Recent content by ears20

Some very interesting responses, especially from those who attended a 40th/50th after never going to any prior events. HS was not a time in my life that I enjoyed, even in retrospect. There was nobody I truly considered a friend, and I haven’t spoken to any of my classmates since graduation...

W*rking at a golf course, doing a little bit of everything. Years ago when I’d been laid off from my j*b I considered a radical career change. I spoke with one of the local PGA pros; he was always very light-hearted and relaxed in conversation. When I mentioned my interest he turned deadly...

I’ve repurposed those business casual shirts: those are standard summer wear for me. Untucked, sleeves rolled up part way, worn with Bermuda shorts and flips or topsiders. In the winter, swap jeans for the shorts and ditch the flips. Either way, tuck the shirt in for more formal. A bit more...

I pulled the ripcord yesterday. Started cleaning out the office a week ago, had the obligatory sending-off party (heartfelt and very nicely done!), and turned in my badge yesterday. It still doesn’t seem real - I’m technically on vacation through the end of June - but I’ve won the race. Today...

no month specified ------------------ Grumpyretirement trapperjohn datuck Snoopy (55) Lovetoski (46) Coolrich59 (59) January ------- chief04010 1/2 JeffinSeattle 1/2 Boilerman 1/2 (57) OldPhd 1/4 Uncle Lumpy 1/5 (60) ikubak 1/10 (55) February -------- March ----- Nunyaa elainejtm April...

Old cosmologists never die... ... they just disappear beyond the event horizon. Thank you, Professor Hawking.

There’s one in every crowd...nothing like typing with sausage fingers! [emoji38] I’m half hoping they’ll ask me to stay on through the summer; I’ll want a year of vesting service in return. I’m not holding my breath. Thanks to all for the good wishes! It’s all very real now... :dance:

I pulled the ripcord yesterday. My (tiny) bonus was paid 10 days ago, and my boss got back from his vacation on Thursday, so I scheduled the meeting for yesterday. It was very cordial and professional, without any of the drama I feared. The final date hasn’t been set yet; he knows my...

I’ve always heard a boat owner’s two best days are the day they buy the boat...and the day they sell it! [emoji38] I’m also thinking of indulging myself a bit, perhaps (like the OP) a new telescope or perhaps a camera...but the thought of spending the cash gives me pause. [emoji848]

I’ll be in a similar position re: navigating the gap between Megacorp insurance and Medicare. My FP suggested asking the carrier if you can stay on the plan after the prescribed period. Not at all a given that they’ll agree, but he told me that sometimes they do. I’m not counting on it, but I’m...

How close are you to Medicare eligibility? I would think you’d be able to stay on COBRA for another 18 months after the two years are up. Not the cheapest, but guaranteed access.

I figured for the folks here that almost goes without saying - [emoji41]

Congrats! I’d love to get this type of news. I’d guess that if you’re close enough to have targeted two years from now such a package would put you over the top, especially with the 3/19 date. Good idea to vet it with your CFP; let us know how it turns out for you. Good luck!

I’m having the same emotions, Joe. I’ll be telling my boss next week about my 4/30 retirement. I liken it to the feeling I had when I went whitewater rafting over a 20’ waterfall: extremely excited to do it, but more than a little nervous, too. I keep telling myself that the plan was solid...

If you’re FI and enjoy your j*b then you already have quite a bit of freedom...congrats! One thing you might want to consider is a section 72t, or SEPP, withdrawal. This allows you to take substantially equal periodic payments from your IRA before 59.5 without penalty. The biggest catch is you...