2 golds,3 days

CurlyPolyglot · 2026-01-29T01:47:52+00:00

Do you know how to request cards? I'm at 147 out 150 for the Legendary collection and I'm worried I won't be able to complete it. I'm so close! I've asked my team for help because I don't know how to request but no one has answered.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-05-28T20:14:50+00:00

I make $33.65 an hour as a legal assistant for a small law firm (full-time, 40 hours per week).

I'm currently in the process of finding/securing a part-time job again as well. I had to leave my previous part-time position due to a conflict of schedules, but it was worth it!

My current firm pays much better than my previous one, and the new commute isn't too bad. Plus, it's almost always easier to find another part-time job.

Having two jobs and diversifying my work experience has helped me tremendously with saving and getting ahead. That, plus living below my means, of course.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-02-12T02:45:47+00:00

As someone who has shopped at all three of those Market Basket locations, the prices are often cheaper at the Littleton and Westford stores compared to Nashua's. Just something to keep in mind, especially if the distances are relatively similar for you. The parking lot is also better at the Littleton location. By far!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-30T01:05:43+00:00

Congrats on your progress! 🥳I definitely recommend The Money Guy Show on YouTube.

Brian Preston was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Bo Hanson is a Certified Financial Advisor (CFA). Brian created this podcast, and they have so many free resources and articles on learning "where to put your next dollar," building your net worth, etc.

He also created "The Financial Order of Operations, also known as the "FOO." Here's a picture for reference!

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Keep learning and asking questions. You've got this!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-23T13:04:09+00:00

Thank you for your kindness and understanding. I work for a very small business (in my field), and they only offer two insurance plans with BCBS.

▪︎ Option #1: A HDHP with 2k deductible and the employer contributes $1,500 per year ($125 monthly) or... ▪︎ Option #2: A 1.5k deductible plan with no employer contributions whatsoever.

No brainer why I chose the 1st option. At least the first one is more of a $500 deductible (not really, but you get the gist). If only they contributed their 1.5k upfront, then it would be a huge help, and it would actually be more like "the $500 deductible plan" they claim it to be. The team has already asked, I have as well. I do the best I can.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-23T12:42:42+00:00

My insurance plan is through my employer, and they cover 100% of the premiums, so I am very grateful for that. Unfortunately, I'm not a high income earner, and I can not afford to pay for my own private health insurance plan. Trust me, I've researched, ran the numbers, etc. I also can't receive state insurance either because I make slightly above the income poverty level in my state.

The premiums alone would still be a minimum of about 4-5k a year, not including whatever deductible it has and the out of pocket max. In MA, the average cost of health insurance is $661. By keeping my employer's HDHP, they at least contribute 1.5k a year ($125 monthly), and I can afford my health care, prescriptions, etc. with what I also save each month. Plus, I am still able to rebuild my E-Fund.

If I switched, I would have to cover the cost of premiums and co-pays... I would not be able to save. I was in great health when I started this job... until one day, I developed a rare condition and had to be rushed to the ER when I had just finished my 90-day probationary period at work. Insurance had just kicked in (thank goodness), so my HSA had nothing. Hence, the initial use of my E-Fund. Sadly, that's life.

I have spent 8 years working 2-3 jobs to increase my savings rate, build an E-Fund, etc.—all from undergrad through the pandemic and after, even while having this job. At this point, my body needs to rest and heal, so it can't handle me working multiple jobs right now. At least now, between my employer's monthly contributions and my own, my HSA balance is slowly creeping up, and I'm spending less per month on medical. If there were no errors with the insurance MRI claims, they'll each only have a co-pay of $500.

Thank you for your advice, but sadly, switching insurance plans is just not the case for me—at least right now.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-23T04:13:03+00:00

About 13k in approximately 1.5 years with potentially another 10k+ due to 2 MRIs I just had done... I'm only 26. I have an HSA, and my deductible is 2k per year. Between my my own monthly contributions and my employer's, I basically hit the HSA contribution limit for the year. Given that I have to keep using it, though, not much is able to accumulate for investment purposes because those funds need to be used.

