Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 09:10:53 AM
Also, as you guys know, my hunting partner of 10 years had a massive stroke last October which looks like it has permanently grounded him to any but the easiest disability hunts. I'll turn 60 next year - too damn old to find another partner. It's hard to find a camp to join because sleep apnea means I have to run a generator. What a mess, right?
I'm not a weak man and I've been meeting all of these challenges, but it appears I have my limits. I love the HuntWA forum which has been a great place for me to be. Other than Facebook, I really don't do anything else online. I just need some encouragement, some reasons to keep hunting going forward. If you have any suggestions on how to make a little money on the side, that also would be helpful. And, I wont be accepting any handouts, either. That's not what this is about. I just need reasons to keep my stuff and continue hunting. Thanks for listening. You are who I have to talk to about this stuff! 20K of my closest friends! :chuckle:
Post by: kentrek on September 21, 2016, 09:21:27 AM
Post by: quadrafire on September 21, 2016, 09:30:01 AM
Glad you've found a place to share. Many guys wouldn't do that. And end up drinking their frustrations away, or worse............
Post by: coachcw on September 21, 2016, 09:35:19 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 09:36:53 AM
Take a look into goal zero yeti 400 for your cpap, sorry to hear about the bad luck....keep up the fight
I will look into that and will keep fighting. Just needed to vent a little. Thanks
Post by: 7mmfan on September 21, 2016, 09:37:01 AM
I always felt like I was doing the right thing by not going, but the mental funk carried on and almost became "normal". When I finally dug in my heels and went hunting for a long weekend, slept in a tent, got up early, hiked, glassed, sat in the sun on a cold November day, it was like the reset button had been pushed.
All of the issues that were keeping me from going were still there, and that was my ah ha moment. Those problems weren't going to solve themselves that weekend whether I went or not. Sure there will be issues when time is of the essence and you need to handle them asap, but there aren't near as many of those as many of us feel there are. Go hunting, enjoy doing what you love, knowing that you can pick up where you left off when you get back. By getting out and resetting yourself mentally and physically, you will be able to come home with a more upbeat attitude and handle what you need to easier.
As far as camps go, I can't believe that there isn't a group of guys that would take you into their camp. I'd say you're welcome in ours, but we won't be hunting in WA this year. Good luck, keep your chin up, and keep chugging along. Time only stops once for all of us, so make the most of what you have before that time comes.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 09:43:00 AM
Keep pushing buddy , the best day of work isn't as good as the worst day of elk hunting . positive energy is your best cure ! in the worst case with a loss of vision the sounds of elk woods can be amazing . I'm truly hoping for a full recovery for both of you . CoreyI've considered quitting just to get free healthcare. The whole losing-your-house thing keeps getting in the way though! I'm certainly on the mend, Corey. We're working on the Mrs. Thanks. :tup:
Post by: Grit dog on September 21, 2016, 09:43:36 AM
If it helps, you're not the only one who's had a shatty year. Things are great now at my house, but almost 20 years younger than you and spent the last year with my wife's illness, 5-6 surgeries, probably 120 days in the hospital culminating in 2 heart surgeries. 1 failed, next one was her second open heart surgery in 7 years. All while trying to keep the kids (10 and 13) trying to have a "normal" life.
Did not have any financial difficulty through it luckily, but did end up getting laid off from a 16 year career job and having to find a new one due to our limited geographical mobility last year. That has worked out for the best now as well........so keep pushin man. It sucks but there's a light down there somewhere!
Regarding hunting, I suck at it and could learn a thing or 20!
If you want to go late archery up here, I gotta place you could camp with power and a paved driveway and hunt nearby over thanksgiving, with me. That's all I'll say publicly.....lol.
As far as side jobs, are you handy/mechanically inclined? Have a shop? There's some deals once in a while on cars. Few and far between, but I've made decent $ on fixing and flipping the odd car or truck.
