You are far better off setting up a "warranty savings account". Any time you feel the need to purchase an extended warranty, ask the price and instead deposit that money into this account. Use this account to pay for repairs. This is a win/win for you. If it breaks, you have the money to pay for it. If it doesn't break, you keep the money!
I think Craigslist's free stuff section is a fantastic place to get free stuff. They have constantly updated freebies and, well, it's 100% free! The only problem is getting something before someone else does!
I'm sorry you haven't been having much luck with our past freebies. I personally have been putting together Wise Bread's deals and freebies each day for only the past 4 weeks. When I pick a freebie, I fill out the form myself, personally, just to be sure that the form goes through and that there are no requests for payment information.
In the past 3 weeks, I've received (off the top of my head):
Atkins nutrition bars (3 in a sample pack)
Nature Made TripleFlex Liquid Softgels (from a Walmart offer)
Several printable coupons from free facebook offers
3 Diapers from 3 different diapers samples offers
2 magazine subscriptions
I realize that most offers take 6-8 weeks to fulfill, and many of them may have a limited supply (meaning that if you sign up after everyone else, you may miss out.)
Overall, I've had great luck with the freebies offers that I've shared with Wise Bread readers. If I find that an offer is repeatedly not being mailed out, I leave it off the list the next time it comes around.
(Another thing to note is that many of the hats, t-shirts, etc may be open only to qualified businesses. If I see these types of offers, I consider wether they apply to the majority of the readership before I post them. I typically have not had a lot of luck with these myself, unless I'm really in the market for their service offering.)
Thanks for your feedback, and I encourage you to keep trying!
I have to say, that in the past year, I've been checking WiseBread every day, for the daily free offers. Then I promptly click the links and fill out the forms and wait.
Actually we are omnivores. We eat both plants and animals. By the way, our brains were already fairly large by the stone age. Probably about the same size they are now. But anyway re check the evidence, because i do not think your right.
In answer to Paul's question I agree with Jeff that a balanced view is appropriate. Most folks are doing a 401k or some other form of pre-tax contributions through work so the Roth makes a lot of sense to help diversify yourself from a tax perspective.
No - it's not for everyone, nor is the Roth the only investment you should be contributing to. Neither is a 401k etc. A diversified approach is better.
When I was in college I made the mistake of financing tuition by maxing out 4 credits. To this day I am living with that mistake. For two years I was making minimum payments and not seeing my balance decrease. I called the banks a few times to request a reduction on interest, but my request was never granted. I struggled month-to-month to pay the bill. I finally decided to sign up with a debt counceling service in order to seek help in reducing interest rates and working with my creditors. It was the best decision I made, I think. My credit score has not been affected. It has actually increased since starting the program. I do pay 10% commission fees every month, but it's little compared to the interest I could be paying.
The DMP helped while in college because I only had to worry about one check, rather than 4. Ther services are starting to become obsolete for me because I have started to make larger indivisual payments since graduating and starting my job.
I think you need to watch your advice. I was under the impression that for any donation of items, you need a receipt. The $250 limit (as far as I can tell) has not been valid for two years. If I am wrong, my humble apologies.
My husband and I just quit our Costco membership (with one last giant shopping hurrah for paper products and toiletries) because we can't keep away from the impulse items! I keep careful track of our grocery budget, and we definitely spent way more this past year than in the year prior. We generally really like the quality of their food, but financially just doesn't make sense for the 2 of us.
Credit counseling may help but I have generally found many questionable operates who care just for their bottom line (which they should) but not without any care for their client's credit history. Here is an alternative do yourself plan http://www.mewithoutdebt.com/2009/08/managing-debt-without-debt-manageme...
We had an extended warranty on our diesel vehicle. Cost $2100. First year the 6 CD/stereo broke and it cost us $50 to repair. Ford cost, $500. Year 5, a little oil leak on the engine (found during an oil change) required a new bed plate. Cost to us $50. Cost to Ford, $1800. I figure that we pretty much broke even, but I am so glad we didn't have to come up with almost $2000 for the one repair.
