I've found that if you find something that seems like it will last forever and you think you might want another, go quickly. If manufacturers realize that it lasts and lasts they start changing it up -- making it cheaper so it doesn't last as well and you have to buy more.
I wish that instead they'd start advertising that it lasts forever, so that people that want that can pay the extra 10-30% and not have to buy one again!
Mr. Brewer,
Do you still qualify for the stimulus package if you are claimed as a parents Dependant? I know a few college students who do work study during the school year and paid internships during the summer and they make more than 3,000 dollars. Some of them, however, are claimed by their parents, does that matter?
Also, this might seem a silly question, but is the stimulus package and automatic thing, or is there some way you need to specify it on you taxes. What I mean is, if someone isn't filing to get a return, and their only reason is for this stimulus package, do they need to make a note of that somewhere or will it be automatically recognized?
sorry if these seem like silly questions...
I, too, am often disappointed with the furniture I see in regular stores (I am not particularly fond of wood veneers) but have been pleased with the Amish furniture I bought a few years ago; also picked up some nice, sturdy, hopefully long-lasting chairs from a sample sale hosted by a premium quality manufacturer last year.
toothpaste didnt work for me.... but actually im pretty sure i used the wrong kind so well who knows. but i have to get my hands on some brasso because ive heard that REALLY works.
I have a free account with MediaMax, and have never had any issues. I'm not sure about the paid options, I'm too frugal to pay for online storage right now. But if any other readers have had problems with any of these, please let us know. So far, I'm very happy with XDrive.
Since I live on the road, backing up to CDs (or even flash drives at times) is difficult and impractical. If for whatever reason I physically lose everything, the CDs and flash drives will go with it.
So I use online storage (Xdrive and Mediamax). They do the trick, although I've intermittently had trouble with both. But hey - it's free - I won't complain!
I cannot urge you strongly enough: Stay away from Media Max!
I used to be a subscriber when they were Streamload, then they switched names, owners, whatever- but the service became terrible. outages for several days at a time. lousy communication. every other month my billing was messed up. And just try to call them- go ahead I dare ya. If you find a phone number it will get you to a recording. You will NEVER EVER talk to a real person. After numerous emails and threats of litigation I finally resolved my account with them and promptly closed it. Before you trust your files with anyone check them out. contact the better business bureau- the BBB knows all about media max.
I'd have to agree with the person who said, "neither generosity nor stupidity." It's dismissive to even raise the question of "stupidity," since you obviously don't believe your friend is stupid. If you want to congratulate yourself for the things you've figured out, fine, but certainly you can find a better way to do it. The word "stupid" doesn't even apply.
Almost everyone has "issues" around certain things: food, sex, money, work, etc. And only once we stop to examine the lessons we learned while growing up will we ever grow beyond our habitual patterns of behavior. Whether his behavior is manipulative, altruistic, or simply short-sighted is not a call anyone here (yourself included) can make. The only things we can say for certain is that it looks like a bad habit, and with daily practice it could be changed.
I think the real question is this: what unexamined behaviors do we have when it comes to generosity? The question might be better phrased as, "What do we get from giving?" Once we figure that one out, then we'd be able to discern when we've gone too far.
Good post, great comments. A/C does not significantly affect fuel efficiency. Most cars nowadays get pretty good gas mileage at highway speeds, using less than 20 hp. It's the folks who make jack rabbit starts and cruise at 85 MPH in their Hummers that don't do so well.
An enhanced way of saving money on gas is to use the strategy above coupled with a cash rewards credit card -- American Express offers up to 5 percent rebates on gas purchases.
One other way to 'save' money on gas: Costco. Use your AmEx card, or if you prefer, use cash. As you know, their machines don't accept cash. So, instead of getting ripped by the ATM fee, go inside and buy a Costco cash card. It's free and you can use it immediately in their gas pumps.
Seems like you don't wish you backed up until something crazy happens. I've lost countless pictures and files when my computer crashed. I use Filebig.com a lot to backup my stuff.
Thanks for this post, I probably need to back up some stuff now matter of fact.
