I always thought of Social Security as longevity insurance. Having as much insurance as possible made the most sense to me so waiting to 70 was my decision. Other folks that are income troubled or very sick may make a different decision.
Jonathan,
I've taken up photography especially of birds since I'm a long time birder. Studying Photoshop has been interesting as I like learning new things but at the same time frustrating when I can't get it to do what I want. Beside photography/birding, I volunteer with Wings for Widows for pro bona planning work, I teach Birding by Ear in San Francisco and the Lake Tahoe area, I'm learning a new scripting language, AutoHotKey, and I monitor a pair of Peregrine Falcons on a 18th story balcony at the City Hall in San Jose, CA. There are 4 hatchings that keep us CamOps busy!
But I must admit I didn't get up until 10am this morning!
I've owned homes in SV since 1982 and while they seemed horribly expensive (5X North Carolina where I moved from), they all have appreciated quickly. Just because homes are expensive doesn't mean they won't continue to be even more expensive. I've made a serious effort to never rent, even buying a more expensive home than I needed because it had a separate building that could be converted to 3 offices. So I worked at home the entire time I was a financial advisor saving 100,000s in rent over the 22 years. However, home ownership can require a decent cash flow to pay for remodeling, a new roof, and other repairs. But it's yours and you can remodel whatever you wish. With a fixed rate mortgage, the "rent" is steady with only property taxes and insurance that may increase.
When I was in the Air Force, the Officer's Club had a session on investing. It was mostly a pitch about a particular mutual fund but during the presentation, they mentioned "pay yourself first and save 10%". I thought that was a good idea and never stopped saving after that. The mutual fund wasn't much good and the one a fellow officer suggested was even worse but I learned over time that indexing, broad diversification, and staying in the marker works for me.
Comments
Steep decline equals rebalance. Otherwise, ride it out. Permanently higher? Nothing is permanent.
Post: Ignore Valuations? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from May 21, 2025
I always thought of Social Security as longevity insurance. Having as much insurance as possible made the most sense to me so waiting to 70 was my decision. Other folks that are income troubled or very sick may make a different decision.
Post: Breaking even? Why should anyone care? I don’t
Link to comment from May 15, 2025
My process involves waiting for a bear market measured at market close. Almost happened. So I have done nothing.
Post: Ch-Ch-Changes?
Link to comment from May 6, 2025
Jonathan, I've taken up photography especially of birds since I'm a long time birder. Studying Photoshop has been interesting as I like learning new things but at the same time frustrating when I can't get it to do what I want. Beside photography/birding, I volunteer with Wings for Widows for pro bona planning work, I teach Birding by Ear in San Francisco and the Lake Tahoe area, I'm learning a new scripting language, AutoHotKey, and I monitor a pair of Peregrine Falcons on a 18th story balcony at the City Hall in San Jose, CA. There are 4 hatchings that keep us CamOps busy! But I must admit I didn't get up until 10am this morning!
Post: Tasting Retirement
Link to comment from April 25, 2025
Way to go Jonathan!
Post: Let’s Be Adults by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from April 23, 2025
I've owned homes in SV since 1982 and while they seemed horribly expensive (5X North Carolina where I moved from), they all have appreciated quickly. Just because homes are expensive doesn't mean they won't continue to be even more expensive. I've made a serious effort to never rent, even buying a more expensive home than I needed because it had a separate building that could be converted to 3 offices. So I worked at home the entire time I was a financial advisor saving 100,000s in rent over the 22 years. However, home ownership can require a decent cash flow to pay for remodeling, a new roof, and other repairs. But it's yours and you can remodel whatever you wish. With a fixed rate mortgage, the "rent" is steady with only property taxes and insurance that may increase.
Post: Should young people buy or rent?
Link to comment from April 8, 2025
An extended (10-year +) depression.
Post: What Worries You? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from March 14, 2025
Want to never worry about money or have to argue about it.
Post: What Drives You? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from January 24, 2025
When I was in the Air Force, the Officer's Club had a session on investing. It was mostly a pitch about a particular mutual fund but during the presentation, they mentioned "pay yourself first and save 10%". I thought that was a good idea and never stopped saving after that. The mutual fund wasn't much good and the one a fellow officer suggested was even worse but I learned over time that indexing, broad diversification, and staying in the marker works for me.
Post: Taking Stock by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from November 22, 2024
One of your best, Adam. Wise perceptions that all can benefit from.
Post: Telling Stories
Link to comment from June 12, 2022