My best value was a few years ago. One place had a coupon that offered 25% off tires. The place also also had a sign posted stating that they would give you 25% your purchase if you could find a place that would beat their price. Well, we found a place and used the coupon. Between the two we saved almost $250.00. The sign came down the next day.
It has been years since I actually bought an Entertainment Book. I do find their discounts to local restaurants and entertainment very useful in providing a nice night out without spending a bundle. The book pays for itself the more you use it. Their best coupons? The 'buy one, get one free meal' at my favorite eateries and any discount for movie tickets and/or concessions. Thanks!
Some people still can't fathom the idea that we don't have a landline or a house phone. The only person who does not have a cell phone is the youngest whom is never left home alone so we have no use for a landline.
We had one again for a while but it was a constant barrage of telemarketers that I turned it off again after the introductory rate was over.
Too many businesses still try to use your home phone as an account number or method to look up your account.
For some people a landline is a required expense. Yet I can not fathom the cost of a premium cable package. Our low-mid range one is obnoxiously expensive enough.
I love the lengths you've gone through to convince us how eco-friendly you are in those areas you want to be. Do you ask yourself "Can I do more?" or do you say "Enough is enough?" I hope you don't judge others who don't choose your eco-path, if they choose any at all, because they've said "Enough is enough", if they've thought about it at all ;)
I find it inexcusable that people make all kinds of excuses ;) to defend their indefensible choices other than to say "I WANT IT", especially when it destroys them. Cable and cellphones instead of food? It's bad enough when people start gambling.
We have 5 needs - food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and transportation. Notice that entertainment is not in the list. We all make choices as to how much we want to spend on our needs. You chose to support 2 large dogs, which influences your other choices. Anyone could ask why 2 dogs, and not 1. Why a large dog and not a smaller dog, etc, etc.
You had some interesting observations there. I totally agree, some people value cable, and TV in general, more than things that others like us consider basic necessities. While we may find that ridiculous, who are we to judge other peoples' priorities? Like you were saying, I too am guilty of spending too much on things that others might find excessive.
Almost all Iraqis in the Baghdad area have cell phones and satellite tv. They may not have the necessities of life, but from my experience, they expect others to provide this for them. Case and point: the local government installed stop lights in one of my areas, but they don't have any power to them. You can bet that, come election time, they were saying "vote for me! You know I'll do things for you because of the new stop lights I got installed!"
And yet people will still empty their sewage in the streets and don't have a decent electricity grid. . . They (we coalition forces) spend millions to build water plants that don't have electricity.
Rob Viglione said "Claims that government spending is going to magically return $1.25 per $1 "invested" is ridiculous. GDP is an absurd measure for gauging prosperity, particularly when its compoments are so far out of whack."
First, the return figures come not from the government but from Mark Zandi, certainly not a government economist. Why do you think the figure is ridiculous, and why should we believe you over the vast majority of economists, who concur with Zandi's figures? What will the return be, in your opinion, and on what do you base your figure? Why is GDP an absurd measure of prosperity? It seems to be a reasonable measure, at least comparatively (if GDP this year is twice GDP last year, the country as a whole has produced twice as much; that would seem likely to indicate that prosperity is greater). Again, you simply attack a widely used and widely respected metric without either any evidence that it is inaccurate or any alternative, with evidence that it is better.
Your final paragraph is arrant nonsense -- government spending has no relationship to nationalization. If the government buys a plane, has it nationalized Boeing? This is just far-right Republican red meat, which "everyone on this site knows."
If the stimulus is wrong, finally, what do you suggest? Should we wait for private investment to spur the economy, or what? You offer no evidence and no alternatives.
No tv as child abuse - that got a laugh out of me! But I stopped laughing when I realized that many people seriously think that is true.
We haven't had cable for 2 years now, first because we couldn't afford it and now because we're just too busy. But around here the going rate for cable/internet/phone is about $150, so I sure hope that guy was getting a combo deal. I know quite a few people that spend $150 for entertainment and another $150 for cell phones.
I'd rather enjoy that $300, rather than spend it on entertainment, and stick with my $15 prepay cell phone. But that's just my preferance - and if you can afford the luxury of $300 cable, ect., so be it. If you can't afford it, you need to seriously examine your priorities.
This seems to fall into utility theory and how people evaluate the satisfaction they get from their expenditures. I'm never sure if it is a matter of uncaring, poor forethought, or truly skewed priorities that lead people to spend money so irresponsibly. Reading this has led me to think more about how I have a utility function and how I should be spending money on my Frugal blog. I think I can find 3 days worth of content out of this.
