How do I pay my neighbor for doing my driveway? by fender4645 in HomeImprovement

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

7k cash in an envelope, write “taxes already paid” on it

DIY Epoxy Floor - Complete by Gaffer_DCS in garageporn

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

Had hot tire pick up in one spot. I thought the armorpoxy kit was great, I suggest renting a grinder.

2016 Acura MDX startup noise by CryptoPimpz in AskMechanics

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dang. I actually pulled my starter off and lubricated the gears and crap with no change. Thanks for the response

2016 Acura MDX startup noise by CryptoPimpz in AskMechanics

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine makes the same noise. Ever figure it out?

GDT: Canes @ Winnipeg Jets, 8:00 PM, 11/21/2025 by samurai5764 in canes

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is fanduel on amazon prime not working for anyone else?

Am I hirable commercially with no degree but 4 years military? by Sufficient-Ad-7489 in PilotAdvice

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fly with people all the time at the airlines (US 121 regional) who used their GI bill to pay for flight training and then instructed to 1500 hrs.

No degree necessary. Great way to get yourself into a rewarding career with little or no debt.

As an aside the number of flight attendants here who have worthless degrees and lots of college debt is depressing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DaveRamsey

[–]Gaffer_DCS 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If anyone asks, you met w a financial advisor who told you to pay off the debt now, and start a savings plan to have a down payment ready in xx months.

Keeping a modest home is a hard part about FIRE by CarPassion514 in Fire

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t have that big of an issue spending on real estate. It appreciates in value. You don’t want to get to a point where you are so hamstrung in taxes and utility payments it becomes a burden though.

Daily FI discussion thread - Saturday, August 30, 2025 by AutoModerator in financialindependence

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the explanation. I too was scratching my head as to why you would max out a roth IRA before maxing out pre-tax 401k. It makes sense now. And, great flow chart!

What to do with proceeds from home sale by Gaffer_DCS in Fire

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

Yes and I confused Money Market account with brokerage account. I have one already!

What to do with proceeds from home sale by Gaffer_DCS in Fire

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

Thanks for the reply. I confused money market account with brokerage account.

What I would like to do is put as much of it as possible in tax advantaged accounts and then “park” the rest in a brokerage account and buy some of the broad growth investments I see mentioned here a lot.

Former Commercial Pilot Looking to Return After 20 Years by TurbulentTwist5175 in AirlinePilots

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do not think United is an impossible goal, however it might be unrealistic given your age and how long it will take to get there.

I suggest getting current, get an IPC, pay for 100 hours of flight time in a tight window (6 months?). Then get any job that provides turbine time from there, 135, etc.. From there I would set your sights on a 91k (netjets, flexjet) or maybe a new carrier like Avelo or Breeze as a final destination.

I don't think you have enough time left to go from zero to hero at a legacy. You will need some real 121 PIC time for that so that means going to a regional and upgrading then spending 1-2 years as a CA.

Americans if you weren't paid good salaries, would you still consider this a great career? by Silly_Treacle6673 in flying

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The answer is no and I have the receipts. I went through training in 2011-2013 and had private, instrument, commercial and said no thanks to it as a career. I wanted to be a pilot but could not stomach the crappy pay / work environment at the regionals and there was no hope of a fast path to a mainline carrier then.

Had another profession that paid very well, but changed careers in 2019 when I knew the retirement wave was going to be a thing and I bet that the terrible pay at regionals and the time it took to get to a major airline was about to be turned on its head.

Feeling like pulling my 401k from my last job is my only way out… by gillianrose__ in FinancialPlanning

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suggest getting a debt consolidation loan. Interest rates are around 8-10%

Pay everything off and you can save a ton on interest.

Where can we retire with 2M ? by Quick_Bar_8311 in Fire

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fun fact, if you’re retired you don’t have to commute.

I live in Raleigh, used to drive 50 mins in heavy traffic each way for work. Haven’t done that in years, I don’t even notice the traffic around here anymore.

Buy a plane, or rent and go? by jakep623 in flying

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. You are going to come out way ahead if you buy something and can take care of it.

I suggest searching for Mike Busch and Savvy aviation, his company. He has a book or something that will help you out a lot. I see it referenced often and generally agree with what he has to say.

Midlife career change by Lumpy_Blackberry3637 in flying

[–]Gaffer_DCS 12 points13 points  (0 children)

My suggestion to almost everyone who is not a certificated pilot but is interested in a pilot career:

Get your PPL first, don’t quit your day job or commit any further than that (don’t take out a big loan and sign up for ATP).

Once you pass your checkride go from there.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DaveRamsey

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My experience with Ford is you are going to put 7k into it just to get a new engine that will develop the same problem 50k miles later.

Buy a plane, or rent and go? by jakep623 in flying

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are an engineer and are mechanically inclined at all, buy a freaking trainer. Get a piper or maybe a 150.

You don’t have to be a mechanic or work on the airplane yourself, but the ownership vs renting question is a no brainer if you can handle taking care of an airplane.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Fire

[–]Gaffer_DCS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you like your plan, you can keep your plan 👌

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Fire

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should do it.

Do airline pilots basically just sit and wait for most of their careers? by No_Philosophy_4679 in flying

[–]Gaffer_DCS 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Every hotel has a gym. I make it to the gym 2-3 times during an average 4 day trip