For more than 40 years AARP offers assistance free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 60 and older: http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Great Questions to help consumers think before they shop. I would like to add a level to your questions with a theme. We as consumers cast a vote every time we make a purchase. We are telling businesses and governments what is important to us. We can bring change through our consumer habits.
Q1. Not only a better price but how do we want that money distributed. At a national chain store 43% of the money stays in the community but 68% stays in the neighborhood when shopping at a local independent store. Almost 0% goes to your community when you buy online.
Q5. Borrowing or buying used saves our natural resources.
Q8. Credit is adding to the cost of items even when paying it off in full. Merchants charge more because people pay with credit and these credit cards charge the stores for their service. So now we are all paying more for an item because of credit cards. Check out gas station prices that give two prices. One for cash and the other for credit. Big price difference.
Q9. Educate yourself so you know the facts about the effects on the world around you. Is it environmental, were fair labor practices used, where is it produced, etc..
Q10. Are their other products that are the same but have a better social, economical, environmental impact.
Q14. Disposable Vs. Non-disposable which is more environmental. Neither one guarantees environmental. Disposable Diapers are less environment than Re-usable cloth but disposable paper broom cover is not better than a good old fashion bristled broom.
Every dollar you spend says what is important to you. Let governments and companies know what you believe in. Vote with your money. Vote for what you believe in. Help spread the word.
Its aggravating to see people commenting about Market Value. Nobody knows what Market Value is. It is simply the price, somebody is willing to pay for something, and the other person is willing to sell it for. If you had 2 homes both identical, both sell on the same day, one person buys it at 200k, another person buys the identical home for 250k, what's the market value?
It sounds like the Realtor's comments were pretty generic. Saying a few thousand dollars really depends on the amount of work one wanted to do on the pool. In the grand scheme of things, when you're buying a home for 400k and you're looking at a 4k to 8k pool change, he could have said, that will be around a 1 to 2 percent cost. Which is probably the same amount as your closing costs anyways.
In regards to the target price, he can only base the price on recent sales in your area of similar homes. He estimates a cost and the market (people bidding) determines the market value of the home (what someone is willing to pay for it). Also, you could have staged the home properly, fixed possible repairs that the home may have needed to increase the price further.
Overall, I highly doubt your real estate agent was that bad. There are worse out there that will tell you far worse things to try to make a sale.
If asked for a loan I expect to be paid back, if I choose to give it, it is a gift.
I agree, it is better if you can afford it to give it, no strings attached.
I think it's important to splurge - to treat yourself to something that's "just for you" is part of the self-care that I think we must all practice. You can't stick to a diet if you never allow yourself a piece of chocolate; the same applies to budgeting. Splurges don't have to involve large sums to be effective. My last "splurge"? I spent $20 on an exhibition catalog during a recent art museum visit. The book is lovely in itself, but will also help me remember the enjoyment of visiting that place and that's a priceless memory!
I lent money to friends twice and in both cases it turned out fine. I lent money to a cousin once and it didn't work out. She eventually ended up paying me but it damaged our relationship. I learned my lesson and we've turned down a couple of other requests along the way since. We feel bad saying no but I think it's better in the end.
Thanks for posting this! We actually just launched a forum on money topics TODAY at LearnVest called LV Discussions. You should check it out: http://www.learnvest.com/discussions/
My dad gave me a policy that I adhere to: If you lend under $100, lend it with the assumption that you will never see it again (even if said person agrees to pay it back), so if you're willing to lose that money, go ahead. If it's more than that, get it in writing. I would lend to my little brother in a heartbeat, and if I could spend the money to lend, I wouldn't expect it back. My parents won't consider anything they give me a "loan," but as far as friends, aside from my boyfriend and best friend, I would not. It's too much of a hassle, strain, and worry.
I don't fit any of these at the moment. But so many of these signs were in play at the company that I was working at previously that you wouldn't believe it. A friend of mine is still working there and he is experiencing a lot of this.
My daughter is 40 something and an underpaid educator. After lounging the summer away in Florida at her mother's she returned home to discover the broken down car she had left at home was still broken down and beyond reasonable repair. She asked me to assist her with purchasing a car. I tried to explain that I live on disability, my COBRA insurance has run out and do not have the werewithal to help her. She hung up on me and I have not talked to her since. I do have a small amount of savings and some money in a retirement account, however, I do not think it is a family's obligation to bail out an adult family member who is irresponsible and not willing to help themselves. Also, it is imperative that individuals conserve their resources lest they become a burden on other family members. I only hope she will wake up and learn a life lesson in all this.
