Recent content by Katiek

People evaluate risk very differently and the same number can be either far too much, just enough or not nearly enough depending on who is doing the evaluation. Plus you never know what else may be going on that you don't know.

If someone has a card, are they allowed to bring in a companion with them provided that only the member purchases items and pays for it with their credit card? Or does everyone entering need their own card?

I'm sure it's stressful and emotional now, but I bet you end up thinking this is a good thing. Most people have problems transitioning and starting to spend - at least I hope most people do because i certainly do! There's a reason OMY is a thing. But you are well positioned and could make...

I just saw this thread now, but I'm glad you were proactive and went to the ER and my thoughts are with you. Someone else mentioned that you should feel free to take notes during meetings, and I second that suggestion. The medical world can be overwhelming, and you're already so drained...

My siblings and I got some gifts each year from our parents, but they both had stable pensions and weren't worried that stock market changes could impact their income. I don't have any children, but one of my siblings does, and I'm happy for them to inherit when I'm gone. Since I don't have a...

As others have said, it's all a matter of priorities. But if you're at a place where you can afford this, there is nothing wrong with celebrating on things that truly will make you happy. For some it's more travel, for some it's a car they drive a lot, for others it's an upgrade on a house...

Congratulations! It's hard to make the decision, but it certainly sounds like you and DW have planned well and are covered. Once you're out, you'll wonder why it took this long.

Generally I'm fine with a text or a call as a thank you from younger relatives. As others have mentioned, if I mail something, I like to know that it actually got there, but i'm not a stickler about format. I'd also rather they send something quick than wait to write something more formal that...

So glad things are working out well. I will definitely look into this option at some point in the future, so it's very helpful to hear your experience and the things that you find helpful. Good luck to DH with the surgery.

I live in an area with a lot of retired city workers like police and fire, so it's not that unusual to see a person who looks pretty young say they're retired. Sometimes it's followed with a question about what they used to do, more for chit chat than any real purpose. Only once do I recall...

If you are going to Niagara Falls, consider taking a trip to the Canadian side (and if you have a day, go to Niagara by the Lake). More attractions and many say better views from the Canadian side.

I'll second (third, fourth?) the recommendation for Watkins Glen State Park. It's an unusual "hike" since it's mainly up but fascinating, unique scenery.

Welcome back! (great, now I have the theme from Welcome Back Kotter stuck in my brain!)

Love this plan. Sometimes the best memories come from the fact it may not seem "practical" but years from now your grandkids will remember your taking this trip because it was something unique that they enjoyed. One of my favorite childhood memories is, well before the days of...

After a couple years of OMY and a lot of internal questioning, I told my boss i'm planning to retire. We're still sorting out the last day, but it will be sometime before November. I've spent my entire working life afraid of getting laid off and being unable to get a new job, so this is scary...