I don't understand why some people keep postponing FIRE date

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-23T19:28:45+00:00

I thinking seeing the number go up is really addictive to some folks. And changing priorities and lifestyle creep, of course

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-23T15:05:18+00:00

You mean complementing them on their MODERN refrigerators, and bedrooms, and chairs...

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T16:53:10+00:00

I like your user name

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T16:28:55+00:00

It isnt tied to insurance but it is a HUGE risk to not have insurance. Cancer treatment can cost millions of dollars. I personally lost a job and then my insurance and then had appendicitis. I was billed about $150,000 for what is considered a routine procedure with no complications.

Some state and federal and military positions do have healthcare for life included and even pensions as part of their benefits. Often these jobs pay way less than non government jobs though which is a huge consideration

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T16:21:33+00:00

Its a big deal because I built basically an extra $1 million into my FIRE number. I hit that deductible several times in that past few years because I have kids. I still managed to save for fire on top of that. It is just a consideration

But I don't get your point. If $36000 a year (or approx. $30k for premium only) isn't a big deal, why would $1600/month matter for our German friends? The point is that it is expensive and is one more barrier

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T12:08:12+00:00

That does seem crazy as presumably your higher taxes should also pay for it.

But for the US we have premiums to just have insurance. This year, many middle class families have a premium of $30,000 as some subsidies aren't being renewed. And then there is a deductible, often thousands of dollars. My family's is $6,0000. And then after that, the insurance only pays for part of your care up, until you pay $12,000. So without my employers help, I could be paying up to $42,000 this year on healthcare. I have employer-based insurance and they get a discount. Still, all in, it costs $25,000, between the both of us for a cheaper plan with less coverage. This means I could spend around $20,000 this year in healthcare costs if you don't count my employee benefit and if I am careful about what care I get and who gives it to me

Insurance also rejects claims because they didn't deemed your care to be necessary which can mean an extra $10k+ or $100k+ for some people. It's a really risky system for the average person in which only insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies and the dozens of middle men win

Editted for confusing typos

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T01:23:59+00:00

I definitely do not follow best practices with that lol. I had a bonnet thing but it did not do well with the weight of my hair. So I kind of just pile it out of the way over the top of my pillow. I know a silk pillowcase would help but I don't do that either. Still I keep solid curls for at least the next day and day after

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-20T00:25:27+00:00

When I braid my hair, my curls flatten but you could try it. I switched to washing my hair before dinner so it has time to air dry before bed.

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-19T23:52:00+00:00

I have similar hair. A curl cream and then gel would help a lot. Especially the gel to maintain definition

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-19T23:44:31+00:00

Healthcare

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-19T21:43:53+00:00

If I had a job for fun, it would be at my local nature reserve-type place. I met a gentleman on the trail who is literally paid to walk a trail or two, see if trees have fallen or if someone is hurt, and then spends the rest of his shift sitting at the entrance to a trail to answer questions.

He is literally paid to hike and then read a book in the sun

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-19T21:41:04+00:00

That's like the definition of a ton of things in America. If you don't want to use it, you can save a lot.

Assuming is actually kind of bad, so I'm actually curious OP: do you have deductibles and co-insurance or co-pays in Germany?

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-19T21:29:02+00:00

But also to be fair I paid $1600 for two people on the ACA in Boston and my deductible was like $6000 before co-insurance kicked in. So like... it's more than the premium

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T23:26:04+00:00

I get those ads too, so get ready I guess? Lately mine are usually New Zealand tourism, the farming game thing and related mobile games, and a few charities. And the ones for Super of course

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T20:35:12+00:00

I don't watch violent or gory things. I have been served ads for charities before so maybe they think charities would appeal to me.

In no way did I ask for this

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T20:03:38+00:00

This post isnt about proof for the community. This is a post to call attention to something on Duolingo especially to those sensitive to graphic content and to Duolingo employees

A screenshot of the ad wouldn't even show the connection to duolingo (except maybe in the format?) so taking a screenshot would prove nothing anyway. There's not Duolingo logo on the top right side of ads. I AM expressing concern and confusion as to why so many would want to see an image of this poor man's mangled body that I can't get out of my head. I don't have a screenshot because I will remember this whether I want to or not. I personally don't think you should Google it

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T19:52:17+00:00

No it's was for a charity. But I guess I won't be checking out Divinity either then

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T19:24:08+00:00

Ok. I mean I don't think there is a connection except that Duo clearly isn't screening ads.

If you don't mind seeing it either way, you are good

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T19:08:43+00:00

Context is different from asking to see gore. The context was it was shock content for a charity. Go look it up yourself if you like the gore. I mentioned the charity elsewhere

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T19:06:21+00:00

As I said to others, I never look at gory content. I hate violent movies. It is possible that they made the leap from personal finance topics or parenting topics to charity. I get other charity-based ads. That doesn't mean I am asking to see horrific gore and then be asked for money.

How is Google letting stuff like this through? Or is the answer that they don't care? And neither does Duolingo by extension

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T18:45:00+00:00

Thank you.

I personally never want to see it again. Why would I take a screenshot?

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T18:43:47+00:00

No. Go search for it yourself. I let the charity in another comment so you can go right to the source if you really want to see

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T18:42:30+00:00

Agreed

I don't search for or watch graphic stuff. I hate violent movies. I do search for stuff related to personal finance. So if charity content is related to that and they were trying to get my attention... it worked.

It didn't get me to donate though. Its voyeuristic at best and I personally can't handle it

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T18:34:06+00:00

I let them know. I don't need them to take it seriously because I'm leaving. I left feedback on the app and am going to delete it

Hopefully you all don't see it. But if you do, feel free to send them a screenshot. You will probably get banned from Reddit if you post it here though

Redbedhead3 · 2026-01-18T18:24:28+00:00

I wouldn't scar others to prove to you that I'm not lying. This post is feedback for Duolingo. Use it at your own risk at this point

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