Dear Crabby, Should We Retire Out of State?

Dear Crabby, I'm so tired of the cold weather, should we retire out of state and leave Michigan? Sincerely, Chilly Willy Dear Chilly Willy, I understand your frustration with our Michigan winters. So far this year it seems to be a repeat of last year, but without the snowfall. Warmer climates can be intoxicating when you’re wearing everything you own and you look like that kid from A Christmas Story. More than half the country will have freezing temperatures this week, so I’m sure … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What do you think about time-shares?

Dear Crabby, My wife and I really want to go on vacation and I found one of these time-share companies that will fly us to Florida and pay for our hotel if we simply listen to their sales pitch. Is this a good deal? Sincerely, Jim Nuttinfree Dear Mr Nuttinfree, If I have learned anything in life, I have learned that nothing is free. Of course nothing is guaranteed either, except for death and taxes! Mrs. Crabby and I usually stay away from these types of things, but we did fall prey … [Read more...]

Top 10 Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World

Family vacations are expensive. Disney is expensive. However, there are many ways to lower the cost of seeing the mouse and his house if a family holiday to Florida is going to happen. Mickey Mouse Logo courtesy of Walt Disney World  Plan early, be flexible with the dates and travel in the off season: September through January (but not over the holidays). Consider the Disney Value Resort options, lower prices and many of the same benefits as the rest of the Disney … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Are there only old people in Florida?

Dear Crabby, It seems like every time I go to Florida, it is packed with old people. Is it just me or is that the impression you get also? Sincerely, Henry Youngfella Dear Mr. Youngfella, I used to think the same thing, but that must be changing now because the last time I went everyone was about my age. I think many things in life are just relevant to your situation. I remember how we had an empty lot next to our home for years and one day a bulldozer came and cleared all our … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Should Men Dye Their Hair?

Dear Crabby, As a man in my 30's who is graying prematurely, I want to begin dying my hair.  I think this would be socially acceptable, but my girlfriend thinks otherwise.  Who's right in today's standards?  I feel odd about dying my hair. Should I feel this way, or is it alright for guys to do this? Sincerely, Ned NoGray Dear Mr. NoGray, I guess if you can still look your buddies in the eye after getting your hair dyed, then you are doing ok.  I started turning gray pretty early on … [Read more...]

Amelia Island at 8 MPH

Have you ever been on a Segway? Do you know what a Segway is? A trip to Amelia Island Plantation is one of those destinations where visitors can try one. The Plantation is “Florida’s premier island resort." It is located off the state's northeast coast and should be a consideration when planning your winter vacation. You have most likely seen a Segway on television. They are those funny-looking transportation devices that policemen in big cities use. You may also have seen a security guard in … [Read more...]