It has been! Thanks for your encouragement (and from Marjorie, too, a while back). I'll think about it. One thing I'll share now is that the financial aspect was no burden - PA has been generous with free dental and health insurance, lunches at school and even food debit cards when school is not in session, no questions asked. I think PA doesn't need to know the circumstances, just that the child is domiciled with a grandparent.
I hear you, Doug! Though I've owned four homes (and plan to stay as long as I'm physically able in the current one), I've also rented six times over the years, with some good landlords and others, not so. I can't brag about having lived as cheaply as you, but I can say that Onondaga County/Syracuse NY, where I lived for almost 20 years has among the cheapest housing markets plus a great outdoor lifestyle if you enjoy cold weather sports. And plenty of modestly priced culture, thanks to Syracuse University, LeMoyne College and Upstate Medical University. As you know, professors and medical professionals bring touring companies and great local cultural organizations as well.
Thanks, Marjorie, for describing so well the pleasures and benefits of reaching this stage of our lives. It’s only a few more months until my grandson heads off to college (or a job and home of his own if he suddenly switches gears). Though we have definitely had our ups and downs these past six years, being an older “parent” meant less energy but also greater maturity, as you described, to deal with the inevitable emotions. I haven’t always been successful on that score, but I will always be grateful for the trust his parents placed in me, being given an important job to do, and the excitement now as the college acceptances are arriving. I know that I’ve helped get him to this point. Thanks to everyone here at HD who has helped me beyond measure with so many important financial and life decisions. My kids all know you as my Humble Dollar Virtual Friends.
I agree that it’s creepy when the person has dementia, but less creepy when the person has asked the children and grandchildren about items they would like, as I have done. Then I myself put the names on them (only two things so far). The other side of the coin is when the person decides to downsize and gets rid of possessions that the kids or grandkids wanted to keep. Who knew that after three moves in close succession I would find not one but two VCR players after having sold the treasured Disney tapes at yard sales? (Thank God for Disney + and streaming - I think I’m out of the doghouse).
Interesting observation, David. I agree with you about how creepy it is to be bombarded with ads, sometimes just because you did a little virtual window-shopping. I’ve always preferred to look rather than buy. I guess that’s why I like museums so much and only occasionally buy a gift for someone else in the museum store. I will admit, however, that when I’m offered a multi item discount deal when shopping online for clothing, I often cave and buy a second or a third item when I was only planning on one. And because I’m buying from the clearance collection to begin with, there’s often something disappointing when they arrive. Since there are no returns or refunds on clearance items, if it’s totally not right for me, someone at the thrift store gets an item with tags still on.
My husband’s advice to our kids; “If I go first (which he did), I’ll leave your mom well-fixed (which he did), but don’t count on it for yourselves because she will probably give it all away before she dies, so you better start saving.” I’m working on the giving away, but haven’t quite reached the expectation of “all.” 😊
Thanks for the suggestions, Chris and Kathy. I do have an HSA. Only about $3K left at this point but my heirs will have to pay taxes on it if I don’t use it, so I might as well! That was good news about eye exams being covered. I’ll see what happens when I go next month, and will also check out the VSP insurance recommended by Kathy - that’s even less than the discount plan I was considering (and for us HD readers, we consider $168 vs. $175).
One great thing about retirement, even with a part-time job (paid or unpaid - depending on the extent of one's volunteering), is that you have more time to deal with these time-consuming and sometimes "clunky" financial details. Thanks to Humble Dollar and my husband's succinct sudden death instructions, I have gradually worked my way through most of your items, Ken. A note about estate planning and cashing in paper savings bonds: I was left with a bunch of paper savings bonds with high interest rates that had recently reached their 30-year maturity. A few of them had as co-owners people who were both deceased. The estate attorney I hired to re-do my will offered what seemed like an unnecessary and costly ($1500) plan to help me cash them in. I was pretty sure that I could do it on my own with the directions on treasurydirect.com., so I declined the offer. It took some time and phone calls, but the mission was accomplished. I still have some paper bonds that don't mature for another few years but converting them to e-bonds is on my to-do list. And I probably won't be recommending that attorney. P.S. When my Medicare Advantage plan was recently discontinued, I was able to switch to Original Medicare and a Plan G Supplement. I almost forgot about a drug plan but just got that done within the grace period. Still debating about whether I need dental and vision insurance (I wear contacts). My expenses are currently pretty low, so I'm trying to decide between paying out-of-pocket, buying insurance or joining a discount plan for $175/year.
Thanks, Dick! I know several people who love OAT. I think I used to get their brochures many years ago. They reasonable, no single supplement and, always, planned events to meet local residents. I think it may be a non-profit as well, but not sure. I’m going to check them out.
Comments:
A couple I know recently moved to Canada. I’ve refrained from teasing them that they may once again become citizens of the USA.
Post: Limits of Power by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from January 17, 2025
It has been! Thanks for your encouragement (and from Marjorie, too, a while back). I'll think about it. One thing I'll share now is that the financial aspect was no burden - PA has been generous with free dental and health insurance, lunches at school and even food debit cards when school is not in session, no questions asked. I think PA doesn't need to know the circumstances, just that the child is domiciled with a grandparent.
