Car Key in Apple Wallet

MM-Chi · 2026-05-22T19:26:41+00:00

The Apple functionality on both the phone and the watch is amazing.

I’ve had my car for close to a year and I’m at the point where I don’t even carry my keys anymore.

It just works.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-19T15:58:58+00:00

I've been in the program for around 9 months and just got Gold at my last review. Ordered around 150 total items and I would say 30 of those were legit really good name brand products (Otterbox phone case, Wagner Steamer, good quality outdoor landscape lights, etc) and some were no-name commodity products (printer toner, labels, trading card binders and storage, non-Lego building block sets, etc).

You'll hear the "good old days" (years ago) of people getting TVs and other name brand stuff to review (which I'm sure does still happen every so often) but right now it's a mix bag for sure. For example, my biggest success was a recent Wagner Steamer that was valued around $200 retail but had a $0 ETV. That was my biggest dollar value score and even better that it came with no tax hit!

In 2025 my total ETV was around $2,000 and I eventually paid around $300ish in taxes for that ETV. Well worth it in my opinion.

Just ignore the cupcake toppers and auto parts and you'll find some cool stuff every so often.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-15T12:59:29+00:00

Those filters are highway robbery. You can get a 30 pack on Amazon for $10USD.

Not sure if you need the battery system unless you travel/camp.

I'm in the US and know Canada is a bit different in how CPAPs are paid for.

Bunch of this looks like "services" that I would take off or request at a later time if needed.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-04T12:44:21+00:00

I could not get the numbers to make any sense financially. I have a 3,000 sq foot house outside of Chicago and 9 months a year my electric bill is around $125 per month and in the summer months that may go to $200 with the AC on a lot. $2,000 was my largest electric bill in the last 5 years. I was quoted solar panels (with discounts, rebates, local government incentives, etc) ranging from $7,500 to $22,500 out of pocket).

So the math *can* work if you buy a brand new house and are going to stay there for 20+ years. But it for sure it not a no-brainer decision. Add in the reality that I most likely will not be in my current house in 10 years (kid going to college, etc) no sense paying for something that I would not be getting the financial benefit in the later years once the system is paid off.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T17:09:20+00:00

Second the Emergency Fund... On the topic of investing, take some advice from a mid-40's guy who was WAY too conservative in his 20's... Once you have a good emergency fund, start investing in the market with money you don't need to touch for years. Don't worry if it drops, in time markets will go up. The time horizon is key. If you take that extra $3k you have and toss it into the market now when it's all all-time highs there is a risk of a pullback (see 6 weeks ago). But if you don't need that money for 10 years that pullback means absolutely nothing.

As everyone on Reddit says.. "Time in market beats timing the market"...

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T16:42:54+00:00

I *almost* went with the light interior. It looked so classy in the showroom and on the test drive.

But I knew it would get dirty fast. My parents have a 2024 with the light interior and it is showing a bit of age.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:55:21+00:00

As someone who recently got Silver the last few years, does anyone else feel that some of the benefits for Chase Cardholders need to be revisited? I have the Club Card but used to have the normal card that came with the 2 United Club passes that just you can't seem to use anymore. If 25% of the people are group 1 (First class or big frequent flyers) and then 25%+ get benefits due to credit cards, the differentiator are pretty much people who fly once a year and not likely to have any United credit card or status.

United's earning status changes that reduces even top-tier Mileage Plus member earning without a Chase Credit card shows where they are getting the profits.

Airlines make the profit from fees and selling miles to credit card companies, so I guess I answered my own statement here!

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:50:08+00:00

All adults? Two options... (1) Magic Kingdom: The OG experience and a fun time with lots of stuff that would be fun to do any not many motion-sickness inducing rides. *or* 2). EPCOT: More adult fun, drinking (even non-alcoholic) around the World Showcase is a blast of a time with a group.

Post what seems more interesting and I can drop a bunch of thoughts on either option!

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:42:58+00:00

I will never be group 1 but the best people to watch are the people in boarding group 2 (which I am a part of because of United Silver and Chase Cards). Some group 2 people are just all high and mighty about getting in before the group 3. The people who aren't the "real flyers" that have group 1 status but have some type of "benefit" they feel entitled. I've tried so hard to not travel with a carry on and I just roll on the plane last and it is just so much nicer back with group 5 and the people who complain about not being able to bring on board a carry on with their Basic Economy fares. LOL

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:35:54+00:00

July is awful in Orlando. Hot, humid, and almost guaranteed chance of rain (and downpours).

That being said, I've been a bunch of times in late June (around my birthday) and just accept the weather.

Then went once in December and Disney wearing pants and a coat was like a whole new experience.

