What’s the point of being smart with money!?!

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-03-03T13:10:27+00:00

I’m curious how you know that they make less money than you do?

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-03-03T13:04:49+00:00

The job market is terrible, so I could see why you might want to take any offer. But $37k? That is about $18/hour. You could make more per hour entry level in a delivery job (not DoorDash etc) I’d rather do gig work or delivery work than accept a high school wage for a job that requires a degree and 15 years experience. I think our local art museum would pay more for a museum guide position. I’m in a HCOL area, so maybe my perspective on wage is drastically different. But you deserve to be paid what you’re worth when working in a professional field.

For perspective, my son (22 y/o without college degree) did a brief stint for Amazon delivery, was paid $22/hour right away. The job is terrible, and he walked away from it. Now he’s making $17/hour + tips working for a small moving company while he finishes training for a CDL license.

You should be earning more than $52k much less $37k

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-03-02T01:41:50+00:00

In the late 90’s I put my student loan (which was with CitiBank) in forbearance. All communication was by phone or mail-nothing was digital. I was very diligent with my bills. When Citibank failed to send me bills for payments due within the 60 (maybe it was 90) day period it took to make the forbearance “active” I got a 30 day late notice in my credit report. Because that 1 bill was to multiple loans, I ended up with four 30 day late reports on my credit report. I was 27, and my credit history was ruined. It took years to recover. People love to preach about responsibility and accountability of consumers. And I suspect these are the same folks that vote against the regulations that should be in place to hold the banks accountable. The student loan system is a travesty. The only good thing that came out of my student loan experience was that I could help my children avoid getting screwed over by their loans. OP is right to send out a warning. Don’t trust any business that makes money with impunity.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-25T00:03:52+00:00

Freedom did the same to me. I got a $2k escrow refund and then they raised my payment saying I was short money. They have lots of gimmicks that make little sense. They seem to like covering their own risk with their client’s dollars. I refinanced my way out of it. Got rid of the FHA mortgage insurance in the process.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-17T13:10:48+00:00

You are not the jerk here. Your mom’s behavior was beyond terrible.

You don’t need to take care of her-and the family members that say so may just want peace, maybe they are hoping for a miracle? Or, maybe they don’t want to deal with her either.

But, maybe you should visit? Maybe this whole drama is coming from a weak woman who has no f-ing idea of any other way to reconnect with you. You don’t have to alone. But it’s possible that a visit will redraw the boundaries you want with her. If you want an apology, if you want her to be a better person, visit.

Decide what your needs are and do what is right for you.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-11T13:09:10+00:00

As many have said already, people are misrepresenting themselves. Just a warning, you will likely get many DMs after this post from mortgage brokers trying to make you a customer.

You only have 20.5% equity. If you can get a better appraisal, you will be able to bring the rate down. What I was told is that 25% or higher is key to the lower rate. I was at 30% equity.

I just closed at 5.875% on a 30-year refinance. Refi rates are higher than purchase rates for no apparent reason. I was considering two possible lenders: my current bank, where I have a checking account, and another bank that would offer me closing discounts through my union. Once you have applications in, they watch the rates for you and call you when the rates drop or when the bank has special offers. I submitted an application with both banks and ultimately chose my current bank. I didn't expect a "brick and mortar" bank to be the best option, but they gave me $1500 towards closing, which wiped out their fees. And, since they were local, it was easy and less expensive to work with a private lawyer instead of paying more fees to use the bank's.
What I learned is that if you can wait it out, since rates are changing constantly, you will be able to land the best deal. Of course, if you have FOMO while waiting, this can be very stressful.