I live in a multi-cultural neighborhood, and work in an extremely diverse office. My immediate neighbors, and the ones I have the closest relationships with are Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Americans. I noticed that they work hard, save money, and get by on living below their means. I give their children and grandchildren red envelopes during Ginger and Egg parties, birthdays, and Chinese New Year. On the other hand my recent immigrant Chinese co-workers (we all work in IT) earn more money than my neighbors, and they spend money much more frequently than I and my neighbors do. I also noticed that they are very brand conscious, and will spend more money on a "sale" item because of the label. For example, my closest co-worker told me how she went to Macy's at lunch to buy 3 Ralph Lauren shirts for $49 each to send back home to her brother in China. Another co-work purchased $700 worth of make-up to give to his sister-in-law for his trip back to China. The reason they gave for doing this is, because the same items cost more in China. (They buy these brands for themselves, too, and say that it's not considered good quality unless there is a well publicized name on the product). Many Mondays, they will talk about how they got such a great bargain at an outlet or department store. I am pretty sure they pay the bill off every month, but to me that is ridiculous!
My husband is from a small Caribbean island, and almost everything has be to imported, and thus costs are higher than here in the States. When we go down there or send stuff, I visit the local Dollar Tree, and spend about $300 liquid cleaners, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. The household items I get will last for at least a year for our numerous relatives, and they don't care what brand it is just as long as the stuff works! Very similarly to Chinese culture, Caribbean people save large portions of their income, and pay for most homes and cars with cash. Except for my teenage relatives, I have never received a request for a named brand item, and they don't turn up their noses to generic goods, or question an item's quality.
By the way, the two co-workers I mentioned are my best friends at work, and they often tease me about my frugality. Often, they say I act very Chinese (I am Black) with my money, and tell me that I should just buy an item when we discuss my dilemma over some purchase decisions. My point is that many cultures instill frugality and good money management, but there are several factions from within those same cultures that are significant driving forces within the consumerist economy.
My blog, How To Get Good Credit Gab, provides the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and experiences about obtaining good credit and emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining good credit and the perils of personal financial mismanagement.
"In my dad’s time, dignity and self-respect were things you just could not buy at any price"
None of this is new stuff... it's just in a new format. People have been willing to sell themselves (their secrets, their bodies, their dignity) since the dawn of time. Isn't prostitution called the "oldest profession"? (yes, prostitution, these people are totally whoring for the camera)
With television and the internet, it's only becoming more visible, possibly more prevalent, and revoltingly more socially acceptable. But it's not like humanity discovered how to be depraved with the advent of reality TV.
Your thoughtful and well-written comment really got me thinking - obviously I did the surgery for me. You know what else I do for me? I take my dogs for several walks a day, so that I don't live in a house covered in dog urine and feces. Also? I feed them, so that I don't have to watch them starve to death before my own eyes. I know - I'm SO selfish. That's why I spent that money on his surgery rather than on something like a new motorcycle or a bunch of shoes.
Yeah, clearly. I can see how this post could be seen as racist. Because I refer to China as a single country? I LIVED there; I know where Dalian is, thanks. And I bought some very high-quality goods there. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't hold both China and ourselves accountable for the miserable, poisonous junk flooding our stores here.
Perhaps he believes that he's so far in debt that "one little meal for friends/a few more dollars for kid/etc" can't make it worse.
I like the suggestion of activities where no money is involved.
Perhaps you could also suggest meeting at coffee shops or restaurants where food is served cafeteria style and everyone pays their own bill before sitting down.
For the record, NO, I would not give up my marriage for any amount of money. (Now ask me in about 15 years, lol.)
I did happen to see the clip of The Moment of Truth because someone sent it to me because they thought it was funny. Probably the most PAINFUL thing I have ever seen.
You don't have to have a drivers license that liquid can pass through, in fact I don't know of any drivers license that does let liquid through anywhores, simply shift the license a teensy bit back from the rims that are touching eachother and tada! They will start swapping with no spillage.
This is all filmed candidly, I guess you don't understand how good professional cameras are. As well the issue with the sound, there are such things as shotgun microphones, they will only pick up sound from a single area, as well you can always edit afterwards. As for the warming up bit, the only times that the bet has been proposed immediately was with the chick, this is because hse is hot, with the guys they have always been there for a while.
I've found that if you find something that seems like it will last forever and you think you might want another, go quickly. If manufacturers realize that it lasts and lasts they start changing it up -- making it cheaper so it doesn't last as well and you have to buy more.
I wish that instead they'd start advertising that it lasts forever, so that people that want that can pay the extra 10-30% and not have to buy one again!
