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Post by chang on Jul 16, 2021 2:23:23 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. Same here, but I try to ignore it [ "The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments"]. Occasionally I score what appears to be a logical success: for example, I added to HY munis after the 2020 election because I foresaw higher taxes (but not reduced incomes) and a lower risk of municipal defaults. That one worked. But 90-99% of the time my politics-based investment calls turn out to be dead wrong. Goodness knows how many times I thought the sky would fall, and it didn't (and more often than not the opposite happened). [There was once a smart, respected poster on M* who discussed sound investment practices. But he was quite political as well (as are most of us) and succumbed to politics-based investing ... and missed out on the 2020 rally. It's doubtful he will ever make up for that lost opportunity, and after the market recovered he stopped posting about investing. Just an anecdotal example, but it happens...]. So, as weird as it seems, the stronger I believe in a politics-based investment outcome, the more likely I am to park it and ignore it. By the way, just repeating what was said before: discussing politics here is fine if it bears on your investment thinking and moves, but we've deliberately chosen not to provide a pure "off topic politics" board. Obviously, we would all like to see political discussion, when its relevant, remain civil and directed to issues and not posters.
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Post by richardsok on Jul 16, 2021 2:35:04 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. ".... made a few big financial moves recently." Such as ? ? ?
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Post by Norbert on Jul 16, 2021 6:02:26 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. ".... made a few big financial moves recently." Such as ? ? ? I'm curious too. Personally, I'm looking hard at selling my Paris apartment, which has been my principal residence since since 1998. Like many other great cities, Paris now has a socialist mayor. Illegal immigrants are being welcomed, crime is rising noticably, and anti- Semitism is rampant. Meanwhile, French society is splintered politically. A large percentage of the population either works in a government job or depends on the government for income. So, despite the beauty of the capital, it's becoming a museum city in a decadent nation. So, a decision looms. Yes, I know that many other once great cities are in decline too. But, I miss the spirit of Anglo-Saxon nations like ours, the UK, and Australia. Plus my daughter is obtaining Australian citizenship. I've been living on Crete since last October, now wrapping up a great renovation project.
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Post by anitya on Jul 16, 2021 7:20:55 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. ".... made a few big financial moves recently." Such as ? ? ? +1. Enquiring minds would like to know if it is not an intrusion.
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Post by anitya on Jul 16, 2021 7:35:53 GMT
Norbert , I lived in London. Peeing on the streets was a common occurrence in London 20+ yrs ago. English country side / Scotland are a lot nicer. New Zealand is a good place if you do not mind cold weather. It might be easier to find your spot in the Big USA or in the eastern part of Australia, all the way up to Queensland. But with your place in Greece, why increase your real estate footprint. It may be easier and cheaper to rent elsewhere. In Australia/ New Zealand furnished rental places are easy to find. A
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Post by Chahta on Jul 16, 2021 11:56:07 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. I am curious where you live in the US.
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Post by rhythmmethod on Jul 16, 2021 13:20:12 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. Same here, but I try to ignore it [ "The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments"]. Occasionally I score what appears to be a logical success: for example, I added to HY munis after the 2020 election because I foresaw higher taxes (but not reduced incomes) and a lower risk of municipal defaults. That one worked. But 90-99% of the time my politics-based investment calls turn out to be dead wrong. Goodness knows how many times I thought the sky would fall, and it didn't (and more often than not the opposite happened).
