I'll put it this way: when I see a couple celebrating with restraint, that to me is a sign of maturity. They've "gotten over themselves", they no longer need to be the center of attention, and they're able to celebrate a joyous milestone with their family and friends without all the fuss.
(None of this precludes throwing a great party, by the way. It's just a question of emphasis: paying attention to your guests, and taking the focus off of yourself as the bridal couple.)
Sometimes (rarely) a couple reaches this level of maturity for a first wedding. But if they're in their 40's or 50's and they still need to be fussed over? I wonder.
My apartment! I love my cute one bedroom apartment but I didn’t realize how expensive it is to live alone. Reality hit and now I am trying to find a roommate and 2 bedroom so I can start living within my means.
As another single person, I must agree. Especially when I was in my last year or two of college and first couple of years out of college, I went to a lot of weddings. After graduation, I had to travel to the weddings (fly, beg a place to stay and a ride and/or rent a car and a hotel room). It was wonderful to be a part of my friends' celebrations. But it did get a little hard on the budget, especially if I wanted to include a gift. But there are ways around that.
Sometimes I went in with other friends on a gift. One couple was so excited that that a group of us got them a nice drill. Sometimes I go a less conventional route - A bucket "wrapped" with inexpensive hand towels and filled with things like extension cords, a picture hanging kit, a few screw drivers and similarly useful things usually bought on clearance was my standard gift for a while (and has now become a standard wedding shower gift for young brides).
Now, I've started giving a set that contains a Pyrex 9x13 pan with lid and insulated carrying case (Google Pyrex Portable. Sears generally has the best price.) and a copy of my own recipe book filled with my go-to recipes (printed sheets in sheet protectors held together with metal keychain like rings). Total cost is under $30 and I get many compliments and enthusiastic thanks from the happy couple. I also often see the pan and carrier show up at various functions and parties. So I know they're getting used.
Another gift I created for some friends was a medium sized plastic tote and some games that I knew my friends enjoyed playing along with some decks of cards, poker chips, extra dice and similar things that are useful for games nights. I didn't fill the box, as I knew my friends already had some games and would likely get more. I got some odd looks from the older women at the wedding shower (especially since I "wrapped" it by tying ribbon around the tote) but a big smile, hug and genuine thanks from the bride-to-be.
Well, most of the people posting on this site seem to think they are such great people that look down on those losing their homes. Well how about this? I put down $100,000 on my home in 2007 and now it has dropped $200,000. Why do all of you seem to think all the loss should fall on the buyer? The banks should take some of it too! Their system is so screwed up that you can't get a modification unless you're at least 30 days late on your payments. Now they want an exorbitant amount of money for 6 months with all their fees...that they call a re-payment plan. We can't pay it, so they want to take our house. This is wrong! The banks aren't innocent! They are making money off of our misfortune and I've lost $100,000. So sorry I'm not as good as all you saints and I can't keep up with their demands!!!
Investing in the editing certification program is a great idea, especially when you're enjoying the classes so much. I love those kind of purchases that feel like you're splurging on yourself, but also help you invest in your future. A couple of years ago I took the money from a good freelance gig and used it to get coaching for voice acting, something I was always interested in. I had such a fun time doing it and was able to pick up some side work after.
And I'm glad you were able to get your husband's tooth fixed!
I still pay all of my bills by check. I don't think I'll ever stop, as I like the time it takes me to focus on the amounts and the bill. My husband and I were victims of identity theft a few years back, and I want a paper trail if something happens again. I don't even own a debit card (credit card is just as fast and offers protection that debit cards can't match).
I also have heard too many stories from friends that do automatic bill pay and had the wrong amounts taken out. One friend had a electronic withdrawal for something like $300 be entered accidentally as $3,000 and it caused insufficient funds penalties and lots of time spent trying to fix... I don't need the headache.
I pay for purchases with cash or a credit card for both convenience and the protection that comes with a credit card, but I pay it off in total each month... by walking into the store and paying with a check (Target Visa can be paid at the service desk for no fee and you can use it everywhere that accepts Visa). I check my statement online and don't receive a paper bill anymore, I just get an email reminder that the statement is up, write out the check and the next time I'm stocking up, I pay the bill as well so I'm not even out any gas since I was going there anyway.
I could see moving to electronic payments on things like utilities, but all of my local ones charge a "convenience fee" anywhere from $5-$30 and I also don't see the point in paying someone to take my money.
I think deals are great it keeps a competitiveness about different retailers. Sure it can make you loose sight of what you were really going to buy. But if I'm at the grocery store picking up food and while I'm shopping I see grapes on sale for dollar per lbs and they are normally three dollars per lbs. Sure I wasn't planning on buying them but I will enjoy eating them and feel good that I got them at that price. Sure food is different than if I was to see an electronic item on sale or clothing but if its something you can use and the deal is right I will still consider the purchase.
The best places for me to get coupons online is to just go to the websites of the stores/brands I use and sign up for their email newsletters that often contain coupons I'd never find anywhere else. There are even coupons in the e-newsletters of restaurants and sometimes coupon deals on their Yelp listings. Preview before you print an online coupon so you only print the page you need and don't waste paper.
