I'm afraid that gasoline may not have to follow these guidelines. While I may be wrong, it seems that gasoline is sold by volume and not pre-packaged, so it wouldn't be covered under the Michigan Scanner Law. Also, gasoline in itself may follow a completely different guideline. In Michigan, there is also another exemption
"
In addition, each store is entitled to exempt 50 classes of items from being item priced - 25 classes of sale items and 25 classes of non-sale items. A list of the non-sale exempted items must be posted in a conspicuous place. MCL 445.353(3). The price of the non-sale exempted items must also be posted by a conspicuous sign located in immediate conjunction to the area where the unmarked items are displayed. MCL 445.353(4). "
I would definitely check with your local Attorney General's office to get details on any concerns you have regarding the pricing and purchasing of fuel.
Isn't it possible that realtors average 3.7% more on their own homes partly because of their knowledge of the profession? When they originally bought their home, if they were a realtor at the time, they knew which neighborhoods to buy homes in because the value is likely to increase more, and what type of home resells easily and at a good price. Also, because they are probably not relocating, they are likely selling their home because they want something different, not because they need to sell. So they have the choice of when to sell their home, and can put their house on the market at the best time, and can take it back off and relist later if they don't get the offer they want. I think there a lot of variables that can come into play. I am not a realtor, BTW.
how does this affect gas pricing?
i've noticed several times that the price on the pump (and thus the price paid) differs from the price advertised on the marquee. seems like the stations can be slack in changing the prices at times when there is an increase in prices.
when asking employees about it they more often than not shrug their shoulders and say sorry - can't do anything about it.
In recent years, the depth of delusion and corruption in the ranks of so-called real estate professionals is breathtaking. Add to it, the ranks of real estate appraisers, and you have the making of a real scam. I'm not saying all real estate agents and appraisers were corrupt, but most were caught up in the false housing spike, the delusion. Now, all you hear from these folks is that the market has bottomed - 'now is the time to buy'.
In short, take what say with a sack of salt.
Real Estate prices are set at the edges. Obviously, only a small percentage of all homes are on the market at one time. The sale of one distressed property doesn't necessarily set the price, but it does have an effect. The presence of many distressed properties, foreclosures, short sales, on the market, or due to be placed on the market, definitely has a huge effect on the market. The prices have to go down.
In California, a significant percentage of all home sales are now in the distressed category.
I write this as a prospective buyer. But I will be waiting. This storm won't be over for another couple of years at the earliest. All you have to look at are the number of mortgages that are due to reset in '09 & '10. The number of homeowners who owe more on their homes than they're worth will explode to the upside. Many will walk.
I don't know... From what I've learned on how a reverse mortgage works, they seem pretty handy. I think the problem is when people opt for the lump sum, as opposed to taking monthly payments. I definitely agree that seniors should weigh ALL of their options first, though. In my experience with my parents, however, they didn't have enough money coming in to support their lifestyle without having to leave the home they've been in since I was a little girl, so the reverse mortgage became a great idea for them.
These people are very, very pro-sprout, so you kind of have to take it with a grain of salt, but here's the SproutPeople's response to allegations that sprouts are a leading cause of food-borne illness--http://www.sproutpeople.com/safe.html. I think the bottom line is to be careful where you get your seeds, because infected seeds are pretty much the only way home-grown sprouts can be affected, unless you're spraying your little jar of sprouts with manure or spritzing them with salmonella spray. Well, I guess if your water is infected that would do it... but then you have a lot bigger problems than infected sprouts.
I think most of the organic craze if overblown, but this is one case where buying organically-produced seeds might be worth it.
On the long term effects of many green initiatives (hybrids, CFL's were mentioned), I think that the important thing is to stay focused on the entire reason the "green" movement was originally created. Yes, there is agenda. No, we may not all agree on the best way to keep our planet clean. But by practicing the simple courtesies that people have been charged with since the beginning of time, we can fulfill our responsibilities easily by remembering to treat one another with dignity and respect. Like my 4-year-old says, "This place would be a mess if we didn't pick up after ourselves." (Playroom or planet - makes no difference.) Thanks so much for all the kind feedback!
what gets me is people who proclaim "green"ness in their lives, go out and buy a prius and use cfl bulbs without realizing that the prius is the most harmful vehicle on the planet (what happens to the lead batteries after they've worn out their use? that's right, straight to the dump. after only 4 years or so!), and that cfl bulbs are so hazardous to humans and the environment that sensible scientists are warning people not to inhale the gas from a broken bulb, or dispose of them haphazardly (the mercury in those things will mess you up!).
