Some good ideas here! I follow several ideas listed here and it has definitely made a difference in my grocery bills. Last year, I started to plan out two weeks' worth of menus for our home vs. shopping for one week at a time. This has helped cut down on our food bills quite a bit. I'm saving approx. $50-$60 a month following ideas like this.
Consolidating all your accounts with one bank sounds like a good way to be stuck with mediocre products. As far as I know, none offers the best of everything.
Using Quicken to keep everything in one place works great. The only real drawback is the need to log in multiple places, and money not transferring immediately.
I have been on both sides of a mass layoff, I even have had to decide who would be part of the layoff. I am here to say that I believe the people left behind are usually the ones that suffer the most. Being 'let go' has been very freeing for me. I so enjoy my life now. The people left behind are still very unhappy and dislike the company they are working for.
In general, you should complete the fafsa form. There is no reason why someone should not take out the subsidized stafford loan - the government pays the interest while you are in school. Free Money!!!
There are a couple of good sites to help you in the process:
This is great frugal living advice! I would add, however, that one should practice butchery because the savings you will enjoy, if you can break down a chicken yourself, are significant. All you have to do is learn to remove the legs and thighs, the breasts (don't forget the oyster), the wings, and de-bone the legs and thighs. Place the parts in a Tupperware container and put them in the fridge until you need them. Plus, you will then have enough bones to make 4 quarts of beautiful chicken stock.
For the stock, put the bones in a 5 quart pot with two onions, 1 carrot and one celery stock, cover with water, bring to a simmer and simmer for 1.5 hours at least, 3 hours is better. Then, strain and discard the bones and vegetables. Allow the stock to cool to room temperature, then pour it into ice cube containers and freeze it. Pop out a few whenever you need to make a quick, gourmet pasta, ragout or soup.
Once you master this simple, frugal living skill, ask you butcher friend about volume discounts. "How much for a case of chickens?" The case will only contain 15-20 chickens, depending on the size. If you're organized (it's not rocket science), you can butcher them all and wrap and freeze them in under an hour. The de-boned pieces will freeze nicely and you will be surprised at how little space they take up. Plus, you will be able to make 30 quarts of chicken stock. You can make a big batch of soup or stew, and have a tonne of leftovers.
This is not hard core frugal living, we're not asking you to slaughter a pig or sheep, yet. It's basic butchery, but it will save you a huge percentage on chicken - equally easy techniques apply to all meats. There is an excellent video on You Tube for how to butcher a chicken and how to wrap it all up.
I'm on the Groupon e-mail list, but never seem to be in the market for the coupons they offer. However, I'm sure one day I'll need a spa day or indoor skydiving, and THEN I'll know exactly where to get it for cheap.
Ah this is more like it! Bigger bank’s bottom lines benefit and your purchasing power, which is how many goods and services your dollars will buy, is reduced. You lose big time, over time. We, the people, have to tighten our belts, employ frugal living and thrift while banksters and their dimwitted servants in government live high on the hog.
The thing with inflation is it gains momentum. It's powerful. It can't be easily contained. It's really exponential in nature meaning, as it gets going it really picks up speed....like a train that's gone off the tracks. The end result is just very bad, especially for the passengers--us!
The government should be smaller. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Quantitative easing is directly proportionate to this growth. Meaning, the money that the Fed prints usually either goes into the government in the form of ‘social programs’ (read: boondoggles), or it goes to the big commercial banks. These ‘social programs’ require people to work them (more bureaucrats).
Q.E. and all sorts of organized currency devaluation beget bureaucrats and bureaucrats beget more bureaucrats. They are the people who make your life hard! Straight up, anything you want to do, they've got a piece of paper you have to fill out. They are totally counter-productive and really nothing more than a huge herd of moochers. You may have something you want to produce, create, make, and they only exist to hinder your plans and to take some money from you in the process.
So! What is to be done? I think the U.S. government should default on their debt. I think all the so-called ‘department-like’ FDA and the SEC and all these other totally counter-productive and corrupt organizations should be abolished. Not paired back, not cut back, but abolished, totally and absolutely. The problem is, as Q.E. grows and the numbers of the herd of moochers grows (like 50 000 TSA monkeys), we have more and more ‘people’ (bureaucrats) who want to maintain the status quo. They aren't going to give up a job where they get paid a lot to do little or nothing. No way. They're not interested in frugal living and thrift; it's not in their nature. They squander others’ wealth as a career!
