Auctions are a great place to buy quality used furniture at a great price. I often find designer furniture at 20 cents on the dollar - these are less than wholesale prices. Check this one out in San Francisco www.bonhams.com/soma
I want the health dollars I'm spending already -- premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, FSA dollars -- to include any and all health options, including naturopaths, homeopaths, therapeutic massage. Shouldn't our health care dollars be able to go to what keeps us well, instead of only the expensive (and only partially successful) interventions after everything's gone to pot?
Chiropractors used to be verboten by "medical science," now are well accepted because people demanded it. Look at how well they have helped people with acute and chronic problems to get well and stay well.
Trigger point massage has helped me with knee problems that orthopedic doctor just told me I had to learn to live with. Turns out it was referred pain from muscle tightness elsewhere in the body, and monthly trigger point massages keep everything functioning well.
That expensive orthopedist and x-rays and MRIs solved nothing, but they are the only option under so-called "health" insurance!
I like http://www.shopgala.com. I've used coupons from ShopGala for all types of products (clothes, food, pet supplies, etc.) and they all worked. Plus, they seem to offer a better variety of coupons than most sites I've used in the past.
It's figure 16.7 we're looking at on the "tutorvista" page? The steam distillation illustration? Yeah, I can see what you mean now. I take it that the mathematical formula accompanying it is the answer to what I asked you before about how much steam I would need to put through a run of wash to get the maximum amount of alcohol without the steamer running dry? Unfortunately, I left school too early without any qualifications to be able to work out the algebraical thing like that: I'll just stick with your "steam expands to 600 times the volume of water" post, and assume that if I'm running 10 gallons of wash, actually IN a thumper, 2 gallons in a steam-generator will be MORE than enough. Is that about right???
When I first read the title I immediately thought of a wealthy farmer. Like getting the neighbours over for a barn raising, a pot-luck or something that brings everyone together to accomplish something without blowing the bank.
When I read a little further, I'd have to admit that I've just discovered one of wisebread's great tips on budgeting that I've read recently. The only challenge I find with this concept is psychology. I'd love to try this, but I'd hate to get some crap from a friend and part with something I like.
I'd also hate to be the friend viewed as supplying the crap - lol
If you hate your old furniture so much (I agree the dresser in the pic isn't pretty) - then redo it - paint it, refinish it - or something. I like my old solid-wood furniture! Who can afford the new stuff? & I think Ikea is mostly overpriced for the quality - (We found an Ikea-type computer desk in a thrift shop for $30!)
That dresser would probably look good if painted with a country-antique finish to make it "shabby chic." The dings etc. are called patina - & you get points knocked off on desirability for re-finishing really good pieces. Have you seem the "distressed" pine imported from Ireland? Those dings = patina! & so do mine. And besides, matching pieces is so passe - all the decorators say so!
Thanks so much for your comment.....it made my day!!! I too am in a similar situation as you and have reacted exactly as you have. I was wondering if there was something wrong with my reactions until you verified what my feelings.....I've had a full and good life (58 years) and find my only concerns are for those left behind. There is no exotic "bucket list", just preparations to assist your family who will be left behind. I guess I've already lived my "bucket list" or else I'm just a boring person...
This is also a lot easier to do when you have proven that you can work effectively at home, or if your coworkers are already doing it. You can try convincing your boss to let you work from home one day a week to start with, and then ask for more later. Some of my coworkers moved out of state after they had kids and now they work at home full time. It's really a great arrangement.
On a related note, I find that when I work from home I actually work more. Right now I work at home one day a week, but if we move I might ask to work at home full time instead of finding a new job.
I think spending 30% of income on housing is way too much, especially if you mean 30% of gross income. The engagement ring rule is silly, and kind of crazy. As to the stocks rule, I think that's also too general since there are many types of stocks. Some are "safer" than others. Anyway, I guess the point of this article is that these rules aren't really set in stone.
