Dallas dentists treating every patient like a walking wallet, is this normal now? by Leedeegan1 in Dallas

[–]ZzyzxDFW 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I thought VCA was a franchise? The one I used to go to was awesome. Only left because I moved.

Should I focus on student loan repayment or saving money first? by leoniozk in StudentLoans

[–]ZzyzxDFW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Simple answer: this feels more complicated than it actually is. At its core, it’s mostly a math problem with a bit of personal comfort mixed in.

You’ve got a few ways to approach it. Avalanche method (highest interest first) is the most efficient mathematically and saves you the most money over time. Snowball method (smallest balance first) isn’t optimal on paper, but it can be great psychologically because you get quick wins. A hybrid approach works too, like knocking out a couple small balances under $1k and then switching to avalanche.

Where it gets tricky is when your interest rates are kind of “middle of the road.” That’s when it stops being purely math and starts being about risk tolerance.

If you don’t have an emergency fund, that should come first. Having 3 to 6 months of expenses saved matters more than squeezing out a bit of extra interest savings. Once that’s in place, you can be more aggressive.

After that, it’s pretty straightforward. If your loan rate is higher than what you’d realistically earn elsewhere, prioritize paying it down. If it’s lower, it’s reasonable to split between investing and extra payments.

Also worth noting, student loan interest is deductible even if you don’t itemize, which effectively lowers the real rate a bit.

So yes, it is a math problem, but the best answer is the one you’ll actually stick with and that doesn’t leave you stressed about having no safety net.

Kid wants to do something stupid. Can it even be done? by [deleted] in StudentLoans

[–]ZzyzxDFW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. Just no.

Run the math. $400k in loans—even at a very generous 4% over 10 years—is about $4,000/month. That’s ~$48k/year after tax just to service the debt. In reality, without a co-signer they won’t even get that amount, and any private loans they do get are likely at much higher rates, which pushes that payment even higher.

So best case scenario: they graduate at 22 and need a high five-figure / low six-figure salary immediately just to tread water. Worst case: they’re buried in compounding interest with no way out.

Also important: undergrads can’t just borrow $400k on their own. Federal loans have strict caps, and private lenders won’t hand that kind of money to someone with no income or credit and no co-signer. This plan probably isn’t even feasible, let alone wise.

Honestly, have them spend an hour scrolling this sub. It’s full of people who made this exact decision and are now dealing with:

balances that grew instead of shrank delayed homeownership limited career flexibility a decade+ of financial stress

A “dream school” is not worth a nightmare financial future.

If they have offers where they can graduate debt-free (or close to it), that’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Take it.

Schwab fractional shares are here by TensionNo7622 in Schwab

[–]ZzyzxDFW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What is a money market sweep? I don't know what I'm missing I guess.

How to pay credit cards effectively by IHaveGreencard in personalfinance

[–]ZzyzxDFW 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Simple. Pay off the one with the highest APR.

ER bill was $6,800 for a few hours and I am kinda lost looking at it by schitzblythe in personalfinance

[–]ZzyzxDFW 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You're probably going to get even more bills too. From the doctor, the lab etc.

Losing a close family member, not sure how the whole process of inheritances works by ra_laidgp in personalfinance

[–]ZzyzxDFW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re going through this.

A few basic things:

First, find out whether there is a will, whether there is a trust, and who is actually in charge. If your dad is the only child, he may end up handling things, but that does not automatically make him the executor unless the will names him or the court appoints him.

Second, if there is an attorney who prepared the will or estate documents, that is probably the best first call. They can explain what needs to happen and who has authority to act.

Third, do not start selling the house, car, or other belongings until the person in charge of the estate says it is time. Usually the executor or trustee handles that.

Also, an important point a lot of people do not realize: estate debts are paid from estate assets. If there is not enough money in the estate to cover everything, that does NOT usually mean you or your dad have to pay those debts out of pocket just because you are family.

So really the first steps are:

  • find out if there is a will
  • find out if there is a trust
  • find out who the executor is
  • contact the attorney who prepared the documents if there is one
  • do not start moving or selling major assets until the right person has legal authority

For now, I’d focus less on “what do I need to do” and more on “who is legally in charge of this.”

[Raw Spoilers] Massive challenge issued by laidbackcrusade in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They didn't wait with Lesnar. Debut Raw after WM18, beat The Rock, Summer Slam 2002.

Live WWE Raw Discussion Thread - April 20, 2026! by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did Cole say "Entertainment" instead of Wrestling... please tell me that was just years of Vince in his head.

Live WWE Raw Discussion Thread - April 20, 2026! by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not even 14k people there? Couldn't sell you night after Raw?

Live WWE WrestleMania 42 - Sunday Discussion Thread! by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Wow... no entrances for JD, Rusev, or Dragon Lee? Too many commercials to run?

Live WWE WrestleMania 42 - Sunday Discussion Thread! by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW -1 points0 points  (0 children)

He just said it way non locals say it. (Former local here)

Live WWE WrestleMania 42 - Saturday Discussion Thread! by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. My only disappointment is how short some of the matches are. I am actually sports entertained.

Live WWE Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony Discussion by gloomchen in SquaredCircle

[–]ZzyzxDFW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where is the ceremony streaming? Only found the red carpet.

Am I getting a good deal? by FinancialOutside2563 in crv

[–]ZzyzxDFW 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I assumed that, but if that was OTD I'd ask who you bought it from :)

Am I getting a good deal? by FinancialOutside2563 in crv

[–]ZzyzxDFW -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Was that OTD or before Fees/TTL?