Quoted from Lermods:

Taxes are very high in other countries to pay for it. The VAT in Germany is 19%, 25% in Sweden. I don’t see that kind of a sales tax rate ever being accepted here in the US.

Quoted from Methos:

At least in the European countries, they see the benefits of it. Over here, it will be pissed away to special interests and voting blocks.

Quoted from Lethal_Inc:

I am a total newb when it comes retirement savings plans. I opened a traditional IRA account last year with Charles Schwab and deposited the maximum amount of $6K. I bought various ETF’s/stocks primarily in gold and silver. That investment in my retirement has netted me a whopping $55. It has fluctuated a lot as with the prices of gold and silver and I guess I made $55 which is better than keeping it in a bank with 0%. What am I doing wrong? Should I invest my max $7K this year and buy more ETF/stocks. Which ones do I choose? Should I diversify and get mutual funds? What mutual funds should I invest in? So many questions. I guess I should consult a financial advisor but I hate having my hard earned savings sitting in a bank earning 0%. Forgive me for my stupidity but I need to start somewhere. I’m self employed and thus do not have a company 401k that I can contribute to.

Quoted from jchristian11:

They are forms of socialism.

Quoted from Hench4Life:I definitely think the transportation situation is far from a one size fits all approach. I have an 09 Pickup that’s been paid off since 2012, and I plan to get another couple years out of it (shooting for 250k miles). My wife just got a new Grand Cherokee with 0% loan. For us, we like having a more reliable vehicle than my shitty truck for road trips and going up north (it’s a MI thing).
However, when my truck reaches end of life, I will consider buying new (if rates are still this low), or potentially a cheap lease.
Personally, I don’t work on my own vehicle, and I’m getting sick of dealing with the time and hassle associated with an older vehicle.
If we’re talking opportunity costs, I don’t see why I’d want to take money out of the market, and pay gains, to buy a cheap used vehicle, when I can get zero percent financing. I understand that vehicles are generally depreciating assets, but the time associated with keeping a 150k plus vehicle running is starting to become a burden I now longer want.
That’s how I value my time, but I know others have skills, a reliable mechanic, or more time than I’m willing to put it anymore.

Quoted from NPO:

I am at Atlanta airport and only on page 3 of this thread, so got a lot more to read.
Can't help but notice since inflation blew the roof off, it got awwwwwwfffullllllyyyyy quiet in here.
How have things changed since then? Anyone's plans go sideways? Adjustments had to be made? Unexpected expenses come up? How about those used car prices, interest rated on any loan on the market, housing shortage, student loans kicking back in this October, property taxes in Florida, home insurance folding in Florida, etc.....?
What say the crowd here now? Totally curious. I'll type out my own situation once I return home later today. Curious how everyone's doing given the last 2 years and how silent it has gone for 296 days.....

Quoted from SantaEatsCheese:

As a general rule are you guys all trying to live off of investment properties? Buying Annuities? Getting 7 figures in stock portfolios and withdrawing 4% per year?
I've got a ways to go (I'm 37) but pulling out a simple calculator I'm on track to keep socking away money in a 401k and then draw down 4% per year starting NLT 65 depending on how the market does.

Quoted from swampfire:

This. My only regret is being too conservative (cash-heavy) since the 2007-8 crash. I’d have been able to retire at 58 instead of 62 if I’d had more faith in the market. I’m mostly in index funds, and I don’t try to be too clever. My individual stock picks have been hit or miss, but I never gamble more than 5% on any one of them.

Quoted from arcyallen: Despite what others may say I wouldn't necessarily shy away from annuities. There are many kinds and each one serves a very specific purpose with various time frames and "fees". If it 100% makes sense to you, do it. Like most insurance products, however, they generally aren't "necessary". It's all about your comfort with risk. I was a Financial Advisor, and am very much an "investment advocate". Like most investment vehicles they serve a purpose that when used properly work well.

Quoted from nwpinball:

You are about 7 years out from retirement and have 350K cash, where would you invest it? You wouldn't mind some dividend action for travel money now, but also wouldn't mind a fair amount of growth over the next 7 years.

Quoted from Irishbastard:

I follow Twitter to see the other side of the narrative but it's kind of sickening with all the blatant fake stuff posted there, worse than Facebook. Wish there was somewhere that showed the truth from all sides

Quoted from Hench4Life:My life situation has changed dramatically since the last time this thread was hot. Wife and I welcomed the next great supervillain in June. Not looking reduce my saving rate, but have started smallish 529 contributions from my paycheck. Looks like I’ll be in for a 7-10% raise this year, and trying to determine how much to stuff in that bad boy. Any else with a >1yr old filling a 529?

Quoted from mbwalker:

Can you contribute to HSA? Not sure if that's a good option or not for you, just tossing it out there since it's tax free.