Sounds like a fun way to combine a family activity or married date with grocery shopping!And build some of your own social / business contacts at the same time. We are driving through Virginia, so maybe we can stop and check out a few things on the way.
I like to pick up a cookbook of local recipes--I can revisit at any time just by flipping through it, and often make recipes from them. Even better if it's at a used bookstore--sometimes you'll have notes from a local penned in!
My favorite souvenir is to go to the grocery store and buy something that's commonly found in that area. And sometimes it's cheaper than here in the States anyway. For example, in France dijon mustard is crazy cheap. And I don't end up with clutter, because ultimately I use it up and rely on my pictures for my souvenirs.
I decided to get a Snowglobe from every place I travel to. Its the only souvenir I buy and I have a beautiful collection of them. That way it is cohesive, and I'm not tempted to get other things. My parents do the same with Christmas ornaments.
Everytime I go to another country to enjoy the new environment, I make sure I spend money wisely by enjoying the experience (e.g meeting people, sight seeing etc) and not buying stuffs which I probably won't need in the future.
One more tip, if you really should buy stuffs, buy it not in souvineer shops as they cost a LOT more expensive than in other place. For instance, buy stuffs in a flee market than in airports when buy that cute budah object in Thailand. You'll save a lot!
When working and single I'd dump my change into a restaurant sized pickle jar on the floor after getting home from work. It got to be so heavy I decided to take it into the bank and translate it into "real" money. It was over $125.
This last year we saved the loose change from grocery shopping in a jar and split it among us for a little fun vacation money.
The fellow putting his daughter through college on fountain change and interest is totally believable. It could easily have been $10 a day, $50 a week, $2,600 a year, plus compound interest.
We went on a never to be repeated trip several years ago to Italy. I was looking for a small painted ceramic, perhaps a tile or piece of fruit to remember the trip from, but when confronted with the cost and translated into euros I balked. (A lemon for $30). So I went home with nothing but photos and a few postcards. Then a few month's later while at our local thrift store, on a shelf, was a pomegranate shaped ceramic box, Made in Italy, for THIRTY FIVE cents. Well it's on our fireplace mantel and reminds me of our trip AND the joys of patience.
One enterprising mom mentioning hitting her local thrift store and buying up a bunch of Disney souvenirs before their family trip to Disneyworld. Each day there the kids got to choose one from the stash to "remember" their vacation by.
I also stick to refrigerator magnets! There's plenty of room on the refrigerator, they're handy when you need to hang a reminder there, and it's a fun way to showcase the places you've been!
I buy a refrigerator magnet when I go somewhere new. They're cheap (less than $5), don't take up space in my suitcase, and when I get home, I can pop it on my fridge and see it every time I get a snack.
I loved your post, too. Sounds a lot like the way I shop
and eat. I get a lot of strange looks when I speak of my
pasta-centric diet, but I love it and it's healthy. I live
in a town with bad grocery stores, and no Whole Foods. I'm
kind of grateful there's no Whole Foods, because otherwise
I'd be 50 pounds heavier and much poorer, LoL.
Your post brought up a very vivid childhood memory: On a family vacation we went to Tijuana. They had a fountain there, where American tourists had tossed their coins. Except the coins weren't there anymore. Just clean circles in the dirty bottom of the fountain.
We were only in Tijuana for one afternoon, but I learned a lot that day.
Since I'm in there every day. Last year we moved across the street from a CVS. I happened to pop in while out on a walk with my kids, and found the summer gear -- Slip n Slide, kids' pool floaties, etc. -- at 90 percent off. This year, I can't WAIT.
Summer gear is currently 25 percent off at CVS. I'm watchin...
The funny thing is when I buy something that turns out to be useful at 90% off, I always end up hating myself for not buying ALL OF THEM. Like after Easter this year, I got a few rolls of red and purple cellophane at 90 percent off, 16 cents a roll. They only have enough on them to cover one gift basket, but oh, how handy they were at the end of the school year for wrapping the cookies and muffins we made for my daughters' teachers. Since they ran out, I have many times wished for more, and now I must wait until after next Easter.
I enjoyed the list. Like you I much prefer to shop at a smaller store nearby. Even though the prices of items are definitely higher, I save more in the long run because I get just what I want and don't end up buying items I don't need or amounts that are too large for us to use before they spoil. And, just today I went grocery shopping and ditched several items on my list due to cost or appearance of the products. Anyway, so much of what you said I agree with! Glad I came over to check you out today.
