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Post by Loggy on Aug 4, 2023 11:00:05 GMT -5
Yep.......most of us who have grown some whiskers have passed without regret legal bucks which failed to meet our expectations. It would also be nice have the choice to harvest a buck which does whether or not they meet prescribed legal parameters.
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Post by CoureurDeBois on Aug 4, 2023 19:54:47 GMT -5
I have often wondered, or use to, how my grandfather, and uncle’s could just hang it up. I now know,for I just no longer have the fire. Seems everything has gotten harder, there are some mornings that by the time I have gotten up, made breakfast, packed a lunch, and gotten dressed, I’m ready for a nap.
Some of it is I no longer have the physical ability to hunt the way I like. My usual means of operation was either to be in my spot at first light or leave the truck at first light and still hunt to a spot. I would then still hunt or track till an hour before quitting time and take a stand till dark. Those days are gone, I now mostly stand hunt, and those stands are a lot closer to camp or the truck now. Still hunt back after an hour or two,then go back home or camp for lunch. Take an afternoon nap, and maybe spend the last hour overlooking a nearby trail, and sometimes I don’t even go back out.
Just doesn’t matter anymore the anticipation of the hunt just isn’t there anymore.
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Post by Dutch on Aug 4, 2023 20:30:42 GMT -5
I remember taking my dad out on his last hunt. I drove him to a spot with the ATV, put a chair down for him. I sat beside him. It was the early doe season for seniors. As the cool air came down the mountain, he suddenly could barely breathe. He would have been 79 years old. He had macular degeneration as well.
I could not get him off that mountain fast enough that evening. It was a scary moment. Once I got him to the truck, and got warm air blowing, he could breathe again.
It wasn't long before he sold or gave everything away. For 10 years he wouldn't go to camp in rifle season, he didn't want to be in the way or a bother. In 2016 we finally convinced him to go along.
My brother and I both got huge bucks that first day. We called back to camp and told him we were coming back with one, shot with his Model 70 270. We got to camp, and he could see, barely, that we had two in the truck. He just ran his hands over those racks, to "see" them. It was his last trip to hunting camp, during the hunting season.
In 60 years of hunting, he kill 4 deer. For him, it wasn't about killing, it was just being outside that gave him the thrill.
Everyone loses it, at some point, some earlier than others.
Don't feel guilty about slowing down, or giving up, life is full of changes, and it's just another change.
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Post by stroupy on Aug 6, 2023 12:58:05 GMT -5
The vast majority of Republicans are satisfied with Trump too I'm so glad we are still in this economic sh*thole we've been in since I graduated in 06. Vote the establishment back in they tell you what you want to hear. |
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Post by moosemike on Aug 6, 2023 13:31:35 GMT -5
The vast majority of Republicans are satisfied with Trump too I'm so glad we are still in this economic sh*thole we've been in since I graduated in 06. Vote the establishment back in they tell you what you want to hear. I'm just saying Brad thinks the majority is right on this and those exact same people that vote in favor of AR's will be voting for Trump. The majority isn't always right. There are great candidates in the GOP race right now that won't get a chance because the party loves Richard head |
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Post by stroupy on Aug 6, 2023 13:52:32 GMT -5
I'm so glad we are still in this economic sh*thole we've been in since I graduated in 06. Vote the establishment back in they tell you what you want to hear. I'm just saying Brad thinks the majority is right on this and those exact same people that vote in favor of AR's will be voting for Trump. The majority isn't always right. There are great candidates in the GOP race right now that won't get a chance because the party loves Richard head None of them are great I'm a Trump guy us he perfect no, but no one is. I'm tired of voting in guys like Bush, Obama Biden. The whole system is rigged against us and one guy in politics for 4 years didn't create this mess. I'm in favor of getting rid of Ars especially after the opener change that didn't work but hey the pgc made a PowerPoint showing how well it worked... |
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Post by CoureurDeBois on Aug 6, 2023 17:03:59 GMT -5
