Is It Time to Sell Your ‘Pandemic Stocks?’

July 30, 2021

The pandemic forced some abrupt changes, and we’re just now figuring out which of those to keep and which to discard. For example, how much should we continue to work — or exercise — from home, versus heading back to the office and gym? These decisions hold big implications for cities, companies and individuals. They might even affect your portfolio. If office workers don’t return en masse to city centers, what does that mean for office REITs? And if people have had enough of cycling at home, will Peloton’s stock continue its upward climb? Today’s edition looks at the future of so-called ‘pandemic stocks’ like Peloton, Zoom and Moderna. But remember, a well-diversified portfolio will help you navigate whatever the future holds.

Best wishes,

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Timely Retirement News, Insights, And Advice

Is it time to sell?

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Retire With Money Community News

What are you up to these days?

I retired seven years ago, joining my wife who had already been retired from her public employee job for about three years. We travel extensively, upwards of five months per year within the continental U.S. We try to maintain and keep up our large home and property, and I also handle all of our investments, which can take a decent amount of time, particularly when I am actively trading.

We feel very blessed to have the life we do, living in a beautiful state like Tennessee after living most of our lives in snowy Syracuse, New York! Not dealing with snow will add years to your life!

Nice! What’s your investing philosophy?

Unlike the advice you might hear from many pundits who prefer "age-appropriate investing," we stay fairly aggressive for our age group, with upwards of 75-80% on average of our assets fully invested in the market, including a mix of ETFs, individual stocks and options, and the remainder in bonds and cash investments. I like to have some dry powder to take advantage of downturns in the market, hence the reason for keeping a cash cushion. When that is utilized, we can be closer to 85% or more in the market at any given time.

I worried in the past about selling financial assets at a profit due to the tax implications, so I would hold on longer than some of those assets deserved. Oftentimes when I did that it blew up in my face, and the profits tended to drop or evaporate completely. As difficult as it is to pay taxes on capital gains, particularly as a retiree, oftentimes it is the best decision.

Anything you want to say that I didn't ask?

If you are thinking about dipping your toes in the retirement waters, don't wait too long. Don't overthink it. If you feel like your assets are sufficient for your needs, with a decent cushion for safety, pull the plug. Too many of us waited longer than we should have, worrying about the financial part of our retirement planning. None of us knows our expiration date, and your ability to travel and have fun will most likely diminish faster than you expect. Get out and enjoy the amazing life we have been given. Best wishes to all!

Retirement News From Around The Web

Here Are Your Best Moves While the Fed Keeps Rates Near Zero
Inflation is on the rise, so don’t expect this low-interest rate environment to last. CNBC

Using Annuities During Retirement
A fund expert compares bonds to simple, single premium immediate annuities. MORNINGSTAR

Exercise Saves Seniors Money on Health Care
Moderate to high physical activity pays dividends — literally. KIPLINGER

How Working on Your Mental Health Can Help Fix Your Finances
Managing stress properly can lead to better financial health as well, a money therapist says. NEXT AVENUE

Elizabeth O'Brien is deputy editor at Money. She has covered retirement and health care for nearly a decade. A Brooklyn resident and mom of two boys, she navigates the alphabet soup of Medicare and the New York City subway system with equal ease. You can email her at elizabeth.obrien@money.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien.

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