What would you do here?

[gimmethesimplelife]

Today I've been going through the last of the boxes of our late tenant from the guesthouse behind our house (that my cousin and I co-own). Right before I was done with this project, I struck gold. Literally. One chunky ring that is 18K and another even heavier ring that is 14K.

What would you do if you were to run across such? My gut instinct is to hold onto them as I've been reading of more and more economists predicting a recession and should this occur, the national debt is so high and the GOP is in power so we can't expect much if any Obama-style humanitarian stimulus........in this situation, gold talks and may very well appreciate......or would you sell now and fund something with the proceeds?

Interesting situation to find myself in.....and funky that I did not find this until the going through the very last of her stuff (She passed two years ago at the end of August 2016). Rob

[Teacher Terry]

Since she has passed I would cash out if gold still a decent price. If she was alive I would return of course.

[iris lilies]

...drops IPAD...

Rob, you are also a landlord? This is in addition to the property you own and live in? All this, in the 85006 which has 85% of the properties worth more than my house?

Dude, you are going to have a hard time justifying the victim role if you continue to pull these rabbits out of hats.

Meanwhile, I assume the gold jewelry is legally yours and that is why you are treating it as investment potential. As for keeping this investment in gold, I suppose it wouldnt hurt to diversify your portfolio a little, assuming you have no other gold. But generally speaking, gold jewelry is NOT investment material. If you havent already, take the rings to a jeweler to get melt value on them.

[gimmethesimplelife]

...drops IPAD...

Rob, you are also a landlord? This is in addition to the property you own and live in? All this, in the 85006 which has 85% of the properties worth more than my house?

Dud, you are going to,have a hard time justifying this victim role if you continue to pull these rabbits out of hats.

Meanwhile, I assume the gold jewelry is legally yours and that is why you are treating it as investment potential. As for keeping this investment in gold, I suppose it wouldnt hurt to diversify your portfolio a little, assuming you have no other gold. But generally speaking, gold jewelry is NOT investment material. If you havent already, take the rings to a jeweler to get melt value on them.There is a guesthouse behind the house, yes. From time to time we have rented it out at a very cheap $400 a month. My half of the rent money always has gone directly to my Mother to help her out financially but this money here from the brief time this tenant rented the guesthouse? I have squirreled it away as running money as I'm not very confident of the future in the US. It's not all that much money, realistically, though there have been times in my life when I would have said otherwise - such as my couch surfing days when I was younger.

We have not rented out the guesthouse since this tenant's passing as this tenant had numerous medical issues and ended out dying in the guesthouse while I was in Denver two years ago, at the end of August 2016, and the whole experience was what I would call "icky" - We may rent again, however, as I have found a Catholic charity called Maggie's Place that helps destitute pregnant women get back on their feet and this charity - where I buy most of my clothes and where most of the furniture in the house comes from - has expressed an interest in having one of their clients rent the guesthouse. Still $400 a month, utils included, access to the washer, and no deposits....you will not find a better deal in town but it is very very very small which is why we have priced it so cheap. Plus it's in the 85006 but to be honest rent IS going up even in the 85006 which stuns me but it's true regardless.

No Donald Trump slumlord types are my Cousin and myself. Rob

PS About what properties cost in the 85006? Just ten years ago after the real estate meltdown in Las Vegas and Phoenix among other places, you would have been hard pressed to find any property in my neighborhood listing for over 50K....seriously. It's insane what they are listing for now, I would agree with that, but we have no intention of moving at the moment anyway. Thankfully property taxes are low in Phoenix, this is something I am grateful for every day of my life. Seriously. Even in the more expensive Coronado neighborhood a bit over on the other side of the 85006 you would have been hard pressed ten years ago to find a property listed for more than 65K.....all that's changed now, true.

I would not be so bedazzled by what 85006 properties are listing for - Phoenix historically has been a very boom/bust town for real estate and I have no faith whatsoever that this has changed. We are just on the boom cycle right now, and as we have no intention of selling at this moment, what we focus on is the property tax. Should I leave the US, yes, then things change, I'll give you that. And we have also no intention of taking out loan(s) against this property. Rob

[iris lilies]

PS About what properties cost in the 85006? Just ten years ago after the real estate meltdown in Las Vegas and Phoenix among other places, you would have been hard pressed to find any property in my neighborhood listing for over 50K....seriously. It's insane what they are listing for now, I would agree with that...

Sorry, I call BS.

I sampled “Sold” data from Realtor.com for the first 5 single family properties for which I could find sales data reaching back to your ten year mark and beyond. Every one of them, 100%! sold for far more than $50,000*

So, what’s my point? This attempt to look poor seems like more faux facts from you, our resident unreliable narrator. You are the poster boy of middle class privileged America. White, college educated, home owner, landlord. Oh, and now holder of gold jewelry.


I would not be so bedazzled by what 85006 properties are listing for - Phoenix historically has been a very boom/bust town for real estate and I have no faith whatsoever that this has changed. We are just on the boom cycle right now, and as we have no intention of selling at this moment, what we focus on is the property tax. Should I leave the US, yes, then things change, I'll give you that. And we have also no intention of taking out loan(s) against this overinflated current property value. Rob


Well, I do agree that it doesnt matter a whole lot how much your real estate is worth if you are living in it and don't intend to move. But a little casita in back that generates $5,000 passive income is pretty luxe.

* here is the data

1639 E. Harvard sold for $160,000 in 2007

1533 E. Brill sold for $230,000 in 2006

1224 E. hubbell sold for $147,000 in 2004

1813 W. willetta sold for $190,000 in 2008

1519 E. Cambridge sold for $140,000 in 2005

[Teacher Terry]

Wow Rob, I am happy for you as it appears you have a great foundation. Glad you are not poor.

[bae]

Are you buying gold right now with your spare cash?

If not, sell the rings. Maybe throw a block party with the proceeds.

[Yppej]

I am surprised you frequent Catholic Charities. Years ago I had an interview scheduled with them and started preparing by researching the organization. I called and cancelled that interview because of their refusal to let gay couples adopt. In 2006 seven members of their board here in Massachusetts resigned because of this same issue.

As to gold, I had one piece someone gave me once and it got stolen. If you keep it make sure you store it in a safe deposit box in the bank. I know from experience home safes are not secure.

[ToomuchStuff]

What about the next of kin? Who buried the body? The probate court or will? Did any of these tell you to keep these possessions? Did you even try to notify anyone?

[catherine]

I am surprised you frequent Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities consistently gets very high ratings for their social programs and how they administer their funds.

[razz]

It always amazes me how threads deviate so much from the OP.

Rob, when I took my and my late DH's wedding rings plus a couple of other rings to the jeweller to have them melted down and made into a dinner ring, the actual value of gold rings is quite limited. There was no question of the quality of the gold in them so the jeweller weighed them, designed a new ring with the engagement diamond in the middle and reduced the price accordingly. Take the rings to a reputable jeweller, get them weighed and sell.

[jp1]

I would agree with selling the rings. If you've decided that you need to diversify into gold* then use the money to buy one ounce gold coins. They will be much more easily convertible into cash if/when the need arises.

*not necessarily a bad idea for someone who thinks they may need to leave the country and wants to be able to carry some financial assets on their person.

[iris lilies]

I would be interested to know how much we are talking about here. Less than $2,000 I would think.

[Teacher Terry]

Rob’s real wealth is in his home and not these rings.

[iris lilies]

Rob’s real wealth is in his home and not these rings.
Of course it is. Are you allowed to use the term “wealth” in conjunction with Rob’s name?

[Teacher Terry]

I am glad that he is not poor like I thought he was.

[Alan]

I am glad that he is not poor like I thought he was.
Me too! I'm just surprised to see he is closer to being the millionaire next door than the bottom rung victim of America that he represents himself to be.
Good on you though Rob, good on you!

