I did. Our asset allocation makes sense for our partic situation.
I understand inflation and factor it in to our plan. In this first phase of retirement I worry a more about spending shocks - prolonged health issues or major life upheavals in family for which money would be needed. I am hedging against those by holding more short term treasuries than others might. Will adjust as time horizon shrinks.
Thanks for acknowledging these realities and uncertainties. So much of what you wrote rings true for me.
We are well situated financially, and have a 30ish year time horizon. We have done just what you suggested with our adult kids, providing modest gifts to each. Now we'll see what the future brings, and go from there.
Regarding AA, agree. The bond or cash tent approach has always made good sense to me, ie decreasing equity exposure as retirement approaches, and then increasing it over some period of time as Seq of Returns risk diminishes over the years. Have always been puzzled that that approach is not more popular.
I would argue that non-linear journeys are the only kind there are, if you follow the line long enough - until it bends, stops or reconnects.
I retired about 2 months ago. I had a career that had some wonderful moments, and through which I made a positive difference. But there was a lot that I didn't like. I could never say that I never worked a day in my life, and marvel at those that can. But one never knows enough about any life to understand what forces, what influences, what luck lead to a particular situation.
Completely agree with acknowledgement that you don't know what path(s) will be followed in retirement, and for how long. One of my top take-aways from retirement, and I am early in the game, is how often others express concern about "... what will you do?". I have been fortunate to have - or to have developed, or even nourished - curiosity and myriad interests.
I stopped working for wages (don't like the term "retirement") 3 months ago. I'm 64. I have not traveled as extensively as you, but certainly some. I find myself more selective. I still look forward to travel, but to specific places for specific reasons, where I can follow my curiosities and interests. For example, I am an amateur historian, a Dickens fan and a walker - and love cooler temps. London, with easy transpo to the rest of UK, could be my single travel destination and I'd be (I am!) happy. Others see it as a crowded over-touristed destination. All depends on perspective. I agree with your suggestion that foreign travel is often presumed to be a top aspirational goals. I also agree that my fulfillment with simpler pleasures - walking my dog, gardening, reading, helping my elderly in-laws- has gone way up. Very importantly to me, I like staying consistent with my fitness routine, which is much tougher away from home.
There is some nuance missing here. I come from 40 years working in healthcare.
1) the emergence of compounded versions was a given
2) the availability of similarly effective meds developed by competitors was a given
3) the high cost of these meds for such a widespread and heretofore unsolvable problem - obesity - suggested that something would have to give, and quickly. Big Pharma, rightly or wrongly, are considered a close second to large health insurers as bad actors within our very high cost healthcare system quagmire. The public and government would not/will not shore up protections for Novo in this situation. The arena of GLP-1s and weight loss treatment generally will continue to evolve in ways that cannot be foreseen.
Comments
There is no linear path to fulfillment. More power to you and your father-in-law.
Post: Success Has Many Flavours
Link to comment from September 23, 2025
An engaging, clear and honest piece - how unsurprising. Condolences to Jonathan's wife and family.
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 22, 2025
I did. Our asset allocation makes sense for our partic situation. I understand inflation and factor it in to our plan. In this first phase of retirement I worry a more about spending shocks - prolonged health issues or major life upheavals in family for which money would be needed. I am hedging against those by holding more short term treasuries than others might. Will adjust as time horizon shrinks.
Post: Navigating the Unknowns of Financial Decisions
Link to comment from September 13, 2025
Thanks for acknowledging these realities and uncertainties. So much of what you wrote rings true for me. We are well situated financially, and have a 30ish year time horizon. We have done just what you suggested with our adult kids, providing modest gifts to each. Now we'll see what the future brings, and go from there. Regarding AA, agree. The bond or cash tent approach has always made good sense to me, ie decreasing equity exposure as retirement approaches, and then increasing it over some period of time as Seq of Returns risk diminishes over the years. Have always been puzzled that that approach is not more popular.
Post: Navigating the Unknowns of Financial Decisions
Link to comment from September 13, 2025
Thank you for so much Jonathan. All good wishes -
Post: Health Update
Link to comment from September 8, 2025
I would argue that non-linear journeys are the only kind there are, if you follow the line long enough - until it bends, stops or reconnects. I retired about 2 months ago. I had a career that had some wonderful moments, and through which I made a positive difference. But there was a lot that I didn't like. I could never say that I never worked a day in my life, and marvel at those that can. But one never knows enough about any life to understand what forces, what influences, what luck lead to a particular situation. Completely agree with acknowledgement that you don't know what path(s) will be followed in retirement, and for how long. One of my top take-aways from retirement, and I am early in the game, is how often others express concern about "... what will you do?". I have been fortunate to have - or to have developed, or even nourished - curiosity and myriad interests.
Post: Never Working a Day in My Life
Link to comment from September 7, 2025
I stopped working for wages (don't like the term "retirement") 3 months ago. I'm 64. I have not traveled as extensively as you, but certainly some. I find myself more selective. I still look forward to travel, but to specific places for specific reasons, where I can follow my curiosities and interests. For example, I am an amateur historian, a Dickens fan and a walker - and love cooler temps. London, with easy transpo to the rest of UK, could be my single travel destination and I'd be (I am!) happy. Others see it as a crowded over-touristed destination. All depends on perspective. I agree with your suggestion that foreign travel is often presumed to be a top aspirational goals. I also agree that my fulfillment with simpler pleasures - walking my dog, gardening, reading, helping my elderly in-laws- has gone way up. Very importantly to me, I like staying consistent with my fitness routine, which is much tougher away from home.
Post: What If You Don’t Want to See the World?
Link to comment from August 30, 2025
Words matter so much. This is a wonderful story and a testament to your generosity of spirit, foresight and flexibility.
Post: I never expected this…..
Link to comment from August 16, 2025
There is some nuance missing here. I come from 40 years working in healthcare. 1) the emergence of compounded versions was a given 2) the availability of similarly effective meds developed by competitors was a given 3) the high cost of these meds for such a widespread and heretofore unsolvable problem - obesity - suggested that something would have to give, and quickly. Big Pharma, rightly or wrongly, are considered a close second to large health insurers as bad actors within our very high cost healthcare system quagmire. The public and government would not/will not shore up protections for Novo in this situation. The arena of GLP-1s and weight loss treatment generally will continue to evolve in ways that cannot be foreseen.
Post: Harder Than It Looks
Link to comment from August 16, 2025
Health and the state of the world (in reaction to the state of our USA) are exactly what I would have guessed, and for good reason.
Post: What Worries You?
Link to comment from August 10, 2025