Drive for über? Don't know shat about it, but it appears easy and make your own hours. Maybe get to haul hot chicks home from the bar?? Haha
Construction is going nuts too right now. Contractors can't find enough help and not enough residential guys to go around. Thinking handyman work.
My father in law, retired, over 70 but healthy for the most part, turns down work in his home handyman business. They're in a retirement community and the world is in need of more folks that can fix stuff and don't charge $100 an hour and are trustworthy. Which you sound like.
His customers are all within his subdivision and he doesn't have enough hours in the day to do all the work. He gave up the heavy work, building decks or fixing roofs etc nOnly does simple stuff from replacing light bulbs to new faucets, plumbing leaks etc.
if you're healthy enough for that and knowledgable, get yourself into a retirement community or 2 where the residents own their homes and are responsible for upkeep. That work can be under the table too and liability isn't a lot.
That's all I got.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 09:50:21 AM
Post by: Grit dog on September 21, 2016, 09:52:16 AM
Plenty of people out there that haven't worked as hard or at all that are getting mucho assistance and don't deserve it. They let them bills pile up and never intend to pay.
Even your wife, "split up" for tax purposes, let HER credit take the hit, protect both of your assets under your name, there's ways around it.
I know smart people and dumb people that are working the system. Both seem to benefit from it. We have too much to lose (both financially and integrity) to do that, but if we didn't.......
Personally I'd feel much better at night thinking my tax dollars were going to support someone like you vs the masses of deadbeat shiftheads out there!
Post by: Grit dog on September 21, 2016, 09:57:45 AM
Yeah, Grit, the money is secondary to my wife's hurting. I know what you mean there. Handy? Oh yeah. I've changed light bulbs in both the house and autos! And am a master at construction. I built a raised flower bed using angle irons and wood screws this year. Quality stuff, man! :chuckle: No, not much for being very handy I'm afraid.
Ok lol. Well if you need something done around the house, if I can't be there to help you I'll totally try to walk you thru it. Seriously, just hit me up.
Look into Uber then. Seems like the perfect balance of side $ and flexible hours. Only problem is the pianoman would have to report it to the tax man!
Post by: sumpnz on September 21, 2016, 10:00:38 AM
I hear you on the difficulty in missing hunting seasons. Last year I had a hall pass for deer season that I couldn't use when I needed hernia surgery. Wrote off all of the 2011 season due to the birth of kid #3 in the middle of deer hunting season. SWMBO
But, now my oldest kid is old enough to go hunting, and the second kid is getting close to old enough. So deer hunting is coming back into the realm of the possible.
Point being is, get through this current tough time, get you and your wife healed up and healthy, and you'll get out hunting again. 60 is not too old to find a new hunting partner. Enjoy the disabled hunts with your long time hunting partner, and start looking for other guys you can convince to go out with you.
My elk hunting partner snores really bad. It was miserable trying to sleep until he got a CPAP. Now, no worries. Where we hunt he can plug it in to the cabin wall for power. If you can't find a place to camp with power, if you're able to bring a generator, you could also bring several 12V car batteries instead of the generator. If the CPAP runs on 12VDC you can wire it directly to the battery, if it requires 110VAC just use an inverter. Rig up a solar charger to recharge the batteries if you need more battery life than the number of batteries you can bring would otherwise allow (assuming it's sunny enough to be effective). That would eliminate the noise problem.
Post by: Rainier10 on September 21, 2016, 10:06:26 AM
Focus on your rehab and dealing with your wife's health.
After your hip is doing betting and your wife has stabilized and you have a plan for dealing with that things will be clearer about what your hunting future holds.
Post by: rtspring on September 21, 2016, 10:34:09 AM
After my two point mess I damn near quit hunting! 2 turkeys, 1 bull, 1 buck with my bow! Thank god I didnt give up...
Keep charging my friend, its life.. Sounds like your at bottom so the only way to go is up... Do not give up!
GETSUM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on September 21, 2016, 10:34:14 AM
Keep pushing buddy , the best day of work isn't as good as the worst day of elk hunting . positive energy is your best cure ! in the worst case with a loss of vision the sounds of elk woods can be amazing . I'm truly hoping for a full recovery for both of you . Corey
:yeah:
I believe you have intimate knowledge of fungi, is that right?
