I love Spring and I have been slowly getting rid of stuff for a couple of months now. I have a big bag in my closet that I add stuff to and when it's full I take it to my favorite thrift store who gives me a 20% off coupon.
I have another box filled with stuff to give away to friends and family, I have a whole box that is slated to go to my mom for Mother's day. We are the same size in clothes and shoes which is handy. She has never owned a pair of ballet flats. What?? Well, I have eight pairs so take two of those.
I also switched out my cool weather stuff with my warm weather stuff leaving out my favorite three pairs of jeans and a couple of lightweight sweaters and cardigans. During the switch is when I weed out my clothes. Things I'm on the fence about I save to decide on during the next change-out. Sometimes I'm too hasty and end up regretting it.
Since I started this process I was gifted a huge bag of kids' stuff including three pairs of shoes. It was great because I had been thinking my boys needed more shoes, but had I bought them I would have been kicking myself. I also received from another friend a bag full of stuff that will be great for next Fall, it's already in my cool weather stash. Even when I'm clearing out all my old crap I don't mind being given other people's stuff. When I'm already cleaning, I am more discerning and donate the things I don't want along with my stuff. And having "new" stuff on hand keeps me from feeling justified in running out and buying new things as a reward.
I can't seem to part with my cd's or my magazines but they have their own stash spot that isn't really taking up much space.
I've vowed to stop buying fluffy reads at the thrift store that I will just re-donate and go to the library instead. I now only buy kid's books there.
It feels great to get rid of clutter and reveal all the good stuff that I forgot I had. It also lends a nice rhythm and continuity to my life that I really enjoy.
Happy De-Cluttering!!!
The *only* area of our house that is really cluttered is the bookselves. I have been talking to my husband about getting more shelves...maybe I should reassess the book situation instead! trouble with having 5 people in the house - various ages, various interests!
I wouldn't say that ALL incentive programs suck. We have one at my work, but it's a bit non-traditional, and I like it that way.
Basically, we get QAed twice every month. Those scores are averaged to give us a QA score for the month. Then, that score is computed with three other scores: how much time we spend on the phone (my work is, obviously, phone-based and we're given a specific amount of "extra" time every day to do things like put notes into the computer after a call or take an unscheduled break to go that bathroom or what have you), what our survey scores are (we ask clients to take an optional survey at the end of the call about the service we agents have provided... a significant portion of them do), and how many absences and tardies we have. Each month, based on that combined score, we're given a specific number of points. These points can be traded in for extra money, each point being worth a specific amount (taxable, sadly). But there are other things that this incentive program does as well... it can give you an extra day off, paid or not, planned or not, depending on the points you spend, a "casual day", wherein you can wear whatever you want rather than business casual, prioritizing you in the que to get off of work early (that time off is unpaid) or you can even be prioritized in the que for your choice of shift when we do our yearly shift reorganizing. I LOVE this program because it offers non-traditional incentives. I like the money and all, but I've only used that a couple of times (around Christmas, for example). What I like more is things like prioritizing getting off early (on days I would just like to go home), the yearly shift thing, and... well, there's a couple of incentives I haven't mentioned that I enjoy, too.
The important thing here is that the things we're given points for are things we're expected to do anyway. I'm expected to get a certain percentage on my QA or risk losing my job (after a certain number of bad QAs). I'm expect to be on the phone as much as possible. I'm expected to show up to work every day. I'm expected to do well on the surveys (those are averaged to account for anomalies).
But, for instance, by not using my "extra" time, I benefit (my overall score is higher, leading to more points) and so does the company (that's more time that I spent on the phone). I've known people who were not feeling their best, but not necessarily sick enough to really justify staying home, who have gone to work, saying "I don't want to lose out on the points". I have gotten off early SEVERAL times because of prioritizing, which actually saves the company money because the computer will only allow us to go home early if the call volume is low.
And a lot of these things don't cost the company any money (casual days, shift scheduling, and leaving work early) and some of them actually benefit the company (saving money spent on hourly wages by the company when call volume is low). But it DOES help with morale... I know one woman who takes an extra casual day every week (Fridays are casual already) and she's much happier because of it. While that doesn't appeal to me as much (I don't mind what I wear to work), I DO take advantage of getting off early sometimes and I'm saving up to get onto the shift I want.
So, some incentive plans are helpful. I think it just depends how they're done.
