My wife died 25 days ago. Here, in the early stages of grief, I found that this article helped considerably. Everything and everywhere in our house is a reminder of Michele. I have been clearing out her things - today I delivered a car-full of medical equipment to a local church group that provides them to those in need. That felt good. I have also taken small pleasures seeing female friends take some of Michele's clothing, knowing that it will continue in use. The article raises a good question - what tangible mementos will I keep long term? And, at 69, I tear up at the slightest reminder.
Thank you Jonathan. End of life predictions are nebulous at best. If I had to say why me wife exceeded expectations by so much I'd ascribe it to immediate care - a collective of Jamaican home health aides in the NYC area.
My wife Michele died recently (7/8/25) of a long time ailment, Parkinsons + dementia - I am mourning big time as I write this The overlap with your story is the inevitability - but in Michele's case there was no 12-month prognosis. At the end, she was on Hospice care for 44 months. Considering that the median hospice care is for 17 days (approx) and the 95th% is less than a year, she did very well. I hope the same statistics for you. Jonathan, you don't know me but you and I ran 5ks in Woodbridge/Colonia. (I found this from the WWW). Your time was always ahead of mine.
In April I rebalanced funds in TIAA/CREF (educator/academic here) from US growth index (QCGRIX) to international growth (QCGLIX). This was motivated in large part by Jonathan's posts on the value of a diversified global approach. No regrets so far. Lowered stress actually, if that can be quantified. Thank you Jonathan.
Living in an almost as expensive NJ town, I have the same thoughts about moving. Our children are out of state - PA and CA. What keeps me here though, is friends and maybe as much: medical availability. It's like Amazon - the NY suburbs get same day delivery- we also have same day choice of emergency or hospital care. Point of fact, NJ hospitals are in practice superior to NYC ones (personal experience).
Also, I did a Roth conversion near the bottom in April. As Jonathan noted recently it is really a matter of market timing and therefore a little stress inducing. But worth it in retrospect. If there is another greater downturn I'll do another conversion.
A portion of my retirement savings is in TIAA-CREF, where I had a large part in the CREF Growth fund - QCGRIX is the symbol. I have shifted most of it to the CREF Global fund - QCGLIX. Despite the name the latter is 67% in US stocks, but it is far less volatile than the Growth fund which turns out to have close to 10% of the portfolio in Nvidia!
Ordered a hard copy - for my 1 year old grandson. My two grown children seem to have picked up my frugal ways well enough, but I have less control over the next generation.
My wife and I did that 10 years ago and found it very enjoyable and relaxing. At the time it didn't seem expensive, not that much more than flying. And you arrive the UK without jet lag!
Comments
My wife died 25 days ago. Here, in the early stages of grief, I found that this article helped considerably. Everything and everywhere in our house is a reminder of Michele. I have been clearing out her things - today I delivered a car-full of medical equipment to a local church group that provides them to those in need. That felt good. I have also taken small pleasures seeing female friends take some of Michele's clothing, knowing that it will continue in use. The article raises a good question - what tangible mementos will I keep long term? And, at 69, I tear up at the slightest reminder.
Post: I Cry More Easily Now. I Didn’t Use To
Link to comment from August 2, 2025
Thank you Jonathan. End of life predictions are nebulous at best. If I had to say why me wife exceeded expectations by so much I'd ascribe it to immediate care - a collective of Jamaican home health aides in the NYC area.
Post: Extra Innings
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
My wife Michele died recently (7/8/25) of a long time ailment, Parkinsons + dementia - I am mourning big time as I write this The overlap with your story is the inevitability - but in Michele's case there was no 12-month prognosis. At the end, she was on Hospice care for 44 months. Considering that the median hospice care is for 17 days (approx) and the 95th% is less than a year, she did very well. I hope the same statistics for you. Jonathan, you don't know me but you and I ran 5ks in Woodbridge/Colonia. (I found this from the WWW). Your time was always ahead of mine.
Post: Extra Innings
Link to comment from July 12, 2025
In April I rebalanced funds in TIAA/CREF (educator/academic here) from US growth index (QCGRIX) to international growth (QCGLIX). This was motivated in large part by Jonathan's posts on the value of a diversified global approach. No regrets so far. Lowered stress actually, if that can be quantified. Thank you Jonathan.
Post: Rethinking Rebalancing
Link to comment from July 6, 2025
Living in an almost as expensive NJ town, I have the same thoughts about moving. Our children are out of state - PA and CA. What keeps me here though, is friends and maybe as much: medical availability. It's like Amazon - the NY suburbs get same day delivery- we also have same day choice of emergency or hospital care. Point of fact, NJ hospitals are in practice superior to NYC ones (personal experience).
Post: When relocation in retirement is not an option, not what you really want. By Dick Quinn
Link to comment from June 14, 2025
J. Maynard Keynes actually. Shilling lives nearby and I have some of his home grown bee-honey thanks to a mutual friend.
Post: Listen to the Markets
Link to comment from May 31, 2025
Also, I did a Roth conversion near the bottom in April. As Jonathan noted recently it is really a matter of market timing and therefore a little stress inducing. But worth it in retrospect. If there is another greater downturn I'll do another conversion.
Post: Ch-Ch-Changes?
Link to comment from May 11, 2025
A portion of my retirement savings is in TIAA-CREF, where I had a large part in the CREF Growth fund - QCGRIX is the symbol. I have shifted most of it to the CREF Global fund - QCGLIX. Despite the name the latter is 67% in US stocks, but it is far less volatile than the Growth fund which turns out to have close to 10% of the portfolio in Nvidia!
Post: Ch-Ch-Changes?
Link to comment from May 11, 2025
Ordered a hard copy - for my 1 year old grandson. My two grown children seem to have picked up my frugal ways well enough, but I have less control over the next generation.
Post: Do It for the Kids
Link to comment from May 11, 2025
My wife and I did that 10 years ago and found it very enjoyable and relaxing. At the time it didn't seem expensive, not that much more than flying. And you arrive the UK without jet lag!
Post: Taking on Water
Link to comment from March 24, 2025