Unfortunately, more layoffs keep coming and from what I'm reading, it can be skewed towards Gen X (my generation). I figured out a long time ago that loyalty means nothing to Corporate America and once I figured this out, I didn't take anything as personal. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt or impact your family - for this, I'm sorry. Reality is that this will happen more and more unfortunately.
I went down a ChatGPT rabbit hole on this as I've seen too many articles or news clips on people losing their life savings. Chat helped me by keeping a list of things and prioritizing which things needed to happen first. For example, LastPass should have 2FA and a printed version of our password in a safe. Then it was fortifying emails with 2FA. I think you get the gist. It's great and part of my monthly subscription.
I think the difference between you and many is how much you helped your children and it didn’t impact your retirement. Many can’t afford to do so. Having said all this, I believe my wife and I feel similar to you. Travel won’t be that big of a deal if we go or don’t. We’re in our fifties and can’t stand a flight longer than 5 hours. As long as we don’t have to take a lifestyle cut, anything more is gravy. Lucky, I believe this is more than possible for us based on our saving and future pensions like you.
Did something similar with my son who graduated close to the same time. Not as detailed as you and my proposal was Roth. He continued to add and is now making too much for the Roth IRA but continues at his company’s Roth 401k. As you noted, the “kids” did well this past 9 years or so. My hope is that the flexibility this creates for them is what’s most important as it’s many years down the road for retirement.
Surprised to see another Filipino, even more an author of one of the articles I’ve read. Born in the PI but coming here at the age of one, I have an interesting perspective of my parents. I’m glad your dad asked for help. I’m sure it set them up well and you also as it would have been a nightmare to try and fix this during much more difficult times.
Thanks for sharing. I have a special needs son as well and my dream for him is very similar to you. In some ways, my son is “high functioning” but in other ways, still needs a lot of guidance. He currently lives in a group home with a lot of oversight but is getting opportunities that may allow future work. Many may appreciate what you wrote today. I truly understand.
Great article like usual. I appreciate you simplifying very complex subject matter. I forwarded this article to my son who is turning 31 next month. These are the types of things I talk to him about but it's great to know that it's not only his "know it all" dad that's speaking the same truth.
Comments
Unfortunately, more layoffs keep coming and from what I'm reading, it can be skewed towards Gen X (my generation). I figured out a long time ago that loyalty means nothing to Corporate America and once I figured this out, I didn't take anything as personal. Doesn't mean it doesn't hurt or impact your family - for this, I'm sorry. Reality is that this will happen more and more unfortunately.
Post: Laid Off
Link to comment from February 8, 2026
"To rectify... ALL income." You taking money from a cash account or a Roth isn't income. Am I missing something?
Post: The ACA Financial Cliff … some helpful visuals (and hope for continued dialog)
Link to comment from February 8, 2026
I went down a ChatGPT rabbit hole on this as I've seen too many articles or news clips on people losing their life savings. Chat helped me by keeping a list of things and prioritizing which things needed to happen first. For example, LastPass should have 2FA and a printed version of our password in a safe. Then it was fortifying emails with 2FA. I think you get the gist. It's great and part of my monthly subscription.
Post: Beefing Up Security
Link to comment from November 15, 2025
What a great story. I’m glad I clicked on it. Gave me great feelings of what life can be with good friends.
Post: After All These Years
Link to comment from June 26, 2024
I think the difference between you and many is how much you helped your children and it didn’t impact your retirement. Many can’t afford to do so. Having said all this, I believe my wife and I feel similar to you. Travel won’t be that big of a deal if we go or don’t. We’re in our fifties and can’t stand a flight longer than 5 hours. As long as we don’t have to take a lifestyle cut, anything more is gravy. Lucky, I believe this is more than possible for us based on our saving and future pensions like you.
Post: Not That Person
Link to comment from June 26, 2024
Your situation sounds amazing even for someone that drives.
Post: Life After Cars
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
Did something similar with my son who graduated close to the same time. Not as detailed as you and my proposal was Roth. He continued to add and is now making too much for the Roth IRA but continues at his company’s Roth 401k. As you noted, the “kids” did well this past 9 years or so. My hope is that the flexibility this creates for them is what’s most important as it’s many years down the road for retirement.
Post: Go Big Early
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
Surprised to see another Filipino, even more an author of one of the articles I’ve read. Born in the PI but coming here at the age of one, I have an interesting perspective of my parents. I’m glad your dad asked for help. I’m sure it set them up well and you also as it would have been a nightmare to try and fix this during much more difficult times.
Post: Facing the Truth
Link to comment from June 19, 2024
Thanks for sharing. I have a special needs son as well and my dream for him is very similar to you. In some ways, my son is “high functioning” but in other ways, still needs a lot of guidance. He currently lives in a group home with a lot of oversight but is getting opportunities that may allow future work. Many may appreciate what you wrote today. I truly understand.
Post: Do Who You Are
Link to comment from June 12, 2024
Great article like usual. I appreciate you simplifying very complex subject matter. I forwarded this article to my son who is turning 31 next month. These are the types of things I talk to him about but it's great to know that it's not only his "know it all" dad that's speaking the same truth.
Post: Five Seasons
Link to comment from March 27, 2024