Hi, all. Time to finally introduce myself, I figure. I was born in Stanford, California in the mid-1960s, studied physics and philosophy, got a PhD in philosophy, followed my wife here to Halifax in the mid-1990s, and then helped create two great kids.
Since moving to Halifax from the US, I've worked as a technical writer, instructional designer, editor and -- my current gig -- writer. (Finiki writing and editing looks very appealing for when I retire.)
After reading about investing, I finally left my full-service investment advisor in the 1990s. In a warm, polite way, he looked me in the eye and said, "I have only one piece of advice for you for when you start doing this on your own: please don't overload on tech!" By following his advice, I avoided the ensuing tech meltdown of 2000, so he deserves a big shoutout.
As a DIY buy-and-hold investor (
very passive), I use individual stocks in North America, and US-based ETFs outside of North America.
My main hobby is hiking, especially backpacking in New Zealand, the Himalayas, and the Andes. My wife is a professor, and we've been able to spend both of her sabbaticals so far in the beautiful town of Dunedin, in New Zealand's gorgeous South Island. For me, as an avid hiker, New Zealand is Heaven on Earth.
Within finance, I enjoy learning about financial theory and statistics. Outside of finance, I'm interested in mathematics, astronomy, physics, evolution, geology, history and philosophy.
A huge thank you to all the posters here who have helped me so far. As I learn more, I'll try to help others.
a_l