[Teacher Terry]

Remember he co-owns it with his cousin so not close to millionaire Alan:))

[Alan]

Remember he co-owns it with his cousin so not close to millionaire Alan:))How do you know?

Over the years we've discovered that he enjoys the benefit of a college education, provided by his mother, he has been the beneficiary of at least one and maybe two inheritances which provided him with real property and cash. He has been able to advance to management in his chosen career, he recently married and we can assume he is the beneficiary of that second income and whatever assets his husband brought into the union, and he has recently allowed his friends and neighbors in the 85006 (as well as everyone outside) to foot the bill for an expensive medical malady without having to spend a cent of his personal wealth (whatever that may be).

I'm not an advocate of the mindset that classifies everyone according to perceived privilege as he is, but I'm thinking he fits the bill much better than I ever imagined. I'm actually happy for him.

[iris lilies]

How do you know?

Over the years we've discovered that he enjoys the benefit of a college education, provided by his mother, he has been the beneficiary of at least one and maybe two inheritances which provided him with real property and cash. He has been able to advance to management in his chosen career, he recently married and we can assume he is the beneficiary of that second income and whatever assets his husband brought into the union, and he has recently allowed his friends and neighbors in the 85006 (as well as everyone outside) to foot the bill for an expensive medical malady without having to spend a cent of his personal wealth (whatever that may be).

I'm not an advocate of the mindset that classifies everyone according to perceived privilege as he is, but I'm thinking he fits the bill much better than I ever imagined. I'm actually happy for him.

Add trips to Europe to the list of privileges.

[ApatheticNoMore]

I wouldn't think he is poor poor, and then when I think about it isn't Rob's profession actually fairly high paying even before he was in management? I think the tendency is to think it's not as it's service work, and yes it is true that *much* service work doesn't pay well, but I've heard waiting actually can. So ... I don't know.

But it doesn't have some white collar accouterments that horror horror ... I mean it's fine to be better suited for service work, blue collar, pink collar, or whatever than white collar work, if one knows oneself and what best suits one, and can ALSO get it (ie someone will hire one for it), and ALSO make their bills off it (ie living wage) then good, very rarely are all these conditions met but ...

[Yppej]

Catholic Charities consistently gets very high ratings for their social programs and how they administer their funds.

My quibble is not with the percent of funds spent on services vs overhead, but on the fact that a gay man is giving business to a homophobic organization.

[Yppej]

Add trips to Europe to the list of privileges.

I agree that international travel is a privilege and question folks receiving publicly subsidized health care, or the benefit of any other publicly subsidized program, enjoying this privilege.

[Tybee]

Did not the woman have family that you probably contacted when she died? I would think the rings should go to them. They might have sentimental value.

[Teacher Terry]

Considering the person died in the guest house, paid no deposit and it sounds like no one picked up her stuff, Rob may have had clean up costs depending on how long before she was discovered.

[Tradd]

My quibble is not with the percent of funds spent on services vs overhead, but on the fact that a gay man is giving business to a homophobic organization.

Rob said the name of the charity was Maggie's Place, a Catholic charity, not Catholic Charities.

[Yppej]

Rob said the name of the charity was Maggie's Place, a Catholic charity, not Catholic Charities.

Check out their website. They partner with Catholic Charities. If the expectant mother decides to give the baby up for adoption what do you think the chances are a same sex couple can adopt the child?

[gimmethesimplelife]

Sorry, I call BS.

I sampled “Sold” data from Realtor.com for the first 5 single family properties for which I could find sales data reaching back to your ten year mark and beyond. Every one of them, 100%! sold for far more than $50,000*

So, what’s my point? This attempt to look poor seems like more faux facts from you, our resident unreliable narrator. You are the poster boy of middle class privileged America. White, college educated, home owner, landlord. Oh, and now holder of gold jewelry.




Well, I do agree that it doesnt matter a whole lot how much your real estate is worth if you are living in it and don't intend to move. But a little casita in back that generates $5,000 passive income is pretty luxe.

* here is the data

1639 E. Harvard sold for $160,000 in 2007

1533 E. Brill sold for $230,000 in 2006

1224 E. hubbell sold for $147,000 in 2004

1813 W. willetta sold for $190,000 in 2008

1519 E. Cambridge sold for $140,000 in 2005Hi IL.....there is a problem with your stats here, IL. The real estate meltdown hit Phoenix hard at the end of 2008 - checks stats for 2009 and 2010....in mid 2011, values started very very very slowly rising again, ditto for 2012, and by 2014 Phoenix was off to the races again. Recently the average price of a house in Phoenix hit a new record high but I don't see wages rising to match and my guess is now is a good time to sell and flee if so inclined as I personally don't believe this can last much longer.

But to the point? Check out stats during the depth of the housing crisis and you'll find numbers that more closely match mine. Also, 1813 West Wiletta? That's in a very spendy area known as Willow - very close in to Central Avenue, very spendy, and a number of very well off gay men and their partners live in this neighborhood - it's your stereotypical completely restored historic neighborhood with real estate values to match. The house on Harvard? This was around the peak of real estate prices in Phoenix, and the house on Hubbell? I don't know the house but for the date you list that is overpaying a good 20% to 1/3rd. I don't know Brill Street but 2006 was the year before the pre collapse peak in Phoenix real estate. Try 2009 and 2010 as dates and see what you come up with. Rob

[bae]

Check out their website. They partner with Catholic Charities. If the expectant mother decides to give the baby up for adoption what do you think the chances are a same sex couple can adopt the child?

My sister sold three of her children through Catholic Charities while she was on the run from the law. Grrrr.

[iris lilies]

Hi IL.....there is a problem with your stats here, IL. The real estate meltdown hit Phoenix hard at the end of 2008 - checks stats for 2009 and 2010....in mid 2011, values started very very very slowly rising again, ditto for 2012, and by 2014 Phoenix was off to the races again. Recently the average price of a house in Phoenix hit a new record high but I don't see wages rising to match and my guess is now is a good time to sell and flee if so inclined as I personally don't believe this can last much longer.

But to the point? Check out stats during the depth of the housing crisis and you'll find numbers that more closely match mine. Also, 1813 West Wiletta? That's in a very spendy area known as Willow - very close in to Central Avenue, very spendy, and a number of very well off gay men and their partners live in this neighborhood - it's your stereotypical completely restored historic neighborhood with real estate values to match. The house on Harvard? This was around the peak of real estate prices in Phoenix, and the house on Hubbell? I don't know the house but for the date you list that is overpaying a good 20% to 1/3rd. I don't know Brill Street but 2006 was the year before the pre collapse peak in Phoenix real estate. Try 2009 and 2010 as dates and see what you come up with. Rob
Ok,I will look into this. I have been skimming articles that verify Phoenix as a volatile housing market.

[iris lilies]

Hi IL.....there is a problem with your stats here, IL. The real estate meltdown hit Phoenix hard at the end of 2008 - checks stats for 2009 and 2010....in mid 2011, values started very very very slowly rising again, ditto for 2012, and by 2014 Phoenix was off to the races again. Recently the average price of a house in Phoenix hit a new record high but I don't see wages rising to match and my guess is now is a good time to sell and flee if so inclined as I personally don't believe this can last much longer.

But to the point? Check out stats during the depth of the housing crisis and you'll find numbers that more closely match mine. Also, 1813 West Wiletta? That's in a very spendy area known as Willow - very close in to Central Avenue, very spendy, and a number of very well off gay men and their partners live in this neighborhood - it's your stereotypical completely restored historic neighborhood with real estate values to match. The house on Harvard? This was around the peak of real estate prices in Phoenix, and the house on Hubbell? I don't know the house but for the date you list that is overpaying a good 20% to 1/3rd. I don't know Brill Street but 2006 was the year before the pre collapse peak in Phoenix real estate. Try 2009 and 2010 as dates and see what you come up with. Rob

ok, you win the point that in the depths of the real estate bust, houses listed for far less than now.

