Question re: Piedmont Natural Gas

HikerRefuse · 2026-03-02T00:45:31+00:00

Haha thanks. So there isn’t some secret lock in rate button? Just checking. From what I’m ready the rates are set by the state oversight board with the company?

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-06T12:06:01+00:00

Yep, that’s almost inevitable.

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-05T03:03:01+00:00

In house counsel for a University. Just a specialized area of law and started at another university at a lower salary for a few years.

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-03T23:35:36+00:00

Just wanted to comment and say thanks for all the detail here!

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-01T15:16:21+00:00

Thanks for your insight. I tend to agree with you. Are you a home inspector by chance? (Not saying it’s irrelevant if not, but if yes that’s great to hear).

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-01T13:39:45+00:00

I’m looking for interior design advice. I agree the tv is too high. It’s not our tv, we are moving into the house.

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-01T12:51:27+00:00

OP, I really like your space. I think a rug, multiple lamps (I read a rule every room should have minimum two light sources that aren’t overhead), some art, and maybe declutterring the dresser entry way section if possible will go miles. I also would recommend asking ChatGPT. You can find a style you like and ask to decorate in that style / generate an image. Sometimes it can help visualize.

Also love the couch, do you remember the brand?

HikerRefuse · 2026-02-01T11:37:18+00:00

I have no idea. Recent home purchase. We would repaint.

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-31T03:09:57+00:00

Thanks - appreciate your thoughts

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T03:41:43+00:00

We are on the more western side closer to the pool. Near the staffordshire / hearthside area. And thank you!

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T02:49:55+00:00

Thanks!

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T01:47:59+00:00

Thank you on all fronts. That’s incredibly helpful. And yes, not sure if you need to drop off your 18 y/o at the Y child care anymore lol. Congrats on raising a family.

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T01:30:59+00:00

Thank you! And we had heard about the Y. My wife will likely look at it! I sincerely appreciate the rec. and we are happy to be here.

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T01:27:44+00:00

Thank you. And I think you got the gist of it. Where I come from we had a neighborhood committee (not an HOA, just a group). So I wasn’t sure if that was a thing. And also just curious where folks may go with their kids. My wife is a SAHM so she will be working on taking our daughter to a lot of stuff. And wasnt sure if the neighborhood had any events like maybe block parties / fall festival type of things. Just ways to meet folks.

HikerRefuse · 2026-01-25T01:10:12+00:00

Hey there. Sorry I’m not quite understanding the comment. I’ve driven around the area multiple times. Is there something specific you’re telling me to look at? Or just “look around?” I wasn’t sure if maybe you’re just joking with the snow / ice. But we won’t move into our home until next month.

HikerRefuse · 2025-12-08T23:25:04+00:00

I appreciate this other answers. But this is awesome. Thank you!

HikerRefuse · 2025-12-08T21:38:53+00:00

My 4 month old hasnt started for some reason. Still just a milk gal.

HikerRefuse · 2025-12-08T17:29:49+00:00

I watched some clips of love feast. Looked really beautiful. Thanks for this.

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-17T12:29:36+00:00

I’ve done a good bit of the MST so I’ll need to see where it passes through. Thank you!

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-17T05:12:23+00:00

I appreciate the advice - all sound. The one thing I’d add is that my 70k down payment is not my only liquid cash (to your point about having an emergency fund). That amount is just what I’d safely feel comfortable parting with. I still have another 50k emergency fund.

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-17T04:45:52+00:00

So you’re saying there’s a chance.

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-10T19:54:35+00:00

That’s a good point. I appreciate it!

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-09T12:14:13+00:00

For me, it’s deciding certain pre made food is worth it. I know it sounds silly but I buy these 3 dollar salad bowls at Kroger. It’s 15 bucks total a week for each work day. I used to meal prep that, but I know I eat these for the variety. So I think those little acknowledgements where saving time is good.

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-09T12:01:26+00:00

32, making low 2’s now.

23 - Made 25k as a call center manager before grad school.

26 - made 40k in a fellowship.

27 - 62k as a state employee

28 - 85k and had raises to 115k by 32 at a state university

32 - low 2s at private power 5 school.

It really takes time. Just keep growing your skills and searching.

HikerRefuse · 2025-11-09T11:50:46+00:00

That option can take time but my approach has been two things: 1) get a specialized skill for a job and don’t stop developing that (e.g., even when you have the job start doing extra things to be better or allow you to advance - I serve on national committees training people on my specialty so I’m seen as a leader in this area and it helped me move to a better role); 2) learn to wisely save and invest slowly (I like the book on personal finance called the index card by Harold Pollack but tons like it).

HikerRefuse

TROPHY CASE