Hi Everyone,
I'm going to go WAY out in left field.... ;o). for "me" taxable accounts are my early retirement (most important to me) - yet, 401k, spousal IRA, ROTH IRA, HSA all take priority over the taxable account.... So, the most important to me is the least important on priority. I agree that you should make your investments based on knowledge of what is going to happen to them, but - it 'sounds' like a lot of the discussion are items or things outside of our control.... Yes.. .'something' could happen, taxes 'could change', somewhere in developing countries 'this thing happened' ... you're doing the right thing making sure you follow real world situations.. yet, they are out of our control... this is why we invest into many options, taxable, tax deferred, real-estate, etc...
Now - I didn't come to a conclusion on the above - but.... let me share this; I have a friend that has always made less money than me... (10's of thousands per year less)... I am the guy that invested in individual stocks, 401k's, IRA's....
My friend - never invested in the market, no 401k's, no IRA's, no debt (outside of his home) - pays cash for his vehicles, toys, life, etc... at this point in my life; he owns 2 properties paid for in full (one rental, one 20 acre with a house) and his primary residence that he put 50% down payment on... no debt (except his primary residence)... from a net worth perspective - he's worth more...
I have one home (my primary) and investments... 401k, spousal IRA, Traditional IRA, taxable account and pension.... there are so many scenarios out there.... keep it simple... for 'your' needs.
Thanks for sharing.
Steve