I never consider an Advantage plan. I budgeted for Traditional + Plan G and grateful it is available. I had a bad fall early this year and my only concern was my health and recovery. This has involved an ER visit, CT scan, multiple X-rays, multiple specialists and physical therapy. I had options and was never concerned with deductibles, co-insurance or pre authorizations. I am still in PT and on my way to full recovery, which has been my focus, not medical bills.
Tying to “out perform” market returns is a fool’s errand for me and brings in too many emotions. Simplicity: Total US Market Index, Total International Market Index, Intermediate Treasury Bond Index, Short Term Bond Index and Cash, 3.5% withdrawal rate, fits my personality.
It is Mothers’ Day and I miss my mom. She loved owning gold. I do not. I want to sell her coins and guess now is as good a time as any. There is complexity, and calculating the taxes makes my head hurt. Another reason to not own bullion. I love the simplicity of stocks and bonds.
I don’t feel “retired”. My schedule is full, but I no longer exchange my time for a paycheck. Much to my surprise, my local senior center offers so much in the way of classes and new friendships and exercise. I am also lucky to have a nearby Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI (continuing education for seniors) and take many classes, Having free time to take classes, attend theater and concerts, maintain relationships with family and friends and maintain my aging body is a gift. Like you, Jonathan, I sleep in until 6am now!
I am the odd person out in my family with a different understanding of what is happening in our country. I decided years ago to step around “politics” and find ways to connect and maintain relationships. Also, when family is in need, I am there for them.
Russ, I agree. I know, “Stay The Course”, but I am seriously thinking about moving my Total Bond Fund holdings to 1/2 Short Term Treasury Fund, 1/2 Short Term Tips. (I’m generally diversified with domestic, international stock funds and cash.) Can someone talk me off the ledge?
Nothing. I have cash, bonds, international and domestic stocks. I hope enough cash and bonds will get me through this manufactured #@#storm. I hope the next election can restore order to our world. If not, I will be living in social security, if that isn’t destroyed too.
Comments
I never consider an Advantage plan. I budgeted for Traditional + Plan G and grateful it is available. I had a bad fall early this year and my only concern was my health and recovery. This has involved an ER visit, CT scan, multiple X-rays, multiple specialists and physical therapy. I had options and was never concerned with deductibles, co-insurance or pre authorizations. I am still in PT and on my way to full recovery, which has been my focus, not medical bills.
Post: Medicare Advantage with No Premiums vs Traditional Medicare with a Plan G Supplement
Link to comment from June 15, 2025
A condo! Sold it one month later. I still get panic attacks thinking about that stupid purchase.
Post: Stepping In It
Link to comment from May 27, 2025
Tying to “out perform” market returns is a fool’s errand for me and brings in too many emotions. Simplicity: Total US Market Index, Total International Market Index, Intermediate Treasury Bond Index, Short Term Bond Index and Cash, 3.5% withdrawal rate, fits my personality.
Post: Bengen’s updated 4% rule
Link to comment from May 20, 2025
It is Mothers’ Day and I miss my mom. She loved owning gold. I do not. I want to sell her coins and guess now is as good a time as any. There is complexity, and calculating the taxes makes my head hurt. Another reason to not own bullion. I love the simplicity of stocks and bonds.
Post: Go for the Gold?
Link to comment from May 11, 2025
I don’t feel “retired”. My schedule is full, but I no longer exchange my time for a paycheck. Much to my surprise, my local senior center offers so much in the way of classes and new friendships and exercise. I am also lucky to have a nearby Osher Lifelong Learning Institute OLLI (continuing education for seniors) and take many classes, Having free time to take classes, attend theater and concerts, maintain relationships with family and friends and maintain my aging body is a gift. Like you, Jonathan, I sleep in until 6am now!
Post: Tasting Retirement
Link to comment from April 25, 2025
I am the odd person out in my family with a different understanding of what is happening in our country. I decided years ago to step around “politics” and find ways to connect and maintain relationships. Also, when family is in need, I am there for them.
Post: Lesson Five From Taking Care of a 102 yo in Her Last Year of Life- Politics and the News Has the Potential to Ruin Relationships
Link to comment from April 20, 2025
Turbo Tax, for as long as I can remember. I directly download 1099s. TT is easy to use and I trust it.
Post: Now taxes are filed, I have a question: How did you prepare your taxes?
Link to comment from April 17, 2025
Russ, I agree. I know, “Stay The Course”, but I am seriously thinking about moving my Total Bond Fund holdings to 1/2 Short Term Treasury Fund, 1/2 Short Term Tips. (I’m generally diversified with domestic, international stock funds and cash.) Can someone talk me off the ledge?
Post: Trying To Think Through the Bond Situation
Link to comment from April 16, 2025
Nothing. I have cash, bonds, international and domestic stocks. I hope enough cash and bonds will get me through this manufactured #@#storm. I hope the next election can restore order to our world. If not, I will be living in social security, if that isn’t destroyed too.
Post: Tariffs and our retirement assets
Link to comment from April 4, 2025
I like to think I am being a good steward of resources, living a responsible life. I feel lucky it comes easily, and I don’t feel deprivation.
Post: Is frugality all it’s cracked up to be? A lifetime of frugality, I have claimed that, Jonathan has written it. Many comments on HD have also made that claim, but is it true? RDQ
Link to comment from March 25, 2025