Are you a financial expert?
No, I work in the computer industry and I am not a financial expert or professional. I offer readers 25 years of investment experience, through a wide variety of market conditions. My investment results tend to be more volatile than I would recommend for most investors. But, I have consistently made good returns during the past two decades.
What is your posting frequency?
I aspire to write at least one post every week. But, I am usually lucky to post two or three times a month. Because I have a demanding job and a family, I have to post after I have completed my other responsibilities. For example, I had to fix the garbage disposal before I could complete today’s post.
Also, I like to write posts that provide valuable information to readers. You won’t see weekly round-ups, recycled news, personal rants or off-topic material on this site. My goals are to help readers with their finances and to present information that is relevant and useful. These types of posts are difficult to write and they can’t be turned out on a daily basis.
What is up with Einstein?
Although personal finances are much easier than physics, our financial futures depend on being smart with our money. Einstein learned a lot about compound interest and he shared this knowledge in one of my favorite quotes. A little wisdom from a true genius is a valuable thing. And, every time I see Einstein staring at me from the corner of my blog, it reminds me to be wise with my money. I hope it has the same effect on my readers.
What investments do you recommend?
I don’t recommend specific investments for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, some investments will go up and some will go down, no matter who recommends them. And, I never want anyone to lose money based on my recommendation. So, I usually dispense generic investment advice, such as, “start out with a no-load mutual fund, with low expenses and good long-term performance”.
Second, I’m not an investment professional, nor am I licensed to sell investments or financial products. So, I avoid any recommendations that could be considered as investment advice.
Finally, the primary reason for this website is to encourage readers to become investors. This means they will have to develop courage and initiative. Depending on someone else for their investment advice won’t help to develop these important traits or to become good investors.
What is your rate of return?
I have a goal and expectation of earning 12-15% on my investments and have come pretty close. I have made a killing on investments such as Janus Twenty and my house. And, I have lost my shirt on investments such as D.R. Horton and my uranium mining stocks. Nobody’s perfect and there’s risk involved in seeking a high return. Most of my investments, such as my T. Rowe Price funds, cruise along in the teens. I always welcome the consistent returns to balance out some of my riskier ventures.
The reason I seek such a high rate of return is to beat taxes and inflation. Considering that inflation averages around 5% and taxes are around 25% (despite what the Government tells you), you have to hit double-digits, just to net a modest profit. If you put your money into savings bonds or an ING Direct account earning 3% interest, then you are probably losing 3-5% per year, while risking your money. That doesn’t make any sense to me. Nor will you find other successful investors doing this.
What is your investment strategy?
I started out purely as a Growth investor. I was single, young and aggressive. I looked for maximum returns and was willing to take the risk. Plus, I was just starting out and didn’t have much to lose. And, in the ’80s, Growth investing was in fashion. Back then, only old people were Income investors.
My changing demographics and lots of experience have transformed me into a Value investor. It makes sense to look for value in investments, just as I seek value in all products. The only problem with Value investing is that it takes patience. There are long periods of time when the market is over-valued and opportunities aren’t available. At those times, Growth investors look pretty smart. Then, the bubble bursts.
Most Popular Posts