Saul- how do you manage?

Saul, you stated that your only source of revenue is from the stock market (is that right?). In such a case, how do you manage the income you extract from the market? From your portfolio, it does not look like you invest for dividends much. Do you set numerical targets and you stop once you reach them during the course of each year? Is there a better time to trade for income during the course of a year i.e. is it better early in the year or later? Or are you opportunistic while keeping a reserve(separate from portfolio cash) that is used for your expenses?
During market turmoil such as the one in recent weeks, how do you manage it? A downturn could last for several quarters if not years. If you keep a reserve, do you typically build it for the next 6mo? Year? Or two or more?
I get you want to be long term and you would only sell if ‘things change’. Do you sell if the revenue or the earnings are slowing or are down for one? two? three or more quarters? How do you gauge that ‘it has changed for the worst’? How do you know if it is not only a momentary slowdown?

tj

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Saul, you stated that your only source of revenue is from the stock market (is that right?). In such a case, how do you manage the income you extract from the market? From your portfolio, it does not look like you invest for dividends much. Do you set numerical targets and you stop once you reach them during the course of each year?

Hi TJ,
I take money out as I need it, and figure it balances out at the end of the year. I should have said it’s my only source of income besides Social Security, which only makes a small part of our living expenses.

I just treat dividends as just a little additional cash in my account to invest. I don’t treat it separately.

A lot of our portfolios is in IRA’s, and over age 70 you are required to withdraw a certain percentage from your IRA each year, so I have to do that anyway. I did set aside a certain amount for a substantial part of income tax as I have no idea where the market will be in April. I also always have 2-4 months worth of cash in my checking account just in case.

Hope that helps.

Saul

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