I had booked a Medellin and Bogota trip back in May and will be flying in early September, in a little under 3 weeks. I'm not sure how things will look by then in the affected areas of the devastating earthquake, but I presume donations will still be welcomed + needed?

Are there any collection sites in Medellin I can donate supplies to? I'll pack my checked bag if so, and what's most needed?

enrolled 3 accounts, great enough on the first 2 I was able to settle in full already (though I still lack a "paid in full" confirmation letter from either bank - Capitol One and Apple.

Third account, Chase, has been a rollercoaster of BS that is leading me day by day to believe this is a scam. I enrolled a debt of 12.6K, and NDR assured me to not worry about the MONTHS of interest + fees racking up, and that my enrolled debt at the start was what it would be.

Now the enrolled debt is inflated to over $15K, and their "projected settlement" went up TWICE now. Originally, the projected settlement for the enrolled debt os $12.6K was $6969.

Chase had mailed me a settlement offer back in May for $9207.
NDR had been very adamant I ignore and do not respond to *any* communication from the creditor. That's on top of their assurance to not worry about the months of interest stacking up despite non-payments, that my enrolled debt is to be the amount from when I started the program.

Fast forward to now, literally just today they changed my "enrolled debt" to the amount *including* months of interest racking up, to over $15K, with a projected settlement of $9.4K (previously it was around $6K). That's not including their fee, which I'm under the presumption will be the 25% of the new $15.3K amount, not the previous $12.6K?? Also, the "projected settlement" changed again, inreasing albeit by just a couple of bucks (like $20-30).

I had written and called them with my scathing experience and they've "escalated" my account to be investigated and blah blah blah. Long story short, it's been a roundabout of NOTHINGISM and I called today and I'm told my case was assigned a "specialist" who conveniently isn't in yet and her shift hasn't started and they don't know when it will. Are you effing serious???

I've already indicated my interest in calling Rubin and Rothman, since my Chase debt has officially been passed on to a collector, thanks!
And since then, I've been getting stalled by NDR it feels like. I have $498 in my DSA account and an autodeposit scheduled for this Friday for $203. I want to hopefuly reach a settlement directly w/ the collector and cancel NDR and get all my current DSA balances back.

This is ridiculous. I could've taken Chase's offer for $9207 back in May, but now I'm looking at a $9489 "settlement" with NDR and that's not including the 25% fee on the enrolled balance of $15346, which will be $3836.
That's a little over $13.3K, which is $4.1K MORE than I would've paid had I just settled with Chase. I am BEYOND livid and fuming.

An update to my prior ask here regarding National Debt Releif —> https://www.reddit.com/r/Debt/s/DzV7B4tAqu

I called the Chase creditor directly & they said they can’t work on my account since they sent it to Rubin and Rothman. No lawsuit filed as of yet thankfully, but I wrote an email to them to reach a settlement & monthly-payment arrangement, expressing my seriousness to paying it off and being done with it ASAP, as demonstrated by me paying off my Apple Card more than 4 months early and my Capitol One card in a lump sum despite their 24-month proposal.

The email is sent. I’d hate to do it but if I have to sell some stocks I will.

Just moreso curious on if anyone here has dealt with Rubin and Rothman, and reached a workable settlement?

So, I've heard and seen all the negatives about NDR. I enrolled 3 cards with them and I will be 100% honest - they've been great w/ the first 2. I managed to settle both well ahead of schedule (I've only been enrolled for 10 months)

That brings me to my first *real* gripe with the company, besides their mildly persistent push for me to take a Reach settlement loan which I declined.

I have a Chase card enrolled, enrolled balance of $12653.00. Now, I had always been told by NDR to

1. ignore and do not respond to *any* communication from creditor and
2. not to worry about the months of interest stacking up despite non-payments, that my enrolled debt is to be the amount from when I started the program.

Chase, I want to ballpark 2-3 months ago, sent me a letter offering to settle for about $9.6K - I was advised to ignore by NDR, again, and under the impression they could settle for less than half.

Fast forward to now, literally just today they changed my "enrolled debt" to the amount *including* months of interest racking up, to over $15K, with a projected settlement of $9.4K (previously it was around $6K). That's not including their fee, which I'm under the presumption will be the 25% of the new $15.3K amount, not the previous $12.6K??

Again, great experience on the first two cards. but this third one, I absolutely feel duped given I'm now looking at paying more than $3K what I would've if I had settled with Chase (estimated $9.4K settlement PLUS NDR's 25% fee on the "enrolled debt", which is now $2.7K higher suddenly.

