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

[elgerber]

Yes!

Opened one for me, got locked on P2. He is joint on our Fidelity accounts, but has never had his own login. When I tried to get his password, it says his account is locked. Guess I will settle for only $150 instead of $300

 

[trenty]

I don't post often, but popping in to say a quick "thank you" here and on the gift card thread. 2022 was the first year I was serious about paying my DVC dues ONLY with discounted gift cards. My 2022 dues are paid (except for the last $2+) and I saved 10.9% not counting cash back portals or credit card points earned. I know others here do better, but I am happy with anything over the standard 5% I can get from Target.

For 2023, I already have enough in gift cards for January and February dues at a 17.9% discount. My goal is to save at least 15% for DVC dues in 2023. I think I can do this, or even more, if I use at least some the "free" money I get from the cash back portals, etc.

So THANK YOU!

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

My CRV is in transit. 37 MPG, here I come!!! I'm cleaning out my Odyssey this weekend in anticipation.

I think the car manufacturers must be trying to get through some backlog before the end of the year (so they don't have to convert to next year's models maybe?). My DH's Maverick is in transit too, finally. (Ordered in January!) The dealership is 1 mile from our house, so of course he drives by every day on his way from work to check if it's arrived yet

 

[havaneselover]

I think the car manufacturers must be trying to get through some backlog before the end of the year (so they don't have to convert to next year's models maybe?). My DH's Maverick is in transit too, finally. (Ordered in January!) The dealership is 1 mile from our house, so of course he drives by every day on his way from work to check if it's arrived yet

I got a build date of 1/16-1/20 two weeks ago, so I was super excited to hear it was already in transit. Was told within two weeks. Honda has 3.9% financing through 1/3 for 48 months (which is better than I can do privately I believe), so I'm really glad it will be in soon. I am so over my 11-year old Odyssey. She served me well, but I'm done carpooling and I'm ready for this phase of my life

And I can't imagine waiting a year. Three months has seemed like an eternity.

 

[StephPlum]

Second SW card for my CP instantly approved.

In case anyone is going for a new SW Personal card, I noticed the elevated offer of 75K RRs is ending 12/5.

 

[Sheree]

I've never heard of that - does it then work off of your phone plan? Any specific carrier you have to use?

I bought a wifi device thru glocalme. it is a wifi "hotspot" you purchase the date thru them depending on where you want to use it and for how long. 5 devices, phones can use it to connect. much less $$ than adding international daily plans per phone. it was great to use for maps, purchasing tickets, reserving restaurants as we walked thru paris.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

@FreeDiningFanatic Thanks very much for your trip report! We just booked our flights for Italy for next November and I'm already saving great ideas from your posts!

Your report was awesome! I can't imagine trying to arrange flights for that many people. I thought finding biz award seats for 2 to Ireland was stressful (it wasn't actually, but I'd never done it before).

Sounds like a lovely trip! We did the same thing with getting Airbnb GCs from Harris-Teeter for fuel points. I've looked a little into the Airbnb experiences and a few have caught my eye, but admittedly we're not in the bigger Irish cities so fewer to choose from. One is an inexpensive walk on the beach with an Irish gentleman and his 2 Irish Wolfhounds, lol. But the reviews are great!

Thank you for sharing your TR! I’d love to return to Venice and Rome down the line. Never would have thought of the Air B&B experiences. It looks like it was an amazing trip!

Thanks so much for sharing. What pocket Wi-Fi device do you have? Thanks

I've started planning a couple of European trips but the lack of rooms for 4 people always complicates the planning. Getting multiple rooms is an option but I think we would be better off in the an AirB&B.

I just recently found about the AirB&B experiences as we are doing one for work for our "holiday party". We were given the option of a few virtual experiences, one is a tour of street art in Barcelona another is a sign language class. While not an actual experience it is a better option than another zoom call with the same people you're on business calls with all day. I think the actual experiences sound wonderful and even better with getting points by buying gift cards for them.

@FreeDiningFanatic
I love that you were able to get reservations at Roscioli. Truly a highlight meal of my trip. I even kept a little box of matches from the restaurant as a keepsake. Never to be used of course Thanks for remembering to let me know. Your trip report put a smile on my face.

Thanks for all the sweet feedback and help in planning and recommendations.

@leeniewdw That dog walk sounds absolutely amazing. That's the kind of experience that's local and authentic that you'll remember forever.

@IFlossU At the end of the meal they brought out little biscuits and carmel or chocolate, and my mom takes a large dunk into the chocolate and goes to take a bite, and the whole cookie crumbled. It was like an explosion on her face, shirt, everywhere. I thought cookie monster just entered the room. All seven of us lost it; I was laughing so hard I was crying. There was a poor couple across from us, probably honeymooners, who I can't imagine appreciated it. But memorable, for sure!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I've never heard of that - does it then work off of your phone plan? Any specific carrier you have to use?