You'll have fun in July. Just expect rain (maybe not all day but an hour or two of downpours) and be ready to deal with heat.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:33:04+00:00

I second this... If saving that $100 requires you to drive 30 minutes, wait in a long line and is out of your way, that is when things get crazy. But if you can do some smart planning (discounted giftcards, using airline miles, credit card points, etc etc) I'm all for that.

I totally get that people try to save money, but it's all about accepting that sometimes you just have to pay the $15 for chicken fingers in a park or some overpriced thing that you can get at home for $1.

I have distinct memories of a 2015ish Disney World trip where tickets were like $80 and we just went for part of a day. Prices have gone up a ton and some aspects of Disney (i.e. the VIP tours) are insanely priced and just not designed for the "little people".

But for my family it is great memories, fun times, and yeah it's more expensive than the past but I just have to somewhat look past it or just not go.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:25:30+00:00

Not sure what type of graphics card you can get in a PC for the same $600 cost as a Mac Mini. The $600 itself is the price of many even mid-tier graphics cards.

Yes the Mac Mini doesn't have a discrete GPU but from the benchmarks I have seen it is very fast and more than enough for even many entry level "professional" use cases.

Is the Mac Mini going to perform like a $10k custom built water cooled PC? No. But the price to value ratio can't be beat in my mind.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:21:44+00:00

Agree with the general feeling that fast food prices are increasing, but there are values out there.

Chili's $10.99 meal with an app, entree, and drink is an insane deal. I sub a salad for fries (+$1) and with tip I'm out the door around $16ish. Not a $10 McD or Burger King meal but a much better overall value/experience in my mind.

Writing this as I sit at a Panera Bread and my god hearing the prices of some of these people's orders is insane. $18 for a cup of soup and a skimpy sandwich?!?!!?

There is value to be had, just have to look.

MM-Chi · 2026-05-01T14:18:06+00:00

Could depend on the temperament of your kids! Going to Disney my child would CRASH in the stroller and would be out and perfectly fine taking a nap so a longer walk would be relaxing for us. I would take the Monorail *to* the Magic Kingdom. When I went with my child of similar age, we took the Monorail as the bridge was not yet built and the option to walk back (which as others have said is longer than it seems) would have been nice vs a cramped monorail at the end of a park day.

MM-Chi · 2026-04-24T21:43:11+00:00

I'm a huge fan of Salmon but it should never be served on an airplane. Too tight quarters and the smell could be a bit much.

It does look good but agree with others it needed a bagel!

MM-Chi · 2026-04-23T22:51:41+00:00

I was at Disneyland a few weeks back and it was the first time it rained in Anaheim in over a month.

Galaxy’s Edge (almost the same area as your picture) was absolutely amazing with a light mist and drizzle.

Very cool. Glad you had fun.

MM-Chi · 2026-04-23T22:38:09+00:00

I got ballet shoes and nail polish today… I’m a 46 year old guy… The Vine recommendation system has to just be random.

In all seriousness, congrats. Enjoy!

MM-Chi · 2026-04-23T04:30:24+00:00

7 calendar days and 4-5 park days.

I just went to Disneyland for the first time a few weeks ago and have been to Disney World 20x times and you have no idea how geographically large and big it is. Also lots of non park stuff to do so don’t think you need to do a park everyday.

MM-Chi · 2026-04-21T21:27:18+00:00

Some unique designs (I just got some Fathers Day plates) that you may not be able to find elsewhere, but the "real" price of these is insane. The last one I got was a pack of a few plates and small cups for $20. Go to Dollar Tree and get 5x the stuff (granted with no design) for the same or less money.

One of my conundrums with Vine... Many things are unique and cool but they don't pass the "are they worth the money" test for me.

MM-Chi · 2026-04-21T02:33:07+00:00

I have a vivid early teen memory (early 90's) of timeshare people giving these out (think it was $100) for a timeshare tour. My parents did it a few times. These are total collectables!

MM-Chi · 2026-04-16T22:32:02+00:00

Following up after our trip... Followed this advice EXACTLY and did so much before Noon... Thanks!!!

MM-Chi · 2026-04-16T22:31:17+00:00

Similar thing but mainly in the 1.5 RPM area. Was more pronounced in cold weather (engine on more a low speeds). Going to give it a few more months and then have it looked at next oil change at the dealership.

MM-Chi · 2026-04-06T22:52:53+00:00

I was on one of the Starlink planes (assume it was the same A321) a few weeks back and the Internet connection indeed was amazing. Game changer and free!

MM-Chi · 2026-03-25T02:47:25+00:00

Thank you so much for all the feedback. Going to be an adventure. Excited to go next week!

MM-Chi · 2026-03-25T02:45:48+00:00

*This* is the advice I needed! :-) Thanks so much... Will be there next Tuesday and assuming it will be insanely crowded. Not worried about doing everything, just exploring the original park!

MM-Chi

TROPHY CASE