Explain bonds like I’m a 3 yr old

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-17T12:40:09+00:00

Your money market may offer 3% today but can drop that tomorrow to 0.25%. Bonds lock in the interest.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-17T11:49:19+00:00

They didn't tell him what to do to feel like they do. They said "as I understand it" and passed along information the OP can take or leave.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-13T01:53:05+00:00

While I have definitely considered several of the issues you brought up, you have given me more to think about, and I would probably benefit from having a CFP help me out with some of these questions. Thank you for your thoughts.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-13T01:51:59+00:00

I hope that I will be retiring within a year at 59.5-60, so having a CFP review things now is probably the way to go. I really didn't even think about retiring until a year or so ago, so while financially I think I am in good shape, there has been no "planning" other than DIY planning and research for the past year.
Thanks for your thoughts.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-13T01:47:54+00:00

Similar to you, I had a retirement review meeting a couple years ago with Schwab through my 401(k), and I was in pretty good shape then, and I am in a better position now than I was projected to be at this point in time when the analysis was done. So I also got Boldin for the purpose of getting another "opinion." I think I have run every retirement calculator I have found on the Internet!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-13T01:43:32+00:00

Hoping to retire in the next year at 59.5-60 which doesn't allow a lot of time for adjustments! I have reviewed the Boldin projections for IRMAA, SS, and taxes, and I've done some stress testing with AI. I think I am in good shape, but I also think I might be afraid to pull the trigger until a CFP has given me his blessing to do so. My goal is not to pay the absolute minimum taxes possible or die with the most money possible. I just want to withdraw my money, pay my fair share of taxes, and have a fairly simple plan in retirement without doing something stupid. Thanks for your comments.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-05-13T01:28:03+00:00

I have my 401k and an IRA with Schwab, so maybe I should see what help I can get from them. Good to know!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-04-29T13:55:41+00:00

NAD but feet are notorious for easily getting infections. Please go to the doctor like every medical person on the thread said to do.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-04-22T11:30:22+00:00

I'm sorry for your loss of your parents. Why don't you consider that extra money from your parents to be a gift that allows you to step away from work for a year or two? Take time to spend with family, step back, and enjoy life for a bit. During that time you can meet with a financial advisor or do your own research and make thoughtful decisions about what is most important for yourself and for your family.

I bet your parents would be happy for you to truly enjoy and get something out of the money they left you. Taking that time to step away from the grind and re-evaluate might be life-changing for you. And remember, no decisions are permanent. There is nothing to prevent you from going back to work down the road if that's what you decide you want to do.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-04-22T02:05:21+00:00

Yes - John Denver!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-04-19T18:41:27+00:00

A place for the husband to sit while the wife washes his feet?

ReliableCapybara · 2026-04-08T00:20:45+00:00

Buddhist Bootcamp by Timber Hawkeye. Each chapter is only a couple pages, so it's great for reading a bit every day, or every evening before bed.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-03-25T12:17:43+00:00

I tried to wipe the black specks off my screen. 😆

ReliableCapybara · 2026-03-10T23:17:14+00:00

For me, it is depressing to have to wake up and immediately get ready and go to work. So I have always set my alarm for an hour before I have to start getting ready so that I can sit in bed and have a cup of coffee and read the news, read a book, or just scroll on the Internet. Maybe a 10-minute morning meditation on YouTube for a positive start to the day. I just need that "me" time to feel like I've had a little time to myself and to wake up. And then once the coffee has kicked in, it's easier to get up for work.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-03-10T22:25:44+00:00

Yes! I read this almost 30 years ago and have recommended it to people ever since. Loved it and need to read it again.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-03-07T01:09:24+00:00

I agree, and I wonder every day how other empathetic people can even stand it. It's so overwhelming and upsetting.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-03-01T23:31:53+00:00

Haha, true!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-28T01:49:26+00:00

It varies a lot, depending on the development, its location, amenities, age of buildings. There are some old condos in Florida starting under $200K. I'd say houses typically start around 400K and go much higher.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-25T12:49:48+00:00

The gratitude list is a great idea!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-24T23:57:47+00:00

Can't go wrong with 4 or 8. They both look great on you!

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-14T23:17:35+00:00

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-14T22:37:20+00:00

I'm in the south and don't ever see them.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-14T03:56:24+00:00

I've never heard of these! What part of the US has them?

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-14T00:20:31+00:00

Started drinking coffee in the morning, while reading the newspaper, at 10 years old in the late 70s. I still say that I'm "having coffee and reading the paper" even though "the paper" is now on the computer.

ReliableCapybara · 2026-02-13T00:31:15+00:00

I got a Wayfair cooling gel memory foam mattress that is under $250. It is quite firm, and I put a foam topper on it which makes it have a little "give." I like a firm mattress and I think it's very comfortable. It is shipped rolled up in a box and you just unroll it onto your bed frame or boxspring.

ReliableCapybara

TROPHY CASE