>> I didn’t have the stomach for the “just hold” strategy, so I remodeled my house and built an addition. <<
So if a financial emergency comes up you will sell part of your home?
I invested after 2008 and made a killing. The Dow was 11,200 or so in 2008. It is now at 23,000+/-. A $10K investment in the Dow in 2008 would now be worth $40K. Conservatively invested mind you.
We desperately needed a larger house because I'm raising grandchildren, so it worked out for me too. Btw, I also made a killing, real estate wise, IF I were to sell now. (I'm in California.) If it all comes crashing down at least the house is paid off and we all have a roof over our heads. Of course I may have to grow my own food in the backyard.