Employers don't want a maverick -- at least not at the outset and during the hiring process. In fact, it's generally a good rule of thumb not to buck the system at all even after you get hired for the first 3 months. After that, if you figure out which rules are flexible and won't get you into trouble if you bend them, you can do that at your own risk. If you've proved your reliability during those first 3 critical months, chances are no one will care.
I also read his book. I really respect his determination and drive. I didn't think eating Ramon noodles all the time was healthy. I also thought he was in the right place when real estate started getting hot. But, the difference is he tried and made an incredible effort, otherwise none of it would have happened. Kudos!
Two words: Oxidized Cholesterol
Powdered Milk is oxidized cholesterol which is considered as harmful in the body as hydrogenated oils. Google it. I wish it weren't true because, in theory, it's a great idea for a product.
I have lived in W-S for about 11 years (since college)--thanks for this great list of things we love to do, and some new ideas. Winston is a great place with close proximity to tons of fun things to do.
Article given is very interesting and provides insight of the credit counseling. At the same time very interesting to read. if every financial decision is getting out of hand and if it looks like you will never get out of your debts , Consolidation Credit Services can provide you with the relief and peace of mind you have been looking for. It is well designed debt management program can help you break free from the bonds of your creditors and live your life free of financial burdens.
I currently live in China. I have been here long enough to see thousands of stupid laowai tourists get scammed every year.
Here is the big secret everyone who travels to china should know:
Forget about official exchange rates. Don't compare your country's currency to the Chinese Yuan when buying or paying for anything in China that is not imported or a genuine foreign Brand made overseas.
The simple rule is that if something costs $1 US Dollar in Peoria, it will cost 1 RMB (Yuan or Kuai) in China.
That can of Coca Cola is 2 RMB in China. In Peoria it's probably about $1.50 now (I've been here so long I am not sure of current prices in the states).
A Disposable lighter in China is anywhere from free to 1 RMB. In the US, it's about 1 USD.
A can of local beer is about 2 to 3 RMB at the local shop in China. In the US, probably just under 2 bucks.
A quality shirt at a market stall sells for about 30 to 40 RMB. At Sears in the US the same shirt sells for about 30 to 40 USD.
A pack of Cigarettes costs anywhere from 3 to 100 RMB depending on the brand. In the US, a pack of Marlboros probably costs about 3 bucks in most locations.
Timberland shoes can be bargained for about 100 RNB (despite a sellers initial sales price of 800 RMB). In the US, Timberlands go for about 100 Bucks or more. Sure, in China they may be seconds or even counterfeit, but the quality is really comparable to those sold in the US. My 100 RMB Timberland walking shoes bought in Beijing three years ago lasted longer than the pair I bought in the US.
This 1 to 1 currency conversion can work for the US dollar, British Pound, Canadian dollar, and Australian dollar.
Well, thebaglady's comment about Beijing brings up yet another tip: If you are really on a shoestring, stay out of the capital. You can see some amazing places, like Xi'an, and have interesting cultural experiences in countless places where the cost of living is still dirt cheap.
Several decades ago I brought $243 in coins to a bank for deposit to my checking account. I was politely informed that I would have to place the coins in rolls before they would be considered for deposit. The quarters were easy, the dimes and nickels a bit tedious, but the pennies - I could only roll about $10 per hour in pennies. I decided then to make a point of spending my change first and keeping only paper currency on hand.
