Search found 898 matches

by retcaveman
Sun May 06, 2012 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did you/Do you plan to move when retiring?
Replies: 65
Views: 6163

Re: Did you/Do you plan to move when retiring?

One point related to a move "home" is the change in reality vs your recollections of the place. While we made the move home and don't regret it, there was an adjustment on our part to the changes we encountered. Even though we had made annual trips home, we weren't there long enough to see and internalize how some things had changed. The neighborhood where we grew up had become part of the inner city, with associated increases in crime, deterioration of infrastructure and changes to stores/restaurants and neighbors. And although much of this is obvious, it was disappointing all the same. The old quote, "you can never go home again" isn't literally true, but it does capture the fact that things change and the moment in ti...
by retcaveman
Fri May 04, 2012 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did you/Do you plan to move when retiring?
Replies: 65
Views: 6163

Re: Did you/Do you plan to move when retiring?

Moved back home to the midwest from the east coast. Have no interest in going south. Acknowledging everyone is different, several people we know retired, sold everything and moved to Florida. After 6-12 months, they moved back. After a lifetime of living in the north, bad winters and all, moving away is not desirable.
by retcaveman
Thu May 03, 2012 9:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Highlander overkill for 2 people?
Replies: 52
Views: 9844

Re: Toyota Highlander overkill for 2 people?

DW had been driving Toyota Camrys, after driving Honda Accords for many years but wanted something different. She was drawn to a Toyota Venza and likes it very much. It sits a little higher, which she likes and gives us a little more clearance in snow (Wisconsin winters). It also is very good on gas - gets low 30MPG (we have the 4 cyl), similar to the Camry. Storage is also very good (you can load level vs having to lift out of a low trunk).

But to be honest, some people don't like them. Complaints include cheap interior and a rough ride (they have very wide 19" or 20" tires). We were aware of the complaints before we bought and have no regrets.

You may want to give them a look.
by retcaveman
Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top five regrets of the dying
Replies: 83
Views: 12265

Re: Top five regrets of the dying

I spent an afternoon last week in our town's littlest house laughing very hard at some long, slow stories told by an 83-year-old gentleman enjoying his final week in this life. He has brain cancer and lies in bed with his tiny dog, Hailey. His stories moved from the excitement of loading a 5 inch-.38 caliber deck cannon under attack on a Navy destroyer in the Pacific to delivering an eight foot tall stack of boxes of ice cream to a health club and while looking at some bikinis, he and his dolly went right off the edge into the pool. He gave me some advice: "do things as soon as you can". Very early in my career, I had the job of interviewing people on long term disability. "Do things as soon as you can" was a theme that...
by retcaveman
Thu Apr 26, 2012 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top five regrets of the dying
Replies: 83
Views: 12265

Re: Top five regrets of the dying

Hi again. Since posting my earlier response, I have given this some more thought. While painful to admit, I wish I had lived my life with less anxiety and worry. It interfered with my happiness to varying degrees and of course didn't make any difference. To say it a little differently, if I had known things would work out as they did eg health and wealth, I could have relaxed and enjoyed the journey more. I am not saying I was miserable and didn't enjoy things, it's just that fear and worry diminished the level of joy I could have experienced. My biggest take-a-way from life so far is balance. Work a little, play a little, save a little, spend a little. Doing any of these things to excess can be a problem. Also, something that has been writ...
by retcaveman
Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top five regrets of the dying
Replies: 83
Views: 12265

Re: Top five regrets of the dying

I think the top one is more telling "I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me." I have been trying to do this, but it is hard. It sort of blends in with the "I wish I hadn't worked so hard" thought - if you are really living a life that is true to yourself, then working hard is not a chore that takes you away from other aspects of your life you might enjoy more. Of course, there is a need to spend enough time with family too, but again to me, that goes back to living a life that is true to yourself - if you can take enough time for family as you need/want, then there's fewer regrets later. While not a direct response to the question.This response from englishgirl remin...
by retcaveman
Wed Apr 11, 2012 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career counseling
Replies: 17
Views: 1720

