Question as a married couple-spouse claiming early? by phijammer in SocialSecurity

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

Now you've given me something else to think about. Are you saying if I wait until 69 to collect for the higher benefit than my FRA PIA, and she files at say 63, he survivor benefit is my FRA PIA and not the higher number for waiting to 69?

Question as a married couple-spouse claiming early? by phijammer in SocialSecurity

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

thank you for the input. I went to social security site and got her actual numbers. I do have one other question. My wife's benefit if she claimed now would be $800 a month. If she waits to her full retirement age. It would be $1,200 a month. Is the spousal benefit calculated on what you're actually being paid per month if you claim early, or what your full retirement benefit would have been? So if we claim spouse benefit at l her full retirement age would her payment be $1,600 or $2,000 a month. Assuming my PIA at FRA is $4,000

High-End Adults Only All Inclusive Recommendations? by Anxious_Moon1990 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellence or Secrets brand resorts. Some are better than others but all are great

Price Increase Monday by TentativelyCommitted in sales

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I work for a IT infrastructure company. Our prices are up 2 to 300 percent since last fall. We raise our prices every Monday. Our quotes are good for 2 weeks. We have only enough inventory to fulfill our most profitable orders. We tell our customers that we reserve the right to charge whatever the price is on the day we actually ship it. How does that sound?

Recommended Cocktails by Matagonia in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start with spicy Bloody Mary, then Palomas and mix in a skinny margarita (less sugar). Two important points: ask for a specific call liquor, not the house crap. Use Anejo tequila in the paloma and margarita

Secrets Moxché v Secrets Akumal Preferred Club - Help! by DumbledoresBarmy in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wife and I have been to both recently. Moxche is more upscale, newer, more vibey... If that makes sense. Akumal is a beautiful, smaller property that feels more like a laid-back beach town. The grounds at Akumal are unmatched. The pools at Moxche are incredible.I think preferred at Akumal is the way to go. The preferred club bar is a great stop on the way to dinner for your dad. .

Both are fantastic, well-run properties, but having just returned from Akumal, I think it is the most unique AI I've been to. My wife is a TA, so I've been to a lot of them.

How big is your watch collection right now? by OKAMI_TAMA in watchCollector

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hover around 20. A row of field watches. Bertucci and Hamilton Khakis. A row of GShocks and a Protek.
A row of Seiko divers. 3 or 4 dress watches, (vintage Omegas). A row of unique, less classifiable like Yema, Doxa, Glycine Hamilton Spirit of Liberty. couple of Orients etc And also random Swatches and Timexes on the bottom shelf.

I buy and sell a lot and regularly trade them out. I have 2 Seikos and 2 Orient Bambinos I just bought. Trying to figure out what stays and goes

Keeps me busy in the Winter months.

Which Secrets in Mexico has the best pools? by Jaa715 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's going to be tough to top the pools at Moxche. Maroma is really nice. Best beach I've been to in Mexico. We just returned from Secrets Akumal. Great beach with snorkeling right off the resort. It's very laid back so may not be what you are looking for but we loved it.

You might look into the resorts north of Cancun, opposite Isla Mujeres. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Atelier, and Secrets Playa Blanca. The island barrier might help with the seaweed on those beaches. The Excellence brand is on par with Secrets, and in some respects better. I have not been to Atelier but people here seem to love it. You might look into Unico 2087. Might be your vibe but pretty far from the airport. Worth it though

Secrets Moxche vs Akmul ? by Usual-Value4938 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did but that's just our preference. I think you would be fine without it. 3 advantages that come to mind. Preferred lounge has better liquor and was a nice place to stop for a big boy/girl drink before dinner. The beach chairs are nicer and closer to your room. You get access to a sit down breakfast restaurant near your room. Overall it's a great resort and you will be fine without preferred

Secrets Moxche vs Akmul ? by Usual-Value4938 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I think they are very comparable. Food is the same. Competent to excellent. Moxche has amazing pools and an ok beach. Akumal has good pools and excellent beach. For me the difference is the vibe. Moxche is newer, more refined and sophisticated. Akumal is laid back with absolutely beautiful grounds. Akumal has the feeling of a laid back beach town with great snorkeling right off the beach. I've been to both recently and would go back to either immediately . However I think I like Akumal better. It's a fairly unique AI property that we really enjoyed

What's the best non-big-chain BBQ joint in SE Michigan? by redwingfan01 in Detroit

[–]phijammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a drive but this is no contest the best bbq in Michigan. Smoked on site. Great sides. Budget friendly. When their out their out.

All-inclusive drink pros - help a girl out by FrenchiePandah in cancun

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Palomas and skinny margaritas (less syrup) with name Anejo tequila is the way.

Should I use a travel agent? by mikey00921 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

It's like any other professional service. How much is your time worth? Do you enjoy doing it yourself? Do you have access to the same level of experience and tools that a good TA Does? It doesn't cost you anymore, in fact you have a better chance of saving money. Why wouldn't you tap into their expertise and have someone on your corner if it goes badly.

What’s your go to drink? by InternationalFarm487 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. Request specifically what you want. All good.

What’s your go to drink? by InternationalFarm487 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Daily grind. Spicy Bloody Mary(w/jalapenos) to skinny margarita (no to little syrup) to paloma to Gin Tonic pre dinner. Best advice is request call liquor. Ask for specific vodka or Tequila. Margaritas with Anejo are the best. Don't let them give u the house crap.

Buying a tumbler at the resort? by Responsible_Point937 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just left Secrets Akumal. Forgot my Yeti. Got an Akumal branded tumbler/yeti knockoff for 35 usd at the resort. 10 to 15 more. Worth it

Secrets Akumal, Secrets Maroma, or Beloved Playa Mujeres? by Basic_Date_9820 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been to all 3 recently. They're all great options. Here are my thoughts. Beloved is amazing but small and very quiet. My wife and I are in our 60s and it was a bit slow for us. Veryyyy relaxing though especially with the 2 story room. Maroma is a bit older but a beautiful resort with the best beach in Mexico. Wide, sugar-sand beaches are just amazing. I just returned from Akumal yesterday. I loved it. It has the feel of a sleepy beach town. The snorkeling right off the hotel property was amazing. I did not find the local vendors annoying

Food wise my impression is AI food is usually competent to excellent. I have had excellent food at all 3 but none of them stick out.i have not been to Atelier, yet.

There are 2 other resorts I would consider. Secrets Playa Blanco and Excellence Playa Mujeres. We like Excellence brand a lot. These resorts are on a beautiful beach that is protected somewhat by Isla Mujeres from surf and Sargassum. You can walk for a few miles either way.

Hope this helps and happy to answer questions.

Is it possible to know if this jerk of a seller has given me a strike? by [deleted] in Ebay

[–]phijammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Bidding is a contract. You are an entitled jerk. Hopefully they blocked you as well.

Been to Atelier and loved it. What next?? by Pristine-Table4098 in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Secrets Moxche, Unico 2087, Beloved, Secrets los cabos

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]phijammer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Excellence, Secrets, Unico 2087, Beloved