Great first post, Mike! Do my wife and I have any regrets about having children (and now, grandchildren)? Not at all! Perhaps we weren't fully ready to be parents in our early 20's, but children are very forgiving of their parents' mistakes, especially in those earliest years. While sometimes the additional expenses of children were not welcome, we never regretted being parents. Over the years, we truly enjoyed life through family activities, traveling and vacations, and the active involvement our children had in school activities such as music, speech, drama, and athletics including cross country, football, wrestling, track, baseball, and soccer. My career was as a school administrator, and as a high school principal, attending those events as a parent brought about a different type of interaction and relationship with other students' parents, and certainly expanded our knowledge of others. Thankful for all the enhancements we experienced as a result of being parents!
Richard: it is a good place! I have considered what you've suggested, but have 2 reasons for not doing so: first, my SS benefits would likely put us into the next tier of IRMAA. By delaying taking SS, I hope to stall that off or avoid it entirely. Second, and more important, is that I want to provide better income if/when she outlives me.
Aramco? My son has been with them for 13 years now. He is very secure, financially. Saudi Arabia (and nearby countries) is an interesting place to visit, although not at this time!
No concerns. We both have state pensions with COLA's that more than cover our monthly spending. She began SS in February, proceeds going into our savings/emergency/large expense account. I will wait to age 70 for SS benefits which will create even more financial security. We don't anticipate needing to tap into our retirement accounts for any typical expense.
Excellent post, Elaine! I am one of those who responds to others' posts, but hope to submit something in the future. Humble Dollar has greatly influenced my thoughts and practices with personal finance. Hoping to see it continue with numerous writers and topics of discussion!
I believe this is a great set of rules to have in place. Clear, not an overly long list, and when taken together, should provide a safe and informative environment for those who submit articles and those of us who only read and respond. Thanks for posting this information!
Agreed, Dana, 100% about the down arrows! Respectful debate of topics can be helpful and educational. Anonymous down votes by those unwilling to take a stand or attach their name to a comment should not be allowed.
Comments
Up vote from me for your comment: "I have millions of dollars and it all means nothing without my kids."
Post: Financial regrets about parenthood?
Link to comment from April 5, 2026
Great first post, Mike! Do my wife and I have any regrets about having children (and now, grandchildren)? Not at all! Perhaps we weren't fully ready to be parents in our early 20's, but children are very forgiving of their parents' mistakes, especially in those earliest years. While sometimes the additional expenses of children were not welcome, we never regretted being parents. Over the years, we truly enjoyed life through family activities, traveling and vacations, and the active involvement our children had in school activities such as music, speech, drama, and athletics including cross country, football, wrestling, track, baseball, and soccer. My career was as a school administrator, and as a high school principal, attending those events as a parent brought about a different type of interaction and relationship with other students' parents, and certainly expanded our knowledge of others. Thankful for all the enhancements we experienced as a result of being parents!
Post: Financial regrets about parenthood?
Link to comment from April 5, 2026
Richard: it is a good place! I have considered what you've suggested, but have 2 reasons for not doing so: first, my SS benefits would likely put us into the next tier of IRMAA. By delaying taking SS, I hope to stall that off or avoid it entirely. Second, and more important, is that I want to provide better income if/when she outlives me.
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Aramco? My son has been with them for 13 years now. He is very secure, financially. Saudi Arabia (and nearby countries) is an interesting place to visit, although not at this time!
Post: Family Dynamics, Part 2: Supporting Adult Children
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
No concerns. We both have state pensions with COLA's that more than cover our monthly spending. She began SS in February, proceeds going into our savings/emergency/large expense account. I will wait to age 70 for SS benefits which will create even more financial security. We don't anticipate needing to tap into our retirement accounts for any typical expense.
Post: Any concern?
Link to comment from April 4, 2026
Excellent post, Elaine! I am one of those who responds to others' posts, but hope to submit something in the future. Humble Dollar has greatly influenced my thoughts and practices with personal finance. Hoping to see it continue with numerous writers and topics of discussion!
Post: Note to HD Writers and Contributors
Link to comment from April 3, 2026
I believe this is a great set of rules to have in place. Clear, not an overly long list, and when taken together, should provide a safe and informative environment for those who submit articles and those of us who only read and respond. Thanks for posting this information!
Post: Forum Rules
Link to comment from March 31, 2026
Good to know! Thanks for that information!
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Agreed, Dana, 100% about the down arrows! Respectful debate of topics can be helpful and educational. Anonymous down votes by those unwilling to take a stand or attach their name to a comment should not be allowed.
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 27, 2026
Yes, I read that on a daily basis. Thanks.
Post: Where are the ladies?
Link to comment from March 25, 2026