Search found 928 matches

by Herekittykitty
Sun Mar 10, 2024 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19945

Re: What is your favorite book?

"All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque. Published first in Germany in 1929.

I have read it several times over the years and will likely read it again.
by Herekittykitty
Tue Feb 27, 2024 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 24 year old- money problems
Replies: 50
Views: 6390

Re: 24 year old- money problems

Your university likely has a career office that offers career counseling plus other services. The career counseling could help you get more ideas and more clarity on career paths. I would get an appointment with them for that, and would see what other services they have that I might learn something from even if I didn't think I needed it. Let them know you are open to possibilities within the field of psychology but also outside of that specific field. HR, Business, and so on. If you are good with IT, let them know that. Be open to the possibilities. Be open to taking a few courses or getting a certification or so (assuming you are) in order to enhance your career and/or increase your options, and/or increase your networking opportunities. ...
by Herekittykitty
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....
Replies: 268
Views: 34207

Re: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....

cjcerny wrote: Tue Feb 06, 2024 2:31 pm ........ Someone who spends $100 on tanning when they don't have two nickels to rub together isn't really interested in change. ......
Daughter in law had no idea what stepson's financial situation was when they got married and had the baby. Also she doesn't have parents, so there has been no one to help her learn. She may well be interested in getting on top of their finances.
by Herekittykitty
Mon Feb 05, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....
Replies: 268
Views: 34207

Re: Help! 25 Maxed out credit cards.....

[How much is the $7,000 of real old debt contributing to the credit score and budgeting problems? Is any of it in collections? Can any of it be settled for less than owed? Is there a way to get the car payment lowered? Refinance to a longer period? Sell the car and buy a less expensive car, or would that end up with a less reliable car? (They do need reliable transportation.) Why do they have to find a new place in July? Are they paying their rent when due? Are they paying their utilities when due? Here are some thoughts. Looks like stepson opened 5 new credit cards and financed an $11,000 car since you last worked with him. And he fathered a child and got married and seems to have deceived his wife prior to marriage about his financial sit...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Jan 21, 2024 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: employer throwing me into the meat grinder - need to be talked off the ledge
Replies: 146
Views: 24281

Re: employer throwing me into the meat grinder - need to be talked off the ledge

Herekittykitty wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2024 2:00 pm Woops - just noticed - OP hasn't updated in a couple of years.

Woops again - Thanks Homestretch! Sure enough he has!
Homestretch wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2024 2:55 pm OP just posted in this thread today in response to another poster who resurrected this thread with a similar issue.
by Herekittykitty
Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Christmas Message
Replies: 140
Views: 14259

Re: A Christmas Message

Taylor, you and all the others who fought that day are heroes. We owe our freedom to heroes such as you. Thank you.
by Herekittykitty
Sat Dec 23, 2023 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617493

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

nonnie wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:55 pm.........I'm not exactly getting spammed by the site but each day they send an email or two asking me to upload documents and urging me to pay for the professional package........
When I read the above, I googled "spam" just for fun - because to me, what you are describing is indeed spam. Well, from a random non scientific very brief look at the definitions I saw seems to come down to along the line of unsolicited commercial email. Looks like this email being sent in bulk can be part of it.
by Herekittykitty
Thu Nov 09, 2023 5:35 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: "Retired" Life Stage Virtual Chapter "Master Thread"
Replies: 130
Views: 53193

Re: "Retired" Life Stage Virtual Chapter "Master Thread"

sleepysurf wrote: Tue Nov 07, 2023 7:37 pm Final reminder for tomorrow's virtual meeting, 8 PM ET, featuring "Grandma Sylvia" Auton's journey from surviving the loss of her husband to learning how to successfully manage her own finances. Full details and Zoom link in post above.

I attended and appreciate the opportunity. It helped me feel normal and that I could learn more too.
by Herekittykitty
Sun Oct 22, 2023 5:48 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed
Replies: 158
Views: 37408

Re: Sad News - LadyGeek's Mom has passed

Lady Geek, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Mother's are special. May memories of her be a blessing for you.
by Herekittykitty
Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 77, $1,130,000 all in cash(+assets) what should I do?
Replies: 62
Views: 9761

Re: 77, $1,130,000 all in cash(+assets) what should I do?

