"And perhaps I should be telling my kids hey, don't become a doctor you'll be sued for malpractice--become a banker who gets slapped on the wrist with a big fat severance check instead."
I have an HDTV with a tuner. I pick up signals with rabbit ears. The TV channels are now 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 instead of just Channel 7. Does anyone know how the heck you program VCRS to record on these things. I still have my VCR on my analog TV but what happens after the switch?
I just wanted to say that there is NO need for a new "digital" antenna. This is a marketing gimmick. Any existing antenna that works will still work - in fact, foil and wire coat hangers will work as well.
Another angle on Amazon shipping. If your item qualifies for free shipping (over $25.00) they say that it will take five to nine days. If you opt to pay extra, it will only take two to three days. I've ordered free-shipping items twice and opted not to pay the extra. In both cases, the item was sent via FedEx, two day delivery. On my last order, a bread machine, I could have thrown away $15.00 for shipping and not gotten it any faster.
I don't think (infact I know) that heart burn is not caused by "tainted acid". Heartburn is caused by an incompetent esophageal sphincter that allows your stomach acid to slosh up into your esophagus and cause the burning.
I am not sure that using another acid, albeit a weak acid, will help with heartburn.
Instead try a cheap & and useful fix-baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 cup water and drink. It tastes terrible, but in about ten minutes no more heart burn.
Of course if you get heartburn on a regular basis you may need to consult your doctor as this could be a sign of a serious condition.
Thanks for this! I had heard something a while ago but never confirmed it. I will be sure to do this. I only got $300 because my earnings weren't high enough in 2007, but they were in 2008, so I should have an additional $300 heading my way.
Fred, whether you meant to, or not -- you gave me a chuckle. The chewed up food floating in the drinking glass is exactly how I know that one of my kids stole my glass when I wasn't looking. Yucky, but telling.
I'm wondering how people feel about my converter box strategy.
Out of work and savings dwindling, I applied for a coupon in December. I think I can maintain my cable until March or April but wanted a converter box to use as I sink deeper into poverty. If that takes months longer, am I wrong to hoard the box even though I still have cable? Should people worried about being laid off or newly laid off apply for coupons even while still affording cable? Could this be why the government is running out of money? I live in a major city that gets no TV reception at all with out cable. Antennas are useless, too much interference. I don't want to lose all access to TV just because I can't afford cable. But I don't want to feel like a cheat either.
There aren't any excuses for people not to pay their bill on time, unless they don't have the money. You can look at your account online any time you want.
Nowadays, with electronic bill pay, you either ask your loan company to pull money out of your account or ask your bank to send money from your checking account.
I don't like letting anyone taking my money out of my account, so I use my checking account bill pay to send a payment. I have my accounts set up to send e-mail messages to me letting me know when they are due.
The top, most responsible thing you can really do is help others determine whether they even need the coupons.
Over the holidays, I found out that so many friends and relatives who had cable or satellite still thought they needed to get a new box or a converter box, many assuming they needed to to 'something' to view content, after February.
Needless to say, the fact that they ordered coupons was a big waste and are the cause for a possible delay. (I say possible 'cause FCC Chairman Kevin Martin today gave 50/50 odds that DTV date will be extended.)
Living in northern Canada for the majority of my life, I can tell you I've seen winters most of you can't even imagine.
That said: they don't sell cheap methyl-alcohol based window de-icer down those parts? Works pretty well.
As for warming up the vehicle. I guess block heaters must be optional down there. If so, install one, and if you really like, an oil pan heater as well.
Cover the grill of your vehicle. Some cardboard and zip ties does it on the ghetto budget, but they make nice ones as well. This can really help, especially when combined with block + oil heaters.
I know, this is a website about being thrifty, so getting those heaters installed is probably to be balked at, but it's just part of owning a vehicle -- they're not cheap!
Wow. These are great economical tips for a single necessity. Some tips here are very new to me. I have to try these for myself. Thanks for the tips, Nora!
I was one of those who signed up very early, and got my coupons before everyone else I know. The downside? Many of the converter boxes weren't available in my area (the good ones anyway.) Those that I could find weren't anywhere close to $40. People I know that waited now have access to some in the $40-49 range plus free shipping at Amazon.com (and you can redeem the card online.)
My card ended up expiring because the two or three models that I could get would've cost me almost $60 out of pocket and they got horrible reviews. I guess being early to the party doesn't always have it's advantages.
Most likely it's stolen credit card use - which would also be why there was a delay in response. Seller racks up enough orders, plunks down some stolen credit card numbers to buy some gift cards, and disperses them, with the admonishment that the buyer use them quickly.
