We live in a small town in NJ, population 6,600. The median household income is $203,000, the median home value is $1,358,400 and the median property tax is $29,600. I feel like we live in a bubble and given these numbers are much higher than our state averages, which are third highest in the Country, I guess we do.
Between property taxes and HOA fees the minimum annual cost to live in our condo is $24,900.

At age 74, I like to think our retirement is pretty much set in stone. Most of the big health and financial decisions—Medicare, Social Security, Roth conversions—have already been made. But there’s one concern I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: how will Rachel and I get the help we need if we can no longer take care of ourselves?
Our family is spread out across the country, and we have no plans to move closer to them.

There have been many discussions about assisted living and CCRC in HD. As I learn about how they staff and manage these facilities, there are many unanswered questions.
Currently, about 65% of elderly are cared for by their families at home. For 13% of those who aren’t living with family, the gap is partially filled by assisted living establishments. The median cost of care is $5,900/month, but ancillary services are extra. That can bring that cost over $15,000/month.

Last year I wrote a couple of HD articles called “When and Where?” about my upcoming retirement decisions. The “when” is settled: I’m retiring on July 1 (checks countdown app: 1 month & 28 days!). The “where,” I thought was also settled: We’d stay in the college town (Davis, CA) where we’ve lived for over 30 years, raised our kids, and built a life.
We’re now rethinking the “where,” but in two different ways: (1) Do we stay in Davis,

A couple of days ago I chanced on this following very detailed and very lengthy article from the SF Chronicle:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/underinsured-home-what-to-do-20250824.php
This is behind a paywall, but if you haven’t been to the newspaper website recently you can probably read it. I am going to try to summarize some of the content.
Let me begin by putting a personal spin on this topic. I spent 30 years in the property and casualty insurance world. But, like you I have to insure my own home.

My son is 30 something working in Silicon Valley paying outlandish rents and looking at expensive housing. Is it still a good option to purchase in this market? I was burned on real estate as a young adult and don’t want to advise him If it is not a good idea.

My wife & I are 80 years old and planning to move into an over 55 age community.
We will sell our current home to purchase a home in the new community, however, the difference between selling and purchasing will leave us with about $200,000 shortfall.
Our combined total investments are:
$2.5 million in our IRA
$1.4 million in our Roth accounts
$2.1 million in our taxable brokerage accounts
Which would be the best source(s) for us to take the money for our new home purchase concerning taxes and additional financial points you are aware of?

I don’t believe I’ve ever enjoyed life more than I do now. What is there not to like about my life? I have my health, financial stability, plenty of free time to do the things I want, and I have a companion to share my journey with. I wish this stage of my life was never-ending.
But at age 73, I know my life could be turned upside down tomorrow. Lately, I’ve been thinking about what Rachel and I should do if we can’t take care of ourselves.

Last summer, my husband Jonathan and I were discussing home maintenance projects that we should complete sooner rather than later, given his terminal cancer diagnosis. The first project was an HVAC system checkup. That led to the installation of an air-filtration system to minimize dust, mold and other allergens—a system we had discussed installing at some point down the road.
The second project was the installation of a new hot water tank, the need for which was brought to our attention when the plumber visited us for a water temperature issue.

I just returned from a six-day silent retreat. What in the world could that have to do with retirement and financial life?  Maybe nothing or maybe a lot.  I’ve been going on silent retreats for more than 20 years, ever since I became a minister and they were part of my spiritual and professional development. These days in my semi-retired lifestyle they are still part of both.
One of my goals for the retreat was to write a draft article about moving to California for Humble Dollar.

Just starting to look as we are 81 and I’m nearly 75.  As we struggle with fire insurance in California and hassle with Comcast – they took away our local sports and baseball season is imminent, and other house and neighborhood activities are time consuming and complex.  We are Firewise neighborhood leaders and the responsibility is a challenge.
Our health is excellent for our age but cancer treatment and a chance of Alzheimer’s for me,  lots of experience taking care of our elders,

I’M A HOUSEHOLD of one—in theory. True, one adult child lives rent-free in our family home in California. Her first full-time job’s wages are too low for her to afford an apartment in our expensive urban area.
I’m also paying college expenses for another daughter living on campus 80 miles away. She’s working part-time and will graduate this coming spring semester. With a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) degree, I hope she’ll find gainful full-time employment soon after.

Hi HumbleDollar Community,
First of thanks to Jonathan and all of you for creating such a fantastic source of wisdom and practical advice. I am 53 and a novice investor (started very late ) with no residential property and semi-stable job. I have 2 young kids (got married late..) and plan to work till 64.
With the crazy housing market and bidding wars, I have been sitting on sidelines and getting priced out every year. I finally have come across a property in my town which I don’t want to leave (great schools) which I can afford.

A sobering read (apologies, this article is behind a paywall hence I am not sure if I can reproduce the article here or attach the pdf)
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/health/retirement-community-bankruptcy.html

TWELVE PERCENT. THIS is a pivotal number in my financial life.
What does it refer to? Is it the average annual return on my investments? I wish. Is it the percentage of my pre-tax income that I dedicate to retirement savings? No. That number, including pension and 403(b) contributions, is closer to 25%.
Instead, that 12% is the slice of my pre-tax income reserved for housing. When picking a place to live, I’m a cheapskate.