Did the wage increase help? The government gets more tax money..the exemptions took more..it may have paid more on a debt for some.. Explain something to me...how is it that America ..the land of freedom, the right to breathe live and work is so freely able to LABEL people? The working poor...hmmm...blue collar...hmmmm managers, officers, government workers ..you have the general idea. All this talk about how it hurts others while others prosper..hmmmmmmm now what would you think if EVERYONE IN AMERICA made the exact same amount? You went to college to broaden what you could learn..(a choice either made by you or by money in the family tree currently..but a choice for every American if the wage were the same... (I am a college graduate..with three majors so don't think you are talking to the working poor) Well, I have a far different sort of opinion: everyone in America work different jobs because each of those specific deeds need done in some form or another. It doesnt make what the President in the United States does any diffrent than the person that serves the food..cleans the home..washes out a toilet does..they are ALL necessary things to be done. I have done jobs from food service to executive jobs..one pays more than the other yet they all do the same thing. Put food on the table, clothe your bodies, make a living of a sort for all of America.Provide a source of happiness. The higher the job..the more I see people label others and look down their noses. Even if they once upon a time did that same job. Realistically thinking why are YOU better than the person who feeds you in a restaurant? Why are they being judge as if they do their services well..and you decide whether you tip or not? Its not mandatory..YET. WHY are you labeling people????? Why should that small business suffer...and someone who created an idea make more? If all interprises paid the same wage to everyone..perhaps they would work harder to provide us all with quality merchandise instead of merchandise that falls apart in a months time. How well I remember the times when a person took pride in what they do. Now adays it is all about greed instead of the appreciation of living and in its beauty. Sit back, reminisce and really think about it. It sure would be less stress on America if we didnt constantly have to worry where the next penny drops. You could still live the same quality of life you live; it would just take more time to save your pennies to get to that quality of living. I sure hope its not you that tomorrow looks down upon. I have been there.
Great tips Carrie, though 50 renmibi isn't quite $6 anymore. The exchange rate is now 6.86 RMB to a dollar, so it's a little more than $7. Also, inflation in China has been pretty rampant in the last few years so everything is more expensive. Also, they doubled the price for EVERY major attraction last year in preparation for the Olympics so it isn't as affordable as before.
A SoyMilk machine (almost any brand, read the reviews) will save you a LOT of time and energy. After soaking the 1/2 cup of dry beans overnight, I just put it into the SoyMilk maker and 15 minutes later, have hot steaming soymilk.
I make a batch every 2-3 days, and every other time, pour the batch of soymilk into a yogurt machine with a little starter, and the next AM have a quart of plain, fresh yogurt. No preservatives, no sugar, no dairy, etc.
The best investment I have made in my health, other than a VitaMix, and truly frugal, too!
I've been unemployed since January 08. On January 15th, I walked off my job and never went back. I was in a managerial position and things were being made so unbearable for me that I just couldn't take it anymore. And this is not something I do as a hobby. I held this job for 1 1/2 years and my previous position lasted over five years.
I have been diligently chasing a full-time position since then. I've been to several interviews. Finally, I was 'hired' to a part-time university job with medical coverage (incredible) only to be told a week later that a hiring freeze had taken effect because of budgetary problems.
I'm 30. I am an honest, hardworking person, as I'm sure everyone on this board is. This working world is so unbelievably hostile and dog-eat-dog that it makes you want to slash your wrists. Luckily, I'm single and have no children, so I suffer alone. I can imagine what a family man or woman has to go through when out of work. I should feel fortunate, but someone else's wrong doesn't a right make.
We are all sitting here, willing to work, and there are no jobs for us. What kind of a society is this?! Only thieves and crooks are supposed to be punished, but they're the most successful people in life, it seems. How can you not look at yourself in the mirror and want to wash your hands of it, just say the hell with it?
The best advice is to stay positive, although positive thoughts left ME months ago. Sometimes I wish I'd fall asleep and never wake up again. Of course, I wake up, climb out of bed, and go on the Web in search of work.
It makes me laugh that people are calling this a recession. We're in the opening stages of a DEPRESSION, bigger than what we had in the 1930s. In no time, all of the banks in the U.S. will be broke, everyone's jobs and savings will be lost, and public parks will be filled to the rafters with homeless people, including families. Children will be freezing to death and mothers will be digging through trash cans looking for their next meal. Who knows if cannibalism is around the corner, either?
But stay positive we must. Smile, and show none of your pain. Mutter no words that we live in an insane asylum.
If dropping a car saves you $8000 a year (which, as I say, is about the right figure), that frees up $280,000 over the course of a 35-year career. Which is my point: Because of the way you spend the money, that feels like tens of thousands, but it's not--it's hundreds of thousands, just like housing.
