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We have a number of educational and charitable organizations named in our trusts. Revisiting estate issues, I was a bit surprised at the amounts that would be given if we both died today, for example. Several over $400K, the smallest is $100K. These are stated as a percentage of the pie, not...

Our summer house uses well water that contains a fair amount of iron. The water we use inside the house is treated and the iron is removed. However, the water that is used in the irrigation system is not, and the result is iron staining on the hardscape surfaces, but more importantly clogged...

Our summer place has a two-car detached garage with a guest cottage above it. It is generally very humid here year-round, and this structure is well shaded, so it stays pretty cool on the garage level. The space above is kept heated to 50 degrees in the winter, not sure how much heat makes it...

I'm always amazed at the variety of different views, and the fresh ideas, I read on here regarding just about everything. So, I'm asking for thoughts on a situation that has been bothering me. We have two mid-20's children, boy and girl. Both are working in good jobs, and could easily live on...

I'm mapping out our annual drive from south to north and we are thinking of taking a route that avoids Washington area traffic. It takes us off I-95 in SC. We would take I-26 for a bit, then pick up I-77 near Columbia, SC. Take that to I-81 in Virginia, then I-81 until just past Harrisburg, PA...

I'm beginning the process of planning our annual migration from south to north by car (by car necessary because we have a dog). We like to vary the route a bit if we can, and while we have a few go-to stops and hotels along the way, I research places on TripAdvisor to decide where to stay. I'm...

Out of curiosity, I checked my FICO scores from Amex and Citibank, where I have credit cards. I don't have much debt, but the Amex balance can be high since we average $25K per month on it-all paid every month. No car loans, no student loans, etc. Amex: 839: "Your FICO® Score considers the...

Like many here, I regularly calculate a net worth number, and I include the value of residential real estate. I have been giving those (realistic) values a 5% haircut to reflect Realtor commissions. Now I'm questioning whether that makes sense. Other items, like equities, are shown without...

A little over a year ago, we bought a third home, which has now become our permanent residence. It is used in the winter. We still have what used to be our main home, and plan to spend a month or so in spring and fall. We also have our summer home, which we have had for longer than either of the...

My question is whether one should even be concerned about the "withdrawal" rate if one earns more than one spends. In my case, if I look at planned spending in 2015, it is 4.3% of my 12/31 investment portfolio (does not include personal real estate). However, the spending is only 63% of what...

I'm trying to get some digital photos printed and mounted in frames with mats. I used art.com several years ago to do this, and they turned out well. However, now art.com tells me the file sizes are too small. They are the same files I used earlier. Not sure why they changed. Shutterfly is OK...

Does anyone have any experience with cast or extruded aluminum outdoor furniture in salt air? We are thinking we like the look for our place in Florida, but aren't sure about oxidation. The porch is covered, but is directly on the ocean. Most likely, the furniture would be moved inside during...

We are planning to move 11 pieces of furniture from our house in Illinois to our condo in Florida. We will eventually downsize the house, and plan to re-use this instead of buying new. Some of it is antique, and the rest is fairly high cost stuff. I figure the replacement value is $25,000 if...

My in-laws are 80-something, and are not getting around so well anymore. Also, they can get a bit confused at times, and travel exacerbates that, even though they have traveled extensively. They have used skycaps and wheelchair assistance for a year or so now, but they really could use a...

I have been converting TIRA money to Roth for a few years now. I thought I had been calculating my conversion amount so that I would get just under the point I was tipped into a higher tax bracket. I did the calculation a few years ago and have converted that same amount every year. However...

I have an HSA account in my name through HSA Bank and roll almost all the money into a TD Ameritrade account, where it is invested. I have never made a withdrawal. My wife turned 55 last year (I'm a few years behind her). As near as I can tell, we can't make the extra $1,000 deposit into my...

Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with living at John's Island, Florida? John's Island Real Estate Company | Exclusively John's Island, Florida It looks interesting to us as a possible winter (and tax) residence.

I have a 529 plan which won't cover all my kids' college expenses. I haven't contributed anything this year. My state has a deduction for a maximum $20,000 per year contribution which at the 4.5% tax rate would save $900. I'm thinking of opening a 529 online, funding it with $20,000 with...

I'm a pretty numbers-oriented person, and with the new year I have been spending time looking at income and expense to see how we are doing. I do an income statement and also a plan for the coming year. Previously, I have included the principal portion of mortgage payments as an expense. It is...

I've been lurking on here awhile and have finally decided to toss out my first post, an introduction. I owned a company which I sold on my 45th birthday. I cleaned out my office that day and left. That was two years ago. I spent a fair amount of time the first year tying up loose ends...