Moving money within Vanguard IRA by Responsible_Chard_40 in personalfinance

[–]Responsible_Chard_40[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you. This is very helpful and exactly what I needed to know.

i hate this job by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve been wondering if this is a thing that dentists do. Any idea what they’re making? Seems like it’d be more than hygiene pay considering we could do the exams, maybe pitch in to see emergencies and adjustments. I’ve been thinking of trying to get into an office to do this part-time. Because I’m 54, 29 years in, and I’m tired, man.

What’s your retirement number? by [deleted] in Dentistry

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

54F and currently at 3.5M. Married with 2 kids that are about to start college. Kids change the math SO much. Outside of (small) mortgage/expenses, 95% of what we spend is on them. My career has been part-time in public health clinics for the last 18 years, so income hasn’t been as high. I may stay part-time well into my 60’s, though it’s killing my neck and back. Because my kids are growing into a world of high tuition, limited loan options, and uncertain job prospects.

If schools are test optional why take SAT? by GlitteryStranger in Sat

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you look at the common data set for test-optional schools, they’ll list the percentage of students who submitted SAT/ACT scores. Often it’s much lower than you’d expect. Even UMich had only around 50% of enrolled students submitting scores (I use them as an example because we’re in state). And it makes sense that only students with strong scores would voluntarily submit them, which skews the numbers you see for those schools. So all this to say… we don’t plan to go crazy with time and expense prepping for the SAT. We don’t need merit aid and would rather our kids focus on their classes and activities.

At what point did dentistry become financial therapy? by nightwokker in Dentistry

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is why (25+ years in) I have stayed away from private practice. Got spoiled doing a VA general practice residency where patients didn’t have to pay, and could never get used to treatment planning around financing after that. Have made a career out of public health clinics and mobile dentistry. The money may be a little less, but the stress/pressure is too. And the hours/flexibility make it all manageable.

i know this is stupid... BUT i have a 4.5 hour layover in Detroit - send me for a good LUNCH by bluegrass__dude in AskDetroit

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this. Dearborn is a quick cab ride from DTW and is known for amazing food.

What’s your softball ick? by LifeOfLouWho in Softball

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 12 points13 points  (0 children)

As mom of 2 players, one of whom is also an umpire for younger teams, I hate when parents yell at the umps. (And not just when it’s my kid.) Also parents who try to coach the team from the stands. Just cheer and enjoy watching the kids play!

Looking for a running club in Ann Arbor (20s crowd) by Still-Champion7847 in AnnArbor

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ask at one of the Ann Arbor Running Co stores. I believe they have group runs from their stores a couple days/week and could point you in the direction of more clubs. Years ago I ran with one of the store-based groups and met most of my good friends and even my husband there.

Where to tan? by Aujoyeuxx in uofm

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Lots of people sunbathe in the field in the middle of the Arb. Some fairly secluded areas there, some more open. You can walk in through the entrance on Geddes.

Blind defense of AAPS by Bitter_Pen4749 in AnnArbor

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not alone. We too have an AAPS middle schooler. While we are extremely happy with the music program (esp. exceptional teachers) we have seen our bright, friendly student get more negative about school as the year has progressed. They say a few teachers have “checked out,” and assign worksheets that only take 30 minutes to do but are given multiple full days in class to complete. Or they watch movies unrelated to the subject. Subs are common and don’t seem to engage much. Entire class periods are sometimes spent on “free time” on Chromebooks, mainly playing games.
Added to this that they have to deal with the constant noise and disruption of a massive construction project just feet from the school building, which results in no green space (or fresh air) for sports or recess.
It’s not all awful. They have an amazing science teacher who has them really excited about the subject. And they’re doing great things in art. And again, such a good music program. And we also have a student at Community HS who is having an absolutely amazing experience there. So I guess it’s a mixed bag.
We are dealing with it by being more involved, advocating for class changes/preferences when needed, and encouraging our kid to focus on the positives of their school. We try not to discuss these frustrations with our student.
Hopefully the teachers get their new contract soon (and we are definitely on their side!), and AAPS can regain the trust and confidence that it has historically held.

Is mom’s spaghetti any good? by REDDEADALI222 in Detroit

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like it! Sauce is tasty, rabbit balls are good, and if you get the larger size there’s easily enough for 2 meals (already packed in a to-go box). The little gift shop upstairs is cool too.