Re: Career counseling

Seems to be a lot of people seeking a job/career change. For those who are out of work and looking, this is sometimes hard to understand. For my parents' generation, job satisfaction was not necessary. A good paying and maybe secure job was all that mattered. People today tend to expect much more from their employment. Not only pay well, but meet other emotional/psychic needs. FWIW, I would probably put paying for a career counselor last on my list. Like investing, when starting out, it may be helpful to read a few books. I personally didn't find the Parachute book all that helpful. It's a nice theory, but in reality, it is very difficult to get to see the decision-makers. Systems are developed to make it so. Also, I believe few people have...
by retcaveman
Sun Mar 04, 2012 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Distress. [company trying to force into quitting]
Replies: 74
Views: 8298

Re: Distress. [company trying to force into quitting]

I am not aware of any State that limits recommendations/references, but many companies today have policies that limit what they can tell a prospective employer. Of course there are written policies and their are individual actions that may or may not be compliant with those policies. My former employer, gave departing employees the option to complete a form where they could authorize the release of certain information (they could specify what information they wanted released eg attendance, pay, performance, termination, etc.) The release was good for a year. Without a release, the company would only acknowledge that the individual was an employee and provide the job title and dates of employment. Most companies today though make you sign a ...
by retcaveman
Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Distress. [company trying to force into quitting]
Replies: 74
Views: 8298

Re: Distress.

Unfortunately, this kind of treatment has become more common. As others have mentioned, there is a "cause of action" called "constructive discharge." The basic concept is that there are situations where people aren't technically fired, but working conditions are soo bad that the employee has little alternative but to leave. Lawsuits are messy and take a long time to work their way to conclusion. You will get no near term relief. And they are usually "settled" before they ever get to court, sometimes just for a nuisance amount (enough to make it go away and well short of a successful lawsuit). The other option may be to file a complaint with a state agency. Here too, nothing happens very quickly. I agree that if...
by retcaveman
Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs
Replies: 55
Views: 9472

Re: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs

Sorry to post another article, but I just read this in today's WSJ and thought it related to this discussion. The quote below reinforces a point I made in an earlier post in this thread, but says it much better. Excerpt: "Given how much energy employees devote to their job, there can be quite a few expectations wrapped up in work. Workers often look to employers for career, socialization, and personal and intellectual growth opportunities. "With so many expectations, it's no wonder that work can't meet all of that. So we get disappointed, but I don't know that work could fulfill all those things," says Ken Pinnock, associate director of employee relations and services at the University of Denver." "How to Lower Your...
by retcaveman
Sat Jan 14, 2012 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs
Replies: 55
Views: 9472

Re: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs

Just saw this article "Quit: Do It Now" from the WSJ and thought it was interesting. (It's about a lady who "dropped out" and why.) Enjoy.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... eerjournal
by retcaveman
Sat Jan 14, 2012 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Venza
Replies: 23
Views: 4368

Re: Toyota Venza

DW wanted a Venza for a couple of years. We finally got her one last year and she loves it. She previously drove a Camry and before that, Accords for many years. She gets about the same mileage as her Camry (low 30's with the 4 cyl which we find peppy enough for us). It is very comfortable...getting in and out of both front and back seats is very easy. People we have had in the back (some Lexis and Audi owners) have commented on the ease of entry and roominess. You sit a little higher than a sedan, which she also likes - better vision and more clearance in snow. We had read comments about the tires not lasting very long before we purchased. We bought it with that knowledge, expecting we may have to replace them sooner than "normal.&quo...
by retcaveman
Wed Jan 11, 2012 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs
Replies: 55
Views: 9472

Re: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs

Another thought for your consideration. After about 20 years with the same employer (different jobs), I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted and began to think about getting out. I held on for another handful of years and then took early retirement - age 51. A year or two after I left, I began to think if I just could have had some time off, maybe a 6-12 month sabbatical, I would have continued to work. Not sure if this (leave-of-absence, job rotation, sabbatical, etc.) is an option for you or if it would help, but I thought I would at least mention it. Everyone's situation is different, but I encourage you to take some time to think about the options available to you. You may want to talk with a career counselor for help in evaluating y...
by retcaveman
Tue Jan 10, 2012 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike riders with no lights at night
Replies: 60
Views: 4088

Re: Bike riders with no lights at night

This incident reminded me of a similar one wherein we were out on an evening club ride when a car came up on us with a guy hanging out of the back passenger window. When they got up next to us he threw a water balloon that hit one of our female members causing her to fall. Because it happened so fast, we failed to get the license plate number. Beyond anger, we tended to our friend who had minor cuts and was pretty shaken up, took a collective sigh and finished our ride. Just the kind of crap we occasionally encounter. On another night, we got chased down by a guy with two small kids in a pickup who raced by us, turned around and came back, yelling out the window all the while. He finally stopped and demanded to know who the leader was. He a...
by retcaveman
Tue Jan 10, 2012 12:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs
Replies: 55
Views: 9472

