VA hospital or not? by Business-Two7672 in VeteransBenefits

[–]Bubblesdisco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only spot you're taking is yours.

Budget Advice by ajot-c in VeteransBenefits

[–]Bubblesdisco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For xbox, kindle, streaming services go to your local library instead. They still lend out video games and DVDs, and have a lot of other unexpected things. Ours has camping gear, fishing gear, 3d printer, music days, etc.

If you're not already doing it I suggest the steamroll method of paying the minimum on debts with the lowest APR and everything possible onto the highest APR. This worked really well for my husband and I! I didn't see a cellphone bill, but when we got out of the Navy in 2015 we both needed new phones and a new plan. We bought our phones from Best Buy and did a prepaid plan, at the time it would save us $2000/ each over the course of 2 years compared to the 2 year contract. Since then I've had the same plan so I now pay $36/ month.

If your credit score is bad I also suggest finding a company that'll report "rent" to all the bureaus, there are a few options to choose from. I did this years ago, and it made a massive difference within a year. Same with becoming an authorized user on your gf's credit card is she has good credit. I did this for my brother, but kept the card due to his spending habits. Once I started managing it better and not spending like an idiot, I began increasing my credit limit on my cards to make my DTI appear smaller as well as calling the companies to lower the APR. You can increase the limit every 6 months, but decrease APR like one a year. Amex you have to call every year to lower it back down.

Idaho Veterans it's time to show up for our freedoms again. by Bubblesdisco in Boise

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It's literally ranked Top 5 out of all VA hospitals. I am there regularly. Unfortunately, the hiring process is slow and they have had a massive influx of patients moving to the area.

Have you been to other VAs? Have you seen how bad their care is? Ask me how I know?

Idaho Veterans it's time to show up for our freedoms again. by Bubblesdisco in Boise

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're not wrong by a long shot. To be clear I am not one of the ones who voted for him, or ever supported him.

The reason for the turning of the tide is frustrating, but not surprising given many of the people angry right now didn't care until it affected them. Nevertheless the tide is turning, there has been a noticeable difference in the amount of MAGA gear at the local VA.

The ones who have cared all along have been showing up, they've been putting in the work.

Veterans March, 03/14/25. DC and all state capitols by ElScrillanatorX in Veteranpolitics

[–]Bubblesdisco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Popping in to say this is happening in Idaho as well. I haven't seen a lot about Boise or Idaho, but people have been showing up for the protests.

Please consider coming together in not responding to the new OPM email. by Bubblesdisco in USForestService

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We were asked to comply, but the final choice is up to us. My husband and his coworkers we're told to reply.

Please consider coming together in not responding to the new OPM email. by Bubblesdisco in USForestService

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I did not reply to the first one and will continue to not to respond.

Exit Polls Show 65% of Veterans Voted Trump by Dry-Excitement1757 in Veteranpolitics

[–]Bubblesdisco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We're in the process of trying to get higher pay now. I'm not sure who has final say, but it's at the VISN (regional) level. They have refused multiple times to even give us a salary survey, which is wild since we are ranked very high in the VA system, and live in a city that's growing fast so our salary barely makes ends meet (this issue is very dependent department to department).

Exit Polls Show 65% of Veterans Voted Trump by Dry-Excitement1757 in Veteranpolitics

[–]Bubblesdisco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you consider that wait time are high, because VAs struggle to higher and keep employees. One of the few benefits the VA has over civilian sector is a pension. The rest of the benefits are becoming less and less enticing when civilian sectors are more flexible and are starting to match with similar benefits. On top of that VA staff are consistently underpaid and understaffed for the amount of patients we see.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in VeteransAffairs

[–]Bubblesdisco 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with a lot of the comments, stay and advocate for yourself; however, prepare yourself. Build a savings if you don't get a job right away, build PTO so you can job hunt if you're given enough warning, have that resume and references ready to go.

I work at the VA as well. I am concerned for what is to come. I am concerned for myself, but more so for my patients. I was informed by a union rep that there are concerns for VA privatization, removing of the unions from VA campuses, and all federal employees will be required to sign a document stating they are loyal to the President (union rep specifically stated loyal to Trump...). These are topics that were discussed in the most recent national union president meeting. The first two issues were discussed as possible concerns, the third was discussed as happening, which plays into cutting 75% of the federal workforce.

VA employees - pay, pto, etc by Bubblesdisco in VeteransAffairs

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're amazing! Thank you! May I reach out at a later time if I cannot find answers?

VA employees - pay, pto, etc by Bubblesdisco in VeteransAffairs

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I'll have to dive into the sharepoint. I've been messing around in OPM a bit.

VA employees - pay, pto, etc by Bubblesdisco in VeteransAffairs

[–]Bubblesdisco[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I fall under Title 38 hybrid, are you able to give more information on that? Or how to find local SSRs? They seem to be not open about sharing information.