Why is it so hard to save for retirement these days? You argue in the book that the complexity of the financial system perpetuates inequality. How so? It’s tempting to spend that extra $5 on a coffee instead of saving it for later. How much of the challenge of saving for retirement is caused by human psychology? What are the consequences when the financial system does a poor job of setting people up for retirement?You propose a financial “starter kit” to help people navigate the system. Can you explain that? What are some practical ways to gauge the health of your retirement fund?
The 4% is the Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR), not a Safe SPENDING Rate. It is just a way to turn one's retirement savings into an annual paycheck based on market historical returns. How you spend this "retirement paycheck" is determined similar to the way you did previously with your work paycheck.
"I with they would have just upped the breakpoints for the 50% and 85% taxability to account for inflation." Then the bill would not have been passed in the Senate. It would have required 60 votes to pass if they had touch SS laws.
Not likely the IRMAA surcharge will be added to TT because it is not paid to the IRS the year you do your taxes. Rather it is paid to CMS nearly 2 years later.
"...it is my job to inspect the mailbox each day and place any pertinent correspondence on her desk, and then remind her about it a few days later."
Why don't you text her when you put the mail on her desk?
Part of one's SS may be taxable, but still not have to pay any taxes on it because the taxable portion is less than the standard deduction. Plus many states do not tax SS.
I SMH when people don't include taxes as one of their expenses.
Comments
Why is it so hard to save for retirement these days? You argue in the book that the complexity of the financial system perpetuates inequality. How so? It’s tempting to spend that extra $5 on a coffee instead of saving it for later. How much of the challenge of saving for retirement is caused by human psychology? What are the consequences when the financial system does a poor job of setting people up for retirement? You propose a financial “starter kit” to help people navigate the system. Can you explain that? What are some practical ways to gauge the health of your retirement fund?
Post: Addressing Retirement Anxiety
Link to comment from December 4, 2025
The 4% is the Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR), not a Safe SPENDING Rate. It is just a way to turn one's retirement savings into an annual paycheck based on market historical returns. How you spend this "retirement paycheck" is determined similar to the way you did previously with your work paycheck.
Post: I’m confused about the 4% (or any %) withdrawal strategy. Do I have it wrong?
Link to comment from September 25, 2025
Kiplinger article Prior Authorization Coming to Traditional Medicare Starting in 2026 lists the 17 services.
Post: A major Medicare benefit just vanished
Link to comment from July 7, 2025
It seems they are now considering tips as a gift from the customer to the server.
Post: Increased Deduction for Seniors
Link to comment from July 7, 2025
"I with they would have just upped the breakpoints for the 50% and 85% taxability to account for inflation." Then the bill would not have been passed in the Senate. It would have required 60 votes to pass if they had touch SS laws.
Post: Increased Deduction for Seniors
Link to comment from July 7, 2025
1983 was just one year short of the SS surplus funds running out. Why do you believe it would be different this time? You must be on the AARP board.
Post: Worried? Concerned? Confident? About the future of Social Security and Medicare
Link to comment from March 24, 2025
Check out KETTLE GRYP to turn a gym's dumbbell into a kettlebell.
Post: Retirement on the Road
Link to comment from January 3, 2025
Not likely the IRMAA surcharge will be added to TT because it is not paid to the IRS the year you do your taxes. Rather it is paid to CMS nearly 2 years later.
Post: A Taxing Retirement
Link to comment from November 16, 2024
"...it is my job to inspect the mailbox each day and place any pertinent correspondence on her desk, and then remind her about it a few days later." Why don't you text her when you put the mail on her desk?
Post: Favoring Fiber
Link to comment from June 21, 2024
Part of one's SS may be taxable, but still not have to pay any taxes on it because the taxable portion is less than the standard deduction. Plus many states do not tax SS. I SMH when people don't include taxes as one of their expenses.
Post: Confusing Ourselves
Link to comment from June 7, 2024