There are plenty of problems you encounter when you work from home.Issues regarding stress, support, life balance, and isolation issues can be overcome with careful planning and a good attitude.
In many affluent communities, it has (since the 1980s) become unaffordable for public employees to live there.
Brook, I think, wants people like police officers, firefighters, and school teachers to be able to afford to live within the district that they serve—even if they work in Manhattan or San Francisco.
My husband and I are desperately trying to make the best decision possible for our two children in middle school. We both went to public schools all the way through with with one exception. I attended an all women catholic college for 2 years. Our public education was terrible. Including graduate school and law school, I did my absolute best work ever during the 2 years in private college.
Both my children have been in private school all the way through 6th/7th grade. We tried our local public school for my daughters' 1st grade and knew it wouldn't challenge her enough. We have 2 gifted kids, one with a bit of ADD. We have found private school to be worth it for the class size, quality teachers and curriculum up until now. Lately we've been asking ourselves whether the benefits are worth the lack of economic diversity, (there is a great amount of racial diversity), the 25K(each) investment, and the commute. We are also more concerned about the fish in a fish pond problem but we can't seem to find a lot of data to show whether there is a benefit either way. We know they will need to stand out but it seems like they will need that in private school even more so. If I were in college admissions, I would expect a lot more of a kid with the silver spoon and no real life struggles. But I'm not sure if this really plays out in reality. And we actually want our kids to struggle and come to appreciate the wide variety of people and life circumstances they will encounter with a public education. We're just concerned about the actual academic education!
We have been leaning toward public for high school and after reading these comments I am feeling even more confident about public. This is based on the content but surprisingly it's also because of the quality of writing coming from people advocating public over private.
In 2009, I went back and forth for weeks deciding whether to convert my traditional IRA to a Roth. There was some significant income that I would have to pay taxes on in 2009 if I did it, but the long term benefit would certainly outweigh it.
It was still atough decision, because there are timing issues involved.
Is your current income on the rise? Needs to be taken into account.
What kind of income do you envision retiring with? Take that into acount also.
I eventually did it, at the cost of about $1000 on my tax return from last year. I am now glad I did do the conversion.
Having been in the real estate industry - not currently - there are a couple points that you missed.
-Yes you can book a trip on expedia nowadays and research online - however, if you screw up the trip you're out a few grand. If you screw up your negotiations or even title work on your house, it's going to hurt a lot more.
-People are emotional with their homes - There needs to be a third party here often because of that reason. People by default are horrible negotiators - especially Americans. I've seen several transactions within several grand of each other vanish in thin air because of emotions. Realtors make this much easier and can objectively explain best options during this process.
I think it all depends on the situation. There are A LOT of crappy Realtors out there, so make sure to screen who you use. Obviously if someone is insulting your wife that's a matter of personal integrity, not a reflection on an industry. If your butcher insulted your wife, would you stop buying meat?
If you know the ins and outs of real estate and feel comfortable navigating contracts and negotiating with emotional sellers, feel free. If not, a Realtor's your best bet.
I just found your blog and it is a very good information you provide. As for me i buy insurance mostly to transfer my risk not to gain profit. Insurance is the best solution for managing risk.
I received a Netspend card in the mail. I have had a bank account but have been KILLED with overdraft fees. I was curious so I called the number and someone explained to me that I can use this instead of my bank account. I tried it and it's AMAZING. If you don't want to try it, throw it away. What's the big deal? Stop complaining and get on with your life.
You are far better off setting up a "warranty savings account". Any time you feel the need to purchase an extended warranty, ask the price and instead deposit that money into this account. Use this account to pay for repairs. This is a win/win for you. If it breaks, you have the money to pay for it. If it doesn't break, you keep the money!
I think Craigslist's free stuff section is a fantastic place to get free stuff. They have constantly updated freebies and, well, it's 100% free! The only problem is getting something before someone else does!
I'm sorry you haven't been having much luck with our past freebies. I personally have been putting together Wise Bread's deals and freebies each day for only the past 4 weeks. When I pick a freebie, I fill out the form myself, personally, just to be sure that the form goes through and that there are no requests for payment information.
