I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[wendow]

I hope she’s been seen or transferred to a high level university type hospital for an opinion. I work at a community hospital and while I trust the docs I work with, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a family member transferred if something rare/unusual happened. I really hope she can heal and recover.

Sadly, the first place they took her, and where she had the emergency surgery, is a small community hospital. She was there, in their ICU, for 3 weeks. Then transferred to Baylor back & spine rehab place in downtown Dallas. That would be the biggest (most 'university' type) place she was seen. There for 2 weeks. Then small rehab place. And today moved to an assisted nursing where people go for rehab. My FIL just does exactly what the doctors tell him so he'd never question anything.

 

[wendow]

If they can afford it, holding out is the best bet. Many insurance companies will try to prolong things so the person has to settle for a lower offer when they can no longer afford to wait. It happened to an acquaintance, she was t-boned by a Pepsi truck, in a wheelchair for years, couldn’t work, etc. She was the breadwinner. Fortunately they had a lot of savings and her husband was able to bring in some income as well, they didn’t need the settlement to pay bills. But the insurance company was pretty much waiting for her to run out of money and settle. She waited them out (plus got a tip from a cop who had seen the red light camera footage and encouraged her to stick it out)

My FIL is still working but not sure how much longer he can do so. Once they send my MIL home (couple mos more I think), unless there has been great improvement, he will have to retire early. They do not have savings. Their house is paid off and has good value though so if they can sell it and buy something less expensive, maybe they'd be okay for awhile. Hopefully their lawyers encourage them to hold out too. My MIL has never worked so no loss of income there.

 

[kmc8826]

@wendow I am sorry to hear your news. I saw that the thread had moved so quickly today and I was hoping it was good news as the reason. Sad to see that’s not the case.

@Lain thanks to yours and others help I have about half the MR’s you have right now...366,488 specifically. Seeing as last year at this time I did not have any at all I figure that is pretty good.

I am new to Ebates as I just started when they added it to have it for redemption in the form of MR’s a couple months ago. I am sad to ay that I have made three purchases as I have been swayed by the !5%. I may or may not have bought the Dooney and Bourke Flower and Garden 2019 purse that is on sale right now. And then bought the bigger one that was also on sale. And then bought some pajamas for the girls. (Plan is to send one of the bags back as I don’t need one even let alone two!)

For those still looking on Ebates you might want to get on Jane.com. It is at 15% too. I have ordered a ton of stuff there over the years...it is almost an alternative to Etsy. If you search Disney they always have some cute different shirts pop up and things like barrettes, pencil cases, etc.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Sadly, the first place they took her, and where she had the emergency surgery, is a small community hospital. She was there, in their ICU, for 3 weeks. Then transferred to Baylor back & spine rehab place in downtown Dallas. That would be the biggest (most 'university' type) place she was seen. There for 2 weeks. Then small rehab place. And today moved to an assisted nursing where people go for rehab. My FIL just does exactly what the doctors tell him so he'd never question anything.

Maybe when your DH is there he can help research if there is any major rehab place she could go. Baylor is pretty big, I think. I know Chicago has a great rehab and great children’s hospital, other than that I’d have to research to find out if I needed anything else (sadly, I regret not doing more research when my dad was diagnosed with cancer)

 

[wendow]

I need to make a $2k'ish purchase at Costco in the next week. Almost done with dh's CIP#2 MSR and only card I have after that is a MC. I'd like to put the purchase towards a MSR. I was thinking about getting the debits at Safeway but those are MC too. I can always just put in on my Costco Visa but surely there is a better way.

I'm over 5/24 so no Chase for me. Dh just got his CIP#2 less than a month ago so too soon for him. I could get dd another Chase biz but she really needs a SW for her trip later this year so I don't want to do anything that could prevent her from getting approved.

 

[Lain]

I need to make a $2k'ish purchase at Costco in the next week. Almost done with dh's CIP#2 MSR and only card I have after that is a MC. I'd like to put the purchase towards a MSR. I was thinking about getting the debits at Safeway but those are MC too. I can always just put in on my Costco Visa but surely there is a better way.

Order Costco Cash cards from costco .com. The website accepts Mastercards (and Visa, Discover, Diner’s Clubs — just NO AMEX!). Use the Costco Cash cards in store.

If you’re buying in volume, you may want to alert your credit card company about the big purchase beforehand, and maybe even chat with a Costco rep to clear your order. I think you can load one Costco Cash card up to $1,000.

Just not sure about the shipping time.

 

[bernina]

All right, my friendly enablers. Apparently I have no willpower. Anyone have any experience with the ebags anti-theft small crossbody bag? I need a travel purse (ok, maybe need is a strong word, but whatever) and if I get this along with the junior motherlode I'm over $100 and it will trigger the amex offer and ebates, so really, it would more than pay for itself (just demonstrating my rationalization skills). Anyway - anyone have any feedback on this one?

https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/anti-theft-small-crossbody/353312?productid=10614510

ETA- I'm being helpful by supplying DH with gifts for the kids to give me for mother's day, therefore avoiding additional expense for things I don't really need. Yay rationalization!

