20+ Year Adviser Reveals His Retirement Plans

[@IbrahimIsabella-00]

I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.

[@YvonneFranken]

I feel your pain mate, as a fellow retiree, I’d suggest you look into passive index fund investing and learn some more. For me, I had my share of ups and downs when I first started looking for a consistent passive income so I hired an expert advisor for aid, and following her advice, I poured $30k in value stocks and digital assets, Up to 200k so far and pretty sure I'm ready for whatever comes.

[@IbrahimIsabella-00]

@@YvonneFranken That's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well

[@YvonneFranken]

@@IbrahimIsabella-00 My advisor is *MARGARET MOLLI ALVEY*

[@YvonneFranken]

You can look her up online

[@temmyolarewaju9371]

@@YvonneFranken The crazy part is that those advisors are probably outperforming the market and raising good returns but some are charging fees over fees that drain your portfolio. Is this the case with yours too?

[@ryanwilliams989]

40 now, and everything is paid for. Fortunately, I had a college economics teacher who taught me a lesson when I was 18 years old. That lesson was: you can't buy something else for every purchase you make. Having multiple sources of income is prudent, as is living within your means. I have a 13-year-old vehicle because it is all I need, I like it, and I can do whatever I want with it. My net worth is $4 million, and I can pay my bills without stress, but I don't live like I have that. I have no complaints.

[@BiancaSherly-qt6sb]

I fully agree; I'm 56 years old and recently retired with approximately 1.2 million in outside retirement funds, no debt, and very few dollars in retirement funds in comparison to my portfolio balance over the last three years. To be honest, the financial advisor's role can only be ignored, not dismissed. Therefore do your research to get a reputable one and that should be any individuals main route into the market.

[@maryHenokNft]

Yes, I'm in my mid-50s, and a few years back, I moved my investments to my wife's wealth manager. While I haven't caught up to her long-term gains, my current earnings and the growth of my retirement fund, compared to just relying on the 401(k), are pretty satisfying.

[@StellaMaris-lv2uq]

Thanks, I just Googled her name and her website came up right away. It looks interesting so far. I'm going to book a call with her and let you know how it goes.

[@marteanderson7963]

Generally speaking purchases make you poorer and investments make you richer :)

[@carlshawver7332]

Making money is action. Saving money is behavior Growing money is knowledge Giving money is Awesome! Great video. (Also a retired skier!) ✌️😁

[@SeniorIzzy]

A letter to Azul...............I'm 61 and after 40 years of going every day at 110%, I'm eyeballing that the end is near. Of all the videos I watch like this, your content gives me the best answers and ideas I need, Thank you. My hard work and buying that old, used car, instead of the new one, has paid off. I believe I'm financially secure to retire now (literally, right now). I don't have big worldly travel plans (my wife does :)) that will chew up a lot of capital, but there are things I want and need to do while I still have my health, so, looking at retiring a little early. Working on a plan to "bridge" the gap to 65 for Medicare now. Once that's set, I'm going to hold my breath, and, after 40+ years, stop getting up at 5am for work! It's going to feel very strange (especially because I've taken very little vacation over those 40 years) , but, good! Thank Azul!

[@anthonym7580]

What options are you considering to bridge the gap before medicare?

[@christopherlynch3314]

You may consider a 'retirement dry run' as Azul has recommended in other videos. Going all out for 40 years means just stopping and going full time retirement cold turkey may be a difficult transition.

[@bills1995vette]

I just tried what you’re doing. It’s hard to slam on the brakes so I went back to work part time.

[@geckobrah4201]

2000 sq ft small house? My primary res is 1048, vacation condo 750. That’s all you need.

[@jamesh1641]

No! The 2nd home ALSO violates your worry free goal, in addition to your one home rule. Rental properties are not for retirees. Nope. Too complicated and the expenses are too variable.

[@larryjones9773]

He can move to Sacramento, and drive 90 minutes to Lake Tahoe for snow & water skiing. One home is a headache. Two is a migraine.

[@meibing4912]

Agree. I also shun houses and prefer apartments going into retirement.

