Search found 347 matches

by birdy
Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?
Replies: 361
Views: 49547

Re: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?

We have been retired for 6 years (did early retirement). We have been able to accumulate a sizable amount of retirement. No children to will our funds to. We have started taking more vacations (2x a year international) and just recently replaced two 20 year old cars with new ones. We purchased solar panels and three Tesla batteries to erase our worry over our unstable power grid here in Texas. We decided to loosen the purse strings (after so many years of being frugal!) because we realize at 68 and 69 that we reached our goals (and then some) of "enough". So far, we have not needed to dip into our investments and know with the additional money we have from Social Security we are more than fine financially. We plan to spend freely ...
by birdy
Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cash is a terrible long-term investment
Replies: 369
Views: 39702

Re: Cash is a terrible long-term investment

To enjoy a balanced portfolio, cash in the form of CD ladders and Bonds is a necessary component. A savings account for emergencies is a necessary part of insuring that one emergency does not cause the inability to pay rent/mortgage payments/car transportation. I don't know what the latest recommendations are for how many months of expenses to keep in cash, but I usually kept 3-6 months. I chose good funds at Vanguard as my grounded portfolio and have never looked back! Cash is appropriate and needed to have that balanced portfolio everyone strives for. This has made me a multi-millionaire. birdy
by birdy
Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What motivated you to save money?
Replies: 232
Views: 27993

Re: What motivated you to save money?

I watched my parents struggle to pay the monthly bills as a kid. I knew they would give me what I needed, but not always what I wanted. I started getting small jobs babysitting and flower bulb picking and berry picking in the summer. I opened my savings account as a teen and started to enjoy watching the balance grow. I ask for very few extras from my parents because of how they struggled. When I became fully employed, I started to save, use coupons, thrift and occasionally work a second job. I went to community College to earn an Associates Degree in Ultrasound Technology to increase my earning power and happiness level. I learned how to invest by reading, watching Susie Orman and finding this site. I am 68 years old and a multi-millionair...
by birdy
Fri Feb 04, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost of Medicare and Supplemental Insurance in Retirement
Replies: 118
Views: 15146

Re: Cost of Medicare and Supplemental Insurance in Retirement

Hi!
I live in Texas. I use my Medicare specialist Insurance agent (you have to specifically ask) to help wade through all the options. I picked: RX plan: Humana at a monthly cost of $22.70 Medicare Supplement for medical, I picked Mutual of Omaha at $108.06 per month This will not mean anything in your case as what plan you pick will be different. This DOES give you an idea of my costs. You are so lucky that your employer will pay for coverage till 65. I used Cobra till it ran out, then had to purchase a private policy (even MORE than COBRA) till I turned 66 and 2 days (my SS retirement date). I was paying about $1,000/month doing that. Medical Insurance is really a negative when you retire early.
by birdy
Thu Feb 03, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?
Replies: 50
Views: 7869

Re: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions. I really appreciate all the input. I don't get on the Bogleheads website often anymore as I am 67 and have finances set up in the Bogleheads tradition which I don't change. My thanks to everyone over the years who set me on the right path to saving for retirement. I am having a wonderful retirement and health permitting, will continue to be secure till I die.
birdy
by birdy
Tue Mar 30, 2021 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Battery operated garden tools
Replies: 21
Views: 3852

Re: Battery operated garden tools

My first foray into the battery tools I purchased a EGO hedge trimmer. Then I bought the blower. I love them and how easy they are to use. I've been thinking about adding to my collection with a weed-eater!

birdy
by birdy
Tue Dec 29, 2020 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?
Replies: 50
Views: 7869

Re: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?

I have been using funds recently that are CD's maturing (APY is soo low right now that I am not putting it back into another CD). I have a CD ladder (5 year) I set up over the years to mature two time/year with aprox. 1/2M and the rest in my retirement/non-retirement accounts. I have accessed a little from my non-retirement accounts for trips I have been taking (NOT 2020 unfortunately!) but I will be able to get S.S money also starting in March 2021 (at age 66 and 2 months). So for the most part I have no money worries. I also am VERY frugal!!!
by birdy
Tue Dec 29, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?
Replies: 50
Views: 7869

Re: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?

This is not a new credit card. I just called in to increase the credit limit on the card I use all the time (for everything I charge). I don't want to try to "trick" the card company, I just am able to spend what I want thanks to the many years of Bogleheads investments/savings I have accumulated. There was a suggestion I tell the 4% of my net worth but I don't know exactly how to "show" them without giving them free access to my Vanguard and Fidelity account information.

birdy
by birdy
Mon Dec 28, 2020 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?
Replies: 50
Views: 7869

What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?

