For the first time, I went on a trip where I knew I would end up on an overnight layover in Raleigh. Some of these pointers could have helped! Having never tried sleeping in airports before, I wasn't certain what to expect. I ended up sitting straight up in an uncomfortable chair dozing in and out of sleep most of the night.
Griping aside, excellent post. I will admit that the lack of sleep was worth saving the money from 6-7 hours at a hotel. So I would recommend it to anyone traveling who wants to pinch the pennies. Just be a little more prepared than I was. =)
In the winter, I often cook a large pot of homemade soup or slow-cooked food on the woodstove, to save using the electric stove. The heat is there anyway, even though it is a heater stove rather than a cooking range. I use my 10" cast-iron dutch oven (with a cover) as a low-tech slow-cooker, and can control the heat level in the pan by putting an iron hibachi grate or some bricks under the pan, when the stove is hot. I can see a difference in the electric bill, and the slow-cooked food is very tasty.
Walking around in an airport with a bottle of water is not against any regulations. Taking a bottle of water through security is. Take an empty bottle and fill it up in the rest room or at a water fountain.
Most airport chapels have signs that specifically prohibit sleeping in them. Be nice to those who want to pray/meditate/whatever and don't sleep there.
Don't bed down near a door of any sort. Many of the doors house maintenance and/or cleaning supplies or double as emergency exits/entrances. Employees have no problem asking you to move. Similarly, sleeping near power outlets might be an issue if an employee needs to plug in a vacuum cleaner.
Many airline frequent flyer clubs offer day passes. While not free, these are often cheaper than hotel rooms, offer free internet access and sometimes food and beverages. It's worth it to at least look into this. It often doesn't have to be the airline that you're flying.
It is helpful to consider 1) your (or your parent's) personal financial circumstances 2) policies regarding scholarship winnings and 3) return on (time) investment. In my case (or my children's case) our family's expected contribution would likely exceed the cost of attendance (my kids will be attending public universities unless they receive 4-year full rides from a private college) so that any scholarship winnings would offset our contribution or private student loans.
Planning early enough can help you to plan your strategy for college funding and let you figure out if you will be receiving financial aid through grants or loans.
As far as ROI, the Centralis program, for example, is merit-based and requires an essay but it is written by students during a campus visit and takes one hour (the time allotted for the essay); awards vary from $2,500 to $80,000; that would seem to be worth a weekend visit but certainly not all scholarship requirements are equal.
If you are in the "scholarship minority," then I wish you luck in your search, because you will need it.
The vast majority of (non-essay) scholarships are geared towards those who are born with some sort of diverse birth background, born female, or are have grown up in poverty. This leaves a minority of students who are left with little chance for aid, at least through this route.
The essay scholarships are less likely to have absolute requirements based on how you were born, but still, the majority will still have these requirements. The ones that do not are usually very long essays.
When weighing out doing an essay, consider how long it will take you to write a 25 page research paper vs. just working for the money. 50 hours at $8/hour is $400, guaranteed, and will not be used against you for any other aid.
I sympathize with those who cannot stop coloring their hair because of their job. Whether we like it or not, there is prejudice against older workers. Seven years ago, I was comfortable enough with the place I worked, that I stopped coloring mine. Two years later I met my adorable husband. We are full-time rv'ers. My hair is browner now than back in my 40's. I am 65. I have to agree with several who said stress and diet make your hair grayer. And not only is dying your hair costly and time-consuming, but is really hard on your hair and skin. My hair is shinier and thicker now-Yeah! Good Luck to all who bite the bullet and stop dying.
Before you hustle too much for scholarships, realize that some colleges will reduce the amount of grant money they give you to compensate their endowments for your windfall
I would like to add that I am in need of a lot of dental
work also. I have 2 broken teeth. I have to get there very soon.
So, I got individual health insurance for myself and my daughter
through Anthem Blue Cross and we for a small amount of $20.00 each got HMO premiere. I am going to use this. I have had individual health HMO and PPO. PPO is great because you can go where ever.
However, I cannot afford it because it is almost $100.00 for my self and my daughter. So this one is good enough. But you should check into it. I think it always helps to have dental insurance.
