You definitely have to call around to find a U-pick place that is more about the picking and the product than the "extras". I live in SE Pennsylvania, outside of Philly and took my kids last weekend to a U-pick place in Langhorne PA. We had a great afternoon in the beautiful fall weather, paid only $0.49 per pound for the apples and got a free hay ride up and back to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins were also reasonably priced. It was a great deal all around. We had called another local place that we had visited in the past. They were charging $0.99 per pound and everything like hay ride, corn maze etc. was an extra charge. Just like for everything else, it pays (or saves $$) to shop around. Just be willing to make some calls and ask questions.
It says the average medium sedan costs 52 cents a mile to drive.
However, it's based on $2.26/gallon gas, which I haven't seen in the Chicago area, well, ever since moving here last year. Also, our car is 4-wheel drive (Subaru Forester) which ups the gas consumption. So actually, I should have used a higher number in my cost estimate.
Yeah, it does kind of stink that they charged us for the 3-year-old, but a lot of places do.
To the Pennsylvania guest -- yeah, we visited an apple orchard in Wisconsin also this year, in a much more rural area, and there was a van full of Amish people there. We didn't pick our own at that orchard, but I did notice that the apples we bought were much cheaper than those I'd picked in Illinois.
We live between Lancaster and Harrisburg, PA. The experience varies considerably. One very tidy place (selling jellies, etc. in a cute little shop) cost 17.50 for a half bushel - sold by weight. Another, a family run place closer to Lebanon Valley College, (Honey Bear Orchards) charged about $7 each (for at least 20 lbs. of peaches), and less for "drops". The second place was certainly a bargain, even adding in the gas, since I can, make jams, and freeze. A personal theory, go where the Mennonite ladies go, since they're into serious canning, and you'll find the best prices. Another offset, we go with another family and split the gas.
I guess I was unnecessarily harsh in my previous post. But, I am just tired to meeting too many Johns and Jacks. I actually find it wonderful when I find kids who have unique sounding names, even if they are difficult to start with.
What has always worked for me is that I work with the kid to get his name pronounced correctly. Most often than not, the kid remembers me the next time I meet him.
Actually, this applies to adults also. In this fast paced society, it is often good to pause and understand the diversity the earth has created for us to appreciate.
Of course, I didn't know about the bad baby names website. I couldn't agree on some of the names just because we know they are brands.
Sounds like a ridiculous amount to spend to me, and why would you have to pay for a 3 year-old. And what kind of car get's 6 mpg? Sure, you say you're factoring in the cost of tires/car/insurance etc, but in reality it cost much less than that, at least in tire wear and gasoline. A not very useful story.
How long did your friend leave the solution on her teeth, and how often did she bleach? Even the mild tooth whiteners advise against regular bleaching because ALL tooth whiteners cause erosion of the enamel. Also, did she use a 3% solution, or a stronger one? All of these things make a BIG difference in the results.
Another consideration in this debate is the quality of life and size of home. I have decided that I would rather live in a small home in a marginal neighbourhood (although certainly not one where I am in fear) than have a larger home in a "safer" suburb with an hour commute each way. Living is "cozy", but because I can get to work in 10 minutes by transit, or 25 walking, I have that much more time to spend with my two young children and husband. And that is what my kids will remmeber, not their small, shared bedroom. I have colleagues who are gone 11 hours a day because of their commute, and so see their kids for an hour each day, when everyone is already tired.
Just another factor to think of.
About 30 minutes outside of Ann Arbor we went to Wasems orchard and paid $10.50 for a half bushel. This was at least 20 lbs of apples (A bushel is either 42 or 48 lbs depending) not including what we tasted along the way.
50 cents a lb isn't free, but it was fun. We scored some Ida Red, Rome, Empire, and Red and Yellow Delicious (Our kids like them but not me)
The high price was a major turn off for me as well. I went and got quotes from a couple of vendors and based on MMA's projected savings for my current situation, I realized that in the long run, I save more money in interest cost with MMA than other competing products. That's what I based my decision upon in terms of pricing. I even factored in the fact that if I took the difference in the initial software cost to pay down my 1st mortgage's principal, MMA's still yielded better savings for me. And this is with just one property.
