I had a dent on the back of my head. Been there since I was born I think. After using the hairdryer, I sprayed some compressed air on it. Worked great! I'm bald now and parts of my brain no longer function, but the dent is gone. Thanks!
This is great! And think how much you save if you don't travel to see family on peak holiday times. My family accidentally does this on the less serious holidays but never thought about it doing it throughout the year. Great advice!
Frustratingly, when I was a student (hence: no garage), I came out one morning to find that the city had put up "2-hour only" parking signs on my street. Overnight. And that exactly 2 hours after they had done so, they sent out a meter maid to ticket all the cars on the street for violating it.
When I went to contest the ticket, I was yelled at for parking in the street *at all*, even though it was 100% legal, because the employee at city hall felt that parking in the street was "dangerous." More than ten years later, it still pisses me off.
No parking hours trump meters. Meaning, even if you put, say, two hours on a meter, if that part of the street converts to no parking during those two hours, you will get a ticket and/or towed for parking illegally during the no parking time period.
Also look out for meters that are reserved for handicapped vehicles.
Here in Orlando they now have meters that incorporate a "presence detector", for lack of a better phrase, so that when you pull your car out it automatically resets to Zero on the time.
They get to Double or Triple Charge for the same minutes and you don't get the chance to use up what somene has left.
And they wonder why Downtowns are dying...I only go to downtown under the direst of circumstances only because I feel because I pay the taxes that maintain the streets I shouldn't have to pay extra to park on them.
That is exactly why I never go downtown -- I can't stand the parking hassles and I refuse to pay for parking. I love the parking in the suburbs -- vast oceans of parking spaces all for free...gets my business every time.
It's so sad when occasions that should be fun turn into an obligation. We spent many years trying to juggle our families during the holidays. It got the the point where I didn't enjoy the holidays anymore because of the push-pull and the guilt. For the past few years, my MIL has completely changed her tune. She has 3 sons, all with wives who want/need to spend the actual holiday with their own families. She decided that the important part is having the family together, regardless of what day it happens. We celebrate a month early, or a week late, and we still have a great time.
This year my fiance and I are going to visit his parents in Ohio over New Years. We are going to DRIVE (yes, drive) from Florida to Ohio. It's saving us about $300 for plane fare. Driving will cost about $200 total for gas, tolls, and expenses. (Not to mention, we won't have to pay for parking at the airport)
I understand what you are saying and I totally agree but the problem is that many people have a few days off for Christmas and specific holidays as opposed to random days. The weeks before Christmas are very busy and many people are not able to get time off. One way that we kind of save money is that we celebrate the holiday season with family on the 26th of December. Partly because it is my birthday and also because it just works out better for the people involved.
I just stumbled onto this site and find the comments largely in sync with my understanding of this crisis. The answer in #66 by Guest makes the most sense to me. I think he/she has it exactly right. The original article actually mentions briefly the problem with low interest rates. Who is responsible for the excessively low interest rates? Why, the Fed, of course.
One statement I hear a lot lately is that the "root" cause is the greed of the private banking industry resulting in the creation of derivatives and default swaps. They are complicit in the cause, but not THE cause. The root cause is actually the Fed's own policies, which resulted in the tech bubble, followed by the housing bubble. Some say that this crisis "proves" that the superiority of the "market economy" is false. Not so. We haven't had a real "market economy" because of the government's policies. Interest rates were not allowed to seek their own level due to goverment intervention (Fed). The mortgage industry has not applied good lending standards because of too much money avaiable at too low rates and pressure from the government (Fannie and Freddie) to loan to high risk people. The banking industry created dubious products because of excessively low rates and too much money available.
So, now what are we doing? Paulson is now saying we need to push down mortgage rates to get the housing market "going again". Oh great. We got into this mess because of too much interference by the government (Fed, Fannie, Freddie, etc.). Now we don't want to let the market correct the excesses. We want to print more money to "fix" the situation. What would be the best course? At this stage, only considerable pain will fix things as excesses are wrung out of the economy. We need to start producing again, not just comsuming. We need to stop borrowing for all our wants, but saving for them instead so there's some capital to invest.
I could go on, but I've vented enough for today. I just heard a guest on the Diane Rhem show put all the blame on the private banking system and it really got my goat.
As someone else said, this is a great way to donate to charities when you don't have much to give. Like everyone else, my budget is tight this year, but with good deals and stacks of coupons, I'm able to donate more canned goods to food drives, more dog food and treats to animal shelters, etc.
