I think we have to understand that everyone who responded and commented to this conversation is smart, educated, and affluent. I feel very much at home with all of you. What we're missing in this conversation are comments and observations from poor people...single moms with 3 kids, parents with expensively handicapped children, adult children caring for parents and grandparents, Trappist monks, and ex cons to start with for perspective and insight.
I think when most people buy gold they aren't "investing." Instead they're buying insurance against some future danger they anticipate as possible, Like buying insurance they'd rather not collect on the premiums.
I always thought Jonathan was smart and one of the Good Guys after I saw my first article by him in the WSJ. I've followed and learned from him ever since and I'm thankful I discovered him early in my financial life. I've regarded him as honest, truthful, not greedy, and kind. I started missing him before he died. May he rest in humble peace.
Dave Baese
Would it make sense to not have LTC insurance, and when you think you need it to purchase an immediate annuity? Aren't insurance companies happy to sell you an immediate annuity if you're in poor health?
Jonathan - In our last annual wellness visit I told our family physician that if it's late in December and I'm on a respirator to keep me on it until January 1st of the following year so my wife could file a joint income tax return for that year. I figure that will save her a couple thousand dollars in taxes and give her some time to sort things out. - Dave
I think you guys are all smarter than I am and you disagree a lot. That tells me my decision to delay taking benefits until age 70 might have been the right one. I'm OK with that.
Thank You - Dave Baese
Comments
I think we have to understand that everyone who responded and commented to this conversation is smart, educated, and affluent. I feel very much at home with all of you. What we're missing in this conversation are comments and observations from poor people...single moms with 3 kids, parents with expensively handicapped children, adult children caring for parents and grandparents, Trappist monks, and ex cons to start with for perspective and insight.
Post: How do you really feel about 401k plans?
Link to comment from January 13, 2026
I think when most people buy gold they aren't "investing." Instead they're buying insurance against some future danger they anticipate as possible, Like buying insurance they'd rather not collect on the premiums.
Post: Gold Isn’t Special
Link to comment from January 10, 2026
Thanks. I needed that.
Post: Wealth: A Short List on How to Recognize It
Link to comment from November 12, 2025
I always thought Jonathan was smart and one of the Good Guys after I saw my first article by him in the WSJ. I've followed and learned from him ever since and I'm thankful I discovered him early in my financial life. I've regarded him as honest, truthful, not greedy, and kind. I started missing him before he died. May he rest in humble peace. Dave Baese
Post: Jonathan’s Memorial Service (includes streaming link)
Link to comment from November 6, 2025
Has anyone considered how anticipated inheritance's might impact current spending and employment?
Post: Let’s Stir Up the Bee’s Nest Again- Another Way of Calculating Net Worth
Link to comment from June 14, 2025
Richard, I agree with you. That's why I think you're a genius. Dave
Post: You versus Social Security – Quinn is betting against you.
Link to comment from May 14, 2025
Would it make sense to not have LTC insurance, and when you think you need it to purchase an immediate annuity? Aren't insurance companies happy to sell you an immediate annuity if you're in poor health?
Post: How Are You Planning to Pay for Potential Long Term Care Expenses?
Link to comment from February 12, 2025
I think it' very important that the charities I contribute to get my donations. I think it's even more important that I give the money.
Post: Does Charitable Giving Make Things Better?
Link to comment from February 1, 2025
Jonathan - In our last annual wellness visit I told our family physician that if it's late in December and I'm on a respirator to keep me on it until January 1st of the following year so my wife could file a joint income tax return for that year. I figure that will save her a couple thousand dollars in taxes and give her some time to sort things out. - Dave
Post: Death Benefits
Link to comment from October 24, 2024
I think you guys are all smarter than I am and you disagree a lot. That tells me my decision to delay taking benefits until age 70 might have been the right one. I'm OK with that. Thank You - Dave Baese
Post: Just the Facts
Link to comment from October 19, 2024