S.
not able to find work in his field. It's a relief to see the same steps I followed suggested. I've never been through this before and it's daunting to look at six kids and a mortgage with no income. Hubby's field is shrinking daily, with more and more layoffs, companies going under and projects being turned away by the few successful houses left. But at least I seem to be on the right track. Thanks for the piece of your mind, and a little peace for mine, Brewer.
In calculating your minimum budget, be sure to take into account that your health insurance premiums will go up when you start COBRA.
If you don't have preexisting conditions, it might be a good time to start shopping around for high-deductible private insurance. But don't forget that you have a limited time in which to sign up for COBRA; don't miss out on that opportunity. Winding up without health insurance will *greatly* increase your economic risk.
For those who have some advanced warning of impending job loss:
Don't forget to make maximum use of benefits while you're still working. If your dental insurance covers a cleaning and exam, for instance, get one now. Get all your medical care up to date, get prescriptions refilled, etc. Of course, keep an eye on what you'll pay out of pocket in copays and uncovered charges. This isn't the time to get a fancy new pair of glasses that will cost you a lot out of pocket, but it might be the time to get the lenses in your old pair replaced, if that's covered by your vision insurance.
You don't want to be going into unemployment with a lot of "deferred maintenance" on your body... Take the very best care of yourself now.
I have slept in more airports than I care to talk about. I usually put my valuables in a bag that doubles as a pillow for my head. That way no one can walk away with my most important stuff without actually waking me up.
I find if you are tired enough, the sleeping conditions are not that important. I would rather miss a nights sleep than spend $100 for a room for 7 to 9 hours. Some (international) airports have lounges that cost as little as $25.00. Those are preferable to the in transit area.
The chapel seems to be to only quiet place in an airport. I wouldn't sleep there because I don't want to interfere with it's intended purpose, but it is a great place for quiet rest and contemplation.
Hello,
We are non-profit dealing with HIV/AIDS orphans and poor communities in Kenya. We have low-cost Volunteer/intern Program where volunteers come to East Africa to help work at local schools, orphanages and community projects. If you are interested to experience truly African life and culture from the inside, while doing valuable community service, we are looking for you. Just send us a quick note or visit our website below.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours Sincerely
Geoffrey Ndungu
Email: info@africanorphanage.org
Website: www.africanorphanage.org
With news of layoffs all over, this has definitely been on my mind.
Great advice Phillip and and excellent companion to your "firetruck" articles, which I love. Reading "Figuring the size of your emergency fund" convinced me to start one myself.
The credit crisis is a little different from personal debt. What's happened is that the big money is afraid to lend to big enterprises. I think, at some level, they are more cautious about money, and quicker to stop loaning it out. If there's even the remotest chance of losing money, they want to hoard the cash.
Regular people, on the other hand, often put themselves at risk of losing money on their so-called business investments. Paulson thought that giving money to the banks, so their risk would be offset by the free cash, would get them lending again. Clearly it hasn't. They're hoarding it until the investment climate is more favorable.
Someone forgot to inform them -- they are the investment climate, and they're causing a global freeze.
If the banks don't get into gear and start taking some risks to save the global economy... well, they don't deserve the help. Let them "chill out" and rot. I think they should give up on the banks, and lend the money to other sectors of the economy that will actually use it. That's the whole point anyway - to re-prime the pump of commerce.
A few months ago American Express lowered mine after I tried to get a cash advance. Since then so has Chase Master Card and one of my Visa cards. This has hurt my numbers and I am about to shread all my bills and see if they enjoy another "default."
I enjoyed your post Nora. I think this is a helpful article in that it helps people first recognize what may be contributing to their arguments. I have noticed that many of my clients fight over money but haven't really discovered the underlying causes which I think Nora does a good job of addressing.
it truly amazing how much money you can rip out of your spending routines.. it's also truly amazing how emotional this whole process is.. I know it wasn't me, but sh*t, it still is a blow to the ego, all-in-all.. we're going down to 1 car in 2 days (letting the insurance laps on the larger vehicle and just sticking with the econobox).. the kids music lessons are no more until it gets better again..
the wife isn't just working 2 days a week to keep herself 'occupied', she's taken on another part time job (crap wages, but it's only for money for right now).. I have employment insurance for 10 months, but it's effectively less than 40% what I used to CLEAR every month.. it doesn't even cover the mortgage payment.. I took the little severance I received, along with the last pay periods and shoved it in another account, to create a nest of sorts; it will slowly erode, but at least provides a backup to pay the minimums right now, until things improve..
this has been a time of forced introspection and I keep thinking I should be starting something on my own (to be less dependent on 'the man' in the future), but I just can't seem to come up with what it is I should do..
anyways, the article is pertinent, that's for sure, and appreciated.
