Search found 340 matches

by at ease
Wed Jan 16, 2019 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth v. Trad for retiring USAF colonel w/30 years active duty
Replies: 11
Views: 1365

Re: Roth v. Trad for retiring USAF colonel w/30 years active duty

.Hi Sir... soon i will be required to start taking distributions from my TSP account. When i started saving, there was no Roth option available. I wish there had been. If i were in your place i would stick with the Roth !!! Taxes are fairly low now, and with the Roth, you can stop that part of your future income from "the unknowns" of future taxes...For example,in retirement, unless things change, after age 65 you will likely have Tri-Care as a supplemental med-plan secondary to Medicare A and B . Tri-care requires you to take medicare A & B in order to continue tri-care after turning 65, and because Medicare has "income-brackets", your income(s) then could increase you and your wife's monthly premiums. Anyway, It ju...
by at ease
Thu Mar 16, 2017 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25 y/o Military -- advice on portfolio please
Replies: 15
Views: 2604

Re: 25 y/o Military -- advice on portfolio please

I couldn't tell from your post, but one thought ....I suggest you consider keeping some money in the TSP for a possible future return....we never know what the future holds, but the TSP has been a good, inexpensive, place to invest, and if you transfer everything out, it won't be available to you unless you work for Fed's or military....just a thought....you can always transfer any balance you leave at a later date if you choose....good luck
by at ease
Wed Mar 15, 2017 1:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco tire - Michelin vs Bridgestone
Replies: 44
Views: 74384

Re: Costco tire - Michelin vs Bridgestone

...well, I drive a car many miles, and have found the Bridgestone tires to be my FAVORITE of any....I rotate them between 5 and 6,ooo miles and it's not unusual to get around 80,000 on a set.....my wife put Michelin on her car two years ago (from Sam's) and had to replace 2 before 20,000 miles. Sam's prorated both so that was good. Anyway, if you can get a good deal on Bridgestone, you may just become a long-term fan like me...good luck.
by at ease
Tue Jan 31, 2017 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP rollover help
Replies: 8
Views: 1783

Re: TSP rollover help

I too would just ask Vanguard...I did this several years ago and it was smooth....one thing you might consider, leaving a little in your traditional Vanguard IRA (I did this) just in case you ever want to move some back to a traditional IRA.....there are a couple advantages to having a traditional IRA: like, say you wanted to contribute part of your required distribution to a charity, if it's coming from a trad-ira, the part you contribute is not taxable like a normal distribution and does not get added to your adj-gross income on taxes... but, after reading a little more about this, my understanding is that this will not work on the TSP, because it isn't considered the same as an ira for this purpose. Also, if you are married, money you pu...
by at ease
Tue Oct 18, 2016 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotmail (Outlook) Inbox puzzle?
Replies: 10
Views: 1412

Re: Hotmail (Outlook) Inbox puzzle?

..I've had the exact same problem you described...finally went to their "HELP" line and posted the issue there but none of the replies worked ?? I did go to the OTHER area on inbox and send myself a couple important old emails, and noticed anything I deleted was very easy to find later by just going to the deleted email area.... sorry I'm no help but at least you know you aren't alone.
by at ease
Wed Sep 21, 2016 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My "Corolla Investment" has ended...410,000 [miles]
Replies: 56
Views: 13606

My "Corolla Investment" has ended...410,000 [miles]

... a while back i posted about my 2003 Toyota Corolla and how dependable and down right cheap it is to own...well 2 weeks ago it went over 410,000 miles and the next day, it blew a 15 amp fuse for the second time in 2 months...it controlled the fuel pump so the engine would not start until it was replaced....so, the second time did it for me...i just don't want to drive something that is beginning to need a lot of up-keep....so i sold it to a friend who loves to work on cars.....oh, and for those who noticed my last post about it, i never did get around to changing those spark plugs...it still has the same ones it came with when it was new in 2003....for dependability and operating cost, it was a joy to own...am looking at a new one to rep...
by at ease
Tue Jul 19, 2016 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yet another new/used car post. Help me replace a car
Replies: 39
Views: 5324

Re: Yet another new/used car post. Help me replace a car

....why not just buy another Camry ?...the 2016's are on sale now (customer cash of 2,500.00 to start with)....also a discount on 16 Corollas...but they may not "fit" your needs...i have a 2003 Corolla i bought new.....it just went over 406,000 miles yesterday....it still has the orig. spark-plugs...i never do the dealer maintenance they suggest...none of them....i just fix what breaks, which isn't much, and drive on and on and on....you can see my prior post listed as: "the Corolla Investment" for repair info. ....good luck....
by at ease
Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sentra or Corolla?
Replies: 40
Views: 8504

Re: Sentra or Corolla?

