Post Your Wins

[james.hendrickson]

My win of the week is that after three weeks of being without a car after my car accident, I managed to buy a used car and not incur any debt. Part of the funds came from the insurance payout on the wrecked car and part of it from savings.

its nice when things work that way. Good work Liblady!

[crazyliblady]

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its nice when things work that way. Good work Liblady!

Thank you, James! It could not have worked out better. Just in case any of you is in the market to buy a car, it is really tough to buy a used car that is in good shape and not have to spend $12K or more. Three years ago, my 21 year old Mitsubishi died of engine failure. I had been saving for a car replacement for 6 years. I bought a 2007 Chevy Impala for less than $6K. When I began looking at car ads recently, though, 2007 Chevy Impalas were priced at around $10K. I know it's all because of inflation, but it's crazy to me, because the cars are older and have higher mileage than the one I bought 3 years ago. In order to get a car that is in good shape, I wound up having to upgrade and spending more than I might have normally. But I am not really complaining, as I really like the car.

[scfr]

Snagged the 10% discount on Target gift cards for Circle members / Red Card holders. (It expires today if anyone is interested.) Paid using a 3% cashback card. That amounts to a 12.7% discount.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Snagged the 10% discount on Target gift cards for Circle members / Red Card holders. (It expires today if anyone is interested.) Paid using a 3% cashback card. That amounts to a 12.7% discount.

how did you get that?

[scfr]

how did you get that?

It was an offer that appeared in the Target Circle offers. I found out about it from the Doctor of Credit website on Oct 1. It was only available Sept 30 and Oct 1.

[scfr]

Got a 1 lb bag of really fresh local-ish Brussels sprouts at Grocery Outlet for $1.49 ... prepped and steamed them this morning.

[crazyliblady]

Got a 1 lb bag of really fresh local-ish Brussels sprouts at Grocery Outlet for $1.49 ... prepped and steamed them this morning.

Nice! I love brussel sprouts, but I actually coat mine in olive oil and add garlic powder and some other herb, usually parsley or basil. Then, I arrange them on a baking that is topped with parchment paper and cook them at 375ish for about 30 minutes.

[kork13]

Got a 1 lb bag of really fresh local-ish Brussels sprouts at Grocery Outlet for $1.49 ... prepped and steamed them this morning.

This probably sounds silly, but we absolutely LOVE the Grocery Outlet that recently (last year) opened in our small town. Yeah, the selection varies alot, sand very few name-brand items, but it's all generally good quality, and prices are often mind-bogglingly awesome (50% or more less than regular stores or even Costco/Walmart prices. Consistent $1-$2 pints & $4 quarts+ of great I've cream (even top-quality/name brand stuff -- Tillamook, Ben & Jerry, etc.) is an indulgence that we treasure.

[ua_guy]

I have an older Jeep and it needs things like coolant flushes and brake system flushes every 5 years. I'm happy to take it to the dealer for those things, and it's a long story why I choose a dealer over an indie shop. So those things cost money. While it was in for service recently, the shop said it should also have a fuel injector service ($185), the throttle body should be cleaned ($149), and both differentials should have a fluid service and inspection ($285 x2). I said thank you so much, but no, just do the service I asked for and I'll take care of the rest.

The injector service...no joke...involves dumping a bottle of "fuel system cleaner" into the gas tank. The injectors are fine, by the way. When they have problems, THEN, they need to be pulled and properly cleaned. It's not time yet.

The throttle body did need to be cleaned. They pick up dirt from the intake and oil from the plenum. A $7 can of "throttle body cleaner" (aka solvent) and a rag cleaned it right up. Took 15 minutes to pull it off and complete the service. Saved $178.

I swapped the differential oil (super easy to do as my differentials have both drain and fill plugs. The gear oil cost me $60 for 4 quarts of good stuff, and 1/2 hour of my time. Saved $510. The "inspection" would involve removing the cover (10 minutes, a $3.28 gasket, and a big mess), but I didn't deem that medically necessary because the oil came out dark, but not dirty, and with no metal debris. So saved some time as well.

[james.hendrickson]

I have an older Jeep and it needs things like coolant flushes and brake system flushes every 5 years. I'm happy to take it to the dealer for those things, and it's a long story why I choose a dealer over an indie shop. So those things cost money. While it was in for service recently, the shop said it should also have a fuel injector service ($185), the throttle body should be cleaned ($149), and both differentials should have a fluid service and inspection ($285 x2). I said thank you so much, but no, just do the service I asked for and I'll take care of the rest.

The injector service...no joke...involves dumping a bottle of "fuel system cleaner" into the gas tank. The injectors are fine, by the way. When they have problems, THEN, they need to be pulled and properly cleaned. It's not time yet.

The throttle body did need to be cleaned. They pick up dirt from the intake and oil from the plenum. A $7 can of "throttle body cleaner" (aka solvent) and a rag cleaned it right up. Took 15 minutes to pull it off and complete the service. Saved $178.

I swapped the differential oil (super easy to do as my differentials have both drain and fill plugs. The gear oil cost me $60 for 4 quarts of good stuff, and 1/2 hour of my time. Saved $510. The "inspection" would involve removing the cover (10 minutes, a $3.28 gasket, and a big mess), but I didn't deem that medically necessary because the oil came out dark, but not dirty, and with no metal debris. So saved some time as well.

Way to go UA Guy. I think what makes this possible is you know about engines - not everyone does, so they have to take the dealerships word for it.

[jenn_jenn]

Way to go UA Guy. I think what makes this possible is you know about engines - not everyone does, so they have to take the dealerships word for it.

Agreed! Nice job, ua_guy!!

I am absolutely ignorant when it comes to cars and dread taking my car in for services bc I am that sucker you referenced that just takes the dealership’s word.

Knowing how to do basic car stuff is such a valuable skill!

[scfr]

This probably sounds silly, but we absolutely LOVE the Grocery Outlet that recently (last year) opened in our small town. Yeah, the selection varies alot, sand very few name-brand items, but it's all generally good quality, and prices are often mind-bogglingly awesome (50% or more less than regular stores or even Costco/Walmart prices. Consistent $1-$2 pints & $4 quarts+ of great I've cream (even top-quality/name brand stuff -- Tillamook, Ben & Jerry, etc.) is an indulgence that we treasure.

Not silly at all - I totally get it!
I took a trip in August and my hotel had a kitchenette and was right next to an Aldi's . . . I was excited to finally get to shop Aldi's and see what the big deal is.

P.S. - When we travel overseas, we always visit grocery stores.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Got this $400 win yesterday, which I'll use for 1/2 of a new iPhone 14 plus for $899. If only the kicker appeared it would have paid $2000, which would have been a taxable hand pay but I would have gladly paid the $500 tax and profited $1500. Also, note this game has three possible 4000 credit pay outs.

[kork13]

If only the kicker appeared it would have paid $2000, which would have been a taxable hand pay but I would have gladly paid the $500 tax and profited $1500.

Aren't gambling winnings taxable on an annual basis? Or does the sizeable hand just mean that above the given amount the casino will withhold & report your winnings?

[disneysteve]

Aren't gambling winnings taxable on an annual basis? Or does the sizeable hand just mean that above the given amount the casino will withhold & report your winnings?

As with many things, below a certain amount it is your responsibility to report the winnings. If you cross the threshold and the casino reports them, you do get to deduct any losses to offset the wins. Since regular gamblers are rarely ahead over time, taxes are usually minimal unless someone got lucky and hit a big jackpot.

Personally, I’ve only had to report gambling winnings one year but I had losses to largely offset the winnings.