While it is difficult to find list prices from the narrow year range of 2009-2010 and even harder to find sales price (I suppose because there were few sales) I did find a few examples that confirmed $40,000 - $60,000 houses then go for 3x to 4x that now.

So, maybe you should sell now and flee, while yoi have high net worth.

[Tybee]

Rob, I looked at your zip code on Zillow but sorry, you are in a high rent district. I could not afford a shack in your neighborhood. If your house also includes a rentable guest cottage--seriously, I don't know if your neighborhood is just gentrifying, and you won't feel at home there soon, but honestly, it feels a little insulting to have you go on and on about this neighborhood/zip code being part of some social justice street cred based on membership in the lower classes. I guess this puts me in the bowery bum category or something.
You seem to live in an up and coming golden ticket neighborhood, so enjoy it, or rent them both out (main house and guest) and go to Mexico eventually. But please stop talking about how bad everyone in the zip code has it, or how they are somehow morally superior.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Rob, I looked at your zip code on Zillow but sorry, you are in a high rent district. I could not afford a shack in your neighborhood. If your house also includes a rentable guest cottage--seriously, I don't know if your neighborhood is just gentrifying, and you won't feel at home there soon, but honestly, it feels a little insulting to have you go on and on about this neighborhood/zip code being part of some social justice street cred based on membership in the lower classes. I guess this puts me in the bowery bum category or something.
You seem to live in an up and coming golden ticket neighborhood, so enjoy it, or rent them both out (main house and guest) and go to Mexico eventually. But please stop talking about how bad everyone in the zip code has it, or how they are somehow morally superior.Hi Tybee,


It is true that the 85006 is appreciating - this has happened once before, too, in the real estate run up of 2004 -2006. Most people, even though they could bail, are choosing to stay. The same issues plague those who choose to stay as before the real estate run up. The only reason most can stay here is that they bought in when real estate was much cheaper - this area has a lot of long term, and I mean long term house owners, and also the fact that property tax is so cheap here overall helps people to stay. But there are those who are being tempted to move on, as in 2004 to 2006. The biggest reason I stay, beyond the fact that living in the 85006 works for me, is that I am not going to find a less expensive housing situation in the United States - my half of the mortgage is 217.50 a month - try beating that anywhere in the US these days.


Just because people could run does not mean that they can afford where they are running to as the higher bills of leaving the 85006 and their locked in cheap mortgages would follow them. But for those fleeing back to Mexico or somewhere else less expensive, now is a very good time to sell, that much I would agree with. Rob

[catherine]

I guess everything's relative.

Here is an assessment of the market in Rob's zip code: https://www.realtor.com/local/85006
And mine in my town in NJ: https://www.realtor.com/local/08824
And mine in VT: https://www.realtor.com/local/05458
And IL's in Hermann: https://www.realtor.com/local/65041

Have to admit, of all of these, the 85006 seems to be appreciating the most. Grand Isle also is on the upswing, but you have to consider that upswing will have a downturn in the winter. Otherwise, NJ zip code trend line is flat (makes me think I should sell now before it starts going down), and IL's is only slightly appreciating.

I'm not making a point about Rob here. Just interesting to explore the differences in real estate. I don't even want to check out jp1's market assessment. I could maybe afford the patch of land that he puts his garbage can on.

It's all relative. Across the country, there will be a huge range and one man's $300,000 will give him a dump in one place and a castle in another.

I guess we can all just be grateful we have a roof over our heads.

[LDAHL]

I guess everything's relative.

Here is an assessment of the market in Rob's zip code: https://www.realtor.com/local/85006
And mine in my town in NJ: https://www.realtor.com/local/08824
And mine in VT: https://www.realtor.com/local/05458
And IL's in Hermann: https://www.realtor.com/local/65041

Have to admit, of all of these, the 85006 seems to be appreciating the most. Grand Isle also is on the upswing, but you have to consider that upswing will have a downturn in the winter. Otherwise, NJ zip code trend line is flat (makes me think I should sell now before it starts going down), and IL's is only slightly appreciating.

I'm not making a point about Rob here. Just interesting to explore the differences in real estate. I don't even want to check out jp1's market assessment. I could maybe afford the patch of land that he puts his garbage can on.

It's all relative. Across the country, there will be a huge range and one man's $300,000 will give him a dump in one place and a castle in another.

I guess we can all just be grateful we have a roof over our heads.

You’re making some good points today. Last week, in preparation for retiring, I sold one house in a hot market and bought another in a more tepid market. While we’re downsizing a bit, I was happily astonished by the price difference.

I was also surprised to learn from the realtor that the mid-range price points are selling much faster than those above and below and that for some reason multi-story houses are considered much less desirable.

[Tammy]

I find it humorous that someone from out of state didn’t believe someone who lives in the neighborhood regarding housing prices. Why don’t we believe basic facts from one another anymore?

[LDAHL]

I find it humorous that someone from out of state didn’t believe someone who lives in the neighborhood regarding housing prices. Why don’t we believe basic facts from one another anymore?

You’re assuming the local is presenting basic facts.

[gimmethesimplelife]

You’re assuming the local is presenting basic facts.Which I have all along from Day one. It would appear as if there are those who are resistant to basic facts that they don't care to see/hear. Rob

[iris lilies]

Which I have all along from Day one. It would appear as if there are those who are resistant to basic facts that they don't care to see/hear. Rob

You win the real estate volitility in Phoenix debate! I concede! Depending on when you got into the market, it could be a really good deal for you.

But we all will have to think of the wealth you in the 85006 have now, given the bubble. Granted, it is wealth on paper and not realized until you sell.

[Lainey]

I agree with others who suggested selling the rings, and also to take that cash and buy gold or silver coins. Portable wealth.

and another AZ real estate market datapoint: I bought a small 1bd/1bath house in foreclosure in 85008 zip code in summer 2011 for $29,000. This week a slightly larger house on the same street (that also has a pool) sold for $225,000. Yes, Phoenix real estate is a driver in our overall economic ratings, but that comes with greater volatility when the greater U.S. economy is shaky.

However, as has been said, the sharp increase in value has been across the board so there is no $ to pocket if you're going to buy or rent something else in the Phoenix metro area. And don't get me started on the real estate sharks who have purchased mobile home parks all over the place here to tear down and rebuild as luxury apartments and left those renters scrambling …

So, good for you Rob for giving a break to a young mother. I've been contemplating the same if/when my family member who is renting my tiny house passes away. I'd like to make a small profit but no need to gouge someone on something as basic as housing.

[Tybee]

I think it's great that you and Rob bought when the market was low, Lainey. I also think that homeowners and landlords have options that most poor people do not. I think that is fortuitous for them. I think if you can live in an area that keeps a roof over your head you are fortunate, more fortunate than the folks that I see living in their cars in my local Walmart parking lot.

I don't get how living in the OP's zipcode is a sign of moral strength or having to overcome terrible unfairness in life. That is what I was trying to convey. I don't think being poor is virtuous; nor do I think being rich is virtuous.

Most of us are one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy. So none of us are secure, but none of us are secure in life, anyway, in that sense.

I think if the rings can go back to the deceased owner's family, that would be a good thing, from a fairness standpoint.

[gimmethesimplelife]

You win the real estate volitility in Phoenix debate! I concede! Depending on when you got into the market, it could be a really good deal for you.

But we all will have to think of the wealth you in the 85006 have now, given the bubble. Granted, it is wealth on paper and not realized until you sell.BINGO! And kudos to you for understanding - I respect you, truly I do, for "getting this" where many others are not able to for whatever reason. It truly is only wealth on paper until such a date as you sell, and the problem with selling is that real estate these days is pretty much overpriced anywhere you are going to go. (at least in the US, and hey, Canada, too, and at a worse rate in Canada overall). So we that own houses in the 85006 are pretty much locked in - even Nogales, that's right, Nogales, Arizona, has had major real estate increases - though I will admit I did find one house I'd live in for 93K in Nogales - great, so if that's paid off in cash, how does one find work in sky high unemployment Santa Cruz County, Arizona? At least legal employment anyway (said because Nogales, Arizona is right on the Mexican border).


