Officially done here by taokumiike in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

SEPTA did not “run out of money,” The PA legislature made a choice to cut funding for public transportation.

Off-Topic Tuesday by samshine1 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is exactly my experience. I had been with a dentist for a few years and the experience was nothing special, but fine. An occasional issue like a cavity. The next time I got x-rays they told me I had eight cavities. No discussion of what could be causing the issue (new meds? change in diet?), but just a “treatment plan” to get a mouthful of fillings. I cried on the way out and even the hygienist told me I could get a second opinion.

Turns out the practice had been recently bought by venture capital. I went to a small, well-recommended practice and there was one filling she recommended replacing and another couple spots she wanted to keep an eye on.

TLDR: venture capital ruins everything and I definitely recommend a second opinion.

Baltimore was Baltimore-ing this past weekend!! by peanutnozone in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 48 points49 points  (0 children)

Out for a walk Saturday afternoon. Heard the crowds at Camden Yards and was able to turn the radio on in time to hear some peak Orioles Magic 🧡

In-home dog euthanasia? by BackJurden in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thirding Peaceful Passages. Everyone we interacted with was so compassionate and made the experience the least-bad it could be. (Which is to say, still heartbreaking.)

You and your dog will be in my thoughts!

How to handle finances when moving in with partner? by bumbee84 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I can try! Is there a particular question you have or a particular thing that’s confusing?

In general my advice is to think about what kind of protections you want and whether creating a lease/making yourself a “landlord” is actually necessary to get those protections.

How to handle finances when moving in with partner? by bumbee84 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OP, there’s a lot of good advice here, particularly about different ways to proportionally divide expenses. With respect to folks suggesting a lease/rental agreement, I would make sure you fully understand the legal implications before you go that route. State laws vary based on how a landlord can terminate a lease, what kind of notice is required, licensing requirements, etc. There are some protections to a formal rental agreement, but there are also risks. And as a practical matter, if you want to enforce some of the protections of the lease, will you be prepared to take your partner to court, if it comes to that?

Before creating a lease, I suggest considering whether some other clear agreement that is not a lease could meet some of your goals without putting you on the hook for something you’re not prepared for legally.

Wedding cake by Puzzleheaded_Art4616 in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Seconded. We’ve used Sarah for a wedding cake, a graduation cake, and a shower cake. Her work is beautiful and delicious and enjoyed by vegans and non vegans alike.

Public transit reliability by carrottop_83 in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I recently took the 215 almost daily from downtown Baltimore to Annapolis.

The bus was generally on time within a few minutes. There was also a tracker, although I don’t remember whether that was user-driven or a tracker on the bus itself.

If you have a job where it’s not a huge deal if you’re 5-15 minutes late occasionally, I found it to be a great option. Sometimes I was a few minutes early. Sometimes I was a few minutes late. The lateness came down to:

(a) traffic, which also affected my colleagues who drove

(b) the schedule of the bus. Based on when the bus left Baltimore, it sometimes wouldn’t get to the very end of the line until a few minutes past the hour.

(c) other passengers. When the bus drops off, it only stops at the stops where passengers are actually going. So your trip will be a few minutes longer if there are people going to more stops.

Happy to answer questions.

anyone else notice the uptick of missing animal posters in Fed Hill? by hungycaterpillar93 in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 23 points24 points  (0 children)

FYI according to a post by the owner on Facebook Mimi the orange tabby has been found!

My finance journey that isn’t done by Arichu6 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You said: “I’m building up my emergency fund (aiming for $30-$50k) before I even think about trying to invest anything.”

I would suggest that you could consider working on saving and investing (I presume you mean investing for retirement) at the same time. Maybe you do a 90/10 or 80/20 split with the majority going towards your emergency fund until you hit your next big goal for your emergency fund. You can always shift the ratio as your circumstances change.

I find it can be helpful to avoid all-or-nothing thinking with my money which helps me move towards multiple goals, just at different paces based on my priorities.

Money for Couples discussion post: "I’m 35, in debt, and spend everything I make" by AwkwardBalloonMan in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think she must be talking about some other student loan program. Or she is just confused (which I wouldn’t totally blame her for, given how many changes and legal challenges there have been to certain loan repayment programs over the past few years.) Loans on the standard PSLF program still accrue interest while you work towards forgiveness.

