Yup. I feel a bit proud when I talk to folks (young ones starting out, older folks ready to leave the workforce) about their plan. I tell them that I don't want their details, but that we should speak frankly about their approach to finances and planning. Too few do this one-on-one or with friends. The workplace outreach that you've described over the years is hugely important. Another important component is the direct discussion with people so that we know they understand. That's what HD has been for me, and I enjoy paying it forward. Don't be discouraged if some people are still a bit clueless. You can never get 100% of people to agree on anything. . .
The main benefit I've received from HD over the years is clear-eyed information about what's to come. I'm 59 years old, but I've become conversant with Social Security claiming strategies (age 62 / 67 / 70) from Mr. Quinn and others. I generally can quantify how much my wife will pay for Medicare and supplemental insurance - and the amount of the IRMAA discount / premium that we'll pay. And I give thought to which accounts I use to buy stock ETFs and bond funds to minimize taxes. But it all takes time. And effort. And, to modestly compliment the HD community, some amount of intelligence and sophistication. No surprise that the gist of RDQ's column above is that some folks don't put the time / effort / skill into figuring out these things until it may be too late. Yes, people are surprised by the amount they'll get from SSA. They shouldn't be.
There was a time when I would buy a t-shirt from a concert, sporting event, microbrewery, etc. that we visited. Then my wife pointed out that new shirts wouldn't fit in the dresser drawers. So, she imposed a form of salary cap - no new shirt in unless I threw an old one away. Nope. That stopped all future purchases. Now, I just save memories and photos of events instead of swag.
There was a similar article on Morningstar recently. It compared market cap SP500 funds with equal weight SP500 funds. Through various cycles, the returns essentially matched each other. There were times when the market cap concentration was profitable (tech runup, etc.), and there were times when owning the broad market was better.
My wife and I each had the coronary artery calcium test done a few years ago. We paid about $200 US out of pocket each. Unclear why insurance doesn't typically cover it. But it was worth it. Wife was completely fine, but I had a small amount of accumulated plaque. I started seeing a cardiologist for proactive treatment. What a great move. I'm now in much better control of my exercise, diet, blood pressure, and cholesterol (yea, statins!). I completely agree with the other HD comments that getting hard data and professional advice on these health matters is imperative as we grow older. Go for it.
Per Chuck Jaffe, I have a “heart attack” letter that explains where our accounts are, and key people (lawyer, accountant, work HR) to call. I’ve printed it for my wife and emailed it to my business-oriented daughter. I update every year or so. It’s a nice feeling of relief to do it.
I used to hire a young lawyer every year to be one of my law clerks. When they sat down with the court’s HR to fill out forms and sign up for benefits, I’d sit with them later. For many, this was their first real full time job. They don’t know about / understand health insurance, disability insurance, or 401k / TSP investing. I found that the best approach was to explain without asking them too much about their own finances (debt, savings, etc.). Instead, I would suggest investing a certain amount to get a match on their savings. I would definitely explain the difference between Roth and traditional accounts, and high/low premium health insurance. and yes, Ben, typically nobody had ever explained any of this to these young people in any helpful way. Very proud that I helped them get started.
Politics is becoming an even more negative factor with health care and the Medicare system. Do people really believe that the FDA and CMS are making science-based decisions today? And there hasn’t been any thoughtful, meaningful debate about the finances of our health care system in Congress in recent memory. Very frustrating.
I play the credit card points "game" individually and through my sole proprietorship. I have over a dozen open credit cards - with no balance, and never any interest paid, of course. And, bizarrely, my credit score in well over 800 and has never been better. Absurd.
Comments
Yup. I feel a bit proud when I talk to folks (young ones starting out, older folks ready to leave the workforce) about their plan. I tell them that I don't want their details, but that we should speak frankly about their approach to finances and planning. Too few do this one-on-one or with friends. The workplace outreach that you've described over the years is hugely important. Another important component is the direct discussion with people so that we know they understand. That's what HD has been for me, and I enjoy paying it forward. Don't be discouraged if some people are still a bit clueless. You can never get 100% of people to agree on anything. . .
