Individual heath insurance
My First Million
Lessons learned from a cautious investor who has already made it.
- A luxurious Alaskan cruise doesn't come cheap
Things are coming together for our upcoming cruise to Alaska. I’ve now booked round trip economy class tickets for two totaling $1,549.46. And booked two nights in Vancouver -- the departure city -- at a top hotel. The hotel was booked as part of a package through the cruise line ...
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- Individual Medical Ins.: This could be good news for early retirees!
AARP has teamed with United Heath to offer major medical insurance. At least in my state the offering is unique in one key area: If you have been under a qualified plan for at least 1-year (with your employer for example), and have used your Cobra extension, you can join ...
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- Prudent (and no-cost) Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other
If you’re a regular at pfblog, there's a good chance you're also the financial wizard in your household. But have you considered how your less financially-savvy significant other would fair if tragedy were to strike, rendering you unable to tend to your family's finances? You’ve likely already addressed the basics ...
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- My four funds: 2005 year-end annual returns
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- Individual health insurance sucks!
I have written before of my medical insurance mess. I just got my next quarterly bill from Assurant / Fortis and the rate has increased exactly 27.46% from a year ago! The rate is now up to $2,193.54 quarterly* with a $5,000 deductible. And to make matters worse -- last ...
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- 5.00% APY for 13 month CD. Can you top this rate?
I’m looking for a place to park some cash and found this rate. If you can top this, please leave a comment so others may benefit.Small print...
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- iPod / MP3: A unique gift idea for that special music lover
If someone special on your shopping list happens to be one of the 30+ million iPod / MP3 owners, here's an idea for an add-on to help them get the most from their portable player...
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- What age should you buy long-term care insurance?
Recently a reader asked what age I thought was ideal for buying long-term care insurance. In this post I share my thoughts on the pros and cons of buying at a younger age vs. waiting until retirement. The majority of people hold off shopping for LTC insurance until their late ...
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- I picked up Bose MediaMate speakers for 40% off; Great powered speaker for iPod, MP3 & computer
[10/31/05 - I'm midway though the purchase process. After more research, I've decided to make a few changes. While the Bose MediaMates at $60 / pr. are a great value -- especially for home use -- I've decided to look for something more portable. Stay tuned for an update after ...
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- I’m close to purchasing the new Apple iPod -- but with an audiophile twist
I’m about to invest upwards of $700 in a high-end iPod system. This amount consists of birthday money (I’m now 50!), plus $200 earned writing this blog the past few months. Bottom line, I intend to make this a truly “frivolous purchase.” [10/31/05 - I'm midway though the purchase process ...
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- 11 questions to answer prior to buying long-term care insurance
Morningstar recently published an article titled "The Ins and Outs of Long-Term Care Insurance." The article addresses 11 questions you should answer prior to investing in LTC insurance coverage. Personally I believe that LTC insurance is an expensive, but worthwhile investment. Read Morningstar's article. Learn the specifics of my MetLife ...
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- My Balanced Fund: Q3 2005 YTD review
Has my balanced fund continued to outperform a broadly diversified balanced index fund? What, if anything, am I giving up in tax efficiency for being in an actively managed vs. passively managed index fund? For this post, I used Morningstar's "fund compare" tool to review YTD return and tax efficiency ...
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- My Bond Fund: Q3 2005 YTD review
Has my bond fund continued to outperform a broadly diversified bond index? How is my fund doing when compared to individual bonds? What, if anything, am I giving up in tax efficiency for being in an actively managed vs. passively managed index fund? For this post, I used Morningstar's "fund ...
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- My International Funds: Q3 2005 YTD review
Have my international funds continued to outperform a broadly diversified international stock index? What, if anything, am I giving up in tax efficiency for being in actively managed vs. passively managed index funds? For this post, I used Morningstar's "fund compare" tool to review YTD returns and tax efficiency for ...
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- I. Can my retirement plan stand the test of time?
Financial experts tell us: “Withdraw no more than four percent of savings a year; allocate investments in a balanced mix of stocks and bonds, etc." This advice, while good, is generic –- and does not take into account the many peculiarities of my financial situation. Rather, as a cautious, semi-retired ...
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- II. 42 more years of rising expenses (it's not a pretty sight)
This graph is Fidelity's projection for my annual income and expenses. My comments follow the graph. [View first post in this series.] My annual income / expenses
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- III. My current plan passes by a wide margin
With my total outlay projected to grow to an eye popping $319,970 / year, how well does Fidelity think my current retirement plan will weather the test
