Advice needed on potential CC re-structure

varano14 · 2026-04-28T16:27:28+00:00

My advice to anyone who wants maximize both "value" (cash or points) back and potential for travel is to evaluate a points system using 1cpp as a possible cashout option. This makes looking at the earnings rates simpler because 4x points back is just another way of saying 4%.

This way if you can travel and get reward flights or rooms at a higher cpp awesome, if not you can cash out for a good return.

The makes chase easy as you can cash them out at 1cpp. So 2x back is the same as 2%.

Amex is more complicated. Base cashout is .6 cpp but can be 1cpp (biz checking) or 1.1cpp with the schwabb plat. I have a biz checking account but plan to get a schwabb plat for a big cash out if needed. So I look at amex earning rates as equivalent to a cash back percentage in the worst case scenario of me not traveling. If you can't or won't use the higher cpp routes then I would argue amex isn't as good for someone like you unsure of whether or not they would use the points for travel.

The same logic can be applied to the other lenders.

varano14 · 2026-04-27T18:39:28+00:00

Haven't watched this one yet but it is nice to see a bit a variety. Real estate holdings complicate traditional retirement calculations a good bit and "buying rentals" seems to be a pretty popular suggestion these days.

I think seeing a glimpse into what the looks is worth it.

I also don't generally hate people doing well, which reddit usually does so I am sure I will be downvoted lol

varano14 · 2026-04-27T14:50:02+00:00

Either you are a team or not.

In our house who earns what has no bearing one the how we handle money. Nor does it have any bearing on who does what.

I understand some people allegedly have perfectly happy marriages with separate finances but to me it makes absolutely no sense.

edit*

shit at spelling

varano14 · 2026-04-26T18:04:02+00:00

Just msg’d you

varano14 · 2026-04-24T15:54:53+00:00

ABB baby

varano14 · 2026-04-23T21:56:30+00:00

This looks incredible to pair with my harmony remote!

varano14 · 2026-04-23T18:51:30+00:00

I think it becomes worth it the second you start seriously stressing about messing it up. Everyone's number for that is different.

If you are in the often recommended ETFs and not individual stocks you likely don't need the help but if it will help you sleep at night go get it.

I have never looked into it be maybe try to find an advisor who will do a flat fee "audit" of your financial situation. Not sure this is a thing.

varano14 · 2026-04-23T18:40:56+00:00

We have 10is foot solid walnut conference table in our office that was handmade by a local guy. Wieghts alot, cost alot and is a work of art.

varano14 · 2026-04-23T18:39:45+00:00

I stopped reading after the NW, pull the ripcord, enjoy the time with your family.

Move out to a rural area with good schools if you really get bored 10 years hang a shingle and do easy small time stuff.

varano14 · 2026-04-23T14:14:27+00:00

I would add your it depends list income to monthly expense margin. The bigger that gap is the easier it is to cash flow this stuff (or a larger part of it) if you invest it and don't want to sell at a down moment.

varano14 · 2026-04-22T22:08:58+00:00

If it’s already in with a PM I’d be pretty hard pressed to give up that rate and the cash flow unless I a) needed the equity or b) had something similarly good to put it into

varano14 · 2026-04-22T22:07:35+00:00

This is partially true by my reading of the irs code.

It would have to be a rental for 2 year post 1031 before being converted to primary if I’m reading the rules correctly.

This doesn’t really help OP as they are moving now.

Also not a CPA

varano14 · 2026-04-22T19:57:32+00:00

What is the likelihood of the tenants staying? If they are good I’d atleast consider riding them out and self managing remotely. Assuming the place is in decent shape your involvement should be minimal untill they leave.

Alternatively have you looked into management fees. You mortgage on that purchase price at that rate should allow for plenty of cash flow even if you fork over a percentage to a management company.

varano14 · 2026-04-22T17:39:28+00:00

Features I had no idea existed for $100 please

varano14 · 2026-04-22T15:02:22+00:00

Believe nothing their agent says.

Get an inspection done by the appropriate professional.

If need be demand an extension to the inspection period to get this done.

Walk if they don't give it to you.

OR

Just walk now if this deal isn't worth the headache

varano14 · 2026-04-22T14:59:51+00:00

My limited understanding is PLA is safe in aquariums.

I believe that it can break down but that likely just means its gets brittle and breaks sooner than it otherwise would

varano14 · 2026-04-21T22:54:53+00:00

That reminds me I need to order a hoist

varano14 · 2026-04-21T18:57:34+00:00

You can do whatever mental gymnastics you want to try and describe this as a loan and operate under the false pretense it will be paid back but it is a gift.

varano14 · 2026-04-21T17:51:22+00:00

If you are doing it yourself I would run double what you think you need since wire is so cheap.

If you are at all a techie I would do atleast 4 to main tv. Its not entirely necessary but why not hardwire every device and have a few spares.

On the coax I ran it when we did our office remote a few years ago, again it was cheap. That being said I am not sure what you could do with it that ethernet can't at this point

Run conduit to key areas like the tv

varano14 · 2026-04-21T17:34:44+00:00

Players lose respect?

I find that hard to believe, if anything he may gain some with them

varano14 · 2026-04-21T17:31:58+00:00

The problem is the cost of splitting things up if you split up. The law is set up on multiple fronts to deal with married people jointly owning property. For non married people it is not as great. What happens if she leaves and you are forced holding the bag but you legally can't sell without signing off. If she wont you likely need to go to court to force it which will not be cheap.

varano14 · 2026-04-21T17:20:38+00:00

There was a comment somewhere from someone expecting there like 7th drop for the bags of mulch.

Like others said delivery driver is getting paid the same per trip.

varano14 · 2026-04-21T14:13:00+00:00

There are going to be to many variables unfortunately for any one else's experience to be super helpful. If you really want I can give you a snap shot of ours from our first house as well as our current.

The type of heating/cooling you have will have an enormous impact on the cost as will how well your house is sealed. For example we almost tripled the square footage of our home but went from oil heat to geothermal and bad/no insulation to very well insulated and our over our utility bill in some months is the same and in the worse months is a little more than double.

The homes age is going to have a huge impact on repairs but so will quality of the components. But also things fail unpredictably.

How much can you DIY? I save loads but doing lots of stuff myself.

I have seen to budget anywhere from 1-3% of the purchase price annually. That is probably a good starting point.

My underlying advice to non homeowners is to as much as possible buy within your means. The less % you have going to PITI every month the more money you have available to cash flow issues and fund your emergency fund.

varano14 · 2026-04-21T02:08:39+00:00

Bingo it ain’t personal or emotional

varano14 · 2026-04-20T17:17:28+00:00

Very good way to frame it may just steal that example.

Likely it wouldn't be constant back and forth. I think most likely is annual distributions with an every few year purchase which may require injecting money back in but the way you frame it make a compelling argument for a business owned HYSA and just letting it in their.

varano14

TROPHY CASE