I have used Vanguard for 12 years and Vanguard Personal Advisor for about 3 years. They do help with RMDs and QCDs and they did identify that a Form 706 had not been filed after my wife's death. I have been very satisfied. Bob
Doug, good job taking care of your parents. My wife died due to complications of dementia four years ago. I was able to take care of her at home myself until the last five months when I had to have in home help. My wife and I had always been very close, but we became much closer during the time she required my help. My experience as a caregiver was as you describe, it felt like an honor and privilege. Even when she didn't know my name or that I was her husband, she knew I was someone who loved her and was caring for her. Circumstances vary for everyone, but for us, me and my wife, it was a life changing experience and I am glad I didn't miss it.
I would encourage your idea of home exercise equipment. I am 76 years old. I have had equipment at home for at least 30 years. Because it is at home, I can do some activity every day, which I do. I used to just do calisthenics after running outside. As time went on, I purchased different equipment as my needs changed, such as getting kettle bells, some dumb bells and resistance bands as I have gotten older, to do weight training. For me having stuff at home has made it easy to exercise regularly. Bob
Thank you for writing this, Dennis. I am 76 years old and my wife of 46 years passed away three and a half years ago. We were very close and I was her caregiver the last few years. It was two years before I could donate any of her clothes and I kept the ones that particularly reminded me of her, such as the duct tape repaired down jacket she wore for walking the dog. Fortunately the dog, who worshipped her, lived until a year ago. He was a live reminder of her and a great comfort to me. I have also found that past relationships have grown in importance and I regularly meet with old work mates and have sought out old college friends. And of course the children and grandchildren have taken on new meaning. For me, I think some of the emotions are brought on by grief and some by the realization that I am closer to the finish line than the starting blocks!
Comments
I have used Vanguard for 12 years and Vanguard Personal Advisor for about 3 years. They do help with RMDs and QCDs and they did identify that a Form 706 had not been filed after my wife's death. I have been very satisfied. Bob
Post: Financial Planning
Link to comment from April 14, 2026
Doug, good job taking care of your parents. My wife died due to complications of dementia four years ago. I was able to take care of her at home myself until the last five months when I had to have in home help. My wife and I had always been very close, but we became much closer during the time she required my help. My experience as a caregiver was as you describe, it felt like an honor and privilege. Even when she didn't know my name or that I was her husband, she knew I was someone who loved her and was caring for her. Circumstances vary for everyone, but for us, me and my wife, it was a life changing experience and I am glad I didn't miss it.
Post: The Myth of the Default Caregiver
Link to comment from April 12, 2026
I'm sorry for your loss.
Post: Filing Status and IRMMA
Link to comment from December 30, 2025
Thank you!
Post: The Monthly Payment Trap: How Car Dealerships Hide the Real Cost
Link to comment from December 16, 2025
If I couldn't find a car that I wanted on the dealer lots, what would be the best way to go about ordering one? Would that be a recipe for disaster?
Post: The Monthly Payment Trap: How Car Dealerships Hide the Real Cost
Link to comment from December 15, 2025
I would encourage your idea of home exercise equipment. I am 76 years old. I have had equipment at home for at least 30 years. Because it is at home, I can do some activity every day, which I do. I used to just do calisthenics after running outside. As time went on, I purchased different equipment as my needs changed, such as getting kettle bells, some dumb bells and resistance bands as I have gotten older, to do weight training. For me having stuff at home has made it easy to exercise regularly. Bob
Post: The Flamingo Years: How to Lose Gracefully to a Ten-Year-Old
Link to comment from October 27, 2025
It sounds like she has an amazing mind and a very nice way with people. Congratulations to the two of you! Bob
Post: Don’t Give Up on the Wayward Kid
Link to comment from October 27, 2025
Great review! Thank you.
Post: Smarter Giving in Retirement and the Medicare Gotcha
Link to comment from September 8, 2025
Thank you for writing this, Dennis. I am 76 years old and my wife of 46 years passed away three and a half years ago. We were very close and I was her caregiver the last few years. It was two years before I could donate any of her clothes and I kept the ones that particularly reminded me of her, such as the duct tape repaired down jacket she wore for walking the dog. Fortunately the dog, who worshipped her, lived until a year ago. He was a live reminder of her and a great comfort to me. I have also found that past relationships have grown in importance and I regularly meet with old work mates and have sought out old college friends. And of course the children and grandchildren have taken on new meaning. For me, I think some of the emotions are brought on by grief and some by the realization that I am closer to the finish line than the starting blocks!
Post: I Cry More Easily Now. I Didn’t Use To
Link to comment from August 1, 2025
Yikes!
Post: How do I scam thee? Let me count the ways
Link to comment from July 21, 2025