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07-12-2021, 05:33 PM
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#1
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 519
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Anyone ever 'want more'?
I'm almost 46. Wife, 2 young kids. I've never been to college even a day so no 'fallback' job as a doctor lawyer Indian Chief or plumber or dog catcher.
Anyhow, I had a mostly successful small business career....mostly set records, mostly did well - - until the very end where some things were my fault, and certainly a lot of it was bigger better competitors, and market forces that cut my run more prematurely than I'd have liked.
Basically, I have $3.4mm in liquid cash-stocks plus, own personal residence outright that easily is worth $1.0mm. I've been kicking back for 5 months now, plotting my overall strategy to stay retired ie asset allocation, possible real estate buys, etc.
Darnit, part of me wants my mini-empire back. I usually had a decent sized business - -a few acres and a building on a nice main road, staff of 40 full time people, lovely unique perks , choice seats at the hockey game, the whole nine yards. BUT - a big part of me is relieved. No more employee stuff. No more customer crap. No more sitting duck, waiting for the newest e-commerce fad to take a bite out of my bum bum.
But at times - I want it back. Many of my staff nucleus were with me 20+ years in what is a high turnover business. And a few of my best people - visit with me once a week, telling me that the minute I start a new business - - they'll take a huge pay-cut and join me in a heartbeat.
So the last month I was on a piece of property - - freaking choice location. BUT....would've taken some time vis a vis tearing down buildings, paving lots, getting permits, establishing lines of credit, hiring a few people (would've been just 8 of us, a tiny army all of us hands-on ), construction of a new facility....THEN, some decent losses while the business establishes and I learn the new market.
Total cash needed was $2.3 million.
I punted. I certainly made a good faith offer, but deep down I was scared of the risk. Had things gone well - - I'd have only made $210k per year which is only 9% returns. ALOT of things would have to go right for that to happen and frankly, it's less than I used to make at my apex. One one hand it's not "worth it" to risk 2.3 mill, get back into a cut-throat business, and hope it goes well not to mention the 70 hour weeks are back which I'm used to, and would happily do because the people. that are ready to join - - are a pleasure. BUT, I knowingly put in an offer that was good - -but I sorta knew someone would beat me out by just a little....and sure enough it happened today.
BUT if things didn't work out in the new business - I think I'd lose a good $400k of my total investment - - I can't lose $400k with no hopes of recouping it.
Darnit, I'd love to show my kids my new place, even see them work in it to learn things.....but then I'm thinking, if I fail, how cute would it be if I had to tell kids that the whole college expense thing is not gonna happen right?
So here I am.
Bottom line, if over the long term, large-cap stocks can return me an *average* of 5.5%..... and if my real estate investments return 4.5% - - I can live a rather nice lifestyle, handle college costs, weddings, etc, and then probably have enough to live comfortably till we croak. Not the lofty way I had envisioned, but nevertheless....something to be thankful for and satisfied with.
I look at historical S@P500 returns and feel over the long term , my 5.5% is realistic.
My 4.5% would mean a long term investment in a property. leased to a TacoBell, 7-11, etc, OR rental homes....making a modest 3% net return on yearly rent, plus an average yearly appreciation of 2.5%. (Much of the appreciation is gone after real estate commissions when you sell the house hence I'm not counting the full 2.5 appreciation towards profits). Again - history shows about 3.5% average appreciation. And while there's ups and downs to come..... for the next 10-15 years, anywhere from Atlanta to Raleigh to Sarasota is gonna have more population growth and more housing demand so at very least I feel realistic in my expectations.
But darn. Part of me is relieved today.
But part of me is gut punched.
And the holy trinity of Dunkin double chocolate, McDonald's double cheeseburger value meal, and blasting music in the car (Peter Gabriel and REO).....hasn't cured me yet.
Comments, questions, insults, anything is appreciated.
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07-12-2021, 06:43 PM
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#2
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,464
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Great post. I would say you were pretty gutsy to have made an offer on that piece of property.
I do miss working, alot. We ran a business and sold it after 8 years. I won't ever want to risk a dime of our retirement savings to start another business. If I want to get back to making money in a work place, I will go back to work for a company.
If you miss the adrenalin rush of working, making deals etc, and continue to make money, you can do something that costs next to nothing. No retail space, just online presence. Mergers & Acquisitions brokers, realtors etc.
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07-12-2021, 06:49 PM
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#3
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
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Anyone ever 'want more'?
