The Investment Thread

UncleTrvlingJim said

Yes, the market was up 27% in 2021. We've basically erased those gains, but we're still above where were at right before Covid hit... we've been spoiled in a lot of ways, addicted to continuous gains, which is not the norm over the life of the market. The market moved pretty slowly from 2002 to 2007 and then it crashed.... basically any investment made in 2000 was flat or a loss in 2009.

The longest running bull market from 2009 to 2020 was an aberration.

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Sometimes it’s just luck, sometimes good planning.

In early 2008, my FA retired and I was really busy at work, so I just shoved most everything into cash and a Vanguard bond fund until I had some time to find a new FA. Dumb luck saved my arse in the 2008 bloodbath.

Now, post-retirement, I’ve watched many portfolio approaches outstrip my performance over the last few years because I live on a modest income and was shored up against what’s happening now. I’m certainly not up for the year, but I’m FAR outperforming the market in my losses and my income hasn’t been notably affected…yet. That was good planning fit-for-purpose for me.

Sometimes you need to be lucky AND smart.