Xin: OMG I completely agree. Being held hostage here as I have no other choices for television other than Comcast. (No channels over the air.) TV on the internet is ALMOST there. Hanging on...
Myscha: Yes, my husband and I have the same thing going on. "But we really need it," plus "We only drive it a couple times a week."
Be wary of government figures claiming ROI > WACC.
(ROI = return on investment, and WACC = weighted average cost of capital)
Claims that government spending is going to magically return $1.25 per $1 "invested" is ridiculous. GDP is an absurd measure for gauging prosperity, particularly when its compoments are so far out of whack. Government spending is part of GDP, as is consumer spending-the two comprise the bulk of the metric-so artificially boosting both through debt and printing money boosts GDP but leaves the country poorer in the long run. This is why we are facing the current calmnity. Similiar policies have been pervasive for decades.
It feels great to borrow and spend, or worse, to create money out of thin air and spend it. But as everyone on this site knows, such "prosperity" is short lived. Future lifestyle suffers exactly by the cost of the debt. Worse is what happens when the Federal Reserve finances Treasury shortfalls with printing-they debase the dollar and erode the real value of savings. What kind of perverse society punishes savers? That's exactly what America has been doing for decades and why we are now suffering.
Finally, if government spending produced such great "returns" we might as well nationalize everything and behave as did the Soviets, Nazis, and other Communists around the world. The truth is that government spending is never as efficient as spurring growth as private.
The stimulus plan and all the tax breaks may not amount to much in $$ terms for the average American, but the key that it does provide is confidence to the regualr American that the government is doing something. This will give them confidence to spend, boost company profits which in turn spurs economic activity/jobs and gets us out of a recession.
I am a coffee addict, espresso in particular, and the lovely Starbucks espresso coffees in super particular. I am so much of a fan, that I have a Starbucks Visa card; it automatically gives you 1% of your statement balance in credit at Starbucks.
Anyway, as much as I love my $4 lattes, I cut that completely out of my budget two years ago when I got engaged & knew we needed to save money for the wedding. Now that we don't need to save for a wedding, our priorities have shifted and I am still forgoing the lattes for bigger goals (getting out of debt).
But, for anyone that made the sacrifice of not buying $4 lattes, let me tell you...one of our wedding gifts was a Tassimo hot beverage maker and, although it's not straight from Starbucks, it's not bad!!
This is a great article. It actually kind of made me feel a little better about my "cable habit." I am currently a full time student with a full time job. I don't actually spend a great deal of time watching tv, but I do have a DVR, and I record all of my favorite shows and movies for when I actually have some time to sit down and watch. My cable bill, which also includes internet (internet that I need for school), runs about $150.00 a month. I chose this one real luxury for several reasons: 1. I only have student loan debt, most of which is not accumulating interest. I am saving as I go in the hopes that I will be able to pay of a significant amount of the debt when it comes due. 2. When I do have time to watch tv, I love it. It's that simple. 3. I live with my two brothers, and we all work to keep the bills down, so even though I am the only one paying for this bill (because they say that they can live without it). All of my other expenses are ridiculously low.
Still... I sometimes can't believe I am paying so much for something so useless.
Regarding the applesauce thing with non chocolate items, I've noticed cutting down on the amount a tad reduces the unnecessary moisture. The other thing that works, although not everyone has a source for this is homemade crabapple sauce. My friend has access to a tree near her house that produces loads of them. Talk about organic. But the main point is that this applesauce is much denser than the stuff you can buy, and it takes away that "too moist" issue that can often take place with the substitution.
The Jeep dealership closest to our house where my husband takes the vehicle has it. It's clean there, there's coffee and we've run into a few of the nicer garages and dealerships that have it. Sometimes you even get CNN and a snack bar. But a comfy non-greasy chair with a side table and electrical outlet / free wireless is our new standard. You can bring a water bottle, but free wireless while you wait sometimes for hours at a time rocks. You can at least crank out some quality research and writing during that time that would otherwise be lost.
I used the heck out of the book when I was in college- they were perfect for going out to dinner with friends b/c we saved 50% off our meals.
My best value was a few years ago. One place had a coupon that offered 25% off tires. The place also also had a sign posted stating that they would give you 25% your purchase if you could find a place that would beat their price. Well, we found a place and used the coupon. Between the two we saved almost $250.00. The sign came down the next day.
