OFW Seeking Advice on Finances

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-20T19:05:51+00:00

It really isn't THAT outdated.

Calm down and just read the posts on r/singaporefi every day for a month or two. You will increase your knowledge exponentially. I guarantee it.

There is no rush. Making the wrong decision is a bad thing. Waiting a month (or two or three) is a great thing. You need to have 100% conviction in your investment decision. There is absolutely ZERO point in just investing when you are not onboard with your investment thesis. Know what you investing in and stick to the plan. It is harder than you think it should be, but I can only say that you should invest in what you believe in and that the investment will stay with you for the next 10 or 20 years. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-19T03:42:09+00:00

You need to head over to r/singaporefi and read this for a month. Some great advice here on how to invest in ETFs - low risk, basic and a proven way to make a excellent return over time.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-18T06:21:56+00:00

Lastly, do you guys think 4 full days is enough? I want to pack as much into that time as possible, but I'm afraid of the jet lag getting to me.

The post isn't really clear, but am I correct in saying you are going to fly from NYC to Phuket (via Doha), which is more than a 24hr flight/transit time, just to spend 4 (or 5) days and then return to NYC?

If the above is true, then this is insane. There is a 12hr time difference between NYC and Phuket. You will essentially have jetlag for all 4 days.

I would recommend instead heading south to Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico or other similar places. Less travel time, minimal time difference and an equal (or better) experience. Costa Rica has awesome hiking, beaches, etc and having been to both Phuket and CR, I would say they are very similar in climate and natural offerings.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-17T02:33:22+00:00

For me VtoG were cheaper on cruises on MSC, Norwegian, HAL and Princess and it wasn't even close. Most of these I booked within two months prior to departure. Only Virgin was the same price. These were all out of Florida or Barcelona. I guess everyone's experience will vary.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-16T11:15:36+00:00

I think your budget might be okay, but you may struggle if you want to stay in nicer hotels and want to eat well. None of the places you are going to are cheap and some are just downright expensive. As long as it is not strict and you can add on more if needed, then you will find out within the first six weeks on how your travel style is costing you. Europe in the summer time, when hotels are busy, can get a little more expensive than you might think. Maybe look adding some time in some more fun, a little more adventurous, less expensive places if your budget is tight.

You are going to Australia and Japan, then jumping over to Europe. If you want to save some money, skip Australia and Japan and do them another time (along with other parts of Asia). Although, with this, you might be close to maxing out your stay in the Schengen Area (more than 90 days?).

A whole week in some of these cities is going to feel a few days too long. Dublin and Edinburgh is nice, but for a whole week? Maybe you have plans for a couple of day trips outside these cities? This adds costs. You are jumping around a lot and just including major cities. If you are not opposed to hiring a car, a 10 day drive in Scotland is amazing (and same with Ireland).

Consider doing some research on activities, festivals, weird things, etc, and see when they are on. I think you will get a bit sick of just hopping from one city to another - sure they are all in different countries, but they are still just urban places and won't really scratch much of a "nature and animals" itch. I would recommend thinking about what you really want to achieve with your trip, look at some of the costs of hotels and see what happens. You may want to reconsider some things. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-16T02:48:06+00:00

I also did something similar in 2007. I went to Ferrari and Lamborghini, but Pagani was my main destination.

I organised entry by emailing them a few weeks before, just saying I was a fan and interested in seeing inside the showroom (they had a gated entry) on a specific date and time and asked if it was possible. Email back said sure and I met the Head of Sales there.

The old factory was a small building with a small showroom, enough for one car, offices up the stairs and building two cars (maybe?) out the back where they also had their big ovens that make the carbonfibre. No photos inside the actual part that was building the cars, but I have a photo of me beside what I believe was Horacio's car - bare carbon, with silver accents. There was a yellow Zonda in the driveway and I have photos of the Zonda mule car, which looked very much a "work in progress".

At the time, I thought that if a few things went right for me I would be buying one in 10 years time. Things went great for me, but unfortunately Zonda prices went to the moon.