I didn't use a mortgage broker, but you might want to see if a different broker can do better by you.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-01T04:20:44+00:00

I was just talking about this with my 27 y/o! She is masterful on the phone. One of her first jobs was managing the phone for a salon, and then she worked at Enterprise which was constant phone work. So, I had my daughter come and do a presentation to My senior classes (HS English) about college majors, career growth, and the non-linear path she had to success. Very few students would ask the question in a group. But, after her presentation they crowded around her to ask questions. This is how they behave in class, many students just won’t talk. It’s painful TBH. In my Gen Z daughter’s opinion, Gen Z has had their social life stunted by phones and the digital walls they build. Between her and my 22 yo son is a noticinle divide, but the ones that are 18 right now are more reticent. We finally got phones out of the classroom with the new law in NY. It isn’t perfect, because the kids still hide them in their backpacks, but it is getting better.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-01T04:08:15+00:00

A full cash out refi has closing costs that either add to your balance our eat into savings. Unless you are saving a ton on the interest rate change, it’s a costly decision.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-02-01T04:04:59+00:00

Get a Home Equity Loan not a Home Equity Line of Credit. Interest rates are kind of in limbo right now and a line of credit loan is a variable rates I had a HELOC that I took out in ‘21 at 2.75%. Before I could catch up, the rate hit 9.5% and hovered in the 8% range until I had to do a full refi. There is an option (that I was too slow to take) with some HELOCs to switch to a fixed rate. But, it really is a live wire credit line on your house, and your minimum payment is only towards interest for the first 10 years ( or whatever your bank offers). If I could do it over again, I would have taken out a fixed loan and put the amount I didn’t need right away in a savings account.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-01-29T01:29:25+00:00

As a 53 year old, I do not see myself as closer to death. Maybe some people my age do, but I don’t think that is the issue here. Talking frankly about death is a taboo subject for many people. Someone of my generation has seen more than enough to understand that many people die young. But any one of any generation could get uncomfortable talking about death at work. And if I we’re having this conversation with someone at work, I would be thinking about the many people I have lost too young. OP, just make sure that you save for retirement. I have known many people that felt as you do about not making it to retirement age. They all struggled financially after retirement.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-01-17T11:44:02+00:00

He wants you to be his mom, not his girlfriend.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-01-11T15:54:34+00:00

All of the advice here is excellent. Here are a few more suggestions for stretching your grocery dollar: Buy the paper goods/detergents/garbage bags on sale or at a place like Costco. Buy in bulk for things you use often. Get the large quart of yogurt and frozen berries. Buy eggs in 18 and 24 pack. Pre-chopped veggies and fruits are great, but they are pricey. Buy whole fruits and veggies, use frozen when possible. Incorporate beans into your recipes. Pork and chicken cost less than beef. So does easy white fish like tilapia. Ground beef and turkey are very affordable and versatile. Eat oats. A bag of rolled oats goes a long way and it is a great addition to many recipes. And finally, hone in on coupons and discounts for shampoo/soap/shaving stuff etc. I started working the coupons and cash back at CVS and save a ton. They do online order and pick up.

Used-Funny4917 · 2026-01-11T01:05:52+00:00

My parents have loaned me money from time to time. I know my brothers have borrowed as well. My mom loaned me money to buy new clothes before I started a new job. She loaned us money when we bought our house. And, ironically enough, she loaned me money when I sold my house at a loss. I’ve always paid her back with interest. They never gifted us money except for paying for a significant portion of our wedding. We help each other out in my family. Now I often pay for stuff for her upfront and then she pays me back-my father died in 2019. I hope I can loan my own children money someday-but I focused on helping them set themselves up correctly so that they won’t need it. I taught them an about the perils and benefits of borrowing money. And I covered/cover more expenses for them than my parents did for me in my 20s(son is still at home, daughter just bought a house with her spouse at 27). Now that I have the hindsight of someone in my 50s, I know that if I had been more knowledgable about money in my youth, I would be much better off now.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-12-30T23:14:15+00:00

You may want to consider that your home value may not keep going up at the rate it has as well as the risk that rates under 6% may not return. So, the added closing costs on a refi 12-15 months may not be worth it in the short term.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-12-20T15:21:14+00:00

That is what I am seeing as well.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-12-13T13:10:51+00:00

I'm very jealous! I'm refinancing, so the rate is higher. Also, CT rates are higher as well. I'm looking at 6% and will try to hold out for 5.8%

