Hello hello, Apexians! Sorry I missed yesterday’s update. I blame the Christmas holiday. And snow. We don’t get much snow here in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and we especially don’t get snow that sticks around. But we got a bunch over the past couple of days, and I’ve been enjoying the weather instead of looking at money articles.
But have no fear. I won’t leave you hanging for two days in a row. Here are some of the stories I browsed today while taking a break from shoveling sidewalks…
I’m 70 years old and can’t spend my savings. [Bogleheads] — “I’m 70, live in northeast U.S. Wife one year younger. I have $6 million in investments and a $1 million mortgage-free house. No debt. $60,000/year in social security (starting right now) and $25,000/year in income from my part-time job as a lawyer (mostly as arbitrator, work from home (before Covid) low stress). I can’t spend money without feelings of anxiety. it’s really painful.”
This block used to be for first-time homebuyers. Then global investors bought in. [The Washington Post] — “These new corporate landlords present serious competition for aspiring home buyers like the Baltimores. The couple has been seeking for years to buy an affordable house for themselves and their three children, now 11, 7 and 6. They want what many families want: good schools and a quiet neighborhood. Global investors, it turns out, were shopping for the same.” [This is a very real problem, and one of the main reasons home prices are so high right now.]
The sad death of the American mall. [Slate] — “The afterlife of a dead mall is interesting. Schools are moving into malls; some students are completing high school in a converted Macy’s in Vermont. A Dillard’s in Texas is now a radio station. Malls are becoming home to community colleges and libraries and offices. The Eastmont Town Center in Oakland, California, is home to a Center for Elders’ Independence, Social Security offices, and a lab.”
Lastly, here’s a silly little 2-1/2 minute video from Big Red Button on YouTube that explores the question: What would your life be like if you sold all your stuff and spend the money hiring people to do everything for you?
It’s not really serious about answering this question. But it’s short and amusing and worth a watch.
Okay, that’s it for today. Assuming no blizzard tonight, I’ll be back again tomorrow with more great money stories. Snow you then. 😉