Mexico is the worst when it comes to corruption. Just last week a top federal security chief has been arrested due to accept from drug cartels 450,000 dollars monthly to let them work. Here when drug cartels gonna get kill a person, usually cops run away from the place, 'cause they know what's gonna happen beforehand. People get killed everyday, and no person is arrested, and won't be, cause 90% of police is related in one way or another to organized crime. Tht's why this country never ever will grow as a first world country. cause mexican people (included myself) never will be completly honest to accept the truth of this country. Sorry for the far cry, but sometimes it angers me to the point of getaway family included to another country. Cannot be worst in USA or Canada or another first world country. Americans should be proud of their country, even when sometimes some kind of corruption is known thru the news, is minimal compared to other countries like ours.
I just did an article about this on my blog. I feel the same way. Consumers do not need more credit...I think that is why our country is in the mess it is in. I wish they would put money into a program to help educate the consumer instead of destroy the consumer with more debt!
Amy, from what I've heard, the circumstances preceding closing CC accounts vary widely.
In the case of mine, it was issued by WAMU about a year and a half ago with a several-month 0% purchase teaser rate, and I used it for exactly one (big) purchase right when I got the card, which I paid off well before the rate went up. It was closed by WAMU within the last two weeks.
For the first time, I went on a trip where I knew I would end up on an overnight layover in Raleigh. Some of these pointers could have helped! Having never tried sleeping in airports before, I wasn't certain what to expect. I ended up sitting straight up in an uncomfortable chair dozing in and out of sleep most of the night.
Griping aside, excellent post. I will admit that the lack of sleep was worth saving the money from 6-7 hours at a hotel. So I would recommend it to anyone traveling who wants to pinch the pennies. Just be a little more prepared than I was. =)
In the winter, I often cook a large pot of homemade soup or slow-cooked food on the woodstove, to save using the electric stove. The heat is there anyway, even though it is a heater stove rather than a cooking range. I use my 10" cast-iron dutch oven (with a cover) as a low-tech slow-cooker, and can control the heat level in the pan by putting an iron hibachi grate or some bricks under the pan, when the stove is hot. I can see a difference in the electric bill, and the slow-cooked food is very tasty.
Couple of things:
Walking around in an airport with a bottle of water is not against any regulations. Taking a bottle of water through security is. Take an empty bottle and fill it up in the rest room or at a water fountain.
Most airport chapels have signs that specifically prohibit sleeping in them. Be nice to those who want to pray/meditate/whatever and don't sleep there.
Don't bed down near a door of any sort. Many of the doors house maintenance and/or cleaning supplies or double as emergency exits/entrances. Employees have no problem asking you to move. Similarly, sleeping near power outlets might be an issue if an employee needs to plug in a vacuum cleaner.
Many airline frequent flyer clubs offer day passes. While not free, these are often cheaper than hotel rooms, offer free internet access and sometimes food and beverages. It's worth it to at least look into this. It often doesn't have to be the airline that you're flying.
It is helpful to consider 1) your (or your parent's) personal financial circumstances 2) policies regarding scholarship winnings and 3) return on (time) investment. In my case (or my children's case) our family's expected contribution would likely exceed the cost of attendance (my kids will be attending public universities unless they receive 4-year full rides from a private college) so that any scholarship winnings would offset our contribution or private student loans.
Planning early enough can help you to plan your strategy for college funding and let you figure out if you will be receiving financial aid through grants or loans.
As far as ROI, the Centralis program, for example, is merit-based and requires an essay but it is written by students during a campus visit and takes one hour (the time allotted for the essay); awards vary from $2,500 to $80,000; that would seem to be worth a weekend visit but certainly not all scholarship requirements are equal.