I completely agree with what you're saying. I try to say thank you, tell the people behind the counter to have a nice day, etc. Those kind of jobs can be really crappy. You're in a hot, small space with people yelling at you because you're not going fast enough, even though it is often the people in front of them that caused the problem by not knowing what they want or just being slow. Be nice to these people. They deserve it, just as you do.
There are some places that I frequent where, I'll admit, I do little more than say "Thanks". Why? These people are consistently rude. I understand that they're rushed and that it's hard. I've been there myself. However, that doesn't give them any right to be rude to their customers - this is something that is happening more and more often. I don't care if you only make minimum wage, you should still be nice to your customers.
Your software on this is terribly flawed for people who pay quarterly estimated taxes, federal and state. You assume everyone makes the same income every quarter and penalize those who seemingly underpay. In my case 1) I am an actor. My income various from month to month., sometimes with no income for weeks or even months 2) Most of my income comes in December. Typically, I make my required minimum distribution from my retirement fund (IRA or Keogh) in this month. Futhermore, even more of my annual income comes from distributions from my various mutual funds and they occur usually in mid-December or towards the end of the year. However, your erroneous assumption forces interest payment on me every quarter, especially with the federal return which I cannot file without inclusion of your assessesed interest. This is wrong, unjust and inequitable.
I have 6 grocery bags awaiting disposal right now. Most of my stuff will be going to a yard sale associated with a youth organization my son belongs to -- helping to fund activities I'd have to pay for otherwise. I have thought about selling the items but am not sure if I am up for it.
I liked the way you categorized items -- how to decide what to keep and what to dispose of, which is the most difficult part of sorting through stuff. Hope it goes well this weekend!
And what's sad about it is I don't think the people at Bear cared where they were going and what eventually would happen, as long as those advisory fees and points on vigs and trades and hedge positions were coming in, it didn't matter to them and this is why James Cayne, the CEO left with $200 million, he could've gave a rats pitootie. He had surety, he knew he would be bailed out and acted accordingly that sucks.
Glad you have enjoyed the book -- it is slightly textbooky but is very thorough (covers key points an investor needs to know) and, to me, fairly easy to read. I have made some changes in my financial life based on information that Mr. Wilder provides (mainly relating to taxes).
It took me a while to figure out why you referenced bailbondsmen -- I am thinking that they (the Fed) make promises on someone else's behalf (Bear Stearns), guaranteeing payment if Bear skips town.
At least you knew, 10 years ago, where you were driving and the amount of money you needed to get there. Not knowing the extent of the problem (and why don't the investment banks know how much?) is what I find most disturbing.
If you know me, like I think you do and more important, like you think you do, then you know I don't even make promises much less threats. I'm a thoughtful guy, not easily intrigued, I also don't scare easily. Keep it comin' guest girl LOL:) This is fun. BTW, what did you think of the post?
This is probably one of the best books I've ever read on personal finance, investing and just understanding the overall industry. I now understand why I need to do certain things and when. The advice is sound, easy to understand and I have personally found to be extremly successful. I will recommend this book to my business partners, family and friends. The college funding section was so eye opening, even though my children are past this need, I wish I would have read when they were younger it would have changed my planning. The retirement section was amazing and has changed my families life. Thank you, Thank you...a great resource and life changing book.
The great secret about being an English major is it is cheap on the books since most of the books can be bought anywhere (novels etc). APA manuals, and most students aren't going to care that the introduction and one chapter they aren't going to read anyway has been updated.
I work as a cashier and yes, am underworked and underpaid. (Have to pay the bills somehow).
I think it is great that you and your husband made an effort to be nice to these employees. Believe me, it makes the day go by way better having empathetic customers. I apologize for the employees attitudes, but I don't know their situations either.
There have been several no call in no show up employees these past few weeks at my place of work, (which is a very well known outdoor sporting goods store) and you know what that means? I and whatever help can be mustered (the clerk in clothing if she has time to run to the front) must shoulder the load and the never ending lines. Customers don't know this. Then I am the target when they get to the front. Mumbling snotty inaudible words when I greet them (or not respond to me at all), throwing their merchandise, money, or credit card on the counter at me; grabbing it back out of my hand-- acting like I owe them something.
Great. Hurry hurry, you just spent two hours walking around and I am responsible for making you late to your meeting. What-ever.
I have seen customers say that I was "causing them trouble" because I had to call to get a price on something they brought up to me that didn't have a tag on it. Then outright lie and distort the situation to a manager I call, because they were trying to get me to give them a lesser price and I wouldn't, and act like I was the problem. Who's trying to cheat who here?
