My Wealth Builder

Gasoline Prices are Lower After Midterms - Just as Promised

2026-11-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

I filled my F-150 tank up for $1 less per gallon than last week. Unbelievable, President Trump delivered on his promise.

Of course, I'm still waiting for no taxes on Social Security, which would be really big for me and a lot of other people. For now, I'll have to settle for lower gas prices that I got earlier today. Maybe President Trump will end the war with Iran (again) tomorrow and really drive down gas prices. 😎

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

New MAGA acronym - Made America Grumpy Again

2026-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

MAGA started as Make America Great Again. I think this election shows MAGA has become Make America Grumpy Again, as the Republican Party and President Trump have been repudiated with major losses in the midterm elections. Interestingly, this was only a surprise the Republican Party, especially President Trump.

IMHO, many Americans have become grumpy with how President Trump and the Republican congressional majority is governing. Costs are up, inflation is rampant, and war rampant. The only positive is economy and stock market are up, despite all the economic negatives.

Will this be an extinction of the Republican Party as Governor DeSantis commented? It depends how Grumpy Americans will be in 2028. If it does happens, it will be the greatest political downfall ever.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor political advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Quotes from a Memorial Service

2026-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Last month, I attended a memorial service for donors to medical research. It was an excellent service. Not only did they list the names of the donors, they were shown on a slide including any pictures or quotes attributed to them.

Here are some of quotes that I felt are currently worth considering:

It could be worse.
It is what it is and I can't do anything about it.
The only goal worth pursuing is happiness.

I'll try to think of these quotes today and see how I feel.

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

16 Year Bull Market for Retirees

2026-11-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

I sent article below to a few friends, under the subject "Lucky Retirees."

Dad, 79, has been retired 14 years and his nest egg is still growing — his son wonders, ‘Why are we all stressing so much about retirement?’

No surprise since he retired during a 16 year bull market, which was the best ever.

However, one always needs to remember the standard disclaimer, "Past performance does is not guarantee future results." Or as my roommate from college responded, "It works until it doesn't," noting that his 94 year old dad is having more health issues that require higher costs and more withdrawals.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial, investment, nor retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

I Need to Get Out More

2026-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

When I was working, I was gone from the house 60+ hours a week. After retiring, I was still out the of the house 20-30 hours a week with part time jobs and volunteer work. After I finished that stint, I was at home much more often, like most of the time. I would get out on occasionally for a tennis league or skiing, but not more that about 4 hours a week.

I've become more of a homebody, not going out except for occasional grocery shopping. I don't even go out for DIY projects. Almost everything can be ordered online and delivered nowadays. Most of my contacts are via email with distant friends local and out of town.

I've decided I need to get out more for mainly social reasons. I miss the ad hoc interactions with people. I've started attending regular group get togethers, such as monthly lunches with a church group. I continue to play in a tennis league, but also play with an individual in addition. I occasionally attend financial seminars.

At this point, I'm not looking for regular part time work nor volunteer work. I still want lots of flexibility, but I definitely need to leave the house much more.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial, aging nor social advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

EZ-Pass Easy Peasy

2026-11-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I used to avoid toll roads to avoid tolls. Now, I use them regularly since I have EZ-Pass.

Five years ago, we drove out to New Jersey for a college visit. Having driven the trip before, I took the PA Turnpike. When I last drove it, I could pay at the toll booths. This time, there were no manned toll booths. Since I didn't have a EZ Pass transponder, my license plate was used to charge me.

I received the "pay by plate: bill after the trip. The cost was $143. Ouch, it was over twice the cost if I had a transponder. However, Pennsylvania offered a discount option. If I registered for a transponder, the cost would be reduced to $70, a 50% discount. The transponder from Pennsylvania had a $3 per year annual fee, which is one of the lowest annual fees. If I never used it again, I would get 22 years of no $3 fees for just applying. Easy choice. I addition, I could register up to 4 vehicles and transfer the transponder, which is OK since we only drive one car at time for long trips.