I used to work for a company that battled fraud of a similar nature. :-)
I'm so bothered by the reasons for the delay. yes, I understand that some people can't afford it, some don't understand the technology aspect, etc. But seriously? This has been all over the media for a solid year, warning people they need to upgrade or buy the conversion, and people still haven't done it. If people were too lazy to do it before (or enlist help if they couldn't do it themselves) then tough--why make other people sit around and wait?
The $40 coupons expire 90 days from issue. But during that time the government has to assume that you'll redeem them. Even though this transition has been in the planning stages for more than twelve years people waited until the very last minute to order the coupons. So the value of all the coupons currently in circulation exceeds the statutory spending cap authorized by Congress. As unredeemed coupons expire the people on the waiting list will be issued new coupons.
The big problem with this whole coupon business though is that the converters cost more than $40, and most folks will have to purchase a new antenna too. A good digital TV antenna can run another $75 bucks. Even if you have a newer, digital compatible TV, you still need the antenna, which is not covered by the coupon program.
It should be noted too that subscribers to cable, satellite, or Fios TV are not impacted by the digital transition. Their set top boxes will still work just fine after 2/17.
On the time=money front: I live in a fairly congested suburban area, and the closest box stores (less than 5 mile radius) are 20-30 min round-trip driving time, not including the time cruising the aisle and standing in the checkout line. Because my freelance work is the sort where it's pretty easy to turn time saved into money earned, I figure a typical trip to the big box store to get something costs $30-40 of "lost opportunity."
On the eco front: 95% of the delivery truck's route is in the trunk route shared between hundreds or thousands of packages, and only a small portion is the little side trip to your house (anywhere from a block or two, to a mile?). The the delivery truck is going to be more fuel-efficient traveling that short little segment to your doorstep (let's say 1 mile, which is probably generous on average) than you would be traveling 6-10 miles RT to the store, even if the delivery van is getting, say 9-10 mpg (which I think is about typical).
However, the green consideration *does* go out the window if you opt for express service that involves air transport.
What I don't understand about the coupon program being tapped out:
If someone receives two of the $40 vouchers, but does not redeem either, what's the cost to the government?
The "tapped out" reports suggest that somehow the government has spent or lost $80 when the coupons were issued, but if they were not redeemed, wouldn't that sum be 'recovered'?
I wish I had seen this when I lost my job in October of 2007. I do have a job now which I started in November of 2008 and will go until June 2009. I naively thought that I would be able to find a new job quickly, so I decided to take a couple of months off before even looking and then only looked for my "ideal" job. I did do some of the budgeting things and cut my expenses, but I could have done better. Speaking of making money doing casual jobs...I got into mystery shopping. It doesn't pay much, but it got me out of the house and gave me a purpose, which was important for my morale. I also had several jobs where I got to go out to eat and, at the very least, I was reimbursed for my meal, but other times got a fee on top of that. So, it was free food and I got to go out, which was one of the things I had given up. Grocery stores were another good assignment. The best one paid a fee and reimbursed up to a certain amount to make a purchase. Just one more thing to consider! I am still doing this even while working because it is free meals and free groceries, you just have to put out the money up front and it can take up to six weeks to be reimbursed, so you have to plan ahead.
I just always make sure that my windshield washer container is filled with Rain-X De-Icer. It doesn't freeze when you use your windshield washers!!
For lots of snow, this obviously won't work. But after a few minutes of (the dreaded and controversial) idling, and you just want to get in and get going, but there's that last little bit left, or, just a thin coating from the night, or your entire window is a solid but thin block of ice due to an ice storm....
just use your windshield cleaner and wipers, and in seconds, you can see fine.
The Rain-X stuff comes in a container just like regular windshield cleaner, but it's orange, not blue.
And it's not overly expensive. Regular stuff is around a dollar, and this is double. No biggie, especially for a great convenience.
It also helps great when you're driving, and your windshield is icing up as you go.
Oh, and it works fine for just plain washing your windshield, too. I usually have it in my car all summer too, by default.
I have a list mut it seems so long and over whelming. most things simploy aren't pratical or reallyu make any sence. I'm lost here it seams my short tearm goals only make me that are reachable are only good for a day and my long term goals are just a work of fiction
Courtney, take a deep breath and learn to recognize a joke when you read one before calling people names, please.
Margaret, thanks for the review. I now have a copy reserved at my local library so I can check it out.
I'm an Amazon Prime subscriber. I split it with my housemate and we use our own credit cards, like theFrugalUser (#1) points out you can do.
I love it. But I consider it a splurge rather than a money saver.
First, I didn't pay anywhere close to $40 in shipping for books before I got Prime. I always bought in $25 chunks so I would get free shipping.
