Recent content by baskin

Please double check recent news, but I believe Mayo Clinic in Arizona and Florida have now stopped working with Advantage Plans except in emergencies. Isolated case or a view into the future? https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/101320

Advantage vs Supplemental Medicare plans If you're healthy and not going to get sick often or seriously ill (like transplant) and perhaps suddenly and luckily die in your sleep, Advantage is the way to go. The other big consideration is, what can you afford. My Supplemental Plan at my age is...

Am now at the point where a grand child is about to head off to college. Is there a forum around where parents discuss just how to choose a college? College A is offering $35,000 as sort of a sports scholarship. College B is a true Ivy League school at $80,000. Another possibility in MIT! Which...

This will stuff is of course complicated by, and let me be kind here, sleazy lawyers who go out of their way to make things more complicated and hence expensive. And since they work in different states, add even some more complexity to what should be fairly straightforward FOR MOST PEOPLE. The...

Interesting topic, but circumstances are critical in the rent vs buy question. Take the example of a 76 year single male with say some health issues. Buying requires some upfront costs that can take years to recoup. Transfer taxes, large down payment, etc. What of future mobility? In that case...

I believe it is a 403b. I worked for a non profit educational organization. The TIAA portion is "guaranteed" and pays a minimum 3% although the 5 year average is 4.57% . I can only withdraw 10% of that per year if need be. It is called an annuity. Currently that is worth about $100K. For the...

Thank you all. I now have some ideas to consider. One thing I am still troubled by is just how do I handle the gifting or paying the $12000 a year towards a mortgage and related costs? Do I just withdraw that amount each year? Do I buy an annuity? What is the best way for me to generate the...

Wow, so many responses so fast. Thanks to all of you. I am sorry I was not real clear. I am just learning this investment stuff(?) and between here and Bogleheads, my mind is kind of on overload. Wouldn't life be simpler with $4 million in a Swiss account ;-) The down payment: If I get the...

Hello. as will be obvious, I am new here and quite confused so please allow me to offer apologies first. I am 66, retired and divorced. I live alone in a rented apartment. My financial picture seems simple now that my ex husband has gone his way. My health is relatively good although I have a...