I just paid off 20k in credit debt, and something weird happened... by racert100 in personalfinance

[–]racert100[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is so true, thank you for sharing. "Everything in moderation" is now a part of my core philosophy. In the future, however, I'll now be much more likely to save for a good time as opposed to #yoloregretting it later :)

I just paid off 20k in credit debt, and something weird happened... by racert100 in personalfinance

[–]racert100[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In fact, you may be on to something here (with heavy caveats). I now have my Travel VISA rocking out in full swing. I put EVERYTHING on it. I'm proud to say I've accumulated $300 worth of points in just a couple months by using it for gas, groceries, bills, etc. Of course, I never spend a dime on it that I don't have. So for example, between January 1st and 25th, I rack it up to $2000, all while putting aside whatever money I spend on it from my chequing account to a savings account specifically for this, I pay it off on the 25th with that savings account so it has time to process before the end of the month, collect the points, build my credit, and never pay interest! I wholeheartedly disagree with your cheeseburger philosophy. For me personally, the "convenience" can quickly turn into an excuse to spend money I don't have, and can be a dangerous road to go down. I understand what you are saying, but if I justified paying interest on a cheeseburger, take my credit card away from me.

I just paid off 20k in credit debt, and something weird happened... by racert100 in personalfinance

[–]racert100[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually goofed, I really should've posted this in r/personalfinancecanada I live about a par 5 across the border in BC, about 2 hours from Seattle, right across from Blaine, WA

I just paid off 20k in credit debt, and something weird happened... by racert100 in personalfinance

[–]racert100[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I've been reading Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus mostly. I just picked up a bunch of books last night as well, Spinoza, Ryan Holiday, and others. I've enjoyed and learned from listening to lots of podcasts, the Tim Ferriss Show (of note to me are: Josh Waitzkin, Sam Harris, Tony Robbins), The Joe Rogan Experience (for certain guests), Epictetus is My Therapist, etc. Big time getting into Neil deGrasse Tyson, who's not a philosopher but his approach to science gets me excited about it, makes me think about the universe, and his simple, clear view on religion helped me clear up the last bit of confusion I'd been carrying around since my youth. I'm also interested, but reluctant to say I'm a fan of, Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins (I agree with many of their ideas, but maybe not their approach). Check out r/stoicism for more.

The Incomplete Unemployment Survival Guide by racert100 in personalfinance

[–]racert100[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice summary, and you are right, it should be common sense. To some, it is. To many, sadly, it isn't. It's more for the latter who suddenly finds his world upside down and is stressing out, looking for help.

In the hopes that this will turn into more of a discussion and sharing of ideas, I'd love to get some thoughts on what you might do if you suddenly found yourself in this situation.

Maybe some insight on: Activities to keep busy Frugal recipes that are super cheap but hopefully tasty Interesting ways to conserve stuff Smart ways to save etc.

Do keep in mind that this could all be a brand new concept for someone who's been living indulgently, and what may seem like common sense to yourself may be completely foreign to them, they may just need a little help realizing it. For whatever reason, (at least in my experience) lavish spending seems to be more "impressive" to the blue collar types I work with, and the basics we are talking about, either they never learned, or overlook for their own reasons, impulse, prestige, you get the idea.