With a total U.S. inflation rate of 14% in the past two years, we review how various inflation hedges performed over the past twenty-four months. Topics covered include: What were investors' and the Federal Reserve's inflation expectations two years ago What led to the big inflation increase Why was the Federal Reserve forced to raise its policy rate by almost 5% in a year How successful were inflation-index bonds, stocks, commodities, and real estate in beating inflation … [Read more...]
426 Plus: TIPS vs CDs, 1031 Exchange, and a Balanced Leveraged ETF Portfolio
In Plus episode 426, we analyze how to decide between 5-year TIPS or 5-year certificates of deposit. We explore how real estate investors defer taxes through 1031 exchanges and investing in Delaware Statuatory Trusts. Finally, we compare two higher risk strategies: A balanced portfolio of 3x leveraged ETFs or a return stacking strategy that combines stock and long-term bond exposure. … [Read more...]
422 Plus: A TIPS Trade, TIPS Taxes, Wash Sale Update, and Finding Alternative Investment Funds
In Plus episode 422, we discuss a recent TIPS purchase David made. We review how TIPS are taxed, including what are original issue discounts. We look at examples of tax loss harvesting trades that Schwab Intelligent Portfolios made that they don't believe violate the wash sale rule. Finally, we discuss the challenge for individual investors in finding alternative investment managers in the venture capital and leveraged buyout areas. … [Read more...]
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: Worry-Free Retirement Investing
How to use laddered inflation-indexed bonds (i.e., TIPS), CDs, fixed annuities, and fixed index annuities to meet retirement living expenses while worrying less about running out of money. Topics covered include: How individuals can use liability-driven investment strategies Why now is the best opportunity to buy Treasury Inflation Protection Securities in 15 years How to use bond ladders How deferred fixed and deferred variable annuities work How to analyze fixed index … [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...]
Portfolio Trade: Adding Individual Treasury Inflation Protection Security
400 Plus: Annuities Follow Up, TIPS Underperformance, and Rights and Warrants
In Plus episode 400, we answer a follow-up question on annuities from Plus episode 398. We look at why Treasury Inflation Protection Securities have had a negative return year-to-date even though inflation has been high. Finally, we review what rights and warrants are and why companies and funds issue them. … [Read more...]
388 Plus: Expected Return Update, Direct Indexing, Strengthening Yen, and Two TIPS CEFs
In Plus Episode 388, we look at how Money For the Rest of Us is seeking to improve its process for estimating long-term asset class returns. We analyze the two new direct indexing offerings from Schwab and Fidelity. We consider whether purchasing Japanese stocks when the yen is weak has led Japanese stocks to outperform the rest of the world as the yen strengthens. Finally, we analyze two closed-end funds that invest in Treasury Inflation Protection Securities (WIA and WIW). … [Read more...]
