Mary Andersen

Comments:

• I think that habits are the most important behavioral thing you can develop to follow a plan. But this site offers space for ideas as to what goes into your plan.

  Post: Ranking Colleges

  Link to comment from October 3, 2024

• The freshman year is marked by that fish out of water feeling, for most everyone. And, that year represents huge personal growth in dealing with that.

  Post: Ranking Colleges

  Link to comment from October 3, 2024

• Luckily, I had grants and workstudy for my college degree. I worked 22 hours a week. I didn't really get a degree for a job, but it has had lasting effects on my choices in life. The time I had to study, contemplate, discuss subjects was of immeasurable value. I went to a land grant college, which was intended to be as cheap as possible. Nowadays, there are fees for the gym, other amenities and one bedroom costs $1K a month. And, there is a food bank and clothing bank for students who cannot afford such things. I went back for a Masters in the 90s and it was not particularly expensive. For me, though, I had no particular direction or expectation of a destination, rather it was all about the journey. The expense, I think, is leaving too many kids behind.

  Post: Ranking Colleges

  Link to comment from October 3, 2024

• Cruises are great. But, do not use the cruise line transport from the airport to the ship. There is often a long wait.

  Post: Luxury on Rails

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• I gifted myself tours to Malta and Italy and it was great to have someone handle the luggage, transportation and many meals. I've usually traveled on my own, made the plans and enjoyed the trips. But, in retirement, my energy goes much further on a tour. Airplane travel is problematic, crowded, noisy and uncomfortable, but I make sure I travel a day early and the time is useful to rest and recuperate.

  Post: Luxury on Rails

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• Our bill for breakfast at the local climbed after the pandemic and we have had to cut back. It does seem like the place recovered and is going to last. We were glad to be part of that.

  Post: Food for Thought by Ken Cutler

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• I think Social Security is the best investment deal ever. No emotional input from us to change the investment or use the money for what seems important along the way. Of course, your choice as to taking it early means that you will get less money in the long term. After age 78, you reap the consequences of your choices (all things being equal) for the years afterward. I believe that waiting as long as possible, at least to full retirement age but age 70 is better, means that you will be better prepared for inflation during the years you cannot work. Mary Beth Franklin is worth reading.

  Post: Social Security

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• I think the post is relevant since many people are voting based on perceived economics and lifestyle changes, disregarding the real societal changes from the pandemic and other events.

  Post: Stay Informed by Marjorie Kondrack

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• There is a financial point where our country is spending billions on elections that could be used in a better way for the good of all. Everyone is exhausted with the long term elections, particularly as the 2020 one never ended for the loser. We want it to be over! I rather like the Harris campaign for its short term. I have found that some columnists (Heather Cox Richardson, Steven Beschloss, Jennifer Rubin) are the best information as to what is happening; always can google other sources to find the primary information. What is amazing to me is that one party is complaining about real time fact checking and censoring their comments. I do the research, vote but in a red state, I feel like I am ineffective as a single voter. With winner take all, each precinct wins by being the majority, rather than proportional. I am Independent, mostly to stay off the donation lists.

  Post: Stay Informed by Marjorie Kondrack

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024

• I would like the COLA for Social Security to include housing and food in their calculations.

  Post: I’m depressed, not very optimistic about retirement 😱 by R Quinn

  Link to comment from October 2, 2024