Although I often feel like a social outcast for saying this (and I know friends who are embarrassed that I bring it up), but I always find decently-made, cheap business separates at JCPenney. Also, as a woman, I find that work dresses in basic colors are a really good base to begin a work outfit (although it gets harder as you accumulate varicose veins), because nylons won't cut it after a while.
We chose our insurance amount and terms and then just contacted the life insurance agency via email to get the mandatory check up. We never even dealt with a sales person!
My "tricks" for a nice-looking wardrobe that doesn't cost an arm and leg are primarily "have a work uniform" and "segregate work clothes and 'play' clothes."
The staples of my inexpensive work wardrobe are 3-4 pairs of black, wrinkle-resistant poly/rayon blend pants with a stitched crease (to cut down on ironing), 3-4 white button down shirts from Old Navy (they layer well and are inexpensive to replace which I have to about once a year since I wear a white button down nearly daily), and a variety of light weight sweaters to wear over the white shirts. I also have a few inexpensive white and black tank tops to wear under the few patterned shirts I own, as well as black cardigans to wear over those same shirts when it's chilly.
I do have a few dresses and skirts, but I don't wear them often for work.
I also made the decision several years ago not to have any brown in my work wardrobe. That avoids the necessity of having to buy brown shoes for work.
Online surveys are a way for me to pass the time at work when I'm not seeing clients (we don't have other stuff we are supposed to be doing). After a few months I earn enough to get a small gift card.
Steamers are great! Actually a lot of designers and tailors recommend never dry cleaning wool suits because the chemicals strip the fiber of its natural protective oils and makes the fabric weaker and less moth resistant. Unless there's a stain that must be cleaned, most fine suiting wears the best with just steaming and brushing.
I'm extra lazy, so I hang my shirts in the bathroom when I shower and let the steam and gravity de-wrinkle them instead of using a steamer.
Business casual attire can be expensive, but you have some awesome tips! Black separates are the best staples to recycle in your closet and having a few of them around is essential. Another way to not have to clean your clothes constantly is to buy a steamer. I have one and I use it to steam my silk tops and nicer clothing and they will stay fresher longer so you don't have to dry clean them as often!
Great post! It is unbelievable how many individuals with families don't have life insurance, as soon as I have a spouse and family I feel like that is the first thing that you should be taking care of to make sure your loved ones would be in good hands if anything ever happened.
I buy all my stuff from the 80% off racks and then stack it with additional discounts. I have a lot of Simply Vera that I got for under $7 for sweaters, $5 for shirts, for instance. All my dress pants and designer jeans were under $15, usually under $13. I don't need many pieces a year, so I just shop off-season and save that way.
Interesting article and all the discussion stemming from it.
It's really tricky if you're in need of a job and such a question is posed to you. In today's job market (at the time this comment is written anyway), interviewers are looking for any reason to write you off the list and go on to someone else. Not answering a question to their satisfaction give them exactly the opportunity they need to do that.
Not too long ago I was interviewing for a really good County job. Before the interview, I was presented with a document that I was meant to sign, stating that I would be willing to waive all my rights in order for the County to undergo a thorough background investigation. I had to excuse myself to sit down and read the document first, due to its derogate nature. As I read on, it proposed that I excuse the County from any wrongful or illegal actions that might be generated from their investigation into my financial records; previous employer and/or work colleague interviews; as well as any criminal investigations that they might come across. - WOW! This was intense and the position was not even a high-profile position, but rather, a Graphic Designer position. While I don't have anything to hide, I'm also not willing to give anyone that kind of free range over my personal information and so I simply ran a line over the document and wrote "declined". After having returned the document back to the admissions desk, I was escorted to an office for the interview.
The interview went really well with the interviewer expressing considerable excitement over my capabilities and their application to the position. Given that I didn't grant my permission to investigate me as they were asking on their form, I wasn't really sure how to accept the interviewer's interest. Weeks later I found out that I did not get the job (which I really needed and would have helped financially). Was it due to my not giving them permission to investigate me untethered? I will probably never know -- just as not answering any illegally-posed question might prevent someone from actually getting the job. So, what is the "real" solution to answering an illegally-posed question? Are we now in an economy that we give up all our rights to any potential employer? What kind of leverage would that provide them or any unscrupulous individual obtaining such information?
My favorite tip is to not go grocery shopping when you're hungry. I've often found myself putting items in the cart only to realize that I was hungry - and then put them back
I am sick of hearing about how valuable a liberal arts/English degree is. Reading, writing and communicating well are only useful if you have something of value to communicate; as highly as you might regard your opinions, they are not vital to society. You might develop critical thinking during school, but not to the exclusion of other majors that also teach valuable skills. Unless you pick it up somewhere else, being an English major will not provide you with the skill, knowledge or experience to engage in any real world problem solving that actually matters to anybody.