I am trying to figure out what to say when a credit card wants to know my yearly income (for credit limit purposes). I wanted to run charges through my credit card for cabinet refacing (we get cash back with the card). I also like to pay for everything on one credit card for convenience. I was ask what my yearly income is. What do you say when ask that? My yearly income can be any amount I want because I have investments/CD's I can use whenever I want. The credit card increased my credit limit on one card then DECREASED it on another card we had with them. It also caused my credit score to go from the 800's into the 700's. I don't want to spread my net worth numbers around if I don't have to. Is there a way to make it clearer to a credit ca...
by birdy
Mon Nov 16, 2020 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roadtrip during this Thanksgiving / CA
Replies: 31
Views: 2988

Re: Roadtrip during this Thanksgiving / CA

The fact that a lot of you are thinking of traveling at this time is VERY disconcerting to me. You must not know anyone close to you who has died or gotten COVID. I personally WILL NOT be traveling until the vaccines become available. I love to travel and have missed several scheduled trips this year. Too many have already died to not take this seriously.

birdy
by birdy
Tue Nov 03, 2020 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lost my job - COBRA question
Replies: 46
Views: 4839

Re: Lost my job - COBRA question

We retired early (no medicare) and used COBRA for the full 18 months (we live in Texas). Little known fact in our state is that you can request an extention, and your old company can give you an EXTRA 6 months (24 months total). So we had 24 months of COBRA and then had to get a private policy.

birdy
by birdy
Tue Nov 03, 2020 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recirculator for tankless hot water heater?
Replies: 20
Views: 2369

Re: Recirculator for tankless hot water heater?

My first "tankless" was a hybrid which had a five gallon water tank. I had a recirculator installed in the master bath and I loved it! I did have the problem you mentioned in which my cold water came out warm but it wasn't an issue for me. I am on my second tankless heater and unfortunately I am not able to have a recirc pump with my brand. I miss having instant hot water. I run the tap in my tub to get hot water quicker. The tech that installed this one told me to prolong its life, to have it flushed of sediment every couple of years.

birdy
by birdy
Fri Aug 07, 2020 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Custom Home Thoughts
Replies: 103
Views: 9553

Re: Custom Home Thoughts

You can afford to build this "non-dream home". In my neighborhood here in Carrollton, TX homes coming on the market have been receiving multiple offers! EXCEPT one McMansion house way overbuilt for the neighborhood. This house has been off and on the market for YEARS! They have again recently put it back on the market. It is $100,000. over the comps for the neighborhood! We built our custom home here in 1997 and intended to stay here forever! We still live in it and still love it. We love to travel and built so we could pay off the mortgage early and and travel even more. Bigger is not always better, but we have really enjoyed having a home that exactly fits our needs.

birdy
by birdy
Thu Jul 16, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighborhood Noise
Replies: 189
Views: 17108

Re: Neighborhood Noise

Yes, I have talked to my noisy alley neighbors several times (once in my bathrobe). They just continued to do it anyway. When they close their garage door, I can't hear them any more but they have only done that when I walked out and talked to them in the middle of the night. As for their kids noisy "Z" car, I went out there one morning and ask him when he was getting his muffler fixed to which he just laughed. I really do not want to call the police (as a matter of fact their next door neighbor IS a police officer but he works nights!). At least right now with COVID-19, they are not having garage parties right now!

birdy
by birdy
Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighborhood Noise
Replies: 189
Views: 17108

Re: Neighborhood Noise

I have lived in the same home for the past 25 years. About five years ago new neighbors moved in directly across the ally. The have weekend large family get togethers and cook and play dominos in their garage which faces my bedroom. They always leave their garage door open and the laughing and loud talking/music were keeping me awake into the wee hours. Finally replaced my house windows which made a huge difference! Unfortunately one of their children just got a "Z" sports car. Has a loud exhaust system which he likes to idle in the mornings between 7:30 - 7:45! Can hear that car as it leaves/comes back (sounds like a race car) even with my new windows! I really feel your pain! I myself have tried headphones and ear plugs but were...
by birdy
Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighborhood Noise
Replies: 189
Views: 17108

