Right before the start of our summer last year we decided to invest in a swamp cooler for our home. We checked around and most everyone wanted to charge $2K for parts and labor. So, my husband and I bought it directly from Home Depot and hired a contractor to come out and install it for $75 an hour. In the end we saved $1K and it cools are whole house!!! No more sweaty, uncomfortable nights or even worse.... weekends where the temperature said it was hotter inside than out. And, the best part of all; our summer electric bill only went up a few $$. This was for sure our best purchase last year and maybe in our lives.
My Timbuk2 messenger bag is the best thing that I bought this year. Sure, it cost me $110 (I made it myself on their website, setting custom colors and options) but it holds everything I need for class, everything I need for weekends at The Boyfriend's pad, is a great airline carry-on, and looks stylish no matter what I wear.
It makes me happy every time I look at it - and isn't that the true indication that you've spent your money on something worthwhile?
While I am not a fan of the dealer (I am an independent shop manager) I see this situation like this:
The Tech works on the same model vehicle day in and day out and has seen this problem 49 times all with the same result after diagnosis (ie: moonroof pooched). The 50th time he sees it he shortens his diagnostic routine, hearing the motor trying to move the roof to no avail and assumes the same result as all the other 49 moonroof problems. These things can happen. And let's say that when the Tech does go in to do the work and see the rock, he simply removes it and finds that was the entire problem.
Mercedes' philososphy is when there is problem with any system in their vehicles, replace the system completely, regardless of condition of the rest of the components. For Example: Front brake pads are worn, replace pads, calipers, rotors, hoses, seals etc. They do this because their customer drives a Mercedes, the perfect car in their opinion, and Mercedes will not let a vehicle of their's be subpar.
All I hear on the video is Mercedes on broadway, why didn't he promote the other guy who saved him all this money? Typical complainer..... never help the guy who did you right.
Morale of the story to the tech: never assume, always diagnose as exact as possible.
Probably my best purchase was my digital SLR camera. It has kept me out of trouble and saved me money on entertainment! And the camera goes well with the Philadelphia Zoo membership I buy each year!
This was tough. I would have to say that my best purchase was my new shower in the master bathroom. It was the last upgrade in my condo, from a long 6 year list of things to do! It was also the most expensive, and I scrimped and saved in order to pay cash for the job. I am very pleased with the work that was done, and it automatically increased the value of my home!
My best purchase was $100 pair of Aerosoles shoes. No more blisters, no more smelly feet, they will last me for years, and they look good with just about everything. One of the best investments I ever made.
My PC. I saved almost 1000 dollars building it myself instead of buying one....
im really suprised wisebread hasnt done more articles about PC building as a way to save money (as opposed to buying on outright)
all it took was 4 hours of labor, and if i screwed up i could just take it to my pc repair shop and pay them to put it together.... but it was easy and id never done it before.... low tech skill required; just remembering to RTFM
i hope wisebread does some homebuying tips soon; im about to buy my first home @ age 23.... and i love having this site RSS'ed....
I would say that falls into the immortality category for many, but fame is certainly not a factor in living a meaningful life. It could indeed be a category on its own.
I bought Snapstream's BeyondTV DVR software ($69.99) in November 2006 after considering TiVo. Prior to BeyondTV, I was using the frustratingly subpar software that came with my Hauppauge TV capture card. I can schedule all my recordings even when I'm away from home, and stream recordings and live TV to other PC's on my home network (via BeyondTV Link $29.99). The best part is that I don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee as with TiVo!
I don't know if this would be another category on your list, but meaning and purpose is something that money can't buy and it is priceless.
Knowing that your life counted for something. That you effected change. That when you die that the "dash" between the the two dates on the tombstone made a real and lasting difference.
I'm very interested in this thread because the posters are asking the same question I am. I realize that an amortization spreadsheet and a Future Value of money spreadsheet are probably more simplistic than the MMA software...but some basic financial principles must be driving the effectiveness of the MMA software.
It concerns me that the basic principles are not clearly stated by UFirst--rather they point to "complicated algorithms". I realize that optimizing the last few percentage points are probably "complicated", but surely the majority of the software's decisions are made based on principles that can be understood by reasonably savvy people.
