In Plus episode 302, we review recent trades in David's portfolio and discuss ways to construct a laddered bond portfolio. We analyze a portfolio managed by a financial advisor for a 71-year old woman. Finally, we discuss whether individuals should purchase their employer's stock as part of a promotion even if it leads to a highly concentrated position. … [Read more...]
279 Plus: December 2019 Portfolio Review, A Member Profile and Why Bonds
In Plus episode 279 for the week of December 6, 2019, we review changes to David's portfolio and discuss why there haven't been changes to the model portfolios in the past year. We review a member's portfolio and discuss his 25% allocation to an actively managed separate account. We discuss the criteria the member uses to evaluate the manager. Finally, we review why investors would want to own bonds. … [Read more...]
275 Plus: Deciding Between ETFs, Investing in Nuclear Energy, and a Member Portfolio Review
In Plus episode 275 for the week of November 2, 2019 we look at the criteria for deciding to invest in an ETF sponsored by Vanguard, iShares, Schwab or some other platform. We look at the difference between investing and supporting a particular social cause particular as it relates to nuclear energy. We analyze two nuclear energy related ETFs. Finally, we analyze a member's asset allocation to see if it is too aggressive or too conservative and discuss why there isn't an absolute correct … [Read more...]
274 Plus: Why Average Investor Return Calculations Are Flawed and A Member Portfolio Review
In Plus episode 274 for the week of October 26, 2019 we compare time-weighted returns with dollar-weighted returns and how the sequence of returns has led to the conclusion that the average investor significantly underperforms the market, when in fact much of the "underperformance" had nothing to do with the actions of investors. We also review a member's asset allocation and how the Plus Allocation model spreadsheet can be customized for member use. … [Read more...]
270 Plus: Investing Mistakes and the Sell Discipline of Index Funds
In Plus episode 270 for the week of September 28, 2019 we look at whether a member is making a mistake in his investing. We discuss whether it is better to focus on income or capital gains when it comes to investing. Finally, we explore the sell discipline used by ETFs and index funds. … [Read more...]
260: July Mid Month Update, Asset Allocation Example, Evaluating Municipal Bonds and How To Buy Gold and Cryptocurrencies
In Plus episode 260 for the week of July 19, 2019, we look at stock and bond market performance month-to-date as well as recent economic releases. Using a member as an example, we walk through the tools on Money For the Rest of Us Plus for deciding on a new asset allocation target. We evaluate a Vanguard municipal bond fund and compare it to the overall bond market. Finally, we discuss how to buy and store gold and cryptocurrencies. … [Read more...]
259 Plus: Farmland Investing, Moving Back To A High Cost City and Dollar Cost Averaging
In Plus episode 259 for the week of July 13, 2019, David discusses farmland investing including what determines farmland returns and what have returns been historically. We look at investing in farmland via a crowdfunding platform or via a farmland REIT such as Gladstone Land Corp. The episode also profiles a member who is on track for early retirement by living in the less expensive city of Bend Oregon while collecting a paycheck from a San Francisco Bay Area company. The problem is he and … [Read more...]
237 Plus: Money Manager Review, Overweighting U.S. Stocks and Water Rights
In Plus episode 237 for the week of January 26, 2019 we evaluate a money manager and recommended portfolio for a recently widowed 85 year old. We answer a member's questions regarding how much risk is he taking in overweighting U.S. stocks, with investing in long-term insured municipal bonds and participating on the Yield Street platform. Finally, we explore the value of water rights in an era of climate change. … [Read more...]
234 Plus: December 2018 Mid Month Update, Bank Loan Funds, and a Member Profile
This week December 18, 2018, we provide an update on investment conditions including looking at how soon after a stock market peak do recessions start, assuming there is a recession. We also look at what PMI data was prior to the previous two recessions. We revisit bank loan fund investing. Finally, we share some thoughts on a how a member can reach $1 million in assets. … [Read more...]
215 Plus: August 2018 Portfolio Review and a Member Portfolio Review
This week August 4, 2018, we conduct our monthly review of the model portfolios and David's portfolio. We also review a member's portfolio, who is anticipating retiring in the next few years. … [Read more...]