What I would dearly love to do if real estate were to continue it's upward climb (which I don't see happening here for the long term based on historical trends of real estate volatility in Phoenix) is sell and then perhaps move to Nogales, Arizona if I don't end out leaving the US...…..but I would want a bigger spread between Phoenix prices and Nogales, AZ prices......Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

You win the real estate volitility in Phoenix debate! I concede! Depending on when you got into the market, it could be a really good deal for you.

But we all will have to think of the wealth you in the 85006 have now, given the bubble. Granted, it is wealth on paper and not realized until you sell.BTW IL, Thank You. This shows class on your part here and I respect that. Kudos! Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

About the rings.....this person who passed away had no living relatives by her own admission and since my Mother often came over to visit and spend time with her, she said that were she to pass she'd want my Mother to have her things and to decide what to do with them. My Mother did not want to touch her things with a ten foot pole as she was incontinent and the guesthouse and her belongings in general smelled really bad due to that. It was such a sticky situation and we had to deal with that horrible smell BUT if we evicted her, likely she'd die out on the streets and we couldn't live with that. So my Mother passed her things on to me.

Something else - usually when people pass they leave some type of debt behind and you end out getting phone calls due to this - when this tenant passed there were no phone calls period - not from family stepping forward (and as per her own statement, there was no family to step forward) nor from creditors. Well, I take that back - there was ONE phone call - from the instructor at her Parkinson's class at St. Joes Medical Center as to if this person were still interested in attending classes. Other than that, nothing. So that's the story of how the rings ended out in my hands. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

I think it's great that you and Rob bought when the market was low, Lainey. I also think that homeowners and landlords have options that most poor people do not. I think that is fortuitous for them. I think if you can live in an area that keeps a roof over your head you are fortunate, more fortunate than the folks that I see living in their cars in my local Walmart parking lot.

I don't get how living in the OP's zipcode is a sign of moral strength or having to overcome terrible unfairness in life. That is what I was trying to convey. I don't think being poor is virtuous; nor do I think being rich is virtuous.

Most of us are one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy. So none of us are secure, but none of us are secure in life, anyway, in that sense.

I think if the rings can go back to the deceased owner's family, that would be a good thing, from a fairness standpoint.About the one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy bit - this is why I stay in Phoenix (close proximity to affordable medical in Mexico) and why I instinctively am nervous if I am any physically further from the Mexian border than I already am living in Phoenix. I see America only too well as it is and of course being further from the border instinctively frightens me. Realistically the only cure for this while I am still alive would be permanent residency/citizenship in a better country in which human life is worth socialized medicine, or at least to live on the border on the US side. Or for Americans to value human life over constant war and cut the military BS and spend this money on socialized medicine for all (good luck with that ever happening!!!!! AKA Don't hold your breath!) Rob

[iris lilies]

Everyone, move to Hermann, MO! It is a tiny town, bit given that, it seems to have strong quality of life markers.

I am still in the honeymoon phase and am assessing it for permanent residency. But so far, it seems to have a richness that so many rural dying towns do not, richness in the incredibly strong German heritage that plays out in culture and architecture.

I am a little worried about how Air BnB will affect Hermann, which is chock full of legitimate, tax paying Bed and Breakfast Inns. Air BnB pays non of those taxes.

to compare Hermann to Europe— I was interested in the idea of retiring to Bulgaria, a place that welcomes Americans and is inexpensive. We were in nearby Romania last year and I quizzed our tour guide about real estate prices and taxes in that area. We visited a little farmette of a couple of acres on a major road, and I estimated that spread to be well over $100,000. This is rural, Eastern/Centeal Europe, so not cheap when compared to Hermann.

[gimmethesimplelife]

I think it's great that you and Rob bought when the market was low, Lainey. I also think that homeowners and landlords have options that most poor people do not. I think that is fortuitous for them. I think if you can live in an area that keeps a roof over your head you are fortunate, more fortunate than the folks that I see living in their cars in my local Walmart parking lot.

I don't get how living in the OP's zipcode is a sign of moral strength or having to overcome terrible unfairness in life. That is what I was trying to convey. I don't think being poor is virtuous; nor do I think being rich is virtuous.

Most of us are one catastrophic illness away from bankruptcy. So none of us are secure, but none of us are secure in life, anyway, in that sense.

I think if the rings can go back to the deceased owner's family, that would be a good thing, from a fairness standpoint.Tybee, to be clear....living in the 85006 has nothing to do with possessing moral strength nor with overcoming terrible unfairness in life. The pride I display in my zip code is all about casting off the shackles of societal BS regarding living in a "less desirable" area - though I will say that in parts of the 85006, folks with actual money are starting to stream in and things are changing up a bit. I also have noticed in the past few months less police cars driving about and those that do are not stopping as often to check out those walking by and attempt to intimidate by virtue of being a cop - they are driving by fairly fast now and it's hard to get good video on them (maybe that's part of the reason too though, who knows?) Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

Everyone, move to Hermann, MO! It is a tiny town, bit given that, it seems to have strong quality of life markers.

I am still in the honeymoon phase and am assessing it for permanent residency. But so far, it seems to have a richness that so many rural dying towns do not, richness in the incredibly strong German heritage that plays out in culture and architecture.

I am a little worried about how Air BnB will affect Hermann, which is chock full of legitimate, tax paying Bed and Breakfast Inns. Air BnB pays non of those taxes.

to compare Hermann to Europe— I was interested in the idea of retiring to Bulgaria, a place that welcomes Americans and is inexpensive. We were in nearby Romania last year and I quizzed our tour guide about real estate prices and taxes in that area. We visited a little farmette of a couple of acres on a major road, and I estimated that spread to be well over $100,000. This is rural, Eastern/Centeal Europe, so not cheap when compared to Hermann.A Bulgarian passport gets you into the EU - anywhere that is Schengen becomes open to you.....for some buying that farmette in Bulgaria is worth it due to that. In my case, it would mean the ability to live and work in the Homeland even though I would not have the citizenship or the passport to the Homeland. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

I agree with others who suggested selling the rings, and also to take that cash and buy gold or silver coins. Portable wealth.

and another AZ real estate market datapoint: I bought a small 1bd/1bath house in foreclosure in 85008 zip code in summer 2011 for $29,000. This week a slightly larger house on the same street (that also has a pool) sold for $225,000. Yes, Phoenix real estate is a driver in our overall economic ratings, but that comes with greater volatility when the greater U.S. economy is shaky.

However, as has been said, the sharp increase in value has been across the board so there is no $ to pocket if you're going to buy or rent something else in the Phoenix metro area. And don't get me started on the real estate sharks who have purchased mobile home parks all over the place here to tear down and rebuild as luxury apartments and left those renters scrambling …

So, good for you Rob for giving a break to a young mother. I've been contemplating the same if/when my family member who is renting my tiny house passes away. I'd like to make a small profit but no need to gouge someone on something as basic as housing.Ugggggggh….I've heard about the mobile home parks being torn down......uggggggghhhhhhh…….to me this is proof that American style capitalism is cruel. Just cruel and uncaring for the everyday person and what's more, it's blatantly so these days with little effort at bothering to sugar coat.