Re: Neighborhood Noise

I have lived in the same home for the past 25 years. About five years ago new neighbors moved in directly across the ally. The have weekend large family get togethers and cook and play dominos in their garage which faces my bedroom. They always leave their garage door open and the laughing and loud talking/music were keeping me awake into the wee hours. Finally replaced my house windows which made a huge difference! Unfortunately one of their children just got a "Z" sports car. Has a loud exhaust system which he likes to idle in the mornings between 7:30 - 7:45! Can hear that car as it leaves/comes back (sounds like a race car) even with my new windows! I really feel your pain! I myself have tried headphones and ear plugs but were...
by birdy
Wed Jul 08, 2020 11:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does it really matter when you claim Social Security
Replies: 109
Views: 10995

Re: Does it really matter when you claim Social Security

I have run all the social security apps and total money wise, we are better off to wait to take SS. We have decided to take it now (at retirement age) because we decided we are still active and want more money now to travel while we can. We have retirement monies enough to last us till our "end" and have long term care insurance. So for us, getting our max amount by waiting is not as attractive as continuing to have fun now.

birdy
by birdy
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question - Reloc to TX
Replies: 105
Views: 10078

Re: Question - Reloc to TX

We have a TV series on PBS here called "The Daytripper". It showcases towns around Texas to visit and enjoy. There are two episodes you might be interested in: S11 : E12-----McKinney, TX S10 : E8-----Frisco, TX Thought you might try to find them watch!

birdy
by birdy
Wed Jul 01, 2020 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question - Reloc to TX
Replies: 105
Views: 10078

Re: Question - Reloc to TX

Sorry. We have no State INCOME taxes.

birdy
by birdy
Wed Jul 01, 2020 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question - Reloc to TX
Replies: 105
Views: 10078

Re: Question - Reloc to TX

You need to purchase a Toll Tag for the toll roads. It is cheaper than they charge without one. We have toll roads which I drive frequently. You can mostly take surface roads if you want, but you will increase drive times due to backups on service roads from stop lights. I believe they want $40 to open the account then they bill your card on file when your account gets low. Use Zillow or similar to check the prices of particular neighborhoods to get an idea also. McKinney is not that far from Frisco (north from Frisco) but like I suggested earlier, drive your route in rush hour before you decide on a particular home (or at least use google maps for aprox drive times). Homes here are less expensive than California, Oregon, Washington State. ...
by birdy
Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question - Reloc to TX
Replies: 105
Views: 10078

Re: Question - Reloc to TX

I have lived here in Carrollton, TX for about 25 years now. When you consider buying, be sure to check which COUNTY it is in. We are Denton County and the property taxes are much better than Dallas County. It is rare to find basements in this area because we have clay soil and rock. The neighbor across the ally from us moved to a different house in our same neighborhood (to go bigger) and had 4 offers within 3 days! In my opinion, Frisco has a problem with road traffic. It is still growing and building roads up there has been a problem. The best thing to do is if you narrow down your new home, drive from that house to your work AT RUSH HOUR and see if the drive is acceptable or not! We usually talk of how long it takes to get somewhere and ...
by birdy
Tue Jun 30, 2020 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking input on type of family car to purchase and whether to buy new or used
Replies: 37
Views: 2345

Re: Seeking input on type of family car to purchase and whether to buy new or used

Reading Consumer Reports is an excellent idea! That is what I have used "forever" to decide on my cars. I have always purchased new and keep my cars till they wear out. I currently drive a 2003 Pontiac Vibe which has given me zero problems! It is a 4-door with hatchback and I can fit 23 bags of bark mulch in it! I personally like the Subaru Forrester but it does not fit into your budget. The only problem (for me) keeping a car for a long time is that the safety features are so much better now on the newer cars. Old cars cost next to nothing to keep registered (I was charged $76 this year) and my insurance is way low.

birdy
by birdy
Wed Jun 24, 2020 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Perigold (Wayfair affliate) Furniture
Replies: 9
Views: 851

Re: Perigold (Wayfair affliate) Furniture

I just wanted to comment on the length of time it takes for items to be delivered to your home. I am good friends with my mailperson. She was just telling me this morning (yelling from a distance conversation!) that two people in her small substation have just been diagnosed with COVID. She was telling me 3 coworkers retired due to COVID concerns, two coworkers are now out with COVID, one coworker is not coming to work due to COVID. There are NO temps coming in to replace these people. The Warehouse the mail/boxes come from are down to 3 sorting machines (which now takes longer to sort than when it was done manually). She gets phone calls while doing her route to come back and pick up more boxes to deliver. There has been only "busines...
by birdy
Thu Jun 18, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents in a tough situation for retirement
Replies: 117
Views: 15558

