polamalu2009

Comments

• Years ago I was working in the garden and looking pretty ratty when my teenage daughter pestered me to go look at her dream vehicle, a Toyota RAV or something. We were seriously considering it and made an offer to the salesman. He said he would take the offer to his manager. A few short minutes later he came back and told me in front of my daughter to “Come back when I could afford one.” I was a physician and socialized with the owner of the Toyota dealership. He asked me once why I never bought a Lexus from him and I told him the story.

  Post: The Opposite of HumbleDollar

  Link to comment from April 30, 2025

• Multiple boxes at our main post office were broken into and then it was reported that checks from the drop slot inside the facility were also stolen. What has happened to our country? I know I sound like a typical boomer but in my childhood I remember $5 bills and small checks coming from my grandparents, aunts and uncles in birthday cards.

  Post: It’s 2025. Do you send checks by mail?

  Link to comment from April 27, 2025

• Unfortunately my CPA called me about five minutes after I dropped my five figure tax check in the mail. I called back and asked if I should stop payment and she said “Don’t! It will give them an excuse to remember you.”

  Post: IRS: All of Tennessee qualifies for disaster tax relief

  Link to comment from April 15, 2025

• Congratulations on a remarkable achievement!

  Post: A Diamond Wedding Anniversary

  Link to comment from April 10, 2025

• This is probably misplaced because the advice I proffer would have improved my life and countless others if taken decades ago and that is simply “Don’t settle”. By that I mean do not compromise on the choice of a life partner because you think it’s the right time to marry and they are who you are with. To my mind it is the single most important determinant of a happy and successful life. In 1973 my father offered me $20,000 to not marry the woman I was engaged to and he was not rich by any means. My parents saw something about her that they felt was off and when their advice fell on deaf ears they offered money to change my mind. I ignored them and it became the single worst decision of my life emotionally and financially. Twenty five years of misery until she finally ran off with a yoga instructor. The major bright spot of those years: two amazing children. Now I am experiencing the wonders of a happy, exciting, and fulfilling marriage to a wonderful woman. We can’t spend our lives thinking “if only” but rather try to learn from our mistakes and carry on.

  Post: Help Wanted

  Link to comment from March 25, 2025

• I couldn’t agree more Richard. The servers only get so many tables per shift and rely on the tips. If you’re not hungry or can’t afford it stay home and nibble.

  Post: A matter of significant financial concern – want fries with that?

  Link to comment from February 17, 2025

• As a Christian my joy comes from loving. My friends and family of course but also my community. And I demonstrate that love by giving. I funded a donor advised fund at Fidelity with appreciated shares of stock. I’m one of those people that gets so much more joy from giving than receiving. Retired now,I have more time to give of myself by listening to others and offering guidance when asked. I would say Jonathan that you have shown your love for your fellow man by writing this column and helping so many achieve their life’s dreams.

  Post: Never Enough

  Link to comment from February 15, 2025

• As a grandson of immigrants one of the greatest social embarrassments would be not having enough to go around for all your guests. To this day we prepare way too much food and some goes to waste. Dick you are welcome to come and bring your appetite.

  Post: Pass the mashed potatoes by Quinn

  Link to comment from December 31, 2024

• I would never confess to being anything more than middle class. If pressed I will confess to “upper” middle class. There is tremendous resentment against the rich or wealthy in this country- unless you’re an entertainer or professional athlete. I’ve always thought that the definition of wealthy was being able to live your desired lifestyle without having to labor, i.e. off your passive income alone.

  Post: Are you wealthy or just rich? By Dick Quinn

  Link to comment from December 18, 2024

• i thought I posted the above on your forum post from yesterday. Hard to tell whether it was a fat finger error or an iPad gremlin. You are correct, the majority of claims went through routinely. However those that were flagged were inevitably expensive alternatives for my sickest patients who needed them. The time and effort it took to appeal their decisions were onerous and often led me and my colleagues to abandon the effort. I don’t think that was accidental. In addition United Health Care and others had “ report cards” for their customers for physicians who exhibited “best practices”. Translation: the cheapest care.

  Post: HD readers – “a cut above” as Jersey Mike the new billionaire says

  Link to comment from December 10, 2024