And even if you aren't doing that, what's wrong with stocking up when you get good deals? If I can get 5 bottles of shampoo for the price of two, of course I'm going to. It makes no sense to pay more than you need to later just to avoid people calling you a hoarder.
I haven't been to Kmart yet this week for the double coupons, but I read on another blog that the trick is to have them scan the coupon right after they scan the item, instead of doing them all at the end. It confuses the computer less that way.
I'm glad you mentioned that Myscha. I was looking forward to (maybe) picking up an extra here and there to give to my church's shelter. I usually do this with any product that I get for free via a rebate or refund (that I don't use personally.) I had hopes of buying off of my specific list of items for my family, and for every one or two items I purchased, even paying full price here or there for the "charity" box. I figured that with the money I was saving, I could afford to get a little extra to help out another family.
Sadly, this wasn't possible. There wasn't even enough stock in the store for me to make my weekly needs.
I also know of families that buy tons of product, and then sell them on a yard sale. I have no beef about this practice, either, because it is a legitimate way of making money, and I'm all for an entrepreneurial spirit.
My issue is less with the people who buy lots, and more with the store for being obviously ill-eqiupped to handle even the smallest increase in business. I live in rural America, and when demand exceeds supply (even by the slightest amount), it leaves those of us with no where else to shop.. up a creek, so to speak.
Thanks for reminding us of another benefit to savvy shopping!
this game is the best game for online games i cant believe that you think that this game is bad. this is a good game no matter what if you play for free or pay for every month to play it is a fun game if you start to learn it.
Another idea for wine is boxed wine...it has come a long way and there are excellent wines available for 15-20 a box (which is about four bottles.) If you fear that your friends will turn up their noses, decant it into a pitcher before you serve. (It improves the flavor, anyway.)
I agree some people just buy like crazy and never use the extra items. However, I do know some folks who use these bulk buying freebies as a way to be able to give charitably without busting their family budget. For example, deodorant and baby wipes to go in a gift drive for overseas troops, or boatloads of personal hygiene items being donated to Katrina victims, homeless shelter donations, orphanages, etc.
Some families want to celebrate the spirit of giving, but have more time than money. So putting the effort into the coupon research is their way of being prepared for hospitality emergencies.
Now, I would love to be able to say I've been oganized enough to do this myself. The truth is, it's something I'm striving for but haven't made happen yet. I'm not saying people shouldn't feel frustrated if they miss out on an opportunity due to someone else's over- zealous buying, just that it might not necessarily be greed that's motivating the extreme shoppers.
Right on man! I've used that trick a few times before as well, and as you said - works like a charm everytime. Speaking of asking - just to add a bit here. I've found that the same philosophy works with airlines. I've yet to fly without asking for a business upgrade. Sometimes you score, sometimes not, but they will at least stick you in the bulkhead, and after an NYC/SFO flight, those extra 6 inches of leg room make all the difference.
These are some great tips. I edit a blog devoted specifically to throwing house parties. It has all kinds of actionable tips to prepare for and execute house parties, with an emphasis on college parties.
Another way to save money at an informal gathering is to have a potluck. Then you're on the hook for drinks and decorations, but you don't have to feed the whole world. Or how about a cookie walk party, where everybody brings one kind of cookie and goes home with a yummy assortment?
My experience with the booze is that we always end up with more wine at a party than we started with. So don't buy wine. If you throw it, they will bring it.
I'm with you on the idea of serving a bowl of nuts before dinner versus appetizers, but if I can suggest a quick way of spicing the nuts up?
1 10oz can mixed nuts
2 tbls honey
1 tbls cumin
1 tbls cinnamon
1 tbls ground red pepper
Preheat the oven to about 350º, mix all the ingredients together, spread on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, and bake/roast for about 10-15 minutes, shaking gently halfway through.
Also, as far as not serving wine, my suggestion would be to buy the magnum bottles that have far more than 4 glasses of wine in them. Yes they're a little more expensive than normal sized bottles, but if you pour only about 3 oz per glass you can stretch them much further.
I had a dent on the back of my head. Been there since I was born I think. After using the hairdryer, I sprayed some compressed air on it. Worked great! I'm bald now and parts of my brain no longer function, but the dent is gone. Thanks!
This is great! And think how much you save if you don't travel to see family on peak holiday times. My family accidentally does this on the less serious holidays but never thought about it doing it throughout the year. Great advice!
Frustratingly, when I was a student (hence: no garage), I came out one morning to find that the city had put up "2-hour only" parking signs on my street. Overnight. And that exactly 2 hours after they had done so, they sent out a meter maid to ticket all the cars on the street for violating it.