Re: Parents in a tough situation for retirement

Quirkz and JackFFR1846 have given you sound advice in my opinion. 1) My mother got an inheritance about 20 years ago and I suggested a Bogleheads solution. My Dad took her money and ran down to the bank and gave it all to some "investment consultant" who promptly put her money into front load funds and proceeded to churn the account for the next 20+ years. 2) My father ask my advice about what payout he should choose for his company pension. Of course he decided to pick the payout that stops when he dies. This means my mom will have NOTHING but her social security to live on. She will have to sell the house because she will not be able to afford to continue to live there. 3) After trying to get my sister on track for retirement (w...
by birdy
Thu Jun 18, 2020 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Move into bonds/cash/money market before the bubble bursts?
Replies: 50
Views: 5811

Re: Move into bonds/cash/money market before the bubble bursts?

Is Granthan British? I wondered because of his slang "gobsmacked". Do what I did to get to multimillionaire status without being a high (doctor, CEO, etc.) income. Pick the best (for yourself) Vanguard/Fidelity Mutual funds and add to them regularly. Do NOT try to time the market. Markets go up and they go down but eventually (your 30 year time line) you will do well. Automatically contribute to your 401K/Roth accounts. Set up a basic 5 year CD ladder for some ready cash and of course a savings account also. Don't get over complicated (I sure didn't) with your financial plan. When you start out with great rated Mutual Funds you do not need to adjust much over the years. I have seen many convoluted financial plans from contributors...
by birdy
Sat Jun 06, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689767

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

A cute little comedy called Broke (on cable)

birdy
by birdy
Fri Jun 05, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie stupid question??
Replies: 20
Views: 2225

Re: Newbie stupid question??

Timeshare Queen: Why did you save all your money.....to be able to enjoy it in retirement! Definitely take those trips and eat at nice restaurants if that is what makes you happy! We don't drive fancy cars or have a large home because that is not what makes us happy! Travel is what we enjoy and we do it several times a year. Our cruise we had booked for September we decided to roll over for a cruise in 2021 instead because of COVID-19 and our worry about wearing masks and not being able to mingle as much with the other passengers. Don't be like my parents (83) who have said to me, "I wish I would have...." What are you waiting for! It's your money and you should enjoy it! Don't worry about passing on an inheritance, especially if ...
by birdy
Thu Jun 04, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie stupid question??
Replies: 20
Views: 2225

Re: Newbie stupid question??

Hi Newbie! There are ABSOLUTELY NO STUPID QUESTIONS! Staying uneducated is "stupid". Because of this website, I became a multimillionaire and sleep like a baby! What is currently happening with the markets I mostly ignore because I long ago decided to follow Mr. Bogle's advice and stay the course. I have not looked at my investments because there is really nothing I would change. I have helped others in the past with their financial planning. Most do not seem to have the discipline nor ambition to start saving early or think they should become instant millionaires overnight. You will make great strides toward your financial security (like I did) because you have Bogleheads.org to cheer you on! Good luck with your journey! birdy
by birdy
Fri May 01, 2020 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 81176

Re: What have you baked recently?

Here in Dallas I have not been able to find flour nor yeast and have been trying to get it for 4 weeks now. I am depending on muffin mixes and frozen cookie dough. Can I trade anyone toilet paper for some unbleached flour!!!!!?????

birdy
by birdy
Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?
Replies: 1800
Views: 178794

Re: Coronavirus (Consumer Issues) How you are preparing?

I have a 21 day cruise to South America booked for 3/2/20. I am still going. I was on the same ship last January to Antarctica. Every public space in the ship had a hand sanitizer station (and they had crew there to make sure you used it). They also had hand sanitizer when boarding and at every port getting off and on. My cruise company has sent me 2 emails about extra physical testing (taking temps) and if you are refused boarding they refund everything back to you. They encourage "fist bumps" only instead of shaking hands. They say they will be doing extra cleaning during the trip. I intend to have a great time and take normal precautions.

birdy
by birdy
Sat Feb 15, 2020 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendation for a Great Stapler
Replies: 32
Views: 2325

Re: Recommendation for a Great Stapler

I have been using a PaperPro One Finger. 25 sheet Power "The Prodigy". Staples easily with very little pressure. Never have to pull staples out that didn't staple correctly (and has never jammed up!)

birdy
by birdy
Sun Feb 02, 2020 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: paying cleaning lady
Replies: 56
Views: 9343

Re: paying cleaning lady

I have been using the same FAMILY of housekeepers for 15 years! Started with the daughter. She opened her own resale shop and ask me if her parents could clean for me. I said sure. Usually the mother/father come and clean for about 2 hours. $80 two times a month. Some times my original housekeeper comes with her Mom and cleans. I don't care as long as they do a good job. I give her double her cleaning rate at Christmas. Once in a while I will go on a trip and ask them not to come. But I usually go ahead and pay them their rate anyway. Has worked well for me and the family!
by birdy
Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the difference between Uber and Lyft?
Replies: 63
Views: 6239

Re: What's the difference between Uber and Lyft?