Everything in the realm of science, technology, engineering and math will be completely off the table. You might be able to do a few tech related jobs if you receive additional training that you could have gotten without the English degree, but everything else in STEM requires to much math that you will never catch up on by yourself. You can rule out anything medical as well since they also require a firm foundation in science. You won't have any trade skills either, so no plumbing, electrical, HVAC, woodworking, etc. You won't have the foundational knowledge to tackle the social sciences either, especially considering that you've had no statistics training.
In fact, without substantial secondary education or vocational training, you won't be suited to do much of anything; you could go into a closely related field like journalism or be a low paid proofreader for corporate documents and research grants. You can't even become a lawyer without going to law school first. I think it's time for English apologists to smell the coffee; your degree is practically worthless.
Here in England organic food's only slightly more expensive than "standard" food stuffs, but I think it has something of a snobbish image problem for much of the population. Given the extent of pesticide use on veg etc. I'd fully recommend a switch to well maintained foods, especially any parents with young kids to look after. This article's a big help for that, thanks!
You've stated that the WF Secured Visa card comes with standard Visa benefits including auto rental insurance.
I was told that the WFSV does not cover auto rental insurance.
Blogging! Blogging is a great way to earn a little extra money. Might take a little while to see any roi, but it can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable.
My son and I took the Greyhound from Upstate NY to NC last year to go see family. We saved tons of $$$$$ ! Every bus had WiFi so he was totally occupied, most of the bus terminals have been updated and are just as decent as an airport for layover purposes. And I have to say the were on time at every stop. The money we saved allowed for some splurging on a few souvenirs and we did not have to go into debt to finance a nice get away.
I like to mix it up a little sometimes when I make my pork chops so this is what I do ( and mind you I am from TN,.. were not exactly health cautious when we cook most of the time). I take pork chops 1/2 a stick of butter, about a cup to cup and half of apple butter, add in apples or pairs (can be from the can , just drain them) cook this on low for about an hr to 2 hrs (depending on how fast your croc pot cooks) this is so delicious and it literally falls off the bone and belts in your mouth!!
Great tips, thanks so much for sharing!
What's your opinion on debt consolidation loans? Lumping all the debts (8,000.00-ish) into one payment (and far less interest) and paying it off in 3 years.
Sounds tempting, but need an opinion :)
Very interesting. Never heard of CD Laddering before. This was very informative, thanks.
Although I often feel like a social outcast for saying this (and I know friends who are embarrassed that I bring it up), but I always find decently-made, cheap business separates at JCPenney. Also, as a woman, I find that work dresses in basic colors are a really good base to begin a work outfit (although it gets harder as you accumulate varicose veins), because nylons won't cut it after a while.
We chose our insurance amount and terms and then just contacted the life insurance agency via email to get the mandatory check up. We never even dealt with a sales person!
My "tricks" for a nice-looking wardrobe that doesn't cost an arm and leg are primarily "have a work uniform" and "segregate work clothes and 'play' clothes."
The staples of my inexpensive work wardrobe are 3-4 pairs of black, wrinkle-resistant poly/rayon blend pants with a stitched crease (to cut down on ironing), 3-4 white button down shirts from Old Navy (they layer well and are inexpensive to replace which I have to about once a year since I wear a white button down nearly daily), and a variety of light weight sweaters to wear over the white shirts. I also have a few inexpensive white and black tank tops to wear under the few patterned shirts I own, as well as black cardigans to wear over those same shirts when it's chilly.
I do have a few dresses and skirts, but I don't wear them often for work.
I also made the decision several years ago not to have any brown in my work wardrobe. That avoids the necessity of having to buy brown shoes for work.
Online surveys are a way for me to pass the time at work when I'm not seeing clients (we don't have other stuff we are supposed to be doing). After a few months I earn enough to get a small gift card.
Amazing. Are you stacking discounts at Kohl's (the only place I know of that carries Simply Vera)? Where do you find the additional discounts?
You bring up a good point too: Having a small wardrobe can save you money!
Steamers are great! Actually a lot of designers and tailors recommend never dry cleaning wool suits because the chemicals strip the fiber of its natural protective oils and makes the fabric weaker and less moth resistant. Unless there's a stain that must be cleaned, most fine suiting wears the best with just steaming and brushing.
I'm extra lazy, so I hang my shirts in the bathroom when I shower and let the steam and gravity de-wrinkle them instead of using a steamer.
I cannot wait to try #1! Chicken, bacon and honey??? I am sold!
Cooking that coconut curry chicken ASAP, it sounds delicious!
Business casual attire can be expensive, but you have some awesome tips! Black separates are the best staples to recycle in your closet and having a few of them around is essential. Another way to not have to clean your clothes constantly is to buy a steamer. I have one and I use it to steam my silk tops and nicer clothing and they will stay fresher longer so you don't have to dry clean them as often!
Great post! It is unbelievable how many individuals with families don't have life insurance, as soon as I have a spouse and family I feel like that is the first thing that you should be taking care of to make sure your loved ones would be in good hands if anything ever happened.
My mother's cooking for us this month (cuz I'm having a baby!), and I'm forwarding this to her!
