My parents taught me squat about money, except how to hoard it for myself. But now I'm married and have learned the hard ways of savings and investing and just my general thought process on what money is and isn't. It's been tough and blogging has helped me clear up misconceptions and put my ideas into concise words.
My folks did teach me though that if you worked your butts off you can retire in your early 40s.
Point taken, and now that I am more informed I agree with you. But you didn't give any of that context in the entry. What I inferred (being a brand new reader to the site and not knowing any of your previous writings) was "Some Chinese people skin dogs, so we should boycott China." Obviously that's not what you meant, but surely you can see how I'd be confused?
My parents were, unfortunately, just the opposite. My mother did eventually start making me pay $175/month in highschool for what she said was my half of the utilities (and this was before turning 18).
My father, who I adore, just never though he would get old, I think. He never started a savings for retirement, he never saved any money (my mother took most of it when she left anyway). Now he's 56 years old, on disability, and I'm supporting -him-. I think if anything my father scared me into getting my "stuff" together financially because it's not just me anymore. I have someone whose quality of life is depending on me, so I keep track of every cent that goes in and out of my accounts and am constantly looking for ways to reduce my monthly expenditures and live frugally.
"Also, bear in mind that with most cars, fuel costs will be higher when you run them with the windows open (because open windows destroy the aerodynamic properties of the car, or to put it another way, they create more wind resistance), and significantly lower with the windows shut and the A/C on"
Actually, that isn't entirely true. I'm a big MythBuster's fan, and they tested this one in Season 2 (and again later, with the same results). The AC is only more efficient if you are traveling over 50 MPH; at speeds under 50 MPH (most city driving) turning off the AC and rolling down the windows is more efficient. I'm pretty sure the test was on 5 gallons of gas and the windows-down vehicle managed 15 extra miles, which would end up at a gain of 3 miles per gallon for leaving the windows down.
I just recently saw Suze Orman's PBS special on her new book, "Women and Money" and this is one of her big messages in it. She makes women in the audience stand up and own their names while introducing themselves to others in the audience. At first I thought it was a weird concept, but as an intercollegiate speech and debate coach I realize the importance of sounding like you know what you're talking about even if you aren't totally confident that you really do! And, we all know our names, so why not say them confidently?
Back in the day, when I worked as a social worker four days a week, I did a lot of mystery shopping for awhile. It was fairly interesting to snoop on businesses, I could take my young son along, I'd typically end up somewhere I wouldn't normally have gone, and I'd get something for free. Of course, it wouldn’t have been worth it to miss work to do a shop, but even for someone unemployed or working part-time, mystery shopping is generally just a break-even venture.
The $17/hr example above doesn't take into account the time it takes to print and read the instructions, drive to the location, find parking, do the shop, drive home and fill out the narrative questionnaire. Occasionally, the company wanted me to do a section over again, "costing" more time. Conservatively, it took at least two hours to do a shop for something like eating a certain sandwich at a deli or asking about banking services.
If you were trying to fill hours with an activity, really needed the service offered (like oil changes), were going to be in the area anyway or could walk to the location, mystery shopping makes more sense. Even for mystery shopping businesses with the most stellar reputations, reimbursement checks don't arrive for 3-6 weeks; depending on when in the month you did the shop. If you purchase a fairly big-ticket item, you're out the cash until the check finally arrives. A favorite shop of mine was dinner for two at a fancy steak house. Delicious and fun, but it was only because I’m no longer a social worker that I didn’t sweat the $150 tab for several weeks until I was reimbursed.
While I quickly learned that mystery shopping wasn't worth it for me, I do participate in user groups and focus groups. Those companies tend to work around participant's work schedules and pay $50-$100/hr cash on the spot to hear your opinions. I've never yet attended a focus group that wasn't at least somewhat interesting, although answering questions like, “If this kitty litter were a car, what kind of car would it be?” did border on the absurd.
I took a look at your site, and did a quick check with the BBB (hope you don't mind). The BBB gives your company 0 complaints over 36 months, a quite exceptional record. Your site answers many questions and, take note WB readers, is free to join.
One question I do have is about certification. The FTC says it's not required, yet you offer certification. Is that necessary, or something optional. And do you charge a fee for it?
Hi Paul,
escelent post,
I work as Marketing Manager for one well known Mystery Shopping company http://www.gapbuster.com, we have Shell, McDonalds, Starbucks and more big brands on our program.
Dairy I received numerous histories about scams in our industry,
It's bad for us, its's bad for the consumers.
