Long term investments

[Spook50]

I've been thinking about doing some investing for the long term (especially with the GF's son and any kids we have together going to college in the future, and both of us wanting a nice healthy retirement fund). I'm sure some of you guys have a bunch of long term investments, so my question is, what do you recommend?

I've been thinking of the basic things that would only ever go up in value: gold, other precious metals, land (that's a big'n). What other things can I look into?

[fsusteve]

whatever you do, make sure you have total control of it......btw, the market is in the shitter right now, think bonds.

[MoJ]

Of those you listed I'd only agree with land. All other commodities are ultra high right now and are likely near their peak. They could easily take a dive and take decades to again reach current levels. Otherwise jump into the market. Mutual funds or a fund tied directly to the S&P. There's a handful of decent yield dividend reinvestment programs (drip) that make nice long term plans. If you're tempted by individual stocks go with solid companies with a history of financial accuracy. I'm a big fan of brk/b . If you do business with a financial advisor that uses a double digit % to build your growth model don't take him too seriously. Count on high single digits. As far as the college part, look into some of the tax advantaged programs set up for that purpose.

I disagree with the whole staying away from the market mentality, especially if you're defining your goals as long term. I keep hearing people say they don't want to get in the market right now because it's bearish. What the hell do they want to do, buy in when it's peaking?

[Cube Dweller]

Originally Posted by Spook50

I've been thinking about doing some investing for the long term (especially with the GF's son and any kids we have together going to college in the future, and both of us wanting a nice healthy retirement fund). I'm sure some of you guys have a bunch of long term investments, so my question is, what do you recommend?

I've been thinking of the basic things that would only ever go up in value: gold, other precious metals, land (that's a big'n). What other things can I look into?

You really need to educate yourself and that doesn't mean asking a bunch of guys on the landcruiser website. Go here and peruse the recommended reading list. Maybe give his show a listen to.

Edit: I had a lengthy, serious reply but judging by nature of your question, you really need basics. Check out the link I posted and see if you can find any of his recommended books in the library.

[Cube Dweller]

Originally Posted by fsusteve

whatever you do, make sure you have total control of it......btw, the market is in the shitter right now, think bonds.

The time to buy is when the market is in the shitter.

[Mr. Toad]

I hear beanie babies are at an all-time low.

[MoJ]

Originally Posted by Cube Dweller

The time to buy is when the market is in the shitter.

[tcb]

Originally Posted by fsusteve

whatever you do, make sure you have total control of it......btw, the market is in the shitter right now, think bonds.

It's a great time to own bonds, not a great time to be buying....

[Brian in Oregon]

My long term investments are all going to college tuition right now for my son. Which is OK, because that *IS* a long term investment.

[IDave]

Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon

My long term investments are all going to college tuition right now for my son. Which is OK, because that *IS* a long term investment.

This is where I'm focusing much of my savings, too. Daughter's starting college this month.

I agree that the stock market is in the shitter, and the main question is if and how much further down it will go.

Since it's an election year, some people expect that the economic turd has been polished....heck if I know. I would say it's time to begin investing gradually.

[Spook50]

Originally Posted by Cube Dweller

You really need to educate yourself and that doesn't mean asking a bunch of guys on the landcruiser website. Go here and peruse the recommended reading list. Maybe give his show a listen to.

Edit: I had a lengthy, serious reply but judging by nature of your question, you really need basics. Check out the link I posted and see if you can find any of his recommended books in the library.

You're exactly right. I'm just trying to get to a jumping-off point and start educating myself so I don't make the wrong decision.

[Brian in Oregon]

I pulled my 401K money out of all stocks when things started stagnating. I'm making more money right now from an interest bearing account than I would have in the stock market (actually I would have been losing in the stock market).

If anyone has ever thought about a 401K loan, this is the time to take it. You have to pay interest on the loan, but the interest goes right back into your 401K. You'll get a cheap loan rate, and will actually be making more money loaning money to yourself than if you left it alone.