>> Corolla << my 2003 just went over 405,000 miles, only some minor repairs you would expect with 400,000 plus miles....( you can check my earlier post= "The Corolla investment" for repairs) ...I've never had "any" of the dealer recommended "scheduled maintenance " done...none... and it still has the original spark-plugs it came with...though, when I last posted about it here, lots of folks suggested I go on and put in new plugs...
...they said it would save gas etc..... anyway, I like mine a lot.....just took it on a 1,000+ mile road trip last week... good luck....
by at ease
Thu Dec 31, 2015 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Price to replace the catalytic converters in a Toyota Highlander
Replies: 50
Views: 11621

Re: Price to replace the catalytic converters in a Toyota Highlander

I'm probably not a good example on stuff like this...but, about 8 o 9 years ago the check engine light illuminated on my 2003 Corolla. A friend sent me to auto-zone(?, or one of those car part places) and they checked it for free with their chip reader and said it was the catalytic converter . My friend said it probably wasn't a bad problem and that he wouldn't worry with it unless it started to act up...so, I put a yellow post-it tab over the check-engine light so it wouldn't bother me and drove on...the car just went over 390,000 miles last week and the light is still on under the post-it... the biggest problem with it has been the post-it tabs...they get worn and have to be replaced ever couple of years.... good luck.
by at ease
Tue Oct 20, 2015 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military pilot looking for a vector
Replies: 28
Views: 5118

Re: Military pilot looking for a vector

...what if you split the monthly-money you have available toward 2 goals....say around half toward building an emergency fund, and half toward paying off the DC second morg. ...this might give you some comfort as you lean forward....a lot can happen/change in three years so it's good to think ahead but you won't really know where you will be until you get closer... Now if i was leaning toward leaving in three years...i would find a guard or reserve unit, near where i hoped to live/and that my flight skills matched, and start "investing some effort" in making contacts there and showing interest in them. They like to plan ahead too.....and, wouldn't it be nice if a unit was near one of your properties....no, that would be way to eas...
by at ease
Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The " Corolla" investment....
Replies: 51
Views: 9742

Re: The " Corolla" investment....

ray-james..... the one sad maintenance experience I've had was the transmission failing at 212,000 miles...but it was MY doing...my wife had transmission problems on her Mazda so i decided to have the Corolla transmission "flushed" at 100,000 miles...it failed at 212,000 and a local mechanic replaced it with one from a wrecked 03 Corolla ( cost around $1250.00 i believe) and told me to leave it alone, they don't need flushing....other than that, i've had a starter replaced around 250,000 ( around $250.00) when it wouldn't start one morning...then batteries, tires, breaks as needed and oil changed every 5,000-6,000 thousand....oh, one other nice thing, because it has a timing-chain, I've never had to replace the "timing belt&q...
by at ease
Wed Jul 15, 2015 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The " Corolla" investment....
Replies: 51
Views: 9742

The " Corolla" investment....

An update on one of my better investments...My 2003 Corolla just went over 380,000 miles and just keeps on pleasing.....low-low maintenance, good on gas, never had any of the dealer suggested mileage servicing so it still has the 2003 spark-plugs that it came with... i did however just spend $440.00 to have both rear wheel bearings replaced because they began to sing a little... anyway, i'm beginning to think it could go over 500,000....but i may have to replace those plugs to get there....
by at ease
Wed Jun 18, 2014 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliable car for a long commute
Replies: 19
Views: 2744

Re: Reliable car for a long commute

....i have a 2003 Corolla that has over 350,000 miles from commuting to work....it is hard to believe how good a commuting car it is.....i traded an Accord for it back in 2003 (the Honda had 426,000 miles) and i loved it, but would much rather have the Corolla.....just let your wife drive one, and if it suits her, she will likely drive it for years and never regret the decision...they are a quality car....easy on repair,gas and the size makes it good in traffic and parking....and worth considering.... (added edit: i saw your question about commuting distance, mine was 80 miles a day for work, plus lots of miles on weekends) my wife and i just drove it over 1,000 miles last week on vacation...it is solid as a rock.....just put new Michelin 9...
by at ease
Fri May 16, 2014 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggestions on used high mileage car?
Replies: 17
Views: 1867

Re: Suggestions on used high mileage car?

