Andrew, I’m so sorry for your great loss. Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking and heartfelt story about your sister. Over the years, I’ve lost 2 cousins and a nephew to addiction. I also have a brother who, like your sister, has been an addict since a teenager. He’s been clean on and off throughout his life. He owned a successful business that he started with a very small loan from my mom and has blown through hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was there for me when I was literally scared to death in an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce. He’s in his early 70’s and says he’s not sure why God has spared him. He was in the same house as my nephew who overdosed (his son) and found him unconscious. It’s such a roller coaster ride of emotions, between him being clean and not clean. May God comfort you and may you cherish the great memories you have of your sister. May Tony’s memory be everlasting.
Congratulations! I admire your fortitude and glad you found what you desire. I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey. As you are aware, newer isn’t necessarily better. I live in a community with an HOA and I get frustrated with some of the boards decisions. Every year the fee increases, and sometimes it’s significant. On a positive note, the financials are healthy, planning out for large expenses like painting and road paving, etc. I live in condo in a gated community (not guarded, nor pretentious) and there are also cottages and triplexes in our neighborhood. I bought when the market was very competitive and ended up with a downstairs unit (we only have 2 stories) and the noise from upstairs drives me bonkers. I wanted a cottage or end unit of a single story triplex, and none were available at the time. There are some cottages currently on the market, and I’ve contemplated purchasing one, although leery of the extra purchase price and larger HOA fee. Your post has me thinking! I am confident my condo will sell quickly, as it’s an upgraded end unit and they sell quickly
I’d still have the HOA, although I feel very safe here and not sure a neighborhood without one is good for me. 🤔
I am 62 and single (divorced decades) and managed my own finances. Five years ago, I decided to hire a fee only, fiduciary financial advisor to assist in navigating toward retirement, and getting another perspective. I found my advisor through Garrett Planning Network (garrettplanningnetwork.com). She’s independent and not part of a large company, although started her career at one. I was financially able to retire sooner than anticipated 6 months ago due to a voluntary buy out. The buy out was average, although being able to keep the insurance was the most enticing. I am not sure I would have been confident to navigate the early retirement decision without my financial advisors help.
I agree, Mark. My last day of work was October 30 and I’m very much enjoying retirement! I enjoy doing what I want, when I want and not having to answer hundreds of emails. I was under a tremendous amount of stress in a toxic environment. When I see a friend I haven’t seen since retiring, they tell me how good I look.
I went through Hurricane Helene in Western NC. I’m grateful that I had plenty of cash to get through a week without power and internet.
I always carry cash to give as tips to servers in restaurants and for venues that give a cash discount.
Comments
Andrew, I’m so sorry for your great loss. Thank you for sharing this heartbreaking and heartfelt story about your sister. Over the years, I’ve lost 2 cousins and a nephew to addiction. I also have a brother who, like your sister, has been an addict since a teenager. He’s been clean on and off throughout his life. He owned a successful business that he started with a very small loan from my mom and has blown through hundreds of thousands of dollars. He was there for me when I was literally scared to death in an abusive marriage and subsequent divorce. He’s in his early 70’s and says he’s not sure why God has spared him. He was in the same house as my nephew who overdosed (his son) and found him unconscious. It’s such a roller coaster ride of emotions, between him being clean and not clean. May God comfort you and may you cherish the great memories you have of your sister. May Tony’s memory be everlasting.
Post: What Addiction Couldn’t Take: My Sister’s Story
Link to comment from June 20, 2026
Thank you, Andrew. I just pre-ordered the book. Jonathan had a lot of wisdom.
Post: Money and Me by Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from May 16, 2026
Congratulations! I admire your fortitude and glad you found what you desire. I’ve enjoyed reading about your journey. As you are aware, newer isn’t necessarily better. I live in a community with an HOA and I get frustrated with some of the boards decisions. Every year the fee increases, and sometimes it’s significant. On a positive note, the financials are healthy, planning out for large expenses like painting and road paving, etc. I live in condo in a gated community (not guarded, nor pretentious) and there are also cottages and triplexes in our neighborhood. I bought when the market was very competitive and ended up with a downstairs unit (we only have 2 stories) and the noise from upstairs drives me bonkers. I wanted a cottage or end unit of a single story triplex, and none were available at the time. There are some cottages currently on the market, and I’ve contemplated purchasing one, although leery of the extra purchase price and larger HOA fee. Your post has me thinking! I am confident my condo will sell quickly, as it’s an upgraded end unit and they sell quickly I’d still have the HOA, although I feel very safe here and not sure a neighborhood without one is good for me. 🤔
Post: How it all pencils out–or at least, we hope so! (Our Big “Little” Move, Part 3)
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
I am 62 and single (divorced decades) and managed my own finances. Five years ago, I decided to hire a fee only, fiduciary financial advisor to assist in navigating toward retirement, and getting another perspective. I found my advisor through Garrett Planning Network (garrettplanningnetwork.com). She’s independent and not part of a large company, although started her career at one. I was financially able to retire sooner than anticipated 6 months ago due to a voluntary buy out. The buy out was average, although being able to keep the insurance was the most enticing. I am not sure I would have been confident to navigate the early retirement decision without my financial advisors help.
Post: Financial Planning
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
Close the business account, and put the $75 cash each month in your pocket to pay it forward or do what you please. 😊
Post: The Life That Was Waiting
Link to comment from December 27, 2025
I agree, Mark. My last day of work was October 30 and I’m very much enjoying retirement! I enjoy doing what I want, when I want and not having to answer hundreds of emails. I was under a tremendous amount of stress in a toxic environment. When I see a friend I haven’t seen since retiring, they tell me how good I look.
Post: The Life That Was Waiting
Link to comment from December 27, 2025
If I’m staying at a BnB or small hotel, I call to see if they offer a cash discount and bring enough cash for my hotel stay.
Post: Cash Ain’t Trash
Link to comment from December 27, 2025
I went through Hurricane Helene in Western NC. I’m grateful that I had plenty of cash to get through a week without power and internet. I always carry cash to give as tips to servers in restaurants and for venues that give a cash discount.
Post: Cash Ain’t Trash
Link to comment from December 27, 2025
Rest in peace. What a great legacy you leave.
Post: Farewell Friends
Link to comment from September 27, 2025
Rest in peace, Jonathan. My condolences to Elaine and family.
Post: Tributes to Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from September 27, 2025