Search found 152 matches

by mikeast
Tue Apr 06, 2021 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job
Replies: 20
Views: 3007

Re: Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job

Thanks All ! Your answers were very helpful. I just want to be able to tell my wife that this amount was not excessive. Someone asked if it was more
than cosmetic and the answer is yes. A structural engineer told me that the best thing I could do for my house was improve the drainage. Yes, I did not get multiple bids. This guy came highly recommended and as Spring approaches and people are getting out again, quality contractors are busy so I grabbed him when he offered me a date a while back. Impulsive maybe, but it worked out. Anyway, thank you all Very Much !
by mikeast
Tue Apr 06, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job
Replies: 20
Views: 3007

Wife Beating Me Up over cost of Landscaping Job

Hi Bogleheads, There was another thread on this subject but I didn't quite get the answer I was looking for. Anyway, my property had really bad drainage when we moved in a few years ago. 2200 Sq. Ft House on a Half-Acre Lot. The backyard lawn doesnt extend to the entirety of the property as the last 30 feet is wooded. The Landscaper charged me $4500 to re-grade/level the entire property and re-seed it. Brought in two dump trucks loads of dirt (Sorry I don't know the cubic foot or yardage on the dirt). Anyway, he and his crew spent two days with this thing called a "Harley Rake" and did a good job creating a nice slope away from the house front, back and sides and re-seeded. Wife says it was way too much but I think I got a square ...
by mikeast
Fri Oct 02, 2020 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security: Website Estimate vs Actual
Replies: 25
Views: 2774

Re: Social Security: Website Estimate vs Actual

Got my first SS Check this past August. It was spot on in accordance with the estimate on their website. I expected less as
the the calculators indicated about $100 less than the estimate. So, it was a nice little surprise.
by mikeast
Sun Jul 01, 2018 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Experienced with Credit Card Fraud ? Need Advice
Replies: 21
Views: 2719

Anyone Experienced with Credit Card Fraud ? Need Advice

Hello Diehards, Recently a fellow employee where I work went into my personal area and accessed a couple of my credit/debit cards. This person made charges totalling almost 2k and it took about 8 weeks to figure out who it was doing it. He has been fired from his job and I have been reimbursed by my bank and the card companies for the fraudulent charges. Here's the problem: my bank said if I know who did it and file a police report on this person, they will take the refunded money back from me and consider it my responsibility to recoup my funds from the crook (I'm sure I will never collect from this low-life). This is what the bank that issued my debit card told me when I asked for an affidavit required by the police. I have not spoken abo...
by mikeast
Sun Feb 11, 2018 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: what to look for when buying a flipped house
Replies: 27
Views: 3541

Re: what to look for when buying a flipped house

I thinks its critical that you take the time to find a really good home inspector. Most of them don't seem to be worth their fees.
And if your working with a buyer's agent like I did, get rid of them during the inspection. Mostly I wanted to add that its not just
house flippers who are trying to get it done as cheaply as possible. I worked at Lowe's for a few years after I retired from my regular
career. Every single day I heard the same questions from regular home owners as well as flippers: How do I cover it, hide it, put a band aid on it, make it look OK until its sold and then I don't give a rat if it falls apart or not.
by mikeast
Mon Dec 11, 2017 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Replies: 19
Views: 2182

Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account

Thanks All ! I appreciate ALL responses. Yes, the reason we might want to do this IS a little sensitive. I will certainly call Vanguard. We can't divide this account if it will require the sale of taxable shares. Most of these shares were bought when the S&P 500 was in the 1000-1200 range so the tax bill would be huge. (Oh and thanks again DBR--that is the answer I was hoping to hear) So while the reasons are sensitive, and you absolutely don't need to discuss them here, you should obviously look in to whether splitting the shares this way achieves your longer term underlying purpose, whatever that may be. That appears to be why the questions were being raised (which I initially though were kind of nosy/personal myself), as depending o...
by mikeast
Mon Dec 11, 2017 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Replies: 19
Views: 2182

Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account

Thanks All ! I appreciate ALL responses. Yes, the reason we might want to do this IS a little sensitive. I will certainly call Vanguard.
We can't divide this account if it will require the sale of taxable shares. Most of these shares were bought when the S&P 500 was in the
1000-1200 range so the tax bill would be huge. (Oh and thanks again DBR--that is the answer I was hoping to hear)
by mikeast
Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Replies: 19
Views: 2182

Re: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account

Gill wrote: Mon Dec 11, 2017 7:13 am Are the owners related and who furnished the original consideration?
Gill
Yes, husband and wife. Husband (me) established the account years ago. We're exploring the idea of keeping our
finances separate and this one account is the only issue. It would have to be divided in half with each half having just
one owner.
by mikeast
Mon Dec 11, 2017 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account
Replies: 19
Views: 2182

Tax Consequences of Un-Jointing a Joint Account

Thinking about dividing a sizable joint taxable account among the two owners. The account is all in Vanguard TSM.
Can this be done without selling shares and creating a taxable event ?

Thanks
by mikeast
Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Yard Tick Spray?
Replies: 32
Views: 4455

Re: DIY Yard Tick Spray?

I use Triazicide as well. I live in a heavily wooded area in the South and ticks are always an issue. I also give my beagle Nexgard and
it works beautifully. If I do find a tick on her it's always dead and never engorged.
by mikeast
Thu Mar 30, 2017 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BEHR Premium Deckover
Replies: 12
Views: 4413

Re: BEHR Premium Deckover

These acrylic deck resurfacers (Behr Deck Over, Olympic Rescue It, and especially Rustoleum Restore 10X) are notorious for adhesion problems. They require near perfect preparation and weather conditions at application or they don't hold up for long. The main reason for peeling is moisture under the product freezing during the winter months, which will make it pop right up. If you have to use the stuff, I would prime the deck with "Rustoleum Deck Start" first. This will increase your chances of success. If your wood is in decent condition--stick with an oil-based deck stain.
by mikeast
Sun Mar 05, 2017 7:26 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?
Replies: 630
Views: 98330

Re: Your USER NAME...what does it mean?

Mike and East (Joined the forum while I was living in Japan).
by mikeast
Sat Mar 04, 2017 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: (Military) Continue to pay off debt or Save for PCS? [Permanent Change of Station]
Replies: 9
Views: 1237

Re: (Military) Continue to pay off debt or Save for PCS?

If you're single, you shouldn't incur enough out-of-pocket expenses to worry about having cash for the PCS.
Assuming you're authorized to ship a vehicle, decide whether you will take your car or not. If you do, keep in mind that
you need written permission from the lien holder to ship it if you don't own the title free and clear. If you don't take your car,
put it storage--don't sell it. You'll be glad you did when your tour is over. Get online and find people who are there at your base
in the UK. Information from people who at there now will be your greatest resource.
by mikeast
Mon Jan 23, 2017 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
Replies: 16
Views: 5127

Re: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?

Thanks for your responses. Clearly, if I can't convince them to abate this tax bill, the cheapest thing to do
is just pay em.
by mikeast
Mon Jan 23, 2017 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?
Replies: 16
Views: 5127

Refuse to pay California State Tax—what can they do ?

Hi Diehards, Got a notice that my wife owes in excess of $1300 back California State Tax (tax, penalty and interest) for the Year 2013. Problem is, she hasn’t set foot in the State of CA since 1992. The tax bill appears to have been generated when she retired from the military and her final pay was reported to the State of CA. (The State from which she entered the serice). However, all of her income that year was Active Duty Military Pay which is not taxable in California if you are a resident stationed outside of the State. I am trying to deal with these folks over the phone and through fax but we got another letter today saying she owed. They are threatening liens on property, garnishments, yada yada, but everything we own is titled in Vi...
by mikeast
Sun Jan 01, 2017 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2017 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 711
Views: 59172

2555.55

2555.55
by mikeast
Sat Sep 24, 2016 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you buy this house in a flood zone? HELP!
Replies: 63
Views: 10831

Re: Would you buy this house in a flood zone? HELP!

