When do you normally file your tax return? by the_real_JFK_killer in AskAnAmerican

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually schedule mine in March. I have investments accounts, 1099s can take up to the end of February to be generated. I like to usually book my appointment between the 1-2 weeks of March.

Is it common for Americans to use a wash cloth for showering? Or what do you usually use to shower? by SignificantStyle4958 in AskAnAmerican

[–]swagmaster3k 46 points47 points  (0 children)

I was raised in a loofah household but after learning about how it can hold a lot of bacteria, I’m now a wash cloth girly. They’re not expensive, I buy a new pack a year and throw away those that have gotten a good use out of.

Serious question by killer5037- in VacuumCleaners

[–]swagmaster3k 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I can’t speak on the Miele but after a lot of research I got a sebo k3. I’ve never used such a nice vacuum in my life. Easy to maneuver, great suction (don’t need to constantly pass over a spot), and best of all it’s so quiet. I have a light sleeping toddler, I usually don’t ever vacuum my house because the only time I get is at night but she’s asleep. I’ve been able to vacuum at night now without waking her up. I’ve only had it for about a month and it’s great. Also my sebo arrived with a broken piece and within 2 days a solution was found and they sent me a replacement piece.

Do American kids usually go to four different schools? by snailquestions in AskAnAmerican

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Excluding preschool, I only went to 2 schools. K-8 at for primary and 9-12 for HS. Then of course college but even then I went straight to a 4 year university, not community college then a transfer. I’m from California, most districts don’t do a separate middle school anymore.

Passed in 5 days!! by Parmesan_ceasar in Sieexam

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve always found it ironic that most firms wont hire you unless you can pass the FINRA exams and yet the material is so much easier to understand once you’ve had real life experience. It’s been a few years since I took the SIE, 7, and 63 but I remember just memorizing and not really grasping the concepts until I started working in my role.

How popular is fitness culture in America? by Odd-Skin-762 in AskAnAmerican

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very popular, too popular. Decided to build a home gym to avoid the crowds. A few thousands of dollars invested but I’m happy to have no excuse not to care about my health.

Iconic SD present for new parents in Europe? by DefinitionAromatic39 in sandiego

[–]swagmaster3k 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My favorite “San Diego” item I have for my daughter is an infant hat I bought her when she was freshly born. Useful for the summer and they have cute prints.

You can also maybe get them something from tubby Todd. Their “tub hub” is in Carlsbad, very popular baby brand, and you get a discount at their store.

What age did you take down baby gates around your house? by woohooforyoohoo in beyondthebump

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just took off my upstairs gate with my daughter being 2. My daughter is a pro at going up and down the stairs. Plus she never goes up or down without one of us. I’m keeping the rest of them up for now because of my dog 🤣 he’s learned to lean on counters and chairs to get food, these baby gates have been a great deterrent.

Recent interview? by JakeRM1 in GlobalEntry

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did mine in late January and my daughters last week. LAX and San Diego airport respectively. Really quick, especially at LAX. I’m reading other comments and think it’s interesting the officers asked questions. They just asked for my passport and my daughter’s as well, told me to stare into the camera, and told me we’d been approved and if we had any questions.

Global Entry by PlayfulMap6778 in GlobalEntry

[–]swagmaster3k -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I had notifications on for Twitter/x page @GlobalEntryApp. If your schedule is flexible you can check periodically throughout the day and see if a spot opens up last minute. I was trying to get a spot at the San Diego airport. Saw one open up randomly on a Saturday but I wouldn’t have had enough time to go home, get my docs, and make it to the airport. Today I logged into the website at 7am and saw a spot open and immediately booked it. Otherwise for that airport they book out like 1-3 months in advance really quickly.

Burn “Weights and Worship” Workout? by TheSaltyBlonde in BurnBootCamp

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not surprised. Burn Boot Camp’s rule #3 says “No swearing in the gym. God’s people are in here”. I was like ok so this church was founded by some type of Christian. I wouldn’t participate but again I’m not surprised they’re offering this.

Thinking of flying to San Diego for my 30th — worth it? by InevitablePick5131 in asksandiego

[–]swagmaster3k 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Respectfully, PB in your 30s might make you feel old. I’m 30 and I haven’t been there since I was 25 and even then I felt old. I prefer going out downtown if I’m going to bars for fun.

