<![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Other topics]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ en Thu, 17 May 2012 20:13:32 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.early-retirement.org/forums/images/early_r/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Early Retirement & Financial Independence Community - Other topics]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/ RIP Donna Summer http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/rip-donna-summer-61441.html Thu, 17 May 2012 19:49:29 GMT She was amazing. This is my favorite song of hers: Donna Summer - I Feel Love (Live) - YouTube... She was amazing. This is my favorite song of hers:

Donna Summer - I Feel Love (Live) - YouTube ]]> Other topics Purron http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/rip-donna-summer-61441.html Graphic of religions in the United States http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/graphic-of-religions-in-the-united-states-61435.html Thu, 17 May 2012 16:46:48 GMT I received an interesting email this morning from a friend. It's from USA Today and is a graphic of the various religions throughout the United States and is depicted by state. If you are interested you can google the site at www.usatoday.com/news/graphics/pew-religion-08/flash.htm

Edited to add that this post is not intended to start any serious discussion on religion. It's just something I had never seen before and thought the forum might be interested. ]]> Other topics JOHNNIE36 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/graphic-of-religions-in-the-united-states-61435.html Okay, this is straight out of science fiction http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/okay-this-is-straight-out-of-science-fiction-61430.html Thu, 17 May 2012 12:08:46 GMT Apparently there is hope for people paralyzed by injuries/disease: Paralyzed woman gets mind-controlled robotic arm - Health - Health care - More... Apparently there is hope for people paralyzed by injuries/disease:

Paralyzed woman gets mind-controlled robotic arm - Health - Health care - More health news - msnbc.com

Actually controlling a robotic arm by thoughts? Wow.

I know there has been a lot of experimentation and research on this and I suppose that eventually (one hopes) the bionic person will become a reality. Wonder if I'll be around long enough to see it. ]]> Other topics Walt34 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/okay-this-is-straight-out-of-science-fiction-61430.html <![CDATA[Nanny & 401k options]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/nanny-and-401k-options-61428.html Thu, 17 May 2012 03:40:35 GMT My neighbor hit me up with a question that I wasn't sure about, so I figured I would pose it here since it is more 401k based.

He's been interviewing new nannies for the summer. He normally treats them/pays them as a W-2 employee. He pays the employer taxes, FICA, etc. then he also deducts the employee taxes, etc., then nanny gets a net check for the balance.

He never thought about 401k for previous nannies until a potential nanny for this summer. She wants to put all her pay into a 401k until she hits 17k, then receives a paycheck.

Is this possible? Does he deposit it into he Vanguard individual 401k on her behalf and just pay employer taxes. Then after 17k, then nanny's gross wages gets hit for taxes, then nanny gets net pay?

I'm not sure about the process as we never had a nanny. Any suggestions? ]]> Other topics Aiming_4_55 http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/nanny-and-401k-options-61428.html Report pedestrian collision to insurance? http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/report-pedestrian-collision-to-insurance-61427.html Thu, 17 May 2012 01:41:44 GMT Last night driving home was the first time in my life that I ever caused a collision. Sadly, it was with a pedestrian. I was making a left hand... Last night driving home was the first time in my life that I ever caused a collision. Sadly, it was with a pedestrian. I was making a left hand turn from a side street stop sign, onto one of the widest and fastest surface streets in my city. I was looking right at the traffic I would merge into, and didn't notice until too late a pedestrian in the marked pedestrian walkway, walking across this busy street. I slammed on the brakes at the last moment, which brought my speed down from about 10-15mph to about 5mph at the time I struck him. It was horrible seeing him end up on my hood.

I can give a list of reasons why this happened... he was wearing all black at 10pm in a dimly lit intersection, he seemed inebriated and was heading to a bar, there should be a stoplight instead of just a marked pedestrian lane across that busy street, it was an unfamiliar part of town for me, and the oncoming car on my right was attracting my attention by driving erratically. But when it comes down to it, the pedestrian always has the right of way in this situation and so there's probably no way this is not my fault. I feel terrible about it.

The police and ambulance came, and decided not to write me a ticket or file any criminal charges (that I know of). The pedestrian I hit seemed more shaken than seriously injured; he was walking around just fine after the accident, and after he was checked out for a little while in the ambulance then released without being taken to the hospital.

