I've been driving Volkswagens (and, infrequently, replacing their bulbs myself) for about 15 years. Yeah, replacing the headlamp bulb on my '03 Jetta is a tight fit, but no more physiologically difficult than adding a video card to a computer.
Two points I haven't yet seen in the comments:
First, almost any part you'll need on a late-model car can be purchased elsewhere -- usually for substantially less than at the dealership. Often, it's exactly the same part. And when more than one manufacturer makes the bulb or wiper blade or whatever, parts can be even less expensive.
Second, buying any car involves weighing priorities. For me, safety and driving enjoyment hold more value than the cost of parts or pushing TCO down to the lowest possible level. I can tell the difference between how a Passat and an Accord drive. I know my Jetta came with standard safety equipment for which Toyota would charge me. Certainly people should honor their own priorities in buying a car. But I don't believe there is universal agreement on the idea that the "best" cars are the ones which are cheapest to operate.
Thanks for all those meatless ideas! I'm going to have to try those eggplant rounds Myscha was suggesting, too.
One of our favorite go-to vegetarian recipes is the humble rice and beans. Cook brown rice with some chopped onions and celery, a little garlic, and a bit of olive oil. In a separate pot, cook black beans with cumin and hot sauce. Top rice with beans, add a dollop of sour cream. No deprivation there!
For those who wish for more government involvement, for larger government with more regulatory power - this is what you end up with.
The storm is just starting - today, Tues., Lehman Bros. is wobbling, it will probably go out of business or be folded into another investment bank. Wamu, Washington Mutual is next. With the failure of Wamu, the FDIC will effectively be bankrupt. The FDIC will have to to the government for a handout. The big 3 automakers are lined up at the begging bowl asking for 50 billion.
Small and large banks having purchased fannie/freddie perferred stock for income, will no longer have that income.
I know Fannie/Freddie's bailout was necessary, but it's wrong nonetheless. We have effectively burdened our children and our grandchildren with our debt.
There are, of course, a lot of trade-offs involved. Each person can contribute to the work, but also (of course) needs to eat, needs a place to sleep, and so on. Certain other things (such as health insurance) also get complicated once you go beyond two adults.
for other sites to "borrow" from Wisebread. It goes with the territory I'm afraid. It took me days to compile this list, using books, the net and conversations with friends and relatives. Remember, you saw it here first.
I'm a huge fan of the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo. It's been one of my favorite comfort meals since childhood.
Another fun way I've done eggplant parm a time or two (although most of the time, I do it exactly the way you mentioned) is to do it in round slices and use it in a great sandwich roll with sauce and cheese. Sort of an eggplant parm burger.
Portabellas also have a really meaty flavor, but they can be pricier than the eggplant version, which is opposite of the point you were trying to make with the article, I think.
Cool post. We can all use fresh suggestions for frugality with the economy the way it is. Thanks, Linsey!
There are several postings of this list in other places. Looking at the dates, though, it appears that this is the original. Only one of the other sites that I saw gave credit to wisebread.
I also can't believe how much people want to 'play the martyr' and diss Catherine for writing the article. Why is 'I can get by on $15.000 and not complain' a noble thing? I am sure Catherine as well as many of us have busted our behinds to get the six figure salary range only to see inflation erode our gains. Is it bad to talk about this? Maybe the people who think it is haven't really been trying that hard is all that I can think...
Heck, just to get in the spirit of things, lets all take paycuts and give it 'back to the man'. After all, a good employee just takes a bad salary and is happy about it....
You mentioned Alki Beach. I just wanted to add, make sure you go to the other side of Alki, and visit the tidepools. I'm 35 and still enjoy see all the little crabs and sea cucumbers up close. And while you're there, stop in and see the the Log House Musuem, just a a block or so from the beach.
Philip nice work mate!1 I see a lot of people actually don't read before they write, but otherwise there has been a great response from the majority of your readers. Can anyone put me onto a real big launderer? i would love to do a private interview.
PS I am from South Africa so someone around here would be great!!
