thinking changed over the past year?
27 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
Does money buy happiness?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6/2024
Will tax rates increase—and, if so, how should we prepare?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ross Young on 6/1/2024
What’s the best strategy for rebalancing a portfolio?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: L H on 5/25/2024
How much of a stock portfolio should be invested abroad?
43 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/18/2024
Which investments will perform worst over the next 10 years?
6 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/18/2024
Should U.S. investors own foreign bonds?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Kyle Mcintosh on 5/6/2024
How did you get started as an investor?
28 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/5/2024
Which life decisions shouldn’t involve financial considerations?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Doug Kaufman on 4/27/2024
What do other people spend too much money on?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ginger Williams on 4/21/2024
Are top private colleges worth the cost?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Chuck BV on 4/20/2024
What do you need for a fulfilling retirement?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: jerry pinkard on 4/20/2024
What’s the best place to earn a safe yield?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/11/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Jeff on 4/19/2024
What’s the worst financial advice you’ve ever acted on?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 4/13/2024
Are children a good investment?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 3/30/2024
When does it make sense to buy a home?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 5/16/2021 | RECENT: Jeff Amick on 3/23/2024
Should investors own alternative investments?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: billehart on 3/23/2024
What's the best place to stash money you'll spend soon?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/23/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/23/2021 | RECENT: Mike Zaccardi on 3/3/2024
What's the best strategy for charitable giving?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Bill Woolf on 3/2/2024
Should children be paid for doing chores?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/25/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/25/2021 | RECENT: Rob Thompson on 3/2/2024
How long before retirement should you dial down risk?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Adam Starry on 2/25/2024
What money advice do you recall hearing from your parents?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Tim Mueller on 2/24/2024
Should investors tilt toward growth or value?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Tim Mueller on 2/24/2024
Does it ever make sense to buy actively managed funds?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Adam Grossman on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 2/20/2024
Should retirees use a 4% portfolio withdrawal rate?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Dennis Hurley on 2/17/2024
What's your favorite tax-savings strategy?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Boomerst3 on 2/17/2024
What are your favorite financial apps and websites?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Dennis Hurley on 2/17/2024
What’s the wisest financial advice you’ve ever been given?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Laurie Phillips on 2/4/2024
Should you buy bond funds or individual bonds?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 2/3/2024
When is it worth remodeling a home?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: FarOutWest on 1/27/2024
What should you look for when buying a home?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: corrupt on 1/18/2024
What spending brings you greatest happiness?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2021 | RECENT: Klaatu on 1/13/2024
What’s the best way to teach children about money?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 9/11/2021 | RECENT: tobinw on 1/6/2024
Which financial tasks do you keep putting off?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: L H on 1/6/2024
How do you save money on travel costs?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 9/10/2021 | RECENT: rightgal on 12/30/2023
When does it make sense to buy the extended warranty, if ever?
33 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 12/30/2023
How much emergency money should you hold?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/1/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/1/2021 | RECENT: candygirl7 on 12/27/2023
What investment will perform best over the next 10 years?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 5/3/2021 | RECENT: Martin McCue on 12/23/2023
What costs are you most loath to pay?
35 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: booch221 on 12/16/2023
Does it ever make sense to carry a credit card balance?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: booch221 on 12/16/2023
What’s the best way to collect and use credit card rewards?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Jeff on 12/13/2023
Is a home a good investment?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Michael Stewart on 12/10/2023
Should you take pension payments or a lump sum?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/25/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 4/29/2021 | RECENT: Klaatu on 12/2/2023
Is “die broke” a smart retirement strategy?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: bhagwan g on 12/2/2023
What criteria should you use to pick a retirement location?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Christopher James on 11/26/2023
What do you need to be financially independent?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Cammer Michael on 11/25/2023
What’s the best strategy for getting a good deal on a car?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 11/23/2023
When is it okay to drop life insurance coverage?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: GaryW on 11/18/2023
Where do you see signs of inflation?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/18/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 5/7/2021 | RECENT: Mark Hirsch on 11/18/2023
What aspect of Wall Street do you find most distasteful?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021 | RECENT: Jennifer P on 11/12/2023
Do parents have an obligation to pay college costs?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/23/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 6/23/2021 | RECENT: Crystal Flores on 11/11/2023
Is buying a used car always the smarter financial choice?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Susanne Krivit on 11/11/2023
Should affluent parents insist their children pay college costs?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Rob Thompson on 10/21/2023
Should folks create and follow a written budget?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/31/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/31/2021 | RECENT: Kathy C on 10/7/2023
When is renting a home a good idea?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Kristine Hayes on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Kathy C on 9/30/2023
What’s the best strategy for selling a house?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/13/2021 | RECENT: Crystal Flores on 9/17/2023
Which aspect of the tax code do you hate the most?