In the past 3 weeks, I've received (off the top of my head):
Atkins nutrition bars (3 in a sample pack)
Nature Made TripleFlex Liquid Softgels (from a Walmart offer)
Several printable coupons from free facebook offers
3 Diapers from 3 different diapers samples offers
2 magazine subscriptions
I realize that most offers take 6-8 weeks to fulfill, and many of them may have a limited supply (meaning that if you sign up after everyone else, you may miss out.)
Overall, I've had great luck with the freebies offers that I've shared with Wise Bread readers. If I find that an offer is repeatedly not being mailed out, I leave it off the list the next time it comes around.
(Another thing to note is that many of the hats, t-shirts, etc may be open only to qualified businesses. If I see these types of offers, I consider wether they apply to the majority of the readership before I post them. I typically have not had a lot of luck with these myself, unless I'm really in the market for their service offering.)
Thanks for your feedback, and I encourage you to keep trying!
Linsey Knerl
I have to say, that in the past year, I've been checking WiseBread every day, for the daily free offers. Then I promptly click the links and fill out the forms and wait.
........and wait..........
...and wait..........................and wait.........
And honestly, the ONLY thing I've recieved in the past year, from ALL those daily free offers, was:
A free little tin to put almonds in.
That's been it.
I've signed up for tee shirts, hats, totes...you name it...
NOTHING ever comes!
I love WiseBread. Don't get me wrong. I love the articles.
But I'm wondering if anyone else has been getting their free stuff? Cause I sure haven't!!
:(
Actually we are omnivores. We eat both plants and animals. By the way, our brains were already fairly large by the stone age. Probably about the same size they are now. But anyway re check the evidence, because i do not think your right.
Great post Jeff on a technical topic!
In answer to Paul's question I agree with Jeff that a balanced view is appropriate. Most folks are doing a 401k or some other form of pre-tax contributions through work so the Roth makes a lot of sense to help diversify yourself from a tax perspective.
No - it's not for everyone, nor is the Roth the only investment you should be contributing to. Neither is a 401k etc. A diversified approach is better.
When I was in college I made the mistake of financing tuition by maxing out 4 credits. To this day I am living with that mistake. For two years I was making minimum payments and not seeing my balance decrease. I called the banks a few times to request a reduction on interest, but my request was never granted. I struggled month-to-month to pay the bill. I finally decided to sign up with a debt counceling service in order to seek help in reducing interest rates and working with my creditors. It was the best decision I made, I think. My credit score has not been affected. It has actually increased since starting the program. I do pay 10% commission fees every month, but it's little compared to the interest I could be paying.
The DMP helped while in college because I only had to worry about one check, rather than 4. Ther services are starting to become obsolete for me because I have started to make larger indivisual payments since graduating and starting my job.
I think you need to watch your advice. I was under the impression that for any donation of items, you need a receipt. The $250 limit (as far as I can tell) has not been valid for two years. If I am wrong, my humble apologies.
My husband and I just quit our Costco membership (with one last giant shopping hurrah for paper products and toiletries) because we can't keep away from the impulse items! I keep careful track of our grocery budget, and we definitely spent way more this past year than in the year prior. We generally really like the quality of their food, but financially just doesn't make sense for the 2 of us.
On top of that morbidly obese wallet is bad for your back as well.
Good tips. If you are fan of Costco, I have some recommendation of my own on what to buy or avoid in Costco at http://www.mewithoutdebt.com/2009/10/what-to-buy-at-costco-and-what-to-a...
All of your choice are very prolific writers. Good job.
Credit counseling may help but I have generally found many questionable operates who care just for their bottom line (which they should) but not without any care for their client's credit history. Here is an alternative do yourself plan http://www.mewithoutdebt.com/2009/08/managing-debt-without-debt-manageme...