It has been years since I actually bought an Entertainment Book. I do find their discounts to local restaurants and entertainment very useful in providing a nice night out without spending a bundle. The book pays for itself the more you use it. Their best coupons? The 'buy one, get one free meal' at my favorite eateries and any discount for movie tickets and/or concessions. Thanks!
We loved the 50% off pizza's. Great prices and we sampled pizza's from all the local restaurants on Friday nights
Some people still can't fathom the idea that we don't have a landline or a house phone. The only person who does not have a cell phone is the youngest whom is never left home alone so we have no use for a landline.
We had one again for a while but it was a constant barrage of telemarketers that I turned it off again after the introductory rate was over.
Too many businesses still try to use your home phone as an account number or method to look up your account.
For some people a landline is a required expense. Yet I can not fathom the cost of a premium cable package. Our low-mid range one is obnoxiously expensive enough.
I love the lengths you've gone through to convince us how eco-friendly you are in those areas you want to be. Do you ask yourself "Can I do more?" or do you say "Enough is enough?" I hope you don't judge others who don't choose your eco-path, if they choose any at all, because they've said "Enough is enough", if they've thought about it at all ;)
I find it inexcusable that people make all kinds of excuses ;) to defend their indefensible choices other than to say "I WANT IT", especially when it destroys them. Cable and cellphones instead of food? It's bad enough when people start gambling.
We have 5 needs - food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and transportation. Notice that entertainment is not in the list. We all make choices as to how much we want to spend on our needs. You chose to support 2 large dogs, which influences your other choices. Anyone could ask why 2 dogs, and not 1. Why a large dog and not a smaller dog, etc, etc.
You had some interesting observations there. I totally agree, some people value cable, and TV in general, more than things that others like us consider basic necessities. While we may find that ridiculous, who are we to judge other peoples' priorities? Like you were saying, I too am guilty of spending too much on things that others might find excessive.
Want to know something funny??
Almost all Iraqis in the Baghdad area have cell phones and satellite tv. They may not have the necessities of life, but from my experience, they expect others to provide this for them. Case and point: the local government installed stop lights in one of my areas, but they don't have any power to them. You can bet that, come election time, they were saying "vote for me! You know I'll do things for you because of the new stop lights I got installed!"
And yet people will still empty their sewage in the streets and don't have a decent electricity grid. . . They (we coalition forces) spend millions to build water plants that don't have electricity.
yes, you read that right.
hahaha you guys comments crack me up!!! lol at the WD in the periodic table haha
Rob Viglione said "Claims that government spending is going to magically return $1.25 per $1 "invested" is ridiculous. GDP is an absurd measure for gauging prosperity, particularly when its compoments are so far out of whack."
First, the return figures come not from the government but from Mark Zandi, certainly not a government economist. Why do you think the figure is ridiculous, and why should we believe you over the vast majority of economists, who concur with Zandi's figures? What will the return be, in your opinion, and on what do you base your figure? Why is GDP an absurd measure of prosperity? It seems to be a reasonable measure, at least comparatively (if GDP this year is twice GDP last year, the country as a whole has produced twice as much; that would seem likely to indicate that prosperity is greater). Again, you simply attack a widely used and widely respected metric without either any evidence that it is inaccurate or any alternative, with evidence that it is better.
Your final paragraph is arrant nonsense -- government spending has no relationship to nationalization. If the government buys a plane, has it nationalized Boeing? This is just far-right Republican red meat, which "everyone on this site knows."
If the stimulus is wrong, finally, what do you suggest? Should we wait for private investment to spur the economy, or what? You offer no evidence and no alternatives.
Chris
Just start singing "We are family" it always works for me. Just kidding
Just start singing "We are family" it always works for me. Just kidding
No tv as child abuse - that got a laugh out of me! But I stopped laughing when I realized that many people seriously think that is true.
We haven't had cable for 2 years now, first because we couldn't afford it and now because we're just too busy. But around here the going rate for cable/internet/phone is about $150, so I sure hope that guy was getting a combo deal. I know quite a few people that spend $150 for entertainment and another $150 for cell phones.
I'd rather enjoy that $300, rather than spend it on entertainment, and stick with my $15 prepay cell phone. But that's just my preferance - and if you can afford the luxury of $300 cable, ect., so be it. If you can't afford it, you need to seriously examine your priorities.
