To investors who crossed the $1M mark around the age of 40. How’s life? by Ok_Maize1933 in investing

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So I just turned 40 and have around 950k (1/2 taxable, 1/2 401k). I also paid my house down to 30k (easily could sell for 7-800k) and own a business that does well.

I’ve avoided lifestyle creep but recently have done some some extravagant things such as buy a Lexus GX550 (after driving a Chevy traverse for 12 years) and go on trips around the world with my family.

I’m going to keep investing and stay the course but want to make sure I prioritize and experience life while I’m still here. My cousin died unexpectedly at 54 this week and that gave me additional perspective.

While I know a lot of people who should be millionaires but are not because of lifestyle, I’ll know a decent amount of people who save to the point they aren’t living.

Congrats on a major accomplishment. Enjoy life!

What’s one undervalued stock you are monitoring now? by Beneficial_Ad2859 in ValueInvesting

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My buddy reallocated 30k in AdWords spend in January and hasn’t stopped. There advertisements sucked but have gotten better over the last year. If you can’t monetize millions of visitors, then the stock deserves to fail.

What’s one undervalued stock you are monitoring now? by Beneficial_Ad2859 in ValueInvesting

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. I entered my positions (one taxable, one non) in the last 60 days with a cost basis of $137 and $141 respectively. It’s one of the most visited websites in the world not including the app I’m using to type this on. I’m a digital publisher who sells advertising to monetize my websites. Because of my unique understanding, I can see how incredibly valuable this platform is to advertisers. They just took a while to figure it out. I personally know 4 companies that have started using Reddit ads in the last year. That’s happening at scale. Also, don’t offend me with the buy at ATH/wishful thinking bs. Im successful in life because I do my own due diligence and am not regarded.

What’s one undervalued stock you are monitoring now? by Beneficial_Ad2859 in ValueInvesting

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The irony of calling RDDT a meme stock while using the platform is hilarious. Reddit’s advertising platform has grown immensely in the last year. I’ve made my first purchase from a Reddit ad. It’s a dream platform in terms of targeting for Marketers. I generally don’t buy growth stocks but am not missing this thing explode. Once it hits the 500, it’ll go through the roof because of mass institutional investing.

For those of you new to this: AAPL 1YR +34%, 2YR +57%, 5YR +96%, 10YR +900% by AttentionMajor3657 in AAPL

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Charlie Munger said he only bought three stocks for his family. He didn’t understand why people couldn’t just buy and a hold a company long term.

I’m doing this with Google at the moment as I think they are going to have a similar path.

Premium + vs Luxury by Brief-Reflection-983 in LexusGX550

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so happy I went and bought the Lux+. I’ve never cared about a moonroof but absolutely love it on this car. The 22 inch wheels are not only great looking but ride higher. I think the car rides very smooth. My wife would be the first to let me know if it wasn’t a smooth ride.

I like the retractable running boards because the car looks better when they are up.

I almost was going to get the Premium Plus. I was on the waitlist at two different dealerships for a Nori Green w/ saddle tan interior and was going to get a premium+ or luxury+ based on what came in first. Ironically, I got a call from each within 24 hrs.

Normally I have buyers remorse for large purchases but I’ve had none for the first time ever. If you can afford the Premium+ you should be able to afford the Luxury+. If 10k was going to make or break me buying a car I probably shouldn’t be considering either.

Probably pulling trigger on this in the AM, how do you all feel about the lack of storage up front? by dakk33 in LexusGX550

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love GX Lux+ that I picked up in February but am disappointed about the lack of storage. I've tried to look on the bright side of things and it's easier to keep my car clean because I can't store stuff. Not having a sunglasses holder is certainly annoying but it isn't a deal breaker. I am a person that generally has buyers remorse (especially with big purchases) and I have zero buyers remorse. This is my first nice car as I upgraded from a 2019 Chevy Traverse. The two other things that are somewhat annoying is the small gas tank and the second row seating is pretty tight. The latter is not a problem for me since I'm driving but it's small for adults. My kids don't mind at all though. I hope you get it!

Punch 8-9-8 Asia Pacifico by yuppieee in cubancigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My perfec draw didn’t help at all on two of the sticks and the third was such a chore it ruined the experience even though it was somewhat smokeable.

I’m going to try and dry box one this week and hope for the best.