We are taking a cruise next month, and when I went to book my Super Shuttle shared van I discovered they went out of business! I have never used Uber or lift but have heard friends complain about drivers cancelling their pick ups. When you have a flight to catch, I want to make sure someone comes when I need them! I finally decided to park at a hotel and ride their airport shuttle the rest of the way. It was way cheaper than parking in long term parking at the airport. I am very upset that no shared van rides any more.
by birdy
Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it okay to install home monitoring cameras to watch elderly mom with dementia? What type to use?
Replies: 33
Views: 4025

Re: Is it okay to install home monitoring cameras to watch elderly mom with dementia? What type to use?

When mother in law went into dementia care, we told the company we were going to put in a nest system in her room. It was fine with them. It helped us enormously when she started falling and didn't call for help. We also found that no showers were being given on a weekly basis. We could call the nurse ourselves and let them know they were not checking on her enough through the night. It also helped to know where her bruises were coming from. It also made sure they knew we could verify a story about what happened by going back on our system to see. I don't think anyone deliberately was bad to her. I think that there weren't enough caretakers for the number of patients they had.
by birdy
Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uneven crack in sidewalk in front of my house, am I liable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4649

Re: Uneven crack in sidewalk in front of my house, am I liable?

I saw the City repairing roads/curbs in my neighborhood several years ago. I walked over and talked to the foreman about my sidewalk deteriorating in front of my house. They came over several days later and tore out the old portion of sidewalk and replaced it. It never hurts to be nice to workmen! Call your city and find out what to do!!!
by birdy
Sun Feb 02, 2020 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Family Summer Vacation Idea
Replies: 22
Views: 1750

Re: Family Summer Vacation Idea

Alaska! The cruise I took had a "kids club". We watched kids having a scavenger hunt ect. with great camp "counselors" who kept them totally entertained!
by birdy
Sun Jan 12, 2020 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Here Fidelity or Vanguard
Replies: 115
Views: 9196

Re: New Here Fidelity or Vanguard

We have money in both companies.

birdy
by birdy
Fri Jan 10, 2020 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House Hunting with Family Pressure
Replies: 42
Views: 3587

Re: House Hunting with Family Pressure

Everyone has their own idea of an ideal location to live. Mine were decent weather (not much snow), low cost of living, affordable housing and close to an international airport. I live in Texas and my parents and sister live in Washington State. I don't see them often but we talk on the phone weekly. I actually had a lot of friends who tried to tell us we need to move after retirement. My question was why? We certainly don't need a larger house (also don't need anything smaller). We travel internationally for pleasure (none of the relatives want to travel with us). Only you can decide what feels like "home" to you.

birdy
by birdy
Fri Jan 10, 2020 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1 yr ban of 401K contribution?
Replies: 66
Views: 7958

Re: 1 yr ban of 401K contribution?

To get through the one year, max your ROTH contribution! Put your money in a savings account Don't spend it. You can always save in a CD ladder or other post-tax (non-401K) index fund.

birdy
by birdy
Thu Oct 31, 2019 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amica Vs Travelers Home Insurance
Replies: 18
Views: 3241

Re: Amica Vs Travelers Home Insurance

Travelers = 160+ years in business

birdy
by birdy
Wed Oct 30, 2019 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Amica Vs Travelers Home Insurance
Replies: 18
Views: 3241

Re: Amica Vs Travelers Home Insurance

I had Travelers when my house flooded from my water heater. I also have had a roof replaced because of storm damage. Both times the claims were handled very professionally, with good communication. Travelers has been in business for a long time.

birdy
by birdy
Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Invited to join HOA board. Pros/cons?
Replies: 98
Views: 15855

Re: Invited to join HOA board. Pros/cons?

