Very intriguing/interesting article. I'm a believer that dreams signify other situations that are going on in your life. I encourage people to look up their dreams in a dream dictionary, because I have one, but most are hesitant about it. In my history with my own dreams, they often signify an underlying issue/aspect in my life that's going on in the present moment. It's good to know that other people analyze their dreams and try to make sense of them too!
In response to loving "flushable wipes" - I have a relative who owns his own plumbing business and he said one of the top reasons for clogged toilet/pipes/drains = flushable wipes. I used to use them and don't anymore for this reason. Just thought I'd pass that along.
I have been doing most of these steps for 5-6 years and this hasn't work me or any of my other co-workers who want to get laid off. We've gotten to the point where we've even told our boss that we want to be laid off. So can you please come up with a better list???
The first thing you need to do is get a plan and revisit that plan every single day. It can be so difficult to keep on track but that validation that comes with having something in writing really helps.
I've learned the power of coupon overage. Some stores, like Rite Aid, offer coupons for $X off if your order reaches $YY or more. They also have rewards +Up bucks that are like cash. If you plan a shopping trip well, you can use the +Up bucks matched with deals in their weekly flyer and stacked with manufacturer's coupons for those same items plus the $X/$YY and end up being owed money by the store - that's the "overage". Since the store won't give you that money back in cash, I use the overage to get items we need, like milk, eggs, toilet paper, etc. I'm actually saving money by getting other items for free.
I've also read that dreams are basically our brains passing gas while we sleep. BUT I do believe our subconscious does try to work things out during the night, however, I don't put a lot of faith in the random interpretations that allegedly mean the same thing for everyone.
I have a lot of coworkers who constantly load up on napkins, plastic utensils and condiment packets when they get lunch to-go. They claim that they are saving loads of money, but I find it embarrassing and "wrong".
Of course, it is really nice when I forget to pack myself a fork for my brown bag lunch. But I can't help feeling like they are stealing from businesses.
To buy school supplies for my kids I have been doing the following:
I buy used ink cartridges on ebay. Lets say for example 272 used inks for $78. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Lot-272-HP-Mixed-Models-Empty-Used-Ink-Cartridges-/2...). Then I go to staples every month and redeem the maximum amount (which is 10)- they give $2 for each cartridge (It used to be $3- but the math alone 272 x $2 = $544, then subtract the $78 upfront cost for a net gain of $466). I have my mother-in-law and friends do this for me as well. This summer alone I have "earned" over two hundred dollars in school supplies, which only cost me $78! A lot of work, but worth it!
GE - great post - Can't echo loud enough the importance of Purpose in your financial goals. Too often we work toward listless goals that are meaningless, but when we find purpose in what we are doing we'll generally hit the target way more often!
I frequently pass on the many free offers I find on the internet. Clearly, the companies offering free items are hoping for business. If I know in advance that I won't buy from that company, then it seems to me that I am simply taking advantage of them by taking them up on their offer of a free item.
As a small business owner, I understand that free to the customer really means costly to the business owner. It's not really free at all. By taking their free offer when I know that I won't patronize their business, I'm really aiding in their demise rather than helping them to succeed. I just don't feel good about that.
I think everyone should at some time run a small business. It would change how many people view 'free' items.
One silly way to save that I've been doing for about two years now is using shredded paper for cat litter. Yes, it only saves about $6 a month, but there are benefits: first, one cat that has severe asthma doesn't wheeze and cough nearly as much without the daily stress of clay litter 'fog'. Second, we use paper from junk mail (NOT colored inks or slick paper, please) and our normal office routine of using both sides of any sheet of paper before disposing of it. This also means we really don't worry about an identity thief going through the trash. (Who's going to try to piece together shredded paper with -ugh- cat poop on it?) Third, the paper is lightweight and is changed out daily, substantially reducing odor. What does the $36 or so saved go on? You guessed it - cat food and treats.
Saving every little bit of food leftover after a meal, even if it's just a bite or two of something. Honestly, how much could that cost, and when are you going to eat all of the miscellaneous leftover bites?
I talk to people, because it is a cheap way of getting things (some people want to exchange things with you, others may be moving and throwing things away, others may be able to teach you stuff for free, other times it is just a fun thing to do, and it also hepls you learn about others, and most important, about yourself)
HELMET: A helmet is a MUST for EVERY ride. I use my bike as my primary transportation in Chicago, and I've been doored (hit by an opening car door) less than 3 blocks from my home. It was the helmet that cracked instead of my skull when I went down.
LIGHTS: They're helpful during the day, but essential at night. They won't help you see, but they'll let cars see you.
ROUTES: Google Maps now has a 'travel by bike' option available in most cities. It gives priority to bike paths, bike lanes, side streets, and flat grades (so you're not pedaling up hills or burning out your brakes going downhill all the time). It's a great tool. But use common sense--if a street doesn't feel like it's giving you protection from auto traffic, use another route.
