Money for The Rest of Us

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410 Plus: TIPS Auction Results, Normal Interest Rates, 90/10 Portfolios, and Financial Independence

In Plus episode 410, we review the results from the recent TIPS auction that David participated in. We look at what determines interest rates and whether there is a normal level. We discuss Warren Buffett's recommended portfolio allocation for a trust he set up. Finally, we look at what financial independence means. … [Read more...]

409 Plus: Buying TIPS at Auction, Building a TIPS Ladder, and Deciding Between Short-term and Long-term Bonds

In Plus Episode 409, we introduce the Money For the Rest of Us affiliate program. We discuss the complexities of purchasing a Treasury Inflation Protection Security at a reopened U.S. Treasury auction. We consider why yields on newly issued TIPS are lower than the yield on TIPS that have been outstanding for a while, even though both bonds have the same maturity. Finally, we consider how to decide between owning short-term bonds versus long-term bonds. … [Read more...]

407 Plus: More on Annuities, Real Estate, Yield Curve, Strong Dollar, and Zombie Firms

In Plus Episode 407, we continue our discussion on fixed annuities and fixed index annuities. We discuss real estate crowdfunding platforms, inverted yield curves, Series I savings bonds, and is now a good time to invest outside the U.S. given the strong dollar. Finally, we explore what zombie firms are and whether they could cause a market crash. … [Read more...]

406 Plus: More on SVOL, Active Bond Funds, Vanguard Risk Rates, and Purchasing Real Estate in IRAs

In Plus Episode 406, David provides more detail on why he sold the Simplify Volatility Premium ETF. We discuss how all bond investing involves some active decisions and why an investor would consider an active bond mutual fund. We compare two Vanguard mutual funds with different risk ratings. Does a conservative fund losing more money this year than a more aggressive fund signify Vanguard's risk ratings are wrong? Finally, we explore how to purchase real estate using the funds in an … [Read more...]

404 Plus: More on Bonds, Interest Rates, Monetary Velocity, and Inflation

In Plus Episode 404, we discuss paying down a mortgage early now that interest rates are higher. We answer a member's questions on how to invest college savings to be used in seven years or less. We revisit selling intermediate-term bond funds and ETFs. We revisit David's decision to buy and sell PFIX. Finally, we look at what monetary velocity is, why it is increasing and does that suggest inflation will stay high for longer. … [Read more...]

403 Plus: Is This Normal? Rate Increases, Negative Returns, and Owning Short-term versus Long-term Bonds

In Plus Episode 403, we consider whether the current market volatility is normal compared to earlier periods of rising interest rates. We review the latest leading economic indicators to see if recession risk is rising. Finally, we discuss what factors to consider if deciding about selling longer-term bonds and investing in short-term bonds. … [Read more...]

402 Plus: Buying TIPS, Taxes and Bonds, and Calculating Investment Returns

In Plus Episode 402, we discuss purchasing individual Treasury Inflation Protection Securities versus TIPS ETFs. We look at how bonds are taxed and how to tax-adjust municipal and corporate bonds. Finally, we compare return on investment with time-weighted and dollar-weighted returns. … [Read more...]

J. David Stein
Darby Creek Advisors LLC
P.O. Box 68544 • Tucson, AZ • 85737