In our area, we are required to have a HOA when the neighborhoods are built out. No one here really wants to be on the board, but we work hard to keep the board full. If we don't have enough folks volunteer to be board members, we would have to hire a management company for our neighborhood. No one wants that to happen because it would at least triple our HOA dues!!! If we need to vote on something, we put proxies on everyone's door and/or mass email them so we have enough people to vote. We have a core group of about 15 people that participate on a regular basis. Majority of owners don't care and won't participate. As long as we are able to collect HOA dues from everyone, we can take care of neighborhood (landscaping at our two entrances, ...
by birdy
Tue Oct 15, 2019 11:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How often do you look at your IRA or 401K Balances
Replies: 71
Views: 7295

Re: How often do you look at your IRA or 401K Balances

I picked my mutual funds with the help of this site way back when. I bought funds I believe in and have not felt the need to change since. I used to check my balances to update my spread sheets on my net worth every 4-6 months. When we had that big loss in 2007/2008, I went about 1 year before I checked them knowing that I had plenty of time to recover any losses there might be. Now that I am retired, I check them every 6-8 months. What makes you sleep sounder is what you should do.

birdy
by birdy
Sat Oct 12, 2019 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Car Charger - options/Amp settings?
Replies: 42
Views: 4368

Re: Electric Car Charger - options/Amp settings?

Just a side bar for electric cars. People in California are having problems with their cars because the electricity had to be shut off because of the fires going on there. This is a problem that I didn't think of with them. This is a consideration for those who drive electric.

birdy
by birdy
Wed Oct 02, 2019 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirees - do you hold extra cash for a bear market?
Replies: 93
Views: 12060

Re: Retirees - do you hold extra cash for a bear market?

In the 2008-2009 market downturn, I continued to contribute to my 401k and added to my savings. I also quit checking my fund balances during that time and trusted I had picked my portfolio well enough not to mess with it (stay the course!). I count my 5 year CD ladder as part of my "Bonds" portion. I don't think of the ladder as money for a bear market. It is just another way I diversified my portfolio, but I arranged the ladder so I have a CD mature every 6 months in case I would need cash unexpectedly. I am retired 2 years. My portfolio has grown over the last 50 years large enough for my lifestyle to be maintained and worry free (thank you Bogleheads!). If we had another bad downturn (bear market) I would use my CD ladder so I ...
by birdy
Mon Sep 30, 2019 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Threw me a curve [unexpected layoff]
Replies: 36
Views: 6687

Re: Threw me a curve [unexpected layoff]

I too was laid off in my 60's. I: applied for unemployment, Got Cobra (ACA was even more cost then cobra for me), rolled my 401k to a IRA at Vanguard, started working for a Temp agency until I could find a couple of clients and became an independent contractor. I liked the suggestion to get rid of your stock from this company (company not doing good -layoffs). On selling your house, how much money are you going to loose when you just recently acquired the house? Could you hold onto it by using it as rental income? My layoff turned out well for me as I hope it does for you. I was forced to figure out what was really important in my life and what would make me happy in this new phase. I know it is scary and you probably feel betrayed by the c...
by birdy
Sat Sep 28, 2019 12:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Physical activity suggestions for a non athletic youth
Replies: 189
Views: 13143

Re: Physical activity suggestions for a non athletic youth

Join 4-H or boy scouts to get him out of the house. If he likes animals, get him a dog and have him take agility classes. Encourage him to have a dog walking business or help at local animal shelter or volunteer else where. Does he like to sing? Maybe encourage him to join a chorus (think social). Has he tried rock climbing (indoors or out)? Make a "fort"/"treehouse" together. I had my own horse as a kid and spent many hours grooming/feeding/riding (and yes I do consider it exercise to ride)----the trick is to find what interests him! Can he play racket ball (I liked it because I didn't have to chase the ball very far!)? Bowling was a great idea someone else mentioned. I used to climb trees as a kid. By trying different ...
by birdy
Thu Sep 12, 2019 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Dog Car?
Replies: 70
Views: 6306

Re: Best Dog Car?

In my dog showing years I had a Ford Windstar. Drove like a car. I took out the middle seat so crates would fit and be close to me when driving. It also had the best air conditioner I have ever had on a vehicle! Now I have a Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix which I like. Back seat folds flat, fits 2 dog crates, good gas mileage. Also will hold 23 bags of bark mulch!
by birdy
Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617093

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Oh my gosh! Just realized this was a post from 2017!!!!!

birdy
by birdy
Sat Aug 24, 2019 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617093

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Used a coupon at Burger King and ate lunch for $3.25!

birdy