Mustachian People Problems (just for fun)

[Ceridwen]

I over-contributed to my RRSPs.... again.

My company matches contributions and it comes off automatically from my paycheque.  This is my second time over-contributing after returning from mat leave, where my contribution room is lower due to my earnings in the previous year being lower.  The first time I did it, it just didn't occur to me that I would have less room to contribute.  I just went on auto-pilot and contributed the max all year long.  I was a real headache to sort out with the Canada Revenue Agency, but I didn't have to pay any fees due to a 2K grace zone. 

But, I did it again.  This time I blame changing phones.  I had alerts set up on my old phone to remind me to check my contributions.  But then I inherited DH's old phone and didn't transfer the alerts.  So I over-contributed again (over 2K and I know I'll have to pay a fine :(

[Kitsunegari]

I over-contributed to my RRSPs.... again.

My company matches contributions and it comes off automatically from my paycheque.  This is my second time over-contributing after returning from mat leave, where my contribution room is lower due to my earnings in the previous year being lower.  The first time I did it, it just didn't occur to me that I would have less room to contribute.  I just went on auto-pilot and contributed the max all year long.  I was a real headache to sort out with the Canada Revenue Agency, but I didn't have to pay any fees due to a 2K grace zone. 

But, I did it again.  This time I blame changing phones.  I had alerts set up on my old phone to remind me to check my contributions.  But then I inherited DH's old phone and didn't transfer the alerts.  So I over-contributed again (over 2K and I know I'll have to pay a fine :(

Awww that sucks! A few years ago I made a mess on my TFSA (closed the one in the bank and opened one with Investors Group) and I had to pay over 800$ of penalty... I was so fucking MAD at myself tor such a silly mistake what costed me so much! Then again, I reminded myself I could take the hit, so it's to file under "Live and learn". 

[Kitsunegari]

That's actually a good idea... I do have a machine, but I never actually used it yet. It will probably come out crap... then again, is to be used a couple of days, then just around the house... I might give it a try!

I should have just included this in my first response, but here is a pretty thorough diy.  I haven't used it, but it looks like her instructions are clear. http://mellysews.com/2014/12/sew-robe-easy-tutorial.html

Here is one with a printable pattern. http://www.sewitalltv.com/episodes/series_900/episode_906.html

Thank you, it looks super easy! Now I'll look into how cheap can I find the fabric...

[TrMama]

I over-contributed to my RRSPs.... again.

My company matches contributions and it comes off automatically from my paycheque.  This is my second time over-contributing after returning from mat leave, where my contribution room is lower due to my earnings in the previous year being lower.  The first time I did it, it just didn't occur to me that I would have less room to contribute.  I just went on auto-pilot and contributed the max all year long.  I was a real headache to sort out with the Canada Revenue Agency, but I didn't have to pay any fees due to a 2K grace zone. 

But, I did it again.  This time I blame changing phones.  I had alerts set up on my old phone to remind me to check my contributions.  But then I inherited DH's old phone and didn't transfer the alerts.  So I over-contributed again (over 2K and I know I'll have to pay a fine :(

Awww that sucks! A few years ago I made a mess on my TFSA (closed the one in the bank and opened one with Investors Group) and I had to pay over 800$ of penalty... I was so fucking MAD at myself tor such a silly mistake what costed me so much! Then again, I reminded myself I could take the hit, so it's to file under "Live and learn".

Ouch! I did something similar just last month. Mine was due to one large transaction and I realized my math failure within a couple of days. I called TD and they were able to magically reverse the transaction. Can you try calling the bank and claim to be not very bright? It's hard on the ego, but easier on the stash.

[Zaga]

I'm going to find out at the end of December if DH's new company will stop the 401-K contributions at the federal limit.  If they don't he will over-contribute by like $50.  I'm hoping since this is a large company that they actually know what to do in this situation!