I actually have a Master in Writing so I think I can speak on this debate. I think it's much easier to enjoy "English" and literature on your own time than it is to learn econ or business. Plus, an econ degree will open lots of doors in the professional world. An English degree may give you a lot of tools to work with, but the degree itself is virtually worthless. Kind of like when people say "that was a priceless experience." Actually, just like that.
I agree with you, #54, wholeheartedly - everything that you said. I have a college degree, do not currently work, we don't have kids, I worked for 4 years in the past, and my husband and I saved up to buy a house, which we sold and made money on. I find traditional 9 to 5 'job' work unfulfilling and very draining and it makes me depressed. A lot of work environments are toxic. I feel like supporting my husband will enhance his career (which he honestly likes - a lot) and earning prospects and I am not interested in climbing the corporate ladder myself - a lot of jobs are degrading to women and we don't necessarily make as much as men do, in the workforce. I feel the stress from working full time is not worth it (I had health issues which prevented me from working, for a time) and am glad my husband provides for me. I would rather take care of all of the household duties. We do not spend more than we earn and are debt-free. It all has to do with choices you make - we chose to buy a house with a very small mortgage and sold it when the time was right, we were very frugal early on in our marriage, we did not have kids right away - so we have some amount of financial freedom now. There are things in life that are more important than money: quality of life, health, happiness, ability to have a good marriage relationship, and maintain a good home environment. I cringe at all the people who live beyond their means and don't understand why more people do not live the way me and my husband do. Yes, they may be judging me -- but I am judging them right back and think they are a bit stupid for falling for whatever society tells them to do -- have kids right away, buy a huge house, have 2 cars, get into consumer spending debt and work crazy jobs that drain you completely so you can't enjoy any of it. I have friends who have a huge house and they both work terrible jobs to pay for that and two cars. We currently rent and we do not have any cars - we walk and use public transportation. Not trying to be judgmental of others who live in huge houses and have two high paying, high stress jobs -- but that is not for me - I would rather live a simple lifestyle in a 700 sq foot apartment and live below what my husband's salary is, and support him in non-financial ways.
I was thinking about selling my coop so it’s a bit different from pricing a house. I used some “Voodoo” math to come up with a price. I started with the asking and then selling price of 2 units that recently sold in my building. Then added and subtracted based on differences like my bathroom update with Jacuzzi, their extra office space, me facing the quiet courtyard while they faced the street to come up with figure. All good but whatever the value, I decided not to sell. Although I did the Happy Dance, what’s difference does it make if I can’t afford to buy a comparable property.
Ahhh Real Estate.
My gastro doctor did a workup, pulled samples the whole nine yards a year and a half ago. After finding nothing wrong and exercising more I led a normal life until my stress levels shot through the roof. I enjoy beer, not in an alcoholic sense but 2-3 in the evening to unwind. My GERD has forced me to give it up, which kills me because it helped with the stress. Anyways another 4 weeks back on prilosec. YEAH!
Cleaning your plants with milk isn't as anal as it sounds-- the milk makes the leaves shiny (for months!).. if you do this a couple times a year your plants will never look dusty. Seriously, it works better than I ever thought it could!
Down payment assistance programs are not a scam. They are here to help potential homeowners get into houses. I do agree that some lenders take advantage of the programs and raise the sales prices or do whatever they can to get the homebuyers into the houses, but with this I would not condemn the down payment assistance industry. In lots of cases the buyers are able to have more money saved once they get into their home so that if something does come up they will not be in a bind. There is no difference with down payment assistance programs or with homebuyers family members helping them get into their homes. Most people just do not have those family members that can help them out.
Please double-check the information you quoted in your post:
"It takes over 19 million trees to make half a million directories." Really? 38 trees for 1 phone book? There must be more people to call in your area. :-)
The actual information on the web site referred to 500 million directories, rather than the 500,000 you use throughout the numbers you listed.
