Thanks Chase! I'm glad you liked my article! And that's a really good point about small business projects. I hadn't thought about that. Thanks for sharing!
Well, there's more to saving than just forgoing spending. You could almost argue that being frugal is the first step to being enterprising. Even super savers have to put their money somewhere, and it's up to the saver to determine whether that's a checking account, a mattress, a mutual fund, or a business venture.
I own a decently-sized house and travel extensively, but I also drive an undistinguished truck and would rather spend the night in a $36 Motel 6 than a $200 Hyatt (that $164 would eat away at my conscience all night.) I spend as little as I'm comfortable with, only because I'd rather put any available cash toward buying assets and selling liabilities.
Let's not forget alcohol. I love drinking. Nothing fulfills me as a human quite as much as enriching my local bar or club owner. I need something to do with my hands while I'm socializing anyway, but why would I spend a couple of bucks on a Coke when I can enjoy multiple $10 mixed drinks and $12 glasses of wine? It's all part of being an adult, right?
I am tired of hearing "pay yourself first." What bill to you ignore to make this happen? Do you risk late fees to do this? How do you pay yourself when there is no pay?
I like the idea here! I really do. Maybe now that we know "how to get into debt" maybe that will help us better understand "how not to get into debt." Another thought on the Trying to win big part...I know as an entrepreneur that I spend alot of extra funds on business projects "trying to win big" rather than saving/investing/getting out of debt. So while gambling or the lottery is not an issue for me, small business projects are.
Reality is, a lot of people don’t buy newspapers nowadays as they get to read news online. I agree with you on most points but that is not the way many people see about newspapers.
One thing I am sick of hearing about is saving early for retirement. It's always the same example, where Susie Saver starts saving when she's 20 and Larry Loser doesn't start for another 10 years and Susie ends up with a million more dollars or something. The reason I hate this is twofold: 1) The amount the people put into retirement is always high, like $1000 a month. I'm just starting out, newly married, with a spouse still trying to find work, and I know I can't afford to put anywhere near that much into my retirement account right now and still buy rent, groceries, and gas every month. I'm putting in what I can. 2) The interest rates these people get on their 401(k)s are incredibly high as well, usually 10%. The average, as I understand it, is around 6% or 7%, and right now mine is about -7% because I haven't had it very long.
I understand the lesson, but if the demonstration only works with really high figures, then it's not very helpful to me.
I'm what some might call a "super saver", but that's probably MOSTLY due to my age and being single with no kids. I save over 2/3 of my post-tax income. I'm definitely "cheap" in a lot of aspects; I don't go out, I usually leave the A/C off, I research products at length before I even think about buying anything, I refuse to ever pay a single penny for a cell phone, etc. But I'm not living like I'm impoverished. I think it's great to find a comfortable balance, especially when you have the financial room to do so.
I'm going to echo Dobie - the advice that we should use debit cards instead of credit cards. It might work for some, but there are those of us who are responsible with credit, pay the balance in full, and earn cash back.
I am sick of hearing about owning a house rather than renting! My rent in a big city is now about $350 including everything! As a single working professional, budgeting is easy with the cheap rent and I love not having house maintenance. A house would be great someday...maybe it's the right advice, wrong time for me.
Well before everyone goes on about tanning is the problem. Take a look at what Doctors were telling us less then 20 years ago about Tabocco. So if we were miss informed once don't you think it could happen again. If you think about things like the fact if you took oxygen, water, sun and food away things would be cease to live. How about all Vitamin D deficancy thats going on right now the best way to get Vit. D is from sun. So before everyone goes on about how tanning is going to kill you and cause cancer get a few facts like, your bodies natural defense against sun is tanning, or that overexposure (sunburning) of your skin is the problem.
Take a look at the environmental workings groups (ewg.com) website and the testing they have done on sunscreen. How about the fact the FDA hasn't put any regulation on tanning products since the 70's. Look up oxybenzone one of the ingredients used in sunscreen, remember that when you lather yourself up in chemical sunscreen. Learn what the SPF numbers really mean and how maybe they are deceiving you. Everyone is only willing to hear what is being spoken instead of going and looking up the facts themselves.
As far as Europe they may lead the way, but they are also beginning to waver on some of there anti sun ideas also. Watch and see what happens in the next few years.
