You ask the question in your entry 'will US banks be next'. Egg is owned by US owned Citibank... So the answer is the US is already a player in this current action.
As someone who is very slowly getting rid of a 5k GBP debt with egg I wish they had done it sooner. Credit cards are far to easy to use if you lack self control.
I don't think this is just impending recession that is forcing UK financial institutions to rethink their approach to lending.
In the next few weeks/months the results of a test case between 8 of the High Street banks and the Office of Fair Trading could potentially cost them billions in having to repay charges made to people for going overdrawn. This may ultimately change the face of banking in the UK.
Although the likes of Barclaycard are different legal entities from partner banks such as Barclays - the balance sheet of the credit card and bank will impact on each others reputations.
I think it's a good idea and will promote fiscal responsibility...albeit painful for some people. Sometimes you have to go through a rough spot to gain maturity, insight and appreciation. We don't have a "right" to spend someone else's money.
Alas, no more help with health insurance. I wouldn't have it any other way, though. It's worth it, as long as you're basically healthy. Maybe it will be better with the next pres.
There are many resources to determine what curriculum your child may need. I'm working on an article that lays it all out, but if you want me to immediately send you a list I use for getting the right books, you can shoot me an email via my profile, or send an email to tips@wisebread.com and let them know to forward it on to me! Thanks!
I have actually calculated out how much money I would love to have fall from the sky and land in my lap: $2 million. I figure I would lose a good part of it to taxes, but then I would be able to to a) pay off the mortgage b)finish my education c) pay off the car, and buy a second car d)fund my husband's PhD e) set up the kid's college funds f) travel, particularly with my kids so that they can see how people outside of wealthy America live. The way I see it, it's the perfect amount of money because it's enough to make us financially stable, allow my husband to make the career change to teaching he wants, and I can continue to be a stay-at-home mom, the way I want. But it's not too much to get to our heads. (And if I ever did end up with more than that amount, then I would set up some sort of charity or business to help lower-middle income families that don't qualify for any sort of assistance, but are just barely making it by, living as frugally as possible from paycheck to paycheck - just like me & my family!)
I'm reminded of the old joke -- Guy is asked if he wants a tongue sandwich...
"A Tongue Sandwich? From a Cow? I could never eat something that was in an animal's mouth, so just bring me some eggs..."
If I had this opportunity... I would love to open my own business. I have dreamed of having my own business, to pass on to my kid's, ever since I was a teen. I have also had an idea, of helping families struggling with the after affects of drug abuse and rehab. There are a lot of good families that have family members that actually do succeed with rehab... but there are a lot of pieces to pick up from the previous abuse. These families need help to continue their success. And third, I would go crazy helping my two son's with their own entrepreneurial dreams, as well as spoil the heck out of my future grandkids!
Hah! I'm frugal, but not frugal enough to feed a family of nine on less than 3k a year!
Although, after we "pay" our taxes, we get twice as much back in various credits and rebates, so the government pays us at the end of the year. A "perk" of being in our tax bracket with so many dependents, I guess.
And, our family of 9 qualifies for the free lunch program based on poverty standards, yet we have airconditioned cars, an air conditioned house, cable, and two computers. My biggest gripe is that our food is not ready quickly and conveniently enough - NOT wondering where that food will come from, whether I'll have a way to cook it, or if the water's fit to drink! And yet, people think we are poor because our children share rooms with their siblings.
Hah! I'm frugal, but not frugal enough to feed a family of nine on less than 3k a year!
Although, after we "pay" our taxes, we get twice as much back in various credits and rebates, so the government pays us at the end of the year. A "perk" of being in our tax bracket with so many dependents, I guess.
If it would only take a small portion of my worth, I'd definitely take one of the first tourist trips to space. Then I'd try to live completely carbon free.
Nora, thank you for posting this. I have read through everyone’s comments. Interesting to say the least. To start, I am an advocate for reusable mugs. I use my daily. The arguments against it were, well, amusing at best. My response here is to the various questions that ultimately boiled down to “what can we do?”
