The Value of Debt in the Accumulation Phase

The Value of Debt in the Accumulation Phase will greatly expand upon and go beyond the ideas presented in The Value of Debt by framing out debt strategies for individuals who are generally between 25 and 40 years old and in the first stages of accumulating debt.

Topics discussed in the book include:

• Debt-to-Asset versus Debt-to-Income ratios: where they intersect, how they tend to move over time, and how these ratios can help guide individuals and families
• Rent versus buy; a detailed discussion and analysis
• A discussion of student debt and what to do with it
• Debt overlay vis-à-vis one’s investment portfolio: where should you direct your cash flow funds? A debate, discussion, and flow chart
• Maximizing retirement-related investment opportunities—starting early matters
• Saving for children’s college and graduate education
• The importance of liquidity, and why individuals should be willing to pay for it
• The importance of lines of credit including asset based portfolio loans
• Fixed vs. floating debt; what you are really paying for, and whether it is worth it
• Investment basics and important simple concepts to understand as you move forward