I work for OfficeMax and this is not a common occurance. Most customers don't take advantage of retailers as you have above. And that associate probably lost there job for doing it also. Our stores are consistly busy and our stock may have dropped but if you look at it on a regular basis you will see that we are on the trend to advance. But I will be on the look out for people who take advantage of retail stores. I know I would have never done it because I love my job at OfficeMax and they treat the employee with respect unlike some of the advatage taking customers.
One farmer grows without any chemicals and sells everything he grows for a dollar a pound. These farmers are within a 30 mile radius and the food is usually picked that morning or the evening before; however, the limited hours completely conflict with my schedule. I sometimes skip one of my Saturdays morning workout classes to stock up, but usually I shop at a slightly pricier local market at the end of my street. It's family owned and buys in smaller quantities still from within the state. They also sell raw milk , legal in this state, and keep their coolers really cold so my milk keeps until I finish the whole gallon.
Last year we lived in Morgantown, WV and the farmers market was about 40% higher than the SC farmers market. I still shopped there because or the high quality and freshness. The prices only slightly higher than WV groceries but again the quality and freshness far surpassed the grocery.
Wow. Thank God your Dad missed that experience. Googling the email addresses sounds like a great tip. I'm definitely going to try that for new situations, as you suggested.
A friend of mine got a great car for a great deal on Ebay, but apparently, things could have easily gone the other way.
I live here in Vegas, NV and the water is plain nasty and full of crap. Yes the water is clean at plant, but by the time is piped accross town, the water is brown and full of chemicials. I agree we need to do something to help the earth, but doing so right now is a serious risk. I will be drinking bottled water for life. Filter are just as bad a plastic they mak e Millions just like everyone else does.
I like to buy to last as well. My best purchase in that category was the winter coat I bought surplus when the work on the Alaska oil pipeline was winding down. I got it in 1978 and I still wear it when it gets cold enough. Most winters I only wear it only a couple of days, because it's really only useful when it gets down to single digits, but I wore it daily for a couple of weeks when it was so cold this past winter.
Some things don't seem to be made that way any more. Can anybody recommend a toaster oven that won't wear out in a few years?
Your point about living in poverty as being expensive is well taken.
I'm not sure if this qualifies in living simply and frugally, but I only buy things that I think will last me a long time. I hate to throw stuff away, and I learned a long time ago that buying inexpensively made things turns out costlier in the long run.
I don't mind paying a little more but I expect to wear my jeans for years. I just buffed and oiled some winter boots that I bought in 1998. I research cars with good maintenance reputations because I believe they should well outlast their loan payments on little more than scheduled maintenance.
When you're living hand to mouth, you can't really invest in quality and I think it's almost a penalty.
I love my CSA package that I get every other week from a local farm, bewise ranch in San Diego. I think its probably cheaper than the supermarket and the heirloom toms started this week. mmmmm
salam...peace
the information and tips in living simple is amazing. i am still single but one time i have no money left ...it is sooo scary. strange that i cannot even support myself...
My family always bought from roadside stands. I don't so much these days because I tend to bicycle a lot and don't pass as many, but they're often incredibly cheap at the peak of the season.
Roadside stands or people with gardens and a house near the street seem to be making a comeback or perhaps I am noticing them more in an effort to eat local but not drive 1/2 hour to the farmer's market. Officially, I live in the city but the areas surrounding it have a strong rural influence and many people have gardens. You have to be careful about their prices also; some people are resellers but many people are just trying to sell from their abundance and will offer good deals.
I guess I ended up covering more than one topic (pursuing interests, finding time to pursue interests, finding frugal but fun and enriching options, sometimes spending more on one interest because you have been frugal on another) and the water aerobics is a great example. Such a class is offered at the Y I belong to (at some expense to participants I would imagine) but my mom is able to take water aerobics at a community center with a pool. Geography may influence our options but it is interesting what we can find if we start looking for free offerings.