[@brianmills4891]

My guess is the 2 home strategy is only for a portion of early retirement. He’s young still, lots of energy left, maybe has a family member or close friend on location to take care of the place while he’s gone, then when he’s tired of skiing, sell that home or give it to the kids. It’s also a good way to stay diversified if stocks take a long hard hit.

[@meterreaderpdx]

​@@meibing4912Do you mean to live in or own as rental properties?

[@meibing4912]

Both actually. Some prefer to live in a house but I am lucky to have a large central urban condo at a perfect spot for home. As for rental apartments, they are much easier to manage - and I also believe the value is more stable and predictable than for houses. @@meterreaderpdx

[@brchannel2358]

Azul, you surprised me. I expected that you would say stick with a 3 bucket strategy or something. I am following the dividend paying stocks strategy for myself but I had a good model. I got that from my father who set up their investments for my mother that way. She lived 22 years after he died never sold a single share just lived comfortably off SS and dividends. She traveled all over, never had to give up her house or car, didn't want for anything and passed away with more than they started with 22 years before.

[@Carvewater]

Azul, watch out with the blanket statement that growth stocks outperform over the long haul. As a mutual fund portfolio manager (I was ranked top 5%tile) you generally see value stocks outperform for long periods and then growth stocks outperform for long periods. Long cycle periods. Schv or SCHg type holdings. I love your dividend approach. One fund I ran was an income fund. FI and quality equity dividend payers mix in one fund. Equity side was Similar to the etfs: qdf,dgro,dgrw,nobl,vig,schd. These are great ways to invest without the cost of a money manager. Low cost = more for the investor and you don’t need to worry about the individual holdings. Love what you are passing on in these videos. Keep up the love and knowledge.

[@j.c.2973]

Thanks Mike for your input.

[@AzulWells]

Thanks for the reminder about blanket statements and for sharing your expertise with the group. 😎 Azul

[@michaelgrabowski5140]

I always find it interesting how people are defined by their jobs. I'm a doctor Iawyer a teacher no identity beyond their work. I was never defined by my work. It was a job. When I told the regional manager I was retiring she asks do you know how much money you make! Yes I do but as Azul says I'm not going to live forever. Retirement has been great. Drives my A personality wife crazy though

[@Cajundaddydave]

Good stuff Azul. We are savers/investors and I have always directed this on my own since we were 25. I just followed the writings of Buffett and Bogle, and dollar-cost-averaged into index funds for 40 years no matter what the market was doing. Never selling before retirement out of fear. The down market always recovers over time and we had plenty of time. This simple strategy has worked pretty well for us and we sleep well at night.

[@justiceleague5089]

Thank you so much for your videos. I’m 50 and honestly never even thought about all the issues you raise in retirement but you’ve definitely changed so much of how I was approaching this issue. Keep those videos coming and also appreciate some of the recurring themes as well- sometimes people like me need to hear things 3-4 times for them to sink in!

[@MemphisMike901]

Great vid. 59 and recently retired. Getting a Financial Advisor best decision we ever made. We also now have our Estate Planning set up thanks thanks to our FA.

[@remickstreetmusicinc.6931]

Could you do a video on how a fee only financial advisor works? I have a meeting scheduled with one but they also manage clients accounts. Super confused with this.

[@glasshalffull2930]

Azul, don’t take for granted that your senior kids, even though they’re doing well, won’t seriously ‘benefit’ from some extra cash when they are retirement age. My mother passed at 93 and her estate provided some real breathing room for me even though I’m successful.

[@kentanderson8575]

Azul, great video. You are a ray of sunshine. I think you should consider interviewing people with strong game plans. Investing always has a individual component, so what works for Azul is slightly different than what works for me. This would add additional food for thought for your viewers. There are the general common themes that are common among all good investors and these would also shine through. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your upbeat attitude. KZbin, the internet can be such a great place for people to interact in a positive way. Your videos are a poster child for positive internet content.

[@theosylvin7656]

Great Video. Could you do something on health care savings accounts/ACA for those who retire before Medicare. Thank you!

[@robertross8565]

Great plan. It’s interesting that a planner is going to hire a planner in retirement. That’s a strong message for retired folks.

