Great advice that could work very nicely when unemployment is low and you have some key competences. This same advice could prove to be too "pushy" when the economy runs out of steam and lay-offs are the flavour of the day.
I was reading his blog awhile ago, and it's an interesting project. The only thing I found a bit irksome was when he talked about how the family has a maid. I don't know if the family still has one, but it's certainly a lot easier if you're not the one cleaning. Other than that, it's just an interesting project.
Be sure to approach Overstock.com the way you would any factory outlet store and be sure read the fine print to be sure what you are getting and compare it against comparable items of the same quality.
Some items are not just overstocks, they are factory seconds or have minor flaws, but they are listed if your read the complete item description. A very high percentage of the electronics are factory reconditioned factory rejects or returns. If you comparision shop and find a new, top quality camera in a local store that is only $20 more than what Overstock.com has a factory reconditioned model, you are likely better off paying the extra $20 local store and if something does go wrong, you can visit the store and work with a live person as oppossed to call center and have to hassle with return shipping, etc.
On high dollar electronics, strongly recommend purchasing any extended warranties that are offered. I bought a high dollar reconditioned all-in-one fax/printer/scanner for $150 and it only came with a 90 day warranty; it conked out about 2 months after the 90 day warranty ended and I found out to pay to get it fixed would be nearly what I had originally paid for the printer.
If you are not one that has to have the latest and greatest in electronics, you can get some good bargains, some which are not reconditioned but factory firsts, because they are no longer sought after items. I did get a very good deal several years ago on a new analog Sony Hi-8 video camera (which I convert in to VHS tapes) after digital camcorders started hitting the that has served me well for several years now with no problems.
Late Saturday afternoon: Signed up for the newsletter, got the email within 5 seconds. The email contained a link for the pearls, click, click, click... pearls are on the way. Cool; thx.
...and in some parts of the country, and in some demographic groups, the life expectancy of young people isn't as high as it should be. For these families, life insurance for children makes horrifying sense.
Justin Ryan is right! If it doesn't work for you, go to the main page, subscribe to the newsletter, and VOILA! The link arrives in email. I've always wanted a pearl necklace. Thank you again, Wise Bread.
All I had to do was add the necklace to the cart and check out. No sign up or anything. I suspect I caught the deal so early that not everything was in place. Thanks for the info, it will definitely help out the WB readers.
There's no telling what's going to hook any particular manager, so there's not much point in spending a lot of time trying to project just the right air of quirkiness. Just let enough of your real self show through that you appear as an actual person and you've probably done all you can do.
Yep. I am now a full time writer. Very exciting, albeit kind of daunting as well.
Right now I'm working temp-to-hire. In less than a month, I should be formally hired for my job. Fortunately, I've already interviewed there for this, so I don't have to reinterview, but I expect the subject of salary will come up. Or I'll have to make it come up! This was helpful and encouraging. I can even refer to previous performance (what I'm doing right now) as a reason why they should pay me x amount. Must now figure out what x amount it. They're paying 27 per hour to my temp agency but I'm only making 15. But that 27 means they don't have to pay me benefits, etc, so I'll have to figure out somewhere in the middle.
-MM
I've done research on pay for writers -- especially web pages -- and yet, many times when I give a quote -- I hear "Your quote is the highest by far." This in spite of my quoting on the supposed low end! Thankfully, I'm busy enough not to worry about it -- but it's frustrating.
My calendar reads the 24th, and I think that means you are no longer running with a random band of dubious characters. Congratulations for that.
I've been on the hiring side many times too. It's funny, but the stakes are pretty high on both sides of the table. The resume quirk factor seems to ensure the hiring manager that yes, this person is human. Which in an odd way, the applicants seem more an abstraction until you meet them. The resume quirk sort of cuts through that.
I once set a great hook in a cover letter and got a call back in 20 minutes from the FAX date/time stamp. I managed to chunk the interview, but the cover letter sure did it's job. I didn't save the letter, so I no longer have the exact wording, not that lightning will strike twice anyway. Ha ha.
Exacatly. Almost anything can end up being the hook that gets you in for an interview.
One time my wife interviewed for a software job, and the receptionist happened to mention that the hiring manager was especially interested in talking to her because her resume mentioned that she could read Sanskrit--and the manager knew the language as well. The interview went smoothly (they both agreed that Sanskrit ability directly translated to software-writing ability) and she got the job.
I always mention that I'm fluent in Esperanto in resumes. I suppose it may cost me some number of jobs (since some people have a negative impression of Esperanto), but you never know what might be this manager's equivalent of "trimming celery."
You know what? If the person with the simplified plan that posted first is happy, then good for him.
However, based on his outline, I sense he'll be working far longer than he needs to. I too, retired before the age of 40 and that didn't happen with luck. It happened with a little bit of DIY research, a lot of discipline and yes, the advice of financial planners. Although, I have to say, not all financial planners are created equal. So it definitely takes some self initiative and knowledge to weed your way through bad advice.
