I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[Judique]

Got this offer on my Marriott Brilliant Amex: Earn $100 after spending $1000 by Nov 30.

Okay, thought it was a 'spend lump sum $1k get $100'.

But got an email message saying 'you're registered'. So it appears it's a cumulative offer.

I'll take it! It will be the straw that keeps me from downgrading this time around, as combined with the extra point promos, the $50 off $200, and the FNC plus the $300 credit, card will pay it's way.

First year this card got a lot of love. This past year not so much.

 

[afan]

The Ritz card which you can't get by application anymore is a weapon. Very heavy. It beats out the Gold and the Platinum easily.

I haven't had a haircut. Usually go to walk in places and don't want to go. I have thick, heavy hair. It's driving me bonkers right now! I've trimmed the front and I'm seriously thinking of taking a few swipes at the back. Mostly I tie it up to keep it off my neck, especially outside.

But I've got to get rid of some of it. Washing it means it takes longer to dry and I wash it with every shower. Can't wait to feel lighter soon.

My hairs not that bad but it was getting too long and whacking my cheek when I ran. Always a sign I need a haircut when the ponytail starts hitting me But I did also get it colored. And so far so good. I'll give this stylist another shot. I've have yet to find someone I'll go back to a 3rd time. Hoping this one works, I like that it's a small biz and it's in the downtown of my little city/suburb which I really like.

Wasn't there a story about the two hairstylists (somewhere like Hair Cuttery) who had COVID and didn't know it and saw 140 clients and none of them got sick because the stylists followed protocol? I know I got mine cut in May and it was fine but I purposely went to one of those salons where the stylists rent a chair in a tiny room and their "salon" is private.

Yes. It was somewhere midwestish. And I was happy to find a small place too. They had the door locked too so people had to be let in but it was only people with appts and then one customers husband but he was far away in the front chairs so it didn't bother me.

 

[Judique]

Wasn't there a story about the two hairstylists (somewhere like Hair Cuttery) who had COVID and didn't know it and saw 140 clients and none of them got sick because the stylists followed protocol? I know I got mine cut in May and it was fine but I purposely went to one of those salons where the stylists rent a chair in a tiny room and their "salon" is private.

Yes, I heard a story something like that. I was strengthened by that story, whether true or not regarding mask use. But, I'm not likely to take a chance. I think I'll cut it hair by hair until I get it right, lol. It grows so fast, and I wear it longish, but do like it cut nicely.

I still haven't eaten inside (or outside) at any sit down restaurants either. But we are having takeout tonight.

Canceled my November trip but still have January and Feb at Disney and March at Hilton Head. If I don't go south to warmer weather, winter will be bleak for me!

Every time I leave my home or have interaction, I have this uneasiness until a few days have passed.

Anyway, looking forward to app'ing for CSP. Still want to wait a month or so, to make sure I'm clear of 5/24.

 

[Psychodisney]

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

You only get one shot at this! I gave up my career when I had my oldest and stayed home full time until my kids were 10, 13 and 15. I was lucky enough to have a career to go back to as a Physical Therapist. I wouldn't trade the time I had with my kids for anything! If you can keep your hands in your career, I do think it's a good idea. I had friends who stayed home and had no career to go back to.
You'll figure out the finances. We did. No regrets!

 

[elgerber]

Yes, I heard a story something like that. I was strengthened by that story, whether true or not regarding mask use. But, I'm not likely to take a chance. I think I'll cut it hair by hair until I get it right, lol. It grows so fast, and I wear it longish, but do like it cut nicely.

I still haven't eaten inside (or outside) at any sit down restaurants either. But we are having takeout tonight.

Canceled my November trip but still have January and Feb at Disney and March at Hilton Head. If I don't go south to warmer weather, winter will be bleak for me!

Every time I leave my home or have interaction, I have this uneasiness until a few days have passed.

Anyway, looking forward to app'ing for CSP. Still want to wait a month or so, to make sure I'm clear of 5/24.

It was Missouri I believe and yes, not a single person they serviced while sick, got the virus. It was quite remarkable, and the perfect advertisement for how useful masks are.

 

[NewbieMom]

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

I think about this EVERY SINGLE DAY. However we live in a high COL area, and can't swing it on one income. I'm also in an industry where taking 5-10 years off would obsolete all that I've worked for, and I wouldn't be able to easily jump right back in. It sounds like you'll be fine on the income front and can even switch to part-time. Why not? Go for it!

 

[WVMomof3]

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

I went part time after the 2nd and then quit when the 3rd was almost 1. I personally have zero regrets. Making it on one income has not always been easy but we do spend less on eating out and such. I have always been a tight wad so no problem cutting back on things for me. I enjoyed volunteering in the schools, doing PTA stuff and always being able to go to all of their games and activities. DH had to miss out on a lot of that. Now that DS is leaving for college and I have an empty nest I suppose I should get a job. I’m nervous. It’s been 17 years. . I do not think I could go back to the industry I was in. So I’m really not sure what I want to be doing.

 

[mmmears]

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

I did it when DD was maybe 8 or 9 months old. It hasn't always been easy living on one income, and I'm sure we would have a larger home and newer cars if I kept working, but I have no regrets whatsoever. I felt like I was missing out on so much when I went back to work. If you can work part time I think it's an ideal solution actually. Our travel budget did take a big hit, but again, totally worth it. I wouldn't trade that time I spent with DD for more money, and they grow up so fast.

