Recent comments

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    My husband has been laid off 3 times in 30 years during each "recession"- we are probably on the older side of the comments here. He has a job that is first to be eliminated when healthcare is hit (he was at current hospital almost 15 years). We anticipated he'd be laid off in this economy (or myself since my company did 3 layoffs) so we sold our home last April. With one son in college, one in high school it's not even an option to say no to a move. We would move for a good job for him - not even great - he has to work probably 16 more years, myself a bit more. His field is one that is slowly being eliminated so he is thinking of what he can retrain as. It's certainly not what we were looking for but if anyone out there has jobs - let us know!

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    If I could find a job that paid me enough to live in Silicon Valley, I would be there so fast it would make your head spin. I love that area. But unfortunately, everytime I have looked into it, I would have to give up far too much. When 1br apartments rent for the mortgage I have on a 3br house, and the pay scale isn't that much higher than what I make where I am, I can't justify it.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Sure I'd relocate. I already moved from Ohio to California in 1993.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago
    Yes

    I did, several times, across continents. To be fair, it was within the same company, and intercompany transfers are better than to move without a job prospect. The moves weren't "better" per se -- but they were good career opportunities. Things to consider: is the company paying for the move, what are the benefits, can I keep my existing benefits, long term or short term?

    The downside is that I've never been truly settled in an position or place. It's difficult to forecast more than 3-5 years ahead. And it's hell on a relationship.

  • Ask the Readers: Hamburger, What to Do With It? (A Chance to win $20!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    If you are in a hurry, brown your meat, make some pasta many kind... add some shredded cheese...instant supper, make a side salad to go with it!

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    If I would be able to take my entire family with me I would, we are a very close knit family, and I could never imagine life without my parents and as they get older it gets to be a stronger bond, and of course, my teenagers!

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago
    Yes

    Yes, if the perfect job came along I would relocate! It'd have to be to a warm environment though...

  • Getting Free Stuff at Walgreens   16 years 14 weeks ago

    If the excuse about using a coupon when the RR did not print, then what is the deal?? I called the Catalina number today to complain about not getting my RR for two different things. The total of the RR was $7.50. I asked the cashier about why they didn't print and she asked the manager to come over. He told me it was because I used coupons. I told him that it shouldn't matter. I had just done that earlier in the week and got my RR. We will see if they send me the RR or not. It will take 8-12 weeks to get them though. If I have to go through this much trouble to get my RR every week, then it isn't worth it for me. I will shop somewhere else. Anyone have any suggestions on what I might be doing wrong?? Do the cashiers need to scan in the products and coupons in a certain way to get the RR to print??

    Thanks!!

  • What You Need to Know About Roth IRAs in 2010   16 years 14 weeks ago

    @howeezy: Thanks for the link. It was interesting, but it deals with deducting losses on withdrawals--not on conversions.

    I think I've answered my own question, though, by looking at IRS Form 8606 (I looked at the 2009 version, but I assume 2010 will be the same). The answer is that you cannot deduct net losses on conversion (see line 10 of Form 8606, which effectively limits the nontaxable portion of the conversion to the amount of the conversion). The leftover basis, however, continues to carry forward.

    So, for example, say I contributed $4000 after taxes in 2007. In 2010 I go to convert and the account is only worth $3000. I don't get to deduct the $1000 loss on my 2010 taxes. But if I later contribute more money to a traditional IRA, I won't be taxed on the first $1000 in gains when I withdraw or convert that.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    it depends on if it were to pay enough to where i could still visit my home state and family and friends that i leave behind. other wise it wouldnt be worth it.

  • Frugality, Simplicity, and Sustainability   16 years 14 weeks ago

     @ Andrea:  Right!  But that's exactly what makes me think it isn't sustainable.  Businesses would surely like to quit throwing out that much, if only they could figure out how to avoid making (or, for retailers, stocking) more than they can sell. 

    I have less confidence that individuals will figure out how to quit buying stuff that they're going to end up throwing out—but I'm sure they'd at least claim that they wanted to.

