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Jonathan founded HumbleDollar at year-end 2016. Earlier in his career, he spent almost 20 years at The Wall Street Journal, where he was the newspaper's personal finance columnist, and six years at Citigroup, where he was director of financial education for the bank's U.S. wealth management arm. Born in England and educated at Cambridge University, Jonathan now lives with his wife Elaine in Philadelphia, just a few blocks from his daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons. In addition to his Forum posts and comments, shown below, be sure to check out Jonathan's writer's page, where his articles are listed.
First Place by Jonathan Clements
63 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: eludom on 9/6 | RECENT: Edgaria Rosabella on 10/5
They Said the Darndest Things by Jonathan Clements
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/4/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 10/4 | RECENT: David Lancaster on 10/4
Anybody Listening? by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/27/2024
FIRST: baldscreen on 9/27 | RECENT: Michael l Berard on 9/28
Didn't Say That by Jonathan Clements
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/20/2024
FIRST: Don Southworth on 9/20 | RECENT: Michael l Berard on 9/25
Getting Rolled by Jonathan Clements
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/18/2024
FIRST: Don Southworth on 9/18 | RECENT: John Kaczka on 9/23
Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 9/21
Booking It by Jonathan Clements
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/13/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 9/13 | RECENT: DrLefty on 9/15
Consuelo Mack WealthTrack
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/6/2024
FIRST: Nuke Ken on 9/6 | RECENT: jimbow13 on 9/13
Rules of the Road by Jonathan Clements
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/30/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 8/30 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/31
Committing Ourselves by Jonathan Clements
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/23/2024
FIRST: Michael1 on 8/23 | RECENT: GNeil Nussen623 on 8/25
Nothing to Trust by Jonathan Clements
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/16/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 8/16 | RECENT: Michael1 on 8/17
Lines in the Sand by Jonathan Clements
47 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/9/2024
FIRST: bbbobbins on 8/9 | RECENT: kt2062 on 8/11
Staying the Course by Jonathan Clements
51 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/5/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 8/5 | RECENT: luvtoride44afe9eb1e on 8/11
All About Me
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/22/2024
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 7/22 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3
Feeling Lucky by Jonathan Clements
35 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/26/2024
FIRST: Neil Imus on 7/26 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3
When should you claim Social Security retirement benefits?
34 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/3
If money were no object, what life changes would you make?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 7/29
Should you prepay a mortgage?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021 | RECENT: JGarrett on 7/28
What financial lessons did you learn from your parents?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/24
What are the smartest financial moves you’ve ever made?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Marc Bisbal Arias on 4/8/2021 | RECENT: Rick Connor on 7/23
What’s your biggest financial regret?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Anika Hedstrom on 4/19/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/23
What steps have you taken to simplify your finances?
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/22
What’s your favorite financial quote?
91 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: dorisn18 on 7/20
Humble Bragging
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Rick Connor on 7/12 | RECENT: Sharon Edwards on 7/18
Scroll Down
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/12/2024
FIRST: Winston Smith on 7/12 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 7/14
They're Sunk by Jonathan Clements
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/8/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 7/8 | RECENT: R Quinn on 7/11
Four Mantras
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/1/2024
FIRST: 1PF on 7/1 | RECENT: steve abramowitz on 7/10
My Shame
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/3/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 7/3 | RECENT: Matt Sherman on 7/10
Selling the Sizzle by Jonathan Clements
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 7/4/2024
FIRST: William Perry on 7/4 | RECENT: Nuke Ken on 7/8
What percentage of your salary do you need for a comfortable retirement?
51 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 7/7
Is buying long-term-care insurance a good idea?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Richard Hayman on 7/6
What do you need to feel financially secure?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/13/2021 | RECENT: H S on 7/3
When is it okay to go into debt?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/9/2021 | RECENT: R Quinn on 6/29
What’s the best financial book you’ve ever read?
72 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/24/2021
FIRST: Roboticus Aquarius on 3/24/2021 | RECENT: Jack Hannam on 6/29
Which financial tasks do you find most irksome?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: David Powell on 6/29
What do you wish your younger self knew?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/28
What popular financial advice do you ignore?
