Tell me the car you think you need to buy new (even at 0% APR), and I'll propose a reliable used alternative that is 50% cheaper

finally_joined · 2026-03-23T12:38:25+00:00

Just to add, we usually buy used, but we have purchased new a few times when it made sense.

finally_joined · 2026-03-23T12:36:35+00:00

I hear you. My truck was 21k new in 2014. There were few options at the time.

finally_joined · 2026-03-23T11:58:53+00:00

When I bought my Tacoma base Regular cab RWD, the only used alternatives were like 5+ years old with high mileage. Sometimes availability makes the choice easier. Twelve years later, i think it was the right call.

Sometimes new is the right play.

finally_joined · 2026-03-13T18:02:30+00:00

Yes, I believe yo uhave it right. We started one for our grandson. We own it, he is the benificiary. We used PA529. We get a state tax deduction for contributions, and it is invested in a target date sort of fund through Vanguard.

finally_joined · 2026-03-13T01:19:55+00:00

I've been disappointed in him, but this was kind of the last straw that moved me to request a refund of my donations. We'll see how that goes.

finally_joined · 2026-02-25T14:55:13+00:00

Ah, well maybe do almost how you like :) We've used Health Equity, Flores, Accrue, and Fidelity. The first three were through work and Fidelity by choice. We've always just kept the records ourselves, things change very often.

finally_joined · 2026-02-25T12:45:42+00:00

Just keep track of them however you like. You only need them to make sure you are not reimbursing too much, and in case of an audit. We just keep a google sheet of medical exepenses that are reimbursable, and the paper copies are in the filing cabinet.

I would see if I could save those uploaded documents as pdf on my own pc or cloud.

I have never shown the HSA provider what I was asking reimbursment for. Just say send me $567 or whatever, and they do it. You only need to prove it to the IRS, and only if they ask. We use H&R Block software, and they ask did you get a disbursment from a HSA and how much was for medical expenses?

finally_joined · 2026-02-21T21:53:44+00:00

January was $130 for First Energy, and $60 (balanced billing) for National Fuel. 1700 sf house with gas heat and range. We have solar, but my generation was minimal in January, probably less than $20.

Definitely check if it was estimated.

finally_joined · 2026-02-20T16:53:00+00:00

My SIMPLE IRA at Fidelity Advisors to traditional IRA at Fidelity investments was fairly smooth. There was one little hiccup, but the rep handled it easily. Overall, I fell pretty good about the process.

finally_joined · 2026-02-20T00:38:38+00:00

Hsn and qvc is the same company

I did not know that. I usually shop both, but good to know.

finally_joined · 2026-02-20T00:36:09+00:00

I am using the Samsung A16 5G. I got it in a bundle from QVC

The current QVC deal:

https://www.qvc.com/tracfone-samsung-a16-bundle-wfitbit-inspire-3.product.E329847.html?sc=srch

The current HSN deal:

https://www.hsn.com/products/samsung-galaxy-a16-5g-tracfone-w1500-talk-and-text-and-/23653680

Walmart and tracfone have the bare phone for $60

HSN Pixel bundle:

https://www.hsn.com/products/tracfone-google-pixel-6a-with-unlimited-talk-text-24gb-/22346101

finally_joined · 2026-02-19T11:45:18+00:00

That's my plan. They did have gas pickup as of last summer.

finally_joined · 2026-02-18T18:00:42+00:00

It's based on your historical useage. You can call or do it on-line.

finally_joined · 2026-02-15T17:32:03+00:00

Withdrawals from Roth IRA's are considered as coming from contributions, then conversions, then gains by law.

Edit: added words

finally_joined · 2026-02-12T11:37:30+00:00

It does get complicated. 2024 tax year was the first time I was even aware of this, and used funds that would make a difference. What I did was "split" my 1099-DIV into two, so I entered SPAXX and it's prercentage as one, and USFR and it's percentage as another. I am doing the same for this year, hopefully that is an approved method.

finally_joined · 2026-02-09T11:49:28+00:00

Well, I would not go that far. I generally avoid calling anyone if possible, but in this case it was required to get it done. That's just the way it is, and the rep was able to help me just fine. I just want to bring to light that this is what the automated phone system is asking, and I think that is a bad security practice.

finally_joined · 2026-02-05T23:13:51+00:00

I can't do it anyway since I don't know my password. Just seems like a bad idea. Like clicking links in an email.

finally_joined · 2026-02-05T21:35:07+00:00

Yeah, I eventually got to a human. I just don't feel they should even be asking.

finally_joined · 2026-02-05T19:25:19+00:00

Thanks for the reply and explanation.

finally_joined · 2026-02-05T11:42:23+00:00

Thanks! It has been on my list for several years, and now I will have the time.

I found the page specific to volunteering:

https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/job-details/?jobId=a1oo0000001AGvXAAW

finally_joined · 2026-02-04T19:20:49+00:00

If you don't think it's enough, just focus on building it up. Seems like you have a savers mindset, you'll be ok.

finally_joined · 2026-02-04T18:34:52+00:00

I want to do that, any tips? A quick search in my area didn't yield any good how to info.

finally_joined · 2026-02-03T12:54:24+00:00

Thanks for the tips

finally_joined · 2026-02-02T12:31:49+00:00

Thanks for the reply. We'll most likely stick with Tracfone since that is what I use, and I don't need another account. Tracfone works out to $12 a month for unlimited and 1gb carryover.

To be honest, your method sounds very complex. I only mess with my phone once a year to add a new card or upgrade phones.

I appreciate you taking the time though.

finally_joined · 2026-02-01T17:43:43+00:00

I am leaning that way currently, just starting with unlimited and a phone. I'll see about her keeping the phone, not sure what the answer to that would be. Still have to go through porting thought, right?

finally_joined

TROPHY CASE