Second, I buy more now. And buy faster. One-click shopping + "free" 2-day shipping = me buying a lot more books.
Having said that, I will probably renew my subscription when it expires. I'm hooked on 2-day shipping.
Prime must be a huge money-maker for Amazon....
"And perhaps I should be telling my kids hey, don't become a doctor you'll be sued for malpractice--become a banker who gets slapped on the wrist with a big fat severance check instead."
I hope this book isn't as ignorant as you.
I have an HDTV with a tuner. I pick up signals with rabbit ears. The TV channels are now 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 instead of just Channel 7. Does anyone know how the heck you program VCRS to record on these things. I still have my VCR on my analog TV but what happens after the switch?
I just wanted to say that there is NO need for a new "digital" antenna. This is a marketing gimmick. Any existing antenna that works will still work - in fact, foil and wire coat hangers will work as well.
For more info:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvantennas.html
Another angle on Amazon shipping. If your item qualifies for free shipping (over $25.00) they say that it will take five to nine days. If you opt to pay extra, it will only take two to three days. I've ordered free-shipping items twice and opted not to pay the extra. In both cases, the item was sent via FedEx, two day delivery. On my last order, a bread machine, I could have thrown away $15.00 for shipping and not gotten it any faster.
I don't think (infact I know) that heart burn is not caused by "tainted acid". Heartburn is caused by an incompetent esophageal sphincter that allows your stomach acid to slosh up into your esophagus and cause the burning.
I am not sure that using another acid, albeit a weak acid, will help with heartburn.
Instead try a cheap & and useful fix-baking soda. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 cup water and drink. It tastes terrible, but in about ten minutes no more heart burn.
Of course if you get heartburn on a regular basis you may need to consult your doctor as this could be a sign of a serious condition.
Dr. C
Thanks for this! I had heard something a while ago but never confirmed it. I will be sure to do this. I only got $300 because my earnings weren't high enough in 2007, but they were in 2008, so I should have an additional $300 heading my way.
Fred, whether you meant to, or not -- you gave me a chuckle. The chewed up food floating in the drinking glass is exactly how I know that one of my kids stole my glass when I wasn't looking. Yucky, but telling.
Linsey Knerl
Sounds like a great rea. Thanks for the giveaway.
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm wondering how people feel about my converter box strategy.
Out of work and savings dwindling, I applied for a coupon in December. I think I can maintain my cable until March or April but wanted a converter box to use as I sink deeper into poverty. If that takes months longer, am I wrong to hoard the box even though I still have cable? Should people worried about being laid off or newly laid off apply for coupons even while still affording cable? Could this be why the government is running out of money? I live in a major city that gets no TV reception at all with out cable. Antennas are useless, too much interference. I don't want to lose all access to TV just because I can't afford cable. But I don't want to feel like a cheat either.
Interested in what you think,
There aren't any excuses for people not to pay their bill on time, unless they don't have the money. You can look at your account online any time you want.
Nowadays, with electronic bill pay, you either ask your loan company to pull money out of your account or ask your bank to send money from your checking account.
I don't like letting anyone taking my money out of my account, so I use my checking account bill pay to send a payment. I have my accounts set up to send e-mail messages to me letting me know when they are due.
The top, most responsible thing you can really do is help others determine whether they even need the coupons.
Over the holidays, I found out that so many friends and relatives who had cable or satellite still thought they needed to get a new box or a converter box, many assuming they needed to to 'something' to view content, after February.
Needless to say, the fact that they ordered coupons was a big waste and are the cause for a possible delay. (I say possible 'cause FCC Chairman Kevin Martin today gave 50/50 odds that DTV date will be extended.)
Hey this helped A LOT!! THANK YOU!
Living in northern Canada for the majority of my life, I can tell you I've seen winters most of you can't even imagine.
That said: they don't sell cheap methyl-alcohol based window de-icer down those parts? Works pretty well.
As for warming up the vehicle. I guess block heaters must be optional down there. If so, install one, and if you really like, an oil pan heater as well.
Cover the grill of your vehicle. Some cardboard and zip ties does it on the ghetto budget, but they make nice ones as well. This can really help, especially when combined with block + oil heaters.
I know, this is a website about being thrifty, so getting those heaters installed is probably to be balked at, but it's just part of owning a vehicle -- they're not cheap!
Wow. These are great economical tips for a single necessity. Some tips here are very new to me. I have to try these for myself. Thanks for the tips, Nora!
I was one of those who signed up very early, and got my coupons before everyone else I know. The downside? Many of the converter boxes weren't available in my area (the good ones anyway.) Those that I could find weren't anywhere close to $40. People I know that waited now have access to some in the $40-49 range plus free shipping at Amazon.com (and you can redeem the card online.)
