Subject: Re: Protecting the Downside

I don't mind timing. Over at Bogleheads some people there act as if you decided to play Russian roulette. No one can get the exact top or bottom but at times the playing board tilts in certain directions and you need to play the odds and will often do well.

For example I thought it was clear that international stocks and gold would do well. One reason being that it was obvious the current administration wanted to devalue the dollar. It was stated multiple times. Or when interest rates got near 0%, it made zero sense to lock in those rates via treasuries. Some people learned the hard way that bond funds go down, sometimes significantly when rates go up.

I don't see it as a problem and reducing stock investments to 25-40% at times. I have mostly ETFs (SP500, NASDAQ, international) but also some stocks like Google, BRK, etc.

I don't know how much longer it will continue but I looked at my numbers and despite being conservative with my investments and spending a bit more than expected, my portfolio is up over 10% over the last couple of years. Obviously it would have been much higher if I wasn't spending it down or if I was 100% in stocks but at this age, I have no plans to do that short of winning/inheriting a bunch of money.

Thanks
Rich