Mark:
Very similar situation here. My wife taught 31 years in a public school system. Aside from contributing bi-weekly to her pension, she was limited to a 403(B) account. The employer limited her to a small group of insurers with fees similar to those assessed to your wife. Her adviser for many years was a family friend who met with her semi-annually and offered good advice. When he retired, the account was transferred to his successor who met with her early on. Then the meetings stopped. At this point, my wife was retired. The only contact the last few years was a Christmas card and wall calendar. Last summer I finally prevailed upon her to rollover her 403(B) to a Schwab IRA containing index funds. We will miss the wall calendar, but those can be purchased for $15 around here
I grew up in a tennis playing family. Last year we cruised the British Isles, ending up in London early July. I took a quick look at securing a couple tickets to Wimbledon. Wow! Instead, took a night cruise down the Thames.
We got lucky in 2021. We found a spec house to our liking - 3 level townhouse. It came with a shaft, but no elevator. Found a local home elevator contractor who did the installation for $40K. We are set for the next 10 years or so.
100% in agreement here, Dan. Don't like sour beers or most IPAs, even though my middle son brews both at his craft brewery. My investments are all in the KIBS category.
Dan: Your experience is something we deal with on a regular basis in the law business. I cringe when a client is too busy to come to our NWO office to pick up their settlement check, instead asking that it be mailed. The more difficult the client, the longer it seems to take to navigate to Pontiac and other distant post offices, before reaching the recipient. I remember a time when a letter mailed in Toledo would often be delivered the next day locally.
Only when asked. However, we often leave personal finance books on end tables and nightstands. If I catch one of our adult children flipping through the pages of one, I don't hesitate to initiate a conversation on money.
I'm envious of the T-shirt and jeans crowd. That's me on weekends. Over the past 42 years, as a trial lawyer, I've had to dress up. Every 5 or so years, I grab the tie rack, spread 50 or so of the most outdated ties on my bed, and make a trip to a clothing charity. To a lesser extent I do the same with suits. And dress shoes. COVID closed the courts for a time. Many appearances are now done via Zoom or over the phone. Jury trials on civil cases are rare these days, but I have one in late April. So, as much as it pains me to do so, it looks like I'll be suit shopping in the near future.
If you decide to sell the Homestead, Catherine, my best advice is to rent a dumpster and fill it up. We sold our home of 30 years during COVID and have never looked back.
Comments
Mark: Very similar situation here. My wife taught 31 years in a public school system. Aside from contributing bi-weekly to her pension, she was limited to a 403(B) account. The employer limited her to a small group of insurers with fees similar to those assessed to your wife. Her adviser for many years was a family friend who met with her semi-annually and offered good advice. When he retired, the account was transferred to his successor who met with her early on. Then the meetings stopped. At this point, my wife was retired. The only contact the last few years was a Christmas card and wall calendar. Last summer I finally prevailed upon her to rollover her 403(B) to a Schwab IRA containing index funds. We will miss the wall calendar, but those can be purchased for $15 around here
Post: The High Cost of Financial Advice: A Tale of Two Portfolios Revisited
Link to comment from February 6, 2026
I grew up in a tennis playing family. Last year we cruised the British Isles, ending up in London early July. I took a quick look at securing a couple tickets to Wimbledon. Wow! Instead, took a night cruise down the Thames.
Post: Money to burn?
Link to comment from January 26, 2026
We got lucky in 2021. We found a spec house to our liking - 3 level townhouse. It came with a shaft, but no elevator. Found a local home elevator contractor who did the installation for $40K. We are set for the next 10 years or so.
Post: “Too Much House” vs “Not Enough House”—But Through the Lens of Aging in Place
Link to comment from January 20, 2026
100% in agreement here, Dan. Don't like sour beers or most IPAs, even though my middle son brews both at his craft brewery. My investments are all in the KIBS category.
Post: No Such Thing as Easy Money
Link to comment from January 8, 2026
Dan: Your experience is something we deal with on a regular basis in the law business. I cringe when a client is too busy to come to our NWO office to pick up their settlement check, instead asking that it be mailed. The more difficult the client, the longer it seems to take to navigate to Pontiac and other distant post offices, before reaching the recipient. I remember a time when a letter mailed in Toledo would often be delivered the next day locally.
Post: A Record Journey
Link to comment from August 19, 2025
Renee has adaptive cruise control on her Honda Pilot. That is one feature I wish I had on the Camaro.
Post: Car talk- Quinn likes friendliness
Link to comment from April 14, 2025
Having learned to drive on my dad's '68 VW Bug, I'm still partial to manual transmissions. So, here are my 3 requirements:
- Stick shift;
- Convertible top;
- (Functional) rear seat - for the grandkids
Current ride: 2023 Chevy Camaro The best part is...she doesn't talk.Post: Car talk- Quinn likes friendliness
Link to comment from April 14, 2025
Only when asked. However, we often leave personal finance books on end tables and nightstands. If I catch one of our adult children flipping through the pages of one, I don't hesitate to initiate a conversation on money.
Post: How Nosey Are You?
Link to comment from March 18, 2025
I'm envious of the T-shirt and jeans crowd. That's me on weekends. Over the past 42 years, as a trial lawyer, I've had to dress up. Every 5 or so years, I grab the tie rack, spread 50 or so of the most outdated ties on my bed, and make a trip to a clothing charity. To a lesser extent I do the same with suits. And dress shoes. COVID closed the courts for a time. Many appearances are now done via Zoom or over the phone. Jury trials on civil cases are rare these days, but I have one in late April. So, as much as it pains me to do so, it looks like I'll be suit shopping in the near future.
Post: Where and When Do You Spend?
Link to comment from March 3, 2025
If you decide to sell the Homestead, Catherine, my best advice is to rent a dumpster and fill it up. We sold our home of 30 years during COVID and have never looked back.
Post: My House Divided
Link to comment from February 13, 2025