Like someone else said, it's a wifi hotspot. So you buy the device and then you buy a data plan for each trip. We all have iphones, so we can message or make calls over wifi. We happen to have AT&T, but I don't think that matters. I leave my phone in airplane mode the entire trip.

In Iceland, we were on a glacier, and another woman on our tour snapped some candid photos of my family as we were trying to get down a steep hill. Out on the glacier, she airdropped them to my phone. We were all amazed that we could be doing that in the middle of nowhere!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

I just found this while visiting the bogleheads site; today is the last day of the offer:

https://www.fidelity.com/go/special-offer/holiday

Open a new account, deposit $50 of new money within 15 days and get a $150 bonus within 25 days. The bonus money has to stay in there for at least 90 days.

I already have a Fidelity account, so it was easy to open once I logged in since all the info was pre-filled. Then I did a mobile deposit of $50. Anyone who did the $100 bonus for a $50 deposit within the last 12 mo is not eligible. Comments on bogleheads indicate that already having a Fidelity account does not make you ineligible, you can still open a new account. I have already received an email saying that I'm registered for the $150 bonus award. I signed DH up as well.

Hey, thanks for this! Only took a few mins since we already have an acct, as well. Plus, it seems like the cash management acct provides ATM reimbursement globally, so that is probably I feature I could actually use! The question is, can I be hassled to set up an acct for DH?

 

[Haley R]

Searched on AA shortly after midnight pst and booked. There's nothing complicated about it.

Huh I wonder if I read an older blog post. I didn’t check the date on it. Yep I just checked and it was from 2019 I’m glad it’s much easier now. I hate calling places.

So how far out did you look/when do they release them?

ETA: Do they have a calendar view for fares? I’m not seeing one. Since we’re so flexible on dates it would be nice to see all of the options.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

And I can't imagine waiting a year. Three months has seemed like an eternity.

Trust me, it has seemed like an eternity not only for him, but for me too! Having to hear about him talk about it nonstop for almost a year, and his impatience with waiting has been really testing mine, LOL

 

[IFlossU]

Thanks for all the sweet feedback and help in planning and recommendations.

@leeniewdw That dog walk sounds absolutely amazing. That's the kind of experience that's local and authentic that you'll remember forever.

@IFlossU At the end of the meal they brought out little biscuits and carmel or chocolate, and my mom takes a large dunk into the chocolate and goes to take a bite, and the whole cookie crumbled. It was like an explosion on her face, shirt, everywhere. I thought cookie monster just entered the room. All seven of us lost it; I was laughing so hard I was crying. There was a poor couple across from us, probably honeymooners, who I can't imagine appreciated it. But memorable, for sure!

This is too funny! I remember that chocolate, sauce. In our case they brought us some mini donuts for dipping. When the donuts were gone there was still some chocolate in the dish. My brother, who was 28 at the time, thought he’d be sly and use his fingers to scoop up the remaining chocolate. It was so delicious. Well apparently he wasn’t so sly because our very proper, mature, Italian waiter nonchalantly brought another plate of mini donuts to our table so my brother wouldn’t have to use his fingers. I wanted to die laughing, while my brother wanted to die of embarrassment at being caught. Core memory.

 

[afan]

Huh I wonder if I read an older blog post. I didn’t check the date on it. Yep I just checked and it was from 2019 I’m glad it’s much easier now. I hate calling places.

So how far out did you look/when do they release them?

ETA: Do they have a calendar view for fares? I’m not seeing one. Since we’re so flexible on dates it would be nice to see all of the options.

No clue about a calendar, maybe when you pick your date it shows before/after but I can't remember. I was waking up to book them and knew exactly what I wanted so I didn't pay attention. They release on the same as their own seats. It's a rolling calendar so just see how far out it goes when it asks for your dept date. You can book them one way.

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I think the car manufacturers must be trying to get through some backlog before the end of the year (so they don't have to convert to next year's models maybe?). My DH's Maverick is in transit too, finally. (Ordered in January!) The dealership is 1 mile from our house, so of course he drives by every day on his way from work to check if it's arrived yet

I finally got my Palisade this week! Been on the list since the end of January! So far I love it, although I need to spend some time this weekend getting things set up and learning how everything works. So much more high tech than I'm used to from my 2011 Acadia.

 

[Judique]

My CRV is in transit. 37 MPG, here I come!!! I'm cleaning out my Odyssey this weekend in anticipation.

Congratulations!

I've had several contacts from the dealer about an incoming Toyota Highlander, but I couldn't get excited about putting down a deposit on a 'possibility'. I'm still open to buying a new and larger hybrid but every story I read talks about dealerships adding fees, having a 'take what you can get' attitude and a general change in the way business is done. I can't deal with it so I'm enjoying what I have in my driveway. Hopefully another year will see a shift back a little towards the consumer.

 

[Judique]

I don't post often, but popping in to say a quick "thank you" here and on the gift card thread. 2022 was the first year I was serious about paying my DVC dues ONLY with discounted gift cards. My 2022 dues are paid (except for the last $2+) and I saved 10.9% not counting cash back portals or credit card points earned. I know others here do better, but I am happy with anything over the standard 5% I can get from Target.