You may have read this already but if not, then read it. It doesn't answer all your questions but it has good advice and may help confirm you have been doing the right thing to wait a while and take your time learning and figuring it out.

Managing_a_windfall

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Managing_a_windfall
by Herekittykitty
Sat Aug 19, 2023 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Podcast that might interest Bogleheads.
Replies: 23
Views: 3958

Re: Podcast that might interest Bogleheads.

https://wealthtrack.com/

Weekly 30 minute televised interviews by Consuelo Mack. Online there are web extras with the interviewees.

Also online you can go to Web Features then click on Podcasts.

Interviewees have included Morningstar's Christine Benz. Last week or the week before they had Morningstar's Russel Kinnel.
by Herekittykitty
Tue Aug 15, 2023 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is 64 too young to retire?
Replies: 124
Views: 13442

Re: Is 64 too young to retire?

Claudia Whitten wrote: Tue Aug 15, 2023 2:04 pm
..............Well, I used to be a great teacher, and that's no doubt why my heart has always wanted to go back. I was lucky to have great teaching gigs, too, and this one seems to be another. So the stars seem aligned the right way.
Yes!!!!!

And to celebrate the decision: (I know you didn't say where in Germany but hey - I couldn't help myself. I lived in Germany a few years long ago, and I would love to go back.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrtgBK1w-ts


:sharebeer
by Herekittykitty
Wed Aug 09, 2023 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Regrets
Replies: 114
Views: 15446

Re: Career Regrets

LongMoney wrote: Tue Aug 08, 2023 6:54 pm.......

I don't want to make it sound like I'm some airsoft live action role player -- because I'm not. In my mind, I will make a better soldier than scientist........
Not making a decision is really deciding to continue as one is doing.

What would you regret most - leaving your research job and finding you wanted to do it but can't get back into that track?

Or aging out of the opportunity to be a soldier?
by Herekittykitty
Tue Aug 08, 2023 3:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Regrets
Replies: 114
Views: 15446

Re: Career Regrets

Looking at this from a career and from a financial perspective here are some questions to consider for yourself, and answer if you want to: I can't tell what level your degree is (BS, MS, PhD?) Did you go to graduate school for 6 years after your BS and stop without completing your dissertation and get work as a research scientist? Looks like from what you are saying that you are good at the work but don't have a passion for it. And that your rivals/colleagues are staying engaged with it. Are they outcompeting you? If they aren't outcompeting you now, is it likely that they will be as time goes on? What are your career prospects in your current field? What is the best that you can expect in your career, the worst, and the most likely? How a...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Aug 06, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transitioning jobs; very tight financial spot
Replies: 23
Views: 3095

Re: Transitioning jobs; very tight financial spot

It was mentioned in a post above suggesting a specific article on The White Coat Investor - but I wanted to reinforce having a look at the rest of that site when you get a chance: https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/ The owner of the site is a doctor and posts here sometimes. It is well worth spending some time on. I didn't notice if you have talked to your future employer about this - but would they give you a short term low interest loan to help with expenses and help with the brief gap in employment, on top of the sign on bonus? Surely this has come up with them before from other doctors and they may have a process for it. You could bank the loan money in case you end up needing it and if you don't, then maybe you could use it to pay off s...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Aug 06, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Took dream job and essentially in Retirement (withdrawing) while working (accumulating)
Replies: 93
Views: 12081

Re: Took dream job and essentially in Retirement (withdrawing) while working (accumulating)

job security at coaching gig is fairly good. Small college so it’s not as high pressure to win (but we’ve been fortunate to be winning). as for budget, I won’t do a full blow by blow, but here are biggest items: 40k for primary residence (morgage, insurance and property taxes) (good for you for getting this far on it!) 20k child care (3 years left) 20k servicing home improvement loan (10 years left) 15k housing in location where I coach 10k servicing car loan (4 years left) I'm not sure I understand what this is: "15k housing in location where I coach"? Also, can you let us know: (If you want to - maybe there will be helpful advice for you on it. Otherwise, I assume you have it written out for yourselves.) Interest rates, minimal...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Aug 05, 2023 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone getting passport cards?
Replies: 99
Views: 14325

Re: Anyone getting passport cards?

livesoft wrote: Sat Aug 05, 2023 1:49 pm ...............Back in the 1970s I went to Mexico for a couple of weeks without my parents and did not even need a passport nor visa nor even a driver's license (I was too young to drive), so I guess times have changed.
Those were the days, my friend. We thought they'd never end. Yet alas, they did.