Exactly my experience as highlighted above. Regardless of one's political slant there can often be (with good reason) concern about the next travesty. Someone may be concerned about eco-political ideology, another person, climate change. One may worry about Antifa, another person, far right insurrection. One day the sky may actually fall for any or combination of reasons. Speaking for myself, I'll probably never be on the correct side of a large portfolio move at the right time for any of these possible socio-politically induced events. So, when reason for concern surfaces, as it often does, I acknowledge my concern and then put it safely away in a bottom drawer with the rest of my angst. Stay well and prosper regardless of politics. -RM
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Post by retiredat48 on Jul 16, 2021 15:16:34 GMT
".... made a few big financial moves recently." Such as ? ? ? I'm curious too. Personally, I'm looking hard at selling my Paris apartment, which has been my principal residence since since 1998. Like many other great cities, Paris now has a socialist mayor. Illegal immigrants are being welcomed, crime is rising noticably, and anti- Semitism is rampant. Meanwhile, French society is splintered politically. A large percentage of the population either works in a government job or depends on the government for income. So, despite the beauty of the capital, it's becoming a museum city in a decadent nation. So, a decision looms. Yes, I know that many other once great cities are in decline too. But, I miss the spirit of Anglo-Saxon nations like ours, the UK, and Australia. Plus my daughter is obtaining Australian citizenship. I've been living on Crete since last October, now wrapping up a great renovation project. Hmmm. Recently I was contemplating what other country to go to, all things considered, if I were younger and so desired. While I had Switzerland near the top, been considering Australia might be best. My oldest daughter (with hubby) says it will be her own country--a sailboat in three more years! Maybe we should have a thread on this question: What is the best country to relocate to, all things considered??R48
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Post by Chahta on Jul 16, 2021 15:45:08 GMT
With all of our investing basically done based on the US economy, if it ceases to exist, we are all screwed, period. The US economy is the most important in the world so nothing else will support the retirements and security we are expecting. I doubt the ruling class will totally ruin things as they are because they will not come out well in the end either. Hopefully they are smart enough to know that and how far things can be pushed before the economy fails. No matter what our individual views are, we are where we are now because of capitalism and not socialism/communism. We are dangerously close to pulling apart, not pulling together.
While we can think about what other country to move to, without our SS benefits and dividends being forwarded to our new addresses we will all be poor fishermen eking out a living.
I do not view this as politics but reality.
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Post by anitya on Jul 16, 2021 19:21:07 GMT
You either suffer the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.
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Post by Norbert on Jul 17, 2021 4:53:20 GMT
I'm curious too. Personally, I'm looking hard at selling my Paris apartment, which has been my principal residence since since 1998. Like many other great cities, Paris now has a socialist mayor. Illegal immigrants are being welcomed, crime is rising noticably, and anti- Semitism is rampant. Meanwhile, French society is splintered politically. A large percentage of the population either works in a government job or depends on the government for income. So, despite the beauty of the capital, it's becoming a museum city in a decadent nation. So, a decision looms. Yes, I know that many other once great cities are in decline too. But, I miss the spirit of Anglo-Saxon nations like ours, the UK, and Australia. Plus my daughter is obtaining Australian citizenship. I've been living on Crete since last October, now wrapping up a great renovation project. Hmmm. Recently I was contemplating what other country to go to, all things considered, if I were younger and so desired. While I had Switzerland near the top, been considering Australia might be best. My oldest daughter (with hubby) says it will be her own country--a sailboat in three more years! Maybe we should have a thread on this question: What is the best country to relocate to, all things considered??R48 As posted, my daughter and fiancé live in Sydney. They're "permanent residents" and will automatically get citizenship (it'll be my daughter's 4th passport). Opportunity is great for experienced engineers down under. I told her I think it's a great place to raise a family. There are many positives ... - happy, sporty lifestyle - friendly, civilized people - natural beauty - excellent career opportunities - zero tolerance for illegal immigrants but also some negatives ... - huge distance to US and Europe; I sat in a plane for 22 hours coming from France - no dynamic, innovative business or tech scene like in the US (almost everything is imported) - limited cultural scene (theater, classical music, etc.); it feels provincial - very expensive real estate. It's far from easy to get permission to reside in Australia.
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Post by retiredat48 on Jul 17, 2021 6:08:07 GMT
N...re Australia and expensive real estate...
Do you know the typical taxes on such real estate like houses?
Medical costs...medical insurance costs?
Is there one or more top Universities in Australia?
Do many go to States or elsewhere for higher degrees?