After being a cashier, I think differently than I used to about dealing with the public and how a cashier or worker acts to me unless it is absolutely uncalled for. If they are complacent I understand, if they roll their eyes at me for no reason at all, that is unacceptable.
While I make an effort to be nice and respective to my customers, what some customers on the other end don't get is that most people don't want to talk to the employee or even care about a response, they want to "get in and get out".
I have had customers take it personally just because I don't stop to give them my full undivided attention (I AM trying to ring out your merchandise and give you quick serivce here) and then start being crappy with me. Hey--there are other people waiting in line and they blame it on the cashier because you wanted to talk. The cashier knows this-but you don't.
Then there are the jerks who snarl at me because I AM nice. I have found that it is best to be in between, unreadable, but polite. You never know what kind of person you are going to be dealing with, or what kind of reaction is going to be obtained--all of a sudden. The stupidity and attitudes you get for no reason, are almost undescribable.
I have never had a job like this where nearly everyone (customers) thinks they are the expert and try to tell me how to do my job. (I have a Bachelors degree contrary to popular belief that most cashiers only have a high school diploma) Several times I have wanted to say "Do you work here or do I? Don't you think I know how to do my job?"
I have had saintly customers whom I thought I had a great rapport with suddenly turn super ugly (Exorcist style) because my register froze up (I guess in their perfect world they never have computer problems? Duh!), or their gift card did not scan properly (their wife put it through the wash--not me).
People need to be more compassionate on both sides for sure. I just try to take the good with the bad, but am looking for another job (NOT as a cashier) until I can get out of this.
1) make sure that while you're strategically placing the interesting reads 'round town that you somehow obliterate the address label. This could come back to haunt you some way some how. I once got an e-mail from Vicky's Secret about my non-existent order because the person ordering had put in the code from the back of a catalog and then given the correct name and address. Vicky apparently did not care about the correct information and insisted on e-mailing me the order status. Took forever to get figured out. LLBean did that too with someone with the same first letter of first name, same last name as me. Order confirmation got mailed to me, the non-orderer. When I looked up my history online I had like 3 or 4 non-me orders listed. Debbie at Bean was very helpful, but it was also stupid.
2) textbooks are worse than cars in depreciation. They go from $100+ to $15 with or without any visible damage. Personally, especially because the content is usually poop (why else would I be getting rid of it???), I'd rather have the car.
and with all that typing I forgot the 3rd thing, which means I actually stuck to two. Yay me. Decluttering already.
Even a few decades ago the idea of borrowing money was very unpleasant. Having a bank own your house was considered a bas situation you wanted out of as soon as you could. Now everyone borrows for everything, house, cars, day to day things.
Credit cards used to be more of a convenience than a tool for financing minor purchases. Our neighbors at a previous residence had paid cash for their modest 50's ranch house in 1953. He was a blue collar worker at the air base and his wife didn't work. They still live in it today.
My sister (whose husband teaches at a Christian school in Miami and because of that must have the kids in said school) was talking to the financial aid people. They asked her if the family had any debt. She said, "We can't afford to be in debt".
Growing up, we noticed one of our neigbors got a new color TV. When we asked our mom how come they had one and we didn't, she told us they borrowed. This also was the same family who ripped the foreclosure notices off their house before all the neighbors could see them.
In high school a classmate refered to a difficult year for her family. "We had gruel every morning for breakfast." It wasn't until years later I realized she meant oatmeal. The same stuff us kids grew up on. Sometimes "poor" is a matter of context. We were never rich, so it seemed normal, they had a vacation house in Avalon NJ, so to them it was scraping the bottom.
PS I like your thoughts, and am grateful for the same kinds of unexpected kindnesses shown to us over the years by others.
I love Spring and I have been slowly getting rid of stuff for a couple of months now. I have a big bag in my closet that I add stuff to and when it's full I take it to my favorite thrift store who gives me a 20% off coupon.
I have another box filled with stuff to give away to friends and family, I have a whole box that is slated to go to my mom for Mother's day. We are the same size in clothes and shoes which is handy. She has never owned a pair of ballet flats. What?? Well, I have eight pairs so take two of those.
I also switched out my cool weather stuff with my warm weather stuff leaving out my favorite three pairs of jeans and a couple of lightweight sweaters and cardigans. During the switch is when I weed out my clothes. Things I'm on the fence about I save to decide on during the next change-out. Sometimes I'm too hasty and end up regretting it.
