So, I'll tell you a story of something that happened to me and I'd like to get feedback on how you would have responded. My wife and I were returning home from a weeklong trip and decided to make one, last stop at a coffee shop in a small town. We were ready to relax and unwind. We got our coffee and pastries and sat at our table. Soon after, a couple with children in tow came in and sat in a table next to us. One child (about a year old) started crying and being fussy. I eyed an open table and we moved. Problem solved, I thought. A little while after, the couple was leaving and the mom stopped and said to us "Thank you for moving" (no smile). It took me a long while to process, but I realized after they left that I had just heard the finest backhanded compliment I've ever heard. I ruminated long afterwards on my retort. I just found it frustrating that she was insulted and couldn't see our perspective --and we didn't even say anything to them. So, so hard to take the article's advice in the moment, but I agree it's the only path to peace of mind.
Blueberries are definitely a healthy choice. We have an organic farm that we can pick our own in the summer, then freeze for later. Great for breakfast combos with nuts and seeds. I would add that there are other fruits out there that deserve attention - mango, strawberries, apples, currants, bananas, blackberries, raspberries. Each serves a unique source of Goodness. By eating all of these, we can get a full spectrum that nature is begging us to partake in.
I think there is a Great Glossover in discussing market-cap index funds. It is always touted that these funds are your ticket to diversification. Own these and you’ve got a piece of the whole shebang. The dirty little secret you are not told is that you have made an outsized investment in a select few companies. And if you were to X-ray your portfolio, you will probably have other funds already with meaningful investments in those same stocks.
I use the Cologuard, too. Unless you have markers to indicate you are at-risk, it is the medical system that benefits more than the individual. I would hate to examine how one's gut microbiome is affected by preop colonoscopy. Polyps are common and many are not cancerous or precancerous. The medical establishment would like all to believe polyp=cancer.
My understanding is that annuity earnings are taxed no matter the source (unless it was a settlement). However, since you principal was already taxed, that portion will be tax free.
My wife is a retired teacher with the state. We will have the option of a Medicare Advantage plan. I was originally reluctant because of all the cons that folks attribute to these types of plans. However, I think a state MA plan can be a hybrid that can have some of the features of the health plan you had before retirement. It even conforms to Part D coverage so no extra cost for that. This is in contrast to the Old-Celebrity-TV-advertised plan that is wrought with loopholes. The two plans have the same name of Medicare Advantage but seem to be in different categories. But, to be even-handed, we are healthy, live in a city, and take no medications at this time, so that gives it our customized preference.
Over time, our investments had been spread over three main areas - Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab. I have been stuck on consolidation. I found Vanguard’s customer service to be noticeably deficient. Then, when they sent notices out there would be soon $100 charges for transferring accounts out of Vanguard, I knew it was time. Luckily, at that exact time, The Finance Buff had an article on the very topic: “Check these before you transfer an account from Vanguard “. Now that Vanguard is done, two are left standing. They both are excellent. I’m back at stalemate.
I'm on a neighborhood social media platform called NextDoor. If you want to incur the wrath of a large segment of the participants, say something that is perceived as a slight to pets. In their eyes, the pet is a family member and has equal status to a human. Although I firmly agree with you from a pragmatic standpoint, I'm afraid changing the mindset would be near impossible and would only cause severe conflict in her friendship. In this case, some compromise (suboptimal financial solution) would need to be made.
Comments:
So, I'll tell you a story of something that happened to me and I'd like to get feedback on how you would have responded. My wife and I were returning home from a weeklong trip and decided to make one, last stop at a coffee shop in a small town. We were ready to relax and unwind. We got our coffee and pastries and sat at our table. Soon after, a couple with children in tow came in and sat in a table next to us. One child (about a year old) started crying and being fussy. I eyed an open table and we moved. Problem solved, I thought. A little while after, the couple was leaving and the mom stopped and said to us "Thank you for moving" (no smile). It took me a long while to process, but I realized after they left that I had just heard the finest backhanded compliment I've ever heard. I ruminated long afterwards on my retort. I just found it frustrating that she was insulted and couldn't see our perspective --and we didn't even say anything to them. So, so hard to take the article's advice in the moment, but I agree it's the only path to peace of mind.
Post: Quality of Life by Marjorie Kondrack
Link to comment from November 30, 2024
Blueberries are definitely a healthy choice. We have an organic farm that we can pick our own in the summer, then freeze for later. Great for breakfast combos with nuts and seeds. I would add that there are other fruits out there that deserve attention - mango, strawberries, apples, currants, bananas, blackberries, raspberries. Each serves a unique source of Goodness. By eating all of these, we can get a full spectrum that nature is begging us to partake in.
Post: Health Is Wealth
Link to comment from October 27, 2024
I think there is a Great Glossover in discussing market-cap index funds. It is always touted that these funds are your ticket to diversification. Own these and you’ve got a piece of the whole shebang. The dirty little secret you are not told is that you have made an outsized investment in a select few companies. And if you were to X-ray your portfolio, you will probably have other funds already with meaningful investments in those same stocks.
Post: Equally Bad?
Link to comment from October 26, 2024
I use the Cologuard, too. Unless you have markers to indicate you are at-risk, it is the medical system that benefits more than the individual. I would hate to examine how one's gut microbiome is affected by preop colonoscopy. Polyps are common and many are not cancerous or precancerous. The medical establishment would like all to believe polyp=cancer.
Post: Two Innovations That Can Improve Your Health by Dennis Friedman
Link to comment from October 9, 2024
My understanding is that annuity earnings are taxed no matter the source (unless it was a settlement). However, since you principal was already taxed, that portion will be tax free.
Post: Retiring Smarter
Link to comment from October 9, 2024
My wife is a retired teacher with the state. We will have the option of a Medicare Advantage plan. I was originally reluctant because of all the cons that folks attribute to these types of plans. However, I think a state MA plan can be a hybrid that can have some of the features of the health plan you had before retirement. It even conforms to Part D coverage so no extra cost for that. This is in contrast to the Old-Celebrity-TV-advertised plan that is wrought with loopholes. The two plans have the same name of Medicare Advantage but seem to be in different categories. But, to be even-handed, we are healthy, live in a city, and take no medications at this time, so that gives it our customized preference.
Post: Medigap pricing question
Link to comment from September 7, 2024
Over time, our investments had been spread over three main areas - Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab. I have been stuck on consolidation. I found Vanguard’s customer service to be noticeably deficient. Then, when they sent notices out there would be soon $100 charges for transferring accounts out of Vanguard, I knew it was time. Luckily, at that exact time, The Finance Buff had an article on the very topic: “Check these before you transfer an account from Vanguard “. Now that Vanguard is done, two are left standing. They both are excellent. I’m back at stalemate.
Post: All in One Place
Link to comment from July 3, 2024
Bill, you may be too old to cut the mustard, but you can still lick the jar
Post: A Painful Confession
Link to comment from June 29, 2024
"If donuts get any smaller, there will be no room for the hole." Instant classic. Perhaps something to put on your tombstone?
Post: Monday is a good day for a rant. Let’s talk everything annoying. People, money, people
Link to comment from June 29, 2024
I'm on a neighborhood social media platform called NextDoor. If you want to incur the wrath of a large segment of the participants, say something that is perceived as a slight to pets. In their eyes, the pet is a family member and has equal status to a human. Although I firmly agree with you from a pragmatic standpoint, I'm afraid changing the mindset would be near impossible and would only cause severe conflict in her friendship. In this case, some compromise (suboptimal financial solution) would need to be made.
Post: Digging Out
Link to comment from June 29, 2024