Debt Dumpers - 2016

[DisneyMandC]

Do you have an FSA?

I think we have an HSA, so I guess similar? Not sure what the process is on having that pay out though, it's through DH's work. I'll have to check with him.

 

[Ngwira]

I know there is a difference but fsa lets you put pre tax dollars away to pay medical expenses. At my job, we get a debit card that we can use to pay all medical expenses. It's like a visa card that you swipe. We use it for copays and prescriptions.
You should definitely look into it.

 

[Ngwira]

We go on vacation tomorrow and even though I really need a break from real life, I'm anxious. Which is not like me before a well-needed vacation. I mean, I'm a big worrier, but usually on vacation I really can use it as an escape.

Not looking forward to starting the whole credit card debt thing again, but since I was laid off, we haven't been able to save what we would have for the rest of the trip. Anxious that I'll be missing out on a great job posting, or a call back, even though I plan to bring a laptop with me. Checked back in with the company that screened me and due to unforeseen circumstances, they are behind on their next steps, so I'm nervous they'll want to do a phone interview while I'm gone and I'll have to figure out when to make that work, but then more nervous that they will pass me over bc I'll be away for two weeks. Anxious that DS and I will go over our data for our international plan (200mb each and 25 cents overage for each mb and we'll be out of the country for 11 days) even though we plan to only use the free wifi. I just reminded him that when we're in the car from one city to the next, he can't be watching movie trailers etc. Nervous about eating in restaurants for two weeks straight bc I have GERD and IBS and need to make good choices All.The.Time if I'll be eating out that much Anxious because I have back and hip issues and lots of hours in the car can be uncomfortable. (Yes, I sound like I'm an old lady but only in my mid-40s). And finally....two weeks with my family pretty much in one room...I know everyone will get on my nerves at some point. They always do when we're away for only one week! (Not to mention no night-time privacy (cough, cough, lol) for that long either).

Sigh, vacation should be fun, right?

Are you back yet? When is your job interview?

 

[DisneyMandC]

I know there is a difference but fsa lets you put pre tax dollars away to pay medical expenses. At my job, we get a debit card that we can use to pay all medical expenses. It's like a visa card that you swipe. We use it for copays and prescriptions.
You should definitely look into it.

I believe ours is also pre-tax. I know it paid for my visit to an allergist back in May because I had no clue what my copay was for a specialist when I showed up for my appointment. They told me they would just bill me and when I checked online later, my HSA had paid my $30 copay in addition to insurance paying for the remainder of the visit!

 

[Ngwira]

There probably is. This is a large farming area. If you eat riceland rice, there is a good chance it was grown within 50 miles of my house. Even though I've "lived" here for 7 years, I really feel like I just sleep here and do all my living somewhere else. 45 mile drive for work (teaching), weekend job (which I quit the other day to focus on my masters program) (and visiting with parents) is 250 mile round trip, and my summer job is 170 miles away. So, even though I sleep in my house 6 nights a week 10 months a year, I leave before anything opens and return after everything closes.



Arkansas is a beautiful place to live, if you can get through the summer heat and humidity. I've said my entire life that this is the place to retire to. It is rural enough that you never feel crowded; it has large(ish) cities scattered that have high quality hospitals for medical, and varieties of entertainment and dining options; and it is really cheap to live here so the retirement dollars go further. Granted, we don't have an ocean, but (depending on the area of the state) the gulf is between 6 and 10 hours away. Close enough if you lived in the southern half to easily do weekend trips. And the northern quarter has the Ozarks, and while not as striking as the Rockies they are some really beautiful mountains (though, there are a lot of people who live there that are pretty stereotypical hillbillies ).



lol, I know. I have looked at moving out of state a couple of times. But, when I compare the CoL in the places I want to go to, the salary that they pay teachers is significantly below the recommended income needed to maintain my level of living if I stay here. The one I remember most clearly was looking at moving to Houston TX a couple of years ago, teacher salaries were in the $55-$60k range, but to live in the metro area at the same standard I have here I would need to make at least $70k per year.

What I really need is to find a school that pays New York salaries, but lets me live here. Best of most worlds.

How are you doing? How's the car? Are you excited about heading back to the classroom?