Post: “We did everything right.” Maybe not. Retirement income should not be an unpleasant surprise.
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
The main benefit I've received from HD over the years is clear-eyed information about what's to come. I'm 59 years old, but I've become conversant with Social Security claiming strategies (age 62 / 67 / 70) from Mr. Quinn and others. I generally can quantify how much my wife will pay for Medicare and supplemental insurance - and the amount of the IRMAA discount / premium that we'll pay. And I give thought to which accounts I use to buy stock ETFs and bond funds to minimize taxes. But it all takes time. And effort. And, to modestly compliment the HD community, some amount of intelligence and sophistication. No surprise that the gist of RDQ's column above is that some folks don't put the time / effort / skill into figuring out these things until it may be too late. Yes, people are surprised by the amount they'll get from SSA. They shouldn't be.
Post: “We did everything right.” Maybe not. Retirement income should not be an unpleasant surprise.
Link to comment from April 11, 2026
There was a time when I would buy a t-shirt from a concert, sporting event, microbrewery, etc. that we visited. Then my wife pointed out that new shirts wouldn't fit in the dresser drawers. So, she imposed a form of salary cap - no new shirt in unless I threw an old one away. Nope. That stopped all future purchases. Now, I just save memories and photos of events instead of swag.
Post: When Your Pastime Takes Ownership
Link to comment from March 7, 2026
There was a similar article on Morningstar recently. It compared market cap SP500 funds with equal weight SP500 funds. Through various cycles, the returns essentially matched each other. There were times when the market cap concentration was profitable (tech runup, etc.), and there were times when owning the broad market was better.
Post: Sector Fund by Stealth
Link to comment from March 7, 2026
Oh, just slip out the back, Jack.
Post: Fifty Ways
Link to comment from February 21, 2026
My wife and I each had the coronary artery calcium test done a few years ago. We paid about $200 US out of pocket each. Unclear why insurance doesn't typically cover it. But it was worth it. Wife was completely fine, but I had a small amount of accumulated plaque. I started seeing a cardiologist for proactive treatment. What a great move. I'm now in much better control of my exercise, diet, blood pressure, and cholesterol (yea, statins!). I completely agree with the other HD comments that getting hard data and professional advice on these health matters is imperative as we grow older. Go for it.
Post: Joining the Club, Maybe?
Link to comment from February 21, 2026
Per Chuck Jaffe, I have a “heart attack” letter that explains where our accounts are, and key people (lawyer, accountant, work HR) to call. I’ve printed it for my wife and emailed it to my business-oriented daughter. I update every year or so. It’s a nice feeling of relief to do it.
Post: Your two best investing books—and do you also keep an End-of-Life “family binder”?
Link to comment from February 8, 2026
I used to hire a young lawyer every year to be one of my law clerks. When they sat down with the court’s HR to fill out forms and sign up for benefits, I’d sit with them later. For many, this was their first real full time job. They don’t know about / understand health insurance, disability insurance, or 401k / TSP investing. I found that the best approach was to explain without asking them too much about their own finances (debt, savings, etc.). Instead, I would suggest investing a certain amount to get a match on their savings. I would definitely explain the difference between Roth and traditional accounts, and high/low premium health insurance. and yes, Ben, typically nobody had ever explained any of this to these young people in any helpful way. Very proud that I helped them get started.
Post: I got the call
Link to comment from February 8, 2026
Politics is becoming an even more negative factor with health care and the Medicare system. Do people really believe that the FDA and CMS are making science-based decisions today? And there hasn’t been any thoughtful, meaningful debate about the finances of our health care system in Congress in recent memory. Very frustrating.
Post: When $2100 is not what it appears. The Medicare Part D trap
Link to comment from February 7, 2026
I play the credit card points "game" individually and through my sole proprietorship. I have over a dozen open credit cards - with no balance, and never any interest paid, of course. And, bizarrely, my credit score in well over 800 and has never been better. Absurd.
Post: The Debt Free Penalty.
Link to comment from January 24, 2026