Do as you please but before you keep slamming something natural get all the facts. Goggle Dr. John Cannell, or vitamin D council. Just look before you close your mind and continue to get misled.
Any advice that is given without asking for is really the worst. I wasn't asking you how to save money why in the world are you just giving out your unwanted advice!
The worst on blogs/website, get rid of one car. We work in different directions at different times, how do you think we could ever just give up one car as if it's nothing.
Great post, Mark. Understanding these policies is crucial when you’re expecting a child. Wanted to add one more that makes life after maternity leave a bit easier for the breastfeeding mom who will need to pump breastmilk at work. Breast pumping makes it possible to leave behind for her baby while they are apart, and lets her maintain her supply so she can breastfeed for the duration.
A new break time requirement for nursing mothers was included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that amends Section 7 of the FLSA. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division posted a helpful fact sheet for employers explaining what they need to provide. You can find it here: http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs73.htm. Here’s the nitty gritty of what the document says (applicable to companies with over 50 employees):
1) Employers must provide reasonable break time to express breastmilk (that means pump).
2) Employers must provide a private place to pump, other than a bathroom, that’s available whenever moms need it for up to a year after the birth of their child.
The return to work is one of the greatest hurdles that breastfeeding moms face, but it doesn’t have to mean an end to breastfeeding. Before the recent passage of these workplace accommodations, breastfeeding moms were left largely on their own to figure out how to adhere to recommendations by major medical organizations like the AAP to breastfeed for at least a year, including breastfeeding exclusively (i.e. nothing else but mom’s milk) for the first six months after birth.
Moms: Be sure to share this information with your employer so you get all the support you need to reach your breastfeeding goals.
Move to a small town! Low cost of living! Yes, that's because no one wants to live there. There's nothing to do! At least living in the city I can stroll through my walker-friendly neighborhood (free), go to the art museum that's a block from my house (free), walk to all the stores/restaurants in the area, and have access to all the (student-priced) concerts and performers that come through town. I hate small town life. I'll gladly double my rent to avoid it. It's cheaper than therapy.
A fun read Ashley - who doesn't love a little sarcasm?
Plus, sometimes a different way of communicating a message is ten times as effective.
Your what NOT to do approach makes your points hit home!
I am also bothered by advice blogs that tell me to give up my daily latte... I can barely afford coffee, much less a latte.
I don't like blogs or advice books that talk about buying in bulk. I'm a single woman who lives alone and eats very close to the earth---it isn't as if I can buy dried beans and rice in bulk at Sam's Club!
I also get annoyed at books that tell me to pay off my debt---if it were that easy I would have already done it.
1. I agree with the many that say "packing your own lunch". I can't imagine going out for lunch everyday! Is that common???
2. I heard someone say that getting rid of your land-line phone is supposed to save you money... does this person pay cell phone bills?? They'll charge you for everything!
3. Buy in bulk (at places like Costco, and Sam's Club) Ugh. It may save you money, but I prefer to buy locally and at farmer's markets.
This web site has excellent deals and even local coupons. I think they focus not only on electronics deals, but also toy, kids, men women shoes etc. I liked how they are organized.
My pet peeves when it comes to money advice:
1. Like others, the 'latte' factor. I don't drink coffee, but every once in awhile I do splurge and get a cafe mocha; to me it's like hot chocolate with a kick. and $3 once a month is not going to make a difference in the grand scheme of things.
2. Cut the TV cable. I get a bundle package with TV, phone, and Internet, and if I cut one of them the price on the others go up.
3. Get rid of landline phone and use cell phone only. See #2, plus I have to have a landline because I use the fax machine in my work.
4. Sell the car and use public transporation. Anyone seen the schedule/routing for public trans in my city? You can't get there from here. P.S. My car is paid off anyway.
5. As someone else mentioned, the gorilla coupon warriors. I live alone and don't spend more than $50 a month on groceries. Coupons are usually for things a)my stores don't carry, b)things I don't like/use, or c)that are processed or full of chemicals/preservatives/non-food stuff that I don't want to eat.
Thanks Chase! I'm glad you liked my article! And that's a really good point about small business projects. I hadn't thought about that. Thanks for sharing!
Great tip Greg! I love this! Thanks for sharing. :-)
Well, there's more to saving than just forgoing spending. You could almost argue that being frugal is the first step to being enterprising. Even super savers have to put their money somewhere, and it's up to the saver to determine whether that's a checking account, a mattress, a mutual fund, or a business venture.