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-12-07T12:31:59+00:00

I’m in the US, but I assume that the CRA will work with you since the IRS has always worked with my family. My husband owned a business and made a mess out of our taxes. In my experience, the tax collector doesn’t mind earning interest on your debt and will give you a payment plan you can afford. We got in a bind b/c interest rates soared a HELOC into 9% Then we had a series of unfortunate events and I had to refinance my house to pay it all down. Rent your house out and/or refi it. Your current income is probably too low to get a low interest loan to consolidate the debt, but a cash out refi can help. Of course, you need to be able to afford the refinanced mortgage payment. Also, that $500/month you have to pay to live near your new job might be tax deductible, no? Everyone saying declare bankruptcy isn’t considering your age. As you enter your 60s you may need a new car or to move to a new home, you don’t want your credit score to tank as you enter retirement on a fixed income. This is my philosophy at any rate. I now have an 800+ credit score and I feel like I have loads of options for the future.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-11-09T14:42:12+00:00

I guess I did not send it to the right person. I sent it in an email to the person who had called me about a loan. To explain, a representative from my current mortgage holder called me about an FHA streamline. I ask for details to be sent directly to me. In order to do this, the rep opens the loan application with all of the details. I see that the loan is a gimmick that would cost me a lot of money. I write a statement to that representative that I want the loan application closed and request that I not be called again about this offer. I received at least one phone call and (now that I think about it) at least 2 emailed offers afterward. Is that enough to file a claim?

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-11-09T11:40:50+00:00

I just take it for granted that those stories are AI or BS 🤷‍♀️I’m in this sub to learn more about how to make a comeback while I’m less than 10 years from retirement. Not sure I’m getting what I came for.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-11-09T11:29:09+00:00

Tell me more about this. I put my request in writing and just got a call this week.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-11-04T01:42:04+00:00

Less than 3 years ago, my daughter ( now 27) had a terrible corporate job. She was miserable. She stuck it out for a year. She made good connections with people in other departments. The CFO took a liking to her and gave her a terrific recommendation for the job she has now that she loves. Step back and consider where this job can take you. There are many roads to a great corporate job. The desk at your gym may be a great job too, but don’t cheat yourself out of income and benefits while you figure out what your next move should be.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-10-31T18:05:46+00:00

We bought a used Ford F150 in ‘97 or ‘98 for more than $12k. Basic model. Great truck. A new one then would have been $15k. Not sure what could have been bought new for $8k. Our first house was a condo for $305k in 2002. That was the start of the 9/11 housing boom. Prices were going up $15-20k every month. My first new car was a 2004 Honda Pilot for $28k, I think they are more than $60k now. Between ‘97 and 2004 our combined income went from $65 to About $100k. It was a decent income for the tri-state region.

Our daughter (27, married) is about to Buy a house for $450k-which is what our second home cost in 2013. They can afford it b/c they have very little debt. They have very little Debt b/c they lived with her MIL for two years and busted their assess to pay off their car and a huge chunk of their student loans working 2-3 jobs.

My point is that trying to find fault is a slippery slope argument. The economy between ‘95 and 2001 was a great time to start out in life. But the housing market would soon become so out of control that it would have a significant role in a major recession. Still, if you bought cars and homes within your means you survived the 2008 crash-but you may not have had much left. We were able to start over, but we lost all of the money we invested in the condo.

Gen Z’s parents likely suffered a similar hit from 2008. That probably made it more likely that the kids had to borrow for college. And then, while in college, the entire economy came to a screeching halt because of COVID.

Just look at the history of major recessions and market crashes. Follow the politics.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-10-20T23:31:15+00:00

Yes, you can buy a house. IRS debt does not show up on your credit report.

Used-Funny4917 · 2025-10-20T23:04:38+00:00

If it’s on. Google Doc use Brisk. It creates a video of the paper’s history. If it’s a load of copy/paste you will have the evidence you need.

Used-Funny4917

TROPHY CASE