In fact, if you invest the money so that you can earn a return on it (which you'll never get from a car, but which you might from housing), then it could be much more. If you invest $8000 a year for 35 years at 6%, it comes to almost $900,000.
Of course, whether you want to live in the city is another matter altogther. That's purely a matter of personal preference. But don't fool yourself--an extra car does cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars (measured over the course of a career).
Yes, it is much cheaper to change vehicles (SUV -> hybrid) or even add that 3rd car than to move to the city.
Not only is the housing more expensive in the city vs. the suburbs, other expenses are higher: property taxes, groceries, (bodegas vs. chain groceries/warehouse clubs), etc.
The dollars you put towards housing are so much greater than dollars put towards a private vehicle (hundreds of thousands vs. tens of thousands) that unless you are willing to radically downsize your living space you'll never make up the cost of moving to the city.
Sadly, there are other negatives as you approach the city center.
Not only the poorer schools, but usually increased crime as well.
These days you have to fight every traffic ticket to keep your insurance low. There is some good information on the web but there are a lot of fly by night types as you can see by previous posts. Check them all out but for honest legal advise from a company not out to just take your money have a look at www.OTTLegal.com
Employers don't want a maverick -- at least not at the outset and during the hiring process. In fact, it's generally a good rule of thumb not to buck the system at all even after you get hired for the first 3 months. After that, if you figure out which rules are flexible and won't get you into trouble if you bend them, you can do that at your own risk. If you've proved your reliability during those first 3 critical months, chances are no one will care.
I provide tips on the whole job interview process, including (1) "How to Fill Out Job Applications" and how to finesse some of the more tricky questions at http://shanelyang.com/2007/12/11/how-to-fill-out-job-applications/
and (2) "How to Ace Job Interviews" and answer the hardest interview questions at http://shanelyang.com/2008/01/07/how-to-ace-job-interviews/
I also summarize Dr. Lois Frankel's tips on how to stop sabotaging your chances at raises, promotions, and bonuses once you do get the job at "Success in the Corporate World" at http://shanelyang.com/2008/02/13/success-in-the-corporate-world-self-test/
Good luck, everyone! : )
If nothing else, this book has a fantastic title. Knowing how I buy books, I bet 80% of this guys sales will come from the title alone!
I also read his book. I really respect his determination and drive. I didn't think eating Ramon noodles all the time was healthy. I also thought he was in the right place when real estate started getting hot. But, the difference is he tried and made an incredible effort, otherwise none of it would have happened. Kudos!
Two words: Oxidized Cholesterol
Powdered Milk is oxidized cholesterol which is considered as harmful in the body as hydrogenated oils. Google it. I wish it weren't true because, in theory, it's a great idea for a product.
Thanks for the article.
Don't forget free evening summer concerts at Salem Square (Old Salem) and at Bethabara Park.
My kids bike around Salem Lake all the time.
Would you care to share his money saving tips? You've got me curious!
Looks like you've got some fun things to do in your community, Julie. Great post.
I have lived in W-S for about 11 years (since college)--thanks for this great list of things we love to do, and some new ideas. Winston is a great place with close proximity to tons of fun things to do.
Article given is very interesting and provides insight of the credit counseling. At the same time very interesting to read. if every financial decision is getting out of hand and if it looks like you will never get out of your debts , Consolidation Credit Services can provide you with the relief and peace of mind you have been looking for. It is well designed debt management program can help you break free from the bonds of your creditors and live your life free of financial burdens.
http://www.christiansdebtcounseling.com/
www.wackyuses.com
recently went to the bank with loose change accumulated by removing it from my wallet for about a year, and came out with $23. :)
I currently live in China. I have been here long enough to see thousands of stupid laowai tourists get scammed every year.
Here is the big secret everyone who travels to china should know:
Forget about official exchange rates. Don't compare your country's currency to the Chinese Yuan when buying or paying for anything in China that is not imported or a genuine foreign Brand made overseas.
The simple rule is that if something costs $1 US Dollar in Peoria, it will cost 1 RMB (Yuan or Kuai) in China.