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 9/16/2023
Do we talk too little about our personal finances—or too much?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: jerry pinkard on 9/16/2023
What are the hallmarks of a good financial advisor?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 6/8/2021 | RECENT: Kathy C on 9/2/2023
Would you risk your finances to help your retired parents?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 8/27/2023
How often do you check your portfolio and the markets?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Chuck BV on 8/26/2023
What stock would you happily hold for the next 10 years?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Lehman Brown on 8/26/2023
Is it okay to retire with debt?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 8/19/2023
What do you spend too much money on?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Susanne Krivit on 8/12/2023
Can the market be beaten?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: alex scott on 8/5/2023
When does it make sense to hire a financial advisor?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Marisol Aldahondo on 8/2/2023
How much financial help should parents give their children?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Kristine Hayes on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Tom Dee on 7/29/2023
What’s your No. 1 goal for retirement?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 7/29/2023
When should parents stop supporting their adult children?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 7/1/2023
What would you happily buy even if it were twice the price?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
Is it wise for everyday investors to buy individual stocks?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
Is rental real estate a good investment?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
How much allowance should children receive?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Catherine on 5/20/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
Should political views influence how we invest?
5 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
When does leasing a car make financial sense?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/22/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
What purchase do you most regret?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: mjflack on 4/23/2023
Is term life insurance always better than cash value?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 4/1/2023
What obligations do we have to our heirs?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: alex scott on 11/6/2022
What financial advice would you give to those in their early 20s?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/2/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/2/2021 | RECENT: Philip Stein on 7/9/2022
Which financial markets are in a bubble, if any?
6 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Kurt S on 7/17/2021
If you want long-run growth, is there an alternative to stocks?
5 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Mike Zaccardi on 4/20/2021
FOUR 20-SOMETHINGS named Ben, Duncan, Jonnie and Dave came up with a great idea for a reality show in 2010. It involved a purple bus named Penelope, a cross-country road trip and a list of 100 things to do before you die. For every item they crossed off their list, they’d help a stranger achieve something on his or her own list.
Some of their to-dos were ambitious, with a low probability of success: host Saturday Night Live,
THE BEST WAY TO WIN a contest for the largest tomato is to paint a cantaloupe red and hope the judges don’t notice, or so says an old adage.
What does that have to do with managing money? Newspapers and magazines frequently interview mutual fund managers who have beaten their competitors, and perhaps the S&P 500 as well. Fund-management firms will even run ads touting the performance of these funds.
These interviews sometimes prompt me to do my own research.
DO YOU REMEMBER the headline, “Brooke Astor’s Son Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Her”? He swindled his famous mother out of millions, once by pocketing a $2 million commission on the sale of an Impressionist painting he purloined from her New York City apartment. She lived to age 105 but suffered from dementia.
F. Scott Fitzgerald purportedly said, “The rich are different than you and me.” But maybe not when it comes to elder fraud.
I BEGAN INVESTING in the stock market in 2007. Within a year, I’d lost 60%. My response was like that of almost any human: I stopped investing.
That’s what happens to most people who start investing at the height of a bubble. They invest in something when everybody else does. And when everything comes crashing down, the pain of loss is so bad they swear they’ll never invest again.
While I missed out on huge returns in the years that followed the financial crisis,
GETTING OLD CAN, after a while, get really old. Here are 30 ways I’m reminded that I’m no longer a spring chicken.
Life insurance salespeople burst into laughter when I inquire about a policy.
My house is so warm I can cook without using the oven.
As I walk past the neighborhood funeral parlor, the undertaker’s eyes light up.
Decades ago, all my doctors were stern, serious men. Now, my primary care physician is a woman with a great sense of humor—who was born after I retired.
WE MET IN THE GALLEY, the cafeteria in Vanguard Group’s nautical lexicon. Jack Bogle shook my hand. My pulse raced.
I’d learned about Vanguard’s founder while working at Morningstar. I’d read about him in Jonathan Clements’s Wall Street Journal columns. And I’d devoured his first book, Bogle on Mutual Funds.
“Where’d you go to college?” he asked. “Good board scores?”
We sat down, tucked into our meals—some sort of industrial casserole for me,
IT PAINS ME TO SAY this, but I hurt—everywhere. I’ll start at the bottom and work my way up. My feet hurt, my knees hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurts and my shoulders hurt. One more thing: I can’t remember. My memory is in decline.
Cataract surgery improved my eyesight. Hearing aids mean my grandkids don’t have to be two rooms over when we watch TV together. Exercise seems to reduce my pain slightly and increase mobility.
WHAT WAS MY DAD thinking when he asked me to help him and my mom with their finances? Did he expect me to give him money? Maybe.
Up until that moment, my dad handled the family finances. Both he and Mom were retired, though my mom still worked occasionally as an adjunct professor. My mom assumed things were okay, though I had my suspicions.
