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

[usakiwi]

Did you get more than one? I managed to get 4 yesterday at once all with no fees. I’m going back everyday until the promo is over. I think Saturday I will try for $1000s worth. I have anywhere from 10,000-15,000 left to pay for my wedding so if I can’t liquidate them that’s a good fall back option but I’m nervous lol

I was in a similar boat this evening. Our staples is an hour away, so during deals I can’t really make multiple trips to maximize Dosh. Stood there tonight in front of the GC display for ages trying to decide on an amount...finally grabbed my $2000 worth (although I’m sure you’re contemplating more than that!), went to the counter and all went fine! I probably could have gone higher, but I definitely got a lot of questions from the guy serving me. Will try to avoid him in the future.

 

[afan]

If we weren't in way different field I would swear we worked at the same place! Lol. I also had to wait 13 months to contribute to a 401k because I had to be there over 6 months, my temp time didnt count, AND they only enrolled in January and July. So I finally got enrolled in July then left at the end of August...

This was at the corp office for a long term care pharmacy, the last place I worked. I did actually start at the race team as a temp too though my background at that time was almost solely in sports and radio, and they did count my temp time which was about 5 months so it made a difference. The pharm had the same 401 thing but you weren't vested until I think 3 years and I knew I wouldn't make it that long so I didn't even bother. The other thing that annoyed me was they wanted my hire date to be the start of a pay period instead of it being the end of the month and I'd get my insurance after 30 days it was the beginning of the month because the weekend was the switch so I was stuck without insurance for a month. I do think I ended up getting paid for some vacation time in Nov that I shouldn't have though. You started accruing on day 1 but couldn't use until 90 days and no roll over, so here's 3 or 4 days but you can only use them in December when I'd been gone over a week in Nov. Lame. And while you had to accrue you got it all at the beginning of the year so if you left for any reason mid year and had used too much you'd owe them money. The way they do stuff seems so archaic.

 

[PolyRob]

Haha. I totally kid around here a lot. I actually do work (sometimes). I just have such a great job situation it’s hard not to make light of the flexibility and awesomeness.

I definitely understand! My current job is pretty flexible. There are days when I can have stuff non-stop, but those aren't that typical. If I can't check-in here its a pretty good indication that its one of those days haha

 

[snugglebug]

As long as the CIP earns 3x, I'm willing to pay the Plastiq fee even when not meeting MSR, just because paying any bill directly from my checking account slices into me every time. (I will say that I had to come around to this position, though, since I started out with an allergic reaction to any kind of fee/"paying for points.")

Agreed. I paid $1 extra today on my water bill. CIP/Plastic 3x vs 1x through the city website (which also has a fee), I'll take the 3x.

I forgot I put the car payment through Plastiq on 5/1 on dh's CIP that we're working on, it coded 3x.

 

[usakiwi]

I am having a whole bunch of issues at Walmart trying to load my sunrise VGCs to serve, but im pretty sure the people don't know how to load serve. I was going without any issues and now the last two times I have had two cashiers who insist on swiping the serve card on my side of the terminal. When I went before and it actually worked the cashier swiped the serve card and I swiped the debit card. Isn't that how it is supposed to work?

I’m not sure if this has been answered, I’m still behind, but I’ve done quite a few different Walmart stores and they pretty much all have me swipe my own Serve card and then whatever I’m loading from. And I like it that way...it freaks me out at DG when they take my cards to swipe!

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

If I'm looking to view my credit info from Experian without ordering my annual free report, or paying for it, is this the option I'm looking for? https://www.experian.com/consumer-products/free-credit-report.html
Where it says "Includes a new free Credit Report from Experian every 30 days on sign in. This offer does not include a free Credit Score."

I'm just trying to see what date a card was reported to them since Chase pulls both EX and TU for me. So this option works for my immediate purpose but wanted to know if this is what everyone else is using when they check EX (or am I missing something cool )

I know this comment was a long time ago (we were a chatty group today!). This is what I use I also use credit Karma but I really like the layout on Experian.