40 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/27
What should be the top priorities for those in their 20s?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: jay5914 on 6/27
What are your favorite charities?
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/27
If you could buy just three funds or less, what would they be?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: jay5914 on 6/27
What do you consider your greatest financial achievement?
48 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/29/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/29/2021 | RECENT: baldscreen on 6/25
Is a good financial advisor worth 1% of assets per year?
31 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: DAN SMITH on 6/25
What dangerous financial myths do you regularly hear?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: H S on 6/24
What’s the best strategy for generating retirement income?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Kevin Lynch on 6/24
What’s your favorite actively managed fund—if any?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 9/10/2021 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 6/24
What everyday purchase do you consider a bargain?
41 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021 | RECENT: Purple Rain on 6/24
Is it better to give away money now or upon death?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: JSRMD on 6/24
How would you summarize your financial philosophy?
32 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Jonathan Clements on 6/23
Which financial companies would you recommend?
33 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: achnk53 on 6/23
Why do many folks fail to save enough for retirement?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: Lizbeth on 6/22
What’s your most prized possession?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22
Who most influenced your financial thinking?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: David Sayler on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Bobby Joseph on 6/22
Is it okay not to leave a tip at a full-service restaurant?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22
Do you favor Roth or traditional retirement accounts?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: Matt McGuinness on 6/22
What everyday purchase do you consider most overpriced?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 5/1/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22
What should investors do about possible higher interest rates?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 6/22
When have you regretted paying the lowest cost possible?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22
If you couldn’t buy index funds, how would you invest?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22
What’s the best way to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Gary Cahn on 6/22
What do you do that’s financially foolish?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/19/2021 | RECENT: Ben Rodriguez on 6/22
Are annuities ever worth buying—and, if so, which type?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22
What do you consider your greatest financial mistakes?
22 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: JAY SCATTERGOOD on 6/22
Is there a downside to the current popularity of indexing?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Gary Cahn on 6/22
When have you taken frugality too far?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/5/2024
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 6/5 | RECENT: Michael Werner on 6/22
What’s the most important financial concept?
36 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Matt Morse on 6/22
Getting to the Point
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/20/2024
FIRST: DAN SMITH on 6/20 | RECENT: Aaron Hayes on 6/22
When were you happiest—and what role did money play?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: R Quinn on 6/22
Is bitcoin an investment or a speculation?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: John Yeigh on 6/19
Which financial figure would you most like to spend an hour with?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
What financial topic do you find most confusing?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
What are your top financial worries?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
Should our values guide our investment choices?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
Is it possible to have too much money?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
If you inherited $5 million, how would you use the money?
28 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/26/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
If you lived your financial life again, what would you change?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
How would you define "enough"?
27 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
How has your financial thinking changed over the past year?
27 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
Does money buy happiness?
25 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Ken Begley on 6/6
Will tax rates increase—and, if so, how should we prepare?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ross Young on 6/1
What’s the best strategy for rebalancing a portfolio?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 11/3/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 11/3/2021 | RECENT: L H on 5/25
How much of a stock portfolio should be invested abroad?
43 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/18
Which investments will perform worst over the next 10 years?
6 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: johntlim on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/18
Should U.S. investors own foreign bonds?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Kyle Mcintosh on 5/6
How did you get started as an investor?
