I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[eticketplease]

I was reading a thread on bogleheads about some utilities, insurance, and other businesses that allowed payment via PayPal bill pay. Seems like it's hit or miss in terms of supported payees, and then if there are problems with payments posting then the customer service side is nonexistent. So, it's a possible avenue but not without risk.

Discover will be having Amazon as 5% back starting October 1st. Does anyone know if Amazon Payments would be counted as 5%?

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Well I have to say, thanks to playing this game, juggling all the financial **** right now with my dad is "easier", I guess. And my 13yo is VERY interested in it all. He's wanted me to start teaching him how to hack so he's ready when he's 18. Yesterday he was telling me "mom, be sure you don't pay grandpa's bills. You can call and get them reduced". He learned that on TT. For a kid who failed English and Math, LOL. TBH, he's actually pretty smart. He's just lazy and disorganized, LOL. Like every 13yo boy!

So sorry you are dealing with all of this…we just went through it with my 92 year old mother-in-law in March…
she was in the hospital a few weeks, then they transferred her to a place that’s a combined nursing home and rehab facility….we are in NY and the coverage was the same…
started the Medicaid application process since she met all the requirements asset wise and had the 5 years of required documentation but the week before the meeting she passed away..
..sending prayers your way it’s a lot to do…even now many months after her death we are getting medical bills….meanwhile my BIL wants his half of the $5,000 left in her bank account and does not understand that all the bills are probably more than that.

That kinda happened w/ my granny. My cousin was her POA. She blew through her large amount of savings, investments accounts and retirements. So the next step was selling her house. Well a week after my cousin did that she died. This sent my dad into a legal frenzy! The house was legally 1/2 his and 1/2 his sister (who had died years prior) per the will. But when my cousin sold the house the ONLY account left open in her name listed all of us as benefactors. So instead of a 2 way split (1/2 to my dad, 1/2 to my 2 cousins), it went into a 5 way split! My dad was actually going to sue my sister and I for our portion. I told him it was better if I held onto it (and my sister). He eventually dropped it. To this day I still have my portion of "his" money and use that for the various "large" balance bank bonuses. My sister spent hers

Oh, gosh. Have you told her you need help and asked her to come out for a few weeks (not sure how old her kids are)? I'm so sorry.

They are in K and 3rd grade. She's come out twice. She was here for almost the 1st week. I think 6 days maybe. Then came out last weekend. But a weekend doesn't help me. I need to be able to go to work. I'm using my sick time so I get paid and I don't have a ton of it. Her husband's schedule at work his such too that he can get them off to school all days but Monday I think. But she doesn't have her next visit planned and she's not offering to help remotely at all. I found out yesterday they are likely discharging him TOMORROW! I lost my ****! I texted her and my mom (they are divorced) with all I have to do between now and then. She didn't offer to do anything. Instead she golfed the last 2 days and today let us know she's in an admin meeting (she's on her school board, great...but not paid and IMHO, not important right now). In the last 2 days, I had to figure out where his cpap was from, call them to get it replaced, but to do that I needed his sleep drs info. So I had to figure that out and call them to get a new prescription. I had to go over to his place and mow his lawn (well my 13yo) and get his mail from his trailer and PO box in town. I had to figure out how to get his medical records for his critical illness coverage. I had to figure out the policies he DOES have from work, I had to fill out his critical illness paperwork. I set up timers in his house so it looks like he's there. I have to pick the facility he is moving to. I also have to go to his house and get him clothes, razor, etc. Oh and I have to get his car back to his house that my sister has been driving when she visits. She couldn't be bothered to return it herself. That's in addition to keeping up w/ all of his bills, and trying to figure out what I can protect of his money if anything. Oh and that's not including teaching, or spending time writing sub plans if I'm out. Being a mom, going to hockey games, taking my daughter's senior pictures, and finding time to buy her a homecoming dress for next week! But you know, she had to golf the last 2 days, and she has an admin meeting for a voluntary position.

When my dad went from the vent to the trach, they transitioned him to an LTACH (long term acute care hospital) called Speciality Select (I'm in Central FL). Medicare covered it fully. not sure it's an option for your Dad, but maybe worth asking!

It was such a terrible feeling on Sunday when they told us they were removing his dialysis cath and when they took him off the ventilator. I should be celebrating, but it meant he wasn't going to the LTACH and instead was going to a SNF (skilled nursing facility). I seriously was crushed! And our system should not be set up so that's the case! He's going to still be on IV antibiotics so I would think that was enough for the LTACH, but I guess not (even though it's listed).