In re: to Alex's comment and your response--As someone who is gluten intolerant and leads a celiac/gluten intolerance support group, I wanted to point out that while wheat has been around for thousands of years, the wheat of today is significantly different from what our ancestors consumed. It has been genetically selected/modified to the point that today's wheat contains much, much more gluten and has been modified for today's streamlined cultivation practices with high yields as well as for industrialized mega bread making. This wheat is difficult to digest and has harmful effects for many. One in about 133 folks has celiac, the autoimmune, genetic disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten. 97% of folks with celiac remain undiagnosed. An even greater number have gluten sensitivity and while they do not have the autoimmune condition caused by gluten, their symptoms can be as debilitating and over time if they continue eating gluten, they may develop celiac. Many folks have symptoms of these conditions that have been overlooked or misdiagnosed and 40% of celiacs have no symptoms, but damage is still being done to their bodies. Food for thought for all ... oh, and some of the best supplies I get for gluten-free baking and eating are from the Asian grocery store ... finely ground rice flour and rice pasta. Much lower price and even higher quality than what I can find in the specialty section of the upscale grocery store (most basic grocery stores do not carry these items).
The wife and I dislike grocery shopping and cooking. We use one of the prepare your own meals places (Super Suppers). We don't even prepare our own, but just buy out of the freezer. The ingredients are no worse than what we would buy ourselves and it is generally a "remove top, heat, eat" process. The unit costs gets into the $4/person/meal range.
These places typically have a free tasting at the beginning of the month so you can figure out what you like. They are also good (in our case at least) at making things special (vegetarian, no raisins, etc.)
Note: I do not have any affiliate with Super Suppers other than being a customer.
From the perspective of a buyer, this format may seem to encourage overspending when engaging in a bidding war. As many others have said, if I wanted to buy something, I'd set the maximum price I'd pay and anything less is gravy.
Excellent list. There are many people collecting VHS tapes, some for the obvious reasons you list and others because the VHS film they want to see has not been (and may never be) released on DVD. For more information, check out the page I have written, VHS Tapes, A Collector's Guide, which gives a brief history of the VHS tape and it's status today, as well as methods to care for and preserve your video tapes and assistance on expanding your collection or searching for a rare recording.
Term life insurance is cheap because insurance companies end up paying on only 2% of them. Permanent life insurance is an investment for the future.
If you can afford to pay for a funeral and the time you need off work to grieve, then don't spend the money.
If you want to help set your child up for having a "fall back" in the future, then definitely look into whole life or universal life. Mine has helped pay for college and has loaned me cash for bills when I needed it. And I have enough insurance to pay off every bill and mortgage if I die, so my wife won't have to worry.
It was astonishing when I figured out how much I was spending a year at Starbucks. I had a Starbucks in the same building as my office and would buy a Grande Americano and blueberry scone everyday. That came to $5.50 I would also have an afternoon coffee and cookie and spend another $4-5. It added up quickly and when I reviewed my American Express statement at year end I was shocked! I spent at least $2,340 a year. Probably more, as I also went to Starbucks at our local Safeway on the weekends.
Now I brew coffee at home and probably spend less than 25 cents a pot.
I'm a sucker for the 75% off too... i start salivating... and if I have a coupon for it too... it's a done deal... And on those occasions I see the 90% off... well I have been known to push out an entire cart of dish detergent from Wal-Mart at that point... lately though i've been trying to practice restraint... unless it's something I regularly use or discounted prices makes it less than $2 I try to pass... but I think about it the rest of the day!
I just got laid off a few weeks ago, but when I was working, I was saving (relatively painlessly) by having first $25, then $30, then $35 deposited into a high-yield Capital One savings account every 2-week pay period. I figured I'd keep increasing it until it started to "hurt." I'm almost 60 years old and single. (I'm also pursuing an age discrimination suit against my former employer via the EEOC.)
Sounds like a fun way to combine a family activity or married date with grocery shopping!And build some of your own social / business contacts at the same time. We are driving through Virginia, so maybe we can stop and check out a few things on the way.