I had a 2002 Passat (brand new--bought in 2001)for three years before we sold it. I LOVED, LOVED that car. It was beautiful and handled like a dream (love that German engineering). However, as we approached 60,000 miles (yes, we drove a LOT), I realized that it was going to be too costly to keep once it came out from under warranty if we ever needed to fix it. What were my two big indicators? Two items that, thanks to insurance, I didn't have to pay for--
A STANDARD windshield shattered thanks to a rock-induced chip and heavily fluctuating temperatures. The price of the windshield ALONE (no labor)--$1200. That's no tint, no rain sensors, just a windshield.
The other items...a bumper and the molding just above the bumper that were heavily damaged when I was rear-ended in the Wendy's drive-thru (yeah...I know, laugh if you want). $800+ with no labor. Sheesh.
Granted those were not warrnaty issues, but if a windshield cost $1200, what would an ENGINE part cost? Plus, the nearest dealership was 60 miles away and many local places didn't work on VW engines.
I loved that car, but I can feel your pain. It was hard to part with.
I think it's strange that commentators keep saying that taxpayers are going to pick up the bill for this takeover. The truth is that no one dares to raise taxes in the current political climate. Any suggestion of a tax increase generates cries of "Tax and spend liberal!" from the Republicans, and then the Democrats fall all over themselves to assure voters that they plan to cut taxes, not raise them.
In the end, the federal government will pay off the loan guarantees it has assumed by issuing more debt. Then it will pay that debt (and the related interest) by issuing still more debt. When will people realize that even the U S government can't keep this pyramid scheme going forever?
The good news is that your average mortgage loan is now as secure as a U S Treaury bond.
The bad news is that a U S Treasury bond is now as secure as your average mortgage loan.
DRLs are designed for safety and should not be disabled. If they didn't work then they wouldn't be on almost every car/motorcycle. Some bulbs use a third filament for DRLs. Other run lower voltage through the bulb on the high-beam filament which has very minimal effect on the life of the bulb.
When replacing bulbs it is always best to replace both at the same time. Often when one bulb blows the power surge will cause damage to the other bulb and it will fail soon after. You will keep replacing alternate bulbs over and over. Bulbs are most often sold in pairs as well. I have seen this happen and I have seen this not be the case as well. I say its better to be safe then sorry. (please note that this is not gospel, your mileage may vary)
Certainly, Sandy - a slip showing is NOT uncouth. A little piece of lace showing at a skirt hem or through a skirt slit is so provocative..... and charming !
I live in England and pay £11 a month for water just for myself, not to mention cost of electricity. I heat a little water in the kettle and put a pint or so in a plastic measuring jug. Measure in a small amount (I use a teaspoon for shoulder-length hair) of shampoo, stir with the hand to mix and bend over the bath where a plastic washing up bowl is waiting. Wet the ends of long hair in the jug, then pour over the hair. Repour from the washing up bowl. Wash hair and scalp in the usual way. Squeeze out as much shampoo as possible, then rinse under the shower, which in my case can be hand-held. Follow the same procedure for conditioner; before rinsing I soap myself from a bottle of diluted shower cream, then rinse hair and body thoroughly. I have the plug in the bath, so that I can retrieve the water for flushing the toilet. Less water is used because the toiletries have been diluted. I find this is better for my sensitive skin, as well as saving money. By the way, if not washing hair, I wear a showercap and make myself get under the shower while it is still cold. This definitely speeds up the shower!
I've been driving Volkswagens (and, infrequently, replacing their bulbs myself) for about 15 years. Yeah, replacing the headlamp bulb on my '03 Jetta is a tight fit, but no more physiologically difficult than adding a video card to a computer.
Two points I haven't yet seen in the comments:
First, almost any part you'll need on a late-model car can be purchased elsewhere -- usually for substantially less than at the dealership. Often, it's exactly the same part. And when more than one manufacturer makes the bulb or wiper blade or whatever, parts can be even less expensive.