 

[LynnTH]

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

With that - the only United Flights we have are on our trip to Europe in May 2023. Right now all of us (Me, DH, DD, DS) have the United Biz Card, which is how we are all flying free to Europe. The cards will all be coming due for the annual $99 fee before our trip. Only reason I would keep the cards is to use the lounges. However, I do have the PP from Venture X and will also put either DH or DS as Authorized Users on the card so they will get PP also.

We fly:
MSP to ORD (Chicaco)
ORD to FCO (Rome)

ATH (Athens) to EWR (Newark
EWR to MSP

MSP - Has a PP Lounge which gets $15 in food per person. They also have 2 United Lounges. (which we would use before our flight)
ORD - Has Multiple United Lounges and no PP Lounges (right now our layover is 1-1/2 hours and wouldn't need any - but may change flights that would give us a 3 hour layover, just to give us extra time so we don't miss the flight to Rome in case of delays)
ATH - Has PP Lounge. No United Lounge.
EWR - Has Multiple United Lounges and Multiple PP Lounges.

Not sure it is worth it to keep the United Cards. Each card gets 2 passes. There are 5 of us on these flights, so would need to keep 3 cards open. As I am typing this - I am thinking the $300 in fees is not worth it for maybe 1 lounge visit. Since we are on international flights -we each get a free checked bag. Unless there is something else I am missing on keeping the cards.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

He's going to still be on IV antibiotics so I would think that was enough for the LTACH, but I guess not (even though it's listed).

LTACH really is for trach for vent weaning or something like an extensive wound. Be glad he's not going there, it's usually a much longer stay. SNF is IV antibiotics or similar and slightly lower acuity than LTACH. And he should get therapy there so hopefully will make some good progress.

 

[lsutigers03]

I have a couple questions about the AMEX BBP offer below. Does the $1k for the employee spend count towards the total $15k? Does spend on both cards count towards the total $15k? I ask because I had a US Bank business card where the MSR had to be spent on the main card and employee cards didn't count. Also am I correct to assume that neither the main card or the employee card will count towards 5/24?

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

LTACH really is for trach for vent weaning or something like an extensive wound. Be glad he's not going there, it's usually a much longer stay. SNF is IV antibiotics or similar and slightly lower acuity than LTACH. And he should get therapy there so hopefully will make some good progress.

His feet are in terrible shape from the sepsis. He's likely losing toes on his left foot and possibly his entire right foot. His toes are just covered in open sores. And apparently they want us (the SNF) to do nothing to them. They'll assess in a few months how many toes he's losing. I'm like okay.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

What would DIS do?
Trying to book award stays for Japan. Our current trip is 5 nights in Tokyo but the last day in Tokyo will be a rest day before we attempt to climb Mt Fuji. We are currently booked in budget friendly hotel, but would it be worth it to switch to Park Hyatt Tokyo for the final night to relax in a more luxurious hotel, maybe use the pool and spa?
We can get late checkout at our budget hotel (noon) then try early checkin at Park Hyatt. Do you all think it would be worth it? PH is 48,000, will have Explorist status.

I've stayed at the PH Tokyo and I'd say no, it isn't worth it. I didn't care for the location and the rooms are old and in desparate need of a rehab (unless they've completed one since we were there in 2019). The service is good and the staff are friendly, but when I travel the most important factor me when choosing a hotel is the location and there was very little within walking distance of the hotel and the metro was a good 10-15 minute walk (if I recall correctly), though the hotel has a shuttle service. Everyone is different, I think that @calypso726 stayed there and loved it. But 48,000 Hyatt points would definitely not be worth it to me. That could easily get you 2 nights at a great hotel.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Well I have to say, thanks to playing this game, juggling all the financial **** right now with my dad is "easier", I guess. And my 13yo is VERY interested in it all. He's wanted me to start teaching him how to hack so he's ready when he's 18. Yesterday he was telling me "mom, be sure you don't pay grandpa's bills. You can call and get them reduced". He learned that on TT. For a kid who failed English and Math, LOL. TBH, he's actually pretty smart. He's just lazy and disorganized, LOL. Like every 13yo boy!



