Debt Dumpers - 2019

[MN_Andi]

End of the month reflections:

My Financial Goals for 2019:

• Have $5000 in my savings account: I added another $300 to my savings account, bringing the balance to $2700.
• Have under $28,000 in student loans: My student loans are now at $32,686.19, which is a net decrease of about $250.
• Save $2,000 $1000 for vacation in November to California/Disneyland: Probably going to need to change this up. I had been saving around $200/month, but my parents went ahead and purchased all of the parts of the vacation (excluding DL tickets). Instead of them paying for my braces right away, I'll be paying for my braces until the amount I've paid is equal to what they've purchased so far, then they will take the payments until the rest of their half has been paid. I figure now, I'll just save for my food/parking/spending money and my DL ticket, which I'm going to put as about $1000 in total.

May was ok. My budget was totally blown due to eating out quite a bit, but I have plans to reign that in this month. I also need to pay down my credit card from my braces down payment, so for this month only I turned off my student loan payment (I'm paid a head by quite a bit), and will be taking that payment on my credit card instead. I should be caught up with it once I get paid from my normal job tomorrow. I have picked up quite a few extra hours with my second job due to my overspending in May, so I'll have some nice paychecks here pretty soon.
My COL adjustment will be 2.25%, so I'll be taking that extra money and putting that towards my student loans once that kicks in in July, which for me is a three paycheck month. I also plan on adding an extra $100 to my savings the next 2 months on top of the $300 I usually save. If I have any extra money, I'll throw that towards my student loans to at least keep the interest at bay this month. Phew, a lot going on! Have a great June everyone!

 

[jen7233]

And we finally FINALLY booked part of our honeymoon. Lol. After several months of back and forth and great ideas (only to realize that they all were a bust in November), we decided to just go with our original Vegas plan! I get 2 free nights at a hotel on the strip through my local casino rewards card. If anyone has reviews on: New York New York, Harrah's, The Linq, or Bally's, I'd appreciate any insight. We're going to add on one more night (hoping to get it also comped or reduced rate) and fly out early on a Wednesday and come home mid-day on Saturday.
I wish I had the extra cash now because I see Southwest had a good $99 one way sale currently, which could save us around $200 from regular round trip. I'll have to keep checking for good flight deals.
We planned one expensive dinner buffet for Friday night at Bacchanal at Caesar's. Supposedly one of the best buffets in the US. It's expensive at $65ish a person, but I figure it's our honeymoon and we can have the one big splurge dinner.

That's great that you have something booked! I haven't been to Vegas in maybe 20 years, so can't give any reviews. I think that's a good choice though!

 

[Ngwira]

Well I had an very pleasant surprise at work today after a stressful weekend. I've mentioned here before that things with my job have been somewhat tenuous and that it's an election year. I got a heads up from a higher up that there was going to be a discussion about my position this week as to the future of it and whether I would continue doing my current work, which is what I have a real passion for. The proposed changes would have essentially forced me out. My boss came to me today and let me know that my position would continue as is with no changes, and to just continue doing what I've always done!! This has been a source of stress for me over the last 6 months, so it was nice to finally get a solid answer and know I have some solid job security. It was doubly nice to know that literally every single one of my coworkers has had my back and also been doing what they can to ensure my position doesn't change. I am extremely grateful for them.

On top of that, my boss let me know that I would be receiving an excellence award for my job which comes with a $1000 bonus in this week's paycheck!! That literally blew me away. I wasn't expecting that at all, and it was also really nice because one of my coworkers who I'm very close with (we've worked together all but 9 months of our careers in law) will also be receiving the award with me.

Congratulations Melissa. Way to go!

 

[Ngwira]

Added 7 hours of extra time to my paycheck today. I was already given the okay to pretty much go in any other day I want this week (and most likely several weeks after this).