I agree that being able to opt-out is a good idea, but please double-check your numbers.
I do agree with Xin’s blog even though I detest writing and have a very limited verbal dexterity.
Because of her blog, I just decided to brush up on grammar and writing rules at: www.vu.org. This is an online university, cost $18/five weeks term – for up to three courses. I have been using this site since 1997 and still happy with its curriculum and services.
What prompted me to bone up on writing skills? A few more facts:
• emails to my friends and acquaintances - my writing style, grammar, spelling and flow of logic can say a lot about my state of mind. In addition, they can get my point, read my entire email, etc.
• eBay – when selling, a good product description (and sometimes an essay describing its story/origin) could help with getting more attention and money.
Very well put. At our house we do the little things. We watch our money, drive the cars in an efficient manner, use cl bulbs; you know, the typical rap. Thing is; little stuff adds up and makes a huge difference. One does not have to be financially well off to make a meaningful impact; and for a lot of us the small things are all we can do. As the demand for better engineering comes along and various consumer goods need actual replacement it will cost less to move into those better products. (technology bringing down cost) All we have to do is encourage our trendsetters to desire greener products. Then we wait, eventually prices of these great new wisbang items will be affordable.
I am very intrigued by the idea of the professional hobo way of life. Are there ever any employment opportunities involving a wage, and not just exchange for room/board? I only wonder because there would have to be some cash coming in to pay for getting from one point to the next, airfare, etc. Awesome idea though, and I am seriously considering giving up my career and pursuing a fuller life of travel and new experiences. Being able to give back would also be very rewarding. Any info that anyone has is appreciated!! Thank you!
You can report the merchant who violates the agreement to VISA. They probably won't do anything about one complaint, but if VISA receives many complaints they can simply tell the merchant they aren't allowed to process card transactions. That is very effective because if the merchant violates that, they won't get paid from VISA for any card transactions, and it also means it won't show up on your bill. It's like it didn't happen, but you still have the goods.
The Jazz Walk was new last year, I think, and was great fun. With the crowd spread out, the individual performances are really quite intimate--you might be one of just a dozen people listening to a particular performer at any one time. It's coming right up, and we'll be sure to go.
I'd just gotten a new camera the day before this year's Strawberry Jam, so that was fun, too--I got some great pictures. Plus, totally unbeknowst to me, one of my former coworkers happened to be the bass player in one of the bands, so that was extra cool. (And, I like ice cream.)
As I said at the top, Champaign-Urbana is a happenin' place.
After much debate, I chose "Divine" -- "to guess"; "to discover by intuition or insight" rather than define, which seems more precise...I am not telling everyone how to get an exact value but how to make an educated guess.
Are houses worth what people are willing to pay? Hmm...maybe yes, maybe no -- that certainly is the debate of the moment. As a consumer advocate and not a sales person, I recommend using more than one source of information to discern, ur, divine value.
I looked at new condos near my house that are priced above my house "value" -- after doing several upgrades/remodels, I was shocked at the cheapo materials or wondered then if I have become a materials snob now that I have ceramic tile rather than 30-year-old vinyl flooring. But a construction friend independently confirmed that cheap materials were used -- so it doesn't hurt to look at the cost of construction.
I thought dog walking would be a good idea also but remember you are dealing with people who dont want to walk thier own dog even though most are able to and are home. Basically you are dealing with snobs most of the time who are hiring you to have a sense of being better than you and will go out ofthier way to criticize your style. Its very stressful because you are dealing with say 8 dogs a day and each house is a half hour drive from the next so ontop of the actual walk you have to time everything perfect to be on time for the next which becomes hard when its a new address everyday you have never dealt with.
It all comes down to options, if you have to live on 30k a year you will find a way to cut costs and if you move up in salary and dont keep those principles then its your fault for indulging and ignoring past experiences. My parents went from 40k to 100k and instead of making that a way of giving themselves breathing room they just made it a way of having the same stress just at a higher income level. Too much spending I think older people enjoy seeing a
new package on the front porch from shopping online and they go nuts with golf equipment.
