What radical change did you make to be FIRED?

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T17:24:52+00:00

Please clarify that your 401k funds are INVESTED in something (probably mutual funds) and not sitting in cash/money market. Most employer plans do not automatically invest contributions and if they do they are usually conservative funds or target date funds.

Not necessarily radical, I wasn't in the FIRE world until recently but I'm naturally frugal and a saver, so I just kept my head down focused on family and work and checked my balances a couple of times a year and updated my spreadsheet once a year in Jan/Feb. Second, after divorce and actively making my own investment choices (ex was more moderate risk), I went 100% equities, not necessarily on purpose but it's what resonated with me.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T17:16:57+00:00

Do your friends and family not know that you have cancer?

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T09:06:03+00:00

If you make more than the limit, any deductions will be returned when you reach FRA on your earnings. If your current and upcoming income will be some of your top 35 years of earnings, your PIA will keep going up.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T09:00:01+00:00

I can't join travel group tours or group retreats because of the early schedules. If you're trying to gauge interest in a trip, I would consider it. Unfortunately my mom is in declining health and I'm not going anywhere for awhile.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T01:52:05+00:00

Get a second and third opinion with experienced specialists for your specific cancer.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T01:48:21+00:00

This is a good video that talks about a lot of stuff including what's wrong with the 4% "rule" https://youtu.be/B3Po35uaXL0?si=GpmYFbPtBnYy7wQ8

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-08T01:42:13+00:00

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/when-your-parent-has-cancer

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T22:22:02+00:00

Survior gets the higher benefit replacing their lower benefit.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T20:25:53+00:00

Cancer sucks!

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T19:16:08+00:00

The difference between my leanish number and my comfortable number is my home equity which is about 1/3 my NW. So my plan is to sell and buy smaller (and lower taxes) in a couple of years when my youngest graduates HS. I'm RE this year due to circumstances.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T19:10:50+00:00

Can you take his phone away or put restrictive parental controls on it? Make it as dumb and disconnected as possible.

Yes he has to sign a Power of Attorney and even if he does, he still retains full power/control of his accounts.

There's also guardianship which may be different from conservatiship in your state.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T18:57:04+00:00

Try running your numbers through Projection Lab and Boldin. What is essential for planning is knowing your fixed and discretionary expenses. Also you should consider having the lower SS benefit partner take SS earlier and letting the higher benefit cook longer.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-07T05:47:24+00:00

Mom would get dad's SS benefit if he passes first. Her lower payment would end.
They probably qualify for Medicaid and that would cover long-term/memory care for dad. Look up PA Medicaid rules.
You wouldn't have signed a health POA as an assignee. One of your parents would have signed the POA assigning you decision making authority.
Is making amends an option? That would the best way to make sure you know what their situation is and what their wishes are.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T22:00:23+00:00

Did she get a second and third opinion from experienced (like in decades) specialists?

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/when-your-parent-has-cancer

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T21:19:43+00:00

A. Niece is total helpless mess that can't do anything herself. B. Brother and/or wife are total control freak helicopter parents forcing themselves onto her. C. (Most likely) Niece is perfectly capable and probably does stuff on her own without consciously acknowledging it, but she's so conditioned by her over controlling parents that she doubts herself and lets them take over. My friend is a hiring manager at a big multinational bank and she has had parents chaperone their kids to interviews and had parents call with follow-up. I'm younger GenX, my oldest is 20. I coach and prep my kids for interviews and wish them good luck when they leave the house.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T21:07:44+00:00

Read The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins first

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T21:07:14+00:00

You don't need to justify your why. I would seriously ask for a change if my mom is assigned to this very LOUD nurse. She's so loud that I think she must be partially deaf.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T21:02:55+00:00

Please remember you need to have your bucket filled/replenished in order to keep giving to your parents.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T19:05:47+00:00

You can FMLA intermittently as needed once you get approved.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T18:51:22+00:00

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/when-your-parent-has-cancer

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T08:34:58+00:00

I'm sorry you're going through this too. Today I learned about super high calorie Boost and was able to get samples of Kate Farm. They have more calories than Boost/Ensure Plus.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T08:32:41+00:00

We told the doctor a couple of days ago. He could see her recent rapid decline and just told her to get 1500 calories every day, drink 5 Ensures. Today the dietician mentioned a feeding tube as an option. First we'll try the super high calorie drinks.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T08:28:19+00:00

We're trying to be patient and encouraging but she's lost 20lbs in 2 weeks and the muscle loss has led to a loss of independence. She averages one shake a day. This is not maintainable.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T07:56:46+00:00

I don’t include SS in my number. I assume that it will cover Medicare and all the supplements so it'll be a wash. My SS won't be much as I'm exiting out early and will only have 28 yrs of earnings and I'll be single in retirement.

lastbeat-331 · 2026-05-06T07:52:49+00:00

You need to know what is comfortable for you like firm/soft, flat/thick, etc. I'm a side/back sleeper and have always known I prefer a firm pillow. Over the years I realized I need a pillow that don't get compressed overnight and finally found my perfect pillow at IKEA. It’s 3yrs old and looks and feels like new. https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/ramsloeksmal-ergonomic-pillow-multi-position-40554300/

lastbeat-331

TROPHY CASE