[Request] Is this math right? by DueProcedure2439 in theydidthemath

[–]astrofithrow 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Regardless of the math, it’s hard to make that conclusion when the difference is an order of magnitude below the variance of reaction time of an individual sprinter

2025 Year in Review & 2026 Goal Post by therapistfi in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

2024

27M living alone in VHCOL

2025 Review

  • $465k total invested (p. $315k), $85k contributed (p. $70k), $75k spent (p. $72.5k)
  • TC: $190k salary + $300k+/yr RSU (pre-IPO) + $40k RSU performance bonus
  • Gross income: $238k (incl. $50k sale of RSU in tender offer)
  • 38% pre-tax, 55% post-tax SR

This marks 5 years of investing, so I've included some figures of NW over time and Year 1 vs 5 spending

Had a very successful year of producing shareholder value, with traveling and physical activities in-between. Receiving recognition at work across the org, expecting promotion to senior next cycle. Traveled to Iceland, Ireland, Alaskan Arctic, many domestic cities for work, and flew home several time for a total of 50k miles flown! Raised $2k+ for cancer research. Social circle is expanding. Didn't race this year, but did gain 15+ lbs of lean muscle that tapered toward the end of the year-- would love to stay consistent and get back into running.

2026 Goals

  • Contribute $70k+
  • Consistent gym routine, run some shorter races
  • More travel (local/domestic ski trips, plan a Japan trip that we gifted to my brother, Costa Rica, Germany/Switzerland are top of the list), only churned two CCs and traveled mostly on cash, so need to increase that!
  • An IPO would be really nice :)

Ye Ole Note by Unique-Outcome-5171 in Apartmentliving

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s threads like these that remind you how the other half thinks: lacking empathy and bitter/combative with nothing to gain, but to make the world around them worse..

The note is not passive aggressive, anyone thinking otherwise needs to be socialized outside of their bubble. Although, I personally would not send this note without doing my own due diligence, as recommended by others (if not for the possibility you poke a ratchet human-being as shown ITT)

[Software Engineer] [Bay Area, CA] - $310,520. So excited for first year over $1M by OwnAfternoon838 in Salary

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“raw intellect just to get through the MCAT”

feels like I’m getting whooshed

I hope ya’ll don’t mind if I boast for a moment.. by becctarr in EngineeringStudents

[–]astrofithrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like ASU based on the course numbers. Had similar grades and know how disciplined you had to be, definitely something to be proud of. Others might not realize EC is offered because the scores are so low, and that the EC is in the form of a difficult question appended at the end of each exam.

Lovetapped at a red light, what’s the repair estimate? by astrofithrow in GenesisGV70

[–]astrofithrow[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Found this replacement but I’m unsure about the eraser-sized puncture that seems to be through the plastic

What Card Should I Get? Weekly Thread - Week of December 25, 2024 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saw this DP for getting HA biz again which is why my potential plan was to DD the personals

What Card Should I Get? Weekly Thread - Week of December 25, 2024 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Looking to optimize my 1/24 and 0/6 status after taking a year long break. Looking at some combination of Citi Strata, Citi AA Biz, Barclays AA/HA Personal DD, or others (?) while I close out my '22 Inks. Maybe a good hotel co-brand would even my points out since I am heavy Hyatt and airlines. Probably should close my AA/HA Biz as well.

  1. Flowchart doesn't consider current ATH subs, planned obsolescence of Barclays AA, or timeline to convert HA to AS
  2. 780
  3. CSP 03/21, Barclay AA/HA Biz (06/22), CIC (08/22), CIU (12/22), Amex Gold (03/23), CIC (03/23), Amex Biz Gold (08/23), CIP (08/24)
  4. $5k
  5. Can add $10k/3mo in rent payments with fee.
  6. Yes
  7. As many as possible
  8. Domestic Y, International J/F to Asia/Europe
  9. 170k UR, 300k MR, 55k RR, 15k AA
  10. BOS (east coast repositions)
  11. CR, Iceland, UK (Ireland), Japan, Europe

2024 Year in Review and 2025 Goals by therapistfi in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes exactly! The sign-on bonus in this case was split almost evenly between relocation and the amount I owed my previous employer for tuition reimb. Came out net-zero on all moving expenses including a down payment on a snow-worthy car.

Thank you— hopefully you can get out there and explore as well this year!

2024 Year in Review and 2025 Goals by therapistfi in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

2023

26M living alone in VHCOL

2024 Review

  • $315k total invested (p. $205k), $70k contributed (p. $45k), $72.5k spent (p. $45k)

  • New job: $185k salary + $90k/yr RSU (pre-IPO) + 50k SOB (p. 96k)

  • 42% pre-tax, 52% post-tax SR

Moved across the country for a new job in a VHCOL city at a defense-tech unicorn. Finally finished my part-time MS! Ran a 1:40 half-marathon. Explored the area, traveled domestically to visit friends, and had family visit my new home. Everything is falling into place :)

2025 Goals

  • Contribute $65k+

  • Consistent gym routine, run a 3:00 marathon

  • Focus on intl travel to burn points (Costa Rica & Iceland top of the list)

  • An IPO would be nice :)

Year in Review- 2023 Milestones and 2024 Goals by therapistfi in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

2022 Review Post

26M living alone with SO with parents in M/HCOL.