You should definitely get the lay of the land before throwing out a question. Search and search again and then, search once more using Google narrowed down to the forum. Nothing more annoying than a new user asking a question that's easily found in search.
Pay attention to the conventions as well. For the Q&A sites like Stack Exchange, they don't take kindly to people saying "Thanks" when they have votes and checkmarks to keep the place clean and information up front.
As much as I disagree with Dave Ramsey, I agree 100% with his hardline stance on lending money to family and friends. I absolutely agree that it creates a strain in the relationship if there is an obligation to "repay" the debt. It is not worth it! If you can afford to give the person the money (and it is for a legitimate expense) that is one thing, but never loan money to a family member or friend!
Isn't one of the main drivers of inflation (besides the increase in money supply) the level of demand for products and services? In case the demand is low, for whatever reasons, prices will not increase and inflation will stay low, regardless if there is ample supply of money.
One of the assumed advantages of an inflation of 1% or 2% a year is that it drives consumption and economic growth. If things are a little more expensive next year, why wait if you have the money and can buy it now?
Low, but slightly positive inflation is no problem and good for the economy. High inflation is a disaster for anybody who is a good saver and only beneficial for those with too much debts.
I agree while you, Catherine. My income, home size, and vehicles are almost exactly like yours. We own a family business which sucks over $70K in our income, but gives another family $25K or so yearly (more if the work wasn't seasonal). So, we really live off of about $28K. I understand how people think we are being "snobbist", but I'm not complaining. Until someone walks in our shoes, they won't believe the travesty either.
The point of the article is that even though we may be in the top 10% of earners, we're barely scraping by, by no fault of our own. We've lived within our means and done the "right" things, and we seem to be punished by it. Our dollars just don't go very far. I have no debt besides my mortgage & about 2K in student loans. There is no Starbucks habit, only Sunday breakfast. I'm not living large, but the Haters will still hate. "America is broken, and it's breaking the backs of middle- class Americans.
As a side note about ways to save money listed in the article: 1) I witnessed a murder firsthand while living in the ghetto and decided it wasn't worth my health and safety. I'd also pay more for a much smaller apartment than my current mortage + taxes + insurance. 2) My hubby tried the internet TV thing, but connections weren't very fast and we ended up paying for most programs. 3) We've never bought a new car or gas guzzler. 4) Moving requires a lot of money.
I'm in the 99% and don't subscribe to forgiving debt, nor plotting the downfall of capitalism. I would be shocked to find that any five of the protesters agree on anything. The real downfall of America began in 1993 with NAFTA and the eventual loss of manufacturing jobs. Old Ross was right in the end. Many said we didn't need the manufacturing jobs, that type of labor would be a thing of the past, that high tech jobs are the solution...they didn't and won't. The truly sad thing is those millions of jobs will never come back, never.
It pains me that so many young people were sold a bill of goods to go to college with very little promise of getting a job in their field. I suspect most would have been far better served learning a trade or going to a community college or technical school. The number of students with graduate degrees that are unemployed is simply astonishing. No way would I progress to a graduate degree with no job offers in sight, hoping that an advanced degree would help (with zero job experience, it won't).
Other than perhaps a medical professional, a teacher, or a lawyer, I see no need to push a four year degree on a young person. Encouraging huge debt is a part of our new culture, buy now...never pay back. The ideal of home ownership for everyone was too much to resist....that's being treated fair, right?
The financial system played a huge part, and I don't excuse them. But I do place most of the blame on government. They would not have made those loans without the support of the congress and senate.
Politicians are politicians, no matter the stripe. Don't re-elect anyone, not even your mama....
Seems the credit union im looking at joining has twice as many atm locations as my current bank. Both have online banking and bill pay. Only problem is there are only a few main offices, luckily they are right next to work .
I try not to splurge at all. There's not room in our family budget for and splurgin becomes a slippery slope with me. When I start spending, I have a hard time reining myself back in. So instead, I write down the things I'm coveting and later use that list when someone asks what to get me for my birthday.
For more than 40 years AARP offers assistance free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 60 and older:
http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Great Questions to help consumers think before they shop. I would like to add a level to your questions with a theme. We as consumers cast a vote every time we make a purchase. We are telling businesses and governments what is important to us. We can bring change through our consumer habits.
