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Was this one of those days that you do not want to be out of the market?

Recently I inadvertently highjacked a thread about taking SS at 70. In an attempt to rectify the situation I'd like to give some more data. After a long period of "watching and waiting" it became very clear that I had entered into the danger zone for prostate cancer. It seems that the criteria...

How far to you go in planning future your total income tax burden? I'm currently working on DM's state tax and rediscovered the Homestead Tax Credit for Michigan. Even as a renter she qualifies for a significant credit. Before the new federal tax law I bunched our property taxes every other...

Hypothetical question. If all the clamoring I'm hearing about a weaker US dollar going forward is true, would it make sense to throw some cash at International equities? I realize there are reasons for the current valuations but I'm wondering if a currency play with a cheaper dollar in the...

Tonight I logged onto my "free turbo tax premier" link from Fidelity. After inputting all info from my 1099's etc. I was asked for my cc info. This has never happened in prior years. In any event just the fact that I have to call them has negated any positives from the promo. I think I'll just...

This group is a pretty conservative bunch in my estimation. Never the less I would like an opinion regarding owning "things" and minimal waste in our lives. For example when putting away our lawn furniture my DS exclaimed that we should get the record for lawn stuff lasting over 25 years...

After 10 years of my eye Dr telling me I have cataracts developing I sprung for a medical eye exam with an Ophthalmologist at a comprehensive facility. His opinion was that they are very slight and no need to take action. My question is when have you taken action? Being rather hypersensitive...

As an individual investor bank FDIC interest rates are so much higher than comparable maturity treasuries ( example 5 year CD 2.4% 10 year treas 2.2%). This has led me to dump any treasury funds as well as BND and AGG total bond funds. I can beat the income of treasuries with a ladder of CD's...

Well I just concluded my exit interview. Over the phone while filling boxes for FedEx. Everything is ending on a high note as I was hoping. I'd like to thank everyone on this forum who has helped greatly with the process. When I joined in March 2009 (remember those days?) I wondered if this...

In a post earlier this month I admitted being lured into OMY with the promise of easier duties and less travel. Well, wouldn't you know it but the bean counters intervened and I actually ended up with MORE geography to cover! Today I sent my boss my plans to retire in a couple of months. For...

What a turn of events. I was in the process of changing my Fed withholding exemptions to 14 to capture my mandatory 401k withdrawal when I got the call from my boss. He was pleased to let me know that the concerns I expressed at my annual review last year were addressed. Even though I felt I was...

I have planned to jump ship early next year after suffering through one year syndrome. My biggest reason, in addition to an old guy under the bus review, was the amount of travel involved. I have spent over 4 nights per week on the road for over 35 years. Today I got a mandatory directive to...

My DW had to have a root canal and crown done about two months ago. Our family dentist, who we've had for about 20 years started the process and placed a temporary crown. Everything was going as scheduled until Federal agents showed up at the dentists office and hauled him off on drug charges...

Today I placed an order for flowers with FTD.com. I used an infrequently used credit card, reserved for internet use. This evening I got a call from the cc company questioning a large number of charges this afternoon. During the call the chages kept racking up. Fortunately I answered the phone...

With the start of the New Year here at megacorp we just had our annual round of layoffs. Several people I know were given the severance package of a years salary and healthcare. Ironically most were over 55 years old. At 56 going on 57 I expected a voluntary offering at any time. Now it looks...

Well after 30+ years and several thousand nights my DW and I had our first experience with the dreaded bedbugs at a Fort Lauderdale area hotel. Always a fussy traveller we carefully inspect each room upon arrival. Nothing was found out of the ordinary except the a/c didn't work. We moved to...

I have run into an unforeseen problem while planning my 401k retirement withdrawals. I planned to retire at 57 and start taking partial withdrawals each year from the 401k.The plan allows withdrawals upon retirement at age 55 without the 10% penalty. I called Fidelity to confirm this since the...

While planning for my eventual retirement I have discovered a hurdle to finally making the move. From the time my DW and I started out we always saved from every paycheck, bonus, gift ,etc. After 35 years I find it very difficult to reverse this mindset. I can see us cutting back to the point of...

My wife came home from her long commute last Friday pretty ticked off. She had her annual review which her boss had told her that although she is a hard working good employee her attendance could be better. This she disputed vigorously. She had taken less than half her sick time and a whopping...

I've been lurking around the site for awhile trying to determine what I want to do when I grow up. At this point my DW and I are ready to get serious about ER. However, like everybody else the last few years have not helped much. Our net worth is virtually the same as two years ago. I guess...