Moving on to something positive, Thank You for the comment regarding renting to a struggling young mother. We could get more for the guesthouse but we want to give someone a chance and not gouge. I agree so much about not gouging on something as basic as housing. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

Another tidbit about the rings.....I have never been in this situation before so I really did not know this, but...….gold jewelry, apparently though having some meltdown value, is not the blast of instant wealth I was thinking it was. Perhaps there are about $500 involved here, which is not a small sum of money by any means and in many points in my life this money would have been enough to make a difference - I'm doing better now but I will never forget that part of my life nor do I believe for one moment that I am insulated from returning to this life as long as I remain in the United States. I'm far too much of a realist not to know/realize this. The money I do get for selling - which I have decided to do - I will either stash away or I will buy maybe a couple 1/10 oz gold coins or maybe a 1/5th ounce if such exists. Portable as others have said and worth more as it's much closer to purity. Rob

[bae]

What do the people of Austria think about the rentier class?

(And seriously, I wouldn't hold onto gold as an "investment" or "store of wealth" unless I had some other higher-priority items taken care of first and knew what the heck I was doing. Otherwise it's just silly.)

[gimmethesimplelife]

What do the people of Austria think about the rentier class?

(And seriously, I wouldn't hold onto gold as an "investment" or "store of wealth" unless I had some other higher-priority items taken care of first and knew what the heck I was doing. Otherwise it's just silly.)I take it you have faith that the economy will remain as is for the long haul, then? That's cool and I won't take from that other than to say that if this is the case, I don't agree with you. Not one bit. And gold historically has been a safe haven when things have gone to hell. I look at it this way - if it's good enough for Scarlett O'Hara as a portable form of wealth as she built up her mill/lumber business in Atlanta during Reconstruction, it's good enough for me. (and yes I do know that Scarlett O"Hara was a figment of Margaret Mitchell's imagination.....but it still makes sense to me and I have no faith in the American economy over the long haul). Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

What do the people of Austria think about the rentier class?

(And seriously, I wouldn't hold onto gold as an "investment" or "store of wealth" unless I had some other higher-priority items taken care of first and knew what the heck I was doing. Otherwise it's just silly.)BTW, you do have a point about the rentier class in Austria.....with one difference in my case. I have family that would be so grateful to have me out of America and safely in the EU with socialized medicine and access to social welfare for all. Having family there makes a great deal of difference. Also I am not exactly fluent in German but am quite able to make myself understood and to get my points across. And here's a biggie - I would not be lacking in the Proper Respect. In Austria, that's a big deal, and I do have this to offer in everyday social situations whereas in America I don't really have this to offer. Rob

[iris lilies]

BTW, you do have a point about the rentier class in Austria.....with one difference in my case. I have family that would be so grateful to have me out of America and safely in the EU with socialized medicine and access to social welfare for all. Having family there makes a great deal of difference. Also I am not exactly fluent in German but am quite able to make myself understood and to get my points across. And here's a biggie - I would not be lacking in the Proper Respect. In Austria, that's a big deal, and I do have this to offer in everyday social situations where in America I don't really have this to offer. Rob
I am afraid to ask, and will be sorry to know, but curiosity compels me to say do tell! What is “The Proper Respect?” I assume it is showing respect for the motherland, but I could be wrong.

In Hermann, as in most small rural areas, the new people are never accepted as being an intregal part, we are always outsiders. There is a lot of talk about that. But you know what? I dont think I care. I view it this way: The generations of Germans who built Hermann for the main purpose of retaining German culture have made this tiny town interesting and livable. THEY did the work, I didnt. As a carpetbagger why should I expect to jump deeply into the social mileau of this place? I will always be an outsider, and that is OK!

[Tybee]

BTW, you do have a point about the rentier class in Austria.....with one difference in my case. I have family that would be so grateful to have me out of America and safely in the EU with socialized medicine and access to social welfare for all. Having family there makes a great deal of difference. Also I am not exactly fluent in German but am quite able to make myself understood and to get my points across. And here's a biggie - I would not be lacking in the Proper Respect. In Austria, that's a big deal, and I do have this to offer in everyday social situations whereas in America I don't really have this to offer. Rob

What is "the Proper Respect"? I am not following you here, but am curious as to what you are talking about as far as Austrian vs. American cultures.

[gimmethesimplelife]

What is "the Proper Respect"? I am not following you here, but am curious as to what you are talking about as far as Austrian vs. American cultures.Addressing people formally, showing respect for job titles, displaying some gratitude towards Austria, in general not behaving as if you were auditioning to appear on the Jerry Springer Show. Not creating friction (something I am guilty of in the US, yes I grant that here and now) and being grateful for socialized pretty much everything basic. Not behaving as above your station in life and always showing the Austrian Flag proper respect. Not displaying wealth - if you have it - ostentatiously, and not using credit cards to get into debt to appear as if above your station in life. Not rocking the boat (this last one though? After Anschluss I would agree that this was not a good thing......this last one can and did have a dark side that led to many deaths)……...In general, behaving as Americans once did towards America in the age we experienced of actual opportunity and much less inequality for the average person. In Austria this is expected to this day and in return, the social welfare you get takes the breath away. In return for this, I am more than willing to show The Proper Respect. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

I am afraid to ask, and will be sorry to know, but curiosity compels me to say do tell! What is “The Proper Respect?” I assume it is showing respect for the motherland, but I could be wrong.

In Hermann, as in most small rural areas, the new people are never accepted as being an intregal part, we are always outsiders. There is a lot of talk about that. But you know what? I dont think I care. I view it this way: The generations of Germans who built Hermann for the main purpose of retaining German culture have made this tiny town interesting and livable. THEY did the work, I didnt. As a carpetbagger why should I expect to jump deeply into the social mileau of this place? I will always be an outsider, and that is OK!In the Homeland, I would always be a half outsider....partially in and partially out. Partially in due to my family there, partially out due to having been born outside the Homeland. So I understand where you are coming from here.....I'm OK with partial outsider status in return for a saner, more stable life with social welfare for all. And much less American style inequality. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

Something I just found out online...if you wish to purchase US gold coins, the denominations are as follows - one ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10th ounce. Rob

[Alan]

Addressing people formally, showing respect for job titles, displaying some gratitude towards Austria, in general not behaving as if you were auditioning to appear on the Jerry Springer Show.
You know you could do that wherever you live and everyone would be better off for it. Be the change you want to see.

[Teacher Terry]

Alan, you are right. Although I am unhappy with some things in our country overall I am grateful to live here.

[ApatheticNoMore]

gold is probably ok for a small amount if money if you have investments as it doesn't tend to be correlated with other investments (which is good for diversifying) but it also doens't give much return on investment. So I'd sell and put that money in cash if I feared I might need it soon (a good online bank account where you can at least earn some interest - this is very easily accessible, well takes a few days to transfer but ..) or stocks and bond funds if I didn't see any need for it anytime soon.

[gimmethesimplelife]

You know you could do that wherever you live and everyone would be better off for it. Be the change you want to see.You want my best? Fine. The price tag is socialized medicine, something that I could easily obtain simply by the virtue of citizenship in any other developed country. I've known you to be an intelligent poster, Alan....I mean this sincerely. Why the expectation that I (and you yourself that matter) hold life so cheap and sell yourself so short as to consider citizenship acceptable without guaranteed access to healthcare being one of the perks? Your stance, given that I consider you intelligent (which is obviously from your well thought out posts) makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever and never has. Sorry, I didn't indoctrinate - I see things in cold blood as they are. At this late date that's not going to change.

