Recent comments

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I'll walk more than take taxis. And I rarely go to the movies unless it's something I REALLY want to see.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Cloth diapers, free things online, berry picking (and freezing), saying no to eating out with friends when we don't have the money.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I'd rather put my time and energy into learning how to make more money, not finding ways to pinch pennies. Even still, I don't want to over spend or waste a dime. I think being cheap is only OK if its not ruling your life or creating an unhealthy lifestyle. I guess I'm not a cheapskate.

  • 3 Ways to Save Money on Maternity Dresses   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Try telling that to the bride of the wedding you're going to or to my family! But seriously, what you're saying makes sense but you also have to respect the fact that this is their day and they expect a certain level of "fanciness."

    I totally understand—if the invite says "black tie," you better show up in black tie. Anything else would be rude.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    The sign maker charged by the letter!

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I learned to repair a lot of things that I used to throw out - clothes, furniture, etc.

    I have also learned to watch freecycle and the craigslist free column before buying anything!

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Top 5 things that make me a cheapskate:

    5. No cable, just antenna.
    4. Most books & DVDs come from the library.
    3. Wash plastic bags until they fall apart.
    2. Leftovers for lunch and tote coffee in a thermos.

    And the number-one thing that makes me a cheapskate:

    1. I actually ENJOY making Trent Hamm's homemade laundry soap! http://preview.tinyurl.com/3d2uqs

  • When Interest Rates Head Up   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Yes, I have (perhaps) an uncommon perspective, because I have investments but no debt, so higher rates mean more income to me, rather than more expense.

    Student loans are an interesting case. I don't have any current information, but back when I got my student loans, the interest rates were fixed. So, rising rates didn't hurt graduates. (If you were still in school, rising rates could mean that your next-year's loans were at a higher rate, though.) Is that no longer true? Are student loans at variable rates that will rise when rates eventually go higher?

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I check out all my personal finance books from the library. :-)

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Shouldn't this sign read: Cheaper than Cheaper "Smile, YOU'RE saving a lot of money" - let's teach people how to spell correctly and save money -

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I like to think that I pinch pennies with finesse and class- I save coupons to match up with sales & store promotions to make the most of our hard earned dollars. Now have friends asking for advice on how to do.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I go to the library for everything: books, cds, dvds. My iTunes is on hiatus this month because of all the cds I have checked out from the library.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Bus rider, no cable, thrift store shopper and library lover.

  • Ask the Readers: What Makes You a Cheapskate?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I am a cheapskate and I am one of those 'proud of it' sorts. I'm a stay at home mom, my husband has a modest income and our only debt is our mortgage and we will have it paid off in 7 years when our youngest child is a senior. What makes us cheapskates? We don't do anything that radical: no cable, no cellphones, most of our stuff is acquired secondhand, we don't eat out, I cook from scratch.... I am a boring cheapskate I guess, but it works for us!

  • Are Your Financial Habits Just Bad?   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Living below your means is the key to success for sure, even though this might make you feel bad about yourself from time to time. An even better idea is to find a job that gets you a big salary, so that you don't have to make too many compromises.

  • Paying for Packaging: It's Time to Stop   15 years 44 weeks ago

    We pay not only for the tangible materials of packaging, but also the advertising and design costs that went into those boxes, bags and bottles. I've noticed that the prettier the package, the more expensive the product, even if the the actual products are essentially identical.

  • Ask the Readers: Would You Relocate for the Perfect Job? (Chance to win!)   15 years 44 weeks ago

    For the perfect job I would move anywhere in the world. I am also able to do that at my age, I feel there are two ages that should allow you to follow your dreams, that is right after college when you life is beginning as an adult and you need to find what you want out of life and after you have raised your family you are on your own and are ready to start your life dreams if you have not already done so.

    Another country offers us a different chance to live a different kind of life we had in our home country and sometimes, just sometimes, we end up seeing the grass is not always greener and appreciate where we live a little bit more. You only have one life, live it with no regrets and explore all the possibilities it has to offer, trust me..IT DOES GO BY IN A FLASH.

  • Gluten-Free, Carb-Free Noodles   15 years 44 weeks ago

    You ought to check out "Miracle Noodles" at http://www.miraclenoodle.com

  • When Interest Rates Head Up   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Well I feel fluctuating interest rates are always a worry for people who have debts! Especially students who have student loans to repay! If the rates are high then it is a matter of concern.

  • 3 Ways to Save Money on Maternity Dresses   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Here's a radical thought. If you don't come up with a free or inexpensive dress option, why not just wear the best outfit your currently have? It is just one day. People understand you are pregnant. Most dressing up for events is about conforming to a social norm. But isn't a basic tenant of frugality to avoid spending because of social pressure?

  • 12 Cool Things to Do with Used Dryer Sheets   15 years 44 weeks ago

    If you're potting flowers, put them in the bottom of the pot before adding the gravel layer and then the soil. They keep the gravel and the soil from washing out.

    I've actually given up using dryer sheets. I take liquid fabric softner, dilute it about half and half(it could probably be diluted more) and then spray that on a clean cloth and toss the cloth into the dryer. Saves money and eliminates discards. I've been doing this for about 6 months and still have not used up a whole bottle of fabric softner.

  • Credit Counseling: When you Need it and When you Don't   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I’ve heard numerous bad things about debt counseling services and naturally was reluctant to give Debt Guru a try. Their employees are knowledgeable and their company is registered and certified. I fixed my debt don’t hesitate to fix yours! www.debtguru.com is remarkable!

  • Craigslist Shopping 101   15 years 44 weeks ago

    how can i buy and get items delivered to me in Lagos, Nigeria without hassel or be defrauded?

  • Best Money Tips: Make Your Own Girl Scout Cookies   15 years 44 weeks ago

    I think that you need to check and see, my understanding is that flood insurance is available. One of the problems that the public may encounter is an agent that has not been to flood insurance education to sell it. That might have alot to do with it.. I think he said the other day that 33% of the claims for flood, were not in the flood plain. But, most people will not buy due to paying another premium….
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    Personal Finance Advisers

  • Quickly Remove Scratches From CDs and DVDs   15 years 44 weeks ago

    Yeah, leave it to the anti-choice wankers to get inside your head over something so personal. This is about salvaging CDs, you old gas bag! And I will still contine to salvage my CDs....they don't use up resources and get into other people's business, ferchrissakes!