[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by Boomer

I understand everything we own. A professional might have been able to show a bigger return, but we’re OK with our own decisions and our returns.

My wiring is such that I like taking the responsibility for investment decisions. In fact, I really do think we are all wired in whatever way when it comes to money. I don’t know exactly why I am wired with an interest in investing, etc., but I am glad I am, and Mr. Boomer is happy about it, too.

Giving somebody one percent, annually, taken quarterly, whether the accounts are up or down is not something we are ready to do.

I have been at this for decades — in a sort of comfort zone. Maybe boring, but a comfort zone.

I do have a philosophy of investing. It is simple and categorized and forward-looking — and backward-looking — because I think many investors often suffer from amnesia. And I pay attention. No spreadsheets or formulas involved, just making sure I completely understand what we own — and what those companies do — and how they are doing at doing it, along with general awareness of things I might need to be aware of — like taxes — and have been getting tax advice along the way. I understand cap gains very well and play them carefully.

Mr. Boomer and I have a backup plan if I get to the point where I start investing in Franklin Mint plates or Pez dispensers or Beanie Babies. We have interviewed a few planners and know who we will see if we feel like we need or want to.

The main aggravation I have now is that there is no return on cash in that moat I maintain around the stocks. Our parents could always get returns on CDs. I don’t think we will ever see returns on CDs again. But, even so, I know to never get us into the position of having to sell stocks to pay taxes — thus, the moat will continue to be around.

All advisors can claim big returns right now. Bigger than mine, no doubt. But the old bull has been running for a long time. He must be getting awfully tired — and there sure seem to be a lot of picadors around these days. Whatever happens, I will stay swaddled in our comfort zone with my unsophisticated approach, still making our own decisions, while we can.

Btw, I am now over the idea of looking further into Roth conversions at RMD age. The existing Roth will be there already — and all ready — if we want it for a tax-advantaged expenditure. But I still regret not doing more conversion before RMD age. But that’s just me and my whole picture wiring.

Thanks for the conversation.

Boomer

Interesting wiring. I wonder if Henry David T. would have considered giving an expert 1% of his book royalties? I agree that it is time to remember that the old bull MUST be tiring sometime! I don't watch the 2 fast money shows as religiously as I used to. So, now I buy mostly ETFs, not individual stocks. I recently bought a small amount of ITA, an ETF for the Aerospace and Defense Industry.