Unfortunately not all coffee shops have a reusable mug option or an eco-friendly alternative. Where they do not, leave. The business next door does. If no one does, collective consumer power is just that, powerful.
The issue of the drought areas concerns me. This is a bigger policy, planning and development issue. Here the restaurants are handing you disposable plates etc. How much water did it take to produce those materials compared to the water to produce and wash reusable material? Product life cycle impacts need to be taken into consideration. Are these measures of using disposable materials further entrenching the issue of a lack of water in the first place?
To the concern of offending some one because you wish to express a concern they are wasting a disposable cup been when you have brought in your own. Why should you be the bearer of the insult? You have gone out of your way to provide them with your business and to bring in your own mug for very specific reasons. How many others do they insult this way? I am more than sure if you simply let them know why you are bringing in a reusable mug and ask them nicely not to waste one, they will change. It was even noted that they are nice. Nice people will not be insulted by this request.
This is where I think most people struggle with positive environmental change… changing. So like anything, develop new positive habits one at a time. Start with carrying your reusable mug. Then start walking to the convenience store. Then… start a discussion board about making positive environmental change.
The Idea was My sister's but she promised to hire me and I to fund her. We would purchase the largest tract of continuous American forest land possible. And dedicate the space to a fully self sustaining wildernes camp for underprivledeged children. From growing it's own food to generating power. Green would be the theme. Programs for all age groups in camp life as well as "endurance-level" outings for senior campers. After an intial investment we would look to use the property resources. (power timber food) to expand to multiple locations through out the globe. Thus creating an international program. From there the possibilities are limitless. Ah Yes.... to have the FU money.
Hi Linsey-great job with the book profits! I am planning to start homeschooling my high school daughter soon and would like to save money on books. The problem is, I have no idea how to figure out what books she'll need. Any ideas or resources you can point me to ?
In November last year, when I realized I wasn't eligible for financial aid, I decided to 'see how much money I could raise' for myself to quit my job and go back to college full time. Why? I want to work in meteorology (my training is in foreign languages - but no degree). If I had a large chunk of cash I'd just do meteorological/climatological studies. I have found that in trying to look for money for this project alone, it is magically appearing, and my fear of job-offer rejection has disappeared. I think I'm learning the 'It's not the destination, but the journey...' moral here.
Wouldn't it be great if professores (who don't really make a lot of money off of their textbooks) just published their books online for free downloads? There are a few sites that professors do this:
I don't see you arguing. I see you explaining something to a bunch of ignorant people.
This method works great when my browser wants to be slow opening, or when IE freezes up. I even have 1 gig, but a lot of processes are going on. This is easier than going in and changing the startup processes.
Keep up the good work.
All the haters make your posts popular, isn't it great?
I have used the 2nd 'emergency' fund in the past when I needed to change my spending habits. When I was laid off from my job in 2002, I handed over my primary emergency fund to my father so I would not spend it. I just didn't trust myself. In essence, this became my second emergency fund. If I had to touch it (aka asking my father for help--even though it was really my money), then it was a sign that the situation was dire.
I learned to live and to save off of unemployment. Even though I knew I had a 2nd emergency fund waiting, I still felt the pressure to create a new primary emergency fund. I actually learned to shed a lot of unnecessary spending habits and save a little as well.
When I found a new job, I lumped the 2nd 'emergency' fund into my primary emergency fund. I live well below my means now. I think I am better for having done things this way, but everyone is different.
Of course, now I may have really swung in a different direction. I fully contribute to my 401k and Roth IRA and have an emergency fund that is 70% of my gross income. I don't know if this is a problem, but I don't consider myself miserly as I enjoy a lot in life.
You ask the question in your entry 'will US banks be next'. Egg is owned by US owned Citibank... So the answer is the US is already a player in this current action.
As someone who is very slowly getting rid of a 5k GBP debt with egg I wish they had done it sooner. Credit cards are far to easy to use if you lack self control.
I don't think this is just impending recession that is forcing UK financial institutions to rethink their approach to lending.
In the next few weeks/months the results of a test case between 8 of the High Street banks and the Office of Fair Trading could potentially cost them billions in having to repay charges made to people for going overdrawn. This may ultimately change the face of banking in the UK.