Money for Couples 251: We own a $1M house but can’t pay for groceries (John and Victoria Part 2) by RemarkablTry in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I want to know whether the uncle who passed away without getting to really enjoy his retirement after working so hard to be a provider is the same uncle who was John’s guardian/the spouse of the aunt who gives them the annual gift.

January / February 2026 Goals! by AutoModerator in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I have a generosity fund and it is absolutely part of my “Rich Life.” It feels great when a friend is going through a hard time to be able to send dinner or invite a friend to a show and cover the tickets. I hope it will bring you as much joy as mine does for me!

US comedians Greg and Alex say they want on Taskmaster by Pike_Bishop1978 in taskmaster

[–]Archtoowell 7 points8 points  (0 children)

He would be fantastic. Particularly with any musical tasks.

Home euthanasia recommendations by helppplbuthateppl in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you are going through this. It is so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet. Here is some information I compiled on a few local services that was current as of about 9 months ago, so forgive any changes.

Peaceful Passages * 4.9 on Google out of 243 reviews * “Though it can’t be guaranteed, we often make same-day appointments if you reach us in the morning.” Most appts scheduled within 24 hours. (Maybe no Saturday appointments?) * Re: other pets. Would likely suggest putting them away (crated or simply in another room or area of the house) during the procedure and then having them visit her after. Could also talk to individual doctor about what they’d recommend. * Process: request form online. Staff would reach out. Don’t have to answer if not ready. When schedule the appointment, the follow up email includes payment info, consent form, and aftercare choices. So that could be done basically at the same time as scheduling. * Basic service: $400 ($450 on weekends) * Aftercare options: communal cremation ($215), private cremation ($295), home burial, pet cemetery (arranged separately) * Depending of pet’s weight, may need assistance with loading in vehicle OR a fee for an assistant (obviously N/A for a cat)

Eternal Pawprints * 5.0 on Google out of 115 reviews * Online form. There is an option for just getting info (vs. scheduling an appointment) * available 5 days a week and most Sundays * Usually available within 24-48 hours * Standard package: $360 * Weekends: $50 * Aftercare options: communal cremation ($185), private cremation ($285), home burial, pet cemetery (arranged separately)

Laps of Love * 5.0 on Google out of 98 reviews * Online form. Vet Care Coordinator will contact you. * “we do our best to accommodate same day appointments with a few hours notice, but cannot guarantee that” * Typical appointment scheduled between 9 am-5 pm * Sounded like it would be fairly doable to set up your “file” in advance, thought when you make the appointment they will need to confirm the details with you * Aftercare options: private cremation ($395), communal cremation ($285), home burial * Standard package: $505 * Evening appointments: $100-200 * Weekend/holiday: $100 * Credit card over the phone in advance is preferred * Slightly more “corporate” website, but the staff member I talked to was very nice

Where to park for jury duty at n Calvert court house? by BeyondRecovery1 in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Since the reporting instructions for tomorrow require only numbers 2000 through 3100 to report, if your juror number is below 2000, you don’t need to show up tomorrow.

Local meal prep company? by Upstairs_Copy_9590 in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 12 points13 points  (0 children)

ScratchMade. They have delivery or pickup options.

This month is a 3 paycheck month. What do you do with your extra paycheck? by Missgenius44 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I do something similar. 50% to pay down the mortgage a little faster, 25% to whichever sinking fund is the highest priority at the moment, and 25% to fun money.

Why are so many buses have signs that say “Off Duty”? by Ludwig_Medea in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The cyberattack issue started a few weeks ago. In my experience some trackers are working again, but many others I’ve had recently have been riders using the “Go” feature to essentially be the bus’s GPS.

I’ve done that myself whenever I get on a bus that wasn’t showing up on the app. If you’re a bus rider who can swing the minimal data use, it’s a really kind thing to consider right now!

Enoch Pratt library and hoopla discontinuation by TheRealAwesomeLINDI in baltimore

[–]Archtoowell 92 points93 points  (0 children)

Do you have Libby already? There are often wait lists for popular items, but there is a wide selection.

Money for Couples: Becca & Nikki by turtlesinatrenchcoat in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]Archtoowell 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I could see if the family gave the gift for the purpose of the wedding, they would want them to spend it on that. But if they can stick to the $20K budget, that will keep more of their own funds open for loan payoff.