[zephyr911]

All this talk of excess contributions reminds me, I COMPLETELY forgot to change my biweekly contribution to TSP from $693 to $692 earlier this year, like I was supposed to... and it takes so long to process those changes that I can't do anything now. I am doomed to overcontribute by $18, according to my math. Now I have to figure out if it's worth the time to fill out all that ridiculous paperwork just to get it back....

[Cherry Lane]

All this talk of excess contributions reminds me, I COMPLETELY forgot to change my biweekly contribution to TSP from $693 to $692 earlier this year, like I was supposed to... and it takes so long to process those changes that I can't do anything now. I am doomed to overcontribute by $18, according to my math. Now I have to figure out if it's worth the time to fill out all that ridiculous paperwork just to get it back....

TSP contributions are automatically cut off at the limit (I always set mine up to over-contribute rather than under-contribute, and it's never been a problem), provided you are reaching the limit all in one type of TSP.  If you contribute to both civilian and uniformed accounts, it's up to you to make sure the combined total doesn't exceed the cap.

[Bracken_Joy]

We qualify for a $50 rebate on the thermostat we just installed form our energy counsel! Unfortunately, part of the documentation they want is work orders from a contractor who did the install, and proof we paid the contractor in full. We DIY'd the install... hope it still goes through! =o

[frooglepoodle]

I didn't get an eBates payment for last quarter because I didn't do enough online shopping to accumulate the $5 minimum to pay out.

[Metric Mouse]

Got a stack of formula coupons in the mail. Can't use them as we get all of our formula for free.

[Bracken_Joy]

Got a stack of formula coupons in the mail. Can't use them as we get all of our formula for free.

Gift those through your local Buy Nothing Group! They are a hot item, haha.

[LennStar]

wtf is formula?

[mustachepungoeshere]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

[Metric Mouse]

Got a stack of formula coupons in the mail. Can't use them as we get all of our formula for free.

Gift those through your local Buy Nothing Group! They are a hot item, haha.

Good idea. I've been hoarding them, but it looks like we are on track to need to purchase little, if any formula for the first year.

[dragoncar]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

Don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out too.  When you think about it, it's really a strange name for baby food powder. 

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

[Goldielocks]

I over-contributed to my RRSPs.... again.

My company matches contributions and it comes off automatically from my paycheque.  This is my second time over-contributing after returning from mat leave, where my contribution room is lower due to my earnings in the previous year being lower.  The first time I did it, it just didn't occur to me that I would have less room to contribute.  I just went on auto-pilot and contributed the max all year long.  I was a real headache to sort out with the Canada Revenue Agency, but I didn't have to pay any fees due to a 2K grace zone. 

But, I did it again.  This time I blame changing phones.  I had alerts set up on my old phone to remind me to check my contributions.  But then I inherited DH's old phone and didn't transfer the alerts.  So I over-contributed again (over 2K and I know I'll have to pay a fine :(

If it is not too much over, you can fill out a form to ask nicely for the fine to be waived,... they actually do this for an innocent error with a good reason why it was unintentional...

I ran into this last year and it was a pain..

If your CRA My Account balance or notice of assessment shows that you have exceeded the limits and owe taxes on excess contributions to an RRSP, then resolving the situation involves filing a tax form and paying the penalty tax or asking the CRA for a waiver. To report and pay the tax, file the Individual Tax Return for RRSP Excess Contributions, Form T1-OVP. To ask for a waiver, you must show that the excess contributions were an honest mistake and that you are making an effort to remove the over-contributions. The CRA will ask you to explain why you contributed too much. If you removed the excess, provide documentation, such as statements from your RRSP showing the withdrawals.  https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax-resources/retirement-taxes/how-to-resolve-rrsp-over-contributions.jsp

[Metric Mouse]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

Don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out too.  When you think about it, it's really a strange name for baby food powder. 

