Glad that everything worked out in the end and nobody was hurt. You mentioned hiring a car as a potential way to get around. I had the extreme privilege to do so many years ago while on assignment in Bath (2004 and 2006). As mentioned here, I too was concerned about my mind shifting back to U.S. driving protocol and in fact, noted two such incidents within Bath where driving can resemble an F1 Grand Prix at times. I truly enjoyed being able to enjoy the beautiful countryside and villages as a passenger rather than a driver focused on the car ahead. A few places we ventured to were accessible by roads that we would refer to here as a two-track and were literally cut through fields of mature corn with many 90 degree turns. Thankfully it was nighttime and the oncoming headlights helped signal that a car was approaching! Ready to go tour England again! You deserve the best
Thanks, Harry. Forgot about the recent discount increase. So my total savings is 7%. If I’m in the Costco area, great. If not, I’ve got other places I can go.
Costco net gas price = price at the pump minus 4% (for me). I used to find the Costco pump price to be less than other gas stations in the area. This has not been true for some time now. I’d also add that many folks pay outrageous prices for small bottles of water at airports and venues without blinking an eye at the cost per gallon equivalent. Grocery stores are loaded with aisles of “flavored water” that folks mindlessly shell out $$ for. But the price of gas, as you mention, is always under the magnifying glass.
I invested in a couple of shorter fiberglass platform ladders years ago (Louisville) and I would not use any other type these days. The extended rails to steady yourself and the platform make it much safer and steady for me. Very sturdy. Not cheap but well worth the investment. Different ladder weights for lighter weight versus heavier weight people like me. Changing light bulbs need not always require a ladder. An investment in a lightweight extendable fiberglass pole with light bulb changing adapters on the end (several types for different types of bulbs) makes this ground level work - no ladder required.
“Geez, all this time I thought the living room walls were beige.” Had both eyes done years ago along with some laser work. Amazing difference. If I’m going outside for any reason, I’ve found it mandatory now to wear good quality sunglasses or at least have them with me on cloudy days, just in case.
Amen to that. Sadly, if the past is any indicator, they should just about be due for another episode of shootings themselves in the foot via some form of tomfoolery.
Great perspectives, Adam. Admittedly, for me, it’s far more about what sectors to invest in rather than strictly domestic v. global. Yes, rough start this year, quickly into negative territory but almost back to zero gain now as a total portfolio of holdings. Hang on tight and best wishes to all.
TT Premier online and I download whatever 1099’s I can. Much easier these days having consolidated various accounts over the past few years. I’ve found that Costco has offered the best pricing overall if you watch for the sale(s) on TT products. Further, TT usually offers a “Costco bonus” of $10 that can be applied to say, state e-file costs. I bought my software online in late 2024 but the product was not usable until 2025, likely as a caution against late tax code updates or similar. Should the next sale offer an even lower price, I’ve found that Costco will readily refund the difference at the store (saved another $10 or $15.) I also use the previous years software as a tool for estimated payments during the current tax year as our income varies significantly during the year (and year to year) and I will not stand for underpayment penalties and interest on them. Of course, the standard deductions, brackets, etc will not be correct but as they are usually (but not guaranteed) “better” each year, so your results will have a little cushion in them in your favor. The other caution here is that you need to know there isn’t a major tax code change that renders the old software as useless. This is true on local, state and federal levels, of course. As I executed a Roth conversion in this tax quarter, this process proved useful to become aware of a benefit on our MI state taxes for pensions and retirement account payments. My wife turned 65 last year and is the oldest key taxpayer using MFJ. When I ran the year end numbers with this conversion taken into account, the state taxes owed didn’t make sense (much too low). With some additional research on the state Treasury site, I became aware of a favorable tax treatment, up to certain limits now that the older filer is 65+ (MI Form 4884). Our last conversion was in 2022 when this would not have been available to us. Happy days!
Comments
Just added a visit to Harold’s to the bucket list.
Post: Quinn questions the value of a seven inch matzah ball in a $33 bowl of chicken soup?