This seems to fall into utility theory and how people evaluate the satisfaction they get from their expenditures. I'm never sure if it is a matter of uncaring, poor forethought, or truly skewed priorities that lead people to spend money so irresponsibly. Reading this has led me to think more about how I have a utility function and how I should be spending money on my Frugal blog. I think I can find 3 days worth of content out of this.
Xin: OMG I completely agree. Being held hostage here as I have no other choices for television other than Comcast. (No channels over the air.) TV on the internet is ALMOST there. Hanging on...
Myscha: Yes, my husband and I have the same thing going on. "But we really need it," plus "We only drive it a couple times a week."
Vive la Starbucks!
Catherine Shaffer
Wise Bread Contributor
Be wary of government figures claiming ROI > WACC.
(ROI = return on investment, and WACC = weighted average cost of capital)
Claims that government spending is going to magically return $1.25 per $1 "invested" is ridiculous. GDP is an absurd measure for gauging prosperity, particularly when its compoments are so far out of whack. Government spending is part of GDP, as is consumer spending-the two comprise the bulk of the metric-so artificially boosting both through debt and printing money boosts GDP but leaves the country poorer in the long run. This is why we are facing the current calmnity. Similiar policies have been pervasive for decades.
It feels great to borrow and spend, or worse, to create money out of thin air and spend it. But as everyone on this site knows, such "prosperity" is short lived. Future lifestyle suffers exactly by the cost of the debt. Worse is what happens when the Federal Reserve finances Treasury shortfalls with printing-they debase the dollar and erode the real value of savings. What kind of perverse society punishes savers? That's exactly what America has been doing for decades and why we are now suffering.
Finally, if government spending produced such great "returns" we might as well nationalize everything and behave as did the Soviets, Nazis, and other Communists around the world. The truth is that government spending is never as efficient as spurring growth as private.
The stimulus plan and all the tax breaks may not amount to much in $$ terms for the average American, but the key that it does provide is confidence to the regualr American that the government is doing something. This will give them confidence to spend, boost company profits which in turn spurs economic activity/jobs and gets us out of a recession.
I am a coffee addict, espresso in particular, and the lovely Starbucks espresso coffees in super particular. I am so much of a fan, that I have a Starbucks Visa card; it automatically gives you 1% of your statement balance in credit at Starbucks.
Anyway, as much as I love my $4 lattes, I cut that completely out of my budget two years ago when I got engaged & knew we needed to save money for the wedding. Now that we don't need to save for a wedding, our priorities have shifted and I am still forgoing the lattes for bigger goals (getting out of debt).
But, for anyone that made the sacrifice of not buying $4 lattes, let me tell you...one of our wedding gifts was a Tassimo hot beverage maker and, although it's not straight from Starbucks, it's not bad!!
Their hotel discounts are fabulous- don't travel without looking up your options in the coupon book!
This is a great article. It actually kind of made me feel a little better about my "cable habit." I am currently a full time student with a full time job. I don't actually spend a great deal of time watching tv, but I do have a DVR, and I record all of my favorite shows and movies for when I actually have some time to sit down and watch. My cable bill, which also includes internet (internet that I need for school), runs about $150.00 a month. I chose this one real luxury for several reasons: 1. I only have student loan debt, most of which is not accumulating interest. I am saving as I go in the hopes that I will be able to pay of a significant amount of the debt when it comes due. 2. When I do have time to watch tv, I love it. It's that simple. 3. I live with my two brothers, and we all work to keep the bills down, so even though I am the only one paying for this bill (because they say that they can live without it). All of my other expenses are ridiculously low.
Still... I sometimes can't believe I am paying so much for something so useless.
I think another reason Comcast has so much security is that it is really a horrible company.
Regarding the applesauce thing with non chocolate items, I've noticed cutting down on the amount a tad reduces the unnecessary moisture. The other thing that works, although not everyone has a source for this is homemade crabapple sauce. My friend has access to a tree near her house that produces loads of them. Talk about organic. But the main point is that this applesauce is much denser than the stuff you can buy, and it takes away that "too moist" issue that can often take place with the substitution.
The Jeep dealership closest to our house where my husband takes the vehicle has it. It's clean there, there's coffee and we've run into a few of the nicer garages and dealerships that have it. Sometimes you even get CNN and a snack bar. But a comfy non-greasy chair with a side table and electrical outlet / free wireless is our new standard. You can bring a water bottle, but free wireless while you wait sometimes for hours at a time rocks. You can at least crank out some quality research and writing during that time that would otherwise be lost.
Bald people don't need toe nails they need hair!