I too, wanted to drive across country. I wanted to have a beachfront condo in Florida or South Carolina...but alas, not on a high school math teacher's salary.
"the current administration’s immigration crackdown, which affects a workforce where 28% of long-term care workers are immigrants" only affects illegals who should not be in the country. Immigrants who follow the rules and laws of the US will have no problem finding work in healthcare.
I have read a few articles where the Honda Accord is one of the cars that historically last well over 100k miles, and often 200k. I think you made the right choice.
Social Security benefits were tax free until 1983 when they became up to 50% taxable. Then in 1993, they became taxable up to 85%. So I can understand those that feel the current tax rate is high, especially in an environment where senior citizens are fighting inflation and ever increasing taxes at the state and local level. Property taxes have become a huge burden to those who have long paid off their homes. I would support a rollback to tax free or 50%, along with either a higher payroll tax or increasing the maximum income that is taxable.
I know that many will say that my post is poorly timed , since international stocks have outperformed US of late. I have used Portfolio Visualizer to compare US versus International over 10, 20, 30 and 40 year time periods; and have found that International is a drag on results. Seems like Buffett, Bogle and Scott Burns have been correct that a S&P 500 index or Total Market Index, along with a Total Bond Market Index provided diversification and long-term performance.
Get rid of all payroll taxes, and replace it with a VAT. I know everyone will scream about high sales taxes affecting the lower class, but I have seen VAT ideas that offer a stipend/pre-fund to offset the tax on a certain amount of income.
The international diversification question has always perplexed me. I'm a huge fan of Jack Bogle, who felt that international holdings were not necessary due to the expansive international presence of US companies. Yet, many say it is necessary and right now is definitely helping. But, looking back over long-term periods....20 to 50 years, the US has crushed International. So what to do?
As a lifelong customer of Exelon (Conowingo Power, Philadelphia Electric, Delmarva Power), thanks for your service and best wishes for an long, enjoyable retirement.
Comments
I too, wanted to drive across country. I wanted to have a beachfront condo in Florida or South Carolina...but alas, not on a high school math teacher's salary.
Post: Dreams I Had by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from June 9, 2025
"the current administration’s immigration crackdown, which affects a workforce where 28% of long-term care workers are immigrants" only affects illegals who should not be in the country. Immigrants who follow the rules and laws of the US will have no problem finding work in healthcare.
Post: Who Will Care for Us? by Dennis Friedman
Link to comment from June 9, 2025
I have read a few articles where the Honda Accord is one of the cars that historically last well over 100k miles, and often 200k. I think you made the right choice.
Post: How have you decided when it’s worth it to fix an old car?
Link to comment from May 24, 2025
Social Security benefits were tax free until 1983 when they became up to 50% taxable. Then in 1993, they became taxable up to 85%. So I can understand those that feel the current tax rate is high, especially in an environment where senior citizens are fighting inflation and ever increasing taxes at the state and local level. Property taxes have become a huge burden to those who have long paid off their homes. I would support a rollback to tax free or 50%, along with either a higher payroll tax or increasing the maximum income that is taxable.
Post: RDQ There is so much to rant about these days. Let’s go for the people who don’t believe facts-perhaps about Social Security
Link to comment from April 12, 2025
I know that many will say that my post is poorly timed , since international stocks have outperformed US of late. I have used Portfolio Visualizer to compare US versus International over 10, 20, 30 and 40 year time periods; and have found that International is a drag on results. Seems like Buffett, Bogle and Scott Burns have been correct that a S&P 500 index or Total Market Index, along with a Total Bond Market Index provided diversification and long-term performance.
Post: Spreading Your Bets
Link to comment from April 12, 2025
Life would not be the same without my Labradors
Post: Help Wanted
Link to comment from March 29, 2025
Get rid of all payroll taxes, and replace it with a VAT. I know everyone will scream about high sales taxes affecting the lower class, but I have seen VAT ideas that offer a stipend/pre-fund to offset the tax on a certain amount of income.
Post: Should all Americans pay federal income tax?
Link to comment from March 22, 2025
The international diversification question has always perplexed me. I'm a huge fan of Jack Bogle, who felt that international holdings were not necessary due to the expansive international presence of US companies. Yet, many say it is necessary and right now is definitely helping. But, looking back over long-term periods....20 to 50 years, the US has crushed International. So what to do?
Post: Index Three Ways
Link to comment from March 22, 2025
As a lifelong customer of Exelon (Conowingo Power, Philadelphia Electric, Delmarva Power), thanks for your service and best wishes for an long, enjoyable retirement.
Post: Going Nuclear
Link to comment from August 26, 2023
I've thrown in the towel...target date index funds.
Post: No Right Way
Link to comment from July 8, 2023