I'm so glad we are still in this economic sh*thole we've been in since I graduated in 06. Vote the establishment back in they tell you what you want to hear. I'm just saying Brad thinks the majority is right on this and those exact same people that vote in favor of AR's will be voting for Trump. The majority isn't always right. There are great candidates in the GOP race right now that won't get a chance because the party loves Richard head Yeah, I like AR and I'll probably vote for Trump, if he's still in the game come November 2024. No he's not someone I want to have a beer with, and I wish he could just smile and walk away when when someone say's something he doesn't like, instead of making some stupid remark. As for the economy, could be better, could be a lot worse. I retired in 2006, wife a couple of years later. We made some good choices in our investments, and consequently have kept up with inflation, and our expenses aren't near what they were when we were working. On the political side , I still Love America, but I loathe our present leadership and a lot of the current government body. What worries me most is the world that my grandsons will need to live in, or die in, depending on the choices we make today. |
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Post by Dutch on Aug 6, 2023 18:32:18 GMT -5
A year after I bought my dad's business, unemployment went to 10.6%
They changed how my SS tax calculated. Previous to the SS fix, self employed paid one side. In 1984, we paid both sides, doubling my tax.
My health insurance was not a business expense that I could deduct. So, I paid the insurance, PLUS, because it wasn't deductible, I paid taxes on that!!!
My brother in law got a mortgage in 1983 interest rate was around 14%
My first mortgage in 1987 was 8%
Second mortgage in 1992 was 7 3/8th%
During most of the 70s to early 90s, unemployment was in the 6-7% range, with increases during recessions, which were kinda frequent.
Today, if you get a job at Sheetz, you'll make $15 an hour. If you work in a local warehouse, probably $23-$25 per hour, maybe more.
Someone that says the economy has been crap since 2006, really hasn't got much of a historical perspective.
It's not hard to succeed in the US. Yes, you need to make good choices, and many do, many don't.
Joe Biden or DT or anyone in government don't hold you back. YOU HOLD YOU BACK.
In over 40 years of working, I adapted, as life came at me. No, it wasn't easy. I never made a lot of money, but as my Grandpa used to say, ITS NOT HOW MUCH YOU MAKE, ITS HOW YOU SPEND IT.
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Post by stroupy on Aug 6, 2023 20:06:40 GMT -5
I'm doing good staying busy, have work out for 2 weeks but go by the other HVAC company in town who has had 4 vans parked for over a month with no work. In an area that is short on plumbers. My generation will never see a pension from a private entity and my generation is the spoiled one. I've been working 2 or 3 jobs for over 10 years. I know how to work. The economy can be a lot better then what it is but hey I'm just spoiled. Plus what was the cost of living 35 years ago? Not what it is now people remind of that on a daily basis. Trucks 40,000+ etc.
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Post by moosemike on Aug 7, 2023 6:13:08 GMT -5
My wife and I combined make close to $100K a year and we're having trouble setting any money aside for retirement
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Post by stroupy on Aug 7, 2023 6:37:40 GMT -5
I feel like I've been saying the Economy is soon going to get better for 20 years now. I got my drivers license and the same week I did back in 05 under war happy Bush the gas went up over $3 and it took me a long time to see gas under $3 at least 10 years and I was only making $5.25 at the time. Wouldn't ask my parents for lunch money because I just don't like asking anyone for money so I would pay for my own school lunch. Graduated in 06 went to college for a year and wasted money and gave myself crappy debt that I now realize my advisors gave me the wrong advice. Wasted my money and gave myself debt straight out of school which is stupid for anyone. I had to then get my own insurance policy because then you had to sh*t or get off the pot with school. So called Geisinger and was able to get a policy for $136 a month with a $500 deductible and no out of pocket. My age helped me with that a lot. Then they changed the insurance around to the point I now had to pay a $2,000 deductible with 4,000 out of pocket for just myself. I know what it takes to be successful just so tired of the economy not being where it could be and right now I'm amazed I have work out 2 weeks because money isn't passing around right now and they already over stimulated the economy so God knows how long it will take to climb out if this. They say the economy is doing great though.
