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...]
393 Plus: Interest Rates, Convertible Bonds, and a Speculative Case for Bitcoin and Ethereum
In Plus Episode 393, we consider current U.S. interest rates and whether a member should lock in a mortgage now. We look at why now is a better environment for convertible bonds than a year ago. Finally, we review the speculative case for owning Bitcoin and Ethereum. … [Read more...]
349: Forward and Reverse Mortgages: When To Take Them Out and When to Pay Them Off
How to decide when to take out a home mortgage and whether to pay it off early. How reverse mortgages can be a helpful retirement tool. Topics covered include: Why it is more difficult to get a mortgage todayHow federal government mortgage guarantees lead to lower mortgage ratesHow to analyze whether to pay off your mortgage earlyThe differences between personal risk, market risk, and aspirational riskHow reverse mortgages work and how they can be useful as a retirement income toolWhat … [Read more...]
329 Plus: Robinhood, Mortgages and ETF Transparency
In Plus Episode 329, we review why Robinhood and other brokers suspended trading in certain stock shares this past week. We walk through a numerical example of how a home mortgage fits into an overall asset allocation and how the portfolio mix could be adjusted if the mortgage is paid off to maintain a similar risk profile. Finally, review the difference between transparent and non-transparent ETFs for actively managed ETFs such as those by Ark Invest. 329 Plus View and Listen To … [Read more...]
317: How To Buy In A Hot Housing Market
U.S. home prices are on fire and sales are skyrocketing. Here are 8 rules of thumb for buying a house in a hot housing market when there are multiple bidders over the asking price. Topics covered include: What are the latest metrics on U.S. home sales, prices, and valuations Why are homes sales increasing and prices soaring and how likely are they to fall Why David is buying a different house (again) in a hot housing market What are rules of thumb that can help us find the … [Read more...]
238: The U.S. Is More Socialist Than Denmark Regarding Home Mortgages
How the U.S. mortgage market differs from the Danish mortgage market. Danish mortgage rates and defaults are lower than the U.S.. and unlike the U.S., the Danish government is not involved in protecting investors against mortgage defaults. This episode also explores how the mortgage broker industry has evolved since the housing crash. Photo by Nick Karvounis In this episode you’ll learn: How mortgages are securitized in the U.S. by government-sponsored enterprises and investors are … [Read more...]
MNY060 Plus: Asset Allocation, Real Estate Debt and Currency Hedging
In this week's Money For the Rest of Us Plus episode, I answer member questions regarding: Should an asset allocation table that includes real estate deduct the value of any mortgage debt. In other words, only show real estate equity. Premium/discounts for international ETFs Currency hedging equity portfolios The episode length is 15 minutes. … [Read more...]
44: Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
How a home mortgage can help you build real wealth. Plus what factors to weigh if you are considering paying off your mortgage. Photo by Sarah Joy In this episode, you'll learn: What is money illusion.What causes housing booms and home price bubbles.How to talk about a book you haven't read.How having a mortgage can help you build real wealth.What causes inflation.What causes the money supply to increase.How having a mortgage can act as an inflation hedge.Should you pay … [Read more...]
