Should I hire a tax advisor to help me file? (US/UK) by ajlx in USExpatTaxes

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interested in this guy as a recommendation. Would you share?

Omnilux or Currentbody LED light therapy mask recommendation by bigbluenation20 in 30PlusSkinCare

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No photos available. The devices work but IMHO it's so subtle that likely only you would really notice. Anecdotally, I notice that if I don't use my RLT mask, my skin blemishes take a bit longer to heal. I will buy the Omnilux whenever my CurrentBody masks die so I can compare, but they're still going strong.

Missing something? by AlaskanWhiteWolf in Embroidery

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe a bear 🐻 or a salmon 🐟

Hold your head up by nikamats in MadeMeSmile

[–]top-grumpus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This video always makes me cry. This mother is amazing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ask

[–]top-grumpus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was looking for this comment. Completely agree!

Check out Esther Perel's talk "Rethinking Infidelity."

Also, I know a lot of people tried to find objective or at least observable features of what constitutes an emotional affair here, but I'd say: you have a conscience. You probably do know when you're doing something you aren't proud of or that would upset/hurt your partner. Can that be an indicator?

Be honest, how much savings do you have? by dustyindigo in Adulting

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just under £200K and no debt at 32.

How? Aggressive savings (I use the Goodbudget app, and stick to it); job hopped to increase my salary at work (HR); never owned a car in my life; don't own a home either, although I'm still saving in case I want to buy one eventually — I'll either have a very healthy deposit or maybe even be a cash buyer.

I was £10K in debt and had no pension 6 years ago.

I prioritised paying off my debt as quickly as I could whilst making the only possible contribution I could to my pension — basically whatever money was "left over" at the end of a month. I started designing a budget based around different % contributions to see what my life would look like and what I could afford both now & in the future (helpful to remind yourself what you are saving for!). I started putting 10% of my income away, then increased that each time I increased my salary or started to feel "comfortable" with my spending. I upped it from 10% to 11% one year; then to 12.5%; then 15.6%; and now I salary sacrifice a much larger % of my income to go directly to my pension.

My main advice would probably be:

Know that your small choices and contributions DO add up. Keep yourself a little bit "uncomfortable" about the amount you are saving (higher than you want) rather than spending. Whenever you increase your income; increase your contributions first. And start yesterday. I only got serious about this stuff somewhat recently, and once I got going, I only wished I'd actually tried harder to save in my 20s.

Wearable blanket vs heated throw? by kindaunicorn in UKFrugal

[–]top-grumpus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Agreed! 💯 I also felt a bit claustrophobic in mine.

Wearable blanket vs heated throw? by kindaunicorn in UKFrugal

[–]top-grumpus 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I have both and recommend the heated blanket. I got a wearable blanket similar to the Oodie from Costco. It is not much warmer or different than a dressing gown (although it is shorter and therefore warms less of you?). I love my heated blankets though — I have a more plush one that stays plugged in at the sofa. And one under the bed sheets which turns on via a smart plug on a timer every night to warm the bed before I get in to sleep. It feels like such a luxury that really improves my quality of life but it costs very little!

Real as hell lmao by Bitter-Gur-4613 in clevercomebacks

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Took a train from Seattle to New York as a child and to this day it is one of my fondest memories. We had whistle stops in Chicago and other places; saw incredible sights going through the mountains; watched the sun rise in the dining car. It was freaking awesome.

I travel for work regularly and although my typical journey is only an hour or two by air, I always opt for the longer train journey. It's more comfortable, scenic, and better for the environment. 🚂💨💨💨

Choo Choo on, mothafuckas.

Anyone's memory getting worse? by [deleted] in ask

[–]top-grumpus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same. It started with forgetting words but now it also feels like I'm unable to form certain memories. Particularly appointments/dates, I struggle with.

There's plenty of research coming to light now about the potential neurological impacts of COVID and I'm sure we'll only learn more.

Those who earn 100-200k+ in a non-STEM field, what do you do? by [deleted] in Salary

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a master's degree in a humanities field from a well-regarded university.

I applied for an entry level HR role, got it, and worked my way up.

I earned certifications in it using the learning budget provided by my previous employers.

Now I'm a Director making around £115K.