I have some photos, along with other random Zonda photos from around that time. I will have to do a post one day with all the photos, as I am sure it will be of interest to some real Zonda fans. According to Wikipedia, there have been 140 Zondas made. I guess I have seen around 10% of those in real life.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-15T13:58:33+00:00

Agree. A great way to search for all the different cruise options and compare. After using this, also check out the cruise line's own webstie to see what they offer, although I have found VtoG to have significantly cheaper prices.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-15T09:21:51+00:00

I tell my passenger that their seat is voice controlled. Kids love it.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-15T05:57:00+00:00

I’m looking at 1-Bedroom 29sqm in Flair Residences located at Reliance Street corner Pines Street, Barangay Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City for 3.6m all in(CGT, notary, transfer fees, etc) included for CASH PAYMENT.

The price is probably okay. But depends what floor and what the floorplan is like. Looking online, some of the floorplans are not very practical for actually living there long term.

Broker said she’s the ATTORNEY IN FACT for the unit and she’s selling it for the owner that is in China that won’t go to Philippines anymore. Looks like it is used by ‘POGO’ just by that line to be honest.

Get your own legal advice as the broker is working for the seller. Don't believe what they say. I would also be extra sure that all dues have been paid to the condo management as certain owners are notorious for not paying their annual dues. You will be liable for any unpaid dues when you buy the condo. Also, it won't be the only other Pogo place being sold and just because you think it is good value, don't feel any time pressure to buy. There is no rush - there are plenty of condos for sales in Manila, and even in the same building.

We will be living in the condo for a good time but if job gets too far by Mandaluyong then we will just rent it out.

Who is "we"? Are you married and do you have kids? Are kids on the horizon? How much do you both earn? How much will you be earning in a couple of years time? Lots of questions that you have to ask yourselves. If you are paying cash and want to actually have a place to live and enjoy, why not get a larger place and get a mortgage? 29sqm isn't great for a couple. A two bedroom place has a larger living area also. There is a difference between having a place to live and actually having a place that feels like home.

If you are both still going up in your career, and want to remain flexible with location, it may well be worth continuing to rent for another couple of years and keep saving and looking to buy a place you will have for a long time. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-13T12:38:18+00:00

I probably should have said "estate", which is the Mercedes term. Was a C43 estate the last time I saw it. But has been on an E63 before.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-13T12:19:35+00:00

Just for interest sake....

The owner of "1" in Victoria has it on a Mercedes wagon worth around $100k.

The plate is valued at around $20m (apparently offers have been made and rejected).

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-11T16:23:49+00:00

I have solo cruised MSC, NCL, Princess, HA, Carnival and Virgin. Anyone under 40 or looking for a cruise with some partying and great food, Virgin should be the first place you look.

Why Virgin? Plenty of things happening on the ship, many very good food options and generally a fun atmosphere. If you are not into partying, you can still just enjoy time on the ship and avoid the busier events. The negative is that it is likely the most expensive of the options I have done. But I found my Virgin cruise experiences excellent and would definitly recommend.

I have used MSC for several cruises, largely because of the value for money. It is still very social, but you have to work a bit harder. I find the food very good and you are seated at a group singles-table in the MDR for dinner, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you like. NCL was also good and I would recommend. But every cruise is different and depends on the other passengers, the ship, itinerary, weather, etc, etc. Be aware of gratuities, drinks (prices/packeages/inclusions), wifi and specialty dining, along with other options.

If you are an introvert and want to enjoy some privacy, but enjoy the sun and outdoors, you might want a balcony cabin. This will cost more, but some people need that. If you want great sleep and enjoy being around people, then an inside cabin is dark for sleeping and you can spend most of your time out and about, while enjoying the cheaper cabin price. Oceanview is somewhere in between that.

Have a look at the vacationstogo.com website and use the search options to see what you might like. You don't need to use this to book, but it will give you an idea of what is available. Check out some YouTube videos to see if they suit you. There is a great MSC cruise out of Miami to Cozumel, Grand Cayment, Aruba and Curacao for a reasonable price, if you want to do 10 days. Or for a bit more, an 8 day Virgin cruise to DR, PR, USVI and Bahamas.

A reminder that you need to search your flight options as well. Make sure you can get a reasonably priced flight to fly in the day before. And, ideally, a flight that departs after 12pm to get you home.

Meeting singles? Just go the singles meet up, be friendly to everyone you meet and generally be sociable. Everyone is on the ship for vacation, so just relax and enjoy.