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Post by Dutch on Aug 7, 2023 6:44:50 GMT -5
My wife and I combined make close to $100K a year and we're having trouble setting any money aside for retirement You must max out any 401K opportunities that you have. Pay yourself first. You then work backwards from that. One of the VERY best financial advisors I've ever talked to resides in downtown semi tropical Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania. He goes by the screen name of Muttleysback. |
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Post by moosemike on Aug 7, 2023 6:48:40 GMT -5
The economy is a house of cards. And no one knows what the effects will be of the BRICS nations releasing gold backed currency later this month to compete with the US Fiat dollar. The US dollar is going to collapse because we're too stupid. Our credit was just downgraded again and they said "we see no evidence that the US is taking its debt seriously"
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Post by Dutch on Aug 7, 2023 6:49:59 GMT -5
I feel like I've been saying the Economy is soon going to get better for 20 years now. I got my drivers license and the same week I did back in 05 under war happy Bush the gas went up over $3 and it took me a long time to see gas under $3 at least 10 years and I was only making $5.25 at the time. Wouldn't ask my parents for lunch money because I just don't like asking anyone for money so I would pay for my own school lunch. Graduated in 06 went to college for a year and wasted money and gave myself crappy debt that I now realize my advisors gave me the wrong advice. Wasted my money and gave myself debt straight out of school which is stupid for anyone. I had to then get my own insurance policy because then you had to sh*t or get off the pot with school. So called Geisinger and was able to get a policy for $136 a month with a $500 deductible and no out of pocket. My age helped me with that a lot. Then they changed the insurance around to the point I now had to pay a $2,000 deductible with 4,000 out of pocket for just myself. I know what it takes to be successful just so tired of the economy not being where it could be and right now I'm amazed I have work out 2 weeks because money isn't passing around right now and they already over stimulated the economy so God knows how long it will take to climb out if this. They say the economy is doing great though. 3.6% unemployment rate isn't a good economy? |
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Post by stroupy on Aug 7, 2023 7:10:09 GMT -5
I feel like I've been saying the Economy is soon going to get better for 20 years now. I got my drivers license and the same week I did back in 05 under war happy Bush the gas went up over $3 and it took me a long time to see gas under $3 at least 10 years and I was only making $5.25 at the time. Wouldn't ask my parents for lunch money because I just don't like asking anyone for money so I would pay for my own school lunch. Graduated in 06 went to college for a year and wasted money and gave myself crappy debt that I now realize my advisors gave me the wrong advice. Wasted my money and gave myself debt straight out of school which is stupid for anyone. I had to then get my own insurance policy because then you had to sh*t or get off the pot with school. So called Geisinger and was able to get a policy for $136 a month with a $500 deductible and no out of pocket. My age helped me with that a lot. Then they changed the insurance around to the point I now had to pay a $2,000 deductible with 4,000 out of pocket for just myself. I know what it takes to be successful just so tired of the economy not being where it could be and right now I'm amazed I have work out 2 weeks because money isn't passing around right now and they already over stimulated the economy so God knows how long it will take to climb out if this. They say the economy is doing great though. 3.6% unemployment rate isn't a good economy? Unemployment being low doesn't drive down costs. Tell me how a HVAC company with 4 vans sitting during their busiest time summer is a wonderful economy. I know the owner and he would send his guys up to Canada if he felt he could make a buck. Doesn't take a rocket scientist. My old job I asked a guy I used to work with if they were busy they were giving out optional days and didn't have enough orders to staff a full shift. I liked my numbers under another guy. The devil in the flesh. |
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Post by moosemike on Aug 7, 2023 7:35:15 GMT -5
Yellow Freight just went under because their shipping was down 25%. They say one of the first signs of a recession is RV sales. They're down 50% this year. We're also fighting a war with Russia that we can't afford. This is a house of cards
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Post by stroupy on Aug 7, 2023 7:48:41 GMT -5
Up in Frackville the guys at the trucking company that was put in place at the old mall they were told don't show up tomorrow we are done.
