Jeff, enjoyed reading your article - thanks!. It is very relatable to perhaps many HD readers. I especially liked how you ended "In the end, wealth is simply a tool; character is the true legacy!". I would also suggest to HD readers the book: "Die with Zero", by Bill Perkins. He argues that the goal of personal finance is not to accumulate maximum wealth, but to maximize "total life fulfillment", by converting your time and money into memorable experiences BEFORE you die (this also includes charity to family and other causes that are important to you)
"I did manage to mostly leave my 401(k) account alone from 2017 to 2021, with favorable results: The balance ballooned 75%, powered by my S&P 500 index fund’s performance"
Beating the S&P 500 index consistently is extremely difficult. You may recall Buffett's 10-year bet with Hedge Fund managers vs. Index performance. He won the wager handily and donated $2 million to Girls Inc. of Omaha
Loved the article!, a fellow Engineer with Finance background. Started my career with Lotus 1-2-3, quickly switching to Excel. I too manage my entire life on spreadsheets, which I strive hard to keep simple while adding more complexity, an ongoing part of my retirement journey!.
Comments
Jeff, enjoyed reading your article - thanks!. It is very relatable to perhaps many HD readers. I especially liked how you ended "In the end, wealth is simply a tool; character is the true legacy!". I would also suggest to HD readers the book: "Die with Zero", by Bill Perkins. He argues that the goal of personal finance is not to accumulate maximum wealth, but to maximize "total life fulfillment", by converting your time and money into memorable experiences BEFORE you die (this also includes charity to family and other causes that are important to you)
Post: Taking It With You
Link to comment from September 5, 2026
Thank you!, Bogdan. Glad to hear you will be extending both Jonathan’s & Humble Dollars legacies through your work. Wish you all the best! ~ Raj
Post: Quick Intro
Link to comment from September 20, 2025
The characteristics of Private investments (also being marketed as Alts - short for Alternative Investments) are:
Post: Suffering in Private
Link to comment from May 3, 2025
"I did manage to mostly leave my 401(k) account alone from 2017 to 2021, with favorable results: The balance ballooned 75%, powered by my S&P 500 index fund’s performance"
Post: Letting It Ride
Link to comment from February 13, 2024
Loved the article!, a fellow Engineer with Finance background. Started my career with Lotus 1-2-3, quickly switching to Excel. I too manage my entire life on spreadsheets, which I strive hard to keep simple while adding more complexity, an ongoing part of my retirement journey!.
Post: Driven by Data
Link to comment from September 23, 2023