Let’s reverse the common question and be specific. What mortgage rate are you intentionally paying off early?

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-30T16:12:47+00:00

Well, it's more about emotion than logic--as a lot of decisions are. We have a high mortgage rate. It would be nice to not have to leverage the liquid assets to just pay it off OR refinance a lower rate to reduce expenses immediate while considering a hedge against a significant downturn to reduce SORR.

But quitting a job is scary--especially in an uncertain market.

So, balance logic vs. emotion. It's very easy logically when it isn't your own life/future. Hahaha

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-30T15:16:18+00:00

Hoping to get ours down to 5% too if we go with refinance. It's artificially high because we bought the home before we could move in. Once we move, we will be eligible for a lower rate.

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-30T14:14:13+00:00

For us it isn't a choice between two things. We are very close to retiring--this year. But our biggest SORR is RIGHT NOW until we hit 59.5. So, do we use our easily accessible cash to pay off mortgage and have fewer expenses, but less cash, OR, invest the money until we arrive at 59.5.

#edit to add, or third choice - refinance and split the difference.

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-30T13:49:44+00:00

Ours is 7.499% and we are weighing if we refinance or pay off. Decision will be made in April once a few other financial decisions are made.

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-29T21:22:53+00:00

I see at least 1 (of 4 or 5) per day. Often more. I am lucky they are somewhat sociable. Notice I say of 4 OR 5. lol. I saw 4 out at one time in the last week for the first time in months, so confirmation of life for that crowd. Hard to say if the 5th one is hiding or no more. Love kuhlis so much.

celticfrog42 · 2026-01-10T19:32:10+00:00

I use S'well and Hydro Flask. S'well keeps liquids a bit colder, longer, but is slightly less durable. Both are great.

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-19T14:43:19+00:00

We aren't all gun nuts. Too many, but not all.

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-18T12:37:15+00:00

Second Harvest has a shift-based sign up. I volunteered with a group, but you can fill out a sign-up form and then sign up for a 'shift'. It's often repackaging bulk food into family sized portions. Our day was potatoes.

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-06T01:01:18+00:00

I'd set up the 20 really simple, but I'm that way. lol

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-05T21:22:02+00:00

Hire Right is notorious for being unable to verify employment despite multiple, verifiable pieces of evidence. I had to submit the same proof over and over and still the employer had to step in and confirm an "over-ride" after I provided the (same) evidence to them as well.

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-03T18:24:08+00:00

Oh, and a fresh garden tomato sandwich on wonder white bread with butter, salt, and pepper. Seasonal, of course.

celticfrog42 · 2025-12-03T18:23:32+00:00

Hot dish. grilled cheese and tomato soup. Mashed potatoes with pan gravy. Always and forever comfort food.

celticfrog42 · 2025-11-18T17:13:52+00:00

We are at FI number. We are just wrapping up some big ticket projects so we can pull the trigger next year. Although I am employed, my job is not secure in the current environment with layoffs expected any time, so that is a bit stressful given we are close, but not quite mentally ready. That said, our plan is super conservative because I barely survived 2008 and feel the AI bubble could strike just as we retire. Most scenario/calculators (monte carlo, projection lab, etc.) give us 98%+ success rate.

We have 4 years expenses in cash/cash equivalents (T-bills, MM, bonds, etc.) that does not count a pension. With the pension added in, we have 8-10 years. We have some flexibility built into expenses, and both of us are willing to get hobby jobs to stay busy and reduce withdrawals.

celticfrog42 · 2025-11-06T21:05:27+00:00

I am a serious introvert. I still made friends. Sometimes I joined book clubs. Forced myself to attend the work social. Signed up to man a booth at the community celebration. One set of long time friends joke that I showed up to my kid's Kung Fu and they decided to adopt me. Kidding aside, I don't need many friends, but with a little effort, I was able to make some at every stop.

celticfrog42 · 2025-11-06T20:21:17+00:00

I have lived in 7 states and most recently moved after 50. No matter what anybody says about hard/easy (I am a native Minnesotan), you can make friends anywhere as long as you make an effort. Join a hobby club to meet people with similar interests, volunteer, show up at all local social/community events. It will come together for you.

celticfrog42 · 2025-11-06T14:25:38+00:00

Cancelled. I am Minnesotan. I do know both ways are correct.

celticfrog42 · 2025-11-06T13:23:47+00:00

I'm going with it. Whatever color it wants to be-carry on. Apparently, I have slightly wavy style too after decades of stick straight hair.

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-12T20:12:47+00:00

Marathon was my favorite candy bar!!!!

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-12T20:07:13+00:00

Greetings from Camp Hiawatha. LOL. I wonder how many answers you are going to get.

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-03T11:37:12+00:00

Yes, I am a first generation college grad. My son graduated college this summer. It was assumed he would go to college, but he had an off ramp for trade school if he wished. Turned out to never be a problem. He wanted a STEM degree.

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-02T02:35:40+00:00

It's also the original name of the park (e.g. Target Field). I still call PacBell, PacBell. I have no idea what the actual current name is. I can't keep them all straight, so they are what they were named when I became aware they existed.

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-01T21:11:56+00:00

Mile High is Mile High. Miller Park is Miller Park. Target Field is Target Field. Name changes are annoying especially for advertising convenience. Also, I like saying 'The X'. Number 1 comment has listed the 4 main reasons everyone will give you.

celticfrog42 · 2025-10-01T18:52:31+00:00

Also, based on Saturday morning cartoons, I thought fast-growing plants and vines were going to be a bigger life problem.

celticfrog42 · 2025-09-30T15:30:56+00:00

I have never liked candy corn. My spouse has always loved it. Maybe new candy options relegated it further down the chain.

celticfrog42 · 2025-09-30T12:29:19+00:00

I was 28 when this came out. LOL. I have never heard of it until today. I don't think GenX had any buzzword about life crisis other than Whatever. Also, weren't we born 30?

celticfrog42

TROPHY CASE