Zim,
I overextended, with medical, dental and vision expenses this year. Now the interest rates are getting me. Not to worry, this isn't as bad as being inundated with 3-5' of rain! I still have a good credit rating and things I can do.
Have to say the COLA thing is really annoying. Both COLA and the medical plan requires you to pay 20%, as if you were employed. Under my mother & father's plan through Grumman, the claims went to Medicare, then the insurance company paid the rest and you didn't pay a dime. Frankly, they don't deserve a tax break, they're raking their employees over the coals, these days!
Yes, dividends are good, I still hold MET in my 401K and compound the dividends.
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