Welcome to Robert H. Black

 Life401 encompasses both my personal beliefs and the knowledge and techniques I have found useful. I have tried to illustrate each of the things I have found helpful with examples from my life. In some cases, when possible, I have appropriately referenced sources; however, much of the content incorporates ideas from others I encountered throughout my life, and it is impossible to remember all the sources. 

Life 401 is a collection of ways to improve life's journey.  Its wisdom comes from ancient philosophers, more recent observers of life, and my own experiences. It includes investment principles, notes about culture, how to have a satisfactory career, tips on voting and what to look for, race relations, capitalism,  public speaking, leadership, price of commodities like oil, socialism,  language for being class, man and women relationships, slavery from a  prospective of 2020, keeping ones integrity, science, religion, World  War 4, being an inventor, and predictions of the future in 2040.

The book Life401 is part of a series of four books. The book "Happy in Intensive Care " was written as a secular text for college use, focusing on spiritual and mental health.  Happy in  Intensive Care Christian Edition is the Christian version. Age  Successfully is focused on physical well-being. Life 401 is focused on taking control of your destiny and living a fulfilling life.

I originally wrote Life401 for my grandchildren, but I have expanded it for the general public. A lot of what I have to say is not politically correct. That does not make it right or wrong. I am aware that the current climate makes much of what I have to say controversial.  The political left in academia wants to silence much of what I want to say. (Many on the left  are now anarchists) Students will not often hear this in school.  If they succeed in silencing enough people, many of these ideas will die, along with the successful free market capitalistic system that has made the United States the greatest country on earth.

 I have many heroes: Albert Einstein, Eric Hoffer, Walter Williams, Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Calvin Coolidge, Jordan Peterson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Many of the ideas in this book are borrowed from them.  I am writing this in the hope that it will, in a small way, help to preserve some of their ideas. It is also a reflection of my personal beliefs. I hope it is of value to those who read it. If it makes you think it is worthwhile.

The book is divided into chapters by subject. No attempt has been made to have them in any specific order. The book can be read from front to back or by picking chapters of interest in any order.

This book is intended to be read by someone in grade school, reread by someone in High School, reread later in college, reread when seeking employment, and again when approaching retirement. I am 85 years old and have been through all of that, made mistakes, and in some cases, learned from them.  Sometimes I accidentally did the right thing. I also learned by observing people who did not do the right thing. If you read this, you will be able to avoid some of what I and others have learned the hard way.  My friend Ralph Cwik assisted in editing this book. Pastor Phillips assisted in editing the religion chapter.

  Buy and forget Portfolios:

The simplest buy-and-forget portfolio is 100% in SPY. 

Any time is a good time to buy  SPY. Over the long term, the S&P 500 has returned 9.9% per year on average since 1928, according to IFA.com.

For those who want a more complex buy-and-forget portfolio:
50%        S&P 500        S&P 500 SPY
10%        Mid Cap         Mid cap 400 Pure Value RFV
10%        Small Cap      Small cap 600 Pure Value RZV
10%        Tech               Fidelity Information technology                                              FTEC
10%        REIT ETF        Vanguard REIT index       VNQ
10%        Fixed income:
                 Fidelity Total Bond Fund:      FTBFX                              

                 Alternative to fixed income:    Vanguard Utilities ETF     VPU                                                            

                 Second alternative:                Vanguard  Intermediate-Term Tax Exempt     VWITX 

 There is risk in all investments. This portfolio is designed to be diverse, requires minimal adjustment over the years, and has minimal fees.  It is designed for readers who are familiar with various products. It should be rebalanced yearly to be within 10% of the target distribution. 

Both the 100% SPY and the more complex portfolio will fluctuate over the years. The risk is panic and selling at the bottom.

Keep enough cash on hand to weather a dip in stocks, so you're not forced to sell at the bottom.