As I pay down my 1st mortgage and then use the software for the next property that I purchase, I predict even more savings down the road. Thus, it is worth the investment for me. I may a couple of thousands now, but long term, I'll be saving tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands!!!
Each person's situation would probably result in different projected savings. I strongly recommend people to call the companies and ask for a free analysis and look at the long term benefits.
I know that when I signed up for the insurance for my credit card it was just a waste of money. When I told them that I had lost my job they wouldn't cover it anyways. I was really mad that they couldn't do anything for me.I will never sign up for that again.
Guest, thanks for letting us know the cost-saving U-pick farms still exist. Like I said, if you are looking for a bargain, you'll have to search out a non-cute farm farther away from the big cities. There are plenty in the Chicago area that charge less than the one I visited -- many charge $1 a pound for apples -- but that's still not actually a savings.
Lindsey -- I grew up so looking forward to our annual visit to the pumpkin farm, but they only charged for the pumpkins back then and of course the whole place was simpler. The last few years my father has grown pumpkins for my daughters, which I just love, and not just because it's frugal.
This is certainly not a universal experience. I live in Washington state and spent the whole summer making biweekly trips to the U Pick farms in Green Bluff, WA. I would agree that purchasing produce--or other products--at the quaint little shops was expensive. The farms themselves, however, offered many bargains. Never, never, never was I charged simply to enter a farm or orchard. Every farm charged a price per pound only. For example, I picked apples for 60 cents a pound and peaches for 70 cents a pound. Rasberries and cherries averaged about 95 cents a pound and were still a fraction of the cost charged by either local supermarkets or farmers markets.
I had wondered how couples who have joint accounts for the bills and variable incomes cope with the division of expenses. And that's a great idea to deposit percentages of income. Hopefully their incomes are large enough to cover off the expenses, but not so large that the predetermined percentages would be too much. I guess it all evens out in the end.
I have a question for those who use the joint account method: How do you pay for everything out of that account? Is it online and debit? How do you navigate paying for things with cash or personal credit cards (when using a credit card is necessary)?
My girlfriend is a stripper.
She never gave the club her real name, because she is in college to become a lawyer and doesn't want that info on her background check when she tries to get hired. How can she claim this money besides going through the club in the USA? Can she put down that shes an "independant contrator"? If so how do you prove you earned the money? They dont give out receipts for how many lap dances you give! Or could she just take a waitress job 1 day a week and say she makes $500-700/week in tips? Any other possibilites? We want the money taxed & legal so she can invest it.
I have noticed if your near the property that you entered you end up at that location.
E.G. If your on Oriental Avenue and you enter a code for St. Charles Place you will end up on it. So there is a data base of some sort that the game checks against and your roll is predestined if you will.
So, if you find that Boardwalk besure to use the code online and roll out your 50K from there too.
OMG. My mouth is watering. I love freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. Warm and crackling. YUM.
I don't boil or soak them in salt. I sprinkle it on before roasting with a little bit of cayenne mixed in for heat. But I think soaking sounds like a great idea.
My partner and I have our own accounts, as well as a joint checking account which we use for household expenses. Each month we deposit a set amount into the joint account to cover our budgeted expenses, plus a little extra as a buffer. It works really well for us. It allows us to keep our personal finances (credit cards, student loans, etc), but still have things we're jointly responsible for together and well-discussed.
I know another couple who has a similar system, but they both freelance, so they each put a percentage of their income in, so their responsibility is based on however well they're each doing at the time.
I've had experiences like that, but it's not universal. Yesterday, we went to Strawberry Acres just outside Allentown, PA. The apples were 99 cents a pound. Right now, New York State apples in our local grocery stores are 79 cents a pound, so the price difference is not that bad. There are similarly priced farms throughout the New York and Philadelphia areas. Also, many of these farms are organic and you will usually save money over store-bought organic produce. (Though not necessarily over farmer's market prices - but many of the farmer's markets around here close up before apple season is really at its peak.)
This reminds me of the large pumpkin patch we have here in the metro Omaha area. It is not unheard of for folks to spend $150 for a day of pumpkin fun for the whole family. Pumpkins sell for between 15 and 50 dollars each... plus cost of activities. We grew our own pumpkins, and while only one ended up producing, it was 32 cents for the pack of seeds.