I like to pick up a cookbook of local recipes--I can revisit at any time just by flipping through it, and often make recipes from them. Even better if it's at a used bookstore--sometimes you'll have notes from a local penned in!
My favorite souvenir is to go to the grocery store and buy something that's commonly found in that area. And sometimes it's cheaper than here in the States anyway. For example, in France dijon mustard is crazy cheap. And I don't end up with clutter, because ultimately I use it up and rely on my pictures for my souvenirs.
I decided to get a Snowglobe from every place I travel to. Its the only souvenir I buy and I have a beautiful collection of them. That way it is cohesive, and I'm not tempted to get other things. My parents do the same with Christmas ornaments.
Everytime I go to another country to enjoy the new environment, I make sure I spend money wisely by enjoying the experience (e.g meeting people, sight seeing etc) and not buying stuffs which I probably won't need in the future.
One more tip, if you really should buy stuffs, buy it not in souvineer shops as they cost a LOT more expensive than in other place. For instance, buy stuffs in a flee market than in airports when buy that cute budah object in Thailand. You'll save a lot!
Sam
Fix My Personal Finance
http://fixmypersonalfinance.com
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34913251787
When working and single I'd dump my change into a restaurant sized pickle jar on the floor after getting home from work. It got to be so heavy I decided to take it into the bank and translate it into "real" money. It was over $125.
This last year we saved the loose change from grocery shopping in a jar and split it among us for a little fun vacation money.
The fellow putting his daughter through college on fountain change and interest is totally believable. It could easily have been $10 a day, $50 a week, $2,600 a year, plus compound interest.
We went on a never to be repeated trip several years ago to Italy. I was looking for a small painted ceramic, perhaps a tile or piece of fruit to remember the trip from, but when confronted with the cost and translated into euros I balked. (A lemon for $30). So I went home with nothing but photos and a few postcards. Then a few month's later while at our local thrift store, on a shelf, was a pomegranate shaped ceramic box, Made in Italy, for THIRTY FIVE cents. Well it's on our fireplace mantel and reminds me of our trip AND the joys of patience.
One enterprising mom mentioning hitting her local thrift store and buying up a bunch of Disney souvenirs before their family trip to Disneyworld. Each day there the kids got to choose one from the stash to "remember" their vacation by.
i just did (or didn't do) the same thing and missed out on at least $7000. My family is very low income too, so I am feeling awful.
I also stick to refrigerator magnets! There's plenty of room on the refrigerator, they're handy when you need to hang a reminder there, and it's a fun way to showcase the places you've been!
I buy a refrigerator magnet when I go somewhere new. They're cheap (less than $5), don't take up space in my suitcase, and when I get home, I can pop it on my fridge and see it every time I get a snack.
It is wonderful to see you around again Sarah. We've missed your optimism and gentle spirit. =)
I loved your post, too. Sounds a lot like the way I shop
and eat. I get a lot of strange looks when I speak of my
pasta-centric diet, but I love it and it's healthy. I live
in a town with bad grocery stores, and no Whole Foods. I'm
kind of grateful there's no Whole Foods, because otherwise
I'd be 50 pounds heavier and much poorer, LoL.
75%
Because I might be able to sell it for more on eBay.
Your post brought up a very vivid childhood memory: On a family vacation we went to Tijuana. They had a fountain there, where American tourists had tossed their coins. Except the coins weren't there anymore. Just clean circles in the dirty bottom of the fountain.
We were only in Tijuana for one afternoon, but I learned a lot that day.
Since I'm in there every day. Last year we moved across the street from a CVS. I happened to pop in while out on a walk with my kids, and found the summer gear -- Slip n Slide, kids' pool floaties, etc. -- at 90 percent off. This year, I can't WAIT.
Summer gear is currently 25 percent off at CVS. I'm watchin...
The funny thing is when I buy something that turns out to be useful at 90% off, I always end up hating myself for not buying ALL OF THEM. Like after Easter this year, I got a few rolls of red and purple cellophane at 90 percent off, 16 cents a roll. They only have enough on them to cover one gift basket, but oh, how handy they were at the end of the school year for wrapping the cookies and muffins we made for my daughters' teachers. Since they ran out, I have many times wished for more, and now I must wait until after next Easter.
Visiting from GRS ...