[@JDS-ev3rp]

Agreed with everything you said except delaying taking social security. I believe you should take is as soon as you are eligible to receive it and no longer plan on working. I believe this for two reasons - 1) If you do a present worth analysis of taking smaller payments at 62, larger ones at 65, and 69 you will see that the present worth is the same for all three scenarios so there is no advantage to waiting and getting a larger monthly payment. 2) You are going to need money to live on, take the social security versus taking money out of tax deferred accounts. Just my two cents.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

If you have a family history of longevity, it can be good to delay SS and burn down your tax deferred savings before SS kicks in. Then you have 40% bigger indexed income and a lower average tax.

[@cashflow68]

Nice video. I fully retired FIRE at 55. I follow my stocks every single day not because I'm worry, I enjoy it. Investing to me is my hobby. Ive been very successful and it gives me something to do during the day. In the afternoon, my wife and I go out and play.

[@AzulWells]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you are enjoying your 55 year old FIRE retirement. Well done. Word of caution. Two most expensive hobbies in the world are: 1) House shopping "just for fun" 2) Watching your investments every day The risk is when things get scary. How often you watch your stocks is a significant risk factor for people who blow out of the stocks in scary times. Azul

[@cashflow68]

@@AzulWells thank you for your advice. I’m a long term investor and I rarely sell unless the fundamentals of a stock is declining. If a stock I own dips and I believe it’s due to external factors, I’ll buy more. Otherwise, I never sell the chicken that lays the egg, dividends. Take care and love your videos.

[@foreign_agent]

Thanks for sharing! 👍 One point: Stress and worry wise, the two home strategy with a rental component is 2x worse than a two home strategy without, which you correctly vetoed. Sounds like wishful thinking. I would stick to one home and rent the other for 6 months (and one day 😉). Predictable costs that you can budget for, then walk away and SLEEP well.

[@billpercival6544]

A really great video. Thanks for putting it together. It gives me some peace of mind knowing that my personal strategy is very similar to yours. I too am 59 and I'm shooting to retire at 62. So far, my fee only financial advisor says that I am green lighted for that goal. And I have 60% of my portfolio in dividend stocks. Those dividends along with a small pension and along with social security at age 65 should provide the needed cashflow. Again, thanks for the great content!

[@ronfreeman2738]

Thank you for the video, I have already retired with a sizable savings. I am having a terrible time finding a good advisor, all I hear is put all you money in an annuity and give me a big commission.

[@youview5023]

Azul, understanding this vidis almost a year old but keep in mind the idea of renting out one house will become a full-time job, take it from someone who has done it. Airbnb nonsense or the cost of property management.. as the saying goes just because you can do something doesn't mean you should...move to a warmer climate and then go to ski for your holidays. All the best!

[@MH102157]

I am 66, your plan makes a lot of sense and reconfirms many of my believes. Appreciate you sharing this on KZbin.

[@markbohnert5917]

Azul Thanks-for your down to earth practical advice! The only comment I would have is that you say at a certain age unfortunately we only have 1000 weeks left … I prefer to think FORTUNATELY I have X weeks left (I’m 69)

[@Uff-Da-Dog]

Like you, I have always focused on investing in high quality dividend paying stocks. At the same time, I look for companies that have a history of raising their dividends year after year. This makes a huge difference in total return. Have a Happy New Year!

[@jackdguida]

Love your videos and keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing your insights, especially on the softer psychological side of retirement. I’m surprised you’re going with individual stocks. I know that you said you advisor will manage it, but it’s well known that very few money managers beat the market. Why not an ETF like SCHD or DGRO for your dividend portfolio? As for bonds, corporate bonds are often correlated with the companies that issue them. I’m surprised you aren’t using short and intermediate term treasuries.

[@ExtraGuac007]

60% in dividend paying stock is vague. Are you in ETFs, index funds or individual stocks? You're the man if it only takes you 4 hours a quarter tó track individual stocks. It takes me 4 hours to analyze one 10-Q report.

[@ajnrich7628]

Thank you for your good advice. I have started to rethink my retirement plan of 67. I am going to see if i can do it sooner thanks to you!