 

[kmc8826]

Maybe some of you might remember that my DH had a full knee replacement 3 weeks ago and that the plan has been for myself and my youngest to do a short WDW trip starting next Friday. With the other two girls before they turned 10 and Disney “adults” I started the tradition of going on a trip with just them and so this upcoming trip was going to be my 8 year old’s big chance. She has been crazy excited. Well fast forward to the last couple days. Physically DH has been doing better but mentally he is not doing as well. Last couple years he has struggled with PTSD (thanks USMC and law enforcement) and being off from work and coming off meds has not been great. Long story short he doesn’t want to be home while I am in WDW. At first Iwas trying to figure out a way for all 5 of us to go but we had a family meeting tonight to talk to the girls about it. I realize that they have gone to WDW a lot but I have to brag about my girls. Both D12 and D10 agreed they would rather stay with Grandma and go to school then miss school and end of year testing. They also did not want to infringe on D8’s trip. I was then worried D8 would be upset about Daddy coming but she was thrilled and giving him the sweetest hugs. I feel blessed.

BUT my question: DH is young for a knee replacement and he is in good shape but it is still a major surgery and just getting out and walking around our neighborhood is taxing. Our first night is at Boardwalk and even walking from there to the wheelchair pick up at Epcot would be too far right now. Any recommendations of the best scooter company? I might just get a wheelchair but then I would do all the pushing which might get hard even if I am in good shape. Any thoughts? I understand that there are a couple approved companies for WDW but not sure of which one to use. And because of course this is the trip we will be changing rooms almost every night. And I don’t really want to spend a lot (although I guess it will cost what it costs).

 

[wendow]

I don't understand how to see the resort fee on the AA sites. Does it show? Am I paying it in the points or do I need to plan on the additional fee.
useaamiles: 67k for 8/11-8/15
aavacations: 69.5k for 8/11-8/15 but with a car that I don't need

BUT does either include the resort fee??

 

[wendow]

Maybe some of you might remember that my DH had a full knee replacement 3 weeks ago and that the plan has been for myself and my youngest to do a short WDW trip starting next Friday. With the other two girls before they turned 10 and Disney “adults” I started the tradition of going on a trip with just them and so this upcoming trip was going to be my 8 year old’s big chance. She has been crazy excited. Well fast forward to the last couple days. Physically DH has been doing better but mentally he is not doing as well. Last couple years he has struggled with PTSD (thanks USMC and law enforcement) and being off from work and coming off meds has not been great. Long story short he doesn’t want to be home while I am in WDW. At first Iwas trying to figure out a way for all 5 of us to go but we had a family meeting tonight to talk to the girls about it. I realize that they have gone to WDW a lot but I have to brag about my girls. Both D12 and D10 agreed they would rather stay with Grandma and go to school then miss school and end of year testing. They also did not want to infringe on D8’s trip. I was then worried D8 would be upset about Daddy coming but she was thrilled and giving him the sweetest hugs. I feel blessed.

BUT my question: DH is young for a knee replacement and he is in good shape but it is still a major surgery and just getting out and walking around our neighborhood is taxing. Our first night is at Boardwalk and even walking from there to the wheelchair pick up at Epcot would be too far right now. Any recommendations of the best scooter company? I might just get a wheelchair but then I would do all the pushing which might get hard even if I am in good shape. Any thoughts? I understand that there are a couple approved companies for WDW but not sure of which one to use. And because of course this is the trip we will be changing rooms almost every night. And I don’t really want to spend a lot (although I guess it will cost what it costs).

Ah, your sweet girls! I love how they want their little sis to have her own special trip!

We've only rented wheelchairs but I see Buena Vista Scooters all over the parks. Seems to be a popular choice. The wheelchair pushing is hard, even if you are in shape. You never realize how hilly Epcot is until you are pushing someone in a wheelchair. If your dh can handle a scooter, that is the way to do it.

ETA: You should ask on the DISabilities forum. Those folks know who to rent from and who to stay away from.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Hi! I'm planning a huge disney world vacation with my husband, 2 kids, parents, and sister in 2021. I want it to be as close to free as possible and want to start earning points now. I would love your advice on how to do this! Also, please let me know if it's too early to start this because the points will expire before I can use them. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Below are my responses to your questions:

1) First off, we are going to want you to list ALL credit cards you were approved for in the last 24 months. This would include all personal cards, store cards, business cards (but not things such as auto loans or mortgages). If you have a spouse (aka Player 2) please also list their cards if they are participating in this as well.