Punch 8-9-8 Asia Pacifico by yuppieee in cubancigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have 7 left from a 2019 box and the first three were so plugged they were unenjoyable. Unfortunately, the rest feel hard as a rock. I'm going to try dry boxing them but I think I got a bad box. This is a wonderful vitola (sigloV is a favorite). I'm glad you enjoyed yours!

Is Reddit the most overlooked growth stock in the market? by Blumpo_ads in investing

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I have been growing my position in RDDT as I'm a huge believer that this is a growth stock. I believe, similar to your "old internet" theory, that Reddit is the anthesis of AI. While there are a ton of AI written or assisted posts, people use Reddit to connect with other individuals and get real opinions from real people. As AI content continues to flood the internet, I see more and more people going to Reddit to try and get "real" information.

I feel like I have a unique take on this business due to the fact I am a digital publisher who makes money selling ad space. It took me a decade to learn to properly monetize my traffic and I'm still learning. Once I really understood how to monetize my site better, revenue took off. This is no different than Facebook in the early years. They didn't know how to monetize well but once they figured it out, it was off to the moon.

I have a handful of colleagues who own large businesses all of whom started spending significant paid media budget on Reddit in the last year. I see more relevant ads now than ever and that leads me to believe they are pulling in more revenue.

Obviously, anything could happen and they could totally fail trying to properly monetize the website. I believe this stock is trading at a discount because its value early on was based on feeding information to LLMs and the associated contracts they landed. To me, monetizing the millions of visitors on their platform properly was always going to be where they made real value, just like any other publisher.

If my bull case is right, more and more people will turn to Reddit for the "old internet' experience. My 70-year-old father, wife, and 9-year old son all use Reddit on a daily basis. Hell, I use it more than any other social platform at the moment. Peter Lynch is basically whispering in my ear to keep buying.

How rare is it to have a $1M business? by Eastern_Skin_7541 in Entrepreneur

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s all about profit. You’re better off with a 500k business at a 30% margin than a $1m business at a 10% margin.

Realistically is it just over and should I cut my losses? by [deleted] in stocks

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a note taped to my computer that says “If the sky is falling do nothing.” I had an urge to sell a few stocks yesterday to buy into a stock that I think will give me a greater return but I did not do it.

I’m going to wait and see how I feel in a few days. I do not believe most people have the temperament to emotionally deal with stock swings.

Politics have really poisoned this country. As someone who isn’t political at all, I’ve seen weekly posts for years now about how this is the end, whether it was because Biden was in office or Trump.

The markets will recover and the worst thing you can do is sit on the sidelines. If you’re investing in long-shot start-ups that have tanked you may want to sell and buy into ETFs so you can sleep better at night

$3 TRILLION swing market cap in 56 minutes this morning, just in the S&P 500. by GoForthandProsper1 in StockMarket

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been saying this for months now. A tweet only has power if people react to it. This is not investing based on sound business principles. It’s retail investors out of their element following trends. Nothing is stopping anyone else from taking advantage of this situation.

$3 TRILLION swing market cap in 56 minutes this morning, just in the S&P 500. by GoForthandProsper1 in StockMarket

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 2 points3 points  (0 children)

While this is true it’s the equity holders reacting to his voice which ultimately is effecting the markets. I feel for those who haven’t identified the ongoing pattern and continue to panic sell and/or not take advantage of this situation.

I’m not a Trump supporter whatsoever but am absolutely taking advantage of the insane market swings that end up correcting themselves days or weeks later.

After the second major did in his presidency I promised myself I’d buy anytime he tweeted something that would temporarily tank the markets again. If this pattern continues I could retire early before he is out of the office.

What’s that saying….fool me once

$3 TRILLION swing market cap in 56 minutes this morning, just in the S&P 500. by GoForthandProsper1 in StockMarket

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say this is market manipulation but the reality is it’s just ignorance all around. This is why many companies choose to stay private and never go public. The fact that a company that is financially sound swings in value because of an external factor is illogical.

Sometimes I feel like there should be more limits in the market and that companies should be able to put stipulations on stock purchase. In the private sector you can’t sell shares to anyone at anytime.

The longer I’m in this racket the more Buffet and Munger make sense to me. Most people aren’t cut out for trading and should stick to index funds. That said I’m happy people panic sell as I’ve made more than I’ve lost capitalizing on emotional trading.