I bought a house in a 100 year Flood Zone about 3 years mostly to get into the school zone I wanted. Youngest kid is a senior in HS this
year so I am getting out of here ASAP. Flood insurance is 1200 (modest house) a year and I live in fear of the month of September, when all the damaging hurricanes seem to hit this area. It's getting worse every year it seems. 7 feet of storm surge in the Chesapeake Bay and I can Kayak to 7-11 for a cup of coffee. Can't wait to get out. Around here FEMA is known as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays"
by mikeast
Sat Jan 30, 2016 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual-military couple relocating to Vilseck, Germany :)
Replies: 23
Views: 3484

Re: Dual-military couple relocating to Vilseck, Germany :)

Congratulations ! Wife and I left that area (Hohenfels, which is about 62 Km from Vilseck) two years ago. We were dual military (both retired now) and this was, hands down, the best assignment we ever had. Best advice I can give you is to get in contact with your sponsor and follow their guidance, especially with regards to what furniture to ship or not ship. Recommend you switch your auto insurance to USAA if you don't have it already. Most people keep their military checks going to their stateside banks and then get an account with the Community Bank on base to pay your local bills. If you have dogs, be aware that some breeds are banned in Germany (i.e. pitbulls) and many airlines wont ship flat faced dogs such as bulldogs. And if you do ...
by mikeast
Wed Nov 25, 2015 5:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) - Is it worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 6041

Re: Military SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) - Is it worth it?

Your fiancé will have up to 1 year after the date of the marriage to sign up for SBP with you as a beneficiary. SBP is a much better deal now
than in the past since they did away with the Social Security offset and dropped the premiums after 30 years ( or age 70). Didn't use to be that way.
Wife and I are both military retirees and we both have SBP. Very glad that we took it.
by mikeast
Sun Sep 06, 2015 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
Replies: 5
Views: 844

Re: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?

Well, my brother needs a house with a mortgage of about half what he's paying now. Roughly 1500 mortgage needs to come down to 700 or less. This is easy to do in my area and surprisingly he wont take that big a hit on his life style as he can find this new house in the same neighborhood. It will mostly be a matter of losing square footage and doing without some expensive upgrades which caused him to be under water in the first place. His condition makes him immediately eligible for SS disability and that coupled with his disability insurance coverage at work will keep him at 45K per year more or less and at full retirement age he goes to SS only. He will probably end up in bankruptcy due to huge medical bills. He has decent insurance but ju...
by mikeast
Sun Sep 06, 2015 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?
Replies: 5
Views: 844

Mortgage for a Rental Prop. in your Eighties ?

Hi Bogleheads, Just wondering what you think of this strategy: Sibling in his fifties can no longer work due to a rare cancer although with treatment he can still live a long life. Income will go from a comfy six figures to a mid-low 5 figures so he must get out of his current house and down size quickly. (already way behind in mortgage payments on a house on which he owes more than its worth. Plan is for my parents in their 80s to buy a relatively inexpensive home (they own the home they are living in outright) and rent it back to my brother for the same amount as the mortgage/insurance/tax payment. Their net worth is probably 3-4 times what the rental house would be worth and they have nice pensions that cover all of their living expenses...
by mikeast
Sun Aug 30, 2015 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Blue collar worker and millionaire dream
Replies: 32
Views: 6471