Re: Frustrated with Work and Dealing with Golden Handcuffs

You've already received many good suggestions. I'd just like to add that the notion of a job providing satisfaction, fulfillment and other psychic rewards is a fairly new phenomenon in the history of Man. When I would express such feelings to my Dad, he would usually say, "what are you complaining about? You make good money, you work indoors in a clean environment. If I were you, I'd shut up and do my job."

There are a lot of people who don't like their jobs, but go to work every day to provide for their families and put food on the table. I am sure there are many people who look at your work situation and would love to trade places.

I acknowledge that doesn't help you, but it is something to think about.
by retcaveman
Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike riders with no lights at night
Replies: 60
Views: 4088

Re: Bike riders with no lights at night

As an avid bicyclist, I am embarrassed by the behavior of some riders. And I am sympathetic to auto drivers who have to deal with their antics. (In fairness, there are also some drivers who do stupid things that endanger cyclists. I have seen drivers try to run bikers off the road, make turns in front of cyclists who were going straight ahead and open car doors into the path of a bicyclist.) While it's dangerous to generalize, to a certain extent I think this behavior is indicative of attitudes today whereby people are self-absorbed, don't think the rules apply to them and frankly don't care what you think about them doing something wrong. You see this with people talking on cell phones in public, not controlling their kids in public, playi...
by retcaveman
Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the single most important investing belief?
Replies: 128
Views: 12621

Re: What is the single most important investing belief?

To me it's this: shovel as much money as you possibly can into tax-advantaged accounts. I'd rather oversave and retire early than deal with the alternative. In terms of what to invest in, I use low-cost index funds simply because I know what to expect: the market return for a particular asset class. Was I bummed out that TISM underperformed TSM last year? No, not at all. It is what it is. May want to think about mandatory withdrawals. Some folks will have more TI and owe more tax in retirement than when they were working. As others have suggested, it may make better sense to contribute to 401k's up to any employer match and then do a Roth IRA. Investing and taxes are too complicated. If you follow general principles, you may actually be hu...
by retcaveman
Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the single most important investing belief?
Replies: 128
Views: 12621

Re: What is the single most important investing belief?

Educate yourself before investing your money. A lot of mistakes can be avoided if you invest in some basic financial education.
by retcaveman
Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Should most people sell stock this year for lower tax rate?
Replies: 40
Views: 3345

Re: Should most people sell stock this year for lower tax ra

One consideration is 0 cap gains rate vs stepped up basis on inherited funds at death. Also, the 0 cap gains for this year is limited to those in the 15% tax bracket, which was $69k in 2011. A cap gain counts toward your AGI, but the tax rate on the gain in the 15% bracket is 0.
by retcaveman
Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you trade all of your wealth to be 20 again?
Replies: 93
Views: 8911

Re: Would you trade all of your wealth to be 20 again?

A question that comes to mind in answering the question is back to 20 today in 2012, or back to 20 which for me would be 1967? Wouldn't want to be 20 today, but wouldn't mind reliving the 60's and 70's. While that period had its problems (Viet Nam, assassinations in '68, etc), if I could take my current perspective with me, I would savour the music, freedom and optimism of the period. Would like to think I would worry less, take more risks and live more in the moment instead of being so serious and working so hard at "getting ahead."

That said, I am grateful for my life. While it could have been better in some respects, it turned out better than I imagined at 20 and had any right to expect.
by retcaveman
Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What was your very first job
Replies: 103
Views: 7907

Re: What was your very first job

Delivering prescriptions for a local drug store in a Ford Falcon station wagon. It had a little lighted RX mixer thing (mortar and pestle) on top.
by retcaveman
Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan
Replies: 19
Views: 2573

Re: music gift for Jimi Hendrix fan

There is a doucmentary of Hendrix I have seen on TV. Interviews with ex girlfriends, description of his travels in Europe, etc. A Google search turned up several eg. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070242/

Good luck.
by retcaveman
Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you miss the 90's
Replies: 49
Views: 4241

Re: Do you miss the 90's

Toons wrote:No but I do miss the "sixties" sometimes :D :D
Ditto - and the 70's despite all the turmoil.
by retcaveman
Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: November 22nd
Replies: 13
Views: 1312

Re: November 22nd

I was in my high school office, getting a pass to leave the building to take a road test for my drivers license. The news came over the civil defense system as I was standing at the counter. Never forget it.
by retcaveman
Thu Oct 13, 2011 8:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Muni bonds losing tax exempt status?
Replies: 12
Views: 2210

For those who may be interested, here is the link.

