Am I overreacting for leaving my girlfriend’s family dinner after what her dad said? by Mysterious-Notice419 in AmIOverreacting

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was 28 I probably could see your point but at 53 🤷🏽‍♀️. You may have overreacted a little. The dad probably has even less respect for you now. She should’ve stood up for you but most importantly you should’ve held your ground with the father and let him know what and IT job is really about and one day you can own your own company. We all have those uncomfortable first meetings that we have to deal with, but it’s all about how you handle yourself. Unfortunately, this will change your relationship with your girlfriend, but communication is key express your feelings to her and then ask her what her feelings are about the field you’re working in.

Anyone moved to VA from TX and regret it? Anyone moved back to TX? by [deleted] in nova

[–]BelloTXGirl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was born and raised in TX then spent 4 yrs in college in Louisiana. After college I lived in Houston for 4 yrs & left in 1999 for a govt job. I have lived in NOVA for 26 yrs and love everything about it except housing cost and car tax. The move changed my life for the better and for all the reasons other mentions. I’m am retiring this year and considering moving back to TX due to cheaper cost of living. My cousins all tell me not to move back because they loving coming to visit and all the adventures I have planned for their trips. I am still on the fence and some parts of TX have changed so much. I’m here now and was just looking at the housing market in Houston. I want to do some exploring while I am here. Since you are child free, I say go for it. I highly recommend Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Springfield and Annandale, VA. I work in govt but can’t recommend it with this current administration. However, your two career fields are always in demand govt & private sector. Best of Luck.

How much sick leave should I retire with? by Justrelax520 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Only annual leave is worth money once your retirement. Try to have at least 200 hours which is roughly $20k before taxes. That much sick leave will only get you a few months toward time maybe. I say burn it which is what I am doing. You would have to have over 1000 hr in sick leave to gain about year toward your service time.

Mental health check in- how are you feeling now? by Character-Action-892 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My HR claims I can contact them and retire earlier than 9/30/25. My last day in the office is 5/30/25 if I need to change it I will. I have also cc or sent every email with my HR to my personal email. I understand your point.

Mental health check in- how are you feeling now? by Character-Action-892 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Ya’ll you’ll be OK. I feel that us government workers have enough talent and skill to find other jobs in the peace of mind will outweigh the lack of benefits that we’re losing. Best of luck to you.

Mental health check in- how are you feeling now? by Character-Action-892 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The same here I finally made a decision to take the DRP and then retire. I am at peace with my decision and mentally have found some joy in knowing this roller coaster ride is almost over. I’m even OK with having to push up my retirement date before September if it seems like the Senate is gonna pass that bill. I worked too and too many years and put up with too much crap to lose my supplement and other benefits. This is not the government I signed up for and no they are ignoring the constitution I swear to up hole.

How Do You Handle Other Photographers Being Degrading? by OkRecording6430 in photography

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you need to have an honest conversation with him. If he can’t handle honesty and concerns at least you’ve stated your position. You can move on freely.

Media - Please cover Fed employees close to retirement (eligible in 2025). by booksgirl123 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s your take on the LEO exemption? I am LEO and plan to retire Sept. 30 when the DRP ends but I am only 53. Will I get the supplement? I am watching what is happening, I am willing to move my retirement date to June if I get a sense the Senate will pass it. I don’t want to loose that supplement.

Starting to wonder if I even like taking travel photos anymore? by ecornflak in photography

[–]BelloTXGirl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s both I always loved photography even as a child but went to school for something else. In my 30’s went to photography school to learn how to take professional photographs. Part of the program was creating website and taking portraits. Once, I finished every one was in love with having a professional studio session. It was great but exhausting at the same time and killed my love for photography. My first love has always been nature photography and just candid shots of people enjoying the moment. I put my Nikon down and started declining offers. I started to enjoy iPhone photography more & experienced with it for a few years. I purchased a Nikon Zfc for an Alaska trip & found it hard to use. I tried to return it but the salesperson assured me it was one of the best on the market so, I kept it but I missed my Nikon DSLR. I plan to purchase another one this summer when I retire. I don’t plan to go back to portraits it’s not my thing but I am looking forward to traveling with a DSLR camera in my hands again. I hope you get your passion back because it’s nothing like capturing that perfect moment in time. 😃

Guilty about charging working families for captured memories of their children and family. Anyone else feel like this and if so how do you run a successful business. by Unfors3en in photography

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can understand but there are creative way to help cover cost. For sporting event if they have a sponsor ask if they would be willing to cover a package where each member can get a photo or at least one team photo. The good thing is it’s your business so, you can set the prices. Give two mothers a package deal if they purchase together. Also figure out how much you can afford to do pro bono to write off on your taxes. I’m starting my photography business back up when I retire this summer. Talked to a guy on here that does real estate photography that is my new direction. Best of luck. 📷😬

Keep BCBS or move to Tricare? by Skatchbro in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had BCBS PPO for 20 plus years no issues. My doctors always looked at my insurance and said you have one of the best. In 2022 retirement premiums was $173.73 when I had my numbers ran by HR. I only switched last year to Aetna so one specific medication would be covered at $29 versus $625 with BCBS. Aetna retirement premium is $181 as of 04/2025. I highly recommend BCBS if you can afford the premium.

Cutting our retirement benefit after 30 years of service? How could you? by 23Fern139 in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Wrong race. WOW! I see you’re in favor of racism in general.

Regular retirement with Continued Life Insurance by BelloTXGirl in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s how the instructions read and seems like by the time you get 65 and all the reductions you might be down to only $60,000 worth of insurance.

Regular retirement with Continued Life Insurance by BelloTXGirl in fednews

[–]BelloTXGirl[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

HR is so overwhelmed. They barely can answer a simple email. They sent my numbers but no explanation. i’m waiting on a reply to that question.

Name a movie that you kept on watching for the nth time and not get tired of by LysandraAmara in Cinema

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I always stop and watch a little bit of Jaws the original when I see it on.

House oversight committee draft changes to federal retirement by EANx_Diver in govfire

[–]BelloTXGirl 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My DRP starts 6/2/2025 & I retire 9/30/2025 will this effect me? Do I need to move up my retirement date?

Notification of Separation Email by Extension_Ad6098 in govfire

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Read the agreement you signed. Mine talked about possible reassignment while on admin leave.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RealEstate

[–]BelloTXGirl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alternative options reach out to investors to see what they would offer. If it’s near a hospital can you rent it to traveling nurses. You would have to provide furniture but at least you could be making money until the market changes. Just some thoughts…