How this pertains here: No socialized medicine, no real respect. Basic everyday decency, yes, because I have to live with myself, but no real respect. To give respect under these conditions of human life not being worth access to socialized medicine is to not only be disrespectful to myself but to be part of the problem by being complicit with accepting this lack as something acceptable, which it is not. Want respect? Ramp up the social welfare to at least include Medicare for all and ditch the military industrial complex to pay for it. Otherwise, basic human decency, yes - respect - I'm not seeing any respect for my life via the lack of socialized medicine, how could a fairly intelligent person EVER give out respect under these conditions? To me this is so basic it seems like it's not needed to state but by Golly, how many Americans don't grasp this basic common sense baffles the mind. At least I am not nor will I ever be among their number. For that I respect myself. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

gold is probably ok for a small amount if money if you have investments as it doesn't tend to be correlated with other investments (which is good for diversifying) but it also doens't give much return on investment. So I'd sell and put that money in cash if I feared I might need it soon (a good online bank account where you can at least earn some interest - this is very easily accessible, well takes a few days to transfer but ..) or stocks and bond funds if I didn't see any need for it anytime soon.I'm not saying this is bad advice, ANM. I'm just in a place where I see that something like a small gold coin or two that is easily transportable and fairly readily liquid is not a bad idea, given my personal take on both the economy and the future of this country. I wouldn't put all my money - what little there is of said money I can invest - in gold, but when you get right down to it, stocks are basically only wealth on paper, too, until they are sold. I like the idea of something tangible that is not on paper and in this vague gray zone of being worth money in the abstract. Rob

[Tybee]

Rob, I don't see things the way you do with respect to Respect,and I love my country and would be heartbroken to have to leave. The things you describe as proper behavior in Austria are how I was raised in America and how I still act towards others and my country's symbols, like her flag. But I get that others do not feel that way.
With respect to the gold, I would sell it and take the money and put it in small bill denominations that you can pay out if you decide to "run" as you call it, as you aren't going to get change from the gold piece, and you need to be in a position of buying things like water and gas. I guess. So I would convert it to ones or fives.
I had a Polish friend who believed her diamond ring would serve this purpose. I don't see that happening because of the change factor, but if you go with that theory, then keep them as rings and you can wear them if you "run."

[Alan]

You want my best? Fine. The price tag is socialized medicine, something that I could easily obtain simply by the virtue of citizenship in any other developed country.We have socialized medicine of a sort, you've told us of how you benefited from it just this past year. This tells me that we have a system that works for people in need and you are the perfect example, although to be fair I'd question your need as you seem more than capable of taking care of yourself.
I guess my other disagreement is that no country or person or any entity at all can buy my respect. I'm surprised that anyone would hold that as an item of barter.

[LDAHL]

We have socialized medicine of a sort, you've told us of how you benefited from it just this past year. This tells me that we have a system that works for people in need and you are the perfect example, although to be fair I'd question your need as you seem more than capable of taking care of yourself.
I guess my other disagreement is that no country or person or any entity at all can buy my respect. I'm surprised that anyone would hold that as an item of barter.

This discussion reminds of that story about Churchill that ends something like “Madam we have already established what you are. It only remains to haggle over a price”.

[herbgeek]

guaranteed access to healthcare

You keep using this phrase. You HAVE and have always had, access to healthcare. What you mean is that you want healthcare for free. Even though doctors, nurses, orderlies all want to be paid. You want to be paid for your work too.

Most people in this country get their healthcare through their employer (last I checked it was in the 70-80%) range. Not saying that is good/bad just that it is. You have always had the opportunity to find a job that supplies low cost insurance as a benefit. You have a college degree that you aren't using, you have additional skills in web design I believe, that you aren't using. You choose to work in an industry that a lot of people would call entry level, as it doesn't require any specialized skills. Instead you just go on and on how you should get insurance and your healthcare for free, and how "America" is mean for not providing it for you (even though it has through Medicaid). You've just told us you are basically living for free (your share of the rent proceeds almosts covers your mortgage cost), and your family unit has 2 incomes. Why do you keep insisting on getting this for free when you have the means to get it yourself?

[gimmethesimplelife]

This discussion reminds of that story about Churchill that ends something like “Madam we have already established what you are. It only remains to haggle over a price”.Are you implying that the many millions of citizens of better countries whose lives are worth socialized medicine of this caliber? And you did not address my question regarding how to jusfity the lack of socialized medicine in this country.....how can one judge anyone for disrespecting a country with this lack when any comparable country indeed has socialized medicine as one of the perks of citizenship? It's great to throw around platitudes but they mean nothing. I'm all about asking the hard, uncomfortable questions and have no qualms about holding a given society/country accountable for this lack......do you have answers to offer or high sounding platitudes? I seek answers and accountability - and America has much to answer for. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

You keep using this phrase. You HAVE and have always had, access to healthcare. What you mean is that you want healthcare for free. Even though doctors, nurses, orderlies all want to be paid. You want to be paid for your work too.

Most people in this country get their healthcare through their employer (last I checked it was in the 70-80%) range. Not saying that is good/bad just that it is. You have always had the opportunity to find a job that supplies low cost insurance as a benefit. You have a college degree that you aren't using, you have additional skills in web design I believe, that you aren't using. You choose to work in an industry that a lot of people would call entry level, as it doesn't require any specialized skills. Instead you just go on and on how you should get insurance and your healthcare for free, and how "America" is mean for not providing it for you (even though it has through Medicaid). You've just told us you are basically living for free (your share of the rent proceeds almosts covers your mortgage cost), and your family unit has 2 incomes. Why do you keep insisting on getting this for free when you have the means to get it yourself?I am a big believer, a huge believer, that for anything to change in this area health care has to be uncoupled from employment as it is in the rest of the developed world. There are too many people using their degrees who can only find gig economy and/or contract work with no benefits and this trend is only growing, much to the opposite of what the Trump Administration would like you to believe about the US economy.

One of the chief problems with life in America as I see it - at least in the top five - is this damnable coupling of health care with employment. What an abusive concept when you get right down to it. Uggggggghhhhhhhhh….I'd love to say I was 8 or 10 or 12 or 14 when I realized this but this one I did not grasp until I was 19 and I listened to a guest lecturer at NAU discussing this back in 1986 and I was like - WOW! Dead on! Maybe I shouldn't add this but being me I will - I was much younger then and found this man very attractive. Not physically, but from a common sense perspective. I went up to him to speak to him after his speech and saw the wedding ring and checked myself there and then. Common sense to me has always been the most attractive quality a human being can have, trumping all else. Rob (word play sort of intended)

[gimmethesimplelife]

We have socialized medicine of a sort, you've told us of how you benefited from it just this past year. This tells me that we have a system that works for people in need and you are the perfect example, although to be fair I'd question your need as you seem more than capable of taking care of yourself.
I guess my other disagreement is that no country or person or any entity at all can buy my respect. I'm surprised that anyone would hold that as an item of barter.I'm talking of socialized medicine for all, something with EVERY OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD provides it's citizens. All caps because it just seems so basic that this lack in America is completely unacceptable, especially with the growing economic inequality and lack of social mobility those in the bottom 80 percent experience these days. I'm a very lucky exception to this, true, but that does not mean my story repeats itself often. And how many banquet servers did not get promoted? Their only recourse is to work only pt to keep their hours under a certain level to qualify for Medicaid in Arizona, which many banquet servers do - these banquet servers have it down to a science how much they can work to remain on Medicaid. Sad to stifle the productivity of these people but that is exactly what you seem to approve of and it is exactly what America has done in this case, only so that the wealthy can grow more wealthy. At least I'm not guilty of supporting this, nor have I ever been. My conscience is clear on this one. Rob

[LDAHL]

Are you implying that the many millions of citizens of better countries whose lives are worth socialized medicine of this caliber? And you did not address my question regarding how to jusfity the lack of socialized medicine in this country.....how can one judge anyone for disrespecting a country with this lack when any comparable country indeed has socialized medicine as one of the perks of citizenship? It's great to throw around platitudes but they mean nothing. I'm all about asking the hard, uncomfortable questions and have no qualms about holding a given society/country accountable for this lack......do you have answers to offer or high sounding platitudes? I seek answers and accountability - and America has much to answer for. Rob

I was thinking more in terms of certain things which lose their value when you insist on putting a price on them.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Rob, I don't see things the way you do with respect to Respect,and I love my country and would be heartbroken to have to leave. The things you describe as proper behavior in Austria are how I was raised in America and how I still act towards others and my country's symbols, like her flag. But I get that others do not feel that way.
With respect to the gold, I would sell it and take the money and put it in small bill denominations that you can pay out if you decide to "run" as you call it, as you aren't going to get change from the gold piece, and you need to be in a position of buying things like water and gas. I guess. So I would convert it to ones or fives.
I had a Polish friend who believed her diamond ring would serve this purpose. I don't see that happening because of the change factor, but if you go with that theory, then keep them as rings and you can wear them if you "run."Respect is earned as I see it - and one good way for America to begin being worthy of respect - Medicare for all (or some similar plan of health care access for all)......I don't see a reason for respect if what I am worth in a given citizenship is not comparable to what I am worth in another given citizenship - provided both citizenships of comparison are of the same class, meaning in this case both citizenships under the microscope are in developed countries. Rob

[Alan]

I don't see a reason for respect if what I am worth in a given citizenship is not comparable to what I am worth in another given citizenship

The only worth you bring to your country is your vote and I believe the going rate is approximately $20 in the US, maybe it's higher in other countries. Regardless, if that's how you value yourself, the Churchill analogy is spot on.