Anyways... at this point, is it too late ot call Chase and hope to take up that $9.6K settlement and request NDR return to me the money in my dedicated savings account there? Or do I just have to deal at this point?

I'm in my early 20s + thankfully do make plenty where I'm at (at least more than my monthly bills require).

I do have debt - student debt and credit card (had a rough period in 2024). The student debt is about 31K and the cc debt, I've been tackling fairly aggressively (not as aggressively as I can though) and I've got about 9.6K left in it.

But I have been trying to save + invest as well - stock portfolio + a HYSA.

I have $500 a month deducted to go toward debt, a big majority of that toward cc debt first.
I have $500 per check go into my HYSA and I put about another $200 per check into my investments.

BUT BEFORE those allocations, if we look at just my paycheck + monthly bills, I am left with a little over 2.1K a month.
AFTER I make those allocations to my savings + investments, we're pretty much down to the $700-800 range. From that "free money" range I have been making extra payments down on my debt, even managed to keep my July disciplined enough where I was able to put an extra $900 toward debt.

Should I reprioritize and change up my allocations? Like, is $500 per check to my savings too much while still in debt? I mean, keeping $1K in a savings for immediate liquid-access at all times is sensible, but should I stop there at $1K and redirect that $500 per check toward debt until the cc debt is at least paid off fully? Once that's paid off, that would free up $400 a month that currently goes to it as a baseline minimum - I had intended on taking that newly freed up $400 and adding it to the $100 minimum-required payment on my student debt as well.

Any insights? Or any questions if it feels like I'm missing some info needed for a better picture?
I grew with very financially illiterate and irresponsible parents. Even now, my parents think cuz I've got a little to my savings they can suddenly start trying to blindside and throw some of their debt burdens onto me and they get frustrated when i don't cover their bills and whatnot.
I had to essentially teach myself about investing and just trying to be responsible and attain financial freedom.
Obviously can't even start entertaining that if my debt-to-asset ratio leaves my net worth in the negatives, which as of now with my stock+HYSA amount being $9.5K but my combined debt being a little over $41K. I should add that I save up for the sake of saving, but also for the sake of traveling - I love travel and try to go somewhere every 4 or so months if possible (so 3x a year, maybe 4) it's what really keeps me motivated. Otherwise life just feels redundant and uninspiring. But, willing (as painful as it'll be emotionally lol) to sacrifice a trip a year or so if it means an extra $2K is kept.

This was a long post - thank you for taking the time to read it if you have, just want some guidance/perspective on what you'd do different from this set up.

EDIT: I should have added my student debt interest is at 7%. I qualified for the IDR plan after the SAVE plan was undone. IDR charges me only about $100 a month, which granted I can pay way more toward but I wanted to strategically keep my required payment as low as possible while I clear my cc debt.

I’m relatively new to stacking bitcoin directly and I have 10% of my paycheck direct-buy into it every paycheck through Fold.

I’ve been stacking sats/BTC while it was in the low 58-64K range but it seems to be having a small bump back up, and who knows - it may go even higher?

That prompts me to ask, at what price point would you stop buying and just hold?

Had a quick question regarding my tentative late May trip. May 29th, I'll be in proximity of my road trip to Mulagljufur -

that day consists of a morning Katla Ice Cave tour and then the early afternoon visiting Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
From there, i intend to drive further east to spend about an hour/hour half at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the Diamond Beach (Diamond Beach + the canyon are two of the things I am looking forward to the most!)

But I'm learning the Mulagljufur Canyon is pretty close, or at least the parking and start of the trail is, to the beach.

My night will end staying in Hofn.

But I just wanted to know if Mulagljufur Canyon is accessible late May? Is it worth doing both if time permits? Sun doesn't set till late, so even if I go to Mulagljufur if at let's say 6:30pm, I should be fine finishing up and leaving before it gets dark?

Worth it to do both? They're both so breathtaking in photos, I never considered Mulagljufur because for whatever reason I was under the impresion it is closed in May.

My time stamps/route planning is below:

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM: Wake up, grab coffee and breakfast to-go from Skool Beans
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrive at tour operator in Vík for morning Katla Ice Cave Tour.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ride Super Jeep out onto the glacier and explore Katla Ice Cave
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: Back in Vík, check out of hotel + quick lunch
12:45 PM – 1:35 PM: Drive East directly to Fjaðrárgljúfur (50-minute drive).
1:35 PM – 2:30 PM: Hike up along the dramatic trail of Fjaðrárgljúfur - HIGHLIGHT!!!!!!!!!
2:45 PM – 4:30 PM: Continuous drive East to the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon region (1 hour 45-minute drive).
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Admire lagoon, then head across the road to Diamond Beach (HIGHLIGHT)i to snap portrait photos alongside crystalline ice blocks on the black sand.