That kinda happened w/ my granny. My cousin was her POA. She blew through her large amount of savings, investments accounts and retirements. So the next step was selling her house. Well a week after my cousin did that she died. This sent my dad into a legal frenzy! The house was legally 1/2 his and 1/2 his sister (who had died years prior) per the will. But when my cousin sold the house the ONLY account left open in her name listed all of us as benefactors. So instead of a 2 way split (1/2 to my dad, 1/2 to my 2 cousins), it went into a 5 way split! My dad was actually going to sue my sister and I for our portion. I told him it was better if I held onto it (and my sister). He eventually dropped it. To this day I still have my portion of "his" money and use that for the various "large" balance bank bonuses. My sister spent hers


They are in K and 3rd grade. She's come out twice. She was here for almost the 1st week. I think 6 days maybe. Then came out last weekend. But a weekend doesn't help me. I need to be able to go to work. I'm using my sick time so I get paid and I don't have a ton of it. Her husband's schedule at work his such too that he can get them off to school all days but Monday I think. But she doesn't have her next visit planned and she's not offering to help remotely at all. I found out yesterday they are likely discharging him TOMORROW! I lost my ****! I texted her and my mom (they are divorced) with all I have to do between now and then. She didn't offer to do anything. Instead she golfed the last 2 days and today let us know she's in an admin meeting (she's on her school board, great...but not paid and IMHO, not important right now). In the last 2 days, I had to figure out where his cpap was from, call them to get it replaced, but to do that I needed his sleep drs info. So I had to figure that out and call them to get a new prescription. I had to go over to his place and mow his lawn (well my 13yo) and get his mail from his trailer and PO box in town. I had to figure out how to get his medical records for his critical illness coverage. I had to figure out the policies he DOES have from work, I had to fill out his critical illness paperwork. I set up timers in his house so it looks like he's there. I have to pick the facility he is moving to. I also have to go to his house and get him clothes, razor, etc. Oh and I have to get his car back to his house that my sister has been driving when she visits. She couldn't be bothered to return it herself. That's in addition to keeping up w/ all of his bills, and trying to figure out what I can protect of his money if anything. Oh and that's not including teaching, or spending time writing sub plans if I'm out. Being a mom, going to hockey games, taking my daughter's senior pictures, and finding time to buy her a homecoming dress for next week! But you know, she had to golf the last 2 days, and she has an admin meeting for a voluntary position.



It was such a terrible feeling on Sunday when they told us they were removing his dialysis cath and when they took him off the ventilator. I should be celebrating, but it meant he wasn't going to the LTACH and instead was going to a SNF (skilled nursing facility). I seriously was crushed! And our system should not be set up so that's the case! He's going to still be on IV antibiotics so I would think that was enough for the LTACH, but I guess not (even though it's listed).

I understand how difficult this is for you. I went through similar things with my parents (both very ill at the same time and my dad never shared any of his finances). It was a ton of work to figure things out, but I was glad that my siblings didn't get involved because I found it easier to manage everything in one place. My sister means well, but she works full-time, has 3 kids and isn't the most organized person, so she's always a bit chaotic and my brother was battling cancer at the time so couldn't even visit (he lives in NY). Once you figure out his finances and get everything into a spreadsheet you should start to get a clear picture of what is going on and how to best manage it. You're an amazing daughter to step into this role for him -- he's lucky to have you.

 

[snugglebug]

I have a couple questions about the AMEX BBP offer below. Does the $1k for the employee spend count towards the total $15k? Does spend on both cards count towards the total $15k? I ask because I had a US Bank business card where the MSR had to be spent on the main card and employee cards didn't count. Also am I correct to assume that neither the main card or the employee card will count towards 5/24?

View attachment 702547

Your employee card spend will count toward MSR. These do not count toward 5/24.

 

[IFlossU]

I have a couple questions about the AMEX BBP offer below. Does the $1k for the employee spend count towards the total $15k? Does spend on both cards count towards the total $15k? I ask because I had a US Bank business card where the MSR had to be spent on the main card and employee cards didn't count. Also am I correct to assume that neither the main card or the employee card will count towards 5/24?

View attachment 702547

Yes, employee spend counts towards MSR, and yes the $1k counts towards the spend.

 

[havaneselover]

Well I have to say, thanks to playing this game, juggling all the financial **** right now with my dad is "easier", I guess. And my 13yo is VERY interested in it all. He's wanted me to start teaching him how to hack so he's ready when he's 18. Yesterday he was telling me "mom, be sure you don't pay grandpa's bills. You can call and get them reduced". He learned that on TT. For a kid who failed English and Math, LOL. TBH, he's actually pretty smart. He's just lazy and disorganized, LOL. Like every 13yo boy!



