Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA.

Quote from: NT2C on April 05, 2022, 10:07:25 AM

Quote from: Crosscut on April 05, 2022, 05:49:42 AM
3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors  Great for splicing into small gauge wires, like fixing trailer wiring or tapping into power in the BOV.  Snap on with pliers and can be removed without damaging the original wiring.

(screeching halt)... No.  Just no.

Also known as "vampire splices" these things should be avoided.  Yes, they're easy to use and they work.  For awhile.  They also tend to damage conductors, invite corrosion from water penetration, and are often used incorrectly.  I used to swear by these things, nowadays I tend to swear at and about them.

I had a friend who worked for the phone company. He gave me a bunch of similar connectors but they are filled with an insulating gel. I would never use them like in an automobile application. But they are pretty slick. They do have those barrel connectors with solder in them. That i think you just apply a flame too. Like from a lighter. But i have never used those. I do use barrel connectors with dialectric grease. I still dont have a complete vehicle emergency bag. But that would be a good addition  I need to work on that list. At this point i just have various tools and fluids. 

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 05, 2022, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA.

They also protect your regular debit or credit card from getting ripped off. But its easier to get two debit cards from your bank. And use one for regular charges like bills. And the other card for the internet. That way if your internet card takes a hit. You just have to replace that one card. Instead of having to update your card information on every single bill you pay with it. Which is the biggest hassle of having fraud on your account. So we have one card for use as a bill paying card. And one we use for purchases online or otherwise.

Quote from: Moab on April 05, 2022, 04:29:32 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 05, 2022, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA.

They also protect your regular debit or credit card from getting ripped off. But its easier to get two debit cards from your bank. And use one for regular charges like bills. And the other card for the internet. That way if your internet card takes a hit. You just have to replace that one card. Instead of having to update your card information on every single bill you pay with it. Which is the biggest hassle of having fraud on your account. So we have one card for use as a bill paying card. And one we use for purchases online or otherwise.

My credit is too poor for an actual credit card and my bank closed my account years ago, so a prepaid card is also a good idea for someone in a similar situation as mine.

I get pretty much the same features as a credit card minus having to have a high credit score.

I had an issue where someone stole my card info on Google Play back in 2020 (I've since stopped using Google Play for anything) and used all the money on it, something like 60 bucks, for a stupid game app. A quick phone call to my card services line about it and I had a new card in the mail and got all my money back that the person stole.

Quote from: Moab on April 05, 2022, 04:24:41 PM

Quote from: NT2C on April 05, 2022, 10:07:25 AM

Quote from: Crosscut on April 05, 2022, 05:49:42 AM
3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors  Great for splicing into small gauge wires, like fixing trailer wiring or tapping into power in the BOV.  Snap on with pliers and can be removed without damaging the original wiring.

(screeching halt)... No.  Just no.

Also known as "vampire splices" these things should be avoided.  Yes, they're easy to use and they work.  For awhile.  They also tend to damage conductors, invite corrosion from water penetration, and are often used incorrectly.  I used to swear by these things, nowadays I tend to swear at and about them.

I had a friend who worked for the phone company. He gave me a bunch of similar connectors but they are filled with an insulating gel. I would never use them like in an automobile application. But they are pretty slick. They do have those barrel connectors with solder in them. That i think you just apply a flame too. Like from a lighter. But i have never used those. I do use barrel connectors with dialectric grease. I still dont have a complete vehicle emergency bag. But that would be a good addition  I need to work on that list. At this point i just have various tools and fluids.