And we finally FINALLY booked part of our honeymoon. Lol. After several months of back and forth and great ideas (only to realize that they all were a bust in November), we decided to just go with our original Vegas plan! I get 2 free nights at a hotel on the strip through my local casino rewards card. If anyone has reviews on: New York New York, Harrah's, The Linq, or Bally's, I'd appreciate any insight. We're going to add on one more night (hoping to get it also comped or reduced rate) and fly out early on a Wednesday and come home mid-day on Saturday.
I wish I had the extra cash now because I see Southwest had a good $99 one way sale currently, which could save us around $200 from regular round trip. I'll have to keep checking for good flight deals.
We planned one expensive dinner buffet for Friday night at Bacchanal at Caesar's. Supposedly one of the best buffets in the US. It's expensive at $65ish a person, but I figure it's our honeymoon and we can have the one big splurge dinner.

Down to about $8000 left to pay on the wedding. I think if I keep up the extra hours I'll have it completely paid for by beginning of October and can focus on the honeymoon for a couple weeks.

Just came back from Vegas in April. I’d stay at Harrahs based on the location on the strip. You’re closer to mid strip there. The linq is known for college age kids and wouldn’t be good for a honeymoon trip. Bally’s is off strip and NYNY is south strip.
Make sure you email the concierge wherever you stay and let them know you’re on your honeymoon. You’re likely to get upgraded.

Look on Groupon and travelzoo for discounts at Bacchanal. Ate there in April and it’s the best buffet. The buffet at Wynn also gets great reviews. Have fun in Vegas.

 

[Ngwira]

Budget for May went over due to a same day flight cancellation and having to purchase same day tickets. Should get back on track in June.

Slowly upgrading our furniture since we’ve been in our home for 6 years and most of our furniture was from thrift shops. Have bought new couches and dining room table so far using Memorial Day sales. Instead of a total kitchen redo, I am going to spray paint our cabinets for a new to me look. Also upgraded our curtains and painted. It’s amazing how these soft refurbishments can change your space. We paid cash for this so no debt.

Headed to Canada in two weeks. All hotels and flights paid for using points and cash so on the hook for just food.

Still on my weight loss journey, holding steady at 30 pounds six months in but losing inches like crazy. It’s not easy to lose weight at the age of 42.

 

[crazycatstacy]

Added 7 hours of extra time to my paycheck today. I was already given the okay to pretty much go in any other day I want this week (and most likely several weeks after this).

And we finally FINALLY booked part of our honeymoon. Lol. After several months of back and forth and great ideas (only to realize that they all were a bust in November), we decided to just go with our original Vegas plan! I get 2 free nights at a hotel on the strip through my local casino rewards card. If anyone has reviews on: New York New York, Harrah's, The Linq, or Bally's, I'd appreciate any insight. We're going to add on one more night (hoping to get it also comped or reduced rate) and fly out early on a Wednesday and come home mid-day on Saturday.
I wish I had the extra cash now because I see Southwest had a good $99 one way sale currently, which could save us around $200 from regular round trip. I'll have to keep checking for good flight deals.
We planned one expensive dinner buffet for Friday night at Bacchanal at Caesar's. Supposedly one of the best buffets in the US. It's expensive at $65ish a person, but I figure it's our honeymoon and we can have the one big splurge dinner.

Down to about $8000 left to pay on the wedding. I think if I keep up the extra hours I'll have it completely paid for by beginning of October and can focus on the honeymoon for a couple weeks.

My daughter and I stayed at New York New York and had no issue. We were a little disappointed in the pool but that wasn't a big deal to us. My husband and I LOVED the Bacchanal buffet. It was soooo good!!!

 

[DnA2010]

This is on Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Seas sailing in April. A June sailing would likely be too late in a potential pregnancy since you can't sail after 24 weeks. We were booked on the Harmony of the Seas before I swapped our itinerary. I think we will likely plan to do Harmony in 2022.

The airfare is on Lufthansa. We flew them to Venice last fall and had a good flight. Last time we were in standard economy seats. I upgraded each of our longer flight segments to premium economy seating this time though because DH wanted it. I am starting to see a trend of DH wanting more space everywhere we go. It only cost me $90 more to upgrade all of us, so it seemed worth it.

Nice! We did a short cruise (4 nights) last Oct just DH and I (first nights away from DD) and realized we've missed cruising a lot. I've been watching the prices of some of the west coast cruises as we can them with no/minimal airfare, but with two other vacations (inexpensive but still) this year, a cruise will probably wait till next year- DD will be 3 in Sept too, which then allows her into most cruise line's kids clubs

 

[imbatman]

I have a chance to go to DL mid-November for two days. The hotel is free. I can probably wrangle a $69 or $79 one-way airline ticket and the car ride back is free. I'm earning Swagbucks (ever...so...slowly) and will be looking at a few other things I can do to raise money for two-day, single park tickets. And really, if it boils down to it, I'd rather go to DL than CA if I only get one day.