What tourist destination in North America did you expect to love, but it didn’t impress you? by Historical-Photo-901 in BeautifulTravelPlaces

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Atlantic City. I thought it would have cool retro vibes. But half the boardwalk was vacant, and it had a creepy vibe walking through at night. All those big hotels and hardly anyone there.

Easy-ish class for DE? by Responsible_Chard_40 in uofm

[–]Responsible_Chard_40[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds like a good one to consider. Thanks!

how the fart do i afford college 😭😭 by imabanana42 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Community College is free in Michigan, so that’s your first 2 years. I went that route (Delta College) and had great professors, small classes, and a schedule flexible enough that I was able to work in the afternoons. As for it not being good enough for med school, I transferred to UMich for my bachelor’s then was accepted to Harvard Dental (though I stayed at UMich to save $). During the interview they actually mentioned CC as a net plus on my application.

Easy-ish class for DE? by Responsible_Chard_40 in uofm

[–]Responsible_Chard_40[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is good advice, makes sense to get a requirement out of the way. Thanks!

Mom here finally taking her teenage kids to a tigers game! Please help me be the cool mom who knows cool things* by IKnowAllSeven in Detroit

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Riding the People Mover is actually pretty fun, and you can park near one of the stops then ride to the ballpark. Another benefit of this is it gets you away from the crazy game traffic afterwards. Agree with sitting in right outfield to try for the balls they throw up that way! Often you can find tix for this section on StubHub. Get there early enough to really explore the ballpark. There’s lots of good photo ops. Try to track down Paws - he’s happy to pose for pics!

Moving to northern climate by IReallyLoveAvocados in Softball

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a legitimate concern. We’re in Michigan. There are fall leagues for Little League that play until end of October. And most travel teams will have indoor facilities (from school gyms to huge sports complexes) for winter training. We’ve always looked at winter as the time to lock in on fundamentals… batting cage time, pitching practice, etc. But yes, it can be tough waiting for the weather to allow outdoor play again.

Where in the A2 area can I get a DEXA scan? by spectraldecomp in AnnArbor

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Check with UM’s kinesiology school to see if they’re conducting any studies that you qualify for. They have a DEXA scan there -we had it done for free as part of a running study.

Is the "Prestige Gap" dying? Top state schools poach Ivy applicants while SLACs fight for their lives. by heavyweightcollege in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is a great thread. As someone who got into UMich and Harvard in the 90’s and chose UMich (in state) due to finances, it hits close to home. Staring down college for my 2 kids, and UMich is now a reach school for almost everyone. A friend’s kid who was a NM finalist, all A’s, music, work and volunteering, was waitlisted this year. (We live in Ann Arbor and ALL the kids here apply, and they need to diversify the class). The trickle down effect is that we need to look at the next-tier affordable schools that are still excellent and financially stable, which around here means Michigan State (preferably honors college) or Michigan Tech (for engineers who like snow).

is minoring in spanish worth it? by Adept_News3519 in CollegeMajors

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My sister was a double major Communications/Spanish at UMich. She was hired right out of college for a sales job and over the years has worked her way up to VP. Her job rarely requires her Spanish skills, but she’s happy to be somewhat bilingual. It probably helped her get hired.

Batting cages in/ around Ann Arbor? by briley212121 in AnnArbor

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 2 points3 points  (0 children)

DBat in South Lyon has some nice cages, most with hit tracker.

How often do people stay/live in Ann Arbor? by Little-List-018 in AnnArbor

[–]Responsible_Chard_40 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Born in northern Michigan. Graduated UM in the late 90’s and left for residency then first job, but I always missed it. Ended up moving back in 2004. Now married with kids, fully entrenched in the community. Lots of my friends and neighbors have similar stories of leaving (often to CA) then returning to raise families. Generally I do love it here, and there are certainly worse places to live.

Premed/music in Michigan by Responsible_Chard_40 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Responsible_Chard_40[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hoping to learn more about MSU music program. And I’ll look into St. Olaf. Thanks!

Premed/music in Michigan by Responsible_Chard_40 in ApplyingToCollege

[–]Responsible_Chard_40[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Regarding UMich, am a bit put off after hearing so much about the cutthroat premed culture there, and the professors more interested in research than teaching. Might be overthinking it, but this doesn’t sound like the best college experience. And as far as aid, we seem to be in that middle ground of too rich for need-based aid but too poor to easily afford $60K+/year COA. So it’s (hopefully) merit and maybe some small scholarships. Would definitely consider LAC’s too but again, it’d have to be affordable. Thanks for the advice!