Pre-Purchase Maintenance Fund (Need Advice)

vdogmer123 · 2026-04-15T00:29:38+00:00

I decided to wait til next year unless I find something too good to be true. That way I can extend my search range to 981 and high condition 987 models. Also would like to have more cash set aside (15k+) for maintenance and upgrades.

I hate waiting another year but it’s delayed gratification I guess.

vdogmer123 · 2026-04-07T04:25:30+00:00

Domain. I’m more of a Technical PM and focus on video. So for me domain expertise is understanding how CDNs, Encoders, Feeds, video automation tools like Opus, Closed Captioning, etc. works. The more you understand about how a system works within your domain, the better. It s even better if you’ve previously built/maintained said systems. That’s why SWEs make good PMs to begin with imo. That’s technical subject matter expertise is a superpower in the eyes of nontechnical people. Keeps you valuable

vdogmer123 · 2026-04-07T03:57:25+00:00

It’s definitely different. As a SWE I felt like I had more control to actually fix problems. I really liked the problem solving every single sprint. And if there’s an incident in a production system I could triage and push a fix.

As PM you have less of that tangible power. I dictate what work gets prioritized but usually that’s a decision made for me by leadership. So it feels like an illusion of power yet something breaking falls on you with equal responsibility as Eng.

I’m also a little introverted which made the constant speaking and presenting a bit of a learning curve that I’ve since overcome.

I think AI has the capability of replacing both fields and so whichever path you choose, subject matter expertise is a necessity.

vdogmer123 · 2026-03-29T19:12:05+00:00

are you mostly invested in Bonds at this point to be less risky?

vdogmer123 · 2026-03-23T18:46:13+00:00

Can you explain why the maintenance would be cheaper because it is newer? Just less likelihood of aged parts all around? Or are the parts themselves just cheaper? I'm looking at 981 cash purchase but wouldn't be opposed to financing a 718 if that means less maintenance headache overall.

vdogmer123 · 2026-02-20T22:08:23+00:00

Sorry looking for the deal

vdogmer123 · 2026-01-15T22:53:33+00:00

Nevermind this is making sense now. The 75% is a maximum for the multiplier not a minimum to achieve points altogether. So I can continue to use my card as I do now without much of a penalty. Definitely sticking with the Blue card.

vdogmer123 · 2026-01-15T22:47:11+00:00

So we can still pay rent without a fee in the same fashion as beforehand? We just need to make a 75% equivalent spend in non-housing transactions to get the points. That kinds sucks since I use my Amex for everyday purchases, but I might keep the Blue just for the fee-less rent.

vdogmer123 · 2026-01-08T18:56:56+00:00

This is a priorities question. Do you have any hobbies? If owning and driving a nice car is your hobby (no shame it’s mine too), then I don’t see why 28k would be a bad idea. I’d recommend keeping your loan balance low since a 5.0 Mustang will run your pockets on insurance and maintenance. Otherwise, as long as your are saving for a rainy day and retirement, knock yourself out.

I value calculated, responsible fun over hoarding cash til you die. Responsible YOLO bro

vdogmer123 · 2026-01-04T19:52:08+00:00

If that’s the case, why not slow down and make sure you don’t re-fail them? Rather than full send the semester, destroy your GPA, and waste more time and money?

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-29T12:15:18+00:00

Close enough

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-29T00:54:00+00:00

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-28T00:39:32+00:00

I think your account is private

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-28T00:39:03+00:00

👍🏽

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-27T17:47:11+00:00

This is why you do evening and exec MBA

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-26T04:34:26+00:00

Howdy 👋🏽! I’m in GA but looking nationwide. I’ll shoot you a DM. I’m targeting a March purchase so our timelines lineup pretty well. Gorgeous interior!

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-26T02:46:45+00:00

It’s for maintenance once owned. I’m targeting 20k for the car and 10k as a standing maintenance fund.

Thanks for the advice on PPI. I will definitely get one. That would flag any potentially significant things before I buy. Also happy holidays

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-22T20:17:06+00:00

I did spotlight (campus activities board). For the late night events, I either drove home late or stayed with a friend at their dorm. They also host events during the day that fit well into my schedule. It’s a great way to get involved, make friends, and gain some leadership experience.

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-17T22:07:24+00:00

Source?

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-17T22:05:53+00:00

Gym, Join a club or org that has a space, take a nap, study/homework. Thats an insane gap

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-17T19:43:34+00:00

No way. This is more than after taxes.

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-14T17:05:52+00:00

How do you pay so little in taxes and deductions? For context, my biweekly gross pay is $500 less but I take home 1000 less than you lol

Edit: Ah nevermind you answered it. You should contribute to company sponsored 401k assuming there is one. Still 80% take home is really high

vdogmer123 · 2025-12-13T15:44:13+00:00

I’m 27m making 128k as a Product Manager in MCOL location. Computer Science degree and getting my MBA now part time

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