Regardless of individual circumstances, Rick’s article is a good reminder that the more financially savvy partner should run the numbers, devise a plan and, most importantly, share the plan with the partner verbally and in writing. I am forever grateful that Doug did this for me. After his death, when people asked me (somewhat intrusively but out of concern) “Will you be able to keep your house?”, I always knew that the answer was “Yes.” Not everyone is so fortunate.
Thanks for this, Dan. Two of the gentlemen I love most in the world use CPAP machines. One has done it for some time but the other is a newbie trying to find the right mask, so the info here may help.
Thank you for your beautiful message, Elaine. I think of you often and how especially difficult the first year is, though every person’s grief is different. I’m grateful to Jonathan for answering my email about financial changes I made when I was a recent widow - as always, he was kind and reassuring. Thanks for the updates you mention - I wasn’t aware of the weekly newsletter and appreciate the new features. Sending love, Linda.
Thanks largely to the articles I’ve read here over the last six years, I think I have done the right things, not necessarily to lower my taxes but to be savvy about helping people and organizations that I support. Donations to qualified charities will get me a reduction in what I owe. Helping family and friends won’t, and I am okay with that. Like many (or at least some), I believe that paying taxes in a democracy is a privilege. I’m a supporter of a different healthcare payment system and would gladly pay higher taxes if such were instituted. Imho, far too many healthcare dollars go to middlemen rather than for the actual services. But I don’t want to get political here - it’s just my opinion based on research I did in the past.
To answer the final question in the article, we should all assume that our personal identification information is available for sale on the dark web, and has already been sold, right? I know two people who still shred every piece of paper with any identifying information before putting it in the recycling. Am I correct in thinking that this is a waste of their time and electricity? I still shred papers with my account numbers. Maybe I’m wasting my time doing that? I think we are well past the days when trash collectors would piece together shredded paper. The info is out there and we just have to be vigilant about noticing unauthorized activity.
I was horrified when I recently watched Mr. Bates (now Sir Alan) vs. The Post Office, a story of ordinary people being bullied by bureaucrats into paying money they didn’t owe while the UK Post Office refused to investigate the software glitches responsible for huge errors. Still not fully resolved after nearly 30 years. Big difference between your case and the Post Office but Thank God that Sir Alan hung in there.
Thank you, Andrew, for this beautiful tribute as we remember Jonathan on the upcoming first anniversary. I “met” Jonathan and Humble Dollar in 2020 when I was going through my recently deceased husband’s emails. I am very grateful to him and to his family members, especially to you and Nicholas who have allowed us to know him better through your words.
So sorry to hear of these difficulties for your family, Dick, especially your sons and wives. They are blessed to have your emotional and financial support, as well as your physical proximity. Must be comforting for your grandchildren as well. My prayers are with you.
And I hope it stays this way, Marilyn, not-for-profit. I saw recently that some hedge funds are “investing” in emergency medical helicopter transport companies - sounds to me like trying to profit off medical emergencies. Shameful even if legal.
Comments
Regardless of individual circumstances, Rick’s article is a good reminder that the more financially savvy partner should run the numbers, devise a plan and, most importantly, share the plan with the partner verbally and in writing. I am forever grateful that Doug did this for me. After his death, when people asked me (somewhat intrusively but out of concern) “Will you be able to keep your house?”, I always knew that the answer was “Yes.” Not everyone is so fortunate.
Post: Widow’s Penalty Redux
Link to comment from September 26, 2026
Thanks for this, Dan. Two of the gentlemen I love most in the world use CPAP machines. One has done it for some time but the other is a newbie trying to find the right mask, so the info here may help.
Post: My Name is Dan, and I’m a CPAP User
Link to comment from September 25, 2026
That’s crazy!
Post: My Name is Dan, and I’m a CPAP User
Link to comment from September 25, 2026
Thank you for your beautiful message, Elaine. I think of you often and how especially difficult the first year is, though every person’s grief is different. I’m grateful to Jonathan for answering my email about financial changes I made when I was a recent widow - as always, he was kind and reassuring. Thanks for the updates you mention - I wasn’t aware of the weekly newsletter and appreciate the new features. Sending love, Linda.
Post: It’s been one year
Link to comment from September 22, 2026
Thanks largely to the articles I’ve read here over the last six years, I think I have done the right things, not necessarily to lower my taxes but to be savvy about helping people and organizations that I support. Donations to qualified charities will get me a reduction in what I owe. Helping family and friends won’t, and I am okay with that. Like many (or at least some), I believe that paying taxes in a democracy is a privilege. I’m a supporter of a different healthcare payment system and would gladly pay higher taxes if such were instituted. Imho, far too many healthcare dollars go to middlemen rather than for the actual services. But I don’t want to get political here - it’s just my opinion based on research I did in the past.
Post: What I think about taxes- all kinds of taxes
Link to comment from September 22, 2026
To answer the final question in the article, we should all assume that our personal identification information is available for sale on the dark web, and has already been sold, right? I know two people who still shred every piece of paper with any identifying information before putting it in the recycling. Am I correct in thinking that this is a waste of their time and electricity? I still shred papers with my account numbers. Maybe I’m wasting my time doing that? I think we are well past the days when trash collectors would piece together shredded paper. The info is out there and we just have to be vigilant about noticing unauthorized activity.
Post: Two Fraudulent Attempts to Withdraw Funds in Two Days
Link to comment from September 22, 2026
I was horrified when I recently watched Mr. Bates (now Sir Alan) vs. The Post Office, a story of ordinary people being bullied by bureaucrats into paying money they didn’t owe while the UK Post Office refused to investigate the software glitches responsible for huge errors. Still not fully resolved after nearly 30 years. Big difference between your case and the Post Office but Thank God that Sir Alan hung in there.
Post: When $2000 Isn’t Worth the Hassle
Link to comment from September 19, 2026
Thank you, Andrew, for this beautiful tribute as we remember Jonathan on the upcoming first anniversary. I “met” Jonathan and Humble Dollar in 2020 when I was going through my recently deceased husband’s emails. I am very grateful to him and to his family members, especially to you and Nicholas who have allowed us to know him better through your words.
Post: The Jonathan I Found: Through Others’ Eyes
Link to comment from September 19, 2026
So sorry to hear of these difficulties for your family, Dick, especially your sons and wives. They are blessed to have your emotional and financial support, as well as your physical proximity. Must be comforting for your grandchildren as well. My prayers are with you.
Post: What would you do if you received this text from your child as I did this morning?
Link to comment from September 17, 2026
And I hope it stays this way, Marilyn, not-for-profit. I saw recently that some hedge funds are “investing” in emergency medical helicopter transport companies - sounds to me like trying to profit off medical emergencies. Shameful even if legal.
Post: What would you do if you received this text from your child as I did this morning?
Link to comment from September 17, 2026