u/doktorhladnjak

I've been looking to get a 1x2 or 2x1 vanity callsign for a while. I've been watching sites like https://ae7q.com and https://vanities.k2cr.com to learn more about what's available but also how things work.

AE7Q has a detailed description of the process at https://www.ae7q.com/query/text/Vanity.php, but I wanted to share a step-by-step that I think will save most people from the most common mistakes and headaches I see from applications. This applies even if you are not getting a competitive call, where the call sign is restricted or invalid.

1. Check these sites to see when the callsign(s) you want expire and are available. Make note of the specific day so you can apply then.
2. Apply. File your application with the FCC via ULS. Don't pay right away.
3. After a couple days, check sites like AE7Q and K2CR to see what your competition looks like. Unfortunately, they don't show all mistakes until you pay, but some problems are immediately obvious.
4. Pay. You need log into FCC Cores and navigate some menus to find where to pay, but it'll be there.
5. After a couple days, go back to AE7Q and K2CR. Now that you've paid, they will show other kinds of mistakes that might disqualify your application. K2CR will even show a probability estimate of your chances. Bear in mind these estimates assume (AE7Q) others will pay or (K2CR) won't pay, so they can adjust until the 10 day payment window is up.
6. If you've made a mistake, don't like your chances, or changed your mind, you can reset it all by modifying your application. You don't need to pay a new fee, but this will reset the receipt date which could take you out of the running for a call. The predictions on these sites will be updated in a day or so.
7. If you just want to stop for now, withdraw your application and request a refund from the FCC. It can take some time to process.
8. If everything is good, wait until the process date to see if you got it. At this point, the $35 is non-refundable whether you get it or not. The FCC processes these early in the morning. Usually by 2am on the process date, you can search ULS to see who was awarded a call sign. The AE7Q and K2CR websites won't update for a day or two.

Edit: Added step 8

I’ve always been frugal enough to spend below my income and save for goals like a down payment for a home. But I’ve never budgeted. As in created targets or limits for categories of expenses.

This has worked fine for most of my life. Money has rarely been stressful even when I was earning less or lost my job.

I’ve tried expense tracking before but I’ve never been able to do it regularly, only once or twice when feeling motivated. I just find it very tedious tracking every expense and dealing with syncing financial data between all these systems.

As I’m getting closer to retiring, a major source of stress is knowing how much I need to save to cover expenses.

Most of the apps out there seem to be more about tracking assets or helping people who spend more than they earn. Neither of these really fit my case.

What are some good options for this that are more “set it and forget it” to see where the money is going over time?