ALL PERSONAL CREDIT CARDS
09/17 - Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Platinum
09/17 - Bank of America Cash Rewards Visa Signature
09/17 - Chase Freedom Unlimited
09/17 - Barclays Cash Forward
12/17 - Kohls
07/18 - Macys


2) Secondly we'll want to know a little bit about you. Specifically - what you spend, and what you want to earn!

• What amount of spend would you put on a card monthly (i.e. groceries, gas, insurance, cable, cell phone, other expenses)? Anywhere from $4k-$6k per month
• Do you currently payoff your CCs in full every month or do you carry any balances/pay any interest? Pay in full every month
• What airport(s) do you typically fly out of? Detroit (DTW)
• Do you have a preference of Frequent Flyer program? I prefer Delta but I'm open to other airlines
• Does SOUTHWEST service your airport? Yes
• Do you have a Hotel Rewards program preference? No but I want to stay in a Disney resort or the Swan/Dolphin Marriott
  
• Do you currently have any travel points in any program? (if so, which programs and how much) I have about 50k points with Us Bank
• What at your specific goals for churning credit cards? (i.e. Disney World Trip, Cruise, European Trip, Cash Back to pay-off a mortgage or student loans, etc. - you can have multiple goals too!) I want to take my whole family, including 5 adults and 2 kids, to Disney World in 2021 for as close to free as possible. I want this to include the flights, park tickets, hotel, food, etc. I want to do a 7 day trip.

First off - welcome! With a trip in 2021 it’s great that you’re starting early AND you’ve come to the right place for help

Thanks for sharing your stats. The Kohl’s card is a closed loop card so it doesn’t count. The BIG question is your Macy’s card. Is it the store card or is it the Macy’s American Express that can be used anywhere? I honestly don’t want to give any advice until we know the answer on that. A yes or no there would throw me in 2 completely different directions with advice.

Do you have any side hustle or business that would allow you to pursue small business cards? This could include selling on eBay, rental properties, teaching piano, tutoring, babysitting, mowing lawns, consulting, and so on...

Do you have a spouse that will also sign up for cards to help earn points to pay for this trip?

 

[Alexle2007]

Competition! Drats!

I’ll be joining that competition for 2 day tickets. Although DS has drop-off for his orientation at his new school at 1 pm which is going to make it tricky.

 

[snugglebug]

Jealous of everyone's vacation time. Dh is a contractor and every time a new company takes over the contract he has to start all over with accruing time off. I don't even know how many days he gets now, I just ask him if he can get the time off. He was just moved under a new company not too long ago and I think he said it's contract renewal time for that company very soon. On the plus he does work from the bedroom since I haven't banished him to the basement like SFF's wife has, (nevermind we don't have basements in Texas ) and he has quite a bit of flexibility as long as he answers his emails and keeps his computer logged in.

 

[wendow]

Jealous of everyone's vacation time. Dh is a contractor and every time a new company takes over the contract he has to start all over with accruing time off. I don't even know how many days he gets now, I just ask him if he can get the time off. He was just moved under a new company not too long ago and I think he said it's contract renewal time for that company very soon. On the plus he does work from the bedroom since I haven't banished him to the basement like SFF's wife has, (nevermind we don't have basements in Texas ) and he has quite a bit of flexibility as long as he answers his emails and keeps his computer logged in.

This is kind of what I think may be coming for my dh...less actual PTO but a lot more flexibility since he will be working remotely...that is, *if* he gets the job change. We've talked about even living a month or two or so in TX or FL until we can officially move.

No basements in TX is the biggest downside of TX. I love my basement. Love it. I will be sad when I have no basement.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

This is kind of what I think may be coming for my dh...less actual PTO but a lot more flexibility since he will be working remotely...that is, *if* he gets the job change. We've talked about even living a month or two or so in TX or FL until we can officially move.