...i just went over 350,000 miles on my 2003 Corolla...it's still getting over 30 miles a gallon.....only real problem i've had was transmission rebuilt at 212,000 miles and that was MY fault.....just changed oil, tires,breaks as needed and it keeps going and going.....i've never had ANY dealer warranty work done (you know---at 12,000 and 15,000 and on and on..) nor have i ever changed the original spark-plugs...hey, they keep on working so i let them.....it has a timing-chain so never had any belt work to do...never changed water-pump cause it hasn't broken...did have to put in a new starter last year ($225.00 ish) and a right rear wheel bearing last month also $225.00 ish , both done at Firestone, and that is it..... i traded in a 1984 Ho...
by at ease
Tue Apr 22, 2014 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rollover to TSP
Replies: 11
Views: 2251

Re: Rollover to TSP

...i moved some IRA $ from Vanguard to the TSP about 5 or 6 years ago.....and as Alan and Huey D say, i received a 1099-R in Jan of the following year...i attached a copy of it to my 1040 (used paper 1040) and included the amount down on the line for distributions (16 ?) and hand wrote as Huey said, Rollover next to it on the same line....it wasn't lovely all scrunched in but i didn't care....i also attached a 1 page supplement-explanation to the form 1040 (last page) with a simple explanation of the move ...ie, showing from________ to________ for $$$$ and the dates...this was probably more than was needed, but it worked fine....
by at ease
Thu Apr 17, 2014 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bernstein retirement plan
Replies: 41
Views: 9684

Re: Bernstein retirement plan

...i too like his conservative approach...he once said something like, "once you have saved enough to meet your retirement-income needs, why risk losing it"? the more i thought about that, the more i agreed with it...so i did all the retirement income cash flow NEED calculations, adjusted them for a little pension and social security income, and set aside 30 X the estimated annual amount needed (25 + 5 more for a "near-miss") and will start drawing on it this year...this $$$ is in CD's and Treasuries....i also have some additional savings in the market for potential growth and estate considerations.....and finally, i keep an emergency-fund for the unexpected events we all have (it is funded monthly as a part of my normal...
by at ease
Tue Mar 18, 2014 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Government Health Insurance Question
Replies: 7
Views: 1237

Re: Federal Government Health Insurance Question

...you mention your interest/need to have "5 years of FAMILY med-insurance coverage" ( = this requirement is the "final 5 years of fed employment" before actual retirement) in order to carry the fed-med with you.....well, assuming she has met all the other "requirements for retirement"....and then takes an immediate retirement annuity with the survivor option (so that she/you can continue it after she retires....and you could then continue it should she die first) then any of the FAMILY plans they offer likely count toward meeting the above requirements.....so as you said, if you don't have/feel the need for a generous plan right now, you might select another that meets your needs/pocket book and consider upgra...
by at ease
Mon Sep 16, 2013 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe
Replies: 30
Views: 8806

Re: Day trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

...when you get back, let us know how you enjoyed the drive...last time i drove from Tahoe/Truckee back down 80..there was a bit of traffic from Sacramento to San Fran.....oh my....
by at ease
Tue Aug 27, 2013 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hedonic treadmill in retirement
Replies: 107
Views: 12404

Re: Hedonic treadmill in retirement

...you might read the book..."Thanks".....by Dr Robert Emmons...if haven't already done so....it is about developing "gratitude" as a tool for increasing happiness in your travel through life.....how developing a posture of gratitude/thankfulness can be a technique to move your happiness set point up a bit (and every little bit of additional happiness is nice i think)....i'm approaching retirement again having failed at it last time so i am doing much of what has been covered above, planning and trying-on new stuff on to replace work time and all....he explains that "feeling grateful" is fairly easy.... but that determining "to be grateful " as a posture, through both good and bad stuff, is hard work ...
by at ease
Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USAA disappoints!
Replies: 67
Views: 12232

Re: USAA disappoints!