Q1. Not only a better price but how do we want that money distributed. At a national chain store 43% of the money stays in the community but 68% stays in the neighborhood when shopping at a local independent store. Almost 0% goes to your community when you buy online.
Q5. Borrowing or buying used saves our natural resources.
Q8. Credit is adding to the cost of items even when paying it off in full. Merchants charge more because people pay with credit and these credit cards charge the stores for their service. So now we are all paying more for an item because of credit cards. Check out gas station prices that give two prices. One for cash and the other for credit. Big price difference.
Q9. Educate yourself so you know the facts about the effects on the world around you. Is it environmental, were fair labor practices used, where is it produced, etc..
Q10. Are their other products that are the same but have a better social, economical, environmental impact.
Q14. Disposable Vs. Non-disposable which is more environmental. Neither one guarantees environmental. Disposable Diapers are less environment than Re-usable cloth but disposable paper broom cover is not better than a good old fashion bristled broom.
http://www.votewithitthemovement.com/
Every dollar you spend says what is important to you. Let governments and companies know what you believe in. Vote with your money. Vote for what you believe in. Help spread the word.
Its aggravating to see people commenting about Market Value. Nobody knows what Market Value is. It is simply the price, somebody is willing to pay for something, and the other person is willing to sell it for. If you had 2 homes both identical, both sell on the same day, one person buys it at 200k, another person buys the identical home for 250k, what's the market value?
It sounds like the Realtor's comments were pretty generic. Saying a few thousand dollars really depends on the amount of work one wanted to do on the pool. In the grand scheme of things, when you're buying a home for 400k and you're looking at a 4k to 8k pool change, he could have said, that will be around a 1 to 2 percent cost. Which is probably the same amount as your closing costs anyways.
In regards to the target price, he can only base the price on recent sales in your area of similar homes. He estimates a cost and the market (people bidding) determines the market value of the home (what someone is willing to pay for it). Also, you could have staged the home properly, fixed possible repairs that the home may have needed to increase the price further.
Overall, I highly doubt your real estate agent was that bad. There are worse out there that will tell you far worse things to try to make a sale.
If asked for a loan I expect to be paid back, if I choose to give it, it is a gift.
I agree, it is better if you can afford it to give it, no strings attached.
I think it's important to splurge - to treat yourself to something that's "just for you" is part of the self-care that I think we must all practice. You can't stick to a diet if you never allow yourself a piece of chocolate; the same applies to budgeting. Splurges don't have to involve large sums to be effective. My last "splurge"? I spent $20 on an exhibition catalog during a recent art museum visit. The book is lovely in itself, but will also help me remember the enjoyment of visiting that place and that's a priceless memory!
I lent money to friends twice and in both cases it turned out fine. I lent money to a cousin once and it didn't work out. She eventually ended up paying me but it damaged our relationship. I learned my lesson and we've turned down a couple of other requests along the way since. We feel bad saying no but I think it's better in the end.
Thanks for posting this! We actually just launched a forum on money topics TODAY at LearnVest called LV Discussions. You should check it out: http://www.learnvest.com/discussions/
My dad gave me a policy that I adhere to: If you lend under $100, lend it with the assumption that you will never see it again (even if said person agrees to pay it back), so if you're willing to lose that money, go ahead. If it's more than that, get it in writing. I would lend to my little brother in a heartbeat, and if I could spend the money to lend, I wouldn't expect it back. My parents won't consider anything they give me a "loan," but as far as friends, aside from my boyfriend and best friend, I would not. It's too much of a hassle, strain, and worry.
I don't fit any of these at the moment. But so many of these signs were in play at the company that I was working at previously that you wouldn't believe it. A friend of mine is still working there and he is experiencing a lot of this.
My daughter is 40 something and an underpaid educator. After lounging the summer away in Florida at her mother's she returned home to discover the broken down car she had left at home was still broken down and beyond reasonable repair. She asked me to assist her with purchasing a car. I tried to explain that I live on disability, my COBRA insurance has run out and do not have the werewithal to help her. She hung up on me and I have not talked to her since. I do have a small amount of savings and some money in a retirement account, however, I do not think it is a family's obligation to bail out an adult family member who is irresponsible and not willing to help themselves. Also, it is imperative that individuals conserve their resources lest they become a burden on other family members. I only hope she will wake up and learn a life lesson in all this.