That's a helpful article. BUT,I wouldn't carry an unbrella in California unless the weather report called for it. Also, I carry a reusable shopping bag in case I stop at the supermarket. Help save the planet and get a nickel back at Lucky store.
I got my favorite childhood video game system, Atari 2600 at a neighbor's dumpster. Never did find another video game system in a dumpster though... so yeah I don't think DD is scalable.
Wisps are a good idea, but they can be expensive. Why not just carry a travel toothbrush and paste? Much more economical - though admittedly not as cool.
Everybody - male or female - should have condoms. So kudos for that. Personally, I'm married so condoms are now just a reminder of the good ol' days, but I still carry a few just in case my friends need them. And they often do. Lucky ducks.
A toothbrush is a great idea. My mouth starts to feel gross after lunch and if I'm staying out and about until a party or a show it's crucial to have that on hand. I would recommend a cheap plastic case that provides complete coverage of the toothbrush though. Anything less could be unsanitary.
Yes, I have to purchase a GC for each restaurant at which I plan to dine, but that doesn't mean I shelled out a whole bunch of money. I wait until the $25 GCs are 80% off and buy two or three, which costs me a total of $6 for $75 worth of savings. The best part is, they never expire so I can use them whenever I want. And I don't buy more if I still have some in my bag. I think it's a great way to enjoy the luxury of eating out every now and then while still saving a ton of money.
No way! That's an awesome prize, Mikey! I have to admit that now that I'm running so many giveaways for other people, I don't have the time or heart to hit it hard like I used to. Back in the day (when I was winning lots of prizes), I was spending an hour a day or more entering. It was worth it, however. Now, I just enjoy watching other people win ;)
I don't enter blog contests much, but if I come across one it's always ideal to get in on the action. You never know what can happen. In fact, I won the wedding rings my husband and I wear from a blog/online jeweler partnership that was seeking the best "how did you meet?" story. Winning those rings saved us a couple thousand dollars and it's another great story to tell.
I agree.
I'll put it this way: when I see a couple celebrating with restraint, that to me is a sign of maturity. They've "gotten over themselves", they no longer need to be the center of attention, and they're able to celebrate a joyous milestone with their family and friends without all the fuss.
(None of this precludes throwing a great party, by the way. It's just a question of emphasis: paying attention to your guests, and taking the focus off of yourself as the bridal couple.)
Sometimes (rarely) a couple reaches this level of maturity for a first wedding. But if they're in their 40's or 50's and they still need to be fussed over? I wonder.
Housing/utilities tops our budget at 30% of our net income. Food is next...groceries...not restaurants...at 13%.
My apartment! I love my cute one bedroom apartment but I didn’t realize how expensive it is to live alone. Reality hit and now I am trying to find a roommate and 2 bedroom so I can start living within my means.
Excited to see you here Kelly. Love that your ideas are always practical and things I never thought about. Can't wait to hear your voice here.
As another single person, I must agree. Especially when I was in my last year or two of college and first couple of years out of college, I went to a lot of weddings. After graduation, I had to travel to the weddings (fly, beg a place to stay and a ride and/or rent a car and a hotel room). It was wonderful to be a part of my friends' celebrations. But it did get a little hard on the budget, especially if I wanted to include a gift. But there are ways around that.
Sometimes I went in with other friends on a gift. One couple was so excited that that a group of us got them a nice drill. Sometimes I go a less conventional route - A bucket "wrapped" with inexpensive hand towels and filled with things like extension cords, a picture hanging kit, a few screw drivers and similarly useful things usually bought on clearance was my standard gift for a while (and has now become a standard wedding shower gift for young brides).
Now, I've started giving a set that contains a Pyrex 9x13 pan with lid and insulated carrying case (Google Pyrex Portable. Sears generally has the best price.) and a copy of my own recipe book filled with my go-to recipes (printed sheets in sheet protectors held together with metal keychain like rings). Total cost is under $30 and I get many compliments and enthusiastic thanks from the happy couple. I also often see the pan and carrier show up at various functions and parties. So I know they're getting used.
Another gift I created for some friends was a medium sized plastic tote and some games that I knew my friends enjoyed playing along with some decks of cards, poker chips, extra dice and similar things that are useful for games nights. I didn't fill the box, as I knew my friends already had some games and would likely get more. I got some odd looks from the older women at the wedding shower (especially since I "wrapped" it by tying ribbon around the tote) but a big smile, hug and genuine thanks from the bride-to-be.
Well, most of the people posting on this site seem to think they are such great people that look down on those losing their homes. Well how about this? I put down $100,000 on my home in 2007 and now it has dropped $200,000. Why do all of you seem to think all the loss should fall on the buyer? The banks should take some of it too! Their system is so screwed up that you can't get a modification unless you're at least 30 days late on your payments. Now they want an exorbitant amount of money for 6 months with all their fees...that they call a re-payment plan. We can't pay it, so they want to take our house. This is wrong! The banks aren't innocent! They are making money off of our misfortune and I've lost $100,000. So sorry I'm not as good as all you saints and I can't keep up with their demands!!!
