wow, I will definitely ask next time. I never knew they would just give it to you. Usually the upgrades I hear about at airlines cost some money. They announce them before the flight and ask you to trade in your points.
Free car rental upgrades: definitely. Free hotel upgrades: yes. Free airline upgrades: virtually never (in 2008). Why: capacity and demand are totally in control of the carriers. If it is time for a free upgrade, it is going to their platimum or gold premium members. That's for sure.
We always reserve the smallest car we'd be willing to take. Most places rarely stock the smallest models, so a one-class upgrade is pretty routine. But don't go reserving the compact 2-door if you're going to NEED the room of an intermediate sedan. Make an upgrade a pleasant surprise, not a necessity.
I was also gifted a Swifter and I like it. When I ran out of the pads, I dipped into my rag box. I fasten the rag on the Swifter with a couple of rubber bands. I never was good with a mop, so this works well for me.
This is a very useful article and the tips are simple and practical. In my city many are at the crossroads of this dilemna too, may I link to this post and your site on my blog? Thanks.
I buy the disposable wipes ever great once in a while, sometimes "borrowing" a pack from the parents when we visit. We also use generic baby wipes for.. well the baby. The convenience is a big plus! Having said that of course, we should don't solely use any of the disposable products because they're ridiculously expensive...it takes us probably about 2 months to go through one roll of paper towels. I can totally see all the goodness of going even more green and using towels, napkins and rags all the time especially IF you own your own washer. But what about the poor apartment renters, like us, who have to fork over $1.25 to wash ONE load of laundry (which never even really gets clean because of the horrible machines) and would also have to store the dirty reusables until said laundry day? Anyone have any suggestions that wouldn't make me a slave to hand washing everything (because with an infant, who has extra time?)?
You can make your own grill pizza gadget and save the $50-$70. Get some fire brick. (Could probably also wrap regular brick in foil) Put enough on grill to support a pizza stone--probably 2 on each side. On the back side of the stone, stack 4 bricks (or the amount you need to go alongside the back part of the stone 2 deep--the idea is to make something to reflect the heat onto the pizza).
Turn the grill on high, heat up the stone and cook pizza on it.
Haven't tried this with a charcoal grill, but no reason it wouldn't work.
You can also cook the pizza directly on the grill, but I don't like my pizza that crispy.
That is a very good point about frugal living allows you to spend your savings on experiences rather than stuff. My mother and her husband always complain that they can't afford to go on vacation, but they are always buying things!
Hello All, Up above someone asked "So on as a practical matter, anyone have any practical ideas for how to survive these item's coming to pass?"
There are several things you can do to help ensure this NAU/AMERO thing does NOT happen if you are an American.
1st off, we are all ready in a Fascist Goverment so realize this. Our goverment is no longer Dems/Republicans working by/for the people but by/for the corporation. Our constitution, and our RIGHTS as Americans are under seige. Dont for a SECOND think "The voters wont support this" because this is NOT something that will be voted on, but more likley coerced into.
1. Vote for Ron Paul (even though he's running as a Republican, he is really a constitutionalist).
2. After Voting for Ron Paul, Register your self under the newly formed "Constitution Party".
3. Appoint/Nominate/and vote on New senate/house/judicial members who are constitution party members and will support, uphold, and protect the constitution.
If we don't do this, we WILL start world war 3 over defaulting on 30 TRILLION in National debt when they run the dollar into the dirt and default on all the foreing debt this country has in dollars. It will collapse the world economy, break the backs of the american working class down to poverty, and eventually make a bunch of all ready rich people even richer.
Just a general observation but it sounds like there are still some traces of resentment just in the phrasing of your story. I wonder if the two of you might benefit from counseling. I hate to mention this just because it's so public but the way you discuss things threw up some red flags.
With some members of our family, specifically our siblings, we often have a hard time explaining to them why living frugal is better. They often complain about being poor or broke, about never having a chance to travel or doing things they want to do, but then brag about the deal they got on some huge Television Show DVD set they just bought. So your article is the perfect explanation of why we live the way we do and why we think they would love it too if they tried it. Maybe then we could all go on a superb trip together!
I definitely think that frugality is all about choices and priorities, and there is a difference between being frugal and cheap though one person's "yuck" is another person's "that's okay sometimes" and even that changes over time.
I also wanted to bring clever, real-world, live-in-society ways to build/reinforce self-esteem for those who are (or feel they are) constantly assaulted by well-meaning friends, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who look disapprovingly on their choices and priorities.
Kathryn, I know that it can be tricky to navigate frugality when you have that financial cushion -- thanks for the generousity mention.
I find it's extremely helpful to have a husband who is as, or maybe even more so, frugal than I am. Lots of times, I'll ask "Should we get xxx?" (that being certain food items, cleaning supplies, movies, clothes... etc) Usually he answers "Maybe later" of which later never comes. Oh well. If we really needed it it gets brought up again and again (like that hand soap we ran out of two weeks ago, hmmm) until it's bought. This helps a lot for when I feel we "need" something, but really just it would just be convenient.
