I've made it a rule that I only shop from places with good return policies and I never rush to wear new clothes out of the house. I usually try them on several times over a week or two to make sure everything fits perfectly and looks great.
The same goes for online purchases! I've had to return a few things here and there, but I haven't had any problems returning items.
Unfortunately, the technique hasn't worked quite well enough I guess. Since one of my New Year's resolutions is to cut my spending, I literally cut my AmEx and deleted my payment info from Amazon.
Thanks for your article! I actually went through a very similar cycle just this morning. I bought all kinds of "stuff" the day after Christmas at 50% off (those little red tags are my downfall!), and let it sit in my garage for a couple of days. This morning I returned a good part of it. It was stuff I honestly could have used, and was bought with good intent such as planning ahead for birthdays and Father's Day, but I know how bad my Visa bill is going to be already, and it was better to have that credit refunded to the card than for me to have to try to find room for all of it.
"You must have purchased the loot in your home state or within 100 miles of your mailing address. (This gets sticky for mail ordered-goods, since the warehouse address may be within your state or 100-mile limit, but the merchant's processing office may not be)."
Absolutely not the case, at least here in Canada. I live in Saskatoon and have successfully disputed charges in Vancouver, BC and Monterey, California.
The reason that people are fat is because people are eating more sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Alcoholism is no longer socially acceptable so people are turning to sugary, carby snacks with no nutritional value to "get high". It doesn't help that the low fat, anti-meat propaganda the media is spreading has pushed people into thinking that as long as they aren't eating something "high fat" then it's healthy, like "Snackwells".
Blaming this on the US or capitalism is just what people who have run out of ideas do. I stopped reading nonsense, socialist rags like the NYTimes long ago and have saved quite a bit of time and aggravation since then.
If you're trying to save money in NYC, why are you spending so much time in cabs? It's one of the best cities for public transportation in the US - it goes everywhere, 24 hours a day. Save your cash - take a subway or bus.
I have been trying to get moon sand to sell on my online sand carving tools shop for years... guess we are too small for then to mess with. Now I can throw up a link to this page and tell my customers that they don't need to buy no stinkin' moon sand -- they can just make it for themselves!
Merci mucho.
Barbara, the intent of the article certainly wasn't to encourage people to do anything that makes them uncomfortable. But speaking of my own experiences, sometimes there are situations where I've felt pressured by my friends and in need of an excuse to save their feelings and mine. Now, if you're a straight-shooter, or you have gracious friends, you won't need any of the ideas in this article. And as for #5, rather than dividing friends into rich and poor, I think of it more as spending different types of time with different types of friends. Even if I find myself interested in saving money, there are other activities I may enjoy with my less-frugal friends, and I think it's better to keep them and add friends who are supportive of my financial goals than to burn bridges.
I think I can see where you're coming from Barbara. And if it hadn't been for the way Lana wrote the piece, I might have "gone there with you". But I think in this case, she was just trying to keep it upbeat and funny, as well as a resource for those who may not feel comfortable discussing the "financial nitty gritty" with friends and coworkers.
I'm comfortable for the most part, but sometimes you just need an out with those folks who just won't "let it drop". Some days you're up for the struggle of laying it on the line, and some days you're not.
I'm not for dishonesty either. But I'm not sure that was Lana's intent. However, thanks for standing your ground and pointing out your take on things. It takes all opinions, and certainly the more people that are comfortable discussing all of the sub-issues when it comes to financial stability the more likely others are likely to find some source of support when they need it. By the way, I really like your suggestions of helping the friend shop, as well as some of your other ideas.
And Lana, I'm sure the light hearted tone of your piece helped some people as well.
While I think this was meant to be a positive blog, it's giving off a really negative vibe. I get the impression that the author doesn't like people who have the latest toys, gadgets, etc. Why are the "more creative people" the one's who don't have the latest stuff?
And tricking or lying to your friends? How about being honest? Or exercising some restraint when going out with friends who just want to spend money?
Instead of feeling pressured to buy drinks at a bar, stick to soda. Most places do free re-fills so you only pay a buck or two. Going shopping with a girlfriend? Try concentrating on finding her something instead of yourself. She'll appreciate the help and you'll save money.
I did really like idea number 1 about throwing a bash at your house where everybody brings something. But then I read number 5 and feel like you're advocating dividing our friends into the rich and poor category.
Who knows. I may be the only one who read too much into this. I feel like there was a ton of good intention here but looking for excuses or lying to your friends is the wrong way to handle having a smaller budget than other people.