I don't know about others, but I would pay good money for a book or an e-book that was highly specific to the various WA specific edibles available in the backcountry, what to look out for, regions, times, etc. The problems with other resources is that they always seem to be not very accessible regarding how to apply the information to WA, in particular.
And fungi are scary to me, given their possible side effects if you get it wrong.
With speech to text software, self-publishing, and the availability of public domain information, you could probably cobble something together pretty decent, assuming I am right about your background. You could probably even get Hunt-WA guys to submit photos from the back country and/or provide notes on region and timing to help out.
Just an idea.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 10:55:04 AM
Yeah, Grit, the money is secondary to my wife's hurting. I know what you mean there. Handy? Oh yeah. I've changed light bulbs in both the house and autos! And am a master at construction. I built a raised flower bed using angle irons and wood screws this year. Quality stuff, man! :chuckle: No, not much for being very handy I'm afraid.
Ok lol. Well if you need something done around the house, if I can't be there to help you I'll totally try to walk you thru it. Seriously, just hit me up.
Look into Uber then. Seems like the perfect balance of side $ and flexible hours. Only problem is the pianoman would have to report it to the tax man!
Not to mention having to buy a new car.
Post by: syoungs on September 21, 2016, 11:01:36 AM
I have a CPAP as well ii run it off my trucks batteries, with either a inverter, or a 12vdc cable I bought from the manufacture, that plugs into my lighter.
I don't have a serious elk camp just yet. But your more then willing to join us in rimrock anytime!
Post by: WildBear on September 21, 2016, 11:14:30 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on September 21, 2016, 11:17:37 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:20:06 AM
There shouldn't be any health insurance plans that result in $40k out of pocket. Unless a lot of that was for things that just aren't covered at all. I'd suggest you look carefully at your plan and see what you put back on the insurance company.Premium - $1/Mo. - 12,000.00
I hear you on the difficulty in missing hunting seasons. Last year I had a hall pass for deer season that I couldn't use when I needed hernia surgery. Wrote off all of the 2011 season due to the birth of kid #3 in the middle of deer hunting season. SWMBOrequesteddemanded about that same time that I pick one species to hunt as I was gone too much otherwise. I chose elk, which means I haven't hunted deer since then.
But, now my oldest kid is old enough to go hunting, and the second kid is getting close to old enough. So deer hunting is coming back into the realm of the possible.
Point being is, get through this current tough time, get you and your wife healed up and healthy, and you'll get out hunting again. 60 is not too old to find a new hunting partner. Enjoy the disabled hunts with your long time hunting partner, and start looking for other guys you can convince to go out with you.
My elk hunting partner snores really bad. It was miserable trying to sleep until he got a CPAP. Now, no worries. Where we hunt he can plug it in to the cabin wall for power. If you can't find a place to camp with power, if you're able to bring a generator, you could also bring several 12V car batteries instead of the generator. If the CPAP runs on 12VDC you can wire it directly to the battery, if it requires 110VAC just use an inverter. Rig up a solar charger to recharge the batteries if you need more battery life than the number of batteries you can bring would otherwise allow (assuming it's sunny enough to be effective). That would eliminate the noise problem.
Meds (no coverage) - $600/mo total - 7,200.00
Deductible is 12,700.00 + 20% of everything thereafter or 50% non-network
$10,000 out of pocket for the hip, $6,000 out of pocket for cellulitis back in March in Maine (non-network with no network providers in ME, so half of the bills didn't count toward the deductible).
$3,000 out of pocket so far for the wife
It'll be over $40K when we're done. Obamacare's not really working for us.
I appreciate the encouragement and the info on the CPAP power. We've been using an RV with an internal generator and that's been working fine but it's no longer available to us, so I have to use an outside one which is louder. It just means digging a hole away from camp for it and insulating, then walking out into the woods each night to start it. No great but works.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:20:48 AM
Now is not the time to make any decisions on your hunting future.
