Looking for Extreme Market Pain

I am convinced the Greek debt crisis will create an investing opportunity.   However, whenever I've had this mindset in the past, I started investing right away and quit before the bottom because the pain was too great.   Case in point:   The May 2013 Taper Tantrum.    I started buying right away, and kept buying into the decline.  However, it took over a month for the pullback to complete.  By the bottom, I was feeling enough market pain to stop buying.

When the decline starts this time, I plan to only buy those stocks I was considering last week, but haven't purchased yet.  These stocks are dividend paying stocks and part of my strategy to create a steady source of retirement income.   After these purchases, I will wait until the stock market pain is very high (at least a 10% decline) and then start making the additional purchases.

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

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

Copyright © 2015 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

A Greek Induced Correction?

It appears a Greek default is the most likely outcome next week.

The current bull market is getting a bit tired, but it keeps going up.   Perhaps the impending Greek default will be the event that causes the market to have its first correction since 2011.

Or will buyers on the dip prevent the correction from happening?  Hard to say.

My plan is to make partial purchases of my buy list during the initial drop, and wait before making additional purchases.

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

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

Copyright © 2015 Achievement Catalyst, LLC

Income Certainty

Over the past year, I have developed a greater appreciation for the benefits of a pension.  First and foremost, a pension offers a high degree of income certainty.   The amount and annual increases are guaranteed for the life of the beneficiary.  

With income certainty, there is also less financial anxiety, especially as one gets older.    Every month, the beneficiary receives a retirement paycheck.

A retirement paycheck is a concept that I like a lot.  Since we don't have pensions, we'll need to create our own source of a "retirement paycheck."   Something that is regular, certain and available for the rest of our lives.

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 © 2015 Achievement Catalyst, LLC