When I went to contest the ticket, I was yelled at for parking in the street *at all*, even though it was 100% legal, because the employee at city hall felt that parking in the street was "dangerous." More than ten years later, it still pisses me off.
No parking hours trump meters. Meaning, even if you put, say, two hours on a meter, if that part of the street converts to no parking during those two hours, you will get a ticket and/or towed for parking illegally during the no parking time period.
Also look out for meters that are reserved for handicapped vehicles.
Smarter as well.
Here in Orlando they now have meters that incorporate a "presence detector", for lack of a better phrase, so that when you pull your car out it automatically resets to Zero on the time.
They get to Double or Triple Charge for the same minutes and you don't get the chance to use up what somene has left.
And they wonder why Downtowns are dying...I only go to downtown under the direst of circumstances only because I feel because I pay the taxes that maintain the streets I shouldn't have to pay extra to park on them.
~ Roland
That is exactly why I never go downtown -- I can't stand the parking hassles and I refuse to pay for parking. I love the parking in the suburbs -- vast oceans of parking spaces all for free...gets my business every time.
Does anybody have ideas for easy finger foods to take to a party? (Something savory?)
Becoming The Marshmallow
It's so sad when occasions that should be fun turn into an obligation. We spent many years trying to juggle our families during the holidays. It got the the point where I didn't enjoy the holidays anymore because of the push-pull and the guilt. For the past few years, my MIL has completely changed her tune. She has 3 sons, all with wives who want/need to spend the actual holiday with their own families. She decided that the important part is having the family together, regardless of what day it happens. We celebrate a month early, or a week late, and we still have a great time.
This year my fiance and I are going to visit his parents in Ohio over New Years. We are going to DRIVE (yes, drive) from Florida to Ohio. It's saving us about $300 for plane fare. Driving will cost about $200 total for gas, tolls, and expenses. (Not to mention, we won't have to pay for parking at the airport)
Becoming The Marshmallow
I understand what you are saying and I totally agree but the problem is that many people have a few days off for Christmas and specific holidays as opposed to random days. The weeks before Christmas are very busy and many people are not able to get time off. One way that we kind of save money is that we celebrate the holiday season with family on the 26th of December. Partly because it is my birthday and also because it just works out better for the people involved.
I just stumbled onto this site and find the comments largely in sync with my understanding of this crisis. The answer in #66 by Guest makes the most sense to me. I think he/she has it exactly right. The original article actually mentions briefly the problem with low interest rates. Who is responsible for the excessively low interest rates? Why, the Fed, of course.
One statement I hear a lot lately is that the "root" cause is the greed of the private banking industry resulting in the creation of derivatives and default swaps. They are complicit in the cause, but not THE cause. The root cause is actually the Fed's own policies, which resulted in the tech bubble, followed by the housing bubble. Some say that this crisis "proves" that the superiority of the "market economy" is false. Not so. We haven't had a real "market economy" because of the government's policies. Interest rates were not allowed to seek their own level due to goverment intervention (Fed). The mortgage industry has not applied good lending standards because of too much money avaiable at too low rates and pressure from the government (Fannie and Freddie) to loan to high risk people. The banking industry created dubious products because of excessively low rates and too much money available.
So, now what are we doing? Paulson is now saying we need to push down mortgage rates to get the housing market "going again". Oh great. We got into this mess because of too much interference by the government (Fed, Fannie, Freddie, etc.). Now we don't want to let the market correct the excesses. We want to print more money to "fix" the situation. What would be the best course? At this stage, only considerable pain will fix things as excesses are wrung out of the economy. We need to start producing again, not just comsuming. We need to stop borrowing for all our wants, but saving for them instead so there's some capital to invest.
I could go on, but I've vented enough for today. I just heard a guest on the Diane Rhem show put all the blame on the private banking system and it really got my goat.
If you haven't read "Cheaper by the Dozen"(a great read, not much resemblance to the movies), I highly recommend it!
As someone else said, this is a great way to donate to charities when you don't have much to give. Like everyone else, my budget is tight this year, but with good deals and stacks of coupons, I'm able to donate more canned goods to food drives, more dog food and treats to animal shelters, etc.
And even if you aren't doing that, what's wrong with stocking up when you get good deals? If I can get 5 bottles of shampoo for the price of two, of course I'm going to. It makes no sense to pay more than you need to later just to avoid people calling you a hoarder.
I haven't been to Kmart yet this week for the double coupons, but I read on another blog that the trick is to have them scan the coupon right after they scan the item, instead of doing them all at the end. It confuses the computer less that way.