    I have considerable confidence that continued progress in small-scale manufacturing, just-in-time stocking, and so on will gradually reduce waste—eventually enough to squeeze people who have been making such good use of trash.

  • 101 things to do with a $1 bill.   16 years 14 weeks ago

    eat it

  • Best of Personal Finance Roundup: How to Make Homemade Poptarts   16 years 14 weeks ago

    I loathe the brown sugar ones, and I prefer mine non-frosted (although I can never find them in the store.)  I'll be making some strawberry non-frosteds now, for sure!

    Linsey Knerl

  • Frugality, Simplicity, and Sustainability   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Actually, it's a perfectly logical part of any ecosystem, if you think about it. The only that isn't natural about our social ecosystem is just how much we actually throw out.

  • Best of Personal Finance Roundup: How to Make Homemade Poptarts   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Great. Now I want Pop-tarts.

  • Sex Up Your Sandwich: Ideas for Budget Conscious Brown Baggers   16 years 14 weeks ago

    I use a Chipotle spread recipe to add zip to my sandwiches. The user can make it as spicy as desired by controlling the amount of the ingredients.

    The recipe and notes can be found on my blog:

    http://www.gardeningonthemoon.com/2008/09/29/chipotle-spread-recipe/

    I also make a great Thai spread with Saracha sauce!

    [ Jeff ]

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    For me, it's all about location. Once I find someplace to live, then I find where to work. If I got a job offer in a different state, I may consider it, but ultimately the location matters more than the job. It's easier to find a new job than to live someplace where you don't enjoy being.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Not exactly the perfect job, but I was a perfect match for the job skills required, the salary was CRAZY high, and it gave me an opporunity to pay off my rather expensive divorce. That being said, I only did it for a year then moved on. The working hours were INSANE.

    If I was in the same position again and know what I know now, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Not just for the money but for the opportunity to experience many different cultures.

  • Frugality, Simplicity, and Sustainability   16 years 14 weeks ago

    There are days where I feel that way about a lot of things... am I free-riding if I buy stuff used or on clearance? Am I just charging the wasted energy/effort/packaging to the commons if I get free samples, rebates, and so on? And I think, well, I'll buy stuff used or on clearance as long as not that many people are playing the game, but I try to avoid doing the free sample offers and so forth since at that point people are going out of their way to waste stuff for me.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    I guess it would depend on a lot of factors. If it was my dream job and it was only myself, I would take it in a heartbeat, but I've been married for almost 30 years and I would have to consider the impact on my family. Right now, I would have to say no. In 2 years when my youngest starts college it would be a definite maybe.
    It also depends on where the job is. I live on the east coast. If the job was in Alaska, I would probably turn it down as being too far to travel for family occasions. If it was in the southern US, I would probably do it. Anywhere outside of the US would be a tough sell for my husband, so that would be out. Too many factors to consider!

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    It's a sliding scale for me:
    For the perfect job, I'd relocate to an OK place.
    For the perfect place, I'd relocate for an OK job.
    Depends which side of the argument gets me closer to my desired life situation, i.e., meaningful work, reasonable pay, beautiful, peaceful location.
    May as well dream.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    When my daughter was growing up, my whole focus was on home school, home business and homesteading. We lived in an underground house back in the woods and had a CSA farm. I sold the place in 2005. My daughter is married and living elsewhere. I am free to do whatever tickles my fancy or move wherever I want. Those were fantastic years rooted to place, but now any interesting opportunity is cause to move on.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Yes I would with one caveat. It would depend where I was moving to. Preferably it would be somewhere warm without cold and snow.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   16 years 14 weeks ago

    I love the rain, which is why I've always lived in the Pacific Northwest, but if I could live somewhere else - especially overseas - with lots of green and mountains, and have an awesome job: no-brainer! Incidentally, I am looking into possibily doing that for the right opportunity, and liked what I've found on your blog so far.

  • Perfect Peanut Sauce   16 years 14 weeks ago

    Annies makes it and it's delicious, i use it a lot for making bloody marys! it's a great substitute. you can find it at most health food stores and now usually anywhere that carrys Annies dressing will carry the vegetarian Worcestershire. good luck! and enjoy.