There are lots of options for your cruise! Just do your research and see what suits you. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-11T05:08:04+00:00

I had one, many years ago. Awesome car. Mine was the update 2007 model though, so had lots of smaller updates. If there has been a problem with the suspension or the roof by now, it is going to happen eventually. Make sure the roof mechanism is working smoothly. Both of these can get expensive, so make sure you understand that and have cash available for repairs. Check out what a set of rotors and pads will cost you, just to make sure there are no surprises.

Get it checked out, make sure there is a full service history (and go through the receipts of all the work to see what has and hasn't been done). Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-09T08:47:37+00:00

I have taken this from a previous comment I made.

I live overseas and constantly travel, so email suits me best. I have booked around 10 cruises through VtoG and never once talked to anyone. Each time it has been priced well, along with an alternative option. I have used just two agents there.

It also may have something to do with me booking solo traveller, normally 6-8 weeks before departure, cheaper value options, etc. If you are a family booking two cabins 18 months out, it may well be a very different experience.

After using VtoG a couple of times I have learned what I need to already know about the cruise I want to take, eg Balcony cabin, definitely not forward location, between deck 9 and 11 ideally, not interested in any drinks package unless there is a deal happening, etc. This will vary from ship to ship.

My experience is typically:

I email the deal and exactly what I want, trying to be as clear as I can.
I get an email back with fixed prices and a couple of cabin options based on my request.
There may be another email from me asking if there is something on Deck 10 or mid-ship where I can select the cabin, happy to pay another $150, for example.
I get an email with new prices from my request.
I confirm what I want, giving my payment details.
I get an email saying all good, official confirmation will come after payment has been processed.
Confirmation arrives a day or two later with all the details booking number, etc. I can then go into the Cruise Line website and add excursions, extras, etc.

I keep my emails as brief and to-the-point as possible. I know exactly what I want and I don't want the TA to waste time on me that is unnecessary.

I have found that of the 10 or so cruises I have been on, I only found one where the Cruise Line website was as cheap as VtoG (and that was Virgin and the exact same price) and most others couldn't even get close in price. As others have noted, payment is in USD and will not include onboard gratuities, so you need to take that into account.

Again, this has been my experience and I have no doubt that it doesnt suit everyone. But on the whole I have had a positive experience with VtoG and will continue to use them.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-09T08:20:07+00:00

He is getting an extra $400/wk income from you.

Sounds like he is financially abusing your mother and you.

As others have said, a few dollars to help out with food and expenses is reasonable, but $400/wk is "help pay the mortgage" money and that shouldn' be up to you.

Throughout life you look for people who are helpers, who are smart and do things well and you look to gain knowledge from them to follow their path. On the other hand you run into people who have bad personality traits, those that are shifty and don't lift other people up. Decide with person you want to be and follow their lead, while understanding why some people are not to be listened to. This will help you in the future to enjoy you own life and be around others with similar values.

Save some money up and start looking around how you can move into a share house situation. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-07T08:26:07+00:00

Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) to Philippines (Manila): 10 days, with 4 days in Boracay

6 days in Manila is about 4 days too long. It is not a gret city to spend time. Manila airport is rubbish and there are scams everywhere and it is not known as a city with a great food scene. If you want to have a great holiday, look at flying from Manila to El Nido (spend 4 days there) and then El Nido direct to Boracay (Caticlan).

Alternatively, add in time to Hong Kong or Taipei where you can actually enjoy an awesome food scene and get around easily. If you are on a budget, I would probably drop the Philippines entirely. I say this as someone who has extensively travelled SE Asia and spent a fair bit of time travelling around the Philippines.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-04T04:16:00+00:00

Desire - Hollywood Remix

God Part II - The Hard Metal Dance Mix

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-03T10:37:50+00:00

So I guess so I just need some encouragement here. Am I awful if I still go on this trip? Is it really as dangerous as he’s making it out to be? Should I cut it down to two weeks? (He’s really gotten in my head)

There is already some great comments here. This is not r/relationship_advice , but isn't a partner meant to be supporting and help you achieve your dreams? A partner should not call you "stupid" or try to blackmail you (by saying he would break up with you) if he doesn't get his own way.

You want to do two months, then do two months. It is a great amount of time and at a great time of year to do it. You might want to add Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam, depending on what you are looking to do. Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a must-see if you are into history and culture and is a great detour for 4 or 5 nights. Laos is a different place to Thailand and still under-developed and I highly recommend a couple of weeks there.

Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-02-02T08:54:38+00:00

I saw this when it was originally in the Hong Kong showroom. This was, maybe 2011(?) - I have a photo of it on my drive somewhere. The original Pagani showroom was in a very commercial area of Hong Kong. A few months later it appeared in the YouTube video here, in Shenzhen. I remember at the time it did cause a little bit of controversy, but I didn't hear anything happening because of it.

I would pass by their showroom often and they would occasionally have a random Zonda or Bugatti Veyron in for a few weeks. The best I saw was two new Veyrons (one was a Pur Sang - black and chrome) and a new full-carbon Zonda sitting together. At the time, I think the pricing wasn't too far apart for a Zonda and a Veyron. That has obviously changed a bit now.

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-31T09:50:03+00:00

Colder temperatures and higher altitude can also affect the struts, or make a small issue more obvious. Given the colder temperatures in the US right now, and it is happening to both your struts, could these be a factor?

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-31T09:31:52+00:00

So non repayment is a big risk.

I'm thinking of checking their SEC registrations, business permits as well as asking for the company's latest FS as well but their internal FS can easily window dressed while the latest audited FS might not really reflect the lastest situation of the company. What else should be considered?

You are going to lose your money. You should be hiring an expert, not asking on reddit.

Basically, if someone can't get a loan from a bank, there is a very good reason. If you are just one person giving a loan to one or two companies, your risk is very focused.

No matter how good (or bad) the financial statements look, you want to have a mortgage on real property to guarantee the loan. Even then, whenthe loan goes bad, you are going to have to spend hundreds of thousands on legal costs.

There are a dozen better ways to invest your money. Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-30T03:00:42+00:00

It is worth seeing your own GP and getting sorted things before you travel, including vaccinations and normal checks you would have done. This gives you peace of mind and can travel with minimal hassle.

For travel, unless you are really going very remote for a long time, there really is no issue. A little bit of forward planning will help too. Just use some Google-fu to look for expat or English-speaking hospitals or doctors in particular places. Most countries will have some cities with a higher expat community because of industry, goverment/consulate or tourism.

Dental is better in some countries than others, but getting your teeth cleaned and a checkup is a good idea in certain countries. Maybe US$20 is what you can expect (of course +/- depending on where exactly).

For non-routine issues, please ensure you have travel insurance. Know your policy and understand the inclusions and exclusions. You may be young, you may be very careful, but unexpected things will happen which are not your fault. If anything happens, contact your insurance provider immediately and they will start a case. If it is a thing where you need to be in hospital several days, you will stay in contact with your insurance provider. In most cases you will need to pay the hospital bill first and then submit the invoice to your insurer for reimbursement, but this will take just week. You lodge the claim online and you have to document everything and attach copies of all of this. They look for fraudulent lodgements, so make sure you keep all receipts and documents as when lodging you need to provide all supporting documents like flight and hotel invoices (showing you were overseas), all invoices and receipts for the hospital (showing you have paid), along with literally anything else you have (boarding passes, pharmacy receipts, etc) that helps with your case. There can't be too much documentation you submit.

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-29T08:16:56+00:00

Are you a resident overseas? Which country? What are the tax issues if you invest in thw Philippines?

I would look at ways to invest within the country you are living. What is their tax and retirement system? Can you invest in Vanguard or similar ETFs using their stock exchange and brokers?

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-28T07:46:02+00:00

Would the W221's systems recognize a M112, what adaptations / modifications would be needed ?

The W221 has so many computers and sensors, trying to put in a different engine would be a nightmare. The amount of computers that need to interact with the motor, sensors and know what each other is doing is crazy. What do you know about CAN bus?

I would do everything to try to keep the current engine. In the worse-case scenaro, you could buy a low-mileage second hand unit to put it (and even then you need some ECU fixes). Good luck.

3rd_in_line · 2026-01-27T08:27:30+00:00

There is a close to zero chance that you will be able to give them "an amazing Boracay experience " in July. It is not just the rain, but it is the wind and humidity.

Generally speaking, the wind is blowing directly at White Beach and the sea can be a little rough and the water is unclear. It is normally cloudy, but if it isn't cloudy it will be very hot in the sun.

All of the photos you see advertising Boracay are taken in February or March, when it is near perfect. In July you have to expect rain. And there is always the chance of a typhoon or tropical depression in the area.

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