Thanks for another great article, Adam. We all need reminders and also generally there is one item we did not think of. Especially all young people need to read this. Keep these mind provoking articles coming our way.
I agree from the standpoint they can work for YOU. However, it is not just about the money. You seem to be in the minority based on your comments about being careful of what Medical Advantage plan is available in your area, note you indicated 90% are garbage, my belief also maybe even a higher percentage. The key is, you have to be fully aware of your Hospitals and Drs available, and your plan. One BMT, that is bone marrow transplant, could eat up that $300,000 in one year. The best to you, and more imortantly stay healthy.
Also know if your Medical Advantage plan is NOT cancelled and you want to change back to Medicare, you have to meet the criteria from a medical standpoint as shown below. Switching from Advantage → Original Medicare is always allowed during open periods. ✅
Buying a Medigap plan after that may require health underwriting unless you’re in a guaranteed issue situation
Important article for sure. Read the above very carefully, there is a BIG difference between Medical Advantage Part C and Medicare Part A, B, D.
Note clearly you want your doctors to make medical decisions not your Insurance companies. Look at all the BIG cities in the USA, almost all those tall buildings downtown, are owned by Insurance companies, because they know how to earn your money for THEM, not you. Buyer beware!
As with most things we learn from our parents. When I received money gifts my parents encouraged a savings account, and to spend some and save some. Besides that the bank paid me interest on my balance, wow that was like free money. You can learn a lot from a simple savings account. The key for high school and college, is to learn to be responsible with money. Also to know and learn about compounding is your friend and inflation is your enemy. Get a grasp on credit cards, credit scores and mortgages. Work out some real live problems. You may think twice about this statement, $1 saved in the S&P over 60 years turns into $100,000 dollars. Everyone needs to learn retirement is not free, and the sooner you can save a little, will mean a lot many years later. At 80 years old, my medical insurance supplement rose 25% this year! Save as early and often as you can.
Back 5 years ago, I changed all Mutual funds to smilier ETF's. I much prefer the ETF's, as you know when you buy or sell the price, you do not have to wait until the market is closed for the day. Just seem simpler to me and everything has worked just fine, no issues.
Here is my 2 cents. I have been with Vanguard since 1989, and Fidelity since 1987. I just do not believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. I find Vanguard helps with lowest fees, makes a difference after 40 years or so. I have no issues with RMD's or QCD's both done on the website, year after year. You get to elect what taxes you want to pay, Fed and State. In the beginning I had a few questions, and all answered quickly and easily. Any company can have an issue here and there, Vanguard did back in 2021, but it was resolved fairly and quickly. I do hear Schwab is another good alternative. I have no plans to change either one. I bank with Chase.
These drug plans are all over the map. Last year UHC $0 deductible went to $91.30 per month each for me and my wife. Changed to Wellcare, last year $0 per month deductible $590. Overall savings over $1000 each. Next year 2026 Wellcare is at $9.60 per month each. As others have indicated, we all need to check these companies, every year. Listen to this scenario: 60 pills Augmentin at Walgreens $81.41, at BJH Hospital Pharmacy $19.53, exact same drug with insurance. I later found out Walgreens could have used GoodRX and with no insurance price about $20. Companies play games with drugs, that only cost us the consumer. Always be aware even if you have Part D and drug insurance. We need to fix this, as I believe it is out of hand.
Adam, please keep writing these most thought provoking articles. It is such a pleasure to see many sides of the coin. Thanks and please keep up the excellent job you are doing. We all much appreciate your expertise.
But isn't owning the top 500 companies in the S&P 500, including the global market, I think so. And so does Buffett, therefore my take is, owning about 80% in the S&P 500 and 20% in cash, works for me.
Comments
Thanks for another great article, Adam. We all need reminders and also generally there is one item we did not think of. Especially all young people need to read this. Keep these mind provoking articles coming our way.
