This week April 20, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we look at how investors should factor in their employment in terms of their overall asset allocation, such as the variability of their income and the industry in which they work. We look at a new study by Vanguard on dollar cost averaging versus investing lump sums. We explore the implications of the phrase, "the market went up because the money had no where else to go." Finally, we consider how investment bubbles can contribute … [Read more...]
153 Plus: Evaluating Annuities, Directed Trades and Private Real Estate
This week April 15, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we help a member analyze whether it is better to take a lump sum payment or an annuity that a former employer is offering. We look at how major retail brokerage firms such as Schwab and Fidelity direct trades to market makers and whether that is a good thing or not. We analyze how an investor might adjust their publicly traded portfolio mix if they own rental real estate. Finally, we try to determine which precious metal is most … [Read more...]
151 Plus: Asset Allocation, Harm and Risk Tolerance
This week April 1, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we profile three members who have questions on deciding an appropriate asset allocation given their life circumstances. To help them and other members with similar questions, we take a big picture look at risk, harm, asset allocation and timing. … [Read more...]
MNY150 Plus: Asset Allocation Example, Managed Futures and Bonds
This week March 25, 2017 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we walk through the process of breaking down a portfolio to determine its asset allocation, expected return, risk and fees. We also discuss managed futures and the challenge of estimating the impact of a bond fund's duration on performance over multiple quarters. … [Read more...]
135 Plus: Investing Cash, Active Versus Passive, and SEC Yields
This week December 3, 2016 on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we look at why the model portfolios are a jumping off point to investing rather than a one size fits all solution. We discuss using actively managed funds to complement passive ETFs. We explore how SEC yields are calculated and how yield to maturity assumes reinvestment of interest/dividends. Finally, we look at where cash should be invested. Audio duration: 18:44 … [Read more...]
MNY127 Plus: TIPs, Individual Stocks and Investment Conditions
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we start off by discussing a leading investment concern; what to do about rising asset class valuations driven by low interest rates. We also look at when inflation indexed bonds are attractive investments. Finally, we explore how to incorporate a portfolio of individual stocks into an asset allocation to determine an appropriate return. … [Read more...]
MNY106 Plus: National Debt, Solar Bonds, Permanent Portfolios, Emerging Markets and Dissecting A Portfolio
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus we cover a number of different topics. I address hyperinflation and the national debt. I also answer questions on emerging market stocks, solar bonds and international stock exposure when implementing a Permanent Portfolio. I also analyze a member's asset allocation in his retirement account to estimate the expected return and risk and compare it to one of the Hub's model portfolios. The episode length is 24 minutes. … [Read more...]
MNY097 Plus: Asset Allocation and Frontier Markets
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus I discuss smart beta in the context of adjusting portfolio allocations based on market conditions. I also provide a profile of frontier markets with an emphasis on Vietnam. The episode length is 13 minutes. … [Read more...]
MNY093 Plus: High Yield and Asset Class Return Assumptions
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus I review recent writings from two of my investment mentors Rob Arnott and Ben Inker. Specifically, we will discuss high yield bonds, the challenges with underperforming asset classes and reasonable asset class returns going forward. The episode length is 22 minutes. … [Read more...]
MNY092 Plus: Hedges and Timing An Asset Allocation Shift
This week on Money For the Rest of Us Plus I answer a member's questions regarding using bonds as a hedge against a market downturn. I also answer a member question regarding the timing of a shift to a new long-term asset allocation. The episode length is 16 minutes. … [Read more...]
