I trust everyone is enjoying a peaceful holiday season and finding time to recharge before we welcome a new year. I’ve gathered some excellent resources that will help you get started on the right foot as we transition into 2024.
The US stock market has experienced yet another remarkable year, so it’s only fitting that we kick things off with a reflection on what this might mean for the future.
I’ll be diving into a range of financial planning topics, including strategies for spending during retirement, managing required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, navigating the complexities of the US healthcare system, and even addressing potential risks like divorce.
Cheers to a bright new year!
The US stock market has once again ended the year on a high, boasting a roughly 25% increase as we approach the final days of trading. This scenario has stirred a mix of emotions among investors—euphoria mingled with anxiety. Understanding this dynamic is crucial.
Ben Carlson highlights how US markets are overshadowing global competitors. However, the downside of this bullish streak is the apprehension of investing at what might be the cusp of a downturn. Carlson also shares insightful advice on investing when stocks are at peak levels.
In the ongoing debate between large-cap growth and small-cap value stocks, Karsten Jeske offers a skeptical view of small-cap value stocks, questioning whether they provide true diversification or merely complicate matters.
Turning to wise counsel, Jonathan Clements brings his seasoned perspective to the conversation, sharing valuable lessons he’s picked up over the years. Meanwhile, Harry Sit reassures retirees that living a rich life doesn’t necessarily mean spending more money.
The discourse around the US healthcare system has been prominent recently, often entangled in post-election political debates. Yet, it’s vital to elevate the dialogue to understand the system better. Peter Attia’s interview with Saum Sutaria sheds light on the complex choices, costs, and challenges we face.
On the subject of taxes, it’s no secret that nobody enjoys paying them, leading to behaviors that might not serve our best interests. Jim Dahle tackles this issue, discussing ways to approach what he describes as the ‘other RMD problem.’ Meanwhile, Mike Piper’s comprehensive discussion on Roth conversions from the Bogleheads Conference has been made available, offering a wealth of knowledge to explore.
Reflecting on the conferences of 2024, EconoMe stands out. I participated earlier this year and was genuinely impressed by the other speakers. All the highlights from EconoMe 2024 are now up on YouTube, and I highly recommend starting with Aaron Thomas’s engaging talk on life lessons from over a thousand divorces—it’s both informative and surprisingly entertaining.
And, here’s a nugget of valuable resources: the best retirement calculators out there can provide in-depth simulations, encompassing everything from withdrawal strategies to taxes and healthcare expenses. ‘Can I Retire Yet?’ partners with some of the best tools to monitor investments and overall financial health.
Chris Mamula is a name worth noting. After applying the principles of traditional retirement planning and blending them with creative lifestyle design, Chris retired early from his career as a physical therapist by age 41. Following some disappointing interactions with the financial industry early on, he took it upon himself to master investing and tax planning. Now financially independent, Chris writes about wealth building and early retirement strategies on his platform, Can I Retire Yet? Moreover, he’s written the book “Choose FI: Your Blueprint to Financial Independence” and works with clients at Abundo Wealth, a firm dedicated to providing affordable financial advice. His insights have been featured across notable publications and conferences, solidifying his reputation in the field. Reach out to him through [email protected] for blog inquiries or [email protected] for financial planning questions.
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