More money, always. More work, no.
But then, I am 20 years older than the OP. I have worked enough. Time to rest.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)
"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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07-12-2021, 07:21 PM
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#4
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: DuPage County IL
Posts: 2,697
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NW-Bound
Anyone ever 'want more'?
More money, always. More work, no.
But then, I am 20 years older than the OP. I have worked enough. Time to rest.
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not really except in our accumulation phase. but once we reached "critical mass" we were more focused on retaining what we had and still growing a portion. we're now set to inherit a bunch...our NW is about to double. we're discussing the good we can do with that money while we're around to see it happen. lots of ideas. it's a great problem to have.
__________________
Rich
Ham Radio, Sport Pilot, RVer
FIRE: 8/11/2005, age 55y,1d
Dispatcher, then shift supv, then administrator for a regional 9-1-1 call center
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07-12-2021, 07:22 PM
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#5
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 8,968
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66, retired, plenty of dough, not looking to work, gonna buy a boat -
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07-12-2021, 07:29 PM
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#6
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 1,285
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I quit working when I was 45. I found better things to do with my time.
None of us is promised tomorrow.
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07-12-2021, 07:30 PM
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#7
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Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 22,923
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I offer you this poem by the famous writer Kurt Vonnegut (first published in the New Yorker, May 2005):
Joe Heller
True story, Word of Honor:
Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer
now dead,
and I were at a party given by a billionaire
on Shelter Island.
I said, “Joe, how does it make you feel
to know that our host only yesterday
may have made more money
than your novel ‘Catch-22’
has earned in its entire history?”
And Joe said, “I’ve got something he can never have.”
And I said, “What on earth could that be, Joe?”
And Joe said, “The knowledge that I’ve got enough.”
Not bad! Rest in peace!
__________________
Living an analog life in the Digital Age.
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07-12-2021, 08:21 PM
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#8
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 499
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46 is too young to retire and too old to risk losing your money to get 9% return plus 70 hours work week to make your loyal friends happy.
I do admire you for even tempting to put in a offer. Maybe you should find some other meaningful work, have fun, give back, mentor and teach your kids about business + life lesson.
Retaining your assets, get a moderate return on your already massive asset is the key. Just my opinion
good luck
Enuff
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07-12-2021, 08:26 PM
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#9
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: West of the Mississippi
Posts: 17,134
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Have you considered joining one of those organizations that match experienced successful business people such as yourself with young (or maybe not so young) people who are starting their own business for the first time? You mentor them and help them see traps and opportunities that an inexperienced person might miss. Of course, they are ultimately responsible for their success.
__________________
Comparison is the thief of joy
The worst decisions are usually made in times of anger and impatience.
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07-12-2021, 08:36 PM
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#10
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rk911
not really except in our accumulation phase. but once we reached "critical mass" we were more focused on retaining what we had and still growing a portion. we're now set to inherit a bunch...our NW is about to double. we're discussing the good we can do with that money while we're around to see it happen. lots of ideas. it's a great problem to have.
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I don't really need more money at this point, because I already underspend what I have and spending more does not necessarily bring me happiness.
But if I can get more money without doing a lot of work, then why not? I can give it away as I see fit later. And that's why I will not say no to money, unless it's illegal or unethical, or requires me to work hard.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)
"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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07-12-2021, 08:43 PM
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#11
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 8,968
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I over spend what I have (according to the 4% thing) and I have more dough than ever.
Yeah, I want more! A boat and a slip -
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07-12-2021, 08:58 PM
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#12
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
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OP made the right move IMO. Although young at 46, it could take a while to get a new venture rolling. Sure you want to do it now. But how will you feel about this 10 years from now? Will you still want to press on at 56?
One has to assess whether something like this has an adequate ROI. Not only return on $ invested. But also return on personal time spent. Since you are financially secure now, I don't see how spending 70 hours a week is worth it just to add more money to the pile.
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07-12-2021, 08:59 PM
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#13
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gone traveling
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,196
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During the 2008 layoffs of the company I was at I wanted more work. I got it and survived the layoffs that year.
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07-12-2021, 09:20 PM
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#14
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The 850
Posts: 963
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MichealKnight
I'm almost 46. Wife, 2 young kids. I've never been to college even a day so no 'fallback' job as a doctor lawyer Indian Chief or plumber or dog catcher.