Rstlne funny you mention that as C&A was having a huge clearence sale today and the wife picked up 2 suits and for me a pair of pants all for 80 euros. Can't beat that, best part we paid cash.
What your talking about is the difference being cheap and being frugal. I define frugal as living life to the fullest on the least possible budget. People confuse them becuase they read stories about Americas Cheapest Family and how they eat out of date meat and think yuck, or pick up the tightwad gazzette learn about sharing stamps with your neighbour.
To me being frugal is about making wise choices. For example both my wife and I like dressing nice but not paying full price. So we wait for sales and stock up. Same with cooking, I buy quality ingrediants but use a price book to make sure I don't over pay. We love our vactions but our CC stays at home.
Being frugal isn't just about being debt free it's about making wise choices that allow you to live life to the fullests.
I do understand that there is a study that states poor people are dispropotionately overweight.
I can tell you why this is the case for many. Just one example: I went to the store the other day and grapes were 5.00 per pound. A large package of donuts was on sale for 1.00 There are tons of specials on junk food but not heatlhy food. I am single so even though it's not easy I can buy the healthy food. If I had a few kids to feed , I could not. That is a shame.
My husband was disabled and we were lucky to have decent LTD coverage, or so we thought. My husband was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. Because the disability was a mental illness, his disability payments were cut off after two years. Had he just broken his back and was paralyzed he would still be getting payment.
One thing that happened that really was to our benefit rather than the insurance company was that I refused to submit the paperwork for Social Security Disability thru the insurance company. They wanted to be sure that if he received any SSD benefits that they got their share. He was luckily approved for SSD and they didn't get a penny. If I had listened to the insurance company and submitted his SSD claim thru them, they would have taken any and all back pay he was entitled to. That back pay allowed us to get by until we could downsize our house and get a handle on our extra expenses.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking that the insurance company is going to look out for your best interests. They are likely trying to do what is best for their executives and stock holders.
Needs can be further categorized by urgency. For example, I know I'll need new pants at some time in the future because the ones I'm wearing are developing holes in the pockets. I didn't have to buy new pants right away, but when I saw the 75%-off clearance sale at Target last night, I just had to get the $6 pants.
Ĉu vi ankaŭ? Se jes, vidu mian esperantan hejmpaĝon: http://esperanto.philipbrewer.net/
"I bet this works better for hot chicks than for average people."
We prefer the term "hot bloggers."
wow, I will definitely ask next time. I never knew they would just give it to you. Usually the upgrades I hear about at airlines cost some money. They announce them before the flight and ask you to trade in your points.
Free car rental upgrades: definitely. Free hotel upgrades: yes. Free airline upgrades: virtually never (in 2008). Why: capacity and demand are totally in control of the carriers. If it is time for a free upgrade, it is going to their platimum or gold premium members. That's for sure.
We always reserve the smallest car we'd be willing to take. Most places rarely stock the smallest models, so a one-class upgrade is pretty routine. But don't go reserving the compact 2-door if you're going to NEED the room of an intermediate sedan. Make an upgrade a pleasant surprise, not a necessity.
Cu vi parolas Esperante?
I was also gifted a Swifter and I like it. When I ran out of the pads, I dipped into my rag box. I fasten the rag on the Swifter with a couple of rubber bands. I never was good with a mop, so this works well for me.
This is a very useful article and the tips are simple and practical. In my city many are at the crossroads of this dilemna too, may I link to this post and your site on my blog? Thanks.
I buy the disposable wipes ever great once in a while, sometimes "borrowing" a pack from the parents when we visit. We also use generic baby wipes for.. well the baby. The convenience is a big plus! Having said that of course, we should don't solely use any of the disposable products because they're ridiculously expensive...it takes us probably about 2 months to go through one roll of paper towels. I can totally see all the goodness of going even more green and using towels, napkins and rags all the time especially IF you own your own washer. But what about the poor apartment renters, like us, who have to fork over $1.25 to wash ONE load of laundry (which never even really gets clean because of the horrible machines) and would also have to store the dirty reusables until said laundry day? Anyone have any suggestions that wouldn't make me a slave to hand washing everything (because with an infant, who has extra time?)?
I bet this works better for hot chicks than for average people.
You can make your own grill pizza gadget and save the $50-$70. Get some fire brick. (Could probably also wrap regular brick in foil) Put enough on grill to support a pizza stone--probably 2 on each side. On the back side of the stone, stack 4 bricks (or the amount you need to go alongside the back part of the stone 2 deep--the idea is to make something to reflect the heat onto the pizza).
Turn the grill on high, heat up the stone and cook pizza on it.
Haven't tried this with a charcoal grill, but no reason it wouldn't work.
You can also cook the pizza directly on the grill, but I don't like my pizza that crispy.
That is a very good point about frugal living allows you to spend your savings on experiences rather than stuff. My mother and her husband always complain that they can't afford to go on vacation, but they are always buying things!
Hello All, Up above someone asked "So on as a practical matter, anyone have any practical ideas for how to survive these item's coming to pass?"