 

[Artygal90]

Do we have anyone from Louisiana on here? Wanting to check in with Laura looming off the coast. I'm over in Houston watching the radar and eating poptarts from our hurricane stash of nonperishable foods. If you need help after the storm please feel free to PM me.

 

[pinkxray]

@Psychodisney , @NewbieMom, @WVMomof3 , @mmmears
Thank you all for your feedback! I am not very good with change so once I am comfortable at work it’s hard to switch it up.
I am not looking to leave my job, just go casual status and work around 2-3 days a week. I am an X-ray tech so it won’t be hard to switch back to full time if I wanted to. I am also a mammo tech and will have to give that part up for now which stinks a little but I think it will be worth it to be home more.

 

[havaneselover]

Applied for Schwab brokerage account yesterday. Approved this morning. Just approved for CS Platinum Amex!

 

[Limes96]

I went part time after the 2nd and then quit when the 3rd was almost 1. I personally have zero regrets. Making it on one income has not always been easy but we do spend less on eating out and such. I have always been a tight wad so no problem cutting back on things for me. I enjoyed volunteering in the schools, doing PTA stuff and always being able to go to all of their games and activities. DH had to miss out on a lot of that. Now that DS is leaving for college and I have an empty nest I suppose I should get a job. I’m nervous. It’s been 17 years. . I do not think I could go back to the industry I was in. So I’m really not sure what I want to be doing.

I totally relate to your situation. Almost same story here except I’ve been home for well over 20 years, and I really don’t want to go back to the work I went to college for (education). Things are totally different now and I don’t have the energy level for that anymore. My youngest is a senior in hs this year and I really need to go back to work to finish paying for the kids’ college and then also to get some savings going to help pay for my health insurance after DH retires in a few years (I’m WAY younger lol). My idea is to get into either something in banking or insurance. I’m thinking 10-15 years at something will be plenty. Is there anything you are leaning towards, @WVMomof3 ?

 

[WinterAloe]

@Artygal90, this was posted on Saturday.

Just wanted to pop on and say we are watching both of these Gulf storms very closely being in South Central LA and possibly within the impact area of both. Thoughts going out to anyone else here who may be in the path. Planning to ride everything out at home with our generator, as electricity in our area goes out with even regular thunderstorms here. Not expecting anything too serious, but 2 storms back to back will be quite interesting. 2020 just keeps delivering the crazy!

Thinking of everyone impacted and hope you all are safe!

 

[georgina]

Got a reply from Chase, claiming I can't use pay myself back for charity donation on CSR because I didn't use the link on their website. I believe I did, but how to prove it? Guess I just keep complaining.

Haven't had a haircut since December; decided it was a good time to grow out my bangs and try a new style.

Any moms that gave up working full time when you had kids? I am really thinking about giving up my full time position and working 2-3 days a week.
We will be fine with the loss in income, however vacations will take a big hit. I did just buy a small dvc contract with cash so at least that’s all paid for.
I’m just having a hard time making the jump. I am so used to having a decent paycheck. But kids are only small once and there will always be full time later on down the road...
Guess I just need some positive stories to motivate me.

Yep. Always thought I would go back one day, to pay for college, etc. That was 30 years ago. Ending up not going back at all.

 

[punkin]

Yep. Always thought I would go back one day, to pay for college, etc. That was 30 years ago. Ending up not going back at all.

I haven't gone back either, but my last child is a senior in college now so maybe I should look around again...Nah...

 

[Judique]

Got a reply from Chase, claiming I can't use pay myself back for charity donation on CSR because I didn't use the link on their website. I believe I did, but how to prove it? Guess I just keep complaining.

Haven't had a haircut since December; decided it was a good time to grow out my bangs and try a new style.


Yep. Always thought I would go back one day, to pay for college, etc. That was 30 years ago. Ending up not going back at all.

My last haircut was February!

I got to stay home for the first year with oldest, then EX said we need money for extra stuff. We were okay but no fun stuff.

Second was when we were in Newport, RI and I did a lot of volunteer work.

Next move after a short while I got a job and worked until retirement. After my first job and with many military moves, the idea of working in my field went the way of the dinosaur. I figured out how to make money and then how to make more money and then how to support myself. There were a lot of transitions. The kids survived and have prospered.

Being at home is great! But keeping your foot in some door is pretty much mandatory for some. Everyone's situation will be different. Some will not want to be at home - older daughter for instance. No one should feel guilty with their personal decision.

The reality is parents have to work whether it be at home or outside the home.

Once you have kids freedom sort of jumps out the window.

 

[elgerber]

I don't remember when my last haircut was, luckily my hair is stick straight and all one length. It could use to lose an inch or two, but I just don't have time.
I did not exactly leave work, but I did leave mortgage to do daycare when my son was a year old, until my dd started full time kindergarten. Didn't make a ton of money but managed. I loved having them home with me. The daycare parents, not so much LOL.

 

[georgina]

Agree everyone's situation is different. I feel very fortunate it worked out financially for us. Oldest DD who just bought the house in DC will definitely be working after having children, one of the reasons we are planning to move to Virginia next year will be to help out when that happens.

 

[Alexle2007]

Applied for Schwab brokerage account yesterday. Approved this morning. Just approved for CS Platinum Amex!

Congrats!

 

[FloridaNative8]

P2 auto-approved for the Aspire! Here's to having an MSR again