:sharebeer
by Herekittykitty
Sat Aug 05, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone getting passport cards?
Replies: 99
Views: 14325

Re: Anyone getting passport cards?

Getting a real ID in my state wasn't a hassle. All they needed was : Proof of legal US residence (I used my birth certificate but there were plenty of options), Proof of legal name if there is a difference in any of the documents (I used my marriage certificate since I took my husband's name when I got married), Proof of state residence (I used either my pay stub or my cable bill - I don't recall), and Proof of current residence (I used my cable bill.) There were plenty of alternatives I could have used. I went to DMV, stood in line 5 or 10 minutes (I think I made an appointment in advance), the nice woman at the window looked at my documents, gave them back, took my photo, and printed me up a new drivers license. No big deal and that shoul...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Aug 05, 2023 7:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much state pension to leave spouse?
Replies: 46
Views: 4133

Re: How much state pension to leave spouse?

She should offer to pay him the $117/month difference for as long as he lives. Win/win. :P It is just a win-win if this were a strictly business negotiation - but that might be what it is. So: I was thinking similar (her paying him some kind of difference) but it looks like it would be $177 a month for 100%. (annually: $177 x 12 = $2124.) Maybe she could even pay him some up front. ...... If she gets 50% of his pension he will get 29,256 (2438 a month) while alive; she gets 14,628 upon his death. If she gets 66.67% of his pension, he will get 28,500 (2375 a month) while alive; she gets 19,000 upon his death. If she gets 100% of his pension, he will get 27,132 (2261 a month) she will get 27,132 a year upon his death. So there is $114.00 dif...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Jul 29, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: anti dog bark device
Replies: 57
Views: 5372

Re: anti dog bark device

.......My wife believes the dogs act as a canary in the coal mine. She believes she could be dangerous without the dogs around by for getting to turn off a stove or go deeper into depression. Remember, you can't just kick someone out of their house because they can't take care of themselves. Also, her former roommate has some skin in the game. He has equity in the unit, where he was once belligerent and uncooperative, I am sure he will now cooperate. He is living with a friend so he cannot take dogs. He spends 4 to 5 hours per day walking the dogs which proves he trying. ....... I asked her why she put the dogs out side on the deck, she responded by saying " I can't stand the barking." She is not capable teaching the dog who bark...
by Herekittykitty
Wed Jul 05, 2023 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I genuinely need advice
Replies: 91
Views: 9757

Re: I genuinely need advice

Here you go - the post with the link to the Wiki article on prioritizing investing. The standard advice for Prioritizing investments is described in that article. How does that look to you? By the way - you are learning a lot of things fast. And as an aside - looking at your first post in this thread - you mentioned you and your wife would be willing to work remotely part time and that you both have the skills to do it. That is impressive. Maybe that is in your futures but not right now. Right now, focus on learning and implementing what you are learning, and in getting things simplified and organized. That will happen in a matter of months. You will be in a better position to make informed decisions consolidate the gains and either set new...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Jun 25, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: neighbor's problem. What can we do?
Replies: 19
Views: 2419

Re: neighbor's problem. What can we do?

Adult Protective Services

https://www.napsa-now.org/

"APS is a social services program that serves older adults and adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance. APS workers investigate cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation, working closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers."
by Herekittykitty
Tue Jun 20, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hard conversation w/ Mom money
Replies: 93
Views: 11580

Re: Hard conversation w/ Mom money

OP - I rewrote the info to make it easier for me to visualize. Check me on whether the numbers I wrote are accurate. 68 year old woman INCOME: Social Security $1,800 per month after tax ($21,600 per year) (on her own record or a late or divorced spouse's record - and if so would she do better claiming on a late or divorced spouse's record?) Work Income: $2,750 per month ($33,000 per year) ASSETS: tIRA portfolio $30,000 (asset allocation 60/40) House (Market value $290,000) (equity $150,000) Car (no car payment) Basic checking account $3,000 LIABILITIES: Mortgage $140,000 (payment $1,250 $ < 3%) 7 credit cards, total balance $10,000 (there could be more credit cards and they might have balances) If she has 7 credit cards and is in $10,000 cr...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Jun 11, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Some advice needed regarding Parents Retirement
Replies: 19
Views: 3168

