Search found 124 matches

by GlennK
Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24363

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

I bought a brand new Honda VLX 600 motorcycle at age 44. Still riding it today at age 62 so I would say it was a huge success. I rode dirt bikes as a kid and always wanted a street bike as an adult, but due to my frugalness, I never splurged. Glad I finally did.
by GlennK
Sat Aug 19, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial Planning through Empower Retirement
Replies: 34
Views: 5294

Re: Financial Planning through Empower Retirement

The negative experiences posted above are completely opposite what I have received from Empower since I moved my 401(k) to their brokerage account. I was originally connected with someone I would call an asset manager who tried to get me to change from my low cost vanguard index funds to actively managed funds. After I told him I was not interested in that, and that I wanted a retirement planner, I was able to talk to an excellent CFP. I had three meetings as described by someone above. I really like the tool that I put my information into. It allows what if planning. It is at least as good as other free tools I have used. I plan on buying a condo in Florda and I have been able to enter a few different prices to ensure my assets will handle...
by GlennK
Fri Dec 23, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43303

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

TomatoTomahto wrote: Tue Dec 20, 2022 6:21 am Not that I had high hopes for it, but years and years ago, I went to a Disney place. Miserable. I never returned.
I totally agree. Never again.
by GlennK
Wed Nov 03, 2021 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time using ACA marketplace - HSA or not
Replies: 3
Views: 692

Re: First time using ACA marketplace - HSA or not

Thanks Grabiner.

Since I only expect to have $40,000 taxable, that is definitely not in the 28% marginal tax rate. And the long term benefit of having tax free principal and growth probably doesn't make up the $1320 for quite a while.
by GlennK
Tue Nov 02, 2021 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time using ACA marketplace - HSA or not
Replies: 3
Views: 692

First time using ACA marketplace - HSA or not

I was recently forced to retire from my job where I had maxed out my HSA contribution with a high deductible health care plan. My subsidy from my company ran out October 31 and now I need to purchase a health care plan for 2022. I am only 60 and will be managing my income to stay low enough to receive a substantial subsidy in the ACA (in case important, withdrawing $40,000 from taxable IRA and spending rest from cash reserves). Because there is the max out of pocket on the high deductible to qualify for an HSA plan, the amount I need to pay increases from $91 to $201. The only difference is the second plan has OOP max of $7000. The first one, $8000. My question is what all do I need to consider to determine if it is worth paying the $110*12...
by GlennK
Mon Aug 02, 2021 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey?
Replies: 31
Views: 4346

Re: Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey?

I was surprised to read of your problems with the Sienna also. I have a 2008 Sienna and have had very few problems. I got my log book out to be sure. 2010 - Recall - replace spare tire cable due to rusting 2012 - 40,000 - water pump leak. Fixed under warranty 2013 - 47,000 - Home Link replaced. extended Toyota Care took care of half the bill). I paid $700. 2014 - 50,500 - front left spring broke. Toyota Care took care of half so I paid around $300 2019 - 72,000 - Rear hatch handle. $234 2020 - 74,500 - rear coil springs, freon charge. $542 (also included oil & filter and tire rotation) That's it other than oil changes/tires/brakes. This was my first Toyota and I have been extremely happy with it. My wife was principal driver. Also used ...
by GlennK
Tue Jul 27, 2021 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to become an Adjunct Professor?
Replies: 63
Views: 6336

Re: How to become an Adjunct Professor?

...it is my understanding, the pay is not that great... +1 But if the work is for a public college or university the work may be under a public retirement system with pension benefits. Generally not as an adjunct. Not entirely true. As an adjunct, I do contribute to a defined contribution plan. In fact, it is a requirement at my university. 14% of my pay goes in, and they match 7%. As others have said, the pay is bad. Whenever I get a new class to teach (about every 3 years), I figure I earn about $7 an hour because of all the time I have to put in. But the next 4-5 semesters teaching the same course is a breeze and worth the time. I taught as a Math adjunct in the evenings while working full time in the IT field. I first got the job by a ...
by GlennK
Thu May 06, 2021 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: claim roof on insurance?
Replies: 35
Views: 2843

Re: claim roof on insurance?

