Roll call unretired! What is your timeline? Contingencies??

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 25, 2023 16:07:30 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Rukh O'Rorke is there any way they might agree to pay out a week or two? Is it worth asking?

its not required in illinois, and whenever I hear anyone gets sick time payout, I assume government work. I'd rather take it as I go, as with the stock market trending down, I'll be working a bit longer anyways!

Just checked employee manual - very explicitly state it will not be paid out upon separation of employment!

So....going to take it as a challenge to start using before losing!!! My team is understaffed at the moment, but we are interviewing so hopefully once staffed up I can take more time....I'm thinking sick days are totally good for massage, right?? it's for my health!!

[laterbloomer]

Oct 26, 2023 11:43:55 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Oct 25, 2023 16:07:30 GMT -5 debthaven said:

Rukh O'Rorke is there any way they might agree to pay out a week or two? Is it worth asking?

its not required in illinois, and whenever I hear anyone gets sick time payout, I assume government work. I'd rather take it as I go, as with the stock market trending down, I'll be working a bit longer anyways!

Just checked employee manual - very explicitly state it will not be paid out upon separation of employment!

So....going to take it as a challenge to start using before losing!!! My team is understaffed at the moment, but we are interviewing so hopefully once staffed up I can take more time....I'm thinking sick days are totally good for massage, right?? it's for my health!!

I really believe in using sick days. We call them Health Care days. It is part of the compensation package my company attracted me with and it makes total sense to use it. Not using it is like leaving money on the table. But with working from home and having 15 days a year it's a serious challenge. I feel a cold coming on between Christmas and New Years *cough cough*

[Rukh O'Rorke]

unexpectedly, need to take my mother to an appt in dec...put in for a sick day!

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 26, 2023 13:19:47 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Oct 26, 2023 11:43:55 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

its not required in illinois, and whenever I hear anyone gets sick time payout, I assume government work. I'd rather take it as I go, as with the stock market trending down, I'll be working a bit longer anyways!

Just checked employee manual - very explicitly state it will not be paid out upon separation of employment!

So....going to take it as a challenge to start using before losing!!! My team is understaffed at the moment, but we are interviewing so hopefully once staffed up I can take more time....I'm thinking sick days are totally good for massage, right?? it's for my health!!

I really believe in using sick days. We call them Health Care days. It is part of the compensation package my company attracted me with and it makes total sense to use it. Not using it is like leaving money on the table. But with working from home and having 15 days a year it's a serious challenge. I feel a cold coming on between Christmas and New Years *cough cough*

sounds like it!

[minnesotapaintlady]

Our sick days are use it or lose it every year, which I hate.  I'm getting better about burning them than I used to, like if I have a dentist appointment I'll take an hour instead of just extending my 30 minute lunch and making up the time before or after.  The problem with that is I'm paid hourly and it screws me over in OT as sick time and vacation hours are not counted in the 40 hours before OT kicks in.  I nearly always work a few hours a week of OT, so if I take an hour of sick time I'm trading an hour of OT for an hour of straight pay. 

Because of that, I like to lump my sick/vacation burning rather than spread them out.  Ideally I would rather spread them out more and that would be better for the company too, but...consequences of their stupid rules.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 26, 2023 14:49:50 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Our sick days are use it or lose it every year, which I hate.  I'm getting better about burning them than I used to, like if I have a dentist appointment I'll take an hour instead of just extending my 30 minute lunch and making up the time before or after.  The problem with that is I'm paid hourly and it screws me over in OT as sick time and vacation hours are not counted in the 40 hours before OT kicks in.  I nearly always work a few hours a week of OT, so if I take an hour of sick time I'm trading an hour of OT for an hour of straight pay. 

Because of that, I like to lump my sick/vacation burning rather than spread them out.  Ideally I would rather spread them out more and that would be better for the company too, but...consequences of their stupid rules.

Bummer!

Definitely get sick in weekly allotments!

[resolution]

My husband works for a small business that would rather pay to have people at work than using their leave time, so at any time they can request to be paid out for their leave. My husband has a bunch saved up and they have been talking to him about using it or cashing out.

My employer will only pay out leave if you can prove you have a financial hardship, or if you resign. The sick time only pays out if you file for the pension.

[seriousthistime]

The state government may be different, but with the federal government the unused sick time is added to your retirement calculation, i.e., if you have 180 hours of unused sick time, your years and months of service would increase by one month.  There was a woman in my office who was fighting a devastating illness and I donated over 80 hours of sick leave to her.  It was hour for hour rather than a dollar value of the leave time, which was unfortunate.  She was one of the lower paid employees and if those 80 hours had been converted to a dollar value for her to use up, she would have gotten way more than 80 hours of paid leave. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

since changing my allocation to fixed income, my total there is less than 3500!

