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Optimized Portfolio

Investing and Personal Finance

  • Start Here
  • Investing 101
    • Beginners Start Here – 10 Steps To Start Building Wealth
    • What Is the Stock Market? How It Works & How to Invest in It
    • How To Invest in an Index Fund – The Best Index Funds
    • Portfolio Asset Allocation by Age
    • How To Invest Your Emergency Fund
    • Portfolio Diversification – How To Diversify Your Portfolio
    • Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing (DCA vs. LSI)
    • How To Invest Your HSA (Health Savings Account)
    • Factor Investing and Factor ETFs – The Ultimate Guide
    • more…
  • Lazy Portfolios
    • All Weather Portfolio
    • Bogleheads 3 Fund Portfolio
    • HEDGEFUNDIE’s Excellent Adventure
    • Warren Buffett Portfolio
    • Golden Butterfly Portfolio
    • Paul Merriman Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio
    • Ben Felix Model Portfolio
    • Permanent Portfolio
    • David Swensen Portfolio
    • 60/40 Portfolio
    • more…
  • Funds
    • VOO vs. VTI – Vanguard S&P 500 or Total Stock Market ETF?
    • The 7 Best International ETFs
    • The 8 Best Small Cap ETFs (4 From Vanguard)
    • The 5 Best REIT ETFs
    • The 5 Best EV ETFs – Electric Vehicles ETFs
    • VIG vs. VYM – Comparing Vanguard’s 2 Popular Dividend ETF’s
    • The Best Vanguard Dividend Funds – 4 Popular ETFs
    • The 5 Best Tech ETFs
    • The 7 Best Small Cap Value ETFs
    • The 6 Best ETFs for Taxable Accounts
    • The 5 Best Emerging Markets ETFs (1 From Vanguard) for 2023
    • more…
  • Leverage
    • What Is a Leveraged ETF and How Do They Work?
    • How To Beat the Market Using Leverage and Index Investing
    • The 9 Best Leveraged ETFs
    • Hedgefundie’s Excellent Adventure
    • Leveraged All Weather Portfolio
    • Leveraged Permanent Portfolio
    • Leveraged Golden Butterfly Portfolio
    • NTSX – Review and Summary
    • TQQQ – Is It A Good Investment?
    • PSLDX – A Review
    • SWAN – A Review
    • RPAR Risk Parity ETF Review
    • more…
  • Dividends
    • The Best M1 Finance Dividend Pie
    • The 11 Best Dividend ETFs
    • The Best Vanguard Dividend Funds – 4 Popular ETFs
    • VIG vs. VYM – Comparing Vanguard’s 2 Popular Dividend ETF’s
    • 8 Reasons Why I’m Not a Dividend Income Investor
    • QYLD – A Harsh Review
    • more…
  • Brokers
    • The 5 Best Stock Brokers
    • The 4 Best Investing Apps
    • M1 Finance Review
    • Brokers with the Lowest Margin Rates
    • M1 Finance vs. Fidelity
    • M1 Finance vs. Vanguard
    • Webull vs. Robinhood
    • Stash vs. Robinhood
    • M1 Borrow Review (How M1’s Margin Loan Works)
    • more…
  • Retirement
    • The 10 Best ETFs for Retirement Portfolios in 2023
    • The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawal Rate – A Revisitation
    • Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement Explained
    • Traditional IRA Explained
    • Roth IRA Explained
    • 401k vs. Roth IRA
    • Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA
    • Backdoor Roth IRA Explained
    • more…
  • My Toolbox

Investing 101

Market Timing – Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 6 Comments – 6 min. read

market timing graph

Market timing refers to trying to predict future market movement to buy or sell at the best price. Here we'll look at why it doesn't work, and why you should stay the course and go ahead and invest as soon as possible to maximize time in the market. In short, time in the market beats timing the market. I'll show you why below. Market Timing Video Prefer video? … [Read more...] about Market Timing – Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market

The 7 Best Inflation Hedge Assets and ETFs for 2023

Last Updated: January 10, 2023 21 Comments – 12 min. read

inflation 10 dollars

Inflation fears are always lingering. Here we'll look at what inflation is, why it occurs, how it's measured, and the best assets to hedge against it with their corresponding ETFs for . Video Prefer video? Watch it here: Introduction - What Is Inflation? Simply put, inflation refers to an aggregate increase in prices, commonly measured by the Consumer … [Read more...] about The 7 Best Inflation Hedge Assets and ETFs for 2023