My TIPs are:
- 1) All the reliable companies DO NOT charge to subscriptions
- 2) All the reliable companies DO NOT promise get rich schems
- 3) All the reliable companies are registered on the MSPA - Mystery Shopping Association website (http://www.mysteryshop.org)that by the way, offers a job board with heaps of available assignemtns
- 4) And as you said, just pay attention to the requirements, if they require you more details than need, aks them why.
the worst case of this i heard of was baby formula made in china--basically flavored water. babies were killed.
and because they are starting to export more and more not just finished products, but basic ingredients, like what happened w/dog food, we just can't be sure what's safe.
another reason to stay away from heavily processed foods anyway.
But my outrage is not limited to the cat-dog fur fiasco. China is deeply into deceptive or false labeling practices. From poison dog food to mislabeled fur and bpoisonous fish, China is doing nothing but wrong these days.
"Products from China are often rejected by the FDA due to filth, misbranding, mislabeling, presence of unsafe color additives, poisonous additives, meat products from animals that died other than by slaughter, and items prepared in unsanitary conditions."
So the comparison to American companies that sell fur really isn't apples to apples.
In addition, there's the issue of cruelty. I, for one, don't object to hunting for food - be it fishing or shooting a wild deer or whatever. Humane farming practices, even, at least give animals a chance at a normal life before slaughter. The Chinese practice of skinning animals alive is moral depravity.
I lived in Cairns (in tropical, northern Australia) for a while and had no air-conditioning. The climate in Cairns is similar to Florida and I adapted to the heat and humidity better than I expected. Making good use of ceiling fans and ventilation was essential to stay comfortable - as well as wearing cool clothes.
The house I lived in was partially shaded and had a big deck that was well protected by large trees. I spent a lot of time out on the deck in the breeze.
There are some companies in Australia that are working on good tropical house design - that doesn't require air conditioning - see here for example: http://www.solarhouseday.com/examples/nt01.html (I am not associated with them in any way, I just like what they're doing)
No way I'm giving up my a/c. Phoenix is HOT in the summer & miserably muggy during what's left of our biannual monsoon seasons.
However, I miss the heck outta the heat pump & programmable thermostat we had when I was still married to my ex. The savings on that unit were quite noticeable and now that we're divorced help him make the mortgage (in addition to keeping it cool when our son visits)
The apartment complex my current husband & I live in has no heat pump and prohibits installing of programmable thermostats. We keep our preferred comfort zone's 75 in summer affordable by not running the heater in the winter as it doesn't get cold enough to justify the expense.
Tail. Ha! A few years ago there was a big scandal about a major retail discounter selling dog fur collared coats. Apparently they were not aware of the fur source. Around the same time one of the news magazine shows (dateline or 20/20) did an undercover operation of a fur wearhouse in China with stacks and stacks of cat & dog pelts. Totally heartbreaking. Anyway, if you are going to purchase a fur coat, go to a professional furrier or high-end department store. Because if you buy a cheap fur not only do you run the risk of wearing a pooch, but of looking cheap. I think the same probably goes for leather as well.
If you REALLY love the feel of dog & cat Here are two books: Spinning Dog Hair
I'm signed up with one of the legit companies, unfortunately the few opportunites that have come my way were not lucrative enough for me to drive across town.
I received an offer of an assignment today to go to a major retailer of home furnishings--the prize was to be $10 for my time & $7 reimbursement for product. I deduced the drive alone would cost me at least $6 in gas. $17 an hour is not shabby by any means, but not for this situation.
I have a friend who's retired parents make a living mystery shopping for banks, but they're hardcore, their work involves lots of travel and overnight stays.
I have also been on the other end of things & have been "shopped' while working for a department store. The stores do take the results of these very seriously. Of course, we were given a head's up so most people were on their Ps & Qs (whatever that means.)
I understand the outrage, but that makes as much sense as boycotting American goods because there are some American companies which sell furs. Surely not all Chinese people condone the practice. Not to mention that mink are no less worthy than dogs to keep their skin.
I don't but anything from China unless I can't find an alternative. The only way to fight this is with our spending habits, too bad most of us are too lazy to do that.
One of the best and easiest ways to start investing.
My parents taught me squat about money, except how to hoard it for myself. But now I'm married and have learned the hard ways of savings and investing and just my general thought process on what money is and isn't. It's been tough and blogging has helped me clear up misconceptions and put my ideas into concise words.
My folks did teach me though that if you worked your butts off you can retire in your early 40s.
Plus they're counterfeiting Colgate toothpaste!
