I am so looking forward to comparing notes with you! :-) Please ping me when you re-post it.
Ditto
Found my post from back in August. Here it is....
Not knowing yours or anyone elses exact situation, I really don't like to give specifics on choices. I haven't batted 1.000 in these 30 years, and would hate for someone to lose money on what i may think is a good play. What may be a good choice for a 58 year old retiree may not be the same for someone else.
On another thread I did give this general advise that has served me well through the years and during '87, '00, and '08....
1. Priority 1 should be eliminating or reducing debt. I view debt payments by default as negative income.
2. Competitively bid all aspects of your expenses. Get the utmost value down to the penny for everything you buy, or services you secure. Over years and years, you would be surprised how much this adds to your net worth balance sheet.
3. Keep your investment portfolio that is intended toward goals... i.e retirement as an example, in strong conservative investments. When you have those bases covered, then you can look at speculative plays.
4. I invested zero in the dot coms in the '90's. My father gave me the best advise of all in that era.. "Why would you ever invest in anything that doesn't make money?" To me that rules still applies today.
5. I have found that the simple rule of putting 100 minus your age in equities worked pretty well for me. Maybe not for everyone, but........
6. Research and "like". When investing, I tend to get into stocks which I think have good products that I like. Before getting in I research it to death too. A Low P/E is often a good indicator. Furthermore, is there a long term demand for the product too.
7. The best time often to invest is when everyone is rushing out the door. The is the toughest part, but finding a price bottom, is golden toward finding long term return.
8. Monitor investments and net worth monthly. Research, evaluate, and adjust as needed.
9. Don't fall in love with a stock/fund/etc. so much that you resist selling when the fruit is ripe. Don't forget that your favorite stock is not a family member.
10. Never forget that a SHTF scenario is always a possibility. Remote, but still there. Have a base amount of investments that will address. Metals, Land, etc.
11. Formulate and adhere to three different budget scenarios... (1) Regular (2) Austerity (3) Emergency.