We had an extended warranty on our diesel vehicle. Cost $2100. First year the 6 CD/stereo broke and it cost us $50 to repair. Ford cost, $500. Year 5, a little oil leak on the engine (found during an oil change) required a new bed plate. Cost to us $50. Cost to Ford, $1800. I figure that we pretty much broke even, but I am so glad we didn't have to come up with almost $2000 for the one repair.
There are plenty of problems you encounter when you work from home.Issues regarding stress, support, life balance, and isolation issues can be overcome with careful planning and a good attitude.
I look forward to tax time just because we usually receive some money back. We use this for those extras!
In many affluent communities, it has (since the 1980s) become unaffordable for public employees to live there.
Brook, I think, wants people like police officers, firefighters, and school teachers to be able to afford to live within the district that they serve—even if they work in Manhattan or San Francisco.
nice DIY take on the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_tube
My husband and I are desperately trying to make the best decision possible for our two children in middle school. We both went to public schools all the way through with with one exception. I attended an all women catholic college for 2 years. Our public education was terrible. Including graduate school and law school, I did my absolute best work ever during the 2 years in private college.
Both my children have been in private school all the way through 6th/7th grade. We tried our local public school for my daughters' 1st grade and knew it wouldn't challenge her enough. We have 2 gifted kids, one with a bit of ADD. We have found private school to be worth it for the class size, quality teachers and curriculum up until now. Lately we've been asking ourselves whether the benefits are worth the lack of economic diversity, (there is a great amount of racial diversity), the 25K(each) investment, and the commute. We are also more concerned about the fish in a fish pond problem but we can't seem to find a lot of data to show whether there is a benefit either way. We know they will need to stand out but it seems like they will need that in private school even more so. If I were in college admissions, I would expect a lot more of a kid with the silver spoon and no real life struggles. But I'm not sure if this really plays out in reality. And we actually want our kids to struggle and come to appreciate the wide variety of people and life circumstances they will encounter with a public education. We're just concerned about the actual academic education!
We have been leaning toward public for high school and after reading these comments I am feeling even more confident about public. This is based on the content but surprisingly it's also because of the quality of writing coming from people advocating public over private.
In 2009, I went back and forth for weeks deciding whether to convert my traditional IRA to a Roth. There was some significant income that I would have to pay taxes on in 2009 if I did it, but the long term benefit would certainly outweigh it.
It was still atough decision, because there are timing issues involved.
Is your current income on the rise? Needs to be taken into account.
What kind of income do you envision retiring with? Take that into acount also.
I eventually did it, at the cost of about $1000 on my tax return from last year. I am now glad I did do the conversion.
How do you unlock the Panasonic BD 60
Having been in the real estate industry - not currently - there are a couple points that you missed.
-Yes you can book a trip on expedia nowadays and research online - however, if you screw up the trip you're out a few grand. If you screw up your negotiations or even title work on your house, it's going to hurt a lot more.
-People are emotional with their homes - There needs to be a third party here often because of that reason. People by default are horrible negotiators - especially Americans. I've seen several transactions within several grand of each other vanish in thin air because of emotions. Realtors make this much easier and can objectively explain best options during this process.
I think it all depends on the situation. There are A LOT of crappy Realtors out there, so make sure to screen who you use. Obviously if someone is insulting your wife that's a matter of personal integrity, not a reflection on an industry. If your butcher insulted your wife, would you stop buying meat?
If you know the ins and outs of real estate and feel comfortable navigating contracts and negotiating with emotional sellers, feel free. If not, a Realtor's your best bet.
Hi there,
I just found your blog and it is a very good information you provide. As for me i buy insurance mostly to transfer my risk not to gain profit. Insurance is the best solution for managing risk.
Keep on going providing good post and info.
Thanks.
I received a Netspend card in the mail. I have had a bank account but have been KILLED with overdraft fees. I was curious so I called the number and someone explained to me that I can use this instead of my bank account. I tried it and it's AMAZING. If you don't want to try it, throw it away. What's the big deal? Stop complaining and get on with your life.
Looks like it would be a good idea for wandering nomads, but maybe not so crash hot for people who have set vacation times. Great idea though.