No basements in TX is the biggest downside of TX. I love my basement. Love it. I will be sad when I have no basement.

The flexibility really is a huge benefit. I never use vacation days except for actual vacations. I can take a couple hours to handle personal stuff anytime with no issue. Kids need me...I’m there. My Dad is available to play golf at 2pm on a Weekday - as long as I keep the cell phone handy I’m good! If anybody here is considering a gif with work from home and other flex arrangements I’d take it

 

[PolyRob]

Maybe some of you might remember that my DH had a full knee replacement 3 weeks ago and that the plan has been for myself and my youngest to do a short WDW trip starting next Friday. With the other two girls before they turned 10 and Disney “adults” I started the tradition of going on a trip with just them and so this upcoming trip was going to be my 8 year old’s big chance. She has been crazy excited. Well fast forward to the last couple days. Physically DH has been doing better but mentally he is not doing as well. Last couple years he has struggled with PTSD (thanks USMC and law enforcement) and being off from work and coming off meds has not been great. Long story short he doesn’t want to be home while I am in WDW. At first Iwas trying to figure out a way for all 5 of us to go but we had a family meeting tonight to talk to the girls about it. I realize that they have gone to WDW a lot but I have to brag about my girls. Both D12 and D10 agreed they would rather stay with Grandma and go to school then miss school and end of year testing. They also did not want to infringe on D8’s trip. I was then worried D8 would be upset about Daddy coming but she was thrilled and giving him the sweetest hugs. I feel blessed.

BUT my question: DH is young for a knee replacement and he is in good shape but it is still a major surgery and just getting out and walking around our neighborhood is taxing. Our first night is at Boardwalk and even walking from there to the wheelchair pick up at Epcot would be too far right now. Any recommendations of the best scooter company? I might just get a wheelchair but then I would do all the pushing which might get hard even if I am in good shape. Any thoughts? I understand that there are a couple approved companies for WDW but not sure of which one to use. And because of course this is the trip we will be changing rooms almost every night. And I don’t really want to spend a lot (although I guess it will cost what it costs).

So glad you are still able to go and your daughters are flexible and understanding

Like @wendow mentioned, I have used Buena Vista rentals for my mom on at least 6 trips. It is one of the WDW approved companies and I have never once had an issue with them! The scooter is always waiting with bell services on arrival day and you can just leave it with bell services the last night (or morning if you pay for the day if you have park plans). I have also called to have the rental extended and the employees are very nice and accommodating. Its about $28 a day (with a 2 day minimum) which is much cheaper than the WDW rentals that you can't take out of the parks. There is also a $20 damage waiver which you can get. I always buy it, but have never needed it.

I have never done a 4-way split with them, but with 2-splits they let me drop one scooter off at my old resort and pick up another one up at the next resort without paying anything additional since we take a car and get the standard scooter (not a portable one). Your DH could always scoot through Epcot and hop on the monorail to get to the MK resort area. Getting from BLT to Poly and then poly to GF should be easy.

If you use the Dis/WDW Info link for the initial quote, you will also save 10% (it says free accessory, but they gave me 10% off) https://www.buenavistascooters.com/offer/wdwinfo/ Every little bit helps!

 

[calypso726]

Without @Lain spreadsheet, I remember you being late 30's - early 40's. So at your age you feel 4 weeks is an okay amount of time off in a year? No way I'm judging anyone, just trying to get a feel for what people think is appropriate and at what age.

Our company allots vacation and sick time as pooled PTO by the number of years you have been with the company. 15 years gets 5 weeks PTO. I'm 50 yeas old and have been with the company for nearly 19 years. Personally, I wish things were more like they are in European countries and start with 7 weeks off the bat!

Ok so we’re saying two separate things here.

To clarify:
1) Useaamiles.com offers better rates logged in than not logged in (and better rates for elites and cardholders)
2) AAvacations.com I believe has the same rates For everybody (I think)

And YES aavacations has the better rates for Disney Resorts (even with the throwaway rental car). Useaamiles still has usefulness for non Disney hotels or rental cards, etc.