And for college tuition, most plans will allow a hardship withdrawl for tuition, though most plans require you have a 401K loan already out. You have to document the credit hours, cost per credit hour, book expenses, room and board (which is OK even if they live with you), and transportation. Must be directly college related. You will have to pay taxes on it, but if properly documented, there will be no penalties. I had to do this last year when my son unexpectedly graduated a year early from high school and went into college.

[Cube Dweller]

Originally Posted by IDave

This is where I'm focusing much of my savings, too. Daughter's starting college this month.

I agree that the stock market is in the shitter, and the main question is if and how much further down it will go.

Since it's an election year, some people expect that the economic turd has been polished....heck if I know. I would say it's time to begin investing gradually.

When you get that figured out, probably time to quit the MD gig and focus on equities

[Atticus]

Jefferson County, Alabama, will sell you all the bonds you want. Just ask for them by name when you talk to a Goldman Sachs broker.

[fsusteve]

Originally Posted by Cube Dweller

The time to buy is when the market is in the shitter.

I'm no investment counselor but I can tell you the fall hasn't stopped so why throw money at it right now?

[Mr. Toad]

Originally Posted by fsusteve

I'm no investment counselor but I can tell you the fall hasn't stopped so why throw money at it right now?

Because by the time you conclude that it has stopped falling, the lion's share of the recovery will already be on the books. Very few who try to time the market succeed.

And if you believe that the advertized political "Change" will be good for the economy, now's the time to buy.

[Spook50]

Originally Posted by Atticus

Jefferson County, Alabama, will sell you all the bonds you want. Just ask for them by name when you talk to a Goldman Sachs broker.

Why do I have a feeling I'm being set up here?

[wob]

Originally Posted by Spook50

Why do I have a feeling I'm being set up here?

I really don't think Atti would wish JeffCo bonds on anybody, even you.

[sundaypunch]

#1, always take advantage of any contribution matching your employer might do. Beyond a work retirement plan a good 1st step is to get a Roth IRA and contribute the max. every year (currently $5k for an individual).

[BOUNDER]

Originally Posted by fsusteve

whatever you do, make sure you have total control of it......btw, the market is in the shitter right now, think bonds.

market is the shitter = the market is fucking ON SALE and you advise buy bonds?

[NocalFJ60]

Originally Posted by Spook50

You're exactly right. I'm just trying to get to a jumping-off point and start educating myself so I don't make the wrong decision.

Here is what I would recommend to start out and learn more about investing.

https://www.kiplinger.com/orders/magazine/

[Hilux]

just find out what stocks did, and did not back in the 70 during the oil embargo...wasn't that just out of a recession?


Future = Past. You just need to know where to look.

[Jonathan_Ferguson]

With my hyperinflated money 'ere in Australia, I'm putting my dough in a Term Deposit with 8.6% @ 6 months.

The other alternative is 8.7% @ 12 months.
BankWest - bankwest tddirect
Suncorp - Deposit Interest Rates

[IDave]

Originally Posted by Cube Dweller

When you get that figured out, probably time to quit the MD gig and focus on equities

Originally Posted by fsusteve

I'm no investment counselor but I can tell you the fall hasn't stopped so why throw money at it right now?

Originally Posted by Mr. Toad

Because by the time you conclude that it has stopped falling, the lion's share of the recovery will already be on the books. Very few who try to time the market succeed....

Hey, somebody is going to time this market perfectly this cycle, and they'll be a hero! It could be me!

No, I agree that stocks are on sale and it's a good time to be adding to your portfolio. Not all at once, but when you dollar cost average, it's smart to put in a little extra while prices are down, and maybe a little less when they've just made new highs.

That's the kind of timing I try to do.

[fsusteve]

Originally Posted by BOUNDER

market is the shitter = the market is fucking ON SALE and you advise buy bonds?

blow me and move back to whatever shit yankee state you came from.