Keeping Up With Election Proposals – Taxing 401Ks

During the Democratic National Convention two weeks ago, news slipped out that Joe Biden was developing a new tax plan that would rollback benefits for 401K plans. He even had his Economic Advisor speak to it at a panel event at the convention. Like many ‘progressive’ initiatives, this one involves reducing or eliminating 401K tax benefits from higher income households and transferring that benefit to … Continue reading Keeping Up With Election Proposals – Taxing 401Ks

MrFireStation08.31.202008.30.20207 Comments

FIRE Observations, Lifestyle Change

Big Breakfast

I made a big stack of buckwheat pancakes for myself yesterday, topped it with real maple syrup & berries, and added a glass of orange juice. It’s a repeat of the breakfast that I had the morning I walked away from working and into the wonderful world of FIRE (financial independence & retired early). Related: FIRE Milestone – Final Day: Blasting Into Retirement It only took … Continue reading Big Breakfast

MrFireStation08.27.202008.17.20204 Comments

Invest Effectively

Cashing In Before The Election

After seeing the details of Biden’s big tax increase proposal and reading that there is a legitimate chance that Democrats will win the White House and both houses of Congress this November, I figured it would be a good time to accelerate some MegaCorp stock option sales that I could otherwise stretch out to July 2022. I made my big stock move of the decade … Continue reading Cashing In Before The Election

MrFireStation08.24.202008.06.20204 Comments

FIRE Observations

Anniversary Memories

This past Tuesday, my wife and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a getaway to Minnesota’s scenic North Shore on Lake Superior. Over dinner on the deck of a lakefront restaurant, we were sharing memories of our wedding rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. They are all distant memories now, but many stick with you from the time they happen. I recalled my Dad’s reaction to the … Continue reading Anniversary Memories

MrFireStation08.20.202008.18.202011 Comments

Terrific Travel

Postcard From Sienna

Last fall, we took a wonderful 3 week trip through Europe with some good friends. I frequently think of the terrific time we had in the Loire, Alps, and Tuscany. The hilltop town of Sienna came to mind recently as Settore Polizia Municipale sent me a lovely ticket in the mail. The tracked me down for ‘Circulating In A Limited Traffic Area’. Old town Sienna … Continue reading Postcard From Sienna

MrFireStation08.17.202008.14.20205 Comments

Invest Effectively

Amazing Rebound

There it is … the S&P 500 is just 6 points short of record territory, despite the CV-19 pandemic. I was chatting about the amazing rebound in the market yesterday with an old MegaCorp colleague and we were both astounded that it could jump back so quickly. He asked what I thought about the stock market right now and what I would do in his … Continue reading Amazing Rebound

MrFireStation08.13.202008.12.202011 Comments

Fitness Counts

eBike v Manual Comparison

Since I got the new eBike last week, I’ve been comparing it to my old bicycle that doesn’t have the nifty peddle-assist. Many people are asking how different they are and how I like the new one, so I thought I’d share that here. The bottom line is that I much prefer the new bike, but I will acknowledge that head-to-head it’s not the same … Continue reading eBike v Manual Comparison

MrFireStation08.10.202008.06.2020Leave a comment

Fitness Counts

Battery Boosted Biking

Exactly, five years ago this week, I bought the first new bike that I had bought in 25 years. I felt like a kid again. My plan was that it would be my FIRE escape to great fitness in my new no-work lifestyle. It’s been a good bike, but I haven’t used it very much. I’ve learned that like most people, I like to ride … Continue reading Battery Boosted Biking

MrFireStation08.06.202008.05.20205 Comments

personal finance

Online Selling Hassles

When I got my new drone a few months ago, I decided to sell my old one over Facebook Marketplace. I’ve never liked selling things online, but since it was worth more than $200, I figured I should give it a go. Related: What’s Your Time Worth? I posted it on a Friday at about noon and it didn’t take long to generate interest, since … Continue reading Online Selling Hassles

MrFireStation08.03.202008.02.20209 Comments

MrFireStation

Financial / Lifestyle Help to Achieve "FIRE" – Financially Independent & Retired Early

Month: August 2020