[@cb8143]

I've watched quite a few of your videos. You've convinced me that I'm ready to retire now (should have done it earlier). Don't want to waste anymore of my 1,000 good weeks I have left. Your gameplan sounds solid and I'm going to mirror it. Thank you and hope you have a long and happy life.

[@dbanka471]

Why bonds and not a bond fund? On the dividend side - why not a fund like VYM or SCHD and the balance in the S&P 500 index?

[@junelee8273]

Hello Azul, I really love all your videos and all the valuable information that you share with us. I am 62 years old and am thinking and planning my retirement soon from VCU Medical Center in Richmond, VA after working here for about 32 years. Your videos definitely helped me gauge where I am in the picture of average American. By the way, I have a question: I know you like to take the video while you are walking, where are the places that you walk? Some of the places look really great and one day, I would like to visit some of those places. Thank you again for all you do for all of us! June Lee

[@emotional.relationship.health]

You're definitely accomplishing the, "give back" goal with these video shares. Your channel has been inspiring as I move more toward sharing what I know and have experienced to help younger folks. Thank you!

[@randolphh8005]

I think the 2 house situation is fine if you have one that is the final “age in place” property(meaning access if in a wheelchair). We downsized to a townhouse with an elevator and a private garage at 2000sf from over 4000sf. The renting situation will work till it won’t. We also own a boat, a ski timeshare we love, plan on an RV for a while. No debt, in FL. Have relatives and friends in nice states we can visit. Recently retired in early 60’s from jobs we liked. As to just looking at your portfolio once a quarter, I get it, but not my nature. I spent 2 years researching retirement, and am pretty certain I have a sustainable plan at this point, having considered multiple contingencies. It basically is, no debt, while creating base cash flow that keeps us solvent no matter what, and then everything else is discretionary spending. So even if the discretionary part drops 70%, we will still have “cheaper” fun. I even created 3 budgets, that I call Base, Moderate, and High. Started on the High, and even the Base has some fun money, so we can survive a major recession with no problem. BTW our Base Budget is well under$100k, so we are not “rich”

[@buckyes6749]

You are the guy I wish I knew when I was more young.

[@arthurma8072]

What software do you use to track dividend paying stocks 1) dividend growth and 2) growth of the capital ? How do I 1)monitor dividend growth and also 2) monitor capital appreciation, with me spending the dividends. How much do I need to save to reinvest as I spend the dividends to live off of.

[@jerryohearn5414]

Love your channel. Love your sound logical advice! I watch your channel several times per week. And follow your advice. Thank you!

[@jaynelson8304]

You ARE making a big difference with these videos! Always great life guidance! It is amazing how often you cover a topic that is on my mind.

[@caseycaldwell1211]

Great video and great content. You (Azul) do a great job with the information provided and never try to push an agenda. I love watching your videos. I'm 46 and hoping to retire around 55. I feel we are in a good place financially and love watching your videos to help me prepare for the next decade. I'd love to see a video that talks about how to plan for the gap between drawing from retirement funds, social security and healthcare if you retire earlier than 62+. Thanks for all you do and you are truly leaving a positive mark on the world by helping others through these videos.

[@anthonymarasigan6843]

I'm very similar to your situation. Hoping to retire at 55. My plan is to sell the house, use that proceeds to travel abroad (where cost of living and healthcare will be cheap) come back to US when we are 60ish and then collect social security at 62. By selling the house and traveling abroad that would allow us to NOT touch the retirement funds (they should actually be growing) until we come back to the US

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I moved ours into a 60/40 balance a couple of years back. Bonds have absolutely SUCKED for the last 2 years.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great video. Your goals and approach are spot on. Really resonates. No worry is my #1 goal as well and it serves me well. One spouse and one house also great advice. I am 50 years happily with my one and only spouse. We joke that the only way out is in a wooden box. We did the two house thing early on with a vacation home on a lake and the house in the city. Much better to rent when / if you need a second place. We have a house with a big pool in the city but beside a river. So miles of nature trails and view of a forest in the heart of a city. We actually don't need a lot of adventure. I have no investment advice. Just set it up so you don't have risk or worry. We have agreed that when one of us dies the other will buy a big enough annuity to meet all expenses for life. Then we'll not get scammed when we have dementia. Our wills leave everything to a good cause. No one will know or care that we passed other than a nice organization will have a happy surprise.