Focus on your rehab and dealing with your wife's health.
After your hip is doing betting and your wife has stabilized and you have a plan for dealing with that things will be clearer about what your hunting future holds.
Good advice. Thanks.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:21:40 AM
Keep pushing buddy , the best day of work isn't as good as the worst day of elk hunting . positive energy is your best cure ! in the worst case with a loss of vision the sounds of elk woods can be amazing . I'm truly hoping for a full recovery for both of you . Corey
:yeah:
I believe you have intimate knowledge of fungi, is that right?
I don't know about others, but I would pay good money for a book or an e-book that was highly specific to the various WA specific edibles available in the backcountry, what to look out for, regions, times, etc. The problems with other resources is that they always seem to be not very accessible regarding how to apply the information to WA, in particular.
And fungi are scary to me, given their possible side effects if you get it wrong.
With speech to text software, self-publishing, and the availability of public domain information, you could probably cobble something together pretty decent, assuming I am right about your background. You could probably even get Hunt-WA guys to submit photos from the back country and/or provide notes on region and timing to help out.
Just an idea.
Interesting Idea. Thanks.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:22:30 AM
Sounds like a bad year for sure hopefully things turn around.
I have a CPAP as well ii run it off my trucks batteries, with either a inverter, or a 12vdc cable I bought from the manufacture, that plugs into my lighter.
I don't have a serious elk camp just yet. But your more then willing to join us in rimrock anytime!
It doesn't drain the truck battery overnight? Thanks for the partner offer. I will probably be taking up someone on one of these. I appreciate it so much.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:24:57 AM
There is no other option in lif but grinding it out. It does a man no good to stress about things that may or may not happen. Tackle the day ahead of you, give it everything you have, then wake up and do it again. Like has been said before, you have lots of elk seasons ahead of you, so worry about them as they come. Your struggles will eventually become memories so keep stepping my friend. My offer of game meat still stands as well. We are all here for you brother :tup:
I know, Karl, and that's why I put it out there for all to see. I appreciate the encouragement, especially from someone who's no stranger to adversity. Thank you.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 11:26:49 AM
GET BACK ON THAT HORSE AND RIDE THE SOB!!! Your welcome in my camp anytime anywhere!
After my two point mess I damn near quit hunting! 2 turkeys, 1 bull, 1 buck with my bow! Thank god I didnt give up...
Keep charging my friend, its life.. Sounds like your at bottom so the only way to go is up... Do not give up!
GETSUM
I made up the whole story just to get to hunt with you RT. Sold! :chuckle: Just kidding but it would be an honor to share a camp with such a great hunter as you, even if you are a squid. :chuckle: Thank you from the Dogface Medic.
Post by: sumpnz on September 21, 2016, 12:07:10 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 12:11:57 PM
Wasn't figuring on including premiums but ouch. Obummercare does suck monkey balls. I have an employer sponsored plan, and tore through the large deductible even before the hernia surgery. That was bad enough.Yeah, that healthcare should cost me 60% of my take home pay and someone who doesn't work gets it for free - something's wrong.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 21, 2016, 12:14:58 PM
Post by: elkfins on September 21, 2016, 03:33:57 PM
I like to think that I'll be hunting till the day I die... even if I can't spend the full season in the woods or even walk. Where there's a will, there's a way. Adapt, overcome and get it done.
Post by: elkboy on September 21, 2016, 04:01:15 PM
As for future hunting, don't make any big decisions now. Handle the health issues, and the woods and waters will be waiting for you in the future!
Post by: csaaphill on September 21, 2016, 04:06:24 PM
Post by: syoungs on September 21, 2016, 04:07:13 PM
Sounds like a bad year for sure hopefully things turn around.
I have a CPAP as well ii run it off my trucks batteries, with either a inverter, or a 12vdc cable I bought from the manufacture, that plugs into my lighter.
I don't have a serious elk camp just yet. But your more then willing to join us in rimrock anytime!
