evilgenius wrote:Is it stealing to buy low from fearful people who want to sell? I didn't have any problem with it.
Well when you consider the capital gains tax you have to pay when if you ever realize the profits you are actually supporting your country, so no I wouldn't call it stealing. It's interesting when you think about it, the massive increases in the markets are a true cash cow for the government.
I think we are heading into a great bull market. I think I did right by myself.
Certainly, if you can get out with the profits. It's all timing of course, the graveyard is full of people who were wealthy until they were not. The Great Depression wiped out the wealth of whole generations and there was nothing they could do. All assets fell, except for US Bonds and Gold shares.
My whole reason for worry is the connectedness in life. We really do need each other. Other people have to win too, sometimes
Don't worry about it. There is no place in business for emotions, for largess, at least not for the little investors like us. Poorer people typically are much more friendly and accepting than wealthy people anyway so just don't go shooting your mouth off around them and you'll be fine.
We have a heatwave here at the moment and I have half the A/C units running, it doesn't cost anything because I have so much solar but I know half the street has no aircon and the other half will be getting bills they can ill afford at the end of the quarter. When I'm outside and the subject of the temperatures comes up with neighbors I just grizzle along with them and then go back inside where it's nice and cool.
The easiest way to play down your wealth is simply to drive an older car. People are super shallow today and assume anyone driving a new car must be doing really well. Driving a 5 year old one gives the impression you're stretching your budget. New motorcycles are ok because no one has any idea what they are worth anyway and their minds aren't entrained to equate them to you being wealthy.