I always understood the 'eat local' campaigns weren't as much about keeping money in the town, as they were about thinking about the intangibles that might make a product more valuable. The tomato from the neighbor tastes better than the one shipped from chile. By following local seasons and surpluses, and 'cutting out the middle man' you were offsetting the cost of the superior product.
I think automobiles may be the best illustration of this point. Quality and human rights issues aren't cluttering up that area as much as with food or clothes.
@Dawn: I noticed you have been writing about just the same topics lately! There seems to be something in the air....stay tuned for a follow-up post on how we communicate about money and the associated taboos.
@Myscha: You got it! People with money don't generally have so much trouble talking about it. In fact, I read an article recently about how your own personal money matters are actually determined by the company you keep! I'll bet that openess and sharing strategies has something to do with it.
I have also noticed that sometimes people who don't have any money tend to judge those with money harshly, propagating some stereotypes. But all that does is push them further into a financial situation they don't want to be in.
@Misa: Thanks for your input! By purchasing things with debit cards, you have easy access to spending reports through online banking. You can quickly determine how much each party has spent over the month, and as you said, one person can reimburse the other as needs be. I prefer debit and credit to cash for this reason. I'll sometimes even charge items under $5.
I have been reviewing all the comments regarding the mortgage acceleration software available. And I agree that there are pros and cons regarding the need for such a product. My question is: At what price if any does one think it is beneficial? Clearly return on investment is important and there is always a distinction between price and value. I am just wondering if the biggest issue is the current price that the product is selling for that makes it such a hot topic? I personally agree that as I look at the products my personal challenge is the PRICE. Do I see value in a tool that guides you through the process, personally yes. We've already addressed many opinions on the product so I just would like everyone's opinion on price point? Thanks.
You definitely have to call around to find a U-pick place that is more about the picking and the product than the "extras". I live in SE Pennsylvania, outside of Philly and took my kids last weekend to a U-pick place in Langhorne PA. We had a great afternoon in the beautiful fall weather, paid only $0.49 per pound for the apples and got a free hay ride up and back to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins were also reasonably priced. It was a great deal all around. We had called another local place that we had visited in the past. They were charging $0.99 per pound and everything like hay ride, corn maze etc. was an extra charge. Just like for everything else, it pays (or saves $$) to shop around. Just be willing to make some calls and ask questions.
I used the AAA's driving costs estimates found here:
http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategor...
It says the average medium sedan costs 52 cents a mile to drive.
However, it's based on $2.26/gallon gas, which I haven't seen in the Chicago area, well, ever since moving here last year. Also, our car is 4-wheel drive (Subaru Forester) which ups the gas consumption. So actually, I should have used a higher number in my cost estimate.
Yeah, it does kind of stink that they charged us for the 3-year-old, but a lot of places do.
To the Pennsylvania guest -- yeah, we visited an apple orchard in Wisconsin also this year, in a much more rural area, and there was a van full of Amish people there. We didn't pick our own at that orchard, but I did notice that the apples we bought were much cheaper than those I'd picked in Illinois.
We live between Lancaster and Harrisburg, PA. The experience varies considerably. One very tidy place (selling jellies, etc. in a cute little shop) cost 17.50 for a half bushel - sold by weight. Another, a family run place closer to Lebanon Valley College, (Honey Bear Orchards) charged about $7 each (for at least 20 lbs. of peaches), and less for "drops". The second place was certainly a bargain, even adding in the gas, since I can, make jams, and freeze. A personal theory, go where the Mennonite ladies go, since they're into serious canning, and you'll find the best prices. Another offset, we go with another family and split the gas.
I guess I was unnecessarily harsh in my previous post. But, I am just tired to meeting too many Johns and Jacks. I actually find it wonderful when I find kids who have unique sounding names, even if they are difficult to start with.
What has always worked for me is that I work with the kid to get his name pronounced correctly. Most often than not, the kid remembers me the next time I meet him.
Actually, this applies to adults also. In this fast paced society, it is often good to pause and understand the diversity the earth has created for us to appreciate.