 

[Ngwira]

I believe ours is also pre-tax. I know it paid for my visit to an allergist back in May because I had no clue what my copay was for a specialist when I showed up for my appointment. They told me they would just bill me and when I checked online later, my HSA had paid my $30 copay in addition to insurance paying for the remainder of the visit!

It's awesome. We haven't had any out of pocket medical because of our FSA. The trick is figuring out how much to contribute at the beginning of the year because you use it or lose it.

 

[amalone1013]

I think we have an HSA, so I guess similar? Not sure what the process is on having that pay out though, it's through DH's work. I'll have to check with him.

I know there is a difference but fsa lets you put pre tax dollars away to pay medical expenses. At my job, we get a debit card that we can use to pay all medical expenses. It's like a visa card that you swipe. We use it for copays and prescriptions.
You should definitely look into it.

FSA is the flexible spending account, you contribute pre-tax dollars, but you have to use it by the end of the year or you lose the money. That's why it's hard to figure out what to contribute as @Ngwira said

HSA is a health savings account. You contribute pre-tax dollars, and anything left in the account stays in it - you never lose it. It also earns interest. I have one of these, and I got a Visa card for it. As long as you use it on health related spending your're good!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

FSA is the flexible spending account, you contribute pre-tax dollars, but you have to use it by the end of the year or you lose the money. That's why it's hard to figure out what to contribute as @Ngwira said

HSA is a health savings account. You contribute pre-tax dollars, and anything left in the account stays in it - you never lose it. It also earns interest. I have one of these, and I got a Visa card for it. As long as you use it on health related spending your're good!

The FSA is available with a traditional employer health plan. HSA is only available for a high deductible health plan. This site gives a good comparison chart:

http://www.diffen.com/difference/FSA_vs_HSA

 

[DisneyMandC]

FSA is the flexible spending account, you contribute pre-tax dollars, but you have to use it by the end of the year or you lose the money. That's why it's hard to figure out what to contribute as @Ngwira said

HSA is a health savings account. You contribute pre-tax dollars, and anything left in the account stays in it - you never lose it. It also earns interest. I have one of these, and I got a Visa card for it. As long as you use it on health related spending your're good!

The FSA is available with a traditional employer health plan. HSA is only available for a high deductible health plan. This site gives a good comparison chart:

http://www.diffen.com/difference/FSA_vs_HSA

Thanks! Ours is definitely HSA because we had some roll over from last year. We would never be able to use everything in one year with an FSA since we don't have kids or a whole lot to pay out of pocket for. I don't think it's been used other than my allergist appointment. I'm not sure ours earns interest though, I'll have to look into that.

We have a $3700 deductible, which doesn't seem so bad to me. Maybe I'm used to crappy insurance though?

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Thanks! Ours is definitely HSA because we had some roll over from last year. We would never be able to use everything in one year with an FSA since we don't have kids or a whole lot to pay out of pocket for. I don't think it's been used other than my allergist appointment. I'm not sure ours earns interest though, I'll have to look into that.

We have a $3700 deductible, which doesn't seem so bad to me. Maybe I'm used to crappy insurance though?

I have a traditional health plan through my university. I have no deductible at all and pay $20 co-pay at my primary doctor and $30 co-pay for specialists. I also have an FSA and I plan out my contributions by what I think I might need for the next year. It isn't perfect, but so far I have been able to plan pretty well. My employer gives us 15 months to use the money instead of the normal 12 months. This really helps with using it all up before the money expires. I can use the FSA for co-pays, medication and many over the counter items. When I have ended up with money close to the expiration period I have used it for stocking up on such items as a digital thermometer, an electric heating blanket and prescription sunglasses.

 

[crazycatstacy]

We have had a terrible financial summer. We live in South Dakota and at the end of May my brother (lives in Florida) called me at work and requested that I immediately come get my 6 year old nephew (he is having severe marital issues). So my husband and I drove to meet him. We drove about 1300 miles each way. He brought my nephew with a kindle, and a suitcase full of clothes that a cat had obviously peed on (my brother is not the greatest). So we had to buy clothes, toys, and a bed for him.

Then we had to put him in daycare and because his parents suck we paid $2000 in dental work for him. I would pay anything though because we adore him.

We then spent the summer spoiling him, doing activities, and eating out. Then we had to take him home end of July (my heart broke). We are now trying to get back on the debt dumping and money saving wagon but it is sure tough once you've been off it a while!!