GEAR: Depending on where you are and the type of riding you do, some things to consider:
Gears/derailleurs -- if there's a lot of hills, a good set of gears is a must. If you're in a flat town like Chicago, a fixed gear bike (AKA a one-speed) can work and save a LOT on maintenance.
Tires -- if you'll be riding in urban environments exclusively, get a skinnier tire. It will ride faster (less wheel resistance) and feel better. If you'll be doing dirt-trail riding exclusively, get a mountain-bike style tire with more knobs for better traction. If you might be doing both, or if there's crushed-rock trails (in Chicago, that's the Prairie Path), get a hybrid.
Seat -- None of them are 'comfortable', no matter what. If you're riding for more than 3 miles, get used to the idea that it will be uncomfortable. Some more so than others. Get one that you can live with, and realize that even the $300 leather, gel-filled seat won't feel as good as the couch in your living room.
Computer -- I'm a fan of bike computers. Even simple ones will tell you how fast you're going, how far you've gone, and give you the time. It's a good way to challenge yourself to go faster/farther when exercising, and help keep you on time when commuting. And they can cost as little as $20.
MAINTENANCE: ~Buy a small repair kit and keep it with your bike or in your backpack/bag. ~Learn to patch and/or change a flat tire. It'll save you quite a bit of $$ in the long run. ~About once a month, give the bike a wipe-down with a damp cloth to get the road grit off. Especially if you've biked when the pavement is wet. Helps the bike run better and keeps it from rusting. ~Buy some chain lube and make sure the chain is greased up. Nothing sucks quite as bad as having a rusty chain break on you, leaving you to walk the rest of the way.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting free products/services. Maybe the free diapers are a way for that company to serve God. Claiming you are a missionary when you are not to get free diapers is wrong. Certainly BOGO offers are to generate more revenue but that doesn't mean you can't participate. Think about all the stores (warehouse, grocery stores) that give away free food. They want you to then buy some but you are not required it is just a form of advertising.
GE, thanks for sharing your story. I agree that setting a personal goal is critical. It will give you a roadmap to keep you on track, help keep you motivated during the tough times, and lead one to action (rather than just hoping things get better). That was the turning point for me as well.
My mother used to save ketchup packages from fast food and squeeze them into a full size container.
When I bring my lunch to work, I use plastic utensils and then wash them for reuse!
Very intriguing/interesting article. I'm a believer that dreams signify other situations that are going on in your life. I encourage people to look up their dreams in a dream dictionary, because I have one, but most are hesitant about it. In my history with my own dreams, they often signify an underlying issue/aspect in my life that's going on in the present moment. It's good to know that other people analyze their dreams and try to make sense of them too!
In response to loving "flushable wipes" - I have a relative who owns his own plumbing business and he said one of the top reasons for clogged toilet/pipes/drains = flushable wipes. I used to use them and don't anymore for this reason. Just thought I'd pass that along.
I have been doing most of these steps for 5-6 years and this hasn't work me or any of my other co-workers who want to get laid off. We've gotten to the point where we've even told our boss that we want to be laid off. So can you please come up with a better list???
The first thing you need to do is get a plan and revisit that plan every single day. It can be so difficult to keep on track but that validation that comes with having something in writing really helps.
I've learned the power of coupon overage. Some stores, like Rite Aid, offer coupons for $X off if your order reaches $YY or more. They also have rewards +Up bucks that are like cash. If you plan a shopping trip well, you can use the +Up bucks matched with deals in their weekly flyer and stacked with manufacturer's coupons for those same items plus the $X/$YY and end up being owed money by the store - that's the "overage". Since the store won't give you that money back in cash, I use the overage to get items we need, like milk, eggs, toilet paper, etc. I'm actually saving money by getting other items for free.
I've also read that dreams are basically our brains passing gas while we sleep. BUT I do believe our subconscious does try to work things out during the night, however, I don't put a lot of faith in the random interpretations that allegedly mean the same thing for everyone.
I have a lot of coworkers who constantly load up on napkins, plastic utensils and condiment packets when they get lunch to-go. They claim that they are saving loads of money, but I find it embarrassing and "wrong".
Of course, it is really nice when I forget to pack myself a fork for my brown bag lunch. But I can't help feeling like they are stealing from businesses.
I don't think there are any 'silly' ways to save money...if it's saving you money, then it works! Keep doing it!
To buy school supplies for my kids I have been doing the following:
I buy used ink cartridges on ebay. Lets say for example 272 used inks for $78. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Lot-272-HP-Mixed-Models-Empty-Used-Ink-Cartridges-/2...). Then I go to staples every month and redeem the maximum amount (which is 10)- they give $2 for each cartridge (It used to be $3- but the math alone 272 x $2 = $544, then subtract the $78 upfront cost for a net gain of $466). I have my mother-in-law and friends do this for me as well. This summer alone I have "earned" over two hundred dollars in school supplies, which only cost me $78! A lot of work, but worth it!
GE - great post - Can't echo loud enough the importance of Purpose in your financial goals. Too often we work toward listless goals that are meaningless, but when we find purpose in what we are doing we'll generally hit the target way more often!