Since I started this process I was gifted a huge bag of kids' stuff including three pairs of shoes. It was great because I had been thinking my boys needed more shoes, but had I bought them I would have been kicking myself. I also received from another friend a bag full of stuff that will be great for next Fall, it's already in my cool weather stash. Even when I'm clearing out all my old crap I don't mind being given other people's stuff. When I'm already cleaning, I am more discerning and donate the things I don't want along with my stuff. And having "new" stuff on hand keeps me from feeling justified in running out and buying new things as a reward.
I can't seem to part with my cd's or my magazines but they have their own stash spot that isn't really taking up much space.
I've vowed to stop buying fluffy reads at the thrift store that I will just re-donate and go to the library instead. I now only buy kid's books there.
It feels great to get rid of clutter and reveal all the good stuff that I forgot I had. It also lends a nice rhythm and continuity to my life that I really enjoy.
Happy De-Cluttering!!!
The *only* area of our house that is really cluttered is the bookselves. I have been talking to my husband about getting more shelves...maybe I should reassess the book situation instead! trouble with having 5 people in the house - various ages, various interests!
I am commenting more on the title than on the article, which I haven't read.
I would just like to state that in areas of my city, billboards are going up proclaiming the new ability to pay bail by credit/debit.
is a stupid idea
I wouldn't say that ALL incentive programs suck. We have one at my work, but it's a bit non-traditional, and I like it that way.
Basically, we get QAed twice every month. Those scores are averaged to give us a QA score for the month. Then, that score is computed with three other scores: how much time we spend on the phone (my work is, obviously, phone-based and we're given a specific amount of "extra" time every day to do things like put notes into the computer after a call or take an unscheduled break to go that bathroom or what have you), what our survey scores are (we ask clients to take an optional survey at the end of the call about the service we agents have provided... a significant portion of them do), and how many absences and tardies we have. Each month, based on that combined score, we're given a specific number of points. These points can be traded in for extra money, each point being worth a specific amount (taxable, sadly). But there are other things that this incentive program does as well... it can give you an extra day off, paid or not, planned or not, depending on the points you spend, a "casual day", wherein you can wear whatever you want rather than business casual, prioritizing you in the que to get off of work early (that time off is unpaid) or you can even be prioritized in the que for your choice of shift when we do our yearly shift reorganizing. I LOVE this program because it offers non-traditional incentives. I like the money and all, but I've only used that a couple of times (around Christmas, for example). What I like more is things like prioritizing getting off early (on days I would just like to go home), the yearly shift thing, and... well, there's a couple of incentives I haven't mentioned that I enjoy, too.
The important thing here is that the things we're given points for are things we're expected to do anyway. I'm expected to get a certain percentage on my QA or risk losing my job (after a certain number of bad QAs). I'm expect to be on the phone as much as possible. I'm expected to show up to work every day. I'm expected to do well on the surveys (those are averaged to account for anomalies).
But, for instance, by not using my "extra" time, I benefit (my overall score is higher, leading to more points) and so does the company (that's more time that I spent on the phone). I've known people who were not feeling their best, but not necessarily sick enough to really justify staying home, who have gone to work, saying "I don't want to lose out on the points". I have gotten off early SEVERAL times because of prioritizing, which actually saves the company money because the computer will only allow us to go home early if the call volume is low.
And a lot of these things don't cost the company any money (casual days, shift scheduling, and leaving work early) and some of them actually benefit the company (saving money spent on hourly wages by the company when call volume is low). But it DOES help with morale... I know one woman who takes an extra casual day every week (Fridays are casual already) and she's much happier because of it. While that doesn't appeal to me as much (I don't mind what I wear to work), I DO take advantage of getting off early sometimes and I'm saving up to get onto the shift I want.
So, some incentive plans are helpful. I think it just depends how they're done.
Nothing wrong with being the borrower on good, appreciating (over the loong term) stuff like real-estate.
Nothing shabby about being the lender, either, if the vichy is good ...
Praise for the prose :)
I completely agree with what you're saying. I try to say thank you, tell the people behind the counter to have a nice day, etc. Those kind of jobs can be really crappy. You're in a hot, small space with people yelling at you because you're not going fast enough, even though it is often the people in front of them that caused the problem by not knowing what they want or just being slow. Be nice to these people. They deserve it, just as you do.
There are some places that I frequent where, I'll admit, I do little more than say "Thanks". Why? These people are consistently rude. I understand that they're rushed and that it's hard. I've been there myself. However, that doesn't give them any right to be rude to their customers - this is something that is happening more and more often. I don't care if you only make minimum wage, you should still be nice to your customers.