Re: Blue collar worker and millionaire dream

My wife and I went from zero to millionaire in about 20 years on a similar income (less actually). We lived on one pay check and saved the other. It wasn't that difficult. I discovered the Vanguard Diehards through the Morningstar Site around 1998 and started getting good advice from all of the wonderful people here, started reading the recommended books. We just stayed the course with a simple portfolio (age in bonds, the rest in equities). A little slice and dice and some REITS. We did, however, rev up the purchase of equity fund shares like TSM whenever the market seriously tanked. But for the most part, it was just make a plan and stay the course.
by mikeast
Sun Aug 16, 2015 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash in the house
Replies: 80
Views: 10381

Re: Cash in the house

Only during peak Hurricane season. Like about now through the end of September. Around $1500 or so. Like someone else said already,
during power outages, "Cash is King."
by mikeast
Fri Jul 03, 2015 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Learning Spanish
Replies: 62
Views: 14797

Re: Learning Spanish

I use the BBC online program "Mi Vida Loca" and Duo Lingo. All Free.
by mikeast
Tue Jun 02, 2015 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Starting later in life... should I buy a home?
Replies: 15
Views: 2567

Re: Starting later in life... should I buy a home?

I'm a home owner now and I don't really like it. Constant maintenance, yard work, gutter cleaning, money spent at Lowes, taxes, flood insurance, worry. When is my 15 year-old furnace going to die ? Will this be the year we get another major hurricane ? etc I am not cut out to be a homeowner. I love the freedom that comes with renting--knowing that you can leave with a month or two notice and no strings attached. Are YOU cut out to be a homeowner ?
by mikeast
Sat May 16, 2015 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much does social security factor into your retirement income?
Replies: 169
Views: 46376

Re: How much does social security factor into your retirement income?

We're 60 and 53 now. If there is no deterioration of our expected benefits, we wont need to tap into our savings and the kids will get a
meaningful inheritance. If they ever means test it, I may regret saving so much.
by mikeast
Thu May 07, 2015 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Easy careers to last me to retirement?
Replies: 141
Views: 27334

Re: What job to get to coast to Retirement at age 59 1/2?

I'm 60 and I work at a big-box store part time. 20-25 hours a week on average an make 12-15K per year. I work primarily to pay my taxes
and delay SS. These jobs are easy to get for someone who shows up to work on time, doesn't do drugs, and has a decent work ethic. It's easy
work and can be fun if you like dealing with people. Lots of other geezers there so I fit right in. I can come and go with no hard feelings. Last year I quit, took the Summer off and came back in Fall--no big deal. Something to think about if you need work right away while looking for something better.
by mikeast
Tue May 05, 2015 5:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
Replies: 12
Views: 4731

Re: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]

Some more detailed information here:

http://www.retirees.af.mil/factsheets/f ... p?id=11692

you'd have to buy your way back in by paying the difference between your initial election and full coverage (with interest)
by mikeast
Tue May 05, 2015 3:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]
Replies: 12
Views: 4731

Re: Military SBP--Delicate Situation [also bad VUL]

Couple of points: Chances are your divorce decree will order you to elect Former Spouse Coverage in which case, the base amount will not change. Your ex remains covered at the same rate she had when you were married. You cannot "split" SBP coverage among current and former spouses, so if you remarry, new spouse cannot be covered. In the event that your divorce does not specify Former Spouse Coverage or she remarries and SBP is cancelled , you will not be able to insure a new wife at full coverage. The base amount you and you wife chose at retirement cannot be changed. Long story short, no--you cant divorce her and increase her coverage if you marry her again. Nearest military base should have an RSO (Retirement Services Officer) w...
by mikeast
Thu Apr 30, 2015 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Karate for kids—Thoughts?
Replies: 47
Views: 6640

Re: Karate for kids—Thoughts?