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Post by dougl on Aug 7, 2023 9:24:00 GMT -5
I thought I was probably set 10 years ago but stuff happens to throw a monkey wrench into things.The biggest thing that happened to me was Obama care.Between shyrocketing premiums and decuctibles,it put a major financial strain on me.I've mentioned it before but in 2018,my healthcare expenses that year hit 43K and it never got better.Then,The company I represented as an independent contractor.changed their entire model of business and our contract.My book of business was worth right around a million dollars and I planned on retiring this coming fall.When they changed our contract on Jan1 2020,the value of our books were cut in half.Panic hit and I was forced to make a very hard decision.That decision appears to be paying off but it will be another year or so where I'm where I want to be.It's easy to get discouraged but you have to stay focused on what you can do and ignore what you can't.A little fIath and some very loyal people don't hurt either.oNE THING THAT'S DIFFERENT NOW ID i DON'T SPEND A DIME ON ANYTHING UNLESS i HAVE TO.mY VEHICLE USUALLY DOESN'T EVEN LEAVE MY DRIVEWAY FROM fRIDAY TIL mONDAY.
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Post by muttleysback on Aug 7, 2023 9:38:46 GMT -5
My wife and I combined make close to $100K a year and we're having trouble setting any money aside for retirement You must max out any 401K opportunities that you have. Pay yourself first. You then work backwards from that. One of the VERY best financial advisors I've ever talked to resides in downtown semi tropical Saint Thomas, Pennsylvania. He goes by the screen name of Muttleysback. Hey! I resemble that remark. Actually that "Pay yourself first" thing came from my father in law some 60 + years ago. He was a store carpenter who worked for Litt Brothers in Philthedelphia. I doubt he ever made more than $20K in any year back then, but he and my mother in law managed to accumulate some real wealth with that program. He also told me that if I wanted to buy something I should always pay cash. If I didn't have enough cash saved, I probably didn't need that thing I wanted. Now that was damned hard to do. Ms. Doris and I did the best we could. The highest annual income Ms. Doris and I ever had was less than $80K, and we only did that one year before I retired at age 52. It helped a lot that Ms. Doris can best be described as an "easy keeper." Another way I describe her is to call her a cheap date. I remember one party we went to, she wore a dress that she had bought for a few bucks at a used clothing store. One of the women there remarked that it looked like one she had at one time. Ms. Doris asked what she did with the dress. She said she had donated it to the Salvation Army store in Chambersburg. Ms. Doris told her that was where she got it. That was the end of that conversation. I am proud of her, and darned happy that I lucked into such a woman. I am more than happy to discuss finances with anyone who wants to do so. |
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Post by bake545 on Aug 7, 2023 9:38:58 GMT -5
Yellow Freight just went under because their shipping was down 25%. They say one of the first signs of a recession is RV sales. They're down 50% this year. We're also fighting a war with Russia that we can't afford. This is a house of cards Considering the drastic increase in RV sales after Covid I'm not sure it's a big surprise or an indicator of anything that they are down this year. That market is only so big and expanded beyond it's capacity due to extenuating circumstances in 21 and 22. Certainly the cost is a big factor but not the only one. I do think we are headed for a recession, just not sure how bad at this point. Part of me thinks a recession would do some good, at least bring prices down. |
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Post by CoureurDeBois on Aug 7, 2023 9:57:04 GMT -5
moosemike; I don't know your income vs expeensives are, don't care. But if you're not putting anyone through school, you don't have an income problem, you have a spending problem, on that amount of income, especially if there's just the two of you. Like Dutch said, Pay yourself first, buy stocks or mutual funds. I've been retired since 2006, wife a couple of years later. Our income is about 75% of yours, and we still are able to reinvest $20000 + or- every year in the stock/ mutual fund market. I started drawing down my IRA 5 years ago, at the minimum rate, it's still worth what it was when I started. Put money in either a Roth or Traditional IRA. Get yourself a good stock broker.