There are several things you can do to help ensure this NAU/AMERO thing does NOT happen if you are an American.
1st off, we are all ready in a Fascist Goverment so realize this. Our goverment is no longer Dems/Republicans working by/for the people but by/for the corporation. Our constitution, and our RIGHTS as Americans are under seige. Dont for a SECOND think "The voters wont support this" because this is NOT something that will be voted on, but more likley coerced into.
1. Vote for Ron Paul (even though he's running as a Republican, he is really a constitutionalist).
2. After Voting for Ron Paul, Register your self under the newly formed "Constitution Party".
3. Appoint/Nominate/and vote on New senate/house/judicial members who are constitution party members and will support, uphold, and protect the constitution.
If we don't do this, we WILL start world war 3 over defaulting on 30 TRILLION in National debt when they run the dollar into the dirt and default on all the foreing debt this country has in dollars. It will collapse the world economy, break the backs of the american working class down to poverty, and eventually make a bunch of all ready rich people even richer.
iLLLLLLLLLLLL..yeah right..who would wear that..really???
Hey Martin,
Just a general observation but it sounds like there are still some traces of resentment just in the phrasing of your story. I wonder if the two of you might benefit from counseling. I hate to mention this just because it's so public but the way you discuss things threw up some red flags.
With some members of our family, specifically our siblings, we often have a hard time explaining to them why living frugal is better. They often complain about being poor or broke, about never having a chance to travel or doing things they want to do, but then brag about the deal they got on some huge Television Show DVD set they just bought. So your article is the perfect explanation of why we live the way we do and why we think they would love it too if they tried it. Maybe then we could all go on a superb trip together!
I definitely think that frugality is all about choices and priorities, and there is a difference between being frugal and cheap though one person's "yuck" is another person's "that's okay sometimes" and even that changes over time.
I also wanted to bring clever, real-world, live-in-society ways to build/reinforce self-esteem for those who are (or feel they are) constantly assaulted by well-meaning friends, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who look disapprovingly on their choices and priorities.
Kathryn, I know that it can be tricky to navigate frugality when you have that financial cushion -- thanks for the generousity mention.
Have you seen the documentary Zeitgeist! the amero and the north american union are discussed! watch it with an open mind
I find it's extremely helpful to have a husband who is as, or maybe even more so, frugal than I am. Lots of times, I'll ask "Should we get xxx?" (that being certain food items, cleaning supplies, movies, clothes... etc) Usually he answers "Maybe later" of which later never comes. Oh well. If we really needed it it gets brought up again and again (like that hand soap we ran out of two weeks ago, hmmm) until it's bought. This helps a lot for when I feel we "need" something, but really just it would just be convenient.
There are many reasons to to frugal--it's light on your wallet and light on the planet--but the most important is that it maximizes your freedom.
Couldn't have said it better myself
Rstlne funny you mention that as C&A was having a huge clearence sale today and the wife picked up 2 suits and for me a pair of pants all for 80 euros. Can't beat that, best part we paid cash.
What your talking about is the difference being cheap and being frugal. I define frugal as living life to the fullest on the least possible budget. People confuse them becuase they read stories about Americas Cheapest Family and how they eat out of date meat and think yuck, or pick up the tightwad gazzette learn about sharing stamps with your neighbour.
To me being frugal is about making wise choices. For example both my wife and I like dressing nice but not paying full price. So we wait for sales and stock up. Same with cooking, I buy quality ingrediants but use a price book to make sure I don't over pay. We love our vactions but our CC stays at home.
Being frugal isn't just about being debt free it's about making wise choices that allow you to live life to the fullests.
I do understand that there is a study that states poor people are dispropotionately overweight.
I can tell you why this is the case for many. Just one example: I went to the store the other day and grapes were 5.00 per pound. A large package of donuts was on sale for 1.00 There are tons of specials on junk food but not heatlhy food. I am single so even though it's not easy I can buy the healthy food. If I had a few kids to feed , I could not. That is a shame.
My husband was disabled and we were lucky to have decent LTD coverage, or so we thought. My husband was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder. Because the disability was a mental illness, his disability payments were cut off after two years. Had he just broken his back and was paralyzed he would still be getting payment.
One thing that happened that really was to our benefit rather than the insurance company was that I refused to submit the paperwork for Social Security Disability thru the insurance company. They wanted to be sure that if he received any SSD benefits that they got their share. He was luckily approved for SSD and they didn't get a penny. If I had listened to the insurance company and submitted his SSD claim thru them, they would have taken any and all back pay he was entitled to. That back pay allowed us to get by until we could downsize our house and get a handle on our extra expenses.
Please don't make the mistake of thinking that the insurance company is going to look out for your best interests. They are likely trying to do what is best for their executives and stock holders.
Needs can be further categorized by urgency. For example, I know I'll need new pants at some time in the future because the ones I'm wearing are developing holes in the pockets. I didn't have to buy new pants right away, but when I saw the 75%-off clearance sale at Target last night, I just had to get the $6 pants.