Point taken, and now that I am more informed I agree with you. But you didn't give any of that context in the entry. What I inferred (being a brand new reader to the site and not knowing any of your previous writings) was "Some Chinese people skin dogs, so we should boycott China." Obviously that's not what you meant, but surely you can see how I'd be confused?
"(Just wait until this fall, when I write my article on heating my home with a corn-stove!)"
Yikes! With the price of corn per bushel - even that's gonna hurt this year.
My parents were, unfortunately, just the opposite. My mother did eventually start making me pay $175/month in highschool for what she said was my half of the utilities (and this was before turning 18).
My father, who I adore, just never though he would get old, I think. He never started a savings for retirement, he never saved any money (my mother took most of it when she left anyway). Now he's 56 years old, on disability, and I'm supporting -him-. I think if anything my father scared me into getting my "stuff" together financially because it's not just me anymore. I have someone whose quality of life is depending on me, so I keep track of every cent that goes in and out of my accounts and am constantly looking for ways to reduce my monthly expenditures and live frugally.
The link to the story has expired: 2-week copyright time limit. Any other sources?
Fairly soon portable DNA scanners should be able to quickly pick out the type of fur.
Reminds me, though, of the little Chinese chef's "riddle":
Why do puppies look so cute?
To make you forget how delicious they are!
"Also, bear in mind that with most cars, fuel costs will be higher when you run them with the windows open (because open windows destroy the aerodynamic properties of the car, or to put it another way, they create more wind resistance), and significantly lower with the windows shut and the A/C on"
Actually, that isn't entirely true. I'm a big MythBuster's fan, and they tested this one in Season 2 (and again later, with the same results). The AC is only more efficient if you are traveling over 50 MPH; at speeds under 50 MPH (most city driving) turning off the AC and rolling down the windows is more efficient. I'm pretty sure the test was on 5 gallons of gas and the windows-down vehicle managed 15 extra miles, which would end up at a gain of 3 miles per gallon for leaving the windows down.
In the older days, Japanese culture allows only males to become chefs.
I just recently saw Suze Orman's PBS special on her new book, "Women and Money" and this is one of her big messages in it. She makes women in the audience stand up and own their names while introducing themselves to others in the audience. At first I thought it was a weird concept, but as an intercollegiate speech and debate coach I realize the importance of sounding like you know what you're talking about even if you aren't totally confident that you really do! And, we all know our names, so why not say them confidently?
Back in the day, when I worked as a social worker four days a week, I did a lot of mystery shopping for awhile. It was fairly interesting to snoop on businesses, I could take my young son along, I'd typically end up somewhere I wouldn't normally have gone, and I'd get something for free. Of course, it wouldn’t have been worth it to miss work to do a shop, but even for someone unemployed or working part-time, mystery shopping is generally just a break-even venture.
The $17/hr example above doesn't take into account the time it takes to print and read the instructions, drive to the location, find parking, do the shop, drive home and fill out the narrative questionnaire. Occasionally, the company wanted me to do a section over again, "costing" more time. Conservatively, it took at least two hours to do a shop for something like eating a certain sandwich at a deli or asking about banking services.
If you were trying to fill hours with an activity, really needed the service offered (like oil changes), were going to be in the area anyway or could walk to the location, mystery shopping makes more sense. Even for mystery shopping businesses with the most stellar reputations, reimbursement checks don't arrive for 3-6 weeks; depending on when in the month you did the shop. If you purchase a fairly big-ticket item, you're out the cash until the check finally arrives. A favorite shop of mine was dinner for two at a fancy steak house. Delicious and fun, but it was only because I’m no longer a social worker that I didn’t sweat the $150 tab for several weeks until I was reimbursed.
While I quickly learned that mystery shopping wasn't worth it for me, I do participate in user groups and focus groups. Those companies tend to work around participant's work schedules and pay $50-$100/hr cash on the spot to hear your opinions. I've never yet attended a focus group that wasn't at least somewhat interesting, although answering questions like, “If this kitty litter were a car, what kind of car would it be?” did border on the absurd.
Jill Walser
I took a look at your site, and did a quick check with the BBB (hope you don't mind). The BBB gives your company 0 complaints over 36 months, a quite exceptional record. Your site answers many questions and, take note WB readers, is free to join.
One question I do have is about certification. The FTC says it's not required, yet you offer certification. Is that necessary, or something optional. And do you charge a fee for it?
THanks.
I meant
Excellent...
Hi Paul,
escelent post,
I work as Marketing Manager for one well known Mystery Shopping company http://www.gapbuster.com, we have Shell, McDonalds, Starbucks and more big brands on our program.
