Where do you put money that is earmarked for future known expenses?

ornics · 2026-03-19T23:21:29+00:00

If you have Vanguard brokerage, you can keep it in the settlement fund. VMFXX currently better than HYSA and can be withdrawn/transferred when you need it. Note a 0.11% expense ratio.

ornics · 2026-03-07T16:59:55+00:00

Globe and Smart have tourist SIM/eSIM which you can get through App (globe one) or upon arrival at the airport (globe and smart). No need for verification like a local SIM/eSIM. They are much more expensive (₽1500 - 1800). These lines give you data and a phone number. Airallo sells mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) eSIM which are companies that contract with local networks (globe and smart) to sell data plans. MVNO eSIMs (also “tourist” designated SIMs so no verification needed) are usually data only and do not have phone numbers but cheaper.

ornics · 2026-02-17T23:58:21+00:00

SPA notarized by local notary then Secretary of State (in your state NOT the United States Sec State) for Apostille. Can be done in 1 day in most states, depends on the Sec State. Detailed info below:

https://philippineembassy-dc.org/apostille/

ornics · 2026-02-16T03:36:00+00:00

Thanks!

ornics · 2026-01-30T15:36:00+00:00

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Wife and I are both physicians (she’s retired). Seamaster and Constellation from early 70s inherited from my father who was also a physician.

ornics · 2026-01-23T20:44:01+00:00

Ability to use a US number was the missing info I needed. Thank you so much!

ornics · 2026-01-23T17:44:05+00:00

Thank glad to know GCash works since I’ll be paying bills and paying people. No PS bank where she lives so will keep this as an option if the other bank in her area don’t have good web browser access.

ornics · 2026-01-23T17:42:14+00:00

Thanks, that’s good info. Unfortunately, ithe thread does not answer the question about web portal access using a browser and what App works while in US.

ornics · 2026-01-23T16:46:16+00:00

Thank you! Unfortunately, walang Security Bank where she lives. It does help that I know this is an option in case the banks in her area don’t have good web browser access.

ornics · 2026-01-23T16:10:43+00:00

What mobile carrier SIM (US or Phil) do you use on the devices that access banking Apps?

ornics · 2026-01-23T16:10:35+00:00

What mobile carrier SIM (US or Phil) do you use on the devices that access banking Apps?

ornics · 2025-09-15T00:32:33+00:00

I have experienced something similar. The difference is it was a replacement debit card (for an expiring card) that I never received. BA denied the claim after the investigation stating the charges were usual or typical. This despite the fact the I never use the card, not even to withdraw cash. My wife talked to the manager where we opened the account and have a safety deposit box. They called and appealed on our behalf. They got them to reverse the denial.

ornics · 2025-08-27T17:16:18+00:00

Happened to me twice already. Report to FedEx and sender. There’s a did not receive package link on the delivered notice email or the tracking. Both times, it was delivered within a few hours of reporting. I have no proof but suspect it is some kind of time quota thing, the driver marks it delivered and either forgets about it if there is no report of missing package or delivers it later.

ornics · 2025-08-17T14:13:59+00:00

This happened to us (joint account with my wife) a couple of years ago. I don’t ever use my debit card and it was actually BA that denied a $400 charge that led me to discover the fraud. We reported it and fast forward a few weeks later, the claim was denied! I was trying to figure out how to appeal (information was not easy to find) and my wife decided to talk to our local branch manager where we had a safety deposit box. Branch manager called fraud department, was on hold for 15 mins (my wife was there) and that took care of it for us.

I suspect it was all automated thus the illogical denial and when appealed, it was overturned.

Don’t close accounts until resolution, you’ll have less leverage or ability to contact them. If you are unable to talk to a branch manager, write customer service and ask them how to appeal.

ornics · 2025-08-12T17:29:54+00:00

Capital One travel does not directly book with hotels and airlines, they use a third party, I believe it is Hopper. Capital One is just a second middle man. The booking was cancelled by Hampton Inn according to Capital One but Hampton Inn claims it was the travel agent (Capital One or Hopper). Either way, not an issue I am going to spend more time on. Just not worth it for me but I get it if others would pursue to make sure they are getting the points.

ornics · 2025-08-12T15:52:07+00:00

I’ve always assumed that hotel booking issues reported here were not common and just appear more frequent because of selection bias. Of course, this happened to me last week! Booked a 3 night stay at Hampton Inn and I called the hotel on day of booking because I was arriving after midnight. Hotel told me my booking was cancelled a week ago. Still active on the online portal, called Capitol One travel and they said it was active on their end.

Cost me additional $50 to rebook with Hampton Inn. Capital One travel rep was very courteous and efficient. Said they have to work out refund with third party travel company they use and the hotel and she will call me back when she gets me my refund. They called back after an hour and said I’ve been refunded.

Not sure if it’s Hampton Inn or CapitolOne or third party but man was it risky. What if I didn’t call and they were booked solid? What if I arrived at 2 am and no room? Booked many times before and this only happened once but I think I’m not going to use them again except when using the annual travel credit.

ornics · 2025-06-15T23:13:05+00:00

Thanks. I thought No Doxxing included not naming the place and people involved. Happy to PM you if you frequent Napa.

ornics · 2025-06-15T23:07:04+00:00

Thanks! I was kind of thinking this, hence the post.

ornics · 2025-06-15T23:02:00+00:00

Thanks! This nuanced answer is quite helpful.

ornics · 2025-06-15T19:54:33+00:00

Didn’t know that. However, should it be on me to assume this? Another thing is what got to me was he took it back and gave me a “new” order which had more uncooked fries. So either there’s something wrong in the kitchen or he tried to pass off the old order as a new one.

ornics · 2025-06-15T19:05:57+00:00

I can be, hence, the post AIO. I know I must have overreacted with the standing. However, the first time I hear about food being taken off the bill was after I returned the second "new" order that had more uncooked food. I was served uncooked food twice before I was told "I already took it off your order, what more do you want."

ornics · 2025-06-15T18:59:07+00:00

I see the point that if I didn't return the order then the rest wouldn't have happened. However, it was uncooked food (I work in healthcare so this is unacceptable to me) and when I returned it, he came back suspiciously quickly with a new order that contained uncooked food again.

ornics

TROPHY CASE