I bought this last year for Disney and loved it. It’s on clearance too (but doesn’t really help you get to the $100 for Amex, maybe you need a cord organizer too )

https://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/anti-theft-mini-shoulder-bag/217139?productid=10267534

 

[wendow]

Order Costco Cash cards from costco .com. The website accepts Mastercards (and Visa, Discover, Diner’s Clubs — just NO AMEX!). Use the Costco Cash cards in store.

If you’re buying in volume, you may want to alert your credit card company about the big purchase beforehand, and maybe even chat with a Costco rep to clear your order. I think you can load one Costco Cash card up to $1,000.

Just not sure about the shipping time.

This is exactly what I will do! Thank you for the suggestion!

 

[miztressuz]

Yikes I thought we had it tough in Texas with our blue laws. We can at least buy beer and wine at most stores, and liquor at the Liquor stores. No liquor sales on Sunday though and beer and wine can't be sold until after 11am.

Wow, I'm surprised we're at little ahead of the curve on something. We have some state stores open on Sunday's, not all of them but a good number now. However it's still engrained to do the liquor run on Saturdays before it's needed for Sunday game day or dinner

I am getting ready to book our cruise on RCCL Oasis of the Seas for December 2020. Prices are great because it is before the Holidays and the kids will just be getting home from college on Winter Break. So, I have about 400,000 UR's right now. Just starting to replenish my stash after using 200,000 from the last cruise. I am having such a hard time parting with these points....

Originally was going to go cheap (as we have other vacations planned for 2020). So, for 4 in an inside cabin (which we have always done 4 in a room and it works) would be about $2100 or with CSR or 140,000 points. Then we have been spoiled with balcony's so I priced us for 4 in a balcony room and it would be $2750 or 183,000 UR's. Then for the heck of it - I priced out 2 Inside Rooms that connect. So kids would have their own room. That would be $3200 or $213,000 UR's. An extra room would be nice but then giving up the balcony. They don't have 2 connecting balconies available (and it was more than I wanted to spend anyway).

I have the points - just hate using them. I like to hoard them. But I know I can get more... I don't know which way to go.. Any suggestions.

I'd probably do the balcony if you could really live with 4 in a room. That seems like a reasonable price for that, assuming you get a little more SQ footage in that room type? But I might be biased being a balcony snob. We don't cruise unless we can get a balcony. Our one exception was a suite with floor to ceiling windows, that was an acceptable substitute

 

[bernina]

@wendow I’m very sorry to hear about your MIL. Sending prayers and positive vibes to you and your family.

 

[bernina]

Wow, I'm surprised we're at little ahead of the curve on something. We have some state stores open on Sunday's, not all of them but a good number now. However it's still engrained to do the liquor run on Saturdays before it's needed for Sunday game day or dinner



I'd probably do the balcony if you could really live with 4 in a room. That seems like a reasonable price for that, assuming you get a little more SQ footage in that room type? But I might be biased being a balcony snob. We don't cruise unless we can get a balcony. Our one exception was a suite with floor to ceiling windows, that was an acceptable substitute

I agree, go for the balcony. Being able to open the door and get fresh air makes a huge difference for me. And honestly the difference isn’t much at all considering what you get.

We were on Oasis last February and absolutely loved it. One of our most favorite cruises (we’ve done 5 Disney and 1 NCL). Our favorite ship so far too. We had a balcony room at the aft end of deck 7 (room 7320) and LOVED the location. There’s a hidden stairway at the end of deck 7 that takes you right down to the boardwalk on 6 next to the aqua theater. Super convenient and we could stand out there and see the show with a great view.

 

[bernina]

So in a very FOMO move, how are my odds at getting approved for the Barclay Business 75K? I have 2 Barclays personal cards (Priceline and what used to be the Sallie Mae MC and is was later changed to a card I never use because it has no benefits). I’ve had these cards since 2013. Priceline is my everyday when I’m not chasing MSR or category bonuses (I’m grandfathered into 2% back on everything and get 5% on travel and 10% back in travel redemptions).

I’m 3/24 with the last 2 being the MDD on 4/16 and 4/17 of this year.

DH is also 3/24 with his most recent app being CIP on 4/16 of this year.

Not sure what bureau they pull but inquiries shouldn’t be a problem for us. We have less than 2 each on any one bureau.

Are we good to apply? Should I apply for us both?

I’m not worried about the extra $2k spend, thanks to @speedyfishy’s tip on reddit and being able to use Plastiq we can make it work (worst case we’ll pay our property taxes early or try the HELOC withdrawal/repay).

