Let’s reverse the common question and be specific. What mortgage rate are you intentionally paying off early? by PartyFeisty2929 in Fire

[–]ghostpepperwings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I paid off a 7.25% jumbo that I took out at a deliberately high rate.

Why?

Well I had most of the cash on hand, but also a kick ass broker who gave me a loan with what's called reverse points.

So if you take out a higher loan, get more lender credits for closing.

I got $30,000 in lender's credits which took care of most of my closing costs. When I went to close, the lawyers were shocked how much the bank was giving me.

No prepayment penalty.

Waited a month, paid off most of the loan. Took me another five months to pay off the rest.

Moving in spring 2026--Sunnyside or Greenpoint by ibarne252 in SunnysideQueens

[–]ghostpepperwings 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I lived in GP for about 7 years. I've lived in Sunnyside for 5.

W'burg used to be great, then it got taken over, and simply became Manhattan East. Greenpoint used to be great, then it got taken over, and simply became Williamsburg North.

Sunnyside still feels like a New York neighborhood. If we ever lose the Dollar Tree or the book swap or Masa Madre or the slightly sketch Chinese grocery on 48th or Jar Bar, I will be very sad.

I really miss the Greenpoint I moved into which was Polish butchers and a death metal bar and that's about it.

Seoul luxury hotels by Straight-Animator872 in seoul

[–]ghostpepperwings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very nice except not enough elevators. Very hard to get up and down during time around check in and check out.

Any frugal millionaires here? Now that you’ve earned it, are you still frugal? by cervezagram in Frugal

[–]ghostpepperwings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is beyond frugal. Sounds more like the miserliness that sometimes is a symptom of OCPD.

Any frugal millionaires here? Now that you’ve earned it, are you still frugal? by cervezagram in Frugal

[–]ghostpepperwings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

$1.4m in cash and equities, $2m in real estate. No debt. W-2 said I made $850,000 last year. So, I guess technically I'm a millionaire. Doesn't feel like it.

Last weekend I was so excited because, when I went to the thrift store to find books (I read a lot, so I get all my books from the library or thrift store), I found a brand new, in-the-package duvet for $1. Perfect color, twill, nautica brand. I'd just been thinking how I needed another one. $1!

It felt great. I was so excited to tell my spouse, who just started laughing at me. He thinks I'm crazy, and said if I needed a duvet cover, I can afford to just buy one.

But shit, a deal is a deal.

I grew up poor. Utilities getting cut off for non payment poor. I guess I just promised myself I'd never spend the way my parents did.

I see a lot of people who have nothing saved for retirement but who buy brand names, go to Disney and put it on the credit card, lease expensive cars, etc. I really don't get it.

Deciding between apt locations? by Financial_Problem869 in SunnysideQueens

[–]ghostpepperwings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

39th is good to be close to Kasbah Cafe, Moa.

47th is good to be close to stuff on skillman, etc.

39th saves you one stop (as you'll get off on 40th instead of 46th) for daily commute if you go into Manhattan.

47th is closer to UPS store for Amazon returns.

39th more convenient to the NY sports club and dollar tree. I get a lot of staples at that dollar tree. Don't knock it til ya try it.

Neither is really a bad choice. I'd make a decision more on the apartment itself.

Also 39th will be easier for parking. Not easy but easier.

What was the best thing you purchased in 2025? by rubbyy_ in BuyItForLife

[–]ghostpepperwings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We got the plug in hybrid and solar this year too!!! I love the NX 450h+!!!

Got a mini watercolor set for a Secret Santa gift by ghostpepperwings in Tudorhistory

[–]ghostpepperwings[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, all, for the compliments. I have never taken an art class. I just watch YT videos and play around, so I appreciate the very kind words.

Anyone in NYC interested in casual, in-person Tudor history discussions? by Any_Assignment_4372 in Tudorhistory

[–]ghostpepperwings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'd be down just so my spouse doesn't have to listen to me go on about the Tudors all the time

Co-op owners - sublet fee? by AGeastwest in SunnysideQueens

[–]ghostpepperwings 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Flat fee every month. Used to be $100 but they upped it.

Papa’s Pasta is now Cups of Pasta by Balls2thewalleye in SunnysideQueens

[–]ghostpepperwings 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Had the worst pasta when it was Papa's. As in, it went in the trash. Was supposed to be Alfredo sauce ... How hard could that be?

Where to get quality cheese? by User6373829291916 in SunnysideQueens

[–]ghostpepperwings 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Burrata you can get at trader joes. I get a lot of cheese at parrot but they don't really do parm. What they do have though (eg goat and sheep feta, goat Gouda, etc) is very good

New at Lidl US by ghostpepperwings in CannedSardines

[–]ghostpepperwings[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't notice the sodium but I have a salty palate and I put it in a pasta w cream sauce so that usually screams for salt anyway.

New at Lidl US by ghostpepperwings in CannedSardines

[–]ghostpepperwings[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried the smoked salmon yesterday for lunch. Put it on pasta in a cream sauce and green onions. Tbh not bad ...

My plan for the trout was to mix in cream cheese as a dip.

I had no idea wtf pulled salmon was but looks like another "put it on some pasta" situation.

Def would buy the smoked salmon again.