Mr. Brewer,
Do you still qualify for the stimulus package if you are claimed as a parents Dependant? I know a few college students who do work study during the school year and paid internships during the summer and they make more than 3,000 dollars. Some of them, however, are claimed by their parents, does that matter?
Also, this might seem a silly question, but is the stimulus package and automatic thing, or is there some way you need to specify it on you taxes. What I mean is, if someone isn't filing to get a return, and their only reason is for this stimulus package, do they need to make a note of that somewhere or will it be automatically recognized?
sorry if these seem like silly questions...
Sara
I, too, am often disappointed with the furniture I see in regular stores (I am not particularly fond of wood veneers) but have been pleased with the Amish furniture I bought a few years ago; also picked up some nice, sturdy, hopefully long-lasting chairs from a sample sale hosted by a premium quality manufacturer last year.
You'd have a hard time convincing me new furniture is worth buying.
Thrift stores are a great place to find sturdy older furniture.
Could you use powdered sugar? i have allot of it and i was wondering if i could use it
thank you
toothpaste didnt work for me.... but actually im pretty sure i used the wrong kind so well who knows. but i have to get my hands on some brasso because ive heard that REALLY works.
I have a free account with MediaMax, and have never had any issues. I'm not sure about the paid options, I'm too frugal to pay for online storage right now. But if any other readers have had problems with any of these, please let us know. So far, I'm very happy with XDrive.
Since I live on the road, backing up to CDs (or even flash drives at times) is difficult and impractical. If for whatever reason I physically lose everything, the CDs and flash drives will go with it.
So I use online storage (Xdrive and Mediamax). They do the trick, although I've intermittently had trouble with both. But hey - it's free - I won't complain!
I cannot urge you strongly enough: Stay away from Media Max!
I used to be a subscriber when they were Streamload, then they switched names, owners, whatever- but the service became terrible. outages for several days at a time. lousy communication. every other month my billing was messed up. And just try to call them- go ahead I dare ya. If you find a phone number it will get you to a recording. You will NEVER EVER talk to a real person. After numerous emails and threats of litigation I finally resolved my account with them and promptly closed it. Before you trust your files with anyone check them out. contact the better business bureau- the BBB knows all about media max.
I'd have to agree with the person who said, "neither generosity nor stupidity." It's dismissive to even raise the question of "stupidity," since you obviously don't believe your friend is stupid. If you want to congratulate yourself for the things you've figured out, fine, but certainly you can find a better way to do it. The word "stupid" doesn't even apply.
Almost everyone has "issues" around certain things: food, sex, money, work, etc. And only once we stop to examine the lessons we learned while growing up will we ever grow beyond our habitual patterns of behavior. Whether his behavior is manipulative, altruistic, or simply short-sighted is not a call anyone here (yourself included) can make. The only things we can say for certain is that it looks like a bad habit, and with daily practice it could be changed.
I think the real question is this: what unexamined behaviors do we have when it comes to generosity? The question might be better phrased as, "What do we get from giving?" Once we figure that one out, then we'd be able to discern when we've gone too far.
Good post, great comments. A/C does not significantly affect fuel efficiency. Most cars nowadays get pretty good gas mileage at highway speeds, using less than 20 hp. It's the folks who make jack rabbit starts and cruise at 85 MPH in their Hummers that don't do so well.
An enhanced way of saving money on gas is to use the strategy above coupled with a cash rewards credit card -- American Express offers up to 5 percent rebates on gas purchases.
One other way to 'save' money on gas: Costco. Use your AmEx card, or if you prefer, use cash. As you know, their machines don't accept cash. So, instead of getting ripped by the ATM fee, go inside and buy a Costco cash card. It's free and you can use it immediately in their gas pumps.
Seems like you don't wish you backed up until something crazy happens. I've lost countless pictures and files when my computer crashed. I use Filebig.com a lot to backup my stuff.
Thanks for this post, I probably need to back up some stuff now matter of fact.
