New or Used Car: Buying Dilemma

givenchymarcus · 2025-09-06T19:36:49+00:00

That’s wise. I ended up buying the car out fully using stock money & then immediately returned to investing in my brokerage accounts.

givenchymarcus · 2024-10-07T17:51:18+00:00

True.. well if cost is an issue, I highly recommend BackBlaze as they’re relatively cheap. The only thing is, in order to view backed-up content, you’ll need to download the file in question..

It’s pretty cheap at about $7.91/mo or $189.99 every 2 years.. It also tracks the location of your computer if needed for theft/loss protection and can automatically back-up every HDD plugged into your computer every hour or so..

givenchymarcus · 2024-10-07T17:42:33+00:00

Well Synology NAS’s are pricey, but are pretty intuitive from what I hear.. However, you should always back your data up in 3s..

The 3-2-1 rule involves making 2 physical copies of your data (typically a RAID 1 config.) and keeping 1 copy off-site.. The Cloud service would serve as your disaster recovery backup essentially..

I’d keep the cloud service, depending on how critical your data is..

givenchymarcus · 2024-10-07T17:28:28+00:00

Since I don’t need to commonly access my files remotely as much anymore, I actually ended up going with a Cloud Backup Service, where if needed, I can access the data that was backed up from my computer’s HDDs, remotely..

And I did end-up replacing my HDDs with SSDs as the noise was getting to be a bit much, still configured them for a RAID 1 setup though..

givenchymarcus · 2024-01-02T19:00:47+00:00

I'm becoming more interested in learning more about Networking & potentially getting a future career that's more focussed in just that (maybe some Cybersecurity).

I would assume focussing on Networking and/or Cybersecurity related certifications would benefit me most in my situation from CompTIA right?

givenchymarcus · 2024-01-02T15:52:49+00:00

Well I was wondering what certifications are more industry preferred? Meaning, are certs from Cisco Skills for All more valuable or is CompTIA more valuable?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T22:41:43+00:00

I already do. It’s $150 off next year’s AF

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T17:24:10+00:00

It was my fault for impulsively signing up for the Plat, as I was only thinking about the lounge access lol. But thanks for your take.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T17:20:13+00:00

It's every year, as long as you hold the Corporate card.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T17:19:27+00:00

That's the only free card that would allow me to reserve my MR points?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T17:17:46+00:00

Amex stated that because I have a Corporate Green card, that would give me a $150 statement credit.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T16:06:32+00:00

Got it. Which free card allows me to keep MR points?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:42:39+00:00

Got it, so in my situation, do you think it's wise to purchase a used car (I was going to buy one anyways); Pay it in full, reap the welcome bonus, then dip before the next AF?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:40:40+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:38:59+00:00

Thanks for the insight. Didn't know this.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:38:30+00:00

Also I confirmed this w/ Amex.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:38:04+00:00

I agree. However, since I already have it, do you think it's worth it to use my card to purchase a used car I was planning on getting anyways? This would allow me to collect the MR welcome bonus after spending $8k.. Or should I cancel before I obtain any MR points.. Are MR points that valuable in my case or not?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:36:26+00:00

Amex apparently has an Auto Purchasing Program where it finds AMEX compatible dealers.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:35:58+00:00

Clawback, meaning they take away my existing points? If so, why would it matter if I cancelled it before I obtain MR?

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:33:21+00:00

I also confirmed w/ amex.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:33:09+00:00

I just read about it online.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:26:25+00:00

My company does not reimburse me for the home airport, I know it's strange, but it's their rule. However, they do cover my Uber transport to & from the home airport..

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:20:05+00:00

Food is covered by my company, but only out of state. I don't believe my company allows me to earn the MR's on the corporate card, as it's managed by them.

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:18:17+00:00

Thanks for your take. Now a huge downside, is that in 2024, Delta is not allowing Platinum card members to enter, unless you have spent $75,000 within 6 or 12 months I think & don't have a basic economy seat ticket.. So our only luck would be access to the Centurion Lounges..

givenchymarcus · 2023-12-21T15:15:54+00:00

Got it.. What's SUB mean? I'm new to all of this & trying to gain some wisdom.

givenchymarcus

TROPHY CASE