My Money Moves This Week

[frugalkristen]

Following my divorce two years ago, I've been saving like crazy.  I chose not to take any alimony as I wanted to support myself.  I don't make a lot of money but I also keep my expenses very low.  I work as much OT as I can get and sometimes work for my SIL for some extra cash.  I've been investing in my 401K, HSA and Roth IRA.  But I still have cash and wasn't sure what to do with it.  After reading the forums for a while, I made a couple moves -

1. Opened a Vanguard account with $10,000.  Bought VTSAX

2. Opened a Citibank Checking Account with $15,000.  They have a promotion right now that will net me $400 in 120 days.  That a chunk of my emergency fund so I wanted to keep it out of Vanguard.  And it still leaves me with $12,000 in my regular checking account for bills and such.

3. And I'm thinking about opening a Chase Freedom Unlimited card for the $150 sign up bonus.

I really appreciate the input on these boards! 

[HAPPYINAZ]

Do you already have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card?  If not, you might consider that one.  It's got a $1,000 sign up bonus (worth $1500 if you redeem for travel on their website), plus  you can get an extra $600 in travel reimbursements if you get the card before the end of the year (300 this year, 300 next).  Even if you don't travel much, that card gives you a much bigger bonus than the chase freedom card, even when you consider the $450 annual fee.   But I assume you already saw the big thread about this card and have decided against it for some reason.  If you don't like the big annual fee, you could consider a Chase Sapphire Preferred card which has a $500 bonus ($625 for travel) and they waive the annual fee the first year. 

[frugalkristen]

Thanks for the suggestion!  I don't want to spend $4000 in the first 3 months.  It's just me so my monthly expenses are pretty low.  $500 in 3 months is doable though.

[Lizzaroo]

No advice to give, just wanted to give you major high five for your financial successes. Awesome!

[TomTX]

Thanks for the suggestion!  I don't want to spend $4000 in the first 3 months.  It's just me so my monthly expenses are pretty low.  $500 in 3 months is doable though.

Freedom is 5% back at Costco through the end of the year. If you later change your mind on the CSR, you can transfer your Freedom points for the superior Travel redemption.