This week, I ran some numbers on what it really takes to retire with $2 million—and whether you can safely pull 6% a year without running out of money. Here’s what I found:

This week, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the concept of “diversification” across different types of accounts. In other words, instead of thinking about asset allocation, I want to consider the importance of asset location. 

After spending the past few months wandering the cold woods of Vermont, I’ve decided to commit more time this spring to thawing out and exploring various topics in greater detail and with appropriate nuance. Bluntly, I’m tired of 60 second videos that can’t possibly consider these financial topics responsibly. 

For those who follow one of my social media platforms, it should come as no surprise that I like considering what we’re missing re: Social Security and what we’ve come to accept as gospel vs. what we need to learn on our own to make the right choice for each of us.

As some of you may have noticed, we woke up this morning to find TikTok’s services down (for now). Although I feel for the many creators who rely on the platform for some (or all) of their recurring income…

Let me start with complete and utter clarity: I never offer advice for others, everyone’s situation is drastically different, and my psychological and financial foundation has no bearing on the decisions you should make in your own respective lives.

As the holiday season approaches, I know many of us are seeking convenient (read: last minute) gifts for our loved ones. Gift cards often emerge as a popular solution, offering recipients the flexibility to choose what they truly desire.

While reading through John “Jack” Bogle (founder of Vanguard) this morning, I stumbled upon a chart that might prove helpful for many of you; it certainly helps me think about the benefits and risks associated with three primary asset classes: stocks, bonds, and cash reserves (T-Bills). 

I know that when something screams, “Hey! You can make incredibly quick and above average returns by investing in this RIGHT NOW!”…it’s really difficult for us to ignore the nonsense and remember that when we’re looking to invest, we’re STRIVING towards average.

One of the major privileges of my life has been the amount of time I have been granted to sit down and read books. I began my career as an English teacher, I spent my summers in English graduate programs, and once I pivoted to finance, you know, because we can now allocate funds in about 5 minutes…

As we head into general election week, I wanted to share 3 quick thoughts. Hopefully, these thoughts will unite rather than divide us. 

I want you to Imagine a Harvard MBA—let’s call him Chad—who’s vacationing in a quaint coastal village in Mexico. He spots a fisherman returning from the sea with a modest catch and can’t resist approaching him.

First: If you have the time, the desire, and the patience to read through 28 pages of financial-jargon-heavy language written by a few (genuine) financial gurus, this case study on retirement strategies is outstanding. 

First: In a 2003 article in CFA Magazine, Jack Bogle (founder of Vanguard) joked that the only concept we should care about as investors is the “Cost Matters Hypothesis”. (He was playing off of the older and more cherished Efficient Markets Hypothesis.)

First: When I was an investment advisor, we made fun of insurance agents; when I see content from insurance agents, they make fun of investment advisors. Why? Because everyone is competing for a cut of your money. 

Let me start with complete and utter clarity: I never offer advice for others, everyone’s situation is drastically different, and my psychological and financial foundation has no bearing on the decisions you should make in your own respective lives.

The Roth IRA is often hailed as the ultimate retirement account, but it’s not always quite as perfect as people make it out to be. Here are three common myths—and the reality behind each of them.