AUTHOR: John Katz on 2/27/2025 FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 2/27 | RECENT: 1michaelm on 3/5
Comments
Lots of questions about this. Starting with, how has the funding of Ohio schools over the last 15 years compared with the rate of inflation? Has there been any correlation between increases in money spent on schools and student achievement, e.g, graduation rates, test scores, post-secondary enrollment? How much is Ohio paying per student today vs 15 years ago? The increases in spending, if any, over the last 15 years - where have they gone? Special programs that benefit certain groups of students? Money allocated to general student population? Or administrative positions? Other? Public schools must be funded appropriately. We need to make sure our children are prepared to be successful in life. But there also needs to be accountability. How do we objectively measure whether we have the right amount of money going to public schools? What's that yardstick?
There are a lot of assumptions built in to his discussion: First, maybe they haven't saddled themselves with such a large fixed financial cost, maybe they paid cash outright. Second, maybe the people with the expensive cars aren't living above their apparent means (as you say, Mark, they may well have financial support from somewhere - how would you or anyone else know that)? Third, maybe they are not leasing to afford something they couldn't buy outright - maybe they bought it outright. Last, maybe they derive greater enjoyment from driving than most others do - in which case they may prefer to splurge on a vehicle and cut back on vacations, or some other areas to afford the vehicle. Maybe it was the vehicle in lieu of (fill in the blank). But, as you surmise, the most likely outcome is that they have purchased too much car given their stage in life, and like many of us, will learn from the mistake. I hope in the meantime the car brings them lots of enjoyment.
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.
Comments
Lots of questions about this. Starting with, how has the funding of Ohio schools over the last 15 years compared with the rate of inflation? Has there been any correlation between increases in money spent on schools and student achievement, e.g, graduation rates, test scores, post-secondary enrollment? How much is Ohio paying per student today vs 15 years ago? The increases in spending, if any, over the last 15 years - where have they gone? Special programs that benefit certain groups of students? Money allocated to general student population? Or administrative positions? Other? Public schools must be funded appropriately. We need to make sure our children are prepared to be successful in life. But there also needs to be accountability. How do we objectively measure whether we have the right amount of money going to public schools? What's that yardstick?
Post: Public Schools and Property Taxes
Link to comment from October 28, 2025
There are a lot of assumptions built in to his discussion: First, maybe they haven't saddled themselves with such a large fixed financial cost, maybe they paid cash outright. Second, maybe the people with the expensive cars aren't living above their apparent means (as you say, Mark, they may well have financial support from somewhere - how would you or anyone else know that)? Third, maybe they are not leasing to afford something they couldn't buy outright - maybe they bought it outright. Last, maybe they derive greater enjoyment from driving than most others do - in which case they may prefer to splurge on a vehicle and cut back on vacations, or some other areas to afford the vehicle. Maybe it was the vehicle in lieu of (fill in the blank). But, as you surmise, the most likely outcome is that they have purchased too much car given their stage in life, and like many of us, will learn from the mistake. I hope in the meantime the car brings them lots of enjoyment.
Post: I Really Don’t Get It, But I Guess That’s OK
Link to comment from October 21, 2025
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