I loved this article. I have been on the path of change the last few months for various unforseen circumstances. And this article pretty much straightened out the whole process I have been trying to achieve. From facing the fear of doing what I hate and breaking it down to achieve small wins I have really pushed ahead on my new path. Thankyou for the insight, it will allow me to focus better in the future. Andrew...
The simplicity of this technique is amazing. It should not be overlooked. I started using this technique after I read this article about a week ago. The results I have had are phenomenal to say the least. Thanks for a great article and a great technique. Andrew.
When it comes to taste, everyone with whom I have spoken, that have tasted Horizon Organic Milk, say it is better than the regular milk from the dairy case. I love its taste as well. My wife, and some others, say it tastes like milk, from the cow, they drank as children. My wife and I have no intention of stopping our enjoyment of Horizon's milk.
THE most important issue about most real estate transactions is WHY the seller is selling. There are very few good reasons to sell. Most the reasons are the FIVE D's of real estate. Once you as a buyer find out the REAL reason the house is for sale, you have a potential deal. The listing agent knows this reason 95% of the time and they are NOT inclined to divulge that information to a buyer no matter how highly qualified the buyer may be. Dual agency can be a fast way to end up in court, and that's expensive. I have a twist on the theme that works better. Here goes. First contact the listing agent and act stupid about real estate, but you must also show that you are a MOTIVATED AND QUALIFIED BUYER and seriously interested in buying the subject property. YOU MUST conduct due diligence and KNOW thew local market and the most likely appraisal value of the property. About 50% of all pending sales collapse because the house was not appraised high enough for the loan company . This is a GOOD thing. All it means is that you could have easily paid more than the house is really worth. Buddy up and butter up the listing agent AND BE SLY AND SMART. THEY KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW---and its NOT all about price. Motivation of the seller is PRIME. Once you get all the information you need from the listing agent you must locate an HONEST and aggressive buyers agent. THIS IS THE HARD PART. You may only find one of these characteristics in any agent. There are other tricks as well. NEVER EVER bid against your self. IF any agent says "highest and best", run for the hills. You are most likely being setup in an ASYMMETRICAL NON TRANSPARENT TRAP.
Instead I come in with KNOWLEDGE of the property and market as well as the MOTIVATION of the seller. Once you have these elements I offer NO CONTINGENCIES and AS IS with a 10-17 day rescission period. I can walk for any reason without losing my earnest deposit. Most sellers prefer a FAST Controlled sale with NO contingencies even with a lower price. Motivation of the seller is IMPORTANT. I just offered 30% under asking and was the LOWEST of all the offers...but MY OFFER was selected. It was because I stipulated NO termite reports, no inspection reports, no roof reports AS IS, I pay for any inspection fees---and mandatory repairs. My fees and repairs cost me MUCH less than the 30% discount that I received by bidding LOW and no contingencies. You do have to have strong financial ability with no requirements for seconds etc. It WORKS and you offer stands out. In my latest deal, the seller made no effort to counter. THEY WANTED OUT by selling.
A great discussion of tax rate and as the previous commenter said you have explained the items really well, particularly the concept of marginal tax rate. I write a lot about taxes and even I learned something new in this article!
Yes, but not to often. I make sure we have a limit set before we go. We live a pretty frugal life so when the feeling moves us we have money put aside, that is maybe twice a year.
I've worked in the meat department of a major retailer now for four years while putting myself through community college. I also worked this line of work in high school as well. It's sad many, many consumers feel the need to be absolutely rude and obnoxious over simple items as a cut of meat, box of cereal, can of soda, etc. I had one gentleman who, as I was waiting on him to make a selection from our meat service counter, commented, "I expect better cuts of meat, you understand me?" Another time a lady was wanting a piece of chicken from our meat service case and at one moment I was sort of spaced out and her reply was, "Pay Attention!" very sharply and extremely rude.
