Yeah I guess the proper definition of cash would be "not subject to market fluctuations".
Whatever happens your principal stays the same. So it's like stopping gambling, taking your chips off the table.
Yeah I know that with these kind of investments you have an inflation gamble that is real too, so maybe you can't ever be "truly safe"
That's why these polls are hard yes? Someone always has a problem with some definition.
In thinking more about this, I think size matters . Of course, mileage (and opinions) will vary, but "for me", if I had <1m of investable NW I might not feel like I had won the game and could not safely take 50% of my chips off the table and turn it into cash (by this threads definition). However if I had >5m I might feel very comfortable with ~50% in cash. YMMV depending on lots of factors. e.g. Age, spend rates, plans for your heirs, etc."if you won the game why keep your chips on the table"
I dunno. I still like stocks and bonds, but I like to feel safe also.
This is what I also consider cash. Cash does not have to be MM or CD or bank deposits. If interest goes up, it does not go down, then it is cash. Stable value funds and I-bonds certainly qualify.... Considering "cash" to be all investments immune from market fluctuations that could be converted to bank deposits within a few days, then I have a substantial fraction of NW in cash - principally in 401K stable value funds and I-bonds.
In thinking more about this, I think size matters . Of course, mileage (and opinions) will vary, but "for me", if I had <1m of investable NW I might not feel like I had won the game and could not safely take 50% of my chips off the table and turn it into cash (by this threads definition). However if I had >5m I might feel very comfortable with ~50% in cash. YMMV depending on lots of factors. e.g. Age, spend rates, plans for your heirs, etc.
currently at 13% - retired in April of 2016 (at 46) and cashed out my partnership, hence the large cash balance. slowing deploying cash in this environment. Goal is 5% cash balance to cover 2 years worth of expenses.
Fortunately all my cash is safely in 1000 Rupee notes, so no worries.
What no drachmas? Bolivars from Venezuela?
Well, given the news from India it was a comment that even cash can be at risk, whether held in a bank or in physical form.
Other than market timers, who would ever hold anywhere near 50% in Cash?