I enjoyed the list. Like you I much prefer to shop at a smaller store nearby. Even though the prices of items are definitely higher, I save more in the long run because I get just what I want and don't end up buying items I don't need or amounts that are too large for us to use before they spoil. And, just today I went grocery shopping and ditched several items on my list due to cost or appearance of the products. Anyway, so much of what you said I agree with! Glad I came over to check you out today.
In re: to Alex's comment and your response--As someone who is gluten intolerant and leads a celiac/gluten intolerance support group, I wanted to point out that while wheat has been around for thousands of years, the wheat of today is significantly different from what our ancestors consumed. It has been genetically selected/modified to the point that today's wheat contains much, much more gluten and has been modified for today's streamlined cultivation practices with high yields as well as for industrialized mega bread making. This wheat is difficult to digest and has harmful effects for many. One in about 133 folks has celiac, the autoimmune, genetic disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten. 97% of folks with celiac remain undiagnosed. An even greater number have gluten sensitivity and while they do not have the autoimmune condition caused by gluten, their symptoms can be as debilitating and over time if they continue eating gluten, they may develop celiac. Many folks have symptoms of these conditions that have been overlooked or misdiagnosed and 40% of celiacs have no symptoms, but damage is still being done to their bodies. Food for thought for all ... oh, and some of the best supplies I get for gluten-free baking and eating are from the Asian grocery store ... finely ground rice flour and rice pasta. Much lower price and even higher quality than what I can find in the specialty section of the upscale grocery store (most basic grocery stores do not carry these items).
The wife and I dislike grocery shopping and cooking. We use one of the prepare your own meals places (Super Suppers). We don't even prepare our own, but just buy out of the freezer. The ingredients are no worse than what we would buy ourselves and it is generally a "remove top, heat, eat" process. The unit costs gets into the $4/person/meal range.
These places typically have a free tasting at the beginning of the month so you can figure out what you like. They are also good (in our case at least) at making things special (vegetarian, no raisins, etc.)
Note: I do not have any affiliate with Super Suppers other than being a customer.
what a great post to keep us all motivated even if we can only save a small amount of cash each month!
From the perspective of a buyer, this format may seem to encourage overspending when engaging in a bidding war. As many others have said, if I wanted to buy something, I'd set the maximum price I'd pay and anything less is gravy.
As a seller, I love it!
Excellent list. There are many people collecting VHS tapes, some for the obvious reasons you list and others because the VHS film they want to see has not been (and may never be) released on DVD. For more information, check out the page I have written, VHS Tapes, A Collector's Guide, which gives a brief history of the VHS tape and it's status today, as well as methods to care for and preserve your video tapes and assistance on expanding your collection or searching for a rare recording.
Brenda
Term life insurance is cheap because insurance companies end up paying on only 2% of them. Permanent life insurance is an investment for the future.
If you can afford to pay for a funeral and the time you need off work to grieve, then don't spend the money.
If you want to help set your child up for having a "fall back" in the future, then definitely look into whole life or universal life. Mine has helped pay for college and has loaned me cash for bills when I needed it. And I have enough insurance to pay off every bill and mortgage if I die, so my wife won't have to worry.
It was astonishing when I figured out how much I was spending a year at Starbucks. I had a Starbucks in the same building as my office and would buy a Grande Americano and blueberry scone everyday. That came to $5.50 I would also have an afternoon coffee and cookie and spend another $4-5. It added up quickly and when I reviewed my American Express statement at year end I was shocked! I spent at least $2,340 a year. Probably more, as I also went to Starbucks at our local Safeway on the weekends.
Now I brew coffee at home and probably spend less than 25 cents a pot.
I'm a sucker for the 75% off too... i start salivating... and if I have a coupon for it too... it's a done deal... And on those occasions I see the 90% off... well I have been known to push out an entire cart of dish detergent from Wal-Mart at that point... lately though i've been trying to practice restraint... unless it's something I regularly use or discounted prices makes it less than $2 I try to pass... but I think about it the rest of the day!
I just got laid off a few weeks ago, but when I was working, I was saving (relatively painlessly) by having first $25, then $30, then $35 deposited into a high-yield Capital One savings account every 2-week pay period. I figured I'd keep increasing it until it started to "hurt." I'm almost 60 years old and single. (I'm also pursuing an age discrimination suit against my former employer via the EEOC.)