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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.
Booking It by Jonathan Clements
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/13/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 9/13 | RECENT: baldscreen on 9/13/2024 at 4:38 PM
Consuelo Mack WealthTrack
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: Nuke Ken on 9/6 | RECENT: jimbow13 on 9/13/2024 at 12:31 PM
First Place by Jonathan Clements
60 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: eludom on 9/6 | RECENT: Rick Connor on 9/10
Rules of the Road by Jonathan Clements
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/30/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 8/30 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/31
Committing Ourselves by Jonathan Clements
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/23/2024
FIRST: Michael1 on 8/23 | RECENT: GNeil Nussen623 on 8/25
Nothing to Trust by Jonathan Clements
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/16/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 8/16 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/17
Lines in the Sand by Jonathan Clements
47 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/9/2024
FIRST: bbbobbins on 8/9 | RECENT: kt2062 on 8/11
Staying the Course by Jonathan Clements
51 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/5/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 8/5 | RECENT: luvtoride44afe9eb1e on 8/11
All About Me
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/22/2024
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 7/22 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3
Feeling Lucky by Jonathan Clements
35 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/26/2024
FIRST: Neil Imus on 7/26 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3
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
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
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
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
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
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
What steps have you taken to simplify your finances?
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/22
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
Humble Bragging
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 7/12 | RECENT: Sharon Edwards on 7/18
Scroll Down
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Winston Smith on 7/12 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 7/14
They're Sunk by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/8/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 7/8 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/11
Four Mantras
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/1/2024
FIRST: 1PF on 7/1 | RECENT: steve abramowitz on 7/10
My Shame
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/3/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 7/3 | RECENT: Matt Sherman on 7/10
Selling the Sizzle by Jonathan Clements
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/4/2024
FIRST: William Perry on 7/4 | RECENT: Nuke Ken on 7/8
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 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 7/7
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
32 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: Bobby Joseph on 6/25
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 | RECENT: Lizbeth on 6/22
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
When have you taken frugality too far?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: Michael Werner on 6/22
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
Getting to the Point
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/20/2024
FIRST: DAN SMITH on 6/20 | RECENT: Aaron Hayes on 6/22
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
I’VE LIVED IN BIG cities for the past six years—Cairo most recently and St. Louis before that. During that time, I’ve enjoyed inexpensive public transportation and nearby groceries. I never felt the need to buy a car, and it never made sense. But since moving to New Haven five months ago, my calculations have changed.
For the first time since high school, I’m back in the ‘burbs. I can walk or bike to class and to friends’
LIKE ALMOST EVERYBODY else, my wife and I faced large health care cost increases this year. It wasn’t all from changes in our health insurance. We’re getting up there in years. We go to the doctor more often. Not all hospital charges are covered by Medicare or our health insurance. And there are some costs that aren’t covered at all–namely dental, ear and eye problems.
We’re fortunate: We can afford the cost growth. Many of our acquaintances can’t.
A CLIENT WAS IN OUR offices the other day, grilling one of my fellow financial advisors about some investments in his diversified retirement portfolio. He just couldn’t understand why we’d keep certain securities that hadn’t recently performed well. He kept citing “stuff I read” and “all the experts” as the basis for his concerns.
I wasn’t part of the conversation. But here are three points I would have made:
1. Those experts don’t know a thing about you or your situation.
AS MY WIFE AND I attain a certain age, financial questions are taking an unprecedented top spot in our conversations. Gazing into one another’s eyes over Cabernet Sauvignon at our local inn, we as often coo about jobs, savings, taxes and car payments as about romance.
This New Year’s Eve, we cooed about hopes, regrets, fears—and a college bill.
We began saving for our two kids’ educations when they were very young. But with one of us working fulltime and the other only halftime,
LAST YEAR, I MADE the jump from employee to self-employed. Professionally, I felt ready. But what about financially? Here’s what I did to make sure everything went smoothly:
1. Eliminate Overhead. Success as a freelancer or business owner is never guaranteed. To give my business a chance to succeed, I wanted to save enough to sustain myself for at least six months.
My salary was fixed, so I had to make adjustments to my spending.
ADULT MONEY HABITS are set by age seven, according to a 2013 Cambridge University study. Want to get your kids on the right track? Three things should scare the hell out of you.
First, parents teach kids about money all the time, often without knowing it. “Turn off the lights.” “Let’s go shopping.” “We will save if we have something left over.” It’s unavoidable. The subject of money is as omnipresent as the air we breathe.
IN AUGUST, I BEGAN a PhD in history at Yale. My scholarship falls just short of $30,000 a year. While not exactly commensurate with the university’s $25 billion endowment, it’s a generous stipend compared to those at similar programs. Compare it to what most of my friends are making, however, and my financial situation looks somewhat less favorable.
I graduated two-and-a-half years ago from Washington University in St. Louis. Many of my friends are now working in New York City,
LAST YEAR, I READ Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance, a book where he explores millennials’ experience with finding love. Ansari writes: “In 1932 a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania named James Bossard looked through five thousand consecutive marriage licenses on file for people who lived in the city of Philadelphia. Whoa: One-third of the couples who got married had lived within a five-block radius of each other before they got married.
ALGORITHMS, THOSE fancy computer calculations that can help you find the closest slice of pizza, are upending entire industries, including money management: They have given rise to a new generation of robo-advisors such as Wealthfront—the company I use to manage my investments.
Why do I trust a computer with my savings? The truth is, humans aren’t very good at choosing investments. Exchange traded funds (ETFs)—low-cost passive funds that own a broad collection of stocks—have emerged as an attractive alternative to actively managed mutual funds.
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Comments:
The short answer is, no. https://humbledollar.com/money-guide/unit-investment-trusts/
Post: Start Here, Go Anywhere
Link to comment from July 30, 2024
You might start by leafing through this chapter of HumbleDollar's money guide: https://humbledollar.com/money-guide/investing/
Post: One Is Not Enough
Link to comment from July 29, 2024
For those who missed it, here's the article that Don wrote about the class he teaches; https://humbledollar.com/2021/09/cds-and-cemeteries/
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 29, 2024
Thanks, Steve!
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
For a spouse to receive survivor benefits, you need to have been married for nine months.
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
Thanks for your helpful thoughts!
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
Here's a piece we ran on the topic a few years ago: https://humbledollar.com/2021/04/caring-for-mom/
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
Thanks for the recommendation!
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
Creating instructions like that are on my to-do list.
Post: No Slowing Down
Link to comment from July 27, 2024
You might check this out: https://humbledollar.com/money-guide/great-debates-bonds-or-bond-funds/
Post: One Is Not Enough
Link to comment from July 27, 2024