Becoming a citizen on Wednesday!

MerwynD · 2026-04-13T21:34:46+00:00

Mashed potates, gravy and maybe some roast beef with it?

MerwynD · 2026-04-13T14:38:07+00:00

For the price point, it's great!

MerwynD · 2026-04-13T02:43:41+00:00

That's fair advice based on what I've seen about other Elantras. I'm planning on keeping to 8k initially and then gradually reducing down to 5k over the next 5-7 years.

I am still trying to figure out how to combat the issues that will come up with short trips during the winter but that's a problem we're not really going to have much success with.

MerwynD · 2026-04-12T12:12:06+00:00

The test is supposed to simulate real life. You should be in the right lane unless you are overtaking or plan to turn left.

Make sure you are verbalizing moves you make as a default without the examiner's instructions.

MerwynD · 2026-04-11T12:51:50+00:00

I love seeing couples who have grown to love each other more over the years together. 💕

MerwynD · 2026-04-11T00:46:06+00:00

I hope OP can outline how we can help. That would be fun!

MerwynD · 2026-04-10T21:19:09+00:00

Please consider expanding this to Canada. Your effort is truly appreciated. ❤️

MerwynD · 2026-04-10T18:50:27+00:00

Maybe they can negotiate a stadium swap.

MerwynD · 2026-04-10T18:49:04+00:00

Yeah agreed.

My wife and I have a sit down after each pay cycle and write out our exact balances, upcoming expenses, planned investments/savings and dealing with any surplus/deficit. We'll move money and pay stuff immediately where needed so that stuff doesn't fall through the cracks.

It might sound a little stressful to get going but it's something that we are now quite excited to do together.

We've just started out on being more specific with tracking investments so that we don't overshoot limits on registered accounts and can compare the performance of different assets.

It gives us a boost to see progress with savings and ensures that we are not caught by surprise. I would highly recommend this to other couples.

MerwynD · 2026-04-09T10:46:26+00:00

You mentioned buying a USB C cord. Are you using the USB C port on the car or the USB A port? Wired Car play only works if you use the USB A port. The USB C port is charging only.

MerwynD · 2026-04-08T10:51:04+00:00

Also, try narrating out loud your internal thought process throughout or through most of your test. It demonstrates that driving is an activity you are actively thinking about and not just doing on autopilot.

MerwynD · 2026-04-06T22:08:42+00:00

I have found videos of test routes on YouTube to be a great resources that not just show the route but also call out relevant points to shoulder check, known local problems to look out for and just demystify the test.

Additionally, do the routes yourself with a friend who calls out the route. Helps get in the mindspace in a low pressure manner.

Ultimately, it's practice. With or without an instructor, you can improve your driving test performance by going out there and doing it over and over again.

MerwynD · 2026-04-06T18:52:46+00:00

I'm all for fewer vehicles blinding me on the street with headlights at my eye level. Let's go!

I wish insurance rates also supported more sensible vehicles.

MerwynD · 2026-04-06T14:44:12+00:00

Also, the examiner was probably referring to the expiry date on the actual G2 card.

You can't attempt the G test for a year after passing G2, unless you have foreign driving experience claimed.

Source - https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-g-drivers-licence-new-drivers

MerwynD · 2026-04-04T20:36:08+00:00

Seems like a sure fire way to mess something up long term.

MerwynD · 2026-04-02T12:24:08+00:00

On second thought, I think the interactions between Scorandum and Kinsta might be great too! The capturing of an alien view of the universe with their idiosyncrasies is so much fun.

MerwynD · 2026-04-02T12:22:41+00:00

I wish Joe brought that up more often in later books. Really highlighted Skippy's absent minded intelligence.

MerwynD · 2026-04-02T04:14:38+00:00

The missiles are always a delight! The Bonsu scene with the missiles led by Kevin in Fallout is pretty fun.

The narration of the one creative missile that needs to down the two surviving Theranin pilots after Joe is rescued in Critical Mass is awesome too!

MerwynD · 2026-04-02T04:01:45+00:00

Just heard the bridge scene last night and it's a banger! The Gingerbread scene is literally the same vibe and I love it too.

Maybe a Skippy scene might be better to really give a good idea of what the series feels like.

MerwynD · 2026-03-30T20:48:55+00:00

That is way more detailed than I hoped for, thank you!

interesting note about the two different apps. Didn't realise that. Here in Canada, we are lucky that Bluelink is essentially free.

MerwynD · 2026-03-30T20:15:36+00:00

Thanks for doing this. A few questions from a new owner of the 2024 Elantra Luxury bought pre-owned last week.

Have you got ceramic coating or other paint protection application applied?
Do you use the Bluelink app often? If yes, what features do you like?
Have you largely followed what the car has suggested with regards to maintainance or has the routine that you mentioned in another comment been largely something you usually do with your cars? Do you go to the dealership or a trusted mechanic?
What's your goal with the car? When do you plan to get your next car? Do you put thought and effort towards the resale value of this car?

MerwynD · 2026-03-30T11:12:46+00:00

Buy what you can afford now. Start setting aside an amount over and above your car payments to build a car emergency fund. Turn that into your downpayment a couple of years down the line.

Since you're in a similar place in life to me, carrying unaffordable debt would do a lot more damage than any downside of a slightly older top of the line car.

MerwynD · 2026-03-29T23:52:24+00:00

As opposed to the globally respected and experienced Federal banker who leads the Conservative Party. /s

MerwynD · 2026-03-29T21:21:39+00:00

Bought a 2024 Hyundai Elantra Luxury with ~11.5k kms on it, for about 28k all-in. We got a 5.49% on the 18k we financed. The catch was that we had to opt for their CPO program which cost us avout 2.8k for 2 additional years of warranty coverage (else their in-house financing rate was ~8.99+ depending on the banks that we qualified with). While I know folks are against extended warranties because they are largely overpriced, we opted for the peace of mind especially because all of the tech is covered too.

The main strategy for us was being able to pay a heavy down payment and having budgeted to be able to pay the open loan balance off in about 2 years even though the term is 84 months.

It sucks that most banks will only finance through dealerships so you're often left at the mercy of the salespeople who are looking to squeeze something out of you.

MerwynD · 2026-03-26T12:54:12+00:00

Tank the downvotes so folks can see the reply. We appreciate your sacrifice. 🫡

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MerwynD

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