Of course, I didn't know about the bad baby names website. I couldn't agree on some of the names just because we know they are brands.
Sounds like a ridiculous amount to spend to me, and why would you have to pay for a 3 year-old. And what kind of car get's 6 mpg? Sure, you say you're factoring in the cost of tires/car/insurance etc, but in reality it cost much less than that, at least in tire wear and gasoline. A not very useful story.
How long did your friend leave the solution on her teeth, and how often did she bleach? Even the mild tooth whiteners advise against regular bleaching because ALL tooth whiteners cause erosion of the enamel. Also, did she use a 3% solution, or a stronger one? All of these things make a BIG difference in the results.
my friend won 50,000, I don't even know how. Plus it was me who bought him that big mac.
Another consideration in this debate is the quality of life and size of home. I have decided that I would rather live in a small home in a marginal neighbourhood (although certainly not one where I am in fear) than have a larger home in a "safer" suburb with an hour commute each way. Living is "cozy", but because I can get to work in 10 minutes by transit, or 25 walking, I have that much more time to spend with my two young children and husband. And that is what my kids will remmeber, not their small, shared bedroom. I have colleagues who are gone 11 hours a day because of their commute, and so see their kids for an hour each day, when everyone is already tired.
Just another factor to think of.
About 30 minutes outside of Ann Arbor we went to Wasems orchard and paid $10.50 for a half bushel. This was at least 20 lbs of apples (A bushel is either 42 or 48 lbs depending) not including what we tasted along the way.
50 cents a lb isn't free, but it was fun. We scored some Ida Red, Rome, Empire, and Red and Yellow Delicious (Our kids like them but not me)
The high price was a major turn off for me as well. I went and got quotes from a couple of vendors and based on MMA's projected savings for my current situation, I realized that in the long run, I save more money in interest cost with MMA than other competing products. That's what I based my decision upon in terms of pricing. I even factored in the fact that if I took the difference in the initial software cost to pay down my 1st mortgage's principal, MMA's still yielded better savings for me. And this is with just one property.
As I pay down my 1st mortgage and then use the software for the next property that I purchase, I predict even more savings down the road. Thus, it is worth the investment for me. I may a couple of thousands now, but long term, I'll be saving tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands!!!
Each person's situation would probably result in different projected savings. I strongly recommend people to call the companies and ask for a free analysis and look at the long term benefits.
I know that when I signed up for the insurance for my credit card it was just a waste of money. When I told them that I had lost my job they wouldn't cover it anyways. I was really mad that they couldn't do anything for me.I will never sign up for that again.
Guest, thanks for letting us know the cost-saving U-pick farms still exist. Like I said, if you are looking for a bargain, you'll have to search out a non-cute farm farther away from the big cities. There are plenty in the Chicago area that charge less than the one I visited -- many charge $1 a pound for apples -- but that's still not actually a savings.
Lindsey -- I grew up so looking forward to our annual visit to the pumpkin farm, but they only charged for the pumpkins back then and of course the whole place was simpler. The last few years my father has grown pumpkins for my daughters, which I just love, and not just because it's frugal.
This is certainly not a universal experience. I live in Washington state and spent the whole summer making biweekly trips to the U Pick farms in Green Bluff, WA. I would agree that purchasing produce--or other products--at the quaint little shops was expensive. The farms themselves, however, offered many bargains. Never, never, never was I charged simply to enter a farm or orchard. Every farm charged a price per pound only. For example, I picked apples for 60 cents a pound and peaches for 70 cents a pound. Rasberries and cherries averaged about 95 cents a pound and were still a fraction of the cost charged by either local supermarkets or farmers markets.
I had wondered how couples who have joint accounts for the bills and variable incomes cope with the division of expenses. And that's a great idea to deposit percentages of income. Hopefully their incomes are large enough to cover off the expenses, but not so large that the predetermined percentages would be too much. I guess it all evens out in the end.
I have a question for those who use the joint account method: How do you pay for everything out of that account? Is it online and debit? How do you navigate paying for things with cash or personal credit cards (when using a credit card is necessary)?
My girlfriend is a stripper.