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

So in a very FOMO move, how are my odds at getting approved for the Barclay Business 75K? I have 2 Barclays personal cards (Priceline and what used to be the Sallie Mae MC and is was later changed to a card I never use because it has no benefits). I’ve had these cards since 2013. Priceline is my everyday when I’m not chasing MSR or category bonuses (I’m grandfathered into 2% back on everything and get 5% on travel and 10% back in travel redemptions).

I’m 3/24 with the last 2 being the MDD on 4/16 and 4/17 of this year.

DH is also 3/24 with his most recent app being CIP on 4/16 of this year.

Not sure what bureau they pull but inquiries shouldn’t be a problem for us. We have less than 2 each on any one bureau.

Are we good to apply? Should I apply for us both?

I’m not worried about the extra $2k spend, thanks to @speedyfishy’s tip on reddit and being able to use Plastiq we can make it work (worst case we’ll pay our property taxes early or try the HELOC withdrawal/repay).

Barclays can be a fickle beast. It’s always hard to predict who they will like and who they will deny. As best I can tell though, you look to be in good shape for both of you to try.

 

[wanderlust7]

I bought this last year for Disney and loved it. It’s on clearance too (but doesn’t really help you get to the $100 for Amex, maybe you need a cord organizer too )

https://www.ebags.com/product/travelon/anti-theft-mini-shoulder-bag/217139?productid=10267534

I have the exact same one! I like that it has a lot of pockets and is comfortable to wear. More comfortable than some of my other regular crossbody bags, think it's due to the slightly wider strap.

 

[bernina]

I have the exact same one! I like that it has a lot of pockets and is comfortable to wear. More comfortable than some of my other regular crossbody bags, think it's due to the slightly wider strap.

I agree! It took a bit of getting used to because it’s wider and also the way it attaches to the purse sometimes twists, but now it’s my go to bag anytime I want to be hands free but still carry the basics. I’ve even been known to slip a venti Starbucks cup in there to get on a ride. The straw pokes out but no one seems to notice.

 

[bernina]

Barclays can be a fickle beast. It’s always hard to predict who they will like and who they will deny. As best I can tell though, you look to be in good shape for both of you to try.

So this just happened (at past 2am my time).

I should probably get some sleep and tackle DH’s application in the morning.

Edited to add: They pulled TU. I selected Retail Trade - Used Merchandise (I sell on Poshmark, eBay, etc). 4 years in business , 2 employees so I could get card for DH and get the extra 10k miles. $1,500 revenue. The standard I use when applying for business cards (helps to keep my stories straight!).

 

[Hoosier John]

Helpful advice for Beginner?

Email offer Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MC: 65k bonus miles, $4k spend in 4 months; $99 AF waived first year. Good way to start?

Travel between DCA and MCO about 10x per year, but prefer to drive
No fear of flying, I have thousands of hours in the air, just got tired of the hassle
Might enjoy AmTrak Auto train (which I think trades with United Air)
Could also use points for hotels around Disney/Universal
Prefer to use toward mortgage if there's a way with Mr Cooper (apparently the largest non-bank lender, who bought my mortgage)
Credit Karma score around 810 (Discover FICO 795)
Married, but I don't think wife will play until I can prove it's valuable

All of my cards are personal and no AF. Recent cards:
10/17 PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature (5% gas / 3% grocery)
01/18 PenFed Power Cash Visa Signature (2% everything)
11/18 Barclays Uber Visa (4% dining)
Also 2 Chase Feedoms from the 1990s (one has $4k balance at 4% that I'm not too concerned about paying off)
And older Discover It, BoA Cash Rewards Visa Signature, Cap1 Menards, and USAA

Thank you for any advice you may have!

 

[Alexle2007]

Just did the early morning chat with Steve to try and get the add’l 20k. Now to wait for the letter or email.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

So guess what...

Dh’s coworker is buying our house! Now we don’t have to worry about any realtor fees. We get to use all of that money on a moving company and the trip we just took down instead.

It seems everything about your move is just meant to be...great news !!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I like the kind that are flip flop style but have the ankle strap, most of the rest to me tend to look older. I think they are still trying to rebrand from orthaheels and make cute/younger looking shoes. They don't have the ones I have because they are a few years old but these are the ones I'd look at if I wanted new ones. Also, we got caught in a couple of different rain storms in Nov and it didn't ruin the shoes and they were dry by morning though I had two pair so I alternated anyway. I wish I'd gotten the cute black patent leather ones a couple years ago but anyway...

https://www.shoes.com/vionic-kirra-thong-sandal/826133
https://www.shoes.com/vionic-miami-thong-sandal/826121
https://www.qvc.com/Vionic-Embellished-T-Strap-Sandals---Boca.product.A305648.html

I have the Kirra. They are super comfortable! Didn't know they were orthaheels before. Might grab a pair in another style from shoes dot com at 15% back on ebates!