I buy all my stuff from the 80% off racks and then stack it with additional discounts. I have a lot of Simply Vera that I got for under $7 for sweaters, $5 for shirts, for instance. All my dress pants and designer jeans were under $15, usually under $13. I don't need many pieces a year, so I just shop off-season and save that way.
Interesting article and all the discussion stemming from it.
It's really tricky if you're in need of a job and such a question is posed to you. In today's job market (at the time this comment is written anyway), interviewers are looking for any reason to write you off the list and go on to someone else. Not answering a question to their satisfaction give them exactly the opportunity they need to do that.
Not too long ago I was interviewing for a really good County job. Before the interview, I was presented with a document that I was meant to sign, stating that I would be willing to waive all my rights in order for the County to undergo a thorough background investigation. I had to excuse myself to sit down and read the document first, due to its derogate nature. As I read on, it proposed that I excuse the County from any wrongful or illegal actions that might be generated from their investigation into my financial records; previous employer and/or work colleague interviews; as well as any criminal investigations that they might come across. - WOW! This was intense and the position was not even a high-profile position, but rather, a Graphic Designer position. While I don't have anything to hide, I'm also not willing to give anyone that kind of free range over my personal information and so I simply ran a line over the document and wrote "declined". After having returned the document back to the admissions desk, I was escorted to an office for the interview.
The interview went really well with the interviewer expressing considerable excitement over my capabilities and their application to the position. Given that I didn't grant my permission to investigate me as they were asking on their form, I wasn't really sure how to accept the interviewer's interest. Weeks later I found out that I did not get the job (which I really needed and would have helped financially). Was it due to my not giving them permission to investigate me untethered? I will probably never know -- just as not answering any illegally-posed question might prevent someone from actually getting the job. So, what is the "real" solution to answering an illegally-posed question? Are we now in an economy that we give up all our rights to any potential employer? What kind of leverage would that provide them or any unscrupulous individual obtaining such information?
My favorite tip is to not go grocery shopping when you're hungry. I've often found myself putting items in the cart only to realize that I was hungry - and then put them back
My favorite tip is to use Koolaid Lemonade packet mix to clean the dishwasher! So cheap and works so good!
I am sick of hearing about how valuable a liberal arts/English degree is. Reading, writing and communicating well are only useful if you have something of value to communicate; as highly as you might regard your opinions, they are not vital to society. You might develop critical thinking during school, but not to the exclusion of other majors that also teach valuable skills. Unless you pick it up somewhere else, being an English major will not provide you with the skill, knowledge or experience to engage in any real world problem solving that actually matters to anybody.
Everything in the realm of science, technology, engineering and math will be completely off the table. You might be able to do a few tech related jobs if you receive additional training that you could have gotten without the English degree, but everything else in STEM requires to much math that you will never catch up on by yourself. You can rule out anything medical as well since they also require a firm foundation in science. You won't have any trade skills either, so no plumbing, electrical, HVAC, woodworking, etc. You won't have the foundational knowledge to tackle the social sciences either, especially considering that you've had no statistics training.
In fact, without substantial secondary education or vocational training, you won't be suited to do much of anything; you could go into a closely related field like journalism or be a low paid proofreader for corporate documents and research grants. You can't even become a lawyer without going to law school first. I think it's time for English apologists to smell the coffee; your degree is practically worthless.
Here in England organic food's only slightly more expensive than "standard" food stuffs, but I think it has something of a snobbish image problem for much of the population. Given the extent of pesticide use on veg etc. I'd fully recommend a switch to well maintained foods, especially any parents with young kids to look after. This article's a big help for that, thanks!
You've stated that the WF Secured Visa card comes with standard Visa benefits including auto rental insurance.
I was told that the WFSV does not cover auto rental insurance.
The tips that I learned from my father are "don't carry debt" and "buy quality, but buy it on sale".
Blogging! Blogging is a great way to earn a little extra money. Might take a little while to see any roi, but it can be extremely rewarding and enjoyable.
My son and I took the Greyhound from Upstate NY to NC last year to go see family. We saved tons of $$$$$ ! Every bus had WiFi so he was totally occupied, most of the bus terminals have been updated and are just as decent as an airport for layover purposes. And I have to say the were on time at every stop. The money we saved allowed for some splurging on a few souvenirs and we did not have to go into debt to finance a nice get away.
I like to mix it up a little sometimes when I make my pork chops so this is what I do ( and mind you I am from TN,.. were not exactly health cautious when we cook most of the time). I take pork chops 1/2 a stick of butter, about a cup to cup and half of apple butter, add in apples or pairs (can be from the can , just drain them) cook this on low for about an hr to 2 hrs (depending on how fast your croc pot cooks) this is so delicious and it literally falls off the bone and belts in your mouth!!
Always use coupons!
Great tips, thanks so much for sharing!
What's your opinion on debt consolidation loans? Lumping all the debts (8,000.00-ish) into one payment (and far less interest) and paying it off in 3 years.
Sounds tempting, but need an opinion :)