That's why, although it will be much much more painful as time passes, the ultimate bankruptcy of the U.S. government and the break up of these departments will happen. It's not a matter of if, but when. When it does, these counter-productive moochers will have to figure out something productive to do for their fellow human beings and pushing paper isn't one of the options.
The group situation discussed in this article refers to group layoffs, not firing. So if a large group is involved, your HR file most likely will be marked as eligible for rehire. Firing for cause, as opposed to being laid off, is usually an individual instance that would make you ineligible for rehire.
Also be aware that cellular 911 is not the same as landline 911. Landline 911 notifies EMS of your address, whereas cellular 911 only gives the location of your nearest cell tower, unless you have a GPS. If you have children who might need to dial 911 in an emergency (if the parent were ill, for instance), I would recommend keeping the landline. It's much easier for a young child to learn to dial 911 and say "my mommy is sick" than to give a coherent address. Dropped calls can also be a problem, since many cellular 911 calls are handled by call centers outside the US.
For safety reasons, I prefer to have both a cell phone and a landline. You can get a cheap, "dialtone only" landline service.
Finally, consider getting a phone that does not need to be plugged in to work. It will continue working when the power goes out, as long as the landline still functions.
I always view mass layoffs as the chance for people to do what they really want. What is usually holding them back is their attachment to the paycheck and job security. The desperation that comes from being unemployed has led to the successes of many people.
Wow! I'm really stoked to see the responses to this article - especially Ken's. Q.E. and the state of the American Dollar are of very big concern to me. Anyone I know, who studies economics (outside of political hacks, and new speak pundits, claiming expertise and degrees), those people who really study economic history are concerned that the U.S.D is in deep deep trouble and that when, not if, foreign nations pump it, the cost of living in the U.S. will explode.
I put my bet on rural America thriving! America is the greatest nation in the world for a reason: freedom. The greatest risk to freedom is growth of centralized governments and their oligarch counterparts in finance. What they are doing is disastrous for the average person. But, those who are self reliant, savers outside of the major urban areas, are going to grow very wealthy, I feel. Food! Food, is going to get very expensive because of Q.E., so if you live near food and you have the skills to produce your own - you are going to thrive!
I just watched this video about the impact of China's rapid selling of U.S. dollars and treasuries and their aggressive gold buying. They're buying it by the tonne and they are already the world's number one producer of gold, number two producer of silver and the number one smelter (melting/processing into bars) of both gold and silver, in the world. I honestly believe that one day the Chinese will back their currency with gold - They encourage their citizens on T.V., all the time, to BUY GOLD. They are making a move and the low savings rate in America, the bankruptcy of the U.S. government, make this a real economic problem. They own trillions of dollars and they are selling them. Here's the video.
The problem is, the Fed and their political puppets. America is still a democracy and it’s high time the people reminded these people of that! What’s that saying, “people shouldn’t be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of their people?”
I like what Thomas Jefferson said, something like, “the only way for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.” Quantitative easing enriches a tiny group of super rich, politically connected financiers and it robs you of your savings. That’s evil in my books!
Great post! I think the toughest challenge, especially for college students is stocking up on the right food, hence the default to eating out... and when you eat out you eat out!
When I was trying to figure out what my true passion was I used reflection. Henri used the term observe. I looked back at all the skills, jobs, interest I had and what kept me motivated the most. I always dreamed of being an entrpreneur just didn't know what I'd be 'preneuing.
If you're unsure what your passion is sit back and reflect. It may do some good.
A few of my friends were recently part of a mass layoff, and while they're not happy to be out of work, they are enjoying the benefits. Another upside is both smaller and most likely temporary, but one friend has been enjoying the opportunity to cook lunch at home and exercise during the day.
Has anyone been part of a layoff and experienced other upsides?
