AUTHOR: Mark Gardner on 6/4/2025 FIRST: DAN SMITH on 6/4 | RECENT: bbbobbins on 8/15
Comments
Very good analysis. In retirement, I first focus on expenses: essentials (food, insurance, taxes, etc.), healthcare, and then lifestyle items like travel or gifts. I match my essential expenses with inflation-protected income sources—Social Security, I-Bonds, TIPS, and so on. That way, I have a clear picture of the “rest of the portfolio,” which I can use more flexibly for lifestyle choices depending on market returns. The one area that still worries me is age-related shocks, like long-term care. My only fallback plan there is tapping home equity.
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.” - J.K.Rowling Fun post and comments from folks. Thank you.
I looked at two Arkansas stations—KUAF and KASU—as test cases. KUAF has warned it could lose local journalism, community reporting, and even emergency broadcasts. KASU may lose its only full-time staff member. I’m sure similar situations are unfolding in other communities people here care about. What I’m watching for now is PBS’s broader strategy. Will it simply double down on the programs that bring in donations and underwriting, or will it take a more thoughtful approach in deciding what to preserve? That distinction will make the difference in whether I choose to direct my donation to them.
I don't know if the Congress of tomorrow will have the same motivations as ones from the past when it comes to SS. The richest amongst us casually label this program as a Ponzi scheme and fund elections on this premise.
As a follow-up, I wanted to share an update. My intuition proved correct, and I learned this morning that I’ve lost my job. I’m deeply grateful for all the comments and support from this community. Your insights helped us prepare far better for this moment than I otherwise would have.
I think it’s important to remember that college isn’t just a “ticket” to a good life—it’s a launchpad for critical thinking, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections. In my own experience, what I work on has zero resemblance to what I studied in college—except for one essential skill: the ability to learn. Parsing complex problems, learning independently, and thinking critically are the skills that stuck with me and serve me every day. I also have mixed feelings about society—or worse, politicians—shaping the narrative around which college degrees are considered “valuable” or the zeitgeist, "woke". I doubt we’d have Apple if Steve Jobs hadn’t been curious enough to audit that calligraphy course at Reed College or travel to India with a college friend in search of spiritual insight.
Like so many others, I’ve never met you in person — only through your clear, thoughtful words. But even at a distance, this post moved me deeply. Throughout your career, you’ve helped us focus on what truly matters — stripping away noise, simplifying complexity, and inviting clarity. And now, in this most personal moment, you’re doing it again: revealing what endures beneath all that fades. The body may weaken.
The mind may struggle.
Treatments may come and go. But you are not any of it. You are the awareness behind it all — timeless, unwavering, whole. Your presence on HumbleDollar has been a gift. And your soul, I believe, is not bound by time.Hold on to that truth when your mind and body make demands on you. It’s still there — steady and untouched.
Universal Healthcare for all residents of the United States is the way to go. I prefer a risk+inflation adjusted voucher based system where residents can shop for private healh insurance and the wealthier residents get to buy supplemental insurance. What gets covered in the basic plan is recommended by a panel of medical experts with credentials.
IMHO, it's more than taxes. As a nation, we find ourselves at a peculiar cultural juncture where we have lost sight of our shared identity as one people. We are susceptible to the zero-sum game mentality, and the social media algorithms and opportunistic politicians only exacerbate these impulses for power and profit. I am not sure what will break the cycle, but our grandchildren will bear the consequences of our mistakes. We will have to live with that reality.
It also pains me that so many in the crypto and tech communities use social media to spread the lie that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. It's a catchy line but so wrong. Because, unlike a Ponzi scheme, it’s legal, transparent, backed by US law, adjustable by Congress, and backed by taxes! Ponzi schemes are designed to collapse and enrich the creator. Social Security is designed to last and support retirees.
Comments
Very good analysis. In retirement, I first focus on expenses: essentials (food, insurance, taxes, etc.), healthcare, and then lifestyle items like travel or gifts. I match my essential expenses with inflation-protected income sources—Social Security, I-Bonds, TIPS, and so on. That way, I have a clear picture of the “rest of the portfolio,” which I can use more flexibly for lifestyle choices depending on market returns. The one area that still worries me is age-related shocks, like long-term care. My only fallback plan there is tapping home equity.