I think once you ask, that is a claim whether they deny it or not. I think you did really well having a 25 year old roof. Exactly. I had one of those neighborhood companies look at my roof and tell me I had hail damage. Insisted on calling the insurance company right then. The company said I had to file a claim before they would come out and look. I declined until I could get a few more roofers to inspect. Not surprisingly, those that have come out since say there is not significant enough damage for the insurance company to replace a 23 year old roof. They also have said that it is due, but could last another year or two. I asked for a discount with the idea they can do it when you have down time from other homes, including waiting till f...
by GlennK
Mon Mar 08, 2021 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deduct 401K Contribution from Bonus??
Replies: 17
Views: 1787

Re: Deduct 401K Contribution from Bonus??

Every year when my company would pay out the bonuses, I would actually increase the amount of money to go to my 401K. My reasoning was I did not need the money, so get it into the 401K as soon as possible. Then lower it back down for my regular paychecks.

As at least one other mentioned, make sure your company true ups their match. Meaning even if you max out before year end, they still match all your contributions. Mine did so I liked to be contributed to the max by November or so.
by GlennK
Sat Jan 23, 2021 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Target Date Funds Available in your 401k
Replies: 39
Views: 3139

Re: Target Date Funds Available in your 401k

We have the full gamut of Vanguard target date funds and all are 0.08%
by GlennK
Sun Jan 03, 2021 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down
Replies: 124
Views: 14630

Re: AAA - American Auto Assn - Service has gone way down

I joined AMACs 2 years ago and they offer an optional roadside service. I have not had the opportunity or need to use it yet. But less expensive than AAA (for mid level pricing, $28 less per year). Actually, since I live alone now, not sure it's worth it for me to have coverage from anyone.
by GlennK
Fri Jan 01, 2021 7:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest
Replies: 664
Views: 33858

Re: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest

Thanks for tracking.

I'll go with 4056.5.

Good luck to everyone. And I hope whoever predicts the highest wins. :)
by GlennK
Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV just dropped Tennis Channel...
Replies: 50
Views: 5264

Re: YouTube TV just dropped Tennis Channel...

Tennis Channel is one of two channels that are a must for me. I ended up with Spectrum 200 because I wanted tennis channel. I am overpaying because of that. To answer your question, why not pay for the tennis channel plus streaming service itself? Unfortunately, not cheap. $10/month. When I was querying to find the link to the tennis channel streaming, a few others came up. FuboTV, SlingTV, AT&T TV Now. Good luck. Seems like you could pay them (Tennis Channel) directly to stream their content for less than Spectrum 200. Or am I mistaken? Yes, but I also watch ESPN and some of the other sports channels. But if the tennis channel was in their 100 channel listing, and not the others, I would drop down. As it is now, the extra cost over th...
by GlennK
Mon Nov 30, 2020 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV just dropped Tennis Channel...
Replies: 50
Views: 5264

Re: YouTube TV just dropped Tennis Channel...

Tennis Channel is one of two channels that are a must for me. I ended up with Spectrum 200 because I wanted tennis channel. I am overpaying because of that.

To answer your question, why not pay for the tennis channel plus streaming service itself? Unfortunately, not cheap. $10/month.
When I was querying to find the link to the tennis channel streaming, a few others came up. FuboTV, SlingTV, AT&T TV Now.

Good luck.
by GlennK
Thu Nov 26, 2020 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thanksgiving: Are you Funding your DAF now?
Replies: 10
Views: 1032

Re: Thanksgiving: Are you Funding your DAF now?

