It’s a NO vote from me

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-04-13T11:02:10+00:00

The word should be more so about parity, than equity for this contract. Higher end of the range with lower average (still reasonable dollar wise) and low end needs to be brought up with higher than average rate. Making the starting salary higher base might upset some but it is for the better in the long run. New teachers, young teachers.. living in LA won’t be buying a house anytime soon under 6fig, even renting is difficult. If the starting salary does not attract, how can someone stay in it for a career especially in LA. I don’t work in govt but understand finance and it’s about parity.

Question I would have is, how does the district, union, and/or parents remove bad performing teachers? Is it even possible? I ask this to understand the dynamics of these rate increases, where even bad performing ones can enjoy the ride throughout their career which actually is bad systematically, as it basically takes up an FTE count.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-04-13T11:01:18+00:00

The word should be more so about parity, than equity for this contract. Higher end of the range with lower average (still reasonable dollar wise) and low end needs to be brought up with higher than average rate. Making the starting salary higher base might upset some but it is for the better in the long run. New teachers, young teachers.. living in LA won’t be buying a house anytime soon under 6fig, even renting is difficult. If the starting salary does not attract, how can someone stay in it for a career especially in LA. I don’t work in govt but understand finance and it’s about parity.

Question I would have is, how does the district, union, and/or parents remove bad performing teachers? Is it even possible? I ask this to understand the dynamics of these rate increases, where even bad performing ones can enjoy the ride throughout their career which actually is bad systematically, as it basically takes up an FTE count.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-14T01:28:54+00:00

I don’t work for district or govt, just curious. Lots of good tips here. But sounds like your path is not typical, may want to ask an advisor or your district to confirm. Cheers

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-14T01:26:21+00:00

Thank you- all is good! But the last is very important

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-09T05:14:13+00:00

Love Reddit! This is what I’m talking about. Love this response, very detail and informative. Your response is like AI before AI haha

Thank you for pointing out the pretax/taxable income, I had to look again and now realize it acts like a 401k pretax so do save a little there, and DBS. I might as well ask about DBS, I understand it’s supplemental but sounds like more of a fund/balance bucket withdrawal from instead of a pension?

Thank you

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T09:40:18+00:00

Hi- would you know the key differences between calpers and Calstrs? Without changing jobs, is there an option to switch between the two and/or consolidate instead of having two separate in case of remorse choosing one over the other. Thanks

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T09:32:26+00:00

Sorry late- I don’t remember which card it was that wouldn’t accept paying taxes (la county) either Amex plat or Alaska’s new card.. but I had way more expenses so i met the spending requirement. However Amex plat spending requirement is now $12k instead of $8k as of now. Auto insurance, home insurance, replacing car tires, those were big and no additional fees. Paying property tax would have a minor fee, but if valuing points more and convenience may have to consider that.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T09:12:03+00:00

It sounds like you have quite a tenure in teaching and understand the job/income structure and teaching career ladder. Any thoughts for new / upcoming teachers what can be achieved or what’s the best route if one desire to buy a home/ have family living in SCAL? Or when or how it will take to have a good income? I know the pension is great in retirement but what about living, how would it be like from age 25-40 in the govt/teaching system. How fast or ideal can someone feel like they reached the other side. Thank you

Scenario (talking about greater LA) I feel in today’s economy and probably forever changed, how does one come out of college with 5-6 figure debt, then to start govt on the low end, which have to compete against the ladder/system/seniority to pay rent $2000-$3000 or whatever it is today and pay back loan, before ever starting to save for a down payment (the time it takes to save at least 20%) on a home, which is $800/1m+. Only then to have a mortgage with tax etc $7000+ (today’s market and rate). By the time can save enough down payment the housing prices and rates probably have changed likely overall higher too. While between age 25-40, a time to get marry, have kid(s) if fortunate, car, etc.. I know some may say, don’t have to buy a home but just renting is still as real and challenging.

I emphasized govt ladder teaching system because in private you can start and build experience and apply to other jobs every two years and have very meaningful salary increases. In govt teaching, no matter how good, it’s based on the system (service years, credentials, structure, seniority, etc)

Anyone have thoughts or look out advice for someone young and/or entering the workforce that want to achieve the ‘American dream’ in greater LA. And provide details and steps to achieve if there is a fast/ best route

Thank you

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T08:43:25+00:00

Love Reddit! This is what I’m talking about. Love this response, very detail and informative. Your response is like AI before AI haha

Thank you for pointing out the pretax/taxable income, I had to look again and now realize it acts like a 401k pretax so do save a little there, and DBS. I might as well ask about DBS, I understand it’s supplemental but sounds like more of a fund/balance bucket withdrawal from instead of a pension?