I'm afraid that gasoline may not have to follow these guidelines. While I may be wrong, it seems that gasoline is sold by volume and not pre-packaged, so it wouldn't be covered under the Michigan Scanner Law. Also, gasoline in itself may follow a completely different guideline. In Michigan, there is also another exemption
"
In addition, each store is entitled to exempt 50 classes of items from being item priced - 25 classes of sale items and 25 classes of non-sale items. A list of the non-sale exempted items must be posted in a conspicuous place. MCL 445.353(3). The price of the non-sale exempted items must also be posted by a conspicuous sign located in immediate conjunction to the area where the unmarked items are displayed. MCL 445.353(4). "
I would definitely check with your local Attorney General's office to get details on any concerns you have regarding the pricing and purchasing of fuel.
Thanks!
Isn't it possible that realtors average 3.7% more on their own homes partly because of their knowledge of the profession? When they originally bought their home, if they were a realtor at the time, they knew which neighborhoods to buy homes in because the value is likely to increase more, and what type of home resells easily and at a good price. Also, because they are probably not relocating, they are likely selling their home because they want something different, not because they need to sell. So they have the choice of when to sell their home, and can put their house on the market at the best time, and can take it back off and relist later if they don't get the offer they want. I think there a lot of variables that can come into play. I am not a realtor, BTW.
how does this affect gas pricing?
i've noticed several times that the price on the pump (and thus the price paid) differs from the price advertised on the marquee. seems like the stations can be slack in changing the prices at times when there is an increase in prices.
when asking employees about it they more often than not shrug their shoulders and say sorry - can't do anything about it.
I have made the corrections, thanks for the heads up.
In recent years, the depth of delusion and corruption in the ranks of so-called real estate professionals is breathtaking. Add to it, the ranks of real estate appraisers, and you have the making of a real scam. I'm not saying all real estate agents and appraisers were corrupt, but most were caught up in the false housing spike, the delusion. Now, all you hear from these folks is that the market has bottomed - 'now is the time to buy'.
In short, take what say with a sack of salt.
Real Estate prices are set at the edges. Obviously, only a small percentage of all homes are on the market at one time. The sale of one distressed property doesn't necessarily set the price, but it does have an effect. The presence of many distressed properties, foreclosures, short sales, on the market, or due to be placed on the market, definitely has a huge effect on the market. The prices have to go down.
In California, a significant percentage of all home sales are now in the distressed category.
I write this as a prospective buyer. But I will be waiting. This storm won't be over for another couple of years at the earliest. All you have to look at are the number of mortgages that are due to reset in '09 & '10. The number of homeowners who owe more on their homes than they're worth will explode to the upside. Many will walk.
I don't know... From what I've learned on how a reverse mortgage works, they seem pretty handy. I think the problem is when people opt for the lump sum, as opposed to taking monthly payments. I definitely agree that seniors should weigh ALL of their options first, though. In my experience with my parents, however, they didn't have enough money coming in to support their lifestyle without having to leave the home they've been in since I was a little girl, so the reverse mortgage became a great idea for them.
These people are very, very pro-sprout, so you kind of have to take it with a grain of salt, but here's the SproutPeople's response to allegations that sprouts are a leading cause of food-borne illness--http://www.sproutpeople.com/safe.html. I think the bottom line is to be careful where you get your seeds, because infected seeds are pretty much the only way home-grown sprouts can be affected, unless you're spraying your little jar of sprouts with manure or spritzing them with salmonella spray. Well, I guess if your water is infected that would do it... but then you have a lot bigger problems than infected sprouts.
I think most of the organic craze if overblown, but this is one case where buying organically-produced seeds might be worth it.
On the long term effects of many green initiatives (hybrids, CFL's were mentioned), I think that the important thing is to stay focused on the entire reason the "green" movement was originally created. Yes, there is agenda. No, we may not all agree on the best way to keep our planet clean. But by practicing the simple courtesies that people have been charged with since the beginning of time, we can fulfill our responsibilities easily by remembering to treat one another with dignity and respect. Like my 4-year-old says, "This place would be a mess if we didn't pick up after ourselves." (Playroom or planet - makes no difference.) Thanks so much for all the kind feedback!
what gets me is people who proclaim "green"ness in their lives, go out and buy a prius and use cfl bulbs without realizing that the prius is the most harmful vehicle on the planet (what happens to the lead batteries after they've worn out their use? that's right, straight to the dump. after only 4 years or so!), and that cfl bulbs are so hazardous to humans and the environment that sensible scientists are warning people not to inhale the gas from a broken bulb, or dispose of them haphazardly (the mercury in those things will mess you up!).