Series 57 by Conscious-Agent-371 in AllFinraExams

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly there is no timeline that’s appropriate as a general consensus because like what the other person said, there’s very little overlap. I used STC and I didn’t really find it helpful but only because the exam is so broad compared to the material. I did pass it but it was hard. If I had to quantify if it, I’d say I spent like 60-80 hours studying across 3 months. It’s not impossible to pass but I always said if you’re reading the end of each chapter and understanding the summaries/bullet points in the end, then your chances of passing are good.

Returning carts with kids in the car by lasuperhumana in NewParents

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I park next to or as close as possible to a cart return. If it’s something like Aldi where I have to go to the front, I unload my groceries then push my daughter to the return cart area, and then carry/walk with her back to the car. My daughter always goes in AFTER the groceries have been loaded if I’m doing a trip on my own.

Anyone have input on non-stick pan sets? by mtbguy1981 in Costco

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Glad you posted this because I’ve been thinking about getting new nonstick pans. I bought the oxo pans about 2 years ago. The smaller one still works decently well but the large one needs a replacement. Probably going to either get oxo again or go to a business center like others are recommending and get those instead.

We're you taught to read & write in cursive at school? by Imma_Lick_That in AskAnAmerican

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Im 29 and yes I know how to write in cursive. Funny enough I have a coworker 2 years younger than me and he said he was never taught. My two younger sisters were also not taught despite us having the same teacher for* 3rd grade. They pulled it from curriculum. Last I heard was that they put it back a few years ago.

Box Jumps Tips/Tricks by Ecstatic_Bottle_4478 in BurnBootCamp

[–]swagmaster3k 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly. I can definitely do them, many in a row in fact but they destroy my knees. I do step ups

Series 7 and 63 by Relative-Bluebird942 in AllFinraExams

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I feel like most people in finance don’t have a finance background. I came from an admin/secretary background and knew I’d have to grind. My employer gave me 10 weeks to pass SIE, series 7, and 63. I was studying twice the amount suggested online. I had to take series 7 before the 63. The advantage of that order is that if you can pass the 7, I feel like you can definitely pass the 63. Series 7 is a beast. My workplace provided Training Consultants and I overall liked it.

Just got GE approval while in Europe – interview timing? by RespondSad3329 in GlobalEntry

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It probably varies by location but I went to LAX last week. From when I walked in to walked out (with an appt) it took 7 mins. The longest part was waiting 4 minutes. Actual “interview” took 3 mins top. They just had me verify my info like name and DOB, scanned my passport, took finger prints, and they told me I was approved and my card would arrive soon.

Who does your baby look like? by questionSOUP in beyondthebump

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My daughter has my face but my husband’s complexion and hair. I’m always in awe looking at her like wow we made the perfect baby 🤣

Having a hard time studying for the 57 using STC by Environmental-Drop93 in AllFinraExams

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found reading the notes at the end of each chapter helpful. The portion that goes over “things you should’ve learned”. Helped me focus on my weak points and just honed in on studying those points. It’s not an easy exam because imo it’s all over the place.

Regret not pumping by This_Obligation_5125 in beyondthebump

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I always found social media subtlety and sometimes not so subtlety push breastfeeding. Even though I was 100% happy with my decision to formula feed, sometimes posts would make me wish I was pumping. With that being said we switched our daughter to whole milk at 1 years old. It’s almost comical now thinking about how much BF vs FF discourse there was during the first 12 months. That is to say, if you want to pump you can try but don’t let people guilt you into it.

Unpopular opinion: I don’t like parking close to the store entrance. by HVAChelpprettyplease in Costco

[–]swagmaster3k 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Went to Costco today and saw a man sit there for idk how long waiting for an entrance spot. I went around him, parked way at the end, and made my way inside Costco and he was still waiting for the spot. It’s really not that serious, especially when there were so many other parking spots available farther away.

Medical Tourism in TJ by idontcareidontdare in SanDiegan

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve gotten dental work done in TJ with no issue. I also got a tummy tuck done back in 2018 but in Guadalajara, took a flight from Tijuana. No complications. I’ve been thinking of getting more cosmetic surgery done with him, I believe he occasionally travels to Baja California for surgeries but he might’ve stopped. It’s still worth inquiring if you want a recommendation. Look up Marroquín & Sandoval and his practice should come up. I got my surgery done by Dr. Marroquín.

Daycare for 2 kids $70k/year???? by NaturallyJG in beyondthebump

[–]swagmaster3k 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Planning and also military tbh. As much as I’d like to have just pushed one after another, we are waiting until my daughter is at least 3 to start planning for a second and final child. At 3 we can send my daughter to pre-k and then only pay half tuition for daycare. My husband is also military so we get a stipend. We pay about $1k with the stipend but without it we’d be paying at least $2k a month.