u/Rubes27

I have been using Heyco 5200 parts for a year or so in a custom design but as I’m running low I went to place a new order.

Mouser, Digikey, Future Electronics, and every distributor I’ve found is out of stock. Minimum quantity to refill stock is 12,500 units - I need like 50 and don’t want to spend $1k restocking brass blades.

Currently looking in to local machine shops who can stamp brass for me but wanted to see if anyone here has an alternative idea. I also plan to call Heyco tomorrow but doubt they’ll help me, at most they’ll send me a small sample batch but it’ll hardly be enough to keep me stocked up for a reasonable time.

I did look at alternative parts from other manufacturers but they’re all less optimal for this or that reason.

I could really use some perspective from more seasoned folks now that the Chase/Hyatt good times are (somewhat) coming to an end.

I’ve always relied on those two brands to make hotel awards easy. Now I’m caught up trying to choose the next program to target Citi, CapitalOne, or Bilt. Bilt allows me to stick with Hyatt but carries a hefty AF. Citi and CapOne have less desirable partners but I’m not experienced booking through their platforms, maybe it isn’t so bad?

For airlines I have a good strategy and have no concerns, I’m mostly hung up on accommodations at this point.

So veterans, what are your go-to strategies for easy access to hotel accommodations?

Currently hold a little north of 200k UR. Historically I’ve mainly used them for scoring Hyatt rooms, both high CPP for big trips and even just ok ones to help budget whisking the kids away on an impromptu vacation.

I have plenty of United miles stockpiled and plans to earn more via cobranded cards. I’m not sure if makes sense to keep UR in Chase or just go ahead and cash them in to Hyatt to extract what little value they still have to me.

Is this a crazy idea?

Edit for future folks doing researching in this sub: I’m moving all of mine and P2’s points in mid September. My CSP doesn’t renew until after so I can wait out the clock before the ratio change. Further my Hyatt status will be secure for at least the next 18-months so that gets me extra value. Chase will still be used for cobrands like United or IHG but the points I move to Hyatt will likely be the end of my use of that brand (save for tackling Bilt but I have other cards to go for first). Hyatt’s been great but Chase UR cards are either non-churnable or a waste of my time and money for the AFs.

After 15 years, many classes, projects, miles of travel, and repairs my backpack is past the point of no return.

It’s always been just ok for holding lots of tools and hardware for field work. I use a small cable organizer for wires but would like something:

Highly durable
Has a pouch to hold electronics
Has many pockets/loops for holding tools

What is everyone recommending from their experience?

I have a 401(a) and 457(b) through my work. I max out my pre-tax on the 401(a) (6%, 100% match) but am around 3.5% in to the 457. My wife and I are about to come in to a substantial change in income and expenses and I plan to increase my 457 to 6%, which is about 1/3 of the annual contribution limit.

This still leaves a rather increase in discretionary income.

The question is should I focus on maxing out the 457 or start focusing on 529 plans for our kids (starting grade school soon)?

should also mention between the 401a, 457b, and DC pension plan my retirement is very much secure, simple a matter of what age. I plan to leverage the 457b for FIRE but I genuinely enjoy my job (and working in general) and have no real plans of leaving anytime soon.

Currently on SAVE and looking at options to switch to.

I assumed I’d have to do standard repayment but it’s offering ICR with a much lower monthly payment.

I thought it would be going away in 2028, but now I’m confused.