Mark, The funny thing is that Monte Carlo in engineering and Monte Carlo in retirement planning are really solving the same problem: nobody knows exactly what the future will be, so we run lots of possible scenarios and see what happens. š
As an automotive mechanical designer, we used Monte Carlo simulations every day. They were used in tolerance stack-ups to determine the probability distribution of assembled dimensions based on expected machining variations and to predict how well components would fit together.
In retirement, as you likely know, thereās a new element to investingātax management. Iāve actually enjoyed learning how to manage our investments and distributions in the most tax-efficient way possible. I wouldnāt say itās a chore or stressful. As odd as it may sound, I find it very interesting.
For as long as I can remember, Iāve been interested in investing. As a child, I followed stock price quotes in the newspaper and watched the evening news report the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Back then, the Dow was under 1,000 points.
I didnāt begin investing until my early 20s, when I landed my first career job and could finally afford to buy stocks. I purchased my first shares through a local bankās brokerage departmentāback when they actually issued paper stock certificates. I also contributed to my companyās retirement stock plan up to the maximum allowed.
In my early 30s, I opened a brokerage account and an IRA at Fidelity. Over the years, I consistently contributed the maximum to my 401(k) and IRAs. I still remember our quarterly statements arriving in the mailāsome showing losses. I would just chuckle and say, āI hope our accounts grow so we can retire someday.ā
I was never afraid to invest because I always felt I had time on my side. That long-term mindset made it easier to stay the course through market ups and downs.
I eventually retired in my mid-50s. Today, I have a much deeper understanding of how the market works and how to manage my investmentsābut it all started with a curious kid reading stock quotes in the newspaper.
Comments
Mark, The funny thing is that Monte Carlo in engineering and Monte Carlo in retirement planning are really solving the same problem: nobody knows exactly what the future will be, so we run lots of possible scenarios and see what happens. š
Post: The Solitaire Solution
Link to comment from June 24, 2026
As an automotive mechanical designer, we used Monte Carlo simulations every day. They were used in tolerance stack-ups to determine the probability distribution of assembled dimensions based on expected machining variations and to predict how well components would fit together.
Post: The Solitaire Solution
Link to comment from June 24, 2026
Thank you! I pay close attention to those expense ratios. It is amazing how much we can give away over our lifetime if we don't pay attention to them!
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 15, 2026
40% FZROX (Total Stock Market Index) 20% FZILX (International Index) 10% FNILX (Large Cap Index) 10% FIMVX (Mid Cap Value Index) 10% SGOV (0-3 Month Treasury) 10% FIPDX (Inflation-Protected Bond Index)
Post: What’s in your portfolio ?
Link to comment from June 13, 2026
LOL, I had to use ChatGPT to translate his comment. :) In the sentence you quoted:
he means: :)Post: Taste Bud Training
Link to comment from May 23, 2026
Unfortunately, No.
Post: HSA Tips
Link to comment from March 5, 2026
A good problem to have. :)
Post: How did you avoid being in the 39%?
Link to comment from March 5, 2026
In retirement, as you likely know, thereās a new element to investingātax management. Iāve actually enjoyed learning how to manage our investments and distributions in the most tax-efficient way possible. I wouldnāt say itās a chore or stressful. As odd as it may sound, I find it very interesting.
Post: How did you avoid being in the 39%?
Link to comment from March 4, 2026
For as long as I can remember, Iāve been interested in investing. As a child, I followed stock price quotes in the newspaper and watched the evening news report the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Back then, the Dow was under 1,000 points. I didnāt begin investing until my early 20s, when I landed my first career job and could finally afford to buy stocks. I purchased my first shares through a local bankās brokerage departmentāback when they actually issued paper stock certificates. I also contributed to my companyās retirement stock plan up to the maximum allowed. In my early 30s, I opened a brokerage account and an IRA at Fidelity. Over the years, I consistently contributed the maximum to my 401(k) and IRAs. I still remember our quarterly statements arriving in the mailāsome showing losses. I would just chuckle and say, āI hope our accounts grow so we can retire someday.ā I was never afraid to invest because I always felt I had time on my side. That long-term mindset made it easier to stay the course through market ups and downs. I eventually retired in my mid-50s. Today, I have a much deeper understanding of how the market works and how to manage my investmentsābut it all started with a curious kid reading stock quotes in the newspaper.
Post: How did you avoid being in the 39%?
Link to comment from March 4, 2026
If you're interested, this fraud was also covered on the news. Here is a link to one of the news stations.
Post: Less Paper, More Fraud
Link to comment from February 3, 2026