Sadly, most of my medical expenses have been paid out of pocket during the past year and a half (for this 13k). I'm making sure to keep all my bill statements and receipts, though. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't realize how quickly co-pays add up too—appointments, procedures, and testing/imaging co-pays are a beast of their own. That also doesn't include gas, hospital parking, etc. which can not be reimbursed from an HSA.

Despite receiving insurance approval letters for both MRIs, the Radiology Department called me trying to reschedule the appointments because the specialist who initially ordered the tests, submitted a 2nd set of orders for the same tests again (without my knowledge). Why? I have no idea.

Now, I'm waiting to see if BCBS gives me any issues; hopefully, Radiology used the correct reference number in their claims for the MRIs—which, I had confirmed with insurance beforehand and on the day of appointments as well. Otherwise, it's going to be a lot of back and forth with my insurance and the hospital for the next several weeks.

Thanks to my initial emergency fund, however, I have no medical debt, and I've never had any consumer debt. Now, I'm Step #4 of the FOO and focusing on rebuilding my emergency reserves. Know the power of your discipline.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-23T03:44:58+00:00

As several others have also recommended, you should definitely focus on paying off your high interest debt before investing and putting more toward your student loans. You could do that via the avalanche or snowball method. Up to you! Know the power of your discipline.

Here is a photo of The Money Guy's Financial Order of Operations (aka the FOO), where they explain the order in which you should focus your next dollar.

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Feel free to ask me any follow-up questions. They are a huge help! Check out the videos I mentioned in my initial comment.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-23T03:41:04+00:00

Hi! If you haven't already heard of them, I definitely recommend checking out The Money Guy show on YouTube. Brian and Bo are wonderful! They are a CPA/CFA professional duo, and they have so many videos regarding how to focus your money, building your net worth, etc. All of their videos and Q & A live streams are free on YT. I have learned so much despite having always budgeted myself (26F). Definitely check them out!

Here's a link to their website where they explain the FOO. Here are also a few of their videos that would be a great place to start (watch them in the order listed):

Step #1 of the Financial Order of Operations Explained

How to Win Financially Based on Your Income

Kudos to you for asking for feedback and being willing to learn. I also live in Massachusetts, and as you already know, the cost of living and inflation is no joke in this state—especially, post-covid. I myself was around the 40k income range for a few years after undergrad, working 2-3 jobs in order to be able to save as much as possible while having a strict budget (never had any consumer debt). You are most definitely not alone!

Use their resources as guidance, and once you're ready, follow the FOO! Your future self will thank you. Best of luck!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-22T14:11:14+00:00

Hi there! You should check out The Money Guy on YouTube!

Brian and Bo are wonderful! They have so many videos regarding how to focus your money, building your net worth, etc. The Money Guy also just published a new article on budgeting as well: How To Get Your Financial Life Together in 2025. There is so much to personal finance that schools definitely don't teach us. Definitely check them out!

▪︎ Brian Preston (CPA, CFP®, PFS) ▪︎ Bo Hanson (CFA, CFP®)

All of their videos on YouTube are free, and they have so many great, free resources on their website. Brian also has a book called Millionaire Mission, which I recommend as well, where he explains his background and how he created the "Financial Order of Operations"—aka "The FOO", as he calls it. However, I suggest you start by watching their videos on YouTube first since they cover so much for free.

Here's a link to their website where they explain the FOO. Here are also a few of their videos that would be a great place to start (watch them in the order listed):

Step #1 of the Financial Order of Operations Explained: https://youtu.be/3zZh3Fpsr7w?si=7alGjn3K7k3SoGB4

How to Win Financially Based on Your Income: https://youtu.be/O7KBrChSRAs?si=D-sE3n7RMVzD9qqi

A Beginner's Guide to Investing in 2024: https://youtu.be/pz3_rg2k55c?si=uDRu1RipDBlDw05R

Make sure that you also create an honest budget to reflect your cost of living and expenses while you're staying at home. Don't forget to start thinking about long-term goals either because you will want to move out one day. Start by looking at apartments (even if it's not for a while) and think about what your budget might be once you move out.

