Search found 257 matches

by Regattamom
Tue Sep 01, 2020 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Costs and Cash Flow
Replies: 9
Views: 1152

Re: College Costs and Cash Flow

No surprises for college but we had done a lot of research.

Our surprise came when our child graduated and was offered a job out of state. Moving expenses, deposits for apartment and utilities, furnishings, clothes for job, etc all added up.

We were so focused on college expenses, we forgot to think about what happens after college.
by Regattamom
Thu Aug 20, 2020 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did any inheritance make positive effect on your life?
Replies: 229
Views: 23090

Re: Did any inheritance make positive effect on your life?

I grew up in poverty and never received anything from family. In fact, I will be responsible for helping my parents financially. The repercussions of growing up the way I did (for me) mean dealing with ongoing anxiety and needing therapy. I wouldn't wish growing up in poverty on anyone and I strive to give my children the things I did not have.

For the people on here who have said that receiving a low to mid-level seven figure inheritance didn't change their lives - you have blown my mind. A gift of a few thousand dollars in my twenties would have been life changing for me.
by Regattamom
Thu Aug 20, 2020 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I entitled to bring in my own real estate agent after a showing by the listing agent?
Replies: 39
Views: 5421

Re: Am I entitled to bring in my own real estate agent after a showing by the listing agent?

If I call the listing agent for a house just to see it, am I entitled to later bring in another agent to represent me if I want to make an offer? Can the listing agent insist they want to be the only agent involved? Also, more specifically, if a listing agent shows me a house, could I, for example, bring in Redfin later to re-show the house and represent me if I made an offer? Thank you. Could you elaborate on why you think it would matter to listing agent? The price is the price is the price, bring whoever you want , including relatives, friends, grandma, etc. if you want to make an offer then make an offer, it is not like you are getting a lower price because you with with/without another agent.. Because if you live in a state where the ...
by Regattamom
Tue Aug 18, 2020 6:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The 0.5% Rule (SWR) [Safe Withdrawal Rate]
Replies: 419
Views: 32554

Re: Financial Samurai says safe withdrawal rate is .5 percent?

I looked in personal investments but didn’t see anything. Thank You.
by Regattamom
Tue Aug 18, 2020 6:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The 0.5% Rule (SWR) [Safe Withdrawal Rate]
Replies: 419
Views: 32554

Financial Samurai says safe withdrawal rate is .5 percent?

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek]

Bogleheads,

Is there anything to this or is it just click bait? Wondering if I should plan differently and save more.

https://www.financialsamurai.com/proper ... awal-rate/
by Regattamom
Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College costs for 4 kids -- is my plan unrealistic?
Replies: 31
Views: 3243

Re: College costs for 4 kids -- is my plan unrealistic?

If the high school or a club has rowing (crew), that's one of the easiest and most lucrative scholarships to achieve. This is absurd. I am very well informed about high school, college, and masters rowing. For young men, scholarships are almost unheard of. And for young women, it is very hard to obtain a meaningful scholarship that makes it worth getting up at 4:00 am and working out twice a day until you have blood coming from the callouses on your hands. This comment shows no respect for the level that Division 1 athletes are competing at. Edited to add: I can't tell you how many mis-informed parents I have seen sign their daughters (and a few sons) up for rowing thinking it was their meal ticket to paying for college. I can count on one...
by Regattamom
Mon Aug 10, 2020 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Large windfall - impact on financial plan
Replies: 29
Views: 4123

Re: Large windfall - impact on financial plan

Not expecting salaries to go up but in 2 years daycare goes away for two children which will be a major boost to savings. Right now we plan to both work for 5-10 more years so we get at least 5 years with no daycare costs. Hoping that is enough to then drop to on income or just retire. Even when the kids are in school you will still need to pay for things like after school care, summer care, school holiday care, and figuring out how to care for a kid with a cold, etc. Don't expect to free up a lot of that day care money. Going to have to echo Watty's insight here. I have daycare costs as well, but I'm baking those into my expenses going forward even after they're out. Ultimately the money you're getting is great, but my sense is that retir...
by Regattamom
Sat Aug 01, 2020 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Custom Home Thoughts
Replies: 103
Views: 9569

Re: Custom Home Thoughts

123 wrote: Sat Aug 01, 2020 8:39 pm By the time it's done and ready to move in (say 2 years) you will be on the verge of downsizing with the kids near leaving the nest.