...i've been an insurance customer for years and have been very pleased with their service on claims...but, have had a couple too many unnecessary paper-work errors when dealing with the bank on CD's....i don't believe they have the banking operation as well refined as the insurance....
by at ease
Tue Jul 23, 2013 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: could I retire?
Replies: 18
Views: 4161

Re: could I retire?

..the issue i would want to feel real-solid about would be the after-tax cash flow from the real estate, and that it was good for the long haul....because it is what will cover most of your living expenses...and often realestate income will move along with inflation...so it would be the decision making issue for me.......if i felt that it was solid and long term, then yes, i would conclude it would work given the health ins. avalibility is solid and wifes part time work is solid to keep it....the portfolio and equipment would be available for extras and you may likely want to do something just to keep active and it may pay a little also....then, the other issue for me would be, how bad do i want to stop working at this.....? good luck;
by at ease
Tue Jul 09, 2013 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving Closer To Family?
Replies: 30
Views: 3299

Re: Moving Closer To Family?

...well, i think you have a very good opportunity/path forward too both improve your finances and build family relationships (especially for grand parents and grand kids)...i grew up living next door to my grandparents and the positives over the years far out distanced the normal family-bumps that normally occur when humans are involved....also my experience with increased work commuting time (from 10 minutes to 45 minutes each way) was that the little extra time seemed normal after about a year ....it seems like you have done your financial studying, and see that the present house and cash-flow condition can be improved on by moving in a new direction.....an it sounds like you have found a path forward and a reasonable plan....the best to ...
by at ease
Wed Apr 24, 2013 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD from TSP
Replies: 48
Views: 5839

Re: RMD from TSP

...VictoriaF....to your earlier question....the way i read the tax consequences of distributions of the "Periodic monthly payments" option...as i read it, i believe one can transfer the mothly payment (or part of it) into an IRA without taxes UNTIL you reach RMD age....then the first dollars of the periodic monthly payment would be considered Req-Min-Dist as calculated by the IRS life expentency table, and would be taxed and not eligible for transfer to an IRA...but any monthly amount over the RMD requirement could be transfered to an IRA without tax...thats what i think it says in the booklet covering Tax on withdrawls and RMD's...but i could be a little bit confused... PS: i'm thinking i will probably use the Periodic monthly-pa...
by at ease
Tue Apr 02, 2013 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?
Replies: 112
Views: 14661

Re: Things I should buy/experience while in my 30s?

...when i was your age-ish, i was jogging on and off for health and weight control....on 1 May (May-day) of the year i was 33 i decided to try a new schedule of jogging at least "4 miles a day > 4 days a week"" which was a minimum of 16 miles a week...it seems like there had been some kind of Harvard (i think) medical study that had tracked men over time and said that distance was good for you...anyway, ...at the end of this month, i will have completed 30 years of doing/averaging that every week..i say averaging because there were a few weeks of illness, injury, snow ect where i had to make-up a missed day/week..... now, a couple things i've observed...my weight has never fluxed more than 5 pounds and i have much more energy...
by at ease
Mon Mar 25, 2013 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Fine line between responsible and selfish/material
Replies: 104
Views: 12164

Re: The Fine line between responsible and selfish/material

...i see you note Eccl 5:10-11......also Note Hebrews 13:5 (NIV).....it looks like you are ok, you will be ok, you have enough, and you have help....so it's ok to give yourself permission to set aside some funds for fun/joy....however you choose to define it....it will be ok.......now, see PSALM 90-10 as a point for consideration and 90-12 as a follow up...
by at ease
Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Bourbon Advice
Replies: 45
Views: 8392

Re: Need Bourbon Advice

..BBL, thanks for link...so they don't think the customers will notice...we noticed when Jack Daniels and Evan Williams black cut back from 90-proof and 7 years aging....sad sad the way many American businesses are reducing quality and/or quanity as a new business strategy...ugh
by at ease
Wed Feb 06, 2013 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "medical payment to others" vs "liability" for home owners
Replies: 7
Views: 9148

Re: "medical payment to others" vs "liability" for home owne

...several years ago i was playing tennis and whacked my partner up side the head with my racket..it was an accident, really it was....it caused a lot of bleeding and he got a few stitches....if i remember right, it was that medical part of my homeowners insurance that covered the med-bill(s) for his Dr visit....even though it wasn't at my home or on my property...and i don't think there was any deductable applied like a covered home loss....also, it seems like it wouldn't have covered me or anyone who resided in my home...
by at ease
Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's a better term for 'retired'?
Replies: 97
Views: 12269

Re: What's a better term for 'retired'?