Post: The Burgeoning Boomers, by Marjorie Kondrack.
Link to comment from January 16, 2025
I hear you, Doug! Though I've owned four homes (and plan to stay as long as I'm physically able in the current one), I've also rented six times over the years, with some good landlords and others, not so. I can't brag about having lived as cheaply as you, but I can say that Onondaga County/Syracuse NY, where I lived for almost 20 years has among the cheapest housing markets plus a great outdoor lifestyle if you enjoy cold weather sports. And plenty of modestly priced culture, thanks to Syracuse University, LeMoyne College and Upstate Medical University. As you know, professors and medical professionals bring touring companies and great local cultural organizations as well.
Post: Home Free
Link to comment from January 16, 2025
Thanks, Marjorie, for describing so well the pleasures and benefits of reaching this stage of our lives. It’s only a few more months until my grandson heads off to college (or a job and home of his own if he suddenly switches gears). Though we have definitely had our ups and downs these past six years, being an older “parent” meant less energy but also greater maturity, as you described, to deal with the inevitable emotions. I haven’t always been successful on that score, but I will always be grateful for the trust his parents placed in me, being given an important job to do, and the excitement now as the college acceptances are arriving. I know that I’ve helped get him to this point. Thanks to everyone here at HD who has helped me beyond measure with so many important financial and life decisions. My kids all know you as my Humble Dollar Virtual Friends.
Post: The Burgeoning Boomers, by Marjorie Kondrack.
Link to comment from January 16, 2025
I agree that it’s creepy when the person has dementia, but less creepy when the person has asked the children and grandchildren about items they would like, as I have done. Then I myself put the names on them (only two things so far). The other side of the coin is when the person decides to downsize and gets rid of possessions that the kids or grandkids wanted to keep. Who knew that after three moves in close succession I would find not one but two VCR players after having sold the treasured Disney tapes at yard sales? (Thank God for Disney + and streaming - I think I’m out of the doghouse).
Post: The Que sera, sera retirement planning strategy.
Link to comment from January 15, 2025
Interesting observation, David. I agree with you about how creepy it is to be bombarded with ads, sometimes just because you did a little virtual window-shopping. I’ve always preferred to look rather than buy. I guess that’s why I like museums so much and only occasionally buy a gift for someone else in the museum store. I will admit, however, that when I’m offered a multi item discount deal when shopping online for clothing, I often cave and buy a second or a third item when I was only planning on one. And because I’m buying from the clearance collection to begin with, there’s often something disappointing when they arrive. Since there are no returns or refunds on clearance items, if it’s totally not right for me, someone at the thrift store gets an item with tags still on.
Post: Who’s Watching You?
Link to comment from January 14, 2025
My husband’s advice to our kids; “If I go first (which he did), I’ll leave your mom well-fixed (which he did), but don’t count on it for yourselves because she will probably give it all away before she dies, so you better start saving.” I’m working on the giving away, but haven’t quite reached the expectation of “all.” 😊
Post: The Que sera, sera retirement planning strategy.
Link to comment from January 14, 2025
Thanks for the suggestions, Chris and Kathy. I do have an HSA. Only about $3K left at this point but my heirs will have to pay taxes on it if I don’t use it, so I might as well! That was good news about eye exams being covered. I’ll see what happens when I go next month, and will also check out the VSP insurance recommended by Kathy - that’s even less than the discount plan I was considering (and for us HD readers, we consider $168 vs. $175).
Post: Retirement Realignment by Ken Cutler
Link to comment from January 14, 2025
One great thing about retirement, even with a part-time job (paid or unpaid - depending on the extent of one's volunteering), is that you have more time to deal with these time-consuming and sometimes "clunky" financial details. Thanks to Humble Dollar and my husband's succinct sudden death instructions, I have gradually worked my way through most of your items, Ken. A note about estate planning and cashing in paper savings bonds: I was left with a bunch of paper savings bonds with high interest rates that had recently reached their 30-year maturity. A few of them had as co-owners people who were both deceased. The estate attorney I hired to re-do my will offered what seemed like an unnecessary and costly ($1500) plan to help me cash them in. I was pretty sure that I could do it on my own with the directions on treasurydirect.com., so I declined the offer. It took some time and phone calls, but the mission was accomplished. I still have some paper bonds that don't mature for another few years but converting them to e-bonds is on my to-do list. And I probably won't be recommending that attorney. P.S. When my Medicare Advantage plan was recently discontinued, I was able to switch to Original Medicare and a Plan G Supplement. I almost forgot about a drug plan but just got that done within the grace period. Still debating about whether I need dental and vision insurance (I wear contacts). My expenses are currently pretty low, so I'm trying to decide between paying out-of-pocket, buying insurance or joining a discount plan for $175/year.
Post: Retirement Realignment by Ken Cutler
Link to comment from January 13, 2025
Thanks, Dick! I know several people who love OAT. I think I used to get their brochures many years ago. They reasonable, no single supplement and, always, planned events to meet local residents. I think it may be a non-profit as well, but not sure. I’m going to check them out.
Post: No “Go-Go” by Kristine Hayes Nibler
Link to comment from January 11, 2025