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What have I learned so far?
Old 02-02-2007, 07:58 PM   #1
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Location: Southern Louisiana
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What have I learned so far?

Age is 56, plan to RE at 59. I found this site because I was searching for information about how others were doing financially and to compare my situation to theirs.
I have been getting my ducks in a row recently and am trying to plan for RE. Since I found this site I downloaded a recommended spreadsheet and now I know that DW and I spent 32K last year and we know exactly where most of it went.
I am now filling the spreadsheet for 2007 and will have more accurate data for this year.
I learned that there are a couple of books that will help me to manage my own investments after RE, and to help me fill in my time after RE.
I also learned that it is quite expensive to have others manage my investments when I could do an adequate job. I'm doing it now and can continue.
I learned that my 401K is with a reputable company and I'm glad about that.
I learned that 4% SWR will more than satisfy our needs and will not even take that much out.
I learned that I am fortunate to have a Pension and that is quite rare among the members here.
I learned that we have been LBYM without even trying and now are glad that we have been.
I have learned that others have their money in fewer funds that I have mine in.
I have learned what my Expense ratios are and that my 401k is actually more conservatively invested than I thought it was. I even know about "beta" now.
I still have more to learn and I've really just started.
Now I've got to get those books.........
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Re: What have I learned so far?
Old 02-02-2007, 08:56 PM   #2
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Re: What have I learned so far?

Now I've got to get those books.........

And now it is time to go to the library! Only pay for those you plan top use as a reference on a routine basis. The books for the most part are to get your thinking straight and it sounds like it is with a minor tweak or two!


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Re: What have I learned so far?
Old 02-02-2007, 08:58 PM   #3
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Re: What have I learned so far?

Sounds like you are well on your way. While it sounds like you might have been just fine without any additional research, it's a big comfort to see how the parts fit together, to confirm that everything is going to be okay, and to get an idea of how other folks are doing things. I learn new things here every day.
Good luck!
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Re: What have I learned so far?
Old 02-02-2007, 10:05 PM   #4
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Re: What have I learned so far?

If you do an 'advanced search' and look for 'book report' and check the 'title only' box, you might find that the books you're interested in have already had a synopsis and discussion done that might serve as either a super condensed readers digest version, or at least a pre-read of the book for content.
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Re: What have I learned so far?
Old 02-03-2007, 01:43 AM   #5
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Re: What have I learned so far?

i learned
-to stop worrying so much about the day to day fluctuations
-put a plan together and stick to it
-a good plan is one that allows you to sleep at night
-vti is a great etf! thanks nords it allows you to put some money on "cruise control"


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