Although I didn't make the full PA Turnpike trip again, I have used the EZ Pass on a part of the PA turnpike, MD toll roads, GA toll roads FL toll roads and other PA toll roads. Not only did I get a discount on my first trip, but I have received discounted tolls for all east coast toll roads since then.

EZ Pass was easy peasy. Many eastern states offer a EZ Pass and different prices. PA had one of the lowest cost activation and annual fees. YMMV.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated by EZ-Pass for this post.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, EZ Pass, nor toll road advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Highly Viewed Posts in October 2026

2026-11-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

Below are the three most viewed posts in October 2026:

DIY - A Feel Good Story

My spouse commented that the garage outlet was sparking. I hadn't noticed, but I don't use it often. I did notice the outlet was a little spongy when I plugged something in. I decided to fix it right away since sparking may be a safety issue.

I thought I had all the parts from previous projects and I had a good idea where they were located. About 90 minutes from start to finish, including finding the parts in the house, doing the repair, and confirming the fix worked.

How to Speak to an Audience

Fives elements of a successful talk.

Roth Conversion Hack for Trump Accounts

Hey, even non working kids can have a Roth IRA via the Trump accounts after they turn 18.

For more on Ideas You Can, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Evolution of Politicians: Serve, Scam, Scum

2026-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today is election day. I already voted early in our county. Honestly, I didn't like most of the candidates running, especially if they were members of the two major parties. With the exception of two major party candidates who live in my immediate neighborhood a within a couple streets, I voted for third party candidates or for write-ins. I prefer to vote for better and not the lesser of two evils.

This is my opinion of how many politicians evolve:

Initially, most run to SERVE. The intentions are good. They want to improve government and the country.
Then, they get elected. Everything changes afterwards. They soon realize there number one job is to get RE-ELECTED. From then on, they become a SCAM, saying and doing whatever is needed to remain elected.
Then, they get re-elected and realize they can leverage position for their own benefit - financial, influence or power. They care mostly about themselves and forget the original goal of SERVING. Some participate in self serving politics and evolve to SCUM.

IMHO, this can be stopped by having term limits, which prevents long term politicians for one postion.

If I ever run for public office, I won't serve more than two terms nor forget that my original purpose was to SERVE.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Huge Mutual Fund Long Term Capital Gains Distributions Estimated for 2026

2026-11-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

In preparation for our 2026 tax return, I looked at mutual fund distributions estimates for December that get published by end of October to mid December. I do this every years since surprise distributions, which are sometimes large, can significantly affect income tax planning. Of course, a big distribution is a good problem to have, except if it causes as significant unexpected increase in income tax owed.

For my 2026 tax return draft, my earlier estimate was that the long term capital gains distribution would be about 50% of the 2025 distribution, due to a large distribution on one fund was due to a midyear 2025 merging with another fund. However, the published October estimates showed I was way off. While I was correct about the large 2025 distribution being reduced (by 75%, it turned out), I didn't count on 4 other funds doubling their 2025 distribution. As a result, I revised the 2026 long term capital gains estimated to be at a minimum 10% higher than than 2025.

This has caused my capital gains estimate on our 2026 return to change from -$3000 to +$1500, resulting in long term capital gains and dividends being taxed at 15% instead of 0%, and increasing our tax liability such that we owe instead of getting a refund.

Since there are two months left in 2026, I can still due some tax loss harvesting to reduce the capital gains and tax liability. I will target to sell some positions to reduce our capital gains to zero or less, which put our long term capital gains and dividends in the 0% tax category.

For more on Strategy and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial, mutual fund, nor tax advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Refinishing Front Wood Door

2026-11-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

Our front door was refinished 10 years ago. Although slightly faded, the wood is still in good shape. This summer, I decided to try refinishing the door myself, since I recalled the cost 10 years ago was $800.

To prepare, this summer I purchased an orbital sander and finger sanders for a newly purchased oscillating too. I also located the stain and water based spar urethane that was used. The spar urethane had gelled and I replaced it. I haven't opened the can of stain., but it is still liquid.