Scott, you appear to understand the functionality of this software. What basic financial principles are the MMA algorithms based on? I would feel better about spending $3500 on what appears to be quite useful software if I understood that. (I would also like to see that spreadsheet that Julie asked you for.)
Thanks for your help
Hands down, it was Scanmyphotos.com. I read a story in Reader's Digest (June, page 197) about this company that scans all your old photos, and I had lots. I mailed them more than 900 pictures and paid only $50; the order was returned the next day! Their website was easy to follow and now all my snapshots are safe forever on my computer and the whole family has copies too. website is: www.scanmyphotos.com
We have 3 geriatric dogs, one who has trouble with stairs, and one who can no longer climb up or down them at all. It's just a matter of time with the other. Letting the dogs otside into the fenced yard became much more than just opening the door, we had to monitor Watson's progress, and carry Barney up and down.
We were having some other work done on the house, and as a lark, I asked how much a ramp to replace 6 steps would be. $250 and a couple of days later, all of our lives were changed for the better.
(as an aside, I'm also going to post this in my blog. Yay extra posts)
My best purchase came early last semester- the January to May one, where it gets really cold. I started to lose track of stuff because I was taking 17 hours, none of which were elective courses. I needed something to help me sit down, and get everything together. I wandered through the bookstore for a long time about a week into the semester, asking every employee what they thought would be best, I phoned friends and family, I consulted GTD sites, and so forth. It wasn't until about the 26,531st time I traversed the aisle with daily planners that I saw it: a day planner from moleskine, small enough to fit in a backpack without taking up space, but big enough to write everything I wanted. It was the last (and, as it turns out, through a shipping error, only) one there. It was mine, for the price of 14.44$ I thought it was a terrible amount to spend, but in terms of time and productivity, that paid for itself by the next week, after having every detail written down. I scheduled appointments, I kept little daily notes, and thanks to this daily planner, I got my life in order.
My best purchase would have to be our house. Living here has made every moment of our lives more enjoyable, despite the stress involved in the home buying process and home ownership itself.
We have had to cut out of a lot of extras to balance out spending more on our housing than we used to, but the trade off has been well worth it.
wow! this is tough, i dont know what "best" purchase i should choose... should i pick my best in terms of finance? productivity? health? hobby ? nah... my best purchase this year, or in the past year was my puppy... sad that i paid for him but he needed to be rescued from the breeder... he has changed my life, made me more responsible, strengthend my relationship with my partner, made me kinda feel like an adult and brought joy to my life... plus i always wanted a pet and was never able or allowed to have one... and he was 1500$ off
Sounds like all dealerships are an a$$ when comes down to repair. Even Brown Bro. Ford does the same thing. I had a defective transmission bearings (making whirl noise) on my Probe GT at 45K km and they also told me I should replace my clutch as well because it also went bad! I told them no f*king way that my clutch will go bad since there is nothing wrong with it. A normal driving clutch should last for around 100-150K km on average. Until now, I am still driving my car for just over 109K! The dealerships always try to rip off customers who they think all are idiots. But remember, you are not the idiot! They are the idiots for calling their customers off. I never went back to them for car service. By all means, go ask else where for 2nd opinion.
Two months ago, I fulfilled a dream by purchasing a kayak. I had been looking for a folding kayak but at the $2500 + price tag, I couldn't justify it. I didn't have a way to carry a rigid body kayak. You can imagine my delight when I found a good looking and well engineered inflatable tandem kayak from Advanced Elements and gear for under $900. I carry it around in the back of the car all the time. I am always ready for a paddle.
My best purchase was the Premium Bene-Fit Mat from Gaiam. I had one of their jute yoga mats before and the sweat from my feet and hands made it fall apart after about five yoga sessions (Jute is like cork. It soaks up water). But the Bene-Fit mat I bought a few months ago is AWESOME! Cheap, eco friendly and functional... got 'em all.
The best thing I've bought all year is the electric guitar I purchased for my eight-year-old son. It is so awesome to hear him practicing, see his excitement, and know that in five years he'll be playing better than most of the adults I know. And being an orange rockabilly guitar, it looks cool too.
