Goals. Are Yours Static or Fluid?

[Bluerobin]

Ok, this summer I set a goal on my Roth IRA.  When it hits $X, I will sell off and put in a safe interest bearing bond or account.  Well, this week, it hit that goal and is now $4 k over the goal. 
I thought it would not hit the goal until spring and that by then interest rates would be better, so I am letting it ride for a while.

When you set a goal, do you hold to it strictly, or is it fluid, depending on the circumstances?  Please everyone weigh in,  I am looking for a consensus.

[Ombud]

Why are bonds safe? Aren't they subject fluctuating pricing based on the underlying interest rate? As you can see I don't know that much about bonds

Bluerobin, my initial goal was to have enough in monthly dividends so that half of them would pay off my new car. Well, I didn't stay with that goal in mind for long. I'm now planning on paying it off out of my monthly operating cash

[ModE98]

Ombud, if you bought your new car on credit, it would be my choice to get it paid off quickly as possible.  I do not enjoy paying out interest on debt.  (That's just my op,).   Just like to buy with cash (with a bit of discount in my favor).

Last year, I sold the remaining bad Chinese "garbage" at a loss and bought my new Kia Cadenza with the proceeds and feel good about it. 

Still holding the TPI (only) as any decent rally in the next year or two may provide me with a good chance to recover much of the losses.  It is possible, but I may be "kookie" for even believing it could happen.   (Too even consider that I will live that long).

[Ombud]

I did buy on credit, ModE98 .... 1.28% for 36 months, 1st payment due 12/15. Made 1st payment today & have payments scheduled for 1st & 15th until gone bc I also hate debt. But any more than that requires me to pull funds out of investment or emergency fund accounts

[ModE98]

Ombud, we all just have to follow our basic thoughts and beliefs.  Do what we think is the correct path.  Would not sell my core holdings that are providing income at a good rate to cover any debt that would otherwise be "comfortable" to carry.  My goal is to stay out of debt and to keep good income stocks in the portfolio, subject to possible trade for a Capital Gain if warranted.

[Bluerobin]

We avoid debt.  Paid for the last car.  Saving for the next. 

Ombud, the bond I have was purchased for @ $95.  Over $100 now.  They are purchased at a discount from $100,  paid at $100 when due.  Mine was a 5.25% yield, triple tax free.   I keep expecting a call like the others. 

[busymom]

Blue, my goals tend to be fluid. Not that I don't put them down in writing, but if a better opportunity comes up, or, I'm better off staying put for the time being, I have no problems with making a change or two. (Or three...)

[msventoux]

Mine tend to be fluid.  I'll generally follow through, but if new information and situations come up I'll evaluate if the goal still makes sense or if an adjustment needs to be made. 

[Bluerobin]

wxyz, I could blather on all day about why I expected rates to increase, but will try to do it in a nutshell.  Basically, due to Fed blathering and hinting.  Then when the fed started slowing down on buying bonds.  The banks are not lending because they can't make a decent buck.  Corporations are holding cash, because it might be needed.  I couldn't see any way they could fail to rise.
Now, I can't see them going up, because we will have two new wars (re-involvement in Iraq and involvement in Syria) to pay for, so low rates Benefit uncle Sam.  I don't see the ACA as being a factor though.  If it does cost too much, pay the $2k fine per employee - much cheaper than paying $10k for benefits.

I mostly agree with your assessment now.

I usually stick to my goals, so wondered if I should stick on this, especially when circumstances changed.  Good to see most of you are fluid.  I do want to be mostly cash when the "correction" comes.  In this case, I am going to re-set the goal and continue building.  I have recently started repositioning and was questioning my decision. 

Good to know most have flexible goals, subject to correction.  
Thanks to all for their input.
 

[Bluerobin]

wxyz, spot on!  One good thing, lower gasoline prices will give the consumer some discretionary spending money.  That can't hurt.

[The Virginian]

Stocks are safer than Bonds ! I'm not sure why people look at Bonds as being the "Safe" investment. Blue - Maybe you take a safer approach and only put part of the money in Bonds - say like the 60/40 approach with the 60 being all blue chip Dividend Stocks.

[Deleted]

My overall investment goals are now locked, save as much as possible with all income in excess of the budget DW and I agreed upon to be able to retire early.  I don't see that goal changing unless something happens with regards to health.

My investment goals at this point are locked as well, invest in low cost index funds that represent the entire stock/bond market taking 120 minus my age in bonds.  I have determined I cannot call market highs/lows or stockpick and that doing so for myself would be more harmful than the entire market strategy.  This is what works for me, honestly for me investing has gotten very boring, it is just adding more money to this strategy. 

Do I think stocks/bonds are attractive today with the their current valuations/interest rates?  Absolutely not, but I have no idea when the tide will turn.

[Ombud]

I know I said that I'd make double payments on that 1.285% car loan till gone. Rethinking it as it might be cheap $$$s

Are my goals static? Oh hell NO!!

[Deleted]

Way too fluid.