u/Jefe169

Just purchased a 22” Huntsman and assembled it today. First impressions are that it’s very well built! I have NEVER used a charcoal grill before so this is all new to me. I can’t wait to learn, however if I’m honest it’s a bit intimidating.

I will do the seasoning burn in this week but then I need to figure out the first cook. I’m thinking about easing in with something super simple like burgers, just to learn a bit and then maybe step it up from there. Anyone have any real beginner tips and recipes to help me get some experience?

I have been researching lean and barista fire scenarios and the reality is that I am not in as good of a position as I thought. Plus I am not sure lean would be suitable to meet my needs so it seems like retiring as early as anticipated is not feasible.

A little background; I am 57m, married to 55f. We currently have ~1.3m in a 403b, 400k in a 401k, and 70k in emergency savings. On the surface I thought I was golden; the reality is I made many $ mistakes by not concentrating on this much earlier; however, I grew up in a very conservative middle class house where we were taught to put your money in the bank; where it makes no money in interest. Our house is paid off and one of our 2 cars are paid off as well (and new).

Initially I was planning on working until 62 but the stress of my job is wearing on me terribly! I have never not been employed and have been in some form of job since I was 13. We would like to live off of $10k-12k per month in retirement and obviously that is more than the 4% rule- thus leading me to the unfortunate reality that if I barista fire I will need to find a job that is hopefully much less stressful but more importantly has benefits. My wife doesn’t have health benefits at her job so we are dependent on mine and carrying the costs from early retirement; I was hoping 59-60, until Medicare kicks in equates to astronomical health costs. What a monkey wrench in the plan.

Another factor in the equation is a potential inheritance in the future. My parents are in their early 80’s with a paid off home worth ~550k and about another 500k in retirement money that is all in a trust for me. While I want my parents to be around forever and tell them everyday to spend ALL of their $, they are frugal and dead set on passing on the house and ~500k. While i don’t want to think of their passing, the reality is I need to count this $ into my retirement planning. I also have 2 adult children, that ideally I will leave some legacy money for as well.

So with all that said, how does my scenario look? What am I missing? It certainly doesn’t seem like retiring prior to a minimum of 62 is not in the cards. I am also maxing out my 401k contributions each year.

Alright guys; after not making any significant wardrobe updates over the past several years, I am now ready.

A little about what I’m looking for: 56m who travels extensively for work (150+ nights per year), so how clothes travel is very important to me. I typically bring 2 suits or a combination of sport coats and pants, so my work clothes really need to take significant suitcase abuse and my preference is to not iron when I get to the hotel, but rather do the hang and steam bathroom method. I tried ordering some performance fabric suits but honestly they just don’t pass for semi formal business meetings. Last time I ordered dress clothes, I went with Enzo custom in NYC and they were decent, no complaints, but also very conservative styles. Where else should I be looking? Thinking of giving Stantt a try, but what is the easiest to travel with?

As for shoes, I have a great sneaker collection but typically wear a more casual Amberjack or Wolf and Shepherd; again comfort and travel ability is most important.

For more casual clothes; I used to love Woodies clothing until I found they had the worst customer service. I am looking for high quality chinos that resist wrinkles and can be dressed up and down. An assortment of sport coats and I practically live in polos. What do you recommend for polo brands? Again with wrinkle resistance preferred.

If there are semi custom sites I should be looking at I am also open to that.

Wanted to share for the masses - Woodies Clothing receives some positive reviews and my initial interactions with them were initially good as well. After my first order things have significantly gone down hill!!!

A little background, my first order was with the chinos (previous fabric). After one remake the fit was perfect and I ordered 3-4 pair. After that, I went back to order more and they have since changed the fabric to the new “Techstreme”. The first order with the same measurements from my profile was a complete miss with the new fabric. I went through a remake and it still wasn’t right. After reaching out to customer service and speaking with the manager; I was told that they couldn’t get my fit right! This was after one alteration; even though they CLEARLY advertise a perfect fit guarantee.

I recently reached out to them again and wanted to try once more and asked how to start the process again; on the perfect fit guarantee. I received an email back from customer service that says “we recommend going elsewhere, I’m scared we won’t be able to nail the fit for you”.

How is this a perfect fit guarantee?! Absolute worst company ever and I hope everyone takes pause from ordering from them again.