I actually have a Master in Writing so I think I can speak on this debate. I think it's much easier to enjoy "English" and literature on your own time than it is to learn econ or business. Plus, an econ degree will open lots of doors in the professional world. An English degree may give you a lot of tools to work with, but the degree itself is virtually worthless. Kind of like when people say "that was a priceless experience." Actually, just like that.
I agree with you, #54, wholeheartedly - everything that you said. I have a college degree, do not currently work, we don't have kids, I worked for 4 years in the past, and my husband and I saved up to buy a house, which we sold and made money on. I find traditional 9 to 5 'job' work unfulfilling and very draining and it makes me depressed. A lot of work environments are toxic. I feel like supporting my husband will enhance his career (which he honestly likes - a lot) and earning prospects and I am not interested in climbing the corporate ladder myself - a lot of jobs are degrading to women and we don't necessarily make as much as men do, in the workforce. I feel the stress from working full time is not worth it (I had health issues which prevented me from working, for a time) and am glad my husband provides for me. I would rather take care of all of the household duties. We do not spend more than we earn and are debt-free. It all has to do with choices you make - we chose to buy a house with a very small mortgage and sold it when the time was right, we were very frugal early on in our marriage, we did not have kids right away - so we have some amount of financial freedom now. There are things in life that are more important than money: quality of life, health, happiness, ability to have a good marriage relationship, and maintain a good home environment. I cringe at all the people who live beyond their means and don't understand why more people do not live the way me and my husband do. Yes, they may be judging me -- but I am judging them right back and think they are a bit stupid for falling for whatever society tells them to do -- have kids right away, buy a huge house, have 2 cars, get into consumer spending debt and work crazy jobs that drain you completely so you can't enjoy any of it. I have friends who have a huge house and they both work terrible jobs to pay for that and two cars. We currently rent and we do not have any cars - we walk and use public transportation. Not trying to be judgmental of others who live in huge houses and have two high paying, high stress jobs -- but that is not for me - I would rather live a simple lifestyle in a 700 sq foot apartment and live below what my husband's salary is, and support him in non-financial ways.
I was thinking about selling my coop so it’s a bit different from pricing a house. I used some “Voodoo” math to come up with a price. I started with the asking and then selling price of 2 units that recently sold in my building. Then added and subtracted based on differences like my bathroom update with Jacuzzi, their extra office space, me facing the quiet courtyard while they faced the street to come up with figure. All good but whatever the value, I decided not to sell. Although I did the Happy Dance, what’s difference does it make if I can’t afford to buy a comparable property.
Ahhh Real Estate.
My gastro doctor did a workup, pulled samples the whole nine yards a year and a half ago. After finding nothing wrong and exercising more I led a normal life until my stress levels shot through the roof. I enjoy beer, not in an alcoholic sense but 2-3 in the evening to unwind. My GERD has forced me to give it up, which kills me because it helped with the stress. Anyways another 4 weeks back on prilosec. YEAH!
Cleaning your plants with milk isn't as anal as it sounds-- the milk makes the leaves shiny (for months!).. if you do this a couple times a year your plants will never look dusty. Seriously, it works better than I ever thought it could!
Down payment assistance programs are not a scam. They are here to help potential homeowners get into houses. I do agree that some lenders take advantage of the programs and raise the sales prices or do whatever they can to get the homebuyers into the houses, but with this I would not condemn the down payment assistance industry. In lots of cases the buyers are able to have more money saved once they get into their home so that if something does come up they will not be in a bind. There is no difference with down payment assistance programs or with homebuyers family members helping them get into their homes. Most people just do not have those family members that can help them out.
Please double-check the information you quoted in your post:
"It takes over 19 million trees to make half a million directories." Really? 38 trees for 1 phone book? There must be more people to call in your area. :-)
The actual information on the web site referred to 500 million directories, rather than the 500,000 you use throughout the numbers you listed.
