The Real Charlie

End of May?

It is hard to believe that May is almost over. The month didn't even fly by, it just vanished, in a flash. So, a few late spring updates and thoughts:

1) No, I still haven't gotten my 403(b) money emancipated yet. Yes, it has been two months. And yes, the nasty letter is coming. Should I start it out "Dear Thief" or "Dear Loser?"

2) Today I was walking home from the train, about 3/4 of the way home, and I heard some familiar squeaking from up ahead of me. My girls, all three of them were coming down the street. I waved, and the two little ones broke into a run (more of a gallop, actually) and caught up with me, and gave me a hug. My boss, whose daughters are 11 and 14, keeps telling me to enjoy this stuff, as the little girls get big fast.  With a welcome home like that after along (but fun, and productive) day, how can I not enjoy it?

3) This morning, my train got in fifteen minutes late. Yesterday, my line was disrupted by a lightning strike. This afternoon, two trains on another line collided. One of my favorite conductors retired and another switched lines. Why do I have the funny feeling that my mass transit honeymoon is over?

Let My 403b Go!

So I left my previous job at the end of February. In April, like a good boy, I asked for the papers to get my 403b account rolled over into the IRA that I manage for myself. I picked out the investments (some TIPS, some Blackrock Global Allocation), signed and filled out and saw the notary. Then I mailed it all to my former employer for verification of my having left their employ.

And I have heard nothing. For a month. I know they got the papers, because I sent them return receipt. They are either lost, or sitting on someone's desk, or someone is being an ass about it. I just want my money. So I called today, and did not hear back. I'll give them tomorrow and Wednesday, and then the next letter goes to the CEO.

Let this be a lesson to you all: it is all well and good to save for retirement, and to intend to keep one's assets properly stewarded after one leaves. But it is another thing altogether to claw one's money loose from the grips of incompetent bureaucracy!