CraftsmanCT

Comments:

• If you haven’t been there, or even if you have, I suggest New Orleans. The history, the architecture, the food, the fun and much more are unique among all American cities. And it’s probably the most European city in the country. I lived there for 14 years and still very much miss it. I go there whenever I can.

  Post: First Place by Jonathan Clements

  Link to comment from September 6, 2024

• One reason to value (or present value) SS payments may be to get a better look at your asset allocation in retirement. Considering that SS payments are similar to a fixed income asset, people might want to increase their equity holdings otherwise to reach an asset allocation that is appropriate for their situation.

  Post: Should you include SS and pensions in your net worth? Connor weighs in.

  Link to comment from August 3, 2024

• Sending you best wishes as you navigate this next phase of your life. May it be fulfilling and meaningful. Developments in treatment come along frequently and I hope something comes up to help in your situation. And, although they’re not necessarily to be counted on, unusual remissions and miracles do happen. I’ve been following you since your WSJ days and have read most of your books. I adopted your investing ideas around 1990 when I began investing almost exclusively in low-cost index funds in an appropriate asset allocation, fairly heavy on equities at that time of mid-career. I’m now retired and your advice has certainly paid off. I especially appreciated it when you said we should be somewhat happy during downturns in the equity markets, because, using dollar cost averaging, those were great times to put money into stocks. I did that by continuing the highest monthly contribution I could make to my 403(b) plan. I thank you profoundly for your guidance. I hope the future holds good things for you!

  Post: The C Word

  Link to comment from July 20, 2024

• A consideration in selecting a senior living situation can be the homogeneity of the place, especially politically. In the last presidential election, The Villages area voted around 70% for one party’s candidate. It might not be the best setting for anyone other than a straight, white, heterosexual couple with right-leaning politics.

  Post: Pluses and Minuses

  Link to comment from July 11, 2024

• I didn’t realize that some LTC plans could become fully vested.

  Post: Where It Goes

  Link to comment from April 15, 2024

• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages when you dine out. Those can really add up.

  Post: Where It Goes

  Link to comment from April 15, 2024

• I expect most of those over 65 on this thread have Medigap supplement coverage. I’ve been on Medicare Advantage for nine years since I turned 65. It’s worked well for me and last year I was in the hospital for six days and, separately, had my gallbladder removed. My total out of pocket expense for those medical events was about $2,000. My annual maximum out of pocket is $3,400, should I ever reach that number. I’ve always paid $0 in monthly premiums, and that includes drugs. Also included are two dental cleanings per year, (plus a bit more towards other dental expenses) and an annual eye exam plus $250 towards glasses or contacts. So far, I’ve saved $20,000+ on premiums over the nine years I’ve been on MA. That’s way more than my actual medical, dental and vision expenses over that time, which includes the hospital stay and one surgery. Primary care visits have a $0 copay, specialists $35. I also get a free gym membership and quite a few free OTC products. I have a nationwide PPO and have had no trouble finding excellent providers and facilities in the very large network.

  Post: Where It Goes

  Link to comment from April 15, 2024

• I’m embarrassed for Marcus for making that overly broad statement. “Nobody works.” Good grief! Marcus has been so rich so long that he’s forgotten the difficulties of being lower middle class or poor. I’ve lost any respect for him that I might have ever had.

  Post: Yes, They Give a Damn

  Link to comment from June 9, 2023