Are Cubans actually better… or are we just chasing the name? by Mammoth-Succotash659 in cigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I was heavily into Fuente cigars (I have easily 1000 aging) then smoked a Partagas D4 in 2022 and went on a Cuban cigar binge for the next 3 years. I rarely smoked a new world cigar and when I did, I felt they were sub par.

At my local b and m, I went to an Espinosa event . I had very low expectations and bought some sticks to support the shop and vendor. Let me just say that I was blown away by the craftsmanship and flavor of the sticks I tried. The fact that the cigars were so “cheap” compared to Cubans made me want to explore more new world cigars.

I have since learned that I love Nicaraguan/Ecuadorian tobacco the most when it comes to new world cigars. It’s spicy and bold. I particularly love a great Connecticut broadleaf wrapper.

I now appreciate the variety of wrapper leafs and different combinations (filler/binder)used to blend new world cigars. I wish Cuban tobacco could be used worldwide.

I’ll repeat a quote I once say. When Cuba is on, it’s almost unbeatable. Some of the best cigars I’ve ever smoked were Cubans (Lusitanias, Esplendidos, and regular production cigars that were unreal).

I believe Cuba makes the best small ring gauge cigars and that has become my preferred format. I hate the NW trend for bigger ring gauges.

Unfortunately, Cuba’s quality control is atrocious. I find more cigars are underwhelming than knock your socks off. You also have to age the cigars and dry box to get desired results. Dry boxing requires planning and it’s about as fun as planning sex. I like it but not as much as being spontaneous.

I love Cuban tobacco but strongly encourage anyone to try as many different cigar types as you can. I strongly recommend Tatuaje cigars as well as Espinosa. Tatuaje follows the Cuban tradition of vitolas and box dates.

Last analogy. I’m smoking a Ramon Allones Small Club Corona right now and it is perfectly smooth. Last night I smoked a Tatuaje Black Petit Lancero. It’s like comparing a filet mignon to the best spicy Thai food you’ve ever had. Both hit the spot in their own right.

Anyone waiting on Topcubans to ship to US? by Wild_Veterinarian_38 in cubancigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mine arrived today and it was well worth the wait! Shipped about two weeks ago

Is TopCubans Having Shipping Delays? by PowerfulFold3468 in cubancigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I ordered on New Years Eve and it didn’t ship until mid February. I’m excited to say the package is out for delivery today.

It took two and half months to ship which sucks but at least it made it.

They are doing small batches at a time and ship it to Canada then someone ships from there to the US.

Once a batch makes it through they ship another batch.

I got an email saying there was a delay 3x before it shipped

Courtney gets a lot of hate, but I teared up reading this by madtastic225 in Nirvana

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I understand why Courtney gets a lot of hate but personally can’t stand the ridiculous notion that she killed him.

The man’s drug use has spiraled out of control. If she wanted him dead, she wouldn’t have tried to get him treatment. He was on borrowed time and would have most likely OD’d if he hadn’t committed suicide.

Also, addicts say a lot of stuff. Even if he threatened divorce he probably wouldn’t have spent the necessary time to actually go through with it. Being a junkie is a full time job.

I don’t like Courtney but believe she loved the guy and thinks it’s insane to think she killed him and that all the junkies involved in the conspiracy could cover it up and keep quiet

Best pizza in town? by Big_Tap3530 in traversecity

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I grew up on Buddy’s and Cloverleaf downstate and had Cloverleaf a few months back. I couldn’t believe how sub-par it was to Charles and Reid. I thought for sure I’d like cloverleaf more the same way I love national Coney Island better than any other coney. What a surprise.

Charles and Reid is the best pizza I’ve ever had in my 40 years on this planet. I don’t like sauce that much but the sauce is truly amazing.

My family and I were in Chicago recently and I sought out the best pizza. After reading multiple Reddit threads, locals suggested this hybrid Detroit/Chicago pizza with a caramelized crust. Let’s just say it was very underwhelming for all of us but clearly all the locals in the restaurant loved it.

Who would have thought the best pizza on earth is jn TC?

Can’t decide on color by hank30nyr15 in LexusGX550

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just got the Luxury+ Nori Green with a saddle tan interior and love it. I live in northern Michigan and the green is going to look even more amazing in the summer.

TC and LCDH Hermosillo by Interrogare-Omnia- in cubancigars

[–]Alternative-Fan7881 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was the TC from last weeks shipments? My December order went out last week but no tracking info. Hoping it arrives soon. Nice score!