So, update. I have enough points to get the plane ticket for free! I've earned $50 in Swagbucks. Not much, but it helps offset the ticket cost. DH's mom would like to have a yard sale on the 16th. I don't think I have much I want to sell, but I'll start looking around. DD paid us ahead of time for the repairs to her car, so that knocks out TWO CC's this month! Woot!

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Added 7 hours of extra time to my paycheck today. I was already given the okay to pretty much go in any other day I want this week (and most likely several weeks after this).

And we finally FINALLY booked part of our honeymoon. Lol. After several months of back and forth and great ideas (only to realize that they all were a bust in November), we decided to just go with our original Vegas plan! I get 2 free nights at a hotel on the strip through my local casino rewards card. If anyone has reviews on: New York New York, Harrah's, The Linq, or Bally's, I'd appreciate any insight. We're going to add on one more night (hoping to get it also comped or reduced rate) and fly out early on a Wednesday and come home mid-day on Saturday.
I wish I had the extra cash now because I see Southwest had a good $99 one way sale currently, which could save us around $200 from regular round trip. I'll have to keep checking for good flight deals.
We planned one expensive dinner buffet for Friday night at Bacchanal at Caesar's. Supposedly one of the best buffets in the US. It's expensive at $65ish a person, but I figure it's our honeymoon and we can have the one big splurge dinner.

Down to about $8000 left to pay on the wedding. I think if I keep up the extra hours I'll have it completely paid for by beginning of October and can focus on the honeymoon for a couple weeks.

Former Vegas local and Vegas hotel snob, LOL. I only stay at the Palazzo these days. I can't say I've been in any of these rooms recently, so take it just based on the casinos...NYNY is on the south end, so further from things. It's older. I know when it first opened it wasn't too "fancy" as far as rooms, so I can't imagine it is now. Harrah's and Bally's are pretty close to each other. Bally's isn't off the strip, it's across from Bellagio. Again, I haven't been in either room, but the casinos are "older". Linq was redone several years back. I believe my cleaning lady (who's in her 60's) did stay there and liked it. It has a more "central" strip location. TBH, I'd look at even the $$$$ resorts. I stayed at the Palazzo 3 years ago in the summer for $99/nt. Now when I go in November for my conference, it's $300-400/nt. LOL

Have fun! I love that city. I will say depending when you go in Nov, the pool won't be a factor in your decision, LOL.

 

[imbatman]

Two cards are scheduled to be paid in full!

 

[pblack]

@imbatman

 

[pblack]

So i'm playing with the idea of renting DVC points for our 2 night WDW stay next November. I've never rented DVC points, is there anything I need to be aware of? I was on the Dave's rental site and read their terms/conditions and priced out how much it would cost me. Just curious if anyone has some input they could share with me.

I'm thinking of trying for Boardwalk, with my 2 fall backs as Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Just came back from Vegas in April. I’d stay at Harrahs based on the location on the strip. You’re closer to mid strip there. The linq is known for college age kids and wouldn’t be good for a honeymoon trip. Bally’s is off strip and NYNY is south strip.
Make sure you email the concierge wherever you stay and let them know you’re on your honeymoon. You’re likely to get upgraded.

Look on Groupon and travelzoo for discounts at Bacchanal. Ate there in April and it’s the best buffet. The buffet at Wynn also gets great reviews. Have fun in Vegas.

Good idea to check Groupon!

My daughter and I stayed at New York New York and had no issue. We were a little disappointed in the pool but that wasn't a big deal to us. My husband and I LOVED the Bacchanal buffet. It was soooo good!!!

Glad they aren't too bad. I mean, we're only going to be sleeping there. So I don't expect to need ultimate luxury. I think I'm most excited for Bacchanal!