That kinda happened w/ my granny. My cousin was her POA. She blew through her large amount of savings, investments accounts and retirements. So the next step was selling her house. Well a week after my cousin did that she died. This sent my dad into a legal frenzy! The house was legally 1/2 his and 1/2 his sister (who had died years prior) per the will. But when my cousin sold the house the ONLY account left open in her name listed all of us as benefactors. So instead of a 2 way split (1/2 to my dad, 1/2 to my 2 cousins), it went into a 5 way split! My dad was actually going to sue my sister and I for our portion. I told him it was better if I held onto it (and my sister). He eventually dropped it. To this day I still have my portion of "his" money and use that for the various "large" balance bank bonuses. My sister spent hers


They are in K and 3rd grade. She's come out twice. She was here for almost the 1st week. I think 6 days maybe. Then came out last weekend. But a weekend doesn't help me. I need to be able to go to work. I'm using my sick time so I get paid and I don't have a ton of it. Her husband's schedule at work his such too that he can get them off to school all days but Monday I think. But she doesn't have her next visit planned and she's not offering to help remotely at all. I found out yesterday they are likely discharging him TOMORROW! I lost my ****! I texted her and my mom (they are divorced) with all I have to do between now and then. She didn't offer to do anything. Instead she golfed the last 2 days and today let us know she's in an admin meeting (she's on her school board, great...but not paid and IMHO, not important right now). In the last 2 days, I had to figure out where his cpap was from, call them to get it replaced, but to do that I needed his sleep drs info. So I had to figure that out and call them to get a new prescription. I had to go over to his place and mow his lawn (well my 13yo) and get his mail from his trailer and PO box in town. I had to figure out how to get his medical records for his critical illness coverage. I had to figure out the policies he DOES have from work, I had to fill out his critical illness paperwork. I set up timers in his house so it looks like he's there. I have to pick the facility he is moving to. I also have to go to his house and get him clothes, razor, etc. Oh and I have to get his car back to his house that my sister has been driving when she visits. She couldn't be bothered to return it herself. That's in addition to keeping up w/ all of his bills, and trying to figure out what I can protect of his money if anything. Oh and that's not including teaching, or spending time writing sub plans if I'm out. Being a mom, going to hockey games, taking my daughter's senior pictures, and finding time to buy her a homecoming dress for next week! But you know, she had to golf the last 2 days, and she has an admin meeting for a voluntary position.



It was such a terrible feeling on Sunday when they told us they were removing his dialysis cath and when they took him off the ventilator. I should be celebrating, but it meant he wasn't going to the LTACH and instead was going to a SNF (skilled nursing facility). I seriously was crushed! And our system should not be set up so that's the case! He's going to still be on IV antibiotics so I would think that was enough for the LTACH, but I guess not (even though it's listed).

Hang in there. I'm glad you have your BF. I know he can't do a lot of this, but at least he can listen. You are setting a great example for your kids. I'm so, so sorry about all of this. One day at a time. And it sounds like she can't/won't help much but would be nice if there was something she could do/pay for to take some of this burden off of you. But I get how complicated sibling relationships are.

 

[havaneselover]

Paid Q3 taxes so I should have another 83k UR points coming my way. Should get me over 600k. Tomorrow I'm flying to Atlanta to spend the weekend with DD. I did cancel one of my FHR reservations and used a FNC at the Residence Inn right near the Ritz for tomorrow and I'll switch to the Ritz Saturday. Then I'll get $250 back from the canceled reservation and use a certificate that was about to expire. Spent today doing school work (took vacation) so I could have fun this weekend. This master's program is so much work! And still trying to figure out the new car situation. Really want the CRV touring (I wish the Rav4 had a leather option). but who knows when those will come in. I will need a car loan and by the time they're in the fed funds rate will probably be 3.5% and car loans will probably be north of 6%. We got so spoiled!

 

[calypso726]

I've stayed at the PH Tokyo and I'd say no, it isn't worth it. I didn't care for the location and the rooms are old and in desparate need of a rehab (unless they've completed one since we were there in 2019). The service is good and the staff are friendly, but when I travel the most important factor me when choosing a hotel is the location and there was very little within walking distance of the hotel and the metro was a good 10-15 minute walk (if I recall correctly), though the hotel has a shuttle service. Everyone is different, I think that @calypso726 stayed there and loved it. But 48,000 Hyatt points would definitely not be worth it to me. That could easily get you 2 nights at a great hotel.