*IF FEASIBLE* 6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Drive to Mulagljufur Canyon (highlight!!) (15 minutes)
6:15PM - 9:15PM: Hike Mulagljufur Canyon

9:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Drive into Hofn (1 hour), Check into hotel

Yesterday i posted about when to start booking what for my trip in late May and got some great tips, thank you! Wanted to share a general breakdown of my itinerary so far so I can start booking hotels at the very least soon. Of course, weather is the overarching consideration but hoping it doesn't cancel anything, but should it, how would I go about utilizing my buffer day to extend anywhere I'm at or reschedule on such a moments notice.

Going solo, so educated guidance on cost, anything I'm missing or should be wary of is appreciated.

FRIDAY, MAY 21 - Arrival + Reykjavik + Sky Lagoon

6:10AM: Land in Reykjavik from JFK
Explore Reykjavik, grocery trip to stock on road snacks/drinks, sky lagoon at night
Night in Reykjavik

SATURDAY, MAY 22 - Golden Circle + South Coast Waterfalls

7:00 AM: Start the day
Thingvellir Park, Bruarfoss falls, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss falls, Kerio Crater, drive along South Coast to Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss, Dyrhólaey for puffins before 7pm gate closure, evening/sunset stop at Reynisfjara.
Night in Vik

SUNDAY, MAY 23 - Ice Caves, Canyons & Diamond Beach

7:00/30AM: Start the day
Skool Beans Cafe, morning ice cave tour at Katla, Fjaðrárgljúfur drive nad hike (this is a highlight, must for me), continue east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and then the Diamond Beach (another must)
Night in Hofn

MONDAY, MAY 24 - Dramatic East Coast & Basalt Columns

7:00AM: Start the day
Stokknes Peninsula, longer drive to East fjords, stop for break in Egilsstaðir, drive to Stuðlagil Canyon, then drive into Seyðisfjörður and enjoy the evening there.
Night in Seyðisfjörður

TUESDAY, MAY 25 - Northwest to Akureyri

7:30AM: Start the day
Drive Northwest to Námaskarð and Dimmuborgir Lava field, stop by nearby Grjótagjá cave, short drive to Hverfell Crater, Goðafoss, drive into Akureyri and evening at Forest Lagoon
Night in Akureyri

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 - North Coast, Whales and Puffins

8;00AM: Start the day
Head into Husavik, do a whale and puffin safari (need recommendations for activity providers please!)
- alternatively, drive to Tjornes and view puffins myself
Explore around Husavik, drive along Tjornes Peninsula, drive back to Akureyri
Night in Akureyri

THURSDAY, MAY 27 - North Coast to Snæfellsnes Peninsula

7:00AM: Start day
Long drive West through north iceland, Hvítserkur Rock Formation, drive SOuthwest toward Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss,
Night in Snæfellsnes Peninsula

FRIDAY, MAY 28 - Snæfellsnes Peninsula Exploration to Reykjavik

8:00AM: Start the day
Drive along the western tip of peninsula to Djúpalónssandur, drive into Arnarstapi, Gatklettur arch, Búðakirkja, Ytri Tunga Beach for seal watching, drive back into Reykjavik
Night in Reykjavik

SATURDAY, MAY 29 - West Iceland Sights or Buffer

Buffer day. If bad weather delayed anywhere (feasible proximity to Rykjavik) along the Ring Road, use this day to catch up. Otherwise, do West Iceland's Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, then shop souvenirs and stuff in Reykjavik.

SUNDAY, MAY 30- Fly back to JFK

Visiting Medellin (staying in El Poblado) and Bogota (and a day trip to Guatupe) in early September.
Kind of have booked tours/excursions for the most part (coffee farm, paragliding, Comuna 13, Salt Cathedral) but wanted to ask what I should be mindful/prepared for as a first timer that might be overlooked when planning logistics?
-currency exchanges/how much in physical cash is appropriate to have over the course of a week in case of vendors that do not take card like street food stalls, etc.
-uber/rideshare stuff, how easy is it to get an Uber?
-want to get some restaurant recommendations for both Medellin and Bogota.
-What're some must-bring home souvenirs?

Any recommendation and guidance (even outside of those 4 questions) is greatly appreciated!