It doesn't drain the truck battery overnight? Thanks for the partner offer. I will probably be taking up someone on one of these. I appreciate it so much.
Nope, I went 3 days on a regular car battery in the past, they don't take up much power at all. fact is I think I even used a cheap jump box from harbor freight one night to run it, and it didn't drain that.
Post by: TVHunts on September 21, 2016, 06:02:17 PM
Don't give up, Piano! We're here for you! You and your wife will be in my thoughts and prayers for sure. Let me know if I can do anything.
As for future hunting, don't make any big decisions now. Handle the health issues, and the woods and waters will be waiting for you in the future!
Well put....
Hang in there P-Man, don't let Obummercare drag you down. Bad things come in three's so, you are done with the bad and good is right around the corner :tup:
Post by: Becky on September 21, 2016, 07:07:45 PM
Premium - $1/Mo. - 12,000.00
Meds (no coverage) - $600/mo total - 7,200.00
Deductible is 12,700.00 + 20% of everything thereafter or 50% non-network
Oh yikes! Switch your plan asap! Open enrollment is coming up and there's no reason you should have that medical plan, especially knowing all the medical issues your wife is facing for the upcoming year. It's not a side job but you'd be saving a lot of money by researching as much as possible for next year's medical. Pay for the higher premium and get Gold coverage, I pay for the absolute highest one I can, my max out of pocket is $4,500 a year and it's usually met by February, so the rest of the year everything is 100% covered for me.
The highest deductible listed for a plan on www.wahealthplanfinder.org is $6,800. I'm not sure where you bought yours but that alone is worth the switch. The most expensive coverage I found (for example reasons):
Premium - $1,481.46/Mo. - $17,777.52
Deductible - $2,200.00
Max Out of Pocket - $9,000.00
Highest amount possible you'd have to pay in a year = $28,977.52 (in network, but I haven't found any hospitals that aren't "in"-network with Premera)
Post by: Becky on September 21, 2016, 07:19:37 PM
Post by: shadowless_nite on September 21, 2016, 07:46:20 PM
Justin
Post by: jmscon on September 21, 2016, 07:53:07 PM
It's not immediate money but you'll be able to write off all the medical bill from this year so you can get some money back there. It might lower your AGI so you could get some relief the following year in the healthcare dept.
The wife and I are trying to trim down our finances as well, cancel the paper, trim down getting coffe out, things like that.
Good luck to you and I hope things smooth out so you can at least do some road hunting this year.
Post by: Bob33 on September 21, 2016, 07:59:54 PM
That insurance issue is a tough one. I know many others are faxing similar situations.
Maybe elk is out this year for you but you can at least get out with some others that I'm sure would welcome your company.
Post by: rjmcm on September 21, 2016, 08:15:18 PM
Post by: SniperDanWA on September 21, 2016, 08:50:12 PM
I'll gladly join you on a hunt. You name the date and time and we can go together.
I'm praying for you and the Mrs. Let me know how I can help you.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:21:45 AM
The last thing you should do is give up on something you love because other, non-related life circumstances have you down. I have found that things have a way of working out as long as I don't give up.
I like to think that I'll be hunting till the day I die... even if I can't spend the full season in the woods or even walk. Where there's a will, there's a way. Adapt, overcome and get it done.
Thank you. I will hold off making any decisions about my hunting future. More of a vent and you guys have really helped me remember the strength I have to slog through.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:22:58 AM
Don't give up, Piano! We're here for you! You and your wife will be in my thoughts and prayers for sure. Let me know if I can do anything.
As for future hunting, don't make any big decisions now. Handle the health issues, and the woods and waters will be waiting for you in the future!
You're a fine person, EB. You've been there for me before and I know you're there now. Thank you.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:24:26 AM
Can't offer up anything to help on the money situation but as all others have said I'd go hunting if possible. Even if just a day trip helps to recharge the batteries. Wish you luck. :tup:
Thank you CSA. I might possibly take you up on your kind offer.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:25:36 AM
Sounds like a bad year for sure hopefully things turn around.