In my view, the grappling arts Judo, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu are much more fun for kids and effective for confidence and anti-bullying. They're doing it right off the bat (tossing each other around)
and not just doing a bunch of kata forms of questionable value just to get their next colored belt.
by mikeast
Tue Apr 21, 2015 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: European Cruises
Replies: 29
Views: 4228

Re: European Cruises

I've done two Mediterranean Cruises with Costa Cruise Lines; Western Med in 2012, and Eastern Med in 2013. One left from Savona and the other from Venice. Stops were in Greece, Spain,
Sicily, Croatia. Departure from Venice for the Eastern Med Cruise was best and I would list Venice as a must see. The Cruises were great and I would do Costa again, but there was not a lot of
time to see Rome. Just a one day excursion from the port of Civitavecchia.
by mikeast
Sat Apr 18, 2015 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Is The Worst Car You Have Ever Owned?
Replies: 39
Views: 4636

Re: What Is The Worst Car You Have Ever Owned?

Ford Pinto ( a 75, I think). What a piece of junk. The bloody door was so heavy that it was always out of alignment--you had to lift up on it to get it to close. Couldn't use the
air conditioner during city driving--the engine couldn't handle it. We called it "The Pimple"
by mikeast
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best 4-6 person tent
Replies: 32
Views: 7637

Re: Best 4-6 person tent

Coleman Rechargeable Battery Lantern. Got one for Christmas--it's awesome. Car camping with Cubs--get a nice blow-up air mattress. (for you--the kid doesn't need one)
Bring ear plugs for sleeping to all Scout campouts.
by mikeast
Sat Feb 14, 2015 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Is it worth getting an] AARP [membership]?
Replies: 58
Views: 21651

Re: [Is it worth getting an] AARP [membership]?

15% off at one of my favorite restaurant , so the annual fee sort of pays for it self there. The magazines are a hoot sometimes (Bob Dylan on the cover of the last issue).
Does seem to generate some annoying junk mail though.
by mikeast
Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
Replies: 4
Views: 1787

Re: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)

maxq wrote: Is the OP at the 50% or above level?
Yes (it's my wife, actually) She's rated disabled at 50%, so in addition to her regular, full military retirement from DFAS, she receives
a separate payment from the VA.

Mike
by mikeast
Sat Jan 17, 2015 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)
Replies: 4
Views: 1787

Any Mil. Retirees here receiving CRDP ? (tax quest.)

Everything I've read seems to indicate that service connected disability payments received concurrently with regular military retirement
are taxable. However, the is no statement such as a 1099 available as far as I can figure. Also, there doesn't seem to be anyway to have
Fed taxes withheld from these payments. Can anyone shed any light on how to report this income at tax time? Am I missing something ?

Thanks,

Mike
by mikeast
Sat Jan 03, 2015 8:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 557
Views: 57683

2760.55

2760.55
by mikeast
Mon Nov 24, 2014 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Animal vacuums?
Replies: 5
Views: 969

Re: Animal vacuums?

I just bought a Dyson Animal 25 a few weeks ago ($298 at Home Depot). My dog sheds a lot. Prior to the Dyson, I had a Bissell upright. For floors and carpet, they seem to perform
about the same. However, the pet hair attachment on the Dyson is much more powerful than the Bissell and that made it worth the higher price. Bissells (or any vacuum with those foam
filters are a pain to clean). I had to wash and dry the filters weekly with the Bissell.
by mikeast
Wed Nov 12, 2014 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
Replies: 26
Views: 3378

Re: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove

CountryBoy wrote:
Postby mikeast » Tue Nov 11, 2014 4:08 pm
Then I'd get a combo oven (microwave and convection in one
Does a combo oven (microwave and convection vent into the room? I am having trouble visualizing its function.
Yes, they have vent fins on the top and sides with an internal cooling fan that kicks on automatically when needed. The extra heat is no big deal really,
but they must be clear of obstruction for a few inches on the sides and top. They are great for baking !
by mikeast
Tue Nov 11, 2014 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove
Replies: 26
Views: 3378

Re: Best microwave to replace kitchen stove

Then I'd get a combo oven (microwave and convection in one). With the convection oven feature you can bake cookies, rolls, cook crispy stuff, pizza etc.
I've a had Sears counter top combo oven for 11 years now and it's indispensable.
by mikeast
Thu Nov 06, 2014 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your very first email
Replies: 60
Views: 4743

Re: Your very first email

January 1991 from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Augsburg, Germany. I forget the subject of the first one though. Coulda been some sensitive operational Army stuff or maybe
we just ran out of toilet paper. Probably the toilet paper.
by mikeast
Sun Oct 26, 2014 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you regret buying your home?
Replies: 82
Views: 26102

Re: Do you regret buying your home?