Your software on this is terribly flawed for people who pay quarterly estimated taxes, federal and state. You assume everyone makes the same income every quarter and penalize those who seemingly underpay. In my case 1) I am an actor. My income various from month to month., sometimes with no income for weeks or even months 2) Most of my income comes in December. Typically, I make my required minimum distribution from my retirement fund (IRA or Keogh) in this month. Futhermore, even more of my annual income comes from distributions from my various mutual funds and they occur usually in mid-December or towards the end of the year. However, your erroneous assumption forces interest payment on me every quarter, especially with the federal return which I cannot file without inclusion of your assessesed interest. This is wrong, unjust and inequitable.
I have 6 grocery bags awaiting disposal right now. Most of my stuff will be going to a yard sale associated with a youth organization my son belongs to -- helping to fund activities I'd have to pay for otherwise. I have thought about selling the items but am not sure if I am up for it.
I liked the way you categorized items -- how to decide what to keep and what to dispose of, which is the most difficult part of sorting through stuff. Hope it goes well this weekend!
And what's sad about it is I don't think the people at Bear cared where they were going and what eventually would happen, as long as those advisory fees and points on vigs and trades and hedge positions were coming in, it didn't matter to them and this is why James Cayne, the CEO left with $200 million, he could've gave a rats pitootie. He had surety, he knew he would be bailed out and acted accordingly that sucks.
Jabulani Leffall
Monetary Gadfly, Common Currency
00000 Broke Blvd. Kitchenette #68 & 1/2
Lowcash, CA 90000-0000
Glad you have enjoyed the book -- it is slightly textbooky but is very thorough (covers key points an investor needs to know) and, to me, fairly easy to read. I have made some changes in my financial life based on information that Mr. Wilder provides (mainly relating to taxes).
It took me a while to figure out why you referenced bailbondsmen -- I am thinking that they (the Fed) make promises on someone else's behalf (Bear Stearns), guaranteeing payment if Bear skips town.
At least you knew, 10 years ago, where you were driving and the amount of money you needed to get there. Not knowing the extent of the problem (and why don't the investment banks know how much?) is what I find most disturbing.
If you know me, like I think you do and more important, like you think you do, then you know I don't even make promises much less threats. I'm a thoughtful guy, not easily intrigued, I also don't scare easily. Keep it comin' guest girl LOL:) This is fun. BTW, what did you think of the post?
Jabulani Leffall
Monetary Gadfly, Common Currency
00000 Broke Blvd. Kitchenette #68 & 1/2
Lowcash, CA 90000-0000
This is probably one of the best books I've ever read on personal finance, investing and just understanding the overall industry. I now understand why I need to do certain things and when. The advice is sound, easy to understand and I have personally found to be extremly successful. I will recommend this book to my business partners, family and friends. The college funding section was so eye opening, even though my children are past this need, I wish I would have read when they were younger it would have changed my planning. The retirement section was amazing and has changed my families life. Thank you, Thank you...a great resource and life changing book.
The great secret about being an English major is it is cheap on the books since most of the books can be bought anywhere (novels etc). APA manuals, and most students aren't going to care that the introduction and one chapter they aren't going to read anyway has been updated.
Margaret Garcia-Couoh
following that path can lead to some bad stuff
Is that a threat?
I work as a cashier and yes, am underworked and underpaid. (Have to pay the bills somehow).
I think it is great that you and your husband made an effort to be nice to these employees. Believe me, it makes the day go by way better having empathetic customers. I apologize for the employees attitudes, but I don't know their situations either.
There have been several no call in no show up employees these past few weeks at my place of work, (which is a very well known outdoor sporting goods store) and you know what that means? I and whatever help can be mustered (the clerk in clothing if she has time to run to the front) must shoulder the load and the never ending lines. Customers don't know this. Then I am the target when they get to the front. Mumbling snotty inaudible words when I greet them (or not respond to me at all), throwing their merchandise, money, or credit card on the counter at me; grabbing it back out of my hand-- acting like I owe them something.
Great. Hurry hurry, you just spent two hours walking around and I am responsible for making you late to your meeting. What-ever.
I have seen customers say that I was "causing them trouble" because I had to call to get a price on something they brought up to me that didn't have a tag on it. Then outright lie and distort the situation to a manager I call, because they were trying to get me to give them a lesser price and I wouldn't, and act like I was the problem. Who's trying to cheat who here?