My card ended up expiring because the two or three models that I could get would've cost me almost $60 out of pocket and they got horrible reviews. I guess being early to the party doesn't always have it's advantages.
Linsey Knerl
Most likely it's stolen credit card use - which would also be why there was a delay in response. Seller racks up enough orders, plunks down some stolen credit card numbers to buy some gift cards, and disperses them, with the admonishment that the buyer use them quickly.
I used to work for a company that battled fraud of a similar nature. :-)
I'm so bothered by the reasons for the delay. yes, I understand that some people can't afford it, some don't understand the technology aspect, etc. But seriously? This has been all over the media for a solid year, warning people they need to upgrade or buy the conversion, and people still haven't done it. If people were too lazy to do it before (or enlist help if they couldn't do it themselves) then tough--why make other people sit around and wait?
Ok, sorry. rant over.
The $40 coupons expire 90 days from issue. But during that time the government has to assume that you'll redeem them. Even though this transition has been in the planning stages for more than twelve years people waited until the very last minute to order the coupons. So the value of all the coupons currently in circulation exceeds the statutory spending cap authorized by Congress. As unredeemed coupons expire the people on the waiting list will be issued new coupons.
The big problem with this whole coupon business though is that the converters cost more than $40, and most folks will have to purchase a new antenna too. A good digital TV antenna can run another $75 bucks. Even if you have a newer, digital compatible TV, you still need the antenna, which is not covered by the coupon program.
It should be noted too that subscribers to cable, satellite, or Fios TV are not impacted by the digital transition. Their set top boxes will still work just fine after 2/17.
On the time=money front: I live in a fairly congested suburban area, and the closest box stores (less than 5 mile radius) are 20-30 min round-trip driving time, not including the time cruising the aisle and standing in the checkout line. Because my freelance work is the sort where it's pretty easy to turn time saved into money earned, I figure a typical trip to the big box store to get something costs $30-40 of "lost opportunity."
On the eco front: 95% of the delivery truck's route is in the trunk route shared between hundreds or thousands of packages, and only a small portion is the little side trip to your house (anywhere from a block or two, to a mile?). The the delivery truck is going to be more fuel-efficient traveling that short little segment to your doorstep (let's say 1 mile, which is probably generous on average) than you would be traveling 6-10 miles RT to the store, even if the delivery van is getting, say 9-10 mpg (which I think is about typical).
However, the green consideration *does* go out the window if you opt for express service that involves air transport.
What I don't understand about the coupon program being tapped out:
If someone receives two of the $40 vouchers, but does not redeem either, what's the cost to the government?
The "tapped out" reports suggest that somehow the government has spent or lost $80 when the coupons were issued, but if they were not redeemed, wouldn't that sum be 'recovered'?
I wish I had seen this when I lost my job in October of 2007. I do have a job now which I started in November of 2008 and will go until June 2009. I naively thought that I would be able to find a new job quickly, so I decided to take a couple of months off before even looking and then only looked for my "ideal" job. I did do some of the budgeting things and cut my expenses, but I could have done better. Speaking of making money doing casual jobs...I got into mystery shopping. It doesn't pay much, but it got me out of the house and gave me a purpose, which was important for my morale. I also had several jobs where I got to go out to eat and, at the very least, I was reimbursed for my meal, but other times got a fee on top of that. So, it was free food and I got to go out, which was one of the things I had given up. Grocery stores were another good assignment. The best one paid a fee and reimbursed up to a certain amount to make a purchase. Just one more thing to consider! I am still doing this even while working because it is free meals and free groceries, you just have to put out the money up front and it can take up to six weeks to be reimbursed, so you have to plan ahead.
I just always make sure that my windshield washer container is filled with Rain-X De-Icer. It doesn't freeze when you use your windshield washers!!
For lots of snow, this obviously won't work. But after a few minutes of (the dreaded and controversial) idling, and you just want to get in and get going, but there's that last little bit left, or, just a thin coating from the night, or your entire window is a solid but thin block of ice due to an ice storm....
just use your windshield cleaner and wipers, and in seconds, you can see fine.
The Rain-X stuff comes in a container just like regular windshield cleaner, but it's orange, not blue.
And it's not overly expensive. Regular stuff is around a dollar, and this is double. No biggie, especially for a great convenience.
It also helps great when you're driving, and your windshield is icing up as you go.
Oh, and it works fine for just plain washing your windshield, too. I usually have it in my car all summer too, by default.
I have a list mut it seems so long and over whelming. most things simploy aren't pratical or reallyu make any sence. I'm lost here it seams my short tearm goals only make me that are reachable are only good for a day and my long term goals are just a work of fiction