They're Right, I'm Wrong, Sort Of
26 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 2/2/2025
FIRST: William Housley on 2/2 | RECENT: Scott Dichter on 2/4
I’ve stolen the words Willful Ignorance and Disengagement from a prior forum post.
22 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 1/21/2025
FIRST: Norman Retzke on 1/21 | RECENT: Dan Smith on 1/30
Get Your Stuff Together (For Taxes)
18 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 1/3/2025
FIRST: mytimetotravel on 1/3 | RECENT: stelea99 on 1/4
Filing Status and IRMMA
1 reply
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 12/15/2024
FIRST: jerry pinkard on 12/16/2024 | RECENT: jerry pinkard on 12/16/2024
Adult Autism
17 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 10/30/2024
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 10/30/2024 | RECENT: mytimetotravel on 11/2/2024
Sleep Disorder
20 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 10/17/2024
FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 10/17/2024 | RECENT: Dan Smith on 10/18/2024
The Choice to do Nothing
39 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 10/14/2024
FIRST: Andrew Forsythe on 10/14/2024 | RECENT: R Quinn on 10/16/2024
Who Doesn't Like a Huge Tax Return?
13 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 10/13/2024
FIRST: Jonathan Clements on 10/13/2024 | RECENT: Rick Connor on 10/14/2024
Jabs Anyone?
66 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 9/21/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 9/21/2024 | RECENT: Ski Bum on 10/7/2024
Social Security Solutions
5 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 10/4/2024
FIRST: R Quinn on 10/4/2024 | RECENT: R Quinn on 10/6/2024
Analog versus Digital
2 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 9/24/2024
FIRST: Jo Bo on 9/24/2024 | RECENT: Dan Smith on 9/24/2024
Final Decision
27 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 9/1/2024
FIRST: OldITGuy on 9/1/2024 | RECENT: CJ on 9/10/2024
I Ain't Stupid Ya Know
33 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 8/27/2024
FIRST: David Lancaster on 8/27/2024 | RECENT: Nick Politakis on 8/31/2024
On Being Aware
10 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 8/25/2024
FIRST: Winston Smith on 8/25/2024 | RECENT: Mark Eckman on 8/31/2024
Cash On Hand
29 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 8/7/2024
FIRST: Jeff Bond on 8/7/2024 | RECENT: cesplint on 8/24/2024
It Hurt So Good
11 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 8/2/2024
FIRST: baldscreen on 8/2/2024 | RECENT: Dan Smith on 8/4/2024
A Case for First Class by Dan Smith
12 replies
AUTHOR: Dan Smith on 7/22/2024
FIRST: mytimetotravel on 7/22/2024 | RECENT: Ginger Williams on 7/24/2024
IT WAS 1982 OR thereabouts. After attempting to be a landlord for several years, I decided it wasn’t for me. I sold the house and the four-family apartment building I’d been managing.
The final task in closing out this adventure would come at tax time. Keeping the books was the one aspect of being a landlord that I didn’t mind. I understood how accumulated appreciation would be recaptured and how capital gains tax would affect that year’s taxes.
I RECENTLY READ AN article by Anna D. Banks, an executive coach and human behavior consultant, who talks about the importance of cultivating friendships in retirement. She discusses embracing new activities, volunteering, reconnecting with old friends, using technology, attending social events, and being open-minded about forming friendships with people from other backgrounds.
All this got me thinking about HumbleDollar.
The Breakfast Club is a coming-of-age movie from 1985—a movie,
JEFF, DAVE, JERRY, Glenn, John, the ElderBeerMen, and then Jeff again. Experts say a robust social network is crucial to a happy retirement. My life’s journey has revolved around a handful of friends who begin and end with the same good dude.
I was a 15-year-old kid who didn’t like school, and I had the grades to prove it. I did, however, have two burning desires. I couldn’t wait to turn 16 so that,
“SELL THE SIZZLE, BOYS.” With those words from the sales manager at a big insurance company, the 2003 class of newly minted registered representatives were off to the races, extolling the virtues of the firm’s products to family, friends and anyone else who would listen.
I still vividly remember that moment. Yes, I was there.
To become registered reps, the 2003 class had to pass the necessary exams to get a Series 6 securities license and a license to sell life and health insurance.
HOW DO SOME INVESTORS end up in places they don’t belong? Where do they turn for information and guidance? Who do they talk to before making important financial decisions?
What follows are the results of my unscientific research, which was conducted in some of the finest and most respected centers of advanced learning anywhere.
