Retiring on a literal shoestring: support group (lump sum, 2013, years)

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Umbria

Break open that piggy bank and get yourself a new TV - you'll be glad you did. They are getting really cheap plus now many are on sale. You'll save $$ on that elecric bill.

Yes, the electrical useage on newer (LCD-TV) is considerably less, (Plasma is not much less, but there are few Plasma on the market) and new TV's are EASIER to MOVE (to Cleveland, OH) and the picture is SHARP in case your eyes are failing like Mine. (hope not)

Refrig and hot water heater is usually the big hog. But it all adds up (even lighting). When the kids left home the elect bill went down 25%. When S-I-L from Hawaii visits in winter the rate increases by 30%.

[StealthRabbit]

BTW: on the shoestring subject.... I really enjoy this FREE alternative to TV / entertainment.

History Pub... (and related events at local pub) Portland, OR
McMenamins

Fascinating presentations, and you can hang around and talk to the presenters and participants.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

Yes, the electrical useage on newer (LCD-TV) is considerably less, (Plasma is not much less, but there are few Plasma on the market) and new TV's are EASIER to MOVE (to Cleveland, OH) and the picture is SHARP in case your eyes are failing like Mine. (hope not)

Refrig and hot water heater is usually the big hog. But it all adds up (even lighting). When the kids left home the elect bill went down 25%. When S-I-L from Hawaii visits in winter the rate increases by 30%.

H'mmm. TV is a 32 incher and won't be all that heavy to move to Cleveland.

As far as "breaking open the piggy bank," I just found out I am going to have to do that but for different reasons. For the first time in thirty years I have a small cavity which is threatening to fracture a tooth next to a crown. I have to break open the bank to get it fixed to the tune of $1300.

The picture on my TV is as sharp as any LCD or plasma TV I have seen so that is not a problem although my eyesight too isn't what it used to be.

I rent so I can't change the frig or water heater but as I mentioned, I have the budget plan for electricity and my bill is not that high. I keep the heat on in only two rooms in my small three room
apartment and my electric bill is not all that high. I doubt my TV contributes all that much to it.

I don't think I need a new TV. But I would love a new computer. Some day that's gonna happen.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Minervah

...I have a small cavity which is threatening to fracture a tooth next to a crown. I have to break open the bank to get it fixed to the tune of $1300.

...I don't think I need a new TV. But I would love a new computer. Some day that's gonna happen.

Time top consider a winter medi-vacation to Thailand, Get all tuned up at once, as the Europeans have been doing for decades. Last trip airfare was $700 RT with stopover in HongKong. Medical / dental cost ranges from 30% less to 90% less than USA.

Yep, save for that new computer, there should be some great options for full multi media. TV as we know it today is probably destined to the way of the rotary phone / landline / post office.

You have brought me back to 'reality' Who in their right mind would buy a TV

I don't need a high quality picture to watch Lawrence Welk reruns.

[RiverBird]

Originally Posted by Minervah

As far as "breaking open the piggy bank," I just found out I am going to have to do that but for different reasons. For the first time in thirty years I have a small cavity which is threatening to fracture a tooth next to a crown. I have to break open the bank to get it fixed to the tune of $1300. .

$1300 for a cavity??? Go to a clinic or dental school.

[Windwalker2]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

$1300 for a cavity??? Go to a clinic or dental school.

It sounds like a crown must be needed. All my old amalgams are causing my teeth to fracture, which means a crown.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

$1300 for a cavity??? Go to a clinic or dental school.

More than a cavity. As I mentioned, the position it's in will cause a fracture and I could lose the tooth and the one next to it would be compromised. I am not at all cavity prone. I have a few crowns but that's about it. The dental school has a waiting list so long by the time they got to me I won't need teeth. And seriously there is the danger that the bad one I have will break away and take its friends with it.

I have been going to this dentist for nearly twenty years so I trust her.

I would love to travel to Thailand or someplace exotic for my teeth but this isn't a good time right now. So I am pretty much stuck with my choice of treatment. I have thought it all out and although I am going to wince at the depletion of my emergency fund, that's what emergency funds are for: emergencies.

Regarding the TV. I have a 32 inch set I am completely happy with. I just don't need anything bigger or better. I am not knocking bigger or better, it's just not a priority for me.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

$1300 for a cavity??? Go to a clinic or dental school.

Would you? Have you ever?

[RiverBird]

Originally Posted by Happy in Wyoming

Would you? Have you ever?

Yes. When I lived in Boston as an undergrad I went to the MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology) dental school and had first class dental work that has held up over many years. The advanced students in the clinic pay very close supervised attention, as opposed to a few of the aging and incompetent dentists that I had in subsequent years who put together shabby mercury fillings. Bridgework I had done in a St Louis dental school in 1986 is so fine that my current dentist marveled at its construction when it fell off due to eating popcorn and she admiringly glued it back on, saying it will last me the rest of my life.

[Minervah]

LOL. We have gone from TV's to cavities. I would go to the one dental school in Portland if there were time but there really isn't. I have heard mixed reports about them too.