That can of Coca Cola is 2 RMB in China. In Peoria it's probably about $1.50 now (I've been here so long I am not sure of current prices in the states).
A Disposable lighter in China is anywhere from free to 1 RMB. In the US, it's about 1 USD.
A can of local beer is about 2 to 3 RMB at the local shop in China. In the US, probably just under 2 bucks.
A quality shirt at a market stall sells for about 30 to 40 RMB. At Sears in the US the same shirt sells for about 30 to 40 USD.
A pack of Cigarettes costs anywhere from 3 to 100 RMB depending on the brand. In the US, a pack of Marlboros probably costs about 3 bucks in most locations.
Timberland shoes can be bargained for about 100 RNB (despite a sellers initial sales price of 800 RMB). In the US, Timberlands go for about 100 Bucks or more. Sure, in China they may be seconds or even counterfeit, but the quality is really comparable to those sold in the US. My 100 RMB Timberland walking shoes bought in Beijing three years ago lasted longer than the pair I bought in the US.
This 1 to 1 currency conversion can work for the US dollar, British Pound, Canadian dollar, and Australian dollar.
I lived in Winston-Salem briefly as a child. Your list brings back memories! Especially Tanglewood...
Wait a minute...if he had a crappy job, where did he get the equity?
I have discovered a proven business model which can make almost anyone wealthy but it requires owning a home.
Silly me.
Well, thebaglady's comment about Beijing brings up yet another tip: If you are really on a shoestring, stay out of the capital. You can see some amazing places, like Xi'an, and have interesting cultural experiences in countless places where the cost of living is still dirt cheap.
I blog at www.shopliftingwithpermission.com.
Several decades ago I brought $243 in coins to a bank for deposit to my checking account. I was politely informed that I would have to place the coins in rolls before they would be considered for deposit. The quarters were easy, the dimes and nickels a bit tedious, but the pennies - I could only roll about $10 per hour in pennies. I decided then to make a point of spending my change first and keeping only paper currency on hand.
Did the wage increase help? The government gets more tax money..the exemptions took more..it may have paid more on a debt for some.. Explain something to me...how is it that America ..the land of freedom, the right to breathe live and work is so freely able to LABEL people? The working poor...hmmm...blue collar...hmmmm managers, officers, government workers ..you have the general idea. All this talk about how it hurts others while others prosper..hmmmmmmm now what would you think if EVERYONE IN AMERICA made the exact same amount? You went to college to broaden what you could learn..(a choice either made by you or by money in the family tree currently..but a choice for every American if the wage were the same... (I am a college graduate..with three majors so don't think you are talking to the working poor) Well, I have a far different sort of opinion: everyone in America work different jobs because each of those specific deeds need done in some form or another. It doesnt make what the President in the United States does any diffrent than the person that serves the food..cleans the home..washes out a toilet does..they are ALL necessary things to be done. I have done jobs from food service to executive jobs..one pays more than the other yet they all do the same thing. Put food on the table, clothe your bodies, make a living of a sort for all of America.Provide a source of happiness. The higher the job..the more I see people label others and look down their noses. Even if they once upon a time did that same job. Realistically thinking why are YOU better than the person who feeds you in a restaurant? Why are they being judge as if they do their services well..and you decide whether you tip or not? Its not mandatory..YET. WHY are you labeling people????? Why should that small business suffer...and someone who created an idea make more? If all interprises paid the same wage to everyone..perhaps they would work harder to provide us all with quality merchandise instead of merchandise that falls apart in a months time. How well I remember the times when a person took pride in what they do. Now adays it is all about greed instead of the appreciation of living and in its beauty. Sit back, reminisce and really think about it. It sure would be less stress on America if we didnt constantly have to worry where the next penny drops. You could still live the same quality of life you live; it would just take more time to save your pennies to get to that quality of living. I sure hope its not you that tomorrow looks down upon. I have been there.
