Always good to learn about weddings. I have to agree they are very different from when we got married in 1968. We have 2 daughters and one son. Instead of going through all the DRAMA, we made an agreement to offer each child a set amount for their weddings in the late 1990's. This allowed the children to determine what they wanted and they knew the budget. We lucked out at our wedding, we had to pay our own way, all the presents covered the wedding, WHEW!
Great article, keep them coming. We had our way too, it was no loans except for a car and a house. We worked diligently to live within our means, with one worker and one home Mom, with 3 kids. The other angle was we would contribute the max to our IRA's, this worked for us, and now we have a very comfortable retirement. I must admit I pushed the numbers, and I look back, sure those numbers did not work after 50 years, but they also helped us get to a good place. Different strokes for different folks.
Keep great articles coming. We always bought the house that fit our budget. And yes, my associates always seemed to have newer, bigger better. But now with all that we saved after 50 years, we live in a big apartment of 1838 sq ft at a wonderful CCRC in Missouri. It feels like I am on a cruise ship everyday, with all the activities you would ever want. Everything we need and no worries, NICE. It was worth it to live within our means.
Keep these articles coming. Recently we stayed at an Embassy Suites in Chicago. All looked great with a big spread for breakfast included daily. However, the Hotel was 25 years old and tired, even the elevators went haywire on the last day. Next time, I will choose the new hotel with breakfast, even if it costs more. The Breakfast was great, I must admit.
Just a short note, my State Farm umbrella increased a 104% this year. Never made a claim, but State Farm was way behind in this category, and had to increase rates to stay solvent. Other carriers were less expensive, but the difference was not worth the effort.
To me, it is only bleak, if you do not prepare. You make choices, and most people live for today, not when they are 65 to 90 years old in retirement. That may work for some, but for most not so much.
It is great to get a dividend, but they talk about it and then hopefully in 10 or more weeks, it will actually arrive. It all seems like marketing to me. And, oh by the way, my umbrella policy went up, are you ready, 104%, that is not a typo. Car insurance up 13%. I have been with State Farm a very long time, 58 years. I tried to change, looked at 11 alternative companies, The $200 difference per year was not worth it, because they played games, one company has car at $2000, the other at $1000, etc. Pretty much could not find the same insurance for Renters, Car, Jewelry, Umbrella for less in aggregate. If you did not notice, I really do NOT like insurance companies. Go to any downtown of a large US city, and who owns the tallest buildings, mostly insurance companies. That ought to tell you something.
Comments
Always good to learn about weddings. I have to agree they are very different from when we got married in 1968. We have 2 daughters and one son. Instead of going through all the DRAMA, we made an agreement to offer each child a set amount for their weddings in the late 1990's. This allowed the children to determine what they wanted and they knew the budget. We lucked out at our wedding, we had to pay our own way, all the presents covered the wedding, WHEW!
Post: A Wedding Too Far
Link to comment from September 13, 2026
Great article, keep them coming. We had our way too, it was no loans except for a car and a house. We worked diligently to live within our means, with one worker and one home Mom, with 3 kids. The other angle was we would contribute the max to our IRA's, this worked for us, and now we have a very comfortable retirement. I must admit I pushed the numbers, and I look back, sure those numbers did not work after 50 years, but they also helped us get to a good place. Different strokes for different folks.
Post: Locking it in
Link to comment from September 13, 2026
Keep great articles coming. We always bought the house that fit our budget. And yes, my associates always seemed to have newer, bigger better. But now with all that we saved after 50 years, we live in a big apartment of 1838 sq ft at a wonderful CCRC in Missouri. It feels like I am on a cruise ship everyday, with all the activities you would ever want. Everything we need and no worries, NICE. It was worth it to live within our means.
Post: Growing Up In A Big House
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Keep these articles coming. Recently we stayed at an Embassy Suites in Chicago. All looked great with a big spread for breakfast included daily. However, the Hotel was 25 years old and tired, even the elevators went haywire on the last day. Next time, I will choose the new hotel with breakfast, even if it costs more. The Breakfast was great, I must admit.
Post: Free Breakfast
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
God Bless Jonathan and his wonderful Family. For sure Jonathan helped so many people. Thank you.
Post: Jonathan’s Parting Thoughts: No. 7
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Thanks for the Heads up, actually I thought it was seamless, and I actually did not know there were two tables. Great info.
Post: Widow’s IRA Choice
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Just a short note, my State Farm umbrella increased a 104% this year. Never made a claim, but State Farm was way behind in this category, and had to increase rates to stay solvent. Other carriers were less expensive, but the difference was not worth the effort.
Post: Financial Choices
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
Thanks and keep the articles coming Adam. Lots of good info, and helps me know I am on a successful path of retirement.
Post: Financial Choices
Link to comment from September 12, 2026
To me, it is only bleak, if you do not prepare. You make choices, and most people live for today, not when they are 65 to 90 years old in retirement. That may work for some, but for most not so much.
Post: A bleak picture for retirement in the future?
Link to comment from September 5, 2026
It is great to get a dividend, but they talk about it and then hopefully in 10 or more weeks, it will actually arrive. It all seems like marketing to me. And, oh by the way, my umbrella policy went up, are you ready, 104%, that is not a typo. Car insurance up 13%. I have been with State Farm a very long time, 58 years. I tried to change, looked at 11 alternative companies, The $200 difference per year was not worth it, because they played games, one company has car at $2000, the other at $1000, etc. Pretty much could not find the same insurance for Renters, Car, Jewelry, Umbrella for less in aggregate. If you did not notice, I really do NOT like insurance companies. Go to any downtown of a large US city, and who owns the tallest buildings, mostly insurance companies. That ought to tell you something.
Post: State Farm Dividend
Link to comment from September 5, 2026