Netflix Should Buy Dish Network

Here me out! I know, monopolies are bad, but so are paying for 1,000 streaming services. It’s almost as if “Cutting the cord” did more damage to our wallets, than staying with our cable providers.

Now, onto the reasoning. What is one major thing missing from Netflix, that other streaming giants have. A live or streaming form of television. When you are on Netflix, you can watch TV shows, but nothing Live, or at least to the effect of strolling through your guide to find what’s on tonight.

I know Netflix is coming out with an Ad Tier that will generate some revenue, but one thing that still needs to be offered and a part of the package, should be some sort of live television.

Now, onto Dish Network. After their recent earnings report, it became a sell target. As if it wasn’t beaten up enough, the stock has taken even more hits. This has greatly reduced the price of the stock, giving a great time for an acquisition. Maybe the interest rate isn’t a great time, but for an offer to take on an acquisition, Dish Network seems primed.

What do you get with Dish Network? Not only subscribers of Dish, but their other streaming service, SlingTV. My family uses SlingTV and it’s a staple. It’s our way of getting live TV, a great channel lineup, with a great app. Maybe Dish Network would be willing to sell off SlingTV to Netflix, instead of a buyout/merger/acquisition.

Those are my thoughts. It would make Netflix an absolute power house. With all of their content they have already, releasing huge documentaries, new movies, and mind bending TV shows, they could add a whole new service, Live TV.

Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, think about it!

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What Is With All Of The Fear?

September has not bode well for any of the indexes. Nor for stocks in general. If you play with Bonds, I am sure you are seeking a decent reward, but stocks have been a tough game.

We know it, we see it, we hear it. All day, especially if you are paying attention to a financial channel like, CNBC. Rising rates and the Fed raising one more time. Recession. Market crashes. Real Estate and Housing crash.

Doom and Gloom is all I say. Let it feed the desire to sell to others, for we shall stay the course. And if things get really dicey, we might just buy some more.

These times are rough, the waters are choppy, and the future doesn’t seem to be on the horizon just yet. This is where the adage, “when in doubt, zoom out” comes from.

Over the long term, markets go up, even after meltdowns, and tantrums. Are we truly living in new times, or just another bump in the road?

All I know is, that these are the times that shape the future, especially your financial future. I choose to believe in the data that, the market in the long term goes up. So I will keep head strong, and if I feel weak, I’ll try my best to stop looking.

Tell me, what stock or ETF are you excited to buy when it becomes discounted for you?

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Individual Stocks, Index Funds, or ETFs?

In the market these days, there are so many options to place your money in. I am curious, what do you typically invest in, day after day, week after week, month after month?

I spread it around, look at my highest convictions, average down if needed, any thing left over, gets put right into SPY or QQQ. I also have a Fidelity account with a low cost Index Fund as well a no cost Total Market fund.

I spread the wealth, but lately I have been enjoying picking companies. Looking into finance, asking myself, do I use that company at all, and eve better, do I use them monthly?

There are many books that can teach you how to read financial statements, look into management, and make the right call, but one thing Peter Lynch talks about in One Up on Wall Street is, you as the consumer know where your money is going, and what products are being used.

The companies you use are a great basis of getting started with research on a company. Companies you personally give money to every month for their products and services are windows open to what companies you should invest in.

No two people are going to have the same portfolio, unless they are copying someone. Most people have different attitudes towards risk, products, and services. This means that a company in your portfolio may not be in someone else. That doesn’t mean you are wrong.

So, what financial instrument do you regularly invest in?

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10 Ways to Be a Thrifty Investor in 2023

In today’s dynamic financial landscape, being a thrifty investor is not only a smart financial move but also a necessary one. With economic uncertainties and market volatility, finding ways to save money while building a solid investment portfolio is paramount. In 2023, the key to financial success lies in prudent decision-making, resourcefulness, and a thrifty mindset. Here are ten ways to be a thrifty investor in 2023.

  • 1. Embrace Passive Investing

One of the most thrifty ways to invest is by adopting passive investment strategies. Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are cost-effective options that provide diversified exposure to the market without the high fees associated with actively managed funds. These passive investments often outperform actively managed funds over the long term, and they typically have lower expense ratios.

  • 2. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power in the world of investing. Take the time to educate yourself about different investment vehicles, strategies, and risk management techniques. There are numerous free and low-cost educational resources available online, including blogs, webinars, and courses. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make thrifty investment decisions.

  • 3. Avoid Overtrading

Overtrading can lead to high brokerage fees, taxes, and potential losses. Instead of constantly buying and selling stocks, focus on a buy-and-hold strategy for the long term. This reduces transaction costs and minimizes the impact of short-term market fluctuations on your portfolio.