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Link to comment from September 11, 2025
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all.” - J.K.Rowling Fun post and comments from folks. Thank you.
Post: How I Failed My Way to Financial Freedom
Link to comment from September 10, 2025
I looked at two Arkansas stations—KUAF and KASU—as test cases. KUAF has warned it could lose local journalism, community reporting, and even emergency broadcasts. KASU may lose its only full-time staff member. I’m sure similar situations are unfolding in other communities people here care about. What I’m watching for now is PBS’s broader strategy. Will it simply double down on the programs that bring in donations and underwriting, or will it take a more thoughtful approach in deciding what to preserve? That distinction will make the difference in whether I choose to direct my donation to them.
Post: Big Beautiful Bill Response
Link to comment from September 7, 2025
I don't know if the Congress of tomorrow will have the same motivations as ones from the past when it comes to SS. The richest amongst us casually label this program as a Ponzi scheme and fund elections on this premise.
Post: Dealing with a reduction in Social Security benefits. Is there a backup plan?
Link to comment from August 29, 2025
As a follow-up, I wanted to share an update. My intuition proved correct, and I learned this morning that I’ve lost my job. I’m deeply grateful for all the comments and support from this community. Your insights helped us prepare far better for this moment than I otherwise would have.
Post: When the Spreadsheet Gets Real
Link to comment from August 14, 2025
I think it’s important to remember that college isn’t just a “ticket” to a good life—it’s a launchpad for critical thinking, lifelong learning, and meaningful connections. In my own experience, what I work on has zero resemblance to what I studied in college—except for one essential skill: the ability to learn. Parsing complex problems, learning independently, and thinking critically are the skills that stuck with me and serve me every day. I also have mixed feelings about society—or worse, politicians—shaping the narrative around which college degrees are considered “valuable” or the zeitgeist, "woke". I doubt we’d have Apple if Steve Jobs hadn’t been curious enough to audit that calligraphy course at Reed College or travel to India with a college friend in search of spiritual insight.
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Link to comment from July 16, 2025
Like so many others, I’ve never met you in person — only through your clear, thoughtful words. But even at a distance, this post moved me deeply. Throughout your career, you’ve helped us focus on what truly matters — stripping away noise, simplifying complexity, and inviting clarity. And now, in this most personal moment, you’re doing it again: revealing what endures beneath all that fades. The body may weaken. The mind may struggle. Treatments may come and go. But you are not any of it. You are the awareness behind it all — timeless, unwavering, whole. Your presence on HumbleDollar has been a gift. And your soul, I believe, is not bound by time.Hold on to that truth when your mind and body make demands on you. It’s still there — steady and untouched.
Post: Extra Innings
Link to comment from July 14, 2025
Universal Healthcare for all residents of the United States is the way to go. I prefer a risk+inflation adjusted voucher based system where residents can shop for private healh insurance and the wealthier residents get to buy supplemental insurance. What gets covered in the basic plan is recommended by a panel of medical experts with credentials.
Post: I have a challenge for you. It’s one of the most significant financial and controversial issues facing the U.S.
Link to comment from July 14, 2025
IMHO, it's more than taxes. As a nation, we find ourselves at a peculiar cultural juncture where we have lost sight of our shared identity as one people. We are susceptible to the zero-sum game mentality, and the social media algorithms and opportunistic politicians only exacerbate these impulses for power and profit. I am not sure what will break the cycle, but our grandchildren will bear the consequences of our mistakes. We will have to live with that reality.
Post: Quinn rants about taxes-but maybe not what you think.
Link to comment from July 8, 2025
It also pains me that so many in the crypto and tech communities use social media to spread the lie that Social Security is a Ponzi scheme. It's a catchy line but so wrong. Because, unlike a Ponzi scheme, it’s legal, transparent, backed by US law, adjustable by Congress, and backed by taxes! Ponzi schemes are designed to collapse and enrich the creator. Social Security is designed to last and support retirees.
Post: Increased Deduction for Seniors
Link to comment from July 6, 2025