I agree that being able to opt-out is a good idea, but please double-check your numbers.
I do agree with Xin’s blog even though I detest writing and have a very limited verbal dexterity.
Because of her blog, I just decided to brush up on grammar and writing rules at: www.vu.org. This is an online university, cost $18/five weeks term – for up to three courses. I have been using this site since 1997 and still happy with its curriculum and services.
What prompted me to bone up on writing skills? A few more facts:
• emails to my friends and acquaintances - my writing style, grammar, spelling and flow of logic can say a lot about my state of mind. In addition, they can get my point, read my entire email, etc.
• eBay – when selling, a good product description (and sometimes an essay describing its story/origin) could help with getting more attention and money.
Very well put. At our house we do the little things. We watch our money, drive the cars in an efficient manner, use cl bulbs; you know, the typical rap. Thing is; little stuff adds up and makes a huge difference. One does not have to be financially well off to make a meaningful impact; and for a lot of us the small things are all we can do. As the demand for better engineering comes along and various consumer goods need actual replacement it will cost less to move into those better products. (technology bringing down cost) All we have to do is encourage our trendsetters to desire greener products. Then we wait, eventually prices of these great new wisbang items will be affordable.
I am very intrigued by the idea of the professional hobo way of life. Are there ever any employment opportunities involving a wage, and not just exchange for room/board? I only wonder because there would have to be some cash coming in to pay for getting from one point to the next, airfare, etc. Awesome idea though, and I am seriously considering giving up my career and pursuing a fuller life of travel and new experiences. Being able to give back would also be very rewarding. Any info that anyone has is appreciated!! Thank you!
You can report the merchant who violates the agreement to VISA. They probably won't do anything about one complaint, but if VISA receives many complaints they can simply tell the merchant they aren't allowed to process card transactions. That is very effective because if the merchant violates that, they won't get paid from VISA for any card transactions, and it also means it won't show up on your bill. It's like it didn't happen, but you still have the goods.
The Jazz Walk was new last year, I think, and was great fun. With the crowd spread out, the individual performances are really quite intimate--you might be one of just a dozen people listening to a particular performer at any one time. It's coming right up, and we'll be sure to go.
I'd just gotten a new camera the day before this year's Strawberry Jam, so that was fun, too--I got some great pictures. Plus, totally unbeknowst to me, one of my former coworkers happened to be the bass player in one of the bands, so that was extra cool. (And, I like ice cream.)
As I said at the top, Champaign-Urbana is a happenin' place.
After much debate, I chose "Divine" -- "to guess"; "to discover by intuition or insight" rather than define, which seems more precise...I am not telling everyone how to get an exact value but how to make an educated guess.
Are houses worth what people are willing to pay? Hmm...maybe yes, maybe no -- that certainly is the debate of the moment. As a consumer advocate and not a sales person, I recommend using more than one source of information to discern, ur, divine value.
I looked at new condos near my house that are priced above my house "value" -- after doing several upgrades/remodels, I was shocked at the cheapo materials or wondered then if I have become a materials snob now that I have ceramic tile rather than 30-year-old vinyl flooring. But a construction friend independently confirmed that cheap materials were used -- so it doesn't hurt to look at the cost of construction.
Thanks for your insights and comments!
I thought dog walking would be a good idea also but remember you are dealing with people who dont want to walk thier own dog even though most are able to and are home. Basically you are dealing with snobs most of the time who are hiring you to have a sense of being better than you and will go out ofthier way to criticize your style. Its very stressful because you are dealing with say 8 dogs a day and each house is a half hour drive from the next so ontop of the actual walk you have to time everything perfect to be on time for the next which becomes hard when its a new address everyday you have never dealt with.
It all comes down to options, if you have to live on 30k a year you will find a way to cut costs and if you move up in salary and dont keep those principles then its your fault for indulging and ignoring past experiences. My parents went from 40k to 100k and instead of making that a way of giving themselves breathing room they just made it a way of having the same stress just at a higher income level. Too much spending I think older people enjoy seeing a
new package on the front porch from shopping online and they go nuts with golf equipment.
I have never heard the word 'divine' used in your context.