My late husband was a self-employed consultant in the mid-1990s who produced excellent content that Disney wanted to license. I still remember his apoplectic reaction when reviewing Disney's contract, basically stating, forget about first rights and copyright, Disney would own his work in 'every form' now available and in the entire universe in the future. He refused to go to Disney World on principle and told the kids why (not that at the time they understood except that they knew their dad was infuriated). I however did take them once when my godparents lived nearby and had season passes - much less expensive 25 years ago with family in town.
Thank you Adam for sharing your own reflections plus those of the financial pros today. So many of us learned so much from Jonathan's skills and humanity.
Kristine, thank you. I love hearing about your love for dogs. I bet you are an amazing trainer. I'm not in a position right now, but I do hope to foster within the next few years. And I'm typically a cat person. :)
Elaine, thank you for taking the time to provide this update during this difficult time for your family. I have the utmost respect for Jonathan's work and share his desire that the Humble Dollar community spirit endures.
Randy, yes as you can reimburse from years ago - you just have to have clear receipts and documentation that reimbursements didn't occur with another account. I'm scanning receipts now and also keeping hard copies (ha). It will be a long term process that I'm curious to manage :) , but I'll keep an eye on the account and sell on occasion. "You can reimburse yourself from your HSA for qualified medical expenses incurred in the past, even years ago, as long as the expenses were incurred after the HSA was established. There's no time limit for requesting these reimbursements. However, you must have documentation (like receipts) to prove the expenses were qualified medical expenses and that they were not reimbursed from another source".
David, I have an HSA than I am currently using sparingly. My daughter will inherit in the future. I am keeping a detailed list of all health care expenses/receipts that I have accumulated and not tapped the HSA for. My goal is to see the account grow - hoping for at least another 10 years or so. The list is accessible, and my instructions are that she could reimburse the estate immediately for all the built-up expenses. So the funds would effectively 'used up.' I will keep an eye on it, though, in case I need to take this step in advance.
Thank you, Jonathan, for continuing to share your journey. I wish you well that the effects of chemo and radiation can dissipate so you can feel like your old self again soon.
Adam, as always thank you for your thoughtful perspective. So helpful to be able to step back amid the onslaught of hype about AI.
It doesn't help when bosses seem to be exerting a power dynamic to employees: AI is coming for all jobs; 'everyone' is at risk. It also doesn't help when each week we learn more about implications for AI deliverables (this link describes how well AI tools are advancing to synthesize data about oneself based on searches- talk about surveillance or use for profiles for credit or jobs or ...whatever): What LLMs Know About Their Users - Schneier on Security The swirl of uncertainty around AI adds to generalized anxiety about job security and hence financial security/planning. Fixed costs - rents, mortgages, homeowners insurance, car prices/insurance, day care - have escalated for many, including my three children in their 20s/30s. Emergency funds will be more critical than ever along with investing in low-cost index funds. And perhaps more support at critical moments from retired parents, if/when they can provide help.
My husband was pretty frugal in general from the earliest days of our marriage, setting the stage for long term financial returns. He was also particular about laundry, telling me once that I would be getting a 'D' after not taking the care of shirts to his standard. I asked, how to I get an F? He took care of his own laundry after that, economizing perhaps not in laundry detergent but gaining bountiful returns in marital peace.
Comments
My late husband was a self-employed consultant in the mid-1990s who produced excellent content that Disney wanted to license. I still remember his apoplectic reaction when reviewing Disney's contract, basically stating, forget about first rights and copyright, Disney would own his work in 'every form' now available and in the entire universe in the future. He refused to go to Disney World on principle and told the kids why (not that at the time they understood except that they knew their dad was infuriated). I however did take them once when my godparents lived nearby and had season passes - much less expensive 25 years ago with family in town.
Post: The real world of saving, income and retirement beyond the HD community – cause for guilt?
Link to comment from October 1, 2025
Thank you Adam for sharing your own reflections plus those of the financial pros today. So many of us learned so much from Jonathan's skills and humanity.
Post: Tributes to Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from September 27, 2025
Kristine, thank you. I love hearing about your love for dogs. I bet you are an amazing trainer. I'm not in a position right now, but I do hope to foster within the next few years. And I'm typically a cat person. :)
Post: Achieving and maintaining all the retirement income you need for a chosen lifestyle with limited worry.
Link to comment from September 24, 2025
A beautiful farewell Jonathan. Yes, family, readers, words. Your readers will always remain.
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 22, 2025
Elaine, thank you for taking the time to provide this update during this difficult time for your family. I have the utmost respect for Jonathan's work and share his desire that the Humble Dollar community spirit endures.
Post: Jonathan and website update
Link to comment from September 20, 2025
Randy, yes as you can reimburse from years ago - you just have to have clear receipts and documentation that reimbursements didn't occur with another account. I'm scanning receipts now and also keeping hard copies (ha). It will be a long term process that I'm curious to manage :) , but I'll keep an eye on the account and sell on occasion. "You can reimburse yourself from your HSA for qualified medical expenses incurred in the past, even years ago, as long as the expenses were incurred after the HSA was established. There's no time limit for requesting these reimbursements. However, you must have documentation (like receipts) to prove the expenses were qualified medical expenses and that they were not reimbursed from another source".
Post: Beyond fees, is using a financial advisor, advisable? If you do or don’t why?
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
David, I have an HSA than I am currently using sparingly. My daughter will inherit in the future. I am keeping a detailed list of all health care expenses/receipts that I have accumulated and not tapped the HSA for. My goal is to see the account grow - hoping for at least another 10 years or so. The list is accessible, and my instructions are that she could reimburse the estate immediately for all the built-up expenses. So the funds would effectively 'used up.' I will keep an eye on it, though, in case I need to take this step in advance.
Post: Beyond fees, is using a financial advisor, advisable? If you do or don’t why?
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
Thank you, Jonathan, for continuing to share your journey. I wish you well that the effects of chemo and radiation can dissipate so you can feel like your old self again soon.
Post: Extra Innings
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
Adam, as always thank you for your thoughtful perspective. So helpful to be able to step back amid the onslaught of hype about AI. It doesn't help when bosses seem to be exerting a power dynamic to employees: AI is coming for all jobs; 'everyone' is at risk. It also doesn't help when each week we learn more about implications for AI deliverables (this link describes how well AI tools are advancing to synthesize data about oneself based on searches- talk about surveillance or use for profiles for credit or jobs or ...whatever): What LLMs Know About Their Users - Schneier on Security The swirl of uncertainty around AI adds to generalized anxiety about job security and hence financial security/planning. Fixed costs - rents, mortgages, homeowners insurance, car prices/insurance, day care - have escalated for many, including my three children in their 20s/30s. Emergency funds will be more critical than ever along with investing in low-cost index funds. And perhaps more support at critical moments from retired parents, if/when they can provide help.
Post: The Jevons Paradox
Link to comment from June 28, 2025
My husband was pretty frugal in general from the earliest days of our marriage, setting the stage for long term financial returns. He was also particular about laundry, telling me once that I would be getting a 'D' after not taking the care of shirts to his standard. I asked, how to I get an F? He took care of his own laundry after that, economizing perhaps not in laundry detergent but gaining bountiful returns in marital peace.
Post: Ninety Nine, I mean Eight Retirement Tips
Link to comment from June 27, 2025