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A few things I learned at ER.org
Old 10-16-2009, 11:55 AM   #1
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A few things I learned at ER.org

I could never list them all, but a few came to mind for me today.

FIREcalc and SWR first and foremost. It was my first exposure to how you might figure out how much you need to retire. (Actually, I didn't learn about FIREcalc here, I found out about FIREcalc and then got a link from there to this site). Thanks Dory!

The public library. It seems so silly that I never thought of getting books from the library, but I didn't. When I started here I was spending thousands of dollars a year for books. I didn't realize libraries now let you check catalogs online and reserve books and just pick them up. Nords, you saved me a lot of money.

Credit card cash back/Pen Fed CDs. Pen Fed was all the talk when I first started here, they paid more on CDs than anybody. Thanks Wab! Hope you check in again sometime.

Health insurance information. When I started here my first question related to the issue of health insurance when I retired. I learned about the excellent website from Georgetown University, Health Insurance and Coverage Help for Consumers Everywhere and from there I started learning more than I ever expected about health insurance. The site was down for a number of months when they ran out of funding but it is back and a great source for finding out your insurance options in your own state. Thanks Bob Smith (IIRC) for Health Insurance and Coverage Help for Consumers Everywhere.
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:12 PM   #2
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List? I need a volume or two or three...

The biggest thing I learned here is I always need to learn more. And admitting that is the first step to getting smarter.

Thanks, everyone.
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:18 PM   #3
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I learned that this is, hands down, the best Forum on the Internet... in all categories.
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:23 PM   #4
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I learned about cougars and why asparagus makes my pee stink.

One thing I have appreciated though is the FAQ section specially the health care list.


among other things
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:28 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Notmuchlonger View Post
I learned about cougars and why asparagus makes my pee stink.
Pee stinks? My what an exciting life you must lead.
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"It's tough to make predictions, especially when it involves the future." ~Attributed to many
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is." ~(perhaps by) Yogi Berra
"Those who have knowledge, don't predict. Those who predict, don't have knowledge."~ Lau tzu
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:29 PM   #6
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It is unprecedented (in the pre-WWW days) that an individual can have instant access to 4000 or so of his "close friends" for advice on almost anything. It can really keep you out of trouble (and rarely, vice versa).

For all I've learned here (and I've learned a lot), I think I value even more the sounding board reactions and sanity checks that we lend to one anothers posts. A close runner up is the humor here, its own brand I might add.

I'm glad to be here.
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As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:30 PM   #7
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Pee stinks? My what an exciting life you must lead.
You have no idea.
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:38 PM   #8
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[QUOTE=Rich_in_Tampa;865680] It can really keep you out of trouble (and rarely, vice versa).
QUOTE]

Maybe I should change my screen name to Vice Versa..
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Old 10-16-2009, 12:42 PM   #9
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5 years ago this month I registered here but have been reading the forum for much longer. I figure another 20 or 30 years and I'll know everything I need to know. I'm a slow learner but I catch on at some point.
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Old 10-16-2009, 01:32 PM   #10
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According to my mom, I have a thick skull...
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Old 10-16-2009, 02:27 PM   #11
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I've learned I was not as open-minded as I thought. Different ages and backgrounds here have taught me a great deal about thinking outside the box.

Thanks to all....
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Old 10-16-2009, 04:07 PM   #12
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I´ve learned that you Americans are different -for the better- to the stereotype that TV shows and movies portray.
And that you -members- are a witty sort.
I´m certainly glad to have found this Forum.
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Old 10-16-2009, 04:08 PM   #13
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I really liked all the hand holding and "Koom-by-ah" during the recession, especially last October. It kept me steady and resolute when panic was knocking on the door.
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Old 10-16-2009, 04:18 PM   #14
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I don't think I'd be as comfortable about DH and me being RE'd today had I not been reading these boards since 2006. And I still learn something everyday on them.
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Old 10-16-2009, 04:20 PM   #15
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I've learned I'm not alone in wanting to FIRE. That alone is worth more than I can express.

Thanks, y'all.
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Old 10-16-2009, 05:10 PM   #16
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I wouldn't have made my decision on April 17 to retire in July without all the great information I've assimilated from this site. (It was the best decision I've ever made.)

Thanks everyone.
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Old 10-16-2009, 07:26 PM   #17
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A heartfelt thanks to all of you also. I am definitely learning a lot from this forum and feeling more confident about eventual retirement.
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Old 10-16-2009, 07:28 PM   #18
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I wish I'd found this forum BEFORE I retired. I woulda had a little more money and a lot more confidence.
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Old 10-16-2009, 07:31 PM   #19
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I have learned that there are folks as frugal/cheap as I am and not ashamed of it; others who enjoy solitude; others who like eating gizzards...
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Old 10-16-2009, 07:32 PM   #20
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I wish I'd found this forum BEFORE I retired. I woulda had a little more money and a lot more confidence.

Amen to that! But I did learn a lot about bacon...and dryer sheets...and the many uses for bubble wrap!!
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