I have to respectfully disagree, at least w/ part of your analysis.
Since you are obviously the kind of person who does think about this -- way too much, but so do I -- I think it's safe to say that some of your response is off. If you truly knew you were going to die tomorrow, I doubt that you would actually do the "stupid stuff with consequences" -- I just don't think a person who thinks about the statement in that manner would actually...
(of course I may be off; wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last)
Same w/ living 100 yrs. Yeah, we procrastinate, but know the length of time left wouldn't necessarily worsen that.
The maintenence fees go up..... the amount of points to use the timeshare goes up....... therefore your investment becomes WORTHLESS.....
My advice to anyone is DO NOT EVER purchase a timeshare.
And the kicker is that after you have pumped all this money into the timeshare you have no way of getting out of it.
I'm glad to see there is someone else who doesn't like the trite analysis of these things. For me its the uncertainty that makes the balance. Not every day is awesome, but enough are. I would regret my super aggressive savings if I died tomorrow and I might be very grateful if I live to 100. The things you really value along with the accomplishments that mean something will stick with memory, and story for decades.
I have cable with 3 older tvs in a furnished condo that I rent out. No boxes, straight connection out of the wall. Someone told me today that the old tvs will not work without a box--either one from the cable company (monthly $) or buy a converter box. Is this true??!!! This will seriously affect my cash flow, which is negative now anyhow.
I am on my late 20's and have no problem with credit history as well. I keep a good track record whenever I can. Most important of all, keep those credit lines available, you'll never know when you'll be needing them again. It's good for future reference too.
You're right that the nature scene isn't the best example of wabi sabi. In the book the author uses it to talk about the difference between experiencing something and trying to capture it--they came back later to repeat their trip, this time with cameras, and the result wasn't what they'd hoped for.
I picked it to quote because it was a nicely compact example of the author's evocative writing.
Yes, wabi sabi is all about imperfection, all about wear and tear, all about impermanence, all about things going unfinished. Simplicity is just a piece of a whole--but it's a piece that's important to me.
I'm more with Steven. My sense of wabi sabi is the girl with a great smile but one crooked tooth. That, I think, it the typical example. I haven't seen Japanese magazine covers in ages, but, it used to be really the "thing to do" to show a pretty girl with one or two crooked teeth.
Also, "sabi", I thought, meant "rust". Rust can figure into wabi sabi, I think.
I believe it's related to the idea of "nature". Nature is imperfect, but that imperfection is part of its beauty. People know bonsai -- bonsai's beauty comes from it's asymmetry and imperfection, which recall nature.
Now, here, I'm going to go out on a limb here and analyze that paragraph. The writer's sense of nature seems to be embodied in the eagle, sun, river, and rocks and trees. I didn't get the sense of wabi sabi in what he wrote -- rather, it recalled to me enlightenment writers experiencing the sublime qualities of nature.
Wabisabi would be something like: the boat is weathered but strong, and the bolts holding the boat together are rusted, and there are streaky rust stains along the wood. The power of nature, an old boat on a day trip.
I just established credit and as a student keeping my credit score up is a little difficult but iv'e been raising my credit score for the past 5 months or so. I now have a credit score in the 670's by fall i want to be in the 700's
I like this list, but does anyone have a manageable system that would work in order to keep track of these expenses throughout the year that is easy to implement? The IRS is a my nemisis, and I am currently in a rush to get my tax return filed and it seems like mission impossible. I have so many papers and recipets that arent really organized. Any suggestions?
I just paid off my car 3 weeks ago and have no CC's. Score 702. Not bad considering the financial train wreck I was in 5 years ago with a credit score of ~510. :)
The IRS does not allow deduction of nonprescription drugs as a qualified medical expense. Furthermore you can't normally deduct medical expenses as business expenses. You could get around this by setting up a HSA though. But if you just try and write in aspirin as a misc. business expense it won't fly.
I'm also pretty doubtful you can get away with #99. Its creative but I can't imagine the IRS would allow that for typical home businesses.
You need to make sure you divide the time into personal and business use. Typically, according to 2008 tax law, a cell phone must be for strict business use only in order for your monthly charge to be deducted, same thing with internet expenses for the whole home. Long-distance and pay-per calls that can be tabulated individually for business expenses can be deducted. Watch out on number 90, there are strict rules for what can be considered a home office; it must be a room in the house solely dedicated to your business ventures- the kitchen table space doesn't count, nor does the living room, nor does the family "computer room." Also, as NumbersGuy says, watch out for the difference between a hobby and a profession. If you only dedicate a few hours a week to a website and happen to make $1000 bucks a year, it's most likely a hobby, in which nothing is deductible.
I'm not yet certified (CPA) so your best bet is to make note of which of these points you believe applies to you and speak with your certified accountant.
Just wanted to pass on this new site called BillShrink.com that takes what you already spend money on and finds new plans/ways to save money immediately - even with the same provider. I use ATT for my mobile phone and staying with ATT they found a plan that saves me like $600 a year. It's incredible considering how much time I'd spent at the ATT store. Check them out - they don't have cable right now but I hope they do in the future.