Link to comment from May 7, 2025
Glad that everything worked out in the end and nobody was hurt. You mentioned hiring a car as a potential way to get around. I had the extreme privilege to do so many years ago while on assignment in Bath (2004 and 2006). As mentioned here, I too was concerned about my mind shifting back to U.S. driving protocol and in fact, noted two such incidents within Bath where driving can resemble an F1 Grand Prix at times. I truly enjoyed being able to enjoy the beautiful countryside and villages as a passenger rather than a driver focused on the car ahead. A few places we ventured to were accessible by roads that we would refer to here as a two-track and were literally cut through fields of mature corn with many 90 degree turns. Thankfully it was nighttime and the oncoming headlights helped signal that a car was approaching! Ready to go tour England again! You deserve the best
Post: A Tale of Excess
Link to comment from May 7, 2025
Thanks, Harry. Forgot about the recent discount increase. So my total savings is 7%. If I’m in the Costco area, great. If not, I’ve got other places I can go.
Post: A Rant about the Price of Gas
Link to comment from May 4, 2025
Costco net gas price = price at the pump minus 4% (for me). I used to find the Costco pump price to be less than other gas stations in the area. This has not been true for some time now. I’d also add that many folks pay outrageous prices for small bottles of water at airports and venues without blinking an eye at the cost per gallon equivalent. Grocery stores are loaded with aisles of “flavored water” that folks mindlessly shell out $$ for. But the price of gas, as you mention, is always under the magnifying glass.
Post: A Rant about the Price of Gas
Link to comment from May 4, 2025
I invested in a couple of shorter fiberglass platform ladders years ago (Louisville) and I would not use any other type these days. The extended rails to steady yourself and the platform make it much safer and steady for me. Very sturdy. Not cheap but well worth the investment. Different ladder weights for lighter weight versus heavier weight people like me. Changing light bulbs need not always require a ladder. An investment in a lightweight extendable fiberglass pole with light bulb changing adapters on the end (several types for different types of bulbs) makes this ground level work - no ladder required.
Post: Three Points to Avoid Injuries
Link to comment from April 27, 2025
“Geez, all this time I thought the living room walls were beige.” Had both eyes done years ago along with some laser work. Amazing difference. If I’m going outside for any reason, I’ve found it mandatory now to wear good quality sunglasses or at least have them with me on cloudy days, just in case.
Post: Three Points to Avoid Injuries
Link to comment from April 27, 2025
Amen to that. Sadly, if the past is any indicator, they should just about be due for another episode of shootings themselves in the foot via some form of tomfoolery.
Post: Fishing for Feedback
Link to comment from April 26, 2025
Great perspectives, Adam. Admittedly, for me, it’s far more about what sectors to invest in rather than strictly domestic v. global. Yes, rough start this year, quickly into negative territory but almost back to zero gain now as a total portfolio of holdings. Hang on tight and best wishes to all.
Post: No Exception
Link to comment from April 26, 2025
Last paragraph sums it up nicely.
Post: Tasting Retirement
Link to comment from April 25, 2025
TT Premier online and I download whatever 1099’s I can. Much easier these days having consolidated various accounts over the past few years. I’ve found that Costco has offered the best pricing overall if you watch for the sale(s) on TT products. Further, TT usually offers a “Costco bonus” of $10 that can be applied to say, state e-file costs. I bought my software online in late 2024 but the product was not usable until 2025, likely as a caution against late tax code updates or similar. Should the next sale offer an even lower price, I’ve found that Costco will readily refund the difference at the store (saved another $10 or $15.) I also use the previous years software as a tool for estimated payments during the current tax year as our income varies significantly during the year (and year to year) and I will not stand for underpayment penalties and interest on them. Of course, the standard deductions, brackets, etc will not be correct but as they are usually (but not guaranteed) “better” each year, so your results will have a little cushion in them in your favor. The other caution here is that you need to know there isn’t a major tax code change that renders the old software as useless. This is true on local, state and federal levels, of course. As I executed a Roth conversion in this tax quarter, this process proved useful to become aware of a benefit on our MI state taxes for pensions and retirement account payments. My wife turned 65 last year and is the oldest key taxpayer using MFJ. When I ran the year end numbers with this conversion taken into account, the state taxes owed didn’t make sense (much too low). With some additional research on the state Treasury site, I became aware of a favorable tax treatment, up to certain limits now that the older filer is 65+ (MI Form 4884). Our last conversion was in 2022 when this would not have been available to us. Happy days!
Post: Now it’s over, taxes are filed, but I have a question. How did prepare your your taxes?
Link to comment from April 22, 2025