I have a CPAP as well ii run it off my trucks batteries, with either a inverter, or a 12vdc cable I bought from the manufacture, that plugs into my lighter.
I don't have a serious elk camp just yet. But your more then willing to join us in rimrock anytime!
It doesn't drain the truck battery overnight? Thanks for the partner offer. I will probably be taking up someone on one of these. I appreciate it so much.
Nope, I went 3 days on a regular car battery in the past, they don't take up much power at all. fact is I think I even used a cheap jump box from harbor freight one night to run it, and it didn't drain that.
Very good to know. I'd much rather run silent at night. Thanks for the info. :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:27:15 AM
Premium - $1/Mo. - 12,000.00
Meds (no coverage) - $600/mo total - 7,200.00
Deductible is 12,700.00 + 20% of everything thereafter or 50% non-network
Oh yikes! Switch your plan asap! Open enrollment is coming up and there's no reason you should have that medical plan, especially knowing all the medical issues your wife is facing for the upcoming year. It's not a side job but you'd be saving a lot of money by researching as much as possible for next year's medical. Pay for the higher premium and get Gold coverage, I pay for the absolute highest one I can, my max out of pocket is $4,500 a year and it's usually met by February, so the rest of the year everything is 100% covered for me.
The highest deductible listed for a plan on www.wahealthplanfinder.org is $6,800. I'm not sure where you bought yours but that alone is worth the switch. The most expensive coverage I found (for example reasons):
Premium - $1,481.46/Mo. - $17,777.52
Deductible - $2,200.00
Max Out of Pocket - $9,000.00
Highest amount possible you'd have to pay in a year = $28,977.52 (in network, but I haven't found any hospitals that aren't "in"-network with Premera)
Yeah, we're going to get a better plan to start 2017. One health issue a year has made the high deductible plan OK/borderline. Three has completely blown it out and neither of us seem to be getting any younger.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 06:28:53 AM
John, don't give up the good fight! Hang in there and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to give me a ring. I'm only a few blocks down the road afterall. Even if it's just to chat and want some good company or maybe a vacuum bag of some more brisket for those rough nights where you don't got time to cook a good hearty meal but want something good to eat. 8) hope things pick up for you and your wife. Don't ever hesitate to give me a ring.
Justin
Thanks Justin. We should have a beer and talk about possible future hunts.
Post by: SteelheadTed on September 22, 2016, 12:35:00 PM
I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it. There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available. There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs. For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/ (http://www.samaritanministries.org/)
Post by: sumpnz on September 22, 2016, 01:13:56 PM
It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time. Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.
I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it. There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available. There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs. For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/ (http://www.samaritanministries.org/)
Also, you'd be surprised how high the income limits are for "charity" help from hospitals. Skagit Valley Hospital has an upper limit of something like $160k household income. Assuming you're under $100k you could get around 25% or more discounted from your bills.
Then, as mentioned, with your medical expenses being such a high percentage of total income you will be able to deduct that on your federal taxes. Even if you ultimately got, say, a 30% discount from the hospitals you'd probably still get down the level not only not owing anything in personal income taxes, but also of qualifying for things like the Earned Income Credit. I have no issue with hard working dudes like you that got their financial balls kicked repeatedly for a year taking advantage of those things (the slugs that abuse it are another story).
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 01:40:38 PM
It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time. Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.
I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it. There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available. There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs. For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/ (http://www.samaritanministries.org/)
Thanks Ted. I'll look into Samaritan. I appreciate the info.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2016, 01:42:01 PM
It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time. Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.
I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it. There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available. There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs. For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/ (http://www.samaritanministries.org/)
Also, you'd be surprised how high the income limits are for "charity" help from hospitals. Skagit Valley Hospital has an upper limit of something like $160k household income. Assuming you're under $100k you could get around 25% or more discounted from your bills.