Although the likes of Barclaycard are different legal entities from partner banks such as Barclays - the balance sheet of the credit card and bank will impact on each others reputations.
I think it's a good idea and will promote fiscal responsibility...albeit painful for some people. Sometimes you have to go through a rough spot to gain maturity, insight and appreciation. We don't have a "right" to spend someone else's money.
a Good mentor with a good team,the 97@failure rate goes bye-bye... Mentoring for free has best information on network marketing..HAVE FUN KIDS buzz2u
If I could make 50K, or even 30K, I would be very glad and would be happy to pay the darn taxes on it. Lots of us never see that kind of income.
Hopefully you have interest in charity beyond -other- people thinking it's the right thing to do.
I use www.CheapestTextbooks.com to find all my cheap textbooks. They price compare all the major online textbook stores.
Alas, no more help with health insurance. I wouldn't have it any other way, though. It's worth it, as long as you're basically healthy. Maybe it will be better with the next pres.
Let us know if it works for you! Thanks!
There are many resources to determine what curriculum your child may need. I'm working on an article that lays it all out, but if you want me to immediately send you a list I use for getting the right books, you can shoot me an email via my profile, or send an email to tips@wisebread.com and let them know to forward it on to me! Thanks!
I have actually calculated out how much money I would love to have fall from the sky and land in my lap: $2 million. I figure I would lose a good part of it to taxes, but then I would be able to to a) pay off the mortgage b)finish my education c) pay off the car, and buy a second car d)fund my husband's PhD e) set up the kid's college funds f) travel, particularly with my kids so that they can see how people outside of wealthy America live. The way I see it, it's the perfect amount of money because it's enough to make us financially stable, allow my husband to make the career change to teaching he wants, and I can continue to be a stay-at-home mom, the way I want. But it's not too much to get to our heads. (And if I ever did end up with more than that amount, then I would set up some sort of charity or business to help lower-middle income families that don't qualify for any sort of assistance, but are just barely making it by, living as frugally as possible from paycheck to paycheck - just like me & my family!)
I'm reminded of the old joke -- Guy is asked if he wants a tongue sandwich...
"A Tongue Sandwich? From a Cow? I could never eat something that was in an animal's mouth, so just bring me some eggs..."
I'ts my opinion that RMR radar detector is about as effective as putting a brick or donut on your dashboard and attaching a lighter cord to it.
Their are some cheaper radar detectors out there that will get the job done, but.....the one mentioned isn't one of them
If I had this opportunity... I would love to open my own business. I have dreamed of having my own business, to pass on to my kid's, ever since I was a teen. I have also had an idea, of helping families struggling with the after affects of drug abuse and rehab. There are a lot of good families that have family members that actually do succeed with rehab... but there are a lot of pieces to pick up from the previous abuse. These families need help to continue their success. And third, I would go crazy helping my two son's with their own entrepreneurial dreams, as well as spoil the heck out of my future grandkids!
Hah! I'm frugal, but not frugal enough to feed a family of nine on less than 3k a year!
Although, after we "pay" our taxes, we get twice as much back in various credits and rebates, so the government pays us at the end of the year. A "perk" of being in our tax bracket with so many dependents, I guess.
And, our family of 9 qualifies for the free lunch program based on poverty standards, yet we have airconditioned cars, an air conditioned house, cable, and two computers. My biggest gripe is that our food is not ready quickly and conveniently enough - NOT wondering where that food will come from, whether I'll have a way to cook it, or if the water's fit to drink! And yet, people think we are poor because our children share rooms with their siblings.
Poverty is a matter of perspective.
Hah! I'm frugal, but not frugal enough to feed a family of nine on less than 3k a year!
Although, after we "pay" our taxes, we get twice as much back in various credits and rebates, so the government pays us at the end of the year. A "perk" of being in our tax bracket with so many dependents, I guess.
If it would only take a small portion of my worth, I'd definitely take one of the first tourist trips to space. Then I'd try to live completely carbon free.