My son Ian was born in April 1996. Put your fears to rest about child harassment. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but hear in Oklahoma the biggest problem is not the kids making fun of his name, but how Okies mispronounce his name. It drives me crazy when we're sitting in the doctor's office and the say Ian (eye-on).
Especially when you might respect them in so many other areas. But let's face it, money interfaces with practically every activity. Even if you're not spending any, it's sort of acknowledged that it's "free", and so the money issue still comes out.
One area that I've had to develop (and I'm actually working on a post to this end) is a strategy and ideas list of how I can be generous without spending outside of my budget. What's interesting is, I feel it takes more time and energy to give non-financial gifts. Some people appreciate and recognize that they actually have a greater value. Others don't, which can make it hard.
Myscha, you're right. I think I'm lucky because I can be stubborn and obstinate when it comes to certain types of peer pressure, but I think a lot of people have trouble doing that. And of course, there are always certain people or certain situations where we're more likely to be swayed off track. I'm a big believer that your character is shaped by the people you spend most of your time with. It can be hard to improve while your closest friends stick to old habits.
whether laundering money or not, coin operated laundromats are a very profitable business... i plan on opening one up in the near future. this article was very informative and educational. for those who spoke negatively about it, people make their own decisions, and are there for responsible for their actions. whats the difference between an episode of CSI? just because they show you what not to do in a murder, does that mean you should commit one, because you think you can get away with it? everybody knows when they're doing something wrong, for those who choose to use this article for the wrong reasons, im sure they're aware of the consequences. for everyone else hopefully this article can help prevent you of becoming a victim of such circumstances, and being taken advantage of in an illegitimate fashion.
I've made it a rule that I only shop from places with good return policies and I never rush to wear new clothes out of the house. I usually try them on several times over a week or two to make sure everything fits perfectly and looks great.
The same goes for online purchases! I've had to return a few things here and there, but I haven't had any problems returning items.
Unfortunately, the technique hasn't worked quite well enough I guess. Since one of my New Year's resolutions is to cut my spending, I literally cut my AmEx and deleted my payment info from Amazon.
It's tough. You can see how I do at All About Appearances.
Are you sure they're not trying to be funny? That chain's advertisements are currently a little on the sarcastic side.
Thanks for your article! I actually went through a very similar cycle just this morning. I bought all kinds of "stuff" the day after Christmas at 50% off (those little red tags are my downfall!), and let it sit in my garage for a couple of days. This morning I returned a good part of it. It was stuff I honestly could have used, and was bought with good intent such as planning ahead for birthdays and Father's Day, but I know how bad my Visa bill is going to be already, and it was better to have that credit refunded to the card than for me to have to try to find room for all of it.
Awesome! I'm glad to hear that not all disputes are a battle tooth and nail!
Just another reason why Canada rocks (from one Canadian to another)...
(smiles)
"You must have purchased the loot in your home state or within 100 miles of your mailing address. (This gets sticky for mail ordered-goods, since the warehouse address may be within your state or 100-mile limit, but the merchant's processing office may not be)."
Absolutely not the case, at least here in Canada. I live in Saskatoon and have successfully disputed charges in Vancouver, BC and Monterey, California.
Add it slowly. I suspect too much will be WAY too much, but I don't know enough to suggest proportions.
If my kids were younger, or old enough that I was a Grampa, I'd try it myself.
Let us know if you find a better recipe.
BTW: I just found you via BoingBoing, and have you bookmarked for regular visits.
The reason that people are fat is because people are eating more sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Alcoholism is no longer socially acceptable so people are turning to sugary, carby snacks with no nutritional value to "get high". It doesn't help that the low fat, anti-meat propaganda the media is spreading has pushed people into thinking that as long as they aren't eating something "high fat" then it's healthy, like "Snackwells".
Blaming this on the US or capitalism is just what people who have run out of ideas do. I stopped reading nonsense, socialist rags like the NYTimes long ago and have saved quite a bit of time and aggravation since then.
Amen. You said it much better than I did.
I dugg you. Really cool :)
I bought the real Moon Sand last year for my kids but it was so messy we ended up getting rid of it.
Maybe next summer I'll make them a new batch to use outside :)
If you're trying to save money in NYC, why are you spending so much time in cabs? It's one of the best cities for public transportation in the US - it goes everywhere, 24 hours a day. Save your cash - take a subway or bus.
I have been trying to get moon sand to sell on my online sand carving tools shop for years... guess we are too small for then to mess with. Now I can throw up a link to this page and tell my customers that they don't need to buy no stinkin' moon sand -- they can just make it for themselves!
Merci mucho.