Re: Some advice needed regarding Parents Retirement

[/quote]........Yeah, the timing of when to take SS is definitely something we have gone back and forth on. I think for my dad, his worry is given his auto immune diseases he doesn't know how long his life expectancy would be and as a result, he is a little reluctant on prolonging it. We did discuss that even if he were to take it, he wouldn't have much use for it if his bills are already paid off from other retirement income streams but I think he may prefer to have a little bit of cushion just in case he wants to use it for something. ................They have said the same thing, but because his TSP has limited investment options, we are planning to do a roll over to an IRA once we figure out what option we decide to go with....... The S...
by Herekittykitty
Fri Jun 02, 2023 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Help a Spendthrift Relative (retiree case)
Replies: 48
Views: 5770

Re: How to Help a Spendthrift Relative (retiree case)

Okay - here goes. If the aged parent were asking: $100,000 each to Mary and Tommy. A $100,000 SPIA to Fran. But since Mary is asking: Mary keeps her $100,000. Tommy keeps his $100,000. Mary is especially supportive of Tommy using his $100,000 to secure his own future. Tommy thinks of the many ways he could do this. Mary commits to using her $100,000 to provide a legacy for her children and grandchildren, in memory of the aged parent. Mary considers many ways this could be done (for example, funding Roth IRA's, and so on) and keeps a written accounting of how and when she does this. Tommy supports Mary in this decision. Tommy and Mary agree to hold each other accountable in carrying out their intentions for their own $100,000. They see how t...
by Herekittykitty
Fri May 19, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617493

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

quantAndHold wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 9:42 am.........We have 44 windows and live in a sunny climate. We don’t use lights during the day, but I’ve always suspected that the amount we save on electricity is dwarfed by the amount we spend on Windex.
:-D
by Herekittykitty
Mon May 01, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?
Replies: 62
Views: 7027

Re: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?

CyclingDuo wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2023 2:15 pm My spouse is retiring this year and will receive her state pension which is of the non-COLA variety.......
CyclingDuo
Is there an option to take lower pension payments initially in return for a guaranteed annual (or other specified period of time) increases in payment amount? (Not giving advice - just asking if her state pension has that option - it might be worth asking if you aren't sure, as it might not be somewhere obvious in the paperwork.)
by Herekittykitty
Sun Apr 23, 2023 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Balance Student Loans, Saving for a House, and Retirement
Replies: 13
Views: 1893

Re: How to Balance Student Loans, Saving for a House, and Retirement

...... Financial Summary: Income: My base salary is 104k GBP, with bonus and RSU's it hovers around 180-200k GBP. My wife's salary is 70k GBP. Cash (HYSA's and Checking accounts both US and UK): 170,202 USD Tax Advantaged Retirement Accounts (401K, IRA, and UK Pensions): 144,029 USD Acorns Aggressive Portfolio (VOO/IJH/IJR/IXUS): 72,318 USD RSUs: 72,370 USD Debt: 94,209 USD - Student loans 01 - 13,106.30 @ 6.96% 02 - 23,950.38 @ 6.96% 03 - 12,748.59 @ 6.59% 04 - 22,566.90 @ 5.96% 05 - 21,847.18 @ 5.59% What we're doing 1. Currently contributing up to the match in our UK pensions 7% of base salary pre-tax. 2. Investing 1500-2000 USD monthly into the Acorns aggressive portfolio which is a mix of VOO/IJH/IJR/IXUS. 3. Holding an emergency fund...
by Herekittykitty
Fri Apr 21, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tough question regarding beneficiaries of will/trust
Replies: 35
Views: 3891

Re: Tough question regarding beneficiaries of will/trust

What you do is a personal decision. Here's how I would think about it. 20% to your long term partner if that amount makes sense to you (or more depending on your relationship and how financially secure she will be without you and how much that matters to you) The rest evenly divided between your brother and your sister 40% to your sister - what you leave her will be a blessing not only to her but to her kids and grand kids - in other words, a legacy 40% to your brother - what you leave him will be a blessing for him Alternatively: 20% to your long term partner if that amount makes sense to you The rest divided evenly 1/3 to your brother, 1/3 to your sister, and 1/3 divided among your sister's kids Alternatively: If your Social Security reti...
by Herekittykitty
Tue Apr 18, 2023 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617493

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

watchnerd wrote: Tue Apr 18, 2023 12:11 am Checked out e-books from county library.

