Thirteen kids. No debt.

He got paid more than I did, but FWIW, I raised one kid with zero debt.

I taught her how to invest all her birthday and Christmas money. She did so well she paid for most of her own college, I just had to help her out with a few minor expenses.

I knew she made it on the day she called just to say "hi" rather than at the end of the conversation saying, "Oh Dad, by the way..."

Also: I busted my butt and had my house paid off by the time I was 45. I put the max I could into retirement and after my SSN take a fairly minimal amount out of my 401 plan.

I don't know your age or the amount in your 401k, but if you have any room left in your current tax bracket, you might want to consider doing Roth conversions.

Once you hit 70.5 the RMD might push you into a higher tax bracket. By reducing the value of your 401k and paying taxes now, you may avoid higher taxes later on.

There are calculators on the web that can help you decide if a conversion makes sense and if so, how much.

You still have 3 days to do a Roth conversion this year. Hurry up! ;-)

The 401 I have gives a guaranteed monthly income, even if the investment itself would tank.

If I need extra cash for anything I have a stock market portfolio as well. In the last 45 years Ive only needed to take out $10k. Might have to tap into it in a few years when my house will get an entire new roof

FWIF: I'm 67 years old and more then likely will be around for the rest of my life :)

Unless I am misunderstanding something, nothing in what you've said addresses the issue of being pushed into a higher tax bracket once your RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) begins at age 70.5.

Are you familiar with how an RMD can impact your tax bracket?

The chance of me being pushed into a higher tax bracket is essentially zero.

My 401 is rather modest but it's enough

That's all I wanted to hear. ;-)

I had been at my job 38 years, but they did not start a retirement program until about midway in my career...at least I have something there.

Better than nothing though

I assume that your "stock portfolio" is in a non-qualified account?

Correct.

I also decided that "if you can't fight 'em, join 'em" and purchased stock in the company that provides my credit card.

Sheesh, I bet I've made as much money on the stock as I spend buying things!

Breaking even is not a bad thing, plus you've got the "things". ;-)

I only buy things that I can afford.

If I don't have the money, I don't buy it.

So I have no interest to pay and it all works out pretty well.

If one has half a brain, Capitalism works very well, and doggone it. I do have half a brain almost.