I have Jonathan to thank for being able to retire comfortably and, even better, for understanding a lot about investing. His WSJ columns were carried in my local paper and, every Sunday, I’d read them and share with my partner. At the time I was invested in a bunch of non-index funds, chasing the latest “best” performer. But, sometime in the late 90’s, I purchased VTSAX and had the good sense to hold on to it through the tech bust, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2022 dip. I’ve followed Jonathan on Humble Dollar since it started, reading it every Saturday morning. Thank you, Jonathan, for everything you did for me and so many others. Rest easy.
Congratulations! Having paid off your home at 40, you’re now set to maximize your savings for the rest of your working career. I paid off our home in 1996 at roughly your same age when I received a small inheritance and it was one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made. Having a paid for home is very powerful financially and psychically - there is something liberating about it. It’ll be interesting to know how you view this decision 5, 10, 20 years down the line.
Comments
I have Jonathan to thank for being able to retire comfortably and, even better, for understanding a lot about investing. His WSJ columns were carried in my local paper and, every Sunday, I’d read them and share with my partner. At the time I was invested in a bunch of non-index funds, chasing the latest “best” performer. But, sometime in the late 90’s, I purchased VTSAX and had the good sense to hold on to it through the tech bust, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2022 dip. I’ve followed Jonathan on Humble Dollar since it started, reading it every Saturday morning. Thank you, Jonathan, for everything you did for me and so many others. Rest easy.
Post: Thank you, Jonathan
Link to comment from September 29, 2025
Congratulations! Having paid off your home at 40, you’re now set to maximize your savings for the rest of your working career. I paid off our home in 1996 at roughly your same age when I received a small inheritance and it was one of the best financial decisions I’ve ever made. Having a paid for home is very powerful financially and psychically - there is something liberating about it. It’ll be interesting to know how you view this decision 5, 10, 20 years down the line.
Post: On the House
Link to comment from March 27, 2021