Can I just say that I am equally thrilled and horrified at the use of AA miles for Disney vacations. I am thrilled for everyone having another option for Disney after the Chase portal option died. As an AA hostage married to a Plane Princess I find myself paralyzed over the idea of using AA miles for Disney. I briefly contemplated looking at Grand California with AA miles for this December over using DVC points and felt like I was staring at the edge of a cliff

I always like to establish a level of mediocrity from the start with a new supervisor...

Kidding...(or am I.....)

Ah I wish that would have worked with my job. I did the opposite and the expectations are seriously high for me. Ugh. On the upside, no one gives me grief over taking PTO since I have established that it is the ONLY reason I bother going to work and working as hard as I do. I've actually threatened to leave and try my hand at becoming a travel blogger and social media influencer if I get grief about the time I take off that is allowed by company policy.

 

[Alexle2007]

I think this is how it is in the US as well, hence my asking about people's ages.

We really need to find a balance between work and personal life ! I am glad Japan is working on this, hopefully the US will catch up to this thinking soon.

DH is mid 50s and I am late 40s and we have no problem taking our time off but the federal government has been our only employer and our leave system works very different, it seems, than private industry. I have to say this one of the benefits I actually love about being a fed.

 

[Hoosier John]

Penske Indycar and sports car Back home in Seattle now kidding I don't use an umbrella but it rains all the time, I know nothing of the 80 degree days coming up

Wow ... That's very cool (and prolly looks great on a resume)

 

[DisneyMandC]

So how much time does he typically take in a year? IIRC, he's thirtyish, compared to my dh, who has been in his field since your dh was born. LOL! I'm just wondering if people are prone to taking less vacation under the DTO program compared to a more traditional vacation offering.

Cumulatively, he probably takes 4-5 weeks off a year. We don’t usually take a whole weeks vacation at a time, simply because that’s not how we travel that often. But I know he took two full weeks in 2017 for a vacation and a horse show. He’ll take another two full weeks this year in September and October for vacation and horse show. Most of our vacation time is used on horse shows, so 2-3 days together here and there. He took 2 days in april, and will take 3 days in June, 3 in July... etc.

Those cons just make it shady. If you give me unlimited then I'm taking at least 2 weeks probably at one time and another week or 2 on there own at Christmas and some other time and potentially a day every month. Because it's all about balance and companies in the US don't think we need life balance in the work/life balance. I'd love to work at one of the places that gives you like a month/unlimited and money for the vacation, a place that basically forces you into it not that I'd spend it on the beach but in museums and cities and disney parks around the world.

I will say when I worked at the race team we had vacation but not sick days. We could and did call in sick or go to dr appts etc without any vacation being taken away. I even managed to squeeze out a personal day a couple of times for mental health, my boss also liked me What I noticed was for the most part people would stay home when they were sick and they weren't coming in if they were sick enough to be at home. Allergies or a cold they'd be in but you would be at any job. I'm not sure if it worked because you didn't feel like you only had x days for being sick or what it was but the last place I worked where it was straight PTO regardless of reason so many more people came in sick because they wanted to use it for vacation. So at the very least I don't agree with lumping it all together. This last job also didn't pay us for any unused vacation and we couldn't roll it over, so that's not an everywhere thing.

Yup, I’m all PTO and I basically have to be on death’s door to not go in when I’m sick. I hate to be like that, but I’m not burning vacation time for a cold.

 

[bernina]

Datapoint for anyone doing the WF checking bonus of $400.

• 3/2 opened account with $50 on credit card.
• 3/14 txfr $3k from Fidelity cash account
• 4/28 txfr $3k from Amex Savings
• 5/6 txfr $3k from Fidelity cash
• 5/8 $400 bonus posted

I ran into an issue trying to move the initial $3k I transferred from Fidelity back into my Fidelity account. Not sure what happened but I had to delete and then re add the WF account info on my Fidelity account. That’s why my second deposit was from Amex Savings.

So in summary looks like both Fidelity cash and Amex Savings accounts work.

DH is using employer deposits and no bonus for him yet (he gets paid every 2 weeks so hasn’t hit his third month of $3k yet).