No need for Kindle.
What do you check them out onto and read them on?

(I've never checked out an e-book and don't have a Kindle. I would like to check out e-books but don't want a Kindle if it can be done without one.)
by Herekittykitty
Sun Apr 16, 2023 12:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: submit ?s for Mr. Money Mustache [Bogleheads® Live]
Replies: 128
Views: 14007

Re: submit ?s for Mr. Money Mustache [Bogleheads® Live]

I would like to listen to the MMM interview and will appreciate the opportunity if it turns out I can. I can't join in, in real time and I don't want a twitter account - but if it is recorded I will listen to it and likely enjoy it and maybe learn something I didn't know before. Occasionally I go to the MMM site and re-read something or read something for the first time and I enjoy the process. Sometimes I learn from it and when I do, so much the better. OK - maybe he just did FIRE for a while without the construction and other money making businesses. Good for him. He did and learned things to save and earn money during his FIRE time, and at some point began leveraging his construction and other abilities to bring in even more money and he...
by Herekittykitty
Wed Apr 05, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Investment choice for a 20 year old - Target Date or VT
Replies: 31
Views: 2337

Re: Roth Investment choice for a 20 year old - Target Date or VT

This is an aside - don't let it derail the question at hand which is specific investment advice for the OP's 20 year old son: William Bernstein's excellent little book, "If You Can" is a quick and easy introduction to investing for young people just starting to invest. It is available for less than $5.00 on Amazon or downright free on Dr. Bernstein's website through his generosity as a gift to young people starting out. My copy is 43 pages long, fairly big print. I wish it had been available decades ago when I was young, but it wasn't. Your son might benefit from reading it, and he might even enjoy it. http://www.efficientfrontier.com/ Best wishes. And good for you for helping your son decide on a good investment for him and good ...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Mar 12, 2023 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement decision, advice on Pension, please
Replies: 24
Views: 2341

Re: Retirement decision, advice on Pension, please

...... My main question is in regards to the pension options. Annuity vs Lump Sum. Basically, Annuity is $2250/month = $27,000/year, No COLA (additional $300/month at age 65 for medical). Lump Sum = $406,000 something........ Just to be sure - do you get the additional $300 a month at age 65 for medical regardless of what whether you take the lump sum or the pension? Also - not that you would necessarily want to but just in case you did - do you have the option of taking a lower pension and partial lump sum? (For example $1125 a month pension and $203,000 lump sum?) Finally - not that you would necessarily want to - but do you have the option of taking a reduced pension amount in return for a certain percentage increase in the pension paym...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Mar 11, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Employment Offer with Relocation
Replies: 106
Views: 10406

Re: New Employment Offer with Relocation

..... Ultimately, I feel quite disappointed. Maybe you dodged a bullet. In which case maybe you have cause for rejoicing, not for disappointment. The work life balance was going to be worse for your wife. Worse for you. Worse for your kids since both parents would have a worse work life balance. You mentioned a couple of posts above that it looked to you like the company wanted a lot and didn't want to pay for it. The position is a new one for the company - with the inherent risks of that, including that the company could decide to eliminate the position if they decide they don't want to go in that direction after all. With the communication complicated by, as you mentioned a couple of posts above, it looking like the recruiter didn't pass...
by Herekittykitty
Sun Mar 05, 2023 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where would you invest $5k today, if you were in my position?
Replies: 33
Views: 3461

Re: Where would you invest $5k today, if you were in my position?

You might enjoy reading Dr. William Bernstein's book, "If You Can." It is a quick read. You can buy it or you can download it for free (thanks to his generosity) from his website:

http://www.efficientfrontier.com/
by Herekittykitty
Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of [How do I pay off her credit card debt?]
Replies: 69
Views: 8335

Re: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of [How do I pay off her credit card debt?]

