Jeff, great book you referenced. Like Greg, the purchase of our Condominium at the NJ Shore was the best (and scariest) purchase we ever made, 9 years ago. At the time, we were still working (in the office 5 days a week) and had two young granddaughters, ages 5 and 3. We used part of our retirement 401k funds to come up with the 20% down payment and took on a large 2nd mortgage, albeit at a great 3.5% rate. In the years following, this 2nd home, just an hour from our primary home in North Jersey has become the center of our social and family’s lives. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our daughters, SILs and now 4 grandchildren (ages 3-14) come down and spend the weekends with us enjoying, beach, pool and the NJ shore summer vibe. We are blessed that our family lives close enough to spend this time with us and enjoys coming down often. We are now retired and spend much of the summer here at the beach (when not returning to North Jersey for Drs. Appointments, etc.) getting together with the many friends we’ve made here and having other friends visit from North Jersey (during the weekdays) to spend time at the shore. Besides all the great times and leisure activities the home provides, the increase in value has made it one of the best investments we’ve ever made.
Let me just say, no offense intended, that most “people are dumb”. They don’t plan, research, consider all alternatives and make informed decisions. They let family, friends or the SS website give advice as to what’s good for THEM!
Yes, take it when you need it but please try to wait until Full Retirement Age (FRA) at least.
It’s hard, if not impossible to judge anyone’s by personal financial position by outward appearances of homes, cars and clothes/ jewelry. We have long time friends who’s both grown kids married into wealthy families. These young families have no financial worries as the parents (in-laws) are providing substantial financial support (in one case paying for the house). Our friend says they have no worries about their kids financially. You never know the whole story (unless you know these young families well yourself. 🤷🏻♂️
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Jeff, great book you referenced. Like Greg, the purchase of our Condominium at the NJ Shore was the best (and scariest) purchase we ever made, 9 years ago. At the time, we were still working (in the office 5 days a week) and had two young granddaughters, ages 5 and 3. We used part of our retirement 401k funds to come up with the 20% down payment and took on a large 2nd mortgage, albeit at a great 3.5% rate. In the years following, this 2nd home, just an hour from our primary home in North Jersey has become the center of our social and family’s lives. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, our daughters, SILs and now 4 grandchildren (ages 3-14) come down and spend the weekends with us enjoying, beach, pool and the NJ shore summer vibe. We are blessed that our family lives close enough to spend this time with us and enjoys coming down often. We are now retired and spend much of the summer here at the beach (when not returning to North Jersey for Drs. Appointments, etc.) getting together with the many friends we’ve made here and having other friends visit from North Jersey (during the weekdays) to spend time at the shore. Besides all the great times and leisure activities the home provides, the increase in value has made it one of the best investments we’ve ever made.
Post: The Art of Spending Money
Link to comment from May 18, 2026
Let me just say, no offense intended, that most “people are dumb”. They don’t plan, research, consider all alternatives and make informed decisions. They let family, friends or the SS website give advice as to what’s good for THEM! Yes, take it when you need it but please try to wait until Full Retirement Age (FRA) at least.
Post: Social Security subject beaten to death, but one more time please
Link to comment from October 24, 2025
It’s hard, if not impossible to judge anyone’s by personal financial position by outward appearances of homes, cars and clothes/ jewelry. We have long time friends who’s both grown kids married into wealthy families. These young families have no financial worries as the parents (in-laws) are providing substantial financial support (in one case paying for the house). Our friend says they have no worries about their kids financially. You never know the whole story (unless you know these young families well yourself. 🤷🏻♂️
Post: I Really Don’t Get It, But I Guess That’s OK
Link to comment from October 21, 2025
Lucretia, excellent article and very good advice. Regular Medicare is the way to go!
Post: Don’t make the wrong Medicare decision
Link to comment from October 17, 2025