AUTHOR: Mike Gaynes on 4/5/2026 FIRST: Doug C on 4/5 | RECENT: R Quinn on 4/13
Comments
"Once we get a dog, he’ll go into the spending plan, too."True, but very possibly on the credit side of the ledger as well as the debit!I'll never be able to quantify it, but I'm convinced that every time Danny insistently hops around at the bottom of the stairs with the leash in his mouth to get us out for a walk, he lowers our long-term health care costs.
I think Barron's is wrong. I think both poor health and loneliness are much bigger fears for most seniors than running out of money. They certainly always have been for me, even when I didn't have much saved.
The quote goes way back farther than the Mick, who sadly drank himself to death at 63. Both journalist Billy Noonan and jazz legend Eubie Blake used the line well before Mantle.
Andrew, stories like yours and Catherine's and so many others prove once again what has been proven a thousand times over -- that immigrants enrich America beyond calculation. Let me just say... thanks for coming!
Hi, my name is Danny Dog, and I'm dictating this reply to the guy who feeds me and scritches my ears when I allow it. I was found on the streets of a Third World country called Fresno, transported to Seattle and adopted by the most beautiful, wonderful Mom in the world. I instantly became a 7-pound package of adoration following her around and driving her crazy. And I've learned to tolerate the guy, although it took a couple of years because for obvious reasons I had trust issues. I take them and Grandma for a walk every day, get just enough attention, and the food ain't bad. But best of all I'm surrounded by love and security instead of big street dogs trying to kill me every day. How lucky can a boy get?
I have two suggestions for you that you might not have considered. The first is to build yourself into your own business as a consultant. Sit down with a laptop or legal pad and make a list of the unique expertises and knowledge bases that you have built up over your working career, and then ask yourself who in the business world needs that knowledge. Compile another list of the gazillion contacts you've made over the years and reach out to them for feedback. Spend your severance time registering as an S-Corp or LLC and planning a consulting gig you can do a couple days a week at a truly ridiculous hourly rate. I charge 5X what I used to make working for other people. I work only when I want, usually in my bathrobe or gym shorts, and I get a lot more respect. The second is... give back. The financial mentoring you mentioned below is one good possibility. Train as a community emergency responder for floods or earthquakes. Teach a class. Volunteer a few hours a week at a food bank or a senior center. I deliver for Meals on Wheels, and all us volunteers are either semi- or fully-retired. We make a difference. Two weeks ago a client, 79, was clearly experiencing a stroke when I arrived with his meal. The EMT said my call to them probably saved his life. Can't top that feeling. Enjoy your new life, and don't stress about it too much.
What price can you put on memories? I went to five World Cup games at Stanford when the tournament was last in the US in 1994. I was near broke and somewhat underemployed at the time, but I never even considered not going. It was worth every dollar, and no regrets. This time around, despite being far better off financially, I barely considered it. Several games were played only a ferryboat ride away, but having been there and done that and not wanting to pay massive ticket prices, I waved it off and parked in front of the TV for every match. No regrets this time either.
Comments
"Once we get a dog, he’ll go into the spending plan, too." True, but very possibly on the credit side of the ledger as well as the debit! I'll never be able to quantify it, but I'm convinced that every time Danny insistently hops around at the bottom of the stairs with the leash in his mouth to get us out for a walk, he lowers our long-term health care costs.
Post: What is the right percentage?
Link to comment from August 10, 2026
Exceptionally wise comment.
Post: What is the right percentage?
Link to comment from August 10, 2026
I think Barron's is wrong. I think both poor health and loneliness are much bigger fears for most seniors than running out of money. They certainly always have been for me, even when I didn't have much saved.
Post: For most retirees, the greatest fear is not death—it is running out of money before they die.
Link to comment from August 7, 2026
The quote goes way back farther than the Mick, who sadly drank himself to death at 63. Both journalist Billy Noonan and jazz legend Eubie Blake used the line well before Mantle.
Post: For most retirees, the greatest fear is not death—it is running out of money before they die.
Link to comment from August 7, 2026
Andrew, stories like yours and Catherine's and so many others prove once again what has been proven a thousand times over -- that immigrants enrich America beyond calculation. Let me just say... thanks for coming!
Post: One Piece Of Paper
Link to comment from August 5, 2026
What a great post. Sounds like you did this and had a very, very happy return on your investment!
Post: Fear of the Unknown…
Link to comment from July 26, 2026
You wouldn't like how I "edit"... it leaves a stain.
Post: Too Good to be True
Link to comment from July 23, 2026
Hi, my name is Danny Dog, and I'm dictating this reply to the guy who feeds me and scritches my ears when I allow it. I was found on the streets of a Third World country called Fresno, transported to Seattle and adopted by the most beautiful, wonderful Mom in the world. I instantly became a 7-pound package of adoration following her around and driving her crazy. And I've learned to tolerate the guy, although it took a couple of years because for obvious reasons I had trust issues. I take them and Grandma for a walk every day, get just enough attention, and the food ain't bad. But best of all I'm surrounded by love and security instead of big street dogs trying to kill me every day. How lucky can a boy get?
Post: Too Good to be True
Link to comment from July 23, 2026
I have two suggestions for you that you might not have considered. The first is to build yourself into your own business as a consultant. Sit down with a laptop or legal pad and make a list of the unique expertises and knowledge bases that you have built up over your working career, and then ask yourself who in the business world needs that knowledge. Compile another list of the gazillion contacts you've made over the years and reach out to them for feedback. Spend your severance time registering as an S-Corp or LLC and planning a consulting gig you can do a couple days a week at a truly ridiculous hourly rate. I charge 5X what I used to make working for other people. I work only when I want, usually in my bathrobe or gym shorts, and I get a lot more respect. The second is... give back. The financial mentoring you mentioned below is one good possibility. Train as a community emergency responder for floods or earthquakes. Teach a class. Volunteer a few hours a week at a food bank or a senior center. I deliver for Meals on Wheels, and all us volunteers are either semi- or fully-retired. We make a difference. Two weeks ago a client, 79, was clearly experiencing a stroke when I arrived with his meal. The EMT said my call to them probably saved his life. Can't top that feeling. Enjoy your new life, and don't stress about it too much.
Post: Fear of the Unknown…
Link to comment from July 23, 2026
What price can you put on memories? I went to five World Cup games at Stanford when the tournament was last in the US in 1994. I was near broke and somewhat underemployed at the time, but I never even considered not going. It was worth every dollar, and no regrets. This time around, despite being far better off financially, I barely considered it. Several games were played only a ferryboat ride away, but having been there and done that and not wanting to pay massive ticket prices, I waved it off and parked in front of the TV for every match. No regrets this time either.
Post: FIFA Financials
Link to comment from July 20, 2026