Former Vegas local and Vegas hotel snob, LOL. I only stay at the Palazzo these days. I can't say I've been in any of these rooms recently, so take it just based on the casinos...NYNY is on the south end, so further from things. It's older. I know when it first opened it wasn't too "fancy" as far as rooms, so I can't imagine it is now. Harrah's and Bally's are pretty close to each other. Bally's isn't off the strip, it's across from Bellagio. Again, I haven't been in either room, but the casinos are "older". Linq was redone several years back. I believe my cleaning lady (who's in her 60's) did stay there and liked it. It has a more "central" strip location. TBH, I'd look at even the $$$$ resorts. I stayed at the Palazzo 3 years ago in the summer for $99/nt. Now when I go in November for my conference, it's $300-400/nt. LOL

Have fun! I love that city. I will say depending when you go in Nov, the pool won't be a factor in your decision, LOL.

Yeah, not too worried about the pool aspect. Lol. We had to pick from those hotels because they are comped 100% for 2 days. I have been lookinh at it looks like they all have renovated rooms available, which I added to my room request.

 

[Dentam]

So i'm playing with the idea of renting DVC points for our 2 night WDW stay next November. I've never rented DVC points, is there anything I need to be aware of? I was on the Dave's rental site and read their terms/conditions and priced out how much it would cost me. Just curious if anyone has some input they could share with me.

I'm thinking of trying for Boardwalk, with my 2 fall backs as Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs.

I rented a studio at the Boardwalk through Dave's last year for Labor Day week. I didn't have any issues at all - they were very easy to work with and I loved my room at the Boardwalk! You should be aware that you pay up front and it isn't refundable, so you could consider getting travel insurance, although I opted not to and it all worked out fine. You also need to book months in advance to get into certain resorts. I booked mine 10 months in advance of my trip if I remember correctly. I loved staying at a deluxe resort for the price of a moderate and would definitely rent from Dave's again!

 

[StacyStrong]

May was a VERY spendy month for me. I hardly want to think about it lol. No increase in debt, but spent way too much.

On the plus side, we won tickets to see The Rolling Stones later this month and I'm super excited.

 

[pblack]

I rented a studio at the Boardwalk through Dave's last year for Labor Day week. I didn't have any issues at all - they were very easy to work with and I loved my room at the Boardwalk! You should be aware that you pay up front and it isn't refundable, so you could consider getting travel insurance, although I opted not to and it all worked out fine. You also need to book months in advance to get into certain resorts. I booked mine 10 months in advance of my trip if I remember correctly. I loved staying at a deluxe resort for the price of a moderate and would definitely rent from Dave's again!

Thanks! Boardwalk is definitely my top choice. It definitely seems like a better value going this route vs. Paying for a room through one of the hotels. I dont think any of my top 3 dvc choices would be in my budget for 2 nights otherwise. Since they recommend booking 10-11 months in advance I should have the money to pay for it all up front. I may look into travel insurance though just in case. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to add it to cover our cruise if I'm still able to do that. I never pay for the insurance so I'm not sure what the timeline is for purchasing it.

 

[thiabelle]

Wow what a week! Who woulda thunk that the week after graduation would be more stressful than the lead up to it!
Graduation was beautiful. We were indoors but the weather was perfect- not humid and not too hot. I got lucky to get towards the front of the line to get in so I was able to secure seats on the floor (and those seats actually had backs as opposed to the bleachers!). My brother, who is notorious for running late, made it on time! DD won four major awards (AP Calc, AP Psych, and four year academic achievement for Mandarin Chinese and science). Each came with a small check- I suggested DD put it aside for books. We are very proud of her. She worked so hard for four full years.
It got stressful when she decided she wanted to take off and just be a slug around the house. Ummmm- I'm at work and you can do a few things around the house. I set a deadline for the thank you notes- which she finally completed. Had a hiccup with the placement test for her school- she was in the middle of it and our power/internet went out. She said that she doesn't think it mattered- her final score seemed high enough that she will place into the math and science that she wants (plus we have to wait to see what her AP scores are for this year).
I did not expect to deal with "developmental" issues again- she swings from being unable to hear me breathe without being annoyed to wanting me to brush her hair or scratch her back. I don't know why I'm surprised- she is dealing with major life changes. She also put off packing for her move to Florida (tomorrow!!) but in the last two days really got it together. It's funny to go in her room because she put sticky notes on the things I am not to touch or throw away. It looks like a Post-It factory threw up in there.
As for our budget- I'm not going to look at it for awhile. I know I am stressed as well because I am buying stuff. Some of it is necessary for her (you do need a pair of jeans for college- please trust me) and some of it is stress spending. I'm trying to give myself permission to not feel too guilty but I know I need to reign it in. I don't want to get into debt I can't get out of!
Today is a day of packing the car and getting ready to send her off. I only have seven more days of work- I can't wait for summer- I'll be in Florida two weeks from today!
I hope everyone has a great week!