Oh, so totally agree, but you have left out the one most literally irritating, and possibly health hazard of all, if not for the glassy eyed patron who so bravely puts himself/herself in harms way and to the poor employee to endure. The frequent and volatile odor of the branded aroma that fogs the place to the point that my daughter and I make a plan on how to get in and out as to not send us into an allergic episode. I actually ran in yesterday to return an item I had ordered online (additional plus point in doing this-minus headache induced smell-o-purchase experience) and actually witnessed the cashier dousing the hanging merchandise with the smelly stuff in abundance. I wanted so bad to yell “STOP, wait till I leave at least,” but was afraid that if I opened my mouth I would not get the taste out for days, like the smell in the clothes after you buy and wash them. I also wonder, what if there is a spark, would the fog of preppy chemicals ignite, sending the west end of the mall to kingdom come??? I’m sure that all the little cloned retail personnel have permanate nasal and brain damage from the hours of spraying and inhaling. Is this why they spray multiple times an hour, is this in the daily scheduled tasks right after ‘fold and refold” , or is it to induce a scented shopping coma to all that walk in to buy those 3 little shirts for $59.50 each, because you need three to wear together as the fabric is to thin not to. The company must manufacture double the amount they sell to be able to maintain the spraying that goes on in this place… OK, just saying…..irritating literally.
I generally agree. However, I do have someone mow my lawn, although I do all the rest of the landscaping (sometimes extensive stuff). I mowed enough when I was a kid and I hate, hate, hate it.
I also have my dealer do oil and other fluid changes on my car. They're competitively priced, give my car a complete wash/vac, and aren't pushy. Also I don't have to dispose (properly) of the old fluids.
Everything else, though, it's 1000% cheaper and faster even to DIY
Some good ideas here! I follow several ideas listed here and it has definitely made a difference in my grocery bills. Last year, I started to plan out two weeks' worth of menus for our home vs. shopping for one week at a time. This has helped cut down on our food bills quite a bit. I'm saving approx. $50-$60 a month following ideas like this.
Consolidating all your accounts with one bank sounds like a good way to be stuck with mediocre products. As far as I know, none offers the best of everything.
Using Quicken to keep everything in one place works great. The only real drawback is the need to log in multiple places, and money not transferring immediately.
I have been on both sides of a mass layoff, I even have had to decide who would be part of the layoff. I am here to say that I believe the people left behind are usually the ones that suffer the most. Being 'let go' has been very freeing for me. I so enjoy my life now. The people left behind are still very unhappy and dislike the company they are working for.
In general, you should complete the fafsa form. There is no reason why someone should not take out the subsidized stafford loan - the government pays the interest while you are in school. Free Money!!!
There are a couple of good sites to help you in the process:
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov - the official government website
http://www.students.gov - Check the financial aid section, and
http://www.fafsaonline.com - Free Info on completing the FAFSA
One tip - Apply early and start applying for scholarships soon after. Scholarship money is often limited - first come, first served...
This is great frugal living advice! I would add, however, that one should practice butchery because the savings you will enjoy, if you can break down a chicken yourself, are significant. All you have to do is learn to remove the legs and thighs, the breasts (don't forget the oyster), the wings, and de-bone the legs and thighs. Place the parts in a Tupperware container and put them in the fridge until you need them. Plus, you will then have enough bones to make 4 quarts of beautiful chicken stock.
For the stock, put the bones in a 5 quart pot with two onions, 1 carrot and one celery stock, cover with water, bring to a simmer and simmer for 1.5 hours at least, 3 hours is better. Then, strain and discard the bones and vegetables. Allow the stock to cool to room temperature, then pour it into ice cube containers and freeze it. Pop out a few whenever you need to make a quick, gourmet pasta, ragout or soup.
Once you master this simple, frugal living skill, ask you butcher friend about volume discounts. "How much for a case of chickens?" The case will only contain 15-20 chickens, depending on the size. If you're organized (it's not rocket science), you can butcher them all and wrap and freeze them in under an hour. The de-boned pieces will freeze nicely and you will be surprised at how little space they take up. Plus, you will be able to make 30 quarts of chicken stock. You can make a big batch of soup or stew, and have a tonne of leftovers.
