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Valued Contributor
Posts: 694
Registered: ‎09-09-2010

@Starpolisher wrote:

Thanks everyone for your replies. I really appreciate them! We live on Dh's monthly pension and SS and we deposit mine. We're not old enough yet to get MRD's.(he' 65 and I'm 63) I don't want to get a loan right now because we still have three years left to pay off our two sons' student loans(and that's with increased payments). We don't have a mortgage or car payments and I'd rather pay cash. So it looks like our remodel will have to wait at least another three to five years. Thanks for all your input. It helps to have the perspective of others especially if they have been through it!Smiley Happy


You are on the right track!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,311
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

@patbz....I am 62 and DH is 76....we just cannot afford that insurance...and yes I know the high expense of nursing home care.  It's a gamble, not to have it.  

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 3,697
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

That insurance is very costly and oftern doesn't pay for what you need. My aunt paid into a policy for years and when she needed it there were so many loopholes it was worthless.

It's always a victory for me when I remember why I entered a room.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,597
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

My house is paid for. I am retired, 62 yo and my income is not very much. I have been financially unable to do any major home improvements to my house because of the cost. I live alone and have no immediate family, a sole survivor. I am seriously considering taking out a reverse mortgage so that I will have money to do the needed home improvements around here. I want to enjoy my life in my house while I am still able and willing.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,399
Registered: ‎07-15-2016

When owning a  house - there's always something that had to be done.  It was never ending.  Then there were the unexpected expenses!  And ... all the yard work, etc.  It was never ending!   

 

When we sold our house in CA and moved back to NY in 1989,  we decided to rent.  

 

I worked until I was 68+ to increase my pension and social security payments, and increase my 401(k).   I rolled my 401(k) into a lifetime annuty which pays me a generous amount every month in addition to SS and retirement (which includes supplemental medical and life insurance policy). Those extra couple of years made quite a differense.

 

The last 10 or so years before retirement, I saved a much as I could so I'd be in good shape financially when I did retire.  It worked.

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,938
Registered: ‎12-29-2010

@Starpolisher wrote:

Dh and I are both retired. Him 3 years and for me 2 years now. We want to have our kitchen remodeled and our roof repaired which does not leak but needs cosmetic repairs. Each cost a substantial amount. We were lucky in that we have pensions and health care. We have a moderate savings account along with our monthly allotments and we also have some investments. Here's my dilemma. Dh feels we should put something down and finance the rest. This would mean making payments and taking money away from our monthly living expense or using money from our savings. I thought when we retired we'd take the money from our investments,TAKE THE HIT ON TAXES and pay cash, which he does not want to do. I don't know what to do. I didn't mind having monthly payments when we were working but I really don't want them now. On the other hand, I know we may need the investment money down the road. I know there are retirees who remodel their homes. Which is the best way to do it?

 


I'd not finance it.  I hate loans.  If you have the money, just take it out.  That's my humble opinion and probably Dave Ramseys.

"friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel"
Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,938
Registered: ‎12-29-2010

@magicmoodz wrote:

It amazes me how some people put blind faith in a financial advisor.  As if s/he will recommend you sell off investments if it means their piece of the pie will shrink. Please think about that. 

 

I have always been most comfortable paying cash for home improvements, automobiles and aggressively paying off a mortgage.  I choose to live debt-free for piece of mind.  Others choose to live off of borrowed money. What makes you most comfortable?


Amen Magic.  I posted even before I saw your comment!!

"friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel"
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,880
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

@Mom2Dogs:  Yes, the long term care insurance is expensive (but pales in comparison to the cost of a convalescent home).  It is like any other insurance, check around, see what your options, coverage etc are...