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

*Sigh* I'm starting to feel old when I post on the internet about good deals I get on baby food, and there are suddenly people who have no idea what I'm talking about. :( Is it really all downhill after your mid-twenties?

[LennStar]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

Don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out too.  When you think about it, it's really a strange name for baby food powder. 

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

*Sigh* I'm starting to feel old when I post on the internet about good deals I get on baby food, and there are suddenly people who have no idea what I'm talking about. :( Is it really all downhill after your mid-twenties?

They have it on my planet, but in my part of the globe we call that Milchpulver and Babynahrung. Which I have never bought anyway.
I only know the word formula from formulas, like in chemistry or math.
Ah, on that topic, since I just read it on the Overheard thread: Can you imagine my confusion when I first read the word "baby shower" in connection to some unknown brand names (and fairly solid stuff) to bring?

[Metric Mouse]

They have it on my planet, but in my part of the globe we call that Milchpulver and Babynahrung. Which I have never bought anyway.
I only know the word formula from formulas, like in chemistry or math.
Ah, on that topic, since I just read it on the Overheard thread: Can you imagine my confusion when I first read the word "baby shower" in connection to some unknown brand names (and fairly solid stuff) to bring?

Ha! Yeah, taken in a literal context, it would be a pretty strange group ritual. Maybe it still is!

[With This Herring]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

Don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out too.  When you think about it, it's really a strange name for baby food powder. 

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

*Sigh* I'm starting to feel old when I post on the internet about good deals I get on baby food, and there are suddenly people who have no idea what I'm talking about. :( Is it really all downhill after your mid-twenties?

They have it on my planet, but in my part of the globe we call that Milchpulver and Babynahrung. Which I have never bought anyway.
I only know the word formula from formulas, like in chemistry or math.
Ah, on that topic, since I just read it on the Overheard thread: Can you imagine my confusion when I first read the word "baby shower" in connection to some unknown brand names (and fairly solid stuff) to bring?

If you're ever looking for a tagline on the forum... "Don't let my perfect English deceive you; I am actually German."  :)

[Hedge_87]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

[Half-Borg]

If you're ever looking for a tagline on the foruminternet... "Don't let my perfect English deceive you; I am actually German."  :)

fixed

[Gin1984]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

Yep

[mustachepungoeshere]

wtf is formula?

Milk powder. Baby food.

They don't have it on your planet?

Don't worry, it took me a while to figure it out too.  When you think about it, it's really a strange name for baby food powder. 

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

*Sigh* I'm starting to feel old when I post on the internet about good deals I get on baby food, and there are suddenly people who have no idea what I'm talking about. :( Is it really all downhill after your mid-twenties?

They have it on my planet, but in my part of the globe we call that Milchpulver and Babynahrung. Which I have never bought anyway.
I only know the word formula from formulas, like in chemistry or math.
Ah, on that topic, since I just read it on the Overheard thread: Can you imagine my confusion when I first read the word "baby shower" in connection to some unknown brand names (and fairly solid stuff) to bring?

I'm sorry, the planet comment was bitchy.

Please accept this peace offering: a clip of comedian Danny Bhoy taking the piss out of Australians for the creative way we name things. :)

https://youtu.be/uXFcxsKcMrI

[Metric Mouse]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

I hope you said. "Just kidding. He'd like _____. But make sure it has a gift receipt." :D

[Hedge_87]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

I hope you said. "Just kidding. He'd like _____. But make sure it has a gift receipt." :D

actually we did. knowing the college fund idea would be laughed at my wife sent out an email explaining what sizes of everything he wears and the fact that we have about 5,000 stuffed animals and he has no interest in them what so ever. and the last sentence does ask for gift receipts to be included lol.

[SeaEhm]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

Tell everyone your child loves Disney.  You can buy it online too!  search for "DIS"

I wonder what is better, using money that would go towards a 529 to invest in your child's retirement or have money to go towards college loans. 

In the above example, if you start putting money away for your child 50 years before his/her retirement, talk about compounding...