She must be overwhelmed. It would have been better if she had let you know sooner what was happening but it is hard for people to do that and maybe she was hoping it would work out somehow. It is good she has let you both know now. If she doesn't know what to decide, it seems likely best to not sell her car at all unless she can't drive safely and maybe not even once she can't, if you or your wife would be driving it instead of her (since she might like the familiarity of the car whether or not she is the one who drives it.) It also seems best not to sell the house at least for now. It is hard to imagine her thinking she is going to lose her home because she spent too much on a car 6 years ago. She could be devastated, ashamed, and scared, ...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Mar 04, 2023 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of [How do I pay off her credit card debt?]
Replies: 69
Views: 8335

Re: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of

Don't do anything too fast. Especially anything that would be hard to undo. There isn't a raging fire. A threatening smolder - yes. But you, your wife, and MIL have time and the ability to put it out. Before anyone does anything - have a look at her income and spending and figure out what happened. Review her credit card history including charges, payments, and interest. Review her bank account history including deposits and withdrawals. Get a copy of her credit report with score to see if there are any surprises. Maybe get all three credit reports with scores. Confirm that all taxes including property taxes and income taxes are paid. And that her bills are paid up to date. Make sure everyone's (you, your wife, MIL) will, POA, and so on are...
by Herekittykitty
Tue Feb 21, 2023 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford to leave my job at 39?
Replies: 61
Views: 11654

Re: Can I afford to leave my job at 39?

12/29/20 Bogleheads, I’m looking for some advice on leaving my current job and trying to go part-time or finding something else that I actually like doing. My wife and I were both professional athletes in our younger adult lives and were able to save a huge percent of our incomes. I hope those decisions can give me some flexibility now. ....... I am getting more and more tired of missing time with my friends and family, etc. ......I feel like I need a change but I am struggling mentally to walk away from something that is so safe, even though I feel we have financially set ourselves up for success. I have never quit anything in my life and I also feel like I would be letting others down by leaving my job....... 12/30/20 What is it that you ...
by Herekittykitty
Mon Feb 20, 2023 5:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: *Update* Melancholy Tale: Parents Had Pension, Social Security, SPIA & TIPS, but …
Replies: 282
Views: 48715

Re: Melancholy Tale: Parents Had Pension, Social Security, SPIA & TIPS, but …

I am learning a lot from the original post and the thread. I don't see the tale as melancholy as the thread's title describes it. I see the situation as lives well lived with a lot financially done right along with a few missteps, and with children raised right. Plus luck, good and bad, but such is life, then and now. It is very helpful to see the example over their lifetimes and how it turned out and think about how it might have been different had decisions been different at various points, or had luck been different at various points, or had there not been at least one of their children willing to help should the need come (which it may not.) It is especially helpful to put myself in their situation and think how might I have managed my ...
by Herekittykitty
Sat Feb 11, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need sanity - a simple, life-time plan.
Replies: 41
Views: 4939

Re: Need sanity - a simple, life-time plan.

stillkickin wrote: Sat Feb 11, 2023 8:17 am
......running down the street naked, waving my arms and hooting like an owl......
I love that image. I've never seen it before. Is there a reference for it or did you come up with it yourself?

Sorry for the off track question but I couldn't help myself - the image is so on target and hilarious.
by Herekittykitty
Fri Feb 10, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber or New Car
Replies: 62
Views: 6111

Re: Uber or New Car

Update- it has been a year now since we got rid of our car. We have not replaced it. A few observations: - the cost of maintaining our 6-7 year old car has been about $3k. - all of the maintenance has been routine, insurance and tires being the biggest - we rented a car for a few weekends - we used Uber and Lyft quite a bit - we spent less than $1k on Uber, Lyft, and car rentals - some days we wished we had a second car and it has taken some planning - we have had a few instances where Uber or Lyft have been slow or cancelled but we now understand not to try and use them at the last minute - I have spent far less time dealing with maintenance issues - I have spent no time shoveling snow, looking for parking, or moving the car for street sw...
by Herekittykitty
Tue Feb 07, 2023 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New guy in need of feedback
Replies: 9
Views: 2033

Re: New guy in need of feedback

bogledeedee wrote: Sun Feb 05, 2023 10:22 pm........

