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

[disfanforlife]

Why does 52 days seem so far away right now??? Winter is too long and vacations too far apart, sigh.

 

[punkin]

Anyone know what happens if you don't show up for an AA award flight? We have a trip coming up, that I'd like to extend by a day, I thought I could do it, but when I called they said it was a "web special" and they can't do that over the phone, I can only book it online and I can't modify it online myself. So now that I had myself thinking we could have an extra day, I really want that day, haha. I've found a cheap one way returning flight. Wondering if we could just not show up for the booked return flight. Do they penalize you for not showing? I know there is a fee for cancelling.

I once got off a Delta award flight at the first stopover. It was a flight back from Paris to DC and had a stupid routing through Pittsburgh then Detroit then DC. We got off in Pittsburgh, picked up our baggage at customs and instead of putting the baggage back on the plane for Detroit, we left the airport, rented a car and drove home. No repercussions. Just make sure it is your last flight on the itinerary. They WILL cancel any flight you have after you miss a flight.

 

[Judique]

Man, after staying at Boardwalk a couple of times, I only wish I had known about or been in a position to buy DVC back then. Buying BWV at that time was the best deal in DVC, bar none.

I still read the DVC boards here daily, and I am definitely trying to convince myself that we are for sure not buying resale BWV points. Anytime soon. Probably.

I also got a seasonal part time job at the nearby Disney Store (before it was taken over by another company for awhile) and got 15% off my Boardwalk points, 25% off either Vero or Hilton Head - can't remember.

I worked maybe 2-4 hours a week and spent more money than they paid me on Disney stuff, like the framed pin sets, pictures, pins, t shirts and whatever. In addition I bought BW while on a trip and staying at a Disney hotel - they credited some of my room cost to the purchase.

And, I got a couple of free tickets plus admission for myself at the gate with my Disney ID, and a cast member discount at some restaurants. It was definitely worth the very few hours I put into the job.

This is not a template for now, as I have no idea what the benefits are at present, but it worked out nicely for me.

 

[GlamMistress]

Sorry in advance - this is off topic but I'm super stressed and @SouthFayetteFan I need your help.

On 12/30, I did a non-deductible IRA to Roth conversion for both DH and I. Now I'm worried about the massive tax implications of this. I had two years worth of contributions and gains for each of us. So I should be able to do form 8606 to report the contributions for both years, right (I max each year for each of us)?

The forms that Fidelity generated for tax year 2019 say a taxable income of $19,xxx for me and $23,xxx for DH. So on the surface this has raised our taxable income by around $43k more... I max my tax advantaged vehicles (401k, 403b, HSA and I'm screwed by the SALT change if that matters). But this would be before taking into account the money I put in already taxed. ($5,500 for '18 and $6,000 for '19).

Basically I'm worried I'm going to have something like a $20k tax bill. Now silver linings here; 1) I CAN pay this, and 2) I can get credit card bonuses out of it and 3) I won't have to face this tax bill in old age but I'm still really upset and I think DH is mad but won't say so. So what have I forgotten here or screwed up in my FI plans?

 

[Judique]

Why does 52 days seem so far away right now??? Winter is too long and vacations too far apart, sigh.

I have 18 days until I leave for my next Disney trip. And, yes winter is too long and cold!
I feel bad complaining when I know your area is much more like winter than what we experience in Maryland. I could choose to stay in Florida for January and February, but I don't want to be gone away from family that long.

 

[Haley R]

I have 18 days until I leave for my next Disney trip. And, yes winter is too long and cold!
I feel bad complaining when I know your area is much more like winter than what we experience in Maryland. I could choose to stay in Florida for January and February, but I don't want to be gone away from family that long.

And here I am complaining about the cold when I live in Florida lol. With the wind this morning it felt like 28! That’s too damn cold. I didn’t move here for this crap

 

[Haley R]

Since I’m basically in my third trimester now I’m thinking more about getting pictures done and wanted some input from you guys. I’m thinking to get some done at DS at the photo place. It looks like they might not be the best quality so we might only get a couple.

Where would be some cool places in the parks to get pictures? The problem will be having a photo pass person nearby. We could always take them on our phones but they might not turn out as well. I’m thinking for sure by the millennium falcon since that’s where we took our announcement picture. We’re going Friday but my stomach just isn’t big enough to get pictures yet. We’re planning to go back a day in February for pictures.

ETA: Beach and yacht club at sunset in the sand could be cool too

 

[Judique]

And here I am complaining about the cold when I live in Florida lol. With the wind this morning it felt like 28! That’s too damn cold. I didn’t move here for this crap

The week I was there was beautiful! Up to 84 degrees! I'll settle for anything over 60ties.

 

[Haley R]

The week I was there was beautiful! Up to 84 degrees! I'll settle for anything over 60ties.