Then, as mentioned, with your medical expenses being such a high percentage of total income you will be able to deduct that on your federal taxes. Even if you ultimately got, say, a 30% discount from the hospitals you'd probably still get down the level not only not owing anything in personal income taxes, but also of qualifying for things like the Earned Income Credit. I have no issue with hard working dudes like you that got their financial balls kicked repeatedly for a year taking advantage of those things (the slugs that abuse it are another story).
I've asked. The best I've received was in Maine 20% for early pay. Peacehealth and Vancouver Clinic have given me 10% for early pay.
Post by: nwwanderer on September 22, 2016, 04:18:19 PM
Post by: SniperDanWA on September 22, 2016, 06:01:13 PM
Plan to bring Braxton for a late buck hunt, archery, on the dry side. No worries with the hip
Yep, good thinking.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 22, 2016, 06:14:19 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 22, 2016, 11:43:46 PM
:tup:Can't offer up anything to help on the money situation but as all others have said I'd go hunting if possible. Even if just a day trip helps to recharge the batteries. Wish you luck. :tup:
Thank you CSA. I might possibly take you up on your kind offer.
Post by: shadowless_nite on September 23, 2016, 12:36:52 AM
John, don't give up the good fight! Hang in there and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to give me a ring. I'm only a few blocks down the road afterall. Even if it's just to chat and want some good company or maybe a vacuum bag of some more brisket for those rough nights where you don't got time to cook a good hearty meal but want something good to eat. 8) hope things pick up for you and your wife. Don't ever hesitate to give me a ring.
Justin
Thanks Justin. We should have a beer and talk about possible future hunts.
You bet! Name a day and I'll do my best to make it happen. Also I'm always down for a evening road hunt just to get in the woods with the kids and I'm no trophy hunter if I can share the experience of a hrvest with people and I usually have an open seat, so if that sounds like something you'd be interested in let me know. It's nice just to get out of town for a bit and get some fresh air maybe get lucky on a deer or grouse.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 23, 2016, 06:24:37 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 23, 2016, 06:29:46 AM
One positive note: As I was sitting having the AM short cigar just now, it occurred to me that early archery ended yesterday and I didn't spend $200+ on licenses, another $100 on arrows, $1000 on an RV rental, $200 on food, and probably another $300 on assorted hunting purchashes, and $200 on gas, equalling $2000.00. My harvest rate, however, is exactly the same as last season! :tup: Of course, I didn't get that essential time with nature, but it did make me chuckle to myself at 5 AM!
Post by: elkboy on September 23, 2016, 06:57:01 AM
Next fall! And there are always turkeys, salmon, trout, bass, and lots of other things to keep us distracted until then.
Post by: Special T on September 23, 2016, 07:11:04 AM
If you haven't read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" do so. If you have reread it. What you do has some flexibility. Think outside the box and you can come up with something.
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 23, 2016, 07:16:27 AM
Dangerous logic, Piano, dangerous logic... :chuckle:
Next fall! And there are always turkeys, salmon, trout, bass, and lots of other things to keep us distracted until then.
Lol, I know right! That money went to good use and will help me be more healthy in the woods next year. I've only turkey hunted one season. Called a couple fairly close but not close enough. I hope to try it again next spring. I do have a fishing license. As soon as I can walk to a nice trout spot and be able to sit on a stoll comfortably, I'll certainly be doing more of that. :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 23, 2016, 07:18:36 AM
Keep moving forward. I belive fortitude is one of the most important traits to have
If you haven't read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" do so. If you have reread it. What you do has some flexibility. Think outside the box and you can come up with something.
I agree about fortitude and usually, I have a good measure. Pain, money, longing for that respite I get from doing the thing I love most kind of piled up on me. The responses, help, and suggestions from everyone here has lifted me up over the last few days. Thanks Friend. :tup:
Post by: Special T on September 23, 2016, 12:03:44 PM
Post by: ryan8888 on September 23, 2016, 01:45:21 PM
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Post by: pianoman9701 on September 23, 2016, 02:28:17 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 23, 2016, 03:45:07 PM