To save time for those members, like me, who do not know, DAF is donor advised fund.
by GlennK
Wed Nov 25, 2020 10:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are lifecycle funds so equity-heavy?
Replies: 67
Views: 5999

Re: Why are lifecycle funds so equity-heavy?

nisiprius wrote: Wed Nov 25, 2020 7:28 am
Notice that Vanguard only provides four choice in the LifeStrategy funds: 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80. That tells you that they don't think there's any need to provide fine-tuned intermediate choices. They don't have a hundred funds, 80/20 and 79/21 and 78/22 and so on. They don't even have 70/30 or 50/50. Four sizes fit all.
Another possible reason for only 4 life strategy funds is the ability to combine them in the allocations you desire. If I wanted a 50/50 LifeStrategy fund, I would buy equal amounts of the 60/40 and 40/60. At least, I think it will work that way, correct?
by GlennK
Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Notes taking for math, computer science
Replies: 36
Views: 2476

Re: Notes taking for math, computer science

AAA wrote: Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:07 pm
Mr.Chlorine wrote: Wed Nov 11, 2020 11:01 amAs a leftie, I needed loose leaf (notebooks are difficult).
?
Not sure why, but lefties seem to round out their arm (i.e. elbow is directly to left of where they are writing, not below. Same with hand). So the wire of the notebook is in the way when taking notes on the even numbered pages. This was also why I could not use the erasable pens that used to be popular. I would smear the ink as my hand rubbed over it.
by GlennK
Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Notes taking for math, computer science
Replies: 36
Views: 2476

Re: Notes taking for math, computer science

Mr.Chlorine wrote: Wed Nov 11, 2020 11:01 am Limited experience with computer science classes (took the minimum needed for degree), but I do have a BS in math. For me, pen and paper was my preferred method. I liked buying the graphing loose leaf pages and putting them in a binder. As a leftie, I needed loose leaf (notebooks are difficult).
+1 on both his comments. I was a computer science and math major. I have never found using a tablet or computer was as quick and complete as hand written notes. You can type in later if you want electronically. That will help reinforce what you heard.

And as a leftie, notebooks are a pain!
by GlennK
Wed Nov 11, 2020 6:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads
Replies: 334
Views: 34149

Re: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads

My prayers are with you Taylor. I am glad to read you are home.
by GlennK
Sat Oct 17, 2020 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pumpkin Carving Tools
Replies: 11
Views: 1115

Re: Pumpkin Carving Tools

Bogle7 wrote: Sun Oct 11, 2020 1:12 pm

Also bought a Pumpkin Masters kit years ago. Works well.
https://www.amazon.com/Pumpkin-Masters- ... 00N42CYLO/
Back when I carved pumpkins, I bought something similar. Not sure if it was the same brand, but it had the same tools. Made the finer details easy to accomplish.
by GlennK
Thu Oct 08, 2020 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any experience with a heat pump?
Replies: 47
Views: 3908

Re: Any experience with a heat pump?

The coldest winter I ever spent was a winter with a heat pump in NE Ohio. This was 30+ years ago so maybe heat pumps are better. But my first house was in the all electric parade of homes when it was built (I bought it about 12 years after built). It had a heat pump and backup electric furnace. My wife and I never felt comfortable in that home no matter where we set the thermostat. As others stated, the air coming out of with the heat pump was barely above the room temperature. Anyhow, the next spring I had gas lines run from the street to my house, and installed a gas furnace. We converted the heat pump to air only and it excelled at that. The next winter was comfortable inside. Personally, I would never go with a heat pump again unless I ...
by GlennK
Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to continually get SiriusXM Radio discount
Replies: 26
Views: 3470

Re: Best way to continually get SiriusXM Radio discount

I was tired of playing that game every year so I just ended up cancelling. I plug my phone in every time I drive now anyhow and listen to podcasts or iHeartRadio instead of satellite. Or local sports and talk radio if I want to listen to the radio.
by GlennK
Wed Sep 30, 2020 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening 2020
Replies: 227
Views: 22207

Re: Gardening 2020

Not sure what happened to my tomato plants, but leaves started turning brown/dying early. The dying continued up the plants. Because of this. all the tomatoes fell off before becoming fully ripe. Still canned over 24 quarts but not as tasty as previous years. The rot did not affect the Roma plants as much as the other species.

