Howard Schwartz

Comments

• We sold our home of 32 years last September. It had a large, moist basement and two attics. When we negotiated with the builder for our new home, I insisted on not ordering a basement. It cost $45,000 extra and one of the reasons we moved was to avoid stairs. My wife reluctantly agreed but it was the right decision. BTW, I found a box in the basement of the old home that we moved in 1993 and had never opened.

  Post: Make the Attic Great Again

  Link to comment from September 1, 2026

• Thanks for this thought-provoking article. Predicting the future is tricky, especially when confronted with such a complicated decision, which I think may be the hardest to get right due to all of the inputs that need to be considered. When I reached age 63, I subscribed to MaxiFi because it offered an ability to perform the needed calculations. After considerable data input and getting instructions on how to get the answers I needed, I finally was told it did not matter if I converted my substantial traditional IRA to a Roth. My financial situation would be so close with the conversion or without that it was a toss-up. So, I did several small conversions that converted about 20% of the traditional IRA. Was it a good decision? Who knows. At least my children will probably inherit some money tax free at my inevitable demise.

  Post: Traditional or Roth

  Link to comment from September 1, 2026

• I think that nominal bonds are heading for trouble. Inflation protected bonds and senior floating rate loan funds may be a better choice right now.

  Post: Federal debt

  Link to comment from August 20, 2026

• This creative accounting by our elected leaders is not limited to the Federal government. I live and pay taxes in New Jersey where the future unfunded liabilities for state worker pensions and retiree healthcare expenses are around $162 billion. That is over $42,000 per taxpayer. I guess I should be thankful I don't live in Illinois, where it is even worse.

  Post: The Federal Debt and Social Security Payments

  Link to comment from August 20, 2026

• The maximum Social Security benefit in 2026 for someone who made more than the taxable wage base for at least 35 years and retired at age 70 is an astounding $5,181 monthly or $62,172 annually. Ida May Fuller of Ludlow Vermont received the first Social Security benefit check in 1940. It was $22.54. Feckless politicians of all political parties caused Social Security's problems. Now, feckless politicians of all political parties need to repair the problems their forbears caused. I don't mind paying taxes. I wish I paid $1,000,000 annually. What I do mind is the feckless politicians continually changing the rules.

  Post: Income taxes on retirees with Social Security

  Link to comment from August 18, 2026

• This is good to know for Medicare Advantage participants. The choice to take original Medicare or Advantage can be difficult, depending on where you live. My wife and I both chose original Medicare eight years ago even though it cost more. I was diagnosed with blood cancer five years ago and am glad I can choose any physician who accepts Medicare. Sometimes cost is not the most important consideration. If you don't get sick, it doesn't matter much which plan you choose.

  Post: Medicare Advantage Part C — Not too soon to start planning for 2027

  Link to comment from August 14, 2026

• The $2,000 out of pocket max is $2,100 this year, so I guess it will continue to be indexed. I am not complaining as the Zanubrutinib I take costs $14,750 monthly which is up $1,000 monthly over last year.

  Post: 2025 and Medicare Rx

  Link to comment from July 31, 2026

• Hi Emily, A 10-year TIPs ladder may be a better bet than the annuity, but keep in mind that: 1) if you keep the TIPS to maturity, you get the inflation adjusted return, however, the TIPs pay interest (which is less than regular Treasuries) twice annually and you can't spend the increase in the value of the TIPs until they mature or you sell them. If you need regular cash flow, TIPs may not work for you. 2) You pay income taxes in the current year for the increase in value of the TIPs even though you don't get that cash until they mature or you sell them. 3) TIPs work best taxwise if they are held in an IRA. 4) I don't think you can buy an inflation adjusted annuity these days. Let us know if you find one. Also, good luck in your retirement!

  Post: Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are a Generational Bargain Right Now

  Link to comment from July 30, 2026

• I replaced my 190,000-mile 2007 Honda CR-V in January with a 2022 Acura RDX which had 53,000 miles on it. I saved about $25,000 over the cost of a similarly outfitted new Acura. I replaced the Honda to get the latest safety features and for more comfort and reliability. Much of the money to pay for it came from the minimum distribution from my IRA. I suggest keeping an open mind on a used car since newer models are very dependable and safe and you can save a considerable sum. If you buy a dealer certified used car, you can even get a better warranty than the manufacturer offers on new cars. I am delighted with my purchase and wish you well.

  Post: Buying a car in retirement

  Link to comment from July 14, 2026

• My lifestyle would not change if the COLA was eliminated or taxed differently. I do object to our clueless politicians changing the rules that people have counted on when they made their plans. So, if they change the formula, they should not disadvantage current retirees who did not do anything wrong (except vote for the wrong politicians).

  Post: About that inflation in retirement

  Link to comment from July 13, 2026