While I'd seen them before I'd never used one until needing to replace a taillight on a trailer and the kit included them, but I installed a few punch down blocks in a short stint with a company that installed PBX systems which use a similar connection.  The landline phone system in our area still use these same type connections, installed in the 1970's.  Their biggest advantage besides being quick to install imo is not requiring any slack in the existing wire to make a new connection which makes them convenient for bundled automotive wiring, but not suggesting there isn't better physical and electrical connection methods either, as any of us old-timers that worked with computer ribbon cables might agree.  Kids today will never know the joy of working with those

Vehicle emergency gear..., Mini D Handle Shovel.   I added brackets on the 'shelf' under the truck cap where the cap clamps to the bed rail to hold one of these along with a crowbar.  Personal preference but I haven't had much luck with folding shovels/entrenching tools left in a vehicle, screw section rusts shut or it breaks at the hinge under use, but cheaper quality ones and a complete lack of preventative maintenance on my part might have something to do with that.  The shelf on the other side of the truck cap holds a fire extinguisher and a fishing rod/reel fwiw.  Not necessarily the gear I'd choose for an "Escape from LA" scenario tho.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 05, 2022, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. 

A Visa reloadable card works everywhere, at least from what my old lady says.  So I guess I'm not following the appeal of the other specific cards then if they limit you to usage locations.

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 06, 2022, 02:51:15 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 05, 2022, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. 

A Visa reloadable card works everywhere, at least from what my old lady says.  So I guess I'm not following the appeal of the other specific cards then if they limit you to usage locations.

I think you can use a greendot to buy gun stuff. It works everywhere ive used it. I dont remember why i never used a visa one. Are they reloadable easily? Monthly fee?

The greendot ones were good for me cause there is a walgreens and riteaid close to my house. Walmart is a ways away.

I think amazon and the others are just giftcards for those places. Which is different than a reloadable card.

My paypal card has been great. Easy to reload, can use mypaypal balance or i choose to take funds from our normal checking acct. I dont know their politics about guns and ammo tho. Purchasing at least. I know you cant use paypal directly to buy gun parts or guns  alot of financial institutions dont allow that now days. Trying to find a merchant acct so you can sell gun parts is a huge pain. There is only a few that allow that now. I had an intuit/quicken one for years. But had to sign a statement saying no sale if receivers or lowers as they called them. They thought all firearm receivers were lowers. Just shows you how little they know about firearms. I doubt you could get an intuit one today. I think i just found an aggressive salesman at the time. And i still could not take credit card oayments when i sold a firearm.

Again, I don't use them so not sure of the service fees...  but I don't think there are.

But, this made me chuckle- As she's running the card for payment in the Square. 


https://usa.visa.com/pay-with-visa/cards/prepaid-cards/all-purpose-reloadable.html

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 06, 2022, 02:51:15 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 05, 2022, 04:22:07 PM

Quote from: NapalmMan67 on April 05, 2022, 03:01:03 PM
So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Most gift cards (like for Amazon, for example) only allow you to use them at that specific site or store they're for. A prepaid card like GreenDot allows you to use it anywhere a regular credit or debit card is accepted.

I've used my prepaid Walmart card to buy guns and parts from places like Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. I've also used it to buy stuff from Amazon.

On the flipside, I can't use an Amazon gift card or a Walmart gift card to buy stuff from Classic Firearms or MidwayUSA. 

A Visa reloadable card works everywhere, at least from what my old lady says.  So I guess I'm not following the appeal of the other specific cards then if they limit you to usage locations.

My card is a Mastercard and it's good everywhere Mastercards are.

It only costs me like 3 bucks or so each time I want to reload it and I have to have a minimum of 20 bucks to load it, but that's ok since I tend to put way more on it than 20 bucks anyway.

I just wish it didn't have that monthly service fee, but other than that I'm good with it.

And I've used my card to buy guns. Last thing I bought with it was an upper from PSA. It's your money on the card and Walmart doesn't really care what you buy with it from what I've seen.

Looks like most cards charge a monthly or annual fee. But i would look at this list. And other lists. Cause there is a wide variety. There too pick only has an annual fee $9.95.  If they dont get you with a monthly or annual fee they tend to charge higher atm fees. Like $2.95 each time. That adds up if you need cash regularly. Paypal did get a top mention in one of the lists. But they all have hidden fees. And arent up front when you go shopping for one. And all of them want you to do direct deposit.