My medium hot peppers had a good yield. But I prefer the hot Hungarians and will go back to those next year.

My cucumbers did excellent. Gave most away as I do not know if you can freeze or can them. Some of those I gave them to returned them as pickles. If one could get sick from eating too many cucumbers, that would have been me in early/mid summer. :)
by GlennK
Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morgan Housel is our latest "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest
Replies: 26
Views: 4600

Re: Writer Morgan Housel will be our next "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest

I'm looking forward to listening during my morning walk. I just started listening to podcasts and have been enjoying the bogleheads podcasts.
by GlennK
Wed Sep 23, 2020 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smoker next door
Replies: 79
Views: 5649

Re: Smoker next door

A few years ago, a couple successfully sued the owners of the house next door (and I am talking about detached) because of their smoking. The judge ruled the smokers must make accommodations to avoid bothering the neighbors. I believe this was in California. I have no idea what the end result of this was.

The problem with those industrial sized fans will be the noise.
by GlennK
Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chase Freedom to Freedom Unlimited on Credit history
Replies: 33
Views: 2253

Re: Chase Freedom to Freedom Unlimited on Credit history

I don't think they are discontinuing the Freedom card. No new applicants, but those of you that have it can continue.

You can also contact Chase and ask to upgrade to one of the two new Freedom cards. According to Nerdwallet, "Chase will continue to report your credit history and age of credit should not change."
by GlennK
Wed Sep 16, 2020 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: what is your side job and income?
Replies: 87
Views: 23124

Re: what is your side job and income?

Been thinking about becoming an adjunct for years. You people made me take the leap. All this time I thought adjuncts were an oppressed group. Turns out they are doing quite well. I would definitely look around your area before changing your mind. I've been teaching freshman level Math at a local university for 7 years. Also teach tennis every spring. I get about $3200 per semester for a 3 credit hour course. The first time I teach any course, I feel I am working for less than minimum wage. But any semesters after that is a breeze. Those that try to make a living at it (i.e. teach at 2 or 3 universities/community colleges in the area) complain about all the work/no benefits. I chose NOT to teach this semester because it was all online/remo...
by GlennK
Wed Sep 16, 2020 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: when you say 'rent forever'
Replies: 28
Views: 4702

Re: when you say 'rent forever'

When I was just starting my career after college, all the apartments I looked at required a one year lease which then went to month to month. The one I chose did not raise the rates until about 17 or 18 months after I first rented, and then not again for another 1.5 years. I bought my first house shortly after that second increase. When I moved to my current area for a job move, I had a house built and needed to rent for 3 months. I had a bit of time finding an apartment that would rent out for that short of time. And my company had to pay dearly for that. An increase of about 30% per month was what I paid. The unfortunate situation was that I closed on the 3rd day of the 4th month. The apartment manager required a full month payment for th...
by GlennK
Tue Sep 15, 2020 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the best company for auto/property/renters/umbrella insurance?
Replies: 36
Views: 4713

Re: What is the best company for auto/property/renters/umbrella insurance?

Erie Insurance if they are available in your area.

When my mini-van burned up on vacation (literally burned up - still not sure what started it), they went above and beyond to get us home. Allowed me to rent a SUV for the drive home, paid to ship the extra supplies we could not fit in the SUV, and also allowed a rental while we finished our vacation. I have since price shopped, but I would be hard pressed to leave them after that experience. Luckily, both times they were still the least expensive in my area.
by GlennK
Tue Sep 15, 2020 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retirement home Job opportunity for teenager / pros cons
Replies: 18
Views: 1219

Re: Retirement home Job opportunity for teenager / pros cons

I'd say go for it. But this is coming from a guy who plays tennis (group drills, doubles, singles) 4-5 times a week. So I have not been overly cautious like a lot of people.

