As an 83 year old secularist, definitions of happiness, security, friendship can can be defined for each individual. I believe that a person's 'comfort zone' includes all that matters. I found that to be true during the many years my now deceased wife spent with a deteriorating disability. She was a believer, and even though I was not when we were married in our 20s, we accommodated each other within our comfort zones. Never once in our 51 years together were we concerned that religious beliefs matter in the comfort of each other. Even as a non-believer, I would sing the lord's prayer to her when she asked, and I would buy her prayer books that she wanted. When we lived near Orlando, I took her to Benny Hinn prayer service, even though I strongly believe he is a money- grabber. Comfort zone is different for each person, so what matters is maintaining peace within any family and amongst friends. Our children are believers, but we are very close. Comfort zones are what we should acknowledge, and leave people to live their lives, once they allow you to live yours.
You should consult an attorney in your state. You may be able to add your heir to the home deed, so that when you pass your heir could automatically inherit it. A vehicle is a depreciating item and should not pose much problems-- it may depend on the value of the vehicles, and you may be able to add to the ownership. At my age, with my children having their own homes, and my grandchildren already adults, the funds I have is for me. Moreover, all my liquid assets are in the stock market or no-penalty CDs and whatever is left will be inherited without taxes since my beneficiaries will inherit them on a step-up basis. I have also written instructions about what to do when I pass, and how to manage the funds that they may inherit. But it is up to them, for when I pass I will return to the time before I was born.
Good article and, undoubtedly, the Great Depression influenced how your parents lived. It is quite clear that "the child is the father of the man". At 82 with my wife having pre-deceased me in 2020, my approach has been to get rid of all non-liquid assets and to indicate beneficiaries for all liquid assets. In this way, I do not have to be concerned about probate, wills and trusts. My liquid assets will cover me for as long as I live, and if I become mentally or physically disabled, my children have the power of attorney to pay for my care with my funds.
As an 80 yr old great grandfather, and someone inching closer to the exit door of this world, I fully understand how Richard Quinn feels about the changing mores of society, but I do not support his views for the following reasons: 1) generational change is a feature of any developing society, and older generations always believe that their societal customs are better than those of the succeeding generation. But this was amply expressed in the response by Joey. 2) Everyone is a product of their life experiences, and since the child is the father of the man, what is learned as a youth generally stays with the individual, but that person should undergo a mind-changing evolution to accommodate changes. 3) We must learn to appreciate the thought process of the generation who will inherit the society from us. I do not imply that we should adopt their values or their likes. I still prefer to listen to big band music and the songs of the 40s - 70s, but my children and grandchildren find this music boring. 4) Each private establishment determines the conditions for service. 5) Quinn and family had the right to leave if they felt uncomfortable. In one of his reply Mr. Quinn appeared uncomfortable with someone coming to church with oily hands (how Christian of him?), and suggested that there are too many non-necessity businesses(tattoo parlor, nail salons, etc) for the middle class (I presume they are OK for the upper class). I would think that Mr. Quinn is a capitalist, so I have a difficult time understanding why he would be comfortable in limiting these services. Our focus should be leaving the coming generation a society full of hope but which appears difficult, given the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, which triggered Boris Johnson to state that 'the US is going backwards'. Unfortunately, it appears so.
I was intrigued by this article on happiness. I define happiness as a mental process that could be influenced by satisfaction and comfort, both of which are determined by finance and the ability to acquire material goods. I am in my 80s so I have seen much in my lifetime. I also recently read an article which states that children in poor countries appear to be more happy than those in developed countries. I came from a third world country, and as I reminisce on my youth, I certainly was more happy than my grandchildren here in the USA, since they have more to deal with, given the societal changes occurring today. Feisal Brahim
Comments
As an 83 year old secularist, definitions of happiness, security, friendship can can be defined for each individual. I believe that a person's 'comfort zone' includes all that matters. I found that to be true during the many years my now deceased wife spent with a deteriorating disability. She was a believer, and even though I was not when we were married in our 20s, we accommodated each other within our comfort zones. Never once in our 51 years together were we concerned that religious beliefs matter in the comfort of each other. Even as a non-believer, I would sing the lord's prayer to her when she asked, and I would buy her prayer books that she wanted. When we lived near Orlando, I took her to Benny Hinn prayer service, even though I strongly believe he is a money- grabber. Comfort zone is different for each person, so what matters is maintaining peace within any family and amongst friends. Our children are believers, but we are very close. Comfort zones are what we should acknowledge, and leave people to live their lives, once they allow you to live yours.
Post: What’s It All About?
Link to comment from February 22, 2025
You should consult an attorney in your state. You may be able to add your heir to the home deed, so that when you pass your heir could automatically inherit it. A vehicle is a depreciating item and should not pose much problems-- it may depend on the value of the vehicles, and you may be able to add to the ownership. At my age, with my children having their own homes, and my grandchildren already adults, the funds I have is for me. Moreover, all my liquid assets are in the stock market or no-penalty CDs and whatever is left will be inherited without taxes since my beneficiaries will inherit them on a step-up basis. I have also written instructions about what to do when I pass, and how to manage the funds that they may inherit. But it is up to them, for when I pass I will return to the time before I was born.
Post: Unsettling Experience
Link to comment from May 8, 2024
Good article and, undoubtedly, the Great Depression influenced how your parents lived. It is quite clear that "the child is the father of the man". At 82 with my wife having pre-deceased me in 2020, my approach has been to get rid of all non-liquid assets and to indicate beneficiaries for all liquid assets. In this way, I do not have to be concerned about probate, wills and trusts. My liquid assets will cover me for as long as I live, and if I become mentally or physically disabled, my children have the power of attorney to pay for my care with my funds.
Post: Unsettling Experience
Link to comment from May 8, 2024
As an 80 yr old great grandfather, and someone inching closer to the exit door of this world, I fully understand how Richard Quinn feels about the changing mores of society, but I do not support his views for the following reasons: 1) generational change is a feature of any developing society, and older generations always believe that their societal customs are better than those of the succeeding generation. But this was amply expressed in the response by Joey. 2) Everyone is a product of their life experiences, and since the child is the father of the man, what is learned as a youth generally stays with the individual, but that person should undergo a mind-changing evolution to accommodate changes. 3) We must learn to appreciate the thought process of the generation who will inherit the society from us. I do not imply that we should adopt their values or their likes. I still prefer to listen to big band music and the songs of the 40s - 70s, but my children and grandchildren find this music boring. 4) Each private establishment determines the conditions for service. 5) Quinn and family had the right to leave if they felt uncomfortable. In one of his reply Mr. Quinn appeared uncomfortable with someone coming to church with oily hands (how Christian of him?), and suggested that there are too many non-necessity businesses(tattoo parlor, nail salons, etc) for the middle class (I presume they are OK for the upper class). I would think that Mr. Quinn is a capitalist, so I have a difficult time understanding why he would be comfortable in limiting these services. Our focus should be leaving the coming generation a society full of hope but which appears difficult, given the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, which triggered Boris Johnson to state that 'the US is going backwards'. Unfortunately, it appears so.
Post: Man Overboard
Link to comment from July 9, 2022
I was intrigued by this article on happiness. I define happiness as a mental process that could be influenced by satisfaction and comfort, both of which are determined by finance and the ability to acquire material goods. I am in my 80s so I have seen much in my lifetime. I also recently read an article which states that children in poor countries appear to be more happy than those in developed countries. I came from a third world country, and as I reminisce on my youth, I certainly was more happy than my grandchildren here in the USA, since they have more to deal with, given the societal changes occurring today. Feisal Brahim
Post: Sick and Tired
Link to comment from April 23, 2022