This is not hard core frugal living, we're not asking you to slaughter a pig or sheep, yet. It's basic butchery, but it will save you a huge percentage on chicken - equally easy techniques apply to all meats. There is an excellent video on You Tube for how to butcher a chicken and how to wrap it all up.
Happy Cooking!
I've never heard of YoDeal and will be sure to check it out!
I'm on the Groupon e-mail list, but never seem to be in the market for the coupons they offer. However, I'm sure one day I'll need a spa day or indoor skydiving, and THEN I'll know exactly where to get it for cheap.
I'll use any daily deal site that has an attractive offer. In other words, I'm not a Groupon snob. :-)
So true -- branded odors have become part of the 'experience' haven't they? Kind of makes you wonder where the branding will stop. Thanks for sharing!
Ah this is more like it! Bigger bank’s bottom lines benefit and your purchasing power, which is how many goods and services your dollars will buy, is reduced. You lose big time, over time. We, the people, have to tighten our belts, employ frugal living and thrift while banksters and their dimwitted servants in government live high on the hog.
The thing with inflation is it gains momentum. It's powerful. It can't be easily contained. It's really exponential in nature meaning, as it gets going it really picks up speed....like a train that's gone off the tracks. The end result is just very bad, especially for the passengers--us!
The government should be smaller. It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Quantitative easing is directly proportionate to this growth. Meaning, the money that the Fed prints usually either goes into the government in the form of ‘social programs’ (read: boondoggles), or it goes to the big commercial banks. These ‘social programs’ require people to work them (more bureaucrats).
Q.E. and all sorts of organized currency devaluation beget bureaucrats and bureaucrats beget more bureaucrats. They are the people who make your life hard! Straight up, anything you want to do, they've got a piece of paper you have to fill out. They are totally counter-productive and really nothing more than a huge herd of moochers. You may have something you want to produce, create, make, and they only exist to hinder your plans and to take some money from you in the process.
So! What is to be done? I think the U.S. government should default on their debt. I think all the so-called ‘department-like’ FDA and the SEC and all these other totally counter-productive and corrupt organizations should be abolished. Not paired back, not cut back, but abolished, totally and absolutely. The problem is, as Q.E. grows and the numbers of the herd of moochers grows (like 50 000 TSA monkeys), we have more and more ‘people’ (bureaucrats) who want to maintain the status quo. They aren't going to give up a job where they get paid a lot to do little or nothing. No way. They're not interested in frugal living and thrift; it's not in their nature. They squander others’ wealth as a career!
That's why, although it will be much much more painful as time passes, the ultimate bankruptcy of the U.S. government and the break up of these departments will happen. It's not a matter of if, but when. When it does, these counter-productive moochers will have to figure out something productive to do for their fellow human beings and pushing paper isn't one of the options.
End the Fed! Buy Gold!
Makes you want to just buy it online next time.
The group situation discussed in this article refers to group layoffs, not firing. So if a large group is involved, your HR file most likely will be marked as eligible for rehire. Firing for cause, as opposed to being laid off, is usually an individual instance that would make you ineligible for rehire.
No, but I would like that to be available to people in other countries... Not just the US. We shall see how different people see it...
Also be aware that cellular 911 is not the same as landline 911. Landline 911 notifies EMS of your address, whereas cellular 911 only gives the location of your nearest cell tower, unless you have a GPS. If you have children who might need to dial 911 in an emergency (if the parent were ill, for instance), I would recommend keeping the landline. It's much easier for a young child to learn to dial 911 and say "my mommy is sick" than to give a coherent address. Dropped calls can also be a problem, since many cellular 911 calls are handled by call centers outside the US.
For safety reasons, I prefer to have both a cell phone and a landline. You can get a cheap, "dialtone only" landline service.
Finally, consider getting a phone that does not need to be plugged in to work. It will continue working when the power goes out, as long as the landline still functions.
I always view mass layoffs as the chance for people to do what they really want. What is usually holding them back is their attachment to the paycheck and job security. The desperation that comes from being unemployed has led to the successes of many people.
Wow! I'm really stoked to see the responses to this article - especially Ken's. Q.E. and the state of the American Dollar are of very big concern to me. Anyone I know, who studies economics (outside of political hacks, and new speak pundits, claiming expertise and degrees), those people who really study economic history are concerned that the U.S.D is in deep deep trouble and that when, not if, foreign nations pump it, the cost of living in the U.S. will explode.