Good to get the teen some work experience while able.
by GlennK
Fri Sep 11, 2020 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Questions to ask a prospective financial advisor
Replies: 112
Views: 6999

Re: Questions to ask a prospective financial advisor

Tell him to ask the advisor to pick an index (or a fund that mimics your friends asset allocation), and allow your friend to pay him 10% of whatever he beats the index by. Even on down years, if the advisor beats the index, your friend still pays. But if the advisor does not beat the index, he gets zero.

I tried this with two advisors and neither would take it. So good luck.
by GlennK
Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can anyone suggest a joint checking account?
Replies: 58
Views: 4142

Re: Can anyone suggest a joint checking account?

I have a checking account at Capital One. It's convenient when I have to write a large check and transfer the money from their high rate savings account. Of course, they no longer try to keep the highest interest rate for their savings but I still maintain a balance there.
by GlennK
Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rice & Beans [limiting food expenses]
Replies: 96
Views: 15964

Re: Rice & Beans [limiting food expenses]

Tofu is pretty cheap. Lot of protein their. Yams, potato, + frozen veggies+ fruits are cheaper. They have mostly the same nutrients in them as fresh. Use a Brita picher for my tape water. Filters it out. Best wishes. Where do you get Tofu at? When I was in China for 5 weeks last year, the best meal I had in the hotel I was at was spicy tofu. I am actually yearning for that but have absolutely no idea where in the grocery store to look for tofu. Nor if all grocery stores carry it. I buy beans in bulk. Also make my own refried beans, both regular and black beans. That makes a great quick lunch. Just microwave the mixture of beans, add some cheese, and throw on a tortilla. Very filling. Can also add taco meat if you want to add variety. But t...
by GlennK
Sun Sep 06, 2020 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental Insurance
Replies: 36
Views: 2782

Re: Dental Insurance

I had a dentist that called himself a pain free dentist. Would offer nitrous oxide, put head phones on you, other amenities. Unfortunately, he charged more than what the insurance would state is allowed and would bill for the difference. I obviously learned quickly that he wasn't for me.

Our dentists since then have always accepted the fee set by the insurance companies. Of course, they do not like it. But my latest dentist told me they are NOT allowed to bill for the difference or they would no longer be in the insurer's list of providers. But he also told me that he and all the dentists in the area purposely state higher fees than necessary which forces the insurance company to eventually raise their standard price.
by GlennK
Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cardio alternatives to treadmills?
Replies: 115
Views: 10209

Re: Cardio alternatives to treadmills?

At my gym, they have two arc trainers next to the elliptical machines. I have done both and find the workout on the arc trainer to be more intense. Both give you great cardio workouts, especially if you change the level and inclines, but the arc trainer adds height to the pedals so it requires a little more effort.

I have a rarely used treadmill at home. I find that since the belt is actually moving your legs for you, it is a lot less of a workout than actually walking/running. I am currently doing my walking outside and will continue until it gets below 25 degrees F. (or a foot of snow).
by GlennK
Fri Aug 28, 2020 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Tennessee
Replies: 116
Views: 15983

Re: Thoughts on Tennessee

I forgot to mention this. If you are looking for over 55 communities, Tellico Village and Rarity Bay in eastern Tennessee both look beautiful. I did visit Tellico Village and it is on my short list. I did not get a chance to see Rarity Bay but it looks a little too exclusive for me. Tellico Village has three golf courses running through the neighborhood and at least two tennis areas. All well maintained. You mentioned aimlessly driving around. I contacted real estate agents ahead of time in the areas I visited and explained I am just researching at this point. But all were willing to spend the day showing me neighborhoods. In the case of Tellico Village, I spent the morning with the agent only looking at new homes so I could more or less pi...
by GlennK
Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Turning 401(k) Plans into Lifetime Investments"
Replies: 47
Views: 5383

Re: "Turning 401(k) Plans into Lifetime Investments"

From the article, it states

"But if retirees do forgo the annuity, they will have difficulty matching its payout, even if they start at age 67. Annuities have their disadvantages, but they do yield more than most investment alternatives."