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000050332

The guy is Mike Pietronico, Miller Tabak Asset Management CEO.
by retcaveman
Sat Sep 24, 2011 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone done DIY attic insulation? Any tips?
Replies: 28
Views: 4479

FWIW, when we had our house built, the contractor put 6" rolled insulation down first and then blew in other stuff on top to get to R50.

You want to make sure you have those styrafoam baffels stapled between the roof rafters to stop the insulation from touching the inside of the roof. You want to keep air flowing to avoid ice problems in the winter. (Assuming you live in an area that experiences real winter with freezing temps.)

Also, don't be a hero. Wear a mask, goggles and gloves. Whever I get near this stuff, I get an intense coughing jag. And make sure you don't step between the joists/rafters or you will be doing a ceiling repair on the room below...and maybe spending some time in the emergency room.

Good luck.
by retcaveman
Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Great Age-Wave Ruse
Replies: 11
Views: 3876

Even if you accept the basic argument that retiring boomers will liquidate their stock holdings to finance their retirements (I am sure they will), they won't all sell all their holdings on the same day. They most likely will nibble at their holdings over time, in part due to the fact that distributions from tax advantaged accounts (except Roths) are taxed as ordinary income. And with any growth, their portfolios could even grow or at least sustain their stock holdings over a longer period of time. Also, as part of the risk shift from government and corporations providing retirement income security to individuals, more people realize that it's up to them to invest their savings for growth. With the advent of IRA's and 401k type vehicles, mo...
by retcaveman
Sat Jun 18, 2011 5:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Bicycles
Replies: 30
Views: 3979

I am a recreational cyclist and try to average 100 miles per week. Also worked at a Trek store for a couple of years and own 3 Trek bikes (Pilot 2.1 road bike, 7.2 FX fitness hybrid and a 4500 mountain bike. While there are many good bikes (Giant is a good bike for the money.), within the Trek lineup, I would suggest you consider a fitness hybrid. (I would not get a "comfort hybrid.") It has a more upright geometry, but with the help of smoother tires, it can move right along. The higher end FH's come with the smooth tires while the two lower end models come with treaded tires. The dealer should switch them out for your for around a $10. labor charge or free. The shifting on a FX bike is similar to a mountain bike ie "trigger...
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Right Hand Turns At Red Lights
Replies: 58
Views: 6025

There are a lot of wicked witches in the world. Stick to the yellow brick road and you will arrive safely in oz.
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you know you're ready for a promotion?
Replies: 42
Views: 4820

[/quote] I guess it wouldn't hurt to apply. But let's say they offered it to me and I turned it down? Would that be worse than not applying at all? I could see a situation where they only offer to give me a small pay bump...and I'm not sure it's worth it if that is the case.[/quote] While I don't know your work environment, I wouldn't think they would be too pleased to have you turn down the job if it were offered, especially if you had applied for it. I have had some employees ask to meet with me to learn more about a vacancy I was trying to fill before they applied for it. It actually is a good tactic for putting yourself in front of the boss to see how they react to you. You might inquire in such a meeting about the pay range. Even if yo...
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is worth spending more money on?
Replies: 98
Views: 11609

Re: What is worth spending more money on?

rob wrote:
rrosenkoetter wrote:I think I've sat in front of your kid on those flights to Europe... Thanks for nothing, buddy.... :)
My kids have all done a decent number of long haul flights since they were a few months old and I look at it this way.... I have been on LONG buses and planes and trains with screaming infants and obnoxious kids jumping around..... MY TURN.... PAY BACK :-)
I am sure your fellow travellers appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Do you also feel entitiled to talk on your cell phone and smoke in public?