I own a decently-sized house and travel extensively, but I also drive an undistinguished truck and would rather spend the night in a $36 Motel 6 than a $200 Hyatt (that $164 would eat away at my conscience all night.) I spend as little as I'm comfortable with, only because I'd rather put any available cash toward buying assets and selling liabilities.
Let's not forget alcohol. I love drinking. Nothing fulfills me as a human quite as much as enriching my local bar or club owner. I need something to do with my hands while I'm socializing anyway, but why would I spend a couple of bucks on a Coke when I can enjoy multiple $10 mixed drinks and $12 glasses of wine? It's all part of being an adult, right?
I am tired of hearing "pay yourself first." What bill to you ignore to make this happen? Do you risk late fees to do this? How do you pay yourself when there is no pay?
I like the idea here! I really do. Maybe now that we know "how to get into debt" maybe that will help us better understand "how not to get into debt." Another thought on the Trying to win big part...I know as an entrepreneur that I spend alot of extra funds on business projects "trying to win big" rather than saving/investing/getting out of debt. So while gambling or the lottery is not an issue for me, small business projects are.
Reality is, a lot of people don’t buy newspapers nowadays as they get to read news online. I agree with you on most points but that is not the way many people see about newspapers.
One thing I am sick of hearing about is saving early for retirement. It's always the same example, where Susie Saver starts saving when she's 20 and Larry Loser doesn't start for another 10 years and Susie ends up with a million more dollars or something. The reason I hate this is twofold: 1) The amount the people put into retirement is always high, like $1000 a month. I'm just starting out, newly married, with a spouse still trying to find work, and I know I can't afford to put anywhere near that much into my retirement account right now and still buy rent, groceries, and gas every month. I'm putting in what I can. 2) The interest rates these people get on their 401(k)s are incredibly high as well, usually 10%. The average, as I understand it, is around 6% or 7%, and right now mine is about -7% because I haven't had it very long.
I understand the lesson, but if the demonstration only works with really high figures, then it's not very helpful to me.
I'm what some might call a "super saver", but that's probably MOSTLY due to my age and being single with no kids. I save over 2/3 of my post-tax income. I'm definitely "cheap" in a lot of aspects; I don't go out, I usually leave the A/C off, I research products at length before I even think about buying anything, I refuse to ever pay a single penny for a cell phone, etc. But I'm not living like I'm impoverished. I think it's great to find a comfortable balance, especially when you have the financial room to do so.
I'm going to echo Dobie - the advice that we should use debit cards instead of credit cards. It might work for some, but there are those of us who are responsible with credit, pay the balance in full, and earn cash back.
I am sick of hearing about owning a house rather than renting! My rent in a big city is now about $350 including everything! As a single working professional, budgeting is easy with the cheap rent and I love not having house maintenance. A house would be great someday...maybe it's the right advice, wrong time for me.
Thank you Kasey! I'm glad you enjoyed my article! :-)
Thank you Katrina!
Well before everyone goes on about tanning is the problem. Take a look at what Doctors were telling us less then 20 years ago about Tabocco. So if we were miss informed once don't you think it could happen again. If you think about things like the fact if you took oxygen, water, sun and food away things would be cease to live. How about all Vitamin D deficancy thats going on right now the best way to get Vit. D is from sun. So before everyone goes on about how tanning is going to kill you and cause cancer get a few facts like, your bodies natural defense against sun is tanning, or that overexposure (sunburning) of your skin is the problem.
Take a look at the environmental workings groups (ewg.com) website and the testing they have done on sunscreen. How about the fact the FDA hasn't put any regulation on tanning products since the 70's. Look up oxybenzone one of the ingredients used in sunscreen, remember that when you lather yourself up in chemical sunscreen. Learn what the SPF numbers really mean and how maybe they are deceiving you. Everyone is only willing to hear what is being spoken instead of going and looking up the facts themselves.
As far as Europe they may lead the way, but they are also beginning to waver on some of there anti sun ideas also. Watch and see what happens in the next few years.
Do as you please but before you keep slamming something natural get all the facts. Goggle Dr. John Cannell, or vitamin D council. Just look before you close your mind and continue to get misled.