....i'm a restaholic.....(at least according to my wife..)
by at ease
Mon Jan 28, 2013 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you expect your kids to pay for college?
Replies: 237
Views: 37045

Re: How much do you expect your kids to pay for college?

....nothing....just earn any spending money.....my folks paid for mine by saving for it and telling me it was a requirement that i go, and finish in 4 years; i had to earn any spending money i wanted/needed.....it was nice not working long hours in college or finishing with debts.... ...so, we did the same, paid all private school through 12th grade, and all undergrad by saving for it...when grad school came up, we tried to pay for it but son wanted to do it his way....so he did through loans....after graduation and 3 years of working and paying on his loans, we visited again about helping...he was ready to listen so we offered to pay off 2/3 of the remainging debt if he paid 1/3....he was ok with that and all loans were paid off recently; ...
by at ease
Thu Jan 17, 2013 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting California for the first time...need advice!
Replies: 65
Views: 9004

Re: Visiting California for the first time...need advice!

...we like wine a lot and have made the wine-run several times...but, a couple days was about all we needed so your thoughts about 3 nights in that area starting with the drive there on your noon arrival is how we would do it...plus a couple nights/days in the Mont/Carmel areas seems good also....4 nights in "the City" as someone called it should be enough to see the sights....some mentioned point Reyes which is an easy drive north of SF, a good day trip if you need one....if you have a car in SF and do cross the Golden Gate (toward point reyes) and it happens to be a nice clear day, one thing we like to do is take the first exit (i believe) on the north side of the G-gate bridge, go under the highway and head on up the old road t...
by at ease
Mon Jan 07, 2013 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those of you who have kept your cars for a long time...
Replies: 95
Views: 8881

Re: For those of you who have kept your cars for a long time

..drove a 1984 Honda Accord until 2003....it had 426,000 miles when i traded it in on a 2003 Toyota Corolla....the 03-Corolla now has 316,000 miles...odd thing though, at 299,999 the Corolla no longer increaserd miles...it is forever stuck on 299,999...so i track miles on trip meter for actual miles and oil changes....
by at ease
Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricare
Replies: 8
Views: 1643

Re: Tricare

...if you stay in the network area, US family Health gets good reports, and as mentioned, if you don't already have it, you can't get the good deal it used to be...for example, if i read it right, folks who have it and are over 65, DON"T HAVE TO TAKE MEDICARE-B as everyone else who hits 65 and go over to TRI=Care for life is required to do.... ...but, it sounds like, if you were to leave it's service area, and need/want to take Tri-Care for life (over age 65)...i don't know how you would be treated when you had to sign up for Med-B....cause Med-B goes up 10% a year each year after age 65 that you didn't take it....so, for a person 70 years old, who left the US Family market, and had to change over to TCL, it seems like they might have ...
by at ease
Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: One of the toughest decisions of my life [Employment]
Replies: 33
Views: 6005

Re: One of the toughest decisions of my life

....some interesting reading above.....something that i believe often comes out in replies here...is a glance at life based on where one is, and what one has experienced or observed over life, or, so far in life......age and life experiences impact thinking, as does youth .... i'm 62 and look back on a topic like this....and based on some replies above, i think others are looking forward ....so we tend to view it differently, and thats ok... ...my guess is that our friend has likely already decided to move on to a new phase of life, probably because it's not much fun anymore....many, many folks..including me, have at that age struggled with this same issue, and resolved to do what they thought was best (or really, what they just wanted to d...
by at ease
Mon Oct 22, 2012 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: One of the toughest decisions of my life [Employment]
Replies: 33
Views: 6005

Re: One of the toughest decisions of my life

....frame your thoughts like this: if someone you trusted said...if you will give me "11 years of your time", doing work you are trained to do, in an environment you know and are familiar with and at a competitive salary similary to what you are making now...."then"....after the 11-years.....i will give you (and/or your beneficiary)..... an immediate lifetime pension adjusted for inflation, plus immediate access to great medical benefits until you reach Soc-securituy/Medicare-age (whatever it is then), and then Tricare for life for you and your spouse to supplement it....and, the use military facilities all over the world for as long as you both live ........oh...and after the 11 years, you can stay longer if it pleases ...
by at ease
Tue Sep 04, 2012 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein article on CNN
Replies: 64
Views: 8178