Folks have compassion on your fellow human is that too much to ask? Get off the cell
phone when waiting in line at the cash register; SLOW DOWN..YOU'RE NOT IN THAT
BIG OF A HURRY!!!! Yes well ALL have bad days but don't take out your frustrations at
the person doing their job.
oh HELL NO. i followed these directions to a T and saw my glasses coating go from bad to way way way worse (thus completely ruined). if i needed new glasses to begin with, i REALLY need them now.
DO NOT search all over town for this armour etch crap, its expensive, doesn't work, and actually will leave you worse off (most likely)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! june 2012
Kids' dress-up clothes and shoes have often been worn once or a few times and are in perfect condition.
Sports equipment and camping gear.... from ice skates to tents... goes cheap. Often cheaper than renting.
I'm steering clear of upholstered furniture right now though, because of bed bugs. I also usually bring all thrift store items directly to the washing machine at home, just to be safe.
I have to agree about not sticking to a list --- some of my best finds are items I just happened upon. I can upgrade some of my clothing by discovering a great deal at Goodwill and then coming home and getting rid of something I already have that isn't as nice or isn't in as good shape as the GW purchased item. Or a deal that makes a perfect gift that I wasn't necessarily shopping for --- but need at some point in the future!
I had no idea there were so many way to stop hiccups. I've tried Tip 15 with some success, but I guess I have a whole list to try out now. Cool! Just gotta wait to get the hiccups again.
I have had two landlords attempt to keep part of my security deposit. This article provides some great advice everyone should follow. You can also find the the landlord-tenant law for your state rather easily and this will detail exactly what a landlord can and can't do in regards to returing your security deposit.
$10/day @8%. Sounded reasonable for someone starting out when I did, in the mid-70's. Of course, inflation chewed up that 8% pretty quick, making the result not look all that good. A more reasonable way to think about this is to talk about inflation adjusted earnings rate.
With today's economy, a grad getting out with student loan debt and a $10-15/hr job with no bennies might have trouble coming up with $3650/yr for savings. And 8% earnings on a small investment? Not likely. The only possible 8% money would be in stocks -- too volatile for someone starting out with college debt, no assets, and no emergency fund. He/she will be lucky to have an emergency fund by 30 or 35, at which point he/she could take on some investment risk to go after 8% -- assuming salary/wages high enough to cover student loan payments and keep a roof overhead.
We also cut ditched our cable tv about a year ago. We bought a roku box and an antenna. Now we only pay for Hulu ($8 per month) and Netflix ($8 per month). We rarely watch anything on Hulu so I think we're going to cancel it.
Sure, we are saving money...but we have so much more free time. We read, we talk, we watch documentaries that interest us. This amazing amount of free time also led to the birth of our financial blog.
Watching less tv has made me a much more productive person. I also feel that I spend less because I am not constantly being forced to watch advertising in the form of commercials. I don't know what brands are popular. I don't know what the new trendy item is for my kids. I have no idea and I like it that way.
Great article and I agree with everything that you stated.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of people are living at or above their means instead of below it. Material possessions project a certain status and being "debt free" is not a common goal. Most people would rather look like they have money than actually have any.
i have about 20 warts and im really embarrassed about it... what do i do? i have tried MANY treatments, but none of them have worked. i have bought the dr.scholls remover and it didnt work. What do I do?
I graduated with my masters last year and ended up being $70,000 in student loan debt. I have no other loans, but I was unable to find a job this year and could not afford to pay any of those loans off. I have been saving $300 a month- $100 towards a new card that I will need in the next 3-4 years and $200 into savings. Its not a lot, but its about 15% of my total income at the moment. Right now the economy just sucks and you have to do the best you can with what you were given.
I loved this article. I have been on the path of change the last few months for various unforseen circumstances. And this article pretty much straightened out the whole process I have been trying to achieve. From facing the fear of doing what I hate and breaking it down to achieve small wins I have really pushed ahead on my new path. Thankyou for the insight, it will allow me to focus better in the future. Andrew...
