That overly wordy commentary I wrote some months ago might best say how I came to the Permanent Portfolio.  I think translating Harry Browne's ideas to today's investment products (like ETFs), the tax deferred investment plans, how the PP mutual fund developed to where it is (where it leads and dive...

HB Reader...you've got some good comments there. I always really liked the rigor of formally dividing investments into a PP and a VP. I also find that to be an experience I enjoy.  I've had some successes and some failures in our VP, but the successes have seldom been consistent ... And that is the ...

For IRAs I've found that Fidelity has done a consistently nice job over many years.  I prefer companies that have someone I can yell at.  I've had enough account issues over the years that I find it particularly difficult not to be able to talk to a person.  (note: I've never had to yell at Fidelity)

HB Reader...You really are way ahead of me.  I may have come across Harry Browne, but was too stubborn to seriously consider it. 

I love being a "junior member", makes me grin.
And I love the graphs.  This is great!

The wisdom of these forums is truly wonderful. I'm going to probably say too much, I'll try to keep myself under control, but if this gets irritating just let me know.  Let me first try to establish some credibility. I am 60 years old.  I too have those conversations...with the 16 year old ("st...

Yes, another nice aspect of a good and trusted plan.  You know what you're going to do next.  I have extensive stock portfolios at very low bases.  But, as I shift out of various choices I can use the ratios to provide some focus.  That's nice. 

I'm fascinated by the thickness of the various investment elements as the total climbs.  This has to be the best illustration I've seen to visualize the Permanent Portfolio. It's interesting to see the cash component (and the others as well) increase in size as the general markets increase. You can ...