Since our nephew has returned home my husband has been working a ton of overtime and we are hopeful to pay extra payments on our car payment in September so it is paid off in December. Then we are rolling car payment to vacation fund. We should put it toward debt but we have vacations planned and we might as well pay cash since we aren't cancelling.

Anyway, that's been my summer!

 

[DnA2010]

We have had a terrible financial summer. We live in South Dakota and at the end of May my brother (lives in Florida) called me at work and requested that I immediately come get my 6 year old nephew (he is having severe marital issues). So my husband and I drove to meet him. We drove about 1300 miles each way. He brought my nephew with a kindle, and a suitcase full of clothes that a cat had obviously peed on (my brother is not the greatest). So we had to buy clothes, toys, and a bed for him.

Then we had to put him in daycare and because his parents suck we paid $2000 in dental work for him. I would pay anything though because we adore him.

We then spent the summer spoiling him, doing activities, and eating out. Then we had to take him home end of July (my heart broke). We are now trying to get back on the debt dumping and money saving wagon but it is sure tough once you've been off it a while!!

Since our nephew has returned home my husband has been working a ton of overtime and we are hopeful to pay extra payments on our car payment in September so it is paid off in December. Then we are rolling car payment to vacation fund. We should put it toward debt but we have vacations planned and we might as well pay cash since we aren't cancelling.

Anyway, that's been my summer!

You are amazing for doing all that for your nephew xx

 

[crazycatstacy]

You are amazing for doing all that for your nephew xx

Thank you I have a daughter from my first marriage and my current husband (who is her dad in every way but biology) and I were not able to have any children. We always say there was a mix up and he was supposed to be ours so we would move the earth for him

 

[momtosam]

We have had a terrible financial summer. We live in South Dakota and at the end of May my brother (lives in Florida) called me at work and requested that I immediately come get my 6 year old nephew (he is having severe marital issues). So my husband and I drove to meet him. We drove about 1300 miles each way. He brought my nephew with a kindle, and a suitcase full of clothes that a cat had obviously peed on (my brother is not the greatest). So we had to buy clothes, toys, and a bed for him.

Then we had to put him in daycare and because his parents suck we paid $2000 in dental work for him. I would pay anything though because we adore him.

We then spent the summer spoiling him, doing activities, and eating out. Then we had to take him home end of July (my heart broke). We are now trying to get back on the debt dumping and money saving wagon but it is sure tough once you've been off it a while!!

Since our nephew has returned home my husband has been working a ton of overtime and we are hopeful to pay extra payments on our car payment in September so it is paid off in December. Then we are rolling car payment to vacation fund. We should put it toward debt but we have vacations planned and we might as well pay cash since we aren't cancelling.

Anyway, that's been my summer!

You are a wonderful Aunt. Family first, the rest can come later!

 

[Eureka]

Are you back yet? When is your job interview?

Nope, now we're in Montreal!

The interview is late next week. It's a job that I know I could do, and sounds interesting, but the drive would be very long (an hour away with no traffic so at least 90 min during rush hour probably) and when I asked about telecommuting, they said "maybe" one day a week after being there a year. Also, when HR asked my salary requirements, her voice changed and she said "Oh. The highest we can start someone at for this position is [$9k less than what I was making when I was laid off]." I told her I was flexible and would still like to talk to them and she told me about the benefits, including a very generous 401k matching and free parking (which is awesome in the DC area) so that would make up some of the difference. Honestly, it's the commuting that bothers me more than the money. I had to go in every day to my old job for almost a year, 90+ min most days and it was so draining.

But, obviously there's no offer yet, so we'll see what happens. I pretty much have to take a job I'm offered or else I won't get any more unemployment benefits but it doesn't mean I can't keep looking for something that's an even better fit.

 

[bcwife76]

We have had a terrible financial summer. We live in South Dakota and at the end of May my brother (lives in Florida) called me at work and requested that I immediately come get my 6 year old nephew (he is having severe marital issues). So my husband and I drove to meet him. We drove about 1300 miles each way. He brought my nephew with a kindle, and a suitcase full of clothes that a cat had obviously peed on (my brother is not the greatest). So we had to buy clothes, toys, and a bed for him.

Then we had to put him in daycare and because his parents suck we paid $2000 in dental work for him. I would pay anything though because we adore him.