 

[MN_Andi]

So i'm playing with the idea of renting DVC points for our 2 night WDW stay next November. I've never rented DVC points, is there anything I need to be aware of? I was on the Dave's rental site and read their terms/conditions and priced out how much it would cost me. Just curious if anyone has some input they could share with me.

I'm thinking of trying for Boardwalk, with my 2 fall backs as Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs.

I rented with David's for my November vacation, and I couldn't recommend them enough. For the Boardwalk, they recommend 11 months in advance, so I requested exactly 11 months to the day. I requested a standard room as my first choice (it is much cheaper than the preferred), and that same day they said there as no availability for it, so we went preferred, and they were able to get us our request the next day. Your cost is due 100% within 24 hours of securing the reservation. For our trip last year, my dad signed up for a PayPal line of credit for 0% interest for 6 months, and we paid it off sooner than that. When I reserved the Grand Californian this year, I just put in on a credit card and paid it off right away.
You can set up Magical Express through them as well. Just know that any changes can only be submitted up to 30 days before your check-in date.
We could never afford rack rates for these hotels, and I like renting DVC points because it lets us experience these hotels for about the rack rate of a moderate resort. They usually are in great locations too. I timed how long buses took to the parks, and I never waited more than 10 minutes to go to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (we walked or used the boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). I'm super biased, but the Boardwalk area is my favorite, and EPCOT is my favorite theme park, but I sincerely enjoyed my stay there. The only problem now is that we almost only want to ever rent DVC points whenever we go to Disney!

 

[pblack]

I rented with David's for my November vacation, and I couldn't recommend them enough. For the Boardwalk, they recommend 11 months in advance, so I requested exactly 11 months to the day. I requested a standard room as my first choice (it is much cheaper than the preferred), and that same day they said there as no availability for it, so we went preferred, and they were able to get us our request the next day. Your cost is due 100% within 24 hours of securing the reservation. For our trip last year, my dad signed up for a PayPal line of credit for 0% interest for 6 months, and we paid it off sooner than that. When I reserved the Grand Californian this year, I just put in on a credit card and paid it off right away.
You can set up Magical Express through them as well. Just know that any changes can only be submitted up to 30 days before your check-in date.
We could never afford rack rates for these hotels, and I like renting DVC points because it lets us experience these hotels for about the rack rate of a moderate resort. They usually are in great locations too. I timed how long buses took to the parks, and I never waited more than 10 minutes to go to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (we walked or used the boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios). I'm super biased, but the Boardwalk area is my favorite, and EPCOT is my favorite theme park, but I sincerely enjoyed my stay there. The only problem now is that we almost only want to ever rent DVC points whenever we go to Disney!

This is great information, thanks so much! It's good to hear that transportation doesnt take very long from boardwalk. Since this will be our first trip ever to WDW I've been a little stressed over the whole transportation thing lol. I think i am gonna go for the DVC rental.

 

[MN_Andi]

Thanks! Boardwalk is definitely my top choice. It definitely seems like a better value going this route vs. Paying for a room through one of the hotels. I dont think any of my top 3 dvc choices would be in my budget for 2 nights otherwise. Since they recommend booking 10-11 months in advance I should have the money to pay for it all up front. I may look into travel insurance though just in case. It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to add it to cover our cruise if I'm still able to do that. I never pay for the insurance so I'm not sure what the timeline is for purchasing it.

When you go to pay for your DVC reservation, that is where you can add travel insurance, or waive it I believe. I personally have never purchased travel insurance, but I know I have to click a button saying that I understood travel insurance is suggested, but I choose to waive it.