[@tamraharrisagility]

Hi Azul. How do you find a financial advisor you can trust? It is scary to give someone access to your life savings

[@StreetSmartMillionaire]

Smart to never trust anyone making decisions for you.

[@michaelt2974]

I trust Azul I think he has his viewers best interest at heart. This is a great video. Hoping for a video for people like me forced to retire earlier than planned at 59 with under 2 million. Can retirement be successful ?

[@aimusabob88]

I wish I had the confidence in being able to find a financial advisor that could make safe recommendations that you do but I've never found one. Ever. I have more confidence in the discipline of Berkshire Hathaway or just holding the S&P than any advisor. So I'll just diversify, diversify, diversify and pray. Thanks for the video. Great advise. Especially helping your kids when it will have the most impact! That is fantastic advice.

[@toddc3135]

It's the first time I have heard anybody talking about using HSA for long term care. Paying medical expenses yes, but not long-term care. I think that would get people more interested in holding on to them during their earning years (when the opportunity presents itself). Maybe you can even do a video on HSA strategies, etc.

[@halojones1843]

Thank you, Azul. I love your videos and perspectives. They help me test mine and form my own views.

[@mcuthrell]

Hi Azul. Thank you for sharing this information about your personal portfolio and the reasons why. If you're looking for another video idea - I would be very interested in learning more about a) what metrics you look at when reviewing your portfolio's past performance and b) what topics you might discuss with your financial advisor during the 4 hours per quarter you spend on each.

[@dijon155]

Yes, please.

[@raymetz4546]

I want to understand your 60/40 portfolio vs your net worth. My stock/bond portfolio is 90/10, but also 40/60 if I calculate my 40% stocks vs. my 60% other net worth assets, like my real estate.

[@prosperodonan1917]

Azul, how do you choose a financial advisor? I mean someone who is not going to steal your money?

[@cykoth4413]

I'm doing all the things Azul is. 1 House 1 Spouse! Except this is spouse 2! But I ditched the first one when I was 30 so lesson learned. No mortgage. Have 401K 100% stocks but about 20% of that is in a Vanguard high dividend yield fund. S&P 500 is 35%. Have a pension. Have an HSA. Not thinking I'll get Social Security as by the time I take it I'll be means tested out of it. Despite having paid the max for most of my adult life. I got about 10 more years that I need to work. My question is, when should I start migrating 20-30% of my portfolio into short term bonds? Inflation is a killer. Thanks!

[@auctionjjk]

Great Video --- I'm 59 (retired 1.5 yrs ago at 57). I'm lucky enough to have invested at the onset in my career (actually - first stock I bought was at Age 14 - DeTomaso - my dad needed to be on the account - though UGMA I believe). I'm a 60/40 split and it has worked well. I did all my own investments until 20 yrs ago - then had a professional take over. Which was good - since I was 100% stock. I use my cousin's financial advisor (they did well with him). I didn't want to - I always did my own and actually it was my 2nd career choice (I went into IT - wished I took my 2nd choice). HOWEVER - they know how to minimize risk and know tax laws which has helped me greatly over the years. I do have ONE issue - I spend 30 minutes a day on investments - I have to stop looking at it - since I do add'l investing on the side (not trading) with funds left over from my distribution. My issue is healthcare - I have it through ACA - my plan is not qualified for a HSA. I HOPE to have my deductible ($8700/yr) fully funded by Feb. 2024 (approx $45k) until I can get medicare in a separate acct. THEN - all unused deductible amounts each year will be used to purchase a "new' car (I have a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix - only 66k miles and in very good shape) by the time I'm 64 (I was born on Leap Year - so it will be my 16th b-day). Thanks again for all you do!

[@jdoherty62]

Thanks so much Azul. I love your videos. Very informative and so clearly presented.

[@cheryldubois3205]

I’ve watch several of your videos and you’ve gone against what you advised, which is understandable because you more than likely in or above average group than in the median group. Thank you for your videos.

[@michaelmiddleton3311]

"Die with Zero" was a great book!

