AUTHOR: Purple Rain on 6/22/2024 FIRST: R Quinn on 6/22 | RECENT: jay5914 on 6/27
Comments:
Dear Jonathan,
I would like to add a few more to your list.
Over the past three decades, you got to help many people (thousands, if not millions) to contemplate the possibility of a secure financial future. People who read and imbibed your works have been truly fortunate. Everyone accepts advice when they are emotionally and psychologically ready. Even if 10% internalised your message and implemented it, they would be much better off than they were before. You had the platform and used it splendidly and with integrity.
Even better, you created a community at HumbleDollar that allows people to access that information for free and provide their own input. You created a thriving community that will exist for a long while. It was a choice you made and I am very grateful for it.
Over the past few months, you have demonstrated what grace, wisdom and true grit look like. It is the most valuable lesson you have imparted.
Just got back from Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Bonus: Yoho National Park in British Columbia is 30 minutes west of Lake Louise, Jasper National Park is just north of Lake Louise. So you get a 3-fer if you stay in Lake Louise.
We do not skimp on food quality. We grow a lot of organic fruits and veggies. We eat almost all our meals at home and are very particular about ingredient sourcing, quality and nutrition. We buy the best we can afford. A specific store for Basmati rice, a specific online source for spices, a specific Japanese source for green tea and so on. And we invest in quality cookware - no non-stick or plastic.
We sell RSUs as soon as they are vested, deduct taxes and invest the rest in an index fund. As for ESPPs, we wait for them to turn long-term (24 months after purchase) and sell them, pay taxes and invest the rest in index funds. This way we dollar-cost average in and out of the company stock. It also helps avoid being concentrated in a single stock in taxable accounts.
"Save like a pessimist, invest like an optimist." - Morgan Housel "I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over." - Warren Buffett
For me, dividend growth stocks and ETFs that grow their dividends with inflation, 10% in I-bonds that grow with inflation. Between growing dividends and interest, most of my expenses are covered.
Whenever we have purchased a house, we have resolved to pay off the mortgage in under 5 years. We did it four times. Each time it got easier 'cos we had built up equity in the previous house when we sold it and had a larger down payment for the next one. Our current house (the most expensive one) was paid off in 3 years. We are planning to move to a HCOL area and plan to stick to the 5-year deadline, even if we have stopped working by then.
It depends on your personal circumstances. We own index funds as well as a portfolio of stocks that pay growing dividends. We also have 20% in I-bonds and Short-term Treasuries. the dividends and interest cover 80% of our expenses. When we retire and start taking SS, we will switch to a 100% stock portfolio.
Comments:
Dear Jonathan, I would like to add a few more to your list.
- Over the past three decades, you got to help many people (thousands, if not millions) to contemplate the possibility of a secure financial future. People who read and imbibed your works have been truly fortunate. Everyone accepts advice when they are emotionally and psychologically ready. Even if 10% internalised your message and implemented it, they would be much better off than they were before. You had the platform and used it splendidly and with integrity.
- Even better, you created a community at HumbleDollar that allows people to access that information for free and provide their own input. You created a thriving community that will exist for a long while. It was a choice you made and I am very grateful for it.
- Over the past few months, you have demonstrated what grace, wisdom and true grit look like. It is the most valuable lesson you have imparted.
Kudos and thank you. Wish you the very best.Post: No Regrets
Link to comment from September 12, 2024
Just got back from Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Bonus: Yoho National Park in British Columbia is 30 minutes west of Lake Louise, Jasper National Park is just north of Lake Louise. So you get a 3-fer if you stay in Lake Louise.
Post: First Place by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from September 9, 2024
We do not skimp on food quality. We grow a lot of organic fruits and veggies. We eat almost all our meals at home and are very particular about ingredient sourcing, quality and nutrition. We buy the best we can afford. A specific store for Basmati rice, a specific online source for spices, a specific Japanese source for green tea and so on. And we invest in quality cookware - no non-stick or plastic.
Post: Quality or Quantity?
Link to comment from July 9, 2024
We sell RSUs as soon as they are vested, deduct taxes and invest the rest in an index fund. As for ESPPs, we wait for them to turn long-term (24 months after purchase) and sell them, pay taxes and invest the rest in index funds. This way we dollar-cost average in and out of the company stock. It also helps avoid being concentrated in a single stock in taxable accounts.
Post: When Should You Sell Your Company Stock?
Link to comment from June 25, 2024
"Save like a pessimist, invest like an optimist." - Morgan Housel "I don't look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over." - Warren Buffett
Post: What’s your favorite financial quote?
Link to comment from June 24, 2024
For me, dividend growth stocks and ETFs that grow their dividends with inflation, 10% in I-bonds that grow with inflation. Between growing dividends and interest, most of my expenses are covered.
Post: What’s the best strategy for generating retirement income?
Link to comment from June 24, 2024
You can also do this with an HSA. Front load your contributions so that they are made by April and not August.
Post: Completing 401K Contributions Early
Link to comment from June 24, 2024
When I travel internationally, I can text free with Ting. Just call them before your trip to ensure that service is turned on.
Post: What everyday purchase do you consider a bargain?
Link to comment from June 24, 2024
Whenever we have purchased a house, we have resolved to pay off the mortgage in under 5 years. We did it four times. Each time it got easier 'cos we had built up equity in the previous house when we sold it and had a larger down payment for the next one. Our current house (the most expensive one) was paid off in 3 years. We are planning to move to a HCOL area and plan to stick to the 5-year deadline, even if we have stopped working by then.
Post: What do you consider your greatest financial achievement?
Link to comment from June 24, 2024
It depends on your personal circumstances. We own index funds as well as a portfolio of stocks that pay growing dividends. We also have 20% in I-bonds and Short-term Treasuries. the dividends and interest cover 80% of our expenses. When we retire and start taking SS, we will switch to a 100% stock portfolio.
Post: Is a 100% stock portfolio reckless?
Link to comment from June 24, 2024