FYI for those who may be interested. September 25th issue of the New York Times has a story about Jonathan. Front page of the business section - "A Legend of Financial Writing Left Us With Pearls of Wisdom"
Even though we knew this day was coming it saddens me so. One of my life's concerns is the legacy I will leave. You, my friend, have left a huge one. Think of all the people you have touched! God bless your family at this difficult time.
I was looking into that idea. As per the folks at Medicare.gov you can switch between Trad. Medicare & MA programs during the open enrollment period. The problem is with Medigap/Supplemental Plans. I'm subject to underwriting and I have a condition (psoriatic arthritis) which enables those plans to deny me coverage.
I am a retired NJ State employee. I have Aetna MA Extended Service Area (nationwide coverage). Started this plan in December, 2020. In retrospect, I should have enrolled in Traditional Medicare. However, I will say this plan has been very good. Zero deductible and $15.00 copays for PCP/Specialists. $1000 Out of Pocket max per year. The network in Northern NJ is extensive. Even if a Dr. is not In Network you can use him/her as long as they accept Medicare. I pay the Medicare Part B premium and no other premiums. My concern is the long term viability of MA plans.
I agree with your thinking-if you haven't used an item for more than two years you probably don't need it.Our garage is filled with such stuff.I have to get my wife onboard. She gives me a hard time every time I start to get rid if the clutter. My best bet is not to tell her :-).
Re: Public transportation. Most people seem to frown when you mention public transportation. Recently, I had a medical situation that requires my neurologist to clear me before I can drive again. I'm in No Jersey with good access to trains and buses. I've been using both and, truth be told, have been enjoying it. With my senior discount the fare is dirt cheap and I've met so many folks while riding. Last time I used public trans regularly was in high school. It's been a pleasant surprise. Access to NYC, shopping, etc.
I am not inherently anti-post office. My sister & best friend are retirees after after long careers. I now try to avoid using their services as much as I can. Many of their employees customer service skills are right out of the Soviet Union circa 1970.
I recently sent a package to my son. He lives in St. Croix, USVI. He does not get home mail delivery. The package was sent from NJ-Ground Advantage. It took 28 days to arrive in St. Croix-after sitting in Jacksonville, Fl for 13 days. The package was marked to hold for pick up at the PO substation where he has his PO Box.
As per tracking, it arrived around 5 00 p.m. I texted my son that he could pick it up the next day. That morning tracking indicated it was "out for delivery" at 6:30 a.m. At 2:30 p.m., I received a text "attempted-not known". Since he doesn't get home delivery one can only imagine what happened. Package was eventually returned to me-damaged of course.
Also, have had several instances of missing/tampered with mail. It almost seems that they want to put themselves out of business. I'm sure there has to be some competent PO employees but the bad eggs are ruining the system.
Richard:
First thing I do is get on the scale to make sure I haven't put on a few pounds! The food budget is derived from obtaining my previous years total food expense (easily obtained from the app I use) and dividing that amount by 12. Slight deviations over or under are normal. I've never had a huge discrepancy that would cause me to increase (or decrease) the monthly amount. If needed, I could up the monthly food budget and decrease the monthly surplus amount.
Comments
FYI for those who may be interested. September 25th issue of the New York Times has a story about Jonathan. Front page of the business section - "A Legend of Financial Writing Left Us With Pearls of Wisdom"
Post: Thank you, Jonathan
Link to comment from September 25, 2025
Even though we knew this day was coming it saddens me so. One of my life's concerns is the legacy I will leave. You, my friend, have left a huge one. Think of all the people you have touched! God bless your family at this difficult time.
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 23, 2025
Great pics!
Post: What is retirement?
Link to comment from September 14, 2025
I was looking into that idea. As per the folks at Medicare.gov you can switch between Trad. Medicare & MA programs during the open enrollment period. The problem is with Medigap/Supplemental Plans. I'm subject to underwriting and I have a condition (psoriatic arthritis) which enables those plans to deny me coverage.
Post: Helping a Sibling with Health Insurance Costs?
Link to comment from September 9, 2025
I am a retired NJ State employee. I have Aetna MA Extended Service Area (nationwide coverage). Started this plan in December, 2020. In retrospect, I should have enrolled in Traditional Medicare. However, I will say this plan has been very good. Zero deductible and $15.00 copays for PCP/Specialists. $1000 Out of Pocket max per year. The network in Northern NJ is extensive. Even if a Dr. is not In Network you can use him/her as long as they accept Medicare. I pay the Medicare Part B premium and no other premiums. My concern is the long term viability of MA plans.
Post: Helping a Sibling with Health Insurance Costs?
Link to comment from September 8, 2025
God bless you!
Post: Health Update
Link to comment from August 31, 2025
I agree with your thinking-if you haven't used an item for more than two years you probably don't need it.Our garage is filled with such stuff.I have to get my wife onboard. She gives me a hard time every time I start to get rid if the clutter. My best bet is not to tell her :-).
Post: Frugality, Minimalism, and Aligning Values
Link to comment from August 24, 2025
Re: Public transportation. Most people seem to frown when you mention public transportation. Recently, I had a medical situation that requires my neurologist to clear me before I can drive again. I'm in No Jersey with good access to trains and buses. I've been using both and, truth be told, have been enjoying it. With my senior discount the fare is dirt cheap and I've met so many folks while riding. Last time I used public trans regularly was in high school. It's been a pleasant surprise. Access to NYC, shopping, etc.
Post: Frugality for fun and profit… but please, not necessity
Link to comment from August 18, 2025
I am not inherently anti-post office. My sister & best friend are retirees after after long careers. I now try to avoid using their services as much as I can. Many of their employees customer service skills are right out of the Soviet Union circa 1970. I recently sent a package to my son. He lives in St. Croix, USVI. He does not get home mail delivery. The package was sent from NJ-Ground Advantage. It took 28 days to arrive in St. Croix-after sitting in Jacksonville, Fl for 13 days. The package was marked to hold for pick up at the PO substation where he has his PO Box. As per tracking, it arrived around 5 00 p.m. I texted my son that he could pick it up the next day. That morning tracking indicated it was "out for delivery" at 6:30 a.m. At 2:30 p.m., I received a text "attempted-not known". Since he doesn't get home delivery one can only imagine what happened. Package was eventually returned to me-damaged of course. Also, have had several instances of missing/tampered with mail. It almost seems that they want to put themselves out of business. I'm sure there has to be some competent PO employees but the bad eggs are ruining the system.
Post: It’s 2025. Do you send checks by mail?
Link to comment from April 28, 2025
Richard: First thing I do is get on the scale to make sure I haven't put on a few pounds! The food budget is derived from obtaining my previous years total food expense (easily obtained from the app I use) and dividing that amount by 12. Slight deviations over or under are normal. I've never had a huge discrepancy that would cause me to increase (or decrease) the monthly amount. If needed, I could up the monthly food budget and decrease the monthly surplus amount.
Post: Detailed tracking expenses and spending. Is there real value?
Link to comment from March 12, 2025