Second, buying any car involves weighing priorities. For me, safety and driving enjoyment hold more value than the cost of parts or pushing TCO down to the lowest possible level. I can tell the difference between how a Passat and an Accord drive. I know my Jetta came with standard safety equipment for which Toyota would charge me. Certainly people should honor their own priorities in buying a car. But I don't believe there is universal agreement on the idea that the "best" cars are the ones which are cheapest to operate.
Thanks for all those meatless ideas! I'm going to have to try those eggplant rounds Myscha was suggesting, too.
One of our favorite go-to vegetarian recipes is the humble rice and beans. Cook brown rice with some chopped onions and celery, a little garlic, and a bit of olive oil. In a separate pot, cook black beans with cumin and hot sauce. Top rice with beans, add a dollop of sour cream. No deprivation there!
For those who wish for more government involvement, for larger government with more regulatory power - this is what you end up with.
The storm is just starting - today, Tues., Lehman Bros. is wobbling, it will probably go out of business or be folded into another investment bank. Wamu, Washington Mutual is next. With the failure of Wamu, the FDIC will effectively be bankrupt. The FDIC will have to to the government for a handout. The big 3 automakers are lined up at the begging bowl asking for 50 billion.
Small and large banks having purchased fannie/freddie perferred stock for income, will no longer have that income.
I know Fannie/Freddie's bailout was necessary, but it's wrong nonetheless. We have effectively burdened our children and our grandchildren with our debt.
All I have to say, you haven't seen anything yet.
I actually wrote a post on exactly that topic: Strategies for households with more than one adult.
There are, of course, a lot of trade-offs involved. Each person can contribute to the work, but also (of course) needs to eat, needs a place to sleep, and so on. Certain other things (such as health insurance) also get complicated once you go beyond two adults.
A good, family-friendly site for saving money, getting online discounts is http://discountfamilyshopping.com
for other sites to "borrow" from Wisebread. It goes with the territory I'm afraid. It took me days to compile this list, using books, the net and conversations with friends and relatives. Remember, you saw it here first.
Well I Tweaked my antenna by adding a 3rd tier and now im getting 48 channels.
a few channels, regardless. (Although I'd love to hear about your coat hanger contraption (email me via tips@wisebread.com, if you want to share!)
Linsey
I have to try that Parm burger idea before the last of my eggplants this year. I think that sounds delish!
I'm a huge fan of the tomato soup and grilled cheese combo. It's been one of my favorite comfort meals since childhood.
Another fun way I've done eggplant parm a time or two (although most of the time, I do it exactly the way you mentioned) is to do it in round slices and use it in a great sandwich roll with sauce and cheese. Sort of an eggplant parm burger.
Portabellas also have a really meaty flavor, but they can be pricier than the eggplant version, which is opposite of the point you were trying to make with the article, I think.
Cool post. We can all use fresh suggestions for frugality with the economy the way it is. Thanks, Linsey!
#17 and #19 are not the same person. I posted #19, but forgot to change "Guest."
There are several postings of this list in other places. Looking at the dates, though, it appears that this is the original. Only one of the other sites that I saw gave credit to wisebread.
Great article Catherine!
I can't believe how many people missed the point.
I also can't believe how much people want to 'play the martyr' and diss Catherine for writing the article. Why is 'I can get by on $15.000 and not complain' a noble thing? I am sure Catherine as well as many of us have busted our behinds to get the six figure salary range only to see inflation erode our gains. Is it bad to talk about this? Maybe the people who think it is haven't really been trying that hard is all that I can think...
Heck, just to get in the spirit of things, lets all take paycuts and give it 'back to the man'. After all, a good employee just takes a bad salary and is happy about it....
"Coke is not an effective spermicide." - Now that is a funny one!
You mentioned Alki Beach. I just wanted to add, make sure you go to the other side of Alki, and visit the tidepools. I'm 35 and still enjoy see all the little crabs and sea cucumbers up close. And while you're there, stop in and see the the Log House Musuem, just a a block or so from the beach.
Philip nice work mate!1 I see a lot of people actually don't read before they write, but otherwise there has been a great response from the majority of your readers. Can anyone put me onto a real big launderer? i would love to do a private interview.