28 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: William Dorner on 5/5
Which life decisions shouldn’t involve financial considerations?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Doug Kaufman on 4/27
What do other people spend too much money on?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Ginger Williams on 4/21
Are top private colleges worth the cost?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Chuck BV on 4/20
What do you need for a fulfilling retirement?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: jerry pinkard on 4/20
What’s the best place to earn a safe yield?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/11/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: Jeff on 4/19
What’s the worst financial advice you’ve ever acted on?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 4/13
Are children a good investment?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Ben Rodriguez on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 3/30
When does it make sense to buy a home?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 5/16/2021 | RECENT: Jeff Amick on 3/23
Should investors own alternative investments?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: billehart on 3/23
What's the best place to stash money you'll spend soon?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/23/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/23/2021 | RECENT: Mike Zaccardi on 3/3
What's the best strategy for charitable giving?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Bill Woolf on 3/2
Should children be paid for doing chores?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/25/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/25/2021 | RECENT: Rob Thompson on 3/2
How long before retirement should you dial down risk?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Adam Starry on 2/25
What money advice do you recall hearing from your parents?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Tim Mueller on 2/24
Should investors tilt toward growth or value?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Tim Mueller on 2/24
Does it ever make sense to buy actively managed funds?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Adam Grossman on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 2/20
Should retirees use a 4% portfolio withdrawal rate?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Dennis Hurley on 2/17
What's your favorite tax-savings strategy?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2023
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/30/2023 | RECENT: Boomerst3 on 2/17
What are your favorite financial apps and websites?
23 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Dennis Hurley on 2/17
What’s the wisest financial advice you’ve ever been given?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Laurie Phillips on 2/4
Should you buy bond funds or individual bonds?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/6/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 2/3
When is it worth remodeling a home?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: FarOutWest on 1/27
What should you look for when buying a home?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/12/2021 | RECENT: corrupt on 1/18
What spending brings you greatest happiness?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/30/2021 | RECENT: Klaatu on 1/13
What’s the best way to teach children about money?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 9/11/2021 | RECENT: tobinw on 1/6
Which financial tasks do you keep putting off?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: L H on 1/6
How do you save money on travel costs?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 9/10/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 9/10/2021 | RECENT: rightgal on 12/30/2023
When does it make sense to buy the extended warranty, if ever?
33 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 12/30/2023
How much emergency money should you hold?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/1/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/1/2021 | RECENT: candygirl7 on 12/27/2023
What investment will perform best over the next 10 years?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 5/3/2021 | RECENT: Martin McCue on 12/23/2023
What costs are you most loath to pay?
35 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: booch221 on 12/16/2023
Does it ever make sense to carry a credit card balance?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: booch221 on 12/16/2023
What’s the best way to collect and use credit card rewards?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Jeff on 12/13/2023
Is a home a good investment?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Michael Stewart on 12/10/2023
Should you take pension payments or a lump sum?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/25/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 4/29/2021 | RECENT: Klaatu on 12/2/2023
Is “die broke” a smart retirement strategy?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 4/15/2021 | RECENT: bhagwan g on 12/2/2023
What criteria should you use to pick a retirement location?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Christopher James on 11/26/2023
What do you need to be financially independent?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Cammer Michael on 11/25/2023
What’s the best strategy for getting a good deal on a car?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 11/23/2023
When is it okay to drop life insurance coverage?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: GaryW on 11/18/2023
Where do you see signs of inflation?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/18/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 5/7/2021 | RECENT: Mark Hirsch on 11/18/2023
What aspect of Wall Street do you find most distasteful?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/28/2021 | RECENT: Jennifer P on 11/12/2023
Do parents have an obligation to pay college costs?
14 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/23/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 6/23/2021 | RECENT: Crystal Flores on 11/11/2023
Is buying a used car always the smarter financial choice?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 2/7/2022
FIRST: Mike Zaccardi on 2/8/2022 | RECENT: Susanne Krivit on 11/11/2023
Should affluent parents insist their children pay college costs?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Jim Wasserman on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Rob Thompson on 10/21/2023
Should folks create and follow a written budget?
19 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/31/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 3/31/2021 | RECENT: Kathy C on 10/7/2023
When is renting a home a good idea?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2022
FIRST: Kristine Hayes on 10/13/2022 | RECENT: Kathy C on 9/30/2023
What’s the best strategy for selling a house?
9 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 6/13/2021 | RECENT: Crystal Flores on 9/17/2023
Which aspect of the tax code do you hate the most?
29 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Andrew F. on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Michael Hennessy on 9/16/2023
Do we talk too little about our personal finances—or too much?