Right before the start of our summer last year we decided to invest in a swamp cooler for our home. We checked around and most everyone wanted to charge $2K for parts and labor. So, my husband and I bought it directly from Home Depot and hired a contractor to come out and install it for $75 an hour. In the end we saved $1K and it cools are whole house!!! No more sweaty, uncomfortable nights or even worse.... weekends where the temperature said it was hotter inside than out. And, the best part of all; our summer electric bill only went up a few $$. This was for sure our best purchase last year and maybe in our lives.
My Timbuk2 messenger bag is the best thing that I bought this year. Sure, it cost me $110 (I made it myself on their website, setting custom colors and options) but it holds everything I need for class, everything I need for weekends at The Boyfriend's pad, is a great airline carry-on, and looks stylish no matter what I wear.
It makes me happy every time I look at it - and isn't that the true indication that you've spent your money on something worthwhile?
While I am not a fan of the dealer (I am an independent shop manager) I see this situation like this:
The Tech works on the same model vehicle day in and day out and has seen this problem 49 times all with the same result after diagnosis (ie: moonroof pooched). The 50th time he sees it he shortens his diagnostic routine, hearing the motor trying to move the roof to no avail and assumes the same result as all the other 49 moonroof problems. These things can happen. And let's say that when the Tech does go in to do the work and see the rock, he simply removes it and finds that was the entire problem.
Mercedes' philososphy is when there is problem with any system in their vehicles, replace the system completely, regardless of condition of the rest of the components. For Example: Front brake pads are worn, replace pads, calipers, rotors, hoses, seals etc. They do this because their customer drives a Mercedes, the perfect car in their opinion, and Mercedes will not let a vehicle of their's be subpar.
All I hear on the video is Mercedes on broadway, why didn't he promote the other guy who saved him all this money? Typical complainer..... never help the guy who did you right.
Morale of the story to the tech: never assume, always diagnose as exact as possible.
Hey Nomi
How do Aerosole shoes ward off the stinky feet germs?
Probably my best purchase was my digital SLR camera. It has kept me out of trouble and saved me money on entertainment! And the camera goes well with the Philadelphia Zoo membership I buy each year!
This was tough. I would have to say that my best purchase was my new shower in the master bathroom. It was the last upgrade in my condo, from a long 6 year list of things to do! It was also the most expensive, and I scrimped and saved in order to pay cash for the job. I am very pleased with the work that was done, and it automatically increased the value of my home!
My favorite one has the rhinestone button. I also like how you dismantled the flower to make a new artificial flower. Great thinking!
My best purchase was $100 pair of Aerosoles shoes. No more blisters, no more smelly feet, they will last me for years, and they look good with just about everything. One of the best investments I ever made.
My PC. I saved almost 1000 dollars building it myself instead of buying one....
im really suprised wisebread hasnt done more articles about PC building as a way to save money (as opposed to buying on outright)
all it took was 4 hours of labor, and if i screwed up i could just take it to my pc repair shop and pay them to put it together.... but it was easy and id never done it before.... low tech skill required; just remembering to RTFM
i hope wisebread does some homebuying tips soon; im about to buy my first home @ age 23.... and i love having this site RSS'ed....
I would say that falls into the immortality category for many, but fame is certainly not a factor in living a meaningful life. It could indeed be a category on its own.
I bought Snapstream's BeyondTV DVR software ($69.99) in November 2006 after considering TiVo. Prior to BeyondTV, I was using the frustratingly subpar software that came with my Hauppauge TV capture card. I can schedule all my recordings even when I'm away from home, and stream recordings and live TV to other PC's on my home network (via BeyondTV Link $29.99). The best part is that I don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee as with TiVo!
I don't know if this would be another category on your list, but meaning and purpose is something that money can't buy and it is priceless.
Knowing that your life counted for something. That you effected change. That when you die that the "dash" between the the two dates on the tombstone made a real and lasting difference.
I'm very interested in this thread because the posters are asking the same question I am. I realize that an amortization spreadsheet and a Future Value of money spreadsheet are probably more simplistic than the MMA software...but some basic financial principles must be driving the effectiveness of the MMA software.
It concerns me that the basic principles are not clearly stated by UFirst--rather they point to "complicated algorithms". I realize that optimizing the last few percentage points are probably "complicated", but surely the majority of the software's decisions are made based on principles that can be understood by reasonably savvy people.
Scott, you appear to understand the functionality of this software. What basic financial principles are the MMA algorithms based on? I would feel better about spending $3500 on what appears to be quite useful software if I understood that. (I would also like to see that spreadsheet that Julie asked you for.)