I think you should look for one with an online bank attached  as its really easy to deposit checks  you just take a pic of the check with your phone and it deposits it. Which is pretty cool. And online banks have a ton of features, the lowest rates and alot of other benefits.

If you need a local brick and morter bank get a credit union. Hands down! I banked with wells fargo for years. I had over 5k in bamk fees one year. Granted i was running hundreds of thousand of dollars thru thise accounts a year. But still. The nsf fee aline was $35. My credit union only charges an nsf fee if you write a check and funds arent available. Otherwise they juat decline the sale and you know to go deposit some money. Wells fargo and every other national bank has fees for everything.

https://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/prepaid/

Yep, we left 5/3 because they became crazy fee happy.  Refinanced our mortgage last year with our local Credit Union and they have been outstanding in every aspect.  They're dividends are higher for savings/bonds also.   

Oh, and I'll just stick with my regular CC for transactions.  I don't have anything to hide from my old lady... she has a "secret" runaway account she thinks I don't know about.  I ask her once in awhile if she'd like me to contribute to that to keep things moving in the right direction.   

I like how this thread went from "Help me spend my money" to "Which prepaid card or bank is best for you".

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 07, 2022, 04:07:37 PM
I like how this thread went from "Help me spend my money" to "Which prepaid card or bank is best for you".

I know right?! Lol! I don't care. Its good info none the less.

I still haven't decided on whatto spend the $18 on. Lol. Will try to decide tonight.

Quote from: Moab on April 07, 2022, 05:02:26 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 07, 2022, 04:07:37 PM
I like how this thread went from "Help me spend my money" to "Which prepaid card or bank is best for you".

I know right?! Lol! I don't care. Its good info none the less.

I still haven't decided on whatto spend the $18 on. Lol. Will try to decide tonight.

Nine bottles of Two Buck Chuck?   

Quote from: EBuff75 on April 07, 2022, 05:21:24 PM

Quote from: Moab on April 07, 2022, 05:02:26 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 07, 2022, 04:07:37 PM
I like how this thread went from "Help me spend my money" to "Which prepaid card or bank is best for you".

I know right?! Lol! I don't care. Its good info none the less.

I still haven't decided on whatto spend the $18 on. Lol. Will try to decide tonight.

Nine bottles of Two Buck Chuck?   

I love trader joes. I should research their food thata good for backpacking again. As all my bobs are filled with mountain house and entrees from mres. I gotta uae the entrees tho. They past their dates.

Atlantic Firearms gets cases of MREs in pretty often and charges like 170 bucks for two full cases. I'm actually considering a purchase from them at some point (last thing I bought from them was my AK and that was back in like 2014 ).

I've got some Sopako MREs, but they're the reduced sodium civilian ones and they taste awful. I guess reduced sodium translates to reduced flavor.

Quote from: Moab on April 07, 2022, 05:02:26 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on April 07, 2022, 04:07:37 PM
I like how this thread went from "Help me spend my money" to "Which prepaid card or bank is best for you".

I know right?! Lol! I don't care. Its good info none the less.

I still haven't decided on whatto spend the $18 on. Lol. Will try to decide tonight.

Put some item ideas in a hat and buy whichever one you pull out of it first ? 

And I had an extra 7 bucks yesterday from selling an old phone at one of those EcoAtm phone kiosks and ended up buying a candy bar and a Sprite.

Thermos.  Saves time and fuel instead of reheating, and can use it to cook rice or oatmeal.

And the obligatory Thermos Song of course


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y98ZxbwVps

Even if you think you have enough.


https://www.google.com/search?q=duct+tape&oq=duct+tape+&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0i433i512j0i512l2j0i433i512l2j69i60l2.3627j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8


https://www.google.com/search?q=zip+ties&oq=zip+ties&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i20i263i512j0i512l4j0i457i512j0i512l3.2312j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Quote from: Moab on April 07, 2022, 05:02:26 PM

I still haven't decided on whatto spend the $18 on. Lol. Will try to decide tonight.