General Topics starting from June 2, 2007

Updated: September 27, 2007.

Rock Bottom Withdrawal Rate

What is the worst case continuing withdrawal rate? The rock bottom is 2.77% per year.

Rock Bottom Withdrawal Rate

Back of the Envelope: Dividend Blend

Not everyone is comfortable using a spreadsheet calculator. Here is how to calculate a withdrawal rate for a dividend blend portfolio by hand. It is not exact. It comes close.

Back of the Envelope: Dividend Blend

Dividend Blend Rule of Thumb

Here is a rule of thumb for the dividend blend.

Dividend Blend Rule of Thumb

Predicting the Markets of Tomorrow

Just buy the book.

Then read what Rob Bennett posts at his PassionSaving site and what I write at this site.

This is not James P. O’Shaughnessy’s best book. That was “What Works on Wall Street.” It is his most timely. It tells you what you need to know today.”

Predicting the Markets of Tomorrow Book

Data Mining Bias

This extends my discussion of Evidence-Based Technical Analysis. I write this to improve the understanding of the role of theories for coping with data mining bias.

Data Mining Bias

Doctor’s Visit

I visited my doctor today and introduced him to my new wife. All is well.

Doctor’s Visit

Saving For Retirement

Those who are still accumulating money for retirement are in an excellent position. Those who are already in retirement can do much better than conventional studies claim. Both should use the techniques developed at this site.

Saving For Retirement

Avoiding Disaster

A retiree should avoid selling stocks. Upgrading his portfolio is an exception.

Avoiding Disaster

Shun Rebalancing

Rebalancing is a bad idea.

Shun Rebalancing

Is $200000 Enough?

How much do you need? For a traditional retiree, $200000 can be enough. A younger retiree needs more. Partial retirement may be a better choice.

Is $200000 Enough?

Annuities and TIPS

Annuities deserve another look.

Annuities and TIPS

Risk Leads to Bankruptcy

We have been so inundated by salesmen that we no longer respond to real dangers.

Risk Leads to Bankruptcy

Dividend Growth and Bond Ladders

It is reasonable to withdraw 5% (plus inflation) if you use a bond ladder and reinvest in dividend stocks as the yields of high quality companies become attractive.

Dividend Growth and Bond Ladders
Dividend Growth and Bond Ladders Addendum

The Great Mistake

Retirees need income. Accumulators need total return. Mix the two and you make the Great Mistake: the 4% safe withdrawal rate.

The Great Mistake

Dividend Growth Rule of Thumb

Here is a rule of thumb about dividend growth. It helps us select investments for the Dividend Blend.

Dividend Growth Rule of Thumb

Dividend Growth Story

This is why dividend growth is so attractive.

Dividend Growth Story