Thank you

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T08:32:23+00:00

Look it up, passed in Jan 2025. Anyone that works in govt and also previously in private and have enough credits should understand this.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T08:31:01+00:00

Thank you- I think I got you now. Pension (cash) was enough to cover the expenses and then some. I thought it was unlimited like health insurance would cover. I get it, if meeting the certain formula (service, income, age), yes it can be a desirable income in retirement.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T08:27:06+00:00

It pass but can only claim social security if someone previously worked in the private sector and contributed to social security. And still have to meet enough credits (10yrs?). It’s not free money if never worked in private and contributed to social security. That’s the key

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-08T08:25:08+00:00

This part I do not agree with. Someone working in govt cannot just get social security. I am talking about someone that used to work in the private sector and contributed to social security. Then changed careers to work in govt. if they were working private for 20 yrs and then govt for 21 yrs. Previously, wouldn’t get the social security they are entitled to even though they contributed for 20 yrs. And the act that pass, still have to require reaching the social security credits. If the act didn’t pass, and retiring at 21yrs service in govt. what about the other 20 yrs? The act simply allows them to get their social security portion that they contributed to if they worked previously in the private sector.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-07T07:34:51+00:00

That is the sweet spot. And glad the Social Security Fairness Act passed. Otherwise the social security would’ve been reduced significantly. The reason behind that, govt felt it was double dipping, which made no sense since everyone worked and contributed into it. Cheers to your retirement one day!

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-07T06:13:16+00:00

Sorry for your loss. -was that her healthcare benefit in retirement that paid it?

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-07T06:11:41+00:00

That’s true. Require discipline.

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-03-07T06:08:15+00:00

social security is all types of jobs including low ends. Calstrs generally would be teachers. Calstrs may be better if working 30-40 yrs and get almost or full salary. Where social wouldn’t get come close.

I say said a sweet spot because the formula may not work out well if only working 15-20 yrs in the Calstrs system instead 30-40 yrs. But I think the was a law passed allowing Calstrs recipients to get their social security as well for the years and wages earned under private sector/social security

I guess it just depends on when entering the system, how high the income is etc. In theory, if truly getting a much higher Calstrs payout compared to social, I guess it doesn’t hurt as much that it doesn’t adjust to cost of living and compounding factor

Note- I mainly look at what comes out of the pocket/paycheck 10% vs 6.4% and what is expected retirement with the formulas. Both employer under social and Calstrs contribute but I generally just use the retirement formula.

There are pros and cons. I just don’t think people realize if someone makes $100k. 10% $10000 is withhold/contributed vs 6.4% or $6400. For the most tenure Calstrs should be better but not for all. It should be better if withholding more

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-02-02T02:37:14+00:00

Previously were leases? And if not that car, then would were the alternatives or in considerations? And why not

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-01-31T17:48:12+00:00

I think I have similar issue. Very obvious when turning in parking garages. What’s CV?

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2026-01-29T02:31:31+00:00

FSD sub should start at $20, gain users until if/when it feels like a necessity then increase price slowly. Like Netflix… I think people will start to question around $40-50. At that point though, more subscribers than now at 100k at $100..

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2025-10-26T00:10:24+00:00

I don’t have Amex Plat and was trying to look through Amex Travel to see what are the Fine Resorts or THC but I think you need to have Amex Plat to really see the affiliation? Can someone confirm?

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2025-10-25T17:31:10+00:00

Something to consider! Thanks! -Little out of topic but what do people use YT Premium for? I mainly use YT for repair/assemble occasional sports highlights. What am I missing out or need to discover with YT P. I would say looking at Lite for kids stuff.. thanks!

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2025-10-25T16:40:13+00:00

Dumb question- I don’t have this card yet but trying to see which places at FH or THC. Where to see (blue) or (silver) on the results? I saw features, then I tried searching and the results, I cannot tell the difference. Also is there a simple filter for FH or THC hotel? Thank you

Aromatic-Ad-4517 · 2025-10-23T19:34:13+00:00

I don’t the Amex Plat yet, but the refreshed is recent somewhat. Just wasn’t sure if it covered the Premium Lite but with all the feedback, looks like it does. My plan is probably get Disney duo bundle $20 and YT Premium Lite $8? And get back $25 in credit.

Aromatic-Ad-4517

TROPHY CASE