  • 4. Dollar-Cost Averaging

Dollar-cost averaging is a thrifty strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions. This approach helps you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer shares when prices are high. Over time, it can lead to lower average purchase prices and increased returns.

  • 5. Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversification is a key component of any thrifty investment strategy. By spreading your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographical regions, you can reduce risk while potentially increasing your returns. Diversification can be achieved through ETFs, mutual funds, or by investing in individual assets carefully.

  • 6. Minimize Fees

High fees can erode your investment returns over time. Look for investment platforms and funds with low expense ratios, and consider discount brokerage services. Additionally, be aware of any hidden fees or charges associated with your investments and strive to minimize them.

  • 7. Use Tax-Efficient Strategies

Taxes can significantly impact your investment returns. In 2023, it’s crucial to employ tax-efficient investment strategies. Consider investing in tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s, and be mindful of capital gains taxes when making investment decisions. Consult with a tax professional to optimize your tax strategy.

  • 8. Set Realistic Goals

Having clear and achievable investment goals is essential to staying thrifty. Set realistic expectations for your returns, and avoid chasing after high-risk, high-reward investments that may not align with your financial objectives. A well-defined investment plan can help you stay on track.

  • 9. Reinvest Dividends

Reinvesting dividends is a thrifty way to compound your wealth over time. Instead of taking dividends in cash, use them to purchase more shares of the same investment. This can accelerate the growth of your portfolio without any additional capital investment.

  • 10. Stay Patient and Disciplined

Finally, patience and discipline are perhaps the most important attributes of a thrifty investor. Avoid succumbing to emotional impulses, such as panic selling during market downturns. Stick to your investment plan, make adjustments when necessary, and trust in the power of compounding over time.

Becoming a thrifty investor in 2023 is not only feasible but also essential for building financial security. By adopting these ten thrifty strategies, you can save money on fees, taxes, and unnecessary transactions while steadily growing your investment portfolio. Remember that successful investing is a long-term endeavor, and prudent decision-making will pay off in the end.

CPI Data – Inflation – What To Do

This morning had some interesting information released about CPI. The fact is, it’s higher than what we expected, and it seems like oil prices are partly to blame. With this news in the forefront today, I expect at least for the morning, the market to be red. Why? Because it means the Fed is not done with their job of controlling inflation.

What happens next? You will see several sectors, especially Retail along with Real Estate to be hit. I don’t know if the losses will continue into the afternoon, but I do think it will be a red morning. How far into the red? No one knows, it’s all about risk appetite.

I think another “Next Move” might come from the Fed, and may have to do with interest rates. They might increase interest rates further to help slow down that inflation. But do we worry? NO! Say it with me, “I will not worry!”

Why won’t we worry? Because there are plenty of other outlets that can take our money and make us a decent return during these times. I don’t recommend you liquidate anything, but any extra dry powder (cash) you might have, could go into TBills from the US Treasury.

Typically when interest rates hike from the Fed and stocks go down, the rates on US Treasury Bills, Bonds, and Notes increase. This means, keep an eye out for new rates today and snag some if you are able to.

I personally am looking at 4 week, 8 week, even 26 week TBills. Somewhere I can place my money, earn something on it, and not lose money like it would in a savings account.

You might be thinking, “Well, what about the Government Shutdown?” And you have a point, but do we think it will be shut down forever? I don’t think so, we have faced these moments before and survived, we will again.

So for us Thrifty Investors, who are always looking for the bargain or deal, we need to look other places than maybe the Stock Market. If you are wanting to be thrifty, try looking into the US Treasury and pick up some short term bills. You can also purchase US Treasury Bills, Bonds, and Notes from the investing application, Public.

Let me know how you choose to be Thrifty during these doom and gloom headlines!

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It’s Been A While!

I know I know, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted or updated the website. This is because of taking some time for mental health. It’s the same thing as stepping away on a red day, I need to step away from numbers.

As I type this, I think about the publishing and then I think about how many eyes are going to read my words. When those numbers don’t move in the direction I want, I tend to get a little anxious or upset.

I like to put in work, but I know myself and I am an instant gratification type of person. When those numbers don’t reflect the work I put in, then my brain shuts down and asks, “What’s it all for?”

Well, I am back, because it’s not about the numbers, it’s about getting my thoughts out there into the ether. It’s about trying to help people understand basics of getting started investing.