Of course if you and your spouse haven't been good parents the kids won't leave and may even add to the household with spouses, grandkids, etc. If that happens a "compound" may very will be needed.
In many cultures, multigenerational living IS the norm. It has nothing to do with good or bad parenting.
by Regattamom
Sat Jul 04, 2020 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College in fall
Replies: 549
Views: 57815

Re: College in fall

That's a financial risk I would not take. Approximately $24,000 for what will most likely be online learning for most of the year is too expensive for a WSU degree, IMO. If it was an elite school, I might feel differently. I have to think this will take a toll on enrollment. I may be missing something, but I just don’t see how this is even a conversation. I know that many parents and students might be concerned about losing a coveted spot at a flagship school like WSU if they attend elsewhere in the interim, but it just makes zero sense to me to take online classes there. In these times, I’m encouraging young people to look at CLEP and DSST testing for credit, and online classes from a plethora of fine institutions at lower cost. In WA, th...
by Regattamom
Sat Jul 04, 2020 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College in fall
Replies: 549
Views: 57815

Re: College in fall

A friend's son is going to Washington State University in the fall. Freshman will be in single units. She says they are required to sign a contract that families will pay for the full year of housing and meals even if the school shuts down the campus. Has anyone else heard of this happening at other schools? Yes, it's happened at many. It seems a bit draconian to some, but the universities have fixed expenses that must be satisfied. If students and parents want to at least attempt to have the face-to-face interaction, that's seemingly the price that must be paid. Given the uptick nationwide in cases, it seems inevitable to me that many, perhaps most, of the universities that are currently 'planning' on face-to-face classes will revert back...
by Regattamom
Sat Jul 04, 2020 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College in fall
Replies: 549
Views: 57815

Re: College in fall

A friend's son is going to Washington State University in the fall. Freshman will be in single units. She says they are required to sign a contract that families will pay for the full year of housing and meals even if the school shuts down the campus. Has anyone else heard of this happening at other schools? Yes, it's happened at many. It seems a bit draconian to some, but the universities have fixed expenses that must be satisfied. If students and parents want to at least attempt to have the face-to-face interaction, that's seemingly the price that must be paid. Given the uptick nationwide in cases, it seems inevitable to me that many, perhaps most, of the universities that are currently 'planning' on face-to-face classes will revert back...
by Regattamom
Sat Jul 04, 2020 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College in fall
Replies: 549
Views: 57815

Re: College in fall

A friend's son is going to Washington State University in the fall. Freshman will be in single units. She says they are required to sign a contract that families will pay for the full year of housing and meals even if the school shuts down the campus.

Has anyone else heard of this happening at other schools?
by Regattamom
Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Landlord expectations: Rats in the yard
Replies: 80
Views: 8044

Re: Landlord expectations: Rats in the yard

If you don't get rid of the food source, new rats will just move in once the others have been trapped or poisoned.
by Regattamom
Tue Jun 16, 2020 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents in a tough situation for retirement
Replies: 117
Views: 15706

Re: Parents in a tough situation for retirement

I got a text from my brother saying we needed a family meeting to discuss my parents retirement coming up in a few years. He mentioned they were in a tough spot for retirement and wanted us to all agree on a plan. I don't really want to be a part of any of it let alone dragged into it financially. I had set up a retirement account for my father years ago but he withdrew it all and wiped out all of the retirement assets over starting a failing business in 2018 against my advice that it would impact his retirement... and now the time is nearing. I'd never want that responsibility for me to fund my parents retirement so I'm trying to avoid that conversation with my family. It tends to be my family vs me (father, mother, brother) when it comes...
by Regattamom
Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford this mortgage
Replies: 24
Views: 2525

Re: Can we afford this mortgage

I’m confused.

Is your house a $900k house with a $700k cash out refi or a $2.5 million house that’s close to being paid off?

And why the cash out?
by Regattamom
Sat Jun 06, 2020 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss
Replies: 10
Views: 1402

Re: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss

ICMoney wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2020 7:05 am
Regattamom wrote: Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:14 am
Information about retirement accounts for sole proprietors would be helpful if anyone has advice. I’ve been reading up on it, but came away confused.

