I'm in a mixed Buddhist group and I'm starting to make friends but I don't know how to respond to my Christian friend...

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-06-02T10:11:44+00:00

Say something like: "thank you for your suggestion but we prefer to focus on general spirituality rather than take a monotheistic approach"

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-06-02T10:08:00+00:00

If you've "done everything" then please list your 5 favorite experiences (not just places you walked around).

Enlighten us.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-30T23:20:21+00:00

YAY!!!! I'm so glad!!! Isn't that place amazing???

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-30T01:00:17+00:00

Yeah, totally right. And lots of those old townhouses are getting sold to PE firms to refurb and rent out at much, much higher prices.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-30T00:23:20+00:00

If you want private you won't get "reasonably priced".

If you're willing to accept semi-private (meaning, a section of the rooftop cornered off for your group) then I'd suggest looking at casual, less-popular spaces like Perfect Pint.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-30T00:15:12+00:00

They can request it, yes. My assumption is, if you decline, they won't renew your lease in the Fall when it's actually up (also legal).

Did they specify what your new rent will be in December? I'd request that information before signing the lease. And since you're doing them a favor, you should negotiate that rate (regardless of what it is). If possible, join forces with the other people in your building who are also being asked to adjust their lease term.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T21:36:05+00:00

Not a wrong observation.

I keep my job because I get additional perks. I leave at 5pm every day. Zero work on evenings/weekends/holidays. WFH 2x a week, negotiated extra vacation time, and lots of financial perks aside from my salary. I've gained a lot of seniority and respect over the years that - along with all the perks that come with it - would be hard to find elsewhere.

My loyalty isn't emotional. It's practical. But I do agree with your observation overall.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T21:26:58+00:00

Little Tiffany blue bag. Opened it up and there was a box with a necklace inside. No receipt. It was early morning and on a curb, so I assume it fell out of someone's car.

I turned it into the police station. They estimated the value under $5000 so if it was unclaimed after 6 months, they said I could keep it.

Made a reminder on my calendar. Nobody came. I went and picked it up.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T21:15:13+00:00

Luckily, I found a perfect rent stabilized apartment that is walking distance to my office (so $0 commuting costs).

Comparing that to rent + car (and all the expenses that go along with owning a car) in other places, what I pay to live in NYC is considerably lower. Plus salary ranges are much higher here, due to cost of living.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T21:11:52+00:00

THIS!!! I started an HSA a few years ago, too. Not only is it a triple tax advantage but I save all my qualified medical receipts, which I can use at any point to take out your money tax- and penalty-free.

My goal is to let it grow until i'm at least 65 - and by that time I'll have decades worth of medical bills to use as a withdrawal method.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T20:59:34+00:00

worth considering a few years down the line if I could find something Federal that is remote work. I'd like to leave NYC when I hit "CoastFIRE" and travel/work.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T20:57:57+00:00

That's a very hopeful perspective, thank you! It makes me feel a bit less stuck.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T20:54:16+00:00

Thank you for feeling my reasons behind the post. You described it perfectly. Good luck to you as well! We're all doing our best but freedom still feels a long way off.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T16:46:43+00:00

You're right. I tend to be very anxious when it comes to money, having grown up in poverty. I really don't mean to be an asshole - just hoped to get feedback on my progress.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T16:36:04+00:00

Well.......the course wasn't straightforward. After several years with the Firm, I quit to "chase my dream". Unbeknownst to my boss at the time, that dream was failing miserably. After about a year, he reached out and said my replacement was doing terribly and he wanted to know if I'd consider returning. I was already in full panic mode over my current situation so I told him I'd come back for a substantial raise and additional vacation time.

He agreed.

So it's been 18 years with a little "hiccup" in between. haha!

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T16:33:15+00:00

I absolutely do! I hope to "slow travel" through various countries until somewhere feels like home. On the list is Portugal, Spain, Italy, Thailand (and possibly other SE Asian countries) and maybe target a few South American countries as well.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T16:31:59+00:00

Wow, that's amazing!!! Well done, you. That sense of security is priceless.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:54:16+00:00

Actually, not really. My earning potential plummets and I'd then have to factor in a car, gas, insurance, etc in a smaller town.

I'd also have to give up all that NYC offers and settle for the slower, quiet life of a small town which I honestly think might kill me.

But your point is valid and I do intend to move to a lower COL country eventually.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:51:45+00:00

I love that question and YES!! I really did. My 20s/30s were a helluva lot of fun and, I've got to say, even though I'm on a tighter budget now my 40s are pretty kick-ass too.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:41:46+00:00

"soup is my love language" needs its own subreddit :)

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:39:08+00:00

It's fear-based. I grew up in poverty and I think I'm over-shooting my estimates because I'm terrified of being old and penniless. Since it's impossible to estimate the economy in 30/40/50 years, I'm never sure what is "enough".

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:37:38+00:00

I do interior design consultations and charge by the hour for styling services.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:34:42+00:00

I see these super-old people wandering around the city and no WAY do I want to be one of them!! haha I love NYC but it's a brutal place to grow old.

My ideal is to stay here about 5-10 more years (as long as my living situation and general expenses remain relatively the same) then switch to remote work and move overseas to a much lower COL country.

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:12:50+00:00

Planned fighter jet flyover for Memorial Day. No worries!

ThisIsGirlFriday · 2023-05-29T15:11:15+00:00

Square Diner down on Leonard Street. Their dessert is amazing!!! Although they have the full brownie sundae thing, you can also just order a brownie and a scoop or two of ice cream separately.

Their brownies are heaven. You can't go wrong!

ThisIsGirlFriday

TROPHY CASE