Air Ball

2 hours ago, NotIThatLives said:

What's everyone's train of thought on roth vs traditional?  What percentage into each do you go for?

I've read a few articles, I understand the benefits of both now and later.  

It is tough to predict the future needs relative to taxes.  We have almost exactly the same amounts of each.  That gives one flexibility in the future.

7 hours ago, IUFLA said:

Depends...fall and spring when we don't have to run either the AC or heat, it's around $150...

Summer when the AC runs a lot, $250 or so...

I'm not nearly as energy conscious about my house as I probably should be...I did buy a Nest thermostat, but we don't turn every light off we should, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna sleep in a hot bedroom...I'm no where near as crabby about it as my old man was...if you had the fridge open for more than 5 seconds he'd tell you that you shop for food at the grocery...not in the fridge...

Level month-to-month billing here in W. Ohio...$158/month.  We have an all electric house. 2400 Sq Ft. 2 story with full basement. Don't run the AC in summer unless it gets over 87 degrees...generally.  

I don't recommend variable rates on anything.  Mortgages will kill you.  And we see what is happening in Texas.  One thing for sure about global warming...the climate variability will increase dramatically.  Thank goodness there might be a temporary break, though.  Seems a lot of heat may have escaped the atmosphere recently...not kidding.  High pressure over the north pole somehow may have radiated the heat outward in an unprecedented fashion.  That may cause the polar vortex to not wander like it has done recently.

On 2/19/2021 at 9:09 PM, Drroogh said:

Isn't that the interesting part about humankinds involvement in the overall things of the world?

My neighbor puts corn out for deer here in W. Ohio.  I asked her to stop because it was not good for deer and attracts them.  (They feed on my flowers and vegetables.)

But be advised that even the State of NY has prohibited putting corn out for deer.  Evidently their normal feed is leaves.  Not the carbohydrates and sugar in corn.  That stuff can cause deer digestive problems.  And it upsets their feeding habits.  Not to mention overpopulation problems if it comes to that.  

My neighbor doesn't like government regulations and advice from know-it-alls.  I told her it was bad for the deer and she did stop.  She is from upstate NY and heck, they feed deer all the time. ..she says.  I had to stop saying anything.  She is very nice and a wonderful neighbor.  I'm building this 12' high barrier around my yard with 30 lb test fishing line.  Not kidding.

I have a finance degree from IU-B and Civil/Environmental Engineering from UW-Madison.  Retired early...at 57.  These are my financial tips for retirement:

1. Marry money; and/or at least do not partner with someone who is a shirker;

2. Get a job that pays into retirement or provides a pension;

3. Invest in Roth and IRAs...generally the same amount periodically;

4. Diversify your investments and understand what that really means;

5. Risk for growth early.  Become more conservative later or depending on family;

6. Plan for bad times. Save. Budget expenses vs income. Cut your losses. Live within your means;

7. Do diligence on all investments or financial advisors. Make darn sure advisors are licensed and bonded. Check references with an independent source in the financial industry;

8. Know what you are buying and when to sell; 

9. Keep rigorous books;

10. Never take advice from a blog or advertisement online without independent verification.

I bought my first stocks when I was 12-years old.  Broken lots (less than 100). American Airlines; IBM; others...  I now own mutual funds and it is managed for a low fee of well under 1% per year. I almost never buy extended warranties.  I use insurance for reducing risk of catastrophic financial stuff. Think high deductibles equal lowered costs. I do not have 2 homes.  I keep my cars for over a decade.  I do travel a decent amount.  I do not have time-shares. I walk and kayak and love lakes and warm weather.  I do love water sports but do not own a boat.  I go fishing some but one has to be smarter than those critters.  Been married to my IU sweetheart forever.

5 minutes ago, FritzIam4IU said:

Ha ha. My friends cousin went to PU and she got the tix. Also..."No Doubt" was added to the concert at last minute as they just had that song "I'm Just a Girl" that was on the charts. Gwen Stefani was cute but we didn't know her music at all back then and walked in during middle of their set.

EDIT: I was curious and just looked this up...concert was April 3, 1996. I feel old.

You feel old? I saw the Who and later CS+N back in Assembly Hall when it was new.  BB King, Jefferson Airplane and the Byrds in the old Stadium next to the Library.  Well, I didn't see clearly, that is.  And Chicago in the HPER building.  And Luther Allison at the Blue Bird.  

And now I have hearing aids and bifocals.  Just saw Santana a year ago. And Went to Abbey Road on the River a year ago.  Love blues and lively jazz...and live music outside.

Thanks, HoosierFaithful...appreciate it.

Hi, trying to log on with my computer.  Been a while.  Said to reset password.  Your site said email sent.   Waited...resent...waited...still waiting.

Been hours.

Thanks.