15 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: jerry pinkard on 9/16/2023
What are the hallmarks of a good financial advisor?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 6/8/2021 | RECENT: Kathy C on 9/2/2023
Would you risk your finances to help your retired parents?
8 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Edmund Marsh on 8/27/2023
How often do you check your portfolio and the markets?
18 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Chuck BV on 8/26/2023
What stock would you happily hold for the next 10 years?
30 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: Sonja Haggert on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Lehman Brown on 8/26/2023
Is it okay to retire with debt?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: tshort on 8/19/2023
What do you spend too much money on?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 6/6/2021
FIRST: Sanjib Saha on 6/6/2021 | RECENT: Susanne Krivit on 8/12/2023
Can the market be beaten?
21 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: alex scott on 8/5/2023
When does it make sense to hire a financial advisor?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: James McGlynn CFA RICP® on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Marisol Aldahondo on 8/2/2023
How much financial help should parents give their children?
24 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: Kristine Hayes on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Tom Dee on 7/29/2023
What’s your No. 1 goal for retirement?
26 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 7/29/2023
When should parents stop supporting their adult children?
11 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/14/2021 | RECENT: Patrick Brennan on 7/1/2023
What would you happily buy even if it were twice the price?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: kristinehayes2014 on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
Is it wise for everyday investors to buy individual stocks?
17 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: William Ehart on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
Is rental real estate a good investment?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 5/14/2021
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 5/14/2021 | RECENT: Captain FI on 6/20/2023
How much allowance should children receive?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Catherine on 5/20/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
Should political views influence how we invest?
5 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
When does leasing a car make financial sense?
12 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/12/2021
FIRST: Rick Connor on 4/22/2021 | RECENT: Bruce Keller on 4/30/2023
What purchase do you most regret?
20 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 3/20/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 3/20/2021 | RECENT: mjflack on 4/23/2023
Is term life insurance always better than cash value?
7 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: Joe Kesler on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 4/1/2023
What obligations do we have to our heirs?
10 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 8/17/2021
FIRST: R Quinn on 8/17/2021 | RECENT: alex scott on 11/6/2022
What financial advice would you give to those in their early 20s?
16 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/2/2021
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 4/2/2021 | RECENT: Philip Stein on 7/9/2022
Which financial markets are in a bubble, if any?
6 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: David Powell on 4/5/2021 | RECENT: Kurt S on 7/17/2021
If you want long-run growth, is there an alternative to stocks?
5 replies
AUTHOR: Jonathan Clements on 4/4/2021
FIRST: John Goodell on 4/4/2021 | RECENT: Mike Zaccardi on 4/20/2021
IT WAS 90 DEGREES—and we were the unfortunate owners of a broken, 18-year-old heat pump. After evaluating our system, one heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor recommended replacement at a cost of $7,472.
Reluctant to spend that chunk of change, we opted for a second opinion. Company No. 2 spent an hour and a half at our house, changed out a capacitor, added refrigerant and treated the system with “stop-leak,” all for $837.99.
TWO DECADES AGO, I read an article in The Atlantic magazine about building a home bank for small children. But this wasn’t a bank that would sit on a shelf or table. Its home was in an Excel spreadsheet—with a phenomenal interest rate of 300%.
If real, that kind of return would end the debate on index vs. actively managed funds. Fortunately for banks and mutual funds, the Belwick Bank—named after the street we live on—only had one customer: our four-year-old son and his weekly allowance of $1.
ARE YOU NERVOUS about college costs? You should be. According to the College Board, the average cost to attend a public four-year university as an in-state student in 2017-18 was $20,770. Private four-year universities averaged a whopping $46,950. Ouch.
Lucky for you, the system can be beat. Here are four great ways to cut college costs:
1. Scholarships and Grants. Thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants are available—but you have to apply.
I FEEL FORTUNATE there weren’t any iPhones or iPads when our son was a toddler. I’ve recently seen two-year-olds mesmerized by the magic of a smartphone. The kids can whiz around a screen like they were born with one in their diaper pocket. It scares me to think how we would have managed these “toys” if they existed in the 1990s.