I'm amazed at the number of people who are still working who try to discredit the strategies of those of us who have figured out how to stop early. If they are happy with their strategies, fine. I'm not going to pass judgement on them. However, it would be nice if they acknowledged that our suggestions have at least some merit, cuz gee, we're retired . . . and ahead of schedule, to boot.
You're doing a great job. Keep your chin up and keep writing.
Who got hired, as she was told later on, because the ladies in the office liked her clothes, otherwise they were not going to hire her because she went to Meredith, not Carolina.
I knew this article wouldn't make me many friends. But it's a topic I'm particularly passionate about, and was even before I became a financial planner.
@Shawn: I'm glad that you feel secure in your finances. That's the most important part. And frankly, some people aren't very accepting of advice or third party perspective. That's okay too - they are truly DIYers and take great pride and joy in it. BTW - I'm not a financial planner any more. I'm retired at age 31, due to the financial plan I started with my own planner when I started working as a teenager.
@ScottMGS & Jessica: The big crux of the financial services industry is just that: to commission or not to commission? How about an asset based income, where the advisor is paid an annual percentage of all the money they manage (hence if their clients' money grows = more income, and if it plummets = less income)? Is that better? I'd love to get your opinion on that.....I too have had many struggles with commission-based planners that are forced to meet quotas.
It's ultimately why I stressed that the best planner for you is the person you trust. If you don't have a relationship of trust with them, you'll constantly be wondering if they have an alternate agenda. Yikes.
@Jessica: I'm sorry your career didn't work out as a financial planner. I guess I just lucked out in finding a company that cites integrity as their first and foremost creed. Maybe it's a different climate here in Canada.
@Matt: Since you didn't read the article I may as well not respond to your comment that you didn't read the article, since you probably won't read the comment on your comment, huh? :-)
I'm going to go check them out Ed.
Definitely support the independent & small press people! Not to mention the rare, sadly, independent bookseller!
My favorites are
The Believer
and
Oxford American
Great advice that could work very nicely when unemployment is low and you have some key competences. This same advice could prove to be too "pushy" when the economy runs out of steam and lay-offs are the flavour of the day.
I had to sign up for the newsletter, but it worked. Shipping is 5-10 days out!
I was reading his blog awhile ago, and it's an interesting project. The only thing I found a bit irksome was when he talked about how the family has a maid. I don't know if the family still has one, but it's certainly a lot easier if you're not the one cleaning. Other than that, it's just an interesting project.
Be sure to approach Overstock.com the way you would any factory outlet store and be sure read the fine print to be sure what you are getting and compare it against comparable items of the same quality.
Some items are not just overstocks, they are factory seconds or have minor flaws, but they are listed if your read the complete item description. A very high percentage of the electronics are factory reconditioned factory rejects or returns. If you comparision shop and find a new, top quality camera in a local store that is only $20 more than what Overstock.com has a factory reconditioned model, you are likely better off paying the extra $20 local store and if something does go wrong, you can visit the store and work with a live person as oppossed to call center and have to hassle with return shipping, etc.
On high dollar electronics, strongly recommend purchasing any extended warranties that are offered. I bought a high dollar reconditioned all-in-one fax/printer/scanner for $150 and it only came with a 90 day warranty; it conked out about 2 months after the 90 day warranty ended and I found out to pay to get it fixed would be nearly what I had originally paid for the printer.
If you are not one that has to have the latest and greatest in electronics, you can get some good bargains, some which are not reconditioned but factory firsts, because they are no longer sought after items. I did get a very good deal several years ago on a new analog Sony Hi-8 video camera (which I convert in to VHS tapes) after digital camcorders started hitting the that has served me well for several years now with no problems.
Late Saturday afternoon: Signed up for the newsletter, got the email within 5 seconds. The email contained a link for the pearls, click, click, click... pearls are on the way. Cool; thx.
...and in some parts of the country, and in some demographic groups, the life expectancy of young people isn't as high as it should be. For these families, life insurance for children makes horrifying sense.
Justin Ryan is right! If it doesn't work for you, go to the main page, subscribe to the newsletter, and VOILA! The link arrives in email. I've always wanted a pearl necklace. Thank you again, Wise Bread.
Didn't think it was true, definately worked on Saturday @ 12:40AM. We'll see if its worth giving to anyone when it comes in the mail! haha.
All I had to do was add the necklace to the cart and check out. No sign up or anything. I suspect I caught the deal so early that not everything was in place. Thanks for the info, it will definitely help out the WB readers.
I really liked the ones you put together. I think my favorite was the Denise Austin exercise video with free hamburger giveaways. Very funny, hahaha!
There's no telling what's going to hook any particular manager, so there's not much point in spending a lot of time trying to project just the right air of quirkiness. Just let enough of your real self show through that you appear as an actual person and you've probably done all you can do.