The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawal Rate – A Revisitation

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 6 Comments – 17 min. read

shiller cape withdrawal rate

With high stock valuations and low bond yields, is the "4 percent rule" for retirement withdrawal rate still valid for the 21st-century investor? Let's dive in. What Is the 4% Rule? The 4% rule refers to what is widely accepted as a safe withdrawal rate (SWR) for retirees from their investment account. Using this figure and assumptions about future expenses and … [Read more...] about The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawal Rate – A Revisitation

How To Calculate Investment Returns (ROI and CAGR)

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 1 Comment – 3 min. read

calculator

Here's how to calculate investment returns (known as return on investment, or ROI for short) to see your portfolio's performance. Introduction - Return on Investment Return on Investment (ROI) measures the gain or loss of an investment, as a percentage, relative to its cost. ROI is used in business to evaluate revenue performance, such as the return from marketing … [Read more...] about How To Calculate Investment Returns (ROI and CAGR)

No, Covered Call Options Are Not a Free Lunch

Last Updated: January 28, 2023 No Comments – 2 min. read

pbp covered call etf vs sp500

Covered calls are pitched as a "free lunch" and a way to "collect rent" on your stocks for buy-and-hold investors. Let's explore why that's not the case. What Are Covered Call Options? Options contracts are derivatives that allow traders to speculate on the value of the underlying security. Call options allow the holder to buy an asset at a set price within a given … [Read more...] about No, Covered Call Options Are Not a Free Lunch

Portfolio Diversification – How To Diversify Your Portfolio

Last Updated: January 19, 2023 12 Comments – 25 min. read

diversification callan periodic table

Portfolio diversification is considered to be the only free lunch in investing. In this post, I'll show you why and how to diversify your portfolio. What Is Portfolio Diversification? Portfolio diversification simply means combining different assets in one's investment portfolio, effectively spreading out your risk. As the related adage says, "Don't put all your … [Read more...] about Portfolio Diversification – How To Diversify Your Portfolio

Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing (DCA vs. LSI)

Last Updated: August 8, 2022 8 Comments – 11 min. read

dca vs lsi

Dollar cost averaging and "lump sum investing" are two different timing strategies for getting cash into the market. Let's compare them. Video Prefer video? Watch it here: What Is Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)? Dollar cost averaging (DCA for short), also sometimes called a constant dollar plan, is a systematic investment timing strategy in which the … [Read more...] about Dollar Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum Investing (DCA vs. LSI)

VEA vs. VWO vs. VXUS – Which Vanguard International ETF?

Last Updated: July 14, 2022 12 Comments – 4 min. read

international stocks performance

Three of the most popular Vanguard international ETFs are VWO, VEA, and VXUS. Is there one that reigns supreme to hold alongside U.S. stocks? Video Prefer video? Watch it here: Diversifying with International Stocks Index investors in the U.S. usually know it's a good idea to diversify in equities outside the United States. At global market weights, U.S. … [Read more...] about VEA vs. VWO vs. VXUS – Which Vanguard International ETF?

The 3 Best Commodities ETFs To Invest in Commodities in 2023

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 2 Comments – 4 min. read

oil

Commodities offer a diversification benefit in a long-term investment portfolio. Here we look at how to invest in commodities broadly with the best commodities ETFs. Video Prefer video? Watch it here: Introduction - Why Commodities ETFs? Commodities - metals, energy, livestock, and agriculture - offer what's called an uncorrelation to the stock market, … [Read more...] about The 3 Best Commodities ETFs To Invest in Commodities in 2023

Should You Avoid State-Owned Enterprises in Your Portfolio?

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 2 Comments – 5 min. read

soe vs non-soe returns

State-owned enterprises typically have inherently lower operating efficiency due to compromised business interests. It may be prudent to avoid them in your international portfolio. Here we'll see what the data has to say. What Are State-Owned Enterprises? State-owned enterprises, or SOEs, refer to companies with at least partial government ownership. The … [Read more...] about Should You Avoid State-Owned Enterprises in Your Portfolio?

Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement Explained

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 6 Comments – 7 min. read

sequence of returns graph

Sequence of return risk may very well ruin your financial retirement plans, and all from sheer bad luck. Here we’ll look at the nature and implications of sequence of return risk in retirement, and some proposed solutions to at least mitigate its potential negative impact. What Is Sequence of Return Risk? Sequence of return refers to the variability of … [Read more...] about Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement Explained

Factor Investing and Factor ETFs – The Ultimate Guide

Last Updated: January 29, 2023 20 Comments – 22 min. read

fama french factors historical performance

Factor investing refers to specifically targeting independent risk factors in securities markets that explain the differences in returns between diversified portfolios. Here we'll look at what factor investing is, various factor models from the research, and how to do it using factor ETFs. What Is Factor Investing? Factor investing means targeting specific drivers … [Read more...] about Factor Investing and Factor ETFs – The Ultimate Guide

ESG Investing – Going Socially Responsible in Your Portfolio

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 No Comments – 5 min. read

esg

Interest in ESG investment products has skyrocketed in recent years, particularly among young investors. Let's explore what ESG investing is, why you might be interested in it, and how to implement it in your portfolio. What Is ESG Investing? ESG investing - also referred to as socially responsible investing, sustainable investing, and impact investing - means … [Read more...] about ESG Investing – Going Socially Responsible in Your Portfolio

Day Trading vs. Investing in Stocks – Which Is Better?

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 3 Comments – 7 min. read

stock market trading

Day trading and investing involve very different audiences, time horizons, trade frequencies, risk profiles, mindsets, tactics, and methodologies. Here we'll explore the differences and similarities between day trading and investing. What Is Day Trading? Day trading, as the name suggests, refers to attempting to capitalize on intraday changes in the share price of … [Read more...] about Day Trading vs. Investing in Stocks – Which Is Better?

Why Automated Investing Is More Powerful Than You Think

Last Updated: January 16, 2023 No Comments – 4 min. read

With the new year usually comes new or renewed interest in investing and personal finance. Let's explore why you should be looking into automating your investing. The Benefits of Automated Investing Any successful investor knows to invest early and often. That means regular deposits into an investment account. Thankfully, this usually happens automatically with a … [Read more...] about Why Automated Investing Is More Powerful Than You Think

401k Front Loading Max Contribution Calculator

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 1 Comment – 3 min. read

I've always tried to both max out and "front load" my 401k contributions each year. Front loading refers to contributing more earlier in the year to get money in the market sooner and then dropping the contribution election down for the rest of the year, while staying under the annual max contribution limit. For my personal situation, for example, I front load heavily in the … [Read more...] about 401k Front Loading Max Contribution Calculator

Why and How To Invest in Gold for Beginners

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 2 Comments – 3 min. read

gold

Gold can be used as a store of value and a significant alternative asset in a diversified investment portfolio. Here we'll explore how to invest in gold quickly and easily online. Why Invest in Gold? Gold has long been a common currency of the world. The shiny metal is now traded on exchanges via futures and ETFs. Gold is considered a commodity. Commodities as a … [Read more...] about Why and How To Invest in Gold for Beginners

Beginners Start Here – 10 Steps To Start Building Wealth

Last Updated: January 12, 2023 16 Comments – 6 min. read

start

I would have loved some sort of a roadmap laid out for me when I started over a decade ago. The goal of this page is to do just that, so that you can start building wealth today. View this page as a reference sheet; a pathway along which you'll progress; a general framework, from which the details branch off. I would suggest taking a brief look at all the steps first, and … [Read more...] about Beginners Start Here – 10 Steps To Start Building Wealth

What Is a Leveraged ETF and How Do They Work?

Last Updated: March 22, 2022 15 Comments – 4 min. read

leverage

Leveraged ETFs allow investors to increase exposure without additional capital outlays. Below we'll explore what leveraged ETFs are, how they work, and why you might want to use them. Prefer video? Watch it here. What Is a Leveraged ETF? A leveraged ETF, as the name suggests, is an ETF (exchange-traded fund) that allows investors to utilize leverage in their … [Read more...] about What Is a Leveraged ETF and How Do They Work?

Why, How, & Where To Invest Your Emergency Fund To Beat Inflation

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 66 Comments – 8 min. read

money

The oft-cited advice is to put your emergency fund in a safe, high-liquidity savings account or money market fund, but there may be a better way if you're willing to take on some additional risk. Here we explore how you can invest your emergency fund to beat a high-yield savings account and inflation. Introduction - Why Invest Your Emergency Fund? An emergency … [Read more...] about Why, How, & Where To Invest Your Emergency Fund To Beat Inflation

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