You read yesterday about how to live an "island life," whether that be on an actual island, or by simply protecting yourself from the dangers around you. One of the best parts of living on an actual island is access to the beach. But many islands with top beaches come along with a high cost of living. Thrillist has put together a list of the "World's Most Beautiful Beach Cities Where You Can Live for Dirt Cheap." There are some nearby places like Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic, and some further afield like Canggu, Bali. The author writes: More than a few Americans fantasize … [Read more...]
Who Wants to Live the Island Life? You Do
Imagine sitting under a palm tree, toes in the sand, gazing across a turquoise sea with not a care in the world. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel like this most days of the week rather than only on vacation, especially in times like these? Now, I know it’s not exactly practical, even if you have a tropical island as the backdrop of your Zoom calls. But you’d be surprised at how much island life is right in front of your eyes. For example, when it comes to investing, my favored Prudent Man certainly stands alone as an island far away from your everyday stock traders: For years my father-in-law … [Read more...]
Keep Working, if You Can
The best way to improve your retirement's financial picture is to keep on working if you can. Reshma Kapadla writes at Barron's: RESIST RETIRING PREMATURELY Given the health risks created by the pandemic and uncertain outlook for certain industries, early retirement may seem like an attractive option. But advisors recommend that those who are five to 10 years away from retirement should stay in the workforce, if possible. “The best way to improve retirement financial outcomes is to work longer,” says Jamie Hopkins, director of retirement research at Carson Group. “A year or two before … [Read more...]
Your Retirement Life: Albies on the Fly
From On the Water: "Photographer Sergio Diaz shot and edited this beautiful video about false albacore fishing at the end of Long Island. The waters of Montauk host some of the best albie fishing in the Northeast in September and October, and fishermen from around the world travel there to experience it." … [Read more...]
Going Up to the Country: Real Estate Heads out of Town
You have decided to escape the city, and now you're looking for what Laura Forman at The Wall Street Journal calls "location, location, isolation." She writes: Real-estate searches are looking a lot different lately. For years, home values have been greatly influenced not only by finished square footage and acreage, but also by walk scores and community. The pandemic is turning those factors on their head—at least for now. Airbnb, for example, is now touting its ability to enable users to work from anywhere, no matter how remote, after years of inviting its guests to “live like a … [Read more...]
California’s Power Failure is a Preview of the Green New Deal
If you want to get a glimpse of what the Green New Deal will do to America, then take a look at California. The Wall Street Journal's editorial board writes: Electricity blackouts are awful at any time, but especially during an extreme heat wave and for reasons that are man-made. That’s what millions in California have been enduring in recent days, and their plight is a warning to the rest of America about the risks of Green New Deal policies. The California Independent System Operator (Caiso), which manages the state’s power grid, declared a high-level emergency Friday and Saturday … [Read more...]
EJ-When I Read Your Piece: “You Want Maine Lobster”
EJ- When I read your piece “You Want Maine Lobster” it brought back memories of my days of frequent trips to the Boston area. My biggest customer at the time (1971-1978 or so) was Air Force Systems Command at Hanscom AFB. I was there probably two times a month for several years, sometimes staying over a weekend if we were negotiating a contract or other lengthy meetings. We almost always had one dinner at a roadside restaurant along a dark rural stretch of some road, possibly 2A. I don't remember the name of the place, but I always got a chicken lobster, fries and a beer or two. I think … [Read more...]
Fidelity: How Emergency Documents Help Protect You
You can get your house in order with this helpful piece from Fidelity Investments: As the U.S. continues struggling with how to stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s critical to consider whether you have the right emergency documents. No matter if you live in a coronavirus hotspot or don’t know anyone with COVID-19, there’s never been a better time to understand how different legal documents can protect you. Here are five types of emergency documents that will help you and your family make essential healthcare decisions and manage your finances during an unexpected illness or accident. 1. … [Read more...]
Your Retirement Life: “You Want Maine Lobster”
You’re telling me you want Maine Lobster. Lucky you, you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to set your table. Before we dig in to that sweet, juicy, mouth-watering bite of warm buttered lobster, a word to the wise: Bigger isn’t necessarily better. It just means bigger, and oftentimes, bitter. The sweet spot is 1 1/2 lbs, give or take, and if you like the delectable red roe (coral), a female is for you. Call our local seafood market before 5 pm, and they’ll steam ‘em for you or call our friends at the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound, and they’ll ship ‘em live to your door. Now, in terms of … [Read more...]
With Headlines Like These, Is it Any Wonder Americans Are Escaping the City?
You know by now that Americans are rushing to escape the city. They're looking for a better America where they can raise their children, build their businesses, and retire in peace. The Wall Street Journal editorial board listed headlines from last week. Read them below and ask yourself, is it any wonder Americans can't wait to get away? July 21: “Authorities found the charred body of a man in the wreckage of a south Minneapolis pawnshop, nearly two months after the building was torched in the rioting that followed George Floyd’s death.” July 24: “A public hearing Tuesday night was … [Read more...]