Above 60 is fine but our lows have been in the 40s. You add the wet wind to that and it’s chilly

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Sorry for the long multi post. Short on time today

For our property taxes the town website accepts visa and MasterCard, but not Amex...they also charge 2.5% to use a credit card

Yuk. Our state license plate fees went from $100 to $150 and a 5% fee for CCs.
You can mail your check in but your plate sticker might not get mailed to you in time

This is NOT the first time that @SouthFayetteFan has strayed. The FIRE thread has long been his piece on the side, although I think the spreadsheet is a good indication that the RotR is a more serious relationship. But, none of us are entirely innocent. I mean, we all LOOK, at least... and maybe post once in a while.

I’ve never even looked

Absolutely. I am not happy. IMO this makes DH's platinum AF too much to justify. He got a retention offer this year so one more year...then I'm dumping it.

At least I managed to use $200 of the airline credit last year and $244 of the resort credit. If upgrades for our AA flight go down to $80 or less I’ll upgrade and use the otherwise useless airline credit

Amex loves to make credits unusable. What worked last week might not work this week. For the like 3 things left that are legit you can chat and they’ll credit it. If not you’re crossing your fingers it goes through and they don’t claw it back in 2 years.

I’ve managed to use a few but the airline credits do seem pretty useless

I'll be a current DP. My 5.60 fees were reimbursed on 1/7/20 for a flight booked on 1/5/20.

Which airline?

Thanks for the additional info! His cards were opened 25 months ago & those are the only ones we’ve opened in over 10 years, so I should be good with that. But I’ll double check if they show just to be sure.

So if you’re 0/24, why not consider 2 cards and get a Companion Pass?

Do you know if there are parking fees at Hilton? I assume so but just curious. I was going to use Bonvoy points to stay at one of the bigger marriotts outside WDW when I take my dd down but between the $45 night resort fee and like $30 parking fee (might have actually been a bit higher), I could not bring myself to book it. Free on points or not, that is just ridiculous!

We haven’t had any parking fees at Hilton but that may just be the properties we picked.

Dd just got into engineering at Queen's University (in Kingston, ON -- approx. 2.5 hours east of Toronto)! This is her top choice and she is thrilled (as am I)! I honestly feel that the school is a perfect fit for her and believe she will thrive in the program! Just wanted to share!

I checked and they take cc payments (they charge a fee, but I may finally be able to meet the steep $7,000.00 Cdn MSR {for 70,000 MRs} on the Cdn AmEx Platinum).

Congrats!

What amazes me is that Amazon has found a way to get people to pay them for this! We refuse to have one in the house, even if they paid us to have it. I seriously think it's creepy.

And my sister and BIL have a couple but BIL is the one who won’t use Venmo or autopay anything because they’re too risky and have your info.

I have FB but I've gotten to where I loath it. Too much drama and not enough about the people I'm actually interested in. Instagram is so much better - which is werid considering FB owns Instagram.

My FB account is close friends only. Like less than 15 people. One of my coworker’s asked to be FB friends. I said no She was offended but I said I’m not friends with anyone at work. I see them enough at work. Plus she was getting married at the time and being a bridezilla I didn’t need to hear more about it.
My sister is the worst, all she posts are dog rescue and political stuff. And fake vacation pics. Fortunately I’m pro rescue and politically similar, otherwise I’d block her.

 

[WVMomof3]

Above 60 is fine but our lows have been in the 40s. You add the wet wind to that and it’s chilly

Don't forget to add in the falling iguanas also. lol

 

[bernina]

Sorry for the long multi post. Short on time today

Yuk. Our state license plate fees went from $100 to $150 and a 5% fee for CCs.
You can mail your check in but your plate sticker might not get mailed to you in time

I’ve never even looked

At least I managed to use $200 of the airline credit last year and $244 of the resort credit. If upgrades for our AA flight go down to $80 or less I’ll upgrade and use the otherwise useless airline credit


I’ve managed to use a few but the airline credits do seem pretty useless

Which airline?

So if you’re 0/24, why not consider 2 cards and get a Companion Pass?

We haven’t had any parking fees at Hilton but that may just be the properties we picked.

Congrats!

And my sister and BIL have a couple but BIL is the one who won’t use Venmo or autopay anything because they’re too risky and have your info.

My FB account is close friends only. Like less than 15 people. One of my coworker’s asked to be FB friends. I said no She was offended but I said I’m not friends with anyone at work. I see them enough at work. Plus she was getting married at the time and being a bridezilla I didn’t need to hear more about it.
My sister is the worst, all she posts are dog rescue and political stuff. And fake vacation pics. Fortunately I’m pro rescue and politically similar, otherwise I’d block her.

Fake vacation pictures? Is that a thing?

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Since I’m basically in my third trimester now I’m thinking more about getting pictures done and wanted some input from you guys. I’m thinking to get some done at DS at the photo place. It looks like they might not be the best quality so we might only get a couple.

Where would be some cool places in the parks to get pictures? The problem will be having a photo pass person nearby. We could always take them on our phones but they might not turn out as well. I’m thinking for sure by the millennium falcon since that’s where we took our announcement picture. We’re going Friday but my stomach just isn’t big enough to get pictures yet. We’re planning to go back a day in February for pictures.

