That is not a good sign for Gen Z. My take, is they need discipline, and if loans or not, they need to think about retirement from DAY 1. They need to save some amount, even if it is small. Spending too much will get them in trouble, if not during their working years, then in their retirement years.
Gold, not for me. Crypto, no way, maybe some new plan in the long term future. The S&P is your most stable stock market gainer, and beats all but maybe 15% to 20% of the pros. Over the last 50 years I have been in the market a 10% gain average is very hard to beat. Those 500 best American companies are very strong and winners in the long run, and Warren Buffett agrees.
Happily we planned ahead, and no worries from this front. Have 10 years of cash and my RMD will get us through. This is the key with everything, PLAN ahead. I was taught to be conservative, so that is why 10 years, not 3 or 5, although 5 should be OK for nearly every market. Also, push the numbers, that always helps to get things in perspective. Your friend is the Stock Market Gains over time, your enemy is Inflation.
You did the right thing, always sell some shares when the shares reach new highs. Then if they go higher sell some more. And also on the other side of the coin, buy when shares are low, like 10% a correction or 20% lower a bear market. That seems to always work.
Sorry, I have no faith in Password systems like those. I use only my MacBook, iPhone and a well guarded spreadsheet for all passwords. I especially like my finger touch, or facial recognition for passwords use.
Doug, I use Quicken for that, and all accounts update at once. Over my 80 years I have found very few bank errors, I think 3, but the most unusual one was, my bank credit card bill was paid automatically and then immediately indicated late payment, that took some real up the bank ladder to get that software error fixed. I have everything automated.
Excellent article Doug. I continue to simplify as best I can. Overall, I have done all of the above. In addition my wife and I simplified our housing by moving into Independent Living. Maintenance, meals, paying bills is totally automated as you get a single bill each month. I can even get haircuts and other services right where I live. If needed or wanted meals can be delivered to my apartment. Yes, at 80 years old this is the way to go. I too wanted to live in my home until we passed away, but my wonderful wife made this great suggestion. In addition, entertainment, interesting speakers, just about any activity is available along with a fitness center. I just tell people I am on a permanent cruise with the ship always in port, and no waves. More interesting people here than anywhere, kind and helpful. Happy retirement sailing to all. Just keep it simple.
Just let me say, the only important thing for most of us, is to have Retirement Accounts and Taxable accounts. Saving is the key for Retirement in an IRA or equivalent, and Roth if possible. Most of us do not have significant funds where these kinds of taxes make a lot of difference. However, the more you know the less taxes you can pay.
Bigger is not always better. I learned this in my career and personally had more success with smaller. Thanks Adam for these interesting and meaningful articles.
Comments
That is not a good sign for Gen Z. My take, is they need discipline, and if loans or not, they need to think about retirement from DAY 1. They need to save some amount, even if it is small. Spending too much will get them in trouble, if not during their working years, then in their retirement years.
Post: Giving Up on Owning a Home
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Gold, not for me. Crypto, no way, maybe some new plan in the long term future. The S&P is your most stable stock market gainer, and beats all but maybe 15% to 20% of the pros. Over the last 50 years I have been in the market a 10% gain average is very hard to beat. Those 500 best American companies are very strong and winners in the long run, and Warren Buffett agrees.
Post: Investment Versus Speculation
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Happily we planned ahead, and no worries from this front. Have 10 years of cash and my RMD will get us through. This is the key with everything, PLAN ahead. I was taught to be conservative, so that is why 10 years, not 3 or 5, although 5 should be OK for nearly every market. Also, push the numbers, that always helps to get things in perspective. Your friend is the Stock Market Gains over time, your enemy is Inflation.
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
You did the right thing, always sell some shares when the shares reach new highs. Then if they go higher sell some more. And also on the other side of the coin, buy when shares are low, like 10% a correction or 20% lower a bear market. That seems to always work.
Post: Blood Money
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
I highly recommend using a Trust. My parents had that and I was able to handle all items with no Attorney and no Probate.
Post: Simplify Everything
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Sorry, I have no faith in Password systems like those. I use only my MacBook, iPhone and a well guarded spreadsheet for all passwords. I especially like my finger touch, or facial recognition for passwords use.
Post: Simplify Everything
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Doug, I use Quicken for that, and all accounts update at once. Over my 80 years I have found very few bank errors, I think 3, but the most unusual one was, my bank credit card bill was paid automatically and then immediately indicated late payment, that took some real up the bank ladder to get that software error fixed. I have everything automated.
Post: Simplify Everything
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Excellent article Doug. I continue to simplify as best I can. Overall, I have done all of the above. In addition my wife and I simplified our housing by moving into Independent Living. Maintenance, meals, paying bills is totally automated as you get a single bill each month. I can even get haircuts and other services right where I live. If needed or wanted meals can be delivered to my apartment. Yes, at 80 years old this is the way to go. I too wanted to live in my home until we passed away, but my wonderful wife made this great suggestion. In addition, entertainment, interesting speakers, just about any activity is available along with a fitness center. I just tell people I am on a permanent cruise with the ship always in port, and no waves. More interesting people here than anywhere, kind and helpful. Happy retirement sailing to all. Just keep it simple.
Post: Simplify Everything
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Just let me say, the only important thing for most of us, is to have Retirement Accounts and Taxable accounts. Saving is the key for Retirement in an IRA or equivalent, and Roth if possible. Most of us do not have significant funds where these kinds of taxes make a lot of difference. However, the more you know the less taxes you can pay.
Post: Tax Efficiency
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Bigger is not always better. I learned this in my career and personally had more success with smaller. Thanks Adam for these interesting and meaningful articles.
Post: How Deals Hurt Returns
Link to comment from April 4, 2026