Post: The Paradox of Smart Money Decisions
Link to comment from October 26, 2025
I agree from the standpoint they can work for YOU. However, it is not just about the money. You seem to be in the minority based on your comments about being careful of what Medical Advantage plan is available in your area, note you indicated 90% are garbage, my belief also maybe even a higher percentage. The key is, you have to be fully aware of your Hospitals and Drs available, and your plan. One BMT, that is bone marrow transplant, could eat up that $300,000 in one year. The best to you, and more imortantly stay healthy. Also know if your Medical Advantage plan is NOT cancelled and you want to change back to Medicare, you have to meet the criteria from a medical standpoint as shown below. Switching from Advantage → Original Medicare is always allowed during open periods. ✅ Buying a Medigap plan after that may require health underwriting unless you’re in a guaranteed issue situation
Post: Don’t make the wrong Medicare decision
Link to comment from October 26, 2025
Heart warming story, good for everyone to be familiar with. Congrats on finding a way to help each other.
Post: Don’t Give Up on the Wayward Kid
Link to comment from October 26, 2025
Important article for sure. Read the above very carefully, there is a BIG difference between Medical Advantage Part C and Medicare Part A, B, D. Note clearly you want your doctors to make medical decisions not your Insurance companies. Look at all the BIG cities in the USA, almost all those tall buildings downtown, are owned by Insurance companies, because they know how to earn your money for THEM, not you. Buyer beware!
Post: Don’t make the wrong Medicare decision
Link to comment from October 25, 2025
As with most things we learn from our parents. When I received money gifts my parents encouraged a savings account, and to spend some and save some. Besides that the bank paid me interest on my balance, wow that was like free money. You can learn a lot from a simple savings account. The key for high school and college, is to learn to be responsible with money. Also to know and learn about compounding is your friend and inflation is your enemy. Get a grasp on credit cards, credit scores and mortgages. Work out some real live problems. You may think twice about this statement, $1 saved in the S&P over 60 years turns into $100,000 dollars. Everyone needs to learn retirement is not free, and the sooner you can save a little, will mean a lot many years later. At 80 years old, my medical insurance supplement rose 25% this year! Save as early and often as you can.
Post: Financial Education in Middle and High School
Link to comment from October 25, 2025
Back 5 years ago, I changed all Mutual funds to smilier ETF's. I much prefer the ETF's, as you know when you buy or sell the price, you do not have to wait until the market is closed for the day. Just seem simpler to me and everything has worked just fine, no issues.
Post: Mutual Funds Vs. ETFs Which do you prefer and Why?
Link to comment from October 25, 2025
Here is my 2 cents. I have been with Vanguard since 1989, and Fidelity since 1987. I just do not believe in putting all my eggs in one basket. I find Vanguard helps with lowest fees, makes a difference after 40 years or so. I have no issues with RMD's or QCD's both done on the website, year after year. You get to elect what taxes you want to pay, Fed and State. In the beginning I had a few questions, and all answered quickly and easily. Any company can have an issue here and there, Vanguard did back in 2021, but it was resolved fairly and quickly. I do hear Schwab is another good alternative. I have no plans to change either one. I bank with Chase.
Post: Disappointed (and annoyed) with Vanguard.
Link to comment from October 25, 2025
These drug plans are all over the map. Last year UHC $0 deductible went to $91.30 per month each for me and my wife. Changed to Wellcare, last year $0 per month deductible $590. Overall savings over $1000 each. Next year 2026 Wellcare is at $9.60 per month each. As others have indicated, we all need to check these companies, every year. Listen to this scenario: 60 pills Augmentin at Walgreens $81.41, at BJH Hospital Pharmacy $19.53, exact same drug with insurance. I later found out Walgreens could have used GoodRX and with no insurance price about $20. Companies play games with drugs, that only cost us the consumer. Always be aware even if you have Part D and drug insurance. We need to fix this, as I believe it is out of hand.
Post: Social Security COLA announced this morning.
Link to comment from October 25, 2025
Adam, please keep writing these most thought provoking articles. It is such a pleasure to see many sides of the coin. Thanks and please keep up the excellent job you are doing. We all much appreciate your expertise.
Post: Is The Stock Market Overvalued?
Link to comment from October 18, 2025
But isn't owning the top 500 companies in the S&P 500, including the global market, I think so. And so does Buffett, therefore my take is, owning about 80% in the S&P 500 and 20% in cash, works for me.
Post: Is The Stock Market Overvalued?
Link to comment from October 18, 2025