Re: Bernstein article on CNN

...i think a good point he makes is.....when you have won the retirement game (meaning you have enough $$ saved to meet your expected cash-flow needs) then why risk it ??? the "risking it" is the key.....i saw this article in Money magazine last week, thought about it over the weekend, and can really appreciate what he is saying...as for me, iv'e always been fairly conservative so saving was just an important part of my strategy for retirement...so now in my early 60ies....i fit his description of having enough in safe resources to meet the 25-30 times expected retirement/cash-flow need....but every once and awhile, i get this itch (greed that is) to allocate more to stocks....but now, after his article,i'm over that itch for good...
by at ease
Tue Aug 07, 2012 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When is it ok to purchase recreational toys?
Replies: 66
Views: 12449

Re: When is it ok to purchase recreational toys?

based on my, and many of my friends, experience....wait a bit...you will likely want it (and a lot of other things) a lot more after about age 40.....when the mid-life something takes hold of your otherwise normal brain for a while.....
by at ease
Wed Aug 01, 2012 9:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The illusion of control and predictability
Replies: 38
Views: 5422

Re: The illusion of control and predictability

...how long did it take you 25 years ago,in 1987 ? just use the past experience to predict, that seems like a reasonable approach... doesn't it ??

...you made me think about a pal of mine, recently he was busy planning a little family trip to celebrate his recent retirement when some test from his routine annual physical changed everything.....so, as you said....the future is a mistery of sorts, kind of hard to predict....i guess all we can do is make a reasonable stab at planning...maybe plan for a worst case senerio and resolve to just make the best of each day, along the way....
by at ease
Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiate job offer? Unique circumstances.
Replies: 23
Views: 3420

Re: Negotiate job offer? Unique circumstances.

...my feeling is, "you are still borderline", something probably happened in their employment planning that gave them the chance to take a look at you/give you a try....i don't think you have much real leverage.....going from a no thanks..to a negotiated intern-opportunity....so i think the internship was your "counter" ...i wouldn't push my luck on this one....the best to you;
by at ease
Mon May 21, 2012 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I Run my car to its grave?
Replies: 48
Views: 5484

Re: Should I Run my car to its grave?

...i drove my last Accord 426,000 miles (had to put on 3 timing belts when they broke and stoped me on the spot..had to use my towing insurance) and in 2003 i traded it for a new Toyota Corolla that will have 295,000 miles this week....it has no timing belt to change, they say it has a chain so no belt replacement....i have always changed the oil/filter at or near 5,000 miles...have not done any dealer suggested maintenance on the Corolla, though i did flush the transmission when it crossed about 100,000... and then it failed at 212,000 miles so had a local shop (not dealer) put in a salvage-transmission from a wrecked auto that cost around $1,500.00 and it's still going fine....also, it still has origional spark-plugs....so, i fix things w...
by at ease
Tue May 08, 2012 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: What stops you from retiring today?
Replies: 100
Views: 11107

Re: What stops you from retiring today?

..to Tsasmus...

i'm near your age, and given the info. you noted, i would stay till year end....that way you can make the most of the hand delt you.....then go: then you will look back and say you did the best you could with what was realistically available .....i plan on retiring at 63 1/2, so no...i don't mind not waiting to 65.
by at ease
Tue Apr 10, 2012 3:08 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Chaz Watch
Replies: 80
Views: 17885

Re: Chaz Watch

...we could use him in Washington.....as a speech writer !
by at ease
Tue Apr 03, 2012 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with TSP holdings?
Replies: 14
Views: 1667

Re: What to do with TSP holdings?

