Scroll down for commentary, important news, links to articles we like, and anything else we believe is worth reading.
OR BETTER YET
Give us your email and we’ll send you what you need to know, as we post it.
Lesson Learned? Hopefully
September 27, 2023Two years ago, just before the market hit its last peak, we met with a couple who were ready to retire. At age 52. Ah, the dream! Hey, if you can do it, then do it. They thought they could do it. All they needed was $300,000 per year from their investment portfolio. So what do you think they had saved to fund this withdrawal rate? 6 mil? 7 mil? $3,000,000, plus or minus. Much of it taxable. Even for you arithmophobes, that’s easy math. They needed 10% percent per year. That rate would generate the $300,000 they needed each ... Read MoreFrequently “Oaked” Questions
June 6, 2023You Asked, So We’ll Answer FOQ: The last market high was 17 months ago. Will it ever go up again? Short: Of course. Long: Sideways, down, bumpy, jumpy – whatever the market has thrown at us, since its very beginning many generations ago, it has always recovered and pushed onward to new highs. The current rut is of the sideways variety (at this point). Let’s put it into context: It’s certainly not a straight line…but it’s not as crooked as you might’ve thought, we bet. Nevertheless, every one of those bumps on the way up hurt, just like the ... Read MoreWhat To Know: TD to Schwab Transition
May 17, 2023Over three years ago, TD Ameritrade, the custodian of your investments, announced that it was being acquired by Charles Schwab. Finally, the day draws nigh when Schwab will retire the TD name, and your TD-green statements will turn Schwab-blue. The transition will be complete over Labor Day weekend. When we founded Great Oak, we chose TD as your custodian due to its low costs and superior technology. Fortunately, Schwab recognizes those qualities and will continue the good work begun at TD on your behalf. Not much will change. Visually, your statements and the Schwab website will look different (though most ... Read MorePatience in Investing: 2023 Update
March 22, 2023It’s OK. We’ve been here before. In fact, it’s a good thing. How can a down market be good? Well, without down markets, we would not have much of an up market. That is, risk equals reward. Stocks have averaged about 10% forever. And that’s more than cash, bonds, commodities, CDs, gold and other metals, annuities, currencies, collectibles, and just about anything else. But for that long-term reward, we must absolutely experience some short-term suffering – the manifestation of risk. They are inextricably related. Anything said to the contrary is either a sales pitch or a lie. And all the ... Read MoreThe Holy Grail
The Holy Grail is understanding what determines expected return. Leveraging quality proven data is key.
A Foundation Built on Great Ideas
Many of the greatest advancements in finance have come from academic research. Dimensional Fund Advisors is a pioneer in translating those discoveries into practical investment solutions for clients.