Although I don't really like all the maintenance (my labor and the expense) and yard work that comes with my house, some of these neighbor comments have made me realize how lucky I am to live where I do. I have woods on the South, East, and West sides of my house. No one can build there because it is either protected wet lands or the wooded part of my rich neighbor's multi-acre lots. Only one next-door neighbor to the North and he is a nice guy who is always gone on business. He says he has no intention of ever selling and even if he did, I could throw up a privacy fence and forget about it. I can walk out on my deck in my underwear to let the dog out, fire a gun in my back yard--nobody cares. This thread has made me appreciate home ownersh...
by mikeast
Sat Oct 25, 2014 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: NJ - Buying house in flood zone (FEMA)?
Replies: 48
Views: 8071

Re: NJ - Buying house in flood zone (FEMA)?

Last year I bought a house in an area that was badly flooded by Hurricane Isabel in 03. Love the house, love the area, but I'm only here
for the school zone until my youngest finishes high school. For me it is not a matter of IF it floods, it is only a matter of WHEN. We all pay for
flood insurance around here and my neighbors refer to FEMA as 'The Insurance Company That Never Pays." Talking to my neighbors was absolutely
the best source of information on flooding in my area that I could find. All that being said----I'm moving to higher ground as soon as I can.
by mikeast
Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)
Replies: 194
Views: 29001

Re: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)

70K Gross with the house paid off would be just fine for my wife and I. In reality, we will probably retire at about 105K--more if I delay SS.
I guess I would place our life style on the lower end of Middle Class--- the area we live in is about average cost-of-living wise.
by mikeast
Thu Sep 25, 2014 12:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [S&P is down 1.3%, thus] We're all going to die!!!
Replies: 58
Views: 7676

Re: We're all going to die!!!

Can't argue with that--the human mortality rate is still 100 %. Too bad the market isn't that predictable.
by mikeast
Wed Sep 03, 2014 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone familiar with Switzerland?
Replies: 14
Views: 2636

Re: Anyone familiar with Switzerland?

Kandersteg is a wonderful place to hike. The scenery around Lake Oeschinen in the Alps is as good as it gets. Kandersteg
is also home to The Kandersteg International Scout Center (KISC) founded by Baden Powell. I've been there
every year for the past three years attending Boy Scout events. Easily accessible by train. You can stay at the Scout Center for
a small fraction of the cost of local lodging if you don't mind hostel style accommodations (clean,comfortable, no frills and sharing bathrooms). All staff members are required to speak English and they can help you do anything you want to do in the area.
by mikeast
Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for stay at home mom/military wife going back to work
Replies: 24
Views: 2829

Re: Advice for stay at home mom/military wife going back to

Do you have any interest in becoming a financial counsellor to military families ? If so, the National Military Family Association (NMFA) has a
scholarship program to train military spouses to become financial counsellors ( I am a recipient of this scholarship myself). They award about 50
of these every year. You do the training at home online and then complete testing and a practicum to get certified.

Within the military community, volunteering is still one of the best ways to get a foot in the door for jobs on base.
by mikeast
Thu Aug 21, 2014 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kimchi
Replies: 40
Views: 3888

Re: Kimchi

You need to know what really good kimchi tastes like before you attempt to make your own. Buy some first. Nothing better with white rice.
The stuff can make you reek though if you eat enough of it. I like "kimchi reek"--reminds me of good times in Korea.