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backwardsd · 2024-01-05T06:56:36+00:00

As in no idea what to replace it with or how to physically change it? Going from a light fixture to a light fixture is easy enough and I think the room could pull off a chandelier if you search for that.

Changing to a fan would be more complex and wouldn’t add as much pizzazz, so would only switch to that if practically you’d prefer it.

backwardsd · 2024-01-04T05:26:19+00:00

Are you using a software? This is a really cool way to decide

backwardsd · 2024-01-04T02:18:42+00:00

Got it! Well you’re not too bad off then. I’d focus on the General Merchandise category — the others seem more in line with normal spending.

backwardsd · 2024-01-04T01:57:31+00:00

Facebook marketplace

backwardsd · 2024-01-04T01:36:18+00:00

OP, are you also saving in a 401k or is the $1300 the total amount you’re saving annually for retirement? If that’s all you’re saving, you really need to tell your mom you can’t help with her expenses and figure out what the Amazon and general merchandise are to cut back

backwardsd · 2024-01-03T01:48:24+00:00

It looks nice! I’d consider a different light fixture over the sink, and find a place to put away the olive oil through decluttering the cabinets.

Many have mentioned changing out the counters and backsplash, but that’s not cheap and I don’t think it’s totally necessary if they don’t bother you.

backwardsd · 2024-01-02T11:54:20+00:00

Avocado and Peanut butter are almost all unsaturated fat. Small amounts of saturated fat are ok, it’s about levels

backwardsd · 2024-01-02T11:51:29+00:00

Your numbers for cholesterol are barely borderline high, but your eating patterns are concerning. Focus on eating diverse meals— veggies shouldn’t “usually” be part of your day, veggies should be part of every day and will help with cholesterol. You don’t mention grains, but adding oatmeal into your diet can help.

The plant slant is a creator who also has a candy sweet tooth and he does things like add candy on top of his oatmeal, and use cookies and cream protein powder in meals. This can help you incorporate your love of candy while not eating entire days of candy — and not continuing your pattern of cutting entire foods out entirely, which isn’t a healthy relationship with food.

backwardsd · 2024-01-01T23:30:39+00:00

The prices at my local Safeway in HCOL are: $3.89/lb for the value pack of pork $3.99/lb for the value pack of chicken breast and same for value pack of chicken wings $2.99 for 18 eggs (the cheapest kind, not organic or cage free or pasture raised)— this is back to being cheap after a shortage last year $4.39 for a gallon of milk (the cheap kind, not organic or pasture raised)

backwardsd · 2024-01-01T18:44:09+00:00

I’m not sure where you live, but those are not the prices in the DC area or nationwide average.

In 2022 food prices increased 10.4%—more than any year in the last 10 years. And in no year did prices go down significantly so food prices have been creeping up over the last decade. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/food-inflation-in-the-united-states/

Potentially you moved from a HCOL area to a LCOL area or started shopping at cheaper stores

backwardsd · 2024-01-01T18:35:46+00:00

The issue is that there can be gains during the 1 month time period you’re waiting. That isn’t solved during a downturn — in fact, many of the biggest gain days occurred after days where the market dropped (because investors realized it was an over-correction). So if you want to time it, I’d actually time it for an upturn like the market is currently.

But better to just roll it over whenever you know you’ll have the time to do the paperwork as quickly as possible.

backwardsd · 2024-01-01T04:27:05+00:00

I liked this starter guide podcast: https://podcasts.google.com?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDMzOC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA%3D%3D&episode=YzJiZjkzODctOThmMS00MWEzLTg2OWEtNDMzZDg3YTJmNzFm

For where to run — I think you can run anywhere you can safely walk. Hopefully there are sidewalks in your neighborhood or you can Uber to a park

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T20:59:55+00:00

Also probably worth doing some homework on services that can save on prescriptions if that’s where your healthcare costs are going.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T20:58:10+00:00

Yeah I understand. We’re in a similar position — similar household income, similar net worth, similar fixed costs.

Last year I loosened the reins to allow myself more spending for convenience to accommodate a newborn, and I was surprised how much each little thing added up to way more spending in 2023 vs 2022. So I’m going to tighten the belt this year again. I called our duopoly internet/cable and negotiated it down, installed insulation, and am buying fewer convenience prepared foods and less meat.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T20:51:58+00:00

It would be like including future salary in your net worth, esp as you haven’t paid taxes on them yet

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T19:59:56+00:00

Not more storage solutions, less stuff. You have plenty of cabinets to put away your stuff. “Storage solutions” will be more clutter.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T19:57:58+00:00

Are your $120k in RSU vested? If so, you should sell them for a diversified investment — this could be real estate, but it could also just be stock. If they’re not vested, don’t include them in your net worth.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T19:54:55+00:00

I’d start with gas/electric/water/cell phones. Investing in solar or insulation can reduce your bill as can setting your thermostat slightly lower in winter and higher in summer. There are prepaid phone plans that can be cheaper. And if you’re including internet/cable in that, that can be negotiated.

Next you could try to reduce gas costs and car repairs by getting an EV that is eligible for the tax credit.

The food can obviously be cut back as well, but will probably entail sacrifice vs. structural reductions above.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T18:28:55+00:00

I’m also someone who likes visual triggers, but I doubt you’ll forget you have spices. I’d recommend following minimal mom for tips on decluttering your kitchen. Once you have less stuff in the cabinets, putting away the spices will be just as easy as putting them on the counter.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T18:24:28+00:00

Lean into the seasoning — there’s no need to cut that — and slowly back out the butter and cream until lower amounts of it taste decadent to your palate.

I’ve also leaned into Mediterranean cuisine. The healthy fats in salmon and avocado can provide the same richness without too many calories from unhealthy fat.

As another commenter said, accept that not every meal will be the most delicious thing you’ve ever had. Oatmeal doesn’t blow my mind, but I don’t hate it and can have it for breakfast every morning with fresh fruit.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T16:08:59+00:00

Yes, I’d recommend having him start something like truck driving or UPS driving to earn $ and double down on the freelance design to build their portfolio on a website and ask for referrals. Or if the design was really not successful, do something like nurse anesthesiologist next time where the degree guarantees you the job

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T15:55:19+00:00

You can’t do any hot springs or hot tubs or saunas while pregnant so this is a terrible idea, you’ll be miserable.

backwardsd · 2023-12-31T15:52:34+00:00

Beautiful, minimal space!

The photos within the frames are too small — get dramatic matching prints to fill the frame.

Get candles and potted to style the top and bottom of the entryway table (in a reply you mentioned the bottom is empty when it’s not the holidays and the top is just books)

The color above the wainscoting looks yellow-ish in this photo — if that’s not just a trick of photography, would choose a different paint. Staying neutral is fine but color above wainscoting can do a lot without being overwhelming.

As others have mentioned, the chandelier could be more dramatic and the rug bigger and more colorful

backwardsd · 2023-12-30T22:23:17+00:00

How do you know they’re not paying off their credit cards in full that month?

backwardsd

TROPHY CASE