One day, I saw a credit card bill that showed a large outstanding balance,
BACK IN 2021, Keith Gill wasn’t well known. A video game enthusiast, he liked to spend time in his basement, day-trading and making videos. But with his online persona, Roaring Kitty, Gill drew a following that reached into the millions. He used that platform to direct attention to the shares of video game retailer GameStop, which was nearing insolvency.
Gill’s videos drew enough attention in 2021 to cause a “short squeeze” in GameStop shares. The result: At least one hedge fund,
I SOLD A MUTUAL FUND in my taxable account that was up an average 6% a year over the past 10 years—and ended up with a tax loss. That’s right, I took a loss on this international fund, even though it had returned 6% a year. How does that happen?
Suppose you bought one share of a mutual fund for $12 on Jan. 3. Over the course of the year, the fund’s investments fare well.
I HAVE A FRIEND—we’ll call him Dave—who retired from Wall Street perhaps eight years ago, when he was in his early 50s. Soon after, he designed a sailboat and had it built, and he’s been sailing around the world ever since. In fact, judging from his Instagram updates, Dave is now on his second or third self-designed boat. Or is it a yacht? I don’t know anything about sailing.
At this point, you may be sighing with envy.
GRIEF IS A HEAVY cloak, but when it’s entangled with the financial fallout of a loved one passing without a will, the weight can become unbearable. This was my reality when my mother passed away unexpectedly. There were no clear instructions, no designated beneficiaries, just a confusing mess of assets and debts that threatened to drown me in a sea of paperwork and emotional turmoil.
The Intricacies of Intestacy. Since Mom didn’t have a will,
AS RETIREMENT approaches, one of the pivotal decisions many individuals face is when to start claiming Social Security benefits. It’s a choice that carries significant implications for financial security in the later stages of life. While the full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits is typically between 66 and 67, many opt to claim benefits as early as age 62. This was the case for my husband and me, and our decision was guided by a blend of personal circumstances and financial considerations.
RETIREMENT. THE GOLDEN years. A time for travel, relaxation, and maybe a move to a quaint, low-maintenance condo. At least, that’s the image often portrayed. But for us, retirement wasn’t about shrinking our lives. We decided against the downsizing trend, opting to stay put in our familiar home filled with memories. Here’s why we chose comfort over perceived practicality:
The Heart of Our History. Our house isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a chronicle of our lives.
IN THE DYNAMIC AND often volatile world of investing, simplicity can be a powerful ally. While the allure of complex strategies and exotic investments may seem appealing, many investors find themselves overwhelmed and underperforming as a result. Enter the three-fund portfolio—a straightforward, diversified approach that offers numerous benefits to investors of all levels. In this article, we delve into why investors should embrace this minimalist strategy and explore specific index funds that can help build a robust portfolio.
Comments:
The link is right at the top of the main Forum page: https://humbledollar.com/forum/
Post: Start Here, Go Anywhere
Link to comment from January 20, 2025
It seems we don't know who first said the words attributed to Twain: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/11/18/know-trouble/
Post: Reality Check
Link to comment from January 19, 2025
No, I don't have strict guidelines -- sorry. Market recoveries can differ greatly. Consider the difference between the market recovery that started in 2009 and that which followed the 2020 pandemic crash. I didn't feel any great urgency to rebalance after 2009 because the plunge had been so steep and investor psychology had been so damaged. By contrast, we quickly returned to exuberance in 2020.
Post: Money Grows Up
Link to comment from January 19, 2025
Check out this article: https://humbledollar.com/2022/10/my-investment-sin/ This recent piece also helps explain how I think about market declines: https://humbledollar.com/2024/12/sharing-lessons/
Post: Money Grows Up
Link to comment from January 19, 2025
There are plenty of comments in this thread from both sides of the political spectrum that tell me folks are far too wound up about politics. The bullying tone of your comments suggest you're among them.
Post: Limits of Power by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from January 19, 2025
You can probably find the articles by Googling the article name, plus Wall Street Journal, plus my name. But you may need a WSJ subscription to read the piece.
Post: Money Grows Up
Link to comment from January 18, 2025
My articles and posts are often penned in response to what I see as wrongheaded thinking. Today, from what I'm hearing, many folks are considering big portfolio changes because of what's happening in Washington. Some cautionary words seemed in order.
Post: Limits of Power by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from January 18, 2025
I, too, can't imagine what I wrote that prompted Dick's comment. Perhaps his comment was intended as a response to another post.
Post: Money Grows Up
Link to comment from January 18, 2025
I guess you missed the part about, "I could easily have written these words four years ago, when Republicans were fretting over Joe Biden’s election."
Post: Limits of Power by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from January 18, 2025
Thanks, Patrick. Here's a link to the podcast: https://ritholtz.com/2025/01/mib-jonathan-clements/
Post: Money Grows Up
Link to comment from January 18, 2025