PS I am from South Africa so someone around here would be great!!
my email diamondcor at yahoo dot com
What was it made of, Kryptonite? A friend just had his BMW windshield replaced for half that price. And I thought that was steep!
Much of the demands of self-sufficiency can be decreased if it involves more than one person.
Right now I'm trying to clear and prep a 260 sq. ft area. It has been very difficult because I need to find the time to do it.
My wife is too busy so it's just me. If I had just one more person, I could have finished in an afternoon.
More people = exponential less time even if you have more space to work.
C.A.
I had a 2002 Passat (brand new--bought in 2001)for three years before we sold it. I LOVED, LOVED that car. It was beautiful and handled like a dream (love that German engineering). However, as we approached 60,000 miles (yes, we drove a LOT), I realized that it was going to be too costly to keep once it came out from under warranty if we ever needed to fix it. What were my two big indicators? Two items that, thanks to insurance, I didn't have to pay for--
A STANDARD windshield shattered thanks to a rock-induced chip and heavily fluctuating temperatures. The price of the windshield ALONE (no labor)--$1200. That's no tint, no rain sensors, just a windshield.
The other items...a bumper and the molding just above the bumper that were heavily damaged when I was rear-ended in the Wendy's drive-thru (yeah...I know, laugh if you want). $800+ with no labor. Sheesh.
Granted those were not warrnaty issues, but if a windshield cost $1200, what would an ENGINE part cost? Plus, the nearest dealership was 60 miles away and many local places didn't work on VW engines.
I loved that car, but I can feel your pain. It was hard to part with.
At some point, won't the government "spin-off" Fred and Fran since it appears they can't close up shop?
I think it's strange that commentators keep saying that taxpayers are going to pick up the bill for this takeover. The truth is that no one dares to raise taxes in the current political climate. Any suggestion of a tax increase generates cries of "Tax and spend liberal!" from the Republicans, and then the Democrats fall all over themselves to assure voters that they plan to cut taxes, not raise them.
In the end, the federal government will pay off the loan guarantees it has assumed by issuing more debt. Then it will pay that debt (and the related interest) by issuing still more debt. When will people realize that even the U S government can't keep this pyramid scheme going forever?
The good news is that your average mortgage loan is now as secure as a U S Treaury bond.
The bad news is that a U S Treasury bond is now as secure as your average mortgage loan.
DRLs are designed for safety and should not be disabled. If they didn't work then they wouldn't be on almost every car/motorcycle. Some bulbs use a third filament for DRLs. Other run lower voltage through the bulb on the high-beam filament which has very minimal effect on the life of the bulb.
When replacing bulbs it is always best to replace both at the same time. Often when one bulb blows the power surge will cause damage to the other bulb and it will fail soon after. You will keep replacing alternate bulbs over and over. Bulbs are most often sold in pairs as well. I have seen this happen and I have seen this not be the case as well. I say its better to be safe then sorry. (please note that this is not gospel, your mileage may vary)
can someone provide the codes to unlock this region 1 player/recorder to code free? thanks so much!
Certainly, Sandy - a slip showing is NOT uncouth. A little piece of lace showing at a skirt hem or through a skirt slit is so provocative..... and charming !
I live in England and pay £11 a month for water just for myself, not to mention cost of electricity. I heat a little water in the kettle and put a pint or so in a plastic measuring jug. Measure in a small amount (I use a teaspoon for shoulder-length hair) of shampoo, stir with the hand to mix and bend over the bath where a plastic washing up bowl is waiting. Wet the ends of long hair in the jug, then pour over the hair. Repour from the washing up bowl. Wash hair and scalp in the usual way. Squeeze out as much shampoo as possible, then rinse under the shower, which in my case can be hand-held. Follow the same procedure for conditioner; before rinsing I soap myself from a bottle of diluted shower cream, then rinse hair and body thoroughly. I have the plug in the bath, so that I can retrieve the water for flushing the toilet. Less water is used because the toiletries have been diluted. I find this is better for my sensitive skin, as well as saving money. By the way, if not washing hair, I wear a showercap and make myself get under the shower while it is still cold. This definitely speeds up the shower!