Rationalization is a wonderful thing. Thanks for sharing.
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial plan for my wife if I were to pass away
Replies: 24
Views: 5655

I have discussed and committed to writing "instructions" for her should I predecease her. We review our AA/balance sheet at least once a year and do our taxes together. We discuss any changes ie purchases and sales of funds to make sure she is aware and knows the "why" behind the move. While she doesn't dwell on the investing stuff like I do, she has a sense of what we're doing and why. We have consolidated accounts over the last few years. My instructions say, given our asset allocation and emergency funds, insurance, she should feel no pressure to make any changes near term. There is no need to discuss any changes or make any in response to anyone contacting her. I explain how to tap our accts and required distribution...
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn mower emitting black fumes
Replies: 11
Views: 1997

rwwoods wrote:1) Too rich a mixture - try a test run w/o the air filter
2) Blown ring
3) Bad valve seating or valve gasket
Good point. Did you by chance put gas with 2 cycle engine oil in your 4 cycle mower? (2 cycle engines run on a mix of gas/oil whereas a 4 cycle runs on gas alone with oil in a crankcase.)
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn mower emitting black fumes
Replies: 11
Views: 1997

Could be a cracked piston ring or a leaking valve...maybe a gasket. Is the smoke coming from the exhaust or just off the engine block? Can you pull the starter cord or is the engine jammed ie it won't turn. Remove the spark plug to see if it is black and wet with oil. It should be sort of tan/gray and dry. Also remove the air cleaner to see if it is oily or dry.

How did this happen = did it do this upon starting or were you mowing and all of a sudden started blowing smoke?
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sprinkler System - Suddenly Not Working!
Replies: 24
Views: 58260

The main control unit should be in your garage. Make sure it is turned "on." Make sure you have allocated time to each zone, eg days and minutes it should run. Then each of your zones should have a control. Ours are round green plastic/fiberglass "cans," the size of a large coffee can. They are spread out around your lawn and should be mostly level with the ground and visible. If you go to the one in zone 1, remove the top/cover. There should be a valve with some wires in there. Just grab the valve (a round plastic thing) and turn it counter clockwise. If water is getting to it from the house, the heads in zone 1 should pop and start working (if you open the valve far enough). If it works, that will tell you that it's no...
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 3:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sprinkler System - Suddenly Not Working!
Replies: 24
Views: 58260

Just a thought... If you have a rain sensor (to override your program setting when there has been rain) and it has been raining, you won't be able to get the system to run.

This has happened to me a couple of times with ours. I go to turn it on and nothing.

If you have a rain sensor, you can turn it off...or just wait till things dry out a little. It should restart automatically as per the programmed schedule.

Good luck.
by retcaveman
Fri May 06, 2011 3:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is worth spending more money on?
Replies: 98
Views: 11609

While obviously a very personal decision, if you don't have anything you NEED to spend money on and there is nothing more, at this point, that you want, don't spend just because you can. The future is very uncertain, but it will surely be expensive. More money saved is security and gives you options. (Although inflation is a concern.)It can buy you independence when/if your current income stream is interrupted. Maybe DW decides to spend more time home with the kids...or you. Or like me, you may enjoy your job/career now, but some time in your 40's you may begin to realize that your job is no longer where you want to spend your time. It begins to demand more of you than you are willing to give. You may decide you want more time for yourself....
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: do bogleheads have no aspirations for "flashy wealth&qu
Replies: 69
Views: 7718

In reading through the thoughtful posts, I find myself reflecting on my earlier reference to Madison Avenue marketing. Just think of all the things we say we like because the population seems to have embraced them as perennial truths. - retiring in some southern location - living in a homogenous gated community - having a membership to a private golf course - taking lavish vacations - owning expensive toys eg boats, ATV's, RV's - traveling a lot - the more exotic, the better - having the latest electronic gadget - Rolex watches, Viking stoves, etc - sending kids to the most exclusive (not necessarily the best) schools - driving the latest "Black Forest" (German) luxury cars - having a lawn service vs mowing your own lawn - same fo...
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Target Retirement funds and early retirement
Replies: 14
Views: 4160

While I have not been particularly attracted to TR funds, I do like Target Retirement Income. It has a stable vs flexible AA. I guess I don't trust the variability of funds that follow an evolving glide path.

