http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5775 Defaults in interest payments are extremely rare, particularly in Investment Grade Securities, and it is very likely that you will receive a predictable, constant, and gradually increasing flow of Income. (The income will increase gradually only if you manage your asset allocation properly by adding proportionately to your Fixed Income holdings.) Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:49:29 PST en-us http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5775 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5775 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:49:29 PST When is 3 percent better than 6 percent? Yeah, we all know the answer, but only until the prices of the securities we already own begin to fall. Then, logic and mathematical acumen disappear and we become susceptible to all kinds of special cures for the periodic onset of higher interest rates. We’ll be told to sit in cash until rates stop rising, or to sell the securities we own now, before they lose even more of their precious market value. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5645 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5645 Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:33:45 PST The larger the portfolio, the more likely it is that you will be able to buy round lots of a diversified group of bonds, preferred stocks, etc. But regardless of size, individual securities of all kinds have liquidity problems, higher risk levels than are necessary, and lower yields spaced out over inconvenient time periods. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5646 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5646 Thu, 02 Jun 2016 11:49:04 PST Without having mega millions to work with, or a line of credit that goes around the block, you can have positions in various forms of Real Estate (commercial, industrial, residential) at the same time, and focus either on growth opportunities, income production, or a combination of the two. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5657 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5657 Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:16:37 PST Whether you go the discount route through Schwab, Ameritrade, Fidelity, etc., or enjoy a higher level of service through an independent like LMK Wealth Management, you should never be surprised by the market values reflected on your monthly account statement. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5674 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5674 Wed, 16 Sep 2015 06:56:32 PST How can I get you to stop fixating on monthly market values and to focus on the purpose of the securities within the portfolio? Most of us are trained to deal with seasons, fashion trends, biological changes, waning sports dynasties, sunspots, etc. Instinctively, we expect, and prepare for change effectively--- except when it comes to investing, where planning and preparation is only talked about. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5690 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5690 Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:50:00 PST All investors need to become intimate with both the content of their portfolios and the workings of the various cycles that impact on security market values. They need to expect, even anticipate cyclical changes in the market values of their securities by taking reasonable profits in either classification willingly, gleefully, and without hindsight. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5691 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5691 Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:49:45 PST Don't let uniformed thinking sabotage your retirement program; don't let the selfish advice of a product sharpshooter send you chasing rabbits when IRE (interest rate expectations) or other temporary market conditions shrink the market value of your income portfolio. Feed your head; feed---your---head. Income pays the bills, and if the income level is both steady and adequate, there is no need to change investments. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5714 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5714 Tue, 16 Jun 2015 12:46:02 PST Appreciating Basic Risk Minimization Techniques. a) Understanding the purpose and use of Asset Allocation; b) Developing appropriate security selection criteria; c) Establish diversification and income rules; d) Adopting downward flexible profit taking guidelines. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5759 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5759 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:10:31 PST If you focus exclusively on market value, dwell upon comparisons of your unique portfolio with the market averages, expect performance of some kind during specific time intervals, and listen intently when someone speaks about what the future is all about, any asset allocation work you do will be ineffective. http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5765 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5765 Wed, 16 Sep 2015 06:44:47 PST Just what is this total return thing that income portfolio managers like to talk about, and that Wall Street uses as the performance hoop that all Investment Managers have to jump through? Why is it mostly just smoke and mirrors? Here's the formula: http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5773 http://net-teams.net/nti/Display.cfm/5773 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 08:35:12 PST