[@steveh5038]

Thanks for sharing, Azul. God bless you.

[@Raymondjohn2]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.

[@TheJackCain-84]

The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.

[@martingiavarini]

This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000

[@bob.weaver72]

Mind if I ask you to recommend this particular coach you using their service?

[@martingiavarini]

'Carol Vivian Constable, a highly respected figure in her field. I suggest delving deeper into her credentials, as she possesses extensive experience and serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance in navigating the financial market.

[@bob.weaver72]

She appears to be well-educated and well-read. I ran an online search on her name and came across her website; thank you for sharing.

[@poonekar]

I own STRs and I plan to switch homes too once kids are in college. So I’m with you there. But the one potential flaw I see in your plan Azul is that one of those houses are in a ski mountain and you plan to occupy it during the ski season. I haven’t come across any good ski places that rent out well during the offseason. Tahoe is one that has a decent offseason occupancy rates and even that is only around 40% in the best of locations. To pull off what you are talking about, you either need to buy in all year round markets like Hawaii, or occupy them in offseasons that don’t overlap.

[@soniamoss734]

Excellent video. Thank you for the insights. I too have 'worry-free' as my top priority.

[@ChristinaDeAngelis-b7g]

Great content Azul! I'm taking notes on this one & love your long-range plans. Question, can you expand a bit more on fees charged by wealth advisors. I've had a very good one since I was in my twenties and understand they typically charge from 0.25% to 1% annually, however, I also know that the fee they charge can largely depend on the amount of money being managed- Is it true that if a person's net worth is over three million, that annual fee is negotiable and if so, can you provide some tips for leveraging the best rate. I know that ensuring they are a fiduciary firm is also key. Thank you and happy pre birthday!

[@beauarts]

I’m just signing up with one advisor and he is fee based. Meaning a flat yearly fee and he advises me setting up my funds and accounts. We went thru my current retirement funds, one thru a mainstream company and another thru a retirement fund related to my profession. He said the amount I’m paying for mutual funds, ETFs and management fees comes to $3,800 yr. Reallocating to similar but lower fee (mostly vanguard) funds and not paying the management, just the $1k to the new advisor, I could save about half that. Wish I did it years ago.

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great plan bro. I'll turn my asset management over to an advisor in my 70's before age related memory disorders set in. Ameriprise has some monitoring features for older at risk clients that are prone to scammers.... Renting out your home? No way... You just dont know renters.... Picture 2 dudes But-Fing on same bed you and you wife sleep on.... No way. Not worth it. KInda surprised you would go for that easy buck option. The trade off is not worth it.

[@MrSteeJans]

Excellent video! Two things: What is a “fee only financial advisor” ? The name implies a definition, but I just want to eliminate any possible misinterpretations. How do you find a ‘good’ financial advisor ? Please make a video that goes over how you spend your 8 hours per quarter reviewing your investments ? It would be a mechanical perspective. A proposed title: “A day in the life of Azul reviewing his investments” ;) Exactly what tools and methods do you use ? Thanks for the very informative perspectives and reflections.

[@Zues64]

My stocks/ETS for the long haul: SCHD, COST, UNH, GOOGL, & AMZN

[@jw8578]

Azool talk about lower risk allocations especially when they meet ones income needs. Thanks.

[@wilma6235]

Excellent video. Thank you. Question 1 - dividend stocks for cash flow - got it. But after you have to start taking RMDs won’t you have cash flow needs meet? Question 2 - bonds scare me. Please do some videos on bonds. Why not CDs directly or through brokerage account instead of bonds?

[@jc-2120]

Very nice game plan, thanks? One question, why corporate bonds vs short term government bonds?

[@richardc488]

No I watch Squalk Box every morning. I use that information and balance my portfolio. I do snag some T-bills a few months ago when it hit over 5% (short term) and purchased some nice dividend stocks that pay well will low risk in known buissness. Sorry I watch my portfolio about 20 minutes a day. I sleep well. I have maintained my balance since retirement and have traveled a lot of the world. Oh most "normal people" do not have 5000 sq feet homes, more like 1900 sq feet so you are a different catagory

[@Dvorak285]

Retired at 57. I would never employ/pay Financial Advisor.

