Retired Professor

Comments

• "Comparison is the thief of joy..." What a great saying...and so true. I guess it is human nature to want to know where you stand in comparison to others, especially in our culture here in the US. I know that over the years I have often compared myself to the "averages." Lately, however, I find myself wondering how to shed so much of what I have accumulated over the years. I recently told my wife, jokingly, that I want to have an estate sale...NOW...while I am still alive, to get rid of all my "stuff." When I think about it, I would be doing my kids a favor. I decided to start by emptying my closets of all the clothing I haven't worn in the past year. I have never bought "cheap" clothing, so it is all in good shape. I even have clothing with the tags still on them. That's a start anyway.

  Post: Rich or Wealthy?

  Link to comment from October 10, 2026

• Another excellent, thought-provoking article, Adam. Personally, I find it easier to believe in GOD than in market gurus.

  Post: Market Risks

  Link to comment from October 10, 2026

• I am a fan of Bogle's book, "Enough." If your goal is riches, there will never be enough. If your goal is wealth, the definition will be totally subjective and personal. I favor the concept of enough. I am also reminded of the bible verse, 1 Timothy 6:9-10.“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

  Post: Rich or Wealthy?

  Link to comment from October 9, 2026

• I am also a fan of Morgan Housel's work and J.L. Collins' "Simple Path to Wealth."

  Post: FINANCIAL MISTAKES

  Link to comment from October 9, 2026

• Andrew, I had to chuckle at the Starbucks reference in Naples, Italy. They truly are everywhere. Although I worked longer than many and retired at 73, I have come to realize you really can do more at 63 than at 73, and perhaps retiring a few years earlier would have been better. Not as much for me as for my wife. I turned 76 today, and my bride turned 72 last month. I am in slightly better health than she is, but I am much more mobile. She is having difficulty walking distances. Neither of us has had any major illnesses, and we are thankful for that. I have curtailed my traveling bug in favor of fostering and sheltering animals on our property, and I am certain I am receiving intercessory prayers from St. Francis on my behalf. I still hope to travel to Germany once more to visit the places I grew up in as a military dependent, and we shall see if that comes to pass. I don't really want to go alone, but I might have to, to fulfill that desire. Thnks for your article.

  Post: Room For Happiness

  Link to comment from October 9, 2026

• While teaching financial and retirement planning at the collegiate level for the last 15 years of my working career, primarily to financial services professionals pursuing professional designations, I coined the term "Trifecta of Grief." The "Trifecta of Grief" is comprised of the following three events

  1. You lose your spouse.
  2. You lose one of your two Social Security benefit checks, and in some cases, pension income is also affected negatively.
  3. You are now taxed at the highest individual tax rate... as a single taxpayer.
  The loss of a spouse is always emotionally devastating, but the additional losses of a financial nature tend to compound the emotional loss. All married couples will eventually experience this Trifecta of Grief, and even planning properly will not lessen the emotional pain, but it can help with the financial pain.

  Post: Widow’s Penalty Redux

  Link to comment from September 27, 2026

• I am curious. How many people are knowingly "using unnecessary health care"? I certainly do not. My wife doesn't. My first reaction is to question who the "policy makers" are and what their agenda is. Medicare Supplement insurance exists because of the lack of coverage and the costs of traditional Medicare Parts A & B. Medicare Advantage plans appeal to some people because they believe they are less expensive and offer "free additional benefits." Neither statement is generally true in all instances.

  Post: Keep an eye on Medigap policies

  Link to comment from September 27, 2026

• Be careful taking advice from people on the internet. Sometimes people with good intentions say things that are factually untrue. Mr. Wright's comment falls into that category, since no one can state. unequivocally that Medicare Advantage can allow you to save $8,000 in premiums annually.

  Post: Keep an eye on Medigap policies

  Link to comment from September 27, 2026

• Andrew, Obviously, the gift of writing well was not confined within your family to only one member. This article is quite thoughtful and meaningful. One dramatic difference between time and money is that, unlike money, time cannot be saved for the future. As I approach my 76th birthday in a few weeks, I'm constantly reminded that while I have plenty of money, my time is limited. I agree with your comment about the best use of our time...sharing it with the people we love. I also believe time is best used, at any age, in the service of others, and in my retirement, that is what I try to do every day.

  Post: Time Is Priceless

  Link to comment from September 23, 2026

• Mark: NOT a silly question at all. Your understanding is correct. Traditionally, property taxes fund education and other essential services. If I were recommending cutting funding, I would agree with your concerns. However, I suggest that a citizen who has paid property taxes for 20 years and is retiring should not have to live with the threat of losing their home because of property taxes. In Texas, where I lived for 25 years, a law permits homeowners to defer property taxes until the death of both spouses. Property taxes accrue and would be due if the home were sold or inherited. I am retired in North Carolina. No such law exists here. Despite RQ's contention that arguments against property taxes are "absurd," countless thoughtful minds hold differing opinions. Mine is one of them.

  Post: What I think about taxes- all kinds of taxes

  Link to comment from September 23, 2026