[theadvicist]

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

Well, in the UK we couldn't call it a washing machine because then what would we call our... washing machine?

(Do you not call your washing machine a washing machine? Do you call it a 'washer?' Or am I just totally missing the joke / point?)

[RetiredAt63]

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

Well, in the UK we couldn't call it a washing machine because then what would we call our... washing machine?

(Do you not call your washing machine a washing machine? Do you call it a 'washer?' Or am I just totally missing the joke / point?)

Here it is a washing machine as well, unless you say dryer in the same phrase - i.e. "I got a new washer/dryer set".  I think they got called dishwashers because they are so much newer than clothes washing machines, so needed to be named something clear to avoid confusion.  HTH.

[Half-Borg]

Call one of them a "cleaning machine" and enjoy confusing foreigners even more.

[dragoncar]

Sometimes I wonder why we call the dishwasher a dishwasher and not a washing machine.

Well, in the UK we couldn't call it a washing machine because then what would we call our... washing machine?

(Do you not call your washing machine a washing machine? Do you call it a 'washer?' Or am I just totally missing the joke / point?)

I call the machine that washes clothes a clothes washer
I call the thing that washes dishes a wishy washy disherydoo
I call a snake a slippery dippery long mover

And so on and so forth

[pdxmonkey]

Here on the internet the proper term for snake is danger noodle.

[Playing with Fire UK]

Here on the internet the proper term for snake is danger noodle.

I've lost my dictionary; does that include harmless snakes?

[Half-Borg]

there are no harmless snakes

[UKMustache]

there are no harmless snakes

Someone I knew many years ago referred to wasps as 'flying c**ts'.

As much as I have tried to stop (because my wife hates that word) I do find it describes them perfectly.

[Playing with Fire UK]

there are no harmless snakes

They are all 'armless.

[With This Herring]

there are no harmless snakes

They are all 'armless.

Especially this one!  Video: Snek is ded

[Primm]

Totally appreciating the hilarity, but back on topic...

I signed up for Uber using Husband's code (he used them when he couldn't drive for a month following surgery) so that I could get to the hospital for my operation. Husband was at work and I was fine, no point him missing a day when he needed to bring me home the next day.

The coupon was for your first trip for free up to $10. I was pissed because my trip only "cost" $7, so I left $3 in the kitty.

I'll probably never use it again. It will just sit there forever.

[Bracken_Joy]

Totally appreciating the hilarity, but back on topic...

I signed up for Uber using Husband's code (he used them when he couldn't drive for a month following surgery) so that I could get to the hospital for my operation. Husband was at work and I was fine, no point him missing a day when he needed to bring me home the next day.

The coupon was for your first trip for free up to $10. I was pissed because my trip only "cost" $7, so I left $3 in the kitty.

I'll probably never use it again. It will just sit there forever.

Good luck with your operation!

[mustachepungoeshere]

Totally appreciating the hilarity, but back on topic...

I signed up for Uber using Husband's code (he used them when he couldn't drive for a month following surgery) so that I could get to the hospital for my operation. Husband was at work and I was fine, no point him missing a day when he needed to bring me home the next day.

The coupon was for your first trip for free up to $10. I was pissed because my trip only "cost" $7, so I left $3 in the kitty.

I'll probably never use it again. It will just sit there forever.

Good luck with your operation!

Yes, hope all goes well, Primm.

[McBuck]

With my Rogers Mastercard, the cashback rewards can be redeemed every month towards my phone bill. However, the minimum  redemption amount is $20 and my cell phone bill is only $15,  so my rewards balance keeps growing :(

[gliderpilot567]

My MPP is probably already on here but whatever: I've been purging so much stuff, I'm running out of crap to sell on CL/Ebay or donate. Good thing Xmas is coming, so relatives can gift me stuff to replenish my crap supply.