Yes...I think "creating familiarity" could be a whole sub-topic on this discussion. Candles, better sheets, your own pillow, etc. all help in creating a calmer atmosphere for rest.
I missed a payment for my Chase card over a year ago, and my apr was changed to 29.99%. After asking, begging and pleading with them, they refused to reduce it at all (and I have been with them since 1992). They did tell me after 1 year of on-time payments I would qualify to have it reduced.
So I called the other day since it has been a year of on-time payments. I was told they would not lower it because of the new government regulations they are not doing anything at all. Initially, they also denied that they had told me that they would reduce it. Chase is horrible - one mistake, one time, and they make you pay forever.
This might be a little too girly, but when I used to travel for work, I brought special bubble bath along and took a nice long bath before turning in. I don't know, I guess it lulled me into thinking I wasn't in some strange place, some strange bed. Also, those silk sleep sack things - so much nicer than any hotel sheets!
While some hotels provide a couple of choices in pillows, the ones most hotels use tend to be too firm for me -- either I can't get comfortable enough to sleep, or I wake up with a stiff neck. Even a small, comfortable pillow from home can make all the difference in the world in getting a good night's sleep.
You went so far as to call the first section "offense" and in the second section you referred to that section as "defense."
That's essentially saying "First things first: Pick Option A. Now that you've picked Option B, etc..."
It's easy to mix up your analogies!
And also I too prefer to keep a DND sign up at all times. I've hardly ever stayed at a hotel for more than a week, and if I'm there for two nights I can live without remade beds and new towels, for the piece of mind of my stuff not being rifled through or woken up if I decide to sleep in.
Clothespins--I always pack one or two to use to REALLY close those curtains. Often they'll leave a gap of a few inches even completely closed. I've stayed in too many places where they have EXTREMELY bright lights outside the windows for one reason or another. Also good when you're in a room where headlights may hit, or when your window opens on a walkway of some sort and you don't really want everyone to know what you sleep in.
I don't understand your point. If your paying 50-100 dollars for a high deductible plan that doesnt cover anything before your deductible, and you never meet your deductible, then how is saving 40-60% through "price negotiation" saving you money? Your still paying 50-100 dollars or more a month, so by the time you do go to the doctor you've paid that 40-60% off in insurance premiums.
I love the idea of seeing when one's own shape was "in" with the dress-creating community and then shopping for that era in vintage stores. I never would have thought of doing that. Thank you!!
I do have to say that our Target (CentralPA) is absolutely the last place I'd ever go for anything large, however. Ours - maybe because this is such a college town - is totally geared toward small, young women. A couple years ago, I finally lost enough weight to qualify for wearing some of the cutesie layered t tops, but I'll never be able to find pants that fit there because I'm 6' tall, and apparently college-age women aren't supposed to be as tall as guys :)
With respect to the 30% housing ratio...housing expense includes mortgage, insurance, property taxes, HOA dues and maintenance (2-3% of value of home for yearly maintenance is a rule of thumb I've seen). Obviously, if you rent, include renter's insurance.
I have been hovering around the 16-18 range myself, although I am more comfortable at a 12 - 14.
That being said, I am looking forward to exploring the resources you mentioned. While I agree with the overall mall avoidance tips, I have found a few things at different stores such as the JC Penny find Andrea mentioned. Also, Coldwater Creek and Eddie Bauer are at malls in my general area and may be available for others as well.
I have picked up a few tips in the last few months that have made a difference for me and could be used with various figure types, not just plus sizes. Will try to write up a quick post soon and link back to yours.
Auctions are a great place to buy quality used furniture at a great price. I often find designer furniture at 20 cents on the dollar - these are less than wholesale prices. Check this one out in San Francisco www.bonhams.com/soma
just wondering where can i sell my husband hair.