So now I'm wondering where this leaves me in the legal and financial realms. A police officer told me that my insurance requires me to report any collision to them within 10 days. I agree that's the letter of the law, but I know many people who don't report collisions to their insurance company and that seems ethical so long as there's nothing underhanded going on.

I'm assuming that once he gets the ambulance bill, either he or his insurance will try to collect from me. I'm leaning towards proactively reporting this to my insurance company now, but wonder if there is any reason to wait until he or his representatives try to collect, on the off chance that doesn't happen for some reason; since no criminal activity was alleged or charged, this seems to be a purely civil matter at this point. I'm assuming that my auto insurance (and/or umbrella insurance) will appoint a lawyer if I end up needing one so I'm not looking for a lawyer now.

What would you do? Report it now? Get a lawyer now? ]]> Other topics free4now http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/report-pedestrian-collision-to-insurance-61427.html washing machines http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/washing-machines-61408.html Tue, 15 May 2012 23:45:27 GMT If any of you have had the misfortune recently of having to replace a washing machine, you will understand my frustration! This is CRAZY!!! ... If any of you have had the misfortune recently of having to replace a washing machine, you will understand my frustration! This is CRAZY!!! Apparently the government has decided how we are to do the laundry. The amount of water that they will allow in the new washing machines amounts to dry cleaning your clothes.

I was shocked to find out all the problems that people are having if they purchase a new machine. If you have an older laundry room set-up, that won't fit the front loaders, as they are very deep, you are really in a pickle.

We waste gobs of water watering lawns, golf courses, taking baths (that will likely also be outlawed), etc. But can you put a few extra gallons in the washer now........no way.

This is very discouraging.

I am willing to "hug trees" ....BUT........I want to do it in CLEAN CLOTHES. When you live in the deep south, you need HOT WATER to scrub your duds and then a seriously good rinse cycle.

Suggestion: If you need a new washing machine - be prepared to go down to the river with a scrub board! ]]> Other topics molly http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/washing-machines-61408.html 50 Years of Government Spending, In 1 Graph http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/50-years-of-government-spending-in-1-graph-61407.html Tue, 15 May 2012 22:54:56 GMT You may have to study this for a bit to get the idea that defense spending is way down and medicare is way, way up. Pretty interesting look at how we... You may have to study this for a bit to get the idea that defense spending is way down and medicare is way, way up. Pretty interesting look at how we spent and spend our government cash over the last 50 years.

Quote:
Of each dollar the federal government spends, how much goes to defense? How much goes to Social Security? How much goes to interest on the debt? And how has this sort of thing changed over time?
The graphic below answers these questions. It shows the major components of federal spending 50 years ago, 25 years ago, and last year.
50 Years of Government Spending, In 1 Graph : Planet Money : NPR ]]> Other topics mickeyd http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/50-years-of-government-spending-in-1-graph-61407.html The 2001 Bush tax cuts http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-2001-bush-tax-cuts-61397.html Tue, 15 May 2012 17:50:47 GMT I have a significant long term capital gain accrued in 2012. Assuming the the 2001 Bush tax cuts expires, what will be my tax liability? I have a significant long term capital gain accrued in 2012. Assuming the the 2001 Bush tax cuts expires, what will be my tax liability? ]]> Other topics wanaberetiree http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-2001-bush-tax-cuts-61397.html <![CDATA[Poll: When we go out to eat, I'd rather...]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-when-we-go-out-to-eat-id-rather-61395.html Tue, 15 May 2012 16:49:31 GMT No this has little if anything to do with ER, and there is no right answer. But just for fun (allowed no?). We like to go out for dinner often. ... No this has little if anything to do with ER, and there is no right answer. But just for fun (allowed no?).

We like to go out for dinner often.
  • DW usually wants to go to the same restaurants (Mex, Italian or Seafood) and she usually orders the same 1-2 appetizers, entrees and/or desserts at any given restaurant. We have many fav restaurants where she's never tried anything beyond her 1-2 favorites.
  • I have favorite go-to restaurants, but I'm usually up to try new restaurants/cuisines that look interesting. And even at the favs, each time we go I look at specials first, and will most likely order different appetizers, entrees and/or dessert until I've tried everything on the menu eventually.
Again, not trying to decide who's right (no one), just curious which approach is most common...I suspect I know. ]]> Other topics Midpack http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/poll-when-we-go-out-to-eat-id-rather-61395.html Creative reasons for leaving w*rk http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/creative-reasons-for-leaving-w-rk-61380.html Mon, 14 May 2012 14:34:34 GMT Some of these reasons I see as perfectly valid! :laugh: OfficeTeam Survey: Unusual Reasons Employees Give for Quitting Jobs - May 10, 2012... Some of these reasons I see as perfectly valid! :laugh:

OfficeTeam Survey: Unusual Reasons Employees Give for Quitting Jobs - May 10, 2012

Quote:
MENLO PARK, Calif., May 10, 2012 -- A stronger economy often gives workers greater courage to change jobs, but the excuses offered for jumping ship can leave many employers perplexed. A new OfficeTeam survey reveals the wackiest reasons job seekers have given for handing in their notice. Here are some examples:
"Someone left because her boss lost the dog she had given him."
"Our employee said he was joining the circus."
"One person left because she lost her cell phone too many times at work."
"We had someone quit to participate in a reality show."
"An employee said it was his routine to change jobs every six months."
]]> Other topics GalaxyBoy http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/creative-reasons-for-leaving-w-rk-61380.html <![CDATA[Using a Realtor site, post a link to a home you'd retire to]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/using-a-realtor-site-post-a-link-to-a-home-youd-retire-to-61379.html Mon, 14 May 2012 14:16:31 GMT At age 45, I am dreaming of age 60 when I plan to retire. I fully realize my plans may change between now and then, but here are some homes for sale... At age 45, I am dreaming of age 60 when I plan to retire. I fully realize my plans may change between now and then, but here are some homes for sale in an area I would consider living in retirement:

Criteria - Surprise, AZ (made a couple of "best places to retire" lists). Homes under $150,000, 3+ bedrooms, 1.5+ baths, single story no basement.

For $150,000 - http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...4_M11914-60863

For $120,000 - http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...4_M28769-53952

For really inexpensive deal at $87,900 - http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...9_M20353-96769

Surprise is a town just to the west of Phoenix. Pros are: no snow, in an area that has lots of retired people, so there are tons of services for them, low housing costs, short drive to elevation for cooler temps in summer. Cons are: water will always be an issue, very hot in the summer (though I like that), air quality isn't great, need to watch drug trade crime rate.

Anyway, got an area you have targeted? ]]> Other topics LeavingOhio http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/using-a-realtor-site-post-a-link-to-a-home-youd-retire-to-61379.html <![CDATA[NY Times Article on "Working Late"]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/ny-times-article-on-working-late-61374.html Mon, 14 May 2012 04:21:52 GMT Not sure if anyone posted this yet, I didn't see it (NY Times may need registration). I know people joke about being a Walmart greeter, but working at Walmart at age 92?! :(

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/10/bu...pagewanted=all ]]> Other topics PaddyMac http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/ny-times-article-on-working-late-61374.html <![CDATA[Church's liability on youth trips]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/churchs-liability-on-youth-trips-61370.html Sun, 13 May 2012 23:28:20 GMT Does anybody have experience with this? I intend on contacting the church's insurance agent, but thought I'd ask here as well.

Situation: A 12-person Club Wagon will be rented to take youth to a week-long camp. Trip will be approx. 10 hours away. The van will be driven by the pastor and an unpaid youth coordinator.

Question: Since this would be a rental, would the church's insurance normally cover all the types of damage possibilities (medical and property on the attendees and others not in the van)? I have poked around on the internet and there is some coverage sold by companies called "Non-owned vehicle insurance".

Didn't know if anyone has experience with groups using rented vehicles. ]]> Other topics gindie http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/churchs-liability-on-youth-trips-61370.html city pass http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/city-pass-61369.html Sun, 13 May 2012 21:38:25 GMT I am going to washington d.c. and san francisco this summer and was wondering if anyone here has used the city pass. I see it on the internet and... I am going to washington d.c. and san francisco this summer and was wondering if anyone here has used the city pass. I see it on the internet and was wondering if it was worth using? did it save money? did you see everything you wanted covered under the pass? ]]> Other topics frank http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/city-pass-61369.html <![CDATA[Happy Mother's Day]]> http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/happy-mothers-day-61362.html Sun, 13 May 2012 13:38:10 GMT I didn't see one of these threads for this year, so...

To all you mothers out there, happy Mother's Day! Thank you for your service. ]]> Other topics harley http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/happy-mothers-day-61362.html