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We are planning a scouting trips for a potential place to set down some new roots. SO still working and needs access to a major market. We have identified NY and SF as candidate towns for now. For the record I lived in NYC for a decade in my youth and have traveled there for work a great deal...

I started going to CR several years ago because it was and it an amazingly beautiful spot for healthy recreation--surf/swim, yoga, great gyms, hiking & nature, etc. The food was never interesting, but it was possible to keep it pretty healthy. But my favorite place there just keeps getting more...

Hi folks. Sorry for all these posts about healthcare but this was my first year dealing with it and it kind of boggles the mind. I've got until tomorrow to finalize my plan for 2024 and I could use some of your experience. Maybe I'm trying to optimize something that just can't be fully. I'm...

Last time I went was 30 years ago! It was remarkable but I got really sick and ended up in the hospital for a day. Swore I’d never go back. Now I’m older and wiser and interested to see the changes. Anyone been there recently? Tips appreciated. Healthcare is cheap there—do we need supplemental...

My PCP just sent out a letter saying that going forward in order to make up for the costs of administrative fees and keeping their (excellent) app up to date, etc, there will be an annual $500 fee to be a patient there. I know about concierge doctors and can appreciate their position, but this...

I thought this was an interesting commentary on our culture: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/fitness/confession-of-a-failed-steps-fanatic-709ae2ef?mod=hp_lead_pos11 Basically a musing on how the simple act of walking has been turned into an achievement addiction thanks to rings/watches. "It is...

Last fall we spent a month in New England, based out of Portland ME. Was a great trip. Next month we'll base out of Asheville to explore the SE, ending our trip in Charleston. Biltmore is on the list, along with hiking. Any recommendations in Asheville and/or weekend trips in the surrounding...

I'm 57 and looking to optimize Roth conversions and ACA subsidies, since without subsidies a Bronze HSA is $850/mo. Yikes. This is the first year I'm not earning a salary, and I'm looking for advice to see if I'm thinking about this correctly. No kids, so leaving money behind isn't a goal...

Continuing my fascination with the East these days, I was wondering if anyone has done the Silk Road? I’m considering a trip there next year.

I got pretty used to working out at home during the pandemic, but lately I’ve been feeling the need for some better equipment and to get out of the apartment more often. I decided to rejoin a gym. It’s a ten minute drive each way (which I’m not crazy about) or a 45 minute, fairly unpleasant...

A few months ago I made a post called "8 months in and struggling." This is an update in case it's helpful to those making the transition. I'm now coming up on 16 months post-employment, and I'm relieved to say "it gets better." I think there are a couple reasons for this. First, part of it has...

I’ve been studying Mandarin for a couple years now and my teacher invited me to meet her and her husband in her hometown in Guangzhou in July. I’ve decided to go for it and see how much I’ve learned. I can’t say I’m entirely free from trepidation for a number of reasons, the first of which is...

I’ve got a friend couple (61, 43) who asked me about life insurance recently, and I really didn’t know how to answer since I only had it once when I was working for a corporation and it was included in my package. I don’t have kids and my assets go to my partner on death so not something I’ve...

We are slowly looking at places outside of SoCal to live. I grew up in 4 seasons and am one of the weirdos who likes winter. My partner is from TX and has never dealt with long term winters so I’m slowly trying to break him into some weather. Last fall we parked it in Portland ME for a month...

I did a two week camino in N Spain before I pulled the trigger on RE. Really had a great time. Now starting to research another walk. Any experiences in Ireland or Scotland? I know the weather won’t be quite as nice but love the cultures.

Just curious if anyone can explain this. For 2022 I purchased a bronze HDHP from blue shield directly for $754/mo because I figured I’d get no subsidy from ACA due to earned income. The renewal for 2023 was bumped up to $902/mo. I decided to purchase the same plan from ACA for 2023 and it’s...

I'd like some specific feedback on my options since I'm pretty new to all this and still confused about best practices between now and medicare. In 2022 I made some consulting money and ran a Bronze HSA through the S-corp, but for 2023 I've no idea if I'll earn anything, so for now I'm...

Hey all. I’m 8 months beyond my job and struggling a bit. I know so many of you are deeply satisfied with early retirement, but I’m having difficulty finding my way to the "new normal." I heard the advice to “retire to something” and I admit I didn’t do that. I just had to get off the hamster...

Is it worth the money? We are planning a trip in January and it looks like an amazing hotel. Anecdotal surveys have gotten a lot of “just go there for drinks”. We don’t plan to return to Singapore again (never know). But we also enjoy the occasional once in a lifetime splurge. But it’s not...

My mother is 81 and needs a ton of dental work. She basically spends all of her income on necessities, and the work will probably run into the thousands after her insurance (which only pays $1k). She grosses $41k/yr which makes her just rich enough to not qualify for assistance, so it looks...

I’ve been digging around here for suggestions but haven’t found a good answer. We are renting an Airbnb in Portland ME for a month mid September as a base for exploring the fall magic in New England. We plan to start by flying into Boston and tour around there for 3-4 days then head up to...

Help me out here. Today is my first week of officially not having a job. Yay! I’ve admitted recently that I got a bit nervous landing the plane, so this question might just be part of that process, or maybe FOMO in the midst of a crazy market. I can’t stop thinking I should add some kind of...

I’m brand new to freedom. Quit my job last October and have been consulting since, but that’s ending next week. I find myself feeling a mild panic now. Is this normal? I’m also having a hard time shifting away from a saving mindset. The numbers seem fine but I’m not feeling all the warm fuzzies...

Now that I’ve left my day job I’ll be going on ACA for the first time. I’m trying to sort through a couple options and could use your advice. I plan to do Roth conversions over the next decade to lower taxes post 59.5yrs, which means I likely won’t be eligible for any ACA subsidies pre...

I am just beginning my transition into drawdown and I'd like some feedback on how you all deal with the discretionary portions of your 'monthly paycheck.' I have budgeted approximately $1500/mo for travel/learning/fun above and beyond my essential expenses. I'm also setting aside money for...