Great tips Carrie, though 50 renmibi isn't quite $6 anymore. The exchange rate is now 6.86 RMB to a dollar, so it's a little more than $7. Also, inflation in China has been pretty rampant in the last few years so everything is more expensive. Also, they doubled the price for EVERY major attraction last year in preparation for the Olympics so it isn't as affordable as before.
A SoyMilk machine (almost any brand, read the reviews) will save you a LOT of time and energy. After soaking the 1/2 cup of dry beans overnight, I just put it into the SoyMilk maker and 15 minutes later, have hot steaming soymilk.
I make a batch every 2-3 days, and every other time, pour the batch of soymilk into a yogurt machine with a little starter, and the next AM have a quart of plain, fresh yogurt. No preservatives, no sugar, no dairy, etc.
The best investment I have made in my health, other than a VitaMix, and truly frugal, too!
I've been unemployed since January 08. On January 15th, I walked off my job and never went back. I was in a managerial position and things were being made so unbearable for me that I just couldn't take it anymore. And this is not something I do as a hobby. I held this job for 1 1/2 years and my previous position lasted over five years.
I have been diligently chasing a full-time position since then. I've been to several interviews. Finally, I was 'hired' to a part-time university job with medical coverage (incredible) only to be told a week later that a hiring freeze had taken effect because of budgetary problems.
I'm 30. I am an honest, hardworking person, as I'm sure everyone on this board is. This working world is so unbelievably hostile and dog-eat-dog that it makes you want to slash your wrists. Luckily, I'm single and have no children, so I suffer alone. I can imagine what a family man or woman has to go through when out of work. I should feel fortunate, but someone else's wrong doesn't a right make.
We are all sitting here, willing to work, and there are no jobs for us. What kind of a society is this?! Only thieves and crooks are supposed to be punished, but they're the most successful people in life, it seems. How can you not look at yourself in the mirror and want to wash your hands of it, just say the hell with it?
The best advice is to stay positive, although positive thoughts left ME months ago. Sometimes I wish I'd fall asleep and never wake up again. Of course, I wake up, climb out of bed, and go on the Web in search of work.
It makes me laugh that people are calling this a recession. We're in the opening stages of a DEPRESSION, bigger than what we had in the 1930s. In no time, all of the banks in the U.S. will be broke, everyone's jobs and savings will be lost, and public parks will be filled to the rafters with homeless people, including families. Children will be freezing to death and mothers will be digging through trash cans looking for their next meal. Who knows if cannibalism is around the corner, either?
But stay positive we must. Smile, and show none of your pain. Mutter no words that we live in an insane asylum.
If dropping a car saves you $8000 a year (which, as I say, is about the right figure), that frees up $280,000 over the course of a 35-year career. Which is my point: Because of the way you spend the money, that feels like tens of thousands, but it's not--it's hundreds of thousands, just like housing.
In fact, if you invest the money so that you can earn a return on it (which you'll never get from a car, but which you might from housing), then it could be much more. If you invest $8000 a year for 35 years at 6%, it comes to almost $900,000.
Of course, whether you want to live in the city is another matter altogther. That's purely a matter of personal preference. But don't fool yourself--an extra car does cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars (measured over the course of a career).
Yes, it is much cheaper to change vehicles (SUV -> hybrid) or even add that 3rd car than to move to the city.
Not only is the housing more expensive in the city vs. the suburbs, other expenses are higher: property taxes, groceries, (bodegas vs. chain groceries/warehouse clubs), etc.
The dollars you put towards housing are so much greater than dollars put towards a private vehicle (hundreds of thousands vs. tens of thousands) that unless you are willing to radically downsize your living space you'll never make up the cost of moving to the city.
Sadly, there are other negatives as you approach the city center.
Not only the poorer schools, but usually increased crime as well.
...encouraging people to use weed killer on their lawns - regardless of the recycled implements - really isn't a very good idea.
These days you have to fight every traffic ticket to keep your insurance low. There is some good information on the web but there are a lot of fly by night types as you can see by previous posts. Check them all out but for honest legal advise from a company not out to just take your money have a look at www.OTTLegal.com
The store boughten' ceramic top cleaner costs about $5 - $7. Toothpaste works.
my opinion only