Our community has some garden space available for apartment dwellers. It's even close enough to walk from our apartment. But there's no place to store tools there, and it's really farther than we want to walk carrying an armload of hoes and rakes and spades and such. When we had to drive to get there, we ended up finding it neither so gentle on the planet nor a whole lot of fun. We only did it one year.
Nice post. I've touched on this a tad in another piece I'm working on, but certainly not as in depth as you just have.
We are trying our hand at a small raised bed behind the cottage. It is tough growing anything in an apartment, I hear you. The only thing I was ever able to manage in that situation was herbs and maybe some hot peppers.
I agree, it is hard to carve out time for your own interests when so much of family life demands what feels like every freaking second of our time. I used to sew . . . haven't had as much time for that the last few years. Before we left Arizona, there was a free water aerobics class on base that was a blast, had fun people in it, and got off at least 40 pounds I'd been carrying around for a while. Alas, they don't have that here in the sticks. For the non frozen solid months, I'm considering carving out funds for a kayak, since the water is like 12 feet from my door. We have been taking walks by the lake with the dogs which costs nothing and hope to actually take out the pedal boat this afternoon.
Fortunately, I like to cook, so that has helped me enjoy myself while carving out extra funds for family financial goals. But somedays, it doesn't feel like I'm doing it for me, so I lay off and go with grilled cheese or something that day. Not sure if this is the kind of input you were looking for . . .
Instead of driving less, consider not having a car.
This might be difficult depending on where you live, but you might be able to do it. If you have kids that might be impossible though.
#3 is extreme for me. It's not the same experience.
I hear you, Jessica. My husband always kept a stash of non-perishables in his desk for the same reason.
The movie club thing is really fun. Cable series viewings from DVD's are great because you can watch one episode each day. Books are cool, too. Especially if you have a place to go that's relaxing.
Have been an eBay worker bee (in the Account Security Department), I strongly recommend getting the PayPal Security Key. This key will work for all of the companies in the eBay Empire.
The Key has a price of $5, but it is very much worth it, when you look at all of the ways these people can get at you through the eBay family of companies. If they have your password, that's great, but they won't be able to do anything with it, for they don't have the Key. This can keep your eBay account, and more importantly your PayPal account safe from these third parties.
In regard to passwords, the same rules apply: never have the same password for more than one site on the Internet. If you ARE going to use the same passwords, make sure that eBay, PayPal, your email, and your online banking ones are different, and eBay recommends you change your password every 30-60 days. Personally, since I've had the Key, I've not changed my password as often, as I feel a little more secure.
I would also recommend NEVER clicking on any link in any email, even from eBay (better to be safe than sorry). If eBay or a seller/bidder has something they want to send to you, make sure you open a new browser, log into your eBay account, and check your My Messages Center.
Many times what will happen is you will click their link, sign into your account, and then see information there you are not comfortable giving, nor would eBay never ask for. People see this, close the screen and think "Phew! I got away from that one!" But now they have your User ID and your password.
The last thing I would recommend is using Live Help any time you have a question. You can get real-time help from people on anything from "How do I list something in the fixed price format?" To "Someone's taken over my account, and they're selling computers!" The link for Live Help is found in the top right hand corner of the US page, under the "Java Technology" and "Powered by Sun" logos.
I hope some of that helps, and again, really look into that PayPal Security Key. I have heard tales of it saving people from financial ruin.
I work for OfficeMax and this is not a common occurance. Most customers don't take advantage of retailers as you have above. And that associate probably lost there job for doing it also. Our stores are consistly busy and our stock may have dropped but if you look at it on a regular basis you will see that we are on the trend to advance. But I will be on the look out for people who take advantage of retail stores. I know I would have never done it because I love my job at OfficeMax and they treat the employee with respect unlike some of the advatage taking customers.