She never gave the club her real name, because she is in college to become a lawyer and doesn't want that info on her background check when she tries to get hired. How can she claim this money besides going through the club in the USA? Can she put down that shes an "independant contrator"? If so how do you prove you earned the money? They dont give out receipts for how many lap dances you give! Or could she just take a waitress job 1 day a week and say she makes $500-700/week in tips? Any other possibilites? We want the money taxed & legal so she can invest it.
I have noticed if your near the property that you entered you end up at that location.
E.G. If your on Oriental Avenue and you enter a code for St. Charles Place you will end up on it. So there is a data base of some sort that the game checks against and your roll is predestined if you will.
So, if you find that Boardwalk besure to use the code online and roll out your 50K from there too.
OMG. My mouth is watering. I love freshly roasted pumpkin seeds. Warm and crackling. YUM.
I don't boil or soak them in salt. I sprinkle it on before roasting with a little bit of cayenne mixed in for heat. But I think soaking sounds like a great idea.
My partner and I have our own accounts, as well as a joint checking account which we use for household expenses. Each month we deposit a set amount into the joint account to cover our budgeted expenses, plus a little extra as a buffer. It works really well for us. It allows us to keep our personal finances (credit cards, student loans, etc), but still have things we're jointly responsible for together and well-discussed.
I know another couple who has a similar system, but they both freelance, so they each put a percentage of their income in, so their responsibility is based on however well they're each doing at the time.
I've had experiences like that, but it's not universal. Yesterday, we went to Strawberry Acres just outside Allentown, PA. The apples were 99 cents a pound. Right now, New York State apples in our local grocery stores are 79 cents a pound, so the price difference is not that bad. There are similarly priced farms throughout the New York and Philadelphia areas. Also, many of these farms are organic and you will usually save money over store-bought organic produce. (Though not necessarily over farmer's market prices - but many of the farmer's markets around here close up before apple season is really at its peak.)
This is pretty much every job interview.
Just Practice and you'll do good!
This reminds me of the large pumpkin patch we have here in the metro Omaha area. It is not unheard of for folks to spend $150 for a day of pumpkin fun for the whole family. Pumpkins sell for between 15 and 50 dollars each... plus cost of activities. We grew our own pumpkins, and while only one ended up producing, it was 32 cents for the pack of seeds.
Thanks for the article!
I always understood the 'eat local' campaigns weren't as much about keeping money in the town, as they were about thinking about the intangibles that might make a product more valuable. The tomato from the neighbor tastes better than the one shipped from chile. By following local seasons and surpluses, and 'cutting out the middle man' you were offsetting the cost of the superior product.
I think automobiles may be the best illustration of this point. Quality and human rights issues aren't cluttering up that area as much as with food or clothes.
-C
@Dawn: I noticed you have been writing about just the same topics lately! There seems to be something in the air....stay tuned for a follow-up post on how we communicate about money and the associated taboos.
@Myscha: You got it! People with money don't generally have so much trouble talking about it. In fact, I read an article recently about how your own personal money matters are actually determined by the company you keep! I'll bet that openess and sharing strategies has something to do with it.
I have also noticed that sometimes people who don't have any money tend to judge those with money harshly, propagating some stereotypes. But all that does is push them further into a financial situation they don't want to be in.
@Misa: Thanks for your input! By purchasing things with debit cards, you have easy access to spending reports through online banking. You can quickly determine how much each party has spent over the month, and as you said, one person can reimburse the other as needs be. I prefer debit and credit to cash for this reason. I'll sometimes even charge items under $5.
Hello everyone,
I have been reviewing all the comments regarding the mortgage acceleration software available. And I agree that there are pros and cons regarding the need for such a product. My question is: At what price if any does one think it is beneficial? Clearly return on investment is important and there is always a distinction between price and value. I am just wondering if the biggest issue is the current price that the product is selling for that makes it such a hot topic? I personally agree that as I look at the products my personal challenge is the PRICE. Do I see value in a tool that guides you through the process, personally yes. We've already addressed many opinions on the product so I just would like everyone's opinion on price point? Thanks.
That's actually the same "free" code that comes on their bags, that code will always give you doubles for a trip around the board.