I live in NYC and I have a (small) hold in gold and silver ETFs, but I was considering investing in the metals as a physical form. Not so much, but like a gold bar and coin, silver bar and some coins, etc etc.

Where does one really go to buy reliably and without getting fleeced? I know Costco is an option but their inventory is rotating and currently nothing.

Does anyone hold physical gold and/or silver bars or coins?

My dividend/income wheel portfolio is very heavy into $BLOX, with much smaller exposure into $GIAX and $STRC.

I do desire diversifying and balancing it out so my entire portfolio doesn’t swing drastically just cuz BLOX changed a few cents.
I want get into some positions in different sectors, but not just about any - I’m up on capital gains with BLOX & GIAX and would like to get into positions that are well managed.

For precious metals, I’m thinking SLVX (also run by X Funds, weekly) and a gold monthly (still deciding between KGLD and IAUI, help there?)

And I want to in the closer future open a position in real estate and other sectors. For real estate, I have IYRI on the radar.

Any suggestions? Any preferences between Kurv or NEOS? I know NEOS more, I like them and know they run QQQI and SPYI too, so for gold should I stick with them and go for IAUI?

I understand that in late May, Dyrhólaey closes off at 7pm? I plan to get there a little after 6pm in late May on one evening.

As for Fjaðrárgljúfur, I hear it gets crowded? On my itinerary, I have us getting there at around 2:30 and staying until 4:30PM. Is that good in late May? Will we have to worry about the viewpoint being overcrowded?

It feels very spacious toward the end w/ North + West Iceland. Is it supposed to feel that way? I'm aware I'm usually a very active "one point to the next" person, but I've also heard time and again to take time, relax, rest (I genuinely have trouble relaxing in one place :/ but will try)

Planned trip is for May 2027, breakfast + coffee s to start any day. Lunch will definitey just be along the road packed stuff, dinner at whatever town I end the day in.

Anywho....looking for any advice in terms of places to add along routes, activities to do, where I can see Icelandic horses btw (if feasible), any better towns to base in for the night, etc.
Anything I should be aware of with any place I'm going (tickets needed, paid parking, distance from the parking lot, conditions to expect in late May, do I need a 4WD car), etc.

DAY 1, May 21 --> Reykjavik, stay in city + explore, shop for souvenirs + groceries/packed lunches + snacks for road, Sky Lagoon. Dinner + night spent in Reykjavik

DAY 2, May 22 --> Golden Circle (Thingvellir Park's bridge between 2 continents, Bruarfoss, Strokkur geyser, Kerid Crater), then Seljalandsfoss, Gljúfrabúi, Skogafoss, head to Vik, evening puffin viewing at Dyrhólaey, and quick stop at Reynisfjara (just to check it off, I really am looking much more forward to Diamond Beach). Dinner + night spent in Vik

DAY 3, May 23 --> Katla Ice Cave Tour, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon hike (my personal highlight I look forward to most in this trip), Jökulsárlón Glacier, Diamond Beach (my other highlight), night in Hofn
Day 3 holds two of my biggest desires

DAY 4, May 24 --> South to East Iceland --> Stokknes and Vestrahorn Mountain, Hengifoss, Studlagil Canyon, Seydisfjordur + Blue Church/light town exploration, and night here.

DAY 5, May 25 --> Northeast Iceland -->Námaskarð, Dimmuborgir Lava Field, Grjotagja Cave, Dettifoss, Godafoss, go to Akureyri + light exploration/church, wind down in Forest Lagoon, spend the night here

DAY 6, May 26 --> North-west --> drive to Tjörnes for puffin watching, Hverfell Crater, Hvitserkur, drive to Bogarnes and spend the night here.

DAY 7, May 27 --> Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Gerðuberg, Ytri-Tunga beach for seal watching, Djúpalónssandur, Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall, Budakirkja Church, head back to Bogarnes and spend the night there again

DAY 8, May 28 --> West Iceland, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, Deildartunguhver, Reykholt, Víðgelmir Lava Cave

That's pretty much it. Thinking I head back to Reykjavik on Day 8, in which case I don't really need day 9? I Had originally planned to fly out of Iceland back to NY on May 30, but my trip seems to be complete in time to leave the 29th?

Unless there's something I can add/restructure/any advice is tremendously appreciated. Besides the South Coast, I am quite ignorant of what to do.

Me personally, I am hoping for another BTC/Crypto dip or even a dive down.

If BLOX hits $12-13 again, i swear I will buy 100 shares immediately lol