One farmer grows without any chemicals and sells everything he grows for a dollar a pound. These farmers are within a 30 mile radius and the food is usually picked that morning or the evening before; however, the limited hours completely conflict with my schedule. I sometimes skip one of my Saturdays morning workout classes to stock up, but usually I shop at a slightly pricier local market at the end of my street. It's family owned and buys in smaller quantities still from within the state. They also sell raw milk , legal in this state, and keep their coolers really cold so my milk keeps until I finish the whole gallon.
Last year we lived in Morgantown, WV and the farmers market was about 40% higher than the SC farmers market. I still shopped there because or the high quality and freshness. The prices only slightly higher than WV groceries but again the quality and freshness far surpassed the grocery.
Wow. Thank God your Dad missed that experience. Googling the email addresses sounds like a great tip. I'm definitely going to try that for new situations, as you suggested.
A friend of mine got a great car for a great deal on Ebay, but apparently, things could have easily gone the other way.
I live here in Vegas, NV and the water is plain nasty and full of crap. Yes the water is clean at plant, but by the time is piped accross town, the water is brown and full of chemicials. I agree we need to do something to help the earth, but doing so right now is a serious risk. I will be drinking bottled water for life. Filter are just as bad a plastic they mak e Millions just like everyone else does.
I like to buy to last as well. My best purchase in that category was the winter coat I bought surplus when the work on the Alaska oil pipeline was winding down. I got it in 1978 and I still wear it when it gets cold enough. Most winters I only wear it only a couple of days, because it's really only useful when it gets down to single digits, but I wore it daily for a couple of weeks when it was so cold this past winter.
Some things don't seem to be made that way any more. Can anybody recommend a toaster oven that won't wear out in a few years?
Your point about living in poverty as being expensive is well taken.
I'm not sure if this qualifies in living simply and frugally, but I only buy things that I think will last me a long time. I hate to throw stuff away, and I learned a long time ago that buying inexpensively made things turns out costlier in the long run.
I don't mind paying a little more but I expect to wear my jeans for years. I just buffed and oiled some winter boots that I bought in 1998. I research cars with good maintenance reputations because I believe they should well outlast their loan payments on little more than scheduled maintenance.
When you're living hand to mouth, you can't really invest in quality and I think it's almost a penalty.
I'm sure it varies a lot from community to community, and its suitability varies from family to family, but where there's a match it's a great choice.
I love my CSA package that I get every other week from a local farm, bewise ranch in San Diego. I think its probably cheaper than the supermarket and the heirloom toms started this week. mmmmm
salam...peace
the information and tips in living simple is amazing. i am still single but one time i have no money left ...it is sooo scary. strange that i cannot even support myself...
My family always bought from roadside stands. I don't so much these days because I tend to bicycle a lot and don't pass as many, but they're often incredibly cheap at the peak of the season.
Roadside stands or people with gardens and a house near the street seem to be making a comeback or perhaps I am noticing them more in an effort to eat local but not drive 1/2 hour to the farmer's market. Officially, I live in the city but the areas surrounding it have a strong rural influence and many people have gardens. You have to be careful about their prices also; some people are resellers but many people are just trying to sell from their abundance and will offer good deals.
I guess I ended up covering more than one topic (pursuing interests, finding time to pursue interests, finding frugal but fun and enriching options, sometimes spending more on one interest because you have been frugal on another) and the water aerobics is a great example. Such a class is offered at the Y I belong to (at some expense to participants I would imagine) but my mom is able to take water aerobics at a community center with a pool. Geography may influence our options but it is interesting what we can find if we start looking for free offerings.
Our community has some garden space available for apartment dwellers. It's even close enough to walk from our apartment. But there's no place to store tools there, and it's really farther than we want to walk carrying an armload of hoes and rakes and spades and such. When we had to drive to get there, we ended up finding it neither so gentle on the planet nor a whole lot of fun. We only did it one year.
Good luck with your garden!