No survivor benefits, if I understand you correctly.......
Here's a Forbes article on defined benefit pension plans. If you are not certain about the provisions of your wife's pension and about what survivor benefits are and whether that option is available - it could be worth your time (a few minutes) to read it. (Maybe you are certain in which case no need to read the article - but it just takes a few minutes to be sure.)

Understanding Defined Benefit Pension Plans

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/retireme ... efit-plan/

A ways down in the article is a section that explains survivor benefits: "Defined Benefit Plan Payment Options"
by Herekittykitty
Sat Jan 28, 2023 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early retirement -- good to go?
Replies: 113
Views: 16542

Re: Early retirement -- good to go?

One of my late friends retired > 20 years earlier than his wife, both physicians. He spent much of his time in Florida in retirement at the golf course and the racetrack while she continued to work up in the midwest. I asked him once how this was working out and he replied, "DW and I have the perfect marriage. She likes to work and I let her work. I like to play and she lets me play". Both were happy with the arrangement. The marriage lasted until his death, produced three children. Lucky him and maybe lucky OP too. Lucky wife, too. She wanted to work and her husband was fine with it and not insisting she quit when he did just because he wanted to. I'm a woman and would be that wife in the same situation - I like to work. It make...
by Herekittykitty
Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:39 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉
Replies: 247
Views: 15717

Re: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉

Thank you so much for your service to our country. And thank you for your dedication to educating people on simple and wise investing.

May you have a very happy birthday!!!!!
by Herekittykitty
Sun Jan 22, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buyer not Wanting Signature Confirmation
Replies: 84
Views: 7020

Re: Buyer not Wanting Signature Confirmation

Since you stated clearly in the listing that you wanted a signature for the package I would be more concerned about the potential buyer not wanting to sign for it than had you not stated clearly in the listing.

OTOH the potential buyer might be telling the truth that they don't want to hassle with having to take extra time and trouble to go pick it up from somewhere in order to sign for it during his/her non working hours.

Personally I might courteously decline the potential sale. That way you don't have to worry about the potential buyer's intent and you don't have to worry about a potentially annoyed buyer leaving a less than favorable review.
by Herekittykitty
Sun Jan 22, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617493

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I tried doing just one shampoo and one conditioner cycle instead of my usual, two of each. Not sure if this is the place to skimp but also wondering whether two are really necessary or just a means of getting consumers to use product faster. Appreciate any insights on this...... Female here with thin, fine, straight to wavy hair over 4 inches below my shoulders. I wash my hair about 3 times a week. I usually don't use conditioner and when I do it is usually once a week or less. If I had a lot of thick hair I might use conditioner more but alas I don't. The vast majority of the time I just wash my hair once with shampoo. I don't usually shampoo twice in a row - just shampoo well enough to get the hair and scalp clean the first time. I run m...
by Herekittykitty
Wed Jan 11, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617493

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

This is perhaps more of an antifrugal thing, but Sprouts had bags of mixed nuts, still in the shell, marked down from $3.99 to 99 cents so I thought "why not", without considering that people own nutcrackers for a reason. Nature's child-proof packaging... I now have much more respect for squirrels, and a whole new appreciation for phrases like "tough nut to crack." I tried using a hammer, but so far the ChannelLocks have been the most nearly successful approach. The almonds are soaking in a bowl of water, because someone on the web thought that would work, but as of this morning they remain as obdurate as ever. I may end up just letting the neighborhood tree rats have the lot. Great story! Funny - unless you are the one...
by Herekittykitty
Wed Jan 04, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ever taken a job you have no interest in?
Replies: 35
Views: 3383

Re: Ever taken a job you have no interest in?

...........Yes, you frame the situation and the considerations perfectly. I can afford to do this. Heck, I could have afforded to do it years ago, but I was waiting for certain retirement milestones to be met. All of these will have been met as of March of this year (I would start in April/May). It's probably time. Still, as someone who started out life working for a dollar an hour in tobacco fields, I find it hard to walk away from the kind of money I now make in a job I like, even if it's for something that I've wanted to do for many years (I used to live and work in Europe, so I know the pros and cons of life there). OK - you have wanted to do this for a long time and you have been able to afford to do it for a long time. You started ou...