ETA: Beach and yacht club at sunset in the sand could be cool too

This may not be what you are looking for. I saw a really amazing set of pictures that a family had done with their son, as he grew, next to the baseball statue outside Casey’s Corner. I wish I had done it with DGD.

 

[disfanforlife]

I have 18 days until I leave for my next Disney trip. And, yes winter is too long and cold!
I feel bad complaining when I know your area is much more like winter than what we experience in Maryland. I could choose to stay in Florida for January and February, but I don't want to be gone away from family that long.

Don’t feel bad, my cousins live in Florida and this morning she was complaining about it being 39 degrees. It was 20 here.
I understand not wanting to be away from family. All of my immediate family lives near me up here.

 

[disfanforlife]

I also got a seasonal part time job at the nearby Disney Store (before it was taken over by another company for awhile) and got 15% off my Boardwalk points, 25% off either Vero or Hilton Head - can't remember.

I worked maybe 2-4 hours a week and spent more money than they paid me on Disney stuff, like the framed pin sets, pictures, pins, t shirts and whatever. In addition I bought BW while on a trip and staying at a Disney hotel - they credited some of my room cost to the purchase.

And, I got a couple of free tickets plus admission for myself at the gate with my Disney ID, and a cast member discount at some restaurants. It was definitely worth the very few hours I put into the job.

This is not a template for now, as I have no idea what the benefits are at present, but it worked out nicely for me.

Sounds like you got a great deal!

 

[wanderlust7]

Sorry in advance - this is off topic but I'm super stressed and @SouthFayetteFan I need your help.

On 12/30, I did a non-deductible IRA to Roth conversion for both DH and I. Now I'm worried about the massive tax implications of this. I had two years worth of contributions and gains for each of us. So I should be able to do form 8606 to report the contributions for both years, right (I max each year for each of us)?

The forms that Fidelity generated for tax year 2019 say a taxable income of $19,xxx for me and $23,xxx for DH. So on the surface this has raised our taxable income by around $43k more... I max my tax advantaged vehicles (401k, 403b, HSA and I'm screwed by the SALT change if that matters). But this would be before taking into account the money I put in already taxed. ($5,500 for '18 and $6,000 for '19).

Basically I'm worried I'm going to have something like a $20k tax bill. Now silver linings here; 1) I CAN pay this, and 2) I can get credit card bonuses out of it and 3) I won't have to face this tax bill in old age but I'm still really upset and I think DH is mad but won't say so. So what have I forgotten here or screwed up in my FI plans?

You only need to pay tax on the gains. $19k with $11.5k contribution, so gains were around $7500 for you? The tax forms don't take this into account and will just show the entire amount.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Fake vacation pictures? Is that a thing?

No, my sister posts these fabulous looking pics that are far from reality. They went to Greece and every day she posts cute pics of the kids, visiting the Parthenon, yummy food etc. She comes back and says vacation was miserable, the kids complained constantly, the only reason the kids wanted to go to a restaurant was for free WiFi on their iPods, they drove 2 hours to go swimming and the kids forgot their swimsuits, etc. She returned from Greece saying she was never taking her kids in vacation again.

However fake FB and Instagram pics by “influencers” is a thing.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

This may not be what you are looking for. I saw a really amazing set of pictures that a family had done with their son, as he grew, next to the baseball statue outside Casey’s Corner. I wish I had done it with DGD.

@Haley R that would be so cute for something in Star Wars since you’re doing the space theme and did your announcement there. Is there a statue or something you can start with now and then visit every year with your son to recreate? (I haven’t been, so no idea)

 

[wanderlust7]

I'm torn on Biz Platinum because of the annual fee but I'm seeing Dell does sell Xbox Live digital gift cards. I think these are just digital gift cards, but the "Live" is throwing me off. All DS ever wants for birthday, Christmas, etc. is xbox gift cards.

I think they're the same, but I don't know for sure. Hopefully someone else knows. Or you could just buy one on Dell and test it out. Lowest amount is $5.

I tried to look for the fine print on the ones I have. But they're stored on Dell's Digital Locker and was absolutely uninformative (only a code shows). While there, I saw that 2 of my $15 ones were marked "returned". Did chat and was told that they are being held for verification and I need to call. I'm a little skeptical since this was from almost 2 months ago and they were confirmed then. Guess I need to call. I hate calling.

Checked my Amex account to see if I was refunded (nope). While there, saw that I had a 10k MR pay over time offer! Woohoo! Silver lining I guess, lol.

 

[focusondisney]

So if you’re 0/24, why not consider 2 cards and get a Companion Pass?

We did that 2 years ago, that’s why my DH has 2 personal cards. I don’t have a business so don’t think I can qualify for both cards. Although, I am an RN with a specialty credential. I am employed by a local hospital in my specialty. I could do independent consultations, but I never have. Could that qualify me for a business card? What would I need to prove to qualify for the business card?