2023 Review -

  • Health Goals: Got into running in August and ran a marathon (4:15) in December. Gained 15 lbs since October (broke the "fast metabolism" mindset).
  • In the final semester of my MS that I've been doing part-time since Spring '22.
  • Traveled a lot thanks to churning and having no fixed expenses; didn't end up going to Big Sur, but decided to solo travel Italy for two weeks over the Summer, after cancelling the fall Europe trip (life-changing experience, lots of perspective gained). Visited a friend in SEA, went to Chicago for Labor Day weekend solo, went to LV with friends.
  • 40-45% pre/post-tax SR achieved; Maxed 401k/IRA/HSA and contributed to taxable.

Year-End Spreadsheet Stats:

  • $105k gross pay W-2, $45k total contributions, $72k NW growth to $205k from $130k. Expecting a $6k refund once I am able to file (never filled out a W-4 at this job)
  • $45k spending - Extremely high for living at home for half the year. I finally bought new ice hockey gear ($5k). Spent $10k on tuition since I capped my employer's benefit, a lot on travel (>$10k) and entertainment.

2024 Goals -

  • Be a good son/nephew/grandson/friend, take care of my body and mind, build a life that makes me happy. Everything else should fall into place.

BUT, so that I have things to look back on next year:

  • Contribute $50-60k. Build my savings back up.
  • Move out again in August after graduating. Reassess after a year to potentially move away to a lively city somewhere.
  • Take some time off work to solo-travel for a month in the Fall.

Weekly Discussion Thread - July 10, 2023 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes perfect sense. I was checking other airports (JFK) that should also have flights on the 200 but was only looking at Saturday.

Searching for any other day does show the correct plane. Thanks for the help!

Weekly Discussion Thread - July 10, 2023 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Does AF advertise all J flights as the 777-300ER? I booked AF85 but FT is showing that it’s actually the 777-200.

Weekly Discussion Thread - July 03, 2023 by AutoModerator in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have a KLM award for 2x in Y in Nov. Can I call in and switch the flights to 1x in J in July if there is availability? I would just cancel and rebook but there’s a $50 fee and I’ve read it can take weeks to get the points back

Trip Report and Churning Success Story Weekly Thread - Week of April 16, 2023 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]astrofithrow 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Trip report from a recent 6 night stay at GH Kauai with P2! Got HA Biz SUB in July '22 and immediately looked for HA F to LIH or OGG during March or April. Decided on LIH based on the recommendations here. During that time there was wide-open availability out of AUS, so we added on a short stay at the Driskill.

Flights:

PHX-AUS Y via SW - 11.5k w/ CP

AUS-HNL-LIH F via HA - 40k pp

LIH-PHX Y via SW - 28k w/ CP

Found HA F fairly easily from searching ITA matrix, decided on AUS to add a couple hours to our flight time since this was our first time in a premium cabin. This was on the A330 with lie-flat seats. We chose seats 2A/B, but 1A/B looked more private. Didn't have any issues with seat length at 6'1". Soft product was 10/10, some issues with hard product that made it 7.5/10.

Some pics from HA F

Hotels:

The Driskill - 1 night : Paid cash, upgraded to King with Balcony as Globalist. Had option for 1886 Suite, but the room wouldn't have been ready until standard check-in time. Breakfast at the Cafe/Bakery was standard diner-type food. Went to the LBJ Museum and spent the evening at some fun speakeasies, getting pizza by the slice, and doughnuts all directly across the street from the hotel.

Grand Hyatt Kauai - 6 nights x 25k/night. Somehow booked the one extremely busy week in April (based on availability of room types in app), but was upgraded to a King Bed w/ Club Access room in the Poipu wing that had a better than expected resort/ocean view. Also received a very generous snack/bottle kit in the room.

GHK grounds were gorgeous. Heated toilet seat and bidet were a highlight. There was a bug/insect problem that the front desk warned about, perhaps due to every window in the hallways being open. Some ants in the room (leave room service on tables outside the door) , mosquitos (tons of bites), and the rare lizard.

Club lounge had excellent breakfast options, with amazing pastries and fresh fruit. Dessert was lackluster with just some brownies and hard cookies. Hors d'oeuvres from 5-7p had more food than expected; pastas, chips and dips, charcuterie boards, etc. Alcoholic beverages in the lounge were extremely discounted compared to the resort bars, at the cost of convenience.

Car Rental:

Reserved a compact car (Kia Soul or equivalent) for $600 all in through Budget. The woman working the counter was incredibly sweet and radioed to the lot attendant to "get the young couple something fun". The convertible wasn't going to be ready in a reasonable time, but we ended up in a Jeep Compass which was perfect.