Nora, thank you for posting this. I have read through everyone’s comments. Interesting to say the least. To start, I am an advocate for reusable mugs. I use my daily. The arguments against it were, well, amusing at best. My response here is to the various questions that ultimately boiled down to “what can we do?”
Unfortunately not all coffee shops have a reusable mug option or an eco-friendly alternative. Where they do not, leave. The business next door does. If no one does, collective consumer power is just that, powerful.
The issue of the drought areas concerns me. This is a bigger policy, planning and development issue. Here the restaurants are handing you disposable plates etc. How much water did it take to produce those materials compared to the water to produce and wash reusable material? Product life cycle impacts need to be taken into consideration. Are these measures of using disposable materials further entrenching the issue of a lack of water in the first place?
To the concern of offending some one because you wish to express a concern they are wasting a disposable cup been when you have brought in your own. Why should you be the bearer of the insult? You have gone out of your way to provide them with your business and to bring in your own mug for very specific reasons. How many others do they insult this way? I am more than sure if you simply let them know why you are bringing in a reusable mug and ask them nicely not to waste one, they will change. It was even noted that they are nice. Nice people will not be insulted by this request.
This is where I think most people struggle with positive environmental change… changing. So like anything, develop new positive habits one at a time. Start with carrying your reusable mug. Then start walking to the convenience store. Then… start a discussion board about making positive environmental change.
The Idea was My sister's but she promised to hire me and I to fund her. We would purchase the largest tract of continuous American forest land possible. And dedicate the space to a fully self sustaining wildernes camp for underprivledeged children. From growing it's own food to generating power. Green would be the theme. Programs for all age groups in camp life as well as "endurance-level" outings for senior campers. After an intial investment we would look to use the property resources. (power timber food) to expand to multiple locations through out the globe. Thus creating an international program. From there the possibilities are limitless. Ah Yes.... to have the FU money.
Hi Linsey-great job with the book profits! I am planning to start homeschooling my high school daughter soon and would like to save money on books. The problem is, I have no idea how to figure out what books she'll need. Any ideas or resources you can point me to ?
It sounds like heaven right about now, esp with the commuting bit.. *groan*
In November last year, when I realized I wasn't eligible for financial aid, I decided to 'see how much money I could raise' for myself to quit my job and go back to college full time. Why? I want to work in meteorology (my training is in foreign languages - but no degree). If I had a large chunk of cash I'd just do meteorological/climatological studies. I have found that in trying to look for money for this project alone, it is magically appearing, and my fear of job-offer rejection has disappeared. I think I'm learning the 'It's not the destination, but the journey...' moral here.
Great, and timely article!
Wouldn't it be great if professores (who don't really make a lot of money off of their textbooks) just published their books online for free downloads? There are a few sites that professors do this:
Textbook Revolution
Wiki Books
Encourage your professors to publish their books for free online (then you only have to pay for printing somewhere).
Until professors start doing that, hear are some tips on how to get cheap textbooks.
Textbook Truth
I don't see you arguing. I see you explaining something to a bunch of ignorant people.
This method works great when my browser wants to be slow opening, or when IE freezes up. I even have 1 gig, but a lot of processes are going on. This is easier than going in and changing the startup processes.
Keep up the good work.
All the haters make your posts popular, isn't it great?
I have used the 2nd 'emergency' fund in the past when I needed to change my spending habits. When I was laid off from my job in 2002, I handed over my primary emergency fund to my father so I would not spend it. I just didn't trust myself. In essence, this became my second emergency fund. If I had to touch it (aka asking my father for help--even though it was really my money), then it was a sign that the situation was dire.
I learned to live and to save off of unemployment. Even though I knew I had a 2nd emergency fund waiting, I still felt the pressure to create a new primary emergency fund. I actually learned to shed a lot of unnecessary spending habits and save a little as well.
When I found a new job, I lumped the 2nd 'emergency' fund into my primary emergency fund. I live well below my means now. I think I am better for having done things this way, but everyone is different.
Of course, now I may have really swung in a different direction. I fully contribute to my 401k and Roth IRA and have an emergency fund that is 70% of my gross income. I don't know if this is a problem, but I don't consider myself miserly as I enjoy a lot in life.