Yep. I am now a full time writer. Very exciting, albeit kind of daunting as well.
Right now I'm working temp-to-hire. In less than a month, I should be formally hired for my job. Fortunately, I've already interviewed there for this, so I don't have to reinterview, but I expect the subject of salary will come up. Or I'll have to make it come up! This was helpful and encouraging. I can even refer to previous performance (what I'm doing right now) as a reason why they should pay me x amount. Must now figure out what x amount it. They're paying 27 per hour to my temp agency but I'm only making 15. But that 27 means they don't have to pay me benefits, etc, so I'll have to figure out somewhere in the middle.
-MM
I've been doing the tea-and-a-movie one ever since reading this post. Thanks a lot for that tip; I have NEEDED it.
I've done research on pay for writers -- especially web pages -- and yet, many times when I give a quote -- I hear "Your quote is the highest by far." This in spite of my quoting on the supposed low end! Thankfully, I'm busy enough not to worry about it -- but it's frustrating.
My calendar reads the 24th, and I think that means you are no longer running with a random band of dubious characters. Congratulations for that.
I've been on the hiring side many times too. It's funny, but the stakes are pretty high on both sides of the table. The resume quirk factor seems to ensure the hiring manager that yes, this person is human. Which in an odd way, the applicants seem more an abstraction until you meet them. The resume quirk sort of cuts through that.
I once set a great hook in a cover letter and got a call back in 20 minutes from the FAX date/time stamp. I managed to chunk the interview, but the cover letter sure did it's job. I didn't save the letter, so I no longer have the exact wording, not that lightning will strike twice anyway. Ha ha.
Interestingly enough, Wikipedia says that the creators of The Corporation distributed it for free on Bittorrent. It's also available on Google video.
Initially, it didn't work for me. It showed up as $19.99 plus shipping.
The main page, though, had a clue: You need to sign up for thier newsletter.
Once you do, you get a coupon in your email that gives you the $19.99 discount. I went through the process just to check, and it does indeed work.
I just placed my order. $2.95 total, a few seconds ago.
They've apparently fixed it already. Oh well.
I'm not worried.......and I still have a smile on my face! And I echo everything you just said. You go girl!
Exacatly. Almost anything can end up being the hook that gets you in for an interview.
One time my wife interviewed for a software job, and the receptionist happened to mention that the hiring manager was especially interested in talking to her because her resume mentioned that she could read Sanskrit--and the manager knew the language as well. The interview went smoothly (they both agreed that Sanskrit ability directly translated to software-writing ability) and she got the job.
I always mention that I'm fluent in Esperanto in resumes. I suppose it may cost me some number of jobs (since some people have a negative impression of Esperanto), but you never know what might be this manager's equivalent of "trimming celery."
You know what? If the person with the simplified plan that posted first is happy, then good for him.
However, based on his outline, I sense he'll be working far longer than he needs to. I too, retired before the age of 40 and that didn't happen with luck. It happened with a little bit of DIY research, a lot of discipline and yes, the advice of financial planners. Although, I have to say, not all financial planners are created equal. So it definitely takes some self initiative and knowledge to weed your way through bad advice.
I'm amazed at the number of people who are still working who try to discredit the strategies of those of us who have figured out how to stop early. If they are happy with their strategies, fine. I'm not going to pass judgement on them. However, it would be nice if they acknowledged that our suggestions have at least some merit, cuz gee, we're retired . . . and ahead of schedule, to boot.
You're doing a great job. Keep your chin up and keep writing.
Who got hired, as she was told later on, because the ladies in the office liked her clothes, otherwise they were not going to hire her because she went to Meredith, not Carolina.
I knew this article wouldn't make me many friends. But it's a topic I'm particularly passionate about, and was even before I became a financial planner.
@Shawn: I'm glad that you feel secure in your finances. That's the most important part. And frankly, some people aren't very accepting of advice or third party perspective. That's okay too - they are truly DIYers and take great pride and joy in it. BTW - I'm not a financial planner any more. I'm retired at age 31, due to the financial plan I started with my own planner when I started working as a teenager.
@ScottMGS & Jessica: The big crux of the financial services industry is just that: to commission or not to commission? How about an asset based income, where the advisor is paid an annual percentage of all the money they manage (hence if their clients' money grows = more income, and if it plummets = less income)? Is that better? I'd love to get your opinion on that.....I too have had many struggles with commission-based planners that are forced to meet quotas.
It's ultimately why I stressed that the best planner for you is the person you trust. If you don't have a relationship of trust with them, you'll constantly be wondering if they have an alternate agenda. Yikes.
@Jessica: I'm sorry your career didn't work out as a financial planner. I guess I just lucked out in finding a company that cites integrity as their first and foremost creed. Maybe it's a different climate here in Canada.
@Matt: Since you didn't read the article I may as well not respond to your comment that you didn't read the article, since you probably won't read the comment on your comment, huh? :-)