Recent content by Bigdawg

I find it interesting that retired folks care about traffic and weather. Weather: I have three weather apps on my phone. They are all contradictory and rarely are any of them accurate. I use all three as general guidance for planning my day/week. Traffic: Waze is an awesome app. Pop in...

I agree with what you say except the bolded. We (the viewers) can't demand accurate, unbiased reporting. Well, we can but who is going to listen. I don't want to hear what "my tribe" is saying. I want to hear the unbiased truth and then I'll form my opinion. We are divided because the news...

^ Reason #XXX why I will NEVER get involved with an HOA. Good luck.

^ location dependent for middle class is spot on. My DD and her husband make almost exactly what my DS and his wife make. DS and his wife are in San Diego. They are barely scraping by renting a 2/1 house for $3300/month. DD and her man own a 3/2 house here in Southern MD. Their mortgage is...

I've been FI since 2010 and RE for 14 months now. 57 was a good age to retire for me. DW is 52 and would like to work 21 more months to get her into her yr 55 for grabbing 401k if she wants to. We have only around 700k investable. Here's the thing, we don't need any of it. 2 military...

Interesting. DW just bought a fully loaded Kia Carnival. One thing Kia doesn't do well is trade with other dealerships. We had to drive by 3 Kia dealerships to get to the one that had the vehicle she wanted. We were preapproved through USAA. We pay the payment for about 3-6 months then pay...

I can't remember when he was an all star. Who is he? What is the NBA? So confused. I had a turkey sandwich for lunch.

Maybe some opportunity for ROTH conversions before the dreaded RMD's happen at 72. Good luck to you.

Basement, Welcome. Yes, you can do it. Thanks for your service BTW. I retired last year at 57. I see you mention your spouse. I was going to tell you to go to the VA for medical but that won't help your wife. Also, it has been a long time but if you haven't done it, put in a VA disability...

Thanks Mods. Awesome job as usual We don't use ACA as we are both retired military. I am glad this country has the ACA. My hope is that we can tweak it. It is OK but can be so much better. I do believe in some form of basic health care for all people.

We only plan the big stuff. The flight. The transpo from the airport to our hotel. We scout out some potential eating places. May make a res or 2 for a week stay. We are the same way with our budget/finances. We have both learned over 30 years that we are not that anal. Had occasions...

Alright Hawk. Here is the plan: Fixer and I will come up and meet you for lunch in Crystal city. After lunch you can take us in and meet your boss. Fixer and I will file a complaint with HR and before you know it security will be escorting you to the door. Problem solved. :dance:

Without knowing those exact #'s and your expenses and needs (in retirement) in general I would say only contribute to 401K's to get the company match. The next investment dollars should go to HSA then taxable accounts. ROTH is you want to or wait and do ROTH conversions when you are in a lower...

1. Hookers 2. Blow 3. Gambling losses 4. Alcohol 5. Girlfriend 6. Other girlfriend

Since you are best friends with a Marine, it's good to know that we always capitalize the word Marine. Yes, we are weird like that. Semper Fi! BTW, what did your Marine best friend fly? DW and I are both USMC(Ret) aircraft maintenance officers.