I feel your pain. I've run into a similar situation; but less grand (financially). We gave our daughters a commitment for significant travel dollars for Xmas and I'm currently trying to optimize whether to take it in 2025 or 2026 to avoid any IRMMA.
As I look back on pre-retirement planning, the one thing that I wish I had done differently is plan more Roth conversions. As I look out 5+ years (we've been retired 7 years) I think the combination of RMD's, SS and income from after-tax investments will push us into higher tax brackets than I anticipated. I realize these are "1st world problems" but I hate giving the Federal Government any more than I have to, I'd rather donate it to worthy causes.
Well said. Growing up, we never had much but my folks knew how to stretch a dollar. Learning to value those dollars was a life lesson that carried over into me doing my own investing and my own taxes. As a young married couple we saved even though it hurt and started investing early. Might a financial advisor helped to get somewhat better returns? - maybe. But we’ve done just fine. Have we made a few rookie mistakes? - yup. But that learning made us more inquisitive and questioning along the way.
We made the decision to live mortgage free by liquidating assets to build our retirement home. Do we think about what “has it appreciated”? Sure. But the truth is that value is our built in inheritance for our two children, so the actual value (+/-) isn’t really all that. significant to us. They’ll inherit a tidy sum. And if we should need it for care later on - it’s plenty. We worked hard, we’re savers and have been truly blessed with good fortune.
My wife didn’t think I’d ever retire. I guess I didn’t either. It turns out that retirement has been quite satisfying. I play golf a few times a week and volunteer on several boards that advise on things ranging from F&B, golf course issues and the local Handicap Committee. I also volunteer for our local FD, as well as various fundraisers for local charities. And we travel a lot. As I reflect on what I miss from my work life, the answer is nothing. I loved my jobs in Sales and Marketing Management, but I was more ready than I realized to enjoy the fruits of my labors. And I’ve kept in touch with three former colleagues through a book club we started and golf & fishing get togethers.
Thanks for your post. I'll also say "AMEN". We lost my mother three years ago at 100 and my mother-in-law this January at 100. For me the final weeks were remarkably different. One got to pass peacefully; the other was encouraged to eat and drink and sit up when all they wanted was to be left alone and be comfortable in their final days and hours. She was ready to pass; they weren't ready to let her pass.
Comments
I feel your pain. I've run into a similar situation; but less grand (financially). We gave our daughters a commitment for significant travel dollars for Xmas and I'm currently trying to optimize whether to take it in 2025 or 2026 to avoid any IRMMA.
Post: Well: That’s Just Inconvenient!
Link to comment from December 29, 2025
Totally agree. I focus our IRA withdrawal on staying just below the point where IRMMA kicks in.
Post: If You Could Rewind 5 Years Before Retirement… What Would You Change?
Link to comment from December 28, 2025
As I look back on pre-retirement planning, the one thing that I wish I had done differently is plan more Roth conversions. As I look out 5+ years (we've been retired 7 years) I think the combination of RMD's, SS and income from after-tax investments will push us into higher tax brackets than I anticipated. I realize these are "1st world problems" but I hate giving the Federal Government any more than I have to, I'd rather donate it to worthy causes.
Post: If You Could Rewind 5 Years Before Retirement… What Would You Change?
Link to comment from December 28, 2025
Well said. Growing up, we never had much but my folks knew how to stretch a dollar. Learning to value those dollars was a life lesson that carried over into me doing my own investing and my own taxes. As a young married couple we saved even though it hurt and started investing early. Might a financial advisor helped to get somewhat better returns? - maybe. But we’ve done just fine. Have we made a few rookie mistakes? - yup. But that learning made us more inquisitive and questioning along the way.
Post: How to build your nest egg
Link to comment from November 30, 2025
We made the decision to live mortgage free by liquidating assets to build our retirement home. Do we think about what “has it appreciated”? Sure. But the truth is that value is our built in inheritance for our two children, so the actual value (+/-) isn’t really all that. significant to us. They’ll inherit a tidy sum. And if we should need it for care later on - it’s plenty. We worked hard, we’re savers and have been truly blessed with good fortune.
Post: Is the value of your home an important part of retirement plans?
Link to comment from November 24, 2025
My wife didn’t think I’d ever retire. I guess I didn’t either. It turns out that retirement has been quite satisfying. I play golf a few times a week and volunteer on several boards that advise on things ranging from F&B, golf course issues and the local Handicap Committee. I also volunteer for our local FD, as well as various fundraisers for local charities. And we travel a lot. As I reflect on what I miss from my work life, the answer is nothing. I loved my jobs in Sales and Marketing Management, but I was more ready than I realized to enjoy the fruits of my labors. And I’ve kept in touch with three former colleagues through a book club we started and golf & fishing get togethers.
Post: Missing you….Or not?
Link to comment from June 20, 2025
Great article. Thanks for sharing.
Post: You Never Know
Link to comment from June 7, 2025
Great idea.
Post: Sharing What We Read: Book Reviews for HD Readers
Link to comment from May 6, 2025
Thanks Jonathan
Post: Let’s Be Adults
Link to comment from April 23, 2025
Thanks for your post. I'll also say "AMEN". We lost my mother three years ago at 100 and my mother-in-law this January at 100. For me the final weeks were remarkably different. One got to pass peacefully; the other was encouraged to eat and drink and sit up when all they wanted was to be left alone and be comfortable in their final days and hours. She was ready to pass; they weren't ready to let her pass.
Post: Lesson Four From Taking Care of a 102 yo in Her Last Year of Life- The Final Hours of Life Can be Beautiful
Link to comment from April 13, 2025