Today, I first did a minor repair since some of the veneer was peeling. I first glued the veneer. Then, I started the process of sanding, and realized I would need additional sanding tools for the tight spaces. I ordered a micro sander (for 1in wide areas) and contour sanders for the trim. I expect to have them arrive in the next couple days. In the meantime, I will do the sanding of the large panels with the orbital sander. I will also test the stain of a piece of scrap wood.

Hopefully, I will be ready to complete the project on Thursday, while the temps are still compatible with applying the spar urethane.

Wish me luck.😎

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial, refinishing, nor maintenance advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Became a NOW Bagholder Again

2026-11-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

With a 34% drop this week tp 105, NOW has gone from +50% to just-2% to +5% in my IRAs and -2% in our taxable account. Up until this week, I had conviction that every dip would be followed by a recovery, which happened in April, June and July 2026 when it dipped in the 80s and 90s. However, this time my conviction has dissipated.

I was fortunate to have sold about 40% (10 shares) in the 140s and 150s last week. I was hoping for a bounce with earnings last week, but instead I got a big decline due to disappointing guidance. AI also took a big hit last week. In the past, AI stocks was SAAS software stocks were decoupled and moved in opposite directions. No longer are they decoupled it appears.

I'm going to wait until next week to evaluate the situation. I still believe that AI is overhyped and the SAAS software stocks will end up being a profitable trade, which has been true for 60% of them. Right now, I won't sell at a loss even if it keeps going down. I would prefer to hodl until NOW reaches he $150ish again, but that may be just hopium, given the midterms uncertainty, Iran tanker and infrastructure attacks, and possible cease fire talks.

We shall see if NOW recovers to 150ish again.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Over 500,000 Views of My Wealth Builder During October 2026

2026-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

I started this blog in 2006. Looking at the historical data, I reached about 11,000 views in 2011. Views declined to 3-4 thousand in the mid teens. I began posting less and less, posting only once in 2023. In 2024, I posted 16 times.

Then something strange happened in late 2025 and my views started increasing significantly. I decide to start posting daily in August 2025 and have done so since then. Monthly, views starting creeping up, slowly at first. 6000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and then a spike to 298,000 views which turned out to be an aberration. In August 2026, daily views crept up to 15,000, leading to 400,000+ views per month in August and September 2026.

Then on October 30, 2026, monthly views crossed 500,000 for the first time. Edit 1: 539,396 at 8:30 AM this morning, October 31, 2026. Edit 2: 548,000 at 8PM which is the end of the day for Blogger.

My Wealth Builder may hit 5 million all time views by the end a 2026. It's been a great journey for the past 20 years. Thanks to all the readers.

Next stop, 1 million views per month.😎

For more on Reflections and Musings, check back every Saturday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Be a Financial Plan Participator in Retirement

2026-10-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Before retirement, many people focus mainly on making money and paying expenses, and avoid the more complex financial elements or outsource the work. Essentially, they are mostly financial plan spectators. Being a financial plan spectator can be expensive, either from hiring an advisor, paying more taxes or earning less money.

Here are some financial participator tips in retirement based on my experience:

The first few years after retirement are the most critical for investments lasting for one's lifetime. If the market crashes at retirement, the chances for a financial successful retirement decrease significantly. A good approach is to convert some investments to 3-5 years cash for the first few years of retirement.
Consider doing Roth conversions before Social Security or Pensions start paying, especially if one retires before 60. For me, it was a no brainer to do Roth conversions in the 12% tax bracket to minimize future RMDs in higher tax brackets.
Medicare is not free. The supplements are an additional cost. I have heard and read that original Medicare give better health care as one gets older since Medicare Advantage is health insurance.
Learn how to navigate minimizing taxes owed. Paying taxes is not a bad thing. Pay significantly more taxes due to poor financial planning is.
Make a broad spending plan that allows one to enjoy the fruits of saving and investing for retirement.
It's hard to make predictions, especially about the future. Take advantage of good health in the early years of retirement. Be prepared for decline in health as one ages.

