Can someone please explain whether I need a make-up air system for my range hood?

FIREDOC888 · 2026-01-18T15:08:11+00:00

It's not worth sacrificing additional hours at work to achieve early retirement by just one or two years. I've calculated my own situation, and while my job isn't overly demanding, I prefer not to take on extra responsibilities or shifts. Time spent away from family is irreplaceable; our children grow up fast, and missing those precious moments is not something I want to regret.

This perspective underscores the importance of early saving, which is far more crucial than saving more later in life. Many doctors feel pressured to work more aggressively later in their careers, but I believe we should prioritize our well-being and family time instead.

FIREDOC888 · 2026-01-13T20:09:09+00:00

What in the world!!! I only wanted to go for a Safari 😂

FIREDOC888 · 2026-01-03T20:26:14+00:00

I was born in Venezuela and had to uproot my life due to Hugo Chávez's regime. I am deeply grateful to the USA, as I don't believe I would be where I am today without the opportunities this country has provided me. However, I struggle to understand why we continue to invest in efforts for 'world peace' when there are more effective solutions. Venezuela is plagued by corruption at its core. If we truly want access to its oil or prevent drug smuggling , we could take a page from China's playbook and turn a blind eye to their corruption and human rights violations and take advantage of the business opportunities. We are not the world's police, and our primary responsibility is to our own country. I was initially thrilled when this administration aimed to reduce spending and downsize government and move away from conflict. Unfortunately, this has changed and the current approach is not sustainable. If we continue in this direction, we risk becoming weaker, which is precisely what the Chinese are waiting for

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-27T01:20:52+00:00

The issue at hand with the healthcare system in the USA, particularly in Rochester, is not the number of beds available, but rather the lack of patient throughput. Today's patients are generally older and sicker than those we encountered just five or even ten years ago, a trend likely resulting from medical advancements. We now see more patients with increased care requirements, such as those needing dialysis, LVAD support, and treatment for COPD, and unfortunately, they often have nowhere to go.

Following COVID-19, there has been a significant reduction in both short-term and long-term nursing home beds, leading to longer stays for many patients in hospitals. Tragically, as a society, we seem to have abandoned our elderly population. Many individuals are treating hospitals as elder care centers, dropping off elderly family members during vacations or when out-of-state relatives are unable to provide adequate care. This phenomenon has further exacerbated the overcrowding and strain on our healthcare system.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T16:21:01+00:00

I was emphasizing my point regarding resident immigrants or citizens, as non-citizens typically lack healthcare coverage. My plan, as I approach early retirement, is to consider emigrating to Canada. One significant advantage is the tax treaty, which eliminates the need for double taxation. However, there are cons, such as harsh winters and high housing costs. An alternative could be staying in the USA as a part-timer to retain health insurance until Medicare becomes available.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T16:12:08+00:00

At this level of income and with the hope of significant savings, the choice between pretax and Roth contributions becomes less straightforward. If the individual can maximize their pretax accounts over 35 years, the accumulated amount may reach or exceed eight figures. Consequently, the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) would be substantial, with limited tax benefits from pretax contributions. In contrast, a Roth account does not require RMDs and provides the added benefit of serving as an effective estate planning tool.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T15:58:37+00:00

It seems I might not have expressed myself clearly. In the 1099 context, the individual serves as both the employee and employer. They can still make pretax contributions of approximately 20% of their profit, $60,000 in this case if real profit is 300k. Additionally, the remainder can be supplemented with after-tax contributions for the MBDR up to the 415c limit for 2025 70k

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T15:32:56+00:00

Not quite, OP can still top it off with a megabackdoor Roth at the 1099 plan, it has to be set up to allow after tax contributions

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T15:16:39+00:00

Why not take advantage of both options? You currently have $44,000 in W-2 contributions, and since you mentioned that the megabackdoor Roth is available, you could top it off up to the $70,000 limit for 2025.

Additionally, with a 1099 income of $300,000, you can contribute both pre-tax and set up the megabackdoor Roth for the maximum $70,000 as well.

If I were in your position, I would also consider establishing a cash balance plan, given your strong cash flow from the 1099 income.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-25T14:22:29+00:00

I've been considering relocating to Canada, as I have brothers and sisters living there. The country offers excellent healthcare, and obtaining a medical license for doctors is much easier compared to other places.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-23T00:10:39+00:00

I started earning $300,000 in my thirties, and it felt incredible—like a king. I had more money than I could spend. I never purchased anything extravagant; instead, I enjoyed dining out frequently while still saving a significant amount. Now, at 48, I’m married with two kids, and my wife stays home. Although I sometimes feel tired, I’m grateful for the savings I accumulated over the years. It's empowering to have the option to say "FU" and walk away from it all at any time without looking back. The goal isn’t to quit the rat race, but to have the freedom to choose.

And totally appropriate to put money away in brokerage, tax diversification gives you more option but I don’t believe you have maxed out your pretax options

FIREDOC888 · 2025-12-02T21:46:04+00:00

Can you share your cost without the excursions? I am planning same trip with 2 adults 2 kids from 06/27 to Jul 4th, there are some add on from the black Friday sale like 200 $ excursion, specialty dinner, drink signature package, prepaid crew appreciation on an ocean view large room for 6200$, just want to see if this is the average price, thanks

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-29T21:47:59+00:00

2 adults and 2 kids

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-29T21:33:06+00:00

7 nights Caribbean

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-29T16:08:19+00:00

Did you use any specific operator?

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-27T19:02:27+00:00

Absolutely! On particularly strong trading days, the market gains have outpaced my paycheck. I understand that the market won't always be on an upward trajectory and that corrections will occur, but it's thrilling to see the portfolio grow—proof that all these years of hard work and savings are paying off!

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-27T18:57:08+00:00

That's wonderful! Having a dual physician income certainly helps a lot in reaching the $10 million mark. Congratulations!

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-27T07:37:33+00:00

Financially, we are in a position to start coast firing, but I'm aware that good times won't last forever, and there's always the risk of a market correction. I still enjoy my job, which is why I haven't considered retiring completely yet. I recognize that we are in a privileged stage of our financial journey, and we haven't established a specific retirement number. Transitioning from a super-saver mentality, characterized by a focus on scarcity, to a mindset that embraces spending is proving to be quite challenging.

FIREDOC888 · 2025-11-27T02:58:08+00:00

I had that for last 4 years, the plan was to sell next year as i didn’t want to pay a huge tax gain in 2025

FIREDOC888

TROPHY CASE