I want the health dollars I'm spending already -- premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance, FSA dollars -- to include any and all health options, including naturopaths, homeopaths, therapeutic massage. Shouldn't our health care dollars be able to go to what keeps us well, instead of only the expensive (and only partially successful) interventions after everything's gone to pot?
Chiropractors used to be verboten by "medical science," now are well accepted because people demanded it. Look at how well they have helped people with acute and chronic problems to get well and stay well.
Trigger point massage has helped me with knee problems that orthopedic doctor just told me I had to learn to live with. Turns out it was referred pain from muscle tightness elsewhere in the body, and monthly trigger point massages keep everything functioning well.
That expensive orthopedist and x-rays and MRIs solved nothing, but they are the only option under so-called "health" insurance!
I like http://www.shopgala.com. I've used coupons from ShopGala for all types of products (clothes, food, pet supplies, etc.) and they all worked. Plus, they seem to offer a better variety of coupons than most sites I've used in the past.
It's figure 16.7 we're looking at on the "tutorvista" page? The steam distillation illustration? Yeah, I can see what you mean now. I take it that the mathematical formula accompanying it is the answer to what I asked you before about how much steam I would need to put through a run of wash to get the maximum amount of alcohol without the steamer running dry? Unfortunately, I left school too early without any qualifications to be able to work out the algebraical thing like that: I'll just stick with your "steam expands to 600 times the volume of water" post, and assume that if I'm running 10 gallons of wash, actually IN a thumper, 2 gallons in a steam-generator will be MORE than enough. Is that about right???
When I first read the title I immediately thought of a wealthy farmer. Like getting the neighbours over for a barn raising, a pot-luck or something that brings everyone together to accomplish something without blowing the bank.
When I read a little further, I'd have to admit that I've just discovered one of wisebread's great tips on budgeting that I've read recently. The only challenge I find with this concept is psychology. I'd love to try this, but I'd hate to get some crap from a friend and part with something I like.
I'd also hate to be the friend viewed as supplying the crap - lol
Anyway, interesting post.
If you hate your old furniture so much (I agree the dresser in the pic isn't pretty) - then redo it - paint it, refinish it - or something. I like my old solid-wood furniture! Who can afford the new stuff? & I think Ikea is mostly overpriced for the quality - (We found an Ikea-type computer desk in a thrift shop for $30!)
That dresser would probably look good if painted with a country-antique finish to make it "shabby chic." The dings etc. are called patina - & you get points knocked off on desirability for re-finishing really good pieces. Have you seem the "distressed" pine imported from Ireland? Those dings = patina! & so do mine. And besides, matching pieces is so passe - all the decorators say so!
Thanks so much for your comment.....it made my day!!! I too am in a similar situation as you and have reacted exactly as you have. I was wondering if there was something wrong with my reactions until you verified what my feelings.....I've had a full and good life (58 years) and find my only concerns are for those left behind. There is no exotic "bucket list", just preparations to assist your family who will be left behind. I guess I've already lived my "bucket list" or else I'm just a boring person...
This is also a lot easier to do when you have proven that you can work effectively at home, or if your coworkers are already doing it. You can try convincing your boss to let you work from home one day a week to start with, and then ask for more later. Some of my coworkers moved out of state after they had kids and now they work at home full time. It's really a great arrangement.
On a related note, I find that when I work from home I actually work more. Right now I work at home one day a week, but if we move I might ask to work at home full time instead of finding a new job.
I think spending 30% of income on housing is way too much, especially if you mean 30% of gross income. The engagement ring rule is silly, and kind of crazy. As to the stocks rule, I think that's also too general since there are many types of stocks. Some are "safer" than others. Anyway, I guess the point of this article is that these rules aren't really set in stone.
Yes...I think "creating familiarity" could be a whole sub-topic on this discussion. Candles, better sheets, your own pillow, etc. all help in creating a calmer atmosphere for rest.