I put my bet on rural America thriving! America is the greatest nation in the world for a reason: freedom. The greatest risk to freedom is growth of centralized governments and their oligarch counterparts in finance. What they are doing is disastrous for the average person. But, those who are self reliant, savers outside of the major urban areas, are going to grow very wealthy, I feel. Food! Food, is going to get very expensive because of Q.E., so if you live near food and you have the skills to produce your own - you are going to thrive!
I just watched this video about the impact of China's rapid selling of U.S. dollars and treasuries and their aggressive gold buying. They're buying it by the tonne and they are already the world's number one producer of gold, number two producer of silver and the number one smelter (melting/processing into bars) of both gold and silver, in the world. I honestly believe that one day the Chinese will back their currency with gold - They encourage their citizens on T.V., all the time, to BUY GOLD. They are making a move and the low savings rate in America, the bankruptcy of the U.S. government, make this a real economic problem. They own trillions of dollars and they are selling them. Here's the video.
The problem is, the Fed and their political puppets. America is still a democracy and it’s high time the people reminded these people of that! What’s that saying, “people shouldn’t be afraid of their government, governments should be afraid of their people?”
I like what Thomas Jefferson said, something like, “the only way for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.” Quantitative easing enriches a tiny group of super rich, politically connected financiers and it robs you of your savings. That’s evil in my books!
Great post! I think the toughest challenge, especially for college students is stocking up on the right food, hence the default to eating out... and when you eat out you eat out!
When I was trying to figure out what my true passion was I used reflection. Henri used the term observe. I looked back at all the skills, jobs, interest I had and what kept me motivated the most. I always dreamed of being an entrpreneur just didn't know what I'd be 'preneuing.
If you're unsure what your passion is sit back and reflect. It may do some good.
Charles W. for WEALTHfaire
A few of my friends were recently part of a mass layoff, and while they're not happy to be out of work, they are enjoying the benefits. Another upside is both smaller and most likely temporary, but one friend has been enjoying the opportunity to cook lunch at home and exercise during the day.
Has anyone been part of a layoff and experienced other upsides?
Oh, so totally agree, but you have left out the one most literally irritating, and possibly health hazard of all, if not for the glassy eyed patron who so bravely puts himself/herself in harms way and to the poor employee to endure. The frequent and volatile odor of the branded aroma that fogs the place to the point that my daughter and I make a plan on how to get in and out as to not send us into an allergic episode. I actually ran in yesterday to return an item I had ordered online (additional plus point in doing this-minus headache induced smell-o-purchase experience) and actually witnessed the cashier dousing the hanging merchandise with the smelly stuff in abundance. I wanted so bad to yell “STOP, wait till I leave at least,” but was afraid that if I opened my mouth I would not get the taste out for days, like the smell in the clothes after you buy and wash them. I also wonder, what if there is a spark, would the fog of preppy chemicals ignite, sending the west end of the mall to kingdom come??? I’m sure that all the little cloned retail personnel have permanate nasal and brain damage from the hours of spraying and inhaling. Is this why they spray multiple times an hour, is this in the daily scheduled tasks right after ‘fold and refold” , or is it to induce a scented shopping coma to all that walk in to buy those 3 little shirts for $59.50 each, because you need three to wear together as the fabric is to thin not to. The company must manufacture double the amount they sell to be able to maintain the spraying that goes on in this place… OK, just saying…..irritating literally.
I've used Groupon a couple of times.
I buy groupons several times a week!
I use Groupon. I also like YoDeal.
I generally agree. However, I do have someone mow my lawn, although I do all the rest of the landscaping (sometimes extensive stuff). I mowed enough when I was a kid and I hate, hate, hate it.
I also have my dealer do oil and other fluid changes on my car. They're competitively priced, give my car a complete wash/vac, and aren't pushy. Also I don't have to dispose (properly) of the old fluids.
Everything else, though, it's 1000% cheaper and faster even to DIY
I use Groupon, thus far only for discounts on things I'd buy anyway.