Likely have ~100k total in cash - but not distributed the way I'd like - lots of it HSA rather than in 401ks or taxable. And I haven't been doing my house updating tasks!!

Argg!

Well, I woke up early today even though no early meetings jus incase a meeting was called this am or anything. We have a meeting on the books for tomorrow, so I guess I get to continue stewing.....

[laterbloomer]

Oct 30, 2023 11:48:24 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

But who felt they had to text my boss on a Saturday she couldn't work, so she couldn't log in and see what was going on, but she texted me mid-meeting to say take back what I said, my reply - I really can't how would I do that, and her say well I don't know what you said.....I had originally thought perhaps she was listening in but unable to participate....but it was someone texting her.

I would be asking 2 questions; who text the boss and why did the boss trust their judgement more than mine?

[azucena]

Sorry you're dealing with that Rukh.

Things were rough at my company last week and watching management's lack of communication and disjointed decision making was eye opening and jaw dropping.

[haapai]

Oct 23, 2023 15:23:43 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Oct 23, 2023 15:11:27 GMT -5 plugginaway22 said:

That book... The art of Swedish Death Cleaning was so motivating. I really need to read it again.

My first thought....I'm totally going to get that!   Then I cringed thinking "more clutter". 

Maybe I'll compromise and get it on Kindle or check if the library has it.

eta: Library has it.  I put in a request for them to pull it for me.

You may laugh at yourself when you finally receive a copy.  It's a skinny book. 

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 30, 2023 12:19:42 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

Oct 30, 2023 11:48:24 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

But who felt they had to text my boss on a Saturday she couldn't work, so she couldn't log in and see what was going on, but she texted me mid-meeting to say take back what I said, my reply - I really can't how would I do that, and her say well I don't know what you said.....I had originally thought perhaps she was listening in but unable to participate....but it was someone texting her.

I would be asking 2 questions; who text the boss and why did the boss trust their judgement more than mine?

Yes, I'm reeling on a number of aspects of this....if it was one of the leading volunteers who prescreened the document, I may be fired. coworker, will see what happens....very quiet, nothing being mentioned about this at all. Has me quite on edge. preparing myself for anything, checking accounts, etc. but unable to actually concentrate on the work I need to get done today.

[debthaven]

I'm sorry you're under such stress Rukh O'Rorke. I hope it turns out OK.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 30, 2023 15:22:10 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I'm sorry you're under such stress Rukh O'Rorke . I hope it turns out OK.

thanks! It's really just the uncertainty that is getting to me now after processing the shock! Just want to know which way this is going to go.

I've got enough money if I'm fired tomorrow. If it is bad but not fired, will do my own 6-month exit plan. If it blows over without much impact, then I'll carry on as I was with even more emphasis on arranging my finances that I can drop the mic at any adverse event. for the 6-month exit and carry on, will continue to focus on trying to not be a superstar anymore! If I am exonerated, I can continue on as my super duper over acheiving self!

I can access current company's 401k money without penalty under rule of 55 and roth contributions, and then I can access everything in 2024. Would keep up RI inc and take it easy for a year or two, then determine if I need a new day job.

Writing it out....almost hoping they fire me, lol!!

[debthaven]

Whatever happens, you'll be fine. 

[CCL]

Yes. I agree. You'll be fine either way.

Good luck.

[laterbloomer]

Oct 30, 2023 15:07:28 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Oct 30, 2023 12:19:42 GMT -5 laterbloomer said:

I would be asking 2 questions; who text the boss and why did the boss trust their judgement more than mine?

Yes, I'm reeling on a number of aspects of this....if it was one of the leading volunteers who prescreened the document, I may be fired. coworker, will see what happens....very quiet, nothing being mentioned about this at all. Has me quite on edge. preparing myself for anything, checking accounts, etc. but unable to actually concentrate on the work I need to get done today.

I think you might not have gotten the gist of what I was saying. It was more in the lines of "HOW DARE they text my boss" and "HOW DARE the boss trust them more than me" This is your area of expertise after all. You were doing proper risk management for the company. How does that translate to throwing the department under the bus?

[resolution]

Oct 30, 2023 16:08:04 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Oct 30, 2023 15:22:10 GMT -5 debthaven said:

I'm sorry you're under such stress Rukh O'Rorke . I hope it turns out OK.

thanks! It's really just the uncertainty that is getting to me now after processing the shock! Just want to know which way this is going to go.

