In this audio lesson, I answer a question from a Hub member regarding how detailed of performance calculations do I keep. I answer the question and discuss other financial records that I maintain and why. The episode length is 6 minutes. … [Read more...]
Audio Six Pack 1: Pensions, Oil, MLPs, Seasonality and Taxes
Audio Six Packs combine six audio lessons into one file so you can stream or download them without having to switch from one audio lesson to the next. This audio six pack covers the following topics in sequential order: Are Pension Plans A Dying Retirement Model Seasonality and Stock Returns - starts at 6:17 An Introduction to Master Limited Partnerships - starts at 13:15 U.S. Stocks in the 5th Year of the Decade Have Always Been Positive - starts at 23:33 What's Going On … [Read more...]
Taxes and Investing
In this audio lesson, I discuss that attitude and actions to take regarding taxes when investing. I discuss: Why most professional money managers including mutual funds don't pay attention to the tax impact of their decisions. Successful investing means paying taxes Don't put tax strategy ahead of your investment strategy. Put less tax efficient holdings in your tax deferred account. Tax loss harvesting. The episode length is 9 minutes. … [Read more...]
What Is Going On With Oil Prices?
In this audio lesson, I discuss the longer-term investment implications of the decline in oil prices in particular and commodities in general. In the lesson, I share: Does the drop in oil prices mean we are heading toward a recession? What is a commodity supercycle and is the current one ending. What is driving the oil price decline. How do longer term commodity trends impact stock prices. What is the impact of oil prices on Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) The episode … [Read more...]
U.S. Stocks in the 5th Year of the Decade Have Always Been Positive
In this audio lesson, I discuss the decennial cycle and how U.S. large company stock returns in the fifth year of each decade going back to the 1890s have always been positive. In the lesson, I share: What is the decennial cycle. The surprise 5th year of the decade returns. Why stocks might always be positive in the 5th year. What to do about it. The episode length is 7 minutes. … [Read more...]
How I Positioned My Portfolio For Positive Seasonality
In the recent audio lesson Seasonality and Stock Returns, I described the powerful late year upward bias in stock market returns compared to the summer months. I mentioned I usually increase my stock exposure during the latter part of the year to take advantage of this phenomena. In this essay, I describe the specific portfolio changes I made this year to take advantage of the seasonality effect. I usually adjust my stock exposure directly through ETFs, closed end funds and/or mutual … [Read more...]
An Introduction To Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs)
In several episodes of the Money For the Rest of Us show I have mentioned that I invest in MLPs, but I have never described what they are exactly. In this audio lesson I share: What are the upstream, midstream and downstream energy segments. What are MLPs and what makes them unique. Why MLPs' growing distribution rates and higher yields make them attractive. Why MLP returns are not directly tied to the price of oil. What are the risks associated with MLPs The episode … [Read more...]
Seasonality and Stock Returns
The phrase "Sell In May and Go Away" is true as stock returns are lower in the summer. In this audio lesson I share: How lower stock returns in summer refute the efficient market hypothesis. Examples of the superior returns achieved from October through January. The powerful returns during the third year of a U.S. Presidency. How I adjust my portfolio to take advantage of seasonality. The lesson length is 7 minutes Audio Lesson Download this audio lesson Lesson … [Read more...]
Are Pension Plans A Dying Retirement Model?
Many companies are shuttering their pensions and replacing them with defined contribution plans. Here's why. Topics covered in this audio lesson include: What is the difference between defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Why companies have moved away from offering defined benefit plans such as pensions. How pension plans are managed. Why most pension plans are underfunded. The lesson length is 6 minutes. … [Read more...]