Thanks.
As a sole proprietor, I use a solo 401k that allows mega backdoor Roth. I wrote about my experience here if it is helpful: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=302493&p=4992829#p4992829

Best, ICM
That thread is very helpful. Thank you!
by Regattamom
Sat Jun 06, 2020 1:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss
Replies: 10
Views: 1402

Re: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss

Thanks for the replies.

Regarding healthcare, I will look into the issue of out-of-network coverage. We are fortunate that our county has a lot of plans to choose from.

Information about retirement accounts for sole proprietors would be helpful if anyone has advice. I’ve been reading up on it, but came away confused.

Thanks.
by Regattamom
Fri Jun 05, 2020 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss
Replies: 10
Views: 1402

Re: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss

Thoughts: 1. How many years of living expenses do you have saved until business net income is enough to replace prior employment earnings? We don't need to replace prior earnings as we make more than we spend. We would not leave without having a contract(s) in place to cover 75 percent of our expenses. We have savings that would keep us afloat for years if we didn't get more contracts. 2. Health insurance. Have you checked on ACA rates? Just beginning. 3. You do not need an LLC at all or right away. DBA Sole Proprietor. Thank you 4. Compartmentalize. Keep all business and personal accounts and money separate. 5. Start up expenses are deductible. 6. Do you have clients in place already? We would before we jump. 7. If clients are from prior e...
by Regattamom
Fri Jun 05, 2020 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss
Replies: 10
Views: 1402

Advice for going out on our own and becoming our own boss

My DH and I are looking for advice on what to expect if he leaves employer and we start our own consulting business.

What options are available to us for retirement accounts?
Benefits of forming an LLC?
Any books that are helpful?
Tips on shopping for health insurance?

We are just starting to research so any advice will be helpful.

Thank you
by Regattamom
Thu Apr 02, 2020 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are your personal expenses down during stay home and shelter?
Replies: 180
Views: 15999

Re: Are your personal expenses down during stay home and shelter?

I have to ask, because $500/week for dining out is something I can’t even imagine, why? I don’t mean to be negative or harsh as obviously it’s affordable for you and by all means spend your money how you choose, I just can’t imagine that $26,000 yearly in food could easily be halved and saved in regular times. I didn't dare ask this. Thanks for asking. Not to mention the health effects of eating out that much. Add the alcohol in. Yikes. I guess you don't care about a long retirement if you eat $500 out per week. How would you know what the OP cares about or even eats, for that matter? While I don't spend that much eating out, I do know that you can eat high quality, healthy food at fine dining establishments. And if you are in a VHCOL area...
by Regattamom
Wed Apr 01, 2020 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College choice dilemma
Replies: 167
Views: 11468

Re: College choice dilemma

Vanderbilt.

But to previous posters, the OP said son got full tuition to Vanderbilt, not full ride. Room and board and other expenses would still need to be paid at Vanderbilt if it’s truly only full tuition.
by Regattamom
Sun Mar 29, 2020 2:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The end of cruise ships [cruise line stock prices]
Replies: 248
Views: 29675

Re: The end of cruise ships

The odds of a shutdown of the Alaska cruise season this summer seem high. Do you have any basis for this comment? The last time I checked, Alaska was part of the US, so I can't understand why shutting down the Alaska cruises would be any different than banning all domestic airline flights. What am I missing here? The British Columbia health minister has called for closing BC ports to cruises. Seattle is restricting public gatherings of more than 250 people, which would be a defacto port closure ( and first two port stops of the season cancelled). The cruises all have to stop in both countries. Those Alaskan port towns don't have resources to deal with a major outbreak. Several smaller west coast ports have closed to cruise ships (Santa Bar...
by Regattamom
Wed Mar 04, 2020 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coronavirus: Why Are People Buying Water?
Replies: 61
Views: 5329

Re: Coronavirus: Why Are People Buying Water?

I think partly it's because people are also revisiting emergency supplies at a time like this. Where I live, you should have emergency water on hand for earthquake preparedness. And if you have to leave your home, you can't use the water in your water heater.
by Regattamom
Mon Mar 02, 2020 4:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Coronavirus and the market
Replies: 4089
Views: 397203

Re: Coronavirus and the market

Corsair wrote: Mon Mar 02, 2020 4:52 pm Seattle now says 6 have died (+2 from this morning)...