Thanks for your help
Hands down, it was Scanmyphotos.com. I read a story in Reader's Digest (June, page 197) about this company that scans all your old photos, and I had lots. I mailed them more than 900 pictures and paid only $50; the order was returned the next day! Their website was easy to follow and now all my snapshots are safe forever on my computer and the whole family has copies too. website is: www.scanmyphotos.com
was a ramp from the side yard to the side door.
We have 3 geriatric dogs, one who has trouble with stairs, and one who can no longer climb up or down them at all. It's just a matter of time with the other. Letting the dogs otside into the fenced yard became much more than just opening the door, we had to monitor Watson's progress, and carry Barney up and down.
We were having some other work done on the house, and as a lark, I asked how much a ramp to replace 6 steps would be. $250 and a couple of days later, all of our lives were changed for the better.
(as an aside, I'm also going to post this in my blog. Yay extra posts)
My best purchase came early last semester- the January to May one, where it gets really cold. I started to lose track of stuff because I was taking 17 hours, none of which were elective courses. I needed something to help me sit down, and get everything together. I wandered through the bookstore for a long time about a week into the semester, asking every employee what they thought would be best, I phoned friends and family, I consulted GTD sites, and so forth. It wasn't until about the 26,531st time I traversed the aisle with daily planners that I saw it: a day planner from moleskine, small enough to fit in a backpack without taking up space, but big enough to write everything I wanted. It was the last (and, as it turns out, through a shipping error, only) one there. It was mine, for the price of 14.44$ I thought it was a terrible amount to spend, but in terms of time and productivity, that paid for itself by the next week, after having every detail written down. I scheduled appointments, I kept little daily notes, and thanks to this daily planner, I got my life in order.
Well that sure looks like artistic talent to me! Lovely and frugal! Thanks for joining Make it From Scratch!
My best purchase would have to be our house. Living here has made every moment of our lives more enjoyable, despite the stress involved in the home buying process and home ownership itself.
We have had to cut out of a lot of extras to balance out spending more on our housing than we used to, but the trade off has been well worth it.
wow! this is tough, i dont know what "best" purchase i should choose... should i pick my best in terms of finance? productivity? health? hobby ? nah... my best purchase this year, or in the past year was my puppy... sad that i paid for him but he needed to be rescued from the breeder... he has changed my life, made me more responsible, strengthend my relationship with my partner, made me kinda feel like an adult and brought joy to my life... plus i always wanted a pet and was never able or allowed to have one... and he was 1500$ off
Sounds like all dealerships are an a$$ when comes down to repair. Even Brown Bro. Ford does the same thing. I had a defective transmission bearings (making whirl noise) on my Probe GT at 45K km and they also told me I should replace my clutch as well because it also went bad! I told them no f*king way that my clutch will go bad since there is nothing wrong with it. A normal driving clutch should last for around 100-150K km on average. Until now, I am still driving my car for just over 109K! The dealerships always try to rip off customers who they think all are idiots. But remember, you are not the idiot! They are the idiots for calling their customers off. I never went back to them for car service. By all means, go ask else where for 2nd opinion.
dancing is not your talent bloggrrl. I know for sure it's not mine.
Two months ago, I fulfilled a dream by purchasing a kayak. I had been looking for a folding kayak but at the $2500 + price tag, I couldn't justify it. I didn't have a way to carry a rigid body kayak. You can imagine my delight when I found a good looking and well engineered inflatable tandem kayak from Advanced Elements and gear for under $900. I carry it around in the back of the car all the time. I am always ready for a paddle.
My best purchase was the Premium Bene-Fit Mat from Gaiam. I had one of their jute yoga mats before and the sweat from my feet and hands made it fall apart after about five yoga sessions (Jute is like cork. It soaks up water). But the Bene-Fit mat I bought a few months ago is AWESOME! Cheap, eco friendly and functional... got 'em all.
The best thing I've bought all year is the electric guitar I purchased for my eight-year-old son. It is so awesome to hear him practicing, see his excitement, and know that in five years he'll be playing better than most of the adults I know. And being an orange rockabilly guitar, it looks cool too.
I have tried. I have had lessons, both free and paid. Nothing works. Money will not buy me a right foot.