Anyhow, I had a mostly successful small business career....mostly set records, mostly did well - - until the very end where some things were my fault, and certainly a lot of it was bigger better competitors, and market forces that cut my run more prematurely than I'd have liked.
Basically, I have $3.4mm in liquid cash-stocks plus, own personal residence outright that easily is worth $1.0mm. I've been kicking back for 5 months now, plotting my overall strategy to stay retired ie asset allocation, possible real estate buys, etc.
Darnit, part of me wants my mini-empire back. I usually had a decent sized business - -a few acres and a building on a nice main road, staff of 40 full time people, lovely unique perks , choice seats at the hockey game, the whole nine yards. BUT - a big part of me is relieved. No more employee stuff. No more customer crap. No more sitting duck, waiting for the newest e-commerce fad to take a bite out of my bum bum.
But at times - I want it back. Many of my staff nucleus were with me 20+ years in what is a high turnover business. And a few of my best people - visit with me once a week, telling me that the minute I start a new business - - they'll take a huge pay-cut and join me in a heartbeat.
So the last month I was on a piece of property - - freaking choice location. BUT....would've taken some time vis a vis tearing down buildings, paving lots, getting permits, establishing lines of credit, hiring a few people (would've been just 8 of us, a tiny army all of us hands-on ), construction of a new facility....THEN, some decent losses while the business establishes and I learn the new market.
Total cash needed was $2.3 million.
I punted. I certainly made a good faith offer, but deep down I was scared of the risk. Had things gone well - - I'd have only made $210k per year which is only 9% returns. ALOT of things would have to go right for that to happen and frankly, it's less than I used to make at my apex. One one hand it's not "worth it" to risk 2.3 mill, get back into a cut-throat business, and hope it goes well not to mention the 70 hour weeks are back which I'm used to, and would happily do because the people. that are ready to join - - are a pleasure. BUT, I knowingly put in an offer that was good - -but I sorta knew someone would beat me out by just a little....and sure enough it happened today.
BUT if things didn't work out in the new business - I think I'd lose a good $400k of my total investment - - I can't lose $400k with no hopes of recouping it.
Darnit, I'd love to show my kids my new place, even see them work in it to learn things.....but then I'm thinking, if I fail, how cute would it be if I had to tell kids that the whole college expense thing is not gonna happen right?
So here I am.
Bottom line, if over the long term, large-cap stocks can return me an *average* of 5.5%..... and if my real estate investments return 4.5% - - I can live a rather nice lifestyle, handle college costs, weddings, etc, and then probably have enough to live comfortably till we croak. Not the lofty way I had envisioned, but nevertheless....something to be thankful for and satisfied with.
I look at historical S@P500 returns and feel over the long term , my 5.5% is realistic.
My 4.5% would mean a long term investment in a property. leased to a TacoBell, 7-11, etc, OR rental homes....making a modest 3% net return on yearly rent, plus an average yearly appreciation of 2.5%. (Much of the appreciation is gone after real estate commissions when you sell the house hence I'm not counting the full 2.5 appreciation towards profits). Again - history shows about 3.5% average appreciation. And while there's ups and downs to come..... for the next 10-15 years, anywhere from Atlanta to Raleigh to Sarasota is gonna have more population growth and more housing demand so at very least I feel realistic in my expectations.
But darn. Part of me is relieved today.
But part of me is gut punched.
And the holy trinity of Dunkin double chocolate, McDonald's double cheeseburger value meal, and blasting music in the car (Peter Gabriel and REO).....hasn't cured me yet.
Comments, questions, insults, anything is appreciated.
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At least once a month, probably more often.
Had a great career-well paid, interesting, intellectually stimulating work. Family circumstances caused me to step back. Had "enough" to make everything work. 6+ years on, it has. But as the family circumstances changed, I began to realize what I had left behind.
It's not just "work", it is the interaction, the daily problem-solving challenge, the routine and knowing what tomorrow and next week will look like.
Those things may not be typical in this ER crowd, but maybe not uncommon.
I pulled the plug at 55. Kids are older and now more independent, and my days are no longer filled with keeping them moving, chauffeuring, etc. New wife has a full calendar every day, something I facilitated and fully support. At this point I'm trying to figure out what I do next.
I don't have an opinion about if you should jump into another venture. At 46, you have a long horizon. Your resources seem close to making it work if you never work again. OTOH, you have time to work through any failures.
