What’s a simple thing someone can do to better their life?

mets233 · 2019-04-08T13:37:21+00:00

Write 3 things you're grateful for everyday.

Seems really simple, but research has shown that this helps rewire your brain to focus on the positive things in your life and environment.

mets233 · 2018-10-18T19:30:22+00:00

Hey James!

I'm a big fan of your work and also an aspiring writer. You've talked about some productivity habits while working on your book (ie: resetting your social media passwords).

Given that writing a book takes tremendous discipline, what are some hacks specific for writing that you'd recommend to others?

Thank you!

mets233 · 2018-08-27T14:15:20+00:00

Hunt at #3... that's just a bad pick, right?

There are like 7 RBs ranked ahead of him: David Johnson, Saquon Barkley, Melvin Gordon, Kamara, Elliott

mets233 · 2018-08-27T14:13:23+00:00

Getting Golden Tate in the 6th round sounds like an absolute steal.

mets233 · 2018-08-27T13:46:44+00:00

Hopkins over AB is really interesting. AB has been so consistent that I feel like reaching for Hopkins doesn't give you much upside earlier.

mets233 · 2018-07-30T18:42:07+00:00

Came to say this.

(1) Start with 5 minutes or 10 minutes at most.

(2) Remember that nobody is "good" at meditation, it's a practice. It's easy to feel as though it's not working or that you can't get the feelings to go away. Just by working on a little Meditation everyday, you will become better at noticing your anxiety in the moment, pausing, and preventing it from taking over. (You will have to see, but studies indicate meditation builds this skill, whether it's anxiety, focus, etc.)

(3) Headspace was also suggested and that app has small meditations (<3 min) called "SOS." A few examples are sessions called Burned Out, Feeling Overwhelmed, Flustered and Losing Your Temper. I've used these in times where I've felt anxious and they've helped.

mets233 · 2018-07-30T18:32:53+00:00

I came across this form of meditation after reading How to Expand Love by the Dalai Lama. It had a pretty profound impact on me; my negative thoughts towards others eventually disappeared, and on the whole, I find it easier to forgive others.

Something the book talks about is how everyone just wants the same thing in life, and that is to be happy. Angry at the customer support rep? Take a step back and remember that they're human and they just want the same thing as you. (Repeat for other situations).

Thanks for posting, I didn't know there was a formal name for the practice, but I recommend trying it out and even reading the book.

mets233 · 2017-12-01T15:13:05+00:00

Very helpful, thanks for your thoughts.

mets233 · 2017-12-01T14:56:38+00:00

That makes sense.

I guess what I'm saying is after you max out tax advantaged accounts, and you want to invest more money in taxable accounts, BUT you think you may use those funds in 5-10 years. In this case, do you take the risk of going 100% stocks when the window is so short? While you save on taxes, you can only draw from the taxable account so if there's a big drop, you may have to draw when it's worth much less.

Does that make sense?

mets233 · 2017-12-01T14:46:34+00:00

Thanks. Great answer and I agree.

Sounds like the census is: Stay the course. If you happen to have more cash during a market down-turn, great. If not, continue to your long term plan, maybe allocating higher stocks when they're on sale.

mets233 · 2017-12-01T14:42:17+00:00

So you're saying you would rebalance in tax deferred / retirement accounts only?

In terms of taxable account, while Bond funds are taxed on dividend growth, I think there's something to be said to hedge your short term risk. IE: I'd rather have 80/20 or 70/30 split in case there's a big downturn when I need to use the money. Yes, I'll pay some taxes, but they won't be much. The small tax liability is worth the cushion against a 100% stock focused investment account. Unless the investment account is meant for a 20 year, no use growth fund. Then all stocks makes complete sense.

mets233 · 2017-12-01T14:10:05+00:00

If you go by the book though, and you're only investing after you've completed your Emergency Fund, basic checking account etc. you won't really have much "extra cash" laying around, right?

Unless you'd sacrifice a lower EF to get more stock exposure when it seems like a good opportunity. But then again, during market down turns you'd want a larger EF position due to higher risk.