[gimmethesimplelife]

The only worth you bring to your country is your vote and I believe the going rate is approximately $20 in the US, maybe it's higher in other countries. Regardless, if that's how you value yourself, the Churchill analogy is spot on.It's not about the worth I bring to a given country, Alan, it's about what if what I receive justifies my effort in the first place. And yes, I was very very very young when I knew this one - and no one had to tell me this. It was common sense I figured out on my own. Rob

[Alan]

It's not about the worth I bring to a given country, Alan, it's about what if what I receive justifies my effort in the first place. And yes, I was very very very young when I knew this one - and no one had to tell me this. It was common sense I figured out on my own. Rob
LOL, Rob. Try emigrating to any other country, it is about what you bring. So far, it looks like you'd be a net expense for the citizens of any country to absorb and the math just doesn't work.

[gimmethesimplelife]

LOL, Rob. Try emigrating to any other country, it is about what you bring. So far, it looks like you'd be a net expense for the citizens of any country to absorb and the math just doesn't work.It's a two way street, Alan, if this is what you are saying, I'd agree with that much. And any given country has the right to decide if what I bring to the table cuts the mustard or not. I'll give you that here and now and I do this with no problem whatsoever.

My point has always been here that I - yes I - have the right to decide if what a given country country has in it for me is sufficient and cuts mustard with me...….once again, this street goes two ways. Just common sense from the 85006 - I only add my zip code here as it seem to me to be those of lower income who understand this basic common sense. It really seems as if not living in fear of a given country clouds judgement - I don't know this to be true 100% because I can't get into other people's heads, but it sure seems like this to me. Let's put it this way - if you were sick and struggling and in a state where Medicaid was not expanded, would YOU want to live in America? (Let's pick Texas as an example, conservative, no Medicaid expansion). If so, why? WHY WOULD YOU WORK AGAINST YOURSELF IN THIS WAY? For what purpose, for what gain? Rob

[Alan]

It's a two way street, Alan...…... WHY WOULD YOU WORK AGAINST YOURSELF IN THIS WAY? For what purpose, for what gain? RobDifferent perspective I guess, two way street indeed. In my mind it's not working against myself, it's taking responsibility for myself, and not just me, but my family as well and that's the most important part.

I get that some folks don't want that responsibility but I don't think it's something you can outsource, and I'm not accustomed to interacting with people who reject that responsibility as vehemently as you do. You're a mystery to me.

[dmc]

And yet even now that your a man of means, your still here. And many others are still coming here illegally. Don’t they read your post?

[bae]

I take it you have faith that the economy will remain as is for the long haul, then?

Where did I say that?

I suspect you don’t have the resources and knowledge to be “investing” in gold, or holding it as a “store of value”, especially in light of the questions you have asked. I would avoid owning it, if I were you, until I’d done a few other more important things first. Which I don’t think you have.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Different perspective I guess, two way street indeed. In my mind it's not working against myself, it's taking responsibility for myself, and not just me, but my family as well and that's the most important part.

I get that some folks don't want that responsibility but I don't think it's something you can outsource, and I'm not accustomed to interacting with people who reject that responsibility as vehemently as you do. You're a mystery to me.So let me get this straight, Alan, no pun intended of course LOL. Are the millions of people who hold citizenship in better countries with socialized medicine as part of the deal - are they "not taking responsibility for themselves?" Is that what you mean? All the citizens of Canada, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Japan, all countries in the European Union, Britain (listed separately due to Brexit), Mexico, Uruguay, Argentina.....all these countries as these many people go about their daily business.....because their lives are worth socialized medicine they ARE NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY?

Nicest thing I can say here? Truly I am horribly miscast in my role as an American citizen. Very horribly miscast. And for the record, I find your post both chilling and terrifying.....no exaggeration at all. But then again, to be fair, I never believed in America.....I truly wonder if believing in such is required to believe in this country? Rob

[Alan]

So let me get this straight, Alan, no pun intended of course LOL. Are the millions of people who hold citizenship in better countries with socialized medicine as part of the deal - are they "not taking responsibility for themselves?" I guess what I'm trying to say is that there's no reason you can't enjoy all the benefits of US citizenship. By all popular (but misguided) accounts you're a person of privilege, over-educated for your chosen profession, in a stable partnership, homeowner, landlord, employed full time, healthy, able and upwardly mobile. The only problem seems to be that you've been taught and encouraged to hate your country of birth, a country that has no expectations of you but may never live up to yours, which is a shame, life here is pretty damn good when you let it and I don't think you're able to acknowledge that.

[Teacher Terry]

We need Medicare for all but it needs to be funded. We could quit giving so many corporate tax cuts or not spend so much on the military, etc. There are many ways to do it. Europeans pay much more in taxes for all the social benefits. We that want change need to fight for the change we want instead of complaining. We are lucky to be in a big country that can perform life saving procedures. I think I mentioned before that no one in Poland could do the complicated 14 hour brain surgery that my DIL needed. A little boy there is trying to raise the money to come here for the same surgery. On the other hand the hospital and doctor wouldn’t even give my DIL a appointment until she could prove she had health insurance or 1 million in the bank. This is wrong.

[Tammy]

I live in phx in the 85007 so I know his facts are true.

[Teacher Terry]

Thanks Tammy.

[Yppej]

The grass is always greener. My stepgrandfather fled horrible poverty in the Ukraine just before the Bolshevik revolution. From afar in Canada he admired it. At last, a society where everyone is equal!

He worked hard at everything from building railroads to farming and despite supporting a blended family saved enough to return and visit the USSR, I believe in the 1950's. He came back and said, "Yes, they're all equal. They're all poor."

Never again did he talk up the Soviet Union. Instead he regularly sent care packages to family there.

Note this was before Canada had socialized medicine. It was still a paradise in comparison.

[gimmethesimplelife]

What about the next of kin? Who buried the body? The probate court or will? Did any of these tell you to keep these possessions? Did you even try to notify anyone?No next of kin, no probate court, tenant verbally stated that my Mother could have all her things and also put it in writing and signed her name to such but it was not a formal document nor was it notarized if you wish to get picky. I was in Denver when the body was found in the guesthouse and the tenant was pronounced deceased - from what we understand her body was cremated as she (the tenant) basically had no assets or money. I'm not really sure where her ashes are now to be honest and I don't know which government agency handled the cremation.

If you are wondering how she paid for rent, a friend of mine - interestingly enough someone who once posted here from time to time and who I have kept in touch with via email - suggested trying that she get on SSI and she tried that and it worked to the tune of $700 something a month. Enough to keep her housed and fed and she had Medicaid for her numerous appointments and for her Parkinson's classes at a local Parkinson's clinic. Rob

PS The story gets more interesting, too, as when we first met this person, a wealthy friend of hers was cutting her a check of $1,000 a month and she was paying for her life based on that. The wealthy friend cut her off eventually and then she applied for SSI. I mention this only as I've noticed there are those who will look for such details on my posts so I'm giving this level of detail here and now.

