Agree or Disagree? New Study: Even Subsidized Job-Based Health Insurance Has Become Unaffordable

[sman]

That is so true.

Also psych research shows that, on average, people underestimate the odds of bad things happening to them. The Lake Wobegon effect - everyone is above average. On average they also have trouble projecting what life will be like for them in the future. That doesn't help with thinking ahead. Sigh.

On a much smaller scale, I have learned that whatever my initial estimate for the length of time it will take me to do a project, I can double it. Take pressure washing for example, in my head, I initially think I can get the concrete around the pool, my driveway and sidewalk done in about 4 hours. it takes a good 8 hours. I'm so smart that it took me two times to realize I was giving myself way too much credit for my perceived abilities.

 

[somarco]

people underestimate the odds of bad things happening to them. The Lake Wobegon effect -

On a similar note, many T65's are delaying SS benefits because they will get more money.

True, but only if you LIVE to age 70 . . . and several years beyond.

Call me a pessimist, but I initially decided to defer SS until a later date. Logic said, based on both family tree's, I could anticipate living well into my 80's.

Then a dear friend, who was younger than me, died in a terrible accident.

I reconsidered my SS decision and elected to start my benefit 3 months after T65.

 

[sman]

On a similar note, many T65's are delaying SS benefits because they will get more money.

True, but only if you LIVE to age 70 . . . and several years beyond.

Call me a pessimist, but I initially decided to defer SS until a later date. Logic said, based on both family tree's, I could anticipate living well into my 80's.

Then a dear friend, who was younger than me, died in a terrible accident.

I reconsidered my SS decision and elected to start my benefit 3 months after T65.

Today, my plan is to take it at full retirement age (67). I'm sure I will be earning income so no need to take it prior to then. But I'm not waiting so I can get more. I hope I won't need it so I will just put it aside for a later date. If I get to 80+ and would have been better off waiting, oh well. I will take my chances. A bird in the hand so to speak.

 

[annon123]

On a similar note, many T65's are delaying SS benefits because they will get more money.

True, but only if you LIVE to age 70 . . . and several years beyond.

Call me a pessimist, but I initially decided to defer SS until a later date. Logic said, based on both family tree's, I could anticipate living well into my 80's.

Then a dear friend, who was younger than me, died in a terrible accident.

I reconsidered my SS decision and elected to start my benefit 3 months after T65.

I plan to wait until 70. I will NEED the higher amount because of my retirement and savings being wiped out by living in a state that didn't expand medicare and having to buy health insurance on the open market (didn't make enough for ACA care). When I am younger I can earn more money. When older that is harder. Had I not been financially wiped out I likely would choose to retire at normal retirement age.