You should definitely get the lay of the land before throwing out a question. Search and search again and then, search once more using Google narrowed down to the forum. Nothing more annoying than a new user asking a question that's easily found in search.
Pay attention to the conventions as well. For the Q&A sites like Stack Exchange, they don't take kindly to people saying "Thanks" when they have votes and checkmarks to keep the place clean and information up front.
My hubby & I don't lend. Instead we give if we can. It saved friendships and our peace of mind.
As much as I disagree with Dave Ramsey, I agree 100% with his hardline stance on lending money to family and friends. I absolutely agree that it creates a strain in the relationship if there is an obligation to "repay" the debt. It is not worth it! If you can afford to give the person the money (and it is for a legitimate expense) that is one thing, but never loan money to a family member or friend!
On your birthday.
The time to splurge is when the initial extra cost will be outweighed by the later savings.
Isn't one of the main drivers of inflation (besides the increase in money supply) the level of demand for products and services? In case the demand is low, for whatever reasons, prices will not increase and inflation will stay low, regardless if there is ample supply of money.
One of the assumed advantages of an inflation of 1% or 2% a year is that it drives consumption and economic growth. If things are a little more expensive next year, why wait if you have the money and can buy it now?
Low, but slightly positive inflation is no problem and good for the economy. High inflation is a disaster for anybody who is a good saver and only beneficial for those with too much debts.
So should I buy Horizon organic milk or not?
It's okay to splurge on things you will get a lot of enjoyment and use out of every single day, like a sofa or stove.
I agree while you, Catherine. My income, home size, and vehicles are almost exactly like yours. We own a family business which sucks over $70K in our income, but gives another family $25K or so yearly (more if the work wasn't seasonal). So, we really live off of about $28K. I understand how people think we are being "snobbist", but I'm not complaining. Until someone walks in our shoes, they won't believe the travesty either.
The point of the article is that even though we may be in the top 10% of earners, we're barely scraping by, by no fault of our own. We've lived within our means and done the "right" things, and we seem to be punished by it. Our dollars just don't go very far. I have no debt besides my mortgage & about 2K in student loans. There is no Starbucks habit, only Sunday breakfast. I'm not living large, but the Haters will still hate. "America is broken, and it's breaking the backs of middle- class Americans.
As a side note about ways to save money listed in the article: 1) I witnessed a murder firsthand while living in the ghetto and decided it wasn't worth my health and safety. I'd also pay more for a much smaller apartment than my current mortage + taxes + insurance. 2) My hubby tried the internet TV thing, but connections weren't very fast and we ended up paying for most programs. 3) We've never bought a new car or gas guzzler. 4) Moving requires a lot of money.
I'm in the 99% and don't subscribe to forgiving debt, nor plotting the downfall of capitalism. I would be shocked to find that any five of the protesters agree on anything. The real downfall of America began in 1993 with NAFTA and the eventual loss of manufacturing jobs. Old Ross was right in the end. Many said we didn't need the manufacturing jobs, that type of labor would be a thing of the past, that high tech jobs are the solution...they didn't and won't. The truly sad thing is those millions of jobs will never come back, never.
It pains me that so many young people were sold a bill of goods to go to college with very little promise of getting a job in their field. I suspect most would have been far better served learning a trade or going to a community college or technical school. The number of students with graduate degrees that are unemployed is simply astonishing. No way would I progress to a graduate degree with no job offers in sight, hoping that an advanced degree would help (with zero job experience, it won't).
Other than perhaps a medical professional, a teacher, or a lawyer, I see no need to push a four year degree on a young person. Encouraging huge debt is a part of our new culture, buy now...never pay back. The ideal of home ownership for everyone was too much to resist....that's being treated fair, right?
The financial system played a huge part, and I don't excuse them. But I do place most of the blame on government. They would not have made those loans without the support of the congress and senate.
Politicians are politicians, no matter the stripe. Don't re-elect anyone, not even your mama....
Nice collection, "How To Make People Like You" and "10 Ways to Save Money NOW" are my favorites. The articles touched the issue like no other.
Seems the credit union im looking at joining has twice as many atm locations as my current bank. Both have online banking and bill pay. Only problem is there are only a few main offices, luckily they are right next to work .
Great post!!! Except one thing... the previews are the very BEST part...
I try not to splurge at all. There's not room in our family budget for and splurgin becomes a slippery slope with me. When I start spending, I have a hard time reining myself back in. So instead, I write down the things I'm coveting and later use that list when someone asks what to get me for my birthday.