Thank you both for guidance. I live in Houston. I just checked with Gemini. "Texas offers robust, broad creditor protection for IRAs under state law, with no monetary dollar cap on the amount protected. Governing Statute: IRAs, Roth IRAs, and inherited IRAs are shielded under Texas Property Code Section 42.0021."
Feisal,
thank you for initiating the discussion with your article and sharing your wisdom. Comments and your responses to them are very helpful. All the best to you!
Feisel, I would agree with every step you have taken "recognizing that all life will eventually cease." And you are very fortunate. It is different with situations, but alternative is CCRC and such as I understand it. I worry about what stress sharing home with loved ones would put on them, esp. if health declines, with time to spare. What were your thoughts on this if any, or is that still a plan B?
Thanks for the very useful guidelines Dennis. Also thanks to all for the comments and this is very educational. I don't yet have an umbrella policy.
Just curious, in a simple case, such as you have little in taxable, and most of your savings are in IRAs (and the state protects it) and you rent instead of owning, is there a strong need other than having renter's and auto policies?
Due to AI, growth in some technologies is far faster than geometric as it has been in the last few decades. It is now exponential. Business models are tested for their strengths and weaknesses on a daily basis if not hourly. If they have strong enough moat, they will do well. If not, and can be replaced, the end is not far. I asked Grok a general question- which companies face challenges due to AI. The answer is revealing.
Excellent suggestion Mark, and with good explanation. I bought myself a paddle a while back but still looking for an old guy on the pickleball court who is a bit more uncoordinated than I am. I will try harder.
For a long time I have followed the logic that major US companies in S&P derive significant revenues from their international operations. But recently, I have started moving towards a still more diversified portfolio. Rather than VTI, based solely on US stocks, I have moved towards VT. Both are ETFs offered by Vanguard. Yes, the wisdom here comes from JL Collins.
The strategy seems logical, and you are watching the market and adapting when needed. You started in 1995 with this approach. Have you compared the returns with your approach over the entire length with a S&P 500 fund such as VFIAX or a total market fund such VTSAX? May be a shorter duration than three decades, but still a long one, or even a test simulation with the moves you made. I am trying to get a sense of how a totally passive approach compares with yours and if it is worth the trouble.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Fascinating! While we may think we took detours from the normal path, they turn out to be enriching experiences in my opinion. Recalibration is always good, because we live one day at a time and guiding principles change with age and experience.
Comments
Thank you both for guidance. I live in Houston. I just checked with Gemini. "Texas offers robust, broad creditor protection for IRAs under state law, with no monetary dollar cap on the amount protected. Governing Statute: IRAs, Roth IRAs, and inherited IRAs are shielded under Texas Property Code Section 42.0021."
Post: Protecting What We Built
Link to comment from November 11, 2026
Feisal, thank you for initiating the discussion with your article and sharing your wisdom. Comments and your responses to them are very helpful. All the best to you!
Post: Should One Liquidate in Retirement?
Link to comment from November 10, 2026
Feisel, I would agree with every step you have taken "recognizing that all life will eventually cease." And you are very fortunate. It is different with situations, but alternative is CCRC and such as I understand it. I worry about what stress sharing home with loved ones would put on them, esp. if health declines, with time to spare. What were your thoughts on this if any, or is that still a plan B?
Post: Should One Liquidate in Retirement?
Link to comment from November 8, 2026
Thanks for the very useful guidelines Dennis. Also thanks to all for the comments and this is very educational. I don't yet have an umbrella policy. Just curious, in a simple case, such as you have little in taxable, and most of your savings are in IRAs (and the state protects it) and you rent instead of owning, is there a strong need other than having renter's and auto policies?
Post: Protecting What We Built
Link to comment from November 8, 2026
Due to AI, growth in some technologies is far faster than geometric as it has been in the last few decades. It is now exponential. Business models are tested for their strengths and weaknesses on a daily basis if not hourly. If they have strong enough moat, they will do well. If not, and can be replaced, the end is not far. I asked Grok a general question- which companies face challenges due to AI. The answer is revealing.
Post: One in six Nasdaq companies says it may not last another year
Link to comment from November 2, 2026
Excellent suggestion Mark, and with good explanation. I bought myself a paddle a while back but still looking for an old guy on the pickleball court who is a bit more uncoordinated than I am. I will try harder.
Post: Brain Power
Link to comment from October 31, 2026
For a long time I have followed the logic that major US companies in S&P derive significant revenues from their international operations. But recently, I have started moving towards a still more diversified portfolio. Rather than VTI, based solely on US stocks, I have moved towards VT. Both are ETFs offered by Vanguard. Yes, the wisdom here comes from JL Collins.
Post: Do I really need International funds in my portfolio? I say no.
Link to comment from October 26, 2026
The strategy seems logical, and you are watching the market and adapting when needed. You started in 1995 with this approach. Have you compared the returns with your approach over the entire length with a S&P 500 fund such as VFIAX or a total market fund such VTSAX? May be a shorter duration than three decades, but still a long one, or even a test simulation with the moves you made. I am trying to get a sense of how a totally passive approach compares with yours and if it is worth the trouble.
Post: My Investment Approach: Adapt and Protect Capital + a quick guide
Link to comment from October 25, 2026
Thanks for sharing your journey. Fascinating! While we may think we took detours from the normal path, they turn out to be enriching experiences in my opinion. Recalibration is always good, because we live one day at a time and guiding principles change with age and experience.
Post: The Number Is Not The Answer
Link to comment from October 12, 2026
Thank you Jeff for a thoughtful article. I read your other articles as well. Your contributions and responses to questions are very much appreciated!
Post: Taking It With You
Link to comment from September 10, 2026