Investing in the editing certification program is a great idea, especially when you're enjoying the classes so much. I love those kind of purchases that feel like you're splurging on yourself, but also help you invest in your future. A couple of years ago I took the money from a good freelance gig and used it to get coaching for voice acting, something I was always interested in. I had such a fun time doing it and was able to pick up some side work after.
And I'm glad you were able to get your husband's tooth fixed!
I know! That's HILARIOUS. Seriously, don't call me. I'll call you.
I still pay all of my bills by check. I don't think I'll ever stop, as I like the time it takes me to focus on the amounts and the bill. My husband and I were victims of identity theft a few years back, and I want a paper trail if something happens again. I don't even own a debit card (credit card is just as fast and offers protection that debit cards can't match).
I also have heard too many stories from friends that do automatic bill pay and had the wrong amounts taken out. One friend had a electronic withdrawal for something like $300 be entered accidentally as $3,000 and it caused insufficient funds penalties and lots of time spent trying to fix... I don't need the headache.
I pay for purchases with cash or a credit card for both convenience and the protection that comes with a credit card, but I pay it off in total each month... by walking into the store and paying with a check (Target Visa can be paid at the service desk for no fee and you can use it everywhere that accepts Visa). I check my statement online and don't receive a paper bill anymore, I just get an email reminder that the statement is up, write out the check and the next time I'm stocking up, I pay the bill as well so I'm not even out any gas since I was going there anyway.
I could see moving to electronic payments on things like utilities, but all of my local ones charge a "convenience fee" anywhere from $5-$30 and I also don't see the point in paying someone to take my money.
A reuseable shopping bag is a great idea. I actually carry those as well, so thanks for adding that to the list!
I think deals are great it keeps a competitiveness about different retailers. Sure it can make you loose sight of what you were really going to buy. But if I'm at the grocery store picking up food and while I'm shopping I see grapes on sale for dollar per lbs and they are normally three dollars per lbs. Sure I wasn't planning on buying them but I will enjoy eating them and feel good that I got them at that price. Sure food is different than if I was to see an electronic item on sale or clothing but if its something you can use and the deal is right I will still consider the purchase.
The best places for me to get coupons online is to just go to the websites of the stores/brands I use and sign up for their email newsletters that often contain coupons I'd never find anywhere else. There are even coupons in the e-newsletters of restaurants and sometimes coupon deals on their Yelp listings. Preview before you print an online coupon so you only print the page you need and don't waste paper.
That's a helpful article. BUT,I wouldn't carry an unbrella in California unless the weather report called for it. Also, I carry a reusable shopping bag in case I stop at the supermarket. Help save the planet and get a nickel back at Lucky store.
My bucket list is to vagabond the world. I'm having dog tags made to read "Bury me were I fall"
Thanks for the warm welcome! We have some big shoes to fill. ;)
Thanks Robin!
Thanks! Excited to be a part of such a great team!
I got my favorite childhood video game system, Atari 2600 at a neighbor's dumpster. Never did find another video game system in a dumpster though... so yeah I don't think DD is scalable.
Super announcement! So glad to have you here, Kelly and Ashley ;)
Wisps are a good idea, but they can be expensive. Why not just carry a travel toothbrush and paste? Much more economical - though admittedly not as cool.
Everybody - male or female - should have condoms. So kudos for that. Personally, I'm married so condoms are now just a reminder of the good ol' days, but I still carry a few just in case my friends need them. And they often do. Lucky ducks.
Thanks for the feedback, Dave.
A toothbrush is a great idea. My mouth starts to feel gross after lunch and if I'm staying out and about until a party or a show it's crucial to have that on hand. I would recommend a cheap plastic case that provides complete coverage of the toothbrush though. Anything less could be unsanitary.
Pain medicine is a good one, Sudeep. I generally keep Aleve in my overnight bag. I seem to get hungover a lot when I'm away from home. :-/
Thanks for the comment, Arvin.
Yes, I have to purchase a GC for each restaurant at which I plan to dine, but that doesn't mean I shelled out a whole bunch of money. I wait until the $25 GCs are 80% off and buy two or three, which costs me a total of $6 for $75 worth of savings. The best part is, they never expire so I can use them whenever I want. And I don't buy more if I still have some in my bag. I think it's a great way to enjoy the luxury of eating out every now and then while still saving a ton of money.
No way! That's an awesome prize, Mikey! I have to admit that now that I'm running so many giveaways for other people, I don't have the time or heart to hit it hard like I used to. Back in the day (when I was winning lots of prizes), I was spending an hour a day or more entering. It was worth it, however. Now, I just enjoy watching other people win ;)
Really great tips, Linsey!
I don't enter blog contests much, but if I come across one it's always ideal to get in on the action. You never know what can happen. In fact, I won the wedding rings my husband and I wear from a blog/online jeweler partnership that was seeking the best "how did you meet?" story. Winning those rings saved us a couple thousand dollars and it's another great story to tell.