TIA
R48
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Post by Norbert on Jul 17, 2021 12:50:41 GMT
N...re Australia and expensive real estate... Do you know the typical taxes on such real estate like houses? Medical costs...medical insurance costs? Is there one or more top Universities in Australia? Do many go to States or elsewhere for higher degrees? TIA R48 Hi R48, Quick replies! If you or your family get serious about Australia, I can put you in touch with my daughter for more detailed and accurate information. Property taxes vary by region. NSW just got rid of its stamp tax (one-time purchase tax), which caused purchase prices to pop even higher. A new property tax will be levied. I understand that it's trivial compared to the US for a principal residence, but don't have details. Like France, Australia has a hybrid public - private insurance system. Public hospital HC is "free", private is not. I understand that a couple might pay $2000 AUD per year for insurance that gives access to private hospitals. There are six Australian universities in the Shanghai rankings top 100, but the best school is ranked #41. So, no MIT or Stanford. I don't have a handle on what Australian families typically do, but I bet that wealthy, ambitious ones look to the UK or US for top schools. The big consideration remains purchase costs in Sydney. My daughter just paid $2.4m AUD ($1.8m USD) for a nice three bedroom apartment, perfect location, with big views near the water. Not a house, just an apartment in a three unit building. N.
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Post by anitya on Jul 17, 2021 18:06:43 GMT
For older people, it is difficult to get an immigrant visa to Australia because their point based immigration system has a good weighting for age of the applicant. For younger people it is quite easy. However, look into the US-Australia trade agreement that allows a special category of work visa. You find a job and apply and it is given within a week. I do not know if it is easy to convert a work visa to an immigrant visa based on length of time in Australia or you have to apply separately for an immigrant visa through the point system.
I think they also have an investment based immigrant visa just like the US but probably more stringent than the US. (A lot of manipulation in the the US.)
Australia has a few Nobel Laureates in sciences to their name.
Everything is darn expensive in Australia (2-3X the US), even through Costco and Amazon in Australia. The US market hours are not really convenient if you live in Australia.
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Post by BearMkt on Jul 17, 2021 21:30:08 GMT
I've made a few big financial moves recently. The political environment is always on my mind when I think about my investments. Higher taxes, eco-political ideology, governmental control over free enterprise, social unrest, etc. etc. are all potential areas of concern for me lately. I am curious where you live in the US. Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions.
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Post by rhythmmethod on Jul 17, 2021 22:07:07 GMT
I am curious where you live in the US. Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions. Interesting. I think people, including me, are interested in specific or general moves you made due to the “political environment”. TIA
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Post by anitya on Jul 17, 2021 23:33:29 GMT
The arc of vaccination rates among advanced economies is very interesting (gives an idea about availability and acceptance) -
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Post by Chahta on Jul 17, 2021 23:44:18 GMT
Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions. Interesting. I think people, including me, are interested in specific or general moves you made due to the “political environment”. TIA I’m not sure what garden variety investors like us can do. We need equity growth to obtain wealth. If you think the market will tank due to anti-capitalist moves by the government then go to treasuries. If we are uber-wealthy then I suppose we can go to muni heavy portfolios to beat the IRS.
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Post by rhythmmethod on Jul 18, 2021 2:23:42 GMT
Chahta, To me there are so many possibilities of what might happen and as many different reasons., (including ones we haven't thought of yet). For that reason I'm always interested in one's PF moves based on socio-political reasons. I've rarely hit it correct and looking for reasons to change or double up (more likely) opposite a trend/school of thought.
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Post by anitya on Jul 18, 2021 2:59:34 GMT
A question on etiquette.
I use the like button to acknowledge and accept somebody's reply to my earlier post to a person. I also use it as an encouragement - acknowledgement - gratitude of a poster's work in a post. It is possible not everybody feels the same way I do in the second instance and may be some people are offended by the post and my liking it.
What is the acceptable proper use of the like button? Obviously, I do not want to offend others by my use of it or in general.
Thanks.
A
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Post by racqueteer on Jul 18, 2021 5:25:19 GMT
Re: etiquette for 'likes'; I'm not sure there IS one. I would tend to take it literally: If I LIKE a post, for whatever reason, then a 'like' or a +1 would be reasonable. I tend to be sparing with these personally; as they would lose meaning if overused. I think these are generally given for things we AGREE with, though I could certainly see cases arising where one wouldn't have to necessarily agree to respect a reply for completeness, objectivity, insight, etc. No doubt others may see things differently. In any event, your criteria is as legitimate as anyone else's.