I'm glad you mentioned that Myscha. I was looking forward to (maybe) picking up an extra here and there to give to my church's shelter. I usually do this with any product that I get for free via a rebate or refund (that I don't use personally.) I had hopes of buying off of my specific list of items for my family, and for every one or two items I purchased, even paying full price here or there for the "charity" box. I figured that with the money I was saving, I could afford to get a little extra to help out another family.
Sadly, this wasn't possible. There wasn't even enough stock in the store for me to make my weekly needs.
I also know of families that buy tons of product, and then sell them on a yard sale. I have no beef about this practice, either, because it is a legitimate way of making money, and I'm all for an entrepreneurial spirit.
My issue is less with the people who buy lots, and more with the store for being obviously ill-eqiupped to handle even the smallest increase in business. I live in rural America, and when demand exceeds supply (even by the slightest amount), it leaves those of us with no where else to shop.. up a creek, so to speak.
Thanks for reminding us of another benefit to savvy shopping!
Linsey Knerl
this game is the best game for online games i cant believe that you think that this game is bad. this is a good game no matter what if you play for free or pay for every month to play it is a fun game if you start to learn it.
Another idea for wine is boxed wine...it has come a long way and there are excellent wines available for 15-20 a box (which is about four bottles.) If you fear that your friends will turn up their noses, decant it into a pitcher before you serve. (It improves the flavor, anyway.)
Just thought I'd jump in with an extra story.
I agree some people just buy like crazy and never use the extra items. However, I do know some folks who use these bulk buying freebies as a way to be able to give charitably without busting their family budget. For example, deodorant and baby wipes to go in a gift drive for overseas troops, or boatloads of personal hygiene items being donated to Katrina victims, homeless shelter donations, orphanages, etc.
Some families want to celebrate the spirit of giving, but have more time than money. So putting the effort into the coupon research is their way of being prepared for hospitality emergencies.
Now, I would love to be able to say I've been oganized enough to do this myself. The truth is, it's something I'm striving for but haven't made happen yet. I'm not saying people shouldn't feel frustrated if they miss out on an opportunity due to someone else's over- zealous buying, just that it might not necessarily be greed that's motivating the extreme shoppers.
And I love the unshelled nuts idea.
Right on man! I've used that trick a few times before as well, and as you said - works like a charm everytime. Speaking of asking - just to add a bit here. I've found that the same philosophy works with airlines. I've yet to fly without asking for a business upgrade. Sometimes you score, sometimes not, but they will at least stick you in the bulkhead, and after an NYC/SFO flight, those extra 6 inches of leg room make all the difference.
Rachel,
These are some great tips. I edit a blog devoted specifically to throwing house parties. It has all kinds of actionable tips to prepare for and execute house parties, with an emphasis on college parties.
You can check out the blog here:
How to Throw Wild, Ludicrously Awesome College House Parties
Some example posts include:
1. How to Cop-Proof Your House Party
2. How to Effectively Set Up Your Sound System (the cheap, quick and easy way)
3. How To Control Your Light Effects via Remote Control (for under 16 bucks)
4. How to Set Up Your Trash Cans
Cheers,
- Zack Faith
Hi,
Who pay over $100 a week for a dog walker?
??????
i love cooking and baking and wanted to make something for my boyfriend's mom for around xmas time.... but she is not big on sweets.
i NEVER thought to bake bread! duh! thanks for the enlightenment!
One thought that hasn't yet been mentioned:
Shop the lower shelves. Stores merchandise the higher-priced items at eye level (or in the cereal aisle at kid's-eye level!)
Another way to save money at an informal gathering is to have a potluck. Then you're on the hook for drinks and decorations, but you don't have to feed the whole world. Or how about a cookie walk party, where everybody brings one kind of cookie and goes home with a yummy assortment?
My experience with the booze is that we always end up with more wine at a party than we started with. So don't buy wine. If you throw it, they will bring it.
I'm with you on the idea of serving a bowl of nuts before dinner versus appetizers, but if I can suggest a quick way of spicing the nuts up?
1 10oz can mixed nuts
2 tbls honey
1 tbls cumin
1 tbls cinnamon
1 tbls ground red pepper
Preheat the oven to about 350º, mix all the ingredients together, spread on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, and bake/roast for about 10-15 minutes, shaking gently halfway through.
Also, as far as not serving wine, my suggestion would be to buy the magnum bottles that have far more than 4 glasses of wine in them. Yes they're a little more expensive than normal sized bottles, but if you pour only about 3 oz per glass you can stretch them much further.