Mark Gardner

Comments

• Index compounding pales in comparison to the 37 year commitment Suzie and you nurtured. Happy Anniversary.

  Post: For Richer, For Poorer: 37 Years of Compounding

  Link to comment from April 29, 2026

• There have been multiple periods in U.S. history where workers pushed back hard against companies—the late 1800s, early 1900s, the 1930s, even the late ’60s and ’70s. That wasn’t entitlement. It was usually a response to wages, conditions, or lack of bargaining power. I anticipate another push coming soon. The stretch many of us grew up in was actually a pretty favorable one economically—rising wages, stronger benefits, easier path to homeownership and inexpensive educational opportunities. That doesn’t take away from the work we put in, but it does matter. Today’s issues look different—housing costs, job security, fewer pensions, more visible inequality. Add social media and people see what others have constantly. That changes how dissatisfaction shows up. I agree that focusing too much on “they” isn’t useful. But when you see broad frustration across a generation, historically that’s usually been a signal, not just attitude influenced by social media. Listen, don't dismiss the current generation.

  Post: Enough complaining already. Live your life and stop worrying about “they” “ them” or things

  Link to comment from April 24, 2026

• > What’s to stop Congress from more vote buying if they pay no price for their past deceptions? 2028 is the first presidential election where Baby Boomers are no longer the dominant generational bloc in the electorate. They may even fall to third place behind Millennials and Gen X depending on turnout assumptions. The US politics will be interesting to watch as it comes to Social Security and Medicare.

  Post: Fixing Social Security once and for all

  Link to comment from April 22, 2026

• I loved your comparison of the psychology of investors with software, Mark!

  Post: Recency Bias (or: You’re Running Buggy Software)

  Link to comment from April 17, 2026

• As the situation worsens, we Americans resort to toxic politics and end up blaming some other group of people. This scares me even more.

  Post: Fixing Social Security once and for all

  Link to comment from April 17, 2026

• Could a financial transaction tax be a viable solution to bolster the Social Security trust fund? Considering that labor and capital contribute roughly equally to the US GDP these days, is this a practical approach? Another option is to establish a sovereign wealth fund with the sole purpose of supporting Social Security. I find it puzzling how the US government manages its licenses, land leases, mineral rights, and other equity stakes. Lastly, the financial industry consistently advises us to maintain a 60-40 portfolio for a secure retirement, why can’t the trust fund also invest in equities for young Americans who have decades of work ahead of them before they can access the system?

  Post: Fixing Social Security once and for all

  Link to comment from April 17, 2026

• Thank you for this post. Yes, the first sentence in my instructions to my family is to do nothing until they consult with a CPA. How I wish Congress simplifies all these retirement vehicles into one: health, retirement, and education with an upfront tax exemption for contributions and everything else is tax free. Wrap it up with a catch-all estate tax.

  Post: The IRA Decision That Affects Your Kids

  Link to comment from April 17, 2026

• Timothy Financial is another firm to consider.

  Post: Financial Planning

  Link to comment from April 14, 2026

• Congratulations, Alan! Your investing journey is a great example of how disciplined investing can lead you to 90% of your retirement goals.

  Post: Avoid the noise, buy the market and stay invested

  Link to comment from April 14, 2026

• I haven't studied this much, but dividends are typically variable and dependent on interest rates with mortgage REITs.

  Post: What am I missing?

  Link to comment from April 14, 2026