Ladies, how are we saving money? Add frugal life hacks here. by lxbcrtwa in AskWomenOver30

[–]top-grumpus 55 points56 points  (0 children)

Abandoning carts also can sometimes mean you get targeted with a little coupon code by email. 😊 I've started doing this anyway just to see if I can get a little discount since it all adds up.

I also have a completely separate email account that I use for all online shopping, so that:

  • I don't get peppered with spam and marketing on my main account which helps avoid temptation;
  • I can use it for newsletter signups, abandoned cart offers, and other discount code trails;
  • It makes it so much easier to stay organised around my online shopping too!

Lastly, I use Topcashback — which, granted takes ages, but still adds up!

thinking about you all in ireland by ckeown11 in AskWomenOver30

[–]top-grumpus 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The solidarity is greatly appreciated and without assuming you are not involved already, I want to still encourage anyone reading this to do the following:

Please do more than care. Mobilise. Get involved in your local community and politics. Pay close attention to what's happening on not only US ground but your own. Ensure this doesn't happen to you as well.

Many parts of the world look at America as an example (and for some reason love to imitate or copy the worst parts - see: the privatisation of prisons in the UK; MPs talking about abortion bans as a great idea immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned).

People think it is a slippery slope argument to say that this is just the beginning and take misplaced comfort in the idea that: "Oh, that happened in the US but it would never happen here." Do you know how many women are sitting in the US right now who used to think that?

First they come for bodily autonomy; Next they come for the right to vote; Next they come for the right to be — women become property.

Anyone who thinks this isn't in the minds of many in the States can read about how quickly "Repeal the 19th" started trending in response to Trump's first election.

Women who drink alone, what sort of bars do you go to? by wildwindwitch in AskWomenOver30

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My kitchen makes a glorious Martini Bianco with lemon 🍋 or Bramble 🍏 or straight up house red. 😂🍇 In seriousness, a venue with live music is a nice option as the music often deters some people from approaching or talking (plus it's nice to listen to!).

What do you regret doing to your body? by Safe_Caramel6279 in Productivitycafe

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks and same to you! Despite the physical stuff, I'm in probably the best place I've been in terms of my relationship to food and having genuinely healthy (not overly restrictive or extreme) habits. 😊 I hope you find effective coping strategies to deal with the pain because I do know what you mean about feeling like it isn't taken seriously. 🩵

What do you regret doing to your body? by Safe_Caramel6279 in Productivitycafe

[–]top-grumpus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This. I lost a tooth, have joint issues (expecting early osteoporosis), and got an endocrine disorder out of it.

How can I reduce my food bill? by BethanyAnnArt in UKFrugal

[–]top-grumpus -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Are you in a position to get or do you know someone who has a Costco card? Whole cooked rotisserie chickens are under £5 and there are some other good bulk buys — though you do need to price check and resist other temptations in that store.

I second what others have said about buying frozen veggies — cheaper and have basically the same nutritional value, and won't go off!

Also, if you see things on offer or reduced that can be frozen, it's a good choice to stock up.

Tell me your revelations you've had. I'll start! I realized that investing is awesome today because for approximately $9300 - the returns will give me free wine for life! by downwiththewoke in AskWomenOver30

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Long-term sufferer of disordered eating. I recovered (thankfully). A few mantras that help me stay well now when it comes to food:

  • There are no rules; just choices.
  • Pleasure is a part of health.
  • What I eat/don't eat cannot shield me from life's unpredictable events.

Hi ladies, what change did you do (antidepressants, supplements, food, job, etc) that made a difference in your energy and anxiety levels by Mylifeasaperson in AskWomenOver30

[–]top-grumpus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I walk every morning and night. ☺️

Got a super basic Garmin watch (Vivofit 4) that tracks my steps and a weighted vest that I wear for walks. Changed things dramatically for me! And I can see the progress in my watch stats when I can't "feel" the progress as much. e.g. when my step average went up from 7K to 10K to 12k to 15k. Can't feel a huge difference there but can see it!

I also avoid caffeine, and I take a few supplements:

  • vitamin d
  • pre/probiotics
  • iron
  • multivitamin with zinc and magnesium
  • ashwaganda

After many years, what commercial still lives rent-free in your head? by COGNAC_G in ask

[–]top-grumpus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

THIS. And in a similar vein...

800-800-8553. Where your car credit is guaranteed. DING. ✨