[misshathaway]

I've been purging so much stuff, I'm running out of crap to sell on CL/Ebay or donate. Good thing Xmas is coming, so relatives can gift me stuff to replenish my crap supply.

Laugh of the day! Don't worry, there's also work Secret Santa.

[Sibley]

The electric company installed smart meters this summer and is now sending letters, emails, etc about power usage. Apparently, 2/3 of my neighbors use less power than we do. Ok, I will admit we could do better. In particular, I should replace lightbulbs, but 85% of them (I counted) are these really stupid size that last I checked they didn't make bulbs that would fit the light fixtures in LED or anything else other than what's in there. I'm not replacing the light fixtures in a rental.

Except.
There are several vacant units around us, so minimal/no power usage.
There's 2 people in my unit, and easily 1/3 of the occupied units only have 1 person.
It's townhouses. There's a fairly high proportion of people who travel for work (leaving the spouse at home or no one there), are retired/semi retired and travel (same).

When I add all this up, I actually expect my electric use to be higher than about 2/3 of my neighbors. So the electric company really isn't telling me anything helpful.

For future reference, don't get light fixtures that require tiny lightbulbs that are non-standard size and are enclosed so you can't put anything else in them. I actually had trouble finding replacement bulbs when we moved in! They're not even pretty.

[I'm a red panda]

this will be our son's first xmas. I have been hounded for the last couple of months about what our son needs/wants for xmas. I've told them "money for college". Everybody just laughs at me.

That's all I give my nieces and nephews for Christmas. They have plenty of stuff. Their parents are super happy with the arrangement.

My child is unborn and I'm still getting too much stuff for her for Christmas. Seems everyone is sending an outfit.  At least they have the good sense to send 3-6 month clothes (and appropriately seasoned, assuming she is average sized) and not newborn, but for Christmas? She won't be in that until June or July!

[dragoncar]

The electric company installed smart meters this summer and is now sending letters, emails, etc about power usage. Apparently, 2/3 of my neighbors use less power than we do. Ok, I will admit we could do better. In particular, I should replace lightbulbs, but 85% of them (I counted) are these really stupid size that last I checked they didn't make bulbs that would fit the light fixtures in LED or anything else other than what's in there. I'm not replacing the light fixtures in a rental.

Except.
There are several vacant units around us, so minimal/no power usage.
There's 2 people in my unit, and easily 1/3 of the occupied units only have 1 person.
It's townhouses. There's a fairly high proportion of people who travel for work (leaving the spouse at home or no one there), are retired/semi retired and travel (same).

When I add all this up, I actually expect my electric use to be higher than about 2/3 of my neighbors. So the electric company really isn't telling me anything helpful.

For future reference, don't get light fixtures that require tiny lightbulbs that are non-standard size and are enclosed so you can't put anything else in them. I actually had trouble finding replacement bulbs when we moved in! They're not even pretty.

I'm curious what these bulbs are.  In my experience, they make led bulbs for everything these days although sometimes they are too big for the space.  I probably wouldn't buy nonstandard led bulbs for a rental though, since you wouldn't be able to use them elsewhere

What's your electric usage per month per person?

[Sibley]

The electric company installed smart meters this summer and is now sending letters, emails, etc about power usage. Apparently, 2/3 of my neighbors use less power than we do. Ok, I will admit we could do better. In particular, I should replace lightbulbs, but 85% of them (I counted) are these really stupid size that last I checked they didn't make bulbs that would fit the light fixtures in LED or anything else other than what's in there. I'm not replacing the light fixtures in a rental.

Except.
There are several vacant units around us, so minimal/no power usage.
There's 2 people in my unit, and easily 1/3 of the occupied units only have 1 person.
It's townhouses. There's a fairly high proportion of people who travel for work (leaving the spouse at home or no one there), are retired/semi retired and travel (same).

When I add all this up, I actually expect my electric use to be higher than about 2/3 of my neighbors. So the electric company really isn't telling me anything helpful.