These are just a few thoughts off the top of my head. Of course, YMMV.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

We Didn't Do a Prenup

2026-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

When my spouse and I got engaged 32 years ago, we did not do a prenup. We didn't even consider doing one, even though I had more assets that she did, by owning a house. However, in total the amount of assets for both of us wasn't much, maybe about $100,000, not including retirement accounts.

We've always mixed our finances, even when I was the only wage earner. We shared a joint checking and savings account. It's been that way every since we've been married. We did have a soft budget, trying to manage costs where possible, especially for large purchases.

It's a different world for out kids They may have significantly more assets based on inheritance and be able to protect them without a prenup. We have planned for that with our trusts that become irrevocable when we pass away. By keeping the inherited asset in the trust, even after they get married, it remains 100% theirs in the case of a divorce, since a irrevocable trust is NOT marital property which can be claimed by the spouse.

Hopefully, they will stay married and not need a divorce. If the do have a divorce, assets inherited from us will be protected as long as they remain in the trust.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

This is not financial, marriage, nor prenup advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Feels Like the End of the Roaring 20s

2026-10-28T20:00:00.000-04:00

Here's my latest Vibe:

100 years ago, there was the Great Depression. Nothing could go wrong until it did. Although I wasn't alive in the 1920s, this decade feels a lot like I imagined the 1920s to be. Exuberance, wildness, ruliness and a unrelenting upward stock market. What could go wrong.

Maybe now is the time for a little more caution, because not all possibilities are priced in. Being regarded my be the worst right now.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Vacation Home - Just Say No

2026-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

It used be that a vacation second home was a symbol of wealth. It was a sign that one had achieve financial success. However, that was then. Now, vacation homes are become an anchor, in more ways than one.

Vacation homes were once real estate's hottest play. Now they're a nightmare.

We didn't consider getting a vacation home since that meant:

Maintenance costs for another home, that may be distant, and used only a few weeks a year.
Committing to visiting as much as possible, so that it would "payout." Hint, it doesn't.
Limiting other vacation choices.

Without the anchor of a vacation home, we can choose, with no regrets, any location we wish to visit. In addition, paying for hotel costs is far lower than the costs of owing and maintaining a vacation home. Finally, we don't need to decide who will inherit the vacation home when our time comes.

Given the current situation, it looks like we made a good decision not to "invest" in a vacation home.

Preparing for Volatility After Midterm Elections

2026-10-27T20:00:00.000-04:00

I expect there will be significant volatility in stock prices and interest rates shortly after the midterm elections. Here's how I'm preparing for the possibility:

Keeping cash in short term T Bills and market funds. If interest rates increase, which I expect them to, I can invest these funds into long term fixed income. If interest fall, I'm OK with interest from these bonds and funds even though the principal declines.
Be ready to buy stocks on a discount, especially the total market index funds. I will buy some GOOGL if it drops below $300, which would be over a 25% decline from the ATH.
Buy some November 6 DTE put options on SPY. I'm looking at 550 or higher strike prices.
No matter what happens, just chill and HODL.

I've survived the worst in my lifetime: 1987 crash, the 2002 dot.com crash, the 08/09 Great Recession, the 2020 Covid crash and the 2022 bear market. Each one has made us strong. I think I will survive the 2026 volatility.

Bring it on.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back everyTuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, investment, nor retirement advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Get Paid to Transfer funds to Current Brokerages

2026-10-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

As I look to consolidate brokerage accounts, one of my current brokerages offered to match any major brokerages bonus for opening a new account. However, I don't need to open a new account. I can add funds to an existing account.

I was already thinking to consolidate accounts and reduce the number of brokerage firms we use. Now I have an financial incentive to do it. One just has to search for brokerage promotions. The bonuses range from $50 to $10,000 depending on the amount added. Of course, I will be no where near $10,000 but even $50 make is worth considering. I'm going to ask for a matching bonus when transferring funds.