The simplicity of this technique is amazing. It should not be overlooked. I started using this technique after I read this article about a week ago. The results I have had are phenomenal to say the least. Thanks for a great article and a great technique. Andrew.
When it comes to taste, everyone with whom I have spoken, that have tasted Horizon Organic Milk, say it is better than the regular milk from the dairy case. I love its taste as well. My wife, and some others, say it tastes like milk, from the cow, they drank as children. My wife and I have no intention of stopping our enjoyment of Horizon's milk.
THE most important issue about most real estate transactions is WHY the seller is selling. There are very few good reasons to sell. Most the reasons are the FIVE D's of real estate. Once you as a buyer find out the REAL reason the house is for sale, you have a potential deal. The listing agent knows this reason 95% of the time and they are NOT inclined to divulge that information to a buyer no matter how highly qualified the buyer may be. Dual agency can be a fast way to end up in court, and that's expensive. I have a twist on the theme that works better. Here goes. First contact the listing agent and act stupid about real estate, but you must also show that you are a MOTIVATED AND QUALIFIED BUYER and seriously interested in buying the subject property. YOU MUST conduct due diligence and KNOW thew local market and the most likely appraisal value of the property. About 50% of all pending sales collapse because the house was not appraised high enough for the loan company . This is a GOOD thing. All it means is that you could have easily paid more than the house is really worth. Buddy up and butter up the listing agent AND BE SLY AND SMART. THEY KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW---and its NOT all about price. Motivation of the seller is PRIME. Once you get all the information you need from the listing agent you must locate an HONEST and aggressive buyers agent. THIS IS THE HARD PART. You may only find one of these characteristics in any agent. There are other tricks as well. NEVER EVER bid against your self. IF any agent says "highest and best", run for the hills. You are most likely being setup in an ASYMMETRICAL NON TRANSPARENT TRAP.
Instead I come in with KNOWLEDGE of the property and market as well as the MOTIVATION of the seller. Once you have these elements I offer NO CONTINGENCIES and AS IS with a 10-17 day rescission period. I can walk for any reason without losing my earnest deposit. Most sellers prefer a FAST Controlled sale with NO contingencies even with a lower price. Motivation of the seller is IMPORTANT. I just offered 30% under asking and was the LOWEST of all the offers...but MY OFFER was selected. It was because I stipulated NO termite reports, no inspection reports, no roof reports AS IS, I pay for any inspection fees---and mandatory repairs. My fees and repairs cost me MUCH less than the 30% discount that I received by bidding LOW and no contingencies. You do have to have strong financial ability with no requirements for seconds etc. It WORKS and you offer stands out. In my latest deal, the seller made no effort to counter. THEY WANTED OUT by selling.
Another job that's in demand is work from home assembling jobs. Assembling products at home for pay. http://www.assemble4revenue.com
A great discussion of tax rate and as the previous commenter said you have explained the items really well, particularly the concept of marginal tax rate. I write a lot about taxes and even I learned something new in this article!
Yes, but not to often. I make sure we have a limit set before we go. We live a pretty frugal life so when the feeling moves us we have money put aside, that is maybe twice a year.
I'm not much of a risk-taker when it comes to investing my money. I do have a small business though, and I invest a few hundred dollars on inventory.
I've worked in the meat department of a major retailer now for four years while putting myself through community college. I also worked this line of work in high school as well. It's sad many, many consumers feel the need to be absolutely rude and obnoxious over simple items as a cut of meat, box of cereal, can of soda, etc. I had one gentleman who, as I was waiting on him to make a selection from our meat service counter, commented, "I expect better cuts of meat, you understand me?" Another time a lady was wanting a piece of chicken from our meat service case and at one moment I was sort of spaced out and her reply was, "Pay Attention!" very sharply and extremely rude.