[@Dvorak285]

@@lifestream4191 Yup I studied those things. For example I made sure to have Social Security at level Max - 200 USD. Or to have ton of Roth money etc etc.

[@roburb73]

I don't qualify for an HSA, but that's a great thing! I have Tricare and if you know about that you know it's far more beneficial than HSA. We're 100% stocks today and will be during retirement. It's not for everyone, but it fits our situation. We have a military pension, a federal employee pension, and a VA disability. Add our 2 SS (not always figured in) and we'll have $130k or more in annual pension income, $180k if we had SS.

[@bdtrauma01]

Azul... really enjoy your videos. Easy to follow and great advice. Transitioning from working to a fixed income from retirement savings can be a challenge.

[@Formula1Drvr]

Based on Monte Carlos the 60/40 vs 50/50 is just not substantial for the risk.

[@michaelcharach]

He has a high opinion of his stock and bond picker… If he doesn’t care to beat the index, then he should just buy a single ETF or maybe two and save the one percent that he is going to give the planner, heck with that savings he could even go more conservative as you suggest at 50 50 instead of 60 40

[@jimknarr]

@@michaelcharach Well said. Thought the same.

[@gils1930]

You have encouraged us to get our retirement portfolio together. I can’t thank you enough.

[@patriciamogannam3616]

Do a video on how much a specific portfolio tends to generate in dividends, interest. Thx

[@HondaRally300]

I don’t know how you could have a worry free sleep well retirement with 60 percent stocks.

[@cbdane]

My only home (mortgage paid) is 1740 sq ft. We've lived small so we can live large. :)

[@nr5384]

Really appreciate your videos Azul!

[@jonscrivner9087]

Great game plan. I think this is a perfect way to approach retirement life.

[@jayhay1237]

Tracking my investments is one of my favorite hobbies. Maybe I'm weird? Okay, definitely. But financial news following is fun! I think it gives you a more balanced view of the going on in the world? You can't afford to be heavily biased on any one political philosophy, because the market is ultimately objective?

[@KikiAndJeffreyPearl]

Thanks! No Mortgage! great Advice Down sized and two locations is key (It's nice to move for weather when you want) I think I'll have a few "advisors" it can be dangerous to have all eggs in one basket I'll probably always have an account where I trade stocks for fun

[@AlexFlavell]

Azul! Great video, thanks for the transparency. Question for you: for that 30% - 40% chunk of short-duration bonds, would you consider a bond fund (like VBTLX), or would you task your financial advisor to create a proprietary mix?

[@bigskyguy1611]

Very nice breakdown. Its unexpected and unnecessary but thanks for the transparency and openness about your real-life plans rather than academic theory.

[@rjb7260]

Hi Azul, are you a fan of Fixed Annuities in this current environment? For example 10-20% of a portfolio.. great video thanks Azul!

[@KelMurphy]

I have some time to think this through, but can you speak more on helping your kids? Is it just with college, or college + down payment on a first home? Something else? Thank you!

[@Rottingboards]

Please explain what is a "fee only" advisor? Is this a 1% fee of your investment to the advisor? Or is it a one time fee when you sit down with them? I am guessing it is a flat fee not a fee on what your investments make??

[@BarbellFinancial]

This is typically a flat fee as a percentage of your assets being managed. 1% fee of a million dollar portfolio translates to $10,000 each year in fees.

[@Rottingboards]

@@BarbellFinancial Thanks for the explanation. I wanted someone to verify.

[@Rottingboards]

@@BarbellFinancial And what should I expect for that $10,000 fee each year?

[@BarbellFinancial]

@@Rottingboards The advisor will manage whatever money you direct to them and invest it on your behalf based on your risk tolerance and time horizon. Most likely their returns won’t beat the market average, especially when factoring in the fees.

[@Rottingboards]

@@BarbellFinancial I wouldn't expect them to beat the market average since it is a retirement account and they are trying to play it somewhat safe. Thanks so much for your responses.

[@theoriginalr7310]

Hi. Love these videos. Is there anyway you can block these shill commenters who give names out for financial advisers? I notice a lot of them on your site and am afraid some people may not recognize them for what they are.