I want to show that with minimal effort, you can still build wealth and a retirement for yourself. With maximum effort, you can change your life before retirement. These are lessons I am learning along the way and I want to put my information out there to see if I can help send you into the right direction.

Anyway, I plan on posting at least once a day, maybe every other. I want to get into details that are happening day to day and help make decisions day to day on how to be thrifty with your investing.

Thrifty Investing!

What is thrifty investing to me? I would say it’s finding deals and yields worth your risk tolerance. I pay attention to dividends, stock price, P/E Ratio, and Book to Price ratios. I also invest in down times, picking up the deals. When people sell and you know it’s a good company, it’s a great time to get in.

I am a believer that, time in the market is better than timing the market. Sometimes it works out that, you enter a position, it goes lower and lower, so you panic. Bad investment? Not necessarily. Especially if you believe in the company and the financials are solid. Just keep buying, lower your average, and wait for the turn around.

A way to be time thrifty, use Index Funds. Buy index funds once a week, once a month, or however often you want. These index funds capture parts of the market, or the whole market. My personal favorite being SPY, the S&P 500 Index fund from State Street Global Advisors. You can find Index Funds for the Nasdaq, or the total market as well.

There is a term, KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Index Funds may be boring, but they get the job done! Another investing tool that you should utilize, US Treasury bills, bonds, and notes. These investing products have the backing of the US Government as well as an upfront yield. You know what you are getting for the most part. You should still read up and learn about Bonds, Bills, and Notes. It will help you cut through the jargon.

There are several ways to save money and still enter the market. I think a healthy balance of investments and savings are a great way to make sure that emergency fund is healthy.

What are your top ways to stay thrifty in the market?

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What Stocks Are You Looking Into?

With these Red and down market days, there are plenty of opportunities. Are you looking to enter a new position? Or are you looking to add to current positions?

Part of the investing journey is making sure the companies we own are ones we want to continue on owning. If something has changed with them, we may want to look for an exit strategy, but for the most part, if you did your due diligence, the companies you own right now should be in your portfolio a while.

I have a whiteboard that is full of investment ideas, companies to look into, services we use, and products we love. This helps me identify what our family is currently using, loving, and ultimately, will we own a piece of these companies.

Being thrifty however, instead of paying for the expensive newsletters or investment clubs, I read books, and learn how to figure these things out myself. It’s a tough road, it’s taken years to understand many things so far, but the best part is, I am learning. Learning enough to keep me in the market.

How do you advance your knowledge of the market?

What companies are you looking into today that you might buy today or tomorrow?

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How Do You Feel? Market Direction

On this Blog I typically speak about my experience within the markets. I try to give honest feedback about the fintech I use and the overall adventure I have had with investing so far.

I’d like to hear from you. How do you feel about the future of the markets? Do you think we will go to a recession? Do you think the housing market or any other market might collapse? What do you subscribe to as you think forward about the markets.

Let me know by commenting or sending us an email. My view is, all this red noise is momentary. When we look back, years later, we will mention this blip in time. How we stood strong, bought more, and held throughout the bloodshed of the markets.

I am truly curious though about your thought process. How do you deal with the red in your account, or stock picks not turning out. I want to know what you think of in the future. Pessimistic or Optimistic, I want to hear both.

So please! Drop us a line in the comments or shoot us an email!

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How Do You Invest?

When I first started my Investing Journey, I’ll admit, I was attempting to Day Trade. Although it still interests me, I like to think of myself as an investor, and not much of a trader.

After Day Trading, I wanted to figure out how to be in the market, long term. I loved looking at businesses, financials, dividends, and ETF’s. What an interesting world that appeared to be unlocking before my very eyes.

When I started to invest, I looked for the best deals when opening an account with a Fintech company. Those were Webull, SoFi, Public, M1, and Coinbase. It was so easy, you could actually invest with as little as $1.00. For most apps now that has changed to $5, but it isn’t that big of a step up. What is $5.00 these days? You can buy fractional shares, and you can receive dividends and votes with those fractional shares. You can continue to buy more and more fractional shares until it adds up to a full share.

The access now a days can allow someone who has a minimum to give, like $5.00, to succeed as well as someone who gives much more to their investing account. The most important part of this is that you start. Make it easy on yourself, start with those low fractional shares, make it a point to start a recurring deposit, and eventually you will start to invest more and more.

It’s the beauty that anyone can be a business owner when they start buying shares of companies they want to own. It’s so great and easy to start now, there is no excuse.

Tell us, how do you invest? Daily, Weekly, Monthly? Do you save up a chunk and dump it all in, or do you buy as you go? How did you start?

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