For 2023, I already have enough in gift cards for January and February dues at a 17.9% discount. My goal is to save at least 15% for DVC dues in 2023. I think I can do this, or even more, if I use at least some the "free" money I get from the cash back portals, etc.

So THANK YOU!

Congratulations! It helps take the sting out of those dues!

I'm trying to keep track of my discount amount. I finished this year a few months back and also spent a few cards when I went to Disney in November. So far I also have a couple of months of payments stockpiled. Also have 6 Chase Office Depot offers to redeem and 2 Disney store offers for a total of $760 waiting in the wings. I need a little extra for my January/February trip. I can spend at Disney's Hilton Head also, where I enjoy a Dole Whip, maybe a breakfast or lunch and the occasional souvenir, and then more spending at WDW.

I also earned $600 this past year in 'free' Disney money doing a shopping program. Slow and tedious but I've got time since I'm retired. Not recommended for busy people.

 

[havaneselover]

Congratulations!

I've had several contacts from the dealer about an incoming Toyota Highlander, but I couldn't get excited about putting down a deposit on a 'possibility'. I'm still open to buying a new and larger hybrid but every story I read talks about dealerships adding fees, having a 'take what you can get' attitude and a general change in the way business is done. I can't deal with it so I'm enjoying what I have in my driveway. Hopefully another year will see a shift back a little towards the consumer.

Yes, I think supply chain issues will improve and consumers may pull back with the impending recession and the power will shift back. I've heard Toyota has been focusing on Tundras and Rav-4s. I think when I asked about a hybrid Rav-4 I was told 9-12 months. Honda seems to be better positioned to deliver vehicles (or maybe just has lower demand.

I also wondered why I'm paying almost as much for a CRV as a Pilot costs now, but it's really about hybrid for me at this point (plus the Touring CRV has a lot of upgrades).

 

[Sheree]

Congratulations! It helps take the sting out of those dues!

I'm trying to keep track of my discount amount. I finished this year a few months back and also spent a few cards when I went to Disney in November. So far I also have a couple of months of payments stockpiled. Also have 6 Chase Office Depot offers to redeem and 2 Disney store offers for a total of $760 waiting in the wings. I need a little extra for my January/February trip. I can spend at Disney's Hilton Head also, where I enjoy a Dole Whip, maybe a breakfast or lunch and the occasional souvenir, and then more spending at WDW.

I also earned $600 this past year in 'free' Disney money doing a shopping program. Slow and tedious but I've got time since I'm retired. Not recommended for busy people.

we don't have any OD around here can i use the chase offer to buy disney gc with the chase offer? then how do I pay due with it? I usually pay them in full for a sub. But I like the idea of saving 10-15%!

 

[Judique]

Yes, I think supply chain issues will improve and consumers may pull back with the impending recession and the power will shift back. I've heard Toyota has been focusing on Tundras and Rav-4s. I think when I asked about a hybrid Rav-4 I was told 9-12 months. Honda seems to be better positioned to deliver vehicles (or maybe just has lower demand.

I also wondered why I'm paying almost as much for a CRV as a Pilot costs now, but it's really about hybrid for me at this point (plus the Touring CRV has a lot of upgrades).

My hybrid Kia Niro took me from Maryland to Florida and back for $124 (which includes stopping at Costco and Sam's for gas on the way, plus 10% Disney rewards for using my Disney card for gas on the trip. Previous trips have been less but gas was 1/3 less then.

Is your Honda made here? I think that also may help. I'm probably going to look at Honda as well, since we've gotten a great car in DD's 2013 Civic which was bought new. She still hasn't cracked 90K though and it's upkept perfectly. (Working from home for years now has helped a lot.) Friend just bought a Honda Insight (hybrid) a few months back and loves it. I'll be looking at the SUV's. But now I have to get through the holidays, plus a vacation.

I love upgrades. I've had top of the line in most of my cars except the old 2009 Jeep and it was a work horse vehicle but not a 'toy'.

 

[Judique]

we don't have any OD around here can i use the chase offer to buy disney gc with the chase offer? then how do I pay due with it? I usually pay them in full for a sub. But I like the idea of saving 10-15%!

You can pay dues by setting them up as a monthly debit from your bank account by calling Member Accounting. Then, before the payment is debited, you go online and pay it with the Disney gift card. I very rarely will allow any company to debit my bank accounts but this has worked to save me money for many years.

There are various Chase offers that can give you Disney card savings. Some are CVS, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot. Obviously access to the stores is necessary. The only one I will do online is the Disney Store, but others are more adventurous than I am.

Other credit cards also have offers such as Amex sometimes has a Lowes offer. US Bank and Bank of America also. Most offers are 10% but occasionally you will find something a bit higher. And, you can always go to Target and get 5% which is certainly better than paying in full.