Nice post. I've touched on this a tad in another piece I'm working on, but certainly not as in depth as you just have.
We are trying our hand at a small raised bed behind the cottage. It is tough growing anything in an apartment, I hear you. The only thing I was ever able to manage in that situation was herbs and maybe some hot peppers.
Good job.
Good one, Julie.
I agree, it is hard to carve out time for your own interests when so much of family life demands what feels like every freaking second of our time. I used to sew . . . haven't had as much time for that the last few years. Before we left Arizona, there was a free water aerobics class on base that was a blast, had fun people in it, and got off at least 40 pounds I'd been carrying around for a while. Alas, they don't have that here in the sticks. For the non frozen solid months, I'm considering carving out funds for a kayak, since the water is like 12 feet from my door. We have been taking walks by the lake with the dogs which costs nothing and hope to actually take out the pedal boat this afternoon.
Fortunately, I like to cook, so that has helped me enjoy myself while carving out extra funds for family financial goals. But somedays, it doesn't feel like I'm doing it for me, so I lay off and go with grilled cheese or something that day. Not sure if this is the kind of input you were looking for . . .
Thanks for the tips! That's a great analysis. I was wondering about the Paypal security key, having seen a post at The Nekkid Truth.
Instead of driving less, consider not having a car.
This might be difficult depending on where you live, but you might be able to do it. If you have kids that might be impossible though.
#3 is extreme for me. It's not the same experience.
Wow. Too bad my quicktime is malfunctioning. . . this sounds really neat.
I hear you, Jessica. My husband always kept a stash of non-perishables in his desk for the same reason.
The movie club thing is really fun. Cable series viewings from DVD's are great because you can watch one episode each day. Books are cool, too. Especially if you have a place to go that's relaxing.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Great idea. You just reminded me of a great fun curry topping bar recipe my old neighbor in Arizona makes. I'll have to call and get it.
Have been an eBay worker bee (in the Account Security Department), I strongly recommend getting the PayPal Security Key. This key will work for all of the companies in the eBay Empire.
It can be found at:
https://www.paypal.com/securitykey
The Key has a price of $5, but it is very much worth it, when you look at all of the ways these people can get at you through the eBay family of companies. If they have your password, that's great, but they won't be able to do anything with it, for they don't have the Key. This can keep your eBay account, and more importantly your PayPal account safe from these third parties.
In regard to passwords, the same rules apply: never have the same password for more than one site on the Internet. If you ARE going to use the same passwords, make sure that eBay, PayPal, your email, and your online banking ones are different, and eBay recommends you change your password every 30-60 days. Personally, since I've had the Key, I've not changed my password as often, as I feel a little more secure.
I would also recommend NEVER clicking on any link in any email, even from eBay (better to be safe than sorry). If eBay or a seller/bidder has something they want to send to you, make sure you open a new browser, log into your eBay account, and check your My Messages Center.
Many times what will happen is you will click their link, sign into your account, and then see information there you are not comfortable giving, nor would eBay never ask for. People see this, close the screen and think "Phew! I got away from that one!" But now they have your User ID and your password.
The last thing I would recommend is using Live Help any time you have a question. You can get real-time help from people on anything from "How do I list something in the fixed price format?" To "Someone's taken over my account, and they're selling computers!" The link for Live Help is found in the top right hand corner of the US page, under the "Java Technology" and "Powered by Sun" logos.
I hope some of that helps, and again, really look into that PayPal Security Key. I have heard tales of it saving people from financial ruin.
I keep a few things stashed at my desk just in case I forget my lunch-tuna fish, some soup.
One thing that gives me great pleasure is to read over lunch. I wish I had a movie club!
is a nice idea. Alas, it's been done .
I'm seeing a small market here for creating a long cord that plugs into your cigarette lighter and has LEDs at the end...
Office Max's stock (OMX) hit its 52-week low on July 11. Desperate times call for desperate measures, I suppose.