Dairy I received numerous histories about scams in our industry,
It's bad for us, its's bad for the consumers.
My TIPs are:
- 1) All the reliable companies DO NOT charge to subscriptions
- 2) All the reliable companies DO NOT promise get rich schems
- 3) All the reliable companies are registered on the MSPA - Mystery Shopping Association website (http://www.mysteryshop.org)that by the way, offers a job board with heaps of available assignemtns
- 4) And as you said, just pay attention to the requirements, if they require you more details than need, aks them why.
Good Luck
Lucio Dias Ribeiro
Q. What do you call a cat in China?
A:Boots!
Malaria drugs
toothpaste (think twice before you buy dollar store toothpaste folks, this is a time where cheap is probably not good)
To me, that is BEYOND greed, that is EVIL.
Fake Zippos have not only hurt the company, but the town where they are made.
the worst case of this i heard of was baby formula made in china--basically flavored water. babies were killed.
and because they are starting to export more and more not just finished products, but basic ingredients, like what happened w/dog food, we just can't be sure what's safe.
another reason to stay away from heavily processed foods anyway.
But my outrage is not limited to the cat-dog fur fiasco. China is deeply into deceptive or false labeling practices. From poison dog food to mislabeled fur and bpoisonous fish, China is doing nothing but wrong these days.
"Products from China are often rejected by the FDA due to filth, misbranding, mislabeling, presence of unsafe color additives, poisonous additives, meat products from animals that died other than by slaughter, and items prepared in unsanitary conditions."
So the comparison to American companies that sell fur really isn't apples to apples.
In addition, there's the issue of cruelty. I, for one, don't object to hunting for food - be it fishing or shooting a wild deer or whatever. Humane farming practices, even, at least give animals a chance at a normal life before slaughter. The Chinese practice of skinning animals alive is moral depravity.
I lived in Cairns (in tropical, northern Australia) for a while and had no air-conditioning. The climate in Cairns is similar to Florida and I adapted to the heat and humidity better than I expected. Making good use of ceiling fans and ventilation was essential to stay comfortable - as well as wearing cool clothes.
The house I lived in was partially shaded and had a big deck that was well protected by large trees. I spent a lot of time out on the deck in the breeze.
There are some companies in Australia that are working on good tropical house design - that doesn't require air conditioning - see here for example: http://www.solarhouseday.com/examples/nt01.html (I am not associated with them in any way, I just like what they're doing)
No way I'm giving up my a/c. Phoenix is HOT in the summer & miserably muggy during what's left of our biannual monsoon seasons.
However, I miss the heck outta the heat pump & programmable thermostat we had when I was still married to my ex. The savings on that unit were quite noticeable and now that we're divorced help him make the mortgage (in addition to keeping it cool when our son visits)
The apartment complex my current husband & I live in has no heat pump and prohibits installing of programmable thermostats. We keep our preferred comfort zone's 75 in summer affordable by not running the heater in the winter as it doesn't get cold enough to justify the expense.
Tail. Ha! A few years ago there was a big scandal about a major retail discounter selling dog fur collared coats. Apparently they were not aware of the fur source. Around the same time one of the news magazine shows (dateline or 20/20) did an undercover operation of a fur wearhouse in China with stacks and stacks of cat & dog pelts. Totally heartbreaking. Anyway, if you are going to purchase a fur coat, go to a professional furrier or high-end department store. Because if you buy a cheap fur not only do you run the risk of wearing a pooch, but of looking cheap. I think the same probably goes for leather as well.
If you REALLY love the feel of dog & cat Here are two books:
Spinning Dog Hair
Knitting with dog hair
I'm signed up with one of the legit companies, unfortunately the few opportunites that have come my way were not lucrative enough for me to drive across town.
I received an offer of an assignment today to go to a major retailer of home furnishings--the prize was to be $10 for my time & $7 reimbursement for product. I deduced the drive alone would cost me at least $6 in gas. $17 an hour is not shabby by any means, but not for this situation.
I have a friend who's retired parents make a living mystery shopping for banks, but they're hardcore, their work involves lots of travel and overnight stays.
I have also been on the other end of things & have been "shopped' while working for a department store. The stores do take the results of these very seriously. Of course, we were given a head's up so most people were on their Ps & Qs (whatever that means.)
Good story paul!
I understand the outrage, but that makes as much sense as boycotting American goods because there are some American companies which sell furs. Surely not all Chinese people condone the practice. Not to mention that mink are no less worthy than dogs to keep their skin.
I don't but anything from China unless I can't find an alternative. The only way to fight this is with our spending habits, too bad most of us are too lazy to do that.