Is this true? What other investment alternatives are they comparing annuities to? And if true, why doesn't everybody use single premium annuities rather than live off the assets?
by GlennK
Tue Aug 25, 2020 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on Tennessee
Replies: 116
Views: 15983

Re: Thoughts on Tennessee

I've been going to the Fairfield Glade area for decades on and off. It's a very retirement oriented community, and very golf centric. So if you like golf, a decent choice. If not.... the area is very pretty, and very affordable.... also pretty dull in many ways. I don't think it would be an area I'd want to personally retire.... but if you just are shooting for peaceful living, I could see it's appeal. I am not a golfer either but seriously considering the Crossville area. I have spent time this summer in Tennessee (Knoxville and Lenoir City) and North Carolina Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point) looking at neighborhoods. But I have a friend that I found out later retired to Crossville. He and I play tennis and he loves the area....
by GlennK
Thu Aug 20, 2020 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marcus Offering 1.1% No-Penalty CD to AARP Members
Replies: 50
Views: 6784

Re: Marcus Offering 1.1% No-Penalty CD to AARP Members

anonsdca wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 11:57 pm
Tracker968 wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 2:48 pm If you join now you also get a free trunk organizer!
Mine just arrived, I like it, it nice. I saw the Marcus 1.1% deal also. I have a 2.5% CD coming due in a few months. We will see at that time.
How do you get this offer? I do not see it on their sign up page.
by GlennK
Wed Aug 19, 2020 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Move to NE Ohio?
Replies: 71
Views: 6338

Re: Move to NE Ohio?

I live in NE Ohio, about 60 miles south of Cleveland. The further you get from Cleveland, the lower the cost of living. Akron is lower than Cleveland, and Canton is even less. Canton does have one ice rink, although I am not sure if they have an old man's hockey league. One of the guys I played tennis with was on a minor league hockey team in his youth, and continued to play in adult leagues until his 60's. But I believe he said he drove up to Cleveland for his games. And once you get south of Akron, you are out of the snow belt area. So we get significantly less snow. But I have heard it's equivalent to the west side of Cleveland. Interstate 77 runs through both Akron and Canton, and Interstate 76 runs through Akron. Gives very easy access...
by GlennK
Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:04 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2020!
Replies: 318
Views: 70858

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2020!

I had previously posted in the 2021 class because that was my plan. However, my company has decided that many of us with over 30 years need to retire this year. I was told that 10/31/2020 will be my last day of employment. However, 30 weeks of severance pay and 1 year of subsidized health care makes it feel like the company is paying me 3/5 of my salary to NOT work. I can handle that. :) (Also, I can also not file for pension for up to two years and build up years of service). I will continue with my plans on doing work around the house with the goal of selling in 2021 and hopefully moving to either North Carolina or Tennessee. I had used some furlough weeks earlier this summer to look at communities on those states. Still undecided as I wa...
by GlennK
Fri Aug 07, 2020 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirees: your retirement vs. your parents
Replies: 20
Views: 3048

Re: Retirees: your retirement vs. your parents

My mother passed away one year ago at the age of 83 and my father is still living at 87. He is still in the home they raised their 5 children. My father worked in the steel mill until they forced him to retire around the age of 52 when he then went to work at hardware stores. My mother was a bank teller for 30 years. They sent 4 kids to parochial schools for 12 years(my one brother had down syndrome and lived at home) and paid the majority of my college. I also was the first to attend college although the second youngest. Luckily, my younger brother won a full ride scholarship from my Dad's union, which enabled them to continue to help me with college. Anyhow, although never wealthy, they have made their money last. I do not expect any type...
by GlennK
Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic
Replies: 572
Views: 75929

Re: Oddly Difficult to Find Items During the Pandemic

ddurrett896 wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 11:25 am Large container of taco seasoning.
https://www.mccormick.com/recipes/other ... lsrc=aw.ds

Prefer to salt to my taste (which is none)
by GlennK
Fri Jul 31, 2020 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement moved up 1 year
Replies: 11
Views: 1771

