AUTHOR: B Petersen on 1/24/2026 FIRST: David Lancaster on 1/24 | RECENT: Mel Langer on 2/2
Comments
forgive me for not giving YOU any advice. I suspect you'll do fine. What I WILL DO is advise EVERYONE, EVERYONE, to put a HELOC on their home, assuming it has equity. If you hadn't saved and needed money that would be a good resource to tap. A HELOC doesn't cost you a penny unless you use it, and the payments are interest only. Principal often doesn't need to be paid back for 10-15 yrs, or if you sell. Don't wait till you're unemployed! Bank won't open a loan for someone with no income! PS notice I didn't say home equity LOAN...
I'm a cheapskate like Jon. Most of the suggestions listed will cost quite a bit. I'm a retired builder, remodeler and building inspector since 1981. I would either:
turn up the water heater you have as high as it'll go. It will put out plenty of hot water for your tub, just mix with enough cold water to suit your tastes.
use a "hang over the edge of the tub" portable heater. Just be sure to plug in a GFCI outlet.
Comments
forgive me for not giving YOU any advice. I suspect you'll do fine. What I WILL DO is advise EVERYONE, EVERYONE, to put a HELOC on their home, assuming it has equity. If you hadn't saved and needed money that would be a good resource to tap. A HELOC doesn't cost you a penny unless you use it, and the payments are interest only. Principal often doesn't need to be paid back for 10-15 yrs, or if you sell. Don't wait till you're unemployed! Bank won't open a loan for someone with no income! PS notice I didn't say home equity LOAN...
Post: Fear of the Unknown…
Link to comment from July 31, 2026
did you think about getting a $70k life insurance policy to make spouse feel safe thus keeping your cash invested?
Post: The $8,000 Cost of Peace of Mind
Link to comment from January 24, 2026
JAAA, ST bond clo ETF is my go to. 5.5%. Very stable AAA rated CLO's .
Post: Where to Keep Cash
Link to comment from December 7, 2025
I'm a cheapskate like Jon. Most of the suggestions listed will cost quite a bit. I'm a retired builder, remodeler and building inspector since 1981. I would either:
Post: One Last Book
Link to comment from March 8, 2025