u/Delicious_Mess7976

I am treading water, but need to swim. The short of it is that I worked long and hard for decades, never came up for air. Then I retired a couple years ago and I have been like a bird let out of a cage - traveling, spending time with family, sleeping more, exercising more...barely look at the market news - this after decades of daily watching.

DIY personal finance was a breeze in the accumulation phase - spend below income, invest the rest according to plan, set and forget until one day you wake up and have a big pile.

Since retirement? I have actually been just living from withdrawals from my savings account...yikes. Just signed up for Medicare so now it's time to get serious:

- when to take Social Security

- how to develop a withdrawal strategy - based on taxable vs. nontaxable vs. tax deferred

- what about IRMAA?

- are my Roth Conversions on the right path?

- what should I know about RMDs?

- how do I max out withdrawals without running out of $?

Those are the kind of questions that I am late to answer.

I have been recommended to a fee only advisor for an initial no obligation consult, so will see how that goes.

Would one of the software programs be helpful as well? I am a low tech person, so a bit intimidated.

I understand the limitations of intelligence platorms, but is one of them better than the others for helping me run scenarios?

Thoughts? retirees here? any advice or suggestions? Any good books for retirees on these topics? Many thanks.

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Just one opinion. Tried to watch it for content and any new information. The background sound made that too difficult for me.

Sure it's eerie enough and adds to the macabre feeling of the case, BUT it's a loud distraction and detracts from the statements made by the investigators, journalist, DA and family members....instead of enhancing the information, it drowned it.

Since moving back to NY, I've bought alcohol in liquor stores. They look at my ID to check for age, I pay then leave. That's that.

Yesterday, I bought beer at Market 32 and not only did they check my ID, but they SCANNED my license.

Does anyone know why the would scan a license? I asked the clerk and all she said was "state requirement"

If a state requirement, why don't liquor stores do that? only Market 31 so far.

I guess I am just getting testy about all the increased surveillance everywhere we go.

Of course, resistance is futile, no?

For those who've done long distance travel on both, how do you compare/contrast the two?
I am only familiar with Amtrak, but considering VIA Rail this year as well. Thank you.

I am planning a trip later this summer from Portland to Chicago.

Would like to hop off the train for a day or two to see Glacier Park.
I understand (still researching) that there are three possible stops for this - West and East Glacier or Whitefish, with Whitefish being the only stop for a car rental.

Have any of you done this and have any suggestions? Also hoping to find reasonably priced lodging (yes, I get it, seasonal)

Thanks.

Whenever I've dined at Japanese restaurants, I've almost always loved the yosenabe....

mostly I love the delicate broth, chunks of tofu, bok choy and gently cooked salmon filet.

This seems like a very health dish...one I might attempt to duplicate at home even though my attempts at replicating Asian dishes at home haven't been too successful.

If you make Asian soups at home, would love any tips...I particularly enjoy the lightly cooked salmon, so I can add that last? Thanks.

I only have Amtrak experience on the Auto Train, hence my question.

Sometime this year, I want to travel from NYC to Portland, OR on the Empire Builder.

My preference is not to go straight through, but perhaps stop in a couple locations to explore and overnight. I am aware that some trains only come through once/day.

From a cost perspective (I know staying on/not getting off any of the entire trip is cheapest)

Would it be best to purchase tickets for those segments that I want sleep on (solo, roomette)

and then a rail pass for any segments I plan to ride in coach during the daytime?

Suggestions appreciated.

My mom recently retired and wants to move to the Capital Region..... I live in Cooperstown but she needs/wants more of a larger city for healthcare, better/bigger hospitals, more doctors and sushi, lol....she loves all Asian food - and she wants to make new friends.

She loves to walk daily, sometimes goes to listen to live music.

Can you suggest areas or neighborhoods she should focus on for safe walking, Asian food, healthcare, nicer homes or condos? places or neighborhoods that are good for seniors?

Colonie? Schenectady? Clifton Park? Glenville? Delmar? Latham?

these are the areas we have targeted so far.

I'd like to combine veggies, grains, meats, etc. with seasonings or sauces (can be added later or after cooking, actually)

What would be your favorite one pot meal to combine and cook altogether in the IP? Thank you.