One needs to read the terms and conditions, for example how long new funds are in account, to make sure one qualifies.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor funds transfer advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Good Leverage when Negotiating - Being Able to Walk Away

2026-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Being able to walk away may be one of the best negotiating approaches.

My best example was when I was selling a property. I negotiated that the buyer had to give me an a $5,000 nonrefundable fee before filing to change the zoning to commercial. I knew if they backed out of the sale after rezoning, my real estate taxes would go up significantly and the fee would cover the increase. When they requested my signature to authorize rezoning, I asked for the $5,000 nonrefundable payment in the contract. They objected saying they couldn't risk $5,000 if the rezoning was denied and threatened to back out of the deal, which was legal. I told them, "You guys are smarter than me in real estate. If you think it is a big risk, I won't disagree with you and I'm not taking on your risk." The next day, they called and verbally told me they were ending the contract.

I didn't panic. I calmly told my attorney the buyers were planning to terminate the deal and assumed they would send the official letter. I thought about alternate buyers who had expressed some interest. I knew I wouldn't be released from selling until I received written termination and waited. Two days later, I stopped thinking about selling the property to the current buyer and started working on our landscaping. Then, my daughter yelled out to the yard that I had a call from the buyer's broker.

Although I didn't particularly want to talk to him, I went to the phone. He said, "The buyer wants to continue with the deal and needs your signature today." I said, "Per the contract, I will FedEx my authorization to the escrow lawyer who is in charge of ensuring the non refundable money is paid before transferring the document to the buyer." The broker said, "But we need it this afternoon." I said, "I'll send the authorization to the escrow attorney, per the contract."

Again, the buyer was trying to put pressure on me, and I was willing to stay with the contract, even if at a risk of losing the sale. Soon we reached a compromise, based on advice from my attorney. The buyer would wire me the money immediately, and I would fax them the authorization when received. Although the timing was tight, we were able to complete the transaction in time for the buyer to receive the documentation needed.

Disclosure: Details, that would allow the buyer and seller to be identified, have been changed to keep them anonymous.

For more on Strategy and Plans, check back every Monday for a new segment.

This is not financial nor negotiating advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Consolidating Brokerage Accounts to Simplify

2026-10-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

When I was younger, I used multiple brokerages (for diversity of benefits and safety) and created multiple accounts for different strategies. This was helpful during the Great Recession of 08/09 when some brokerages had financial difficulties, with some even going bankrupt, such as Lehman, or money markets funds breaking the buck. Although, we didn't lose any money, I maintained having multiple brokerages. In addition, during the teens, at one brokerage I was experimenting with 22 different investment strategies and created an account for each one.

I've decided we have too many accounts and am working to simplify. My goal it to get down to one brokerage with 6 accounts, titled for a Roth, Traditional IRA and Taxable account for my spouse and me. This should make it easier to manage and trade and give us a single point of contact.

This weekend I started the process of merging and reducing accounts in our brokerages for a future transition to few brokers. At this point, I think we can get to 2 brokers. We shall see.

For more on New Beginnings, check back every Sunday for a new segment.

Will the Stock Market Go Up or Down Immediately after Midterm Elections?

2026-10-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, it will (go up or down), but really I don't know. If I did really know, I wouldn't be telling anyone. I would just buy options and become the next billionaire or even trillionaire.😎

Remember, as Yogi Berra once said, "It's hard to make predictions, especially about the future."

Anyway, here's what I expect:

If the Democrats take the majority in one or both houses, I expect the market to decline immediately, but recover.
If the Republicans keep the majority in both houses, I expect the market to decline immediately, but recover.

Net, I expect the same downward initial reaction and then recovery no matter which party wins the majority in Congress.

Investors, Hedge Funds, Market Makers, and Gamblers will react negatively first and then return to advancing the stock market. That's what I expect based on all the reactions to negative news over the past 2 years. Of course, it works until it doesn't.

Continuing to Sell Software Stocks for a Profit

2026-10-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I sold about 10% of the software SAAS stocks I bought on the dip in February 2026. While AI and memory stocks were hit hard (6-12% declines), software stocks actually advanced. I took the opportunity to start taking profits. In some cases, the price of stocks I sold advanced 2-3% higher.

