While I agree with Mark's main point about leading privileged lives, I like to expand this a bit. People frequently use that term - privileged - and point to socio-economic benefits. And they are indeed blessings and advantages. But I rarely hear people refer to God-given things like intelligence, charm, good looks, sense of humor, resilience, and athleticism (there are many others) as privileges. Why is that? After all, they are unearned social advantages that create disparities in important areas of one' life. My point is, we all have different gifts and advantages - some of us are smart, some aren't. Some are funny, some aren't. Some are friendly, some aren't. Some of us are more attractive than others. To focus simply on socio-economic advantages one might have over another discounts that someone with little money might be rich in gifts that matter more. That said, living in a wealthy nation with access to good healthcare, educational systems, reliable and accessible utilities, etc, is not to be taken for granted. For many, the things we have to be thankful for tower above those we seek.
That's a heck of a life you lived, Jonathan. While you died before your time, you did a lot of living. A lot. And much of it devoted to the welfare of others. May God bless you, and keep you. And I'm very pleased that we have several more of your reflections to look forward to over the coming months. I'll think of you every time I check back with the Humble Dollar community. My sympathies to Elaine, and Jonathan's entire family. We lost a very good man. It saddens me greatly to think that he is no longer with us.
I am far, far more concerned with my health experiencing a negative correction, i.e., a serious illness or condition, than I am with the market taking a nosedive. Market goes up, and the market goes down. Rinse and repeat. But when your health takes a serious downturn, it doesn't always recover.
Taking state lottery money allocated for children and disabled and giving it to teachers is disgraceful. There is no logic involved with that re-direction, merely greed and a callous disregard for the very people teachers are supposed to care most about.
While I would not be happy about any cuts to our benefits, it would not be particularly devastating to us. That said, I think the chances of cuts happening are about 5% at most. It would be political suicide for politicians to allow this to occur, and they are foremost in the business of getting themselves re-elected. They will make major reforms to the system, like they last did in 1983. But like 1983, they will provide a very long runway before they take effect, so that current beneficiaries, and likely near beneficiaries, will not be impacted.
Perhaps people can buy the items in August at a greater discount than in November? Perhaps it won't be available in November? Maybe? Maybe not. But if a Christmas purchase brings joy to a person in August, have at it. I wouldn't presume to question the wisdom of a person making such a purchase. I have no idea of their financial standing. Besides, buying a Christmas item in August and having a 401(k) at the same time are not mutually exclusive. You may be selling short these 'vulnerable populations ' - however you may be categorizing them - regarding their ability to manage their money.
To some degree, life is about making the most of the opportunities (and gifts, God-given and others) that come our way. You are providing opportunities for your heirs to maximize the gifts you are leaving them. The rest is up to them.
Money is clearly important. Were it not so, Humble Dollar would have no readers, and no contributors. As others have pointed out, there is a great deal of variability in terms of how important money is to us. We don't want to be like Scrooge McDuck, constantly counting our money. Because when we are counting money, we are not living life: spending time with family, friends, helping others, pursuing good health, etc.
That's one of the points I made. If the private insurance companies color outside the lines, the DOJ looks into things. But if Medicare for All takes hold, who investigates? The federal government isn't too fastidious or objective about investigating itself.
Comments
Aim for the moon, Mark. Why not?
Post: The 1% Club: Our Unnoticed Wealth
Link to comment from September 27, 2025
While I agree with Mark's main point about leading privileged lives, I like to expand this a bit. People frequently use that term - privileged - and point to socio-economic benefits. And they are indeed blessings and advantages. But I rarely hear people refer to God-given things like intelligence, charm, good looks, sense of humor, resilience, and athleticism (there are many others) as privileges. Why is that? After all, they are unearned social advantages that create disparities in important areas of one' life. My point is, we all have different gifts and advantages - some of us are smart, some aren't. Some are funny, some aren't. Some are friendly, some aren't. Some of us are more attractive than others. To focus simply on socio-economic advantages one might have over another discounts that someone with little money might be rich in gifts that matter more. That said, living in a wealthy nation with access to good healthcare, educational systems, reliable and accessible utilities, etc, is not to be taken for granted. For many, the things we have to be thankful for tower above those we seek.
Post: The 1% Club: Our Unnoticed Wealth
Link to comment from September 26, 2025
That's a heck of a life you lived, Jonathan. While you died before your time, you did a lot of living. A lot. And much of it devoted to the welfare of others. May God bless you, and keep you. And I'm very pleased that we have several more of your reflections to look forward to over the coming months. I'll think of you every time I check back with the Humble Dollar community. My sympathies to Elaine, and Jonathan's entire family. We lost a very good man. It saddens me greatly to think that he is no longer with us.
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 23, 2025
I am far, far more concerned with my health experiencing a negative correction, i.e., a serious illness or condition, than I am with the market taking a nosedive. Market goes up, and the market goes down. Rinse and repeat. But when your health takes a serious downturn, it doesn't always recover.
Post: The Gnashing of Teeth
Link to comment from September 21, 2025
Taking state lottery money allocated for children and disabled and giving it to teachers is disgraceful. There is no logic involved with that re-direction, merely greed and a callous disregard for the very people teachers are supposed to care most about.
Post: Does Social Security work?
Link to comment from August 30, 2025
While I would not be happy about any cuts to our benefits, it would not be particularly devastating to us. That said, I think the chances of cuts happening are about 5% at most. It would be political suicide for politicians to allow this to occur, and they are foremost in the business of getting themselves re-elected. They will make major reforms to the system, like they last did in 1983. But like 1983, they will provide a very long runway before they take effect, so that current beneficiaries, and likely near beneficiaries, will not be impacted.
Post: Dealing with a reduction in Social Security benefits. Is there a backup plan?
Link to comment from August 27, 2025
Perhaps people can buy the items in August at a greater discount than in November? Perhaps it won't be available in November? Maybe? Maybe not. But if a Christmas purchase brings joy to a person in August, have at it. I wouldn't presume to question the wisdom of a person making such a purchase. I have no idea of their financial standing. Besides, buying a Christmas item in August and having a 401(k) at the same time are not mutually exclusive. You may be selling short these 'vulnerable populations ' - however you may be categorizing them - regarding their ability to manage their money.
Post: Bah Humbug! It’s Not Even September Yet
Link to comment from August 22, 2025
To some degree, life is about making the most of the opportunities (and gifts, God-given and others) that come our way. You are providing opportunities for your heirs to maximize the gifts you are leaving them. The rest is up to them.
Post: Letting Go
Link to comment from July 25, 2025
Money is clearly important. Were it not so, Humble Dollar would have no readers, and no contributors. As others have pointed out, there is a great deal of variability in terms of how important money is to us. We don't want to be like Scrooge McDuck, constantly counting our money. Because when we are counting money, we are not living life: spending time with family, friends, helping others, pursuing good health, etc.
Post: How Important Is Money?
Link to comment from July 17, 2025
That's one of the points I made. If the private insurance companies color outside the lines, the DOJ looks into things. But if Medicare for All takes hold, who investigates? The federal government isn't too fastidious or objective about investigating itself.
Post: I have a challenge for you. It’s one of the most significant financial and controversial issues facing the U.S.
Link to comment from July 16, 2025