I've got enough money if I'm fired tomorrow. If it is bad but not fired, will do my own 6-month exit plan. If it blows over without much impact, then I'll carry on as I was with even more emphasis on arranging my finances that I can drop the mic at any adverse event. for the 6-month exit and carry on, will continue to focus on trying to not be a superstar anymore! If I am exonerated, I can continue on as my super duper over acheiving self!

I can access current company's 401k money without penalty under rule of 55 and roth contributions, and then I can access everything in 2024. Would keep up RI inc and take it easy for a year or two, then determine if I need a new day job.

Writing it out....almost hoping they fire me, lol!!

Thank goodness that you have been saving so much for retirement. Now if you don't think they are treating you ethically, you always have the option to leave yourself.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 30, 2023 18:04:43 GMT -5 resolution said:

Oct 30, 2023 16:08:04 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

thanks! It's really just the uncertainty that is getting to me now after processing the shock! Just want to know which way this is going to go.

I've got enough money if I'm fired tomorrow. If it is bad but not fired, will do my own 6-month exit plan. If it blows over without much impact, then I'll carry on as I was with even more emphasis on arranging my finances that I can drop the mic at any adverse event. for the 6-month exit and carry on, will continue to focus on trying to not be a superstar anymore! If I am exonerated, I can continue on as my super duper over acheiving self!

I can access current company's 401k money without penalty under rule of 55 and roth contributions, and then I can access everything in 2024. Would keep up RI inc and take it easy for a year or two, then determine if I need a new day job.

Writing it out....almost hoping they fire me, lol!!

Thank goodness that you have been saving so much for retirement. Now if you don't think they are treating you ethically, you always have the option to leave yourself.

yes, it really puts the years of saving into perspective. 

It has been my goal for many years to independent in the austenian sense! Glad I found that path, because that rosy day when there was extra to save didn't really come up.

[resolution]

Oct 30, 2023 23:18:27 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Oct 30, 2023 18:04:43 GMT -5 resolution said:

Thank goodness that you have been saving so much for retirement. Now if you don't think they are treating you ethically, you always have the option to leave yourself.

yes, it really puts the years of saving into perspective. 

It has been my goal for many years to independent in the austenian sense! Glad I found that path, because that rosy day when there was extra to save didn't really come up.

lol I had no idea that word existed.

[seriousthistime]

Rukh, you've got this.  Sometimes those curve balls in life yield the biggest opportunities for happiness.  It can sometimes be hard to see in the moment, but in the future you might come to see that this is one of those situations.

[minnesotapaintlady]

It's open enrollment at work this week, and I think I have to face the fact that I'm going to need to drastically reduce my 401K contributions.   Like, by probably half.  Between all the work I need to have done on my house and the fact that HSA max is now $9300 (over 15% of my income alone) it's just too much.  I have maxed it for 6 years now, including the catch-up for the past 2, but I really need money OUTSIDE of retirement accounts...like a lot of it by these contractor estimates.

Sucks for a number of reasons, but if I wipe out my I bonds to pay for house maintenance I really need to have more coming in every month.  I've been playing around with Paycheck City calculators to see the sweet spot.  I think taking home $1000/biweekly would take a lot of the stress off, but it would mean reducing 401K amount to 25% which would only get me to about half of the $30,500 max and would reduce my refundable tax credits by about 4K.  That's a tough one for me to accept!  I would also be pretty much not funding my Roth for 2024.  I've maxed an IRA (either traditional or Roth for all but one year of at least the past 20).

[azucena]

Oct 31, 2023 11:08:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

It's open enrollment at work this week, and I think I have to face the fact that I'm going to need to drastically reduce my 401K contributions.   Like, by probably half.  Between all the work I need to have done on my house and the fact that HSA max is now $9300 (over 15% of my income alone) it's just too much.  I have maxed it for 6 years now, including the catch-up for the past 2, but I really need money OUTSIDE of retirement accounts...like a lot of it by these contractor estimates.

Sucks for a number of reasons, but if I wipe out my I bonds to pay for house maintenance I really need to have more coming in every month.  I've been playing around with Paycheck City calculators to see the sweet spot.  I think taking home $1000/biweekly would take a lot of the stress off, but it would mean reducing 401K amount to 25% which would only get me to about half of the $30,500 max and would reduce my refundable tax credits by about 4K.  That's a tough one for me to accept!  I would also be pretty much not funding my Roth for 2024.  I've maxed an IRA (either traditional or Roth for all but one year of at least the past 20).

FWIW, I think you're making the right decision to no longer defer home maintenance.

Maybe try to think of it this way...all those earlier years of pinching to max are now going to benefit from compounding and be worth way more than next year's max.