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Post by BearMkt on Jul 18, 2021 11:46:34 GMT
Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions. Interesting. I think people, including me, are interested in specific or general moves you made due to the “political environment”. TIA I put some money into a term annuity. The calls for higher taxes, inflation fears, and yes, social unrest etc. have me a little concerned with the direction stocks and bonds might go. I also, for the first time, let Fidelity manage a portion of my portfolio with a "Separately Managed Account". To be honest, I've been a pretty "boring" investor, investing mainly in balanced funds because I really don't have the time, energy, or motivation to watch it closely to buy and sell. All that said I didn't specifically make the moves based on the "political environment", it's just a consideration because I'm not all that confident in the way things are going. I guess that's a little understatement.
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Post by Chahta on Jul 18, 2021 11:50:34 GMT
A question on etiquette. I use the like button to acknowledge and accept somebody's reply to my earlier post to a person. I also use it as an encouragement - acknowledgement - gratitude of a poster's work in a post. It is possible not everybody feels the same way I do in the second instance and may be some people are offended by the post and my liking it. What is the acceptable proper use of the like button? Obviously, I do not want to offend others by my use of it or in general. Thanks. A I believe you are using it correctly IMHO.
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Post by rhythmmethod on Jul 18, 2021 12:37:21 GMT
BearMkt , Thanks. It’s always a tough call, for me, to make my investing dovetail with my political, ethics outlook. Every time, almost, I am sure something will play out a certain way it seems the opposite occurs. BTW, I’m doing a similar move by moving more funds into balanced, multi asset funds to take some of the user error away. Good luck with investing and pending retirement.
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Post by retiredat48 on Jul 18, 2021 15:55:59 GMT
@ Norbert...who posted, re Australia: "The big consideration remains purchase costs in Sydney. My daughter just paid $2.4m AUD ($1.8m USD) for a nice three bedroom apartment, perfect location, with big views near the water. Not a house, just an apartment in a three unit building."
Wow...sure is a steep price for housing!
Chang posts same re Singapore, but they have zero property tax. It is the property tax that is the killer. If you can re-sell property at same price or higher, at least you do not lose money.
For example, people would be surprised that in North Carolina, my daughter bought a new home for $435,000, which has an annual total property tax of $2,750!! How about that, New Yorkers.
R48
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Post by anitya on Aug 2, 2021 23:31:26 GMT
I am curious where you live in the US. Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions. Just curious, what other forums you visit / post at? Do you use the same username / alias in all the forums you post? Currently, this is the only forum I participate in and I have the same username wherever online I ever participated.
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Post by BearMkt on Aug 2, 2021 23:38:21 GMT
Chahta and others - I live in the Atlanta, Ga area. I'm getting closer towards retirement and recently consolidated much of my financial assets to Fidelity investments. I'm not sure it was the greatest move but in doing so, of course I had to decide how to how to invest the money and the political environment does weigh in on those decisions. Just curious, what other forums you visit / post at? Do you use the same username / alias in all the forums you post? Currently, this is the only forum I participate in and I have the same username wherever online I ever participated. If you're asking me, this is the only one I post on and really not that often. I used to post on M* occasionally with the same name.
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Post by anitya on Aug 2, 2021 23:47:33 GMT
Just curious, what other forums you visit / post at? Do you use the same username / alias in all the forums you post? Currently, this is the only forum I participate in and I have the same username wherever online I ever participated. If you're asking me, this is the only one I post on and really not that often. I used to post on M* occasionally with the same name. Thanks. Do you read but not post elsewhere?
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Post by helmut on Aug 7, 2021 14:38:01 GMT
I have on occasion in the past posted comments on different political forums and have almost always regretted it. I have as yet seen any attitudes changed and feel like I have shown a great lack of intelligence or common sense for arguing politics online with basically strangers.
helmut
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Post by Chahta on Aug 7, 2021 18:12:30 GMT
I have on occasion in the past posted comments on different political forums and have almost always regretted it. I have as yet seen any attitudes changed and feel like I have shown a great lack of intelligence or common sense for arguing politics online with basically strangers. helmut I think you are correct.
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