I frequently pass on the many free offers I find on the internet. Clearly, the companies offering free items are hoping for business. If I know in advance that I won't buy from that company, then it seems to me that I am simply taking advantage of them by taking them up on their offer of a free item.
As a small business owner, I understand that free to the customer really means costly to the business owner. It's not really free at all. By taking their free offer when I know that I won't patronize their business, I'm really aiding in their demise rather than helping them to succeed. I just don't feel good about that.
I think everyone should at some time run a small business. It would change how many people view 'free' items.
One silly way to save that I've been doing for about two years now is using shredded paper for cat litter. Yes, it only saves about $6 a month, but there are benefits: first, one cat that has severe asthma doesn't wheeze and cough nearly as much without the daily stress of clay litter 'fog'. Second, we use paper from junk mail (NOT colored inks or slick paper, please) and our normal office routine of using both sides of any sheet of paper before disposing of it. This also means we really don't worry about an identity thief going through the trash. (Who's going to try to piece together shredded paper with -ugh- cat poop on it?) Third, the paper is lightweight and is changed out daily, substantially reducing odor. What does the $36 or so saved go on? You guessed it - cat food and treats.
I mend athletic socks. They are fairly inexpensive, but I can get a few more months out of them by mending them while the holes are still small.
I think it's kinda silly that I go to the trouble of cutting the ends off of toothpaste tubes just to get the last scrapings in the corners.
Saving every little bit of food leftover after a meal, even if it's just a bite or two of something. Honestly, how much could that cost, and when are you going to eat all of the miscellaneous leftover bites?
I talk to people, because it is a cheap way of getting things (some people want to exchange things with you, others may be moving and throwing things away, others may be able to teach you stuff for free, other times it is just a fun thing to do, and it also hepls you learn about others, and most important, about yourself)
Exactly what I do!
^^This.
HELMET: A helmet is a MUST for EVERY ride. I use my bike as my primary transportation in Chicago, and I've been doored (hit by an opening car door) less than 3 blocks from my home. It was the helmet that cracked instead of my skull when I went down.
LIGHTS: They're helpful during the day, but essential at night. They won't help you see, but they'll let cars see you.
ROUTES: Google Maps now has a 'travel by bike' option available in most cities. It gives priority to bike paths, bike lanes, side streets, and flat grades (so you're not pedaling up hills or burning out your brakes going downhill all the time). It's a great tool. But use common sense--if a street doesn't feel like it's giving you protection from auto traffic, use another route.
GEAR: Depending on where you are and the type of riding you do, some things to consider:
Gears/derailleurs -- if there's a lot of hills, a good set of gears is a must. If you're in a flat town like Chicago, a fixed gear bike (AKA a one-speed) can work and save a LOT on maintenance.
Tires -- if you'll be riding in urban environments exclusively, get a skinnier tire. It will ride faster (less wheel resistance) and feel better. If you'll be doing dirt-trail riding exclusively, get a mountain-bike style tire with more knobs for better traction. If you might be doing both, or if there's crushed-rock trails (in Chicago, that's the Prairie Path), get a hybrid.
Seat -- None of them are 'comfortable', no matter what. If you're riding for more than 3 miles, get used to the idea that it will be uncomfortable. Some more so than others. Get one that you can live with, and realize that even the $300 leather, gel-filled seat won't feel as good as the couch in your living room.
Computer -- I'm a fan of bike computers. Even simple ones will tell you how fast you're going, how far you've gone, and give you the time. It's a good way to challenge yourself to go faster/farther when exercising, and help keep you on time when commuting. And they can cost as little as $20.
MAINTENANCE: ~Buy a small repair kit and keep it with your bike or in your backpack/bag. ~Learn to patch and/or change a flat tire. It'll save you quite a bit of $$ in the long run. ~About once a month, give the bike a wipe-down with a damp cloth to get the road grit off. Especially if you've biked when the pavement is wet. Helps the bike run better and keeps it from rusting. ~Buy some chain lube and make sure the chain is greased up. Nothing sucks quite as bad as having a rusty chain break on you, leaving you to walk the rest of the way.
Where do you put your bike while your at work? Does your office have bike racks? Do you leave it in your cubical?
Aren't you all sweaty and stinky when you get to work? Do you ride your bike in a suit? Change when you get to work?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting free products/services. Maybe the free diapers are a way for that company to serve God. Claiming you are a missionary when you are not to get free diapers is wrong. Certainly BOGO offers are to generate more revenue but that doesn't mean you can't participate. Think about all the stores (warehouse, grocery stores) that give away free food. They want you to then buy some but you are not required it is just a form of advertising.
My husband and I only go to matinee, even though that is when all the kids go to the movies.
GE, thanks for sharing your story. I agree that setting a personal goal is critical. It will give you a roadmap to keep you on track, help keep you motivated during the tough times, and lead one to action (rather than just hoping things get better). That was the turning point for me as well.
My mom collects the unused ketchup packets whenever we eat fast food. She cuts them open and squeezes them into our ketchup bottle when she gets home!