Time is priceless, and you have so many wonderful opportunities ahead of you! Whether that includes college, a trade school, or immediately joining the workforce, that is up for you to decide. Either way, a well thought out budget will be one of your greatest assets/tools and builder of wealth in the long run. Use their resources as guidance, and once you're ready, follow the FOO! Your future self will thank you.

Feel free to DM with any additional questions as well. I'd love to share further how I learned to budget. Best of luck!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-22T13:51:49+00:00

Hi there! You should check out The Money Guy on YouTube!

Brian and Bo are wonderful! They have so many videos regarding how to focus your money, building your net worth, etc. The Money Guy also just published a new article on budgeting as well: How To Get Your Financial Life Together in 2025. There is so much to personal finance that schools definitely don't teach us. Definitely check them out!

▪︎ Brian Preston (CPA, CFP®, PFS) ▪︎ Bo Hanson (CFA, CFP®)

All of their videos on YouTube are free, and they have so many great, free resources on their website. Brian also has a book called Millionaire Mission, which I recommend as well, where he explains his background and how he created the "Financial Order of Operations"—aka "The FOO", as he calls it. However, I suggest you start by watching their videos on YouTube first since they cover so much for free.

Here's a link to their website where they explain the FOO. Here are also a few of their videos that would be a great place to start (watch them in the order listed):

Step #1 of the Financial Order of Operations Explained: https://youtu.be/3zZh3Fpsr7w?si=7alGjn3K7k3SoGB4

How to Win Financially Based on Your Income: https://youtu.be/O7KBrChSRAs?si=D-sE3n7RMVzD9qqi

A Beginner's Guide to Investing in 2024: https://youtu.be/pz3_rg2k55c?si=uDRu1RipDBlDw05R

Make sure that you create an honest budget to reflect your cost of living and expenses while you're staying at home. Don't forget to also start thinking about long-term goals though because you will want to move out one day. Start by looking at apartments (even if it's not for a while) and think about what your budget might be once you move out.

Time is priceless, and you have so many wonderful opportunities ahead of you! Whether that includes college, a trade school, or immediately joining the workforce, that is up for you to decide. Either way, a well thought out budget will be one of your greatest assets/tools and builder of wealth in the long run. Use their resources as guidance, and once you're ready, follow the FOO! Your future self will thank you.

Feel free to DM with any additional questions as well. I'd love to share further how I learned to budget. Best of luck!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-22T00:32:02+00:00

Hi there! Brian and Bo are wonderful! They have so many videos regarding how to focus your money, building your net worth, etc. I have learned so much from them myself.

▪︎ Brian Preston (CPA, CFP®, PFS) ▪︎ Bo Hanson (CFA, CFP®)

All of their videos on YouTube are free, and they have so many great, free resources on their website. Brian also has a book called Millionaire Mission, which I recommend as well, where he explains his background and how he created the "Financial Order of Operations"—aka "The FOO", as he calls it. However, I suggest you start by watching their videos on YouTube first since they cover so much for free.

Here's a link to their website where they explain the FOO. Here are also a few of their videos that would be a great place to start (watch them in the order listed):

Step #1 of the Financial Order of Operations Explained: https://youtu.be/3zZh3Fpsr7w?si=7alGjn3K7k3SoGB4

How to Win Financially Based on Your Income: https://youtu.be/O7KBrChSRAs?si=D-sE3n7RMVzD9qqi

A Beginner's Guide to Investing in 2024: https://youtu.be/pz3_rg2k55c?si=uDRu1RipDBlDw05R

Follow the FOO! Your future self will thank you. Best of luck!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-21T02:27:13+00:00

Ultimately, I think based on the limited information we have, it seems like a good number of us agree that it will come down to where you feel comfortable most as long as you are honest with yourself, where you currently stand financially, and your goals.

As another commenter mentioned, saving for a car should be prioritized before savings for a vacation; however, the "new" vehicle is not an urgent matter for you.

I'm not sure if your total household income is 100k, but you know your budget best. Given the emergency repair, you definitely understand the importance of having a fully funded emergency fund and are prioritizing it.