Barbara, the intent of the article certainly wasn't to encourage people to do anything that makes them uncomfortable. But speaking of my own experiences, sometimes there are situations where I've felt pressured by my friends and in need of an excuse to save their feelings and mine. Now, if you're a straight-shooter, or you have gracious friends, you won't need any of the ideas in this article. And as for #5, rather than dividing friends into rich and poor, I think of it more as spending different types of time with different types of friends. Even if I find myself interested in saving money, there are other activities I may enjoy with my less-frugal friends, and I think it's better to keep them and add friends who are supportive of my financial goals than to burn bridges.
I think I can see where you're coming from Barbara. And if it hadn't been for the way Lana wrote the piece, I might have "gone there with you". But I think in this case, she was just trying to keep it upbeat and funny, as well as a resource for those who may not feel comfortable discussing the "financial nitty gritty" with friends and coworkers.
I'm comfortable for the most part, but sometimes you just need an out with those folks who just won't "let it drop". Some days you're up for the struggle of laying it on the line, and some days you're not.
I'm not for dishonesty either. But I'm not sure that was Lana's intent. However, thanks for standing your ground and pointing out your take on things. It takes all opinions, and certainly the more people that are comfortable discussing all of the sub-issues when it comes to financial stability the more likely others are likely to find some source of support when they need it. By the way, I really like your suggestions of helping the friend shop, as well as some of your other ideas.
And Lana, I'm sure the light hearted tone of your piece helped some people as well.
Good job, ladies!
Thanks DJB, that's a great suggestion.
I wonder if adding some glycerine might do it...
While I think this was meant to be a positive blog, it's giving off a really negative vibe. I get the impression that the author doesn't like people who have the latest toys, gadgets, etc. Why are the "more creative people" the one's who don't have the latest stuff?
And tricking or lying to your friends? How about being honest? Or exercising some restraint when going out with friends who just want to spend money?
Instead of feeling pressured to buy drinks at a bar, stick to soda. Most places do free re-fills so you only pay a buck or two. Going shopping with a girlfriend? Try concentrating on finding her something instead of yourself. She'll appreciate the help and you'll save money.
I did really like idea number 1 about throwing a bash at your house where everybody brings something. But then I read number 5 and feel like you're advocating dividing our friends into the rich and poor category.
Who knows. I may be the only one who read too much into this. I feel like there was a ton of good intention here but looking for excuses or lying to your friends is the wrong way to handle having a smaller budget than other people.
My son Ian was born in April 1996. Put your fears to rest about child harassment. I don't know what part of the country you live in, but hear in Oklahoma the biggest problem is not the kids making fun of his name, but how Okies mispronounce his name. It drives me crazy when we're sitting in the doctor's office and the say Ian (eye-on).
John in Oklahoma
Especially when you might respect them in so many other areas. But let's face it, money interfaces with practically every activity. Even if you're not spending any, it's sort of acknowledged that it's "free", and so the money issue still comes out.
One area that I've had to develop (and I'm actually working on a post to this end) is a strategy and ideas list of how I can be generous without spending outside of my budget. What's interesting is, I feel it takes more time and energy to give non-financial gifts. Some people appreciate and recognize that they actually have a greater value. Others don't, which can make it hard.
Myscha, you're right. I think I'm lucky because I can be stubborn and obstinate when it comes to certain types of peer pressure, but I think a lot of people have trouble doing that. And of course, there are always certain people or certain situations where we're more likely to be swayed off track. I'm a big believer that your character is shaped by the people you spend most of your time with. It can be hard to improve while your closest friends stick to old habits.
Holding your own while socializing with spendthrifts can be tough. I'm interested to see how this discussion unfolds.
Great article Lana! I hope you find lots of "creative friends" here on wise Bread. =)
I really thought the title was "How To Make Your Own Moon, Dirt Cheap". Maybe next year?
whether laundering money or not, coin operated laundromats are a very profitable business... i plan on opening one up in the near future. this article was very informative and educational. for those who spoke negatively about it, people make their own decisions, and are there for responsible for their actions. whats the difference between an episode of CSI? just because they show you what not to do in a murder, does that mean you should commit one, because you think you can get away with it? everybody knows when they're doing something wrong, for those who choose to use this article for the wrong reasons, im sure they're aware of the consequences. for everyone else hopefully this article can help prevent you of becoming a victim of such circumstances, and being taken advantage of in an illegitimate fashion.
RUnescape is a massive online gaming rating so runescape is a little hard to figure out when your lvl 3 but as you get higher you will get smarter
Let me know how it goes Barb. And if you can improve on the recipe, please let us know. I'd love to find a way to keep it in a permanent 'wet' state.