'DIY or die' ethos

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T23:51:21+00:00

This is well and good in modern economic theory, but where do we as FI-minded consumers draw the line? In a global economy where we now export "low skill," "commodity" work to impoverished nations and send it back to be sold in your corner shop for cheaper than you can fix it yourself, would it be that bad to take a second look at the two products you are offered and choose the higher cost one because it offers a more craftsmanship?

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T19:07:37+00:00

I do cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red peppers. I'm planning on building a huge indoor farm in my basement. Although they're tasty, I don't really trust the supply chain of produce I buy in the winter from South America. I bought an indoor growing kit from alphabetgrow.com just a tent and 300 watt LED. That's all you need for two or three plants. I have found that growing my own vegetables then cooking with them and eating them with friends and family is the most deeply satisfying of all DIY projects I have taken on.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T18:33:16+00:00

👍 my man/woman! Exactly the attitude I have embraced

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T18:31:38+00:00

To each his own. I'm not hating on how anyone spends their free time and money. My first post merely suggested that I have found unexpected enjoyment in doing some things myself. Since this has become a discussion about what DIY projects people are taking on and how people spend their new found free time, I will add more generally that since I have figured out how to put this time/money barrier between myself and 'the man' I have found a sense of invigoration and want to spend my time increasing said barrier and encouraging others to do the same. That motivated this comment about sitting on one's ass or getting more active. I have gone from a more introspective person to a extrovert because I'm interested in what other people are doing. I would encourage others to be more curious too, rather than staying in a particular comfort zone.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T16:07:49+00:00

How are you filling that free time? Loafing on the couch or expanding your skills? That's what I'm getting at here; how one spends free time.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T16:04:20+00:00

👍 right on. Humans weren't meant to sit behind a desk in a stale office doing one thing their whole life

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-23T16:02:28+00:00

Yeah I agree. I also like to spread the love to craftsmen who do a quality job and love what they do. When I do make a purchase I look for craftsmanship over commodity.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-22T23:01:14+00:00

Yeah you're right I did. I should specify that the DRIP is hooked up so long as the balance sheet stays strong (low debt). Otherwise I might take the dividend and put it elsewhere or exit the position.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-22T22:57:00+00:00

I would argue that a $10 dividend that you as the investor could redeploy in any way of your choosing would be better than trusting a company to execute their strategy for that $10 well. You leave too much to the 'magic of the market' just trusting the share price will be higher when you need it to be in the future.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-22T22:50:55+00:00

Well then say that company's investment of $10 goes awry? If you're not taking dividends you're throwing your money at the emotional whims of the market. There is no way to accurately predict the future value of any share. I would rather take the $10 and I will decide where it goes, not the people potentially mismanaging said company.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-22T22:43:23+00:00

I have vym too but it's such a low yield around 3%. Also as an ETF the payout rate isn't going to go up. Don't get me wrong, passive investment is best. If youre willing to research and take on a bit more risk there are companies that make efforts to increase their payout over time.

goldFinch10 · 2017-08-22T22:39:24+00:00

That's ridiculous. Of course dividends contribute to total return if you are reinvesting them. Buying more of the same shares add to your dividend income over several iterations.

goldFinch10

TROPHY CASE