Barroom seminars, your window on the world. Are we talking politics, investing, religion, world peace or other topics of paramount importance,
WHEN I GOT DIVORCED, my ex-wife told the judge at family court that I was good with money. But most folks I knew at that time wouldn’t be so kind: They’d say I was cheap.
No, I didn’t align myself with the financial independence-retire early, or FIRE, movement. During my days as a driver-salesman, after I diverted 15% of my pay into the 401(k), I spent every nickel raising the kids, paying the bills and trying to keep up with my big bucks buddies.
IN SPRING 1984, WHEN I was age 32, we purchased a little ranch house in need of tender loving care. That’s why I found myself in a musty crawlspace, removing clutter and installing vapor barriers.
I heard a booming voice from above. It wasn’t God telling me I should run for president. Instead, it was my new neighbor Ken. I came to the surface, dusted myself off and went inside the house.
Standing there was a 47-year-old,
I SPENT A GOOD portion of my early adult life in neighborhood taverns. Back then, I sold beer for a living. You can imagine that I saw and heard some crazy things. Remember the sitcom Cheers? I knew doppelgangers for each and every Cheers character.
But the things I heard in those bars didn’t come close to the things I heard later when I worked as an income-tax preparer.
I DON’T FIT THE USUAL profile of a HumbleDollar reader. I don’t have what I’d consider a high net worth, nor am I a college graduate. Still, I hope my story shows it’s possible to reinvent yourself.
Around 1920, my dad’s family moved—with few belongings but a willingness to work—from Tennessee to northwestern Ohio. My dad met my mom while working at Hostess Bakery, and he later worked at Willys-Overland, welding together Jeeps during World War II.
Comments
Marjorie, I have never been the sharpest tool in the shed, but 30 years in a service industry taught me about customer service. I kept a spiral note pad in my shirt pocket, and when a customer asked me something special I made a note and followed through ASAP. After acquiring the technical skills necessary to open my tax shop, I applied the customer service practices described above. I always returned phone calls the same day or the following morning, and if I ever made an error, I owned it and made it right. People appreciated that level of service and I attribute 90% of my success to those habits.
Post: Spotlight on Success
Link to comment from February 18, 2025
I’m trying to fill out my vinyl collection with artists that I find significant to my interest. Buddy Holly was high on my list. Also, my daughters did some acting when young and sang his stuff with their vocal coach, so it brings back memories.
Post: What Purchases Have Been Worth It?
Link to comment from February 17, 2025
That is some bad hosting Olin. I'd be embarrassed to not offer enough food for seconds.
Post: A matter of significant financial concern – want fries with that?
Link to comment from February 17, 2025
My need for hearing aids is borderline, so I went ahead and bought a pair at Costco for $1500. They are great for watching TV and are Bluetooth enabled, so I can get phone calls and stream music through them. And I just returned home from another Glass City Record Show where I bought Willie Nelson/Leon Russell, Buddy Holly, Aretha Franklin, and Guns N Roses goodies.
Post: What Purchases Have Been Worth It?
Link to comment from February 16, 2025
Sorry RQ, I have to disagree with you this time. We often split a meal. Most restaurants charge extra to split a plate, which is fine by us. We also take into consideration that the tab is smaller, and increase the tip to compensate, often 30 to 40%. If restaurants noted on the menu that smaller portions were available people wouldn’t need to split plates as often. I do agree that it’s both rude and inconsiderate to sit for a prolonged time at the table chatting, especially if there are people waiting to be seated.
Post: A matter of significant financial concern – want fries with that?
Link to comment from February 16, 2025
The part of me that says I have enough is battling the other part that says I need more. It's hard being me.
Post: Never Enough
Link to comment from February 16, 2025
Not the first time I've quoted this song; I got everything I need, and nothing that I don't.
Post: Quinns visit to Mar-a-Lago
Link to comment from February 14, 2025
That seems logical David. It's about an hour or so after over indulging that I realize I ate too much.
Post: Why Don’t Folks Save? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from February 14, 2025
Marjorie I spent many years working in very low income neighborhoods. I came to know some very good people who were dealt some pretty bad cards. I can empathize with those folks.
Post: Why Don’t Folks Save? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from February 14, 2025
Interesting perspective Jonathan. Saving comes naturally to me, and I'm at the gym at least three times each week, but that extra donut, slice of pizza, or helping of lasagna is hard to resist. In order to shed 15 pounds I'm now eating until I'm no longer hungry, as opposed to until I can't fit any more food in. I am also eating more fruit and vegetables. But for me this takes more thought and effort than the act of saving money or exercising.
Post: Why Don’t Folks Save? By Jonathan Clements
Link to comment from February 14, 2025