[@meterreaderpdx]

Agreed.

[@FOXLIES]

Azul, Im a Canadian and love your videos. Could you tell me where you have a resident in a warm climate?

[@kathleenmorris999]

can you say more on HSA a video on how you will use a HSA for long care? Have not started one yet.

[@ms8742]

I am about to retire at 56 and cash flow is key. I am doing a mix of dividend stocks, muni bonds, covered call funds, and high interest CD's for cash flow.

[@rowddyone3570]

I plan on living off dividends I don’t want to worry about CNBC or the 4% rule

[@jeterr999]

This was your best video so far!

[@benoitribaille2949]

Hello Hazul. My current portfolio is 0bond and 0stocks but only real estate and wine investment. Your video motivates me to start buying stocks and bonds. I didn t know dividends can finance a good portion of your retirement. Please continue your video as they are inspirational to me.

[@duanebooher564]

I love your all of your unique perspectives, and this video was my favorite! Keep up the GREAT work. Thanks

[@bethtiberi3814]

how important is LTC insurance. i have seen a lot of bad policies -- expensive and not very useful.

[@mjcurtis5405]

Speaking of helping kids now (when they really need it) as opposed to later (when it may be more of a "blessing"); we have been able to help all three of our girls immensely with money now; mostly in the form of paying off student loans. For this they have all been so grateful. One of my daughters has been in school her whole life, but she is almost done; she is currently taking her Ph.D in Cognitive Psychology in New Zealand. Some of her friends think she is "spoiled" because we have helped her so much, and they have commented that to her, but from our perspective why not help them? We have the means and it sure helped them. Nice to come out of a doctorate progarm with no student loan debt.

[@Bob-ut]

Agree with the living scenario, we both live in the same winter area and two years ago we bought a place at the beach that we rent out when we are not there.

[@savagecub]

Yeah I had the two house thing for awhile. Didn’t work out.

[@Namlange70]

Thanks once again Azul. Great information.

[@duc1198s]

Hey Azul, as always, nice video. I've taken the approach where beating an index wouldn't be reasonable (as you say), but ~ matching it is very realistic using some high-quality Vanguard or Fidelity index funds. Low expense ratio and no management needed. There are very few advisors or individual stock portfolios that can beat them. I like your short-term idea. I've been going with some very short-term CD and bond ladders that have been doing really well due to the current interest rate rises; that won't last forever, but for the next year, I think they will do well. Finally, bonds have done pretty poorly the past 5 years, so I've gone with the index funds and a couple of years' worth of short-term liquid things, as mentioned CDs and bonds. Obviously, to each his own, and of course, YMMV... 😁

[@summitsusie]

Yeah, looking at using some ladder CD's in place of a portion of bonds in my portfolio.

[@SuperYova]

Great video! Just wish you stated how many months of living expenses you'd keep in an emergency savings account.

[@StreetFlys]

As usual, I feel you’re speaking directly to me. I would add another step to life long wealth building, and that’s 4. One Mortgage, don’t fall for the Refi trap. You’ll never pay off your house if you keep hitting re-set on the amortization schedule

[@summitsusie]

We used refi to our advantage. Originally had a 30 yr mortgage. Refi'd when interest dropped the low 3% with a 15 yr mortgage and made double payments on the principle each month due to the "savings" from the lower interest rate. Paid off in a little less than 7 years. Overall, paid off the house in 19 years with the help of the refi. The trick is to use any reduced monthly payments from the lower interest loan and apply it as additional principle payments....or invest it. But don't spend it.

[@StreetFlys]

@@summitsusie I did nearly the something, additionally, I applied a second down payment at the time of the 15yr refi loan, which made my payments the same as the 30yr I was replacing. Then did the same as you, added extra each month. I was paid off in 18 years total.

[@summitsusie]

@@StreetFlys awesome!

[@msmiller57]

Great video! It's like you're in my head. Fee only financial advisor tip is priceless. It would be really nice if you'd do a video on how to take care of the children while you're alive. Annual tax free gift amounts, etc. I don't think a lot of people understand how to effectively provide for their children while avoiding tax implications while they're alive.

[@dijon155]

Yes, please