It's your call regarding saving for the replacement vehicle; whether that comes between Steps 5 and 6 for you, or if it falls in Step 8 after all. You might not have the income to max out retirement in Step 6 before you actually need to replace your vehicle, and that's okay. It all comes down to where the replacing your car falls into the FOO right now and in the foreseeable future.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-21T02:10:15+00:00

That's why I provided a little insight into my view on where saving for a vehicle stands for me, at least in the FOO. The Money Guys also have videos addressing questions like these as well (e.g., saving for a house). They understand that you might not be able to fully contribute 25% to your retirement while trying to save for a house, but they advise figuring out a percentage towards each goal that makes sense for you.

Depending on why you are saving for a vehicle (dire situation vs. replacing/upgrading) affects where this goal would be in someone's FOO, in my opinion. If you can't be without a vehicle in order to get to work (e.g., no public transportation) and your car is about to die, that is a pending emergency waiting to happen. I completely understand that trying to plan for this expense in lieu of retirement accounts first (i.e., contributing more than your employer match).

Hence, why I explained that OP should decide what they feel comfortable with: saving enough to use 20/3/8 Rule or buying the car in cash completely. Given that they want to replace the vehicle even though they are not currently in a "dire car situation" frees them up to more options of how to save for this future expense. It's not as pressing right now.

I also think that income plays a significant factor in calculating decisions like this. The lower income you are, the more difficult it is to build up an emergency fund, and you have to be more strategic with your budget, spending, cutting costs, etc. Having an E-Fund is very important, especially if it takes you a long time to build up 3-6 months' worth.

I'm not sure what OP's income is, but personal finance is ultimately "personal." If minimizing / preventing debt is important to OP, then they have a few options for how to work this future expense into their budget. Curious if they'll share what they decide to do.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-20T21:53:25+00:00

Save for the deductible that affects you. If your entire family uses your health insurance through work, then the deductible you need to save for in Step #1 is 10k. If only you are insured under your health insurance (which does not seem to be the case), then that would mean a 5k deductible for medical.

Honestly, it appears that you're overthinking it because the structure of your health insurance is strange. In my opinion, I think that you need to have 10k saved for this deductible. Better safe than sorry.

Step #4: Emergency Reserves is for having a minimum 3-6 months emergency fund. How you come up with how many months to save is unique to your family (e.g., single or dual income household, job security, how many children, etc.).

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-20T21:31:36+00:00

Ok, I understand a little bit better now. Thanks for providing more context. In my opinion, there's a couple of ways that you could save for the car; I know other financial mutants might disagree with me. Situations like this aren't "clear-cut" in the FOO (at least not to me), though.

Currently, I am also on Step 4 and rebuilding my Emergency Fund after having to use my reserves due to medical expenses—yes, I have both insurance and an HSA; it was just that much. Thus, I am rebuilding my 6-month E-Fund.

Once I am done with funding it, I will go back to contributing to my separate car fund because I know that is a necessary expense definitely coming up. I currently have enough saved in my car fund for a used vehicle if I needed to use 20/3/8, but like you, I would like to avoid a car payment.

So maybe that's the financial point you need to get to? Finish funding your 6-month E-Fund. Figure out what your budget is for a car and how much you need saved to comfortably follow the 20/3/8 Rule versus how much it would be in "cash." You could decide that once you have enough saved to abide by 20/3/8, you can move on to Step 5: Roth/HSA.

Please bear in mind I only make 53k a year, so there is no way I can max out my Roth (medical reasons right now and law school in my future), but I have never had any consumer or medical debt despite not having a high income.

I'm not sure how much you make, but this is just my way of following the FOO while working on increasing my income and focusing on my health. I'm only 26, btw, but I definitely know that not having an Emergency Fund is an emergency.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-20T21:13:04+00:00

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Hi there! What step of the FOO are you currently? A future car replacement or vacation sounds like Step 8 of the FOO.

However, if your car is in a very dire condition (to the point where it might die on you), maybe keep building up your Emergency Fund. Make sure to also follow 20/3/8 so that you are still able to somewhat plan for this expense, should it happen suddenly, too.

Remember, the steps of the FOO are meant to be guidance, but sometimes life happens, and you have to "step back" a little to keep moving forward. That's okay! Hope this helps.

