I know this isn't motorcycle related, but after buying my CBR I spend most days in this forum so I thought I'd post.

On December 12th I had a small house fire. Electrical malfunction in my bedroom wall at 12:30 midnight- woke up from the stink, firemen came, chopped, hosed and left. I was sleeping at the hotel I manage by 3 am that morning. Lucky to be alive so says the firemen.

Anyway, 7 weeks later I'm finally moved back in...see link for pics of before and after.

Click "view slideshow" to see captions:

http://share.shutterfly.com/ac...2cMLi

The house was in shitty shape (cosmetically) before the fire - I bought it as a fixer upper in May of '05. Because of the fire I got new paint through out the entire house, refinished hardwood floors, ceramic floors in kitchen and bathroom, many repaired plaster cracks, new insulation in half of the roof, a really nice new bed, new vanity/faucet in bathroom, $400 in pocket due to changes I made in the scope of work and other misc. goodies.

To make this motorcycle related - due to this, tax return and other fortunate events in life I have a few grand burning a hole in my pocket - any suggestions? I have pretty nice gear in my mind(minus pants), so I'm thinking more like motorcycle upgrades - paint job, new suspension, professional tune up....something!!!!! Maybe a track day or riding school? But I only have a 1000 miles under my belt, so I'm think I might be too new to the sport still? Leather suit? New bike, haha...that would be the best idea. Anyone in Cleveland want to buy a 94 CBR ???

I have zero credit card debt and my only loans are student and an interest only home loan....so don't say pay off your CC or make an extra mortgage payment.

 

Sorry to hear about the loss, take care

 

God that really sucks man, best of luck.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sorry to hear about the loss, take care</TD></TR></TABLE>

No loss....actually. Only gain. My house just appreciated like $15,000 due to all of the work and upgrades.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sup gurl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">God that really sucks man, best of luck.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Best of luck with what? Everything is done and I'm moved back in. I'm confused.

 

Best of luck in life

 

All said and done, you came out pretty flush. I'd say look into planning for a newer bike and let the interest accrue on that cash for a nice down payment. You don't want an '06, maybe, but step up a few years after you get some more miles under you.

 

thats funny that you mentioned that . a friend of mine had that happen when he was about to grad high school. their house got worn down from having 5 kids living there and like clockwork timing when the last one was ready to leave the house they house was partially burned but there was smoke damamge so the whole house was totally redone.

i would keep ridin the bke you got til you got some more miles on it or possibly purchase something around 2000 or slightly newer. they wont break the bank and this is a good time of year to buy. other than that as long as you got good gear (helmet, gloves, jacket) live it up for a minute. go to strip clubs, keep it crunk, and fucksome bitches.

 

Good to hear you weren't physically affected by the fire. Congrats on getting to upgrade your house without paying extra.

As for what to do with your money, if it's not motorcycle-related, go on a trip. Bring a friend (or loved one). Material goods don't always last, but your memories will.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">....., go on a trip. Bring a friend (or loved one). Material goods don't always last, but your memories will.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I like your thinking here. I've always wanted to go skiing or surfing. Maybe I'll find a friend who wants to go on a trip....hmmmmm

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Racer28 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> house was partially burned but there was smoke damamge so the whole house was totally redone.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, thats where I benefited most. The fire was very small as you can tell by the pics, but the insurance company went crazy and painted the whole house, replaced the linoleum, replaced light fixtures and ceiling fans, etc, because of the "smoke damage." In all honesty they could have opened the windows for a week and you would have never smelled it. Except in the attic....its stanktastic up there. Still a lingering smell even after they sprayed the special cover up smoke in there.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thesilverbullet &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I'd say look into planning for a newer bike and let the interest accrue on that cash for a nice down payment. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Maybe its just me, but I think the highest rate you can find right now is maybe 4.75% on an internet savings account. If I put all $5,000 in the account and let it sit for a year I'd only get like $200. I'd rather spend it now then wait a year for $200. Thats just me.

Thanks for everyones' kind words and advice. You've never really appreciated the phrase "home sweet home" until you are unexpectedly kicked out of your home for 7 weeks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridcrx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for everyones' kind words and advice. You've never really appreciated the phrase "home sweet home" until you are unexpectedly kicked out of your home for 7 weeks.</TD></TR></TABLE>
So true. It always feels weird when I can't sit on my own throne for #2.

Definitely come out to Cali. You can do a surf AND ski trip.

 

glad to hear your ok most fires that late are fatal due to the fact that your smeller dosent pick up scents when you are asleep... good luck with the rebuild.

 

Thats exactly what the fire inspector said

Him -"and how again did you say you woke up?"
Me - "um....something stunk?"
Him - "and there was no smoke?"
Me - "Not until I opened the attic door and I went up"
Him - "well you should count your prayers you're still alive, nobody wakes up from just "smell."

Go my nose!!!!

 

Why not pay off some student loans? Stupid to buy something for the sake of buying it while paying interest on student loans, however minimal.

 

Fires arnt much fun...glad to know that you are okay and safe.

This is my parents house after the 2003 San Diego fires...fires suck.



liam

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why not pay off some student loans? Stupid to buy something for the sake of buying it while paying interest on student loans, however minimal.</TD></TR></TABLE>

My student loan interest rate is something like 3%....I know its still more than nothing, but right now I have maybe $100 a month in disposable income. So this is like a blessing for me. I'm not going to spend everything, just a grand or two. Save some for emergencies and such.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by liam821 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Fires arnt much fun...glad to know that you are okay and safe.

This is my parents house after the 2003 San Diego fires...fires suck.



liam</TD></TR></TABLE>'

Wow, thats horrible. Sorry to see/hear that. I'm assuming they got out well in advance of the fire? Hope everyone's alright.