Any advice that is given without asking for is really the worst. I wasn't asking you how to save money why in the world are you just giving out your unwanted advice!
The worst on blogs/website, get rid of one car. We work in different directions at different times, how do you think we could ever just give up one car as if it's nothing.
Clever! Good job Ashley. Refreshing take on frequent topic.
Great post, Mark. Understanding these policies is crucial when you’re expecting a child. Wanted to add one more that makes life after maternity leave a bit easier for the breastfeeding mom who will need to pump breastmilk at work. Breast pumping makes it possible to leave behind for her baby while they are apart, and lets her maintain her supply so she can breastfeed for the duration.
A new break time requirement for nursing mothers was included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that amends Section 7 of the FLSA. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division posted a helpful fact sheet for employers explaining what they need to provide. You can find it here: http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs73.htm. Here’s the nitty gritty of what the document says (applicable to companies with over 50 employees):
1) Employers must provide reasonable break time to express breastmilk (that means pump).
2) Employers must provide a private place to pump, other than a bathroom, that’s available whenever moms need it for up to a year after the birth of their child.
The return to work is one of the greatest hurdles that breastfeeding moms face, but it doesn’t have to mean an end to breastfeeding. Before the recent passage of these workplace accommodations, breastfeeding moms were left largely on their own to figure out how to adhere to recommendations by major medical organizations like the AAP to breastfeed for at least a year, including breastfeeding exclusively (i.e. nothing else but mom’s milk) for the first six months after birth.
Moms: Be sure to share this information with your employer so you get all the support you need to reach your breastfeeding goals.
Gina Ciagne, CLC
Director, Breastfeeding and Consumer Relations
Lansinoh Laboratories
http://www.lansinoh.com
http://www.bymomsformoms.net
I like Adagio for my tea - I order from them quite regularly and their tea is GREAT. :)
Move to a small town! Low cost of living! Yes, that's because no one wants to live there. There's nothing to do! At least living in the city I can stroll through my walker-friendly neighborhood (free), go to the art museum that's a block from my house (free), walk to all the stores/restaurants in the area, and have access to all the (student-priced) concerts and performers that come through town. I hate small town life. I'll gladly double my rent to avoid it. It's cheaper than therapy.
A fun read Ashley - who doesn't love a little sarcasm?
Plus, sometimes a different way of communicating a message is ten times as effective.
Your what NOT to do approach makes your points hit home!
I am also bothered by advice blogs that tell me to give up my daily latte... I can barely afford coffee, much less a latte.
I don't like blogs or advice books that talk about buying in bulk. I'm a single woman who lives alone and eats very close to the earth---it isn't as if I can buy dried beans and rice in bulk at Sam's Club!
I also get annoyed at books that tell me to pay off my debt---if it were that easy I would have already done it.
1. I agree with the many that say "packing your own lunch". I can't imagine going out for lunch everyday! Is that common???
2. I heard someone say that getting rid of your land-line phone is supposed to save you money... does this person pay cell phone bills?? They'll charge you for everything!
3. Buy in bulk (at places like Costco, and Sam's Club) Ugh. It may save you money, but I prefer to buy locally and at farmer's markets.
This web site has excellent deals and even local coupons. I think they focus not only on electronics deals, but also toy, kids, men women shoes etc. I liked how they are organized.
My pet peeves when it comes to money advice:
1. Like others, the 'latte' factor. I don't drink coffee, but every once in awhile I do splurge and get a cafe mocha; to me it's like hot chocolate with a kick. and $3 once a month is not going to make a difference in the grand scheme of things.
2. Cut the TV cable. I get a bundle package with TV, phone, and Internet, and if I cut one of them the price on the others go up.
3. Get rid of landline phone and use cell phone only. See #2, plus I have to have a landline because I use the fax machine in my work.
4. Sell the car and use public transporation. Anyone seen the schedule/routing for public trans in my city? You can't get there from here. P.S. My car is paid off anyway.
5. As someone else mentioned, the gorilla coupon warriors. I live alone and don't spend more than $50 a month on groceries. Coupons are usually for things a)my stores don't carry, b)things I don't like/use, or c)that are processed or full of chemicals/preservatives/non-food stuff that I don't want to eat.
Hallelujah, I don't do lattes or coupons on overpriced items. Great tip. Well put, too!