[Teacher Terry]

TMS: if she died in the guest house they incurred clean up costs.

[gimmethesimplelife]

TMS: if she died in the guest house they incurred clean up costs.You better believe it! We had to clean, disinfect, repaint, replace the carpeting with vinyl, and throw out all the secondhand furniture and replace it with "new" - at least new to us - secondhand furniture. Also we replaced the sink cabinet and the fridge and the microwave - the latter two with secondhand replacements, due to the smell. Luckily we live in a Hispanic neighborhood and it's easy to find people to help with clean up at a sane and fair price. But it was a pain and it was smelly and disgusting. Rob

PS Came back to add - something that really bummed me out was that our deceased tenant did leave a lot of clothing behind. Because of her issues with incontinence, the clothing smelled awful, probably because the guesthouse is so small and any smell is going to be magnified under these conditions. I tried washing the clothes twice to remove the smell so as to donate these items to charity but the smell would not go away, so I left the clothes out on the street in a box and little by little, the items were taken and I hope whoever took them could remove the smell and sell them and/or use them. I did what I could about this and tried to pass some good along......Rob

[bae]

I move every dead body on our island. It is indeed quite messy. I don't get gold rings for it though. That's how we roll, here in the 98245.

[gimmethesimplelife]

Interesting update.....SO has family coming up from Zacatecas to visit and they will be staying in the guesthouse.....first time it's been occupied since our late tenant passed. I am happy thinking of it temporarily occupied by people happy to be there and people that I am glad to have the chance to get to know better. It's almost like smudging the place with sage in a way, not to disparage in the slightest any Native American rituals. Rob

[gimmethesimplelife]

I move every dead body on our island. It is indeed quite messy. I don't get gold rings for it though. That's how we roll, here in the 98245.Bae. just please. There is no way I could have known I'd run across these gold rings nearly two years after her death. Please. This one is going a bit far...…...Rob

[Teacher Terry]

Bae, you cannot compare the 2 experiences. You are a volunteer first responder. Rob is a landlord. Frankly I am getting sick of your superiority. You think you are better then most people . Enjoy

[ApatheticNoMore]

The grass is always greener. My stepgrandfather fled horrible poverty in the Ukraine just before the Bolshevik revolution.

I had family members who fled the class system in the U.K. (rather vanilla part of my family tree for sure, but these were latter arrivals and don't go way back). So they fled poverty too - for somewhere with more class mobility. Unfortunately I don't think that's the case anymore in the U.S. - what they fled for no longer exists.

[Yppej]

The class system in the UK has lessened (witness members of the royal family marrying commoners among other things) but there is a false narrative among some in the US that everything here is about class now, not race. We have here several members who rose from poverty to comfortable early retirement.

Our criminal justice system is riddled with racial bias though at every step of the process - disproportionate rates of being profiled, stopped and frisked, arrested, charged, convicted, and given a long sentence. So ANM depending on their skin tone fleeing here may well have resulted in better outcomes for your family members than for the descendants of people here for four centuries. I think we are much more classless than colorblind.

[Teacher Terry]

Totally agree Y. We are targeting black people and it is repugnant. Hopefully the next president won’t encourage that type of behavior.

[ApatheticNoMore]

but there is a false narrative among some in the US that everything here is about class now, not race.

I actually think the issues are inescapably intertwined. I mean this is some recent Fed news:


A working paper published by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis argues that the richest Americans took a brief hit during the 2008 financial crisis but their fortunes have grown even larger since then due to a booming stock market. And yet, the bottom 50% of U.S. households still have only half the wealth they did before the financial crisis. The divergence is one factor fueling income inequality in the U.S., which has increased since the crisis. The paper's authors also note that the disparity between the wealth of white and black households has stagnated, with the median black household having less than 11% of the wealth of the median white household, according to the study.

Yea racism and poverty are totally intertwined. 11% of the wealth of white households. It doesn't mean there aren't plenty of poor white people though, there are, and like the Fed paper said the bottom 50% as a whole suffered.

But the poor whites aren't really Trump's base, that's just another stereotype (his base is actually mostly not poor, even if some poor white people vote for him, so did some people of other demographics - but the base more often earns decent money).

[iris lilies]

A Bulgarian passport gets you into the EU - anywhere that is Schengen becomes open to you.....for some buying that farmette in Bulgaria is worth it due to that. In my case, it would mean the ability to live and work in the Homeland even though I would not have the citizenship or the passport to the Homeland. Rob
We would not have got a Bulgarian passport, we just would have lived there.

You wouldn't do anything with an entry to the EU because you have told us multiple times that you will not leave the U.S. while your mother is alive. Even this blather about gold rings as flee money is stupid because you arent going to flee, it is just another excuse to dis the United States.

[flowerseverywhere]

Luckily we live in a Hispanic neighborhood and it's easy to find people to help with clean up at a sane and fair price. b

question about this statement. Are you discriminating against Hispanics by paying a lower wage than white folks? Are non Hispanics not sane?

question #2. Previously you wrote how low your property taxes are. How does a government (starting at the local level on up) pay for things like good schools, fire protection, help with mass transit, good social services and safety nets etc. if people don’t want to pay taxes?

[Teacher Terry]

Flowers, the answer to question 2 is they don’t. I live in a low tax state and quality of education is 49th in the nation. A lack of social services for people that need it. I came here for a job and was shocked how low our property taxes are. Roads are in bad shape. We are growing like crazy and rent and property values are skyrocketing. A family now needs to make 80k/year to buy a house. The average family with 2 full time workers makes 50k/year. A one bedroom apartment is between 1300-1600 (tel:2300-1600)/month.

[Lainey]

Flowers, the answer to question 2 is they don’t. I live in a low tax state and quality of education is 49th in the nation. A lack of social services for people that need it. I came here for a job and was shocked how low our property taxes are. Roads are in bad shape. We are growing like crazy and rent and property values are skyrocketing. A family now needs to make 80k/year to buy a house. The average family with 2 full time workers makes 50k/year. A one bedroom apartment is between 1300-1600 (tel:2300-1600)/month.

+1
Likewise here in AZ. Teacher pay is 50th of the 50 states.

It's like living in an underfunded household - we just roll from one crisis to another and only have funds to put out that fire, nothing to really make the state what it could be.

[catherine]

+1
Likewise here in AZ. Teacher pay is 50th of the 50 states.

It's like living in an underfunded household - we just roll from one crisis to another and only have funds to put out that fire, nothing to really make the state what it could be.

Well, at least now I know why I pay such outrageous taxes in NJ. We're #2. https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-schools/5335/

[Teacher Terry]

On Mr MM forum a teacher from Minneapolis is making 92k/year. I was shocked as she only had about 10 years experience.

[Gardenarian]

Please explain to me the significance of the zip codes mentioned. Thanks.

[Lainey]

Please explain to me the significance of the zip codes mentioned. Thanks.


In the case of my little rental house in 85008, it's a long-time working class neighborhood near downtown that has attracted the interest of investors. Meaning those investors scoop up the affordable older houses, flip them, and raise property prices overall. It makes homeowners wealthier on paper, but also means their own adult children now typically have to seek out housing farther away. All of this has accelerated lately because Phoenix is now a city with the largest gap between income and affordable housing - a big change from many decades of lower than average wages but lower than average housing costs.

I actually have mixed feelings about gentrification. The houses that were neglected do need an owner with enough funds to get them repaired and remodeled if the sellers can't or won't do it. Otherwise they'd continue to decay and no one wants to live in a slum. But it wouldn't be such a big issue if there were other options for those on a limited budget - that's the tension between progress and potential buyers who are now shut out of that market.