My advice is to do your math on making it work financially, but don't ignore the psychological consequences walking away from "the game"
__________________
Stay at home slacker dad 2015-August 2024. With the last kid gone, now actually retired
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07-12-2021, 09:41 PM
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#15
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Recycles dryer sheets
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Spring, Texas
Posts: 482
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MichealKnight - Sounds to me like you still have a deep yearning to be in the game. The thrill of the hunt is still strong in you - just my opinion based on your Post.
Nothing wrong with that - embrace the fire and enjoy the challenges and going balls to the wall.
Your young yet - at your age I was Offshore Superintendent and hard charging and loved it.
At your age with 2 X youngins - I would be leary that you have enough piled up. Kids and College are expensive and you would be looking at ~50 year retirement window ish.....
You have expenses coming at you - that you cannot predict or even comprehend yet.... that is life....
I retired at at age 61 this year and after 43 years of pushing hard in the Oilfields - it was time to hang it up.
You will know when it's time to go to pasture.
All the best and please keep us posted on your path forward decision.
gamboolman.....
Lifes A Dance And You Learn As You Go
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07-12-2021, 09:41 PM
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#16
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 519
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Too many ppl to name but thank you all for the replies I've read multiple times.
The property was around $1mm. PLUS another $1mm of construction. PLUS losing about $275,000 worth of initial losses. THEN I'd have to do pretty darn well, hit all metrics on the "high side" of good performance, and hope for no major slowdowns for 5 years. Sort of daunting.
Whereas - ALL investments have risks but I'm thinking .... perhaps Blue Chips are a 'smarter' risk in that if they go down (and they will), historically they come back up. Not to mention....putting oodles of money in a "maybe successful business".....is risky. BUT..... putting money in the hands of Satya Nadella, Timmy Cook, Mary Barra, and then hoping that people will eat McDonalds, and drink Pepsis...... and then on the real estate side of the portfolio, just hope that enough people in growing metro areas will need to rent 3bed/2bath homes under $1900 per month. Sure there's risk....but it seems my risk is LESS there -- versus this business venture.
Now, does anybody wanna be a sweetheart?
Tell me that my 5.5% stock market long term annualized average returns are realistic
I"m 45 male , overweight and I'll wear a plunging neckline for anyone who can tell me that.
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07-12-2021, 09:49 PM
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#17
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
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Sure, 5.5% long-term annualized return is no problem. The late Bogle kept telling us that.
But, remember, inflation may eat 3% of that, leaving you with 2.5%.
You are welcome. But don't post any photo of yourself.
Please. Otherwise, I would have to ask a moderator to delete this post of mine.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)
"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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07-12-2021, 10:56 PM
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#18
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Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,395
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So... who is raising those "2 young kids" with you working 70 hours a week?
Years from now, when it is far far too late, they may wish that you would have spent more of your time, and less of your money, on them. They only grow up once. Don't miss it. You can't get it back. Money, and power, although nice, are not end-alls of life.
Also sprach Zarathustra Telly.
__________________
-- Telly, the D-I-Y guy --
Two fools dancing on the hands of time
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07-12-2021, 11:01 PM
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#19
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Full time employment: Posting here.
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 519
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Thanks NW
Quote:
Originally Posted by NW-Bound
Sure, 5.5% long-term annualized return is no problem. The late Bogle kept telling us that.
But, remember, inflation may eat 3% of that, leaving you with 2.5%.
You are welcome. But don't post any photo of yourself.
Please. Otherwise, I would have to ask a moderator to delete this post of mine.
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Hi NW - ok your reward for verifying my 5.5% fantasy is you get no picture of me being alluring.
Yes on inflation. My plan is hoping for 5.5% nominal, and I use a yearly inflation of 3.1% Hoping that will be the average.
(Also, if needed, 6% of my yearly spending can be cut and still have what many would consider a decent lifestyle)
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07-12-2021, 11:10 PM
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#20
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Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Spending the Kids Inheritance and living in Chicago
Posts: 16,972
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OP - Don't risk your money.
If you feel the need to solve/win/get rich, then do like my relative.
He is old, worked in oil most of his life.
He put his ear to the ground and heard of a group of fellows needing some help to find/collect land/drill for oil.
It spanned a few years of occasional work for him at zero pay.
He had negotiated a 1% ownership for zero dollars.
Recently he told me they finally drilled their first well, hit paydirt, will be drilling a bunch more.
His 1% is now worth $1M.
__________________
Fortune favors the prepared mind. ... Louis Pasteur
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