Most of the articles I have read about this topic somehow translate what Buffett advised his wife to do, should she survive him into general advice for others. He never said that. He has consistently said all his Berkshire shares will go to charity within 10 years of his death, and over 99% of his net worth is in that stock. But that remaining "less than 1%" not held in the stock I presume will go to her. Call it 0.5%. So if you inherit 0.5% of 150 billion, that leaves "only" 750 million. And 10% of that, put in treasury bills is $75Million. Seems like perfectly sound advice for her given the huge sums and her age. It doesn't scale down to be useful to me nor I suspect most others.
It is unknowable whether or when any of us may suffer a stroke, heart attack or some other malady. The probability of such events based on your personal data and family history can be estimated. The purpose of health guidelines, and certain procedures and medications when indicated, is to reduce that probability, or at least delay it. Your doctor can give you this information, which will include the risks of the proposed treatment, so that you can make an informed choice. Anecdotes about someone who lived a very long and satisfying life, despite avoiding medical care and or ignoring health guidelines should come as no surprise, indeed they should be expected if you understand we are dealing with probabilities. For decades, when given forms asking about medications, diagnoses and previous surgeries I enjoyed writing "None". But in recent years since retiring from practicing medicine, it now takes me a while to fit all my answers into the small spaces allotted. It was not easy, but I have adjusted and I feel grateful that I have access to excellent care. My advice: Choose a doctor you trust, and carefully consider what they recommend. Sounds trite maybe, but I think its the wise thing to do.
I opened my DAF with Vanguard in late 2017 before I retired with a single gift of stock, and through it have made annual donations to a variety of charitable organizations. Due to the rising stock market, there is still a nice remaining balance available for future gifting. I appreciate the ability to take my time deciding which organizations to support. I wish the IRS would allow me to make a QCD from my IRA to the DAF, but rules are rules. For those not taking RMDs yet, the DAF is a great option to consider.
Comments
Most of the articles I have read about this topic somehow translate what Buffett advised his wife to do, should she survive him into general advice for others. He never said that. He has consistently said all his Berkshire shares will go to charity within 10 years of his death, and over 99% of his net worth is in that stock. But that remaining "less than 1%" not held in the stock I presume will go to her. Call it 0.5%. So if you inherit 0.5% of 150 billion, that leaves "only" 750 million. And 10% of that, put in treasury bills is $75Million. Seems like perfectly sound advice for her given the huge sums and her age. It doesn't scale down to be useful to me nor I suspect most others.
Post: Buffett’s 90/10 is Wrong. Even Though it’s Right.
Link to comment from March 8, 2026
We will be having a similar conversation with our adult children soon and this post has given me a couple good ideas. Thank you!
Post: Helping Adult Children, pt. 2
Link to comment from March 2, 2026
It is unknowable whether or when any of us may suffer a stroke, heart attack or some other malady. The probability of such events based on your personal data and family history can be estimated. The purpose of health guidelines, and certain procedures and medications when indicated, is to reduce that probability, or at least delay it. Your doctor can give you this information, which will include the risks of the proposed treatment, so that you can make an informed choice. Anecdotes about someone who lived a very long and satisfying life, despite avoiding medical care and or ignoring health guidelines should come as no surprise, indeed they should be expected if you understand we are dealing with probabilities. For decades, when given forms asking about medications, diagnoses and previous surgeries I enjoyed writing "None". But in recent years since retiring from practicing medicine, it now takes me a while to fit all my answers into the small spaces allotted. It was not easy, but I have adjusted and I feel grateful that I have access to excellent care. My advice: Choose a doctor you trust, and carefully consider what they recommend. Sounds trite maybe, but I think its the wise thing to do.
Post: Joining the Club, Maybe?
Link to comment from February 21, 2026
I opened my DAF with Vanguard in late 2017 before I retired with a single gift of stock, and through it have made annual donations to a variety of charitable organizations. Due to the rising stock market, there is still a nice remaining balance available for future gifting. I appreciate the ability to take my time deciding which organizations to support. I wish the IRS would allow me to make a QCD from my IRA to the DAF, but rules are rules. For those not taking RMDs yet, the DAF is a great option to consider.
Post: Why I use a Donor-Advised Fund
Link to comment from February 21, 2026