If you are in the "scholarship minority," then I wish you luck in your search, because you will need it.
The vast majority of (non-essay) scholarships are geared towards those who are born with some sort of diverse birth background, born female, or are have grown up in poverty. This leaves a minority of students who are left with little chance for aid, at least through this route.
The essay scholarships are less likely to have absolute requirements based on how you were born, but still, the majority will still have these requirements. The ones that do not are usually very long essays.
When weighing out doing an essay, consider how long it will take you to write a 25 page research paper vs. just working for the money. 50 hours at $8/hour is $400, guaranteed, and will not be used against you for any other aid.
"I bought my house for $535k "
If you wanted a future for your children, maybe spending half a million dollars on a place to live wasn't the best of moves.
I sympathize with those who cannot stop coloring their hair because of their job. Whether we like it or not, there is prejudice against older workers. Seven years ago, I was comfortable enough with the place I worked, that I stopped coloring mine. Two years later I met my adorable husband. We are full-time rv'ers. My hair is browner now than back in my 40's. I am 65. I have to agree with several who said stress and diet make your hair grayer. And not only is dying your hair costly and time-consuming, but is really hard on your hair and skin. My hair is shinier and thicker now-Yeah! Good Luck to all who bite the bullet and stop dying.
Before you hustle too much for scholarships, realize that some colleges will reduce the amount of grant money they give you to compensate their endowments for your windfall
I would like to add that I am in need of a lot of dental
work also. I have 2 broken teeth. I have to get there very soon.
So, I got individual health insurance for myself and my daughter
through Anthem Blue Cross and we for a small amount of $20.00 each got HMO premiere. I am going to use this. I have had individual health HMO and PPO. PPO is great because you can go where ever.
However, I cannot afford it because it is almost $100.00 for my self and my daughter. So this one is good enough. But you should check into it. I think it always helps to have dental insurance.
S.
not able to find work in his field. It's a relief to see the same steps I followed suggested. I've never been through this before and it's daunting to look at six kids and a mortgage with no income. Hubby's field is shrinking daily, with more and more layoffs, companies going under and projects being turned away by the few successful houses left. But at least I seem to be on the right track. Thanks for the piece of your mind, and a little peace for mine, Brewer.
In calculating your minimum budget, be sure to take into account that your health insurance premiums will go up when you start COBRA.
If you don't have preexisting conditions, it might be a good time to start shopping around for high-deductible private insurance. But don't forget that you have a limited time in which to sign up for COBRA; don't miss out on that opportunity. Winding up without health insurance will *greatly* increase your economic risk.
For those who have some advanced warning of impending job loss:
Don't forget to make maximum use of benefits while you're still working. If your dental insurance covers a cleaning and exam, for instance, get one now. Get all your medical care up to date, get prescriptions refilled, etc. Of course, keep an eye on what you'll pay out of pocket in copays and uncovered charges. This isn't the time to get a fancy new pair of glasses that will cost you a lot out of pocket, but it might be the time to get the lenses in your old pair replaced, if that's covered by your vision insurance.
You don't want to be going into unemployment with a lot of "deferred maintenance" on your body... Take the very best care of yourself now.
I have slept in more airports than I care to talk about. I usually put my valuables in a bag that doubles as a pillow for my head. That way no one can walk away with my most important stuff without actually waking me up.
I find if you are tired enough, the sleeping conditions are not that important. I would rather miss a nights sleep than spend $100 for a room for 7 to 9 hours. Some (international) airports have lounges that cost as little as $25.00. Those are preferable to the in transit area.
The chapel seems to be to only quiet place in an airport. I wouldn't sleep there because I don't want to interfere with it's intended purpose, but it is a great place for quiet rest and contemplation.
I may be totally out of touch with the American way of life but why do you need credit?
I keep reading "so and so can't get credit" or "I haven't personally had any trouble getting credit."
Other than paying for plane tickets online (website doesn't allow me to just pay other way) I have no use for my credit card.
So, lets assume you are not flying anywhere or that you just go and buy the tickets at the counter. Why do you really need credit for?
