I assume you are referring to the “expertise” I share in this space. I acquired it by occupation, by hobby, and by necessity.

A long time ago, in a location not very far from Santa Barbara, I had an occupation that required me to learn government accounting standards. Learning about accounting forced me to learn about economics. The two were frequently intertwined. I found the subjects interesting; I pursued them. Later, during the days of the dot com boom, I became interested in investing (I lacked the resources and the nerve to become a day trader, but I learned the trade and simulated the occupation. I would not have done well, though I managed to get positive returns every year since ‘98. I’m genuinely too risk averse to day trade). I encountered several people that encouraged me to continue learning about accounting, economics, and investing. Time passed. Then I went to work for a hedge fund. That was one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve encountered. It was a different world. I enjoyed every minute of that part of my life. Unfortunately, I allowed my time there to crowd out my research. I am trying to finish a PhD program. I’ve worked full time throughout my academic career (by necessity), but some jobs have afforded me greater flexibility than others. The hedge fund actually gave me plenty of time to work on my research, but I was surrounded by people who were already on their third successful career, and I spent time outside of work trying to catch up. I read a lot. I was effectively forced to quit so that I could finish school. My financial situation required me to get another job, so I can’t say the decision has worked out all that well for me.

My research and my job have very little to do with what I post here. Upon graduation, however, I plan on running a private fund. I have personal contacts who have expressed interest in supporting (and profiting from) such an endeavor. I consider my blog an opportunity to keep current and engage in the critical thinking necessary to start that career. I have clients and friends who read this blog (both groups are aware of my drinking habits and political leanings, so I don’t worry about exposing such things). They would actually be sufficient to keep me posting. I have also made friends through tumblr, and they keep me independently motivated.

I am not a financial planner of any sort. Even when the time comes that I might run a private fund, I will likely do so subject to the constraints that allow me to not register with the SEC. At that time, I’ll probably post some boilerplate disclaimer.

If you are willing to take advice from an anonymous source on the internet that goes by the pseudonym “crazynutjob,” I would first offer the advice to seek psychological help. I am perfectly willing to debate the pros and cons (as I see them) for any financial scenario you present. This is better described as “non-advice.” My tolerance for risk, my values, my objectives, etc. might be different from yours. As such, it’s impossible for me to provide meaningful financial advice. I recently did this with SDS in response to a comment he left.

Feel free to ask, though.