Folks have compassion on your fellow human is that too much to ask? Get off the cell
phone when waiting in line at the cash register; SLOW DOWN..YOU'RE NOT IN THAT
BIG OF A HURRY!!!! Yes well ALL have bad days but don't take out your frustrations at
the person doing their job.
oh HELL NO. i followed these directions to a T and saw my glasses coating go from bad to way way way worse (thus completely ruined). if i needed new glasses to begin with, i REALLY need them now.
DO NOT search all over town for this armour etch crap, its expensive, doesn't work, and actually will leave you worse off (most likely)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! june 2012
Also:
Kids' dress-up clothes and shoes have often been worn once or a few times and are in perfect condition.
Sports equipment and camping gear.... from ice skates to tents... goes cheap. Often cheaper than renting.
I'm steering clear of upholstered furniture right now though, because of bed bugs. I also usually bring all thrift store items directly to the washing machine at home, just to be safe.
I have to agree about not sticking to a list --- some of my best finds are items I just happened upon. I can upgrade some of my clothing by discovering a great deal at Goodwill and then coming home and getting rid of something I already have that isn't as nice or isn't in as good shape as the GW purchased item. Or a deal that makes a perfect gift that I wasn't necessarily shopping for --- but need at some point in the future!
Thanks! I enjoyed untangling info about tax brackets.
I had no idea there were so many way to stop hiccups. I've tried Tip 15 with some success, but I guess I have a whole list to try out now. Cool! Just gotta wait to get the hiccups again.
I have had two landlords attempt to keep part of my security deposit. This article provides some great advice everyone should follow. You can also find the the landlord-tenant law for your state rather easily and this will detail exactly what a landlord can and can't do in regards to returing your security deposit.
$10/day @8%. Sounded reasonable for someone starting out when I did, in the mid-70's. Of course, inflation chewed up that 8% pretty quick, making the result not look all that good. A more reasonable way to think about this is to talk about inflation adjusted earnings rate.
With today's economy, a grad getting out with student loan debt and a $10-15/hr job with no bennies might have trouble coming up with $3650/yr for savings. And 8% earnings on a small investment? Not likely. The only possible 8% money would be in stocks -- too volatile for someone starting out with college debt, no assets, and no emergency fund. He/she will be lucky to have an emergency fund by 30 or 35, at which point he/she could take on some investment risk to go after 8% -- assuming salary/wages high enough to cover student loan payments and keep a roof overhead.
Maybe the clearest and most concise article I've seen on tax brackets and the capital gains tax!
We also cut ditched our cable tv about a year ago. We bought a roku box and an antenna. Now we only pay for Hulu ($8 per month) and Netflix ($8 per month). We rarely watch anything on Hulu so I think we're going to cancel it.
Sure, we are saving money...but we have so much more free time. We read, we talk, we watch documentaries that interest us. This amazing amount of free time also led to the birth of our financial blog.
Watching less tv has made me a much more productive person. I also feel that I spend less because I am not constantly being forced to watch advertising in the form of commercials. I don't know what brands are popular. I don't know what the new trendy item is for my kids. I have no idea and I like it that way.
no
Great article and I agree with everything that you stated.
Unfortunately, a large percentage of people are living at or above their means instead of below it. Material possessions project a certain status and being "debt free" is not a common goal. Most people would rather look like they have money than actually have any.
You're welcome!
You are welcome!
Except for the Mac & Cheese recipe, everything hot dog recipe on this list made me wanna vomit.
i have about 20 warts and im really embarrassed about it... what do i do? i have tried MANY treatments, but none of them have worked. i have bought the dr.scholls remover and it didnt work. What do I do?
I graduated with my masters last year and ended up being $70,000 in student loan debt. I have no other loans, but I was unable to find a job this year and could not afford to pay any of those loans off. I have been saving $300 a month- $100 towards a new card that I will need in the next 3-4 years and $200 into savings. Its not a lot, but its about 15% of my total income at the moment. Right now the economy just sucks and you have to do the best you can with what you were given.