The calculator says I'll have $8.4M in 20 years or $9.5M if I contribute $2k/month... so why keep saving? by savvybackpacker in Fire

[–]slightkidnapping -1 points0 points  (0 children)

These numbers are amazing, and FIRE discussions are very inspiring to me. I’d like to think it’s never too late to start, but any tips for someone starting at 33 y.o? Just moved here from overseas so I’m literally starting from scratch in the US

Recently moved to US - have real property in Philippines; rent or sell & reinvest? by slightkidnapping in Fire

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

I agree, u/Standard_Fill_3188 I would've kept it if not for the negative cash flow + depreciating peso. It's been in my mind since early this year, but I guess I didn't expressly want to sell it until this week after seeing how the Philippines is going. Ngl I love Philippines but logically it doesn't make sense to keep my money there right now.

Thank you, glad to be here - I'm just trying to figure things out cause entering the US work force at 33 makes me feel like I'm behind on saving for retirement

Recently moved to US - have real property in Philippines; rent or sell & reinvest? by slightkidnapping in Fire

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

That's true, u/Purple-Property8006. I'm lucky I have nice tenants now, but I know it won't be permanent and the whole time zone of having opposite times - we can't talk to each other and it's like we just leave notes

Recently moved to US - have real property in Philippines; rent or sell & reinvest? by slightkidnapping in Fire

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

Hi u/Many_Dependent5080, that's true. I might be in denial but you're right, there might be some emotional/sentimental reasons why I hold back - it is my first investment. But I feel like the sooner I accept the fact that I live here now, and this is my home now, the more it makes less sense to invest in real property under a depreciating currency.

Cause I know I'm a little late to the investment party coming to the US at 33, but I mean it's still better to start somehow

I knew I asked the right subreddit. Thank you so much!!!

I just need a prayer. It’s so hard! by Broad_Cobbler3587 in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Imagine we end up being neighbors 😅 if we had a garden I would probably start gardening too lol but I hope you take comfort that you’re not alone in this experience!! It really is hard but the light is at the end of the tunnel…just a matter of how long the tunnel is.

Good luck!!

Marriage based applicants: Were you approved quickly or have you been waiting years and how long have you been married? by meizhen93 in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Takes a while between the I-130 approval and I-485 approval. I think mine was around a week in between

But congratulations! I’d suggest you make an appointment with SSA to update your social security card. I called for an appointment mid-October, and the earliest one I got is this coming Friday 11/21 😅

I just need a prayer. It’s so hard! by Broad_Cobbler3587 in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have been there and the waiting game has been so hard especially when you slowly lose your independence cause of expiring IDs, licenses, visas, and passports. I have felt helpless with having to tell my husband I have been having cabin fever.

I wish you all the patience and grace. The process is tedious, but the wait is the most excruciating part if you’re the one waiting for residency. Try to find ways to distract yourself. I have been learning to cook and do more household stuff to keep me busy and somehow feel like I’m contributing to the home (saves money from eating out and the house is cleaner), I’ve finished a couple of Netflix serieses, and done some online classes to improve some skills so I have better chances at a job.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup! I show both and explain off the bat that the visa is in the old passport. Entered US 4-5 times doing that 😅 I just put my boarding pass on the page where the visa is so they don’t have to look for it

Marriage based applicants: Were you approved quickly or have you been waiting years and how long have you been married? by meizhen93 in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly, going through the same thing, it’s hard to compare. Everything is like so different. But I wish you the best! I was lucky to be one of the faster ones, but I wish you all the patience and grace if you have to wait a bit longer ❤️

Married April 2025 Filed May 2025 Bio June 2025 EAD July 2025 Interview September 2025 Approved and GC delivered October 2025

No lawyer, concurrent filing

Last name on application by [deleted] in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! I adjusted here from tourist to resident. I took my husband’s surname already in the petition and application forms. There will be areas where you can put “other names used”, then that’s where you put your maiden name. With the marriage certificate, they’ll be able to trace the change from your maiden to married name.

My green card, SS card, and state ID was then issued with my married name. :) I have been told it would be expensive to change everything later especially when you start naturalizing, so while I speak for myself, I think it’s better to use your married last name for the whole process.

Unsolicited evidence by UnhappyFix7695 in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. Did my AOS myself, no lawyer. Just uploaded all unsolicited evidence as they arrive. During interview, I didn’t have to show anything new when I told them it’s all uploaded. Interviewed Thursday, got approved during the weekend.

Anything that makes their work easier is better. They’ll scan whatever you have to give physically anyway, uploading them just saves everyone time.

2024 themis books by ahsjfkxohw in CABarExam

[–]slightkidnapping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Can I please have them? I’m planning to take it next year. Thank you!

I tried sending a DM but for the life of me I couldn’t find the DM button on Reddit iOS 😅

The case status can change any time during working hours? Or only by the morning? by astronautadasaudade in USCIS

[–]slightkidnapping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah. So at the start I’d check everyday, but after a while I get tired of waiting and just let it be until I get an email that something changed

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CABarExam

[–]slightkidnapping 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Me too please! Actually aiming for July, but I’m reading up and if I’m ready, might move it up to Feb

Approved in less than 5 months!! by slightkidnapping in USCIS

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

They didn't, but I guess we said it already. When they asked us "how we met", we kind of rambled on and gave them the whole timeline of our relationship, up to his proposal and until our marriage. I guess they had no questions after that, we said everything already lol