Hopefully, the software stocks will continue to advance today, allowing me to exit some more with higher gains. While I have gains as much as 100%, I no longer have conviction the rally will continue much longer. Also, there is significant uncertainty with the midterm elections. Thus, I will continue to scale out the software stocks I bought in February 2026, but will continue to hodl the core positions in the previously managed account.

Crossing my fingers for a bounce for the stock market and/or continued upward momentum for software stocks.

For more on Reaping the Rewards, check back every Friday for a new segment.

This is not financial, stock investment, nor stock selling advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Reversion to Normal ...

2026-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Futures are showing a likely decline in the market today.

What could go wrong?

Remember when

wars/conflicts,
inflation,
increasing interest rates,
increasing U.S. debt,
high personal debt
more debt defaults
high margin debt at or near all time highs

cause the market to go down?

Pepperidge Farm remembers.

The stock market advance has been too good to be true. When a correction comes, it may be surprisingly big. I'm buying a some insurance, January 2027 SPY puts, strike price 550. Otherwise, I'm waiting, scaling out of recent equity purchase, hodling my fixed income portfolio and keeping cash.

For more on Crossing Generations, check back every Thursday for a new segment.

Significant Fixed Income Losses

2026-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

My bonds and bond funds have declined significantly over the past month, due to interest rates increasing. Some of my bonds, specifically 20 year Treasuries, are down as much as 14% since their purchase in 2023, when interest rates started increasing. Many are down 4-8%.

Here's why I am not worried...yet:

Other than 1% bonds that are maturing in the next two months, out taxable bonds pay an minimum of 3.75%, with over 90% paying 4-5% for 3- 20 years. I will get paid this amount for up to 20 years, no matter what future interest rates are.
Historically, 5% is a good interest rate for long term bonds.
I am getting sufficient income to support our "retirement paycheck" strategy, which is giving us a monthly payment for our retirement expenses.
I am holding the bonds until maturity, which means I receive the par value and losses go to 0% or may even be a small gain.
For bond funds, which are primarily muni bond funds in taxable account, I can do tax loss harvesting to offset stock gains, and rebuy the bond fund at a lower price.
Finally, I have cash in money market funds or treasury bonds (1 year less Treasuries), which will pay more if interest rates go up. About 40% of our investable funds are in this category

Here's what would could go wrong:

Long term interest rates could go up significantly. In 1981, the 10 and 20 year Treasuries yield as much as 15.8%.
Inflation could go up significantly to double digits.
The U.S. could default.

Right now, the probability of what could go wrong is still very low, less than 1%. However, the probability continues to increase as the U.S. deficit increases, the wars continue, and inflation continues to rise.

For more on The Practice of Personal Finance, check back every Wednesday for a new segment.

This is not financial, fixed income, inflation, nor policy advice. Please consult a professional advisor.

Copyright © 2026 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Roth Conversion Hack for Trump Accounts

2026-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is a hack for making Trump account withdrawals tax free in the future.

At age 18, Trump accounts convert to traditional IRAs, with all the associated rules. Since contributions are made after tax, only earnings are taxed when withdrawing from a Trump account IRA.

Here's the hack.

If the child is still a dependent and not earning wages, the standard deduction is up to $1350 (for 2026) of unearned income. Thus, the child can convert up to $1350 of IRA earnings to a Roth account tax free. Since contributions are prorated between contributions and earning, the child will also convert some untaxed original contribution.
If child has earned income, the standard deduction is earned income + $450 unearned income, up to the single standard deduction of $16100 (for 2026).

If planned well, the entire Trump IRA can be converted to a Roth IRA with little or no tax.

My son is 14. If I open a Trump account for him, we can contribute up to $5000/year to the account, up to age 17. At that point, he may have $20,000 to convert to a Roth, provided the investments don't decline.

For more on Ideas You Can Use, check back every Tuesday for a new segment.