Hi John,

Thanks for the advice on RMDs. Schwab is a very good company, I've worked with them in the past. I don't have an excuse for not understanding RMDs. I very briefly worked as a CPA for 5 years after college (long enough to officially get a CPA designation). But I hated the work. Ended up in management consulting, got to see a lot of the world, and retired at 62. No kids.

Your kids sound like a handful, with the exception of your middle daughter. Being in the middle of three boys, I have a special fondness for middle kids, who often get lost. My parents weren't abusive, they just treated me like I wasn't there. While my early struggles with depression and anxiety were horrible because I felt abandoned, I had a lot of freedom. My parents let me take the car on Friday night a long as I had it back Sunday. I did and had a lot of adventures.

I think I can understand the stress that parenting creates, especially with your story. And that was complicated by your first daughter and youngest son (I think I have the order right). I'm glad you have connected with your middle child. As a middle child, that makes me feel good.

Your writing is excellent. That's usually true of people who read a lot. And I type these replies pretty quickly and usually don't edit. The message gets across.

I hope any problems you had with anxiety are behind you. Sounds like your wife is supportive, so is mine and that really helps.

Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving John! Great to meet you.

Joe