.....a couple years ago i moved most of my Vanguard IRA into the TSP...keeping an account open in the TSP will also allow you to move future 401 or IRA monies into it should you find that is the best option if/when things change ( jobs, retirement)...
by at ease
Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Smart People Fail to Beat the Market
Replies: 14
Views: 2635

Re: Why Smart People Fail to Beat the Market

...my my, so often we hear "it's not what you said, but how you said it" that matters...this is one of those rare short-stories, and a non-fiction at that, that combined both.... important content (the what you said) with honesty and humility (the how you said it)....and it's message was simple yet striking....it's the kind of important "truth" that parents want to share with their kids and hope they are listening...the kind of talk that should be given at MBA graduation ceremonies....and given to all new employees who are just starting a 401 or folks opening an IRA....well done Sir..and thank you;
by at ease
Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Managing Massive Law School Debt
Replies: 144
Views: 11368

Re: Managing Massive Law School Debt

...i would make my primary goal, "PAYing off the loans" as fast as possible....those are ugly interest rates and as mentioned, there is great satisfaction in the freedom from lingering debt... but, i would also put a little money in a retirement account (401 or Roth, your choice) just for the mental aspect of knowing it's good to get started, it will help settle your mind.....finally, i wouldn't think about, or save for, home ownership for a few years......there will be time for that later, when you know more about your career and personal interest ....those are unknowns now...but that debt is a known...and you have the ability to impact it in a positive way.....good luck
by at ease
Tue Mar 06, 2012 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Federal Thrift Plan and Minimum Required Distribution
Replies: 5
Views: 994

Re: Federal Thrift Plan and Minimum Required Distribution

....my understanding is that the TSP is like a "401-k", defined benefit plan used by businesses...where as your traditional "IRA" is considered a different type of quailified retirement account than a 401...what this means to you is, because they are different "type" retirement accounts...you will likely be required to take MRD's from each one ,each year....but, if you had several IRA's, you could choose to take the total annual required RMD amount for all, from only 1 if you wish...so IRA's are more flexible...as is Vanguard in it's various distribution options you can choose.... ...as i review the TSP withdrawl options....i don't see where there is any mention of the ability to "choose the fund" for...
by at ease
Wed Feb 29, 2012 7:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: low rates test investor discipline
Replies: 2
Views: 616

Re: low rates test investor discipline

...Good information Sir...and i liked the way you suggested some bonds (high yield/junk) might be better considered as stocks in AA "risk" planning...
by at ease
Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Would you take out a mortgage or pay cash?
Replies: 70
Views: 7310

Re: Would you take out a mortgage or pay cash?

....i would personally pay cash....i don't like debt...any kind.....like the joy and feeling of "freedom from debt"......however, because i'm married....if my wife felt strongly about having a mortgage (for whatever reason).....then i would normally look for something we both might be able to live with.... like paying half the sales price in cash and taking a 15 yr mortgage with it's lower interest rate....and talk it over.....it is always better to talk it over and really reach a mutual agreement if possible.......after all, this example envolves both a financial decision..and a marriage decision....may you have wisdom....
by at ease
Thu Feb 16, 2012 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did you start feeling old?
Replies: 110
Views: 13078

Re: At what age did you start feeling old?

....when i recently read PSALM 90-10 again...= " The days of our years, there are seventy of them, and if there is greath strenght, eighty years....." and thought to myself....70 isn't that far off anymore....??
by at ease
Wed Nov 09, 2011 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Huge windfall, should I pay off house?
Replies: 33
Views: 4864

Re: Huge windfall, should I pay off house?

...if it were me....i would first ask myself how i felt about having all 780,000 together going forward.....ie, how does it fit into my life/retirement plan....sometimes it's a little hard to save that sum (168,000) after taxes.....if i didn't really feel the need for it, then i would go on and pay it off, because it's a good use for the $$$.....but, if i wasn't having any dificulty paying the note anyway....then i might just play a what-if game and put it aside into a secure account like a short CD etc. and think of it as my emergency-fund, that is available to pay off the house anytime i choose.... ...but as others mentioned, if you decide to not pay it off now...i would certainly call around and see about refinancing....rates are often u...
by at ease
Thu Oct 27, 2011 12:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricare for life
Replies: 11
Views: 1546

Re: Tricare for life

...so your question remains...if you don't pay the fee, if there should be one one day..or, if you choose not to take Med-B....then you would no longer be "eligible" for TFL (or any Tricare after age 65) "because" you didn't do the requirements after 65, " to be eligible".....but, i firmly believe, if later you decided you wanted TFL...you could then DO the requirements to be "eligible" (like take Med-B) and when all was confirmed...then you would regain eligibility and have TFL from the date you again became "eligible"... and have it as long as you met all the "eligibility" requirements, whatever they may be/become....though you might face an open season issue, if that becomes par...