[jerseygirl]

Needed more each month to pay for housekeeper. So I had dividends from brokerage account sent to my checking account. Was having the dividends reinvested and need to pay taxes on them. So same amount of taxes but now I can use the funds.

[Rukh O'Rorke]

At this point, seems like it is just going to blow? Maybe? So back to generic planning unless anything changes.

Focusing on building the fixed income in the 401k, as I had started last month. Planning for more ibonds in 2024 and then my retirement will be when I have 3 years of cash or the market/my accounts come up about 30% from now....and then I will convert to 3 years cash from stocks before unplugging.

Back to same old. But wanted to thank everyone for your kind words as I had my mini meltdown on this. Will see what else comes up, but just going to move on at the moment and try to put it in the past as much as I can. The topic will be coming up at many working meetings, as it still need resolving. Not sure if affixing blame is going to be part of that or not....

[Rukh O'Rorke]

Oct 31, 2023 11:08:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

It's open enrollment at work this week, and I think I have to face the fact that I'm going to need to drastically reduce my 401K contributions.   Like, by probably half.  Between all the work I need to have done on my house and the fact that HSA max is now $9300 (over 15% of my income alone) it's just too much.  I have maxed it for 6 years now, including the catch-up for the past 2, but I really need money OUTSIDE of retirement accounts...like a lot of it by these contractor estimates.

Sucks for a number of reasons, but if I wipe out my I bonds to pay for house maintenance I really need to have more coming in every month.  I've been playing around with Paycheck City calculators to see the sweet spot.  I think taking home $1000/biweekly would take a lot of the stress off, but it would mean reducing 401K amount to 25% which would only get me to about half of the $30,500 max and would reduce my refundable tax credits by about 4K.  That's a tough one for me to accept!  I would also be pretty much not funding my Roth for 2024.  I've maxed an IRA (either traditional or Roth for all but one year of at least the past 20).

that really sucks.

so you are going to only do about 15,250 into 401k, getting 15,250 into taxable income, or 586.54 per paycheck (assuming 26 pp per year). How much extra taxes will you pay on that?

the 4k is about 154 per pay check, that makes the move worth 432.69 per paycheck before taxes...

[minnesotapaintlady]

Oct 31, 2023 15:50:42 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

Oct 31, 2023 11:08:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

It's open enrollment at work this week, and I think I have to face the fact that I'm going to need to drastically reduce my 401K contributions.   Like, by probably half.  Between all the work I need to have done on my house and the fact that HSA max is now $9300 (over 15% of my income alone) it's just too much.  I have maxed it for 6 years now, including the catch-up for the past 2, but I really need money OUTSIDE of retirement accounts...like a lot of it by these contractor estimates.

Sucks for a number of reasons, but if I wipe out my I bonds to pay for house maintenance I really need to have more coming in every month.  I've been playing around with Paycheck City calculators to see the sweet spot.  I think taking home $1000/biweekly would take a lot of the stress off, but it would mean reducing 401K amount to 25% which would only get me to about half of the $30,500 max and would reduce my refundable tax credits by about 4K.  That's a tough one for me to accept!  I would also be pretty much not funding my Roth for 2024.  I've maxed an IRA (either traditional or Roth for all but one year of at least the past 20).

that really sucks.

so you are going to only do about 15,250 into 401k, getting 15,250 into taxable income, or 586.54 per paycheck (assuming 26 pp per year). How much extra taxes will you pay on that?

the 4k is about 154 per pay check, that makes the move worth 432.69 per paycheck before taxes...

I need to play around with Turbo Tax, but honestly, I don't think it would change my tax situation much outside of the refundable credits, because I already leave so many non-refundable ones on the table. I only get a portion of the non-refundable education credits and none of the non-refundable child tax credit or savers credit. Last year my tax due was like $1000. If I added 15K income and it was all in the 12% bracket that would be another $1800 in liability but there's $500 in unused CTC, $1500 in AOTC and $1000 in Savers Credit (maybe only $400 if I drop to the 20% credit bracket)

[Rukh O'Rorke]

.....a special session of a governing committee is being called regarding the aforementioned incident. that post with details here has been deleted. Even though I "don't care" the bottom fell out of my stomach when I got the email notification. I'd prefer to just be fired rather than called to the carpet and then fired, yano.....

[minnesotapaintlady]

Nov 1, 2023 16:08:57 GMT -5 Rukh O'Rorke said:

.....a special session of a governing committee is being called regarding the aforementioned incident. that post with details here has been deleted. Even though I "don't care" the bottom fell out of my stomach when I got the email notification. I'd prefer to just be fired rather than called to the carpet and then fired, yano.....

Yikes!  When is this happening?  May it end up being nothing...or a blessing in disguise.