Re: Retirement moved up 1 year

Thanks again for all the input. These have given me quite a bit to ponder. I will try to answer all the questions. First off, my company quit offering salary retiree health care 3 years ago. They are subsidizing my health care for one year (I pay monthly what I do as an active associate in my first year of retirement). Beyond that, I have to take care of health coverage myself regardless of whether I have applied for the pension or not. Someone brought up the very important point of what happens if I die before filing for the pension. I lose everything. So that is a risk. Also, if I take the annuity, I only have the choice of myself or a joint beneficiary. Because I am not married, I would choose me only and again, if I die in 1 year, the p...
by GlennK
Fri Jul 31, 2020 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement moved up 1 year
Replies: 11
Views: 1771

Re: Retirement moved up 1 year

Currently widowed and no active plans to change that.

Good point on the IRA conversion. I am definitely doing that next year as the company is subsidizing my health care for one year. But I was hoping to use the ACA subsidy in 2022 so I cannot have large "income" that year.

Finally, I do not have to decide till I actually want to file.

Thanks for the input so far.
by GlennK
Fri Jul 31, 2020 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement moved up 1 year
Replies: 11
Views: 1771

Retirement moved up 1 year

The megacorp I work for is forcing me to retire this year instead of my planned retirement in 2021. They are offering a severance package that includes accruing years of service for up to two years if I hold off filing for my pension (annuity or lump sum). I'd like on advice on whether to hold off filing for 1 or two years. I do have enough in savings to cover my expenses for the two years. For anyone who would like my full financial status, please see this thread: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=319848 I am leaning towards taking the pension annuity so I am showing the increase percentage for that choice. Pension begins_____$ yearly pension________$lump sum______%increase in annuity______years to make up lost income 11/1/2...
by GlennK
Tue Jul 21, 2020 10:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17386

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

Keenobserver wrote: Fri Jul 17, 2020 1:28 pm Does anyone here regrett not having kids, or not havijg enoguh kids ?
Yes. Stopping at two was selfish of me at the time. I see my brother and sister in law with their four kids and how their house is full at the holidays.
by GlennK
Tue Jul 21, 2020 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car
Replies: 101
Views: 6825

Re: 24 Hour Drive Time w/ Two Young Kids: What Kind of Car

When my kids were that age, we were driving between North Carolina and NE Ohio quite often. I owned a mini-van. At that time, it was a Dodge and I could move the full bench up to the middle row. I used the entire back (i.e. no third row seating on these trips) for transporting our goods on vacation trips. My wife would sit between the two car seats when needed (as stated - feeding, some entertainment, lots of reading). The grand Caravan was perfect for us. Depending on how much you need to transport, be aware of the difference between SUVs and mini-vans. I took a mini-van on vacation from Ohio to NC and had the mini-van burn up while down there. My insurance allowed me to rent and the company only had SUVs. I could NOT fit everything in the...
by GlennK
Tue Jul 21, 2020 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Prescription Eyeglasses Online
Replies: 50
Views: 7427

Re: Buying Prescription Eyeglasses Online

I am pretty sure it was a cm difference. But perhaps it was on 1 MM and it might not matter as much as I thought.
by GlennK
Tue Jul 21, 2020 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying Prescription Eyeglasses Online
Replies: 50
Views: 7427

Re: Buying Prescription Eyeglasses Online

lthenderson wrote: Tue Jul 21, 2020 8:49 am
GlennK wrote: Mon Jul 20, 2020 2:38 pm How do you guys get the measurement for the pupil distance that they ask for when ordering online? I had gotten my prescription from the eye exam, but had no way to know my pupil distance. Is that something you need to ask the optometrist?
I held a millimetre ruler between my eyes and by looking into a mirror, centered it up on my pupils and noticed the distance. I stood as far from the mirror as I could read the ruler to minimize any errors.

Thanks to all that answered. I had two people measure my PD, and they were different by 1 cm. No way was I going to trust that. I'll ask the optometrist which I am due to go to.