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My Dad and his brothers used to sing Big Rock Candy Mountain (and some other very inappropriate ditties!!). Every time I see the commercial with a clip of the song, or sometimes when "the sun shines every day on the birds and the bees" I smile and think of my Dad singing this song. This has...

Does anyone have any experience with fractional interests in mining properties? I inherited some (and bought out my siblings to keep it simple to manage). I have mineral interests in Minnesota and in Canada.

On Dec 7, I had my left knee replaced. This was almost exactly 2 years after I had my right knee done. The surgery went extremely well, and (partially due to a severe snow storm expected) I was released from the hospital after 30 hours. after 10 days, I was walking with a cane (and some steps...

3 years ago, one of my bosses/ friends retired the day before I did. He was 68 years old, a cancer survivor, had loved his job for 40 years. He was one of the good guys. He had expected to stay on as the chairman of the real estate arm, but family politics caused a bitter "divorce". He spent...

This past weekend, my oldest DS got engaged. :dance: The "event" was attended by DW, DS2 and DS3 as well as her parents and sisters and me. It was a great weekend, and I got a chance to talk with the future in-laws. It appears that they are expecting us to throw the rehearsal dinner (which I...

I retired July 1, 2015. I know our spending habits from over 3 years of the same net pay being deposited in our account. I also built up our budget from zero and came within about 10% of the deposit amount (misc. cash spending). I feel very comfortable with our spending and also know that...

My son has been working about a year, and he is saving about 30% of his gross wages. This is on top of his 401K contribution (he isn't offering that info, but would share it if I asked, it is at least 4% as he knows to put in what it will take to get the match). He has built up a savings...

My wife has been having bouts with depression and paranoia. She was admitted to the hospital and just released. At 54, the Dr. doesn't want to diagnose early onset dementia, but based on what I have been reading, that is what she has. My question is how do you handle watching the one you love...

I just made a reservation for 4 weeks in Costa Rica! DW and I are looking forward to spending 4 weeks in a simple cabin near the jungle and the beach and a short walk to town. The cabin is just south of Cahuita on the Caribbean coast! :dance: Now we have 5 months to learn spanish, get into...

My oldest son asked me a question about the after tax contributions to a 401K. He makes about $120k, and his savings plan is to put about 50K into savings a year :dance:, (not including the employer $7k match). He has a Roth IRA and about a years worth of after tax savings (plus funds for a...

DW and I are looking at spending a month in either Costa Rica or Ecuador next January (I know Ecuador isn't in CA, but it is close enough for this discussion). We are looking for a place in a small town on the beach. Simple accommodations are what we need. Any ideas? Have the day you...

One year ago today, I started my life over. After 34 years of working, putting the needs of my employer and clients ahead of my family's, I walked away to start a new life where I put my personal needs (which includes my wife and children) above all else. During that year, I went on a 4 week...

Watching the BBC and MSNBC overnight news on the UK leaving the EU, I wonder if the members here are concerned about their FIRE decision. I see the markets dropping for a few weeks followed by a slow recovery in the US. The interest rates will remain low for the next few years and US politics...

Just heard that Blue Cross is looking at getting out of the ACA next year, joining UnitedHealthcare. I chose BCBSNC since it was more likely to be there next year. If both of the big provides are out of ACA plans, who will the insurance be issued by? What is happening in other states ? Have...

DW and I are planning a trip to Texas next year. We are planning to drive from North Carolina with stops in Georgia and New Orleans. We would like suggestions as to where we should go. I don't relish the thought of spending a hot summer driving in Texas so we expect that either spring or fall...

I am a CPA who has worked for a family office for 22 years. I have helped the owners plan their estates, plan for their retirement, get through divorce, buy property and financially educate their children (as one client put it "He will give you 'THE TALK' (not THAT talk!)"). I was pushed by a...

I am 55, I announced in Sept that July 1 would be my last day. I have worked for a family office for 21+ years, and have a loyalty to my clients, and some co-workers. I have been the go to guy for special projects, problems for the past 10-15 years. I had a long conversation after work with...