I think a key difference is that Medicare Advantage insurers get paid based on the health status and expected healthcare costs of enrollees whereas in the ACA, the insurers bear that risk. This has enabled the insurers to game the system.
I'd add a sixth: My financial life would be more stressful. I would worry if I bought the right shares or funds, if I paid a smart price, if I should sell now or later, if I sold too soon, and on and on.
These are all great questions. I'll take a stab at answering three. #4 - I retired in January 2023 and consider my career a success. I had two employers, each for about 21 years. When I wasn't a specialized individual contributor, I managed a small group (but was not very good at it). I consider it a success because (1) I produced work valuable to the companies and was well respected by my colleagues and (2) I earned enough money to provide a nice life for my family and a comfortable retirement. #5 - To me, having enough money is when you have financial independence, i.e., are free of financial worry. I would welcome having more money but am not interested in sacrificing anything to obtain it. #6 - The biggest contributor to my retirement happiness is planning and partaking in 1-2 big adventures each year, like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking the O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. I feel great joy planning, preparing for and executing the adventures. Playing with my two grandchildren comes in a close second!
I agree. Assuming you don't need the funds now, it comes down to minimizing taxes (including IRMAA, loss of healthcare premium tax credits, etc.) during your long retirement journey.
I just got back from two weeks in Chilean Patagonia - biking, hiking and horse riding. Torres del Paine is magnificent but so is so much of Patagonia. So remote and so local.
Charter a private sailing or powered catamaran in the Whitsunday Islands near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Did this with my son in 2019 and need to go back. Best trip ever.
Strong analysis is wise before you do significant Roth conversions. In my opinion, it's a no-brainer to do some, modest Roth conversions. The flexibility to withdraw some funds tax free for surprises, etc. is extremely valuable.
Comments
Not if. When. There is virtually zero chance they get renewed.
Post: Author of Medicare Advantage Speaks Out
Link to comment from June 17, 2025
I think a key difference is that Medicare Advantage insurers get paid based on the health status and expected healthcare costs of enrollees whereas in the ACA, the insurers bear that risk. This has enabled the insurers to game the system.
Post: Author of Medicare Advantage Speaks Out
Link to comment from June 17, 2025
I love that quote! Thanks for sharing.
Post: Medicare Signup Goes Awry
Link to comment from June 14, 2025
I'd add a sixth: My financial life would be more stressful. I would worry if I bought the right shares or funds, if I paid a smart price, if I should sell now or later, if I sold too soon, and on and on.
Post: If I Didn’t Index
Link to comment from June 13, 2025
These are all great questions. I'll take a stab at answering three. #4 - I retired in January 2023 and consider my career a success. I had two employers, each for about 21 years. When I wasn't a specialized individual contributor, I managed a small group (but was not very good at it). I consider it a success because (1) I produced work valuable to the companies and was well respected by my colleagues and (2) I earned enough money to provide a nice life for my family and a comfortable retirement. #5 - To me, having enough money is when you have financial independence, i.e., are free of financial worry. I would welcome having more money but am not interested in sacrificing anything to obtain it. #6 - The biggest contributor to my retirement happiness is planning and partaking in 1-2 big adventures each year, like summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and hiking the O Trek in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. I feel great joy planning, preparing for and executing the adventures. Playing with my two grandchildren comes in a close second!
Post: Ask Me a Tough One
Link to comment from April 20, 2025
I agree. Assuming you don't need the funds now, it comes down to minimizing taxes (including IRMAA, loss of healthcare premium tax credits, etc.) during your long retirement journey.
Post: 4% every year? even this one?
Link to comment from April 9, 2025
I just got back from two weeks in Chilean Patagonia - biking, hiking and horse riding. Torres del Paine is magnificent but so is so much of Patagonia. So remote and so local.
Post: Where Next? What Next?
Link to comment from April 1, 2025
Charter a private sailing or powered catamaran in the Whitsunday Islands near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Did this with my son in 2019 and need to go back. Best trip ever.
Post: Where Next? What Next?
Link to comment from April 1, 2025
Strong analysis is wise before you do significant Roth conversions. In my opinion, it's a no-brainer to do some, modest Roth conversions. The flexibility to withdraw some funds tax free for surprises, etc. is extremely valuable.
Post: To Roth Convert or Not
Link to comment from March 4, 2025
I’ve recently started using Duolingo to learn Spanish. It’s sort of addicting. Not sure how much I’ve learned but I have lots of gems and XPs! Haha
Post: Never Enough
Link to comment from February 16, 2025