I missed a payment for my Chase card over a year ago, and my apr was changed to 29.99%. After asking, begging and pleading with them, they refused to reduce it at all (and I have been with them since 1992). They did tell me after 1 year of on-time payments I would qualify to have it reduced.
So I called the other day since it has been a year of on-time payments. I was told they would not lower it because of the new government regulations they are not doing anything at all. Initially, they also denied that they had told me that they would reduce it. Chase is horrible - one mistake, one time, and they make you pay forever.
This might be a little too girly, but when I used to travel for work, I brought special bubble bath along and took a nice long bath before turning in. I don't know, I guess it lulled me into thinking I wasn't in some strange place, some strange bed. Also, those silk sleep sack things - so much nicer than any hotel sheets!
I love this idea -- clothespins are easy to toss in a bag and would work like a charm.
Whenever possible, I bring my own pillow.
While some hotels provide a couple of choices in pillows, the ones most hotels use tend to be too firm for me -- either I can't get comfortable enough to sleep, or I wake up with a stiff neck. Even a small, comfortable pillow from home can make all the difference in the world in getting a good night's sleep.
You went so far as to call the first section "offense" and in the second section you referred to that section as "defense."
That's essentially saying "First things first: Pick Option A. Now that you've picked Option B, etc..."
It's easy to mix up your analogies!
And also I too prefer to keep a DND sign up at all times. I've hardly ever stayed at a hotel for more than a week, and if I'm there for two nights I can live without remade beds and new towels, for the piece of mind of my stuff not being rifled through or woken up if I decide to sleep in.
When I wear dresses, I have a trusty pair of calf hi boots. I hate hose and pumps.
Clothespins--I always pack one or two to use to REALLY close those curtains. Often they'll leave a gap of a few inches even completely closed. I've stayed in too many places where they have EXTREMELY bright lights outside the windows for one reason or another. Also good when you're in a room where headlights may hit, or when your window opens on a walkway of some sort and you don't really want everyone to know what you sleep in.
I don't understand your point. If your paying 50-100 dollars for a high deductible plan that doesnt cover anything before your deductible, and you never meet your deductible, then how is saving 40-60% through "price negotiation" saving you money? Your still paying 50-100 dollars or more a month, so by the time you do go to the doctor you've paid that 40-60% off in insurance premiums.
Does anyone else see what I mean?
I like to try things on. Having to order things, wait, try them on, and then send them back is a big hassle.
I love the idea of seeing when one's own shape was "in" with the dress-creating community and then shopping for that era in vintage stores. I never would have thought of doing that. Thank you!!
I do have to say that our Target (CentralPA) is absolutely the last place I'd ever go for anything large, however. Ours - maybe because this is such a college town - is totally geared toward small, young women. A couple years ago, I finally lost enough weight to qualify for wearing some of the cutesie layered t tops, but I'll never be able to find pants that fit there because I'm 6' tall, and apparently college-age women aren't supposed to be as tall as guys :)
With respect to the 30% housing ratio...housing expense includes mortgage, insurance, property taxes, HOA dues and maintenance (2-3% of value of home for yearly maintenance is a rule of thumb I've seen). Obviously, if you rent, include renter's insurance.
please help me where to sell my hair can u plz send me a number, plz help me Thank you
Rosalinda Virgen
Great job, Margaret!
I have been hovering around the 16-18 range myself, although I am more comfortable at a 12 - 14.
That being said, I am looking forward to exploring the resources you mentioned. While I agree with the overall mall avoidance tips, I have found a few things at different stores such as the JC Penny find Andrea mentioned. Also, Coldwater Creek and Eddie Bauer are at malls in my general area and may be available for others as well.
I have picked up a few tips in the last few months that have made a difference for me and could be used with various figure types, not just plus sizes. Will try to write up a quick post soon and link back to yours.
Thanks again for the great new places to shop!
You can also follow me on Twitter and Trek Hound.
I love your writing and I love hot dogs. What a combination. The best dogs may be in Philly and not New York city!