I did stay at the PH Tokyo and enjoyed my stay. I’d wanted to stay there for the sake of staying there. It was a bucket list hotel redemption I’ve wanted to do for some time. PH Vendome in Paris is another one that’s on my hotel redemption bucket lists. My decision was not based on location and I agree with @*WDW*Groupie* that the location isn’t desirable. Although I was forewarned, I agree that the PHT needs a refurb. I definitely would not recommend blowing 48k Hyatt points there now. I did it when it was 30k a night and even that would be a stretch. I’d sooner use those points at Ventana Big Sur or the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Both of those are Hyatt locations I intend to revisit. I have no intention of staying at the PH Tokyo when we return again down the line. I crossed it off my list and don’t feel it was worth a repeat. Hope this helps.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I did stay at the PH Tokyo and enjoyed my stay. I’d wanted to stay there for the sake of staying there. It was a bucket list hotel redemption I’ve wanted to do for some time. PH Vendome in Paris is another one that’s on my hotel redemption bucket lists. My decision was not based on location and I agree with @*WDW*Groupie* that the location isn’t desirable. Although I was forewarned, I agree that the PHT needs a refurb. I definitely would not recommend blowing 48k Hyatt points there now. I did it when it was 30k a night and even that would be a stretch. I’d sooner use those points at Ventana Big Sur or the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Both of those are Hyatt locations I intend to revisit. I have no intention of staying at the PH Tokyo when we return again down the line. I crossed it off my list and don’t feel it was worth a repeat. Hope this helps.

PH Paris is so nice! We have stayed there twice, back when the Chase Hyatt card gave 2 FNCs as a SUB. Those were the days! My choice for Paris now would be Hotel deLouvre (SLH property), but they are playing games with room nights on points (they have removed the base rooms from points inventory, added a bogus new category for redemptions and are charging more points for it -- there's been a lot of chatter on FT about their practice of doing this), so it probably won't happen for me. Paris is getting tough for redemptions -- for my trip in April I am paying cash for a small boutique hotel in the Marais (I got a great price for a room with a balcony).

 

[EACarlson]

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

They can't be sold but I'm not sure about being gifted. I asked the question on FT, will reply if anyone gives an answer. If you can gift them can I have one? I have a 3.5 hour layover at ORD next month on my way to MCO.

 

[becauseimnew]

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

I don’t know about selling, but I gave mine away to my coworker a few years ago.

When do they expire? I might be interested, but won’t need them until 11/19 and I need to double check gates and lounges at ORD.

 

[becauseimnew]

I did stay at the PH Tokyo and enjoyed my stay. I’d wanted to stay there for the sake of staying there. It was a bucket list hotel redemption I’ve wanted to do for some time. PH Vendome in Paris is another one that’s on my hotel redemption bucket lists. My decision was not based on location and I agree with @*WDW*Groupie* that the location isn’t desirable. Although I was forewarned, I agree that the PHT needs a refurb. I definitely would not recommend blowing 48k Hyatt points there now. I did it when it was 30k a night and even that would be a stretch. I’d sooner use those points at Ventana Big Sur or the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Both of those are Hyatt locations I intend to revisit. I have no intention of staying at the PH Tokyo when we return again down the line. I crossed it off my list and don’t feel it was worth a repeat. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the response. The hotel we are booked at is a few minutes from the train station.

I've stayed at the PH Tokyo and I'd say no, it isn't worth it. I didn't care for the location and the rooms are old and in desparate need of a rehab (unless they've completed one since we were there in 2019). The service is good and the staff are friendly, but when I travel the most important factor me when choosing a hotel is the location and there was very little within walking distance of the hotel and the metro was a good 10-15 minute walk (if I recall correctly), though the hotel has a shuttle service. Everyone is different, I think that @calypso726 stayed there and loved it. But 48,000 Hyatt points would definitely not be worth it to me. That could easily get you 2 nights at a great hotel.

Thank you. I’ll keep looking for something better and close to the trains.

 

[EACarlson]

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

Replies on FT are that they can be given as long as the person using them has a same day BP on UA.

 

[catsinawindow]

You would need 200,000 URs to book through the portal using the CSP
You would need 166,666 URs to book through the portal using the CSR

You would save 33,334 URs with a CSR, which I value at just over $500. So I do think it would be advantageous to PC to the CSR. Makes me wonder if you can reverse the PYB you just did somehow?

Thanks for giving me the push to upgrade to the CSR, it definitely already paid for itself through the 1.5x point redemption on the Chase Travel Portal and the 1.5x PYB for AirBNB.

For future reference, yes, it is possible to reverse a PYB credit made using the CSP and reapply it using the CSR. It took several days of waiting after an SM and my message being transferred to a special department, but they did it! Just booked all my places to stay on vacation next summer this week (~$3500 worth) and paid for it all using Chase UR! Loving this game!

 

[platamama]

Discover will be having Amazon as 5% back starting October 1st. Does anyone know if Amazon Payments would be counted as 5%?

Be the DP you want to see? A quick google search shows yes, it probably would count, but given that the 5% on Discover comes around once a year it sure could have changed since the last time.

I have 8 - United One Time Club Passes that will not be used. Can these be sold or given to someone else to use?

I think I sold one on eBay a few years ago.