These are all good tips. I find it important to note that unless your business expenses exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI) you can't deduct a thing!
My fiance and I moved to Nevada in 2006 for a job transfer. We purchased a home at that time because we had animals which most landlords will not let you have. We both make VERY good money, and paid $275,000 for our house. {in this area, that was reasonable so we did not buy more than what we could afford} We still own our home in the Seattle area and are renting it out. Both of us are responsible adults, pay our bills on time, and can afford both of our homes. HOWEVER, because of the current market, we are now almost $125,000 upside down in our mortgage for the home in Nevada. Our mortgage will reset in 2 more years, which I have no idea what the interest will be. I will not continue to pay for house that will never be worth what we were told it was worth when we bought it. People are quick to blame the homeowners for their inability to pay, or walking away from their homes. The reality is apprasiers told us and the banks what the house was worth when we were buying the house. The mortgage company was quick to loan us the money according to what the apprasiers said it was worth. I don't hear any blame going towards them, only the people who got caught up in the mess by no fault of their own. I will get my mortgage reset or I will file chapter 13 to wipe out part of my debt. The bank will get bailed out anyway, so in a round about way, I'm paying them.
Mr. Brewer, I really enjoy your writing here on Wise Bread, and I'm tickled to think we've both picked up on this book.
I thought Wabi Sabi Simple was excellent and easy to comprehend. Sometimes books that tip towards the zen flavor require some concentration. Wabi Sabi Simple was a pleasure, as your examples show.
Understanding Wabi Sabi has enabled me to better remember the elements of:
Nothing lasts
Nothing is perfect
Nothing is finished
How popular are those pre-paid credit cards? I have a friend in Boston who calls them a money-launderer's best friend.
I don't think their available in incrememnts of more than $100 per card, plus there's an activation fee that would take $4 to $10 off right there. Still, it's untracable and there's literally hundreds of them hanging on those shelves with all the other gift cards at most grocery stores.
I have to respectfully disagree, at least w/ part of your analysis.
Since you are obviously the kind of person who does think about this -- way too much, but so do I -- I think it's safe to say that some of your response is off. If you truly knew you were going to die tomorrow, I doubt that you would actually do the "stupid stuff with consequences" -- I just don't think a person who thinks about the statement in that manner would actually...
(of course I may be off; wouldn't be the first time, won't be the last)
Same w/ living 100 yrs. Yeah, we procrastinate, but know the length of time left wouldn't necessarily worsen that.
The maintenence fees go up..... the amount of points to use the timeshare goes up....... therefore your investment becomes WORTHLESS.....
My advice to anyone is DO NOT EVER purchase a timeshare.
And the kicker is that after you have pumped all this money into the timeshare you have no way of getting out of it.
Makes me want to SCREAM.
Woman (to boyfriend): If I could tell you the exact time and manner of your death, would you want to know.
Boyfriend: No, I wouldn't want to know.
Woman: Ok, then never mind.
I'm glad to see there is someone else who doesn't like the trite analysis of these things. For me its the uncertainty that makes the balance. Not every day is awesome, but enough are. I would regret my super aggressive savings if I died tomorrow and I might be very grateful if I live to 100. The things you really value along with the accomplishments that mean something will stick with memory, and story for decades.
I have cable with 3 older tvs in a furnished condo that I rent out. No boxes, straight connection out of the wall. Someone told me today that the old tvs will not work without a box--either one from the cable company (monthly $) or buy a converter box. Is this true??!!! This will seriously affect my cash flow, which is negative now anyhow.
I am on my late 20's and have no problem with credit history as well. I keep a good track record whenever I can. Most important of all, keep those credit lines available, you'll never know when you'll be needing them again. It's good for future reference too.
You're right that the nature scene isn't the best example of wabi sabi. In the book the author uses it to talk about the difference between experiencing something and trying to capture it--they came back later to repeat their trip, this time with cameras, and the result wasn't what they'd hoped for.
I picked it to quote because it was a nicely compact example of the author's evocative writing.
Yes, wabi sabi is all about imperfection, all about wear and tear, all about impermanence, all about things going unfinished. Simplicity is just a piece of a whole--but it's a piece that's important to me.
I should add that the boat is within scene, not alone. A rusty boat by itself is not wabi-sabi.
I'm more with Steven. My sense of wabi sabi is the girl with a great smile but one crooked tooth. That, I think, it the typical example. I haven't seen Japanese magazine covers in ages, but, it used to be really the "thing to do" to show a pretty girl with one or two crooked teeth.
Also, "sabi", I thought, meant "rust". Rust can figure into wabi sabi, I think.
I believe it's related to the idea of "nature". Nature is imperfect, but that imperfection is part of its beauty. People know bonsai -- bonsai's beauty comes from it's asymmetry and imperfection, which recall nature.