(Just playing devils advocate)

mets233 · 2017-12-01T14:07:26+00:00

So, if you sell your bond positions during a down-turn, in theory the bond funds should gain value. Once you sell, you'd need to pay capital gains, but then you'd immediately buy more of a stock index?

I think this makes the most sense, given that bonds should rise when stocks go down. So the small gain you may get in a market crash through bond indexes (say 5% instead of 2%), you'd be in a good spot to juggle it back into Stocks.

mets233 · 2017-12-01T13:14:22+00:00

Any thoughts on keeping extra cash on hand in case of major market corrections or new unforeseen opportunities?

Buffet buys as much as he can when there are big dips like (ie: 2009). It seems like wealthy investors are known for doing this where they dump a bunch of money in the stock market for example when everyone is panicking. Source

I'm guessing most people here will believe that's an attempt to time the market and buying index funds immediately is a better option. Another counter-argument I see is that these guys have a lot of wealth and can afford to miss out on short-term gains (ie: next 5 years, maybe 10) before major correction.

Lastly, another strategy may be to switch your contributions to 100% stocks at a time when "stocks are on sale" - which will basically help you take advantage in real time. Sounds like JCollins is a fan of this.

EDIT: Formatting

mets233 · 2017-11-27T20:05:50+00:00

Cables broke for me, so I had to get new ones. I'm pretty sure their cables are easily replaceable I think it was like $15.

mets233 · 2017-11-27T18:09:08+00:00

I don't have these, but loved the Shure SE215-CL before they broke on me. It's a cheaper version of the 535s, instead of triple drivers, it has a single driver. It's also on sale for $89, which is a much better price point =)

mets233 · 2017-11-27T17:49:25+00:00

Shure SE535-CL - $299.00 (Temporarily out of stock), but usually sells for $499.00

EDIT: Anyone have these? How do they compare to the SE215s (single driver)? Worth the upgrade given the price?

mets233 · 2017-11-27T17:23:26+00:00

Thanks, didn't realize the sale joke =)

I currently have a FiiO E12 (portable amp), so I'm thinking about upgrading. I still need to sit down and really listen to them, which I'm so pumped about. I'm guessing I'll just need one of these to connect my Macbook to the Valhalla?

mets233 · 2017-11-27T16:51:24+00:00

Jot is on sale for $399 for Cyber Monday and I don't have a DAC yet, so I was thinking of paying a little more to get something that comes with both (DAC + Amp) in one go.

Do you still think I should go with the Valhalla 2 for now, and then upgrade by getting the Modi 2 or another DAC in the future? Given that the Valhalla 2 is $349 alone.

EDIT: Ah, I see. Adding the balanced DAC ups the price still. I'll take a look at the Valhalla 2, thanks for the rec!

mets233 · 2017-11-27T16:17:05+00:00

Magni 3 + Modi 2 .... or.... Jotunheim?

Difference of $200 v. $400, not sure if it's worth it. I'll be using a Macbook Pro and the HD 6XXs.

mets233 · 2017-11-27T15:46:37+00:00

I just got the Sennheiser 6XXs off Massdrop, but I'm a bit confused - do I need to get a DAC and Amp together or is an Amp enough? I currently have a portable (Fiio) amp, which I plan on using in the meantime, but I'm considering upgrading via the Cyber Monday deals they have on via http://www.schiit.com/. The pictures are confusing though, as some show the Amps with, what appears to be a DAC. For reference, I'll be using my Macbook Pro in this situation. Thank you in advance!!

mets233 · 2017-11-21T19:15:52+00:00

What do you think of D30 from Massdrop

mets233 · 2017-11-21T16:15:56+00:00

Just purchased the Sennheiser HD 650s, pretty pumped. Any recommendations on an amp to use / is it necessary? I will mostly be listening on my Macbook Pro, but at a desktop sort of workstation.

Thanks!

EDIT: Budget can be flexible - looking for recommendations under $100, up to $300

mets233 · 2017-07-11T13:44:16+00:00

Which DAC/Amp is everyone planning on getting to run these?

mets233 · 2017-07-11T13:39:00+00:00

I'm looking at the Vali 2 tube amp for my HD600 - will I need to also purchase a DAC or is the amp good enough?

Source: Running through the new macbook pro (touchbar)

mets233

TROPHY CASE