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    I’m now pretty close to standard retirement age

    And by the way, there is nothing “Affordable” about it. Would be better named the “Unaffordable Care Act”. But Obamacare works just fine for me.
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    I’m now pretty close to standard retirement age

    You say Tomato I say Tomoto. Call it what you may. It still sucks.
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    I’m now pretty close to standard retirement age

    Just sayin cost of Obamacare for us was outrageous. $2400 mo premiums and $6,500 deductible EACH on top of that. Was 1/3 of that before Obamacare when you had the freedom to pick the level of coverage that fit your needs. We did not need child birth coverage in our 60’s, etc. Basically had to...
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    I’m now pretty close to standard retirement age

    Mirrors my experience and the great ride after retirement. Retired in 2006 at age of 52. Now at 68 having the best of times. From a financial standpoint stayed on course throughout carrier when I started planning in my early 20’s! And must say through the power of time and the stock market am in...
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    Kitchen Remodel Bucket list Reality Check Costs/Tips/Warnings?

    Quality costs money. All high end and amazing!
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    Options to replacing Tivo

    Replaced Directv with streaming service. If you have a 25mbs or better internet connection, streaming is far superior to TIVo, cable, satellite or other DVR’s. YouTube TV has unlimited storage and superior picture quality. 4K streaming is remarkable! Roku interface is very inexpensive and works...
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    Kitchen Remodel Bucket list Reality Check Costs/Tips/Warnings?

    Just completed a major remodel that included tearing out wall to make an open concept instead of the galley kitchen. Worked with the contractor to design the entire project at no extra cost. All high end, Cambria counter tops, top end cabinetry, restaurant quality appliances. Brought propane in...
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    Anyone wake up and say "How did I accumulate so much?"

    I hear ya. I too can not break free of my conservative spending. Still always looking for the “best deal”. It’s an addictive habit. Don’t have a clue on how to spend it without feeling guilty.
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    Anyone wake up and say "How did I accumulate so much?"

    The thing that always blows my mind is that I have more money in retirement savings than the total wages I made in my entire career. Fully funded 401k and other workplace saving options from the beginning at age 22. Now age 67 and retired over 10 years. The power of investing, just amazing.
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    Is There Any Yearning to Be Recognized for Your FIRE Success?

    I am just like the OP only 10 years into retirement. We are the most unassuming multimillionaires you will ever meet. No one knows our net worth, not even our kids. Only problem is I find it impossible to spend to our ability. Been living below our means and saving our whole life. Still though...
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    Please share your snowbird budget with me!

    We are from WI. Bought a home in the Palm Beaches area in 2011 (luck, bottom of Market). Became FL residents, spend 6 months. Huge savings on real estate tax and of course no state income tax. Like south FL for winter, gets cold farther north. Also gated community which I feel important when not...
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    Stimulus direct deposit, checks and EIP cards.

    This whole thing is a circle jerk. Both wife and I are on SS with direct deposit. According to all directions I have seen says the money will be auto deposited in that account. I’ve been checking each day for both of us and always says “status not available”. Today I check and says “you are...
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    Basic Social Security question

    I have had zero income since I was 52. Now am 66, just started receiving SS. There was no reduction in the amount reported since I stopped working. Just small incremental increases in the amount due to the inflation adjustments during those 14 years. I just wonder what is in store for future...
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    Help me spend money

    OP here. Yes I believe you are about right on #6. Don’t have issues with the others except #4. My 2 boys, now 37 and 35 still joke about me always telling them to turn the lights off and don’t let the hot water run constantly while shaving (rules I still live by). It definitely is a mindset that...
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    Help me spend money

    I really do enjoy my life, don’t really need more or better stuff for enjoyment. We are living far from destitute. Snowbird with 2 homes. Cars and jewels do little for me or wifey. I did just made a decision today to remodel the Florida kitchen without second guessing myself so I guess that is a...
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    Help me spend money

    A must spend account may be what I need to help force the issue. May force a spending spree on stuff I would never even consider till now. Or maybe I need a shrink :-)
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    Help me spend money

    Wife and I have lived a fairly frugal life. Have always saved maximum for retirement. Well, we are there and now with pension, SS, dividends, company stock, and multiple IRAs and 401k’s. I am overwhelmed with the nest egg and how to spend it. I feel stuck in this frugality mindset and can’t seem...
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    Florida Blue making a profit in the marketplace

    We moved to FL this year after retirement. Still maintain a home in WI also all our doctors are in WI. Went with a Blue Select bronze HSA plan with national coverage. We are 63/61. $1400 month before subsidy, $6350 deductible per person. Very pricey in my opinion.
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    Decumulation experiences

    Started taking 401k withdrawals in 1999, after ending employment with the company, at age 46 at a rate of 56k per year with a balance of 800k (I know, young and aggressive). Amazingly after 17 years of withdrawals 56k x 17yrs = $952,000, the 401k now has a balance of 1.6 million. Truly amazing...
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    Online banking exclusively?

    The only reason I physically go the bank these days is to cash out my piggybank, just like when I was 5 years old. :-)
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    Ways of financing a second home (Snowbirding)

    Florida tile roofs are pricey. Mine is single family 2450sqft one story that cost 25k to reroof. Requires a sealed sub-roof under the tiles, then the tiles have to be cemented into place to pass hurricane force removal test required after placement. At least that is a Palm Beach county regulation.
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    Ways of financing a second home (Snowbirding)

    Yup, mine has a $350k market value.
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    Ways of financing a second home (Snowbirding)

    We own a second home in Florida. Honestly, would not have considered it unless I could buy with cash, which we did. Bought in 2011 (I was 57 years old) when market was beat up and now has appreciated over 50%. So it has obviously been a decent investment that we can actual enjoy. Very liquid if...
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    401k NUA Tax Strategy

    Nope, separated from the company many years ago.
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    401k NUA Tax Strategy

    Thank you for the tip. I did exactly that and got a very thorough response from Alan S. He is obviously a very, very wise and knowledgeable man. Unfortunately I am not eligible because I took a distribution after the qualifying event of 59 1/2. Kinda crazy rules, oh well it was a good thought...
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