Hello,
We are non-profit dealing with HIV/AIDS orphans and poor communities in Kenya. We have low-cost Volunteer/intern Program where volunteers come to East Africa to help work at local schools, orphanages and community projects. If you are interested to experience truly African life and culture from the inside, while doing valuable community service, we are looking for you. Just send us a quick note or visit our website below.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours Sincerely
Geoffrey Ndungu
Email: info@africanorphanage.org
Website: www.africanorphanage.org
With news of layoffs all over, this has definitely been on my mind.
Great advice Phillip and and excellent companion to your "firetruck" articles, which I love. Reading "Figuring the size of your emergency fund" convinced me to start one myself.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
The credit crisis is a little different from personal debt. What's happened is that the big money is afraid to lend to big enterprises. I think, at some level, they are more cautious about money, and quicker to stop loaning it out. If there's even the remotest chance of losing money, they want to hoard the cash.
Regular people, on the other hand, often put themselves at risk of losing money on their so-called business investments. Paulson thought that giving money to the banks, so their risk would be offset by the free cash, would get them lending again. Clearly it hasn't. They're hoarding it until the investment climate is more favorable.
Someone forgot to inform them -- they are the investment climate, and they're causing a global freeze.
If the banks don't get into gear and start taking some risks to save the global economy... well, they don't deserve the help. Let them "chill out" and rot. I think they should give up on the banks, and lend the money to other sectors of the economy that will actually use it. That's the whole point anyway - to re-prime the pump of commerce.
A few months ago American Express lowered mine after I tried to get a cash advance. Since then so has Chase Master Card and one of my Visa cards. This has hurt my numbers and I am about to shread all my bills and see if they enjoy another "default."
I enjoyed your post Nora. I think this is a helpful article in that it helps people first recognize what may be contributing to their arguments. I have noticed that many of my clients fight over money but haven't really discovered the underlying causes which I think Nora does a good job of addressing.
it truly amazing how much money you can rip out of your spending routines.. it's also truly amazing how emotional this whole process is.. I know it wasn't me, but sh*t, it still is a blow to the ego, all-in-all.. we're going down to 1 car in 2 days (letting the insurance laps on the larger vehicle and just sticking with the econobox).. the kids music lessons are no more until it gets better again..
the wife isn't just working 2 days a week to keep herself 'occupied', she's taken on another part time job (crap wages, but it's only for money for right now).. I have employment insurance for 10 months, but it's effectively less than 40% what I used to CLEAR every month.. it doesn't even cover the mortgage payment.. I took the little severance I received, along with the last pay periods and shoved it in another account, to create a nest of sorts; it will slowly erode, but at least provides a backup to pay the minimums right now, until things improve..
this has been a time of forced introspection and I keep thinking I should be starting something on my own (to be less dependent on 'the man' in the future), but I just can't seem to come up with what it is I should do..
anyways, the article is pertinent, that's for sure, and appreciated.
cheers :-)
Losing a job is definitely tough. I went through it two years ago. Got to have a good head to get through it in one piece.
Mexico is the worst when it comes to corruption. Just last week a top federal security chief has been arrested due to accept from drug cartels 450,000 dollars monthly to let them work. Here when drug cartels gonna get kill a person, usually cops run away from the place, 'cause they know what's gonna happen beforehand. People get killed everyday, and no person is arrested, and won't be, cause 90% of police is related in one way or another to organized crime. Tht's why this country never ever will grow as a first world country. cause mexican people (included myself) never will be completly honest to accept the truth of this country. Sorry for the far cry, but sometimes it angers me to the point of getaway family included to another country. Cannot be worst in USA or Canada or another first world country. Americans should be proud of their country, even when sometimes some kind of corruption is known thru the news, is minimal compared to other countries like ours.
I just did an article about this on my blog. I feel the same way. Consumers do not need more credit...I think that is why our country is in the mess it is in. I wish they would put money into a program to help educate the consumer instead of destroy the consumer with more debt!
Amy, from what I've heard, the circumstances preceding closing CC accounts vary widely.
In the case of mine, it was issued by WAMU about a year and a half ago with a several-month 0% purchase teaser rate, and I used it for exactly one (big) purchase right when I got the card, which I paid off well before the rate went up. It was closed by WAMU within the last two weeks.
Hope this helps.