stroupy; My son in-law is a HVAC tech, he's working OT most weeks, but then again he's in the State College market, might be the area. If you look back in years you will find income vs expensive haven't changed that much in ratio. Back in the late 1960's when I got out of the service, a new car would cost $3,500 and a house $30,000, if you were making $5,200 a year gross you were doing well. In todays world you just another zero to the end of those numbers.
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Post by muttleysback on Aug 7, 2023 10:09:26 GMT -5
Keep firmly in mind the indisputable fact that the only entity that always benefits from having inflation is the government. A few of us also benefit, but you have to know how to play \he game. Knowing the rules of the game helps a lot.  |
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Post by stroupy on Aug 7, 2023 10:33:05 GMT -5
I put a well pump in 2weeks ago for a lady who is in sales for MSC by Fort Indiantown gap she said expect it to be slow at least for the rest of the year she said her phone barely is ringing. As for another Recession how many more do we need to have in 20 years? The career politicians are extremely wealthy and I will no longer be hoodwinked by them any candidate of their choosing I'll stay home or vote 3rd party I don't care if we get another 4 years of this bull. Maybe people will wake up but I doubt it.
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Post by stroupy on Aug 7, 2023 10:35:43 GMT -5
I'm not a guy who spends on himself either I run my vehicles til they won't inspect them any longer. I think vehicles are a bad investment so I stick them back together as much as possible until the northeast rust gets them. Like my van I have to replace now.
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Post by dougl on Aug 7, 2023 10:43:07 GMT -5
moosemike; I don't know your income vs expeensives are, don't care. But if you're not putting anyone through school, you don't have an income problem, you have a spending problem, on that amount of income, especially if there's just the two of you. Like Dutch said, Pay yourself first, buy stocks or mutual funds. I've been retired since 2006, wife a couple of years later. Our income is about 75% of yours, and we still are able to reinvest $20000 + or- every year in the stock/ mutual fund market. I started drawing down my IRA 5 years ago, at the minimum rate, it's still worth what it was when I started. Put money in either a Roth or Traditional IRA. Get yourself a good stock broker. stroupy; My son in-law is a HVAC tech, he's working OT most weeks, but then again he's in the State College market, might be the area. If you look back in years you will find income vs expensive haven't changed that much in ratio. Back in the late 1960's when I got out of the service, a new car would cost $3,500 and a house $30,000, if you were making $5,200 a year gross you were doing well. In todays world you just another zero to the end of those numbers. Income vs expense have changed a great deal over the past 4-5 years.Everything is way more expensive.Back in 2014,the sticker price on a 2014 silverado went to 42K.I remember thinking people were out of their mind to pay that kind of money for a 1/2 truck and most didn't because they started to offer big rebates.I swap vehicles every day for people and it's rare to add a Siverado 1/2 for under 60K.I remember specifically in 2012,my buddy who owned a Dodge dealership was selling Cummings out the door for 36K.Good luch touching one for under 70k now.Currently I have three customers building houses.My one buddy will have $350K wrapped up into a 1600 sq ft Ranch.I'm doing a quote right now on a 2260 sq/ft two story with a 2 car attached garage.Nothing crazy but it's $500K and they already owned the land and had water and septic on it. It's true that incomes have risen but that's primarily for new hires.After covid,employers were forced to raise wages because they couldn't get anyone to work.That didn't do Didly Jack squat for the guy who was there for 20 years.My wife was a manager for JCPenney and was making in the mid $50k range when she left 18 years ago when our son was born.She's back in that same line of work now and doesn't make a dime more.One big difference is the amount she has to contribute to health insurance.It's way more so her take home is way less. |
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