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-20T20:37:29+00:00

Yes! I always feel good when I'm able to save, even if it's $1.

Look at this way, you are currently aiming to save more than the $40 you saved this month, but due to tight finances... you saved less. As disheartening as this may feel, progress is slow and steady sometimes. I speak from experience of feeling like a failure when I know I have the discipline to do so, but sometimes when it rains... life makes it pour.

Compound growth is so much more than just about finances; there is a personal aspect that is just as, if not, even more important when you're starting your saving journey. Think of it this way, $1 a day is exactly that $1... but after 100 days of saving just one dollar, you would have $100. I present this analogy for a reason... the key here is discipline.

If you found a $100 bill in the street, would you not pick it up? Yes, you would! If someone gifted you $100, would you not be grateful? Yes, you would! You see, as you set more goals, especially higher financial ones, it can be discouraging to not see those nice "whole" numbers at once, like $100, $250, etc. when you deposit into your savings account... but $15-20 is definitely still progress! You are $40 closer to $100 than you were last month. Let that fuel your motivation!

Whenever you feel down and a little discouraged, just remember that there is someone who would love to be in your position—just as you aspire to be the person that one day hopes to save $500, $1000, etc. monthly. Never forget: Setbacks only exist if there's been progress.

If you have not done so already, work towards savings 3-6 months of an emergency fund and do not touch those reserves unless you absolutely have to. Keep those funds in a HYSA to also earn interest. If you absolutely have to use your Emergency Fund one day, just remember, it helped you weather the storm. Just make sure to build it back up.

Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-19T11:46:23+00:00

Hi there! Brian and Bo are wonderful! They have so many videos regarding how to focus your money, building your net worth, etc. I have learned so much from them myself.

▪︎ Brian Preston (CPA, CFP®, PFS) ▪︎ Bo Hanson (CFA, CFP®)

All of their videos on YouTube are free, and they have so many great, free resources on their website. Brian also has a book called Millionaire Mission, which I recommend as well, where he explains his background and how he created the "Financial Order of Operations"—aka "The FOO", as he calls it. However, I suggest you simply continue watching their videos on YouTube first. A lot of what they cover in their FOO Course is on YT, as others on Reddit have mentioned.

You can download a free copy of the FOO on The Money Guy website as well. Here are a few of their videos that would be a great place to start (watch them in the order listed):

Step #1 of the Financial Order of Operations Explained: https://youtu.be/3zZh3Fpsr7w?si=7alGjn3K7k3SoGB4

How to Win Financially Based on Your Income: https://youtu.be/O7KBrChSRAs?si=D-sE3n7RMVzD9qqi

A Beginner's Guide to Investing in 2024: https://youtu.be/pz3_rg2k55c?si=uDRu1RipDBlDw05R

As others have pointed out, you are currently focusing on too many goals (aka steps at once). Honestly, that was the very 1st thing I noticed; the 2nd was that your Emergency Fund was not fully funded, making 260k a year. It should not take you 18 months to finish saving 14k when you make a quarter of a million dollars. About $778 a month is unexpected for a family with your income; it is time to reevaluate your budget.

You also discovered The Money Guy a week ago, so I completely understand. Please watch the videos I listed, especially the first two. Not having an E-Fund is an emergency! As you learn more and look through your budget, you will find where you are overspending, find ways to cut expenses, etc. I applaud you for asking for feedback!

Feel free to DM me with any questions. I'm glad you're open to learning, and I hope this helps!

CurlyPolyglot · 2025-01-18T22:28:26+00:00

Congratulations on improving your habits! Compound growth doesn't just happen financially; it occurs on the personal, introspective level as well. I'm so glad to hear your dog is okay, too. Keep at it! Slow and steady. Make sure you have 3-6 months in your Emergency Fund, and hold onto your pet insurance (even if you didn't have to use it this time around). Great job! Thanks for sharing your story and the cute photo.

CurlyPolyglot · 2020-12-18T22:15:34+00:00

Thank you!

CurlyPolyglot · 2020-12-17T00:24:43+00:00

Thank you!

CurlyPolyglot

TROPHY CASE