For future reference, don't get light fixtures that require tiny lightbulbs that are non-standard size and are enclosed so you can't put anything else in them. I actually had trouble finding replacement bulbs when we moved in! They're not even pretty.

I'm curious what these bulbs are.  In my experience, they make led bulbs for everything these days although sometimes they are too big for the space.  I probably wouldn't buy nonstandard led bulbs for a rental though, since you wouldn't be able to use them elsewhere

What's your electric usage per month per person?

Well, based on this site: http://www.bulbs.com/learning/shapesandsizes.aspx

G Series, G11, G12 or G16. Can't tell which size exactly. When we moved in, there were a ton of burned out bulbs, so I bought about 20-30 of them and replaced burned out bulbs all over. Was only able to find them in incandescent. Still have 4-6 in the cupboard (and 3-4 need to be replaced and I haven't bothered). The light fixtures are all the same enclosed 6 or 8 sized glass things that are 3-4 inches in depth.

At this point, I'm moving out in spring/early summer, so it's not worth it to me to buy all new bulbs and replace them. Yeah, I'd save some money on electricity, but I wouldn't break even, and I'm not taking them with me anyway.

Not sure what the average electric usage is off the top of my head, but it's reasonable for 2 people and the size of the place. Not running the AC or heat, the bill is around $40 a month. With heat, around $50, and $70+ depending how much the AC is on.

[LeRainDrop]

When we moved in, there were a ton of burned out bulbs, so I bought about 20-30 of them and replaced burned out bulbs all over.

Damn, if I were a tenant, I totally would have made my landlord pay for all those bulbs.  It's one thing if they burned out over significant time of your usage, but if they were already out when you moved in, or burned out really soon thereafter, I would have called the landlord and said, "Hey, I'm gonna have to buy all these bulbs since they're out.  Do you want to buy them and install them?  Or would you rather I buy them, send you the receipt, and deduct the cost from my next rent payment?"  Said nicely with a smile :-)

[Sibley]

When we moved in, there were a ton of burned out bulbs, so I bought about 20-30 of them and replaced burned out bulbs all over.

Damn, if I were a tenant, I totally would have made my landlord pay for all those bulbs.  It's one thing if they burned out over significant time of your usage, but if they were already out when you moved in, or burned out really soon thereafter, I would have called the landlord and said, "Hey, I'm gonna have to buy all these bulbs since they're out.  Do you want to buy them and install them?  Or would you rather I buy them, send you the receipt, and deduct the cost from my next rent payment?"  Said nicely with a smile :-)

I did consider it. However, decided against it for several reasons.

1. There was a list of items I needed done, and I had to fight with a flaky, ditzy real estate agent to get them done. These were things like boarding up a hole in the wall in the basement, getting the ceiling fan/light in the bedroom to work, rehanging a door, etc. I was out of energy & patience dealing with those things.
2. Landlord is out of state, and we wanted to establish a good relationship. I've lived here 3 years and still haven't met her, or even spoken to her on the phone. We have email and mailing address.
3. When I finally found the damn things, they had a sale on lightbulbs. Very random, but great, and I had a coupon. So after the sale + coupon, that helped a lot with the cost. I think it was close to 40-50% off. Additionally, I split the cost w/ my roommate.
4. My roommate was, and is, very much not in the real world of what landlords need to do and what it's reasonable to ask. At the time, she was in the middle of a particularly out of touch phase, and I'd had to squash a number of things. (No, it is not reasonable to ask your landlord to put in a larger hot water tank when the current one is perfectly fine, not that old, etc.) Paying for the lightbulbs was a much  lower cost for me than dealing with opening that can of worms again.

Overall, it wasn't worth it.

[LeRainDrop]

Overall, it wasn't worth it.

Zoinks!  Sounds like you definitely had more important priorities than the darn light bulbs.  I wasn't trying to criticize, just empathize :-)