Recent content by Mickslick

Staying the course, shored everything up a few weeks ago to realign to 60/40. The 60/40rs were getting a lot of hate and disdain from the financial "pros" last year up through March, now it looks pretty good again, it has served me well through 2009 2010 and is giving me the ballast it is...

In 1987 I was two years into my career out of college and had about 15k in the company's 401k plan. I remember that day vividly, riding home on the bus seeing the bold headlines and sensing the panic in the "older" folks at the time. I really didn't have a concern at all due to limited dollars...

I would just keep it as is. Presently I have a sizeable IRA at Vanguard, and a small fidelity IRA in my wife's name, however, when she retires in four years or so we will be transferring a substantial sum from her 401a's to her Fidelity IRA. I like the idea of diversifying between the two. As...

My daughter was hitched two weeks ago, very nice wedding in a great historic hotel, small ceremony, about 30 in attendance, later this summer they are going to have a "reception" in a barn with a lot more attendees, may be up to a 150 or so, we committed to 5k, they will likely stay within if...

Hi, not much of a contributor, but lurk all the time. Since I Fired eight years ago, photography became my new "occupation". If you have time check out my website [mod edit: link removed]

Be careful of the "regret" disease. There seems to be a trend espousing the merits of hanging on for a few years more to increase ss payouts, portfolios etc... Yes, financially you will have more by hanging on, but you will never get back precious years of unadulterated freedom and options to...

One of the most insightful comments I have ever seen.

Emancipated Insurance Professional

This is why I bailed, it wasn't the work, it was the other stuff.

Call it whatever you need to call it - Sabbatical, ER, Escape, Spiritual Enlightenment etc... If you are prepared and it feels like time to get out, go for it, then let it play out, you might go back to work in a similar position, you might go back part time, you may just become obsessed with...

I struggled with the lack of structure and a sense of purpose too when I first ER'd, no problem now, for me, I had to reprogram my brain. Remember, retiring before 50, puts you in about 1 to 2% of the population, the other 98% are typically either angry or jealous that you found a way out, or...

The Girl With The Dragon Tatoo - Subtitles, my DW read the book, suggested we get the movie, great movie, very well done.

I just don't think you have much choice but to make sure your diversification plan makes sense and stay the course. If you move everything to cash you make essentially nothing and if inflation kicks in your screwed. If the whole world collapses your screwed anyway. On the bright side, one...

Hey, what do you all think about dog walking? I live in a development with a number of professional working couples, lots of dog owners. Was thinking of starting this with my son.

Good question, I think it always a potential risky proposition to "indulge" a child just because one can afford it. And yes, college kids are still yet to be fully formed adults that can be ruined long term by not learning and experiencing self reliance and positive character development. So...