"At a news conference in downtown Seattle, County Executive Dow Constantine said he had signed an emergency declaration and is in the final stages of buying a motel where patients can recover in isolation. The motel should be available later this week."

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-ne ... -5-deaths/

Close to home; hope everyone stays safe.
SeaTac airport was eerily empty at noon today.
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 9:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

Thanks to all who replied with confirmation that the Boglehead philosophy is correct, especially Taylor. It's apparent to me now that my assumptions of the Boglehead forum were not correct. Wow. "... the Boglehead forum IS CORRECT"? Everything else is... WRONG? Not everyone drinks the same Kool Aid. And not everyone is in the same financial/age/philosphical circumstances. As one example, there are those who cannot strictly "follow THE Boglehead philosophy for religious reasons. For them, some OTHER philosophy is "correct". Ditto for other philosophies/strategies. Does OP *never* read or try to understand anything that is at all "different"? Never? One might learn useful things from broadening one's horizo...
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 9:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

Thanks to all who replied with confirmation that the Boglehead philosophy is correct, especially Taylor. It's apparent to me now that my assumptions of the Boglehead forum were not correct. Wow. "... the Boglehead forum IS CORRECT"? Everything else is... WRONG? Not everyone drinks the same Kool Aid. And not everyone is in the same financial/age/philosphical circumstances. As one example, there are those who cannot strictly "follow THE Boglehead philosophy for religious reasons. For them, some OTHER philosophy is "correct". Ditto for other philosophies/strategies. Does OP *never* read or try to understand anything that is at all "different"? Never? One might learn useful things from broadening one's horizo...
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 8:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

Thanks to all who replied with confirmation that the Boglehead philosophy is correct, especially Taylor.

It's apparent to me now that my assumptions of the Boglehead forum were not correct.
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 8:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

LadyGeek wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 8:16 pm FYI - I clarified the thread title.
Thank you.
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: Disappointed in forum members

Silk McCue wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:47 pm Disappointed? SMH.

Cheers
Would you prefer a different word? Let me think...
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

Re: Disappointed in forum members

7eight9 wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:21 pm Staying the course sounds all well and good. Until you see your net worth evaporating and retirement going out the window.

When that is the case it might be useful to remember Taylor Larimore's thread "Maximum Tolerable Loss" -- Not just a fear factor where he outlined when one should get out of the equity market.

viewtopic.php?t=30085

I'm not saying we are at that point necessarily now but there is no obligation to stick around in equities when it will cause you economic harm.
I've read the post.
But the money I need for retirement would not be in equities if it could not stand the drop. That's how I determined our asset allocation. I guess I'm conservative.
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 29, 2020 7:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]
Replies: 379
Views: 33831

[Why aren't forum members following the "Stay the course" approach?]

[Title was "Disappointed in forum members" --admin LadyGeek] I expected more from the members on this forum. So many people asking about selling now and buying back in later and lots of people are agreeing it's a good idea. What happened to the Boglehead philosophy? Why be here if you don't believe in it? And I wonder if it makes new people second guess their choices or disregard the data we have available to us. I have not been a member for very long, but I believe in the Boglehead philosophy. I am staying the course, continuing with our plan and not looking at my balances. My asset allocation will remain the same. It can be hard to stay the course, and I thought this forum would be a good place for that kind of reinforcement. T...
by Regattamom
Sat Feb 15, 2020 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I crazy to consider quitting my job?
Replies: 128
Views: 16577

Re: Am I crazy to consider quitting my job?

My perspective: There is NOTHING more important than loving parents raising their children and teaching the family values that are important to the parents. That means if you can spend time with them showing you care, you value their activities by being there, you are there for the bumps and bruises of daily life, and you can still provide for their physical needs of food, shelter, and some fun social interaction - go for it. The memories and values you provide and teach to your children cannot be replaced by day care workers or baby sitters. My very best wishes for your family. I'm somewhat biased on this topic as my wife only worked for a couple of years when our kids were pre-k age. My wife being there for them was truly a blessing that...
by Regattamom
Wed Feb 05, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can we afford to build this house?
Replies: 38
Views: 5285

Re: Can we afford to build this house?

