for many, retirement IS indeed optional.  I know folks still working (some part-time for sure) well into their 70's and 80's.  Then again there are many jobs (military, pilots, etc) that it is mandatory.  I 'retired' from my main job at 62 and took SS.  Combined with the income from my second part-time job I have almos...more

what is wrong with us?  The Affordable Care Act has brought out the worst in us as a country and as individuals.  Why is it that those who are lucky enough to have jobs and employers who provide health insurance and those of us who can afford it are so unwilling to help a little to take care of those least able to care...more

I have said it before -- if taking SS early allows you to leave other savings untouched for longer (to continue to grow) or lets you cut back to working part time if your health is not so great then DO it!  It worked for us.  Spouse retired completely, I continue to work part-time.  We both collected early.  Our retire...more

I was wondering about that too.  Maybe people think that generosity and kindness are values to be spurned.  I would love the opportunity to change a few lives. and help the less fortunate.    Unfortunately I just don't have enough extra money to make a difference.  Over the years we have contributed time and effort for...more

talking about it last night we realized that we were talking about who else to give the money to rather than what we would buy for ourselves.  After gifting about  20% between various family members.  We realized that with this much money we could truly make a difference in a lot of lives.  So, - a charitable trust wit...more

I'm with everyone else -- this article is nuts!  The price quotes are bizarre to say the least. Over the last dozen years or so we have spent about $90,000 that includes a 240 sq ft sunroom, new roof, a 3/4 bath that used to be a closet, a completely redone family bath with jacuzzi tub,  a remodeled basement that inclu...more

Taking SS early allowed us to retire a couple of years before we might have been able to otherwise and enjoy life while we are still in relatively good health.  We will collect for 20 years before we break even.  I work part-time for a little extra.  It's plenty to live on combined with savings and no debt - paid off h...more

negotiating your bils may sound silly, but you never know when it's going to work so why not try it?  We recently dropped  a satellite radio service since we are now retired and it was used mainly by my  husband for his one hour commute.  The customer service agents were extremely reluctant for us to drop it and kept a...more

ok, these are good ideas in theory;  but c'mon 'uses for leftover candy'?  These ideas are just silly.  Who doesn't know to do this?  Besides  'leftover candy' is an oxymoron....