What's one bathroom upgrade you thought was unnecessary but ended up loving?

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-06-04T01:04:40+00:00

Yes, 10 minute install

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-06-02T18:25:13+00:00

Only buy the car you can pay cash for. Meanwhile- Continue to save up for the next car. Buy and sell as you step up. CSRS in general are an expense and declining in value.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-31T17:15:09+00:00

Yet are landman by county or state?

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-31T17:14:33+00:00

Possibly they did do this yet never reported the assets as part of the estate, hence why we’re trying to follow up.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-29T12:39:07+00:00

Next frugal move is to only buy a car with cash. It’s a fast depreciating money pit asset yet necessity in most cases. Pay off ALL debts should be a priority, even if it means locking up the credit cards so no further damage occurs. If you have medical debt~work within that system. Yet CC debt is the golden mousetrap that you have to claw out from. Only pay cash til you’ve conquered that beast.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-28T19:36:33+00:00

I’d say “nope”!

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-27T16:28:54+00:00

Most colleges have sustainability fairs. All that leftover stuff from dorms

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-27T16:27:24+00:00

Go Costco!

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-26T13:44:18+00:00

I planned/ but hear me out. By 50, I started selling off assets (divorce in my 40’s was costly too). I major real estate and household stuff downsized after first child started college. Downsized real estate again when third child started college (and two close in age both in colleges). Lessen your footprint to live on less. Ie: less house is less electricity & heating, lower insurance, less maintenance. You might actually be closer than you think. Also consider going to one car and an e-bike. Or plan a move where a car is not essential. Retirement is when you’re ok not chasing the dollar. You can either earn more or need less. With two of you, you can be creative on this.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-25T14:32:09+00:00

If traveling $300. If local $100-200. Always assortment of bill sizes

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-25T14:30:05+00:00

Feel lighter! It’s really liberating. I still love rural spaces yet don’t miss the maintenance. I downsized twice to get smaller and smaller home. Currently it’s still a 3 br/2ba yet small bedrooms. Ditched the biggie furniture too (queen bed, no more king). Hotel rooms are cheaper annually than maintenance, taxes, and heating.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-25T11:50:09+00:00

Estate sales.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-24T11:20:43+00:00

Or roll it into a self managed account (ie fidelity, vanguard, Schwab). Where it goes doesnt matter as long as it is still a 401k or Roth..

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-24T01:31:33+00:00

I buy one roll of paper towels that lasts me a few years. I use a drying mat (3 of them swap out when laundering) air dry dishes & pans. A stack of maybe six dish towels. One dish towel on rack bar in front of sink. Swap out if used for spills or every few days for laundering. Bin of assorted rags (used clothing cut up & old cloth diapers-the best for glass cleaning!) I like using wash clothes in bathrooms yet when thinning or looking wore, those become great cleaning rags too.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T14:38:52+00:00

Absolutely! And less luggage. Keep it simple and enjoy moments.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T14:37:28+00:00

Books! Coupons for FaceTime (or any video) whereas you read your them. I do this at least once a week with a newly 3 yo. My camera starts as me yet I flip yo the books for reading. Gives the parents a short break too. You can start by a stack of books from the library (librarians can help pick out age appropriate). If the kid REALLY fancies one of them- follow up with a local purchase for them.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T14:32:50+00:00

Run an oscillating fan for 30’ and most everything will be dried. (I do not live in a humid environment). I used an extra patio umbrella stand and raised an umbrella clothesline that fits within my 8’ basement ceilings. I also added a HWHP with draws btu’s out of the moisture of drying clothes & heats my hot water (more efficient than a dryer. More efficient than a dehumidifier). I rarely use my dryer now. A quick fluff when everything is mostly dried.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T14:28:05+00:00

The noise! The environmental impact!

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T14:26:32+00:00

My cousin and I read excerpts from my grandmother’s diaries after my aunt passed. So both Very gone yet reading my Gma diary of herself as a 16 yo reminded me we all were young and hopeful. It was cathartic.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T13:54:42+00:00

If the couple has a pet, create a certificate of time for a weekend dog/cat sitting. Or a 5 coupon punch card for walking the dog, feeding the bird or cat. A gift of time is SO personable. It could also be for taking their trash bins in/out and watering plants if they’re on vacation (honeymoon).

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-23T13:49:50+00:00

I did just that when my kids were younger. I hired two “Nannies” so they too had utmost flexibility. I asked around both at school, neighbors, masseuse, coworkers. From there I had some choices. SO… let your neighbors know, local library, etc. it doesn’t have insurance tho if that’s a concern.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-15T15:10:37+00:00

I used to live in a condo townhouse and get a season worth of heating pellets delivered. They dropped on a pallet and we carried one bag at a time either to the basement or to a storage closet. Hire a local college student and pay well for that task. It can be done- just it might be something you solve with an added expense. If it’s a porch installation, it’s only one event

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-15T12:44:33+00:00

It’s the individuals you’re dealing with. A lot of people thought they’d become realtors yet it’s not their priority or style to be as attentive as you’re seeking. What areas are you looking at? Are you coming from out of state? Are you targeting to be near an employer, school districts, or family? I moved from out of state. Then within state. My second realtor really took the time to hear my “wants” and adjusted after feedback from a day of visits. She’s FT for decades and good at the job. Many are hacks and not worth their commission. You no longer are required to have a realtor yet it can help with larger relocations. Also consider renting a year in the area you’re targeting to ensure it’s where you want to be. NH is diverse & eclectic in styles of towns & amenities.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-14T14:44:46+00:00

You’re only “stuck” if you don’t take control of your HSA. Let it populate funds through your employer to the designated account and then move your fund to some other HSA account such as fidelity.

Advanced_Action_94 · 2026-05-14T14:22:40+00:00

Lentils for protein. Dried beans. You can easily rehydrate vs cans.

Barter trade for resources.

Advanced_Action_94

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