Many of money memories are painful-my parents arguing and my poor decisions. Thankfully I found information in periodicals and newspapers-including Jonathan's column-somewhere along the way-90s?; my career progressed, I finally made a smart decision and married a great woman and the last 20 years have been great.
My wife and I visited all those you mention except Springmoor plus several others. Id recommend adding Carolina Meadows and Carol Woods to your review list. If you are not tied explicitly to the Triangle, Twin Lakes near Burlington is worth a visit-like Croasdaile very good and affordable. Searstone is an interesting one also as the financial model is a bit different. Another different financial option-mostly rental-and more high end is The Cardinal at North Hills. I also recommend the Olli Class at Duke which is excellent and different than the one at NC State.
Good one. As I've commented before my wife and I got on 4 non profit CCRC wait lists almost 2 years ago when we were 67/64. We expect it to be at least 10 years before we get notified and then we begin the process of deciding. We wanted to get on multiple lists to keep our options open and fortunately there are some good choices in our area. Both of us have family history reasons for doing this and we think it fits our situation. It's clearly not for everyone. For a nominal fee, NaCCRa has some credit resources including screening info. It's important remember that when you buy in to a CCRC you are buying insurance with a place to live.
I have not tried any, having relied on our FA but I do participate regularly in retirement planning forums. A couple others frequently mentioned are Projection Lab (Rob Berger talks it about it and Boldin on his YouTube Channel) and Pralana. Good luck.
Excellent analysis. Agree with almost all of it. (I understand you are looking at MA mainly from a financial standpoint, but it's a suboptimal choice for many people, including healthy people so I would have left that out.)
Excellent list and post. Id add a couple that have worked for me: 1-Assuming you are covering your expenses and have an emergency fund, save the extra amount every time you get a raise. 2. Don't pass up opportunities in your career. Even if you are in a good place, look for opportunities for advancement. 3. Set up alerts on credit cards when there are charges to avoid scams etc. 4. Be very careful about loaning money to family and friends. It might work out and it might not. 5. Think about some sort of side gig after full time retirement. And it doesn't only have financial benefits..
Comments
Many of money memories are painful-my parents arguing and my poor decisions. Thankfully I found information in periodicals and newspapers-including Jonathan's column-somewhere along the way-90s?; my career progressed, I finally made a smart decision and married a great woman and the last 20 years have been great.
Post: My Money Memories
Link to comment from August 8, 2025
My wife and I visited all those you mention except Springmoor plus several others. Id recommend adding Carolina Meadows and Carol Woods to your review list. If you are not tied explicitly to the Triangle, Twin Lakes near Burlington is worth a visit-like Croasdaile very good and affordable. Searstone is an interesting one also as the financial model is a bit different. Another different financial option-mostly rental-and more high end is The Cardinal at North Hills. I also recommend the Olli Class at Duke which is excellent and different than the one at NC State.
Post: CCRC – continuing care retirement community
Link to comment from August 7, 2025
Good one. As I've commented before my wife and I got on 4 non profit CCRC wait lists almost 2 years ago when we were 67/64. We expect it to be at least 10 years before we get notified and then we begin the process of deciding. We wanted to get on multiple lists to keep our options open and fortunately there are some good choices in our area. Both of us have family history reasons for doing this and we think it fits our situation. It's clearly not for everyone. For a nominal fee, NaCCRa has some credit resources including screening info. It's important remember that when you buy in to a CCRC you are buying insurance with a place to live.
Post: Starting Over, if you can. Some decisions are subject to change (I apologize for its length)
Link to comment from August 3, 2025
Falls are a significant risk factor when aging. Peter Atttia, the longevity doc, has some good stuff on it. Here's one: How People Over 65 Can Reduce Their Fall Risk | Peter Attia
Post: Bad Trip
Link to comment from July 31, 2025
I have not tried any, having relied on our FA but I do participate regularly in retirement planning forums. A couple others frequently mentioned are Projection Lab (Rob Berger talks it about it and Boldin on his YouTube Channel) and Pralana. Good luck.
Post: Recommendations for Retirement Planning Tools
Link to comment from July 28, 2025
This piece might be useful: Let’s look at the new iShares Defined-Maturity TIPS ETFs | Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities
Post: Has anyone used iBonds to build a bond ladder?
Link to comment from July 27, 2025
Excellent analysis. Agree with almost all of it. (I understand you are looking at MA mainly from a financial standpoint, but it's a suboptimal choice for many people, including healthy people so I would have left that out.)
Post: 100% Base Pay Replacement: What Does It Mean?
Link to comment from July 27, 2025
Excellent list and post. Id add a couple that have worked for me: 1-Assuming you are covering your expenses and have an emergency fund, save the extra amount every time you get a raise. 2. Don't pass up opportunities in your career. Even if you are in a good place, look for opportunities for advancement. 3. Set up alerts on credit cards when there are charges to avoid scams etc. 4. Be very careful about loaning money to family and friends. It might work out and it might not. 5. Think about some sort of side gig after full time retirement. And it doesn't only have financial benefits..
Post: Raising Dough
Link to comment from July 26, 2025
Lots of people make the mistake of SS claiming in a vacuum without a financial plan or strategy and even without regard to their spouse.
Post: Help! Why is the total lifetime accumulated Social Security benefit more important than the monthly amount?
Link to comment from July 24, 2025
I understand and I am aware of the Wall Street recent history. Good luck.
Post: In Short-Term Limbo
Link to comment from July 24, 2025