But they didn’t. From our perspective, Saturday morning cartoons were the biggest threat to our child’s financial development.
IT’S HARD TO IMAGINE, when your child is five pounds and 19 inches long, that one day he will be a responsible adult with friends, a college education, a job, strong opinions—and a credit score.
Getting to that point is part of the adventure of parenting.
Where to start? After getting our son’s birth certificate finalized and receiving his Social Security number, one of the first things we did was set up a 529 college savings account.
I CONTRACTED part-time for nine months last year. As April 17 approached this year, reality lead to realization: 2017’s self-care phase had been well-executed, my tax planning not so much.
Where to find the thousands I owed? As I firmly believe savings need to stay there, I offer nine near-term ways to cut costs and make more money for those in similar ruh-roh situations. Some of these solutions I’ve used, others not:
Excise (some) splurges.
BY ALL ACCOUNTS, I’ve won the game. I know the income my family needs to live our desired lifestyle. I have an inflation-adjusted Navy pension in my future. I have two children and two GI Bills, one for each child. My house is paid off and I’m debt-free. Combine all of this with the 4% rule, and it seems I have enough to produce our desired income for the rest of my life. I have “won the game.”
William Bernstein.
I’M CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Mason Finance, a company that helps people turn their life insurance policies into cash—something known as a life settlement. HumbleDollar’s editor made me this offer: If I could write a balanced article about life settlements, clearly spelling out the pros and cons, he’d consider running it. I took him up on the challenge.
If you aren’t familiar with life settlements, you are not alone. An estimated 1.1 million seniors leave roughly $112 billion a year on the table by not selling off lapsing life insurance policies,
IT TOOK MY HUSBAND and me several years to figure out our retirement plan—and it wasn’t an issue of money. The nagging question: How were we going to live this new life? We had both had extremely demanding careers and we were ready to move on from the stress of our work lives. But the thought of sitting at home all day watching Judge Judy or stretched out on hammocks really didn’t appeal.
Our solution: We took a page from the playbook of high school graduates—and spent a “gap year” teaching in Africa as volunteers.
FOR THREE-QUARTERS of students, loans have become a standard part of the college experience. Scholarships, grants and parental funding may be preferable. But the reality is, many families will need student loans to pay college expenses.
Navigating this world can be baffling. There are many different kinds of loans and repayment programs, and choosing the right option is important. After all, you’ll be living with your choices for 10 years or more.
Federal student loans are backed by the federal government and offered through the Department of Education.
OKINAWA IS A JAPANESE island that is southeast of mainland Japan and about two hours and 40 minutes from Tokyo by plane. It is famous for fierce Second World War battles and currently houses about 26,000 U.S. military personnel. From 2006 to 2008, I was one of these military personnel, working as an emergency physician in the naval hospital.
Okinawa, my new dream come true. Going to Okinawa was not my first choice.
ALMOST TWO YEARS ago, I made the jump from fulltime digital publishing strategist to self-employed marketing consultant. Still, I love magazines and have always wanted to start my own media company. I just never thought it would be a site devoted to house plants.
Last year, my friend John Verdery released a book called the City Dweller’s Guide to Indoor Plants. He threw up the corresponding website CityPlantz.com, where he detailed his favorite gardening tools and linked to Amazon.
I HAVE A WIFE, two children, two dogs, and the need for three bedrooms and two bathrooms. In March 2015, I purchased a four bedroom, 3½ bath, 3,000-square-foot house in a nice neighborhood with quality public schools.
The fourth bedroom was largely unnecessary but, like many people, we occasionally get visitors and feel it’s nice to have an extra bedroom for them, instead of spending money on a hotel room. This is the story of how that fourth bedroom cost me more than $121,500,
THE YEAR 2011 WAS horrifying. I learned my mom had a life-threatening disease. She passed away six months later.
That forced me to confront the $88,000 of debt I had accumulated during college, including $51,000 in credit card debt. I was in grief, I had no idea what to do about the debt and my mom wasn’t there to advise me.