Good luck.
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you know you're ready for a promotion?
Replies: 42
Views: 4820

Well maybe the "fix" is in. Even if you apply, you may not get it. Of course if that's the case, it may present you with another issue ie is that a place you want to work? Where I worked, we had this thing called a "sham posting." A manager would post the opening to appear fair and to keep HR off their backs, but knowing all along who he/she was going to give the job to. After a while, we were told that if we have someone we know we want to give the job to, we should just do it rather than damage the credibility of the posting program. Hmmm that could be the case. One of the other employees has assumed some management responsibilities already...and seems excited about getting the job. Maybe I was encouraged to apply so ...
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you know you're ready for a promotion?
Replies: 42
Views: 4820

I guess the main issue I have is managing others who want the promotion. Some questions that have been running through my mind include: how will they react, will they be difficult to work with, etc...even if I currently have a good relationship with them. Exactly how I felt. These are people I worked with, went to lunch with, and of course complained about the company and about the bosses with for several years. You cannot control or predict how people react. Once promoted I had to gradually distance myself a bit. May I recommend a book I found helpful that is available on Amazon.com You Can't Fire Everyone: And Other Lessons from an Accidental Manager by Hank Gilman Best of luck. Thanks for the book suggestion. Further complicating the si...
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: do bogleheads have no aspirations for "flashy wealth&qu
Replies: 69
Views: 7718

Well, life is about choices, so do you choose to be wise or careless? Are you self-directed or other-directed? Are you superficial or do you have depth of character? For me, a car is mostly transportation at a reasonable cost. Not the cheapest vehicle you can find. Add in a few nice features/options and you've got a reasonable compromise. I admit there was a time, in my teens, living at home with no other financial responsibility when having a shinny new thing sitting in the driveway was desirable and that's what I did. But after I watched it get old and messed up in an accident, I lost my passion for such things. I realized that there will always be attractive options to chase, thanks to the Madison Avenue marketing machine. For most of ou...
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where To Invest 60k for 75 Year Old
Replies: 11
Views: 2303

May want to check out Target Retirement Income which is designed for people in retirement. It has a 30% stock allocation, including some international and TIPS.
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you change the engine oil yourself?
Replies: 78
Views: 10126

I am another one who used to do it myself... years ago before I got involved with my career. The dealers usually have specials that make the cost reasonable. When you add in shopping for the oil/filter, disposing of the old oil/filter, your time and effort and potential mess, much better IMO to pay to have it done. And if you are having other work done, it's kind of a one and done event. And sometimes, while the vehicle is up in the air, the mechanic will see something else that needs attention that I might very well have missed.
by retcaveman
Thu May 05, 2011 5:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: LinkedIn - benefits, drawbacks?
Replies: 26
Views: 3884

expat wrote:
kramer wrote:What do you retirees put as your job in LinkedIn? Do you just leave your last position on there?

Four years after early retirement, I have just left my old position on there.
I have seen this : "Retired"

Or even better, close your account.
I wouldn't rush to close your account. You can adjust your "contact settings" to reflect your new "retired" status. For example, you may wish to only make yourself available for consulting offers, expertise requests or getting back in touch. But if you have no interest in any of these, closing the account is an option.
by retcaveman
Wed May 04, 2011 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washing Car
Replies: 14
Views: 2654

I use mild dish soap in a bucket with warm water and a clean mit. Rinse the car real good to get whatever grit off of it before you begin. Then dip the mit in the bucket and wash. Keep a lot of soap and water on the mit to keep it gliding and avoid scratching. Keep rinsing the mit to remove grit and rinsing the car to avoid the soap drying. Work from the top down. I use a soft brush for the grill and nameplate where the mit won't reach and a harder brush for wheels. I try to keep the vehicle wet until I am ready to dry it which I do with old terry towels. Wash and dry in the shade. Never wash a hot vehicle.
by retcaveman
Wed May 04, 2011 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What are you buying now and why?
Replies: 53
Views: 9362

I've been selling some stock. Plan on buying some I Bonds the end of the month. Otherwise, not buying anything.
by retcaveman
Wed May 04, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: LinkedIn - benefits, drawbacks?
Replies: 26
Views: 3884

While I am no expert, my understanding is that LinkedIn is a more professional site with many legitimate uses. I recently signed up as part of my alma mater user group. I am retired, but do some mentoring via the LindedIn site. Based on m y limited knowledge and involvement, I wouldn't have any problems using it.

Twitter and Facebook are other animals. I am not involved with them and don't expect I ever will. Just don't need more "noise" in my life.
by retcaveman
Wed May 04, 2011 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheeseburgers Vs. Hamburgers
Replies: 77
Views: 10223

OOps, that's Chaseburg. Sorry.