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I am a retired IT executive with 44 years of experience in IT. I am originally from Virginia and have lived in North Carolina the past 60 years. I am a widower who was married for 57 years to my late wife, Judy. We have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I volunteer with my church and serve on the board of 2 retiree associations, one of which has more than 50,000 members. I still enjoy golf, travel and taking care of our home and 2 acres of land.
Comments
I do the same thing. I get a very satisfied feeling knowing that my contributions are going to such worthy causes. There are so many worthy charities out there.
Post: Time to QCD
Link to comment from November 14, 2026
My umbrella policy jumped $200 this year. Insurer said they only analyze umbrella prices about every 5 years, hence the big jump in one year. I still believe the cost is reasonable and necessary, although the likelihood of me ever using it is remote. I feel its greatest benefit is that the insurance lawyers are involved for me if I ever do need it.
Post: Umbrella insurance
Link to comment from November 13, 2026
I am 82 and a widower. I have my house for sale now. I asked my son if he wanted it and he declined. Daughter lives 4 hours away and has no desire to move. House is 53 years old and very well maintained. Nonetheless, I would like a smaller house that is newer.
Post: Should One Liquidate in Retirement?
Link to comment from November 8, 2026
I totally agree with you. Thanks I am part of a ministry team at our church. We show a video and have discussion each week. In one of the videos, this girl said she walked around this sizable lake thanking God for his many blessings. After one round trip, she was not done. I think this is true for all of us. We have so many things to be thankful for. Praise God.
Post: Enough already?
Link to comment from November 8, 2026
Good article Adam. Thanks. Another factor is IRMAA. I did Roth conversions and always had to contend with IRMAA. Politics can also play a part. During the Biden administration I was convinced that the original Trump tax cuts would expire resulting in much higher tax rates. Boy was I wrong. We went from 90% TIRA to 13% TIRA as the result of Roth conversions. Regrettably, my wife passed last year so I am now a single taxpayer subject to higher tax rates. It worked out but not the way I expected.
Post: Roth Conversions
Link to comment from November 7, 2026
thanks Bill. I have used TurboTax for a very long time. It does the job for me. I have a few wrinkles in my return and it handles these well. TT pitches extra things like audit assistance but I never use any of them. There may be better software out there, but I know TT and it has my data.
Post: Tax Software 2026
Link to comment from November 5, 2026
I am in NC too. I pay the $25 and let TT do the electronic submittal. It is much safer than US mail.
Post: Tax Software 2026
Link to comment from November 5, 2026
One of the most important contacts we all need is a competent and trustworthy mechanic. Many of us have limited mechanical knowledge and can be easily duped by slick talking people. I use the dealer only as necessary. Otherwise, my independent mechanic shop gets my business.
Post: The Repair I Didn’t Need
Link to comment from November 5, 2026
There is way too much ignorance about SS and personal finance. Also, politicians avoid addressing the problem because to do so jeopardizes their elected position. They prefer to kick the can down the road. I do not have a solution except I have long felt that young people should be taught basic personal finance in HS and college.
Post: Why can’t Americans put more effort into understanding Social Security?
Link to comment from October 30, 2026
Two observations. I was IT Director for a large local govt. All vested employees had pensions but the county also started a 401k with an employer match dollar for dollar up to 5% of salary. In a staff meeting, I encouraged my staff to sign up for it. The immediate response from many is that "we cannot afford it". IT workers as a group were some of the highest paid workers yet they claimed they could not afford it. Our pension was mandatory. Upon retirement, it paid almost 60% of my salary. Any COLA had to be paid from pension profits. Due to mismanagement of the pension (my opinion), we have only had one COLA and it was worth less than 1%. CPI for the 15 years I have been retired is 53%. I would have been way ahead if there had been a lump sum option.
Post: The pension conundrum and a solution
Link to comment from October 27, 2026