My friend John told me to seek professional help. A debt settlement company helped me get rid of $16,000 of higher-interest credit card debt,
I BOUGHT MY HOUSE in Silicon Valley by launching a Kickstarter campaign. Together, the team blew past our target and disrupted an entire industry—all while driving for Lyft (not Uber) and Airbnb-ing our couches, of course.
Just kidding.
First, what is a house in Silicon Valley? In the lauded land of garages-turned-unicorns, owning a house means any number of things: A wall, if one’s lucky. A floor. Perhaps a couch.
Not so for the wise who live elsewhere—like my Phoenix-based high school best friend.
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Comments:
I addressed the gift-tax return and cancellation-of-debt tax issue in the article. The interest on the loan was not below market.
Post: A Time to Give
Link to comment from August 24, 2024
Thanks for your comment. My Roth is going to my children, not my grandchildren. Meanwhile, separately, I have been funding 529s for my two grandsons.
Post: A Time to Give
Link to comment from August 24, 2024
Will your executor have access to the box immediately after your death? I've heard countless stories of families being unable to get into safe-deposit boxes after the owner's death because first the local tax authority needed to examine the contents. Often, the box included funeral instructions, and the deceased ended up with an expensive burial, rather than being cremated as he or she desired.
Post: Do You Own a Safe?
Link to comment from August 24, 2024
The rules don't apply to all non-spouse beneficiaries. In the article above, I included a hyperlink to this piece, which offers a good explanation of the rules: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/irs-10-year-rule-for-inherited-iras-kiplinger-tax-letter
Post: A Time to Give
Link to comment from August 24, 2024
I hope the funds work out well for you, but their history is not promising. Buy-write funds were popular in the 1980s, until shareholders realized the fat dividends were coming at the expense of stagnant or shrinking share prices. Unfortunately, a fund's better stocks tend to get called away, leaving the fund owning a portfolio of lackluster companies.
Post: A Foolish Option
Link to comment from August 24, 2024
Thanks for the post, Steve. One of HumbleDollar's strengths is its many disparate voices, each drawing on his or her personal experience. Contrary to what you suggest, I don't expect all contributors to be experts on Medicare, Social Security and other retirement issues -- and, arguably, most aren't. But if folks write candidly about their money adventures -- or adventures that have a money angle -- there will be much that others can learn. On that score, you've been a valued contributor, and I hope you keep posting.
Post: Running Away from Home (Again) by Steve Abramowitz
Link to comment from August 22, 2024
It's important to listen as well as talk. It's clear that the many in the HD community didn't appreciate your comments about the differences between the sexes -- or, for that matter, your repeated insistence that folks need 100% of their salary to retire in comfort or that present value calculations aren't helpful. Maybe it's time to learn from the feedback and turn your attention to other topics.
Post: Women and men are different. Quinn’s in trouble again
Link to comment from August 22, 2024
I think we would both agree that rants don't help. Dick labels his screeds as "rants" and, yes, he should tone it down. In the past, in emails, I've asked him to do just that. But as you said of your response "maybe rants breed rants," and that's not helpful, either.
Post: Women and men are different. Quinn’s in trouble again
Link to comment from August 21, 2024
I'm not saying I agree with Dick. Far from it. In fact, it strikes me as inadvisable for any man to start pontificating about his wife's shopping. There's simply too much room for silly stereotypes. But while I'm happy to delete any post that's overly political or excessively nasty, I don't want to go overboard and nix all debate. That, too, would elicit complaints.
Post: Women and men are different. Quinn’s in trouble again
Link to comment from August 21, 2024
Over the years, I've made a big effort to encourage women to write for HumbleDollar -- as I hope you would attest -- so I find your rant bothersome. Why are there more male writers than female? The easy answer is to blame men. But maybe, at least here at HumbleDollar, we shouldn't mimic the rest of the world and immediately go for the easy answer.
Post: Women and men are different. Quinn’s in trouble again
Link to comment from August 21, 2024