We then spent the summer spoiling him, doing activities, and eating out. Then we had to take him home end of July (my heart broke). We are now trying to get back on the debt dumping and money saving wagon but it is sure tough once you've been off it a while!!

Since our nephew has returned home my husband has been working a ton of overtime and we are hopeful to pay extra payments on our car payment in September so it is paid off in December. Then we are rolling car payment to vacation fund. We should put it toward debt but we have vacations planned and we might as well pay cash since we aren't cancelling.

Anyway, that's been my summer!

Oh my gosh, you are amazing, both of you! You gave him a great summer. I hope he's ok back at home.

 

[PrincessKymm]

Nope, now we're in Montreal!

The interview is late next week. It's a job that I know I could do, and sounds interesting, but the drive would be very long (an hour away with no traffic so at least 90 min during rush hour probably) and when I asked about telecommuting, they said "maybe" one day a week after being there a year. Also, when HR asked my salary requirements, her voice changed and she said "Oh. The highest we can start someone at for this position is [$9k less than what I was making when I was laid off]." I told her I was flexible and would still like to talk to them and she told me about the benefits, including a very generous 401k matching and free parking (which is awesome in the DC area) so that would make up some of the difference. Honestly, it's the commuting that bothers me more than the money. I had to go in every day to my old job for almost a year, 90+ min most days and it was so draining.

But, obviously there's no offer yet, so we'll see what happens. I pretty much have to take a job I'm offered or else I won't get any more unemployment benefits but it doesn't mean I can't keep looking for something that's an even better fit.

Could you ask for different hours? Like maybe going in earlier and getting out earlier? Might save some time on commuting. I don't know if your home life would allow this but it's worth considering!

 

[Eureka]

Could you ask for different hours? Like maybe going in earlier and getting out earlier? Might save some time on commuting. I don't know if your home life would allow this but it's worth considering!

I plan on asking their policies about a flex schedule. DH works 7-4 and goes into his office 3-4 times a week. (And still has 2-HR drives home). On the days he's not working from home, we've kind of needed me to start work later on my commuting days so I could leave after DS13 gets on the bus (to make sure he doesn't go back to sleep in the morning!). Earlier would be better for me since both kids have after school stuff they need rides from, but we'll figure it out if it comes to that.

I also sent some "cold call" emails last week to companies in my town and the next asking about their communcations/writing/marketing needs (not many places and not sure they are big enough to have many full time employees). I did get an email back from one guy asking to call him and we can talk. Not expecting much but even if I did something part time and also freelanced, it could work for awhile. Not long term bc we need to be able to go back to funding the 401k and 529s.

 

[Ngwira]

Nope, now we're in Montreal!

The interview is late next week. It's a job that I know I could do, and sounds interesting, but the drive would be very long (an hour away with no traffic so at least 90 min during rush hour probably) and when I asked about telecommuting, they said "maybe" one day a week after being there a year. Also, when HR asked my salary requirements, her voice changed and she said "Oh. The highest we can start someone at for this position is [$9k less than what I was making when I was laid off]." I told her I was flexible and would still like to talk to them and she told me about the benefits, including a very generous 401k matching and free parking (which is awesome in the DC area) so that would make up some of the difference. Honestly, it's the commuting that bothers me more than the money. I had to go in every day to my old job for almost a year, 90+ min most days and it was so draining.

But, obviously there's no offer yet, so we'll see what happens. I pretty much have to take a job I'm offered or else I won't get any more unemployment benefits but it doesn't mean I can't keep looking for something that's an even better fit.

As you said, it's not a solid offer but at least you could interview for practice and it's always easier to get something else when you have a current job. Good luck.
I hope you are enjoying Montreal. The next time we go to Canada (5 years), we plan to visit Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa. We liked Toronto but want to explore other Canadian cities. Vancouver is a goal, as well.

 

[Ngwira]

Just met the minimum spend on one Amtrak card by buying a Groupon for Power Washing our home. It's going in the sock drawer now so I can use the other one. DH also met the minimum spend on his Amtrak card so we will soon have enough points for our train next year. Waiting for my ebates check for the 2nd quarter to add to souvenir/tip money.

I did schedule the third termite inspection for next week. I checked my car loan and the next payment is due in March 2018.