Now, here, I'm going to go out on a limb here and analyze that paragraph. The writer's sense of nature seems to be embodied in the eagle, sun, river, and rocks and trees. I didn't get the sense of wabi sabi in what he wrote -- rather, it recalled to me enlightenment writers experiencing the sublime qualities of nature.
Wabisabi would be something like: the boat is weathered but strong, and the bolts holding the boat together are rusted, and there are streaky rust stains along the wood. The power of nature, an old boat on a day trip.
I'm still young, but I've never had any problems with credit and just paid off my car. Score - 730 as of just before paying off my car.
I just established credit and as a student keeping my credit score up is a little difficult but iv'e been raising my credit score for the past 5 months or so. I now have a credit score in the 670's by fall i want to be in the 700's
I like this list, but does anyone have a manageable system that would work in order to keep track of these expenses throughout the year that is easy to implement? The IRS is a my nemisis, and I am currently in a rush to get my tax return filed and it seems like mission impossible. I have so many papers and recipets that arent really organized. Any suggestions?
I just paid off my car 3 weeks ago and have no CC's. Score 702. Not bad considering the financial train wreck I was in 5 years ago with a credit score of ~510. :)
If you have fraud locks on your credit, CreditKarma will not work.
Bummer.
"97 Headache pills, eye drops and so on."
The IRS does not allow deduction of nonprescription drugs as a qualified medical expense. Furthermore you can't normally deduct medical expenses as business expenses. You could get around this by setting up a HSA though. But if you just try and write in aspirin as a misc. business expense it won't fly.
I'm also pretty doubtful you can get away with #99. Its creative but I can't imagine the IRS would allow that for typical home businesses.
You need to make sure you divide the time into personal and business use. Typically, according to 2008 tax law, a cell phone must be for strict business use only in order for your monthly charge to be deducted, same thing with internet expenses for the whole home. Long-distance and pay-per calls that can be tabulated individually for business expenses can be deducted. Watch out on number 90, there are strict rules for what can be considered a home office; it must be a room in the house solely dedicated to your business ventures- the kitchen table space doesn't count, nor does the living room, nor does the family "computer room." Also, as NumbersGuy says, watch out for the difference between a hobby and a profession. If you only dedicate a few hours a week to a website and happen to make $1000 bucks a year, it's most likely a hobby, in which nothing is deductible.
I'm not yet certified (CPA) so your best bet is to make note of which of these points you believe applies to you and speak with your certified accountant.
Just wanted to pass on this new site called BillShrink.com that takes what you already spend money on and finds new plans/ways to save money immediately - even with the same provider. I use ATT for my mobile phone and staying with ATT they found a plan that saves me like $600 a year. It's incredible considering how much time I'd spent at the ATT store. Check them out - they don't have cable right now but I hope they do in the future.
These are all good tips. I find it important to note that unless your business expenses exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (AGI) you can't deduct a thing!
My fiance and I moved to Nevada in 2006 for a job transfer. We purchased a home at that time because we had animals which most landlords will not let you have. We both make VERY good money, and paid $275,000 for our house. {in this area, that was reasonable so we did not buy more than what we could afford} We still own our home in the Seattle area and are renting it out. Both of us are responsible adults, pay our bills on time, and can afford both of our homes. HOWEVER, because of the current market, we are now almost $125,000 upside down in our mortgage for the home in Nevada. Our mortgage will reset in 2 more years, which I have no idea what the interest will be. I will not continue to pay for house that will never be worth what we were told it was worth when we bought it. People are quick to blame the homeowners for their inability to pay, or walking away from their homes. The reality is apprasiers told us and the banks what the house was worth when we were buying the house. The mortgage company was quick to loan us the money according to what the apprasiers said it was worth. I don't hear any blame going towards them, only the people who got caught up in the mess by no fault of their own. I will get my mortgage reset or I will file chapter 13 to wipe out part of my debt. The bank will get bailed out anyway, so in a round about way, I'm paying them.
1. I don't like lists that are stretched so thin to make it to 100 items.
2. A lot of these should have been qualified.
Mr. Brewer, I really enjoy your writing here on Wise Bread, and I'm tickled to think we've both picked up on this book.
I thought Wabi Sabi Simple was excellent and easy to comprehend. Sometimes books that tip towards the zen flavor require some concentration. Wabi Sabi Simple was a pleasure, as your examples show.
Understanding Wabi Sabi has enabled me to better remember the elements of:
Nothing lasts
Nothing is perfect
Nothing is finished
Thanks for another great post!
Gayle
Great post!
I like doing my taxes when I get some money back! Which I minimize by watching earnings and adjustg withholding.
How popular are those pre-paid credit cards? I have a friend in Boston who calls them a money-launderer's best friend.
I don't think their available in incrememnts of more than $100 per card, plus there's an activation fee that would take $4 to $10 off right there. Still, it's untracable and there's literally hundreds of them hanging on those shelves with all the other gift cards at most grocery stores.
the best thing about wikipedia? there IS no best thing about wikipedia!!!!
Thanks for sharing this -- I had never heard of it. Off to add it to my Amazon wishlist. Thanks again!