Looking back at your post from a little over a year ago:

Why did your target cost for a new home go from $1.5 - $1.7 million to $2.7 million in one year? That's a huge jump.
by Regattamom
Wed Jan 29, 2020 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sanity check on home purchase
Replies: 13
Views: 1860

Re: Sanity check on home purchase

Lalamimi wrote: Wed Jan 29, 2020 5:21 pm No offense but in my opinion, it is 2020 - Why are so many wives not working when they could be contributing to income for betterment of the family situation down the road.
Betterment of the family situation means different things to different people. It's not always about the :moneybag . Surely, you understand this?
by Regattamom
Sun Jan 12, 2020 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college
Replies: 29
Views: 1875

Re: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college

The issue I am running into is if colleges lower costs with "aid" that could already include the loans to $20k (roughly) and I can only afford $15k, what do I do? Get a home equity line of credit to pay the rest? Stop retirement savings? (someone suggested that higher up and that would free up money) Get a second job? (Something I am considering because once she moves to college, I am essentially an empty nester with no family nearby, what else am I going to do with my time), etc. To the last poster, you understood correctly. There is $25k in a 529 and I can afford $15k a year (it will be tight for me, but I can spare it). I didn't know about the tax credit. Thanks for the tip. But can't you afford more than $15k? You currently h...
by Regattamom
Sun Jan 12, 2020 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college
Replies: 29
Views: 1875

Re: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college

The issue I am running into is if colleges lower costs with "aid" that could already include the loans to $20k (roughly) and I can only afford $15k, what do I do? Get a home equity line of credit to pay the rest? Stop retirement savings? (someone suggested that higher up and that would free up money) Get a second job? (Something I am considering because once she moves to college, I am essentially an empty nester with no family nearby, what else am I going to do with my time), etc. To the last poster, you understood correctly. There is $25k in a 529 and I can afford $15k a year (it will be tight for me, but I can spare it). I didn't know about the tax credit. Thanks for the tip. But can't you afford more than $15k? You currently h...
by Regattamom
Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college
Replies: 29
Views: 1875

Re: Need ideas on what to do with deferred income to reduce EFC for college

I don't think OP is trying to eliminate the income, just defer it. I understand the math, but I think the OP is creating other issues by jumping through all these hoops.

OP - Take the raise from your boss, accept the money from mom and see what schools offer your daughter. It will all be fine in the end even if your daughter has to take on some loans.
by Regattamom
Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting married, spouse low/no-income. What to do?
Replies: 15
Views: 3335

Re: Getting married, spouse low/no-income. What to do?

ohai wrote: Fri Jan 03, 2020 8:08 am I have not done the calculations, but I suspect that since she has no income, the tax reduction from filing as a married household will outweigh any kind of losses from those IRA or health things mentioned above.
+1
And before this gets into a debate over whether it's better to have/be a SAHP, I would say that you and your wife should do what is best for your family. Drown out the noise because it can get ugly.
by Regattamom
Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a pulmonologist
Replies: 50
Views: 4748

Re: Help me choose a pulmonologist

sambb wrote: Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:16 pm Ironically - good doctors have large referrals and take a long time to get in, and may spend only a brief time with you. On the other hand, an empty waiting room and a doc that spends 1 hour with you might seem great, but you have to wonder why they are so empty. Of course there are exceptions. Goo dluck.
Luckily, I found the exceptions and I am hopeful OP does, too. Also, I would add that it isn't always how much time is spent, but whether you are heard and understood. Great staff also makes a huge difference and knowledge of current studies and resources.
by Regattamom
Thu Jan 02, 2020 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose a pulmonologist
Replies: 50
Views: 4748

Re: Help me choose a pulmonologist

I have found the specialists that I see through Facebook support groups dedicated to the health issue I have. I found this to be a much better way than reviews online. People in the group who have seen the doctors are available to answer your questions. Most Facebook support groups are closed or have a closed option to help with protecting privacy.

Even if you are dealing with a GI issue but looking for a pulmonologist, a GI support group will most likely have people who have also seen pulmonologists.

