We have no pensions or annuities ( not interested in them) but our combined SS and my RMD are more than enough for us. We give each of our 4 grown kids the bulk of the RMD. We have about $1.5M in my IRA in Vanguard’s federal money market and 1/3 of it in VUSB, ultra short term bond ETF, with some also in VG’s SP500 ETF. This is more than enough for any sustained market crash. The rest of our assets are taxable and in stocks and ETF’s, which is over 70% of our portfolio. As many others said, we’ve been through many ups and downs and just ride them out.
The average consumer doesn’t have the assets the readers of this blog have. Most here are not worried, it the younger crowd growing a family and paying exorbitant child care fees worry about the rise in prices this year, now exacerbated by the war the US started in Iran
That account is a one time $1,000 seed deposit, but if you do not have the money after that, it does not guarantee a healthy and wealthy retirement fund. Many experts say you would be better off with a 529 plan. But again, you have to have the money to invest
You are half right. Most CANNOT save. Bit you are dead wrong. Most DO NOT prefer government programs. Some may, but not most. Ever hear of the working poor? According to reports, up to 51% of households are struggling to cover basic expenses.
Lots of things are different. Those who are considered high income earners have to pay close to $3,000 a month for daycare in many states. Mortgage payments and home prices are so much higher now, relatively speaking. Jobs are being lost at a rapid pace now. The top 10% are doing very well, but those in the middle are struggling.
Maybe she means the huge salaries paid to the top executives compared to what their employees make. Maybe the huge tax breaks they get compared to the average citizen. Also, the increasing revenues and profits you mention that help investors retire go mostly to the top 10%. That doesn’t help the others as much: ‘The top 10% of American households own approximately 87% to 93% of all U.S. stock market wealth, according to recent data. This high level of concentration has increased, with the top 1% alone holding over half of all shares, while the bottom 50% of households own roughly 1% of the total market.‘ yahoo finance
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We have no pensions or annuities ( not interested in them) but our combined SS and my RMD are more than enough for us. We give each of our 4 grown kids the bulk of the RMD. We have about $1.5M in my IRA in Vanguard’s federal money market and 1/3 of it in VUSB, ultra short term bond ETF, with some also in VG’s SP500 ETF. This is more than enough for any sustained market crash. The rest of our assets are taxable and in stocks and ETF’s, which is over 70% of our portfolio. As many others said, we’ve been through many ups and downs and just ride them out.
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
The average consumer doesn’t have the assets the readers of this blog have. Most here are not worried, it the younger crowd growing a family and paying exorbitant child care fees worry about the rise in prices this year, now exacerbated by the war the US started in Iran
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
Regardless of the inflation %, prices are higher for food, gas, rent and other things this year
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from March 28, 2026
Many are spending every cent because they do not get paid enough.
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
That account is a one time $1,000 seed deposit, but if you do not have the money after that, it does not guarantee a healthy and wealthy retirement fund. Many experts say you would be better off with a 529 plan. But again, you have to have the money to invest
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
You are half right. Most CANNOT save. Bit you are dead wrong. Most DO NOT prefer government programs. Some may, but not most. Ever hear of the working poor? According to reports, up to 51% of households are struggling to cover basic expenses.
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
In many states that is barely above the poverty level when rents are over $2500 a month
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
Lots of things are different. Those who are considered high income earners have to pay close to $3,000 a month for daycare in many states. Mortgage payments and home prices are so much higher now, relatively speaking. Jobs are being lost at a rapid pace now. The top 10% are doing very well, but those in the middle are struggling.
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
Maybe because they need the money to live on.
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026
Maybe she means the huge salaries paid to the top executives compared to what their employees make. Maybe the huge tax breaks they get compared to the average citizen. Also, the increasing revenues and profits you mention that help investors retire go mostly to the top 10%. That doesn’t help the others as much: ‘The top 10% of American households own approximately 87% to 93% of all U.S. stock market wealth, according to recent data. This high level of concentration has increased, with the top 1% alone holding over half of all shares, while the bottom 50% of households own roughly 1% of the total market.‘ yahoo finance
Post: Retirement in America is not a pretty picture…and not getting better.
Link to comment from March 21, 2026