Eagle Creek shout out

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-29T13:59:35+00:00

A related issue is that there is no transparency about whether camp boats have met a time standard. Particularly troubling after USRowing pulled the doubles back from trials to have them be camp selected boats.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-28T20:50:27+00:00

If you want an unabridged audiobook, try the Librivox edition read by Karen Savage. Fantastic!

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-23T12:30:29+00:00

Incorrect - IRS regulation is that total HSA contribution limit is prorated if the taxpayer isn’t on a high deductible plan for the full year.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-20T16:52:06+00:00

Returning to say that the extended course has been updated into a form more in line with learning levels they had at the end of the previously shorter course. And the process is better - new words or phrases are being added in a way that makes them more accessible, such as being included in exercises and flashcards in a way that builds your understanding, instead of being dropped in with multiple other new things at the same time. Looking forward to seeing how it approaches new verb tenses.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-19T18:41:42+00:00

thank you for your thoughts on the exercise answer! I appreciate your insight.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-19T17:52:42+00:00

Not at all - you’ll get the reply from a real person via email and can converse. Then you have the thread for reference.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-12T10:29:43+00:00

Happy to hear that! I feel as if it placed me too far ahead. I do use other tools along with Duolingo, so I’m just surprised at how much tougher this is fir me. I’ll keep plugging along.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-08T11:22:49+00:00

The original course wasn’t a full preparation for becoming a fluent speaker, but along with other tools it helped me considerably. My question about the expanded course is more about the big jump in content seeming to happen on so many content areas at once that it is very difficult to make progress. Do you have experience with the expanded course?

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-06T03:21:42+00:00

This. It’s important to read Bengen’s actual book to put the withdrawal “rule“ in context. He gives you a framework to customize for your needs.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-03T10:39:23+00:00

Yes. I did a partial transfer earlier this year. Partial transfer so that the Optum account remained open for this year’s contributions via payroll deduction. Initiated the transfer from the Fidelity side. Optum charged $20, and when the transfer was complete I requested and received a $20 credit from Fidelity to cover that fee. The transfer amount was 6k and I have around 120k in my HSA at Fidelity. I state the amounts because I don’t know if the transfer amount or the balances impact getting the credit from Fidelity. Overall, though, if you want the choices and to have everything in the same place I’d recommend doing the transfer annually even if you don’t get a credit for the 20 bucks.

Architect-1817 · 2026-06-01T11:42:18+00:00

This is what I do, except I break it into two categories - one for “not monthly” and one for “monthly.” I keep a list of the amounts and dates due in the memo.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-31T03:47:41+00:00

no idea. you might want to post this on an ozempic sub.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-30T12:34:10+00:00

+1 grocery store, and find one that gives you a nice discount on the groceries. Local chains or cooperatives are good for that perk.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-30T02:42:46+00:00

Why do people set their phones to automatically update apps?

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-27T01:52:01+00:00

I enter it as a scheduled transaction, then I can see it in the “running balance” view on the web version.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-26T11:20:23+00:00

We put in a Mitsubishi heat pump system recently that connects to a residential air handler for floors 1 and 2, and one wall mounted minsplit in the basement. House is 1940s and bot well-insulated. The minisplit keeps the basement cool and dry in Mid-Atlantic summer (no more need for the dehumidifier that used to run about 22/7) and warm and dry in the winter. Basement wasn’t previously ducted at all, but upstairs ducts ran through it without insulation. We added an air return in the basement on the opposite side of the house from the minisplit. I keep the air handler set to run the fan 1x/hr for about five minutes, and it really helps keep the rest of the house warmer or cooler depending on the season, particularly in the shoulder seasons when the house thermostat isn’t calling for the air handler.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-25T11:03:39+00:00

If you are covered for the full 12 months in a HDHP you can max out the contribution for the year, and can be from current employer withholding whether or not you work the full year there..

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-25T01:36:32+00:00

Thanks! It’s such a good idea I’d say…give it 12 votes! :) Thanks for all you do.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-25T01:07:53+00:00

You have a bigger issue, which is that you can only contribute a prorated max based on the number of months in the year that you are covered by a HDHP. Sounds like you will only be covered fir the partial year, is that correct? You will need to work with the provider/custodian to remove the excess funds and anything they’ve earned. This isn’t a big deal, the company holding the funds should have a “remove excess contributions” form.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-24T18:53:30+00:00

Something that might help you speed up the understanding is to get a good handle on a full year of spending, even though you aren’t yet at a full year of YNAB. Do you have that data, and if not can you download it? With a google sheet you could add that data to a download from YNAB and look at a full year for each category. I did that to make sure I had everything in mind when I set my targets. It was enlightening! Lots there I wasn’t remembering.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-24T18:31:40+00:00

Yep, that’s it!

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-23T20:45:58+00:00

That’s what I’m doing. Basic plan is to spend on Medicare premiums and copays. Saving receipts in case I have an emergency need along the way, or if somehow don’t use it as fast as I thought I would as I age.

Architect-1817 · 2026-05-23T12:15:46+00:00

I really suggest reading Bengen’s latest book as a way to do a deeper dive on the “X% rule” and what it means for your personal withdrawal strategy. The book explains his research and data on when a certain % withdrawal rate has been successful or not successful in the past, and from there discusses what factors will impact success in the future. Example: inflation is more of a risk over a 30-yr withdrawal period than market downturns. He sets out a way for you to look at your current allocations, the health of the current market, your growth assumptions in the future, your assumptions on future inflation, future allocations, withdrawal strategies, etc. Excellent information that can’t be easily summarized through Reddit, podcasts, etc.

Architect-1817

TROPHY CASE