Cammer,
I see that you don’t mention any TIPS in your fixed income. If true, what was your thought process on that decision? I currently have no TIPS and haven’t convinced myself to change this.
Clay,
For what it’s worth…
I am nearing retirement very very soon. As planned 10-15 years ago, my term life insurance policies are expiring within the next few months to six months of my expected retirement year. I checked prices and considered reasons to continue, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am going to let my term insurance expire. No need for an additional lottery ticket, my heirs will be just fine with inheritance. No salary to cover anymore and see no need to ensure expected Social Security in the future. Hope that helps.
Mark, Another interesting article from you, thanks. And also enjoyed Michael’s comments below regarding reducing equity exposure – I’m struggling with that decision myself…and your banter with Dan… both educational and entertaining 😀. I’m a bit torn between the concept of: if you’ve already won quit playing the game which drives one to a decision to lower equity risk with the counter view of if you have 7 to 10 years of expenses covered in fixed income and that would result in one’s portfolio to be at a 80/20 mix due to withdrawal rate of ~2-3%. Should one really reduce equity exposure OR enjoy the extra potential gain while having enough fixed income to survive a 7 to 10 year market downturn. Maybe I’m suffering from recency bias and feel like my gut is much stronger than I think if I experience a bona fide market downturn gut punch 🤷♂️?
Got it, thanks. I’ve held VBIRX (mutual fund equivalent to BSV) for many years. The low MorningStar rating has always baffled me a bit. While VGSH is 100% treasury, BSV is roughly 75% treasury and 25% corporate; both short-term. Yes different, but seems a bit harsh of a ratings difference. I’m still holding on to my larger positions in VBIRX and a smaller position in VGSH across various accounts. 🤷♂️
Comments
“we should demand…” I agree but voting, our only lever ?, doesn’t seem to change anything. New people, same result. 🤷♂️
Post: Will Congress Wait Until the Last Minute on Social Security?
Link to comment from October 4, 2026
Hear, hear. I’ve thought that for years. The current political-ad-spending budgets are 🤯
Post: Will Congress Wait Until the Last Minute on Social Security?
Link to comment from October 4, 2026
I recently read this article and thought it might be interesting for folks to ponder, https://danhaylett.substack.com/p/the-five-things-worth-paying-for?ck_subscriber_id=3858874081&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Investors%20Newsletter%20-%2023384925.
Post: Jonathan’s Parting Thoughts: No. 6
Link to comment from October 4, 2026
Cammer, I see that you don’t mention any TIPS in your fixed income. If true, what was your thought process on that decision? I currently have no TIPS and haven’t convinced myself to change this.
Post: Why Bonds Matter
Link to comment from October 4, 2026
Clay, For what it’s worth… I am nearing retirement very very soon. As planned 10-15 years ago, my term life insurance policies are expiring within the next few months to six months of my expected retirement year. I checked prices and considered reasons to continue, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am going to let my term insurance expire. No need for an additional lottery ticket, my heirs will be just fine with inheritance. No salary to cover anymore and see no need to ensure expected Social Security in the future. Hope that helps.
Post: Financial Lessons
Link to comment from October 2, 2026
Mark, Another interesting article from you, thanks. And also enjoyed Michael’s comments below regarding reducing equity exposure – I’m struggling with that decision myself…and your banter with Dan… both educational and entertaining 😀. I’m a bit torn between the concept of: if you’ve already won quit playing the game which drives one to a decision to lower equity risk with the counter view of if you have 7 to 10 years of expenses covered in fixed income and that would result in one’s portfolio to be at a 80/20 mix due to withdrawal rate of ~2-3%. Should one really reduce equity exposure OR enjoy the extra potential gain while having enough fixed income to survive a 7 to 10 year market downturn. Maybe I’m suffering from recency bias and feel like my gut is much stronger than I think if I experience a bona fide market downturn gut punch 🤷♂️?
Post: Flipping the Script on Asset Allocation?
Link to comment from September 21, 2026
Got it, thanks. I’ve held VBIRX (mutual fund equivalent to BSV) for many years. The low MorningStar rating has always baffled me a bit. While VGSH is 100% treasury, BSV is roughly 75% treasury and 25% corporate; both short-term. Yes different, but seems a bit harsh of a ratings difference. I’m still holding on to my larger positions in VBIRX and a smaller position in VGSH across various accounts. 🤷♂️
Post: Flipping the Script on Asset Allocation?
Link to comment from September 21, 2026
I own BSV also. Curious… Are you investing your proceeds from BSV into VGSH or some other fixed income investment?
Post: Flipping the Script on Asset Allocation?
Link to comment from September 20, 2026
A Humble example for HumbleDollar 😉 My cluttered attic awaits me….. 🤣
Post: Make the Attic Great Again
Link to comment from September 6, 2026
Dan, I enjoy your fun articles. Keep ‘em coming…
Post: Make the Attic Great Again
Link to comment from September 6, 2026