I live in a multi-cultural neighborhood, and work in an extremely diverse office. My immediate neighbors, and the ones I have the closest relationships with are Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Americans. I noticed that they work hard, save money, and get by on living below their means. I give their children and grandchildren red envelopes during Ginger and Egg parties, birthdays, and Chinese New Year. On the other hand my recent immigrant Chinese co-workers (we all work in IT) earn more money than my neighbors, and they spend money much more frequently than I and my neighbors do. I also noticed that they are very brand conscious, and will spend more money on a "sale" item because of the label. For example, my closest co-worker told me how she went to Macy's at lunch to buy 3 Ralph Lauren shirts for $49 each to send back home to her brother in China. Another co-work purchased $700 worth of make-up to give to his sister-in-law for his trip back to China. The reason they gave for doing this is, because the same items cost more in China. (They buy these brands for themselves, too, and say that it's not considered good quality unless there is a well publicized name on the product). Many Mondays, they will talk about how they got such a great bargain at an outlet or department store. I am pretty sure they pay the bill off every month, but to me that is ridiculous!
My husband is from a small Caribbean island, and almost everything has be to imported, and thus costs are higher than here in the States. When we go down there or send stuff, I visit the local Dollar Tree, and spend about $300 liquid cleaners, lotion, toothpaste, shampoo, etc. The household items I get will last for at least a year for our numerous relatives, and they don't care what brand it is just as long as the stuff works! Very similarly to Chinese culture, Caribbean people save large portions of their income, and pay for most homes and cars with cash. Except for my teenage relatives, I have never received a request for a named brand item, and they don't turn up their noses to generic goods, or question an item's quality.
By the way, the two co-workers I mentioned are my best friends at work, and they often tease me about my frugality. Often, they say I act very Chinese (I am Black) with my money, and tell me that I should just buy an item when we discuss my dilemma over some purchase decisions. My point is that many cultures instill frugality and good money management, but there are several factions from within those same cultures that are significant driving forces within the consumerist economy.
Great post, I am planning on using one of these free site to take save a video and list of my home inventory for potential insurance claims.
My blog, How To Get Good Credit Gab, provides the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and experiences about obtaining good credit and emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining good credit and the perils of personal financial mismanagement.
"In my dad’s time, dignity and self-respect were things you just could not buy at any price"
None of this is new stuff... it's just in a new format. People have been willing to sell themselves (their secrets, their bodies, their dignity) since the dawn of time. Isn't prostitution called the "oldest profession"? (yes, prostitution, these people are totally whoring for the camera)
With television and the internet, it's only becoming more visible, possibly more prevalent, and revoltingly more socially acceptable. But it's not like humanity discovered how to be depraved with the advent of reality TV.
Your thoughtful and well-written comment really got me thinking - obviously I did the surgery for me. You know what else I do for me? I take my dogs for several walks a day, so that I don't live in a house covered in dog urine and feces. Also? I feed them, so that I don't have to watch them starve to death before my own eyes. I know - I'm SO selfish. That's why I spent that money on his surgery rather than on something like a new motorcycle or a bunch of shoes.
Yeah, clearly. I can see how this post could be seen as racist. Because I refer to China as a single country? I LIVED there; I know where Dalian is, thanks. And I bought some very high-quality goods there. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't hold both China and ourselves accountable for the miserable, poisonous junk flooding our stores here.
Perhaps he believes that he's so far in debt that "one little meal for friends/a few more dollars for kid/etc" can't make it worse.
I like the suggestion of activities where no money is involved.
Perhaps you could also suggest meeting at coffee shops or restaurants where food is served cafeteria style and everyone pays their own bill before sitting down.
I live in Orange County. We're about to fucking do it again because of Street's investments going sour.
Meh.
For the record, NO, I would not give up my marriage for any amount of money. (Now ask me in about 15 years, lol.)
I did happen to see the clip of The Moment of Truth because someone sent it to me because they thought it was funny. Probably the most PAINFUL thing I have ever seen.
You don't have to have a drivers license that liquid can pass through, in fact I don't know of any drivers license that does let liquid through anywhores, simply shift the license a teensy bit back from the rims that are touching eachother and tada! They will start swapping with no spillage.
This is all filmed candidly, I guess you don't understand how good professional cameras are. As well the issue with the sound, there are such things as shotgun microphones, they will only pick up sound from a single area, as well you can always edit afterwards. As for the warming up bit, the only times that the bet has been proposed immediately was with the chick, this is because hse is hot, with the guys they have always been there for a while.
At the expense of my financial health=stupidity.
the bills must be paid LOL!
has skeletons in their closets. The question is, should you air them for the chance to win some money?