The discussion is good, but the focus has been all about the financial aspects of the decision. There’s also a behavioral or, if you will, emotional aspect to the decision. For us, we derived a lot of comfort from owning a home debt free as retirement approached. And in retirement, we also appreciate the simplicity of being debt free. Being in my mid 70s, simplicity becomes increasingly important.
Tax rates could be a whole lot higher in the future. There’s also some peace of mind in having a bigger amount in a Roth. Personally, those factors mattered to me.
Shame on Fidelity for deliberately relying on the inattentiveness of their customers to profit at their expense. Vanguard doesn’t do that, but the quality of their website and customer service has declined significantly in recent years.
Not doomed, but a steep uphill climb. It helps to have a strong and even charismatic leader coupled with smart and highly detail oriented senior management. Think Apple under Steve Jobs around the time of the development and launch of the iPhone.
Out there, it’s gotten to where so many folks are just dug in with their viewpoints, especially in the political and policy arenas. It’s refreshing to engage with those who do have open minds. One of many reasons reasons why what Jonathan and his team have created is valuable and special. And it’s on all of us to keep it going.
You correctly point out that having guaranteed income via SS and an immediate fixed income annuity sufficient to cover your fixed expenses then may warrant a more aggressive allocation of your other investments to equities. Also important is the behavioral effects. I found that for those of us like myself who struggle to transition from an accumulation to drawdown stage of life, the greater level of certainty makes it at least a little easier to spend.
Fair point. The cost would be comparable per hour of personal care aide. But given the way CCRC’s tend to be marketed, it’s more of an unexpected expense for residents.
Comments
All true, but at least for me, I view Social Security as a form of longevity insurance and not just a number crunching exercise.
Post: Who cares if Social Security benefits are cut?
Link to comment from December 28, 2025
The discussion is good, but the focus has been all about the financial aspects of the decision. There’s also a behavioral or, if you will, emotional aspect to the decision. For us, we derived a lot of comfort from owning a home debt free as retirement approached. And in retirement, we also appreciate the simplicity of being debt free. Being in my mid 70s, simplicity becomes increasingly important.
Post: Mortgage in Retirement
Link to comment from December 28, 2025
A lovely memorial. Thanks for posting it so those of us who weren't there in person could be part of the experience.
Post: Jonathan’s Memorial Service
Link to comment from November 9, 2025
Tax rates could be a whole lot higher in the future. There’s also some peace of mind in having a bigger amount in a Roth. Personally, those factors mattered to me.
Post: To Roth Convert or Not
Link to comment from March 6, 2025
Shame on Fidelity for deliberately relying on the inattentiveness of their customers to profit at their expense. Vanguard doesn’t do that, but the quality of their website and customer service has declined significantly in recent years.
Post: Fidelity Brokerage Cash Interest Rate Changes
Link to comment from January 12, 2025
Not doomed, but a steep uphill climb. It helps to have a strong and even charismatic leader coupled with smart and highly detail oriented senior management. Think Apple under Steve Jobs around the time of the development and launch of the iPhone.
Post: Too Big to Succeed
Link to comment from December 13, 2024
Out there, it’s gotten to where so many folks are just dug in with their viewpoints, especially in the political and policy arenas. It’s refreshing to engage with those who do have open minds. One of many reasons reasons why what Jonathan and his team have created is valuable and special. And it’s on all of us to keep it going.
Post: Lines in the Sand
Link to comment from August 9, 2024
Not so bad but flat writing and shallow analysis.
Post: Seizing the Moment
Link to comment from May 28, 2024
You correctly point out that having guaranteed income via SS and an immediate fixed income annuity sufficient to cover your fixed expenses then may warrant a more aggressive allocation of your other investments to equities. Also important is the behavioral effects. I found that for those of us like myself who struggle to transition from an accumulation to drawdown stage of life, the greater level of certainty makes it at least a little easier to spend.
Post: Fully Committed
Link to comment from April 20, 2024
Fair point. The cost would be comparable per hour of personal care aide. But given the way CCRC’s tend to be marketed, it’s more of an unexpected expense for residents.
Post: Gift to Myself
Link to comment from April 15, 2024