I am very happy with my team of doctors now. Good luck to you.
by Regattamom
Wed Jan 01, 2020 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: EFC of 59K?! That is more than my net pay
Replies: 231
Views: 16844

Re: EFC of 59K?! That is more than my net pay

Thank you, all. Good questions, - Yes, we are a single wage family - All of our savings have gone into 401K, Roth IRAs and the remainder into paying off the family home. So excluding the family home and retirement savings, we only have about 30k in assets (checking + savings accounts) - We saved around 110$ into 529k accounts - about 55k each for the two kids You are all probably right - the other parents must be cutting back or stopping retirement savings (401K and Roth) and cutting into other areas to send their kids to these 60k+ schools. So, in essence they are investing in their children instead of their financial health in retirement. I guess that is a personal choice and one that I have to think about. PS: Don't worry about blasting...
by Regattamom
Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

College applications and acceptance can be highly variable and more of an art then science. They attempt to apply scientific principles and best practices based upon past experiences. Times change and so does what society places and emphasis as “important”. Today’s valuable skill may be obsolete or oversupplied. Education is an investment. I have always viewed my education as the best investment I can make and the thing I have the most direct control and best suited to assess its value. I was nothing special and still remain nothing special. I was a completely average student my entire life but graded above average. My life experiences although seemingly unique and “special” in my personal statements throughout my career were once again in...
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

As noted, it’s likely much more perception than reality that English majors are struggling in the job market. A liberal arts degree is about teaching one to see the bigger picture, to make connections others have difficulty seeing, and additionally, about teaching one to have the interest and capacity to continue to teach themselves for the rest of their life. It’s not remotely the same thing as taking a class in something you enjoy. Perhaps it is just a coincidence. OK that's funny. This does not concern me at all. My oldest is almost three years out of college with a BA and is doing very well. Just bought a house with 20 percent down, and has been identified to be on the "executive track." My husband has a BA from a state schoo...
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

Why not major in something in demand and minor or take classes in something you enjoy? Heck, you could take art history or literature classes at the local community college after you graduate. I like having a high paying job and being in high demand field. Majoring in English or history is great but how great will it be to struggle financially assuming you don’t go on to grad school? As noted, it’s likely much more perception than reality that English majors are struggling in the job market. A liberal arts degree is about teaching one to see the bigger picture, to make connections others have difficulty seeing, and additionally, about teaching one to have the interest and capacity to continue to teach themselves for the rest of their life....
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

I am just wondering why someone would choose an expensive mid tier private school and pay so much more? Going to a highly-rated small college (a few thousand students (or less)) is really an ideal atmosphere for a lot of kids. Colleges (as opposed to universities) don't have graduate programs and the focus is on teaching undergraduates in (usually) small classes. The campus is usually small, there is usually one dining hall and you know most everyone. For a lot of kids, that's nirvana. Why someone would go to a large mid-tier private university, I couldn't say--but I'm sure there are good reasons. There aren’t a lot of those though. You could think you are getting a good private education and then find you are attending a whackadoo school ...
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

"I was just poking a little fun. But, now I am curious what you agree with. And what you think I don't understand. Do you agree that students should "pursue their passion" rather than getting "job training"? That seems a reasonable position to take. Do you think someone goes to study the viola at Julliard without a passion for it? If one has a passion for medicine, are they likely to go to Julliard to study the viola? Both of those seem quite unlikely to me. So, then giving up that "passion" for medical school sure seems like pursuing "job training" training. If one believes in pursuing their passion, then why view this as a "cool", rather than a sad outcome? As for whether I "hear...
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High income and college costs question
Replies: 317
Views: 19100

Re: High income and college costs question

marcopolo wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 2:19 pm
cowdogman wrote: Sun Dec 01, 2019 1:58 pm E.g., I saw in the Juilliard alumni magazine that one of its recent viola graduates was off to med school. That's cool.
Hmm. I thought you wanted people to pursue their passion. It sounds like that would have been the viola. Instead he/she is pursuing some "job training". Kind of sad, right? :beer
Cowdogman, I hear what you are saying. Even if marcopolo doesn't or won't.

And for what it's worth, I also agree with Cowdogman. Maybe it's because I have herding dogs.
by Regattamom
Sun Dec 01, 2019 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How not to feel poor...
Replies: 78
Views: 14632

Re: How not to feel poor...

Your wife is ready to enjoy her life with you and her grown children. You are lucky to be healthy and in a marriage where your spouse wants to spend time with you and have fun together. If you won't do it for yourself, do it for her. You can afford some trips.