After being a cashier, I think differently than I used to about dealing with the public and how a cashier or worker acts to me unless it is absolutely uncalled for. If they are complacent I understand, if they roll their eyes at me for no reason at all, that is unacceptable.
While I make an effort to be nice and respective to my customers, what some customers on the other end don't get is that most people don't want to talk to the employee or even care about a response, they want to "get in and get out".
I have had customers take it personally just because I don't stop to give them my full undivided attention (I AM trying to ring out your merchandise and give you quick serivce here) and then start being crappy with me. Hey--there are other people waiting in line and they blame it on the cashier because you wanted to talk. The cashier knows this-but you don't.
Then there are the jerks who snarl at me because I AM nice. I have found that it is best to be in between, unreadable, but polite. You never know what kind of person you are going to be dealing with, or what kind of reaction is going to be obtained--all of a sudden. The stupidity and attitudes you get for no reason, are almost undescribable.
I have never had a job like this where nearly everyone (customers) thinks they are the expert and try to tell me how to do my job. (I have a Bachelors degree contrary to popular belief that most cashiers only have a high school diploma) Several times I have wanted to say "Do you work here or do I? Don't you think I know how to do my job?"
I have had saintly customers whom I thought I had a great rapport with suddenly turn super ugly (Exorcist style) because my register froze up (I guess in their perfect world they never have computer problems? Duh!), or their gift card did not scan properly (their wife put it through the wash--not me).
People need to be more compassionate on both sides for sure. I just try to take the good with the bad, but am looking for another job (NOT as a cashier) until I can get out of this.
1) make sure that while you're strategically placing the interesting reads 'round town that you somehow obliterate the address label. This could come back to haunt you some way some how. I once got an e-mail from Vicky's Secret about my non-existent order because the person ordering had put in the code from the back of a catalog and then given the correct name and address. Vicky apparently did not care about the correct information and insisted on e-mailing me the order status. Took forever to get figured out. LLBean did that too with someone with the same first letter of first name, same last name as me. Order confirmation got mailed to me, the non-orderer. When I looked up my history online I had like 3 or 4 non-me orders listed. Debbie at Bean was very helpful, but it was also stupid.
2) textbooks are worse than cars in depreciation. They go from $100+ to $15 with or without any visible damage. Personally, especially because the content is usually poop (why else would I be getting rid of it???), I'd rather have the car.
and with all that typing I forgot the 3rd thing, which means I actually stuck to two. Yay me. Decluttering already.
http://www.stoptheride.net/2008/02/little-house-sports-drink-ginger-wate...
Ginger Water
Brown Sugar, 1/2 to 3/4 C packed
Powdered ginger, 1 tsp
Cider Vinegar 1/2 C
Dissolve brown sugar and ginger in vinegar by shaking or stirring. Add 1 quart of cold water, mix and serve.
I make it this up and then dilute it further, so there's just a tang left. Yum.
Mattresses and televisions on credit!
Great post. Loved it. My thrifty self just ate PB &J.
I need to create Zen in my home. I think. Can you point me to some info describing Zen home. [I am not being sarcastic, btw.]
Too cluttered to live life,
Lisa Kay
learning experiences from somebody else is very important.
Even a few decades ago the idea of borrowing money was very unpleasant. Having a bank own your house was considered a bas situation you wanted out of as soon as you could. Now everyone borrows for everything, house, cars, day to day things.
Credit cards used to be more of a convenience than a tool for financing minor purchases. Our neighbors at a previous residence had paid cash for their modest 50's ranch house in 1953. He was a blue collar worker at the air base and his wife didn't work. They still live in it today.
Random memories.
My sister (whose husband teaches at a Christian school in Miami and because of that must have the kids in said school) was talking to the financial aid people. They asked her if the family had any debt. She said, "We can't afford to be in debt".
Growing up, we noticed one of our neigbors got a new color TV. When we asked our mom how come they had one and we didn't, she told us they borrowed. This also was the same family who ripped the foreclosure notices off their house before all the neighbors could see them.
In high school a classmate refered to a difficult year for her family. "We had gruel every morning for breakfast." It wasn't until years later I realized she meant oatmeal. The same stuff us kids grew up on. Sometimes "poor" is a matter of context. We were never rich, so it seemed normal, they had a vacation house in Avalon NJ, so to them it was scraping the bottom.
PS I like your thoughts, and am grateful for the same kinds of unexpected kindnesses shown to us over the years by others.