Phaetrix – Independent Investing Insights & Market Analysis
Independent investing insights, portfolio risk management strategies, and long-term market analysis. Fresh content every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Latest

17
Sep
Graphic showing the phrase ‘What is Risk Tolerance?’ with a gauge indicator. The word ‘RISK’ is red, and the word ‘TOLERANCE’ is blue on a dark background.

What is Risk Tolerance?

Risk tolerance isn’t a quiz score. It’s your breaking point — the point where volatility forces you to sell or proves you can hold. Here’s how to find it.
3 min read
15
Sep
You’re Diversifying Wrong — bold contrarian investing visual showing growth, value, and dividends in an unbalanced pie chart.

You’re Diversifying Wrong: Here’s What Actually Works

Most investors think they’re diversified. They’re not. Owning a dozen tech stocks or “a little of everything” isn’t balance — here’s what actually works.
2 min read
12
Sep
How Often Should You Check Your Investment Accounts?

How Often Should You Check Your Investment Accounts?

I tried ignoring my portfolio for a month—daily checks aren’t obsession for me, they’re preparation and peace of mind.
1 min read
11
Sep
Copying Pelosi’s Trades thumbnail with headline text, gold subtext, and redacted disclosure forms

Why You'll Never Copy Pelosi's Trades (And What to Do Instead)

Copying Pelosi’s trades isn’t just hard—it’s impossible. The headlines hide the real story: options, delays, and missing details. Here’s why her strategy can’t be replicated, and what you can do instead.
7 min read
10
Sep
Amazon logo over candlestick stock chart showing downward trend, symbolizing valuation pressure and investment risk.

Amazon Stock: Moat, Trade-Offs, and Valuation Reality

Amazon runs e-commerce, cloud, streaming, and AI — but being everywhere doesn’t make it a buy. Here’s where it fits in a portfolio, and why valuation still matters.
2 min read
08
Sep
Stock market chart with red candlesticks crashing downward and a bold red arrow, overlaid with the words ‘20% LOSS

5 Warning Signs You’re Taking Too Much Investment Risk

I watched my portfolio drop 20% by ignoring these red flags. Here are 5 warning signs of excessive investment risk — plus a bonus mistake most investors overlook.
3 min read
05
Sep
Dark-blue thumbnail with bold “CAR LOAN” title, car silhouette, percent sign, and a 48–60 mo term bar.

Car Loan: Best Rates, Terms & Avoiding Debt Traps

Most buyers finance—don’t get fleeced. Compare APRs, fees, and term length; put 10–20% down and keep terms 48–60 months so you don’t end up upside-down.
2 min read
05
Sep
Dark-blue thumbnail with bright “DEBT CONSOLIDATION” title, orange subhead, and icons of a credit card and payoff gauge.

Debt Consolidation: Slash Debt Fast, Don’t Screw It Up

High APRs are killing your cash flow. Roll debts into one lower-rate payment, price the fees and term, and lock the cards until you’re 50% paid—or you’ll dig a deeper hole.
2 min read
05
Sep
Dark-blue thumbnail with bright “DEBT CONSOLIDATION,” orange subhead, card icon, and a debt gauge.

Debt Consolidation: Lower Interest and Pay Off Faster

High APRs are eating you alive. Debt consolidation can cut interest and clean up cash flow—if you run the numbers. When to use personal loans, balance transfers, or home equity—and the hard rules that keep you from digging a deeper hole.
2 min read
05
Sep
Dark blue cover with glowing “Refinance Smart” title; scissors cutting a % sign above a house, break-even calculator, and a candlestick chart.

Refinance Smart—Win the Rate, Dodge the Traps

Refinancing isn’t a jackpot. Run the numbers—rate drop, closing costs, break-even, and cash-out risk—so you save money instead of trading one bill for another.
2 min read
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