Debt Dumpers 2025

[disney-inspired]

This is where online shopping helps us. I don’t go browsing through stores because that’s their goal, to get us in there to make impulse purchases.
I unsubscribed to all stores’ weekly sales emails.

Most importantly, we weigh in mind every purchase, whether it’s in store or online, with “Is this a need or a want?”
Not that all wants are bad but it reminds us that a lot of wants may be unnecessary spending.

I do target pick ups - mostly because I don't feel like going into the store LOL - but it def does prevent overspending on impulse buying.

 

[ironz]

I'm currently in credit cycle - pay some off, spend some - rinse & repeat. I'm trying to get out of it asap.

I'm trying to decide when to move to Texas - my sister closes on her house this Friday. I'm flying out with them first week of June to help them get settled (likely as a kid watcher) as I had SW flight credit that was due to expire.
I'm trying to decide if I want to move before our big WDW/USO trip or after it.

Initial moving in costs seem to be much lower than that of CA as these places don't require a big security deposit (or any at all if your credit is good).
My biggest expenses would be furnishing the place but I'm only buying essentials at the start (bed, sofa, work desk, desk chair and a couple of lamps). I'm keeping detailed notes on apts I want to see, furniture I plan on buying (with prices), and expected monthly budget. I'm planning on scheduling apt tours the last day I'm there in June to finalize my decision -

I see you mentioned apartment living. But if you are looking at buying in Texas, our property taxes go up nearly every year, not like California where it is more steady. For some, it can make a difference.

 

[disney-inspired]

I see you mentioned apartment living. But if you are looking at buying in Texas, our property taxes go up nearly every year, not like California where it is more steady. For some, it can make a difference.

I won't be buying - not something I'm interested in. My sister and BIL are the ones who bought a house and he's a veteran, so no property taxes

 

[DisneyTexan]

It's crazy how many options there are for electric in Texas - I have to shop around for the right provider.

I recommend just getting a short term contract (like a few months) and then worrying about it more when its time to renew or switch providers. The providers vary the price by usage, and its hard to just guess on your usage before moving in.

Be sure to use powertochoose dot org to shop the rates. There are lots of copycat websites out there that will try to trick you with fees and inadequate information.

 

[barkley]

I recommend just getting a short term contract (like a few months) and then worrying about it more when its time to renew or switch providers. The providers vary the price by usage, and its hard to just guess on your usage before moving in.

Be sure to use powertochoose dot org to shop the rates. There are lots of copycat websites out there that will try to trick you with fees and inadequate information.

this is so alien to me. we only had the one provider available to us in California so no choice but the evil for profit, then we move to Washington State and we are in a zone that has a (then) 70 year old non profit consumer owned power company that operates with monies back to us periodically when their income margins exceed their operating costs. I can't imagine multiple providers or contracts.

so do companies try to entice customers in like the cell phone companies-lower rate lock if you commit to a longer contract?

 

[DisneyTexan]

this is so alien to me. we only had the one provider available to us in California so no choice but the evil for profit, then we move to Washington State and we are in a zone that has a (then) 70 year old non profit consumer owned power company that operates with monies back to us periodically when their income margins exceed their operating costs. I can't imagine multiple providers or contracts.

so do companies try to entice customers in like the cell phone companies-lower rate lock if you commit to a longer contract?

Yes. And lots of cash back deals in exchange for higher rates. And then there are the time-of-use contracts, where weekends are free, or nights are free. Its complicated, that's for sure.