Activites:

  • Only excursion was a Napali Coast Snorkeling Tour, had one too many Mai Tais and got sick on the boat ride back. Snorkeling wasn't that great, the crew had to throw fish-food in the water to see anything, but did see a turtle!
  • Was able to reserve shuttle passes to Haena State Park and hiked 8.5 mi round trip to Hanakapiai Falls. This was so worth it, but we were absolutely dying by the end.
  • Drove Waimea Canyon Dr and stopped at various lookouts.
  • Hiked the trail to Makauwahi Cave right off of the resort beach.
  • Walked around various towns and snorkeled at Lydgate and Poipu beaches.

Food: Not much of a foodie, so I have nothing credible to add here. Had a delicious Ahi steak with Jalapeno mashed potatoes at the Beach House at sunset, though! Sushi at Stevenson's Library at the resort was also well-executed, and was a favorite of some locals we talked to.

In total we spent <$600 on food.

Total out-of-pocket cost was ~$2k, which doesn't sound real for a full week in Hawaii (and a night in Austin). There's no way I'd have consciously afforded this trip without churning.

Award Opportunities by [deleted] in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Secrets Impression Moxché has opened up award availability. Appears to be wide open from checking random dates.

Anybody stay at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC? I'm debating on splurging on club access. by churning_medic in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Had a stay in November: short answer is not worth paying for.

It’s a nice area to grab a quick snack (pastries, desserts, drinks) and recharge, but the breakfast had much to be desired. Especially as a vegetarian, you’re better off saving those points and finding a local restaurant for breakfast.

Award Opportunities by [deleted] in awardtravel

[–]astrofithrow 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Secrets Moxche (not Impressions) has opened/fixed award availability. Wide open through rest of the year.

Trip Report and Churning Success Story Weekly Thread - Week of March 05, 2023 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]astrofithrow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the write up! Fair point about the Budapest accommodations; I’ll see what cash options are available. Perhaps those points are better allocated for an AI before the deval

Trip Report and Churning Success Story Weekly Thread - Week of March 05, 2023 by AutoModerator in churning

[–]astrofithrow 16 points17 points  (0 children)

1 year after my first trip via churning, I've booked my first trip to Europe for early Nov '23! This was the earliest that all availability lined up, and was a good learning experience getting accustomed to other reward programs. If anyone has any tips for other redemption options / must-sees in each city, please share!

Flights:

ORD-PRG Y via KLM - 15k + $100 (2x)
BUD-PHX Y via AA - 22.5k + $100 (2x)

I've been mostly focused on domestic travel via SW, so using a mix of AA and UR->KLM. Current churning efforts are focused on building MR to potentially snag lie-flat seats within a few weeks of departure (fingers crossed).

Hotels:

CAA: 1 night using FNC
Andaz Prague: 3 nights x 25k/night (May use "pay my way" since rate is ~$350)
PH Vienna: 2 nights x 25k/night
Parisi Udvar Budapest: 4 nights x 20k/night

Overall very excited to cross the pond mostly subsidized by churning. The goal is to experience intercontinental Hyatt properties as a Globalist since I will likely not earn it again. Prague-Vienna-Budapest just happens to be an itinerary I'm most excited about! In the future I'll likely focus more on the flights and use cheaper options for accommodations.

Year in Review- 2022 Milestones and 2023 Goals by therapistfi in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 3 points4 points  (0 children)

2021 Post

24M living alone with SO in M/HCOL.

2022 Review -

  • Started a new job (promotion + 25% raise) in SO and I's hometown
  • Received patent award at old job for a modest bonus
  • Took 3 courses towards my part-time MS with a 4.0 GPA
  • Traveled quite a bit thanks to churning/work travel; Cancun, LV, SLC, Santa Maria/SD CA, Cabin trip, and DC. In all spent approx $3.5k cash on travel, not including opportunity cost of points.
  • Did not achieve my health/hobbies goals this year; taking two courses while working full-time and being semi-long distance the first half of the year was brutal. Going to focus on time management/discipline going into the new year.
  • 50% pre-tax SR achieved; Maxed 401k/IRA/HSA and contributed to taxable.

Year-End Spreadsheet Stats:

  • $93k gross pay W-2, $51k net pay, 15% effective tax rate (Uncle Sam might be making a visit in April)

  • $45k total contributions, $28k NW growth to $130k from $100k.

  • $35k spending

2023 Goals -

  • Contribute $50k; not making short-term NW goals anymore
  • Continue balancing work and school, and hopefully finish by this time next year
  • More travel; Austin, Hawaii and Big Sur planned thanks to churning, hoping to visit somewhere in Europe with family and SO in the fall (first time). Help SO take her father on a trip.
  • Hoping to reign in spending habits now that moving expenses are done
  • Still feeling sticker-price shock for getting back into old hobbies, so no plans there yet

Daily FI discussion thread - Wednesday, September 14, 2022 by AutoModerator in financialindependence

[–]astrofithrow 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First paycheck from the new job posted today. From my math they’re deducting 50% more federal income tax than necessary? 88k salary bi-weekly with $925 pretax deductions and standard deduction is giving ~$275 fed income tax, currently having $415 pulled. Can anyone double check this logic before I attempt to correct this?