[quote=scaredyclassic]
it is almost hard to visualize a longlasting crash. even I, a pessimist that bums out the other pessimists, didn’t sell when the pandemic hit, just kept buying. I was like, eh, nothings real anyway. i capitulate to insanity.

not that I’ll actually do it, but it seems like a logical thing to do. which means it’s probably insane. the more likely thing I’ll do is pay off my stupid mortgage. stupid.[/quote]

It is pretty darn rare for assets to stay down over 10 years. I think the Great Depression is the only period I can point to like that in the US. So you’re probably right.

But we could certainly end up like Japan where things are down for decades.

Or AN could be right, perhaps inflation will stay high for much longer than I think.

The crystal ball is sure hazy. As it always is.

I’m not sure enough about anything to go all in on any strategy. I’ve kind of hedged my bets. I have money on the side so I can react should things tank. I have money in the market in case it keeps rising.

I’m still paying off my house though because i will sleep better when I know it is mine and as long as prop taxes and insurance are paid it is mine forever. I’m in a position right now where practically everyone in the US would have to be in dire straights before I would find myself in trouble. I’d like to keep it that way.

I’m not trying to have the biggest stack of cash possible when I pass. Just trying to create an enormous safety buffer around me so I can live out my final years worry free. That’s all I want. A worry-free retirement.